The Journey of Chongzi Episode 26 Recap
> The Journey of Chongzi Recap
As Luo Yinfan explained, the only way forward was to send Chong Zi back to the Ice Prison to be sealed until he could master the Mirror Heart Skill and eliminate her evil breath. Min Yunzhong readily agreed, relieved that Luo Yinfan had returned to being the revered immortal who prioritized the well-being of all living beings.
Luo Yinfan solemnly promised this, then sealed Chong Zi's internal organs and senses and severed her twelve meridians and bones, so that she would enter a painless dream, completely unable to gather evil breath. He assured her that when she awoke, he would be the first person she saw. With Chong Zi safely placed in the Ice Prison, Luo Yinfan returned to Zizhu Peak to diligently practice the Mirror Heart Skill.
He deliberately cast away the antidote for Chong Zi's condition, choosing to endure the same suffering as her as a constant reminder and a form of penance. Despite Luo Yinfan’s strict instructions, Ting Xue managed to bribe Yu Xuzi to gain entry into the Ice Prison. Using her magical arts, she broke Chong Zi's confinement and then, taking on Luo Yinfan’s appearance, cruelly woke her up.
Chong Zi, in immense pain, questioned why her master would do this, to which Ting Xue, disguised as Luo Yinfan, coldly stated that it was what Chong Zi deserved and that she never wanted to see her again, inflicting further torment. Chong Zi had been trapped in the Ice Prison for three long years, suspended by two Immortal-Binding Chains that pierced her shoulder blades, suffering endless torment. Only a trace of spiritual energy sustained her life.
Her world had become a frozen, impenetrable void, where day and night were indistinguishable, and her loved ones were distant memories. After three years under confinement in Chonghua Palace, Zhuo Hao finally regained his freedom. His first action was to seek out Qin Ke, where he learned of Chong Zi's fate in the Ice Prison. Qin Ke, while angry at Luo Yinfan's actions, lamented his own helplessness three years prior.
He confessed he didn't dare visit Chong Zi, and no one else did either, a revelation that deeply unsettled Zhuo Hao. Reflecting on their past, Qin Ke and Zhuo Hao drank together, regretting their earlier trust in Luo Yinfan and wondering if a desperate fight then would have been better than Chong Zi's current plight.
Meanwhile, Yin Shuixian had been secretly expending her spiritual power to prolong Xueling's life over these years, a fact unknown to him, along with her true identity. Yin Xinmo warned Yin Shuixian not to neglect her duties, revealing that the time was ripe. Yan Zhenzhu, who was in fact the Demon Protector Sha Yihuan, was reinstated and, along with Tian Zhixie, was tasked with stealing the magic sword for Wang Yue.
Despite her mission, Yan Zhenzhu expressed concern for Chong Zi's safety and urged for her swift rescue. Yue Qiao, having narrowly escaped death three years prior, remained unrepentant and harbored a deep hatred for Chong Zi. He actively encouraged Sima Miaoyuan to seek revenge.
Sima Miaoyuan had initially shown some signs of remorse, but Qin Ke's unwavering disappointment and refusal to forgive her, coupled with Min Yunzhong's decision to demote her to a common disciple and relocate her from Moyun Peak to Yuchen Peak, rekindled her bitterness. Min Yunzhong's intention was for Sima Miaoyuan to cultivate her character and re-forge her immortal bones as atonement, but Sima Miaoyuan utterly failed to grasp his genuine concern. Instead, she blamed Chong Zi for all her misfortunes.
Driven by this renewed resentment, Sima Miaoyuan contacted Yue Qiao, and under his manipulative influence, she swore to ensure Chong Zi would never have a chance at rebirth. After three years of isolation, Chong Zi finally had visitors in the Ice Prison, but they brought only renewed enmity. Sima Miaoyuan, upon seeing Chong Zi disheveled and covered in blood, felt a perverse satisfaction and subjected her to a barrage of taunts and insults.
Chong Zi's gaze sharpened with fury, and she vowed that if they failed to kill her that day, she would exact a bloody revenge tomorrow. Unintimidated, Yue Qiao, in his arrogance, drew his sword and lunged at her. Unexpectedly, Chong Zi managed to gather evil breath, impaling Yue Qiao with ice spikes and reducing him to ashes in an instant. Sima Miaoyuan, horrified, turned to flee.
However, Yan Zhenzhu (Sha Yihuan) intercepted her, severing her arm and relentlessly advancing until Sima Miaoyuan had no means of resistance. Recognizing Yan Zhenzhu's attire and demonic aura, Sima Miaoyuan realized she was the Demon Protector Sha Yihuan, lamenting her belated understanding of her fate as the Ninth Princess of the mortal realm. Even facing death, Sima Miaoyuan's pride remained unbroken.
She defiantly declared that if she died there, the immortal sects would surely avenge her by annihilating the demon race. Having uttered her final words, Sima Miaoyuan drew her own sword and committed suicide, refusing to die at the hands of demons. Yan Zhenzhu watched her fall indifferently, musing on the uselessness of a so-called Ninth Princess who brought about her own demise. Yan Zhenzhu quickly rushed to Chong Zi, embracing her and tearfully denouncing Luo Yinfan's cruelty.
Chong Zi, weak and weary, whispered her relief that someone had finally come for her. Overwhelmed by remorse and self-blame, Yan Zhenzhu confessed her true identity as Sha Yihuan and admitted to controlling Chong Zi's dreams and causing the death of Yunji. She revealed her three-year arduous search for the Ice Prison, finally locating it through the unwitting guidance of Yue Qiao and Sima Miaoyuan. As Chong Zi pondered Yan Zhenzhu's true motives, Wang Yue slowly entered the Ice Prison, urging Chong Zi to reclaim her true identity.
