Love Between Fairy and Devil Recap, Plot, Synopsis
Love Between Fairy and Devil Synopsis
The spiritual leader of the Po Xin clan was exterminated by the devil, Dongfang Qingcang. But she was reborn as Xiao Lan Hua, a low-ranking nymph in the heavenly realm ten thousand years later.
Xiao Lan Hua inadvertently revived devil Dongfang Qingcang who was trapped in the Haotian Tower. In order to gain freedom, Dongfang Qingcang has to sacrifice the soul of Xiao Lan Hua to unseal the spell on his body.
In the process, the devil falls in love with the gentle and lovely Xiao Lan Hua!
Love Between Fairy and Devil Recap
Episode 1 Recap
Legend tells of Dongfang Qingcang, the Moon Supreme of the Moon Tribe, who cultivated ancient forbidden skills, transforming into a monster devoid of emotion. He ruthlessly slew his own father, usurped the Moon Supreme's throne, and commanded 100,000 Moon Tribe soldiers, unleashing chaos across the Three Realms: the fairy realm of Shuiyuntian, the Moon Tribe's Cangyan Sea, and the mortal world of Yunmeng Lake.
To save all living beings, the Chidi Woman, the God of War of the fairy realm, sacrificed her primordial spirit, perishing alongside Dongfang Qingcang and sealing away his vast army. However, Dongfang Qingcang's primordial spirit proved indestructible. It was foretold that should he ever be resurrected, a torrent of hellfire would once again engulf the Three Realms. Only the Goddess of Xishan was believed to possess the power to avert this catastrophe, yet she remained lost.
Within Shuiyuntian's splendor, a young fairy named Orchid awakened. Her gaze fell upon the leaves outside her window, which were no ordinary leaves, but Destiny Books, each meticulously chronicling the fate of a person through countless lifetimes. Orchid's solemn duty was to organize and care for these books, ensuring that no one's destiny was ever tampered with. Orchid's master, Arbiter, was the senior immortal overseeing the Destiny Books.
Centuries ago, Arbiter, in a drunken haze, had accidentally spilled wine upon a small orchid plant, damaging its immortal root. This mishap left Orchid with significantly weakened cultivation and power. After teaching Orchid her craft, Arbiter embarked on a journey to the mortal world, leaving Orchid to tend to the Arbiter Hall alone for five hundred years. Despite her solitude, Orchid found contentment in her quiet life, diligently repairing Destiny Books and enjoying the company of her talking flower friends.
However, some other fairies treated her poorly, even tearing up her hidden portrait of Lord Changheng. Orchid harbored a cherished ambition: to pass the immortal examination and join the Fountain Palace to repay Lord Changheng, who, 1,500 years ago, had persuaded her master to keep her, allowing her to cultivate her wisdom and transform into human form. The other fairies, however, dismissed her dream, scoffing that Lord Changheng, the revered God of War, would never notice a lowly orchid spirit.
Meanwhile, Lord Changheng returned to Shuiyuntian, having victoriously retaken lost territory in the Northernmost Ocean and defeated Xunfeng, a leader of the Moon Tribe. He was promptly summoned by Lord Yunzhong, the Emperor of Shuiyuntian. Lord Yunzhong revealed the urgent reason for Changheng's recall: the Haotian Tower, where Dongfang Qingcang's indestructible primordial spirit had been secretly sealed 30,000 years prior, was experiencing dangerous tremors.
Though thought to be consciousness-less, Dongfang Qingcang's primordial spirit was relentlessly pounding the Haotian Matrix, the powerful seal within the tower, causing it to loosen. With Lord Yunzhong's father in seclusion, Changheng was needed to join other senior immortals in strengthening the deteriorating seal to prevent Dongfang Qingcang's escape. Back in the Arbiter Hall, as Orchid organized Destiny Books, fairies from Buyusi came to retrieve some. They grumbled about their task, disappointed to miss Lord Changheng's triumphant return.
Overhearing this, Orchid's heart swelled with joy. Determined to make an impression, she rushed to gather the most exquisite flowers to deliver to Fountain Palace. Upon arriving, she spotted Lord Changheng's imposing figure. As she attempted a graceful approach, she stumbled, falling unceremoniously before him. Nevertheless, she presented her flowers, pouring out her heartfelt gratitude for his past kindness. Lord Changheng, however, appeared to have no recollection of the event.
He politely declined the flowers, stating that killing enemies was merely his duty, and told her to dispose of a valuable Magical Firefly Stone he had been holding. Believing he had accepted one of her orchids and gifted her the stone, Orchid was overjoyed and interpreted it as a sign of a destined connection. Buoyed by this perceived connection, Orchid confidently went to register for the immortal examination, only to be met with derision from other fairies.
They mocked her, mistaking her for various other flowers and calling her a lowly plant spirit unfit for Fountain Palace. Unfazed, Orchid boldly declared, "I am Orchid from Arbiter Hall. All of you should remember my name and background. Because I will defeat all of you in the immortal examination." Despite her outward confidence, she privately worried about affording the expensive medicine needed to repair her immortal root for the exam.
Her friends, after bickering about her true motives for repaying Changheng—accusing her of simply being infatuated—selflessly offered their saved spirit stones to help her buy the elixir. Just as Orchid rejoiced, Lord Changheng's Destiny Book inexplicably fell and shattered. Despite her frantic efforts, she could not repair it, realizing with dread that it portended Lord Changheng's primordial spirit would be destroyed that very night. Meanwhile, storm clouds gathered over Shuiyuntian as thunder rumbled.
Inside Haotian Tower, Lord Yunzhong commanded the assembled immortals to swiftly reinforce the seal. Suddenly, a blinding light erupted from the tower, its immense power repelling weaker celestial soldiers. Lord Changheng bravely surged forward to confront the energy, but his efforts proved futile. Desperate, Orchid recalled her master's strict warning: a master of Destiny Books must never reveal its secrets to its owner or alter anyone's fate, lest they face divine punishment and be annihilated.
Yet, she could not stand by as Lord Changheng faced destruction. Concealing her face, she plunged into the chaotic energy, creating a shield to protect him from the lethal surge. By the time Lord Changheng registered her sacrifice, Orchid was already falling deep into the powerful seal. Lord Yunzhong declared that the Haotian Tower's seal was now complete and could not be reopened.
Orchid plummeted through the void, a strange light emanating from her chest as she was drawn toward a formidable figure, Dongfang Qingcang. In a moment of unconsciousness, their lips met. She awoke in a desolate, snowy landscape, staring at a withered tree. After a sneeze, she found herself in a dark space, confronted by a figure identical to herself. As she cautiously approached, the doppelganger's eyes gleamed with murderous intent and threw her to the ground.
It was then that Orchid comprehended the shocking truth: she had swapped bodies with Dongfang Qingcang. Now in his powerful form, she possessed his boundless magic, and he, in her weak body, coolly instructed her to shatter the Haotian Matrix to escape, threatening her life if she refused.
Episode 2 Recap
In the Haotian Tower, Dongfang Qingcang, trapped in Xiao Lanhua's body, confronts her, who now wields his formidable powers. Impatient, he orders her to shatter the Haotian Matrix, threatening to kill her. Xiao Lanhua retorts that he is merely a sinful immortal and reminds him that since they have swapped bodies, killing her would mean killing himself. This realization prompts Dongfang Qingcang to retaliate by cutting off the long hair from Xiao Lanhua's body, which he currently occupies.
Enraged, Xiao Lanhua, in Dongfang Qingcang's body, pulls at her new hair, causing him to feel the pain as well due to their connection. She threatens to make him bald and destroy his immortal root, claiming she has nothing to lose as her own is already damaged. Overwhelmed, she breaks down, lamenting her lost hair, her ruined chances at the immortal examination, and being trapped in his body.
Feeling her emotional agony, Dongfang Qingcang demands she stop crying, remarking that she is the first person to ever threaten him and make him cry. Desperate, Xiao Lanhua attempts to break the Haotian Matrix but cannot control his immense power. Dongfang Qingcang deduces that to reverse the switch, they must repeat the action that caused it. Meanwhile, in Shuiyuntian, Changheng prepares a special green flame wine for his friend, Rong Hao, who has just returned.
They meet in a secluded "Fairyland in Painting," avoiding the official celebration. Changheng expresses his bitter disappointment that Lord Yunzhong and the other Heavenly Lords did nothing when an innocent fairy fell into the Haotian Tower. Rong Hao shares the sentiment, stating his long-standing aversion to the "hypocrites" of Shuiyuntian. As they drink, Rong Hao comments on the beauty of Xishan, musing that its goddess, Xi Yun, must be equally stunning. Rong Hao notices a handkerchief in Changheng's hand.
When Changheng dismisses it, Rong Hao uses a spell to reveal a hidden orchid pattern. Rong Hao teases him, advising him to relax as his engagement to the goddess is a formality; they have never met, and she has been gone for 30,000 years. Changheng remains steadfast, vowing to search for her no matter how long it takes. Rong Hao playfully relents, fearing he would lose his only drinking companion in the Fairy Realm.
In the tower, Dongfang Qingcang pins Xiao Lanhua down to kiss her, but she instinctively uses his power to push him away. Realizing this is the only way, she bravely closes the distance and kisses him, successfully reversing the body swap. Back in his own body, Dongfang Qingcang shatters the Haotian Tower's seals, sending shockwaves across Shuiyuntian and triggering alarms. He briefly thanks a terrified Xiao Lanhua for his freedom.
When he grabs her, he feels a sharp, shared pain and releases her, allowing her to escape. To cover his tracks, Dongfang Qingcang magically repairs the tower, making it appear as if nothing happened. The Heavenly Realm quickly downplays the incident, with Lord Yunzhong being told two minor sinful immortals who briefly escaped have been recaptured and the Haotian Matrix is intact. Free and safe, Xiao Lanhua checks Changheng's Destiny Book and is relieved to find it restored.
She spots Changheng and Rong Hao and hides. Their conversation is interrupted as two sinful immortals appear and are apprehended by guards. After they leave, Changheng senses a disturbance near the tree but finds no one. Later, after reporting to Lord Yunzhong, Changheng realizes his handkerchief is missing and returns to search for it, but it is gone.
Dongfang Qingcang arrives at the Memory Loss River and reunites with his loyal lieutenant, Shangque, who has awaited his return for 30,000 years. A flashback to the war 30,000 years prior shows Dongfang Qingcang's overconfident battle against the Chidi Woman. Shangque reports that in his absence, Dongfang Qingcang's younger brother, Xunfeng, took over but proved incompetent; two kings rebelled, plunging the Moon Tribe into three millennia of civil war. The Fairy Realm exploited this chaos, seizing Moon Tribe territory.
Enraged, Dongfang Qingcang vows to revive his army of 100,000 elite soldiers, reclaim his land, and destroy Shuiyuntian. Shangque adds a crucial detail: the Shuofeng sword, the key to the seal on his army, could only be loosened by the Chidi Woman, whose primordial spirit was destroyed in their last battle. In Haishi City, Xiao Lanhua visits Jieli's shop to buy a Universe Pill to heal her damaged immortal root but cannot afford the high price.
Jieli offers a deal: if Xiao Lanhua delivers an overdue clothing order to the notorious Liufang Pavilion, she can have the medicine on credit, but with 50% interest. Desperate, Xiao Lanhua agrees. Meanwhile, at Liufang Pavilion, its master, Dieyi, is frustrated by her subordinates' failure to find a specific flower spirit her lord seeks, ordering the "lowly plant spirits" they did find to be sent to the Soul Transformation Grounds.
Upon arriving at Liufang Pavilion, Xiao Lanhua finds the place in chaos as guards search for an escaped Phoenix Plant Spirit. She finds the terrified spirit and transforms it back into a plant to help it hide. While there, Xiao Lanhua is shocked to sense a Destiny Book, which should only exist in the Arbiter Hall. Following the sensation, she discovers a "Nameless Destiny Book."
Unable to reach it, she uses the power of her spirit stones to summon it to her. The moment Xiao Lanhua touches the book, Dongfang Qingcang feels a sharp pain, realizing she is in grave danger. Simultaneously, Xiao Lanhua and the Phoenix Plant Spirit are captured and taken to the Soul Transformation Grounds. The spirit is thrown off a cliff into the churning flames below. Before Xiao Lanhua can react, she is struck by a powerful force and sent plummeting after it.
Episode 3 Recap
As Xiao Lanhua plummeted towards the raging inferno in the Transformation Grounds, an unseen force pulled her back. Simultaneously, the moon in the sky swelled threateningly. Guards from Liufang Pavilion frantically drew their weapons, only for them to turn to ash in their hands. As they turned to flee, the surging flames consumed them entirely. From the ominous full moon, a figure emerged, summoning Xiao Lanhua towards him.
Xiao Lanhua suddenly felt herself shrink, becoming small enough to be held in Dongfang Qingcang's grasp. Dieyi, the mistress of Liufang Pavilion, did not recognize the powerful newcomer, but she refused to allow anyone to disrupt her grand scheme. Yet, Dongfang Qingcang's power was boundless; with a single murderous glance, her soldiers disintegrated, and Dieyi herself was severely wounded. She attempted to ascertain his identity but was quickly engulfed by a swirling mass of dark evil spirit.
Following this, the murky evil spirit spread throughout Haishi City, causing its inhabitants to transform into monstrous, rampaging beings. Dongfang Qingcang then released Xiao Lanhua, stroking her face with his sharp claws. Fearing he intended to kill her, Xiao Lanhua hastily tried to leave. To her surprise, Dongfang Qingcang declared her his property and vowed that he would not permit anyone to harm her, threatening to flay anyone who dared to touch her.
Xiao Lanhua, momentarily flustered, mistakenly believed this was a declaration of love. However, disliking the "great devil," she politely rejected his perceived affections, suggesting he find someone else. Later, Xiao Lanhua realized that Dongfang Qingcang was bound by the Xilan Holy Seal. She recognized it as a Xilan clan totem from books but insisted she was merely an ordinary orchid plant and lacked the ability to remove such an advanced spell.
Dongfang Qingcang seemed unconvinced until he forcibly viewed her true form, her "immortal root," which he observed had significantly decayed. Infuriated by his invasion of her privacy, Xiao Lanhua stormed off, unknowingly dropping the expensive Universe Pill she had just purchased. In Haishi City, a masked man descended from the sky.
With a mere wave of his hand, the rampaging monsters, now revealed to be the city's inhabitants, ceased their frenzy and reverted to their human forms, casually walking away as if nothing had happened. He then restored the Transformation Grounds to its original appearance. This masked man was the Lord of Haishi City and Dieyi's master. Dieyi, kneeling before him, confessed her failure in losing the Destiny Book, which she believed was stolen by someone from Shuiyuntian.
The Lord of Haishi City chastised her, stating that death was too easy a punishment for her failure to secure the crucial Destiny Book. When asked about the identity of the mysterious man who wreaked havoc, Dieyi admitted his power was unfathomable and she could not identify him.
Dongfang Qingcang's subordinate reported that the Xilan Holy Seal, which had been missing for thirty thousand years, had mysteriously reappeared and was powerful enough to defy even Dongfang Qingcang's own attempts to break it. The subordinate further explained that the Xilan clan, including their goddess, had been annihilated shortly after the Great War, and that the tribe had historically maintained neutrality, guarding the Three Realms from the Evil God Tai Sui.
Dongfang Qingcang dismissed the Evil God as mere ancient legend, scoffing at the idea of his life being tied to a simple flower spirit. As he spoke, tears involuntarily streamed from his eyes, a physical manifestation of his unwilling connection to Xiao Lanhua, which vexed him greatly. Xiao Lanhua, distressed by her misfortune, lamented losing the crucial Universe Pill, which meant she couldn't heal her immortal roots and pass the examination to enter Fountain Palace.
She blamed her woes on Dongfang Qingcang, who then stealthily infiltrated the Arbiter Hall and found her in tears. Fearing exposure, Xiao Lanhua tried to push him out, but he effortlessly strode further into the hall, stating he would find her anywhere to ensure her safety. She retorted that he should stay away from her if he truly wanted her safe. During their argument, Dongfang Qingcang discovered a Destiny Book she had concealed.
She frantically tried to reclaim it, but he effortlessly took it. As he peered into the Destiny Book, Dongfang Qingcang was astonished to discover that the Chidi Woman still had a vestige of her primordial spirit surviving in the mortal world. He realized that with her, he could unseal his one hundred thousand soldiers. Xiao Lanhua, desperate to retrieve the book, warned him that tampering with it could distort karma and cause him to turn to dust.
In their struggle, the book was accidentally burned. Meanwhile, Changheng's subordinate reported that after the sinful immortal's escape, all of Shuiyuntian had been searched except for the remote Arbiter Hall. Disturbed by this oversight, Changheng decided to personally inspect it. Upon arriving, he inquired if a sinful immortal had caused any trouble. Xiao Lanhua, attempting to conceal Dongfang Qingcang, frantically reassured him that the hall was safe and claimed she was in seclusion preparing for the immortal examination.
Finding nothing amiss, Changheng departed. Dongfang Qingcang taunted Xiao Lanhua for possessing a mysterious spell and the Destiny Book, despite her claims of being an ordinary flower spirit. She insisted she had simply found the book in Haishi City. Recognizing her as the sole disciple of the Arbiter of Fate, Si Ming, he ordered her to repair the burned Destiny Book, threatening to destroy her greenhouse if she refused.
To motivate her, Dongfang Qingcang produced her lost Universe Pill, promising to return it once the book was fixed. Xiao Lanhua protested that she only knew how to organize Destiny Books, not restore them, and complained of her exhaustion and pain from the day's ordeal. Dongfang Qingcang agreed to let her rest and attempt the repair the following day but insisted on staying, explaining that their lives were now intertwined.
Troubled by his presence, Xiao Lanhua lied that she had someone she liked to deter him. When she returned to her room, she found him lying on her bed. Exasperated, she tried to leave, but he blocked her. As they argued, a frustrated Xiao Lanhua accidentally hit her head and cried out in pain. Dongfang Qingcang, who had been about to relent and leave, immediately turned back and commanded her not to hurt herself again.
Episode 4 Recap
After a long and tiring day, Xiao Lanhua finally fell asleep. In her dream, she was abruptly woken and dragged outside while bound. She saw Dongfang Qingcang similarly tied, with a celestial immortal standing before them. The immortal turned, revealing himself to be Changheng, who declared Dongfang Qingcang a sinful immortal who had escaped prison and was to be executed. He then accused Xiao Lanhua of knowingly hiding him in the Arbiter Hall.
Despite Xiao Lanhua's pleas, Changheng expressed his disappointment and, as he raised his sword, she watched in terror as he brought it down on Dongfang Qingcang. Xiao Lanhua woke up screaming, and at the same moment, Dongfang Qingcang also jolted awake, acknowledging a long-lost feeling of fear. The next morning, Dongfang Qingcang went to wake Xiao Lanhua, but she was fast asleep.
He urged her to get up and repair the Destiny Book, but she sleepily told him that if he was bored, he should go count the flowers in her greenhouse and let her sleep. Suddenly, the Xilan Holy Seal on his forehead glowed, and he found himself uncontrollably drawn to the flower room, where he began meticulously counting flowers. Realizing the little flower spirit was somehow controlling his actions, Dongfang Qingcang was furious.
He summoned Shangque and demanded the Book of Xilan, which recorded the secrets of the Xilan clan. Upon reading it, Dongfang Qingcang discovered he was afflicted with the Heart Curse, which bound him to Xiao Lanhua, forcing him to share her joy, sorrow, life, and death. He realized that while his actions did not affect her, her feelings and commands would directly influence him, making her his greatest weakness.
Shangque reassured him that Xiao Lanhua seemed unaware of her lineage or the curse's power. Dongfang Qingcang resolved to have her fix the Destiny Book to find Chidi Woman's reincarnation, believing he could then break the curse and destroy the immortal realm. Xiao Lanhua was highly amused to learn that Dongfang Qingcang had actually counted all 8,452 flowers in her greenhouse because of her casual remark.
When he sternly told her that every word she said was important to him, she, unused to being taken so seriously, internally dismissed his intensity, thinking he was just trying to make conversation. When Dongfang Qingcang pressed her to fix the Destiny Book, she insisted on having breakfast first. He chastised her for her laziness, but she retorted that sleep and eating were essential for cultivation. During breakfast, Xiao Lanhua asked for Dongfang Qingcang's name.
Just as he said "Dongfang Qing—", she sneezed, mishearing it as "Dongfang Qiang." She began calling him Daqiang, to his silent frustration. She innocently warned him that "Dongfang" was an unlucky surname, explaining that the "dead big devil" Dongfang Qingcang was an evil, green-faced monster with fangs and terrible hygiene. Barely containing his rage, Dongfang Qingcang tried to scare her by detailing how the Moon Supreme enjoyed eating tender little fairies like her.
Later, Xiao Lanhua regaled the flower spirits with an embellished tale of the 30,000-year battle, depicting Dongfang Qingcang as bruised and begging for mercy. Dongfang Qingcang, who was listening nearby, angrily interrupted her. As they prepared for a festival celebrating the immortal victory over the Moon Tribe, Xiao Lanhua's joyous preparations starkly contrasted with Dongfang Qingcang's fury. While making pastries, he violently smashed a bowl. Oblivious, Xiao Lanhua patiently taught him to knead the dough.
She then shaped it into a monstrous caricature of Dongfang Qingcang and mimed how Chidi Woman’s Shuofeng sword had pierced the real Moon Supreme. Enraged, Dongfang Qingcang stopped her, correcting her that Chidi Woman had killed herself. He then revealed he had read her books and found a torn portrait, causing her to panic. His eyes flashed red, but he suppressed his anger, recalling the Heart Curse's restrictions.
Dongfang Qingcang monitored Xiao Lanhua as she tried to repair the Destiny Book, but after a day of effort, she collapsed from exhaustion. A subordinate informed Dongfang Qingcang that her power was severely depleted from her experiences in Haotian Tower and Haishi City, and she would need a long rest, possibly years, to recover. Frustrated, Dongfang Qingcang ordered Shangque to retrieve the heart-hidden hairpin to help break the curse, plotting his revenge.
Meanwhile, Changheng was diligently cultivating a rare Immortal Pill. He recalled a memory from 500 years ago when he was gravely injured and a young, unnamed flower spirit—Xiao Lanhua—had helped him. She had vowed to pass the immortal examination and enter his palace. Just as Changheng completed the pill, Yunzhongjun summoned him to an urgent meeting. A subordinate suggested that to expedite her recovery, Dongfang Qingcang should personally care for Xiao Lanhua. Reluctantly, he agreed.
Consulting a book on Xilan Grass, he learned its specific requirements: warmth, partial shade, and the first rays of morning sun. Most importantly, for its spiritual wisdom to awaken, it required "rootless water"—morning dew—applied daily. Dongfang Qingcang was appalled by the prospect of collecting dew drop by drop, but his desire to break the curse drove him. Xiao Lanhua woke to find him gone, celebrating his apparent departure with the other flower spirits, unaware of his new role as her unwilling caretaker.
Episode 5 Recap
Xiao Lanhua awoke to an empty Arbiter Hall, searching everywhere for Dongfang Qingcang. Finding no trace of him, she concluded he had finally left and eagerly shared the news with her flower spirit friends. As they celebrated his departure, relieved that the "sinful immortal" was gone and no longer posed a risk, Dongfang Qingcang, who had returned, overheard their conversation. He felt a pang of sadness but quickly suppressed it, considering himself above such petty emotions.
Meanwhile, despite her initial relief, Xiao Lanhua found the hall too quiet and reflected that his presence had brought a liveliness she hadn't felt since her master, Si Ming, left. She then thought of him being locked alone in the Haotian Tower for tens of thousands of years, concluding he must be far lonelier than she was. Just as Xiao Lanhua was feeling this renewed sense of loneliness, Dongfang Qingcang appeared, carrying a cup of morning dew.
He explained he had spent the morning collecting the "rootless water" for her, as it benefited her primordial spirit. Touched by his unexpected kindness, Xiao Lanhua hesitated, explaining the water was too cold for her damaged immortal root. Dongfang Qingcang heated it with his magic, but it became scalding hot. With a frustrated sigh, he carefully cooled it to the perfect lukewarm temperature.
Appreciative of his efforts, Xiao Lanhua wanted to savor the drink and suggested adding flower honey for flavor. As she handed him the cup, however, he accidentally spilled the precious liquid. After more effort, Xiao Lanhua finally drank the morning dew, and Dongfang Qingcang momentarily relaxed. Meanwhile, Changheng came face to face with Lord Yunzhong, who held the handkerchief Changheng had lost.
Lord Yunzhong sternly reminded Changheng of his duty and accused him of having an affair with the handkerchief's owner, thereby neglecting his destined marriage to the Goddess. Changheng denied any such relationship and vowed to uphold his engagement. Acknowledging Changheng's past military achievements, Lord Yunzhong dropped the matter but warned him to abide by his destiny.
Clenching the handkerchief, Changheng recalled a memory from five hundred years ago when Xiao Lanhua, despite her weak power, had bravely tried to protect him. He reflected that perhaps in those moments, he had been his true self. He then carefully placed the handkerchief into a box next to a water orchid. As night fell, Dongfang Qingcang, whom Xiao Lanhua now called Daqiang, returned with a kindling of eternal fire.
He explained he had retrieved it from the magma of the Cangyan Sea's earth fissure to warm her room, knowing her true form as an orchid preferred warmth. Xiao Lanhua was furious, scolding him for risking his life in such a dangerous place. Dongfang Qingcang dismissed her concerns, but his sacrifice convinced Xiao Lanhua of his deep feelings for her. Awkwardly, she tried to reiterate that she already liked someone else, but Daqiang simply asserted that she belonged to him.
Trying to push him away, she clumsily suggested he "confess his crime and start a new life," immediately regretting her poor choice of words. Having read that the Xilan holy grass thrived in the "rising sun," Dongfang Qingcang realized the north-facing Arbiter Hall lacked sufficient light. Before dawn, he woke a sleeping Xiao Lanhua and carried her to the highest point in Shuiyuntian: the Yunzhong Water Pavilion.
Xiao Lanhua was terrified, as it was Lord Yunzhong's grand hall, a place forbidden without an invitation. She panicked when she saw patrolling guards and knelt to beg for mercy, only to realize they were cloaked by an invisibility spell. Daqiang then revealed his purpose: to show her the magnificent sunrise. Xiao Lanhua was enchanted by the breathtaking view, grateful for an experience her humble status would never normally allow.
She reflected on the hypocrisy of the immortal realm, which reserved the best for those of high birth. Her wonder grew as she spotted cloud whales gliding through the sky. Despite Dongfang Qingcang's diligent care, Xiao Lanhua's power showed no improvement. He suddenly felt a sharp pain in his chest, a symptom of their shared curse.
He rushed to find Xiao Lanhua, who confessed she had secretly taken a "medicine of extreme yang" from his room, believing it would accelerate her recovery. Dongfang Qingcang angrily explained that her true form, wood, feared fire; after his nurturing, this powerful medicine had become a poison to her.
He quickly expelled the excess "yang fire" from her body, but she then burst into tears, explaining that she missed her master, Si Ming, who used to make her flower soup when she was ill. Experiencing her sorrow, a frustrated Dongfang Qingcang told her to rest. Startled awake by the smell of smoke, Xiao Lanhua found Daqiang on the rooftop, attempting to cook.
He presented her with a bowl of "flower soup," insisting she drink it to stop missing her master. Xiao Lanhua was deeply moved by his awkward but sincere gesture. Though the soup was nearly inedible, she managed one bowl before excusing herself. Afterward, Dongfang Qingcang sensed a slight recovery in her power and observed that the flower garden outside was linked to her primordial spirit.
He realized the true secret to restoring her immortal root was not physical nourishment, but tending to her emotional well-being, and he began to ponder how he could possibly make her happy.
Episode 6 Recap
Dongfang Qingcang told Xiao Lanhua that if she had a wish, he would fulfill it for her. Xiao Lanhua, contemplating that he seemed intent on making her happy, seized the opportunity to ask him to return to Haotian Tower. He immediately refused, prompting Xiao Lanhua to suggest he return the Destiny Book to her after it was repaired.
Again, he refused to discuss it until she recovered, making Xiao Lanhua suspect he was only using the excuse of fixing the Destiny Book to stay by her side. Determined not to let him fall deeper in love with her, she declared her only alternative was to pass the immortal examination.
Dongfang Qingcang questioned her decision, calling her foolish for almost losing her life for such a goal, but Xiao Lanhua insisted that passing the exam would allow her to gain a position at Lord Changheng’s Fountain Palace.
She then passionately praised Lord Changheng, the younger brother of Lord Yunzhong, recounting how he reclaimed all lost territories for Shuiyuntian in less than six thousand years after the battle with the Moon Tribe, stating that Dongfang Qingcang would be no match for him if Changheng had been born earlier. Dongfang Qingcang, realizing Changheng was the one she liked, became frustrated, asking why she kept talking nonsense when he only wanted to know what she desired.
Xiao Lanhua tried to explain that she didn't want him to waste his time on her, believing he would lose interest if he saw more beautiful fairies. Dongfang Qingcang, however, firmly declared that no one in the three realms was as unique as she was to him. Xiao Lanhua reiterated her preference, making it clear she wished Lord Changheng was by her side, not him.
Dongfang Qingcang, observing her weakness, internally mused that serving a small plant was harder than conquering the three realms, yet he was determined to make her the happiest woman in the world. Meanwhile, in Haishi City, a subordinate reported to the lord that a nameless orchid spirit from the Arbiter Hall had stolen the Destiny Book. The lord immediately deduced it was the orchid who had inherited the Arbiter's power and ordered her death to retrieve the book.
However, a subordinate advised caution, explaining that Lord Changheng was currently in Yujing, and a murder would lead to a thorough investigation that could implicate Haishi City. They decided it would be better for Xiao Lanhua to meet an "accident" during the upcoming immortal examination, as such an incident would likely go unnoticed. Back at Arbiter Hall, Xiao Lanhua, startled awake, saw Lord Changheng standing before her.
She was overjoyed until she realized it was Dongfang Qingcang, who had transformed into Changheng's likeness. Annoyed, she demanded he revert to his original form, accusing him of toying with her. Dongfang Qingcang retorted that he was merely fulfilling her earlier wish for Changheng to be by her side. Xiao Lanhua, frustrated by his lack of understanding of human nature and emotions, told him he was hopeless.
When he asked what would make her happy, she insisted she wanted to see the real Lord Changheng, not his disguise. Dongfang Qingcang then offered to tie the real Changheng up for her, but Xiao Lanhua quickly forbade him, reminding him that Changheng could easily defeat him and she needed to prepare for the immortal examination. Dongfang Qingcang warned her not to go, deeming her too weak and in danger, but Xiao Lanhua insisted she must try.
She explained that passing the exam was her only way to reach Changheng's Fountain Palace, serve him, and repay his kindness, which would truly make her happy. Elsewhere, in Shuiyuntian's Shuyu Forest, Fairy Danyin was diligently practicing her magic, but lost control and injured herself. Her father, Lord Li Yuan, appeared, expressing concern and questioning why his noble daughter insisted on participating in the immortal examination to serve others.
Danyin confessed her long-standing affection for Lord Changheng, revealing she knew her father didn't want her to enter Changheng’s Fountain Palace. She acknowledged Changheng’s engagement to the Goddess of Xilan but, believing the goddess was long gone, insisted that if she could become his close attendant, he would eventually fall in love with her. Lord Li Yuan warned her that Changheng’s engagement was orchestrated by Lord Yunzhong, and any deviation could lead to misfortune, not happiness.
Later, Xiao Lanhua heard someone approaching the Arbiter Hall and quickly urged Dongfang Qingcang to hide, instructing him not to come out no matter what happened. Fairy Danyin then arrived, imperiously demanding her Destiny Book to check if she could enter the Fountain Palace. Xiao Lanhua politely refused, explaining that viewing a Destiny Book required a senior immortal's order and that as a junior fairy, she lacked the authority.
Danyin, undeterred, threatened to beat her and began damaging the Destiny Book branches. A vortex suddenly appeared on a tree trunk, revealing a vision of Lord Changheng's wedding. Danyin was distraught to see that the bride was not her, but Xiao Lanhua. Furious, Danyin pushed Xiao Lanhua to the ground. Dongfang Qingcang then emerged from hiding and offered to kill Danyin since she posed a threat to Xiao Lanhua.
Xiao Lanhua, however, quickly rebuked him, asking him to stop causing trouble and to stay still while she left to prepare for the immortal examination. On the day of the immortal examination in Yujing, other fairies gossiped about Fairy Danyin, believing she was already chosen by Lord Changheng due to the Immortal Pill he had refined and gifted her after seven days of seclusion. They resigned themselves to being mere "green leaves" to her "flower."
Lord Sansheng announced silence, and Lord Yunzhong and Lord Changheng made their grand entrance. While the fairies were captivated by Changheng's presence, he was lost in a memory of Xiao Lanhua, recalling his promise to fetch her a Magical Firefly Stone from the Northernmost Ocean because she loved the stars. Lord Yunzhong, seeing the scene, inquired about Rong Hao’s whereabouts, noting that he had arranged a seat for him.
He then addressed the candidates, reminding them of the humiliation suffered by the gods during the Moon Tribe war. He announced Lord Changheng as the main judge and himself as the supervisor for the exam. The rules were simple: candidates must use demon-subduing pills to subdue one of the nine monsters in Shuyu Forest before sunset. With forty-eight candidates and only nine monsters, competition was fierce.
When asked who would enter first, Xiao Lanhua, who had been jostled forward by an unseen force, instinctively said "I." Dongfang Qingcang, observing through a scrying mirror, asked Shang Que if he should intervene. Shang Que expressed disbelief that the mighty Moon Supreme would resort to such petty tricks for a small fairy, but Dongfang Qingcang stated he had no other choice to make Xiao Lanhua happy.
He then instructed Shang Que to lure the weakest monster, Ying Zhao, towards Xiao Lanhua, but to maintain distance as Ying Zhao could sense Dongfang Qingcang's presence. Xiao Lanhua, having wandered to a secluded part of the forest, spotted Ying Zhao. Despite being terrified, she attempted to cleverly subdue it by offering it Liuli Grass, a favorite treat, hoping to catch it off guard while its vigilance was lowered.
Dongfang Qingcang noted her intelligence despite her weak power, while Changheng, observing through a mirror, remarked that Ying Zhao, a spiritual beast, only trusted those with pure and kind hearts, earning a warning glance from Lord Yunzhong. As Xiao Lanhua cautiously approached Ying Zhao, several other fairies surrounded her, demanding she hand over the beast. They claimed they had a right to it despite Xiao Lanhua discovering it first, reminding her that private fights were allowed during the exam.
Xiao Lanhua refused, leading to a confrontation. Fairy Danyin joined them, declaring that even if she didn't want Ying Zhao herself, Xiao Lanhua wouldn't capture any monster, threatening to ruin her cultivation and send her back to being a mere un-enlightened grass. Despite the overwhelming odds, Xiao Lanhua refused to back down, proclaiming that she would never retreat and would risk her life to pass the exam and repay Lord Changheng.
The fairies attacked, but to her surprise, Xiao Lanhua found herself resisting their magic and even striking some of them down, wondering if she had somehow become enlightened. At that moment, Dongfang Qingcang sensed an evil energy and instructed Shang Que to watch over Xiao Lanhua while he investigated. The source was Dieyi, who subtly injected the evil energy into Ying Zhao. The once gentle Ying Zhao suddenly turned monstrous, growing fangs and lunging at Xiao Lanhua.
Changheng, seeing Xiao Lanhua in peril, was about to rush to her aid when Shang Que appeared just in time, intercepting Ying Zhao's attack. Other fairies also encountered the now-crazed Ying Zhao. Fairy Danyin attempted to subdue it but was struck down. Xiao Lanhua bravely intervened, saving Danyin and then trying to subdue Ying Zhao herself. Other fairies, seeing her courage, joined the effort, but Ying Zhao was too powerful.
Spotting a tree hole, Xiao Lanhua quickly led everyone inside for shelter. She then proposed gathering all their demon-subduing pills, reasoning that a single pill wouldn't be enough, but a combined force might subdue Ying Zhao. Although hesitant, the other fairies agreed. Xiao Lanhua, taking all the gathered pills, volunteered to lure Ying Zhao away, offering herself as bait. With her injured hand, she taunted the rampaging Ying Zhao, leading it away from the tree hole.
Meanwhile, Danyin, recovering, rushed back to the main hall with some fairies to report the terrifying turn of events to Aunt Sansheng. Lord Li Yuan, worried about his daughter, checked on Danyin, while Changheng, alerted to Xiao Lanhua's danger, quickly mobilized others, splitting up to search for her in Shuyu Forest as Xiao Lanhua's desperate cries for help echoed through the woods.
Episode 7 Recap
An instant before Ying Zhao lunged, Xiao Lanhua instinctively shielded her head, but the anticipated attack never came. Opening her eyes, she saw Dongfang Qingcang, who menacingly advanced with his sword, intent on slaying Ying Zhao. Xiao Lanhua quickly took his sword, then knelt to heal the injured beast before taking it into her fairy pearl for safekeeping.
As Dieyi secretly approached, Dongfang Qingcang sensed her presence and, with a swift gesture, caused her to transform into a butterfly and flee. Concerned by Xiao Lanhua's emotional nature, Dongfang Qingcang proposed removing her emotional roots entirely to prevent her from taking such risks in the future. Xiao Lanhua vehemently disagreed, arguing that a life without emotion is a disability, like a tree without leaves or a bird without wings.
She asserted that their shared compassion was what allowed the fairies to unite and survive the attack. The conversation stirred a painful memory in Dongfang Qingcang of being trapped in flames, completely alone. Noticing his distant expression, Xiao Lanhua gently patted his shoulder, assuring him that despite any past darkness, the world still held good people. Her words were interrupted by a distant call for "Orchid!" Recognizing it as Lord Changheng, Xiao Lanhua urgently told Dongfang Qingcang to leave.
He vanished just moments before Changheng arrived, who was relieved to find her unharmed. Xiao Lanhua reported the incident to the assembled celestials, but Lord Liyuan remained skeptical and pressed her for details. Changheng subtly defended her, and Lord Rong Hao skillfully deflected Liyuan's harsh inquiries. The conversation then shifted to the "evil spirit" found on Ying Zhao, a malevolent energy capable of possessing souls.
Lord Liyuan noted that this spirit, unseen for hundreds of thousands of years, had suddenly appeared in Shuiyuntian. He confirmed that he had ordered the Spirit Lock Gate sealed, trapping whoever was responsible within Yujing. Shortly after, Xiao Lanhua was overjoyed to learn she had placed first in the immortal examination. Her joy was short-lived, however, as she began to fear Dongfang Qingcang was responsible for the Ying Zhao incident.
She confronted him, but he adamantly denied resorting to such "dirty tricks." Convinced by what she had heard about the evil spirit's link to the Moon Tribe, Xiao Lanhua, compelled by their Heart Curse, tried to drag him to Changheng to confess. To stop her, Dongfang Qingcang was forced to explain that his only reason for being in Shuyu Forest was to secretly help her pass the exam.
The revelation convinced her of his innocence and made her fear for his capture. Despite the explanation, Xiao Lanhua was troubled by the fact she had won by cheating. She resolved to cancel her results, unwilling to accept a dishonest victory. When Dongfang Qingcang asked if she still wanted him to return to Haotian Tower, she admitted her feelings were conflicted.
Using an analogy, she explained that just as one grows accustomed to bitter medicine until they taste candy, she had grown used to his companionship after a long solitude and now feared the loneliness that would return if he left. Dongfang Qingcang, however, struggled to comprehend her complex feelings. Meanwhile, Dongfang Qingcang discussed the incident with Shangque.
He connected the evil spirit from Shuyu Forest to a previous incident in Haishi City, deducing that the attacks were orchestrated by the same force and that Xiao Lanhua was the true target, likely because she had seen the secrets within the Chidi Woman's fate ledger. He surmised the mysterious master of Haishi City must be the one who hid the Chidi Woman's primordial spirit.
In Liufang Pavilion, Rong Hao was visited by an assassin disguised as his deceased master, the Chidi Woman. Seeing through the ruse, he coldly killed the imposter. He had also brought back the injured Dieyi, and after noticing traces of Hellfire on her, he realized Dongfang Qingcang was the "mysterious man" who had overpowered her in Haishi City. His suspicions aroused, Rong Hao went to inspect Haotian Tower.
He theorized that the fairy who fell into the tower—Xiao Lanhua—must have somehow reassembled Dongfang Qingcang's scattered primordial spirit, allowing him to escape. He deduced that only the legendary Goddess of Xishan possessed this ability, and his suspicion about Xiao Lanhua's true identity began to form. Later, Xiao Lanhua encountered Danyin, who was now grateful and no longer antagonistic after being saved. When Xiao Lanhua stated her intention to cancel her exam results, Changheng intervened.
He assured her that her bravery and kindness during the attack made her first-place honor well-deserved and, as the examiner, his decision was final. Xiao Lanhua then tried to return Changheng's Firefly Stone, but it had already imprinted on her as its new master. Rong Hao approached Xiao Lanhua, asking for her help. He presented her with a withered Ice Jade, a plant with strong vitality, and asked if she could revive it.
As a flower spirit, Xiao Lanhua took the plant and effortlessly brought it back to life. Feigning gratitude, Rong Hao internally confirmed his suspicion: she was the Goddess of Xishan, the only one capable of such life-giving power. As Xiao Lanhua departed, Rong Hao watched her with a faint smile. He reflected that since his master's death, the three realms had brought him nothing but endless suffering.
Believing his pain was nothing compared to his master's, he reaffirmed his long-held decision to overturn the heavens and earth, if necessary, to bring her back, whispering that they would soon be reunited.
Episode 8 Recap
Xiao Lanhua excitedly returned to Arbiter Hall, eager to tell Dongfang Qingcang about Lord Changheng's praise and the Firefly Stone she received. She believed this confirmed her destined connection with Lord Changheng, feeling overjoyed. However, Dongfang Qingcang, bound by the Heart Curse, felt an inexplicable tightness in his chest despite her happiness. He abruptly left to consult ancient scrolls.
Shangque suggested urging Xiao Lanhua to resume fixing the Destiny Book, but Dongfang Qingcang, uncharacteristically, expressed concern for her well-being, noting she had only recovered 70% and should not be rushed. Meanwhile, at Fountain Palace, Danyin confronted Yulin, accusing her of stealing a Firefly Stone. Yulin vehemently denied it, claiming Lord Changheng had personally given it to her. As their argument escalated, Qingchuan intervened, but their dispute was soon interrupted by the sudden appearance of Lord Yunzhong.
In the grand hall, Yulin maintained her stance, insisting that Lord Changheng had gifted her the Firefly Stone. However, Lord Changheng himself stepped forward to deny her claim. For Changheng, Yulin's lie was far more severe than simple theft; it falsely implied a personal affair, which was unacceptable given his engagement and position as the God of War. Lord Yunzhong, acknowledging Yulin's mother's loyal service, offered Yulin one last chance to confess.
When Yulin stubbornly repeated her false claim, Lord Yunzhong declared her guilt, ordering her immortal bones removed and banishing her to Shenshui Hall, from where she would be cast into the eternal cycle of reincarnation. Despite pleas for leniency from Changheng and others, Lord Yunzhong remained resolute. As Yulin was dragged away, she tried to implicate Xiao Lanhua, but her accusations were quickly silenced.
A memory from five hundred years ago surfaced, showing Changheng and a tiny Orchid enjoying happy moments. When Changheng eventually had to leave, he reluctantly erased her memory to spare her sorrow. Later, by fate's twist, he encountered her again, now as the God of War and she a small flower spirit in Arbiter Hall.
Wishing to protect her subtly, he intentionally dropped the Firefly Stone in front of her, secretly watched over her, and even picked up a narcissus and a handkerchief she had left behind. After much contemplation, he made the difficult decision to personally remove Xiao Lanhua’s name from the Fountain Palace selection list, believing it was the only way to keep her safe.
Xiao Lanhua excitedly rushed to check the announced list for the Fountain Palace duties, but her name was nowhere to be found. Her heart sank when Aunt Sansheng confirmed that Lord Changheng had personally excluded her. Distraught, she returned to Arbiter Hall, and to her dismay, the Firefly Stone she had treasured from him also turned back into an ordinary stone. Unable to comprehend why, she turned to Dongfang Qingcang in her sorrow.
Dongfang Qingcang then led her to Yunzhong Water Pavilion, where they overheard Lord Yunzhong and Changheng discussing her elimination. Changheng explained that despite her achievement as the champion, he deemed her unworthy of entering Fountain Palace, describing her as a lowly orchid with damaged immortal roots and no aptitude for cultivation. Hearing this, Xiao Lanhua burst into tears, utterly heartbroken. Back in Arbiter Hall, Xiao Lanhua's tears continued to fall.
She had genuinely believed that Changheng appreciated her and saw her as different, only to find her hopes shattered. Dongfang Qingcang, feeling her deep sadness due to the Heart Curse, angrily called Changheng "blind." Yet, Xiao Lanhua, still protective, asked him not to speak ill of Changheng, much to Dongfang Qingcang's frustration. Misunderstanding his subsequent comment that she truly was different from other fairies, Xiao Lanhua became even more upset, thinking he also looked down on her.
Dongfang Qingcang gently knelt before her, explaining that she was far more precious than anyone else—as precious as his own life. Though he had said such things before, his earnest words still stirred Xiao Lanhua’s heart. He urged her to stop crying, explaining that her sadness caused him pain, and tenderly wiped away her tears. Soon after, Lord Changheng arrived at Arbiter Hall with his search party, investigating the presence of evil spirits.
Dongfang Qingcang, still simmering with anger, was on the verge of destroying the entire hall. Xiao Lanhua rushed to stop him, but in doing so, they both tumbled into the vast cloud sea below. As they plunged into the water, Xiao Lanhua struggled to adapt, choking and beginning to sink. Dongfang Qingcang sighed and quickly gave her air. Once ashore, Xiao Lanhua was incredibly embarrassed, and Dongfang Qingcang explained he only acted out of fear she would drown.
After Xiao Lanhua left, he instinctively touched his lips, pondering the moment. He then lamented to Shangque that the heart-hidden hairpin, which could block her thoughts, remained unfound. He considered returning to Cangyan Sea for the Moon Supreme's holy token as an alternative. Shangque suggested that Xiao Lanhua's persistent attachment to Changheng was the psychological block preventing her full recovery. Later, Dongfang Qingcang looked into the Tianji Mirror on the Destiny Book tree.
He saw a vision of Xiao Lanhua and Changheng's wedding, which caused a sharp pain in his chest due to the curse. At the same time, Xiao Lanhua learned from Danyin that not only sinful immortals but also members of the Moon Tribe had escaped from Haotian Tower. This new information made her suspect Dongfang Qingcang's true identity. Despite her suspicion, she decided to help him escape. She offered him wine secretly laced with a powerful drug.
Once he was incapacitated, she carried him to a small boat. With tears in her eyes, she bid him a heartfelt farewell as the boat drifted away. She admitted she knew he was from the Moon Tribe, not a sinful immortal, and confessed that his presence had made her very happy and less lonely.
Explaining that his identity would lead to certain death in the currently hostile Shuiyuntian, she urged him to flee after the drug wore off, never to return and never to meet her again. Recalling his claim that emotions were a burden, she tearfully countered that their emotional bond was the very reason they had survived thus far. Under the moonlit sky, Changheng gazed out, his heart heavy with Xiao Lanhua's earlier disappointment. At that moment, a subordinate arrived, reporting a significant breakthrough in the investigation of the evil spirit.
Episode 9 Recap
Returning to Arbiter Hall, Xiao Lanhua felt a profound sadness, a lingering reluctance despite her earlier resolve to face solitude. Exhaustion soon overtook her, and she fell into a deep sleep. Dongfang Qingcang and Shangque quietly arrived. Noticing Xiao Lanhua's improved health, Shangque was eager for her to resume repairing the Destiny Books. However, Dongfang Qingcang, filled with concern, insisted she sleep well, then gently lifted her and carefully placed her onto the bed.
Overcome with worry, he placed a Bone Orchid, transformed from his own heart's blood, on her wrist, a protective talisman for when he is not by her side. Meanwhile, Changheng arrived in Haishi City. He presented a mysterious vial to Rong Hao, the Lord of Haishi City, asking if he recognized its contents. Rong Hao identified it as an evil spirit. Changheng pressed further, recounting recent incidents where Shuiyuntian fairies were harmed, and demanded an explanation.
Rong Hao claimed the evil spirit originated from a powerful, mysterious man who had trespassed and ravaged Haishi City. To prove it, he revealed a wound on his attendant Dieyi's back, which Changheng recognized as the mark of hellfire. Rong Hao confirmed that only Dongfang Qingcang, the Moon Supreme, could wield such power. As Changheng prepared to leave, Rong Hao added that the mysterious man had also taken a nameless orchid plant spirit from Shuiyuntian.
After Changheng's departure, Rong Hao explained to his subordinate that directly confronting the powerful Dongfang Qingcang was foolish, but an alliance with Changheng offered a strategic advantage. Xiao Lanhua awoke with a start, realizing she had overslept and was late for the Division Ceremony. Brushing off Shangque's suggestion to stay and fix the Destiny Books, Dongfang Qingcang allowed her to attend the ceremony she had anticipated for a thousand years.
As Xiao Lanhua rushed off, Changheng arrived at Arbiter Hall, intending to investigate, only to find Dongfang Qingcang waiting for him. Dongfang Qingcang deliberately lured Changheng into a fight in the woods, wanting to keep the battle away from Xiao Lanhua's cherished home. At the grand ceremony, Lord Yunzhong explained that fairies who passed the immortal examination would have their true forms verified by the Great Turtle, Xuanwu, before being assigned their posts. Many fairies underwent the process smoothly.
However, when it was Xiao Lanhua's turn, Xuanwu mysteriously addressed her as "an old friend" and then vanished, leaving her with the cryptic message that she was "special" and had a singular, unique fate to bear. Following Xuanwu's disappearance, the verification process for Xiao Lanhua failed, throwing the hall into an uproar.
After multiple attempts by other esteemed fairies yielded no results, Lord Yunzhong personally re-examined her and grimly announced that her true form was not an orchid, nor did it belong to any of Shuiyuntian's immortal systems. He declared that if she was neither immortal nor human, she must be from the Moon Tribe. Xiao Lanhua vehemently denied this, explaining that her master had brought her as an orchid seed from Yunmeng Lake.
Lord Yunzhong dismissed her pleas and ordered the guards to seize her. As the heavenly soldiers approached, a burst of hellfire erupted from Xiao Lanhua, repelling them. Recognizing Dongfang Qingcang's power, an enraged Lord Yunzhong seized Xiao Lanhua, demanding to know the Moon Supreme's whereabouts and accusing her of being a spy. At that moment, Dongfang Qingcang appeared in the hall, declaring, "You dare to touch my person?"
Upon seeing him, Xiao Lanhua tearfully realized his true identity, accusing him of deception. Dongfang Qingcang asserted he had never lied, reiterating that her life belonged to him and that he would ensure no one could harm her. He carefully set Xiao Lanhua down, conjured a powerful barrier to protect her, and placed the Bone Orchid back onto her wrist. His eyes filled with murderous intent, Dongfang Qingcang advanced on Lord Yunzhong, unleashing his hellfire.
Just as his rage threatened to consume the hall, Xiao Lanhua's faint plea, "No!" halted his destructive power. Under the stunned gazes of everyone present, Dongfang Qingcang calmly embraced Xiao Lanhua and carried her out. No one dared to intervene until Changheng appeared, demanding Dongfang Qingcang release Xiao Lanhua. Despite his valiant efforts, he was no match for the Moon Supreme.
Annoyed by the obstruction, Dongfang Qingcang threatened to engulf all of Shuiyuntian and Yunmeng Lake by using the Four Water Pearl to reverse the flow of the heavenly rivers. Torn between his duty to save his realm and his desire to rescue Xiao Lanhua, a distraught Changheng was forced to stay behind. Xiao Lanhua awoke at the Memory Loss River, the boundary between the two realms, and deduced Dongfang Qingcang was taking her to Cangyan Sea.
She tried to convince him to let her return, profusely apologizing for her past remarks. Dongfang Qingcang firmly rebuffed her, explaining that she was now deemed a traitor and would be killed if she went back. Crying, Xiao Lanhua insisted she was not a traitor and that Shuiyuntian was her home. Their journey was interrupted when Shangque reported that internal conflict had erupted in Cangyan Sea.
Highness Xunfeng, Dongfang Qingcang's brother who had become the new Moon Supreme, was losing a battle against the ambitious Kings of the Southern and Northern territories. With the enemy advancing, Dongfang Qingcang immediately ordered them to proceed to the battlefield, telling Xiao Lanhua to watch closely and see that he was not someone who could be defeated by the immortals.
Episode 10 Recap
Riding a powerful black dragon through the sea of clouds, Dongfang Qingcang carried Xiao Lanhua to his realm. Unfamiliar with such travel, she initially clung to him in fear but soon grew bold enough to enjoy the view. Upon arriving at Cangyan Sea, the Moon Tribe soldiers knelt in reverence for Dongfang Qingcang. However, his younger brother, Xun Feng, the acting leader, refused to bow, glaring with resentment. Only under Dongfang Qingcang's intimidating gaze did Xun Feng reluctantly submit.
Dongfang Qingcang ignored him and declared his return, met with thunderous cheers from his people. Feeling awkward, Xiao Lanhua knelt as well. Meanwhile, in Shuiyuntian, Changheng accepted full responsibility for Dongfang Qingcang's escape before Yun Zhongjun. He requested permission to lead an army to Cangyan Sea, but Yun Zhongjun questioned whether his motive was to defeat an enemy or to save someone, forbidding any action without a direct command.
When Shang Que escorted Xiao Lanhua to the "Devouring Immortal House," she panicked, recalling Dongfang Qingcang's earlier threats. Shang Que reassured her that the name, along with others like the Immortal Slaying Pavilion, was merely symbolic of the previous Moon Supreme's ambition to conquer Shuiyuntian. In Silent Moon Palace, Dongfang Qingcang discovered from the Xilan Holy Book that the Heart Curse could be broken if one of the two was killed with the ancient Chengying sword.
Though the sword was destroyed, Shang Que knew the location of a fragment and departed at once to retrieve it. Later, Moon Tribe healers fussed over Xiao Lanhua, speculating that Dongfang Qingcang must be smitten to use such precious elixirs on a seemingly ordinary flower spirit. Dongfang Qingcang appeared and dismissed them. As he turned to leave, Xiao Lanhua boldly declared that while he may have captured her body, he could not win her heart, as she loved someone else.
Annoyed that she still harbored feelings for Changheng, Dongfang Qingcang scoffed, stating he had no feelings for her. He cruelly explained that his previous kindness was an involuntary side effect of the Heart Curse, and that acts like taking her to see the sunrise were "disgusting" to him. He declared her a fugitive from Shuiyuntian and a spy for the Moon Tribe, trapped with him until she repaired the Destiny Book.
In the main hall, Xun Feng presented the sacred You jade ring. When told to approach, he hesitated, his mind filled with hatred for Dongfang Qingcang, who had killed their father. In a fit of rage, Xun Feng let the box containing the ring fall. Unfazed, Dongfang Qingcang picked up the ring and put it on. Shang Que later noted Xun Feng's disrespect and reported that Xiao Lanhua was refusing medicine and complaining of homesickness, which might hinder her work.
Hearing it was her "first time away from home," Dongfang Qingcang cryptically ordered Shang Que to find the best craftsmen in the palace. Elsewhere, a frustrated Rong Hao learned that the former God of War's Destiny Book was not in the Arbiter Hall. He worried Dongfang Qingcang might have seen it and noticed the Hellfire scars on Chi Ling, which would reveal she is the reincarnation of his master.
If Dongfang Qingcang realized her primordial spirit survived, he would try to extract it to power his army, which would destroy her completely. Having worked for 30,000 years to save her, Rong Hao ordered his spies in the Moon Tribe to confirm what Dongfang Qingcang knew. One day, Xiao Lanhua tried to escape using pollen to disable the guards but was stopped by Shang Que, who led her to a dark, dungeon-like place.
She followed reluctantly, but with a snap of Dongfang Qingcang's fingers, the area was illuminated, revealing a perfect replica of her Arbiter Hall. Overjoyed, she believed she was home, but Dongfang Qingcang coldly clarified it was just a copy. When she pleaded to be released, he asked if she would have helped him if she had known his true identity from the start. Her silence was a clear answer, filling him with a mix of loss and anger.
He reminded her she was a fugitive, and now, with the You jade ring shielding him from the curse's emotional influence, he no longer had to endure her feelings. He reiterated that his past kindness was false and confined her to the replica hall until the Destiny Book was fixed. In the following days, Xiao Lanhua was tormented by constant storms she attributed to Dongfang Qingcang's foul mood. Desperate, she faked a severe illness, refusing all food and treatment.
She claimed to be on her deathbed with something important to say to Dongfang Qingcang alone. When he arrived, he berated her for her recklessness, reminding her that her life was his until the book was mended. When he demanded to know what she wanted, she asked to speak outside. He refused, ordering her to speak up.
Episode 11 Recap
Dongfang Qingcang, in Xiao Lanhua's body, pushed away Xiao Lanhua, who was now in his body, and spat in disgust. Xiao Lanhua looked down at her new form, then glared angrily at Dongfang Qingcang. They had swapped bodies again after their kiss. Furious, Dongfang Qingcang desperately kissed Xiao Lanhua again, even biting his lip until it bled, but it was futile.
Xiao Lanhua mockingly explained that a kiss wasn't enough; lightning was also a necessary condition for the soul swap, but the storm had passed, leaving only clear skies. Dongfang Qingcang retorted that summoning lightning should be easy for him, but he found he couldn't use any magic in Xiao Lanhua’s weak body. Xiao Lanhua gloated, telling him that no matter how powerful he was, he was helpless in her powerless body.
Infuriated, Dongfang Qingcang lunged forward and grabbed Xiao Lanhua by the throat. Just then, Shangque appeared, pulling Xiao Lanhua (in Dongfang Qingcang's body) to safety. Thinking quickly, Xiao Lanhua ordered Shangque to lock up the "disrespectful fairy." It was the day of Dongfang Qingcang's formal ceremony to retake control of the Moon Tribe, and the ministers were already waiting. A flustered Xiao Lanhua had no choice but to ascend the throne.
Unsure how to act, she simply bowed slightly to the ministers, impressed by the dignity of the Moon Supreme's station. When reminded of the ceremony, Xiao Lanhua, feigning forgetfulness due to being "busy with affairs," was led to the main hall. There, one of the ministers, the Southern You King, presented a "great gift": a captured fairy spy, the leader of a group sent to infiltrate Cangyan Sea.
He proposed an ancient ritual of sacrificing a fairy to their flag, urging the Moon Supreme to execute the spy personally. Incited by the Southern You King, the crowd clamored for the execution. Unwilling to kill, Xiao Lanhua declared her admiration for the spy's loyalty and offered to send him back to Shuiyuntian. She announced that if she were to kill him, it would be "honorably on the battlefield," not in cold blood.
Her authoritative words silenced the ministers, and the spy was escorted away. After the ceremony, Xiao Lanhua hoped to rest, but a group of women surrounded her, offering to serve her for the night. Panicked, she frantically ordered them out. She then summoned Shangque and fabricated a story about suffering head injuries during the war 30,000 years ago, which had caused memory loss and weakened her magical power.
Shangque grew concerned, warning that the Cangyan Sea reveres strength; if the Moon Supreme's weakness were known, other ministers, particularly the You Kings of the North and South, might conspire against him. As they spoke, Dongfang Qingcang, still in Xiao Lanhua's body, burst in. Feigning a desire for intimacy with the "Moon Supreme," he dismissed a flustered Shangque. Alone, Dongfang Qingcang warned Xiao Lanhua that if anyone discovered the Moon Supreme was powerless, they would both face a gruesome end.
Realizing the gravity of their situation, Xiao Lanhua desperately tried and failed to summon lightning. Dongfang Qingcang revealed that celestial observations indicated a thunderstorm in three days, giving them a chance to swap back. He commanded her to follow his instructions precisely for the next three days, emphasizing that any mistake would lead to their deaths.
Meanwhile, the Lord of Haishi City learned from her subordinate that Dongfang Qingcang had likely used the lifebook to identify the Chidi woman as the reincarnation of the former God of War. Concluding that Dongfang Qingcang must be eliminated, she decided to use "suì qì," a potent evil energy, against him. However, with DFQC having purged most spies, she needed someone who could get close to him, and identified his brother, Xun Feng, as the perfect candidate.
She met with Xun Feng in the Dark Pine Forest and tried to persuade him to let go of his vendetta. Still consumed by hatred for Dongfang Qingcang for killing their father, Xun Feng vowed to kill his brother with his own hands, declaring that their fates were sealed.
The Lord of Haishi City pledged her full support, reminding Xun Feng how she had helped him counterbalance the You Kings in the past, but advised patience and a well-planned attack, given Dongfang Qingcang's formidable power and ruthless nature. Back at the palace, Dongfang Qingcang coached Xiao Lanhua on mimicking his arrogant demeanor, advising her to stare coldly at people to intimidate them. Dongfang Qingcang instructed her to fear and trust no one, not even Shangque.
Xiao Lanhua naively suggested telling Shangque the truth, but Dongfang Qingcang dismissed the idea, explaining that in the strength-obsessed Cangyan Sea, even a common warrior could kill her if his powerlessness was revealed. Believing in Shangque's loyalty, Xiao Lanhua boldly questioned Dongfang Qingcang about his patricide, asking why he showed no regret. Dongfang Qingcang unapologetically confirmed the act and stated he felt no remorse.
When Xiao Lanhua called him a "jerk," he accepted the insult, telling her that if she wanted to survive, she needed to learn to be a "jerk" herself before having her confined to her room.
Episode 12 Recap
Changheng, confined to the Fountain Palace under Lord Yunzhong's vigilant watch, discusses the pervasive surveillance with his subordinate, Qingchuan. Despite the widespread belief that Xiao Lanhua is a spy for the Moon Tribe, Changheng vehemently defends her. Danyin arrives, expressing her shared conviction that Xiao Lanhua is no traitor, recalling that Xiao Lanhua once saved her life and offering her assistance should Changheng devise a rescue plan. Seizing the opportunity, Changheng proposes a body swap with Danyin.
Acknowledging it as the only viable path to evade the guards, escape Shuiyuntian, and travel to the Moon Tribe to rescue Xiao Lanhua, Danyin agrees. With the exchange complete, Changheng, now in Danyin's body, cautiously departs the Fountain Palace. Meanwhile, at Cangyan Sea, Xiao Lanhua, occupying Dongfang Qingcang’s body, finds herself at mealtime. Initially apprehensive that the Moon Tribe eats bloody, raw organs, she is surprised to find the presented dishes look even more delectable than those in Shuiyuntian.
Dongfang Qingcang, currently inhabiting Xiao Lanhua's body, subtly coughs to remind her to maintain her composure. Recognizing the need for discretion, Xiao Lanhua dismisses the servants. Dongfang Qingcang attempts to instruct her on proper Moon Tribe etiquette, but she rebuffs him, chastising him for the past cruel actions that have left him isolated and friendless. Annoyed, Xiao Lanhua, in her role as the Moon Supreme, declares she has no appetite and orders all the food removed.
Dongfang Qingcang protests, but she retorts that he should go hungry and reflect on his sins. Following the mealtime debacle, Dongfang Qingcang, still in Xiao Lanhua’s body, closely shadows her. Soon after, Xun Feng and the Kings of Southern and Northern Youxian arrive to meet the Moon Supreme. They express surprise at the presence of the fairy in the throne room. Xiao Lanhua, as Dongfang Qingcang, tersely states that she is accustomed to the fairy's company.
When the Northern Youxian King suggests it is inappropriate for a fairy to participate in state affairs, they are quickly silenced. They present their meticulously drafted plan for a counter-attack on the Heaven Realm. The Kings elaborate on their strategy: to attack Shuiyuntian’s weakest point and utterly destroy it, "killing all gods and Buddhas, not even sparing a single blade of grass." Enraged, Xiao Lanhua throws the plan into a nearby brazier.
To cover for her, Dongfang Qingcang (as the fairy) scolds the Kings for presenting such a flawed plan. Following his lead, Xiao Lanhua (as the Moon Supreme) announces that the plan is no longer needed. She claims that she—as the Moon Supreme—has been reflecting on the sin of patricide and has decided to abandon cruelty in favor of peace for the Three Realms. The Kings are bewildered but awkwardly accept the explanation.
Later, Dongfang Qingcang chastises Xiao Lanhua for her absurd speech, claiming she has ruined his fearsome image. He sternly warns her that Xun Feng, having grown up with him, is the most likely to discover their body swap, which would result in their demise. He reiterates that lightning is expected the following night, and until then, she must not leave his side.
Back at the Fountain Palace, Danyin, in Changheng’s body, greets Lord Liyuan, almost instinctively calling him "Dad" before correcting herself. Liyuan inquires about Danyin’s whereabouts, and Danyin (as Changheng) thwarts his attempt to take her home by praising her competence. Danyin then probes Liyuan about Xiao Lanhua’s identity, suggesting she might be from the ancient Xilan clan. Liyuan dismisses the idea, stating he carefully examined Xiao Lanhua’s true form and confirmed she is not of Xilan origin.
Danyin is secretly relieved. After Liyuan departs, Rong Hao arrives. Flustered by Rong Hao, who knows Changheng intimately, Danyin tries to send him away. Sensing her unusual behavior, Rong Hao presses her until she reveals the truth of the body swap. In the Moon Palace, when it is time for the Moon Supreme to bathe, an argument ensues. Dongfang Qingcang, in Xiao Lanhua's body, is terrified of his body being seen naked.
To resolve the issue and maintain privacy, Xiao Lanhua (as Dongfang Qingcang) ends up washing Dongfang Qingcang (as the fairy). A maid, Dieyi, observes this and reports the Moon Supreme’s increasingly strange behavior to Xun Feng, confirming his suspicions. Xun Feng challenges "the Moon Supreme" to a duel. Xiao Lanhua, prompted by Dongfang Qingcang, commands Shangque to fight in her stead. Xun Feng then mentions "Black Slash," a move Dongfang Qingcang had promised to teach him as a child.
When "the Moon Supreme" shows no recognition of the move's significance, Xun Feng concludes he is an imposter and that the real Moon Supreme is the fairy. He reports this to the Lord of Haishi City, who provides him with a weapon infused with an evil spirit capable of killing a weakened Dongfang Qingcang. In the Dark Pine Forest, the pair awaits the lightning needed to swap back.
Xiao Lanhua makes Dongfang Qingcang swear not to imprison her again, and he agrees to her proposed oath: that he go without bathing for ten thousand years if he breaks his word. In turn, he forbids her from ever returning to Shuiyuntian. Just as the lightning strikes, the Lord of Haishi City attacks. Dongfang Qingcang instinctively uses his body to shield Xiao Lanhua's. Suddenly, Changheng arrives and intercepts the evil spirit, but he is gravely wounded in the process.
Xiao Lanhua (in Dongfang Qingcang's body) rushes toward him, but Dongfang Qingcang (in Xiao Lanhua's body) pushes her away to safety. The Lord of Haishi City orders a retreat, noting that Changheng is already afflicted by the evil spirit and their priority is capturing the "goddess." Changheng turns, calling out "Orchid!" to the fairy he came to rescue. However, Dongfang Qingcang, inhabiting her body, glares back at him, a look of contempt Changheng cannot comprehend.
Episode 13 Recap
Relieved to have found her, Changheng approached the figure he believed to be Xiao Lanhua, only to realize it was Dongfang Qingcang in her body. When Changheng asked why she had returned against his advice, Dongfang Qingcang (as Xiao Lanhua) glared at him, bit his hand, and fled. Meanwhile, the real Xiao Lanhua, trapped in Dongfang Qingcang's body, was desperate to find Changheng, fearing he was in danger.
Dongfang Qingcang caught up with her and tried to stop her, warning that in his body, she would be killed by Changheng's sword before she could explain. He urged her to switch back, but she refused, convinced he would then use the opportunity to kill Changheng.
As Changheng's calls for "Orchid" grew nearer, Dongfang Qingcang covered her mouth, arguing that if she revealed herself, Changheng would kill her on sight, then take him (as Xiao Lanhua) back to Shuiyuntian, giving him the perfect chance to assassinate the God of War later. Realizing the terrible logic of his argument, Xiao Lanhua reluctantly agreed to hide.
However, she first made Dongfang Qingcang promise not to harm Changheng, threatening to kill herself—and thus trap him in her body forever—if he broke his word. Changheng then found "Orchid" again, who was Dongfang Qingcang in her body. He tried to reassure her, stating his belief that she was not a spy and that he had come to take her back.
Dongfang Qingcang, speaking as Xiao Lanhua, coldly refused, claiming she was accustomed to the Silent Moon Palace and preferred it to Shuiyuntian, where she was treated as a lowly spirit. He asserted that in Cangyan Sea, she was well-treated and free, a hundred times better than her past life. Changheng dismissed her words as anger over a misunderstanding.
Dongfang Qingcang then challenged Changheng, asking if he could clear her name, defy Lord Yunzhong for her, and protect her from all harm. Caught between his duty and her demands, Changheng could only state his belief that his brother was impartial and would uncover the truth. Dongfang Qingcang sarcastically noted Changheng's inability to even make empty promises, contrasting it with the Moon Supreme, who, he claimed, was willing to protect her. This revelation shocked Changheng.
As he insisted on taking her back, Xiao Lanhua, hiding nearby, accidentally made a noise. Changheng launched a spell toward the sound, but Rong Hao emerged, having secretly followed him. Rong Hao emerged, pulling the real Xiao Lanhua (in Dongfang Qingcang's body) from her hiding spot.
Recognizing her spirit despite the body swap, Rong Hao offered to help, but Dongfang Qingcang (in Xiao Lanhua's body) warned them that any attempt to break the spell would also restore his own formidable powers. Changheng concurred, admitting they would be unable to escape. Dongfang Qingcang (as Xiao Lanhua) then urged Changheng and Rong Hao to leave, grateful for their attempt but unwilling to endanger them.
However, Changheng proposed a new solution: they could extract Xiao Lanhua's spirit, take it back to Shuiyuntian, and create a new body for her with self-renewing soil. Rong Hao eagerly agreed, adding that this plan would also trap Dongfang Qingcang's spirit in Xiao Lanhua's former body, which they could then destroy, eliminating him forever. Horrified by the plan, Xiao Lanhua (in Dongfang Qingcang's body) cried out in protest.
At that moment, lightning struck, and the two were involuntarily swapped back into their own bodies. Now restored to his full power, Dongfang Qingcang easily overpowered Changheng and Rong Hao. However, at Xiao Lanhua's earnest plea, he allowed them to leave, citing Changheng's injuries as making it an unfair fight. As Xiao Lanhua moved to follow the departing Changheng, Dongfang Qingcang, in a fit of pique, pulled her back and forcefully kissed her.
Angered and stunned, Xiao Lanhua pushed him away and left. After the kiss, Dongfang Qingcang mockingly told Xiao Lanhua she had thrown away her chance to return to Shuiyuntian and that her crime of colluding with the Moon Tribe was now proven. He asserted that Changheng was surely disappointed and would never trust her again, reminding her that she was just a lowly spirit with a traitor's label.
He questioned why the God of War would protect her beyond duty, suggesting she was deluding herself. Angered, Xiao Lanhua vehemently declared that her heart belonged to the real Changheng, not to Dongfang Qingcang, especially not when he was merely disguised as him. Returning to the Silent Moon Palace, Dongfang Qingcang learned from Shangque that Xun Feng had launched a mutiny in his absence. Dongfang Qingcang swiftly defeated Xun Feng and imprisoned his brother.
He discovered the mutiny was a conspiracy between Xun Feng and the Lord of Haishi City. While Xun Feng's betrayal was no surprise, Dongfang Qingcang was puzzled by the motives of the Lord of Haishi City, who secretly held Chidi Woman's primordial spirit and Destiny Book. Questioning Shangque, Dongfang Qingcang confirmed his guard had known of his weakness but remained loyal. Influenced by Xiao Lanhua's words, Dongfang Qingcang briefly pondered his own understanding of emotions.
Shangque reported that the palace maids, grateful to Xiao Lanhua for what they believed was her saving him during the coup, now called her "Fairy Orchid" and planned a banquet in her honor. Dongfang Qingcang lifted the restraining order on her, granting her unrestricted freedom within Cangyan Sea, reasoning she had betrayed Shuiyuntian by siding with him and had nowhere else to go. Though he dismissed attending the "gathering of women," he secretly watched the banquet from the shadows.
As the Moon Tribe women praised Xiao Lanhua and a nearby forest bloomed miraculously, showering her in petals, Dongfang Qingcang removed his You Jade ring and allowed a faint, contented smile to cross his lips. Meanwhile, in Shuiyuntian, Changheng lay gravely injured. Danyin found him in his room, having neglected his recovery. Rong Hao explained that Changheng's vitality was depleted from repairing the Four Water Pearl and that his encounter in Cangyan Sea had caused his Immortal Pond to disappear.
Only a perilous cultivation-transfer ritual could save him. After Danyin offered but lacked the power, Rong Hao volunteered, claiming to repay Changheng for years of good wine. Later, he confessed to his maid that he only saved Changheng to use him as a tool against Dongfang Qingcang. Upon waking, Changheng immediately prepared to return to Cangyan Sea. Danyin's pleas about his injuries and Rong Hao's sacrifice failed to dissuade him. Before he could leave, Lord Yunzhong summoned him.
Changheng admitted his recklessness but fiercely defended Xiao Lanhua. Rong Hao and Danyin intervened, framing his actions as a zealous attempt to uncover an enemy plot and taking partial blame. Acknowledging his zeal, Lord Yunzhong sealed Changheng's power and confined him to Fountain Palace for self-reflection, warning him not to repeat his mistakes.
Episode 14 Recap
Xiao Lanhua was tending to flowers in her courtyard when Jieli, a merchant from Haishi City, arrived seeking refuge. Jieli had been chased all the way to Cangyan Sea after Haishi City dwellers turned against her, wrongly blaming her for a disturbance Xiao Lanhua had caused. Jieli had also heard many rumors about Xiao Lanhua and Dongfang Qingcang. Though Xiao Lanhua tried to dismiss the rumors as misunderstandings, Jieli insisted that Xiao Lanhua take responsibility for her plight.
Xiao Lanhua warned her that the Silent Moon Palace was dangerous, but Jieli deemed it safer than facing her pursuers outside. Suddenly, Dongfang Qingcang appeared. Jieli quickly hid as Dongfang Qingcang approached Xiao Lanhua, claiming he came to check on her, only to immediately change the subject to the Destiny Books. Xiao Lanhua felt a pang of disappointment, realizing he was only concerned with the books.
She admitted she had lied about her ability to fix them back in Shuiyuntian and felt foolish for believing his requests were an excuse to spend time with her. When Xiao Lanhua refused to fix the books, stating she lacked the skill, Dongfang Qingcang grew angry. He threatened Jieli, vowing to kill her if the Destiny Books were not repaired within three days, and ordered Shangque to take Jieli to the Wind Prison.
En route to the prison, Jieli argued to Shangque that threatening her was useless as she and Xiao Lanhua were not close, even revealing that Xiao Lanhua owed her spirit stones. Shangque found her argument plausible and asked for a better solution. Jieli suggested capturing immortals and executing one daily in front of Xiao Lanhua. Shangque immediately rejected this, explaining that it would upset Xiao Lanhua, which in turn would upset Dongfang Qingcang.
Jieli was surprised by Dongfang Qingcang’s concern for Xiao Lanhua. Shangque then listed various acts Dongfang Qingcang had performed for Xiao Lanhua, such as fetching eternal fire, making flower soup, and even rebuilding her Arbiter Hall. Jieli, now attempting to win favor, suggested that Xiao Lanhua was Dongfang Qingcang's true love and future Moon Queen, despite the Moon Tribe's rules against marrying immortals. Though Shangque was somewhat convinced, he still followed orders and imprisoned Jieli.
Xiao Lanhua arrived just in time and convinced Shangque to release Jieli into her custody. Once safe, Jieli questioned Xiao Lanhua about her relationship with Dongfang Qingcang, quickly concluding that he secretly harbored feelings for her. Xiao Lanhua insisted his actions were merely due to the Heart Curse, but Jieli dismissed the curse as an excuse for his pride.
She advised Xiao Lanhua to use his affection to her advantage, suggesting she could become the Moon Queen of Cangyan Sea and then do as she pleased. Seeing this as a path to escape, Xiao Lanhua agreed to learn how to "coax" him. Following Jieli's advice, Xiao Lanhua summoned Dongfang Qingcang to the Arbiter Hall under the guise of a surprise. He arrived but immediately pressed her about the Destiny Books.
Xiao Lanhua attempted to flirt and praise him, even grabbing his clothes, but he remained cold and brought up Changheng. She offered him tea and reminisced about their shared past, particularly how he had recreated the Arbiter Hall for her, implying his true feelings. Dongfang Qingcang was visibly affected but quickly masked his emotions, claimed to be busy, and left. Xiao Lanhua stopped him, telling him she knew he was kind to her.
Dongfang Qingcang then revealed he had cultivated Hellfire, a powerful magic that required him to "detach from love" and "sever all emotions." A flashback showed a young Dongfang Qingcang in agony as his father cruelly forced him to remove his emotional roots to become the strongest. Xiao Lanhua finally understood that a dream she had in the Haotian Tower of a barren tree represented his "Love Tree" and "Heart Sea." Filled with sympathy, she pledged to heal his Love Tree.
Dongfang Qingcang insisted it was impossible, but Xiao Lanhua, recalling her own success in passing the immortal exam despite her broken immortal root, was determined. He dismissed her efforts as foolish and left. Undeterred, Xiao Lanhua affectionately called him "Daqiang" and vowed never to give up on him. Xiao Lanhua then acquired an "elixir to amplify emotional fluctuations" from Jieli on credit, hoping it would stimulate Dongfang Qingcang’s Love Tree through their shared emotions via the Heart Curse.
Jieli was skeptical but provided the medicine. Meanwhile, in the Silent Moon Palace, Dongfang Qingcang's generals advocated for his rebellious brother Xunfeng's execution. During the discussion, Dongfang Qingcang experienced intense emotional fluctuations, mirroring Xiao Lanhua’s distress upon realizing that Cloud Lord Yunzhong had labeled her as a member of the Moon Tribe. His generals misinterpreted his turmoil as triumph or grief over his brother. To regain control, Dongfang Qingcang used his You jade ring.
He then commanded Xiao Lanhua to be brought to him. Seeing Jieli with her, he became enraged and lifted Jieli by the neck. Xiao Lanhua pleaded with him, promising to stop causing trouble. He released Jieli, warning her of fatal consequences for any further issues, and ordered Xiao Lanhua to stay put. Elsewhere, Rong Hao was tending to Changheng's severe injuries. Determined to rescue Xiao Lanhua, Changheng announced his intention to go to Cangyan Sea.
Rong Hao tried to dissuade him, highlighting his wounds, sealed powers, and the suicidal nature of the mission. However, Changheng confessed his deep regret for having distanced himself from Xiao Lanhua for his brother's sake, which led to her being labeled a "traitor." Understanding Changheng's profound sense of responsibility, which mirrored his own desire to save his master, Rong Hao let him go.
Episode 15 Recap
Changheng, confronted by Lord Yunzhong at the Memory Loss River, refuses to return to Shuiyuntian. Lord Yunzhong presses him, asking if his repeated defiance of celestial rules is due to Xiao Lanhua. Changheng openly admits his love for her, asserting his only desire is to save the one he cares for.
Unmoved, Lord Yunzhong condemns Changheng as a sinner for breaking into the Spirit Lock Gate and colluding with Moon Tribe spies, immediately stripping him of his title as God of War and imprisoning him in the Haotian Tower. Late that night, Shang Que encounters Jieli wandering alone. He questions her presence, and she feigns terror, claiming she'd been scared earlier and couldn't sleep.
She laments her fate as an orphan, who, after being cheated by Xiao Lanhua, sought refuge only to face hostility. Jieli recounts how she survived a dangerous encounter by pretending to be fooled, then drugging her captors to facilitate her escape. Shang Que, also an orphan, reveals his own tragic past; people often feigned kindness only to exploit him for his dragon bone and skin, a fate from which the Moon Supreme rescued him.
Shang Que declares his intent to be the most trustworthy and honest person. Jieli mocks him, calling him foolish for retaining such sincerity despite his suffering, asserting that people would only trample on his kindness. She confesses her own cold-blooded nature, preferring to cheat others rather than be cheated, as nothing is more important than her own life and money.
Shang Que condemns her views as ridiculous, but Jieli retorts that there is no clear right or wrong in the world. Annoyed by her cynicism, Shang Que orders her back to her room, warning her not to be found wandering again. The Moon Supreme is informed of Jieli's escape to the Silent Moon Palace and orders guards to maintain a watch. Meanwhile, Xiao Lanhua seeks out Jieli to apologize, offering her the Bone Orchid Dongfang Qingcang gave her.
Xiao Lanhua explains that the Bone Orchid, formed from the Moon Supreme's heart blood, functions as if he himself were present, ensuring safe passage. Jieli accepts the Bone Orchid but still insists Xiao Lanhua escort her out of the Ninth Youxian County, fearing the treasure alone isn't sufficient. Xiao Lanhua agrees but worries that her mind link with Dongfang Qingcang, if he's not wearing the You Jade Ring, might alert him to her anxiety and endanger Jieli.
Jieli then provides her unique heart-hidden hairpin, claiming it will prevent Dongfang Qingcang from sensing Xiao Lanhua's thoughts. She explains its ancient origins: Yannv, the Moon Tribe's ancestor, crafted it after her heartbreak over the Fairies' betrayal of her lover Chonghua, to prevent him from sensing her feelings. It is the only artifact besides the You Jade Ring capable of completely concealing one's emotions. Xiao Lanhua, wearing the hairpin, successfully passes the palace guards with Jieli.
However, they soon encounter a woman from Haishi City. Xiao Lanhua quickly gives the Bone Orchid to Jieli, urging her to flee, and bravely takes responsibility for possessing the Destiny Book. At this very moment, Dongfang Qingcang feels a sharp pain in his hand, observing a fresh wound. As the woman from Haishi City approaches the fallen Destiny Book, her magical artifact shatters. Suddenly, a figure who appears to be Changheng arrives, shielding and rescuing Xiao Lanhua.
When Xiao Lanhua regains consciousness, she finds herself in what she believes is the Arbiter Hall in Shuiyuntian, with "Changheng" by her side. She expresses relief that the Destiny Book is now in his possession and explains that Dongfang Qingcang brought her to Cangyan Sea to repair it, a book whose mysterious power both he and the people of Haishi City sought. " Changheng" confirms the Destiny Book is damaged and its secrets can only be revealed once repaired.
Despite her recent ordeal, Xiao Lanhua insists on beginning repairs immediately, eager to uncover the truth and clear her name. It is then revealed that the "Changheng" with Xiao Lanhua is Rong Hao in disguise. He boasts that his deception ensures Xiao Lanhua is willingly repairing the Destiny Book. However, he is alerted to Dongfang Qingcang's arrival in Haishi City.
As Dongfang Qingcang confronts him, Rong Hao, as the Lord of Haishi City, reveals he is holding Xiao Lanhua within a multi-layered illusion, confident that Dongfang Qingcang cannot break through it in time. He orders his subordinates to delay the Moon Supreme, emphasizing that Xiao Lanhua must not discover the deception before the Destiny Book is repaired. Within the illusion, Xiao Lanhua successfully repairs the Destiny Book, discovering a mortal name, Xie Wanqing, inscribed within.
This, connected to the Moon Tribe Slaying Festival, visibly disturbs her. The fake Changheng immediately requests the Destiny Book. Xiao Lanhua hesitates, explaining she was imprisoned by Dongfang Qingcang and couldn't reply to Changheng's previous messages, asking if he was angry. The fake Changheng denies anger, claiming only worry. Xiao Lanhua's suspicion is confirmed; she realizes he is not the real Changheng and tries to flee.
The imposter admits his deception and uses evil spirit to trap her within the illusionary Arbiter Hall. As the Lord of Haishi City attempts to flee, Dongfang Qingcang, having swiftly broken through the illusion, arrives just in time. Xiao Lanhua, seizing the moment, reclaims the Destiny Book. Dongfang Qingcang attempts to unmask the Lord of Haishi City, but Dieyi, the woman from Haishi City, suddenly arrives and attacks Xiao Lanhua. Dongfang Qingcang quickly intervenes, protecting Xiao Lanhua.
At the Transformation Grounds, Dongfang Qingcang angrily confronts Xiao Lanhua for running off, reminding her that he forbade her from leaving his sight. He stresses the danger she put herself in, saying she would have died had he been a moment later. Xiao Lanhua defends herself, explaining she didn't intend to escape but merely wanted to help Jieli, and reiterates her promise to fix his Love Tree.
Dongfang Qingcang firmly reasserts his command: she must inform him of her whereabouts at all times and stay within his sight. Xiao Lanhua agrees. She then observes that the perpetual fog and snow of Haishi City have vanished, realizing Dongfang Qingcang must have destroyed the Soul Transformation Cauldron, which previously condensed the grief and despair of the deceased into evil spirit.
She proudly presents the now-repaired Destiny Book, explaining she finished it quickly because the Lord of Haishi City, disguised as Changheng, tricked her. Dongfang Qingcang teases her about her newfound motivation when it involved Changheng, but Xiao Lanhua explains she uncovered the deception because a wooden stand Dongfang Qingcang had previously broken in her real Arbiter Hall appeared perfectly intact in the illusion, a detail only they would know.
She then asks how he found her so quickly amidst the myriad illusions, to which Dongfang Qingcang confidently replies he would find her instantly even if she were hidden among thousands of identical orchids, and warns her again not to run. Overwhelmed with emotion, Xiao Lanhua almost confesses her feelings to Dongfang Qingcang, but faints before she can finish. Dongfang Qingcang carries her away.
Meanwhile, Dieyi brings a gravely injured Rong Hao to a mountain cave, seeking the help of the Evil God Tai Sui. Tai Sui expresses amusement that Dongfang Qingcang could injure Rong Hao. Rong Hao, in gratitude for being saved, promises to bring the reincarnation of the fairy Xi Yun to the Spirit-Shattering Abyss to help Tai Sui break free. Xiao Lanhua awakens in a hunting camp and observes that most of the hunters are women.
Dongfang Qingcang offers her food and teases her about being "useless" for fainting after fixing the Destiny Book. He then notices the heart-hidden hairpin she is wearing. He identifies it as an ancient Moon Tribe artifact crafted by Yannv and orders her to remove it. Xiao Lanhua refuses, claiming it's a borrowed item and her personal property.
She staunchly refuses to let Dongfang Qingcang know her every thought and emotion, asserting that people deserve their secrets and that he cannot intrude into her mind without permission, even as the Moon Supreme. Dongfang Qingcang argues that knowing her thoughts helps him protect her, especially since the hairpin almost cost her her life. But Xiao Lanhua insists on her right to privacy, declaring that the past is different from the present.
Episode 16 Recap
The episode opens in a vibrant village within Cangyan Sea, where women go about their daily lives, some carrying bows and spears, others tending to household chores. Xiao Lanhua, having just arrived with Dongfang Qingcang, is cautioned by a woman about the flower she wears. The woman explains that the flower, known as the Frost Salt Flower, is traditionally worn only by widowed women in their tribe.
Xiao Lanhua observes that nearly every woman in the village wears the flower, indicating the widespread loss of men to past wars. The woman recounts the years of conflict and how each obituary meant another woman began wearing the flower, expressing a wish for their lost family members to return, unlike flowers which can be revived. Dongfang Qingcang, nearby, listens intently. An elderly woman, Granny Tie, recognizes Dongfang Qingcang.
While the other villagers immediately prostrate themselves in deference, Granny Tie remains seated, demanding answers. She asks Dongfang Qingcang where he was for the past 30,000 years, during which the Cangyan Sea was devastated and its people suffered immensely, becoming displaced and losing their loved ones. She laments that her husband and son died on the battlefield while waiting for him, and her grandson, who hunted with Dongfang Qingcang as a child, was sealed in the Xuanxu Realm.
Despite knowing her defiance might lead to her death, she implores him to bring back the men he led away. Dongfang Qingcang listens silently, offering no response. On a cliffside, Xiao Lanhua gently asks Dongfang Qingcang why he didn't explain himself to Granny Tie, asserting he never intentionally abandoned his people. He tersely dismisses her questions.
Xiao Lanhua then admits she envies his childhood, having heard Granny Tie mention his father took him hunting, a stark contrast to her own life as an orchid without parents. Dongfang Qingcang retorts that he envies her lack of attachments, considering them burdens. Xiao Lanhua laughs, calling him a "Wooden Head" and accusing him of contradicting himself. She reminds him that upon her arrival in Cangyan Sea, she was told that any offense to the Moon Supreme meant death.
Yet, he showed leniency towards Granny Tie despite her harsh words. Xiao Lanhua suggests his compassion for Granny Tie's love for her family moved him. Dongfang Qingcang vehemently denies this, stating he merely "couldn't bear" to harm an elderly woman. Xiao Lanhua presses him, pointing out that "couldn't bear" is a form of sympathy and compassion, part of the seven emotions he claims to have eradicated. The two then travel to Dongfang Qingcang's Sea of Heart.
To Xiao Lanhua's delight, the Love Tree, previously withered, has indeed sprouted, confirming her belief that she could heal it. However, Dongfang Qingcang's expression remains grave. Later, he is plagued by nightmares of his father appearing as a stern and fearful figure, ordering him to discard his wooden sword and practice with an iron one instead. Dongfang Qingcang awakes from these nightmares, deeply unsettled, and questions if the recovery of his seven emotions is accelerating.
Xiao Lanhua offers Dongfang Qingcang an orchid plant created from her primordial spirit, hoping it would help him sleep. He angrily rejects it, lashing out at her for mentioning his emotions. He explains that he endured immense suffering to sever his seven emotions, a necessary step to become ruthless enough to lead the Moon Tribe. He blames her for the resurgence of his feelings and his renewed pain, ordering her to stay away from him.
Meanwhile, Jieli, attempting to steal treasures from the Pavilion of Spiritual Treasures to escape, is apprehended. Confronted by Dongfang Qingcang, Jieli lies, claiming she intended to present the treasures to Xiao Lanhua to please her. Dongfang Qingcang, surprisingly, allows her to take them, even instructing his guards to let Xiao Lanhua take whatever she desires in the future.
Just as Jieli is relieved, Dongfang Qingcang's eyes fix on a wooden sculpture among the stolen items, and a deadly aura instantly emanates from him. A flashback reveals a younger Dongfang Qingcang crying over a scraped hand from using an iron sword. A kind maid comforts him and shows him an unfinished wooden sculpture she is carving, explaining it depicts Yannv, the first Moon Supreme.
Yannv led their ancestors to settle in Cangyan Sea, and her body bears many scars, each a testament to her glory. The maid tells young Dongfang Qingcang that he too must endure hardships and bear "scars" to become a strong Moon Supreme, someone who can revive Cangyan Sea and make his father proud. Enraged by the sight of the sculpture, Dongfang Qingcang orders Jieli's immediate execution. Shangque attempts to intercede, but Dongfang Qingcang is unmoved.
As he prepares to strike, Xiao Lanhua leaps forward, shielding Jieli with her body. Due to their shared consciousness, Dongfang Qingcang is forced to halt, and a fresh wound appears on his wrist. Xiao Lanhua defiantly refuses to move, pleading with Dongfang Qingcang to spare Jieli, claiming responsibility for the theft and declaring Jieli to be her only friend. Her stubbornness fuels Dongfang Qingcang's rage.
At this tense moment, a guard reports that Xunfeng is causing a commotion in prison, demanding to pay respects to the late Moon Supreme. Dongfang Qingcang orders the wooden sculpture to be burned. Jieli later tells Xiao Lanhua that according to Shangque, the wooden sculpture was carved by a young Dongfang Qingcang and a maid who cared for him. The late Moon Supreme later killed the maid, and the sculpture disappeared.
Jieli warns Xiao Lanhua that Dongfang Qingcang's temper has been particularly foul since his return from the Memory Loss River. Later, Dongfang Qingcang confronts Xunfeng in prison. Xunfeng admits he was tricked by the Lord of Haishi City and vehemently denies purposefully harming his own people. Dongfang Qingcang accuses Xunfeng of colluding with the enemy to refine evil spirits from the suffering of their clansmen. Xunfeng retaliates, accusing Dongfang Qingcang of killing their doting father for the throne.
Enraged, Dongfang Qingcang coldly declares that the late Moon Supreme was Xunfeng's father, not his, and orders Xunfeng's execution by lightning in three days. When an official notes this is the anniversary of the late Moon Supreme's death, Dongfang Qingcang dismisses it, stating that executing Xunfeng on that day would "fulfill their father-son love." Learning of the execution, Xiao Lanhua pleads with Dongfang Qingcang for Xunfeng's life, reminding him of their familial bond.
He scoffs, repeating that only Xunfeng and his deceased father were family. This unleashes a torrent of suppressed anger from Dongfang Qingcang. He bitterly recounts how his father doted on Xunfeng but never showed him affection, even when he discovered Dongfang Qingcang's unique talent for mastering hellfire. His father's only reaction was to ask, "Why you?" because, as Dongfang Qingcang believes, his father feared being replaced.
He reveals the excruciating truth: his father deliberately tortured him to sever his seven emotions, believing a tool needed no feelings. His father then demanded Dongfang Qingcang kill him, sacrificing his own life to completely destroy Dongfang Qingcang's Love Tree. The irony, Dongfang Qingcang concludes, is that the very tree his father sought to destroy is now reviving. Xiao Lanhua is deeply unsettled by this revelation.
Despite the public story of Dongfang Qingcang's patricide, she senses a profound misunderstanding and finds it hard to believe a father would act this way without a hidden motive. Suspecting the truth is far more complex, she resolves to learn every detail of the events from that day.
Episode 17 Recap
Dongfang Qingcang's Love Tree had sprouted, yet he felt only distress and panic. He recalled his youth, when he meticulously learned a tune to present to his father, the first Moon Supreme. However, instead of praise, he was harshly reprimanded for wasting his time on such frivolous activities. To his horror, his father ordered the execution of all the attendants who had taught him wood carving and zither playing.
Young Dongfang Qingcang bravely stepped forward, claiming he had asked Auntie Wu to teach him, desperate to save her. But his father remained unyielding, ordering the executions to proceed and dismissing his son as cowardly, demanding to know when he would learn hellfire. Following this, his father subjected him to endless torment, imprisoning him within a spell and forcing him to sever his emotions.
He was repeatedly asked if he had forgotten love, brotherhood, and parental affection, with the only acceptable answer being his vow to revive the Moon Tribe and crush Shuiyuntian. Eventually, Dongfang Qingcang succeeded in severing all his love, killed his father, and became the new Moon Supreme, a process he found incredibly painful. Shangque admitted he was unclear about the full story behind Dongfang Qingcang's patricide, only knowing it was connected to the love-eradication forbidden theurgy.
This arduous technique, recorded in an ancient secret book, had only ever been successfully performed by Dongfang Qingcang. The book was said to have been burned to ashes by the first Moon Supreme in his chambers, a place Dongfang Qingcang declared forbidden, with severe punishments for trespassers. Despite Shangque and Jieli's desperate warnings, Xiao Lanhua was resolute.
She believed Dongfang Qingcang's recent pain stemmed from his Love Tree's revival, and she was determined to understand the truth and find a "cure" so he could finally rest at night. Inspired by her determination, Shangque decided to accompany her, stating he wished to share Dongfang Qingcang's worries, even if it meant death. Jieli, fearing for their lives, had no choice but to follow.
After an extensive search in the vast, forbidden chambers, Xiao Lanhua discovered a hidden switch, disguised as a jewel on the former Moon Supreme's chair, which revealed the burnt remains of the ancient secret book. Realizing the book was made of wood, Xiao Lanhua believed she might be able to restore it. She focused her energy, and through her unique ability, the book's contents gradually became legible, revealing the painful process Dongfang Qingcang underwent to sever his emotions.
Xiao Lanhua was deeply saddened by the revelations. Still, she could not fathom why a father would treat his son with such cruelty. She continued searching the chamber and found a zither. This zither, gifted by Dongfang Qingcang to his father, had been split in half but meticulously repaired. It was placed in the cabinet closest to the bed, suggesting the first Moon Supreme treasured it. They also found a wooden Cuju ball, a child’s toy.
Xiao Lanhua recalled hearing that young Dongfang Qingcang loved playing with wooden Cuju balls, unlike Xunfeng. The fact that this ball was kept alongside the zither further convinced her that the first Moon Supreme had deeply loved his son. Next, Xiao Lanhua uncovered "The Book of the Living," a scroll recording the Moon Supreme's daily life, which was hidden in a secret crevice within the chamber. This immediately suggested to her that it contained a crucial secret.
The entries revealed that during a trial with the Hellfire Sword, Xunfeng had instantly failed, while Dongfang Qingcang wielded it with ease, second only to Yannv among the Moon Tribe. Dongfang Qingcang had once told her that mastering hellfire required both exceptional talent and the eradication of emotions, and only he and Yannv possessed these rare qualifications.
Xiao Lanhua realized that the first Moon Supreme must have been heartbroken when he discovered his most beloved son was the only one capable of wielding the Hellfire Sword, which was essential for revitalizing Cangyan Sea. His words "Why you?" likely expressed his profound sorrow at the cruel destiny thrust upon his son. He had to assume a facade of coldness to ensure Dongfang Qingcang's transformation for the sake of the Moon Tribe.
Determined to seek answers directly, Xiao Lanhua decided to travel to the Realm of Return to Ruin, where the spirits of the deceased rested. Jieli expressed skepticism, explaining that the Ranxi flower, necessary to awaken spirits, had been extinct for tens of thousands of years. However, Jieli then revealed that Xunfeng had obtained a withered Ranxi flower while serving as Moon Supreme, admitting she had already stolen it from the Pavilion of Spiritual Treasures.
Despite its withered state, Xiao Lanhua persistently tried to revive it. During her efforts, she accidentally cut her hand, and the Ranxi flower unexpectedly bloomed upon contact with her blood. Jieli warned her about the treacherous, blade-like currents of the Memory Loss River and gave her the Cloud Shadow Mirror to remember interactions with spirits.
Xiao Lanhua was resolute, declaring that with Dongfang Qingcang already burdened by the reputation of patricide and now deciding to execute Xunfeng, she had to prevent him from being further misunderstood as a kin-slayer. Meanwhile, Dongfang Qingcang suddenly felt a sharp pain in his wrist, mirroring the wound Xiao Lanhua had sustained, and immediately sensed she was in danger. When two hours passed with no sign of Xiao Lanhua, Jieli grew increasingly anxious.
Dongfang Qingcang arrived, realized what Xiao Lanhua intended, and immediately leaped into the swirling vortex of the Memory Loss River. Xiao Lanhua navigated the dark passage and reached the Realm of Return to Ruin. As she was about to summon the first Moon Supreme's spirit, Dongfang Qingcang abruptly appeared, stopping her. Despite Dongfang Qingcang's furious objections, Xiao Lanhua insisted and successfully awakened the first Moon Supreme's spirit.
Confused after thirty thousand years, the spirit first asked Xiao Lanhua who she was. When she claimed Dongfang Qingcang had sent her, he turned to his son and immediately asked if he had swept away the fairy realm and revitalized the Moon Tribe. Before Dongfang Qingcang could answer, Xiao Lanhua interjected, presenting the zither.
The first Moon Supreme recognized it, admitting that it was a gift from his son which he had destroyed but then painstakingly repaired because he felt "sad" and "could not bear" to leave it broken. Enraged, Dongfang Qingcang accused his father of hypocrisy, questioning how he could claim to be sad after destroying the gift with his own hands.
Episode 18 Recap
Dongfang Qingcang confronted the First Moon Supreme's primordial spirit, demanding to know if he would make the same choices if given another chance. Voicing his anguish, Dongfang Qingcang accused his father of using him as a mere tool to revive the Moon Tribe, forcing him to endure the removal of his emotional root, bear the name of a patricide, and become a monster. He questioned if his father ever felt heartbroken or remorseful for him.
The First Moon Supreme affirmed he would make the same decision again, explaining that Dongfang Qingcang's youth, strength, and talent made him the only hope for mastering the Hellfire and ensuring the Moon Tribe's survival. This was his duty. Flashbacks revealed the dire situation when the Chidi woman's army caused the Moon Tribe heavy losses, while a young Dongfang Qingcang was left waiting for his father to play Cuju with him.
Dongfang Qingcang accused his father of treating him as a soulless weapon, to which his father claimed he couldn't bear to see his son suffer. Dongfang Qingcang scoffed, wishing his father had killed him instead of making him endure a living death. The First Moon Supreme then revealed the terrible secret behind his actions: while the standard technique to destroy one's emotional root required a thousand years of repeated death and rebirth, killing a loved one could achieve it instantly.
He chose to be killed by Dongfang Qingcang's hand because he couldn't bear to inflict the prolonged suffering upon his son. The First Moon Supreme urged Dongfang Qingcang to complete the destruction of his regrown emotional root, offering a choice: become the invincible Moon Supreme and restore the tribe's glory, or remain weak and consumed by emotion. He commanded Dongfang Qingcang to shatter his spirit with the Hellfire sword.
However, Dongfang Qingcang refused, explaining that his recent days and nights had been filled with happy memories of practicing swords and playing Cuju with his father. He declared he would rather bear the pain of patricide and all his emotions than forget those feelings. As the Ranxi flower burned to ashes, the First Moon Supreme's spirit kicked the Cuju ball to his son one last time before vanishing, leaving Dongfang Qingcang to collapse in grief.
Meanwhile, Xun Feng was enduring the lightning punishment. After 30 of the 81 strikes, Dongfang Qingcang intervened, declaring he would take the remaining 51 strikes for his brother. Despite the brutal punishment, Xun Feng remained defiant, accusing Dongfang Qingcang of a "pretentious act" and vowing revenge. Angered by his ignorance, Xiao Lanhua confronted Xun Feng, questioning if he truly understood his brother's pain or the truth of their father-son conflict.
She left him a magical artifact containing the truth before helping the weakened Dongfang Qingcang away. Later, Xiao Lanhua found Dongfang Qingcang in the First Moon Supreme's chambers, clutching the Cuju ball and weeping. He confessed his new, profound sorrow, realizing that unlike before, he was now overwhelmed with grief on his father's death anniversary. He wondered if destroying his emotions would end the pain but declared that he no longer blamed his father.
Xiao Lanhua consoled him, gently coaxing him to take the bitter medicine for his lingering injuries, which still caused him great pain and made it difficult to walk. She promised to make him his favorite assorted fresh flower cakes with honey if he complied. Soon after, Xun Feng requested an audience. He sincerely inquired about Dongfang Qingcang's injuries and confessed his dealings with the mysterious Lord of Haishi City.
He explained that 30,000 years ago, after news of Dongfang Qingcang's supposed death, a masked figure offered to help him control the rebelling Southern and Northern Youxian counties in exchange for establishing Haishi City, on the condition that the Lord's identity remained secret. Dongfang Qingcang realized the Lord's true plan was to keep the Moon Tribe's kingdoms in perpetual conflict, weakening them.
Xun Feng expressed deep remorse, but Dongfang Qingcang stated that he was not pardoned and must redeem himself on the battlefield. After Xun Feng left, Xiao Lanhua noted his hesitant departure and suggested Dongfang Qingcang try being more intimate with his brother, such as smiling or hugging, to show he had truly forgiven him. Dongfang Qingcang admitted he had never been taught how to be close to people, only how to kill and conquer.
Xiao Lanhua playfully taught him how to smile and then demonstrated a hug, which he dismissed as "cheesy." Observing this, Jieli voiced her suspicion that Xiao Lanhua's care for Dongfang Qingcang seemed too genuine to be an act, but Xiao Lanhua quickly insisted she was only performing. Later, Xun Feng returned to discuss unsealing the 100,000 soldiers trapped in the Xuanxu Realm.
Dongfang Qingcang explained it was possible by taking the primordial spirit of Xie Wanqing—the Chidi woman's next reincarnation—and injecting it into the Shuofeng Sword. He ordered Xun Feng to retrieve her from Yunmeng Lake. As Xun Feng turned to leave, Dongfang Qingcang called out and, after an awkward attempt at a hug, patted his shoulder and told him to be careful. Witnessing this, Shangque remarked that Dongfang Qingcang was learning forgiveness and kindness.
Jieli worried that if he changed too much, he couldn't be the Moon Supreme, citing an ancestral teaching that only unrelenting hatred could ensure the tribe's survival. Finally, Dongfang Qingcang sought out Xiao Lanhua to ask if his flower cakes were ready. He then informed her of a Moon Tribe custom: to thank someone, one applies their own blood to the person's face. Seeing her fear, he revealed he had thoughtfully replaced the blood with cinnabar. He insisted she accept, stating it was the first time in his life he had ever thanked anyone, and she was not allowed to refuse.
Episode 19 Recap
Dongfang Qingcang, pleased with Xiao Lanhua's cinnabar-adorned face, remarked that she now truly resembled a Moon Tribe woman, and no one would suspect her of being a fairy from Shuiyuntian. He expressed profound gratitude, crediting her with his transformation. He admitted that in the past, he was emotionless, even when contemplating the deaths of his father and brother, living as a mere shell. Now, however, everything had changed.
He understood his father's sacrifices, the suffering of the Moon Tribe, Xiao Lanhua's kindness, and her pain of being unable to return home. Therefore, he declared his intention to raze Shuiyuntian, eliminate Lord Yunzhong and all who had wronged Xiao Lanhua, and reclaim her home for her. Hearing this, Xiao Lanhua suddenly felt uneasy and excused herself, stating she was tired. When Dongfang Qingcang offered to care for her, she politely declined, wishing for solitude.
Left alone, Xiao Lanhua reflected on her disappointment, realizing that her hope for Dongfang Qingcang to change completely after his emotional root recovered was a naive fantasy. Dongfang Qingcang retired to his room, absorbed in thought. Shangque arrived to report his failure to retrieve all the fragments of the Chengying sword by the deadline, confessing that one piece was still missing and asking for punishment. Dongfang Qingcang, however, dismissed the request, showing unexpected leniency.
Shangque then confessed that he had deliberately slacked off, admitting he was unwilling to find all the fragments because he feared that once the Chengying sword was reforged, Dongfang Qingcang would use it to kill Xiao Lanhua. Understanding, Dongfang Qingcang told Shangque that he no longer needed to search for the final fragment, suggesting it might already be destroyed, and instructed him to dispose of all the fragments he had already found. Relieved, Shangque agreed.
As Shangque was on his way, he was intercepted by Xun Feng, who, recognizing the fragments of the ancient Chengygying sword, insisted on taking them. Despite Shangque's warning that the last piece was lost, Xun Feng claimed he might be able to find it, causing Shangque further concern. Danyin visited Changheng in the Haotian Tower, expressing her concern and revealing that she had personally pleaded with Lord Yunzhong for permission to see him.
She urged Changheng to apologize, explaining that the Lord had clearly left a way out for him. Changheng, however, adamantly refused, declaring that if loving and protecting Xiao Lanhua was a mistake, he would gladly continue to err. To console him, Danyin revealed a prophecy she had seen in the Tianji Mirror: Changheng and Xiao Lanhua were destined to marry in Yunmeng Lake while he was a mortal.
This revelation galvanized Changheng, who begged Danyin to help him descend to the mortal realm to undergo this hardship, seeing it as his only chance. Changheng insisted Danyin couldn't comprehend his feelings of love, but Danyin secretly affirmed to herself that she understood such emotions more profoundly than anyone. After Changheng departed for the mortal realm, Danyin, with silent resolve, followed him. Although she had no parents, Xiao Lanhua found herself frequently dreaming of playing with them.
This, combined with an ancient turtle spirit's previous remark that she was an "old friend," left her deeply confused about her true identity. Determined to uncover it, she subjected herself to extreme cold in an ice cave, hoping it would reveal her true form. Dongfang Qingcang, sensing the unusual chill, rushed to the cave, expressing his concern and emphasizing that her identity mattered not, as she was the most important person to him.
Xiao Lanhua, however, felt a growing chasm between them, reminding him that he was the Moon Supreme, set on destroying the fairy realm and her home, Shuiyuntian, while she could not betray her people. Despite his insistence that he simply wanted to reclaim her home, she countered that her loved ones, aside from him, resided there.
Their conversation spiraled into a debate on their differing loyalties: he asked if she could abandon Shuiyuntian for him, and she retorted by asking if he could relinquish the Moon Tribe's hatred. It became clear to Dongfang Qingcang that their conflict ran deeper than just racial differences. Xun Feng brought a child, asserting she was the reincarnation of the Chidi Woman, whose Hellfire wounds confirmed her identity.
He believed this would finally allow the Moon Tribe to exact their revenge, but Dongfang Qingcang, sensing something amiss, commanded him to stop before he could extract the child's spirit. To understand the rules of mortal tribulation, Dongfang Qingcang consulted Jieli, who had cleverly extracted the necessary information from an unsuspecting Xiao Lanhua. Jieli explained that immortals undergoing hardship must fully live out their designated fate; an early death would result in the complete annihilation of their spirit.
As a reward for this intelligence, Jieli asked Dongfang Qingcang to stop thinking about killing her. Dongfang Qingcang then recited the fate poem of the Chidi Woman's current incarnation, concluding they must wait until her wedding day, when she is fated to die by her husband's hand, to claim her spirit. When Xun Feng questioned if Xiao Lanhua was deliberately misleading them, Dongfang Qingcang dismissed the thought, confirming she knew nothing of their true intentions.
Xun Feng, still perplexed, asked why Dongfang Qingcang wouldn't kill Xiao Lanhua now that the Destiny Book was repaired. Dongfang Qingcang stated he had his reasons and ordered Xun Feng to immediately send the infant to Lucheng City, ensuring her uninterrupted progression through her mortal tribulation. Later, Xiao Lanhua pondered Jieli's unusual inquiries about immortals experiencing hardships, suspecting Dongfang Qingcang was behind it and linking it to the Destiny Book.
She began to suspect that the mortal from the fate poem, a woman named Xie Wanqing, might be an immortal undergoing tribulation, possibly one whose spirit Dongfang Qingcang intended to seize. As she reviewed Xie Wanqing's fate poem, her own identity became more muddled, feeling an inexplicable sense of familiarity with the woman destined to die repeatedly by her loved one's hand.
When Jieli mentioned that Dongfang Qingcang and Shangque had gone to Yunmeng Lake, Xiao Lanhua connected it to Lucheng City from the fate poem. Realizing the Lantern Festival—a significant date in the poem—was approaching, she deduced that Dongfang Qingcang's target was Xie Wanqing. Alarmed, Xiao Lanhua decided to follow and, with Jieli, set out for Lucheng City. They were quickly discovered by Dongfang Qingcang, who sternly rebuked them.
However, Shangque interceded, claiming Xiao Lanhua felt guilty about upsetting Dongfang Qingcang and wanted to cheer him up. Jieli seconded this, and after some hesitation, Dongfang Qingcang relented. In Lucheng City, Shangque tried to buy a sugar figure, but a cunning vendor conned him out of several valuable gems. Jieli arrived just in time, exposing the swindler by painting Shangque as simple-minded, shaming the vendor into returning the gems and giving them extra sugar figures.
Jieli then chastised Shangque for his gullibility, calling him a "stupid Black Dragon." Shangque sheepishly admitted he bought the figure because he knew Jieli liked sweets, a gesture that visibly softened her. She warned him that from now on, only she was allowed to deceive him. Meanwhile, Dongfang Qingcang complained to Xiao Lanhua about his subordinates' desertion.
Xiao Lanhua thanked him for letting her come along, but he dismissed her gratitude, coldly stating that since she claimed there was no affection between them, her presence merely meant one more person to serve him, leaving them in an awkward silence. Jieli explained that to avoid drawing attention in the mortal realm, they must adhere to mortal customs and not use their powers.
When she noted that the emperor was the supreme ruler, Dongfang Qingcang casually suggested killing him and taking the throne, forcing Jieli to frantically explain that mortal fate couldn't be so easily altered. Confident he would excel even as a mortal, Dongfang Qingcang agreed to the plan. Jieli assigned them new identities: Dongfang Qingcang would be "Mr. Dongfang," a wealthy merchant; Xiao Lanhua his gardening maid; Jieli the accounting maid; and Shangque the guard.
Xiao Lanhua wistfully remarked that it would be nice if she truly weren't a fairy and he weren't the Moon Supreme. Jieli then enthusiastically urged them to get into character, starting with buying a magnificent house.
Episode 20 Recap
Jieli, eager for enjoyment, announced they were in Changle Fang, the mortal world's pleasure district, and their first stop was the famous Feixian Pavilion. Lady Xie Wanqing was scheduled to perform there that day, but entering required a special invitation. Dongfang Qingcang, posing as a wealthy man, was naturally generous. He paid a hefty sum and successfully gained entry for his group. Inside the bustling Feixian Pavilion, Xiao Lanhua was shocked to spot Changheng.
Seeing he had no immortal aura, she deduced he was also undergoing a mortal tribulation. She immediately grew uneasy, fearing that if Dongfang Qingcang discovered him, Changheng would be in grave danger. To prevent a confrontation, Xiao Lanhua quickly pulled Dongfang Qingcang to a seat to watch the performance. Soon, the beautiful courtesan Xie Wanqing ascended the stage and began her magnificent dance. She held a butterfly, twirled it, and then released it.
Instead of flying away, the butterfly danced gracefully around her. Xiao Lanhua inadvertently discovered a Hellfire mark on the back of Xie Wanqing's neck. She immediately realized that Xie Wanqing was the mortal reincarnation of the Chidi Woman, the former God of War. Looking at Dongfang Qingcang, she understood he had known this all along. Unsure of his true intentions but certain they were hostile, Xiao Lanhua resolved to protect the Chidi Woman.
She quietly touched her hair, checking if her heart-hiding hairpin was still there. Dongfang Qingcang noticed her gesture and her distractedness, but when he questioned her, she feigned a stomachache. From the conversations of others, Xiao Lanhua learned that Changheng's mortal identity was Xiao Run, the second son of the Xiao family and Lu City's most notorious playboy. Various nobles offered extravagant gifts to Lady Wanqing.
Jieli, ever enthusiastic about wealth, expressed her delight at the sight of money and treasures. Xiao Run then presented a royal red coral tree, a priceless imperial gift, which made him the chosen guest of Lady Wanqing for the night. Concerned that Dongfang Qingcang might get a clear look at Xiao Run, Xiao Lanhua hastily pretended that her Bone Orchid was missing. Dongfang Qingcang, sensing her unusual behavior, offered to magically summon it.
Xiao Lanhua stopped him, reminding him that using magic in the mortal realm could harm mortals. At her insistence, Shangque joined her in the search for the "missing" Bone Orchid. Xiao Run entered Xie Wanqing's private chambers and reminded her of their childhood betrothal. However, Xie Wanqing, whose family had been disgraced and its women forced into prostitution ten years prior, was unwilling to revisit the past.
Her madam, Tongyun, urged her to accept the marriage for the wealth and status the influential Xiao family could provide. Xie Wanqing refused, stating her heart was not in the frivolous world of courtesans and that she and the playboy Xiao Run were not the same kind of people. She dismissed Xiao Run, instructing Tongyun to return the coral tree.
When Tongyun worried about her future, Xie Wanqing cryptically declared she had her own plans and had already found the "best choice" in her heart. Xiao Run's servant, Cricket, found him, reporting that his father had discovered the stolen coral tree and was enraged. His father subsequently beat him severely for stealing a royal gift to impress a courtesan.
Xiao Run remained unrepentant, arguing that he was being filial by taking the tree his father worshipped obsessively and that marrying Xie Wanqing to honor a past promise would prevent the Xiao family from being seen as snobs. His father, furious at his twisted logic, cut off his allowance. Later, Cricket questioned Xiao Run's true desire to marry Xie Wanqing, noting his lack of romantic interest.
Xiao Run praised Xie Wanqing's noble character and revealed that since childhood, he had dreamt of a celestial fairy with an aura similar to hers, wondering if they were truly destined. Outside Feixian Pavilion, Xiao Lanhua complained of being exhausted from walking all day. Dongfang Qingcang offered to carry her, which she quickly refused. Jieli then playfully asked Shangque to carry her, causing him to flee.
Xiao Lanhua confronted Dongfang Qingcang, asking if his earlier statement about the Bone Orchid being "priceless" contradicted his past declaration of no affection between them, questioning which statement was the lie. She then stated that if he were to attack Shuiyuntian, he would become her enemy. She then asked him why he wasn't angry.
She pointed out his changed behavior: in the past, he would have exploded in rage at her defiance, but now he remained calm, even when she challenged him or "lost" the Bone Orchid. She genuinely asked if he was truly not mad. Later, Shangque found Dongfang Qingcang sitting silently and asked what was on his mind. Dongfang Qingcang admitted to being distracted and unable to concentrate, especially regarding Xiao Lanhua.
He found himself unable to get angry at her, even wishing she would provoke him. He noted her change from being constantly noisy to now seemingly wanting to avoid him, which left his ears quiet but his heart troubled. Shangque confessed to experiencing similar symptoms. Xiao Lanhua confided in Jieli, confirming that Xiao Run was Changheng undergoing his mortal tribulation. She expressed her deep concern for his safety, urging Jieli not to reveal this to Dongfang Qingcang.
She then shared her belief that Xie Wanqing was the Chidi Woman's reincarnation and that Dongfang Qingcang's motive was to acquire her primordial spirit, a plan that would undoubtedly be detrimental to Shuiyuntian. They learned that the upcoming Lantern Festival was prophesied to be the night Xie Wanqing would meet her destined lover, Xiao Run.
At the same time, Dongfang Qingcang confirmed with Shangque that it was the night of the Lantern Festival, and he asserted his intention to find the Chidi Woman and personally witness her tribulation. Back in Lu City, the streets buzzed with activity for the Lantern Festival. Jieli excitedly pulled Shangque away to explore, leaving Xiao Lanhua and Dongfang Qingcang alone. Xiao Lanhua attempted to get the truth from Dongfang Qingcang about his plans, but he evaded her questions.
He then bought her a flower for her hair. Dongfang Qingcang then noticed a Cuju toy, which triggered a painful memory of his father. As he became lost in thought, Xiao Lanhua suddenly disappeared. Meanwhile, Xiao Run was at a gambling den, having lost all his money. He strong-armed his servant, Cricket, into giving him his last coins, only to lose them immediately. Desperate, he bet his precious jade, despite Cricket's pleas.
After losing again, Xiao Run impulsively grabbed the jade and fled, with the gamblers and Cricket in hot pursuit. Elsewhere, Xie Wanqing sat alone, appearing melancholic. She dismissed her maid's suggestions to join the lively festival, admitting she was waiting for something, though she didn't know what. Suddenly, she heard a distinct flute melody from a distance. In that moment, she realized this was what she had been waiting for. Unbeknownst to her, the flutist was her former disciple, Rong Hao.
Episode 21 Recap
As the distant music filled the air, Xie Wanqing felt an inexplicable sense of familiarity, though she was certain she had never heard it before, feeling she was waiting for it. Unaware of the danger she was in, she prepared to end her life by poisoning her drink, feeling she had no regrets because she heard the music. However, Dongfang Qingcang was frantically searching for Xiao Lanhua in Lu City.
Upon seeing Xie Wanqing standing atop the Life Ending Pavilion, Dongfang Qingcang realized her fated moment was at hand. He confronted her, preventing her from taking her own life. Xie Wanqing, recognizing a strange familiarity in him, asked if he was the one playing the music. Unable to explain, Dongfang Qingcang simply used his magic to put her into a deep sleep. Concurrently, Xiao Run was relentlessly pursued and beaten by gamblers for a debt, seemingly powerless to resist.
Just as he was about to suffer severe physical harm, Xiao Lanhua suddenly appeared, using her magic to intervene and save him. Xiao Run was struck by her familiar appearance, even mistook her for a heroine he had encountered at the Mansion of Duke Zhongyi. He was instantly captivated, pursuing her through the bustling streets. As Xiao Lanhua wondered why Xiao Run was not seeking out Xie Wanqing, Dongfang Qingcang abruptly materialized beside her, startling her greatly.
Dongfang Qingcang then realized that Xiao Lanhua had secretly followed him to Lu City because of Changheng. Xiao Lanhua retorted, exposing his true motive for coming to Lu City: to retrieve the Chidi woman's spirit to free his Moon Tribe soldiers, a fact she had shrewdly deduced from the fate poem. Their argument escalated as they realized their actions had already altered Xie Wanqing's fate.
They understood that if Xie Wanqing did not die by Xiao Run’s hand on their wedding day as foretold in the fate poem, the Chidi woman's spirit would vanish completely. After Dongfang Qingcang discovered Dinyin was working as Xiao Run’s servant, he erased Xiao Run’s memory of meeting Xiao Lanhua. Xiao Lanhua questioned why Changheng, a man of love and loyalty, would kill Xie Wanqing, a notion Dongfang Qingcang found absurd.
They concluded that regardless of the initial deviation, the most crucial part was ensuring the fated wedding took place on Flora Day. With the urgency of the situation clear, Xiao Lanhua devised a plan. She reasoned that if Xie Wanqing and Xiao Run could still marry on Flora Day, the fate poem's outcome would be fulfilled, and the hardship would succeed. Their immediate task, therefore, was to ensure the two mortals fell in love before then.
The group decided to split up: Dongfang Qingcang and Shangque would approach Xiao Run, while Xiao Lanhua and Jieli would befriend Xie Wanqing. Xiao Lanhua pulled Dongfang Qingcang aside, urging him not to harm Changheng, to which he coldly responded that he had no time to waste on a powerless mortal, as the hardship was paramount. The next morning, Xiao Run awoke late, finding a portrait on his table.
He immediately recognized it as the "fairy" from his dreams, confirming his conviction that she was his true destined partner. Dongfang Qingcang, disguised as a student, became Xiao Run's classmate at Imperial College. Xiao Run, remembering Dongfang Qingcang had spent a lot of money at Feixian Pavilion, immediately engaged Dongfang Qingcang in conversation, much to their teacher's exasperation, who eventually expelled them both.
Undeterred, Xiao Run led Dongfang Qingcang through a dog hole to the football field, where they were once again caught by their teacher. Dongfang Qingcang discreetly used his magic to help them escape the scolding teacher, leading them to the football field. Meanwhile, Xiao Lanhua and Jieli successfully began to get close to Xie Wanqing. Xiao Lanhua was pleased when she demonstrated her exceptional gardening skills by making a prized peony bloom, something no other gardener had achieved.
Xie Wanqing invited her to a Spring Banquet, hoping to meet a fated person there, revealing her ideal partner was like the untouchable moon in the sky, implicitly referring to Changheng. Xiao Lanhua recognized the gravity of this. At the football field, Xiao Run was a natural at making friends, treating Dongfang Qingcang as a brother despite their brief acquaintance.
Dongfang Qingcang initially maintained a grim expression but recalled Xiao Lanhua's earlier advice to smile at friends, and slowly managed a hesitant smile. Xiao Run was deeply impressed by Dongfang Qingcang's football skills, which Dongfang Qingcang vaguely attributed to his father's teachings. Xiao Run found a kindred spirit in Dongfang Qingcang, feeling that the humble wooden ball was the best thing in the world, far surpassing fame or fortune.
As they talked, Xiao Run noticed a minor injury on Dongfang Qingcang's hand and immediately offered him a special medicine he used for himself, insistently tending to his wound despite Dongfang Qingcang's protests.
Episode 22 Recap
Rong Hao returned to his cave, gazing at the stone couch and recalling a painful memory from 30,000 years ago. In that very same cave, he had intended to reunite with his master, the Chidi woman, in the Realm of Return to Ruin, but the Evil God Tai Sui had suddenly appeared. Tai Sui claimed he could revive the Chidi woman, but only if he took the life of the Goddess of Xishan.
Rong Hao knew his master had sacrificed herself for the sake of the Three Realms and its beings, and that she had always maintained a close relationship with the Xilan clan, having watched the Goddess of Xishan grow up. However, Tai Sui cunningly painted a picture of Wateryuntian's immortals being selfish and forgetting the Chidi woman after her death.
Tai Sui reminded Rong Hao that Chidi woman's death had sealed 100,000 demon soldiers, leading to her primordial spirit's destruction, and that the Goddess of Xishan, with her unique ability to make all things grow and revive the dead, was the sole means of bringing his master back. He pushed Rong Hao to take the Goddess's primordial spirit, arguing that sacrificing one small goddess to save his master, who had saved so many, was a small price.
Succumbing to Tai Sui's manipulation, Rong Hao eventually chose to attack Xishan. The Xilan clan fought to protect the Goddess and sealed her divine power, memory, and appearance, transforming her into an ordinary spirit in the Three Realms, ensuring that even her closest kin would not recognize her. Rong Hao originally intended to give up, but Tai Sui had already injected evil spirit into the Chidi woman's body, which allowed a trace of her primordial spirit to remain.
If Tai Sui died, the Chidi woman's primordial spirit would also vanish. Tai Sui revealed that he had been trapped by the Xilan clan in the Spirit-Shattering Abyss for hundreds of thousands of years. He needed Rong Hao to refine evil spirit and kill the Goddess of Xishan to break his seal and reappear in the world.
Understanding that Chidi woman's remaining spirit would disappear if Tai Sui's evil spirit was fully consumed, Rong Hao resolved to leave the Spirit-Shattering Abyss and refine more evil spirit. Meanwhile, Xiao Lanhua, eager to orchestrate a meeting between Xie Wanqing and Xiao Run, invited Xie Wanqing to a prominent restaurant in Lucheng City. Despite their short acquaintance, Xie Wanqing felt an immediate kinship with Xiao Lanhua, accepting the invitation with delight.
Xie Wanqing, usually reserved, opened up, expressing how rare it was to find someone as genuine and pure-hearted as Xiao Lanhua. She revealed that a few days prior, on the Lantern Festival night, she had encountered a man who "came on the moon." Though she was too drunk to recall his words, his presence had filled her heart. Xiao Lanhua, suspecting Xie Wanqing spoke of Dongfang Qingcang, felt a familiar pang of jealousy.
Xie Wanqing recounted how vividly she remembered the encounter, even the pain in the birthmark on the back of her neck when he approached, dismissing Xiao Lanhua's suggestion that it was merely a dream. At the same restaurant, Dongfang Qingcang grew impatient, waiting for Xiao Run.
Xiao Run finally arrived, apologizing for his delay and excitedly announcing a life-changing decision: he had fallen for a woman of elegant demeanor, like a fairy from another world, and felt they shared a predestined bond, vowing to marry only her. Dongfang Qingcang, assuming he spoke of Xie Wanqing, enthusiastically supported his decision to follow his heart. Xiao Run then dramatically unveiled a painting, revealing the image of Xiao Lanhua.
Dongfang Qingcang was stunned, baffled as to why Xiao Run still retained Xiao Lanhua's image despite his own magical intervention to erase their memories. Xiao Run declared the woman in the painting his destined love, offering a hundred pieces of gold to anyone who could help him find her. When onlookers questioned his ability to pay the reward, Xiao Run confidently declared that Dongfang Qingcang would cover it, much to Dongfang Qingcang's reluctant agreement.
Dongfang Qingcang, though seething internally, was reminded by Shang Que to control his anger for the sake of the Chidi woman's spirit. Xiao Run, oblivious to Dongfang Qingcang's true feelings, expressed profound gratitude. Xiao Run, impulsively and without formal preparation, then proposed that he and Dongfang Qingcang become sworn brothers immediately. With the entire plan depending on this alliance, Dongfang Qingcang grudgingly accepted, agreeing to share blessings and difficulties with Xiao Run.
Meanwhile, Shang Que and Jieli tried to tear down Xiao Lanhua's portrait. However, they were intercepted by Xiao Run's servant, Qu Shui, who fiercely guarded the paintings. Jieli, finding Qu Shui surprisingly naive, began to manipulate him. She argued that if the woman in the painting was a respectable lady, such widespread publicity would shame her and prevent her from ever meeting Xiao Run, thus jeopardizing his happiness. Convinced by Jieli's logic, Qu Shui began to tear down the painting.
Shang Que quickly realized their efforts were in vain, as hundreds of copies had already been distributed and posted throughout the city by Xiao Run's orders. Later, in the restaurant, Dongfang Qingcang accused Xiao Lanhua of secretly meeting Xiao Run and Changheng, demanding to know how Xiao Run still remembered her and painted her portrait so clearly. Xiao Lanhua retorted, reminding him that he was the one who had erased Xiao Run's memories, and sarcastically questioned his effectiveness.
She then turned the tables, accusing him of charming Xie Wanqing. Their argument escalated, and they momentarily forgot about Xie Wanqing and Xiao Run. Just then, Xie Wanqing and Xiao Run were heard searching for them. To avoid being seen, Xiao Lanhua and Dongfang Qingcang hastily hid inside a small cabinet, but the two walked past the cabinet without noticing. Instead, the confined space within the cabinet, with Xiao Lanhua and Dongfang Qingcang pressed close together.
Episode 23 Recap
Exhausted from tearing down Xiao Run's portraits of Xiao Lanhua plastered across Lucheng City, Jieli and Shangque returned to find Dongfang Qingcang and Xiao Lanhua arguing. Jieli lamented that her plan to unite Xiao Run and Xie Wanqing had backfired, resulting in Xiao Run's infatuation with Xiao Lanhua. Jieli tried to enlist Shangque's help in calming Dongfang Qingcang, but Shangque instead accused her of flirting with Qu Shui.
Their bickering escalated until Dongfang Qingcang and Xiao Lanhua simultaneously told them to stop. Jieli then steered the conversation back to the pressing matter of how to make Xiao Run and Xie Wanqing meet. Jieli proposed a new plan: Xiao Lanhua should meet Xiao Run while intentionally made to look hideous. After Jieli applied some makeup, Dongfang Qingcang declared it wasn't ugly enough and took over, disfiguring Xiao Lanhua’s face to the point of tears.
He justified his actions by stating the uglier she appeared, the better. He instructed Xiao Lanhua to act rudely and vulgarly, and to delay their meeting until after noon to further sour Xiao Run's impression. Xiao Lanhua reluctantly agreed, questioning Dongfang Qingcang's unusual overprotectiveness. When Xiao Lanhua finally met Xiao Run, he was inexplicably charmed by her grotesque appearance, praising it as "extraordinary makeup" and hailing her as "unworldly and elegant."
He misinterpreted her rude remarks and tardiness as tests of his sincerity, affirming his unwavering commitment to her. Xiao Lanhua complained loudly about his ugly portraits of her, claiming they failed to capture her beauty. Unfazed, Xiao Run apologized for his poor painting skills and promised to practice more. In a last-ditch effort, Xiao Lanhua feigned exhaustion and began noisily massaging her feet on the ground.
To her dismay, Xiao Run joined her, removing his own shoes and sitting beside her, complimenting her as a "true scholar." From a distance, Dongfang Qingcang, frustrated by Xiao Lanhua's failure, decided to intervene. Just as Xiao Run passionately declared their fated connection, Dongfang Qingcang arrived, kneeling to gently put on her shoes and calling Xiao Lanhua "honey." A stunned Xiao Run questioned Dongfang Qingcang's actions.
Dongfang Qingcang calmly asserted that Xiao Lanhua was his wife of three years and was currently pregnant. Despite Xiao Lanhua's furious protests at the outrageous lies, Dongfang Qingcang maintained the facade until they were out of sight. Later, Xiao Lanhua and Dongfang Qingcang released river lanterns. Dongfang Qingcang scoffed at the idea of praying to lanterns, declaring his ambition to personally destroy Shuiyuntian, avenge his father, and unify the three realms for the everlasting peace of Cangyan Sea.
He boasted that if Xiao Lanhua wanted a wish fulfilled, she should ask him directly. Xiao Lanhua then shared her simple wish: for peace on the Memory Loss River, where wars would cease. As their lanterns drifted into the night, Dongfang Qingcang secretly wished Xiao Lanhua would stay by his side forever, while Xiao Lanhua, knowing her presence could not be permanent, silently wished him eternal safety, happiness, friendship, and freedom from loneliness.
Xie Wanqing used her ten years of savings from the Life Ending Pavilion to redeem herself and gain freedom, determined to find her "lover in her dream." The next day, Xiao Run visited Dongfang Qingcang, apologizing for his previous "mistake" and confessing his heart remained captivated by the "fairy in the painting." He announced his decision to leave Lucheng and garrison the northern border for several years.
Dongfang Qingcang and Xiao Lanhua were alarmed, as this departure threatened Xie Wanqing’s prophecy of marrying Xiao Run. Desperate, Jieli quickly intervened, fabricating a story that Xiao Lanhua was Dongfang Qingcang's younger sister, and their "marriage" had been a mere test of Xiao Run's character. She praised Xiao Run's loyalty and his willingness to leave, framing it as proof of his impeccable character.
Though furious, Dongfang Qingcang reluctantly played along, confirming their sibling relationship and granting permission for Xiao Run to marry Xiao Lanhua. Overjoyed, Xiao Run rescinded his plan to leave Lucheng. Dongfang Qingcang challenged Xiao Run on his understanding of love, and Xiao Run reiterated the sincerity of his feelings. Dongfang Qingcang finally dismissed him, instructing him to prepare the betrothal gifts.
With Xiao Run now intent on marrying Xiao Lanhua, and Xie Wanqing still determined to marry her "lover in her dream," Dongfang Qingcang realized the prophecy for Xie Wanqing to die by Xiao Run's sword on Flora Day was in jeopardy. Jieli proposed a plan: arrange two simultaneous weddings on Flora Day. Xiao Lanhua would agree to marry Xiao Run, and Dongfang Qingcang would agree to marry Xie Wanqing.
On the wedding night, they would perform a switch, ensuring Xie Wanqing was in Xiao Run's room to fulfill the prophecy. Dongfang Qingcang vehemently refused, stating he would only marry the woman he loved. However, Xiao Lanhua supported the plan, arguing that as long as the final outcome aligned with the prophecy, the means justified the end. Jieli urged Dongfang Qingcang to propose to Xie Wanqing immediately, but he remained resolute in his refusal to engage in a fake marriage with anyone he did not love.
Episode 24 Recap
Xiao Lanhua confronted Dongfang Qingcang about the plan to marry Xiao Run, Changheng's mortal reincarnation. Dongfang Qingcang denied it was his plan, but Shangque interrupted to announce Xie Wanqing's arrival to propose to Dongfang Qingcang. Annoyed, Dongfang Qingcang intended to refuse, but Xiao Lanhua, using the Heart Curse, forced him to agree to meet Xie Wanqing silently.
Xiao Lanhua then assured Xie Wanqing that Dongfang Qingcang was simply shy and that they had been planning to propose to her as well. She accepted Xie Wanqing's dowry and birth date on Dongfang Qingcang's behalf and suggested exchanging birth dates. Xie Wanqing invited him to a boat trip the following night, hoping he would bring his birth date. After Xie Wanqing left, Xiao Lanhua teased Dongfang Qingcang for his silent compliance.
On their way back, Xie Wanqing noticed Xiao Lanhua's unhappiness. Xiao Lanhua, pretending to worry about a friend, sought advice from Xie Wanqing about a relationship hindered by generational hatred. Xie Wanqing stated that no status should stop someone from chasing true love and that those who give up on their heart's desire for external reasons are foolish. She stressed the rarity of true love and the importance of holding onto it.
As the Heart Curse's effect waned, Dongfang Qingcang was bothered by Xiao Lanhua's apparent preference for Changheng. Despite Changheng being a seemingly foolish mortal, Xiao Lanhua still cared for him. Upset by Xiao Lanhua's previous statement that she did not like him, Dongfang Qingcang asked Jieli for advice. Jieli suggested that girls often say the opposite of what they mean and advised him to replace Xiao Lanhua's Heart-Hidden Hairpin to understand her true feelings.
Later, Shangque, intrigued by Jieli's theory, asked if her statement of not liking him was also a lie. Jieli clarified that she was different, explicitly stating her dislike. She explained that her difficult childhood had made her focus solely on money for security and that she would never love anyone, which saddened Shangque. The next morning, Xiao Run arrived to take Xiao Lanhua on a spring outing.
Dongfang Qingcang tried to stop them, but Xiao Run quickly took Xiao Lanhua away. Xiao Lanhua seemed distracted during the outing, remembering moments with Dongfang Qingcang when seeing sugar cakes, camellias, and the prospect of a boat trip. Dongfang Qingcang, watching from afar, wondered about her mood and decided against using external means to understand her, wanting to genuinely understand her feelings. His Love Tree then bloomed.
Xiao Lanhua continued to be lost in thought, realizing her feelings for Changheng had changed. Xiao Run, believing Xiao Lanhua was his destined partner, gave her a jade pendant that had been with him since birth. As Xiao Lanhua accepted the jade, she saw Dongfang Qingcang storming off angrily and went after him.
Catching up with Dongfang Qingcang, Xiao Lanhua tried to explain, but he was cold and said he had an appointment with Xie Wanqing for their boat trip, upsetting Xiao Lanhua. Dongfang Qingcang, secretly pleased by her reaction, pressed her for a reason. Xiao Lanhua couldn't express her feelings, angering Dongfang Qingcang, who said he didn't need her permission. Meanwhile, Qu Shui, overhearing Jieli and Shangque's conversation, mistakenly thought they were plotting to kill Xiao Run.
He rushed to warn Xiao Run but was hit by a carriage and died. His spirit, Danyin, returned to Shuiyuntian. Lord Yunzhong punished her for helping Changheng escape and tasked her with assassinating Xiao Run to prevent Dongfang Qingcang from releasing his Moon Tribe army. Danyin refused, knowing it would destroy Changheng, but Lord Yunzhong silenced her and forced her to accept the mission.
Episode 25 Recap
Jieli busily arranged the wedding, detailing various human marriage customs like scattering beans and crossing a saddle for good fortune and peace. She lamented that due to haste, they had to simplify the ceremony, otherwise more elaborate traditions would be necessary. Shang Que, observing Jieli with gentle eyes, mentioned that the Dragon Tribe also had a unique marriage custom: a groom would scrape off his hardest dragon scale and present it to his bride.
This act symbolized exposing his most vulnerable part to his beloved, signifying his willingness to be governed, bullied, or even deceived by her. Jieli, flustered, quickly changed the subject, claiming she had to check on Xiao Lanhua's wedding dress. Meanwhile, a commotion arose when a precious "premium bead from the East Sea" was lost, with Jieli threatening to deduct the servants' annual salary if it wasn't found. Hearing about the lost jewelry, Xie Wanqing arrived in her wedding gown.
She generously offered her own collection, insisting that a bride's wedding day required perfect attire. She also extended her warmth, inviting Xiao Lanhua to call her "sister-in-law" after the wedding and offering to be a confidante for any future troubles. Xiao Lanhua, however, felt a deep sadness and guilt. She later confided in Dongfang Qingcang, reflecting on her time in Arbiter Hall where mortal lives were mere entries in Destiny Books.
Her experiences in Lucheng City had revealed the profound significance of every life event. Dongfang Qingcang admitted to experiencing similar, unfamiliar emotions, particularly a sense of guilt towards Xiao Run, who had generously shared his friends with him. At Xiao Lanhua’s suggestion, they agreed that for one night, they would set aside their celestial and Moon Tribe identities and simply exist as ordinary mortals.
Disguised as the servant Qu Shui, Danyin was helping Xiao Run into his wedding attire when she was overcome with emotion and embraced him while crying. Misinterpreting her tears as sadness over his marriage, Xiao Run comforted her, assuring "Qu Shui" that their bond as sworn brothers would remain strong and even promised to help find a wife for him.
Shortly after, Xiao Run noticed a bead from the phoenix crown on his wedding robe and instructed "Qu Shui" to deliver it to Xiao Lanhua. Upon arriving at Xiao Lanhua's room, "Qu Shui" sarcastically congratulated her on finally being able to marry "him." Recognizing the familiar tone, Xiao Lanhua realized it was Danyin in disguise.
Danyin then revealed a dire situation: Lord Yunzhong had learned of Changheng's mortal tribulation and, to thwart Dongfang Qingcang's plans, had ordered her to kill Xie Wanqing, the mortal vessel of the former God of War. This would prevent the unsealing of the Moon Tribe's soldiers but would also cause Changheng's spirit to vanish.
Danyin explained that according to a fate poem, they could only complete the tribulation if Xiao Run killed Xie Wanqing, an act she believed his gentle nature made impossible. As they despaired, Rong Hao arrived. Rong Hao stated that Dongfang Qingcang would undoubtedly target Changheng that night and they needed a way to distract him. He entrusted this mission to Xiao Lanhua, as she was the only one Dongfang Qingcang would allow close.
Seeing her hesitation, Rong Hao revealed that Changheng had willingly risked annihilation to descend to the mortal realm for her, as she was the one he had always secretly loved. He explained Changheng's tireless search for the lost Goddess was a quest to break their engagement so he could be with Xiao Lanhua, and that the Firefly Stone she possessed was a precious gift he had painstakingly found for her.
Deeply moved but still defending Dongfang Qingcang as not being a bad person, Xiao Lanhua was torn. Rong Hao pressed further, revealing Dongfang Qingcang's true plan: to use the primordial spirit of his master, the Chidi Woman, to unseal the Shuofeng Sword, reclaim his 100,000 soldiers, and wage a devastating war against Shuiyuntian.
Recalling Dongfang Qingcang's past intentions, a conflicted Xiao Lanhua accepted a bottle of poison from Rong Hao, who claimed it would only temporarily weaken Dongfang Qingcang, buying them enough time. The wedding celebration was vibrant, with guests toasting Dongfang Qingcang. Xiao Run found him trying to avoid the crowd and playfully chided him for not greeting guests. In the wedding chamber, Xiao Run and Xie Wanqing met, both realizing they had been brought to the wrong room, yet they remained.
Meanwhile, Xiao Lanhua and Dongfang Qingcang, also in wedding attire, shared a quiet moment. He remarked on the familiar intimacy, reminiscent of their time waiting for lightning in Cangyan Sea, and told her the wedding dress suited her best. Xiao Lanhua confronted him, asking if he truly intended to destroy Shuiyuntian. Dongfang Qingcang reaffirmed his unwavering resolve to avenge the Moon Tribe and kill Changheng on the battlefield if necessary, telling her she could hate him if she wished.
Unbeknownst to them, Rong Hao observed from afar, musing to his master's spirit that the poison was merely a decoy; the true weapon was the "evil spirit" from the slaughter of three thousand immortal soldiers, which he had secretly infused into the pearl on Xiao Lanhua. Despite Dongfang Qingcang's harsh words, Xiao Lanhua declared she could not hate him, acknowledging his responsibility to his people. Suddenly, a surge of evil spirit erupted from Xiao Lanhua.
She instinctively pushed Dongfang Qingcang away, warning him of the danger. He ignored her pleas and strode into the swirling energy, dismissing it as a minor threat. As he was struck, he immediately realized the pearl and the intended poison wine came from the same source: Rong Hao. Simultaneously, Xie Wanqing, searching for her groom, was possessed by the evil spirit and lunged at Xiao Run with a blade.
Danyin tried to intervene, but Xiao Run was gravely wounded while shielding her. Despite his own injury, Dongfang Qingcang declared his priority was to retrieve the Chidi Woman's primordial spirit and began searching for Xiao Run and Xie Wanqing, with Xiao Lanhua following. The possessed Xie Wanqing intercepted Xiao Lanhua, her eyes burning with murderous intent. Accusing Xiao Lanhua of stealing her husband, she pinned her to the ground, demanding to know why she was chosen over her. Realizing Xie Wanqing was corrupted by the evil spirit, Xiao Lanhua desperately tried to reason with her.
Episode 26 Recap
The sword, imbued with evil spirit, bore down on Xiao Lanhua. In that critical moment, Dongfang Qingcang materialized and swiftly put an end to Xie Wanqing's life. However, a torrent of evil spirits erupted from Xie Wanqing’s body, surging towards both Xiao Lanhua and Dongfang Qingcang. Severely wounded, Dongfang Qingcang found himself powerless to resist. Unexpectedly, Xiao Lanhua effortlessly contained the malevolent energy, then completely purified it.
Witnessing this incredible feat, everyone realized that Xiao Lanhua was none other than the long-lost Goddess of Xishan. Xiao Lanhua herself, startled by her newfound abilities, questioned Dongfang Qingcang about her true identity, confused as she had always believed she was merely an ordinary grass. The hardship experience appeared to have failed with Xie Wanqing's and Xiao Run's deaths. Fairy Danyin mourned, believing Lord Changheng had also perished.
However, Rong Hao revealed that according to Changheng's destiny, his tribulation was not to kill Xie Wanqing, but to die saving the person he deeply cared for—a fate Danyin sadly concluded was meant for Xiao Lanhua. Meanwhile, Rong Hao addressed the spirit of his master, the Chidi Woman, whose mortal vessel had been Xie Wanqing. He congratulated her, believing his intricate plan spanning thirty thousand years had finally succeeded.
He explained that the true purpose of her tribulation was for her to die in each life for her beloved, and this time, the one she truly loved was Dongfang Qingcang. Rong Hao assured his master that her spirit was now safely hidden, awaiting final resurrection. Changheng, having completed his tribulation, returned to the immortal realm. His experiences in the mortal world, including his bond with Xiao Run and his connection to Xiao Lanhua, lingered vividly in his mind.
He immediately sought to find Xiao Lanhua. As thunder roared, Lord Yunzhong, accompanied by his immortal soldiers, cornered Dongfang Qingcang, who to his horror, suddenly found himself unable to summon his hellfire. Lord Yunzhong commanded his soldiers to eliminate the Moon Supreme. Just as they attacked, Changheng intervened, protecting Xiao Lanhua and ordering the immortals to stand down. He declared that Xiao Lanhua was a fellow immortal, not a traitor, and that anyone who harmed her would become his enemy.
Lord Yunzhong, acknowledging Changheng's protection, offered Xiao Lanhua safe passage back to Shuiyuntian after Dongfang Qingcang was defeated. Xiao Lanhua, though longing for her peaceful life in Arbiter Hall, felt she couldn't abandon Dongfang Qingcang and declined the offer. Enraged by her refusal and Changheng's defiance, Lord Yunzhong accused Changheng of rebellion.
Changheng, having gained profound understanding during his mortal tribulation, defiantly declared that if the heavenly rules deemed a mother's love as cowardice and affection for a loved one as a mistake, then he would rebel against such absurdity. Lord Yunzhong, in turn, branded Changheng a traitor to be killed on sight. After the confrontation, Dongfang Qingcang lay critically wounded and unresponsive.
Distraught, Xiao Lanhua pleaded with him to awaken, promising to never be angry again if he would not abandon her. In an act of desperation, she cut her wrist, offering her miraculously healing blood for him to drink. Dongfang Qingcang slowly regained consciousness. He questioned her motives for saving him, given her desire to return home. Xiao Lanhua stammered, unable to articulate her feelings. Without waiting for an answer, Dongfang Qingcang embraced and kissed her.
The moment was interrupted by the unexpected appearance of Shangque and Jieli, creating an awkward end to the romantic scene. During their journey back to Cangyan Sea, Xiao Lanhua heard the desperate pleas of suffering spirits from both the Immortal and Moon Tribes, whose broken essences wandered the Memory Lost River. Realizing this was the work of the Lord of Haishi City, she resolved to find a way to purify their grievances and bring them peace.
Back in Cangyan Sea, Dongfang Qingcang and Xiao Lanhua’s unspoken feelings for each other blossomed into clear affection. Dongfang Qingcang discussed his injuries with Xun Feng, explaining that he had momentarily lost his hellfire but that it was not a cause for alarm. He instructed Xun Feng to keep his weakened state a secret from the ambitious Southern and Northern You Kings.
Xun Feng, initially distraught by Dongfang Qingcang's injuries, was further incensed upon learning that Xiao Lanhua was the cause. He moved to kill her, but Dongfang Qingcang stopped him, revealing that they were bound by the Heart Curse, sharing life and death. Dongfang Qingcang explained that the curse was an accident and that Xiao Lanhua had, in fact, saved him from the Haotian Tower.
He then expressed his deep regret that the plan to unseal the 100,000 soldiers from the Xuanxu Realm had failed, acknowledging his failure to his people. Xun Feng, seeing his brother’s life was tied to Xiao Lanhua's, relented. Xiao Lanhua, burdened by guilt, blamed herself for disrupting Dongfang Qingcang's plans. Dongfang Qingcang found her and reassured her that saving her was his own decision, one he would never regret.
He told her that he could find another way to unseal his soldiers, but he could never find another Xiao Lanhua—timid, prone to tears, and meddlesome, yet caring enough to make him willing to rebirth his Love Tree. He emphasized that she was never an insignificant grass. As he was about to reveal her true identity, Changheng suddenly appeared, declaring his intention to take Xiao Lanhua away.
A tense standoff ensued, with both men drawing their swords until Xiao Lanhua intervened. Changheng proposed they first address an important matter. He revealed that the fragmented spirits he encountered, both Moon Tribe and immortal, could not return to the Memory Lost River because they were tortured and lost. He presented the "Spirit of Knowledge Book," an ancient melody composed by the first Goddess of Xishan capable of healing and purifying spirits.
He noted that while it had been played by Dong Jun and Yan Nü to worship heaven and earth, no one in the Three Realms had been able to master it for millennia. Xiao Lanhua suggested that as the supreme of the Moon Tribe and the God of War of the Immortal Realm, Dongfang Qingcang and Changheng could combine their strengths to master the melody. Changheng readily agreed. Initially hesitant, Dongfang Qingcang was persuaded by Xiao Lanhua's pleas.
He agreed, but not before embracing her to subtly assert his claim over her to Changheng. Despite their alliance, Dongfang Qingcang and Changheng retained their animosity, immediately bickering during their practice. Dongfang Qingcang criticized Changheng's playing as "weak and feeble," like the hypocrites of Shuiyuntian, while Changheng retorted that Dongfang Qingcang's music was "disorderly and barbaric."
Xiao Lanhua attempted to mediate by reminding them of their mortal-world camaraderie and explaining that the Moon Tribe's ancestor, Yan Nü, was betrayed by Chonghua. Dongfang Qingcang cut her off, stating the Moon Tribe needed no defense. As their hostility escalated, Xiao Lanhua finally lost her patience, scolding them for their lack of dignity. Later, Dongfang Qingcang observed a group of Moon Tribe people engaged in a poignant ritual, making offerings to faceless clay dolls.
An elderly woman explained that their loved ones had been gone so long, for thirty thousand years of war, that their faces were no longer remembered. The sight deeply moved Dongfang Qingcang, and he vowed to her that he would keep his promise and bring back the 100,000 soldiers sealed in the Xuanxu Realm.
Episode 27 Recap
At the Memory Loss River, Dongfang Qingcang and Changheng successfully purified the evil spirit. Afterward, Dongfang Qingcang warned Changheng not to trespass on Cangyan Sea again, and Changheng issued a similar warning about Shuiyuntian. They acknowledged that they would be enemies if they met again on the battlefield. Xiao Lanhua wished she could return to the simpler days in Lucheng City.
Changheng approached her, recalling their time as Xiao Run in Yunmeng Lake where he felt free with friends and brothers, unburdened by his duties as the God of War or shame from his mother's actions. He stated he had been constrained by heavenly rules, unable to protect the one he loved, until Lucheng. He affirmed that all the vows he made as Xiao Run were sincere.
Xiao Lanhua clarified that she was grateful to Changheng for saving her life, but her feelings for him were not romantic love. She returned the fluorite to him, wishing he finds his true love. As Changheng walked away, Xiao Lanhua remained lost in thought. Dongfang Qingcang teased her for staring, then carried her on his back when she complained about her legs being sore, refusing to share what he had said to Changheng.
Seven days later, Cangyan Sea was preparing for the thousand-year "Mountain and Moon Festival." Xiao Lanhua noticed many love lock vendors, and Jieli explained that during the festival, the full moon aligns perfectly with the moon-shaped mountain. She added that folklore suggests couples who carve their names on love locks and hang them on the bridge of love during the Mountain and Moon alignment will be together forever.
Jieli asked Dongfang Qingcang to let Shangque help her sell carving tools at the festival to maximize profits. Xiao Lanhua bought a pair of carved locks, while Dongfang Qingcang secretly bought two strong, durable locks from a vendor. He was briefly embarrassed when Xiao Lanhua saw him. Meanwhile, Xun Feng, concerned about Dongfang Qingcang's Heart Curse, asked Shangque if there was a way to lift it.
Shangque revealed that the only method was to use the ancient Chengying sword to kill Xiao Lanhua, but the last fragment remained elusive. Xun Feng confronted Dongfang Qingcang about his public appearances with Xiao Lanhua, and Dongfang Qingcang declared he would never kill his "beloved one," even if the sword could be reforged. This infuriated Xun Feng, who accused his brother of betraying the Moon Tribe by loving a fairy who brought disaster.
Dongfang Qingcang took responsibility, stating he was the culprit, not Xiao Lanhua, and that he would find another way to unseal his soldiers. Later, Dongfang Qingcang confirmed to Xun Feng and Xiao Lanhua that the evil spirit that had previously injured him came from Rong Hao. Xiao Lanhua deduced Rong Hao's connection to the Lord of Haishi City because of the Lord of Haishi City’s impersonation of Changheng and the Arbiter Hall, showing intimate knowledge of Shuiyuntian.
Changheng traveled to the Crane Pavilion in Lucheng City, where Rong Hao revealed his devotion to the former God of War, who saved him from starvation as a blind orphan and granted him sight. After her death, Rong Hao wanted to resurrect her, so he used evil spirits to stabilize her primordial spirit, established Haishi City, and instigated internal strife within the Moon Tribe to gather more spirits for refinement. He claimed his friendship with Changheng was genuine.
Rong Hao agreed to return with him to face judgment. Lord Yunzhong commanded Li Yuan to imprison Rong Hao and confronted Changheng for defending Xiao Lanhua. Changheng, weary of war, stated he was ready for death, asserting Xiao Lanhua was not a traitor and that his life gained color after meeting her.
He challenged Lord Yunzhong, stating his death would secure the Moon Supreme's authority and allow Lord Yunzhong to shed the shame of their mother's past, accepting Lord Yunzhong's "grant" of his wish for death. A celestial messenger then informed Danyin that Lord Changheng had been sentenced to execution at the fairy guillotine in seven days for the crime of collusion. In a flashback, Li Yuan's past with a pregnant Moon Tribe woman named Xing Luo was revealed.
Rong Hao helped her escape from fairies, saving her life and their child. In the present, Danyin urged her father, Li Yuan, to save Changheng, fearing Rong Hao might expose her Moon Tribe heritage. Li Yuan reassured Danyin he would protect her, secretly apologizing to Xing Luo. Jieli struggled to carve Dongfang Qingcang's name onto a love lock.
Dieyi, addressing her as "Pavilion Master," informed her of suspicious activity in the palace, suggesting an intruder, and instructed her to place a drop of blood onto the Bone Orchid worn by Xiao Lanhua, which worried Jieli.
Episode 28 Recap
Driven by her master's command, Jieli found herself in a moral dilemma, tasked with dripping blood onto Xiao Lanhua's Bone Orchid. She questioned if it would harm Xiao Lanhua, but was reminded that she was a spy for the Lord of Haishi City. Her superior, Dieyi, warned her that her cover would be blown if she failed, leading to Shangque and Xiao Lanhua turning against her.
Reminded of the Heart Eroding Pill she had taken, for which she needed an antidote every three days to survive, Jieli was instructed that her first mission was to lure Xiao Lanhua out of the Silent Moon Palace. When Shangque arrived, Jieli nervously claimed she was hiding treasures, explaining her habit of stashing valuables due to her orphaned, bullied past. Shangque, however, dismissed his guards and, instead of reprimanding her, expressed immense tenderness.
He embraced her, promising to protect her in the Silent Moon Palace and even to join her if she were sent to dig stones. He declared he would love her unconditionally, even if she lied to him a hundred or a thousand times. Jieli, touched but burdened by her secret, pledged her loyalty to the Lord of Haishi City and was assured of protection as a member of Liufang Pavilion.
Despite her personal feelings, she was bound by the poison and her loyalty to follow through with her mission to harm Xiao Lanhua. Meanwhile, Dongfang Qingcang's intention to attend the Mountain and Moon Festival with Xiao Lanhua faced fierce opposition from his Moon Tribe subjects. Led by Xun Feng, they knelt before him, begging him to sever ties with the Fairy woman and return to the palace.
They branded Xiao Lanhua as a jinx, blaming her for the Moon Tribe's inability to retrieve their ten thousand lost soldiers. Xun Feng, admitting he resorted to a trick out of concern for his brother, expressed willingness to face any punishment. Dongfang Qingcang silenced the dissenting crowd with his hellfire. He reminded Xun Feng that Xiao Lanhua's efforts to uncover the truth about their father's suicide had saved Xun Feng from execution.
He then declared that Xiao Lanhua was not merely a temporary favorite but his chosen wife. He announced his plan to not only attend the Mountain and Moon Festival with her but also prepare the grandest wedding in the Three Realms. He commanded his people to respect Xiao Lanhua as they respected him, praising her gentle nature, her lack of prejudice towards the Moon Tribe, and her brave spirit. He proclaimed her worthy of being their Moon Queen.
Despite his powerful declaration, Dongfang Qingcang acknowledged his failure to bring back the ten thousand soldiers, accepting it as his responsibility. To atone for this, and as a public testament to his commitment to his tribe and to Xiao Lanhua, he announced his willingness to endure the excruciating Bone Devouring Spike punishment.
His subjects pleaded with him to reconsider, describing the unbearable pain the spikes would inflict daily, from midnight to dawn, as they traveled through his organs, akin to ten thousand ants devouring his flesh and his bones being cut off. Dongfang Qingcang, undeterred, swore an oath as the Moon Supreme Lord: the spikes would remain in his body until the ten thousand soldiers returned.
He also reaffirmed his earlier vow to Xiao Lanhua, stating that even if he died, he would never let her down, and that she would be his only Moon Queen, regardless of his tribe's approval. Xiao Lanhua, eagerly awaiting Dongfang Qingcang at the Mountain and Moon Festival, was overjoyed when he finally arrived, embracing him and kissing him. She was unaware of the torture he had just endured. As they prepared to hang their symbolic locks, Dongfang Qingcang suddenly collapsed.
Shangque intervened, preventing a distressed Xiao Lanhua from entering the palace, explaining that Dongfang Qingcang had specifically forbidden her from seeing him in such a vulnerable state. After persistent pleading, Shangque revealed the truth: Dongfang Qingcang had endured nine Bone Devouring Spikes so he could attend the festival with her. He further detailed the agonizing pain that would torment Dongfang Qingcang nightly.
Realizing the immense sacrifice he had made, Xiao Lanhua, overcome with guilt and worry, resolved to wait for him outside the palace until he recovered. Eventually, Xiao Lanhua, who had fallen asleep from exhaustion while waiting, awoke to find Dongfang Qingcang fully recovered.
He then presented her with a collection of priceless treasures: invincible clothing woven from ancient dark spider silk, a luminous pearl formed from mermaids' tears, and Yuehua Pills from the Wuxian Clan, capable of detoxifying any poison in the Three Realms. He then handed her the key to the Pavilion of Spiritual Treasures, declaring all its contents were now hers.
Xiao Lanhua, still concerned about his well-being, tried to reassure him that the spikes only caused pain and he wouldn't die. Both had something important to say, each believing their words held more weight. Xiao Lanhua, with a sigh, took his hand and placed a handmade bracelet in his palm. She then formally proposed, asking if he would marry her and become her husband.
She promised to treat him well, love only him for the rest of her life, and stay by his side through everything. Dongfang Qingcang remained silent, clutching the bracelet, causing Xiao Lanhua's hopes to dim. But then, he slowly put the bracelet on, a silent affirmation that brought a smile back to her face. She gently stroked his hand and then, rising on her tiptoes, kissed him.
Their tender moment was abruptly shattered by the arrival of Xun Feng, who vehemently opposed their union. He declared that a Moon Queen could not be a Fairy, citing an ancient ancestral rule established by Yannv, the Moon Tribe's first ancestor. This rule dictated that any Moon Tribe member who insisted on marrying a Fairy must enter the perilous Fuju Cave.
Xun Feng accused Fairies of being cunning and untrustworthy, arguing that the Moon Tribe's survival depended on remembering their hatred. He further chastised Xiao Lanhua, accusing her of making Dongfang Qingcang neglect his duties and putting him in danger due to the Heart Curse connecting their lives. Enraged, Dongfang Qingcang immediately vowed to abolish this ancestral rule, threatening death to anyone who dared to object.
Despite Dongfang Qingcang's fierce protection, Xiao Lanhua bravely stepped forward, declaring her willingness to enter the Fuju Cave herself. Dongfang Qingcang adamantly refused, explaining the cave's horrifying tortures, which he knew firsthand from when his father extracted his seven emotions. He insisted that no one, except him, had ever emerged from the Fuju Cave alive.
Xiao Lanhua argued that while she was an ordinary Fairy, she wanted to break the ancient cycle of hatred between the Fairies and the Moon Tribe. She saw her entry into the Fuju Cave as a sincere act, a personal sacrifice to allow hatred to roll over her and prevent further conflict. She stressed that she couldn't bear to see Dongfang Qingcang quarrel with his brother or face his people's disapproval because of her.
Furthermore, she believed that to truly stand beside him as the Moon Queen, she must prove her strength and ability to endure the burdens and sorrows of the Moon Tribe's history, just as he had forged his own path to power. She insisted that she was not afraid and was capable of enduring the trial. Xiao Lanhua demanded his respect for her choice, emphasizing that as future husband and wife, there should be no hierarchy between them.
They should face all challenges together, but she must bear her own responsibilities and make her own decisions. Determined to prevent Dongfang Qingcang from suffering alongside her due to the Heart Curse, Xiao Lanhua secretly sought out Xun Feng. She knew he cared deeply for his brother and reasoned he must have a way to help.
Xun Feng, after some reluctance, admitted he had only intended to scare her away and didn't truly wish for her to die or for his brother to never forgive him. He then provided her with "Dream of the Nine Mysteries," an elixir from the Wuxian Clan that, if consumed by Dongfang Qingcang, would prevent him from feeling her pain for three to five days. Xiao Lanhua was grateful, despite knowing Dongfang Qingcang would be unwilling to take it.
She reiterated to Xun Feng that both of them loved Dongfang Qingcang and that loving someone meant taking responsibility and paying the necessary price. Later, Xiao Lanhua approached Dongfang Qingcang, offering him a cup of wine. He noted it was the third time she had put something in his drink, recalling her earlier statement that he would drink any wine she offered.
Though she clarified it wasn't a formal promise, she insisted that since he had said it, it was a commitment. Dongfang Qingcang, seemingly aware of her intentions but honoring his word to respect her choices, drank the wine. With that, Xiao Lanhua departed.
Episode 29 Recap
Although Dongfang Qingcang appeared to drink the "Dream of the Nine Mysteries" wine, he secretly expelled it, choosing to experience the same agonizing pain Xiao Lanhua endured in the Fuju Cave. He declared that as a couple, they must share life, death, honor, and disgrace, and he could not bear to let her suffer alone.
Meanwhile, Xun Feng rushed to the Fuju Cave, desperately urging Xiao Lanhua to abandon the trial, warning that the punishment would not cease unless she voluntarily gave up. Weakened, Xiao Lanhua persevered, even witnessing a beautiful cloud whale during her ordeal. After the three-day sentence concluded, Dongfang Qingcang, still recovering from the shared pain, ordered the casket to be opened. Upon Xiao Lanhua's emergence, the Moon Tribe members bowed in unison, hailing her as the Moon Queen.
At Shuiyuntian, Lord Yunzhong declared Changheng a sinful immortal, stripping him of his War God title and family name before sentencing him to the Fairy Guillotine for associating with a spy. Danyin intervened, tearfully confessing that the fault was hers. She revealed that Xiao Lanhua was the long-lost Goddess of Xishan, whose Xilan Sacred Seal purifies evil spirits.
Danyin explained that Changheng's repeated trips to the Cangyan Sea were not reckless but driven by a destined marriage, which she had witnessed in the Tianji Mirror. Admitting she hid the truth out of selfish love for Changheng, she asked to face the punishment in his place. Acknowledging her revelation, Lord Yunzhong declared Danyin had atoned for her mistake and reinstated Changheng as the God of War, praising his efforts to save the Goddess as a righteous act.
Immediately after, a "confession" from the imprisoned Rong Hao was presented, falsely accusing the Moon Tribe of slaughtering three thousand immortal soldiers and igniting a call for war. Infuriated, Changheng confronted Rong Hao in prison, demanding to know why he lied to instigate war. Rong Hao calmly explained that Lord Yunzhong simply needed a pretext to invade Cangyan Sea, and he merely provided it. He then revealed a shocking truth: Dongfang Qingcang could no longer wield hellfire.
A stunned Changheng questioned how this was possible, but Rong Hao insisted that the war was now inevitable and Changheng, like him, would have no choice but to participate. Changheng accused Rong Hao of hiding his true motives, which went beyond simply resurrecting the Former God of War. Rong Hao cryptically replied that some truths were better left unknown and that he would never lie to Changheng. Shangque, frustrated by Jieli's recent avoidance, confronted her.
He produced a key to his cellar, declaring it contained all his past and future earnings, which he wished to give to her as a symbol of his desire to marry her. Jieli initially scoffed at his meager salary but, to Shangque's immense joy, accepted his proposal. Later, Xiao Lanhua noticed Jieli's unusually generous behavior, including giving her a dowry and clearing all their past debts.
After learning of the proposal from Shangque, Xiao Lanhua surmised that Jieli, who had always prioritized money for security, had found a true home and family in the Silent Moon Palace. With love and friendship, her perspective on wealth had changed. Dongfang Qingcang hastened to meet Xiao Lanhua, only to find her inexplicably altered. She greeted him with a strange, possessive tone, calling him "My husband" and lamenting his delay.
Dongfang Qingcang immediately sensed that the woman before him was not the Xiao Lanhua he knew and demanded, "You are not Orchid. Who are you?" The imposter lunged at Xun Feng with killing intent as he arrived, forcing Dongfang Qingcang to intervene. He then understood the horrifying truth: the Bone Orchid contained the fragmented spirit of the Chidi Woman. Because Xiao Lanhua's love for him was so profound, the Bone Orchid had become inseparable from her life force.
The Chidi Woman's spirit was siphoning Xiao Lanhua's vitality, and if the Orchid wasn't removed within ten days, Xiao Lanhua would perish as the spirit recovered, which would in turn kill Dongfang Qingcang due to the Heart Curse. Xun Feng presented a brutal solution: the newly reforged Chengying Sword, with which the deeply-in-love Xiao Lanhua would surely sacrifice herself to save Dongfang Qingcang.
Enraged, Dongfang Qingcang demanded the sword to destroy it, but Xun Feng refused, prioritizing his brother's life and the retrieval of the Chidi Woman's spirit to resurrect their one hundred thousand soldiers. He callously stated that as the future Moon Queen, Xiao Lanhua should be willing to make the ultimate sacrifice. Before storming off, Xun Feng revealed he knew the truth: Dongfang Qingcang's hellfire had vanished because his love for Xiao Lanhua had restored his emotions.
Meanwhile, Dieyi located Liyuan, an immortal elder, and coerced him into freeing Rong Hao from prison by revealing a long-held secret: Liyuan's wife had given birth to twin daughters. Liyuan took one, Danyin, while the other was secretly raised by Rong Hao. Dieyi then threatened Jieli, revealing she had poisoned Shangque.
She gave Jieli an antidote for a three-day reprieve and a new ultimatum: bring Xiao Lanhua out of Cangyan Sea, or both she and Shangque would die a painful death. Distraught, Jieli hid her turmoil when Shangque arrived. He confessed a sense of dread, feeling their recent happiness was unreal and fearing he might not return from the coming war to protect her. Jieli fiercely vowed to ensure he would live to old age.
With the immortal army at their gates, the Moon Tribe elders convened. Some argued for a strategic retreat, but Xun Feng vehemently opposed giving up more land. He rallied the troops, reminding them of their unity under Dongfang Qingcang. Knowing full well it was gone, Xun Feng bluffed about the power of his brother's hellfire to boost morale, claiming it could single-handedly defeat thousands. He declared that the Moon Tribe were not cowards and were prepared to fight and die alongside their Moon Supreme, igniting the warriors' fervor for battle.
Episode 30 Recap
The wedding preparations were underway, but Xiao Lanhua learned that the Moon Queen’s phoenix crown was traditionally prepared by her family. Xiao Lanhua, an orphan, decided to weave her own unique crown from flowers and grass, reminiscent of the ones Dongfang Qingcang had planted for her. Xiao Lanhua then asked the servants to take measurements for Jieli's wedding clothes, but Jieli refused and ran away.
Xiao Lanhua chased after her, and Jieli confessed that she had initially tricked Xiao Lanhua into buying a fake cure for her immortal root. Xiao Lanhua dismissed it, saying Jieli's lie had given her hope when there was none. While Xiao Lanhua measured Dongfang Qingcang for his wedding attire, he revealed the imminent war between the Moon Tribe and Fairies. He revealed that the Moon Tribe was outnumbered and he had lost his hellfire, making victory uncertain.
He suggested a simple wedding with few guests and implied that Xiao Lanhua, not being of the Moon Tribe, didn't have to stay. Xiao Lanhua insisted they face everything together, declaring that Cangyan Sea was her home. That night, Xiao Lanhua had a frightening dream in which Xie Wanqing warned her to run, stating that their lives were intertwined: if Xie Wanqing revived, Xiao Lanhua would die. She saw the evil spirit invade Dongfang Qingcang's body.
Waking from the dream, Xiao Lanhua called out for Dongfang Qingcang, who was battling the Tai Sui, the manifestation of his deepest desires. The Tai Sui was tempting Dongfang Qingcang to save his tribe and Xiao Lanhua. The following day, Lord Changheng took Xiao Lanhua to the ruins of the Xilan Clan and revealed that her true name was Xi Yun, the Goddess of Xishan, and that the Moon Tribe had massacred her family.
Xiao Lanhua insisted she was Xiao Lanhua, and that her love for Dongfang Qingcang was real. Next, Xiao Lanhua met Xuanwu, who told her that her wedding was "not her destiny." Xuanwu cryptically stated that she had arrived "too early," and they would meet again. Xiao Lanhua declared she would not submit to any preordained destiny and would find Dongfang Qingcang.
Changheng revealed that Dongfang Qingcang knew she was the Goddess Xi Yun and had allowed her to remain in danger. Back in Cangyan Sea, Dongfang Qingcang knew Xiao Lanhua had been taken by Changheng, but stated she would return. Xun Feng bitterly reflected on the looming war, acknowledging Dongfang Qingcang's decision to "sacrifice her" for their people.
Xiao Lanhua returned to Cangyan Sea, only to be captured and imprisoned in the flower house by Xun Feng, who claimed he was acting on Dongfang Qingcang's orders. Xun Feng then ordered the flower house to be dismantled and the flowers, including a water orchid, to be removed. Later, Jieli secretly visited Xiao Lanhua in the flower house, confirming that her imprisonment was indeed Dongfang Qingcang's order. Xiao Lanhua begged Jieli to help her escape to see him.
Shortly after, Jieli was confronted by Dieyi, who revealed that if Jieli failed to deliver the Goddess of Xishan within three days, Shangque would die. Under duress, Jieli brought a sugar powder illusion of Xiao Lanhua to Dieyi and used "Gold Eroding Powder" to threaten to destroy the Bone Orchid while the real Xiao Lanhua slipped away with Shangque's help.
Meanwhile, Dongfang Qingcang was in his training ground, receiving reports of the Shuiyuntian army gathering and wondering if sacrificing his beloved for his people was the only choice. The Tai Sui materialized, asserting that it was the only one that could provide a "perfect solution" to save both his lover and his people. As Xiao Lanhua arrived, she noticed the evil spirit engulfing Dongfang Qingcang.
Dongfang Qingcang confessed that he had known her true identity as the Goddess of Xishan from the beginning and had feigned affection to exploit her divine power to recuperate the primordial spirit of the Chidi woman within the Bone Orchid. He coldly stated that once the Chidi woman's spirit was whole, Xiao Lanhua would perish, as the Bone Orchid would consume her life until her death. Heartbroken, Xiao Lanhua challenged him to look her in the eyes and declare that he had never loved her.
Episode 31 Recap
Dongfang Qingcang harshly declared that he had never loved Xiao Lanhua, shattering the bracelet she gave him and asserting she was merely a tool he had coaxed for her utility. He claimed he now had a better option, rendering both her and Chidi Woman's spirit useless. Despite her heartbreak, Xiao Lanhua refused to believe him, questioning why he would reveal such a truth now when he could have continued the deception.
As Xiao Lanhua left in despair, Dongfang Qingcang's stern facade briefly crumbled, revealing a hidden sorrow. He instructed Xun Feng to keep a close watch on her. Xun Feng questioned Dongfang Qingcang's decision to deliberately allow Changheng to take Xiao Lanhua away. Dongfang Qingcang explained his painful plan: he knew Changheng would take her to Xishan to uncover her identity.
As the one who massacred the Xilan Clan, he hoped that the hatred for her family's demise would shake her love for him, allowing the Bone Orchid to break. He stated this was the only way to save her life, a choice that caused him immense inner turmoil.
As the Fairy Realm army neared the Xuanxu Realm for a decisive battle, Xun Feng confronted Xiao Lanhua, blaming her for Dongfang Qingcang's weakened state due to his recovered emotions and loss of Hellfire. He warned her about the evil spirit from Tai Sui that was corrupting Dongfang Qingcang's soul. Determined to save the Moon Tribe and Dongfang Qingcang, Xiao Lanhua resolved to find the Chengying sword and sacrifice herself.
Meanwhile, the evil god Tai Sui offered Dongfang Qingcang the power to unseal the 100,000 Moon Tribe soldiers and make them invincible, an offer Dongfang Qingcang accepted. As the battle commenced, he delegated command to Xun Feng. Amidst the raging conflict, Dongfang Qingcang suddenly sensed Xiao Lanhua was in grave danger and rushed to find her, only to be repelled by a powerful barrier, causing him to cough up blood.
Xiao Lanhua had been captured by the Lord of Haishi City but was still trying to reach the Chengying sword. Just then, Changheng arrived, intervening to save her. To his shock, he realized the Lord of Haishi City was none other than Rong Hao, a revelation that shattered their long-standing friendship. While Changheng confronted Rong Hao, Xiao Lanhua struggled, falling and rising again until she finally grasped the Chengying sword.
As she prepared for the ultimate sacrifice, she recalled her master's words: "Everything in this world is fate, only love is not." At that moment, she finally understood its true meaning. Dongfang Qingcang finally broke through the barrier, only to witness Xiao Lanhua sacrifice herself with the Chengying sword. In that instant, a green light flashed across the sky, and sweet dew descended. Miraculously, the sealed 100,000 Moon Tribe soldiers were revived.
The fighting ceased as soldiers from both armies knelt in reverence. Changheng understood this was the grace of the Goddess of Xishan, lamenting that his Xiao Lanhua was gone. Rong Hao, who had feared his master's spirit would vanish, was relieved to find Chidi Woman's primordial spirit had returned to him. Overcome with despair, Dongfang Qingcang rushed to Xiao Lanhua, collapsing beside her. The once proud Moon Supreme was now utterly broken by grief.
He stared in disbelief at the blood, then cradled her lifeless form. Though sunlight pierced through the storm, dispelling the gloom, Dongfang Qingcang's light had been extinguished. Heartbroken, he wept uncontrollably until he lost consciousness. When Dongfang Qingcang awoke, Xiao Lanhua was beside him, as if they were back in Arbiter Hall. Her playful words echoed: "It's so good that you're alright. I want to bask in the sun. Don't cry. Smile. . .
Wooden Head, you're so annoying, but I still like you." But this blissful scene was merely a dream. Meanwhile, a celebration erupted across the Cangyan Sea as the 100,000 soldiers were freed and a hundred-year truce was agreed upon. Shangque awoke to find Jieli preparing to leave. She confessed that she was a spy for the Lord of Haishi City and that her friendship with Xiao Lanhua and her relationship with Shangque were all fabrications for her mission.
Shocked and angered, Shangque tried to stop her but couldn't bring himself to harm her. Jieli coldly told him to forget her and walked away. Elsewhere, Chidi Woman awoke with fragmented memories. Rong Hao explained that she had been gravely injured but was cured by the Goddess of Xishan, which damaged her primordial spirit and caused memory loss, a fact he claimed to have told her multiple times. Later, Dongfang Qingcang stirred again.
He looked at a bewildered Xiao Lanhua, mumbled about having a nightmare, and pulled her close. Seemingly oblivious to the tragedy, Xiao Lanhua gently teased him about his poor drawing skills, mentioning that they had been married for 500 years.
Episode 32 Recap
Dongfang Qingcang is trapped in a dream he created using all his primordial spirit, burning his inner heat to sustain it, which risks his utter destruction. Shangque and other Moon Tribe members desperately channel their primordial spirit into Dongfang Qingcang, hoping to delay the inevitable, despite the danger. They worry that he might not want to wake up. Inside the dream, Dongfang Qingcang and Xiao Lanhua live a carefree life, undisturbed by the outside world.
He wonders why lovers in the Destiny Books always have tragic endings, and Dream-Orchid is relieved that their fate is different. She makes him promise they will never be separated. Outside the dream, Changheng arrives, determined to revive Orchid, no matter the cost. He lights an incense stick, declaring that if Dongfang Qingcang does not awaken before it burns out, all hope is lost.
Inside the dream, Changheng confronts Dongfang Qingcang in the Arbiter Hall, accusing him of hiding from reality. Dongfang Qingcang denies the dream is fake and that Orchid is dead, clinging to his belief in the Tianji Mirror’s prophecy. Dream-Orchid appears, begging Dongfang Qingcang not to leave her. Torn, Dongfang Qingcang forcibly expels Changheng from the dream. Shangque and the others continue to try to wake him. Back in the dream, the Arbiter Hall crumbles.
Dongfang Qingcang reveals he knew from the beginning that the Orchid in his dream was not real. He tells the dream-Orchid that he must leave, vowing to revive the real Orchid before he lets go and begins to awaken. In a bamboo forest, the Chidi woman practices swordplay with Rong Hao and notices a disturbing change in his sword intent, which now carries a strong killing aura.
Rong Hao admits his hatred for the Moon Tribe and his desire to destroy the Cangyan Sea. The Chidi woman warns against letting hatred blind him. Later, she senses something is amiss and shatters the illusion Rong Hao created to keep her contained, revealing she has been reliving painful memories for 30,000 years. She recalls her past as a warrior, the death of the Goddess of Xishan, and Rong Hao's crimes.
She confronts Rong Hao, blaming him for deceiving her and committing sins. After calming down, Shangque realizes that he was afflicted with butterfly poison and that Jieli was the one who healed him. He confronts Jieli, realizing that she had not taken Fairy Orchid, and that he had been deceived. He struggles with Jieli's actions as a spy from Haishi versus her having saved him.
Changheng and Dongfang Qingcang arrive at the Destruction of Heaven, where karma is silent, to seek Si Ming's help. Changheng reveals that Si Ming was imprisoned there for releasing Changyuan and marrying him. Dongfang Qingcang realizes that Orchid always knew about Si Ming's fate and that Si Ming created this space, including the fireflies he gave to Orchid. They meet Si Ming and Changyuan. Changyuan strikes Dongfang Qingcang for past grievances, which Dongfang Qingcang accepts.
Si Ming acknowledges Dongfang Qingcang's resolve and reveals that Orchid saved him when they first met in the Haotian Tower, stabilizing his primordial spirit. She further explains that a wisp of Orchid's primordial spirit remains within Dongfang Qingcang's own spirit and must be separated and nurtured in the Holy Land of Xilan to revive her. Si Ming confirms that the vision in the Tianji Mirror is a prophecy that cannot be altered and gives Dongfang Qingcang Orchid's Destiny Book.
Episode 33 Recap
The process of stripping a spirit was excruciatingly painful, but to Dongfang Qingcang, such suffering was negligible if it meant reviving Xiao Lanhua. With Changheng's assistance, a wisp of Xiao Lanhua's spirit was finally extracted. Although it was just a small orchid seed, Dongfang Qingcang cherished it, kept it close, and watered it with the first morning dew every day, taking care of its every inch.
Changheng had returned to Shuiyuntian because the God of War, Chidi Woman, had been revived. Days passed, and the orchid finally sprouted leaves. Xiao Lanhua awakened within an illusion and met God Xuanwu. Now understanding her destiny, she was no longer Xiao Lanhua, but Xi Yun, the Goddess of the Xilan clan, dedicated to protecting all living beings. Sensing the Goddess's awakening, the flowers of Xishan surged towards the orchid.
Dongfang Qingcang, who was collecting dew, immediately sensed the change and rushed back to his cottage. He returned to the cottage and saw that Xiao Lanhua had returned. But when he rushed over to greet her, Xiao Lanhua pushed him away with a palm. Dongfang Qingcang thought Xiao Lanhua was still angry with him, so he quickly apologized. However, Xiao Lanhua didn't seem to remember him and claimed to be the Goddess of Xishan.
Dongfang Qingcang was very sad, but then he thought, maybe this was a good thing. He had treated Xiao Lanhua so badly in the past, hurting her deeply. If she really forgot all those pains, maybe it was fate. Dongfang Qingcang decided to pursue Xiao Lanhua again. He built a miniature Arbiter Hall in Xishan and respectfully invited the Goddess to visit. Learning that the Goddess liked the Arbiter Hall, Dongfang Qingcang respectfully invited her to stay there.
Since Xishan was now in ruins, Dongfang Qingcang offered to be the Goddess's immortal attendant, citing their accidental encounter as a form of destiny, and serve her. The Goddess turned around and asked Dongfang Qingcang's name. Dongfang Qingcang told the Goddess that his name was Daqiang, a small immortal from Shuiyuntian. Hearing this, Shangque couldn't help but snicker. However, the Goddess noticed that Dongfang Qingcang didn't have the aura of an immortal and knew that he wasn't from Shuiyuntian.
However, Xishan never participated in disputes, and all clans were the same to her, so she agreed to Dongfang Qingcang's request. Just like in the Arbiter Hall in Shuiyuntian, Dongfang Qingcang became the Goddess's attendant, trying to repair her immortal root every day. However, the Goddess was not Xiao Lanhua after all. She didn't like sweet things, wouldn't excitedly look for honey, and didn't even eat. Dongfang Qingcang was a little disappointed but still refused to give up.
He eagerly came to the Goddess's side and offered to read and meditate with her. However, the Goddess said that she always liked quiet and didn't want to be disturbed. Dongfang Qingcang refused to leave and moved a cushion to sit next to the Goddess. Helpless, the Goddess had to go to the flower room to water the plants. Dongfang Qingcang followed closely behind, trying to impress the Goddess. However, the Goddess remained unmoved and even found him annoying.
Dongfang Qingcang suddenly remembered that Xiao Lanhua was very happy when he took her to watch the sunrise. So at dawn, Dongfang Qingcang went to find the Goddess. But to his surprise, the Goddess had already returned from meditating outside, not at all like Xiao Lanhua, who liked to sleep in. Dongfang Qingcang couldn't help but feel sad, perhaps the Goddess was really not Xiao Lanhua. Changheng also arrived at this time.
He was happy to learn that Xiao Lanhua had been reborn, but when he saw the Goddess, he understood Dongfang Qingcang's worries. Although Changheng had a marriage contract with the Goddess, he liked Xiao Lanhua, the lively and lovely Xiao Lanhua. Like Dongfang Qingcang, he hoped that Xiao Lanhua would return. The Goddess then appeared, recognizing Changheng as "Dongjun's youngest son" and greeted him.
She formally addressed their marriage contract, which had been delayed for 30,000 years due to his sealing. She explained that their union was a mission, a part of the ancestral pact between the Xilan clan and Shuiyuntian's Dongjun lineage to protect the peace of the three realms and guard all living beings.
Episode 34 Recap
Danyin was delighted to sit face-to-face with the resurrected God Chidi, expressing her desire to join her ranks for experience. However, God Chidi suddenly became murderous, hallucinating about betrayal. Disturbed, she urged Danyin to leave. Later that night, tormented by voices, God Chidi lost control. Guards, hearing the commotion, rushed to investigate, only to find her consumed by madness, her sword stained with their blood. News of God Chidi's primordial spirit being corrupted reached Lord Yunzhong and Changheng.
Dismissing it as the ravings of a deranged mind, Lord Yunzhong focused solely on the conflict between the two races, refusing to acknowledge the potential threat of the Evil God Tai Sui. He even warned Changheng against interfering, accusing him of prioritizing personal desires. Lord Yunzhong decreed that God Chidi should be executed. Dieyi, hearing the news, immediately informed Rong Hao.
That night, Lord Liyuan visited Danyin, urging her to care for Jieli in his absence, a request that made her suspicious. After he left, Danyin secretly followed him. Lord Liyuan arrived at the Karma Jail, intending to release Rong Hao. Danyin intervened, preventing him. Dieyi seized the opportunity to pick up a jade token and unlock the prison. Rong Hao attacked Lord Liyuan. As Danyin tried to stop Rong Hao, Dieyi turned against them, holding the injured Lord Liyuan hostage.
Jieli then appeared, initially feigning allegiance to Dieyi. However, she swiftly betrayed Dieyi by stabbing her. Afterward, Lord Liyuan settled his daughters in a room, preparing to surrender to Lord Yunzhong, while urging Danyin to pretend nothing had happened. Danyin protested, but Jieli, with a heavy heart, rendered her unconscious, fulfilling their father's wish. Danyin awoke furious with Jieli, blaming her for their misfortunes.
Jieli, in turn, admitted that her sole aim was survival, even through deceit and betrayal, and confessed her long-held hatred for Dieyi, who had manipulated her. With Dieyi dead, Jieli was without an antidote. Meanwhile, Dongfang Qingcang learned from Changheng that the Goddess knew about his past relationship with Xiao Lanhua. The Goddess declared that she was Xi Yun, not Xiao Lanhua. Dongfang Qingcang refused to accept this, insisting that she was still "Orchid."
The Goddess revealed that "Orchid" was merely a faint memory attached to a fake form created by Si Ming to conceal her true identity as Xilan holy grass. Dongfang Qingcang was unwilling to accept it, even after she announced her upcoming marriage to Changheng. Separately, Dongfang Qingcang told Shang Que that God Chidi's warning about Tai Sui was indeed true; Tai Sui had escaped his seal when Dongfang Qingcang's primordial spirit was destroyed.
Driven by desperation, Danyin carried the poisoned Jieli to Xishan to seek the Goddess's healing. On the way, Jieli finally called Danyin "Sister." At Arbiter Hall, Danyin pleaded for the Goddess's help. The Goddess agreed to heal Jieli. Danyin then reported Rong Hao's escape from the Karma Jail and God Chidi's madness. The Goddess listened intently. Later, Shang Que expressed his concern for Jieli, but she distanced herself, feeling unworthy of his affection and fearing inevitable loss.
Shang Que attempted to use a Love Rekindling Candle to restore Jieli, but Dongfang Qingcang stopped him, expressing doubt that Jieli could return. Danyin, reflecting on Jieli's pain and her own, confronted Changheng. She confessed her long-held secret love for him, admitting that she had suppressed the truth she saw in the Tianji Mirror, clinging to the hope that he might one day love her. She urged Changheng not to be controlled by similar delusions regarding the Goddess. Changheng accepted his fate, stating he would endure the consequences for her sake.
Episode 35 Recap
To refine the evil energy his master now craved, Rong Hao killed a group of mortals. When Chidi Woman awoke to the grim scene, she was overcome with horror and collapsed. Anguished, Rong Hao confronted Tai Sui, who callously reminded him that this was the result of his own plea 30,000 years ago to preserve Chidi Woman's primordial spirit with evil aura. Tai Sui explained that her spirit, nourished by this energy for millennia, was now irreparably damaged.
To survive, she would need to constantly absorb more evil essence until it completely consumed her, stripping her of her powers, memories, and consciousness, and transforming her into a mindless, murderous monster. When Rong Hao accused Tai Sui of breaking his promises, Tai Sui proposed a final step: he would merge with Chidi Woman's immortal body and primordial spirit.
This, he claimed, would free her from pain and allow her to retain her memories of Rong Hao, ensuring they would never be apart. Despite Rong Hao's initial distrust, Tai Sui's manipulative words, combined with Chidi Woman's desperate pleas for death, seemed to sway him into a chilling agreement. Rong Hao reflected on his master's boundless wisdom and noble spirit, acknowledging his own simple, yet seemingly impossible, wish to save her.
Chidi Woman then revealed a poignant memory: long ago, she had once experienced a "mortal heart." It was on a cold, snowy day when she saw a young, blind boy playing a flute. Despite the dismissive remarks of passersby, she rescued him. Later, she sought out Si Ming, asking for the impossible: to revive the boy.
Si Ming warned her of the dire consequences, explaining that defying the iron law of life and death would bring disaster, even to a Goddess. Undeterred, Chidi Woman declared her willingness to bear any cost. She confirmed to Rong Hao that this profound act of compassion had been for him. Believing Rong Hao had fallen for his deception, Tai Sui watched as Rong Hao tenderly wiped Chidi Woman's tears and embraced her.
But in a sudden, shocking move, Rong Hao plunged a blade into her back. Chidi Woman, with a serene smile, peacefully passed away in his arms. Rong Hao then revealed his true intention: he had lured Tai Sui to that location to detonate his own primordial spirit, intending to die with Tai Sui and thus be with his master forever.
Tai Sui scoffed at Rong Hao's futile attempt, proclaiming his own immortality and recounting how even the First Goddess Wuqi had only managed to seal him. Despite Tai Sui's arrogance, Rong Hao's sacrifice evidently enraged the ancient evil god, indicating a degree of success in his desperate, final act. In the aftermath, Dongfang Qingcang and Changheng arrived at the solemn bamboo forest to mourn Rong Hao and Chidi Woman.
Dongfang Qingcang offered a quiet tribute, vowing to bring wine for Rong Hao whenever he returned. Changheng lamented the loss of his only worthy opponent. The Goddess, who was with them, urged Changheng to accelerate their plans, as Tai Sui was now free and wreaking havoc across the Three Realms. Changheng pressed the Goddess for her true identity, to which she confirmed she was both Goddess Xi Yun and Xiao Lanhua, retaining all memories from both lives.
Perplexed, Changheng questioned why, if she remembered her love for Dongfang Qingcang, she still agreed to their marriage. The Goddess explained that the Founder Lord Dong had forged a covenant with the Xilan clan, stipulating that only a union between their bloodlines could unlock the supreme divine power needed to protect the Three Realms. She revealed that this power was essential to completely annihilate Tai Sui.
Changheng then grasped the tragic truth: she had feigned amnesia towards Dongfang Qingcang because she knew that using this power would result in her own demise, a fate similar to that of the First Goddess Wuqi. Devastated, he confronted her, asking how she could expect him to marry her only to witness her self-sacrifice. The Goddess apologized, asserting that upon her reincarnation, she had consciously chosen to embrace her destiny as the Xishan Goddess, prioritizing the safety of all beings.
She then disclosed that with Chidi Woman gone, Tai Sui's next target was Dongfang Qingcang, clarifying her intent to protect him as well, driven by her love for both the common people and for him. Dongfang Qingcang approached the Goddess, acknowledging that the Xiao Lanhua he knew was truly gone. He requested one last favor before leaving Xishan: to hang a love lock with her on the Lovesickness Bridge.
He confessed his eternal devotion, lamenting that he would never have the chance to show her how much he had changed. As he poured out his heart, the Goddess, struggling to maintain her composure, tried to escape. In that moment, Dongfang Qingcang revealed the agonizing truth behind his past cruelty: the Bone Orchid had been draining her primordial spirit, and the only way to save her life was to make her stop loving him.
He had deliberately deceived her, hoping she would give up on him, and expressed his agony that she continued to love him despite it all. As the Goddess prepared to leave, she instinctively reached out and poked Dongfang Qingcang's cheek, trying to coax a smile just as Xiao Lanhua once had. Stunned by the familiar gesture, he grabbed her, desperately asking who she truly was, but she fled without answering.
Later, while examining Xiao Lanhua’s Destiny Book, Dongfang Qingcang discovered a new, fractured fate line. As he touched it, he saw a vision of her plan to perish with Tai Sui. A voiceover from Si Ming then revealed the full truth: when the Xilan clan was destroyed, her people sealed her into a seed and entrusted her to him.
Si Ming had merely fabricated the illusion of an ordinary orchid to conceal her true identity, and the "Xiao Lanhua" he knew was a transient memory attached to that form. Recalling Si Ming's cryptic words that he was the only one who could change her fate, Dongfang Qingcang clutched the Destiny Book, now understanding his purpose.
He found the Goddess one last time, and before parting, embraced her and gave her a farewell kiss, a testament to his unyielding resolve to defy her destiny. Shang Que presented Dongfang Qingcang with his battle attire. With a heavy heart but unwavering determination, Dongfang Qingcang donned the war robe. He declared his intention to change her fate against the heavens, exchanged a firm handshake with Shang Que, and then walked alone into the encroaching darkness.
Meanwhile, the Goddess, dressed in a magnificent wedding gown, prepared to fulfill her own perceived destiny. As the auspicious hour struck, she and Changheng exchanged a solemn look of understanding and walked side-by-side towards Yunzhong Jun to begin their wedding ceremony.
Episode 36 (Ending) Recap
Dongfang Qingcang, having prepared for Tai Sui's arrival, lured the evil entity into his sea of heart. Tai Sui, believing he could manipulate Dongfang Qingcang by offering to help him regain what he desired, demanded his immortal body and spirit. However, Dongfang Qingcang had set a trap. As Tai Sui attempted to seize control, he found himself ensnared in the heart sea, which Dongfang Qingcang declared would be their shared burial ground.
Tai Sui scoffed, but Dongfang Qingcang revealed that while his own power was insufficient, the immense power of the Goddess, which Xiao Lanhua had planted in his heart, was more than enough to hold him. Trapped by the divine traces now suffusing the heart sea, Tai Sui was powerless. Dongfang Qingcang mocked him, stating that Tai Sui's own grand delusions had led to his downfall.
Refusing to accept defeat, Tai Sui relentlessly probed for a weakness, tempting Dongfang Qingcang with the power of a heartless supreme ruler and questioning the worth of his sacrifice. Dongfang Qingcang remained firm, asserting he had no regrets about dying for Xiao Lanhua and that his family and tribe had found their own paths.
Tai Sui then targeted Dongfang Qingcang's greatest vulnerability: the fact that Xiao Lanhua would be forced to forget him and all their shared memories, their love, and their struggles. This thought finally caused a flicker of hesitation in Dongfang Qingcang's resolve. Seizing upon this momentary weakness, Tai Sui declared it was all he needed, breaking free from the trap and taking full possession of Dongfang Qingcang's body in the Spirit-Shattering Abyss.
As Tai Sui took control, the sky tore open, unleashing a torrent of condensed evil spirit. The possessed Dongfang Qingcang levitated ominously, his hair turned stark white, strange patterns spreading across his neck, and his eyes blazing with a terrifying, ruthless light, signaling Tai Sui's complete control. As black clouds enveloped the land, the forces of Shuiyuntian arrived, led by Lord Yunzhong, Changheng, and Danyin. They quickly realized the possessed figure was not Dongfang Qingcang but Tai Sui himself.
Recalling the prophecy that Tai Sui's return would plunge the Three Realms into chaos, Lord Yunzhong ordered the immortals to suppress the evil energy. Despite warnings from Changheng and Danyin that she was no match for Tai Sui, having not yet mastered her powers, Xiao Lanhua rushed forward, determined to confront him. Changheng commanded the Shuiyuntian forces to hold back Tai Sui's power, buying her time.
At a critical moment, Shang Que and Xun Feng arrived with the Moon Tribe army to assist. When questioned by a soldier, Xun Feng declared their loyalty was to the Three Realms, vowing not to repeat the mistakes of the past. As the combined forces struggled, Xiao Lanhua reached the possessed Dongfang Qingcang just as his body was on the verge of being consumed.
She embraced and kissed him, an act of profound love that awakened the supreme divine power in her bloodline. This simultaneously broke through to the nearly-lost Dongfang Qingcang, restoring his consciousness and bestowing upon him the Glazed Fire. Changheng identified it not as Hellfire, but as the long-lost fire of compassion, wielded only by one who has endured immense suffering yet retains a heart of pure love.
Xun Feng marveled that a member of the Moon Tribe could command such a power. Though conscious, Dongfang Qingcang's spirit was now irrevocably merged with Tai Sui. He explained that his own death was the only way to eradicate the evil god and urged Xiao Lanhua to kill him before he lost control. Xiao Lanhua recoiled, unable to do it. Tai Sui, speaking through him, mocked her hesitation.
Xiao Lanhua defiantly declared that Tai Sui was her enemy and demanded he release Dongfang Qingcang. Dongfang Qingcang, however, continued to plead with her, explaining that his death was the only way to stop Tai Sui and prevent her sacrifices from being in vain. He told her that while saving the world was her destiny, his mission was to save her. With his final words, "Little flower spirit, I said I would change your fate for you.
I did it," Dongfang Qingcang fulfilled his promise, taking on her fated death and altering her destiny through his own sacrifice. He faded away before her eyes, leaving only the Bone Orchid as peace returned to the Three Realms. Five hundred years later, the Three Realms enjoyed an era of peace, a testament to the transformative power of love that ended the long conflict between the tribes.
Changheng, now living a simpler life as the mortal Xiao Run, was freed from his rigid duties. In a heartfelt conversation, he encouraged Danyin to pursue her own aspiration of becoming the new God of War. Xun Feng had matured into a wise and responsible leader for the Moon Tribe, much like his brother. Jieli, once a trickster, now sincerely cared for orphaned children, teaching them honesty.
By her side was Shang Que, whose playful bickering masked a deep affection that kept him on a righteous path. Through all this, Xiao Lanhua never lost hope, her unwavering love sustaining her. Then one day, as she gazed out at the peaceful world, a familiar voice echoed, "I'm back." Dongfang Qingcang had returned.
