Bloody Romance Recap, Plot, Synopsis
Bloody Romance Synopsis
Wan Mei, whose original name is Su Qixue, was sold into a brothel by her own father. But she managed to escape with her fierce personality and courage in times of crisis.
Later, Su Qixue came to Guihua City and was given the name Wan Mei. She was pushed into a “bigger whirlpool” by her destiny.
Wan Mei wanted to live in Guihua City, she had to kill and was not allowed to fail, failure meant death.
Fortunately, she met Chang An, who promised her a lifetime.
Bloody Romance Recap
Episode 1 Recap
In 907 A. D. , Zhu Wen overthrew the Tang Dynasty and established the Liang state, launching a major assault on the Jin state. However, Li Ke, the King of Jin, refused to acknowledge Zhu Wen's regime. He continued to use the Tang Dynasty's reign name, Tianyou, and rallied forces under the banner of restoring the Tang Dynasty, creating the tumultuous Five Dynasties and Ten Kingdoms period, the darkest era in China's history.
During this time of constant war and widespread suffering, a mysterious assassination organization quietly emerged. They operated between military and political circles, specializing in killing extravagant dignitaries who showed no regard for human life. Rumors circulated that this organization had existed since the Tang Dynasty and was composed entirely of women who wielded red oil-paper umbrellas adorned with golden flowers.
In this chaotic world, a young woman named Su Qi Xue lived with her father, Su Wang from Medicine Valley, and her younger brother, Xiao Ba. Su Qi Xue was known for her intelligence, beauty, resilience, and keen ability to observe and understand people. To earn a living, she took on grueling work burying dead bodies in mass graves.
One day, while re-bagging a body, she inadvertently discovered an orange-yellow bead, glowing with an inner orange light, clutched in the corpse’s hand. After a long day, she returned home to find her father, Su Wang, had prepared a large pot of millet porridge. Yet, instead of offering her food, he instructed her to deliver a "pack of herbs" to Ding Xiang House, a brothel located opposite the Bai Cao Clinic.
Though bewildered about where her impoverished family obtained herbs, Su Qi Xue trusted her father and set out. Upon arriving at Ding Xiang House, a brothel worker immediately recognized her father’s name and revealed the cruel truth: Su Wang had sold her for the price of the millet in their pot, sending her to deliver herself to the establishment. Devastated, Su Qi Xue screamed and struggled to go home, but she was subdued and knocked unconscious.
A pimp then began to extract her virgin blood, which he boasted was as valuable as gold for its life-extending properties. Waking mid-procedure, Qi Xue fought back, injuring the pimp and escaping into the main hall. Her disheveled appearance abruptly interrupted the ongoing entertainment for Commandant Huang Yong, who had been enjoying a performance by the courtesans, including the renowned Fei Tian. Despite the disruption, Huang Yong was captivated by Qi Xue and demanded she be sent to his room.
Madam Yun, the brothel’s madam, fearing Huang Yong’s power, quickly had Qi Xue cleaned and tied up in a room for him. Huang Yong entered, leering and making lewd comments, touching her as he spoke. He then knelt to lift her skirt, openly admiring her legs. Just as he was about to proceed, a mysterious woman entered, carrying a white umbrella with red flowers and dressed in a purple gauze skirt.
Huang Yong, annoyed at first, quickly became intrigued by her captivating beauty. The mysterious woman, addressing Huang Yong, revealed that he was responsible for massacring the Yan Family in the west of the city and slaughtering its inhabitants. She then warned Qi Xue that any girl taken by Huang Yong would be brought to his army camp, where, as experience showed, they would not survive more than three days.
When Huang Yong proposed they all "have fun together," the mysterious woman smiled alluringly, lifting her purple sleeve to reveal a red inscription on her arm. She then uttered the words, "You die quickly like a mayfly," and a swarm of flies materialized, instantly attacking Huang Yong. Within seconds, he writhed in agony and died, the flies vanishing into his mouth.
She clarified to Qi Xue that she was not there to save her but had been hired by someone who spent their entire fortune to see Huang Yong dead. Fearing for her life and being blamed for the death, Qi Xue desperately pleaded for help.
The mysterious woman, finding her "interesting," offered her a single chance: if Qi Xue could escape on her own before sunset and reach the graveyard in the west of town, someone would be waiting to take her to Gui Hua City—a place described as a "wonderland for women and a hell for all emotions."
As Madam Yun approached the room, Qi Xue, in a flash of ingenuity, donned Huang Yong's military uniform and confidently walked past his drunken soldiers in the main hall. They mistook her for the commandant, joking about his new perfume. Madam Yun soon discovered Huang Yong's corpse and raised an alarm, sending soldiers to pursue the supposed killer.
Outside, Qi Xue stole a horse, cleverly dressed a scarecrow in the uniform, and tied it to the horse, sending it galloping down a different path to mislead her pursuers. She then rode towards the graveyard herself. However, weakened from days without food and blood loss, she collapsed from her horse and fell unconscious in a field, missing her sunset deadline. Late that night, a cold rain began to fall, stirring Qi Xue awake.
Her first thought was of the single chance to reach Gui Hua City before sunset. Trembling, she forced herself to continue towards the graveyard. Along the way, she stumbled upon a fierce sword fight. It was an ambush targeting the Master of Gui Hua City, a blind and enigmatic man known for his deep strategies and cold demeanor, whose unique childhood experiences had left him with inner scars and poor health.
His maid, Yue Ying, had been sent to the Qi family to search for "Nine Lives," a potent medicine made from a hundred sorcery worms, which could be detected by firefly worms. The Master, using his firefly worms, confirmed that "Nine Lives" was not present at the graveyard and prepared to leave. Yue Ying, however, noticed Qi Xue nearby.
Though the Master had already sensed Qi Xue’s weak breath and extreme frailty, he initially showed no interest in saving her, remarking that there were too many unfortunate people in the world for him to save them all. Seeing Yue Ying's obvious pity, the Master relented. He told Yue Ying that if Qi Xue managed to survive until the next day, she could bring the girl back to Gui Hua City.
Unbeknownst to them, Qi Xue was caught between a lurking wolf in front and a deep, bottomless cliff behind. Displaying an astonishing will to live, she used her weakened arms to cling to the cliff's edge, holding on until the wolf departed. She then painstakingly pulled herself back to solid ground, also retrieving the orange-yellow bead she had dropped and swallowing it. The following morning, Yue Ying reappeared, holding a familiar umbrella. She introduced herself as one of the "Ghosts in Red" from Gui Hua City. Overwhelmed by exhaustion, Qi Xue immediately fell into a deep sleep.
Episode 2 Recap
Su Qixue awoke to find herself in an unfamiliar room, surrounded by micro-yellow tent drapes and gently swaying fringes in the cool twilight. The bed beneath her felt cold and hard, despite the soft, flowing Yun Luo silk. Confusion mounted as she wondered where she was and who had brought her there. Suddenly, a male voice from beyond the curtains startled Qixue, making her leap from the bed.
She could only glimpse the man's outline, but his voice was calm as he described her rough hands, firm, tough waist, and dry, coarse hair, surmising she came from a poor family that performed heavy labor. He then added that even a beautiful girl struggles to survive in this place, and if she also possessed a bad temper, she might wish for death.
Terrified, Qixue pulled a wooden hairpin from her hair and pointed it at the unseen man, warning him not to come closer. The man found this amusing and vanished. Qixue cautiously approached the curtains, still holding the hairpin, ready to strike, but a warm hand caught her arm. The man, with a thin, handsome face, appeared before her.
He remarked that her hairpin couldn't kill anyone and offered her a new one: a delicate hairpin adorned with a red umbrella and red tassels. He explained its beauty wasn't in wearing it but in its use, as it contained a single drop of deadly poison, which she could use to kill him at any time. Qixue's face drained of color, but she put the hairpin in her hair and requested a mirror, using the opportunity to escape.
As he went to retrieve it, she fled the room, only to see dark, overcast mountains outside. In an instant, the man appeared at the doorway, grasping her wrist and preventing her escape. He asked if anyone was waiting for her, causing Qixue to freeze. He then urged her to become a "junior killer" here, promising she could find the truth of her situation by staying alive.
He wrapped a black velvet cape around her shoulders and introduced himself as Chang An, stating he could serve her if she chose to remain in Gui Hua City. Soon, a messenger announced that all new girls should groom themselves and proceed to Chui Xing Tower. At Yun Jing Mansion, after being thoroughly groomed, Qixue sat before a mirror, where Chang An joined her.
She asked if she truly had to live, to which he replied that this was a place of both death and rebirth, and while he couldn't do everything for her, she had to choose her own path. She then asked if she could call him by name, and he granted her permission. A maid then led Qixue towards Chui Xing Tower. Along the way, Qixue learned that Supreme Killer Yue Ying had saved her.
Upon seeing Yue Ying waiting outside, Qixue eagerly thanked her. However, Yue Ying coldly corrected her, stating that Qixue had saved herself and that she was merely bringing her to someone important. Yue Ying warned Qixue that many things in this world were more terrifying than death, and living was not always the best option.
Inside Chui Xing Tower, the seductive city owner, Cha Luo, lounged on a throne, her pale hand covered by the seemingly diseased, purple-tinged hand of Xing Feng, the head of the Torture Hall. Cha Luo kissed Xing Feng's hand, while he, deeply in love but afflicted by a Gu poison that prevented true intimacy, passively indulged her. Cha Luo proceeded to name the new girls, casually bestowing the name "Wan Mei" upon the first.
The second girl offered Cha Luo a unique wood-scented incense, which Cha Luo praised, naming her "Wan Xiang." Cha Luo’s cheerful demeanor vanished as soon as a report announced Yue Ying's arrival. Yue Ying, a supreme killer, had previously challenged the city owner, creating a deep animosity between them. Cha Luo attempted to use her "Charming Eye Technique," her pupils turning blue, to hypnotize Yue Ying and extract information about the Prince's recent activities and Qixue's origins.
Sensing danger, Qixue quickly stepped forward and covered Yue Ying's eyes, breaking the trance. This act, however, angered Cha Luo. Aware of Yue Ying's allegiance to the Prince, Cha Luo targeted Qixue instead. She struck Qixue, who stumbled but was caught by Xing Feng. He then subtly blocked the enraged Yue Ying, a favor he expected to be repaid. Cha Luo, seeing an opportunity, decreed that Qixue should forget her past and would henceforth be called Wan Mei.
This decision led to the immediate expulsion of the girl who had originally been given the name. When Cha Luo prompted Wan Xiang for confirmation, Wan Xiang, fearing the city owner's wrath, affirmed that no name had truly been given to the previous girl. The expelled girl desperately pleaded, reminding Cha Luo of a promise to let her become a junior killer candidate if she renounced love, but Cha Luo dismissed her without mercy.
Confused, Wan Mei felt a strong need to guard against Wan Xiang and keep her distance from Cha Luo. She followed Yue Ying as she left, but Yue Ying coldly informed her, "You don't have to follow me. I'll call you Wan Mei from now on. You don't know me. I don't care about you, either."
Back inside, Cha Luo, still fuming, instructed Xing Feng to take Wan Mei and Wan Xiang to choose their shadows, then proceeded to violently whip a servant to vent her anger. On their way to select shadows, Wan Xiang confronted Wan Mei, declaring her an enemy. Wan Xiang revealed that Wan Mei had ruined her mission at Ding Xiang House, a mission that was the culmination of almost a year of preparation.
She asserted that only one junior killer quota remained open, and she would undoubtedly win it. Wan Mei, however, did not fully grasp the deadly implications of their competition. When it was time to select their shadows from two rows of men, Wan Mei's eyes immediately fell upon Chang An. Xing Feng explained that Chang An's previous master had died on a mission, and if he didn't find a new master within seven days, he would face death himself.
Today was his seventh and final day, a fact that led Xing Feng to label him a "loser." Out of sympathy, Wan Mei chose Chang An to be her shadow. Back in Chui Xing Tower, Xing Feng returned to Cha Luo, who was still raging about Yue Ying and the Prince.
Cha Luo complained that the Prince had brought a girl in today and she didn't know what he would do tomorrow, lamenting that if it weren't for his identity, she would have already acted. Xing Feng calmly reassured her, advising that it was not yet time. Cha Luo then turned her anger toward Wan Mei for irritating her. She declared that since Wan Mei wanted to be a junior killer, she would ensure Wan Mei had a difficult time.
Xing Feng reminded her that as the city owner, she could punish girls without hesitation. Cha Luo, agreeing, instructed Xing Feng to prepare an exquisite rouge to give to Wan Mei as a "present" at the next day's orientation, adding a secret order to infuse it with poisonous powder from the cold-wing cicada Gu.
Later, in Yun Jing Mansion, Chang An tidied the room while explaining to Wan Mei that Gui Hua City was a place where killers thrived by completing missions, and that a junior killer was the lowest rank. Wan Mei expressed concern about her lack of martial arts skills, but Chang An assured her that her beautiful face and bravery were her greatest weapons, and as her shadow, he would handle the martial arts.
He clarified that she was temporarily living in Yun Jing Mansion and would move to the Junior Killers' House upon becoming one, but warned that if she failed, she would be expelled, or worse. He promised to reveal more after she passed Lady Cha Luo's interview and advised her to take a bath to improve her skin, demonstrating a "water test" for skin quality. Chang An affirmed that he was at her service, wherever she went.
Meanwhile, at Ting Zhu House, the Prince (Gong Zi) played his guqin while Yue Ying stood nearby. Yue Ying relayed the day's events, but Gong Zi remained indifferent to Wan Mei's safety. When Yue Ying suggested he acquire another maid, as she was often on missions, Gong Zi sarcastically questioned if she thought a blind man like him couldn't live without a maid, emphasizing his preference for solitude.
He clarified that he had sent Wan Mei to Cha Luo solely to provoke her and expose her weaknesses, as the less calm Cha Luo was, the more weaknesses she would reveal. The following day, at the city's orientation banquet, Cha Luo welcomed the new girls, emphasizing that Gui Hua City's purpose was to kill and rob. She announced that the girls would be rewarded with a red dab on their foreheads and could compete to become junior killers.
After the other girls received their marks, Cha Luo personally dabbed Wan Mei's, declaring her the prettiest and inviting her to sit on her throne. Chang An quickly knelt and apologized on Wan Mei's behalf, explaining her newness to the city's rules. Wan Mei also apologized. Cha Luo, feigning kindness, dismissed it and ordered Xing Feng to retrieve her best rouge to give to Wan Mei. Wan Mei accepted the gift, unaware of the poison within.
Afterward, Wan Mei asked Chang An to show her around Gui Hua City. She showed him the rouge, but he subtly warned her by questioning if it could last under the hot sun. Wan Mei acknowledged that Cha Luo likely intended to target her but stated she only cared about competing on her own merits. Chang An urged her to remain alert, highlighting the deadly consequences of failure, where her death would also mean his.
He reiterated that he would do anything to ensure their survival, not for her, but for himself, as neither of them had a second chance. Chang An then began to explain the city's structure. Gui Hua City, he revealed, was originally Emperor Wu Ze Tian's secret dark department, which became an unofficial assassination organization. The entire mountain belonged to the city. Wan Mei was in Yun Jing Mansion, the lowest tier.
Above it were the 12 Junior Killers' Houses, for assassins who relied on beauty and wisdom. A junior killer received an umbrella possessed by a blood worm; killing ten targets would make ten golden flowers appear, releasing the blood worm, which, when ingested, would vastly increase their internal energy, allowing them to become a Senior Killer. Four Senior Killers' Houses were located on the hillside, where they could learn martial arts. At the highest level was the Supreme Killers' House.
Though there were two supreme killers, only one house was designated for them. Yue Ying lived separately, beyond Cha Luo's direct control, while Liu Guang resided in the Supreme Killers' House. Chang An also pointed out key locations: Ji Gu Pavilion, managed by Liu Guang for cosmetics and clothes; Suiguzi Pavilion, managed by Xing Feng for medicines; the Torture Room; and the Watchers.
They also passed a dilapidated shrine where tablets of deceased city owners were unceremoniously dumped, a result of the brutal revenge taken by new owners on their predecessors. As they walked, they encountered Senior Killer Yan Qin, who cockily told Wan Mei that she had bad signs on her face and was "almost dying." Chang An quickly intervened. As it grew late, he urged Wan Mei to return and sleep. Wan Mei asked if he was afraid of the dark.
Chang An admitted he wasn't used to it, explaining that Gui Hua City was perpetually dark. He advised her to forget her past and start anew. When Wan Mei expressed her reluctance to kill, Chang An starkly suggested that if she didn't like killing others, she should prepare to be killed herself, perhaps by Wan Xiang.
Episode 3 Recap
In Gui Hua City, Shadows are responsible for training their Masters, and Masters have the right to punish their Shadows. One morning, Wan Mei looked into the mirror, smiling at her transformed self. Like a child, she happily applied the rouge gifted by the City Master. Afterward, Wan Mei went to Chang'an, her Shadow.
Chang'an diligently taught her to play the Chinese zither, instructing her on how to use it not for harmony, but to confuse and manipulate people, and to discern their weaknesses. He explained that her "enchantment," for which Lady Cha Luo named her Wan Mei, was a natural charm to lure others. He advised her to view the zither as a foe and to place each note on her enemy's weakest point.
He physically guided her hands and gently pressed her shoulders, telling her to relax her shoulders, tighten her jaw, and focus on her audience, not the instrument, while playing softly like feathers dancing or snow melting. Wan Mei's face grew hot throughout the lesson. After a day of rigorous training, Wan Mei was famished.
Chang'an, mindful of her past years of hunger and the intense Di Sha competition, prepared only a simple meal for her: a bowl of plain porridge, a few slices of egg, and a dish of stir-fried vegetables, cautioning her against overeating. The following day, Chang'an had Wan Mei practice the Seven-Merit Dance.
He tied a nine-strand bell rope around her waist, teaching her to move gracefully and showcase her unique alluring figure, which he said was necessary to compensate for her current lack of refined manners. After this second day of intense training, Wan Mei devoured the same humble meal. On the third day, the lesson was painting. When Wan Mei struggled, Chang'an took her hand and guided her brush, resulting in a beautiful piece of art.
However, that evening, seeing the same three dishes, Wan Mei was visibly displeased by the absence of meat and ate very little. The fourth day was dedicated to more painting, but Wan Mei complained of dry eyes, making it difficult to continue. By nightfall, she could not bring herself to eat the unchanging food. Later that night, she also mentioned her vision had been blurry recently, attributing it to tiredness.
Noticing her lack of progress, Chang'an decided to halt her work for the day and allowed her to rest. On the fifth day, Chang'an and Wan Mei played black and white chess. Wan Mei, unable to win through skill, cunningly swapped their pieces, challenging Chang'an to solve the puzzle she had created. That night, Wan Mei applied rouge, trying to lift her spirits.
She complained to Chang'an that he was not as obedient as Wan Xiang's Shadow, even asking if he feared being replaced. Chang'an calmly replied that obedience was not his nature, and according to Gui Hua City rules, a Shadow cannot be replaced unless they are dead, once chosen by a Master. He also corrected her, stating that no one in Gui Hua City could be considered her "sister."
Despite his sternness and warning that training would continue regardless of whether she ate, he added a peeled zongzi to her meal. Chang'an later took Wan Mei by boat to a serene, isolated lake surrounded by mountains. He abruptly ordered her to jump into the water. Believing he intended to murder her, Wan Mei haughtily threatened him with the severe repercussions for harming a Master. Unmoved, Chang'an shook the boat, sending her plunging into the icy depths.
Though Wan Mei knew how to swim, her vision blurred upon entering the cold water, leaving her disoriented and struggling to breathe. Seeing her distress, Chang'an immediately dove in and pulled her to safety. Afterward, Wan Mei developed a cold. Filled with resentment, her animosity culminated when she stabbed Chang'an in the chest with the umbrella hairpin he had gifted her.
Surviving the attack, Chang'an later explained, when Wan Mei asked about the untreated wound, that a Shadow is not permitted to treat their own injuries without their Master's consent. Wan Mei found the rules of Gui Hua City stifling, but Chang'an stated that rules are made by men, implying that if she became powerful enough to make rules, she could set herself free.
He then offered her a vial of medicine, instructing her to drop it into her ear to sharpen her hearing and awareness. Wan Mei found it refreshing until Chang'an revealed it was made from the fingernails of the girl who had fought for her name on her first day in Gui Hua City, combined with poisonous insects. Horrified, Wan Mei smashed the bottle and declared her desire to leave Gui Hua City.
Unfazed, Chang'an forced her to witness the gruesome fates of those who had tried to escape or failed their missions, displaying bodies of people whose legs had been melted with hot iron or turned to dust. He grimly informed her that once one enters Gui Hua City, there is no escape. Wan Mei was utterly terrified, collapsing to the ground, feeling as though half of her body was already in hell.
From that day on, Wan Mei trained with renewed fervor, repeatedly throwing herself into the lake and climbing out, day and night. Finally, one day, Chang'an tossed the umbrella hairpin into the lake and instructed her to retrieve it. Though the umbrella and hairpin separated upon hitting the water, Wan Mei, with her eyes closed, successfully located it and emerged from the lake.
That night, Chang'an knelt by Wan Mei's bedside, informing her that the Di Sha election was scheduled for the following day. Still nursing her resentment, Wan Mei initially ignored him. Chang'an then revealed the true nature of the rouge she had received from the City Master: it was poisoned with the corpse powder of a poisonous winter cicada, designed to blind her upon entering water, especially cold water.
He deduced that Lady Cha Luo intended to make the test exceptionally difficult and thus, the election would be held in the chill water. He explained that he had deliberately kept the truth from her and made her hate him, believing that this intense animosity would ignite an unimaginable, raw power within her. Wan Mei realized his true intentions, her resentment transforming into a sense of understanding and gratitude.
Chang'an further clarified that he acted for his own safety and that her primary goal should be to survive and demonstrate her value to the Lady. The Di Sha election was held at the chill water, with Cha Luo presiding from a high seat. Xing Feng announced that being a beauty was not enough to survive and the competition was a test of endurance and observation, not a beauty contest or intellectual combat.
He explained that beneath the cliff lay the ancient chill water, which existed before Gui Hua City was founded, and was once used by Empress Wu Zetian's secret agency. The task was to jump into the deep water and retrieve a stone tablet with four characters carved on it, which represented Gui Hua City's original name. The first to report the characters correctly would be promoted to Di Sha.
Wan Xiang immediately leaped into the water and found a tablet inscribed with "Chong Er" (虫二), also noting "Zang Qin Cliff" (葬琴崖) carved on the cliff face. Wan Mei, relying on her sense of touch due to her blindness, also located "Chong Er" but insisted on searching for the other two characters, making her the last to emerge from the water.
As Cha Luo, who was openly biased, prepared to declare Wan Xiang the winner, Wan Mei, leveraging Chang'an's lessons in discerning people's intentions through sound, interjected and correctly stated the four characters as "Feng Yue Wu Bian" (风月无边), which was the symbolic meaning of "Chong Er". Xing Feng highly praised Wan Mei, confirming that only she and Lady Cha Luo had ever provided the complete and correct answer in the history of the Di Sha election.
Afterward, back at Yun Jing Mansion, Wan Mei happily recounted her bold deduction to Chang'an, profusely praising his strategic mind. Chang'an, however, soberly pointed out that with both Wan Xiang and Wan Mei as candidates for a single Di Sha position, it was likely that only one of them would survive, which instantly dampened Wan Mei's spirits. Meanwhile, Cha Luo and Xing Feng held a private conversation.
Cha Luo, frustrated by Wan Mei's unexpected success, asked Xing Feng to devise another task for the two candidates. Xing Feng proposed assigning them the task given by the Prince. This, he reasoned, would not only fulfill the Prince's request but also provide an opportunity to eliminate Wan Mei without offending the Prince. Cha Luo accepted the idea. At Ting Zhu House, the Prince was being served medicine by Yue Ying when he sensed an intruder outside his window.
He swiftly launched a hairpin, previously used to draw his heart's blood, which instantly killed the unseen individual. The Prince, though blind, deduced that the intruder was sent by Cha Luo, who had long coveted the position of Gui Hua City Master. He reflected on how his mother had helped Cha Luo become Lady but had ruined Xing Feng, causing Cha Luo to resent his mother.
Despite this, Cha Luo had been unable to act against his mother, who had the support of the former emperor. Now, with his mother missing for years and him as the Chief of Gui Hua City, Cha Luo saw her chance and frequently sent people to test his capabilities. Yue Ying expressed her concern, but the Prince stated that while he wasn't as powerful as his mother, he would ensure Cha Luo knew her limits if necessary.
Chang'an then escorted Wan Mei to Bi An Palace. As Shadows were not permitted inside, he advised her to remain silent, refrain from asking questions, and simply follow Yue Ying's instructions. Inside, Wan Mei and Wan Xiang were presented with white umbrellas by Yue Ying. Yue Ying explained that the umbrellas would transform into "Red Evil Umbrellas" once the "ensete lasiocarpum" bloomed on them, a sign of successful kills.
Wan Mei observed many red umbrellas hanging high above and inquired if they belonged to no one. Yue Ying gravely replied that their masters were "long gone." The revelation deeply shook Wan Mei. After receiving their umbrellas, they were instructed to leave and check their assigned missions. Back at Yun Jing Mansion, Wan Mei and Chang'an reviewed her first task: to kill the great doctor Shen Mo and retrieve the Guajian herb.
Episode 4 Recap
Yue Ying reported to Gongzi, the master of Gui Hua City, about Cha Luo’s arrangements for the mission. She revealed that Chui Xing Tower had given all information about Shen Mo and the Guajian herb to Wan Xiang, suggesting Wan Xiang was already favored by Cha Luo. Gongzi acknowledged Cha Luo’s preference for the strong and that Wan Xiang was indeed stronger, but he emphasized that “everything is possible before the end.”
Noticing Yue Ying’s fondness for Wan Mei, Gongzi permitted her to give Wan Mei an incense stick with a scent similar to the Guajian herb, then instructed Yue Ying to return swiftly for another task. Later, while Wan Mei was bathing, Chang'an unexpectedly entered, startling her. He explained his presence was to help her transform into a beauty, as Shen Mo only treats “the entitled person, the rich, and the beauty,” making beauty her best chance.
He took a drop of her blood, mixing it into Yun Ni Cream to enhance her skin’s radiance, telling her she "had better have no idea about this." The cream made her skin feel "painful and itchy." After her bath, Chang'an presented her with the incense stick given by Yue Ying, instructing her to memorize its distinctive "cedarwood and rust" aroma, which was the scent of the Guajian herb, as it and she were her “only dependence” for the mission.
Wan Mei inquired about the consequences of failure, to which Chang'an ominously referenced the "Red Evil Umbrellas" in Bi An Palace, implying her umbrella would hang there, never turning red. Despite the grim warning, Wan Mei remained resolute, stating, "I will not die again." The next day, at Shen Mo’s birthday banquet, both Wan Mei and Wan Xiang arrived dressed in captivating attire. Shen Mo, a 30-year-old doctor known for his admiration of beautiful women, was the target.
Wan Xiang presented him with a valuable gift. Wan Mei, however, performed a unique dance with silver needles, creating an elegant painting of the character "Mo," which greatly impressed Shen Mo. Seeing Wan Mei gaining favor, Wan Xiang feigned being accidentally struck by a silver needle in a sensitive area, coyly asking Shen Mo to remove it. She attempted to seduce him further, but Wan Mei, from outside the room, loudly knocked on the door, interrupting their intimate moment.
Her first ploy thwarted, Wan Xiang then offered to blend fragrances for Shen Mo and give him a relaxing massage. During the massage, she subtly tried to extract information about the Guajian herb's location, but Shen Mo remained guarded, stating it was now kept in a much safer place and she would have to "work harder" to see it.
During Wan Xiang’s massage, Chang'an burst into the room, coughing up blood and exhibiting symptoms of a rare "Seven Killing" poison, with five blooming flower-like marks on his chest. Shen Mo, intrigued by the unusual poison, decided to treat Chang'an, remarking that though he rarely treated those without status or wealth, Chang'an was "lucky now." He swiftly took Chang'an to his pharmacy.
Wan Xiang, realizing Chang'an's act was to buy time for Wan Mei, mocked Wan Mei, saying, "Your Shadow is so silly. He is willing to give up his life to help you." She then suggested Wan Mei attend to Chang'an while she herself searched for the Guajian herb. Wan Xiang then incapacitated Wan Mei and bound her with Shen Mo's belt before descending into a secret chamber to find the herb.
Wan Mei soon awoke, realizing the distinct "cedarwood and rust" scent of the Guajian herb was emanating from the belt binding her. Wan Mei rushed to the pharmacy, where she found Chang'an in critical condition. She informed Shen Mo's apprentice that she was from the Five Poisons Cult and knew of the poison.
Shen Mo explained that Chang'an was afflicted with "Seven Killing" poison, which had produced five blood flowers and deeply poisoned his heart, concluding that "God could not save you if you have 7 blood flowers." Despite this, Shen Mo offered a risky cure using a "Xing Xiu herb." Chang'an, aware of their mission, attempted to kill Shen Mo, but Wan Mei intervened, asserting that Shen Mo "didn't do anything bad" and didn't deserve death.
As they tried to leave quietly, Wan Xiang appeared, exposing Wan Mei's original intent to kill Shen Mo to his guards, triggering a desperate pursuit. During their escape, Chang'an was struck by a barbed arrow. They took refuge in a ruined temple, where Chang'an urged Wan Mei to kill the unconscious Shen Mo, reminding her that "The Lady wants to kill you" and would not believe their success without his death.
However, Wan Mei declared, "I can't do it," unable to take a life. As her Shadow, Chang'an had no choice but to obey. To facilitate their escape from the city, Wan Mei made a difficult decision: she returned to Shen Mo’s residence and coerced a pregnant woman and her husband into helping them escape in a carriage. Outside the city, a man named Fang Ge intercepted them. Wan Mei quickly pointed out the pregnant woman in the carriage.
Fang Ge confronted her, identifying her as a "thief for the Guajian herb" from Gui Hua City. He remarked on her unusual mercy, stating it was "not Gui Hua City's style" to harm innocents. Sensing his intentions, Wan Mei, with admirable courage, deduced he did not plan to kill them. Impressed by her daring and her decision to spare Shen Mo, Fang Ge allowed her to leave.
He then instructed her to tell "her Prince" (Gongzi) that "I am Fang Ge. The Guajian herb is the gift for him. He owes me this time," regardless of the Prince’s plans for the herb. He also revealed that Shen Mo was safe in a "broken house in the Shen's Residence." Meanwhile, Gongzi and Yue Ying intercepted Han Xiu’s carriage. They faced twelve formidable guards, the "12 Rider of Liang," who employed the "Tian Mang Star Array."
Aware of Gongzi’s blindness, the guards deliberately used their swords to disorient him by sound, causing Gongzi to sustain an injury. Nevertheless, he swiftly defeated all twelve. Upon opening the carriage, Gongzi discovered it contained not Han Xiu, but a "golden buddhism" statue. He deduced this was "the payment" from Han Xiu’s illicit salt trade with the Liang Army.
Gongzi then commanded Yue Ying to melt down the golden Buddha and hire an unknown assassin from Chui Xing Tower to "buy Han Xiu's head." Upon her safe return, Wan Mei found Cha Luo engrossed in making a "skin" drawing for a fan. Cha Luo chillingly revealed that the skin belonged to a man who had fallen in love with his master, and that master was now in the "Wang Sheng Lake of Bi An Palace."
Cha Luo then sternly warned Wan Mei that in this place, "girls could not fall in love with the shadows." Soon after, Wan Xiang and her Shadow, February, arrived, followed by Gongzi and Yue Ying. Wan Xiang proudly announced she had "finished the mission" by killing Shen Mo, while blaming Wan Mei for being "too nice to let him go."
Wan Mei retorted that Chang'an had managed to strike Shen Mo, but Wan Xiang’s interference by alerting the guards had interrupted their attempt. She added that she had found Shen Mo alive, though wounded, in the broken house. Cha Luo, however, prioritized ruthlessness, declaring that "Being cruel is the No.1 rule of being a killer," and praised Wan Xiang’s actions.
When Cha Luo asked for the herb, Wan Mei presented it, and Cha Luo acknowledged its power to "improve the power of 20 years." Since both girls had partially completed the mission, Cha Luo proposed a final competition: their Shadows would fight "until die" to determine who would secure the single remaining position for a junior killer. As the Shadows began their deadly combat, Wan Mei, fearing for Chang'an’s life, abruptly interjected, declaring, "I want to give up."
Cha Luo, confirming Wan Mei understood the severe consequences, immediately pronounced Wan Mei's mission a failure. She ordered Wan Mei to be taken to the Wang Sheng Lake and Chang'an to the Torture Room for his failure. Yue Ying, witnessing this, intervened, despite Gongzi’s silence. She argued that Wan Mei had, in fact, obtained the herb and completed that aspect of the mission. She also subtly invoked Gongzi's name, reminding Cha Luo that "the Prince took Wan Mei here."
However, Cha Luo vehemently dismissed Yue Ying’s pleas, asserting that Gongzi's silence meant consent and that a mere supreme killer could not challenge her authority. She declared, "Nothing can be accomplished without standards. There is no stop or recall in my world, unless there is a thunder in the winter and snow in the sunny day," effectively sealing Wan Mei and Chang'an's fates.
Episode 5 Recap
Cha Luo, furious at Wan Mei's failure to complete her mission, insists on punishment. Yue Ying intervenes, reminding Cha Luo that Wan Mei successfully retrieved the Guajian herb and was sent by His Highness. Cha Luo dismisses Yue Ying's pleas, stating her decree could only be revoked if it "snows in a sunny day." Quietly, Gongzi uses his power to make snow fall from a clear sky.
Forced to concede, Cha Luo rescinds her order, though she declares Wan Mei and Chang'an will continue as "alternate junior killers with sin." Consumed by rage towards Gongzi, Cha Luo shatters a teacup and forces a servant to consume the shards before dismissing him. She confides in Xing Feng that no one has ever challenged her authority as Gongzi has. Xing Feng urges patience, noting Gongzi's formidable power.
He suggests that Gongzi's true weakness lies with "His Majesty," implying that any misstep by Gongzi would incur the Emperor's wrath. Xing Feng further speculates that Gongzi's seemingly detached demeanor hides a larger conspiracy, and their strategy should be to expose his hidden activities. Chang'an, suffering from a strange and potent poison, warns Wan Mei that Gui Hua City rules dictate failed mission-takers are not entitled to medicine.
Wan Mei decries this as a cruel rule, but Chang'an attempts to explain the city's harsh realities, where survival is paramount and conscience holds no sway. Despite Chang'an's words, Wan Mei is determined to find a cure. She seeks out Old Gao, the resident doctor, who, recognizing her as the failed junior killer, flatly refuses to provide any medicine, citing Cha Luo's direct orders.
When Wan Mei tries to forcefully obtain the antidote, Old Gao effortlessly subdues her and casts her out. Elsewhere, Gongzi awakens from a recurring nightmare, haunted by the memory of his mother intentionally blinding him in a painful ritual, all to ensure his survival. Yue Ying, who is by his side, expresses concern about his "heart attack." She questions why he entrusted the retrieval of the irreplaceable Guajian herb, vital for his eyesight, to two mere alternate junior killers.
Gongzi explains that by feigning disinterest in the herb, he misled Cha Luo, allowing him to acquire it without raising suspicion. He then scolds Yue Ying for her "childish" and "impatient" behavior earlier that day, warning her that such actions could expose their plans to Cha Luo. Yue Ying confesses her impatience was driven by her eagerness for him to regain his sight. Desperate, Wan Mei kneels outside Ting Zhu House, begging for help.
Yue Ying, initially indifferent, informs Wan Mei that Chang'an is afflicted by the lethal Seven Killing poison and blames Wan Mei's own "mercy" for not killing Shen Mo, which would have secured the antidote. Wan Mei refuses to abandon Chang'an. At this moment, Gongzi, his vision now partially restored by the Guajian herb, emerges and finds Wan Mei still kneeling. He questions if she would sacrifice her own life for Chang'an, to which she unequivocally affirms.
Gongzi agrees to help, instructing Wan Mei to accompany him to Bi An Palace, while sending Yue Ying to tend to Chang'an. At Bi An Palace, Gongzi leads Wan Mei to a murky, bug-infested pool known as the "Death Pond," explaining it's where bodies are discreetly disposed of, swiftly consumed by the resident insects.
Instead of taking her life, Gongzi challenges Wan Mei to catch even one of the myriad bugs within six hours, promising to spare her and Chang'an if she succeeds. Meanwhile, Yue Ying uses two specific bugs to draw out the poison from Chang'an, instructing him to rest and reminding him that if Wan Mei returns, he will owe her his life. Back in the Death Pond, Wan Mei struggles to catch the elusive insects in the dark.
Recalling Gongzi's description of how the insects devour corpses, she realizes they are drawn to blood. She deliberately cuts her own palm, using her fresh blood to lure them. To Gongzi's utter astonishment, Wan Mei successfully completes the impossible task, summoning all the bugs from the pond. Gongzi is deeply impressed by her resourcefulness and unexpected ability. With Chang'an’s health restored, he diligently resumes his duties for Wan Mei.
He warns her about their perilous situation: Cha Luo has cut off their essential supplies, including rice and firewood, and hidden dangers lurk everywhere in Gui Hua City. He stresses the need for extreme caution in their every word and action. Upon returning to their living quarters, Chang'an discovers evidence that someone had tampered with their meager rice supply. Wan Mei is angered, believing Cha Luo has gone back on her word.
However, Chang'an clarifies that this particular act was likely the work of another senior killer within the city, known for employing a specialized type of bug derived from mandala nectar. These insidious creatures can infiltrate a person's entire body within a single night, affecting all internal organs and transforming the victim into a docile puppet.
Chang'an describes how this senior killer specifically targets young women, recounting a harrowing instance where a puppet endured severe torture, including surviving numerous arrows, all while under the killer’s control. The terrifying description deeply frightens Wan Mei, causing her to shatter a bowl in distress. Chang'an reassures her, promising to keep her safe as long as he is alive.
Episode 6 Recap
Cha Luo summoned Liu Guang to her chambers, inquiring about the whereabouts of her shadow, Chushi. Liu Guang appeared startled, claiming ignorance, and only then did she learn that Chushi had been stalking Xing Feng and had been caught attempting to steal witchcraft from Xing Feng's room. Liu Guang immediately disavowed any knowledge or involvement in Chushi's actions. Cha Luo then led Liu Guang to the prison where Chushi was confined.
Inside, Chushi lashed out at Xing Feng, boasting of his own advantages and openly declaring his ambition to replace Xing Feng as Cha Luo's shadow, claiming Xing Feng had been adding suspicious witchcraft to Cha Luo's rouge. Chushi then appealed directly to Cha Luo, emphasizing his youth and handsome appearance, and pledging unwavering loyalty, vowing to go through fire and water for her.
Cha Luo, amused by Chushi's sycophancy and betrayal of his own master, put his loyalty to the ultimate test. When Chushi reiterated his promise, Cha Luo commanded him to endure fire and water, which Chushi, horrified, immediately tried to retract. Cha Luo, however, condemned him as a "useless slave" for daring to compare himself to Xing Feng, and mercilessly executed him with her formidable hypnotic killing art, which was empowered by flames.
Afterward, Liu Guang praised Cha Luo's power, and they reminisced about their long history together. Cha Luo then suggested they retire to Liu Guang's residence to drink and discuss selecting a new shadow, whom Liu Guang envisioned as "fresh and imposing," with a "toned body" and an appealing waistline. Cha Luo agreed to name this new shadow "Chushiyi." The following morning, Wan Mei awoke to find Chang'an gone.
When Wan Mei inquired about his whereabouts, Wan Xiang informed her that Liu Guang's shadow had been executed, and a tournament was being held at Chui Xing Tower to select a new one. Wan Xiang mentioned that Chang'an had left at dawn and was likely participating. Wan Mei felt a profound sadness, understanding that Chang'an, being ambitious and unwilling to remain subordinate, would seize such a significant opportunity for advancement.
Overwhelmed, she retreated to her favorite secluded spot in Gui Hua City. Gongzi found her there, noting her despondency. He observed that the shadow she had risked her life to protect was now competing for a position with Liu Guang, making Wan Mei feel abandoned. Gongzi encouraged her to go to Chui Xing Tower, advising her to at least hear Chang'an's reasons directly, suggesting he might have convincing motives.
He urged her not to dwell in sorrow but to focus on how not to be a burden to Chang'an, emphasizing that outstanding abilities were necessary to gain respect in Gui Hua City. At the arena, Chang'an displayed exceptional combat skills, handily defeating all his opponents. Liu Guang was impressed by his prowess and attractive appearance. Although Cha Luo initially suggested Liu Guang could simply claim him, Liu Guang insisted that the selection adhere to the tournament rules.
To further assess Chang'an's capabilities, Cha Luo instructed Xing Feng to send more formidable opponents to test him. Chang'an ultimately emerged victorious in the contest. Cha Luo declared him Liu Guang's new shadow, bestowing upon him the name Chushiyi. However, Chang'an humbly refused the esteemed position. Instead, he knelt before Cha Luo, requesting a second chance for his master, Wan Mei, for her softheartedness in a previous mission where she failed to eliminate Shen Mo.
Enraged by Chang'an's audacity, Cha Luo presented him with a grim ultimatum: either serve as Liu Guang's shadow or be skinned for a lantern. Chang'an remained steadfast, persistently pleading for Wan Mei's reprieve. Liu Guang intervened on his behalf, arguing that Chang'an's loyalty was admirable and that his handsome looks were a valuable asset. Swayed by Liu Guang, Cha Luo agreed to spare Chang'an. Yet, Chang'an continued his pleas for Wan Mei's opportunity.
At that moment, Wan Mei, who had arrived and witnessed the dramatic exchange, rushed forward and joined Chang'an in their earnest appeal. Seeing their combined resolve, Cha Luo relented, assigning them a new mission to assassinate the formidable merchant Han Xiu as a form of atonement for their past failures. Wan Mei earnestly promised to complete the task, even if it meant her own death.
Meanwhile, Grand Tutor Yue Qingya sought an audience with the King, expressing his suspicion that the Prince of Ning, Li Siyuan (who was also Gongzi, the Master of Gui Hua City), was feigning blindness to conceal his true intentions and activities. The King initially dismissed these concerns, citing the Prince of Ning's long history of caution and seclusion. However, Yue Qingya countered that such seclusion could be a strategic ploy to await an opportune moment.
To test the Prince's alleged blindness, Yue Qingya revealed he had located the Prince of Ning's wet nurse and proposed a cunning trial. The King assented and summoned the Prince of Ning to the palace. Gongzi, whose sight had secretly been restored, maintained his pretense of blindness upon entering the palace, even deliberately stumbling to reinforce his deception. He observed that the King's underestimation, coupled with Yue Qingya's cunning, provided him an opportunity.
At Hanlian Pavilion, the King greeted Gongzi, mentioning he had prepared tea. Yue Qingya subtly alluded to a special fish dish, noting that to be tasty, fish must be killed alive. As loud splashing noises echoed, Gongzi, feigning ignorance, commented on the sound and the supposed size of the fish. In truth, the King and Yue Qingya had brutally drowned Gongzi's wet nurse in front of him as a horrific test.
Later, a bowl of soup, which they claimed was fish soup, was served. Despite the immense grief and anger, Gongzi stoically consumed the soup made from his wet nurse's body, recalling a lullaby about a mother's kindness and a son's duty to repay her, maintaining his composure to convince them of his genuine blindness and lack of suspicion. Upon returning to Ting Zhu House, Gongzi was overwhelmed with nausea and vomited.
He refused any further food and, consumed by a burning hatred for Yue Qingya, immediately ordered Moon Shadow to expedite her investigation into matters in Xuan Ji Palace, Southern Xinjiang, vowing that even if his life was short, Yue Qingya would die by his hand. Concurrently, Wan Mei and Chang'an embarked on their mission to assassinate Han Xiu in Jinling City.
Han Xiu, a 35-year-old salt merchant, was an immensely wealthy and influential figure whose network extended even to supplying the Great Liang army. He was also famously known for his extreme devotion to his wife. However, the primary obstacle in their mission was Han Xiu's younger brother, Han Yue. Han Yue was an exceptionally skilled swordsman who remained constantly by his brother's side and had previously thwarted their assassination attempt at Shen Mo's mansion. Han Xiu, Han Yue, and another associate were overheard discussing plans for an evening out, ultimately settling on Xiangfen House for its renowned wine and a famous singer named Mudan.
Episode 7 Recap
To approach Han Xiu, Wan Mei disguised herself as a courtesan named Lv'e. She played an artistic song for Han Xiu and his friend, Zhang Zhong. Han Xiu, intrigued, asked if they had met before, but Wan Mei deflected. Han Yue, Han Xiu's brother, interrupted, pulling Han Xiu away, but Han Xiu soon returned. Wan Mei then played a rare song, "Yu Ji Chant," which impressed Han Xiu.
She introduced herself as Lv'e, and after her performance, Han Xiu's friend Zhang Zhong, captivated by her beauty, hurried to her room. Inside her room, Wan Mei asked Zhang Zhong if he preferred her former or present self, to which he replied, "Both." She then cunningly asked him to draw a vibrant peony on her chest, claiming it was difficult to do herself. She instructed him to be careful, mentioning the "pearl powder" in the brush.
As Zhang Zhong carefully drew and blew on the wet pigment to dry it, he inhaled the "knockout drops" that Wan Mei had secretly put on the brush. After he collapsed, Wan Mei screamed, "Someone is murdered! Someone is killed!" Chang'an, who had been assisting, created a commotion that successfully lured Han Yue away from the scene, leaving Han Xiu alone. Wan Mei quickly transformed her appearance, donning a green outfit and applying ghost-like makeup.
She then approached Han Xiu, claiming to be the ghost of his deceased lover, Peony. Han Xiu was shocked, initially denying it, stating that Peony was dead and there were no ghosts. Wan Mei, however, insisted she was Peony, explaining she had possessed this girl's body because the girl had a similar experience. She declared she held no grudges, only wanting to see him, and asked if the moonlight was beautiful, a phrase meaningful to them.
It was revealed that while Han Xiu appeared to be happily married, his true love had always been Peony, a revered entertainer from a brothel who made a living by playing the qin, so highly regarded that some offered three luminous pearls just to see her face. In a flashback, Han Xiu had promised Peony he would ransom her after selling a batch of illegal salt, but he was caught and imprisoned.
Wan Mei, still pretending to be Peony, accused Han Xiu of lying about her death, reminding him of his guilt. The flashback continued, showing Peony visiting Han Xiu in prison, having bribed the guards. Despite Han Xiu's insistence that no one could save him due to his crime, Peony was determined to rescue him, even mentioning bribing the Censor of Salt.
Han Xiu was later acquitted and released, believing Peony had committed suicide for him, only to find her dead body. Wan Mei, as Peony, then corrected him, revealing the horrific truth: Peony had begged the corrupt censor for Han Xiu's release, sacrificing her health and virginity. She was brutally tortured, her fingers cut off, and died a tragic death, not by her own hand.
Han Xiu recounted how he was with her as she died, unable to afford a doctor, and how he lied about one being on the way. He expressed remorse, acknowledging it was his fault, and confessed that he had later avenged her by scheming to have the corrupt censor framed, which led to the censor's death in prison. Han Xiu, consumed by guilt and reliving the painful memories, became overwhelmed, repeatedly lamenting that he didn't deserve to be a man.
He pleaded with "Peony" to tell him what he should do to atone, offering to have his nails pulled out or eyes poked out. Just as Wan Mei prepared to strike, Han Xiu revealed he knew about the psychedelic in her nails and that he was aware she was deceiving him. He asked her why she pretended to be Peony and if she intended to kill him.
Wan Mei admitted her mission was to kill him, and the disguise was to create an opportunity. She explained that his illegal salt trade contributed to the suffering of her people, making him deeply sinful. Wan Mei then challenged his denial, telling him to look closely, asserting they had nothing in common, and that his guilt, not her disguise, was why he was so easily deceived.
She reiterated that Peony was tortured to death to rescue him, questioning whether he truly failed her or simply couldn't abandon his wealth. Han Xiu told her to leave, but Wan Mei reminded him that if he lived, she would die, as she was commanded to kill him. Han Xiu, recognizing the gravity of the situation, acknowledged his insignificance in the world. He then stopped Wan Mei, asking for one last favor: to pretend to be Peony again.
He confessed that despite his wealth, he understood that everyone's pain and sorrow were the same. He spoke of Peony's fear of pain and how she still forced a smile for him even in her suffering, and how he had done nothing for her. He desired to do something for her now.
Holding Wan Mei's hand, Han Xiu spoke of a beautiful future he once envisioned with Peony, where he would be a wealthy merchant, ransom her, marry her openly, and they would grow old together. With tears in his eyes, he used the weapon in Wan Mei's hand to stab himself, dying with a smile. Chang'an immediately appeared, congratulating Wan Mei on successfully completing her mission.
Wan Mei, however, was in shock, insisting that Han Xiu had killed himself to save her and that she had been sober the entire time. Chang'an dismissed it as an effect of the psychedelic, urging her to open the Red Evil Umbrella to close the case and leave quickly before Han Yue caught up, emphasizing that Han Xiu was dead and her survival was paramount.
Back at the Mei Killer's House, a servant informed Wan Mei that Lady Chuo Luo had promoted her to the 13th junior killer in Gui Hua City, meaning she no longer needed to report to Chui Xing Tower. The servant presented her with a lacquer box containing her share of the mission's reward and granted her a new yard. Since she was assigned no other servants, her shadow Chang'an would handle any needs.
Liu Guang then arrived, expressing her joy that Wan Mei had returned alive. She reiterated the warning about not reporting to Chui Xing Tower, implying a deeper meaning, and cautioned Wan Mei to stay away from Ting Zhu House if she wished to live longer, before advising her to forget everything Liu Guang had said that day. Liu Guang also acknowledged Chang'an's capabilities.
Episode 8 Recap
Wan Mei, despite her elevated status after killing Han Xiu, found no joy in her success. She felt that Han Xiu's death was a direct result of her actions, questioning the worth of a life obtained through murder. Chang'an tried to comfort her, urging her not to dwell on it, but Wan Mei, resolute, even suggested to Chang'an that if their next mission involved killing, he should simply end her suffering then and there.
That night, Chang'an secretly observed Cha Luo, discovering she was afflicted by a painful "King Witchcraft" parasite that tormented her monthly. Cha Luo's subordinate, Xing Feng, apologized, explaining his role in her suffering. Cha Luo, however, blamed Lan He for inciting conflict between her and Cha Ru, leading to her torment, and vowed that as long as she lived, she would ensure Lan He's "blind son," the Prince, would die without a burial place.
She then revealed that her subordinates had found a way to deliver messages into the palace. Later, Chang'an returned to Wan Mei's residence. Wan Mei noticed his unusually agile movements, far more skilled than his usual performance, and commented on his improved martial arts. Chang'an dismissed it vaguely, saying he was merely unable to sleep and wandered outside.
He also mentioned fixing a swing in the yard, recalling a previous girl who lived there and had her spine broken after someone tampered with the swing, though she survived. Wan Mei inquired about what happened next, but Chang'an abruptly wished her good night, leaving her with unanswered questions. The next morning, Chang'an prepared a meal of noodles for Wan Mei. As she sat on a swing, contemplating her life, she deliberately fell from it. Chang'an swiftly intervened, saving her.
Disheveled on the ground, Wan Mei chided him for saving her, expressing her deep unwillingness to continue a life dependent on killing. She recounted her childhood, from working at six to harvest cotton, which left her fingers aching, to the war that forced her to bury the dead for survival. She then heartbreakingly revealed that her own father had sold her for two bags of millet.
Wan Mei acknowledged that Gui Hua City, with its provisions, was like heaven for her, yet survival demanded constant killing, a task she felt utterly incapable of. She reasoned that if death was inevitable, why struggle? Chang'an, however, countered that he cared about her, prompting Wan Mei to suggest he only cared because his life was tied to hers. She then brought up Liu Guang's affection for him, proposing that he become Liu Guang's shadow once Wan Mei was gone.
Chang'an firmly rejected the idea, stating he would never be Liu Guang's shadow. He then revealed that it was Wan Mei's birthday and that the noodles he made, though only vegetarian, were for her. He had seasoned them with pickles, knowing her fondness for salty tastes, and sparingly added chili due to her sensitive stomach from past hunger.
He gently assured her that she was only eighteen, merely tired, not truly disappointed with life, and that more people would care for her in the future. Later that evening, Chang'an fulfilled Wan Mei's requests to play on the swing and watch the sunset. As they swung together, surrounded by fireflies, Wan Mei felt elated, asking Chang'an why he treated her so well. He replied, "Because you treat me well."
When she pressed if he would still treat her the same if she were not his master, Chang'an held a firefly, saying if it flew away, his sincerity was false. The firefly remained, and he promised he would never fail her. Inspired by the moment, Wan Mei proposed they leave Gui Hua City together. Chang'an agreed without hesitation, much to her delight. Under Chang'an's guidance, Wan Mei found a hidden sheepskin pouch containing a porcelain bottle with a pill.
She consumed the pill and dove into a body of water, swimming deeply until she felt a different current, which she then followed to freedom. Meanwhile, Chang'an, disguised as a servant, attempted to assassinate Cha Luo. During the confrontation, Cha Luo recognized the assailant was not her actual servant, Shi'er. Though Chang'an managed to injure her, his attempt ultimately failed, and he was forced to flee. He sought refuge in the Prince's Ting Zhu House.
There, the Prince recognized him from a previous fight in Chui Xing Tower, suggesting that Chang'an's supposed severe injuries were a ruse to hide his true capabilities. The Prince noted that Chang'an's martial arts and inner power were distinct from Gui Hua City's and demanded to know his true purpose. Chang'an admitted his assassination attempt had failed but vowed to succeed eventually, leveraging their shared enmity against Cha Luo.
Having successfully escaped Gui Hua City, Wan Mei opened a letter from Chang'an. The letter informed her of an impending upheaval in Gui Hua City, urging her to use the distraction to travel as far as possible. It also stated he had arranged for horses and food at Feng Lai Inn and explicitly instructed her not to wait for him. Along with the letter, she found 600 taels.
Realizing Chang'an intended for her to escape alone while he remained in danger, Wan Mei declared that her escape would be meaningless without him and swiftly decided to return. Back in Gui Hua City, Cha Luo and Xing Feng were actively searching for the assassin. They approached the Prince's Ting Zhu House, demanding entry to search. They were initially denied by the Prince's attendant, who stated the Prince was unwell and asleep.
Cha Luo, however, suspected the assassin was from within the house and insisted on entering. Just as they were about to force their way in, Wan Mei arrived, claiming the Prince had summoned her to discuss mission details. She tried to block their entry, stating the Prince did not wish to see them. Cha Luo questioned her unusual attire and the Prince's sudden illness, but Wan Mei asserted the outfit was a requirement of Ting Zhu House. When Cha Luo threatened to enter regardless, Wan Mei stepped aside, stating she would not dare to stop her.
Episode 9 Recap
At the entrance to Ting Zhu House, Wan Mei appeared to block Cha Luo and Xing Feng, claiming the Prince was unwell and asleep. She insisted she was there on his summons to discuss mission details and that her current attire was a non-negotiable requirement of Ting Zhu House.
When Cha Luo attempted to force her way in, Wan Mei, feigning to relay the Prince’s words, warned that if Cha Luo persisted, Xing Feng might see her beautiful face for the very last time. Though enraged, Cha Luo and Xing Feng were compelled to withdraw. Outside, Xing Feng confronted Cha Luo, questioning why they didn't fight given the Prince's apparent illness. Cha Luo admitted the Prince's threat had genuinely scared her.
Xing Feng then suggested they contact Yue Qingya, the imperial preceptor, as he was "half a hitman" and should be approachable for a meeting. Cha Luo expressed her frustration with their continuous suffering. The next morning, the Prince awoke to find Wan Mei kneeling before him, pleading for Chang An's protection.
Curious as to how she had managed to scare Cha Luo and Xing Feng away, the Prince listened as Wan Mei explained she had claimed he summoned her to "take care" of him. The Prince accepted this, reasoning that Chang An's presence was natural if Wan Mei was attending him. He granted protection to Chang An and allowed them both to leave, even suggesting they use Yue Ying's clothes if needed.
When Wan Mei expressed concern for his well-being, the Prince reassured her, stating he was fine and that he would reward her in three days at Bi An Palace for saving his life. The Prince then revealed a secret to Wan Mei: his eyesight had recovered, a fact known only to him and Yue Ying, and he asked her to keep it hidden, even from Chang An.
Back at their residence, Wan Mei informed Chang An that the Prince had dismissed the case against him. Their conversation was interrupted by Wan Xiang, who, with an air of feigned friendliness, subtly revealed she knew about Wan Mei and Chang An playing on the swing together, an intimate act forbidden to assassins and their shadows. Chang An recognized Wan Xiang's words as a strategic warning rather than a direct accusation.
He impressed upon Wan Mei the immediate need to conceal his assassination attempt wounds by inflicting new, superficial injuries. Unable to hurt him herself, Wan Mei watched heartbroken as Chang An deliberately caused himself more pain, explaining that shadows were hardened to such suffering from the initial beatings they endured upon entering Gui Hua City. Wan Mei then asked if his attack on Cha Luo was solely to help her escape.
Chang An disclosed his true identity as Xie Huan, a former horsekeeper for the renowned Xie family of sword makers. He recounted how Cha Luo had brutally massacred his entire adopted family, including women and children, in pursuit of a "No Word Letter"—an ancient, powerful iron decree once belonging to Empress Wu Zetian.
He explained that his master, Xie Tingyun, had saved him from homelessness, given him a name, and taught him martial arts, making him a true member of the Xie family. Chang An declared that his sole purpose in Gui Hua City was to avenge his family's destruction. Two days later, Wan Mei joined the Prince at the Wang Sheng Pool, which the Prince revealed was built by his mother and mirrored a pool in Xuan Ji Forest in Southern Jiang.
As the Prince played the xiao, Wan Mei, with basic zither skills taught by Chang An, accompanied him. During her playing, deep-seated emotions from her past resurfaced, causing her music to become chaotic and a string to snap. She then fainted. She awoke in the Prince's embrace, who explained he was not romantically inclined towards her but was transferring two powerful "blood witchcraft" artifacts to her, which would increase her power by ten years.
He noted her current weakness, unable to bear even one such artifact. The Prince remarked on Wan Mei's rare combination of soft-heartedness and bad temper. He revealed that his flageolet playing had compelled her to expose her deepest desires, and the fluorescent witchcraft she summoned reflected her longing for power and to "overlook others." Shortly after, Yue Ying arrived, expressing concern for the Prince after Cha Luo's attack on Ting Zhu House.
The Prince explained that Wan Mei and Chang An had bluffed Cha Luo away while he was incapacitated by a heart attack. He then clarified his true motive for bestowing the blood witchcraft upon Wan Mei: to use her as a means to instigate a "civil war" within Gui Hua City, which he believed was the best way to distract Cha Luo. He stated that if Wan Mei failed, he would lose nothing.
The Prince further revealed to Yue Ying that he had discerned Wan Mei's affection for Chang An, a grave felony in Gui Hua City, especially in Cha Luo's eyes. He tasked Yue Ying with investigating Chang An's identity due to his prior assassination attempt on Cha Luo. Yue Ying, observing the Prince's actions, noted his repeated breaking of rules for Wan Mei, which she interpreted as a sign of his deep fondness for her.
She also informed the Prince that her previous investigation of Wan Mei’s blood, prompted by Wan Mei’s unusual ability to attract low-grade witchcraft, had confirmed the presence of "Nine Lives," a powerful mother witchcraft, though she was mystified as to how Wan Mei had ingested it. Concerned for the Prince's deteriorating health, Yue Ying inquired how much longer he had to live.
He stoically replied that he might have five or six years if he avoided anger and rested well, but only three if he continued to exert himself. Yue Ying, consumed by guilt, swore to find the "Nine Lives" to cure him, but the Prince remained resigned, unwilling to harbor unrealistic hopes after months of fruitless searching. The following day, Wan Mei awoke feeling invigorated by the blood witchcraft.
While chatting with Chang An, she reminisced about her impoverished childhood, including humorous tales of catching water snakes and cooking heather flowers and cicadas. She then declared her decision to abandon any thoughts of leaving Gui Hua City, resolute in her desire to remain by Chang An's side to help him fulfill his mission, even if it meant sharing his fate.
Their conversation was interrupted by Yue Ying, who arrived to inform them of a new mission to Southern Jiang, to be paid for by Ting Zhu House. Noticing their closeness, Yue Ying cautioned Wan Mei by recounting the story of Cha Luo's shadow, Xing Feng, who was subjected to an "Anti-sex" witchcraft by Yue Ying's former master, Lan He, rendering him impotent. She warned Wan Mei to be vigilant to prevent Chang An from suffering a similar fate.
Meanwhile, Cha Luo secretly met with Yue Qingya, who expressed his concern about the discreet nature of their meeting, fearing eavesdroppers. He questioned the continued necessity of Gui Hua City's existence, asserting it was merely Empress Wu Zetian's "secret agency" established for the former emperor's amusement. Cha Luo countered that it was the late emperor's unbreakable dying wish. She then asked if Yue Qingya was threatening her, emphasizing the strategic importance of the Prince's residence in Ting Zhu House.
Yue Qingya confirmed that was why he agreed to meet, adding that he always accurately sensed danger, and the Prince posed a significant threat. Cha Luo, desiring directness, demanded to know everything about the Prince. Yue Qingya agreed to gather the information but probed what he would gain.
Cha Luo implied that Yue Qingya knew her true desires, leading him to declare that from that moment, only Chui Xing Tower would remain in Gui Hua City, signifying Ting Zhu House's demise. The Prince, Wan Mei, and Chang An subsequently arrived at the real Death Pond in Xuan Ji Forest, Southern Jiang.
Episode 10 Recap
His Highness, accompanied by Yue Ying, Wan Mei, and Chang An, arrived at Xuan Ji Palace, which was built over the profound Death Pond, the very place where His Highness had grown up. He had a vision of his mother, who tasked him with a three-year mission to eradicate the Bloody Lotus Cult, eliminate Yue Qing Ya, and reclaim his throne, warning him that failure would mean he would see her corpse.
Wan Mei found the secluded area beautiful, but Yue Ying cautioned her that the more beautiful a place, the more dangerous it would be. Yue Ying then instructed Wan Mei and Chang An to tie ropes between bamboos in the surrounding forest. Wan Mei, relieved that the mission in such a desolate place likely didn't involve killing, readily agreed, while Chang An promised to ensure her safety.
While securing the ropes, Wan Mei discovered a zither stand made of ancient boxwood. Chang An noted its millennium-old material and intricate design, requiring inner force to play. Believing it belonged to His Highness's mother, Wan Mei playfully plucked a string. Her action, however, inadvertently triggered the Xuan Ji door to close, jeopardizing His Highness's carefully laid plans.
Yue Ying quickly apologized to His Highness for the mishap, but His Highness remained calm, stating it was too late to change anything. He informed Yue Ying that they now had only 24 hours before the Xuan Ji door would seal for a year, and instructed her to prepare while he kept Wan Mei behind to speak with her. His Highness then revealed the history of Xuan Ji Palace, the sacred land of the Bloody Lotus Cult.
It housed not deities, but a "living dead" guardian of the cult's most precious treasure. He explained that every century, by heavenly decree, the Custodian of the Bloody Lotus Cult was tortured into this state, a fate that befell Lan Qin, his own grandmother.
His Highness recounted how his mother, Lan He, was just seven years old when she witnessed Lan Qin's agonizing transformation: three days without water or food, a red bug appearing in her forehead, her hair turning white, and her body becoming immobile before she was placed inside the palace. Lan He spent years thereafter playing her zither by the pond daily, hoping her mother could hear her melodies.
When Lan He was eighteen, her zither playing inadvertently caused the Xuan Ji Palace door to open. She entered, bringing another person with her, an act His Highness lamented as the most foolish thing his mother ever did, as she fell in love and it eventually led to her death.
His Highness then tasked Wan Mei with a new mission: she must navigate the inner Xuan Ji Palace, which was filled with delicate silk threads, to retrieve the Xuan Ji Box from Lan Qin's hands before she fully awoke. He warned her about small bells attached to the threads, which would rouse Lan Qin if touched.
He guided Wan Mei through an initial practice, demonstrating how to use the two blood bugs within her to enhance her agility, explaining their power was equivalent to 20 years of a master's training. Before they entered, His Highness instructed Chang An to protect Wan Mei from the living dead soldiers who would emerge once the door opened, ensuring the mission's success. As midnight struck, Wan Mei and Chang An entered the dark and foreboding Xuan Ji Palace.
Though the silver threads were transparent and only visible by moonlight, Wan Mei accidentally brushed a bell, awakening the living dead guards within. Chang An swiftly engaged the stiff-moving living dead, creating a path for Wan Mei. During the fight, Wan Mei was injured and coughed up blood.
Outside, Yue Ying expressed concern about Wan Mei's ability to complete the task, but His Highness remained confident, asserting Wan Mei's "quick wits when in danger" and her "luck in changing danger into safety," contrasting her adaptability with Yue Ying's stubbornness. Wan Mei, using the techniques His Highness taught her, successfully navigated the silk thread maze. However, in her momentary relief, she slipped and fell into a deep chasm, landing directly in front of Lan Qin.
Lan Qin, with her white hair, was bound to the cliff, holding the radiant Xuan Ji Box. Chang An, still battling guards, threw a tree vine down. Wan Mei grabbed it, supported herself, and took the box from Lan Qin. As she prepared to leave, a single tear fell from Lan Qin's eye. Moved by compassion, Wan Mei impulsively cut Lan Qin's restraints with her sword.
This act fully awakened Lan Qin, who let out a city-shaking scream and lunged towards Wan Mei and Chang An. His Highness arrived just in time, saving them from Lan Qin's overwhelming power. He attempted to destroy the "God Curse" bugs within Lan Qin, which were causing her body to parasitize into blue bones and driving her aggression, but he was overwhelmed and captured.
Just as Lan Qin prepared to strike His Highness, Wan Mei urgently shouted, reminding Lan Qin that His Highness was "the son of Lan He." Hearing her daughter's name, Lan Qin paused, her madness momentarily subsiding. She gently touched His Highness's face, speaking of how she heard Lan He's zither playing every day, even the last one, and how she had endured her suffering because she couldn't bear to leave her daughter motherless.
Wan Mei then gently told Lan Qin that Lan He would not wish for her to continue suffering. Understanding her daughter's true wish, Lan Qin chose to destroy the "God Curse" within herself, ending her long, tormented life. His Highness held his grandmother as she finally found peace. Afterward, His Highness buried Lan Qin, an act that deeply moved him. He then questioned Wan Mei about why she felt compelled to save Lan Qin.
Wan Mei explained it was out of pity, to which His Highness countered that by trying to save her, Wan Mei had inadvertently caused her harm. He emphasized that to truly save those in need, one must first possess supreme power. The next day, on the journey back to Gui Hua City, His Highness insisted on riding in the carriage with Chang An, sending Yue Ying and Wan Mei to drive. He directly questioned Chang An about his origins.
When Chang An was hesitant to reveal his past, His Highness took Chang An's sword and noted a distinct breach on its blade. He deduced that Chang An's sword had fought against the legendary "Gou Yu Sword," a "Sword of the Millennium." He pointed out that while Chang An's sword only suffered a mere breach from the encounter, the Gou Yu Sword itself was "torn into pieces," leaving Chang An visibly stunned.
Episode 11 Recap
Gong Zi questioned Chang An about his connection to Xie Ting Yun from Jiang Nan. Chang An calmly stated he was merely a groom. Gong Zi, unconvinced, tested Chang An's martial arts and discovered he practiced the Xie family's internal strength, a technique exclusively passed down to male descendants. Gong Zi remarked that Chang An's martial arts proficiency could even surpass that of Xie's eldest daughter, which seemed far too advanced for a simple groom.
Chang An maintained his story, explaining that his master at the Xie family taught him kung fu because he liked him, and that his life belonged to the Xie family as they had raised him. After their journey, Gong Zi arrived at his residence and reassured Yue Ying that Wan Mei was merely a tool for his objectives, emphasizing Yue Ying's unparalleled position by his side, having served him since the age of nine.
Despite Gong Zi's attempts to alleviate any concerns, Yue Ying's mind was preoccupied with Wan Mei. She revealed to Gong Zi that Wan Mei had consumed the "Nine Lives" antidote. Yue Ying explained that since "Nine Lives" secured heart function, all its medicinal properties would concentrate in Wan Mei's heart when she was on the verge of death. Therefore, to sustain Gong Zi's life, Wan Mei's heart would need to be extracted before she perished.
Upon learning this, Gong Zi summoned Wan Mei to Bi An Palace. He revealed that she was the first person he saw after regaining his sight, noting her striking resemblance to his mother, Lan He, particularly her widow's peak. Gong Zi spoke of his mother's departure, her jade pendant, and his lifelong mission to eradicate the Blood Lotus Cult to avenge her, explaining that was why he sought the Xuan Ji Box.
Wan Mei, bewildered by these revelations, simply asked why he was sharing such intimate details. Gong Zi responded that he felt she deserved to know. He then used a mystical firefly formation to surround Wan Mei, preparing to take her heart. However, as his hand reached into her body, staining it with a little blood, he was overcome with memories of their shared moments and found himself unable to proceed.
Just then, Chang An burst into the palace, confronting Gong Zi with his sword. Gong Zi swiftly disarmed Chang An and held a blade to his throat, questioning his willingness to die for Wan Mei. Chang An declared that he would not live if Wan Mei perished, ready to face any consequences for her sake. Gong Zi then claimed he was only considering which internal strength to teach Wan Mei, dismissing Chang An from Bi An Palace.
Afterward, Gong Zi instructed Yue Ying to teach Wan Mei inner strength to better utilize the "Nine Lives," confirming Wan Mei still held value. He then coldly added that should Wan Mei ever fail a mission, Yue Ying was to take her heart. Later, Wan Mei, frustrated by her inability to wield the Serpent Sword given by Gong Zi, asked Chang An to find a secluded spot in Gui Hua City, away from any spies, for sword practice.
Chang An led her to a quiet area, explaining that while no place was perfectly safe, he had observed this spot to be rarely visited. While Chang An prepared roasted fish, Wan Mei practiced her sword. In a playful moment, she held her sword to his neck, but Chang An, trusting her completely, did not flinch. Wan Mei, delighted by his trust, looked into his eyes and questioned if he had ever liked anyone else before meeting her.
Their proximity made Chang An flustered. He avoided the question by suggesting she continue her sword practice while he prepared the fish. Wan Mei's next assignment was to assassinate Madam Ryan, the owner of Zhai Xing Tower. This establishment, located outside Gui Hua City, was not just a restaurant but an intelligence organization under the control of Imperial Preceptor Yue Qing Ya.
To infiltrate the tower, Wan Mei and Chang An disguised themselves as a wealthy, bickering couple from the south. Upon arrival, Wan Mei, playing the part of a demanding noblewoman, insisted on staying on the ninth floor. The innkeeper, however, stated that the ninth floor was not open to the public, nor were the rooms on the west side of the tower. Chang An intervened, compromising for a suite on the eighth floor.
From their exchange, they deduced that Madam Ryan likely resided on the restricted ninth floor, possibly on the west side. Chang An also confirmed that the tower was heavily guarded, making direct access difficult. Meanwhile, Yue Qing Ya received a secret message from Cha Luo, alerting him to the assassination attempt on Madam Ryan. He immediately dispatched more forces to Zhai Xing Tower, instructing Madam Ryan to capture the assassins alive.
Madam Ryan, in turn, ordered her staff to thoroughly vet all guests, paying particular attention to young, beautiful ladies and anyone arriving with an umbrella. Back in their room, Chang An sensed someone listening at their door. Wan Mei, quick-witted, flung open the door and loudly demanded ten pots of the strongest wine, berating Chang An to maintain their facade.
She then continued her public display of marital discord, scolding Chang An for being a "loser" and making him stand facing the wall, all to divert suspicion from the monitoring staff. Her performance proved effective, convincing the hotel management that they were merely a troublesome, wealthy couple. Inside their room, as Wan Mei continued to drink, she teased Chang An, asking if he was afraid of revealing secrets if he drank.
Chang An affirmed that everything he said was the truth. Under the moonlight, Wan Mei, having consumed much wine, pressed Chang An again about his past affections. He recounted a story from his youth, explaining that after being adopted by Master Xie, he became a groom for the Xie family's eldest daughter, then twelve years old.
He described her beauty, how she once tended to a wound he sustained, and how that close moment was the only time he had ever seen a girl as breathtakingly beautiful, comparable to a fairy. He concluded by saying he hadn't met anyone like her since, until Wan Mei. Drunkenly misinterpreting his words, Wan Mei retorted that he was implying all other women were more beautiful than her. As she finally succumbed to drunkenness, Chang An gently carried her to bed.
Episode 12 Recap
Wan Mei and Chang An arrived at Zhai Xing Tower, posing as a married couple, to carry out their mission. Wan Mei, acting as a fiery noblewoman, loudly demanded bird's nest soup for breakfast, claiming she was pained from being angry at her husband all night. The innkeeper, trying to ascertain their identities, subtly questioned her origins, noting her fair skin and asking if she was from the South.
Wan Mei confidently stated they were from Chang Le and heading to the Capital, boasting of her prowess as one of Chang Le's best swordswomen. She even offered to demonstrate the skills that won her husband in a "Race For The Marriage." When a chair was thrown from an upper floor, Chang An shielded Wan Mei. She then used the incident to feign outrage, demanding to confront whoever threw the chair.
The innkeeper intervened, revealing the culprit was Tang Rou, the formidable Miss of the Tang Family from Shu Zhong, whom they could not afford to offend. Wan Mei, placated, allowed Chang An to be taken back to their room, ostensibly to treat his injury with patches provided by the innkeeper. Meanwhile, Chang An observed the tower's heightened security, noting many disguised martial arts experts, including a leader with powerful internal force, strategically placed on each floor.
He realized that a spy in Gui Hua City must have informed Madam Ryan about an impending assassination, leading her to reinforce her defenses. Unbeknownst to them, Yue Ying had intercepted a letter from Cha Luo to Yue Qing Ya, which detailed Wan Mei's characteristics as the assassin. Yue Ying altered the letter, informing Yue Qing Ya only that an assassin from Gui Hua City intended to kill Madam Ryan, without revealing the assassin's identity.
She then reported this to her Master, who praised her foresight. The Master, holding a powerful witchcraft from Xuan Ji Palace, expressed confidence that if Wan Mei could retrieve the branch map of the Blood Lotus Cult, he could finally destroy the entire cult.
He acknowledged that Madam Ryan, though a valuable helper to Yue Qing Ya, was ultimately just a tool, and that all of Yue Qing Ya's secrets, including potentially the map, would be kept safe within Zhai Xing Tower, more important than Madam Ryan herself. Wan Mei and Chang An analyzed the situation, concluding they couldn't directly confront Madam Ryan or search the heavily guarded tower. Chang An suggested creating a crisis that would force Madam Ryan to expose her secrets.
He proposed spreading a rumor that Yue Qing Ya was in danger, specifically under house arrest in the Imperial Preceptor Residence by the Emperor. He reasoned that if Yue Qing Ya, who relied on the government, was perceived to be in trouble, Madam Ryan would either destroy or transfer crucial information to protect herself.
Recognizing that a direct rumor would quickly be debunked due to the Capital's proximity, they decided to use Zhai Xing Tower's own information network at He Ming Tea House to disseminate the false news. At He Ming Tea House, Wan Mei and Chang An feigned interest in purchasing the "best tea of Bei Yuan."
While the tea house owner and his workers were distracted, they were drugged and taken outside the town, hidden on a boat, to be released in three days. Wan Mei then used pig blood to create a gruesome scene in the tea house, making it appear as if a violent incident had occurred. Chang An took the opportunity to prepare the false message.
He explained that a thin pen, commonly used for transcribing sutras, could be used to write on a leaf, then cleverly inserted into a compressed tea cake, a method used by the tea house for discreet communication. He confirmed he could imitate the tea house owner's handwriting for the message. He then sent Wan Mei to create fake traces at the back of the house, staying behind to finalize the setup.
Shortly after Wan Mei left, Zhai Xing Tower guards, who had become suspicious of Wan Mei's internal force earlier, tracked them to the tea house. They apprehended Chang An, who was alone. Despite enduring severe torture, Chang An remained steadfast, refusing to reveal any real information. Instead, he maintained the fabricated story that Yue Qing Ya was in grave danger and wanted Madam Ryan eliminated, further solidifying the false narrative in the guards' minds.
Upon receiving the "urgent" message from He Ming Tea House, which stated "Imperial Preceptor is under house arrest. Leave as soon as possible," Madam Ryan was initially disbelieving. She noted the message wasn't in Yue Qing Ya's handwriting and found it hard to believe such a major event could occur without her knowledge. However, her subordinate suggested that "knowing nothing is the worst information," fueling her unease.
Feeling uncertain, she decided to send a letter to Yue Qing Ya to verify his well-being. Meanwhile, Wan Mei secretly infiltrated Zhai Xing Tower, attempting to rescue Chang An. She managed to speak with him briefly. Chang An confirmed he hadn't confessed and urged her to find weaknesses in Zhai Xing Tower to advance their plan. Just as Madam Ryan was preparing to send her letter to Yue Qing Ya, Chang An demanded to see her.
Madam Ryan went to his cell, where she remained hidden behind a screen. Chang An, feigning doubt about her identity, revealed that the tea house owner and workers were not dead but merely hidden, to be released in three days. He then added that someone had placed a high bounty on Madam Ryan's life, implying it was due to the many secrets she possessed, and that "they want to stop her before Qian Niu Wei."
Chang An then pressed her, demanding to know her true identity, calling out to her. However, Madam Ryan did not reveal herself. In the Imperial Preceptor Residence, Yue Qing Ya received Madam Ryan's letter. Already suspicious that his current situation—being held by the Ministry of Works to recheck old cases—was a setup, her letter solidified his fears. He decided to personally travel to Zhai Xing Tower, less than 100 li away.
Meanwhile, his reply assuring her that all was well was intercepted by Yue Ying. Back at Zhai Xing Tower, with no reply from Yue Qing Ya, Madam Ryan's anxiety grew. Believing him to be in trouble, she began to burn critical documents, including a map of the Blood Lotus Cult's branch department. At this crucial moment, Wan Mei broke in, intent on assassinating Madam Ryan.
A fierce struggle ensued, and Wan Mei, proving her superior combat skills, gained the upper hand and managed to snatch the half-burnt branch map. Simultaneously, Chang An, having escaped his confinement, fought his way to the ninth floor, intent on seeing Madam Ryan's true face. Bursting into her room during the fight, he was stunned to recognize her: she was Xie Ying, the eldest daughter of the Xie family.
As Wan Mei prepared to throw Xie Ying onto a broken sword, Chang An, in a desperate act to save Xie Ying, slashed the rope connecting Wan Mei to the outside, sending Wan Mei plummeting from the high tower into the dark waters of Yong Yue Lake below. Madam Ryan (Xie Ying) quickly hid Chang An in her room, overcome with emotion at the unexpected reunion.
She confided that after the massacre of their Xie family years ago, only she and Xie Huan, her horsekeeper, had survived, each embarking on a path of revenge. Their reunion brought a flood of memories and relief. She then ordered the ninth floor sealed, ensuring Chang An's safety from the arriving Imperial Preceptor. Meanwhile, Wan Mei, having survived the fall, swam to the shore of Yong Yue Lake, her heart filled with disbelief and bitterness at Chang An's betrayal.
She was then captured by Yue Qing Ya, who had just arrived. Madam Ryan quickly informed Yue Qing Ya that Wan Mei had taken the Blood Lotus Cult's branch map. Despite not finding the complete map on Wan Mei, Yue Qing Ya insisted on taking her with him for interrogation, asserting that this matter was intertwined with the larger governmental issues he was investigating. News of Wan Mei's failure reached her Master.
While outwardly ordering a seven-day vigil in the Junior Killers' House as a mark of pity, he instructed that the news be kept secret from the Prince, who held Wan Mei in high regard and would be saddened by her fate. Yue Qing Ya, in turn, sent a message to Wan Mei's Master, inviting him to witness the interrogation, a subtle power play regarding the captured assassin and the acquired map.
As Yue Qing Ya prepared to question Wan Mei, he remarked on his unusual practice of bathing before interrogating criminals, highlighting the rarity and importance of this particular prisoner. He also noted Wan Mei's current state, stating that the martial artist who had struck her ensured she wouldn't be able to stand for hours. Despite this, Wan Mei remained defiant.
Episode 13 Recap
Wan Mei, now a captive of Yue Qingya, found herself subjected to brutal interrogation. Yue Qingya, suspicious of her ties to Gui Hua City and desiring a confession, had invited Gong Zi to observe the proceedings. Meanwhile, Chang An slowly awoke, his first thought being to find Wan Mei. However, Ruan Niang forcibly restrained him.
She revealed that when Wan Mei fell from the tower, Chang An had attempted to save her, but Ruan Niang had struck him unconscious to prevent him from risking his life. Ruan Niang declared that she could not bear to watch Chang An die for Wan Mei. In the interrogation chamber, Yue Qingya’s subordinate, Mo Fei, began the torture, inserting eighteen silver needles into Wan Mei’s body, causing excruciating pain as they moved against her bloodstream.
Despite this agony, Wan Mei refused to reveal her name or who sent her. Gong Zi watched, his hands clenched tightly, but remained outwardly calm to avoid revealing his connection to Wan Mei. As Mo Fei prepared to inflict a fatal blow, Gong Zi intervened, feigning disinterest. He suggested to Yue Qingya that if Wan Mei was indeed from Gui Hua City, he could make her confess, as women, especially beauties, often valued their appearance above their lives.
He proposed using a venomous dagger to scar her face. Yue Qingya, intrigued by Gong Zi's seemingly crueler method, allowed him to approach Wan Mei. As Gong Zi drew near, Wan Mei discreetly slipped a hidden branch distribution map into his hand. Though deeply moved and pained by her plight, Gong Zi, to maintain his facade, coldly slashed her face. Wan Mei, however, remained defiant, begging to be killed instead of confessing.
She stated that while she was terrified, the thought of a cold world where no one cared for her "worthless life" left her unafraid. Witnessing Wan Mei's unbreakable spirit, Yue Qingya, frustrated by her resilience and unable to link her to Gong Zi, ordered a new, more horrific torture: her leg bones were to be broken each morning and re-set each night.
Wan Mei, driven by the profound despair of Chang An’s betrayal, could only laugh hysterically as the new torture began, a chilling manifestation of her broken heart. After obtaining the branch distribution map, Gong Zi was deeply concerned for Wan Mei's safety. He was resolute in saving her and dispatched Yue Ying with an order to rescue Wan Mei, first by requesting Cha Luo's help, and then personally if Cha Luo refused.
Yue Ying questioned his decision, arguing that assassins who failed their missions deserved death. Gong Zi sternly reiterated his command, emphasizing that Wan Mei's endurance under torture and her success in delivering the map warranted her rescue. Yue Ying, despite her reservations, agreed to obey. Yue Ying went to see Cha Luo, who was surrounded by new male servants and mockingly asked Yue Ying if she was secretly in love with Gong Zi, given her refusal to take a shadow.
Yue Ying cut short the banter, stating she was there on Gong Zi’s orders to request Wan Mei’s rescue. Cha Luo scoffed, refusing to violate Gui Hua City’s rules for a "mere junior killer" who had failed her mission and endangered Gong Zi. She asserted that Wan Mei knew too much and should die to keep their secrets. Yue Ying insisted that Gong Zi's order superseded the rules and demanded to know if Cha Luo would save Wan Mei.
Cha Luo firmly refused, declaring she would not change her answer. Meanwhile, Chang An, having been drugged and confined by Ruan Niang, attempted once more to break free and rescue Wan Mei. Ruan Niang desperately tried to stop him, reminding him of his promises to her and her family, and questioning why he would risk his life for a "dirty killer."
Chang An vehemently defended Wan Mei, insisting she was kind and had true feelings for him, adding that if Wan Mei died, he would not live. Overwhelmed, Ruan Niang finally knelt before him and revealed a stunning truth about his identity. She explained that he was a descendant of Princess Tai Ping.
She recounted how Empress Wu Zetian had sealed her succession decree within an indestructible piece of dark steel, entrusting it to Princess Tai Ping with the understanding that if she could open it, she would become empress. Ruan Niang revealed that Chang An's royal lineage was the true reason for the Xie family massacre, as their enemies sought to destroy anyone with a claim to the throne. She implored him to prioritize his own life, not for himself, but to avenge the thirty-six members of her family who died because of him.
Episode 14 Recap
Yue Ying, following Gongzi’s orders, infiltrated the heavily guarded dungeon to rescue Wan Mei. Inside, she found Wan Mei covered in wounds and despairing, even refusing to be saved. Yue Ying, though also reluctant, firmly stated that while Wan Mei might fail her own mission, Yue Ying would not fail hers and insisted on proceeding with the rescue. As Yue Ying helped Wan Mei out of the cell, Yue Qing Ya's prepared ambush of soldiers appeared.
Wan Mei noted they were surrounded, believing escape to be impossible, but Yue Ying remained determined. She swiftly dealt with the internal prison guards, set the dungeon ablaze, and then tossed the dead guards' bodies outside, creating confusion. While the besiegers focused on the "dead bodies," Yue Ying and Wan Mei disguised themselves as corpses and were also thrown out. When the soldiers began to move the bodies, they unexpectedly discovered Yue Ying was a woman, exposing her identity.
Fierce fighting erupted. Wan Mei, seeing Yue Ying nearly struck by an arrow, threw a bucket to assist. Her action, though helpful, put her in further danger. Yue Ying shielded Wan Mei and used a pre-arranged escape mechanism to successfully lead them away. Upon learning of Wan Mei's escape and that a single woman was responsible for the jailbreak and significant casualties—of the 48 guards present, only 8 survived, and the condemned prisoners were also killed—Yue Qing Ya was enraged.
He suspected Prince Ning was behind it and, fearing for Ruan Niang's safety, immediately dispatched guards to protect her. Meanwhile, Cha Luo was in a cheerful mood over Wan Mei’s imprisonment. When a servant dared to touch her cherished dressing case to clean it, Cha Luo nearly killed them until Xing Feng intervened. Cha Luo then instructed Xing Feng to recount the story of her dressing case, wanting to constantly remember her deep-seated hatred.
Over a decade ago, Cha Luo, an orphan, was taken by her uncle to marry Xie Ting Yun of the prestigious Xie family. She joyfully brought her favorite silkwood dressing case, intricately carved with twin lotus flowers by her own hands. However, Xie Ting Yun already had a beloved and insulted her publicly. His parents, believing her eyebrows to be an ominous sign, broke off the engagement.
Upon returning home, her uncle and aunt, seeing her as useless, subjected her to physical abuse before arranging a ghost marriage. Cha Luo was drugged and woke up inside a coffin with a corpse beside her. Just as she was losing consciousness, Lan He, the then-Lady of Gui Hua City, appeared, opened the coffin, and offered her a powerful worm that would enhance her internal energy and martial arts, allowing her to seek revenge.
Cha Luo, desperate, consumed the worm and joined Gui Hua City. She later killed her uncle and aunt. On a mission, she massacred the entire Xie family, reclaiming her dressing case as a reminder of their humiliation and as a relic of her mother. Cha Luo expressed her lingering resentment, revealing she initially felt grateful to Lan He but soon realized Lan He had merely used her to incite conflict with Cha Wu.
Cha Luo still harbored resentment towards Lan He's blind son who gave her orders, and she hated Wan Mei, eagerly anticipating her death. She vowed that if Yue Qing Ya spared Wan Mei, she would personally ensure Wan Mei’s demise. Separately, Ruan Niang revealed to Chang An that the Wordless Edict was hidden inside Cha Luo's dressing case.
Just as they were discussing this, Mo Fei arrived with Yue Qing Ya's men to protect Ruan Niang, informing them that Wan Mei had been rescued. Seizing the opportunity while Ruan Niang attended to Yue Qing Ya's men, Chang An left her a note, deciding to return to Gui Hua City to confirm Wan Mei’s safety and search for the Wordless Edict. Yue Ying brought Wan Mei to a secluded spot.
She had initially intended to give Wan Mei the antidote for the Sui Jin Incense, a potent poison that corroded skin and bones, which Gongzi had prepared to heal Wan Mei's disfigured face. However, after seeing Wan Mei’s despair and desire for death, and deciding to prioritize obtaining “Nine Lives” for Gongzi, Yue Ying changed her mind and poured the medicine onto the ground. Wan Mei, feeling that her appearance was ruined and disheartened, wished for death.
Yue Ying then offered Wan Mei a bottle of her self-made poison, assuring her of a quick and painless end. Wan Mei prepared to take her own life, but a sudden thought of Chang An’s betrayal ignited a spark of hatred and a desire for revenge, giving her a renewed will to live. She refused the poison. Seeing Wan Mei’s newfound resolve, Yue Ying offered her another chance.
She explained that Gongzi had a new mission requiring an “inducer,” and Wan Mei could serve that purpose. Yue Ying then administered a needle to Wan Mei, causing her to lose her voice, and arranged for her to be delivered into the hands of human traffickers heading to Ling City. In Ling City, Wan Mei feigned unconsciousness, even enduring a whipping without reaction, to make the traffickers lower their guard.
She then subtly untied herself and escaped in a passing carriage. However, her strength failed her, and she collapsed by the roadside. Meanwhile, Chang An had returned to Gui Hua City to face his punishment. Cha Luo intended to execute him for failing his mission and causing the deaths of his masters. However, Liu Guang interceded on his behalf, praising his loyalty and requesting Cha Luo to spare him.
Cha Luo relented, agreeing to a lesser punishment and offering Chang An to Liu Guang. Liu Guang specifically requested that Chang An's face remain unharmed. After Chang An endured a whipping, Liu Guang provided him with a high-quality ointment and ordered her shadow to apply it, a task which visibly stirred jealousy in the shadow.
Later, Yue Ying reported to Gongzi, informing him that she had rescued Wan Mei, but also confessed to having planted a gu poison in Wan Mei and sending her to Ling City against his direct order. Gongzi was furious at her insubordination and ordered Yue Ying to kneel outside as punishment, telling her to reflect on her actions.
Episode 15 Recap
Yue Ying knelt outside all night, still defiant and refusing to admit any fault, even insisting that the Prince should agree with her decision to send Wan Mei to Ling City to spread the poison. The Prince, however, patiently told Yue Ying to get up, explaining that Wan Mei had sacrificed too much for the mission at the Imperial Preceptor Residence and he owed her more than just a favor.
Yue Ying stubbornly maintained that Wan Mei was protected by Nine Lives and would not die easily, making her the ideal choice to spread the witchcraft virus. The Prince then recounted the history of the Bloody Lotus Cult. Twenty years ago, the Southern Jiang region was controlled by the Ding Shan Group. The Bloody Lotus Cult, which originated as a branch of the Ding Shan Group, harbored ambitions to replace them.
Yue Qingya, then an ordinary follower, sought to become the Cult's leader. He spread a virulent plague in town, causing countless deaths. Once the plague was widespread, he took the antidote himself and used his own blood to cure the afflicted, convincing the populace that the Bloody Lotus Cult was sent by God to save them. Later, with the growing power of the Bloody Lotus Cult in Southern Jiang, Yue Qingya ascended to leadership and annihilated the Ding Shan Group.
The Prince admitted that despite his hatred for Yue Qingya, he admired his decisive methods. He then instructed Yue Ying to kill Lan Ruo, Yue Qingya's right-hand man, and to replicate Yue Qingya's earlier strategy: Wan Mei would spread the plague, and Yue Ying would then bring the antidote to "save" the people. The Prince handed Yue Ying the crucial antidote, cautioning her on its importance.
Yue Ying departed Gui Hua City with the antidote, unaware that Chang An was secretly following her, wanting to know if Wan Mei was alive. Yue Ying quickly detected his presence and confronted him, but before they could discuss further, they were ambushed by enemies. As they fought together, Yue Ying accidentally spilled the vital antidote given to her by the Prince. It was later revealed that Cha Luo had dispatched these attackers.
Despite the failed assassination attempt on Yue Ying, Cha Luo, still determined, planned to continue sending assassins after her. Cha Luo also noted the Prince's recent activities, including his visit to the palace. The King summoned the Prince to the palace to enjoy a musical performance, and informed him that according to Yue Qingya, General Qi Wei of Great Liang intended to surrender. During the performance by a musician sent by Yue Qingya, the musician attempted to assassinate the King.
The Prince intervened, saving the King and sustaining a minor injury in the process. This incident led the King to fully trust the Prince’s loyalty, to suspect Qi Wei's surrender offer was a ruse, and to doubt the musician. Unbeknownst to the King, this entire event had been orchestrated by the Prince. The King immediately summoned Yue Qingya, questioning the truth of Qi Wei's purported surrender. The Prince fueled the King's suspicion, attempting to prevent the surrender.
However, Yue Qingya steadfastly asserted Qi Wei’s sincerity, volunteering to personally go and accept Qi Wei's surrender to prove his allegiance and gain a valuable general for the King. Yue Qingya also requested that the Prince accompany him. The Prince, unable to refuse, consented, and the King agreed. Thus, Yue Qingya and the Prince set off for Zhaozhou City in Great Liang.
The Prince believed this was a trap set by Qi Wei, but Yue Qingya remained confident in Qi Wei's sincerity, leading to a clash of opinions. As expected, Qi Wei's surrender was a cunning deception. He had meticulously arranged a trap to kill Yue Qingya, who remained oblivious to the impending danger. Soon after their arrival, the Prince and Yue Qingya triggered Qi Wei's elaborate mechanism, falling into a pit and narrowly avoiding sharp blades.
Trapped and suspended in mid-air, the Prince seized the opportunity to confront Yue Qingya, demanding to know if he had killed his mother, Lan He, fearing she would become the new King's favored consort. Yue Qingya maintained that he was not in the wrong. The Prince, however, was resolute in his vow to avenge his mother.
Realizing their precarious situation, Yue Qingya proposed a cooperation: he would transfer his inner strength to the Prince, allowing them to break through the trap together. They combined their efforts and successfully escaped. Meanwhile, in Ling City, Wan Mei’s actions had spread a devastating plague. Desperate, the local people resorted to sacrificing young boys and girls to appease the heavens. At the critical moment, Lord He Ba arrived to stop them.
Lan Ruo, the acting hierarch of the Bloody Lotus Cult and Yue Qingya's 24-year-old foster son, also intervened, releasing two children. Lan Ruo faced a moral dilemma as Yue Qingya had issued a strict command prohibiting the Bloody Lotus Cult from interfering with the plague. The people of Ling City, believing Wan Mei brought the plague, decided to apprehend and punish her.
However, the elderly woman who had taken Wan Mei in vehemently protected her, instructing her grandson, Xiaoxia, to escort Wan Mei to safety. The old woman herself had also tragically contracted the plague.
Episode 16 Recap
On the ninth day since Wan Mei entered Ling City, the plague had worsened, leading to the city's gates being closed, allowing entry but no exit. That evening, Yue Ying and Chang An arrived, disguised as surgeons sent by Governor Wang from Zizhou, and were granted entry. Inside, the city was desolate, with wanted posters of Wan Mei, depicting her with a disfigured face, plastered everywhere.
Chang An, distraught, began tearing them down, demanding to know from Yue Ying why Wan Mei had changed so drastically. Yue Ying coldly retorted, reminding him that if he had protected her at Zhai Xing Tower, she would not be in this state. She also advised him to look for Wan Mei in Wei Village, where the plague first erupted, as aimless searching would be futile.
Elsewhere, Wan Mei, suffering from the plague and worried about the old woman who had taken her in, collapsed with a high fever in a deserted ancestral hall. Xiaoxia, concerned for her, ventured into the market to steal some steamed buns. When caught, he cleverly feigned having the plague by spitting a little blood, scaring off the vendor and escaping punishment.
Upon returning, Xiaoxia gave Wan Mei a bun and shared his own story, revealing he was an orphan whose sister had helped him escape an abusive brother-in-law. He then showed Wan Mei the wanted poster. Recalling an earlier mission assigned by His Highness, which mentioned her usefulness due to her current situation, Wan Mei realized with chilling clarity that she was indeed the source of the spreading plague.
Just then, her horror was confirmed as Xiaoxia coughed up blood, already infected by the disease. Wan Mei was heartbroken. As Wan Mei grieved over Xiaoxia, Yue Ying and Chang An arrived at the ancestral hall. Seeing Wan Mei's scarred face, Chang An was overcome with sorrow and knelt, calling out her name, "Master Mei." Wan Mei's heart sank. She turned, her eyes filled with tears, her throat unable to form words, struggling against Chang An's embrace.
Filled with rage and despair, she lashed out, destroying objects around her, desperately trying to drive Chang An away. As Chang An helplessly stepped outside, he immediately pressed his sword to Yue Ying's throat, demanding to know what she had done to Wan Mei. Yue Ying confessed that she had injected Wan Mei with witchcraft and had accidentally lost the antidote.
She stated that the only thing she could do now was to restore Wan Mei's voice, which she promised would recover within fourteen to sixteen hours. She also revealed that His Highness believed that success sometimes requires a "withering of the bone," implying a great cost for achievements. On the tenth day of Wan Mei's stay in Ling City, half of the citizens had contracted the plague. Governor He Ba ordered a complete lockdown, stopping all food and water supplies.
Wan Mei, desperate to save Xiaoxia, rushed into an empty clinic, searching frantically for medicine, but found nothing effective. Chang An followed, reminding her that it was futile, and urged her to return to Xiaoxia. By this time, her voice had recovered. She realized the witchcraft within her was similar to the one Yue Qingya had spread years ago, leading her to believe that Lan Ruo might possess the antidote. Chang An questioned where it might be hidden.
Wan Mei suggested they could compel Lan Ruo, Yue Qingya's foster son, to provide it, as he might be desperate given the city's plight. Yue Ying had stated earlier that His Highness had instructed her to kill Lan Ruo if the plan changed, but she had expressed doubt, feeling destined to fail her missions. Chang An volunteered to seek the antidote from Lan Ruo.
He stated that a sick man would be more convincing than mere words, and the more severe his illness, the more likely Lan Ruo's heart would be softened. To that end, he deliberately cut Wan Mei's hand and licked her infected blood, allowing himself to contract the plague. Yue Ying then helped him circulate the poison throughout his body using his inner strength. Before Chang An departed, Yue Ying offered them a few moments for a private conversation.
Chang An admitted he might not return alive and had something to say. Wan Mei angrily challenged him, asking what he could possibly say to earn her forgiveness. She recounted the brutal tortures she endured in prison: not the scar on her face, nor the silver needles, nor even the daily breaking and resetting of her legs, but Chang An's betrayal. She revealed that what she hated most was him, the one who had promised never to abandon her.
Every day, as sunlight crept towards her prison cell, she had hoped he would appear to rescue her from the endless torment before the light touched her, but he never did. Chang An could only offer a sorrowful apology. Wan Mei declared there was nothing left to say between them. She told him to leave, stating that if he succeeded in obtaining the antidote and saving Xiaoxia, she would consider herself indebted to him and would repay the favor.
As Chang An left, he implored Yue Ying to take good care of Wan Mei, and if he didn't return, to ensure Wan Mei lived a peaceful, free life, as it was what they owed her. On the eleventh day, as Ling City became a ghost town, Lan Ruo led his Bloody Lotus Cult followers in prayer at Bloody Lotus Pond. Chang An, feigning collapse from the plague, drew attention.
Lan Ruo quickly dismissed his followers and began to treat Chang An, during which he hypnotized him and extracted his true name, Xie Huan, and Wan Mei's name. Realizing his cover was blown, Chang An admitted his purpose and pleaded for the antidote. Lan Ruo revealed that the antidote he possessed was only a semi-finished product. To complete it, they needed someone who had ingested the "witchcraft" and miraculously survived for over seven days.
The blood of such a person would then become the antidote. Lan Ruo explained that while Yue Qingya had left this witchcraft, it was dangerous, as people typically died within a day, and he had never encountered anyone who could survive for more than seven. Chang An, however, asserted that Wan Mei had extraordinary vitality and would endure. Lan Ruo further warned that this "witchcraft" would cause immense pain and accelerate the toxicity, making survival highly unlikely.
Despite this grim warning, Chang An took the witchcraft and returned to Wan Mei. Meanwhile, Governor He Ba's forces had located Wan Mei's dwelling and were engaging Yue Ying in a fierce battle. Yue Ying urged Wan Mei to flee, explaining that she was the target and her departure might save Xiaoxia. But Wan Mei refused, determined to stay and await the antidote for Xiaoxia, declaring she would not abandon her.
Yue Ying then confronted He Ba's men, stating her intention was only to protect those inside and not to harm them, but she would not hesitate to retaliate if they advanced further. Chang An finally reached Wan Mei, confirming there was no ready antidote. He explained Lan Ruo's terms: Wan Mei would have to consume the "witchcraft," endure agonizing pain, and survive for seven days for her blood to become the cure. Wan Mei, undeterred, declared she had already faced death once and was willing to endure more if it meant a chance for salvation.
Episode 17 Recap
To save the innocent people of Ling City, Wan Mei bravely consumed the gu-primer. She endured immense pain, her body wracked with tremors. After suffering greatly, Wan Mei used her blood to save Xiaoxia. She then emerged from the room with Chang'an and Xiaoxia, announcing loudly that her blood could cure the plague. Yue Ying, witnessing this, immediately knelt and proclaimed Wan Mei a Saintess.
The bewildered common folk, believing Wan Mei was sent by heaven to save them, likewise bowed in reverence. Yue Ying seized the opportunity to incite the crowd, urging them to support Wan Mei as the Saintess of the Blood Lotus Cult. Wan Mei, however, was reluctant to assume such a role. Yue Ying warned her that it was the Prince's will, and if she refused, the Blood Lotus Cult would inevitably become an uncontrollable evil force.
The populace unanimously supported Wan Mei. Lan Ruo, serving as the acting hierarch of the Blood Lotus Cult, stated that the succession could only be arranged after Hierarch Yue Qingya's return. Meanwhile, the Left Guardian You Chan, originally from the Ding Shan Group, sought revenge for her clan's demise. She deliberately severed the Blood Lotus, creating the illusion of divine wrath. Subsequently, You Chan insisted on sacrificing her own blood to make the Blood Lotus re-bloom.
However, Lan Ruo, who deeply loved You Chan, could not bring himself to harm her. Faced with the inability to resolve the predicament, Lan Ruo resorted to threatening Chang'an's life, forcing Wan Mei to intervene. Wan Mei, naturally concerned for Chang'an, though initially unwilling to admit it, stepped forward. She told the assembled cult members and common people that she was not a Saintess, but that heaven had sent this disaster as a punishment for their excessive greed and sins.
With her words, the crowd dispersed. Wan Mei, Chang'an, and Yue Ying then departed, leaving Lan Ruo and You Chan to their internal struggle. You Chan knew Lan Ruo loved her, but she could not abandon her deep-seated hatred for the Blood Lotus Cult and her mission of revenge for the Ding Shan Group. She pressed Lan Ruo to reveal the truth about the Blood Lotus Pond being a scam and expose Yue Qingya's deceptions, or watch her die.
Lan Ruo was in agony, torn between his duty and his love for You Chan. He had kept her identity a secret, even knowing her true intentions. Unable to choose, Lan Ruo ultimately decided to die with You Chan, believing it was the only way for them to reconcile their bitter conflict and be together. He pierced both their chests with a single sword, and they perished tragically.
The sealed altar of the Blood Lotus Cult and the deaths of Lan Ruo and You Chan became a hidden secret, and Ling City gradually returned to normal. As Chang'an escorted Yue Ying and Wan Mei out of Ling City, he went alone into the city to buy provisions and unexpectedly encountered Ruan Niang. Ruan Niang produced a letter, evidence proving Chang'an was a descendant of Princess Taiping.
Chang'an opened the letter, which was written by his biological father, a servant of Princess Taiping. It was addressed to his father's elder brother, Xie Tingyun, entrusting the young Chang'an to his care. As he read, Chang'an recalled the massacre of the Xie family years ago, remembering how everyone had desperately protected him. Ruan Niang explained that her own father, Xie Tingyun, became Chang'an's adoptive father.
He faithfully concealed Chang'an's identity until the secret was leaked, which led to the family's tragic slaughter. Ruan Niang told Chang'an that he had a greater mission to fulfill and could not abandon it for Wan Mei. She asserted that after saving Wan Mei, his life no longer belonged to himself; he had no choice. Elsewhere, Yue Qingya received news of Lan Ruo's death.
Deeply pained and enraged by the loss of his adopted son, he immediately confronted the Prince, choking him and demanding if he had sent assassins to kill Lan Ruo. The Prince vehemently denied the accusation, then intentionally provoked Yue Qingya by remarking that Lan Ruo's kind nature was nothing like the ruthless Yue Qingya.
The Prince further taunted him about why he named his adopted son "Lan Ruo" and whether he regretted his past actions, implying Yue Qingya shared similarities with him. Furious, Yue Qingya stormed off. With Lan Ruo dead, the Blood Lotus Cult was in disarray, with elders vying for leadership. Yue Qingya, unwilling to accept this, sought justice for his adopted son from the King.
However, the King dismissed his grievances, instead urging Yue Qingya to resolve the internal strife within the cult to prevent a larger rebellion that could threaten the empire. Left with no alternative, Yue Qingya resolved to go to Southern Jiang himself to quell the Blood Lotus Cult's unrest.
Episode 18 Recap
Wan Mei and Chang An returned to Gui Hua City to report. Cha Luo, observing them, remarked on their former unity and expressed confusion about their current estrangement. She instructed Chang An to remove Wan Mei's mask, specifically referring to Wan Mei as Chang An's "previous master." Wan Mei tried to resist, but Cha Luo insisted.
Upon seeing Wan Mei's disfigured face, Cha Luo declared her own eyes too precious to be ruined by "disgusting things" and demanded Chang An describe Wan Mei's face. Chang An stated that the left side of her face was disfigured but maintained that despite the change, she was still Wan Mei, his former master, with whom he had shared many trials.
Cha Luo then asked if Chang An would be willing to leave Liu Guang and return to Wan Mei's side. Chang An refused to give a direct answer, prompting Cha Luo to muse on the amusing complexity of the situation, labeling him "Janus-faced." Soon after, Chang An was brought before Xing Feng for leaving Gui Hua City without authorization. Chang An pleaded guilty.
Xing Feng, despite Liu Guang's intercession, pronounced the punishment of cutting his knees and kneeling on ice until it completely melted, a grueling ordeal expected to last four to six hours, with consciousness loss resulting in death. Wan Mei was assigned to supervise him. Cha Luo later confided in Xing Feng that she had chosen not to kill the disfigured and de-skilled Wan Mei directly.
Instead, she found it more entertaining to let Wan Mei and Chang An, given their obvious affections, torture each other. As Chang An endured the agonizing punishment, his knees bled profusely. Wan Mei, unable to bear watching his suffering, urged him to stop the bleeding, assuring him she would not report him. Chang An, however, insisted he deserved the punishment, reminding her that all corners of Gui Hua City were under constant surveillance.
He explained his actions were atonement for failing to protect her and not rescuing her in time, leading to her disfigurement. Wan Mei desperately sought an explanation for his actions at Zhai Xing Tower, especially why he had seemingly cut his own rope. Chang An remained elusive, stating it no longer mattered that he hadn't chosen to save her, and declared their employment relationship over.
He retracted all his past promises, stating they had not been sincere and that he had gone astray from his true path, which he was now reclaiming. Distraught by Chang An's harsh words and rejection, realizing he had betrayed the vows made to her, such as on the swing, Wan Mei left him. After his ordeal, Chang An was taken to Liu Guang's quarters. While unconscious, he mumbled in his sleep, revealing his inner conflict.
He expressed a desire not to disappoint Wan Mei, admitting he couldn't, implying a great secret prevented him from doing so. He also urged Wan Mei to survive and stay away from him. Liu Guang, observing his delirious words, was touched by his loyalty. Liu Guang then mused on Chang An's character, comparing him to a beautiful but sour grape wine.
She noted his intelligence, good looks, and loyalty to Wan Mei, confessing that she herself had never been treated with such sincerity before. Meanwhile, Yue Ying reported to the Prince on her investigation into Yue Qing Ya. While she had uncovered evidence of his subordinates' corruption and cruelties, Yue Qing Ya himself proved difficult to implicate directly, being neither greedy nor lustful, with only his information network, Zhai Xing Tower, offering a potential vulnerability.
The Prince was not in a hurry, acknowledging Yue Qing Ya's high position. He also instructed Yue Ying to covertly support a righteous officer from Yang Zhou who had written a blood letter against Yue Qing Ya's subordinates. Concerned about their dwindling funds, the Prince then ordered Yue Ying to begin taking over Han Xiu's salt industry. Yue Ying also informed the Prince that Cha Luo had not punished Wan Mei.
The Prince remarked that handicapped "rats" were often kept alive for amusement, suggesting Cha Luo's plan for Wan Mei. The Prince then sternly reminded Yue Ying that despite fulfilling her promise to bring Wan Mei back alive, she still owed Wan Mei a life. He revealed his full awareness of Yue Ying's past misdeeds against Wan Mei, including pouring out the antidote, warning her never to repeat such actions against their own kind.
Following the Prince's summons, Wan Mei arrived at Bi An Palace. Noticing a guqin, she was drawn to it and began to play, but in her emotional state, she accidentally cut her hands on the strings. The Prince entered, chiding her for injuring herself. He then ordered her to remove her mask and raise her head, observing her scarred face, and then proceeded to stroke her face and bandage her wounds.
Wan Mei, feeling weary and burdened by life's difficulties, confided in the Prince that she had changed. She recounted how Chang An had become her sole source of hope and courage in Gui Hua City, comparing her situation to seeing Lan Ruo protect You Chan in the Bloody Lotus Cult, which reminded her of how Chang An used to protect her.
Now that he had coldly severed ties, she felt lost and unsure how to live, especially with her disfigurement and crippled martial arts. She confessed that living as a "walking corpse" was worse than death. The Prince then took her to a cliff, reminding her of her past resilience when Cha Luo poisoned her.
He then led her into a stone cave and revealed his own secret: at the age of fourteen, his mother had intentionally blinded him to ensure his safety from the political turmoil surrounding him as a powerful Grand Tutor. He admitted to feeling the same despair as Wan Mei at the time, preferring death to a life of blindness. Back in Liu Guang's chambers, Chang An was slowly recovering.
Liu Guang commanded him to help her change clothes and choose a hairpin, then to place it in her hair. Chang An, ever observant, commented on her dressing style, suggesting simplicity. Liu Guang praised his taste, attributing her beauty to nature. She then provocatively asked him to compare her beauty to Wan Mei's, but Chang An remained silent. Liu Guang sighed about Wan Mei's disfigurement.
Knowing Chang An's feelings for Wan Mei, she offered him a deal: if she could heal Wan Mei's face, would he be willing to do anything for her? Chang An immediately agreed. Liu Guang then lay down and instructed Chang An to apply a bottle of floral water to her skin.
While he did so, she recounted stories of two loyal Shadows she had encountered in her life, naming her first Shadow, Yan Liu, who, despite his effeminate appearance, had sacrificed himself for her. The second was Xing Feng, whose unwavering loyalty to Cha Luo had earned Liu Guang's respect and her protection to ensure his survival. She declared Chang An the third person she had seen demonstrate such profound sincerity to his master. She then wondered aloud if she could ever compare to Wan Mei in Chang An's eyes, again lamenting Wan Mei's disfigurement.
Episode 19 Recap
Gongzi, finding Wan Mei dispirited, shared his own life story with her. He recounted how, in his youth, he was an unstoppable Grand Tutor, and being blinded was deemed the only way to ensure his safety. At the time, he felt that dying would be preferable to living blind, much like Wan Mei's current despair.
His mother brought him to this place, and he instructed Wan Mei to close her eyes, explaining that firefly worms could act as a "third eye," allowing one to see and feel through heat. He then showed her the "Hover between Life and Death" manual, a sophisticated mental process created by the Bloody Lotus Cult's founder and passed down by his mother. He explained that anyone practicing it would undergo a life-and-death trial within seven days.
A heart without hope would lead to a painless death, but a heart clinging to hope would overcome the trial and be reborn with greatly increased power, though it would harm the heart. Gongzi stated he would seal the Single Dragon Door and return in seven days to see if she was alive and had found a reason to live. Wan Mei, unfazed by the risk, accepted the challenge, stating she was not afraid of death.
Meanwhile, Chang An, still recovering from his severe punishment, received the formula for a Beauty-recovering Ointment from Liu Guang. Believing Gongzi would most wish for Wan Mei's recovery, Chang An brought the formula to him, though he had trouble locating Wan Mei. Gongzi entrusted the task of acquiring the elusive ingredients to Yue Ying, expecting her to complete it within seven days.
Yue Ying, concerned for Gongzi’s well-being, questioned his decision to heal Wan Mei’s face and let her practice the Bloody Lotus Cult's most advanced technique, especially since it meant not taking her heart. She reminded him that his own life would be in danger within half a month if Wan Mei's heart, which contained Nine Lives, was not extracted.
Gongzi, however, insisted he was fine and that Wan Mei was the most suitable candidate to optimize the efficacy of Nine Lives. He reminded Yue Ying that they owed Wan Mei and must repay her, dismissing Yue Ying’s emotional accusations of him crossing the line, though Yue Ying admitted her jealousy. Seven days later, Gongzi returned to the Single Dragon Door, where Wan Mei successfully emerged. She affirmed that not dying meant she still harbored hope for living.
Gongzi expressed his relief, and Wan Mei confidently declared she would live well and never surrender her destiny to anyone. When asked about her progress, Wan Mei admitted she wasn't sure of the extent of her mastery but felt the firefly worms were no longer uncontrollable. Later, Wan Xiang, seeking to humiliate Wan Mei, found her and taunted her about her ruined face and failed mission.
She then "casually" asked Wan Mei to retrieve her kite from the roof of Wan Mei's dwelling. Once Wan Mei was on the roof, Wan Xiang maliciously ordered her shadow, February, to remove the ladder, knowing Wan Mei had lost her martial arts. Trapped, Wan Mei, out of desperation, attempted to use the "Hover between Life and Death" technique. To her astonishment, she successfully leaped from the rooftop, landing safely and demonstrating that she had regained her martial arts.
Wan Xiang, witnessing this, became even more uneasy and instructed February to continue monitoring Wan Mei. That night, alone in her room, Wan Mei lit candles, her thoughts drifting back to Chang An, recalling his past promises and gentle words, feeling an immense sense of solitude. The following day, Yue Ying delivered the Beauty-recovering Ointment to Wan Mei, but unbeknownst to them, Wan Xiang had tampered with it.
The altered ointment caused Wan Mei such discomfort that she was forced to seek assistance at Ting Zhu House late at night, appearing disheveled. Cha Luo, upon learning of Wan Xiang’s prank, was greatly amused and, feeling vindicated, assigned Wan Xiang the mission to assassinate Supreme Killer Cha Wu, promising her the coveted position if she succeeded.
Cha Luo then summoned Wan Mei, condescendingly remarking on her disfigured face and lack of martial arts, questioning her fitness as a junior killer. Wan Mei offered to step down, but Cha Luo, surprisingly, praised her attentiveness and calm demeanor. To silence her critics, Cha Luo assigned Wan Mei an "easy" task: to supervise the upcoming Supreme Killer battle. Cha Luo then revealed the shocking truth that Cha Wu and Wan Xiang were mother and daughter.
She explained that Cha Wu had once married a wealthy man, Mo Qian Jun, during a mission, and had given birth to Wan Xiang before being recalled by the former Lady, Lan He, forcing her to abandon her family and property. This revelation left Wan Mei deeply conflicted. Cha Luo later informed Liu Guang of her plan, which greatly distressed Liu Guang, who understood Cha Wu's fate was sealed.
Feeling compassion for Cha Wu, Liu Guang sought out Xing Feng and requested to handle the site-clearing after the battle. Xing Feng, citing his duty and the need for Cha Luo’s approval, declined her request, further stating that Liu Guang was being pessimistic as the battle hadn't even begun. Xing Feng reported Liu Guang's request to Cha Luo. Cha Luo, surprised by Liu Guang's concern for Cha Wu, mused that Liu Guang's reaction had given her a new idea.
To further complicate matters for Wan Mei, Cha Luo decided that Chang An would conduct the site-clearing, partly as a favor to Liu Guang and partly to observe Wan Mei's reaction. Wan Mei, concerned for Wan Xiang, visited her and subtly hinted that her current assassination plan was too crude and that she should reconsider, especially since Cha Wu was also an expert in incense.
Wan Xiang, however, dismissed Wan Mei's advice, confident in her own abilities, leaving Wan Mei helpless. Later, Chang An arrived at Wan Mei’s residence, stating he was ordered by Liu Guang to assist in supervising the battle and prevent any shadow interference. Wan Mei, still cold towards him, wanted him to leave, but Chang An insisted he was bound by orders.
He then cautiously warned Wan Mei to be wary, suggesting that Cha Luo and Cha Wu, having entered Gui Hua City at the same time, might harbor a deep-seated resentment, and that entering Gui Hua City was easy, but leaving was not, with many ending up as pawns in others' schemes. Wan Mei, exasperated, questioned what kind of plan she, as a mere supervisor, could possibly make, and again urged him to leave.
Episode 20 Recap
Wan Mei, supervising Wan Xiang's mission to assassinate Cha Wu, cunningly disguised herself as a desperate young woman selling herself to cure her ailing father. Cha Wu, feeling sympathetic, gave Wan Mei a silver ingot and instructed her to come to Mi's Clothing Shop the following day. When Wan Mei arrived at the shop, her face already healed by Gong Zi, Cha Wu presented her with beautiful new clothes.
Cha Wu then surprisingly asked Wan Mei to be her daughter for just one night, a request Wan Mei, though startled, readily accepted. Cha Wu explained that it was her daughter's birthday, and she intended to take her to Transitory Chateau to witness the rare blooming of the epiphyllum.
Unbeknownst to Cha Wu, the chateau's proprietress had been coerced by Wan Xiang to manipulate the lucky draw, ensuring Wan Xiang would be seated with Cha Wu and Wan Mei to enjoy the wine and the flower viewing together. During their time, Cha Wu shared stories about her daughter and asked about Wan Xiang's mother, but Wan Xiang was evasive.
Cha Wu then shifted the conversation, directly asking Wan Xiang and Wan Mei which of them was there to kill her and usurp her position as Supreme Killer. She revealed she had long seen through the deception and knew someone intended to assassinate her. With her plan exposed, Wan Xiang immediately attacked Cha Wu, engaging in a fierce battle. Wan Mei tried to intervene, urging them to wait until the epiphyllum bloomed, but they disregarded her.
Wan Xiang used her signature incense, only to discover Cha Wu had long lost her sense of smell and the ability to use incense. Wan Xiang blamed Wan Mei for providing misleading information, while Wan Mei retorted that Wan Xiang should have used her own unique incense and listened to her advice from the start. Wan Xiang was ultimately defeated and fell to the ground.
As the white epiphyllum finally blossomed, Cha Wu calmly began to admire it with Wan Mei. However, Wan Xiang, still on the ground, placed a Bull's Head Sandalwood, given to her by her mother years ago, into an incense burner. She gritted her teeth, demanding another fight, and used the sandalwood's fumes to injure Cha Wu. Upon seeing the familiar Bull's Head Sandalwood, Cha Wu was stunned, realizing that the assailant, Wan Xiang, was her own daughter, Zheng Er.
Stunned, Cha Wu tearfully confessed she was Wan Xiang’s mother, calling her by her birth name, Zheng Er. Wan Xiang was shocked and conflicted by the revelation. Cha Wu then explained that she had been recalled to Gui Hua City the day Wan Xiang turned one, forcing her to leave her family behind. Witnessing the tragic reunion, Wan Mei urged them to flee while Chang An distracted the other shadows.
Knowing she couldn't escape far with an injured Wan Xiang, Cha Wu made the heartbreaking decision to sacrifice herself to ensure her daughter’s mission was completed. She willingly used Wan Xiang's Red Demon Umbrella to take her own life, urging Wan Xiang with her dying breath to find a way to leave Gui Hua City forever. Devastated by the loss of her mother, Wan Xiang fainted. When she regained consciousness, Wan Mei was by her bedside.
Wan Xiang hoarsely asked if Wan Mei had known the truth all along. Wan Mei confirmed that the entire scenario, designed for the mother and daughter to kill each other, was a setup by the Lady of Gui Hua City, Cha Luo. She explained that she had tried her best to subtly hint at the danger, but the pervasive spies of Gui Hua City made direct warnings impossible.
Wan Xiang was filled with bitter irony and hatred: the Lady she had always sought to please had orchestrated her mother's death, while Wan Mei, whom she had always seen as a rival, had genuinely tried to help her. Consumed by her desire for revenge against Cha Luo, Wan Xiang proposed an alliance with Wan Mei, but Wan Mei declined the offer.
Meanwhile, Yue Ying reported to Gong Zi that Han Xiu's salt business was now being handled by Fang Ge, the Master of Martial Arts, who had arrived at King Ning's Residence demanding answers about Han Xiu's death. Gong Zi, maintaining a composed demeanor, calmly denied any direct involvement in Han Xiu's murder.
He stated that Gui Hua City operates on strict rules, especially regarding employer confidentiality, and therefore he could not reveal the identity of the person who commissioned the assassination. Fang Ge, reminding Gong Zi of a past favor, insisted that Gui Hua City turn over the killer. Gong Zi, still unwilling to reveal Wan Mei, claimed he only knew the order came from Cha Luo and that the killer was a junior assassin whose specific name he did not know.
He requested one month to investigate and personally deliver the killer to Fang Ge, a proposition Fang Ge reluctantly accepted. Back in Gui Hua City, Cha Luo was informed of Cha Wu's defeat. Delighted, she proceeded with the rewards, promoting Wan Xiang to Supreme Killer and allowing Wan Mei to remain a Junior Killer for her effective supervision of the battle.
Cha Luo then offered to divide the twenty Kylin Worms taken from Cha Wu's body between Wan Xiang and Wan Mei. Wan Mei respectfully declined her share of the worms, asserting that she merely supervised and did not deserve such credit. She emphasized that Kylin Worms were exclusive to the Supreme Killer and should rightfully belong solely to Wan Xiang. Wan Mei further declared that she had come to understand the city's philosophy of strength and pledged her unwavering loyalty to Cha Luo, a declaration that greatly pleased the Lady.
Episode 21 Recap
With Cha Wu now dead, Cha Luo gloated over Cha Ru, her only remaining contemporary among the top assassins, who was held captive. Despite her white hair and disfigured face, Cha Ru mocked Cha Luo, asserting that Cha Luo's increasing temper was a sign of the King Witchcraft poison taking a toll on her. Cha Ru further ridiculed Cha Luo by revealing that her lover, Xing Feng, was also afflicted with a poison.
This meant that although they were close, they could never be intimate, rendering Xing Feng no better than a eunuch. Enraged by Cha Ru's words, Cha Luo nearly killed her but stopped herself from fulfilling Cha Ru's wish for a quick death. Instead, still seething, she unleashed her fury on two of Liu Guang's arriving subordinates, killing them on the spot.
Liu Guang, despite seeing her subordinates brutally murdered, could only show respect to Cha Luo and dared not speak out. However, Liu Guang's attendant, Shi Yi, complained about Cha Luo's ruthlessness. Liu Guang, not wanting to offend Cha Luo further, immediately ordered Shi Yi to receive thirty lashes as punishment. After Shi Yi left, Liu Guang asked Chang An for his thoughts.
Chang An observed that Cha Luo's face had been fluctuating between red and white, suggesting that her recent erratic behavior was not due to a bad temper but rather the monthly backlash from the King Witchcraft. Liu Guang acknowledged Chang An's shrewdness but cautioned him to be careful with his speculations. Since Chang An's departure, Wan Mei had been alone. Now, Er Yue was assigned as her new shadow.
Wan Mei was initially unwilling to accept him because he had previously colluded with Wan Xiang to bully her. Er Yue desperately knelt and pleaded with Wan Mei, explaining that if she didn't accept him, Xing Feng would have him killed. Wan Mei, understanding the rules of Gui Hua City, eventually agreed to keep him but sternly told him to stop his obsequious behavior. Soon after, Chang An arrived to deliver some items to Wan Mei.
Er Yue attempted to make things difficult for Chang An, but Wan Mei stopped him, asserting that Er Yue had no business interfering with matters of Ji Gu Pavilion. Wan Mei then tried to dismiss Chang An by pointedly asking him to help her with her hair, which he refused, stating he was no longer her shadow. Annoyed, Wan Mei told Chang An to leave.
Just as Chang An was about to depart, Liu Guang arrived and assigned a new mission to Wan Mei: assassinate Qin Yu Sang and frame Fang Ge. Er Yue was horrified, knowing that Qin Yu Sang had little interest in women and possessed formidable martial arts skills, making the task incredibly dangerous. He knelt and implored Wan Mei not to accept it. However, Wan Mei remained resolute and accepted the difficult mission.
Seeing Wan Mei's determination, Er Yue turned to Chang An, begging him to persuade Wan Mei. Wan Mei, exasperated, angrily ordered Er Yue to stand up and cease his meddling. Liu Guang watched the scene unfold with a subtle smile. She offered to lend Chang An to Wan Mei if she needed assistance with the mission. However, Chang An steadfastly refused, declaring that as Liu Guang's shadow, he must always remain by her side.
That night, Liu Guang summoned Chang An to her room, desiring his companionship. When Chang An remained unyielding, Liu Guang forced him to ingest a potent aphrodisiac called "Li Sao." As the drug coursed through his body, Chang An's face flushed crimson, and his mind filled with images of Wan Mei. To escape the torment, he desperately used a dagger to wound himself, causing him to lose consciousness.
Meanwhile, Gong Zi learned that Cha Luo had assigned the assassination of Qin Yu Sang to Wan Mei. He was surprised, having expected a high-level mission like this to go to a supreme assassin like Liu Guang. Concerned for Wan Mei's safety, Gong Zi disguised himself and secretly visited her to offer guidance on her martial arts, instructing her to meet him at Ting Zhu House the following morning.
The next day, Wan Mei went to Ting Zhu House to meet Gong Zi, where she learned more about Qin Yu Sang's nature. Gong Zi revealed that Qin Yu Sang was a martial arts enthusiast with no interest in women, and that to capture his attention, Wan Mei would need to appeal to his passion.
Gong Zi then taught Wan Mei a rare technique called the Shen Yin sword style, instructing her to combine it with the "Hover between Life and Death" technique. After practicing, Wan Mei set off to Qin Yu Sang's residence. Upon her arrival, she found Qin Yu Sang overwhelmed by numerous martial artists seeking an audience.
Wan Mei proposed a solution: have all visitors write down their intentions and the martial arts secrets they could offer on paper, allowing Qin Yu Sang to review them and decide whom to meet. Qin Yu Sang found her suggestion practical and agreed to implement it. Wan Mei then seized the opportunity, writing only the character "Human" on her paper. Qin Yu Sang was intrigued but, seeing that Wan Mei was a woman, initially dismissed her. However, his eyes lit up when he noticed the Shen Yin sword she was carrying, and he immediately changed his mind, agreeing to meet her in his study.
Episode 22 Recap
Wan Mei presented her Divine Hidden Sword to Qin Yu Sang, who admired it greatly. He offered to trade the Arhat Boxing and Demon-killing Swordsmanship for the sword, but Wan Mei refused, explaining that while she lacked the internal energy to fully wield the sword's power, she had mastered the 13th move of Shen Yin Swordsmanship, "End of Skylight," making his offer insufficient.
Instead, she proposed a unique exchange: they would both write the name of the most important person in their lives on their palms. Surprisingly, both revealed "Fang Ge" written on their hands. Qin Yu Sang explained that Fang Ge was his savior, brother, soulmate, and closest friend, someone he revered as a god. Wan Mei, however, scoffed, revealing that Fang Ge was her father's murderer. Qin Yu Sang vehemently denied this, prompting Wan Mei to challenge him to a duel.
She declared that if she could defeat him within 12 moves of Shen Yin Swordsmanship, he must tell her how to break Fang Ge's acupoint-sealing technique. If she failed, she would unconditionally teach him the 13th move. Qin Yu Sang, already familiar with the first 12 moves and unwilling to truly harm her, accepted the challenge but proposed a "verbal" fight instead of a physical one.
During their "verbal" combat, Wan Mei continually insulted Fang Ge while describing the ruthless nature of her moves. Qin Yu Sang countered by identifying her moves and the techniques to counter them, noting her ferocity. Despite her efforts, Wan Mei couldn't truly "win" the verbal exchange. To further her point, she described her father's fatal wound as a crescent shape, a signature mark of Fang Ge's unique swordsmanship that she believed was inimitable.
Qin Yu Sang dismissed this, demonstrating how an ordinary sword could create such a mark by simply flipping the wrist and controlling one's strength. He still believed in Fang Ge's goodness and told Wan Mei to leave, declining the offer of the 13th move. Undaunted, Wan Mei insisted Fang Ge was not a good person and urged Qin Yu Sang to accompany her to the Buddhist Temple for proof.
There, Wan Mei feigned a visit on behalf of Fang Ge and retrieved a letter Mrs. Qin had left for him. Qin Yu Sang initially suspected it was a love letter between his wife and Fang Ge, but upon opening it, he was relieved to find it contained martial arts notes. Wan Mei then revealed her true intentions, meticulously explaining how Fang Ge had been exploiting Qin Yu Sang.
Fang Ge deliberately found Qin Yu Sang a wife who knew Sanskrit so she could translate the martial arts manuals Qin Yu Sang collected and secretly send them to him, all to enhance his own power and consolidate his position as the martial arts leader. Qin Yu Sang, though understanding the deception, remained loyal, stating that without Fang Ge, who took him in after his parents died, he wouldn't be alive.
Seeing his unwavering loyalty, Wan Mei decided on a more drastic measure. Wan Xiang, disguised as an elderly woman, went to Fang Ge's residence, claiming to be Qin Yu Sang's mother and attempting to "redeem" him with a "body contract." Fang Ge denied any knowledge of such a contract and offered her money, promising to investigate and reunite her with her son if her story proved true.
Wan Mei then led Qin Yu Sang to meet the disguised Wan Xiang, staging an ambush where the old woman was attacked by an "assassin." Qin Yu Sang intervened to protect her, while Wan Mei "pursued" the attacker. The old woman tearfully claimed Fang Ge had sent the assassin because she had just tried to reclaim her son.
She recounted Qin Yu Sang's true origins, including a unique birthmark on his shoulder, and falsely claimed Fang Ge had manipulated his childhood memories to make him believe Fang Ge was his savior, when in reality, he was the enemy who engineered his father's gambling ruin and bought him. Qin Yu Sang, convinced by this elaborate deception, became enraged and vowed to seek revenge on Fang Ge for his family's suffering.
The old woman (Wan Xiang) feigned fear and advised against directly confronting Fang Ge due to his power, suggesting they simply flee. Wan Mei's true plan was to make Qin Yu Sang lose faith in Fang Ge, then fake Qin Yu Sang's death so he could escape and start a new life. However, Wan Xiang, secretly acting under Cha Luo's orders, intervened.
As Qin Yu Sang approached the "fake" Fang Ge (who was Wan Mei's subordinate, February, in disguise), he hesitated at the last moment, realizing the man was not Fang Ge. At that instant, Wan Xiang appeared, revealing she was sent by Cha Luo to ensure the mission's completion in case Wan Mei showed mercy. She unleashed a poisonous fragrance, causing Qin Yu Sang to bleed from his orifices and quickly die.
Wan Mei was horrified and distraught, realizing Wan Xiang's betrayal. She confessed to the dying Qin Yu Sang that her intention was never to kill him but to help him escape, confirming the truth of his origins and the fact that his mother was indeed alive and looked like the disguise he had just seen.
Despite the deception and his impending death, Qin Yu Sang expressed that he still didn't regret helping Fang Ge, who had given him a good life. Wan Mei, furious, berated February for his disloyalty and Wan Xiang for her malicious actions and for using another's mother. Wan Xiang, in turn, subtly manipulated February into pre-emptively reporting to Cha Luo, shifting the blame onto Wan Mei to cover their own misdeeds.
Meanwhile, Gong Zi visited Fang Ge, proposing to take over Han Xiu's salt business. He requested a letter of introduction for Xue Yan Tower, offering Fang Ge a 30% share of the profits. Fang Ge was reluctant, but Gong Zi revealed his leverage: Qin Yu Sang's real mother was staying with him, and she possessed Qin Yu Sang's "body contract." Fearing that this information would tarnish his reputation, Fang Ge reluctantly agreed to provide the letter.
With the letter in hand, Gong Zi proceeded to Xue Yan Tower, where the head told him he would have to pass three tests to enter the salt business, starting with a test of courage.
Episode 23 Recap
Gongzi arrived at Xueyan Tower with Fang Ge's letter, ready to undertake the three trials required to gain access to their business. He was informed that simply daring to enter their establishment fulfilled the first test of courage. For the second test, which assessed knowledge, he was asked to identify the deity depicted in a painting on the wall.
Gongzi correctly identified it as Guan Zhong, the God of Salt, explaining that Guan Zhong implemented the salt law during the Spring and Autumn period. He further reasoned that for those involved in untaxed salt trade, Guan Zhong was both a god and a devil, and worshipping him while only showing his back signified seeking his protection while avoiding his oversight. The final test was one of luck, involving twelve cups of wine, one of which was poisoned.
He was told that whoever drank the poisoned wine first would lose. Viewing the challenge as a gamble with his life, much like the untaxed salt trade itself, Gongzi showed no fear and volunteered to go first. Despite unknowingly drinking the poisoned cup, he maintained a composed demeanor, successfully deceiving his hosts into believing the last cup was the poisoned one. This allowed him to pass the test and secure the right to manage the salt business.
As Gongzi descended the mountain, he began to feel the effects of the poison, mistakenly calling out Wan Mei's name as Yue Ying supported him, which displeased her. Meanwhile, Er Yue informed Cha Luo about Wan Mei's alleged affair with Chang An. Cha Luo, recognizing Er Yue's manipulative nature, nonetheless deemed the affair a serious breach of Gui Hua City's rules.
She spared Er Yue's life but ordered Xing Feng to find him a new master, decreeing that until then, he would receive three daily lashings as punishment for his disloyalty. Cha Luo expressed her delight at the opportunity to punish Wan Mei and Chang An publicly. She proposed inflicting Chang An with the "Anti-sex" spell, similar to what she endured, to make them suffer equally. Xing Feng, however, refused, stating that no other man should suffer as he had.
He suggested using "Heart-eating Worms" on Chang An instead. Xing Feng later confronted Chang An about his loyalty to Wan Mei, explaining that if Chang An willingly accepted the Heart-eating Worm, he could return to Wan Mei's side and protect her, though he would endure constant gnawing pain from the worm for the rest of his life. Chang An, to spare Wan Mei from punishment, accepted the condition.
Cha Luo, witnessing Chang An's immediate pain upon the worm's proximity, was pleased and ordered Chang An to personally implant the worm into Wan Mei within 24 hours. Success would allow him to be her shadow again, while failure would bring severe consequences. Later, as Xing Feng combed Cha Luo's hair, she recounted a recurring nightmare where she massacred the Xie Family but failed to find the Wordless Edict, leading to her employer, Yue Qing Ya, threatening her life.
Xing Feng reassured her, reminding her that she was now Yue Qing Ya's equal. He then updated her on the Heart-eating Worms, confirming they were ready. He explained that once a worm was placed inside Wan Mei, Chang An would experience burning heart pain and wish for death whenever they were within 0. 33 meters of each other, with the pain intensifying the closer they got.
He assured her this was sufficient to fulfill her wishes, noting that unlike "Anti-sex," it would not cause impotence. Cha Luo, calling Xing Feng "merciful," was satisfied with the plan. Chang An then sought out Wan Mei, who maintained a cold demeanor towards him. He informed her that Cha Luo commanded him to implant a worm into her, and that accepting it would prevent her from being punished for her unauthorized mission changes.
He refused to disclose the "second thing" until she consented, stating he would kneel until she agreed. At that moment, Yue Ying arrived to report that Gongzi had been poisoned and requested to see Wan Mei. Yue Ying mentioned that while the new poison had been detoxified, Gongzi's old illness had relapsed and was difficult to cure. Both Yue Ying and Wan Mei left, leaving Chang An kneeling outside. Wan Mei found Gongzi in the Ting Zhu House, visibly intoxicated.
He invited her to drink with him, despite her concerns about his condition. Gongzi revealed that it was his birthday and shared stories from his childhood, where his mother never celebrated his birthday but instead gave him books on internal energy or witchcraft. He recalled practicing desperately to earn new books each year, which eventually led to a heart condition. Doctors had told him that if he ceased martial arts and rested, he might live until his thirties or forties.
Wan Mei tried to stop him from drinking more, but Gongzi insisted. He pulled her down, remarking that "people have to be sober and disciplined forever," which he found exhausting. When Wan Mei pushed him away, he questioned whom she was keeping her virginity for in a place as dark as Gui Hua City. Wan Mei replied, looking down, that she kept it only for herself. Gongzi then dismissed her, telling her to return tomorrow.
Wan Mei returned to her room to find Chang An still kneeling outside, waiting for her answer. She admitted she needed more time to decide, and he reiterated he would wait until she consented. Wan Mei spent the entire night deliberating. By morning, she softened and finally agreed. Chang An then personally implanted the Heart-eating Worm into her. After the implantation, Chang An declared that he was once again Wan Mei's shadow.
Meanwhile, in the Blood Lotus Cult, Yue Qing Ya mourned the death of his disciple, Lan Ruo, ordering three months of mourning and seven days of lights to honor his spirit. Overcome with grief and a desire for vengeance, Yue Qing Ya vowed to eliminate Gui Hua City and immediately dispatched a secret message to the capital, ordering Ruan Niang to mobilize the Imperial Army for an immediate night raid.
Ruan Niang, upon receiving Yue Qing Ya's token, expressed her intent to lead the Imperial Army to crush Gui Hua City that very night, highlighting their proximity and the element of surprise. She instructed her subordinates that Cha Luo was hers alone and no one else was to touch her, as she planned to inflict prolonged suffering upon Cha Luo to avenge her own family.
Unbeknownst to them, Xing Feng had discovered medicine dregs buried in the bamboo forest outside Ting Zhu House. He noted that the medicine was not typical for Gui Hua City and, upon further investigation, found that while the prescription was for recuperation, only six of the eleven herbs were used, and arsenic had been added. He concluded that Gongzi was dying, though he initially suspected a trap, he dismissed it due to Yue Ying's secretive actions.
As the night raid commenced, Ruan Niang's forces began to besiege Gui Hua City. She instructed a unit to surround the Senior Killers' House and Chui Xing Tower, while she personally headed to the Junior Killers' House. She encountered Chang An, informing him that Wan Mei was at Ting Zhu House. Ruan Niang then ordered Chang An to change into Imperial Army attire and join her in infiltrating Chui Xing Tower after she had dealt with the junior killers.
Chang An protested, pointing out the junior killers were innocent and had not harmed her family. Ruan Niang, however, was resolute, stating that it was Yue Qing Ya's order and she could not explain not eliminating them. She fiercely declared that her own family was innocent too and that she would not let this opportunity for revenge slip away.
Episode 24 Recap
Wan Mei arrived at Ting Zhu House, and although Yue Ying was reluctant, she allowed Wan Mei to enter. The Gentleman was already waiting, acknowledging his disrespectful behavior from the previous night. He admitted he was conscious and knew what he was doing, then straightforwardly asked Wan Mei if it was so difficult for her to be his woman.
Wan Mei stood her ground, stating that he would have many women throughout his life, and despite her humble origins, she did not wish to be merely one of them. The Gentleman pressed further, asking if she thought he only treated her as a toy and if she still wouldn't trust him even if he was serious.
Wan Mei responded that she only believed in mutual support in times of hardship and that only a couple of equal social standing could truly be together forever. As they spoke, a barrage of arrows suddenly rained down from outside. The Gentleman quickly shielded Wan Mei. It was the Imperial Army attacking the city. Meanwhile, Ruan Niang confronted Chang An, urging him to turn against Gui Hua City.
Chang An refused, declaring he had no choice and that she would have to kill him first. As they debated, Cha Luo and Xing Feng arrived. Ruan Niang, powerful and imposing, declared she was acting on Preceptor Yue's orders to flatten Gui Hua City. Cha Luo retorted defiantly, "In your dream!" Despite Ruan Niang's superior numbers, Liu Guang arrived just in time, releasing gu worms to disrupt the Imperial Army, allowing Cha Luo and Xing Feng to hastily retreat.
The Gentleman was hit by an arrow while protecting Wan Mei. Biting down, Wan Mei pulled the broken arrow out. The Gentleman recognized it as a "White-feathered Black Arrow," the distinctive weapon of the Imperial Army. He deduced that Preceptor Yue, Yue Qing Ya, had acted with surprising audacity, underestimating him. He noted the urgency, needing to restore his internal balance immediately. Meanwhile, Cha Luo and her group found themselves surrounded.
Ruan Niang gloated that no one else was left alive and offered a reward for Cha Luo's capture. Cha Luo rallied her remaining forces, reminding them that Gui Hua City at least offered them a place to live, even if undesirable. Ruan Niang then revealed her trump card: Repeating Crossbows, threatening them to surrender or face certain death. Amidst the chaotic battle, Xing Feng seized Cha Luo and made a quick escape.
Cha Luo chastised Xing Feng for taking matters into his own hands, but he explained that the gu worm in her body had begun to bite back, putting her life in danger. Cha Luo cried out, proclaiming her fearlessness of death and her refusal to flee. Xing Feng reminded her that she said the same thing when Cha Ru tried to kill her and reiterated that he would never abandon her.
Cha Luo then asked him to return with her, and he pledged to follow her wherever she went, as her shadow. After his recovery, the Gentleman, accompanied by Wan Mei and Yue Ying, arrived at the main battlefield, ordering everyone to retreat to Bi An Palace. He declared that defending Bi An Palace was defending Gui Hua City, asserting his identity as Li Si Yuan, King Ning.
He admitted the gossip of him being a nominal owner but declared that as long as he was the owner, he would live and die with the city. He promised to restore Gui Hua City to its former glory within three months. Inspired by his words, Yue Ying and Wan Mei led everyone in kneeling, pledging their willingness to fight alongside him. The Gentleman, Yue Ying, Wan Mei, and Chang An then discussed their strategy.
The Gentleman, acknowledging his own weakened internal energy, asked for suggestions. Yue Ying proposed using poison to buy them two more hours. They concluded that Preceptor Yue's actions were unauthorized, and the only solution was to obtain a royal edict from the King. The Gentleman suggested Yue Ying accompany Wan Mei, noting Yue Ying's mastery of poison would give them a chance to break through the Imperial Army.
Yue Ying initially refused, citing her loyalty, but the Gentleman urged her not to let loyalty cloud her judgment. Chang An then volunteered to stay and protect the Gentleman, vowing to risk his life for the Gentleman's safety. The Gentleman accepted, reassuring them he wouldn't easily perish. As Yue Ying and Wan Mei prepared to leave, Cha Luo reappeared.
Yue Ying sarcastically questioned her return, to which Cha Luo retorted that as the Lady of Gui Hua City, she would not abandon it. She then instructed Yue Ying and Wan Mei to hurry to the Palace, while she and Xing Feng would hold their ground. Back in Bi An Palace, the Gentleman observed that the Iron Plow Wood door could hold for about four hours.
He then spoke to Chang An, noting that Chang An wanted Wan Mei to go to the Palace so she wouldn't die there. The Gentleman confronted Chang An about his past with Ruan Niang, asking why Wan Mei had fallen into the lake at Zhai Xing Tower and hated him so deeply. Chang An attributed it to his failure to protect her.
The Gentleman then revealed his long-standing knowledge of Ruan Niang's true identity as Xie Ying, the daughter of Xie Ting Yun, and Chang An's former young mistress. He questioned why Chang An wouldn't side with her, given her family's kindness to him. Chang An responded that only Cha Luo deserved to die, having eliminated the Xie family. The Gentleman then ironically asked if he should trust Chang An with his life.
He then ordered Chang An to command all the remaining forces, and guard the entrance, instructing him to keep his weakening condition a secret. Meanwhile, Cha Luo and Xing Feng, having returned to the main fight, were swiftly captured by Ruan Niang. Ruan Niang taunted Cha Luo about her notorious heartlessness and how Xing Feng was her weakness, threatening to mutilate Xing Feng's face.
Cha Luo angrily demanded Ruan Niang's true identity, and Ruan Niang revealed her real name: Xie Ying. Cha Luo remembered killing Xie Ying's father, Xie Ting Yun, and cruelly mocked her, saying even avenging him wouldn't bring him peace. Xie Ying then threatened Xing Feng's life, demanding to know the location of the Xie family's Wordless Edict. Cha Luo claimed she took nothing from the Xie family but her mother's dressing case.
Just then, Xing Feng, by reversing his blood flow, broke free of his sealed acupoints. He explained that mastering the ability to break free from sealed acupoints by enduring pain was a fundamental training for Gui Hua City's shadows. He then escaped with Cha Luo. As the siege continued, Ruan Niang proposed a deal to Chang An: if they handed over the Gentleman, she would spare everyone else. The Gentleman, hearing this, gave Chang An his implicit consent to negotiate.
Ruan Niang pressed, noting the Gentleman was injured and that this was a good deal to exchange his life for the lives of everyone else. Chang An agreed to the terms, but added a condition: he would remain with the Gentleman. Concurrently, Wan Mei, disguised as a dancer, entered the royal palace for a performance. The King was displeased with the available dancers, many having been executed or fled.
Wan Mei then presented herself as a dancer with an exceptional performance. The King, observing her strong physique, suspected she was skilled in martial arts. Wan Mei confessed she was not a dancer, but rather from Gui Hua City and served King Ning. She stated her purpose was to beg for a royal edict to save Gui Hua City from danger.
The King, surprised, as he believed King Ning was simply recuperating in Gui Hua City, was shown the "White-feathered Black Arrow" that Wan Mei had taken from the Gentleman's shoulder. Recognizing it as an Imperial Army weapon, the King immediately called for Eunuch Yu. Eunuch Yu admitted that Preceptor Yue had transferred the Imperial Army using his token, without the King's knowledge.
Wan Mei seized the opportunity, warning the King that if Preceptor Yue could command the Imperial Army against Gui Hua City without permission today, he might plot a rebellion with border soldiers tomorrow. She emphasized King Ning's lack of ambition and that Gui Hua City was a grant from the late emperor, imploring the King to save the city.
Episode 25 Recap
Ruan Niang, backed by her numerous forces, cornered Chang An and the Prince. Though Chang An appeared to be surrendering the Prince for the safety of others from Gui Hua City, he secretly intended to escape with the Prince. When Chang An tried to make their move, the Prince urged him, "Go."
Chang An whispered to the Prince that he had fulfilled his promise and offered the best deal, to which the Prince, feigning suspicion, asked if Chang An was "using me to get credits for yourself?" Chang An inquired if the Prince could still use his inner energy, and the Prince confirmed he could, but admitted he might never fully recover. Chang An then asked for the Prince's trust.
The Prince replied he found Chang An silly yet trustworthy, adding that if he didn't trust him, he wouldn't let Chang An make such decisions. This exchange revealed a deeper, pre-planned strategy between them. As Chang An tried to lead the Prince away, Ruan Niang reneged on her earlier agreement, ordering Chang An to "Leave the man, and you may go now." Chang An protested that she had promised he would stay with the Prince.
Ruan Niang callously replied that he had stayed long enough and would only witness the Prince's death if he lingered. Chang An insisted he had vowed to Wan Mei to keep His Highness safe, but Ruan Niang dismissed him, saying he had "more than one promise to keep," and ordered her men to seize the Prince. When Chang An resisted, Ruan Niang shouted "Shoot!" but then countermanded, "Stop. I want them alive."
She then redirected her commander to pursue and kill the remaining people from Gui Hua City, asserting that since they refused to follow rules, mercy was no longer an option. Ruan Niang herself went after Chang An and the Prince. Meanwhile, the King deliberated with an advisor about the Imperial Preceptor's unsanctioned mobilization of the royal guards against Gui Hua City. The advisor noted that if successful, the Preceptor's actions would eliminate the Prince, saving the King trouble.
However, the King expressed concern that the Prince, lacking military power and relying on assassins rather than rebels, wasn't a threat. Instead, he worried that the Preceptor's growing power, unchecked by the Prince, might lead to an overthrow of the throne. The King revealed that Wan Mei only possessed his handwritten royal command—a single word—and the guards might not believe it.
He saw the situation as a calculated risk: if Wan Mei succeeded, the Prince would be saved; if she failed, he could use the Preceptor's unauthorized actions as grounds for punishment. Back at Gui Hua City, a subordinate informed Yue Ying and Wan Mei that despite their efforts, Bi An Palace had fallen, and "Chang An made a deal with them, trading His Highness for our safety."
Wan Mei, determined, declared they had the King's royal command to save the city and urged Yue Ying to follow her. As Chang An faced off against Ruan Niang, Wan Mei and Yue Ying arrived. Ruan Niang, surprised by Wan Mei's return, challenged her audacity. Wan Mei, holding up her hand, revealed the King's royal command, ordering all imperial forces to withdraw.
Ruan Niang, seeing only a single word written on Wan Mei's hand, scoffed, accusing her of faking the command and ordering her capture. Wan Mei confronted the imperial commander, asking whose order he followed. He stated it was the Imperial Preceptor's, implying the King's.
When Wan Mei demanded his written royal command, he admitted it was only an oral instruction conveyed through a letter, prompting Wan Mei to highlight his lack of tangible proof compared to her authentic, albeit singular, handwritten command. She warned him that if her command was real and the Prince died, the guards would face severe punishment. Faced with this dilemma, the commander agreed to withdraw his soldiers.
Yue Ying then told Wan Mei to go after the Prince and Chang An, while she handled the remaining affairs. Ruan Niang continued to press Chang An, who was already weakened by a poisoned dart. She urged him to let the Prince go, emphasizing his impending collapse. Chang An insisted on protecting the Prince.
Ruan Niang questioned Chang An's loyalty, reminding him of his identity as the "master of No-word Edict" and "prince of Great Tang," and asking how he could betray his true identity "for a woman." Chang An steadfastly declared that regardless of his identity, he was a man of his word and would keep his promises.
He then offered Ruan Niang a new deal: if she spared the Prince, he would leave with her, kill Cha Luo, and retrieve the No-word Edict, freeing them both from reporting to the Preceptor. Ruan Niang agreed, instructing Chang An to leave the Prince behind and accompany her for the edict. Chang An confirmed the "deal." However, wary of Chang An's past deception, Ruan Niang immediately ordered her men to take the Prince away, effectively reneging on her new promise.
Wan Mei, witnessing the Prince being led away by Ruan Niang's men, furiously lashed out at Chang An, calling him a "coward and betrayer" and saying she was wrong about him. Chang An, trying to explain, pleaded that he made the deal to keep the Prince safe and promised to prove it to her. After the confrontation, Chang An returned to the city and found the No-word Edict in Cha Luo’s makeup box. As rumored, it was completely blank.
Before he could leave, he was ambushed by the Prince, who used a spell to incapacitate him and take the edict. Meanwhile, Wan Mei, still distraught by Chang An's perceived betrayal and fearing the Prince would punish him, went to the Listening Bamboo Courtyard. She first asked Yue Ying about the Prince's condition, expressing her relief that he was well. The Prince, alerted to her presence, asked Yue Ying to send her in.
Wan Mei reported on the city's condition, stating it was damaged but could be repaired. The Prince praised her for saving him, allowing him to live and enjoy the simple beauty of the world. He then asked if she risked her life for him or Gui Hua City.
Wan Mei admitted her initial concern for him but also confessed that after seeing the city's destruction, she realized Gui Hua City, despite its flaws, was her home, and her actions were ultimately for her own survival, as her life depended on both the Prince and the city thriving. The Prince then subtly questioned Wan Mei about Chang An's loyalty, claiming he had passed out and only remembered Chang An looking after him before he woke up captured by guards.
Wan Mei, believing Chang An had indeed sacrificed the Prince for his own safety, knelt and pleaded for Chang An's forgiveness, recounting the deal she had witnessed. The Prince, feigning understanding, granted forgiveness, stating that in this chaotic world, nothing was more important than staying alive. He then subtly suggested that if she was confused, she should ask Chang An directly, further solidifying her misunderstanding. Back in his chambers, the Prince examined the No-word Edict.
Yue Ying, marveling at its existence, expressed her belief it was merely a rumor. The Prince stated that most rumors were true, known only to a select few. He explained that Emperor Wu, hesitant to hand power to his "vicious" daughter, Princess Taiping, created the blank edict, sealing it with black iron, leaving her fate to heaven's will. Yue Ying pointedly asked if his actions were similar to what he had done to Wan Mei.
The Prince then inquired if Cha Luo had returned, to which Yue Ying confirmed her arrival. Later, Wan Mei confronted Chang An, informing him that she had pleaded with the Prince for his forgiveness. She recounted the Prince's words: that he wouldn't blame Chang An because survival was paramount. She then pressed Chang An, "Anything to explain?" Chang An, still unwilling to reveal his true motives, simply replied, "I got nothing to explain." Wan Mei, exasperated, just said, "Good."
Frustrated by Chang An's silence, Wan Mei ordered him to remove the swing and cut down the tree, declaring she couldn't bear to look at them. Chang An pleaded, "I had my reasons. Please believe me." Wan Mei bitterly responded that her trust had repeatedly led her to a dead end. She finally understood that while she trusted him completely, he never reciprocated. Chang An swore he had done nothing wrong to her.
Wan Mei challenged him to "show me your heart" if he was truly serious. Chang An offered to do anything to please her, but Wan Mei cried that he didn't understand what she truly wanted. She wished to face challenges with him, to fight alongside him, and to be his only focus. Chang An solemnly affirmed she was indeed the apple of his eye but explained he had "something I have to do."
Wan Mei, heartbroken, concluded that this was why they could never be together. She lamented that she trusted him unconditionally, yet he never shared his secrets. What hurt her most, she cried, was his failure to keep his promises. In a fit of grief and anger, Wan Mei cut the swing's rope, declaring herself only his master from that moment on, severing all personal affection. She commanded him to destroy the swing and cut down the tree.
Meanwhile, Xing Feng informed Cha Luo that Wan Mei had secured the royal command and the imperial guards had withdrawn. Cha Luo decided it was time to return to Gui Hua City. Xing Feng, concerned, suggested gathering more intelligence first, noting that the attack had inadvertently strengthened the Prince and Wan Mei's authority.
He warned Cha Luo that the Prince might accuse her of desertion, offering to take the blame himself if it came to that, claiming he forced her to leave. Cha Luo, confident in her power, dismissed his worries. Upon their return to Gui Hua City, Liu Guang greeted Cha Luo. Yue Ying immediately confronted Cha Luo, announcing she was there to punish the "traitor Cha Luo for running away from the city" by order of the chief.
Cha Luo scoffed at Yue Ying's authority, asserting herself as the rightful chief and questioning whose orders Yue Ying followed. Yue Ying retorted that Cha Luo's desertion during the crisis stripped her of the right to be chief and offered her a chance to plead guilty. Cha Luo defiantly challenged Yue Ying, a mere supreme killer, to take her on.
The Prince arrived and addressed Xing Feng, the head of Gui Hua City's punishments, asking him about the penalty for a chief who abandons the city in crisis. Cha Luo interjected, claiming her departure allowed Wan Mei and Yue Ying to secure the royal command. The Prince noted her acknowledgment of leaving and returning.
Xing Feng stepped forward, bravely accepting full responsibility, claiming he had forced Cha Luo to leave for her safety and that she had then insisted on returning immediately. The Prince then asked Xing Feng what his punishment should be for running away. Xing Feng, without hesitation, stated the penalty was death. Cha Luo angrily told the Prince not to go too far. Liu Guang pleaded for leniency, citing Xing Feng's loyalty and return to help in the fight.
The Prince then asked Xing Feng what a "lighter punishment" would be. Xing Feng proposed "whipped a hundred times in public as a warning to others." The Prince, acknowledging Xing Feng's apparent reflection, agreed to the lighter punishment, ordering him to appear at Bi An Palace the next noon.
The next day, at Bi An Palace, the Prince publicly praised Wan Mei for her significant contribution in defending Gui Hua City, declaring she "deserved to execute the whipping punishment so as to let others know good and evil have their own rewards." Cha Luo intervened, stating that Xing Feng was her shadow and only her whip could punish him, then handed her whip to Wan Mei.
Wan Mei began to whip Xing Feng, but after a few lashes, seeing the blood, she pleaded with the Prince to spare him, saying Xing Feng had learned his lesson. Liu Guang also begged for mercy, vouching for Xing Feng's loyalty. When Wan Mei hesitated further, the Prince took the whip himself, declaring that Xing Feng had disregarded his role, disrespected his master, and overruled the law, thus deserving no mercy. He continued to brutally whip Xing Feng as Cha Luo watched, pained. Xing Feng, barely conscious, quietly reassured Cha Luo, "I am fine. I really am."
Episode 26 Recap
The Prince brutally whipped Xing Feng, declaring that Xing Feng had disrespected his master and defied the law, leaving no room for mercy. Distraught, Cha Luo knelt before the Prince, pleading for Xing Feng’s forgiveness and a second chance. After the Prince ceased his beating, Cha Luo tearfully watched the severely injured Xing Feng, remembering their past. She recalled a time when she aspired to be a kind woman, but fate seemingly prevented it.
She lamented that she was forced to become a villain, vowing to be the most wicked kind and asking if Xing Feng would stay by her side without regret, to which he affirmed he would always be her shadow, living to protect her. Seeing Xing Feng's pain, Cha Luo swore she would make the Prince and others pay dearly. Meanwhile, Chang An struggled to recall his memories from the illusion, suspecting the Prince had taken the wordless decree.
Yue Ying, conversing with the Prince, mentioned that Cha Luo was severely weakened from the recent bug bites and Xing Feng's injury. She noted it was a golden opportunity to press their advantage against Yue Qingya. Yue Ying then inquired about Chang An, acknowledging his role in saving the Prince. The Prince conceded Chang An had saved him, but deemed Wan Mei's act of saving Gui Hua City far more significant.
He expressed his desire to elevate Wan Mei to City Lord, replacing Cha Luo, but also decided that Chang An must eventually die, though not immediately, to prevent him from becoming an obstacle between himself and Wan Mei. Chang An soon arrived at Ting Zhu House to play chess with the Prince.
Their game was a thinly veiled battle of wits, with Chang An challenging the Prince's presumed blindness and insight, asserting that he sought to be a player, not a mere chess piece. The Prince, in turn, acknowledged Chang An's acumen, admitting he might have underestimated him. After Chang An departed, Yue Ying presented the Prince with a letter from Fang Ge, reminding him of their month-old agreement to hand over Han Xiu's killer or risk Gui Hua City's destruction.
Recognizing the city’s vulnerable state after recent events, the Prince realized he had no choice but to honor the promise. He instructed Yue Ying to burn the letter and summoned Wan Mei to Ting Zhu House the next day. At Ting Zhu House, Wan Mei arrived to find the Prince seemingly suffering from sunstroke and asked her to help him cool down.
The Prince grew intimate, reminiscing about how Wan Mei was the first person he saw after regaining his sight, kneeling in the rain, soaked and pale. He confessed his strong feelings for her, insisting he was serious and not treating her as a mere tool, but wanted to spend his life with her. Wan Mei, however, politely dismissed his confession, attributing it to his ailment.
The Prince reiterated his sincerity, hinting that she still harbored feelings for Chang An, whom he declared unsuitable for her. He spoke of his own past resistance to love and his new understanding, stating that with time and more experience, Wan Mei would realize who was truly right for her. Wan Mei then shifted the conversation to her next mission, and the Prince instructed her to prepare for a journey.
The Prince later confided in Yue Ying that he no longer wished to extract the Nine Lives from Wan Mei for his own cure because he had truly fallen for her, a feeling he once thought ridiculous. He recounted a childhood memory of being forced to destroy a cherished bow, vowing never to repeat the mistake of losing something precious to him.
However, he then declared that despite his feelings, his "great cause" took precedence, unlike Chang An, he would not sacrifice everything for her. He announced his intention to deliver Wan Mei to Fang Ge as per their agreement. At Fang Ge's residence, he was seen having a meal with his wife and younger sister, Fang Yingying. Fang Ge showed great affection for Yingying, personally peeling shrimp for her, much to his wife's obvious displeasure.
Yingying expressed her disdain for her sister-in-law, complaining that the servants only obeyed her brother. Fang Ge swiftly ordered new, high-quality shoes for Yingying, emphasizing her happiness. That evening, the Prince brought Wan Mei, bound by a rope, to Fang Ge's estate. He explained that the rope was designed to tighten with struggle, making escape impossible, and that deceit would not work on Fang Ge.
Wan Mei expressed her disappointment, recalling the Prince's earlier declaration of love and sarcastically questioning if he would escort her in as a show of sincerity or let her enter alone. The Prince, citing an impending visitor, left her bound outside. He himself remained at Fang's residence, and when he later approached Wan Mei, he attempted to embrace her, but her fierce struggle left him frustrated and helpless. Later, Yingying discovered Wan Mei feeding rats in the dark.
Wan Mei calmly explained her lack of fear of rats or darkness, stating she only feared starvation, death, and loneliness in the past, but now feared nothing. Yingying revealed she was Fang Ge's eleven-year-old sister and confessed she found Wan Mei unique as Wan Mei was the only one besides her brother who would talk to her. Yingying then secretly unlocked Wan Mei’s door, proposing they go out for fresh air and suggesting they find her father together.
The Prince, realizing Wan Mei was attempting to leave, ordered her back inside. He cautioned her against escape, stating that Fang Ge had not been fooled and her departure would give him reason to attack Gui Hua City. Wan Mei questioned his sudden concern, but the Prince simply stated he didn't want her to die yet, revealing he had ordered Chang An to keep Han Yue occupied to delay her sentencing.
Wan Mei, however, accused the Prince of being too focused on power to understand genuine affection, contrasting his perspective with Chang An's selflessness. She implored him to treat her as a living person, not just a tool, for her remaining days. The Prince simply hoped she wouldn't waste his efforts. The next morning, news arrived that Han Yue was unexpectedly away on a long business trip, as Chang An had arranged.
This meant Wan Mei would have to remain at Fang Ge's residence until Han Yue's return. Shortly after, a servant reported that Fang Yingying was missing. Fang Ge frantically searched, but Wan Mei recalled Yingying speaking of going to see her father, who had been dead for seven years. Wan Mei noticed dust on Yingying's bed, suggesting she hadn't slept there recently. She then inquired about new lanterns in the room.
The nanny revealed that Fang Ge's wife had replaced the old lanterns, and Yingying had repeatedly smashed the new ones in anger without explanation. Connecting these details, Wan Mei deduced that the lanterns were significant and asked if Yingying had ever mentioned wanting to find her father.
Nurse Tian then confessed the truth: Fang Ge's ailing father, fearing for Yingying's future, had ordered her to sell Yingying at a ferry crossing, where she was told to wait for her father to return with an abacus. Upon hearing this, Fang Ge immediately ordered a widespread search for his sister along the river.
Episode 27 Recap
Fang Ge dispatched his servants to search for Ying Ying by the river, and Wan Mei joined them. They discovered Ying Ying asleep in the tall grass near the river, having gone there to wait for her father, whom she believed was purchasing an abacus for her. Fang Ge, relieved to find her safe, gently carried her home, assuring her that her father had already returned with the abacus and she should not wander off again.
Upon seeing Ying Ying, Wan Mei noticed two distinctive cross-shaped scars on her wrist. She immediately recognized them as marks left by the extraction of "virgin blood," a process involving drenching the wound with medicinal water to maintain bleeding. Wan Mei explained that this blood, known as "Zhe Jin," was highly prized and believed to prolong life.
Later, Wan Mei informed Fang Ge that Ying Ying's scars suggested she had endured the same horrifying experience as Wan Mei when she was trafficked. This explained Ying Ying's strong aversion to lanterns, which reminded Wan Mei of the small, simple room where she was held, often drifting in and out of consciousness from being battered and drugged, always seeing a bedside embroidered lantern nearby.
Fang Ge admitted that he had once consumed such blood at a dinner party, finding it "fishy," and was deeply shaken by the realization that his sister had been a victim of this cruel trade. Gongzi decided to depart from Fang Ge's residence, but before leaving, he discreetly handed Wan Mei a note.
The note outlined her new mission: to obtain an IOU from Huang Yu, the master of Zheng Yi Villa, for Fang Ge, before they could reunite the following evening at the Jing She Cottage on the west side of the villa. Gongzi thanked Wan Mei for her presence, acknowledging that Gui Hua City had failed her in the past. That night, Fang Ge visited Wan Mei, curious about her apparent lack of fear towards lanterns.
Wan Mei confessed she was indeed afraid, but had endured far worse: her face being scarred, bones broken, contracting plague, and being abandoned in a strange place, waiting to die. She emphasized that the suffering of impoverished children like her was beyond the comprehension of privileged individuals. Fang Ge then shared his own story, recounting how he had left home for three years to pursue martial arts.
Upon his return, he found his father had died and Ying Ying was missing. He tirelessly searched for three months, eventually finding her after someone left her at his old family home. He initially believed his newfound influence had deterred her captors, but soon realized Ying Ying's memory was confined to events before she turned eleven. Fang Ge expressed deep regret for failing to protect her, admitting he had since amassed wealth to compensate her with the best possible life.
Wan Mei quickly deduced that Fang Ge sought details about the blood trade to avenge Ying Ying. She urged him to reconsider, questioning the true benefit for Ying Ying, who now lived contentedly in a world where she believed her father was still alive, treated her well, praised her cleverness, and bought her an abacus.
Wan Mei advised Fang Ge to let go of the past and instead spend more time simply being present with Ying Ying, even if it meant just sitting beside her and watching her talk to little mice. She also revealed that she joined Gui Hua City out of desperation, as she had no powerful sibling to avenge her, and it was her only path to survival. Fang Ge promised to consider her suggestion.
Meanwhile, back in Gui Hua City, Chang An anxiously awaited Wan Mei's return. Gongzi, having returned alone, mocked Chang An's devotion to Wan Mei, likening it to a "stupid flying moth darting into the flame," suggesting it was a futile gesture. Chang An passionately countered that such a moth was willing to sacrifice everything. Chang An pressed Gongzi on whether his order to send Han Yue away was meant to save Wan Mei.
Gongzi deflected, asserting that there were many things Chang An did not understand. The following day, while searching Fang Ge's mansion for the IOU, Wan Mei accidentally revealed her presence to Madam Fang. Panicked, Wan Mei attempted to take Madam Fang hostage to escape. Fang Ge intervened, demanding his wife's release. When Wan Mei expressed distrust, Fang Ge surprisingly stabbed himself as a demonstration of his sincerity, vowing to let her go this once but to continue his pursuit later.
Wan Mei released Madam Fang and fled. However, Fang Ge caught up to her. Resigned, Wan Mei urged him to kill her, expressing her despair at her humble, unprivileged existence. Fang Ge then questioned her about Han Xiu's death. Wan Mei clarified that Han Xiu had committed suicide out of remorse for Peony, rather than being murdered by her. Convinced, Fang Ge allowed her to depart, advising her to "try her best to be nice" in her future life.
He also cautioned her that his people would continue to search for her. Before leaving, Wan Mei urged Fang Ge to care for Ying Ying, reminding him that Ying Ying feared darkness and that he should avoid bringing up her past trauma, focusing instead on being present with her.
Fang Ge acknowledged her words and affirmed his commitment to his sister, noting that he released Wan Mei not because of their shared experience, but because of her discernible moral "baseline" and asked her to hold onto it. Upon her return to Gui Hua City, Wan Mei apologized to Gongzi for failing to retrieve the IOU. Gongzi, unfazed, calmly admitted that Fang Ying Ying's disappearance had been his doing.
He had simply guided Ying Ying in a specific direction, knowing Wan Mei would find her. He explained it was a deliberate "psychological offense," designed to evoke Fang Ge's sympathy for Wan Mei, thereby safeguarding her and Gui Hua City. Wan Mei was furious, arguing that she would rather die than exploit someone else's scars, even if it meant her own survival.
Gongzi, visibly irritated, retorted that "good people usually don't live long," and that in this world, there were no rules. Wan Mei, however, insisted they should at least uphold their own moral "baselines." Seeing Gongzi's physical weakness, Wan Mei ended the argument. Gongzi then reaffirmed that despite the unretrieved IOU, the mission would proceed. Later, Chang An brought Wan Mei rice dumplings he had prepared.
Wan Mei praised them, and Chang An observed that her insistence on delving into life's contradictions made her existence harder than others. He acknowledged the validity of her argument with Gongzi but also defended Gongzi's actions as the only viable path to protect Gui Hua City and save her. Chang An then hinted at his own hidden past, stating he "owed someone a life" and was "involuntary," unable to stay with her and protect her forever.
He also alluded to his impending departure from Gui Hua City, suggesting someone better would come to protect her. Wan Mei, deeply moved by his words, tearfully pleaded with him to take her away from Gui Hua City. Chang An, who had returned specifically to hear her make such a request, readily agreed to her plea.
As they embraced, Gongzi opened the door, asking them if they were ready for their journey to Zheng Yi Villa, confirming he had overheard their conversation. Meanwhile, Chailuo instructed Xing Feng to prepare a potent medical powder that worked through skin absorption. She revealed the powder was to be applied to a garment intended for Fang Ying Ying, describing her as a 19-year-old with the mind of an 11-year-old.
Xing Feng expressed strong disapproval, reminding Chailuo of an unwritten rule in Gui Hua City against harming others' wives and children. Chailuo scoffed at such a "ridiculous rule," questioning if extending kindness would ensure its reciprocation, and dismissed Xing Feng's objections, stating the method was final and she would have Wan Xiang carry out the task.
Episode 28 Recap
Huang Yu, the owner of Zheng Yi Villa, was embroiled in a heated argument with his wife regarding the considerable expenses incurred by hosting the Martial Arts Assembly. His wife, concerned about their mounting debts, suggested he seek financial aid from her family again or even dismiss their disciples to cut costs.
Huang Yu, however, firmly insisted that as the villa's owner, he had a duty to uphold its honor and proceed with the event, to which his wife retorted, questioning how he would handle the inevitable arrival of creditors. Concurrently, Wan Mei, feigning a torn dress, sought entry to Zheng Yi Villa to borrow needle and thread. At the same time, Chang An formally requested an audience with Huang Yu at the front gate.
Introducing himself as an envoy from Fang Ge's Residence, Chang An explained that Fang Yin was occupied and he had been sent in his stead. He informed Huang Yu that he was there to collect a debt of 2,000 taels in interest owed to Fang Ge. Huang Yu was astonished by the large sum, but Chang An calmly explained it was due to compound interest.
When Huang Yu admitted he couldn't pay, Chang An presented an alternative: if Huang Yu publicly supported Fang Ge's ascension to the leadership at the Martial Arts Assembly the day after tomorrow, the debt would be forgiven. Huang Yu indignantly refused, stating that Zheng Yi Villa would never compromise its integrity. Chang An then delivered a cryptic message from Fang Ge: "Those who suit their actions to the time are wise," before departing.
Inside the villa, Wan Mei used illusion to extract information from a disciple named 36. She learned that Huang Yu practiced his powerful Lion's Roar skill alone in the garden every day between 5 and 7 p. m. , as the noise drove everyone away.
36 also revealed that Huang Yu was skilled in the "Turtle's Breath Way," a technique allowing him to feign death or survive by minimizing his breath during danger, although Huang Yu considered it not a grand martial art and preferred it not be widely known. Wan Mei relayed this critical information to Chang An, warning him to be cautious of the Turtle's Breath technique.
Meanwhile, Yue Ying reported to the Prince that she had successfully gathered intelligence on the Bloody Lotus Cult's branches, including their numbers and fighting styles. She confirmed they were ready to impersonate the cult's forces once Fang Ge was deposed. The Prince expressed his satisfaction, stating his intention was simply to ignite a conflict between the Martial Arts world and the Bloody Lotus Cult. Wan Mei and Chang An rendezvoused.
Wan Mei confirmed Huang Yu was angered by Chang An's visit and then shared her findings about Huang Yu's practice routine and his Turtle's Breath technique, advising Chang An to be careful. Wan Mei then questioned the Prince's decision to remove Fang Ge, admitting she didn't understand why the Prince deemed Fang Ge unsuitable to lead.
She acknowledged Fang Ge might be cunning, but his leadership had brought a peaceful society with minimal casualties, a state she personally longed for, unlike the traditional martial artists who disliked such a pragmatic existence. Chang An, in turn, urged Wan Mei to set aside her personal feelings and focus solely on the mission at hand. Later, Wan Mei confronted Huang Yu alone.
She provocatively echoed Fang Ge's earlier warning, "Those who suit their actions to the time are wise," clearly infuriating Huang Yu, who responded with his Lion's Roar skill. As Huang Yu focused on Wan Mei, Chang An seized the opportunity to launch a surprise attack from behind, gravely injuring the villa owner. They then fabricated evidence to frame the Bloody Lotus Cult, with Wan Mei loudly instructing Chang An to remind Fang Ge of his supposed promise to the Cult.
Chang An swiftly departed as Huang Yu's disciples rushed to the scene. Wan Mei intentionally allowed herself to be captured, fulfilling the next phase of the Prince's plan. Upon returning, Chang An found the Prince unconscious. He immediately summoned Yue Ying and instructed her to administer medicine from a red bottle in the first aid box. After regaining consciousness, the Prince acknowledged that without Chang An's quick thinking, he might not have survived.
He insisted he would recover, as he could not afford any weakness at such a critical juncture, especially with their goal of dismantling the Bloody Lotus Cult finally within reach. At the Martial Arts Assembly, Huang Yu's chief disciple, Liu Yan Zhi, brought the captured Wan Mei before the gathered martial artists.
Liu Yan Zhi announced that Huang Yu had been assassinated by this "evil girl" from the Bloody Lotus Cult, claiming she had stayed at Fang Ge's residence for days, thereby implicating Fang Ge in the attack. Han Yue immediately recognized Wan Mei as the killer of Doctor Shen and his brother Han Xiu, attempting to exact revenge, but Liu Yan Zhi intervened, stating the true mastermind needed to be revealed. Fang Ge denied any connection to the Bloody Lotus Cult.
Huang Yu then appeared, directly questioning Wan Mei about her accomplice. Wan Mei falsely confessed that the leader of the Bloody Lotus Cult sent her, along with Fang Ge, to kill Huang Yu.
When pressed for proof of Fang Ge's involvement, Huang Yu himself stepped forward to accuse Fang Ge, stating that the person who attacked him from behind during the assassination attempt was the same person Fang Ge had sent the previous day to pressure him into supporting his leadership bid. Enraged by Wan Mei's apparent betrayal, Fang Ge confronted her, reminding her that he had once spared her life.
He questioned if her stories about Yingying and her own scar were merely fabricated lies to gain his sympathy, part of a larger scheme against him. He challenged her to explain his supposed motive for cooperating with the Bloody Lotus Cult, but Wan Mei remained silent, unable to respond to his piercing questions. Just then, Yue Ying dramatically intervened, dispersing a potent poison known as "Silver Ghost in Seven Steps," which caused instant paralysis.
Han Yue, skeptical of the poison's lethality, defied the warning and attempted to walk the seven steps, only to collapse and die, proving the poison's devastating effect. With everyone immobilized, Yue Ying then took Wan Mei and made their escape. Once clear of the assembly, Wan Mei angrily demanded why Yue Ying had killed Han Yue, given that he was not even supposed to be there.
Yue Ying calmly explained that the Prince deemed Wan Mei's plan imperfect and that Han Yue's death, though rash, was a "least loss" necessary to escalate the conflict. Wan Mei argued that their mission to strip Fang Ge of his power was already accomplished and questioned the need for further harm. Yue Ying retorted, telling Wan Mei not to question the Prince's judgment.
Chang An then stepped in, urging them both to calm down and reminded them that the Prince and Fang Ge were about to engage in a decisive battle, so they should not be fighting amongst themselves. As Fang Ge confronted the Prince, Chang An discreetly incapacitated Yue Ying by striking her pressure points. Seizing the chaos, he offered Wan Mei the chance to leave with him. Wan Mei happily agreed.
Chang An then whisked her away on horseback, telling her they were going to Gui Hua City for him to complete one final task before they would leave the martial world forever. Wan Mei embraced him joyfully. The Prince and Fang Ge engaged in a fierce battle. Though victorious, the Prince spared Fang Ge's life, explaining that he admired Fang Ge, despite not wanting him to remain the leader.
The Prince acknowledged Fang Ge's pragmatic approach, noting how his "hypocrisy" had brought a false peace to the martial world, a stability even the government couldn't achieve through his salt business. Yet, the Prince highlighted that despite the benefits, the martial artists still scorned him. The Prince then offered Fang Ge two choices: drink a cup of wine containing a Gui Hua City "gu" (worm) to become his loyal subordinate and retain his leadership, or drink poison.
Fang Ge steadfastly refused to become anyone's "dog," declaring his independent spirit, and chose what he believed to be the poisoned cup. The Prince revealed it was merely a test of Fang Ge's character, not poison. He then permitted Fang Ge to leave, asserting that he would prove his vision of a truly peaceful world to him in time.
Episode 29 Recap
Chang An and Wan Mei were attempting to flee Gui Hua City when Xing Feng intercepted them. He stopped them, informing Wan Mei that Wan Xiang had already set out hours ago to assassinate Fang Ying Ying and that only Wan Mei could save her. Meanwhile, Wan Xiang, acting on Cha Luo's orders, disguised herself as a new servant and presented a specially treated dress to Fang Ying Ying, convincing her to wear it.
Wan Xiang told Fang Ying Ying that her master had a gift for her at a dyer in the suburb and that a ride was ready. After Fang Ying Ying put on the dress, she began to feel uncontrollably hot at the dyer's, pouring water over herself. Huang Yu's two sons, who had been placed there, saw Fang Ying Ying in her weakened state and assaulted her.
During the attack, Fang Ying Ying recalled being sold at the age of eleven, enduring two years of having her blood drawn, and then being defiled, all while desperately hoping her father would return. Wan Mei and Chang An arrived to find Fang Ying Ying injured. Enraged, Wan Mei killed Huang Yu's two sons. When she moved to kill their innocent bookboy, Chang An stopped her, urging her not to become like the very men she abhorred.
Shortly after, Fang Ge arrived, heartbroken at the sight of his sister. As Fang Ge cradled Fang Ying Ying, Huang Yu arrived with a group of martial artists. Discovering his sons dead, Huang Yu was furious, refusing to let Fang Ge take Fang Ying Ying to a doctor. To ensure Fang Ge could escape with his sister, Chang An and Wan Mei subdued Huang Yu, allowing them to depart.
On the way to seek medical help, Fang Ying Ying regained consciousness and asked Fang Ge to put her down. She then tearfully confessed that she remembered everything: how her father had tricked her into believing he was buying an abacus, only to sell her. She recounted being bled for two years and subsequently defiled, feeling utterly soiled.
Fang Ying Ying asked her brother to remember her as she was at eleven years old, before succumbing to her injuries in his arms. Fang Ge was devastated, clutching his sister's lifeless body. Wan Mei and Chang An, having escaped their pursuers, caught up. Wan Mei was filled with self-reproach for failing to save Fang Ying Ying.
In his grief and anger, Fang Ge drew his sword, aiming to kill Wan Mei, but Chang An bravely blocked the blade with his bare hand. Fang Ge, lamenting the supposed loyalty of Gui Hua City, let out a cry of despair before leaving with Ying Ying's body. Soon after, Yue Ying found Chang An and Wan Mei and brought them before Prince. Upon their return, Prince questioned why they had left without a word.
Chang An explained that Wan Mei was too kind for Gui Hua City and he intended to take her away. Prince then presented the Wordless Edict, revealing Chang An's true identity as its inheritor. Recognizing Prince's intentions, Chang An agreed to an alliance to defeat Yue Qing Ya, but only on the condition that Wan Mei be allowed to leave Gui Hua City freely and never be troubled again. However, Wan Mei requested to speak with Chang An privately.
She reflected on the injustice of Fang Ying Ying's death and stated that instead of leaving, she intended to stay and become the new City Lady to change the existing corruption. Chang An, seeing her resolve, affirmed his support, telling her he would be satisfied as long as she lived the life she desired and pursued what she loved. Meanwhile, in the imperial palace, the King summoned both Yue Qing Ya and Prince.
The King, showing great favor to Prince, presented him with a Lotus Token, granting him unprecedented power to mobilize silver and troops across various prefectures. Yue Qing Ya, seething with suppressed anger, offered a cold congratulations. Outside the palace, Huang Yu mourned his sons, vowing revenge.
True to his word, Huang Yu, now the leader of the martial arts alliance, led a sweeping campaign that eradicated the Bloody Lotus Cult's branches and main headquarters, effectively dissolving the cult and nullifying Yue Qing Ya's lifelong efforts. In Gui Hua City, Wan Mei was promoted to Senior Killer for her contributions, a decision that ignited Cha Luo's fierce jealousy. Wan Mei, however, chose not to move into the Senior Killers' House, preferring to stay in her current residence.
From Xing Feng, she learned that Chang An had been afflicted with the Heart-biting Worm. The revelation deeply pained Wan Mei, as she realized the immense sacrifice Chang An had made for her, but Chang An reassured her that the pain was preferable to the agony of her previous rejection in Ling City. Cha Luo confronted Prince, venting her frustrations about Wan Mei's promotion and implying that her own position as City Lady was becoming meaningless.
Prince, however, remained unmoved and ignored her complaints, leading Cha Luo to storm off. Moments after Cha Luo's departure, Chang An arrived to speak with Prince, expressing concern for Wan Mei's safety in Gui Hua City, particularly after Yue Ying's anxious visit to Wan Mei's residence. Prince then revealed a long-held secret: Yue Ying had been seeking to extract the Nine Lives pill from Wan Mei's heart, as it was the only cure for his own heart disease.
To protect Wan Mei and ensure Yue Ying would no longer target her, Prince made a drastic decision. He consumed another half of the Foxfire Toxin, rendering his condition incurable even by the Nine Lives pill. Yue Ying, witnessing his self-sacrifice, questioned why Prince would go to such lengths for Wan Mei, who seemed to hold no such affection for him. Prince simply replied that some things in the world cannot be explained.
He stated that a month was not a short time and that he would find a cure, but even if he failed, he had no regrets, as he had lived a long and arduous life and the "show" he had been longing for was finally about to begin.
Episode 30 Recap
Cha Luo gathered her killers for a banquet, serving osmanthus wine to mark the autumn season as a family reunion. During the feast, Wan Mei made a presumptuous request to make a toast. She explained that while everyone present had contributed to Gui Hua City's survival, countless sisters throughout the century had sacrificed their lives, leaving behind red evil umbrellas at Bi An Palace. She wished to toast their souls.
Cha Luo responded, noting that Wan Mei’s concern for others made her, the supreme killer, appear guilty. Liu Guang quickly interjected, suggesting that for a toast to ancestors, the wine should be poured on the ground to show respect, an action everyone followed. Following the toast, Cha Luo remarked on the recent loss of junior killers and the need for new recruits.
She instructed Liu Guang to be more diligent in finding smart and sharp individuals, perhaps even from Wan Mei’s hometown. When asked, Wan Mei stated her hometown was Jiang City. Cha Luo then revealed that a recent flood had devastated Jiang City, turning it into an ocean with nothing left. She offered Wan Mei time off to check on her family, though she added that it would be futile.
Wan Mei, recalling distant memories of her family, especially her younger brother who once waited for her to share porridge, questioned if they were all dead. Cha Luo confirmed their demise, callously remarking that they had treated Wan Mei poorly and deserved their fate, calling it karma. Later, Chang An found Wan Mei awake and distraught. He confirmed the flood in Jiang City but assured her that her family might still be alive.
Wan Mei, however, was filled with despair, repeating Cha Luo’s words about her family treating her like trash. Chang An embraced her, urging her not to let Cha Luo provoke her into becoming like her, advising her that she could be the chief of Gui Hua City, but not the second Cha Luo.
He advised her against practicing the Shen Yin Swordsmanship’s thirteenth movement, "End of Skylight," explaining it was a mental attack achieved through desperation, not hatred, and that Cha Luo had intentionally sought to provoke her. Under the moonlight, Wan Mei asked Chang An if he regretted returning to Gui Hua City and how long he would stay with her.
Chang An vowed to stay with her wherever she was, protecting her until he no longer could, and they sealed their promise. Meanwhile, at Jia Ming Palace, the King summoned Yue Qingya, who had been kneeling outside all night. The King presented him with an edict to eliminate the Bloody Lotus Cult. Yue Qingya’s hands trembled as he read it, immediately protesting that the cult had been framed and begging the King for a chance to clear its name.
The King dismissed his pleas, stating that the cult had incited public outrage, wrecked the state, and harmed the people, making it unforgivable. He viewed the cult as a stumbling block that needed to be removed. Enraged, Yue Qingya tore the edict and cast aside his official hat, declaring that as the hierarch of the Bloody Lotus Cult, he could not accept such an outcome and wished to offer an explanation to the believers.
The King allowed him six hours to reconsider, but Yue Qingya walked out of the palace without looking back, severing their monarch-subject relationship. In Ting Zhu House, Liu Guang visited His Highness, expressing her unwavering loyalty to Cha Luo. His Highness then probed Liu Guang, reminding her that when she first arrived in Gui Hua City, she was a mere servant doing odd jobs in Cha Ru's room, who later valued her and taught her martial arts, helping her rise.
He then revealed that Cha Ru was not dead but was imprisoned in the Torture Room's cave, being used by Cha Luo as a vessel to cultivate witchcraft. Liu Guang was shocked, and His Highness warned her to be careful, lest she meet the same fate as her mentor. Following this, His Highness arranged for Wan Mei to meet Madam Ruan, also known as Xie Ying.
Madam Ruan directly asked Wan Mei to leave Chang An, whose true identity was Xie Huan. Wan Mei vehemently refused, asserting that she loved him. Madam Ruan dismissed her love as an illusion, a desperate attachment to the only life-saving straw in her miserable life, arguing that whoever appeared would be the same.
Wan Mei countered, stating that regardless of who appeared, it was Xie Huan who came into her life, and his presence made her feel her heartbeat and know that she was alive. She affirmed her love and her desire to stay with him forever, calling him her lifelong hope. Madam Ruan persisted, revealing that Xie Huan was the offspring of Princess Taiping, with countless difficulties awaiting him.
She argued that Wan Mei’s presence would only hurt him, causing him to remain a humble shadow in Gui Hua City, enduring scars and feigning happiness while afflicted by the heart-biting worm. Madam Ruan knelt, begging Wan Mei to give in for Xie Huan’s sake. Later that night, Wan Mei returned to her quarters, appearing unwell.
Chang An offered to make her noodles, and as he busied himself, Wan Mei watched him, recalling Madam Ruan's words about his suffering and hidden responsibilities. Torn by conflicting emotions, Wan Mei sought out His Highness. She confessed her dilemma, not wanting Chang An to leave but also not wishing him to suffer or be wronged, acknowledging his noble origin dragged into the mud by her.
His Highness offered cryptic advice, suggesting that "a start comes from an end," and reminded her of her own journey from a destitute girl in Jiang City who had nothing to eat to a potential chief of Gui Hua City, implying that she could not foresee her future path, and that the more one experiences, the wider their sight becomes. He urged her to make a decision quickly as he had an urgent mission for her in Southern Jiang.
After this conversation, Wan Mei returned to Chang An and revealed that Xie Ying had warned her that if Chang An didn't leave Gui Hua City within three days, she would break in and die before him. Chang An offered to confront Xie Ying, but Wan Mei stopped him, acknowledging that their current situation was unsustainable.
Wan Mei then asked Chang An to accompany her to a special place, a scenic spot where they once picked wild fruits and hunted, which she remembered as her happiest time. She confessed that she knew his true identity as the offspring of Princess Taiping, with royal blood and the Po Hun Sword. She told him that nothing could stop him from leaving Gui Hua City or even the palace if he wished.
She, on the other hand, was just ordinary Su Qi Xue, whose aspirations were limited to becoming Gui Hua City's chief, punishing evil, and keeping everyone there away from shock. Chang An asked if her words meant they were not a match.
Wan Mei clarified, stating that he had a greater mission: to use the Wordless Edict to gather former courtiers, raise an army, defeat Great Liang, and bring peace to the world, ensuring no one else suffered a fate like hers or Fang Yingying's. She tearfully admitted that she didn't want to stand in the way of his glorious future or ruin it. With a heavy heart, she told him their relationship might have to end there.
Chang An accepted her decision, advising her that without him protecting her, she must control her temper and take care of herself, and to seek help from His Highness if Cha Luo troubled her. He then said his goodbyes and left. As Chang An departed, he set off fireworks in the distance, illuminating the night sky for Wan Mei. Wan Mei was overwhelmed with grief, nearly running after him.
His Highness, who was with her, stopped her, calling her irresolute and hesitant, remarking that she didn't know what she really wanted and only wasted others' time. The immense pain of separation, however, transmuted into powerful despair within Wan Mei, enabling her to finally comprehend the thirteenth movement of the Shen Yin Swordsmanship, "End of Skylight," which she unleashed with her sword. His Highness congratulated her on mastering the move, but Wan Mei remained heartbroken.
Episode 31 Recap
Liu Guang instructed Chang An to go to the highest cave in Gui Hua City and kill someone imprisoned there. Upon reaching the cave, Chang An found an aged and frail woman, Cha Ru, who asked if he was there to free her or kill her. Cha Ru admitted death would be a relief but pleaded with Chang An not to let her die in the cave, recounting her nine years of rotting away there.
Moved by her plea, Chang An asked if she could walk and then helped her out. Liu Guang was conflicted when Chang An brought Cha Ru out, questioning why he didn't kill her in the cave. Cha Ru challenged Liu Guang, asking if she was afraid to look her in the eyes. Liu Guang admitted she thought Cha Ru was dead. Cha Ru stated she had treated Liu Guang well in the past.
Liu Guang acknowledged her kindness but criticized Cha Ru for the harm inflicted upon Cha Luo and Xing Feng. Cha Ru defended herself, claiming everything was Lan He's idea, as Lan He wanted them to compete and gave her the witchcraft. Liu Guang still condemned her actions as vicious. Just then, Cha Luo arrived, furious that Cha Ru had been released.
Cha Ru, knowing her end was near, expressed satisfaction at not dying in the cave, but regret at not seeing Cha Luo suffer before her own death. Chang An, unwilling to see Cha Ru tortured, swiftly killed her. Cha Luo was enraged, believing Liu Guang was attempting to usurp her.
Liu Guang quickly interceded, claiming she had sent Chang An to offer Cha Ru a quick release due to their past mentor-disciple bond, and that Chang An was unaware of Cha Ru's identity. Cha Luo scornfully recalled Cha Ru's past tortures and the poisoning of Xing Feng.
Xing Feng, however, stepped in to defend Liu Guang, reminding Cha Luo of Liu Guang's past loyalty and urging her to forgive Liu Guang's temporary lapse in judgment, attributing it to her compassion for her former mentor. Xing Feng then reassured Cha Luo that he had already prepared a rejuvenator powder to counter the King Witchcraft's backfire and would find another solution now that Cha Ru was dead.
Although Cha Luo didn't punish Liu Guang further, she felt a rift had formed between them, leading her to believe Liu Guang's loyalty was wavering and that she would eventually betray her. Liu Guang understood Cha Luo's vengeful nature and knew her defiance meant an inevitable retaliation. She felt resigned to her fate, stating that her death was predetermined and hoped it would be painless.
She mused on her deep connection to Gui Hua City, where she had lived since she was eleven and found love, and declared she would rather die there than leave. Chang An, unwilling to see her perish, proposed she challenge the city chief, reminding her of an old rule that allowed a supreme killer to do so, even with a shadow fighting on their behalf. Chang An then offered to be her shadow again.
Separately, Xing Feng probed Chang An about who leaked information of Cha Ru's survival to Liu Guang, surmising it was Ting Zhu House. He warned Chang An that Ting Zhu House's true motive was not only to create an open position for a supreme killer but also to ensure Chang An's death. Despite the warning, Chang An affirmed his commitment to challenge Cha Luo on Liu Guang's behalf.
Xing Feng then disclosed the challenge would take place tomorrow morning, requiring Liu Guang's presence with her umbrella. Xing Feng assured Chang An he would not activate the heart-biting worm in him and that their fight would be fair. Chang An thanked him.
Xing Feng then revealed his true intention to Chang An: that if Liu Guang were to reside in Ji Gu Pavilion, he would one day lead his team to support Wan Mei should she ever confront Cha Luo, believing it would lead Gui Hua City to a better future. Meanwhile, Wan Mei commented on the Prince's improved health and mood. He admitted years of heart disease had taught him the value of health.
Wan Mei noticed a new red line between his eyebrows and speculated if it was a self-inflicted poison to combat Yue Qingya. The Prince dismissed it as a minor scratch. Yue Ying then informed them that she had successfully lured Yue Qingya by destroying sacred objects at the Bloody Lotus Cult and leaving trails, confirming he would arrive tomorrow. After the Prince departed, Yue Ying confronted Wan Mei, expressing her animosity.
She revealed that the Prince had consumed the Foxfire toxin, and the red line meant he would die within three days. Angered by Wan Mei's seemingly indifferent reaction, Yue Ying tearfully disclosed that the pill Wan Mei consumed at the cemetery was Nine Lives, the world's only cure for the Prince's heart disease. She explained the Prince chose to suffer from the Foxfire toxin rather than take Wan Mei's heart, a testament to his profound affection.
Yue Ying further revealed that the Prince had sent Wan Mei to Fang Ge's residence for her safety and ordered Han Yue's death to protect Wan Mei from being hunted, questioning if Wan Mei still doubted the Prince's genuine feelings. Later, the Prince and Wan Mei visited a market for sour noodles.
Wan Mei recounted her childhood, mentioning her mother's fondness for the noodles and how her father would beat her if she didn't finish her food, subtly revealing her unloved past. The Prince perceived her emotional shift, realizing Yue Ying must have spoken to her.
He then explicitly asked if knowing he was dying for her had made her fall in love with him or compelled her to offer herself to save him, noting her gaze lacked the same intensity she held for Chang An. He told her not to pity him, saying his actions were for his own satisfaction. After the Prince left, Wan Mei experienced a sudden black-out. Yue Ying, finding Wan Mei's hairpin, became worried.
However, the Prince soon appeared, explaining to Yue Ying that Wan Mei's apparent disappearance was part of their elaborate plan to lure Yue Qingya out by feigning his weakness. Wan Mei, now conscious but paralyzed by Yue Qingya's soft bone powder, realized she was indeed bait. She asserted that the Prince would not yield for a woman. The Prince then confronted Yue Qingya. Yue Qingya proudly announced his success in luring the Prince with Wan Mei.
The Prince stated he was there to fulfill his promise to his mother to destroy the Bloody Lotus Cult, indicating their final battle was at hand. Yue Qingya provocatively suggested the Prince's ultimate ambition was to kill the Emperor and become ruler. The Prince then ordered Yue Ying to retreat. Yue Qingya threatened Wan Mei's life, demanding the Prince seal his own Yu Quan acupoint, claiming this was the ultimate sacrifice for love.
The Prince challenged Yue Qingya, questioning if he ever sacrificed for love. Yue Qingya defiantly admitted to sacrificing Lan He to secure his leadership in the Bloody Lotus Cult, stating it was the easiest path and that anyone unwilling to sacrifice for his ambition was unworthy of his love. The Prince, mirroring Yue Qingya's ruthlessness, unexpectedly stabbed Wan Mei, causing her to fall. A fierce battle ensued.
As the two fought, Wan Mei subtly opened her eyes and, adhering to their pre-arranged plan, unleashed the End of Skylight (Shen Yin Swordsmanship), gravely wounding Yue Qingya. Before succumbing, Yue Qingya, shocked, asked how Wan Mei knew the Thirteenth Form of Shen Yin Swordsmanship. Yue Ying rushed in, intending to take Yue Qingya's heart, as he had also consumed Nine Lives, believing it could save the Prince.
However, the Prince refused to live by Yue Qingya's mercy and personally delivered the fatal blow. As he collapsed from the Foxfire toxin's effects, Yue Qingya, in his final moments, realized the Prince was his son with Lan He and instructed Wan Mei to find the unchrysalized snake vine in Ding Shan Group to save the Prince's life.
Episode 32 Recap
Following the established rules of Gui Hua City, Chang An, representing the supreme killer Liu Guang, formally challenged Cha Luo for the chief position. Cha Luo publicly declared the terms of the duel: if Chang An won, she and Liu Guang would exchange their positions; if he lost, Liu Guang would face a brutal fate, involving a broken sword, a heart dug out, and her umbrella inverted.
Liu Guang, when asked if she had decided, declared, "I will never regret it." Cha Luo then appointed Xing Feng to fight Chang An on her behalf, declaring the contest a life-and-death struggle witnessed by all present. The battle was fierce, with both men displaying impressive skill, but Chang An ultimately gained the upper hand and won. Upon Xing Feng's defeat, who then humbly sought punishment, Liu Guang knelt before Cha Luo.
She pleaded for mercy, stating that despite Chang An's victory, she had no intention of usurping Cha Luo's authority. Liu Guang admitted to past mistakes and, knowing her life was at risk, had only sought this challenge as a desperate plea for survival. She offered to abandon her title as a supreme killer and spend the rest of her days confined to Ji Gu Pavilion, making rouge. Others present suggested Cha Luo accept Liu Guang's plea.
However, Cha Luo refused to yield. She demanded to inspect Chang An's sword, then ordered Er'yue to test it, implying it was tainted. Er'yue soon reported intense abdominal pain and an inability to use her inner strength, which Cha Luo used as proof against Liu Guang. Liu Guang vehemently denied the accusation, pointing out that such a poison was unheard of in Gui Hua City and questioning why Xing Feng would not have noticed it during their fight.
Cha Luo dismissed her defense as mere quibbling, stating Xing Feng's focus on the match made him vulnerable. Liu Guang, in a final desperate appeal, reminded Cha Luo of their long-standing bond since she was thirteen, and their shared trials. Cha Luo, cold and unyielding, declared that a betrayer would always betray again and she must "nip it in the bud."
Filled with grief and indignation, Liu Guang attempted to sneak attack Cha Luo, but Cha Luo was prepared and had already planted a 'gu' worm in Liu Guang's body, intending to use her as a vessel for cultivating 'gu' worms. Cha Luo then commanded Xing Feng to take Liu Guang to a cave. As Liu Guang writhed in agony, Xing Feng, unable to bear her suffering, delivered a swift, fatal blow to end her torment.
He then reported to Cha Luo that Liu Guang had been executed. Cha Luo, furious that Xing Feng had acted without her direct command, questioned if he had forgotten her rule about betrayal, implying his own loyalty was now in question. Xing Feng, reaffirming his unwavering loyalty as her shadow, insisted he would never betray her. Enraged by his defiance and actions, Cha Luo ordered Chang An to be immediately sent to the Torture Room.
She further decreed that Liu Guang's corpse be left exposed for a full day, and Xing Feng be punished to kneel beside it, forbidden to leave. With her last dying breath, Liu Guang desperately pleaded with Xing Feng to spare Chang An. Meanwhile, Yue Ying and Wan Mei diligently cared for the gravely injured Gongzi. Wan Mei reflected on her own difficult life, concluding that her past miseries paled in comparison to Gongzi's profound suffering.
She confided in Yue Ying about Gongzi's intricate plan to lure and eliminate Yue Qingya, which involved Wan Mei feigning death after consuming a protective antidote. Yue Ying expressed her unease with the dangerous scheme. Wan Mei then elaborated on the depth of Gongzi's sacrifices for her, acknowledging his enduring pain.
Yue Ying, observing Gongzi's unconscious state, confessed that despite her decade of devoted service to him, she knew that upon waking, Wan Mei was the one he truly wished to see. When Gongzi regained consciousness, Wan Mei excitedly informed him that she knew where to find the snake vine, which could save his life. She observed that the red line between his eyebrows, a sign of his diminishing vitality, had faded considerably.
Gongzi confirmed that if the line vanished entirely, it would mean his life force was completely depleted by the foxfire toxin. He questioned Wan Mei about her search for the snake vine. She explained it was the rare Ding Shan Group's snake vine, rumored to possess life-saving properties, and pointed to a totem where it was engraved. Gongzi recognized the totem as a symbol of the Bloody Lotus Cult, representing "forever unforgivable" as taught by his mother.
He adamantly refused to accept anything associated with Yue Qingya. Wan Mei acknowledged his resentment but urged him not to give up, reminding him of his unfinished promises to Chief Lan He. Gongzi then confessed his deepest feelings, revealing that after nearly a decade of blindness, when his sight was finally restored, Wan Mei was the very first person he saw.
He described her appearance in the pouring rain, soaked, with a red nose but bright eyes, admitting that from that moment, he had fallen for her. He expressed that his life had been hard, but having acted waywardly for her once was enough, implying he was ready to succumb. Wan Mei passionately refused to accept his resignation, declaring that she would never let him die and would fight for his life.
Later, Yue Ying joined Wan Mei, confirming Gongzi's stable condition. Wan Mei showed Yue Ying the totem, explaining that a drop of her blood had caused it to react and change. Yue Ying identified the intricate patterns on the totem as dead snake vines, explaining they required human blood to be revived. Recognizing this as their sole remaining hope, both Wan Mei and Yue Ying cut their hands, allowing their blood to drip onto the ancient totem.
As they carried out the ritual, Yue Ying lamented Gongzi's ceaseless suffering, recalling his own words about his long, arduous life. She admitted her past perception of him as mighty yet heartless, but now understood that everyone, regardless of their position, carried their own burdens, and that true heartlessness was rare. Wan Mei agreed, acknowledging Gongzi's sincerity towards her. With renewed determination, Yue Ying, still hesitant to cause Gongzi further pain, asked Wan Mei to guide her in the process.
Cha Luo confronted Xing Feng, who was still kneeling by Liu Guang's exposed body, holding an umbrella over her. She feigned concern for his well-being, but he seized the opportunity to beg her to rescind the order for Liu Guang's exposure and allow her body to be submerged in the Death Pond, arguing that Gui Hua City was Liu Guang's home. Cha Luo became enraged, accusing him of defending Liu Guang despite the exceptional kindness she had shown him.
She further accused him of deliberately losing to Chang An in the duel and failing to activate the heart-biting worm in Chang An's body as instructed. Xing Feng denied intentionally losing, asserting the fight was fair and Chang An's tenacity had simply prevailed. He questioned why Cha Luo could not simply let Liu Guang survive, to which Cha Luo retorted that Liu Guang's desire for survival had led her to publicly defy the City Lord.
Xing Feng reminded Cha Luo that her decisions were unchangeable, mirroring his unwavering resolve to endure his punishment of kneeling all day. Furious, Cha Luo knocked over Xing Feng's umbrella and left. Later, Xing Feng secretly released Chang An from the torture room, instructing him to take his sword and leave. Chang An, surprised, asked if Cha Luo had relented. Xing Feng stated that Cha Luo's decisions never changed, but he appreciated Chang An's actions on behalf of Liu Guang.
Chang An observed that Cha Luo seemed to be losing her mind and questioned Xing Feng's continued loyalty, accusing him of aiding the oppressor. Xing Feng reaffirmed his role as Cha Luo's shadow, bound to be wherever she was, and advised Chang An to leave Gui Hua City.
Before departing, Xing Feng warned Chang An that a future battle between Wan Mei and Cha Luo was inevitable, and that Wan Mei would not prevail, urging Chang An to persuade Wan Mei to abandon her unrealistic ambitions. Chang An disagreed, stating it was too early to conclude the outcome, but promised that if Xing Feng remained loyal to his mistress, he would find a way to save him at a critical juncture.
Cha Luo quickly learned of Chang An's release from a subordinate and immediately confronted Xing Feng. Xing Feng, rather than denying it, explained that killing Chang An would undoubtedly provoke Wan Mei into a full-scale war against Cha Luo's Chui Xing Tower. He warned that such a conflict would result in devastating losses for both sides, especially given the growing influence of Ting Zhu House following Preceptor Yue's death. Cha Luo accused him of fearing Wan Mei or contemplating betrayal.
Xing Feng vehemently denied any disloyalty, reaffirming his role as her unwavering shadow and offering his own life as proof. Cha Luo, knowing she could never truly kill him, softened. Xing Feng embraced her and then confessed his true, selfish reason for releasing Chang An: he saw a reflection of his own younger self in him. Cha Luo revealed her fear that Liu Guang would eventually side with Wan Mei after the events surrounding Gui Hua City's siege.
Xing Feng reassured her of his steadfast loyalty, reminding her of their past triumphs and asserting they would overcome current challenges. He then proposed a new strategy: seeking allegiance with King Jin, the true original backer of Gui Hua City, who had bestowed power upon Lan He years ago, rather than relying on the Prince. Later that night, Cha Luo secretly journeyed to the King's palace.
She introduced herself as Cha Luo, the Chief of Gui Hua City, explaining that the organization, founded by Emperor Wu, had historically served only the royal family, not specific princes. She declared her unwavering allegiance and willingness to serve the King directly, distancing herself from Prince Ning.
Episode 33 Recap
The snake vine potion brought Gongzi back to recovering well three days after it was administered. Upon waking, he expressed a desire for Wan Mei to accompany him on a stroll through the town, as it was the Zhongyuan Festival. As they admired the Kongming Lanterns, Wan Mei remarked that such lanterns should only be lit with one's beloved.
Gongzi acknowledged that he was not that person for her, stating that someone else in the world valued her far more than he did. Wan Mei asked if he was trying to reject her, to which Gongzi replied that he would not easily give away someone he sincerely liked. Gongzi then informed Wan Mei that Cha Luo had entered the capital and met with His Majesty.
He decided it was time for them to part ways, instructing Wan Mei to return to Gui Hua City while he would go to the capital to investigate. Wan Mei initially refused to leave, citing his incomplete recovery. Gongzi, however, insisted, explaining that Cha Luo's sudden appearance in the capital and the uncertain situation in Gui Hua City necessitated her return.
When Wan Mei still hesitated, reaffirming her loyalty and reluctance to abandon him, Gongzi revealed that he had set a trap. He had instructed Yue Ying to create a rift between Liu Guang and Cha Luo, leading to Liu Guang being ensnared and using Chang An to provoke Cha Luo.
Liu Guang was destined to be killed by Cha Luo, and given Cha Luo's temper, Chang An, who had aligned himself with Liu Guang, would also face severe consequences, likely death. Wan Mei was shocked, asking about Liu Guang's innocence. Gongzi coldly stated Liu Guang's only fault was blocking Wan Mei's path. When Wan Mei expressed concern for Chang An, Gongzi questioned whether her feelings for him had surpassed those for her shadow.
He then offered her a horse, telling her it was not too late if she wished to save Chang An. Upon hearing of Chang An's peril, Wan Mei immediately departed for Gui Hua City. Gongzi, enduring his physical pain, was left to contemplate their shared moments, heartbroken but knowing he had to let her go. He privately acknowledged that Wan Mei was right: there was someone in his life who truly treated him sincerely, implying Yue Ying.
Gongzi returned to the capital and immediately went to the Imperial Preceptor's residence to pay his respects to Yue Qingya, whose funeral was being arranged. Eunuch Yu questioned Gongzi about his recent trip to Southern Jiang, to which Gongzi curtly replied that he was showing filial piety to his mother. Soon after, His Majesty arrived. His Majesty acknowledged the deep, more-than-monarch-and-subject bond he shared with Yue Qingya, expressing regret that the killer had not yet been found.
He also noted that Yue Qingya, who had no children, lacked someone to keep vigil for him. Seizing the opportunity, Gongzi volunteered to keep vigil for Yue Qingya. Despite having been the one to kill Yue Qingya, and harboring deep hatred for him, Gongzi remained at the memorial, refusing to eat.
When Yue Ying brought him food later, he still refused, explaining that these moments allowed him to fully confront his hatred for Yue Qingya's past cruelties: sending his mother to the altar, blinding him, and forcing him to consume his wet nurse's flesh. Yue Ying observed that Gongzi resembled Chief Lan He, Gongzi's mother, though Gongzi himself noted that his mother disliked his eyes because they resembled Yue Qingya's.
He also revealed that Yue Qingya's body was sunk into the river, leaving him with no grievances as he had fulfilled his promise to his mother. Gongzi felt a newfound appreciation for Yue Ying's genuine care for him. Upon her return to Gui Hua City, Wan Mei was immediately summoned to Cui Xing Tower by Cha Luo.
Cha Luo informed her that Liu Guang had foolishly challenged her authority as City Lord and, upon her failure, was executed according to the rules. Wan Mei, maintaining a calm demeanor, offered her condolences. Cha Luo then brought up Chang An, accusing him of turning to Liu Guang and orchestrating the failed challenge, claiming he was now locked in the Torture Room. However, Xing Feng intervened, revealing that Chang An had already escaped Gui Hua City.
This news brought a subtle sense of relief to Wan Mei, though Cha Luo was visibly annoyed by Xing Feng's interruption. Xing Feng then reassured Wan Mei that Chang An's escape, given he had aligned with others, was not her responsibility. Cha Luo then revealed that Gongzi had sent a letter recommending Wan Mei for the position of Supreme Killer.
Despite this, Cha Luo expressed her dilemma, stating that while Wan Xiang's past mission performance made her a strong candidate, Wan Mei had the influential recommendation from Ting Zhu House. Wan Mei calmly stated that she would accept whatever decision Cha Luo made. After his escape from Gui Hua City, Chang An reunited with Madam Ruan and began gathering supporters. He donned magnificent robes, and those around him treated him with immense deference, acknowledging his elevated status.
Madam Ruan informed him that she had contacted supporters of Princess Taiping's descendants, and they had all pledged their allegiance. Chang An instructed them to meet him in Jiang City, explaining that the ongoing flood there provided a strategic advantage. In Jiang City, the various regional leaders gathered their forces and officially proclaimed Chang An as King Chu, ready to rebel against Later Tang and reclaim the world that once belonged to Emperor Wu.
From his newly ascended throne, Chang An's thoughts turned to Wan Mei, hoping for her safety and eagerly anticipating the day he could return triumphantly. Back in her room, Wan Mei felt a profound sense of loss, realizing Chang An was truly gone. That night, Liu Zhi from Ji Gu Pavilion visited Wan Mei, bringing her Hua Hong and a Yue Ying stone, a special accessory to aid in cultivating inner strength.
Liu Zhi explained that Ji Gu Pavilion, honoring Liu Guang's dying wish, would stand entirely by Wan Mei's side. They expressed their hope that Wan Mei would swiftly assume leadership of the Supreme Killers' House and eventually the entire Gui Hua City, believing she was the only one who could transform Gui Hua City into a place where they could find true hope and escape Cha Luo's grip.
Wan Mei, though unable to promise outright, assured them she would not shirk her responsibilities and would do her utmost. Cha Luo summoned Wan Mei and Wan Xiang to Cui Xing Tower, feigning a difficult decision regarding the Supreme Killer position. While Wan Xiang's past mission performance made her a strong candidate, Wan Mei had the influential recommendation from Ting Zhu House.
Wan Mei proposed a fair competition between them, but Cha Luo dismissed the idea of a martial arts contest, claiming it would be unfair due to Wan Mei's training. Instead, Cha Luo announced her own devised test: in three days, at Bi An Palace, Wan Mei and Wan Xiang would draw lots. The name drawn would correspond to a senior killer whose Red Evil Umbrella was supposedly hanging outside Bi An Palace.
The first to retrieve the specified Red Evil Umbrella would become the new Supreme Killer. Both Wan Mei and Wan Xiang agreed to the terms, and Cha Luo set the meeting for three days hence. Wan Mei, shrewdly suspecting Cha Luo's trickery, sought out Xing Feng. She found him near Bi An Palace and discussed Liu Guang, lamenting how Liu Guang naively considered Gui Hua City her home, while in reality, it was merely a place for survival.
Wan Mei brought up Liu Guang's final wish to have her body submerged in the Death Pond and her Red Evil Umbrella hung outside Bi An Palace forever. She subtly urged Xing Feng to ensure Liu Guang's wish for the umbrella was fulfilled, but Xing Feng, visibly uncomfortable, evaded the topic and departed, advising Wan Mei to focus on winning her upcoming competition.
After Xing Feng left, Wan Mei visited Ji Gu Pavilion and commissioned Liu Zhi to create a new Red Evil Umbrella. She specifically requested one imbued with the blood of dozens of people and adorned with a golden fringe, then subtly instructed Liu Zhi to allow Qian Tong's observers to discover this "fake" umbrella if necessary. Later, Xing Feng confronted Wan Mei, having learned about the umbrella being made.
He warned her that a new umbrella, even with a quality golden fringe, could not fool Cha Luo, as Cha Luo herself had destroyed Liu Guang's original umbrella. Wan Mei confirmed her suspicion: Liu Guang's true Red Evil Umbrella was not hanging outside Bi An Palace. She explained that Cha Luo, desiring her failure, had designed the competition to make her seek an unreachable item. Having confirmed her suspicions with Xing Feng, Wan Mei proposed a deal.
Appealing to Xing Feng's deep bond with Liu Guang, she asked him to retrieve and repair Liu Guang's actual Red Evil Umbrella, which she believed was in his possession. In return, Wan Mei promised to publicly hang Liu Guang's restored Red Evil Umbrella upside down outside Bi An Palace, thereby fulfilling Liu Guang's last wish in front of everyone. Seeing Wan Mei's resolve and understanding her appeal, Xing Feng, recognizing Wan Mei's strategic mind as far superior to Cha Luo's, silently agreed to her proposal.
Episode 34 Recap
The King, reviewing state memorials in the grand hall, expressed concern over the recent unrest from the Liang Army. His attending eunuch agreed, noting that despite their strong military, a skilled general was lacking. The King concurred, stating that with Preceptor Yue gone, only King Ning was capable of leading the army. Soon after, the King summoned King Ning and Yue Ying to the palace, surprisingly asking King Ning to relinquish the highly capable Yue Ying to him.
King Ning politely refused, and the King did not press the matter further. The King then shifted the conversation to the Liang Army’s invasion of Lu Zhou, announcing his intention to personally lead the expedition. King Ning immediately advised against it, explaining that the kingdom could not function without its ruler. Seizing the opportunity, King Ning volunteered to lead the campaign himself. The King, pleased with this turn of events, readily agreed.
King Ning understood that the King was not giving him the commander’s seal without a price; in return, he would have to relinquish control of Gui Hua City. Yue Ying expressed her worry that King Ning might truly give up the city, but he simply smiled, vowing that if he returned unscathed from the battlefield, he would withdraw from Ting Zhu House.
In Gui Hua City, Cha Luo formally announced a competition between Wan Mei and Wan Xiang for the position of Supreme Killer. The challenge was to retrieve a Red Devil Umbrella within the time limit of one burning incense, without landing. As Wan Mei had anticipated, Cha Luo manipulated the draw, assigning Wan Mei the task of finding Liu Guang’s Red Devil Umbrella, while Wan Xiang was tasked with finding Su Qiu's umbrella.
The competition began with both women flying around Bi An Palace, searching for their targets. With Xing Feng’s assistance, Wan Mei quickly retrieved Liu Guang’s umbrella, much to Cha Luo’s dismay. Despite her shock, Cha Luo was forced to declare Wan Mei the winner of the Supreme Killer position. Wan Xiang protested, but Xing Feng dismissed her complaints, stating Wan Mei had not broken any rules.
In the autumn of Tianyou Year 19, King Ning led three thousand Imperial Guards to Lu Zhou. He swiftly cut off the Liang Army's food supply and then launched a surprise attack under the cover of fog, decisively defeating them within half a day and lifting the siege of Lu Zhou. Upon his victorious return to the capital, the King greeted him warmly, promoting him to Great General of Northern Imperial Guards.
The King then subtly reminded King Ning of his promise regarding Gui Hua City. King Ning, upholding his word, prepared to transfer control. The King also instructed him to give the Lotus Token to Cha Luo, granting her complete authority over Gui Hua City, including the power to request money and soldiers from local governments for imperial errands and to execute anyone who refused.
King Ning returned to Gui Hua City and met Cha Luo, candidly informing her that he would henceforth be known solely as King Ning of Jin and no longer the master of Gui Hua City. Overjoyed, Cha Luo, who had waited years for this moment, happily accepted the Lotus Token. King Ning also reaffirmed his commitment to move out of Ting Zhu House within seven days.
Later that evening, King Ning spoke with Wan Mei, telling her that if she were to become the Lady of Gui Hua City one day, he would choose to return. He then inquired why Wan Mei held such deep affection for Chang An. Wan Mei smiled, explaining that for Chang An, she was not merely a pawn but a living, breathing person who he would do anything for, even at the cost of his own life.
The next day, Cha Luo publicly declared that Chang An was the assassin who had attempted to kill her three years prior. She asserted that since Chang An was Wan Mei’s shadow at the time, Wan Mei must have been complicit in the assassination. Wan Mei vehemently denied the false accusation and immediately confronted Cha Luo, resulting in a physical altercation. Xing Feng intervened to mediate.
Although Wan Mei maintained her innocence regarding the assassination, she was ultimately found guilty of failing to adequately control her shadow and sentenced to punishment. Xing Feng prepared to extract ten blood worms from Wan Mei, a process known to be excruciating as it causes the blood to flow in reverse.
Cha Luo, observing from the shadows, understood that Xing Feng's intent was to inflict suffering upon Wan Mei while ensuring her survival, a move Cha Luo saw as a betrayal due to Xing Feng's deep feelings for Wan Mei. Furious, Cha Luo devised a scheme. She ordered Wan Mei's blood to be taken and used it to write a distress letter, which she then sent to King Ning.
However, King Ning, upon receiving the letter, recognized it was Wan Mei’s blood but not her handwriting. Realizing Cha Luo was trying to manipulate him, he instructed that the letter be forwarded to Chang An in Jiang City, viewing Cha Luo’s actions as a strategic favor. Upon receiving the blood-written letter, Chang An was consumed with worry and immediately prepared to return to Gui Hua City.
Ruan Niang desperately pleaded with him not to go, reminding him of their burgeoning rebellion in Jiang City and the thousands of supporters who relied on him. She implored him to stay, emphasizing that his departure would render all their efforts and hopes futile. Seeing his resolve, and feeling powerless to stop him, Ruan Niang tragically committed suicide in front of Chang An, hoping her sacrifice would dissuade him from leaving.
Episode 35 Recap
Despite Ruan Niang's ultimate sacrifice and the pleas of his loyal soldiers, Chang An was resolute in his decision to return and rescue Wan Mei. He had previously promised Wan Mei that her shadow would not abandon her in times of trouble. Before departing from Mount Feng Ming, Chang An apologized to his ancestors and the people, acknowledging his departure as a deviation from his royal duties, but asserting it was necessary to fulfill a personal commitment.
He then issued a final, difficult order to his troops, emphasizing its crucial importance for the future of their empire. Meanwhile, Cha Luo interrogated Wan Xiang, claiming she couldn't sleep due to a lingering question. She probed why Wan Xiang, who had been rivals with Wan Mei since their arrival and lost the supreme killer position to her, seemed to lack the expected hatred, especially after kneeling to intercede for Wan Mei in Bi An Palace.
When Wan Xiang hesitated, Cha Luo produced a bone, questioning if it belonged to Cha Wu. Wan Xiang denied Cha Wu was her mother, stating she wouldn't have killed her if that were the case. However, Cha Luo revealed her knowledge of Wan Xiang's earlier lie about Cha Wu sacrificing herself for her daughter, even pointing out old marks on the bone from a mission seven years ago in Jin Ling.
Cha Luo then dared Wan Xiang to break the bone to prove her detachment. Wan Xiang's hesitation spurred Cha Luo's scorn, leading Wan Xiang to defiantly proclaim she had done nothing wrong, even if Cha Wu was her mother. Cha Luo, furious at the perceived deception, mocked Wan Xiang's lack of support from others. Just then, Wan Mei intervened, exposing the bone as merely an arm bone and accusing Cha Luo of lying.
Wan Mei defended Wan Xiang's search for her mother and Cha Wu's sacrifice as natural human instincts. She firmly reminded Cha Luo that Gui Hua City operated under long-standing rules that even the current ruler could not unilaterally override. In a dramatic gesture, Wan Mei shattered her sword and formally challenged Cha Luo, the 13th ruler. On his journey back to Gui Hua City, Chang An was intercepted by Gongzi.
Gongzi, noting Chang An's transformation from a shadow to King Chu, sarcastically asked if the blood-written letter was a ruse to draw him away and attack his forces. Chang An confirmed Wan Mei's predicament, explaining Cha Luo's imperial mandate over Gui Hua City and the implications of his intervention.
Gongzi asserted that Chang An's love for Wan Mei made him predictable and was the cause of her current troubles, admitting he had waited to kill Chang An while he was still conflicted. After a fierce battle where neither gained an advantage, Chang An reminded Gongzi of their previous inconclusive fight two years ago in Bi An Palace and proposed a strategic alliance.
He suggested Gongzi dismiss his troops and return to claim victory over the Jiang City rebels, which would allow Chang An to proceed to Gui Hua City. Gongzi, acknowledging Jiang City's precarious position near the Liang army, suggested they instead form an alliance to trap and destroy the Liang forces, revealing he had already made preparations. Chang An questioned Gongzi's reliability, highlighting that his military power was only valuable in times of conflict.
Gongzi, however, argued that in a potential future peace between Liang and Jin, he would be Chang An's most crucial ally. To earn Chang An's trust, Gongzi swore his sincerity on Wan Mei's life. Wan Mei, recognizing her martial inferiority to Cha Luo even without her blood worm, decided a direct confrontation would be futile. She sought a potent, fast-acting poison that would rapidly spread through the bloodstream.
She revealed her audacious plan: she would ingest the poison herself before the duel, then during the fight, inflict a wound on Cha Luo, using her own poisoned blood to fatally infect her. Despite objections and pleas for an alternative, Wan Mei was resolute, believing this was the only viable path.
She expressed a sense of fatalism, stating she should have died three years ago and had already lived "an extra thousand days" beyond her expected lifespan, feeling no regret about her decision. Cha Luo summoned Xing Feng, admiring his new shoes and asking who made them. She then presented him with a "gift," which turned out to be the severed hand of Liu Yun, the city's most skilled craftswoman, who had made the shoes for him.
Xing Feng was horrified, finding her act excessively cruel. Cha Luo, however, asserted her absolute dominion, declaring herself the sole rule and god of Gui Hua City, capable of disposing of anyone who defied her. She argued that merely dismembering Liu Yun was a mercy compared to killing her, as Liu Yun was still alive. Xing Feng retorted that Liu Yun, now handless, wished for death, and questioned her crime since she hadn't even left the city.
Cha Luo chillingly replied that Liu Yun was guilty of desiring something that didn't belong to her, contrasting her defiance with Liu Guang, another of Xing Feng's friends, who had known better than to offer him gifts due to Cha Luo's unpredictable nature. Xing Feng reminded Cha Luo of the women's contributions to building Gui Hua City, but Cha Luo, preempting his accusations of cruelty, challenged him to intercede for Liu Yun, implying his own affections for the woman.
That night, as Wan Mei ate noodles, lost in thoughts of Chang An, he suddenly appeared and embraced her. Overcome with emotion, Wan Mei tearfully recounted the events since his departure: Cha Luo's swift takeover of Gui Hua City and her attempts to kill Wan Mei, which were thwarted by the intercession of other girls who remembered Chang An's past efforts to risk his life to get the edict from His Majesty to save the city.
She lamented that many of these girls were now dead, filling the Death Pond at a rate the worms couldn't digest, making the water turn darker. She described Cha Luo's cruel act of forcing Wan Xiang to retrieve and crush her own mother's bones. Unable to bear it any longer, Wan Mei had challenged Cha Luo as the supreme killer.
Chang An, concerned for her safety, warned her of the slim chances of victory, though Wan Mei pointed out Cha Luo's weakened state due to the blood worm. Chang An refused to let her risk her life, suggesting they escape and he would return with his army to conquer the city.
Wan Mei, however, insisted that the other girls could not wait and that as a "poor girl in this chaotic world," she could not abandon those who had stood by her and watch them die. Chang An reaffirmed he had not returned to watch her die, but Wan Mei, resolute and stubborn, declared she would rather die than flee and leave them behind.
Wan Mei, observing Chang An's exhaustion from his days-long journey, gave him a sleeping draught, instructing him to rest while she would wake him at daybreak. Later, believing him to be deeply asleep, she tearfully apologized for her deception, feeling he had already sacrificed too much for her. She confided in her attendant that she had drugged Chang An to ensure he wouldn't interfere with her plan to confront Cha Luo using the poison.
Wan Mei then instructed the attendant to take Chang An away from Gui Hua City after her battle, as he would remain unconscious for at least two days. She asked the attendant to deliver a final message to Chang An upon his awakening: that their reunion, however brief, was enough for her, and her only wish for his future was a peaceful life.
Unbeknownst to Wan Mei, Chang An had not truly succumbed to the drug; he had feigned sleep and overheard her entire conversation and heartfelt farewell. As Wan Mei drifted to sleep beside him, Chang An shed silent tears, inwardly pleading for her survival.
The following morning, Wan Mei awoke to bright daylight and was immediately informed by an attendant that Chang An had secretly returned to Gui Hua City, attempted to assassinate Cha Luo, and failed, prompting Cha Luo to summon Wan Mei. Upon learning of Chang An's return and failed attempt, Xing Feng rushed to the scene. Cha Luo, asserting that Chang An, despite his defection, still harbored ill intentions, insisted on his punishment and tasked Xing Feng with it.
Cha Luo accused Chang An and Wan Mei of conspiring, suggesting his attempt was a backup plan if Wan Mei's challenge failed. Chang An vehemently denied this, claiming sole responsibility for his vendetta against Cha Luo. Wan Mei, distraught, questioned why Chang An had risked his life. Unconvinced by any explanation, Cha Luo declared Chang An would be sent to the Torture Room to reveal the "truth," a task Xing Feng confirmed he would carry out without mercy.
As Chang An was led away, Wan Mei immediately demanded to advance her challenge to Cha Luo to "now," but Cha Luo, mocking her, refused, holding to the original schedule of one day and one night, giving Wan Mei time to prepare for her "last moment."
In the Torture Room, Xing Feng, wielding a small golden hammer that was originally used for smashing walnuts for Cha Luo, began to detail the excruciating torture: he would systematically break every one of Chang An's bones, ensuring he would never walk again. During this ordeal, Chang An and Xing Feng engaged in a strained conversation. Xing Feng questioned why Chang An had attempted to kill Cha Luo instead of merely taking Wan Mei away.
Chang An explained Wan Mei's unwavering commitment to the city's people, and his own desire to spare her future unease. He admitted he "tried his luck," clarifying that his aim wasn't necessarily to kill Cha Luo but to "persuade" Xing Feng to act differently. Xing Feng, however, maintained his unwavering loyalty to Cha Luo.
Chang An then tried to appeal to Xing Feng's inner conflict, reminding him of a past promise he made to let Chang An and his master live if Chang An remained faithful to his master regardless of his own life. Chang An suggested Xing Feng regretted his own path, seeing a reflection of his past self in Chang An.
Chang An then revealed Xing Feng possessed a unique martial art capable of transferring internal energy and asked him to use it on Wan Mei. Xing Feng raised concerns about Chang An's certain death and the uncertain outcome for Wan Mei, but Chang An replied it would at least make the fight "fair." Xing Feng, filled with a nostalgic sorrow, expressed his own regret for Cha Luo's transformation and the city's suffering, a sentiment Chang An likely shared.
Episode 36 (Ending) Recap
On the night of the full moon, Cha Luo writhed in agony as the worm in her body afflicted her. Xing Feng rushed to her side, pained to see her in such torment. He urged her to be patient and calm, explaining that anger would only worsen the worm's effects. Though he offered his companionship, Cha Luo dismissed him, stating she did not need him.
She then reflected on her past, recalling how she survived being married to a dead man and buried in a coffin, defiantly proclaiming herself Cha Luo, Ruler of Gui Hua City. Xing Feng tried to reassure her, telling her that what was gone was gone and he would be with her forever. However, Cha Luo rejected his words, asserting that she remembers all her suffering and repays kindness with kindness and hatred with hatred.
She noted that even Xing Feng was not truly happy, acknowledging that they had both done too many irreversible deeds to go back to their former selves. With a determined resolve, Cha Luo declared her intention to confront Wan Mei, believing Wan Mei thought she could only defeat her because of her current suffering. She told Xing Feng not to follow. Wan Mei stood ready, seemingly unfazed by the early hour.
Cha Luo approached her, remarking that it seemed to be Wan Mei's first time in that particular spot. Wan Mei retorted that she had lived there for three years and even watered the tree in the yard. Cha Luo noted that Wan Mei didn't seem to miss the old days. She then drew a parallel between their lives, recounting her own past struggles with a jealous superior and her unfulfilled love with Xing Feng.
She challenged Wan Mei, suggesting that if Wan Mei were to survive and become ruler in ten years, she would lose her "useless sympathy." Cha Luo then revealed the horrifying details of Chang An's torture, explaining that Xing Feng was using a hammer to slowly and meticulously crush all of Chang An's bones, starting from his toes, up. She gloated that Chang An's ankles must be crushed by now.
While acknowledging Wan Mei's intelligence and potential to defeat her in the future, Cha Luo asserted that Wan Mei had no chance against her now. Wan Mei countered, saying they wouldn't know until the very end. Cha Luo further provoked Wan Mei, claiming that if Wan Mei didn't become like her, she wouldn't survive at all. As a twisted act of mercy for Wan Mei, who was supposedly "dying tomorrow," Cha Luo allowed her a final visit to Chang An.
Wan Mei rushed to the prison, where torturers were at work on Chang An. She was told the torture couldn't be stopped midway. After one set of bones was crushed, the torturer stated he would return in an hour to crush two more. Wan Mei, distraught, vowed to get Chang An out immediately, even if it meant dying together. She cut the ropes binding Chang An.
Chang An, in immense pain, directed her to his sword by the wall and instructed her to follow his every word from that moment on. During the ensuing duel with Cha Luo, Wan Mei displayed unexpected internal energy. Cha Luo recognized it, realizing Chang An must have transferred his cultivation to Wan Mei, implying he no longer wished to follow her and thus gave them this opportunity.
As the battle intensified, Chang An's voice echoed in Wan Mei's mind, urging her to live, not to take poison or die with Cha Luo, and to use her sword to kill Cha Luo. He implored her to take care of herself, warning her to be wary of His Highness, and emphasized that she must not become like Cha Luo because she was Wan Mei, the woman he would protect with his life.
Wan Mei ultimately gained the upper hand and defeated Cha Luo. In her dying moments, Cha Luo defiantly declared she had not lost to Wan Mei but to Xing Feng, and instructed Wan Mei to relay this message. She expressed no regret and cursed all lovers, including Wan Mei and herself, to meet a miserable end. With that, Cha Luo died. Overwhelmed with grief, Wan Mei frantically searched for Chang An, but only found Xing Feng.
She demanded to know Chang An's whereabouts, but Xing Feng simply stated, "You live and he died. It's like another circle." Wan Mei pressed him again, and he finally admitted that Chang An had died. Wan Mei called him a liar, asserting that she knew Chang An would die the moment he passed his internal energy to her. She demanded to know where Chang An's body was.
Xing Feng offered to tell her if she promised to allow him to die and be buried with Cha Luo. Wan Mei agreed to consider it, prompting Xing Feng to reveal that Chang An's flesh and blood covered the prison walls, and his bones had been crushed and fed to dogs. Wan Mei was shattered, exclaiming in disbelief. She mockingly told Xing Feng to go collect the body of her shadow, who remained loyal even in death.
Overcome by injuries and sorrow, Wan Mei collapsed. The Prince was present and gave an order not to let Xing Feng die. Upon regaining consciousness, Wan Mei immediately sought out Xing Feng. Xing Feng, whose martial arts had been destroyed by His Highness to prevent his suicide, blamed Wan Mei for Cha Luo's death.
He described a fan in the Torture Room's cabinet, made from Chang An's heart skin with a poem written in his blood, as a gift for Wan Mei. He revealed Chang An's true name was Xie Huan and admired it. Wan Mei, noting Xing Feng's loyalty to Cha Luo, questioned why he couldn't have understood her love for Chang An and let him live.
Xing Feng countered that they were "square," as she had killed his lover and he had killed hers. Wan Mei then asked if he still desired to be buried with Cha Luo. Xing Feng revealed Cha Luo's real name, Bie Chun Fang, and reminisced about her beauty and youth when she first arrived in Gui Hua City.
Wan Mei asked if he was still disappointed in Cha Luo, to which Xing Feng clarified he wasn't disappointed, but believed she should have ceased her evil deeds. Wan Mei then questioned why she would grant his wish for burial if he admitted Cha Luo's wickedness.
She declared she would not bury him, but would instead ensure he lived a life of suffering, making him wish for death and ensuring he and Cha Luo would "never see each other again, whether you're alive or dead!" Xing Feng sarcastically congratulated her on becoming "another Cha Luo," expressing hope that Chang An would rejoice that he didn't become another Xing Feng.
Wan Mei affirmed her identity, stating she was Wan Mei, not Cha Luo, and could not be like her because Chang An did not wish for that. Xing Feng reiterated his desire to die, asking her to leave her sword so he could end his life, explaining that he was willing to die for Cha Luo just as Chang An died for Wan Mei, and that such devotion didn't need to make sense.
Wan Mei acknowledged his sentiment and left her sword at his feet. She then confronted the Prince, accusing him of returning earlier but only appearing now because he desired this outcome. She believed their fight was merely a chess game to him, and he would have ensured Chang An's death regardless. The Prince explained that love would only hinder her future, and Chang An's existence served only to make her better, thus his death was the best outcome for her.
Wan Mei rejected this as nonsense. The Prince maintained that losing Chang An didn't mean losing everything, as she still had him, and promised her a bright future if she followed him, declaring that a woman like her should have "bloody romance." Wan Mei echoed his words. The Prince asked what he could do to quell her anger and help her embrace a new life. Wan Mei's only reply was, "I want nothing. I just want Chang An back.
Back to me." Six months later, Li Cun Xu, the King of Jin, achieved his long-held ambition, exterminating the Liang dynasty and proclaiming himself Emperor in Wei Zhou, marking the beginning of the Late Tang Dynasty. During this time, the Emperor praised Yue Ying's bravery and growth from fighting alongside them. The Emperor expressed his need for a woman like Yue Ying for protection. He then directly asked Yue Ying if she would agree to be his woman.
After a moment of internal struggle, Yue Ying accepted, stating it was her honor and she would come. Wan Mei, now the new City Lord, was revered by many, while the Prince was left in solitude, having neither Wan Mei nor Yue Ying by his side. Wan Mei sat on a swing, speaking to a cat, holding a fan.
She wondered if the cat was mocking her for still holding a fan in the cold autumn, and if she was crazy. She confided that the fan was all she had left. With Chang An gone, all her joy had vanished, leaving only sorrow in the world.
She mentioned that His Highness had spread news that she was the descendant of Princess Tai Ping and the true master of the Wordless Edict, but she felt insane and spoke only to the cat about her troubles, believing all his efforts were futile. She mused about what Chang An would be doing if he were still alive, concluding that he, being a quiet person, would simply want a yard to plant an apricot tree.
