Dance of the Phoenix Recap, Plot, Synopsis, Total Episodes

Dance of the Phoenix Synopsis

The former genius of Qianyuan continent, Feng Wu, was tragically assassinated by her arch enemy, Zuo Qingluan, and lost her “phoenix blood”.

In order to save Feng Wu, her master, Mu Jiuzhou, exhausted his energy and fell into a deep sleep.

Feng Wu became a normal girl overnight. But she started her second life with her wisdom, courage, and medical skills. She reunited with Jun Linyuan, the heir of the Junwu clan, to whom she had a marriage contract when she was young.

Due to the slumber of Mu Jiuzhou, all the forces in the Qianyuan continent broke the peace, and the world that Mu Jiuzhou had painstakingly guarded faced a new crisis.

After meeting again in an accident, Feng wU and Jun Linyuan had a lot of misunderstandings and faced various fancy challenges along the way.

In the face of the complex situation of the various forces, the two young people grew up together and eventually overcame the villainous forces that were trying to bring the continent back into chaos, so that the residents in the continent can continue to live in peace and prosperity!

In the process of growth and struggle, Feng Wu and Jun Linyuan befriended partners together, knew each other, and harvested love finally!

Dance of the Phoenix Recap

Episode 1 Recap

Life began on the Qianyuan Continent, where people revered cultivation. Only a select few born with natural talent could become cultivators. The Junwu Academy in the Capital was held in the highest esteem by all cultivators, with Penglai Pavilion in the East Quarter and Celestial Palace in the South Realm serving as its loyal subordinates. However, the Darknight Court in the West Region remained a deviant force, at odds with Junwu Academy and other sects that championed world peace.

Thirty years ago, demonic beasts ran rampant across the Qianyuan Continent, causing immense suffering to mortals. Mu Jiuzhou, the most powerful cultivator, led the various sects to subdue the beasts and establish an energy barrier. He entrusted the Junwu Clan with its governance, tasking cultivators with protecting the people from future demonic threats. Afterward, Mu Jiuzhou retreated from the mortal world to focus on his cultivation. Unexpectedly, he encountered an accident during his ascension to immortality, disappearing without a trace.

The star representing him also dimmed to a faint glimmer. Concurrently, Feng Wu, the legitimate daughter of the Feng family in the Capital, was born. Her birth caused a sensation due to her innate Phoenix Blood, making her the second person on the Qianyuan Continent, after Mu Jiuzhou, to possess such power. Twelve years later, little Feng Wu accidentally discovered a spirit ring. Within it, she encountered Mu Jiuzhou, now a ghost residing there after his failed ascension.

Feng Wu, who had long been mocked for being fatherless, desperately sought to enhance her spirit energy to protect her mother. She earnestly requested Mu Jiuzhou to teach her, vowing to use her powers only for good deeds. Mu Jiuzhou, recognizing her sincerity, agreed to take her as his apprentice, but on the condition that their connection remain a secret.

With her innate Phoenix Blood and Mu Jiuzhou's secret tutelage, Feng Wu's cultivation advanced rapidly, making her a celebrated genius in the Capital. However, her extraordinary talent also sowed seeds of jealousy in others. As Feng Wu was on the verge of a major breakthrough, Zuo Qingyun, a goddess from Celestial Palace, ambushed her, stealing her Phoenix Blood. Zuo Qingyun demanded that Feng Wu leave the Capital permanently, promising to spare her life in exchange for this pledge.

Feng Wu vehemently refused, leading to a fatal pursuit by Zuo Qingyun. Critically wounded, Feng Wu plunged off a cliff. Following this, Zuo Qingyun officially renamed herself Zuo Qingluan, proclaiming herself the only true Phoenix on the Qianyuan Continent, the "Blue Phoenix, Queen of Birds." Miraculously, Feng Wu was saved by Mu Jiuzhou, who injected his own Phoenix Blood into her, preserving her life. However, this was only a temporary measure.

To fully restart her cultivation, Feng Wu needed to consume the Nine Transformation Spirit Restoration Pill, which required the Celestial Fruit as a key ingredient. When Feng Wu regained consciousness, she suffered from amnesia, not recognizing Mu Jiuzhou or knowing her own identity. Mu Jiuzhou, understanding her new state, urged her to live well, to always be kind, and to avoid conflict with evil.

With that, the ethereal Mu Jiuzhou, now devoid of his Phoenix Blood, vanished into a wisp of white smoke. When others found Feng Wu, the former genius had not only lost all her cultivation but also experienced a complete personality change and memory loss, unable to explain the events that had transpired. As a result, she and her mother were exiled by her family to an old house on the border.

At this time, the mysterious link between Feng Wu and Mu Jiuzhou reappeared, the energy barrier developed cracks, and Mu Jiuzhou's representative star completely disappeared. This marked the beginning of a second life for an otherworldly soul now inhabiting Feng Wu's body. Three years passed quickly. Feng Wu, along with her mother and personal maid Qiu Ling, operated a medicine shop in Border City.

Despite the passage of time, Feng Wu still didn't know who she was or how she had arrived in this world. The only clue she possessed was the Celestial Fruit, which ripened only once every sixty years. Recently, she learned from Old Man Ba, an apothecary, that the Celestial Fruit was ripe in the Frozen Forest. Determined to make the Nine Transformation Spirit Restoration Pill and recover her identity, Feng Wu resolved to seek it out.

Meanwhile, in the Capital, Holy Queen Gao arrived to speak with Holy Sovereign, expressing concern for Crown Prince Jun Linyuan, who had already departed for the Frozen Forest. She worried about the dangers posed by the numerous fierce demonic beasts there, though Holy Sovereign assured her that Xuan Yi and Feng Xun were accompanying him. Holy Sovereign noted that Jun Linyuan, despite his young age, possessed the potential to become a Spiritual Elder, a talent not seen since Mu Jiuzhou.

He stressed the importance of obtaining the Celestial Fruit, as its essence could significantly boost his spiritual power, which was vital since the cracked energy barrier had emboldened demonic beasts. This would also deter the rebellious Darknight Court. Holy Queen Gao expressed hope that Jun Linyuan would successfully retrieve the Celestial Fruit to celebrate Holy Sovereign's upcoming birthday.

The following day, Feng Wu, still pondering a dream about her master urging her to seize this opportunity, disguised herself with a "Seaweed Black Pearl Powder" and set off for Yunlai Tavern, the last stop before the Frozen Forest, accompanied by Qiu Ling. Qiu Ling, witnessing the tavern bustling with cultivators, realized that many were likely also seeking the Celestial Fruit.

They overheard conversations about Jun Linyuan's impending arrival at the Border City and how his engagement to Feng Wu had been canceled three years prior, leaving Feng Wu labeled a "good-for-nothing." Qiu Ling reminded Feng Wu of her former glory as one of the Capital's "Two Phoenixes," a title she shared with Zuo Qingluan, who was now a leading candidate for Spirit Princess.

Feng Wu, still lacking her memories, simply remarked that it was good for her if Jun Linyuan found a new match. Soon after, a beggar who had been given food by Mu Yao, another disciple from Celestial Palace, suddenly collapsed with a seizure. Feng Wu instinctively stepped forward to treat him with silver needles, but Mu Yao, recognizing the technique as Mu Jiuzhou's, accused Feng Wu of charlatanism and tried to stop her. Just then, Zuo Qingluan arrived.

As the beggar regained consciousness, onlookers, witnessing Zuo Qingluan's presence, attributed the recovery to her. Zuo Qingluan, maintaining a benevolent image, gently chided Mu Yao for her earlier harshness, reminding her of their sect's teachings of universal compassion. While Zuo Qingluan inquired about someone named Zhao Ge, Mu Yao gently redirected her attention to their mission to assist Crown Prince Jun. Unrecognized by Feng Wu, Zuo Qingluan then distributed medicine, while Feng Wu silently collected her needles.

Suddenly, the Firecloud Giant Hawk, known to guard the Celestial Fruit, attacked Yunlai Tavern, sending everyone into a panic. Zuo Qingluan and Mu Yao activated the Celestial Palace's unique Ice Shield to defend themselves and others. However, the Hawk's fiery attacks eventually shattered the shield, endangering Feng Wu and Qiu Ling, who were hiding nearby. In a critical moment, Jun Linyuan made a dramatic entrance, saving them just in time.

He, along with Xuan Yi and Feng Xun, had been pursuing the Firecloud Giant Hawk for the Celestial Fruit. As the cultivators battled the Firecloud Giant Hawk and it began to weaken, the Dragon Phoenix Spirit Ring on Feng Wu's finger began to glow and vibrate. Attracted by the sound, the Firecloud Giant Hawk seized Feng Wu and carried her away.

Episode 2 Recap

Jun Linyuan immediately pursued the Firecloud Giant Hawk, with Feng Xun, Xuan Yi, and Mu Yao following behind. Zuo Qingluan, however, chose to travel to Jingzhou to eliminate the rampaging demonic beasts there, stating that saving a group of people was more urgent than saving one, though Mu Yao suspected Zuo Qingluan was primarily going to Jingzhou to find Zhao Ge.

Mu Yao also declared that no one on Qianyuan Continent was a better match for Jun Linyuan than her Senior Sister. Meanwhile, Feng Wu, unwilling to wait for death while being carried by the Firecloud Giant Hawk, managed to pry open its talons and fell onto a cliff. Jun Linyuan arrived just as she was calling for help. Overcome with emotion, Feng Wu instinctively hugged him tightly.

In a moment of distraction, Jun Linyuan's Heaven Slaying Sword was knocked off the cliff by the Firecloud Giant Hawk, and he was unable to recall it. As the hawk pressed closer, Feng Wu lost her footing and tumbled into the chasm below, desperately screaming for Jun Linyuan to save her. As the Crown Prince of Junwu, Jun Linyuan considered it his duty to protect ordinary people.

He dove after Feng Wu, and they both plunged into the icy lake at the bottom of the cliff. Despite his immense spiritual power, Jun Linyuan was unable to swim. Fortunately, Feng Wu was skilled in water and managed to pull him ashore, helping him expel the water from his lungs. Upon regaining consciousness, Jun Linyuan showed no gratitude, viewing Feng Wu as a hindrance. Feng Wu observed that for all his power, he was useless in water.

She internally debated how to help him without kissing him for resuscitation, ultimately using a "trump card" to revive him. Feng Wu then realized they were in the deepest part of the Frozen Forest, where the biting cold was unbearable for her mortal body, causing her to shiver uncontrollably. Jun Linyuan explained that spirit masters could use their energy to stay warm, but ordinary people like her would suffer.

He suggested she could consume spirit grass with vital essence to counteract the cold. As they discussed this, Feng Wu noticed the fragrant air and realized they had stumbled into the territory of Big-Horned Blood Bees. She panicked and told Jun Linyuan to crouch, but he scoffed at her fear of such low-level spirit insects. Jun Linyuan, sensing his Heaven Slaying Sword nearby, decided to leave Feng Wu alone to retrieve it, despite her pleas not to abandon her.

Unknown to Feng Wu, he had secretly imbued her with some spiritual energy, which caused the bees to avoid her. She then decided to attempt to gain spiritual power by fighting a few bees. Seizing the opportunity while the bees were distracted by Jun Linyuan, Feng Wu stole some Royal Jelly from a spirit tree. However, the scent of the Royal Jelly drew the bees towards her, surrounding her menacingly.

Just then, Feng Xun arrived, having been looking for Jun Linyuan. He affectionately called her "ugly girl" and helped her fight off the Big-Horned Blood Bees. In his playful attempt to provoke the bees, Feng Xun was stung on the finger, which began to bleed. Feng Xun, who suffered from hemophobia (though Feng Wu teased him it was more "cherishing his life" than hemophobia), quickly became dizzy. Feng Wu promptly applied some healing powder she carried, stopping the bleeding.

Touched by her kindness, Feng Xun, a simple-minded person, declared he would protect her and guide her out of the Frozen Forest. He urged her to eat the Royal Jelly, explaining that with his blood (carrying cultivator's essence) mixed in, it would warm her and give her cold resistance. Feng Wu gratefully consumed it. Earlier, Jun Linyuan had found a spirit grass infused with his own vital essence, intending it as repayment for Feng Wu saving him in the water.

However, upon seeing Feng Wu with Feng Xun, and learning that she had already consumed the Royal Jelly, he quietly discarded the spirit grass. Soon after, Xuan Yi and Mu Yao, who had become separated from Feng Xun, rejoined them. To conceal her true identity from these cultivators who knew her past, Feng Wu introduced herself as Feng Xiaowu, though Mu Yao continued to refer to her as "ugly girl."

She secretly hoped to use this opportunity to find the Celestial Fruit, but outwardly pretended to know nothing about it. Mu Yao and Xuan Yi vehemently opposed taking Feng Xiaowu with them, fearing she might be a spy and a hindrance to their important mission. Feng Xun, however, completely trusted Feng Xiaowu and passionately defended her. When Jun Linyuan arrived, Feng Xun asked if he would truly leave Feng Xiaowu alone.

Jun Linyuan, seeing that Feng Xiaowu no longer felt the cold due to the Royal Jelly, eventually agreed to let her accompany them, on the condition that Feng Xun would take full responsibility if anything went wrong. Feng Xiaowu, overhearing Mu Yao's continued disdain, silently resolved to obtain the Celestial Fruit and prove her worth.

Meanwhile, in the Darknight Court, their Master informed Yu Mingye that the Celestial Fruit had ripened but their initial attempts to retrieve it were thwarted by the Firecloud Giant Hawk, resulting in heavy losses. He instructed Yu Mingye to secure the Celestial Fruit before the Junwu Clan, emphasizing that their long-term goal was to dismantle the Junwu clan's rule, even if it meant eliminating Jun Linyuan at a later, more opportune time.

Yu Mingye, impatient and eager to surpass Jun Linyuan, disregarded his First Elder's warnings about the dangers of the deeper forest and the numerous evil spirits guarding the Firecloud Cave, where the hawk resided. He declared his intention to enter the Firecloud Cave immediately to seize the Celestial Fruit, determined to prove himself as the foremost young cultivator in the land. As evening approached, Jun Linyuan's group decided to camp for the night.

Jun Linyuan sent Feng Xun and Xuan Yi to gather more branches to keep common demonic beasts away. Around the campfire, Mu Yao continued to speak ill of Feng Xiaowu, believing she was deliberately trying to get close to Jun Linyuan. She reiterated that only her Senior Sister, Zuo Qingluan, the third-ranked among the young cultivators after Jun Linyuan and Yu Mingye (who Feng Xun described as using "dirty tricks"), was truly worthy of Jun Linyuan.

Mu Yao also brought up the "Two Phoenixes of the Capital" from three years ago, noting that her Master was glad to have chosen Zuo Qingluan over "the other girl," Feng Wu, who was now a "good-for-nothing" in Border City. Feng Xiaowu, curious about her past, asked Feng Xun about this "legendary figure," Feng Wu. Feng Xun then recounted their childhood.

He reminded Jun Linyuan how he used to say Feng Wu would be beautiful and they would marry, leading Feng Xiaowu to internally comment on Jun Linyuan being "a lookist" as a child. Feng Xun explained that when they were children, Jun Linyuan, Feng Xun, and Feng Wu were close friends, and both boys liked her.

One day, Feng Wu, stating that her mother told her to marry someone who listened to her, challenged them to eat a "Love Insect Venom" (later identified as Loveless Insect Venom). Jun Linyuan, without hesitation, ate it. Following this, Jun Linyuan claimed he ate the Loveless Insect Venom by accident and decided to go to Penglai Island for cultivation to resolve the venom, with Feng Xun and Xuan Yi accompanying him.

Feng Wu's mother was initially concerned about her daughter's future marriage, but Feng Wu declared her intention to marry Jun Linyuan. Feng Xun added that he cried for three days when he heard of their engagement. Mu Yao then stated that despite Feng Wu's beauty, Jun Linyuan had broken off their engagement. Jun Linyuan, however, denied this, stating it was merely a rumor.

This revelation surprised Feng Xun, who realized that if the engagement wasn't canceled, Feng Wu was still Jun Linyuan's fiancée. Feng Xun teased Jun Linyuan about still liking Feng Wu, to which Mu Yao quickly interjected that Feng Wu was now useless. Feng Xun speculated that Jun Linyuan hadn't canceled the engagement out of pity for Feng Wu's obsession, a notion Feng Xiaowu quickly dismissed as nonsense.

Mu Yao then continued to spread rumors, claiming Feng Wu's family pushed her too hard in cultivation, leading to "qi" deviation, the burning out of her Phoenix Blood, and her transformation into a powerless "good-for-nothing," a great pity for the Feng family. Amidst the conversation, Feng Xiaowu offered her grilled fish, which Feng Xun praised profusely. Mu Yao, observing Feng Xiaowu, scornfully muttered, "What's so good about that ugly girl?" Feng Xiaowu overheard her, and her resolve to prove everyone wrong by acquiring the Celestial Fruit grew stronger.

Episode 3 Recap

After a brief rest, Jun Linyuan and his companions split up to gather firewood, intending to camp for the night. Feng Xun and Xuan Yi formed one group, while Feng Wu accompanied Jun Linyuan and Mu Yao. Mu Yao, with ill intent, feigned an injury by lying flat on the ground and accusing Feng Wu of pushing her. Feng Wu, seeing through the trick, decided to teach her a lesson.

Pretending to offer first aid for a sprained ankle, Feng Wu applied a painful "treatment" that made Mu Yao cry out. Despite Mu Yao's protests, Feng Wu continued until Mu Yao, in a fit of pique, refused her touch and ran off. After Mu Yao's departure, Jun Linyuan subtly tested Feng Wu, confirming her lack of spirit energy. He then sternly warned her against any more "tricks," threatening to abandon her in the Frozen Forest if she was "willful again."

Observing his injured finger, Feng Wu, keen to appease him, offered to bind his wound. As she carefully applied the medicine, Jun Linyuan was suddenly gripped by excruciating heart pain, realizing it was the Loveless Insect Venom. A flashback revealed Reverend Ziyang's past advice: the venom, untreatable by medicine, caused intense chest pain with any stir of affection, compelling false speech.

Cultivation at Penglai Pavilion could only suppress it; the tears of a true love willing to die for him were the sole antidote. Jun Linyuan, dismissing any notion of feelings for Feng Wu, attributed his pain to the harsh environment of the Frozen Forest. Driven by the severe pain, Jun Linyuan abruptly pushed Feng Wu away, ordering her to stay clear of him. Just then, Feng Xun and Xuan Yi arrived.

Feng Xun, misunderstanding the situation, tried to comfort Feng Wu, explaining that Jun Linyuan "is always like this," and treats all women the same, implying his coldness wasn't personal. Feng Wu, unaware of the venom's effect, simply regarded Jun Linyuan as a peculiar individual. Jun Linyuan then announced he would go "out and have a look," telling the others to rest so they could start traveling the next morning.

Later that night, while Feng Wu wondered if he had gone to find the Celestial Fruit, Jun Linyuan met Yu Mingye. Yu Mingye had tracked him down, challenging him to reveal himself. Jun Linyuan secretly tricked Yu Mingye into consuming Penglai's Tipsy Immortal Cloud Pill, which would render him unable to use his spirit energy for six hours.

Yu Mingye, enraged by this "dirty trick," accused Jun Linyuan of playing such a lowly trick despite their equal fame, and vowed to defeat him and claim the Celestial Fruit. Finding Yu Mingye's shouts tiresome, Jun Linyuan swiftly knocked him unconscious, tied him up, and left him hanging upside down from a tree, telling him to "Be good and stay here. Wait until your subordinates come back for you."

Later, Feng Wu, also venturing out, found the unconscious Yu Mingye suspended from the tree. Though unaware of his identity, she felt compelled to save him, thinking, "It's a great deed to save a life." After much effort, she freed him. As Yu Mingye slowly regained consciousness, he caught her scent and, in a daze, called her "Little Fairy." Startled, Feng Wu immediately fled the scene. Feng Wu returned to the cave to find Jun Linyuan already back.

The group rested, and the next day, they continued their journey. However, they were ambushed by numerous evil spirits, causing Feng Wu and Jun Linyuan to get lost in a dense fog, separated from Feng Xun and Xuan Yi. Amidst the chaos, they unexpectedly shared a kiss. While both vehemently declared it an "accident" for which neither was responsible, the kiss left a noticeable ripple in Jun Linyuan's heart, though Feng Wu found the situation immensely embarrassing.

Resigned to being stuck in the fog for a while, Feng Wu decided to chat with Jun Linyuan to ease the eerie atmosphere. She questioned his intense pursuit of the Celestial Fruit, knowing his formidable cultivation did not require it for personal advancement. She subtly probed if he was compelled to obtain it for someone else, remarking on his rumored obsession with cultivation and his three-year stay at Penglai Pavilion.

When she hinted at his unwilling service to the Holy Sovereign, Jun Linyuan grew defensive, tersely stating he was fine and didn't need her worry. Feng Wu internally acknowledged that the Celestial Fruit was clearly vital to him. She felt conflicted, realizing that while Jun Linyuan had saved her several times, making her deception feel like an "unjust repayment," she desperately needed the Celestial Fruit to uncover her past and regain her cultivation.

When Jun Linyuan refused to discuss the Celestial Fruit further, Feng Wu suggested he sing to lift her spirits in the spooky environment. After her persistent coaxing and a lengthy complaint about her predicament, Jun Linyuan reluctantly agreed, finding her incessant chatter more annoying than singing. From a distance, Feng Xun mistakenly believed he heard Jun Linyuan's "pleasant singing voice," but Feng Wu quickly regretted her request, noting his singing was so "creepy" it would "lure the wolves here."

Indeed, it wasn't wolves but Charm Demons that were drawn by his song. Jun Linyuan, despite reminding her not to look into their eyes, created a barrier around Feng Wu while he fought them. When a Charm Demon specifically attacked the defenseless Feng Wu, Jun Linyuan intervened, inadvertently becoming enchanted himself and collapsing into unconsciousness. As Feng Wu panicked, the Firecloud Giant Hawk suddenly appeared, annihilated the remaining Charm Demons, and then flew into her Dragon Phoenix Spirit Ring.

Before she could comprehend what happened, Feng Xun and Xuan Yi found them. Feng Wu quickly explained that Jun Linyuan was simply "enchanted by a Charm Demon and passed out." They then helped her carry him back to the safety of the cave. That night, Feng Wu was drawn into the Dragon Phoenix Spirit Ring. There, she discovered her Master, Mu Jiuzhou, in a deep slumber.

A small bird-like creature, identifying itself as the Colored Phoenix, appeared and explained that it was Master Mu's spirit animal, previously the Firecloud Giant Hawk, tasked with guarding the Celestial Fruit until Feng Wu's arrival. It revealed that three years ago, Master Mu sacrificed half his Phoenix Blood to save Feng Wu, causing his current unconscious state.

Feng Wu affirmed her goal of using the Celestial Fruit to make the Nine Transformation Spirit Restoration Pill to understand her past and restore her cultivation. The Colored Phoenix emphasized that this was merely the first step; the ultimate purpose was to awaken Master Mu Jiuzhou, who, though believed dead after ascending, was actually dormant within the spirit ring.

With the energy barrier of Qianyuan Continent weakening and demonic beasts stirring, awakening Master Mu, the continent's most powerful cultivator, was crucial to prevent an impending crisis and for Feng Wu to find her answers. The Colored Phoenix added that its current form was an illusion created by Master Mu, which would only be dispelled once Feng Wu personally obtained the Celestial Fruit, after which it would guide her further.

The next morning, with Jun Linyuan recovering, the group proceeded towards Firecloud Cave, each member carrying their own intentions. Feng Xun expressed his unease, noting the cave looked "creepy," but Jun Linyuan pointed out Firecloud Giant Hawk feathers, confirming the Celestial Fruit's proximity, and cautioned everyone to "Be careful when you enter the cave. Don't disturb the Hawk." Feng Wu, determined to secure the Celestial Fruit for herself, secretly hoped to separate from the group.

However, Jun Linyuan, sensing her desire, instructed her to "Just follow us. Don't cause trouble," firmly keeping her within the group. Feng Wu, quickly fabricating an excuse about wanting to "widen my horizons and boast about this experience back home," continued to search for the Colored Phoenix in her mind.

Episode 4 Recap

At the entrance to Firecloud Cave, a formidable Firecloud Giant Hawk stood guard. Jun Linyuan instructed Mu Yao to ensure Feng Wu’s safety, while he, Feng Xun, and Xuan Yi planned to flank the giant hawk. Feng Xun suggested he would distract the hawk, allowing Jun Linyuan to secure the Celestial Fruit. Meanwhile, Yu Mingye and his Elder watched from a hidden spot, biding their time to claim the prize after the two sides had weakened each other.

Feng Wu, unsure how to coordinate with the Firecloud Giant Hawk (whom she thought of as "Little Parrot," knowing it was the Colored Phoenix), suddenly found herself pushed forward by Mu Yao. The hawk, seizing the opportunity, feigned an attack on Feng Wu. Jun Linyuan immediately rushed to her rescue, prompting Mu Yao to scold Feng Wu for distracting him. From his vantage point, Yu Mingye observed Jun Linyuan’s actions.

He found it highly unusual that Jun Linyuan would go to such lengths to save a stranger like Feng Wu. Realizing Jun Linyuan’s apparent affection, Yu Mingye declared his intention to seize Feng Wu, just as he aimed to take anything else Jun Linyuan desired, be it a person or an object.

The Elder reminded Yu Mingye about the primary goal of acquiring the Celestial Fruit, but Yu Mingye remained resolute, also noting that Feng Wu looked somewhat familiar to him. As the battle raged, Feng Wu quickly assessed the situation. She proposed that she would retrieve the Celestial Fruit while Feng Xun helped distract the Firecloud Giant Hawk, giving Jun Linyuan a moment to recover. Feng Xun agreed, and Mu Yao also joined the fray.

Under their combined efforts and diversion, Feng Wu successfully climbed a vine and obtained the Celestial Fruit. Seeing her mission accomplished, the Firecloud Giant Hawk ceased its attack, preparing to depart. However, Yu Mingye suddenly launched an assault, causing a cascade of rocks to fall from the cave ceiling, catching everyone off guard. Amidst the chaos, the Firecloud Giant Hawk swiftly disappeared into Feng Wu’s Dragon Phoenix Spirit Ring.

Feng Wu herself was nearly crushed by a massive falling rock, but Jun Linyuan once again risked his life to save her. The Celestial Fruit, dislodged during the commotion, fell and was promptly secured by Jun Linyuan in his spirit box. Feng Wu watched, powerless, as it slipped into his possession. At that moment, Yu Mingye and the Elder emerged from their hiding place and seized Feng Wu.

Yu Mingye attempted to use Feng Wu as leverage to demand the Celestial Fruit from Jun Linyuan. Despite experiencing intense heart pain from the activation of the Loveless Insect Venom—triggered by his emotional connection to Feng Wu—Jun Linyuan prioritized the larger mission. He coldly denied any relationship with Feng Wu, telling Yu Mingye to do with her as he pleased.

Feng Xun was distraught by Jun Linyuan's words, while Xuan Yi supported Jun Linyuan's pragmatic decision not to risk the fruit for an "unknown person." Yu Mingye, after recognizing Feng Wu as the same "fairy" who had previously saved him, stated he would not be ungrateful but still took her captive.

Feng Wu, thinking quickly, feigned distress, weeping as she claimed to be an ordinary citizen from Border City, kidnapped by Jun Linyuan and brought to the Frozen Forest as a tribute for the Firecloud Giant Hawk. She painted Jun Linyuan as a villain who used her as a pawn to get the Celestial Fruit, a strategy she termed "murdering a person with a borrowed knife."

She went on to praise Yu Mingye's impressive spiritual power and handsome appearance, telling him he was "hundreds of times better than Jun Linyuan," and offered to steal the Celestial Fruit back for him, promising to meet him by the lake. Yu Mingye, swayed by her tears and flattery, agreed to her plan, telling her to get the fruit while he dealt with Jun Linyuan. Thus, Feng Wu cunningly escaped from Yu Mingye.

She then forged a note in Yu Mingye's name, addressed to Jun Linyuan, demanding that if he wanted Feng Xiaowu (her alias) alive, he should meet at the lake, or else the entire Qianyuan Continent would know he was a cold-blooded and ungrateful person. Feng Xun and Xuan Yi urged Jun Linyuan not to go, suspecting a trap for the Celestial Fruit. However, Jun Linyuan, despite his pain, was still concerned.

He instructed Feng Xun and Xuan Yi to investigate the lake, then, entrusting the Celestial Fruit to Mu Yao, he secretly followed them. As soon as they left, Feng Wu, with the help of the Colored Phoenix within her Dragon Phoenix Spirit Ring, discreetly put Mu Yao into a trance and retrieved the Celestial Fruit.

Meanwhile, at the lake, Feng Xun and Xuan Yi were surprised to find Yu Mingye, who, still believing Feng Wu was with Jun Linyuan, angrily confronted them. Jun Linyuan later arrived, and Yu Mingye accused him of being a "shameless and base man" based on Feng Xiaowu's story, presenting the forged letter as proof. Jun Linyuan scoffed at the "nonsense" and denied the accusation. Soon, both Jun Linyuan and Yu Mingye realized they had been duped by Feng Wu.

Having successfully retrieved the Celestial Fruit, Feng Wu returned to Border City without delay. She immediately brought the fruit to Old Man Ba, an esteemed alchemist, requesting him to concoct the Nine Transformation Spirit Restoration Pill. Old Man Ba, excited by the prospect of refining such a high-grade elixir, instructed her to return in three days with good food and wine. He also noticed Feng Wu’s emotional state, teasing her about rekindling her feelings for Jun Linyuan.

Feng Wu denied it, dismissing Jun Linyuan as an "ice face," but Old Man Ba advised her to be honest with her emotions. Upon arriving home, Feng Wu discovered that guests from the Feng family of the Capital had arrived: her cousin Feng Yiran and his sister Feng Liu.

They were not there out of family affection but to find the Phoenix Sword, a treasured family heirloom that had been sealed in the old family residence since the previous patriarch’s death and was nearing its time to reappear. They had been aggressively searching the house and accusing Feng's mother of hiding it, even threatening Qiu Ling when she tried to defend her mistress.

Feng's mother patiently explained that she knew nothing of the sword's whereabouts and that she and Feng Wu simply wanted a peaceful life, having no interest in the Feng family’s leadership. Observing the scene, Feng Wu, angered by their mistreatment of her mother, decided to prank her cousins. She entered, feigning excitement and "accidentally" spilling tea on Feng Yiran, then offered profuse apologies and flattery about his impressive cultivation.

She cunningly claimed to vaguely remember a steward mentioning that the Phoenix Sword was hidden in a flowerbed within the old residence, though she couldn't recall which specific one. Feng Liu tried to expose Feng Wu's deception, but Feng Yiran, desperate, silenced her and ordered his men to dig up every flowerbed in the vast old family residence. Feng Wu chuckled to Qiu Ling, noting there were dozens of flowerbeds, ensuring her cousins would be occupied for quite some time.

Meanwhile, Jun Linyuan's group also arrived in Border City under the guise of a border inspection. Their plan was to secretly find Feng Wu and also locate "Feng Xiaowu," the girl who stole the Celestial Fruit, unaware they were the same person. During their journey, Mu Yao received a letter from her senior, Zuo Qingluan, and departed to help her eliminate the Hundred-Poison Beasts that were plaguing a nearby area.

The equally deceived Yu Mingye also arrived in Border City, still fuming. He walked into a tea house carrying a portrait of Feng Xiaowu and began asking locals if they recognized the girl. While there, he intervened to save a landlady from being harassed by a Mr. Bi, questioning how spiritual practitioners could bully commoners.

Episode 5 Recap

Jun Linyuan, Feng Xun, and Xuan Yi arrived in Border City and immediately sought Lord Bi's help to find Feng Xiaowu, showing him a portrait. Lord Bi found the woman in the painting familiar but claimed not to know her. Jun Linyuan then led his companions to the Feng family's old mansion. Feng Yiran and Feng Liu, from the Feng family of the capital, stepped out to greet them upon hearing of His Highness's arrival.

Feng Wu, who was hoping to avoid them, accidentally ran right into the group. Jun Linyuan and his companions found Feng Wu familiar but didn't immediately recognize her as Feng Xiaowu, given her current fair skin and beautiful appearance contrasted with Feng Xiaowu's previous dark, spotty complexion. Feng Wu feigned a wooden and clumsy demeanor, bowing stiffly. Feng Xun found her new subdued manner uninteresting and remarked that she seemed useless without her cultivation.

Jun Linyuan and Xuan Yi tacitly agreed, and the three left the Feng's old mansion. While awaiting news from Lord Bi, Jun Linyuan decided to explore Border City. On their walk, they overheard townspeople discussing the "Fifth Young Lady" of the Feng family, although no one knew her by name.

The locals gossiped about the cruelty of the Feng family of the capital, who had sent a "young master" and "sixth young lady" to reside in the Fifth Young Lady's home, treating her poorly. Jun Linyuan listened, a hint of concern in his eyes. Feng Xun still complained about Feng Wu's boring new personality, but Xuan Yi suggested she might have reasons beyond her control and that perhaps losing her cultivation base was actually better for her.

Unable to find Feng Xiaowu or the Celestial Fruit through conventional means, Jun Linyuan decided on a different approach. He inquired about the most renowned alchemist in Border City and was directed to Old Man Ba. Jun Linyuan reasoned that if Feng Xiaowu, a commoner, had obtained the Celestial Fruit, she would surely seek an alchemist to refine it.

Feng Wu, who had earlier given Feng Yiran a cryptic "poem" (the periodic table) to distract him in his search for the Phoenix Sword, rushed to Old Man Ba's place, anxious about the Nine Transformation Spirit Restoration Pill. She worried Jun Linyuan was close to discovering her. Just as she was discussing this with Old Man Ba, Jun Linyuan, Feng Xun, and Xuan Yi arrived.

Upon seeing the energetic Feng Wu, they immediately realized her previous "dull" act had been deliberate. Feng Wu quickly fabricated a sob story, claiming her and her mother were helpless and that the Feng family denied them food and clothing, forcing them into poverty. She tearfully explained that she had to pretend to be weak and incompetent to survive the oppression of her family.

Old Man Ba corroborated her tale, emphasizing her pitiable situation and his role in teaching her medicine to make a living. Jun Linyuan, though noting her feigned tears, believed that she was indeed mistreated within her family. He told her to stop crying, as it made her look unattractive. Jun Linyuan announced that they would accompany her back to the Feng Mansion and stay overnight.

With the powerful trio's backing, Feng Yiran and Feng Liu dared not challenge Feng Wu and even provided her with household expenses, an amount she hadn't received in three years. To further consolidate her position and hopefully discourage their extended stay, Feng Wu cooked a lavish meal for her guests. Feng Xun and Xuan Yi were greatly impressed by her cooking, so much so that Feng Xun suggested they should stay at the Feng Mansion until they found Feng Xiaowu.

Feng Wu inwardly panicked, realizing this would only increase her chances of being exposed. That evening, she secretly instructed Qiu Ling to capture several rats and release them into Jun Linyuan's, Feng Xun's, and Xuan Yi's rooms, knowing Feng Xun's extreme fear of rodents would surely drive them away overnight.

However, Qiu Ling, while outside their door, overheard Jun Linyuan instructing Feng Xun and Xuan Yi to be considerate of Feng Wu during their stay, hoping to curb Feng Yiran and Feng Liu's arrogance towards her. Jun Linyuan admitted that while Feng Wu might have exaggerated her plight, she had likely been genuinely bullied.

Feng Xun teased Jun Linyuan about still seeing Feng Wu as his fiancée, but Jun Linyuan insisted he only needed her as a local guide to find Feng Xiaowu. Touched by Jun Linyuan's unexpected kindness and concern, Qiu Ling's heart softened, and she ultimately decided not to release the rats. Feng Wu later scolded Qiu Ling for her leniency, but Qiu Ling defended herself, explaining her change of heart.

Feng Wu then resolved to find another way to make them leave. The following morning, Feng Wu directly approached Jun Linyuan, asking him to find alternative lodging, citing their broken engagement and the need to avoid "unnecessary trouble." Jun Linyuan refused, stating that he still needed her. He noted her resemblance to Feng Xiaowu, remarking that she looked "quite like that ugly girl." Feng Wu, fearing exposure, deflected by accusing him of implicitly calling her ugly.

Jun Linyuan, undeterred, reiterated that he needed her as a guide. At that moment, a servant announced Lord Bi's arrival. Meanwhile, Yu Mingye, having gathered information from various people in the city, eventually found Old Man Ba's residence. Feng Wu, still in her disguise as Feng Xiaowu, had previously visited Old Man Ba with the Celestial Fruit, which led to her being recognized by some.

Yu Mingye, identifying himself as the King in Black, interrogated Old Man Ba through the night about Feng Xiaowu and the Celestial Fruit, but Old Man Ba adamantly denied any knowledge, claiming he had never met the person in the drawing nor seen any Celestial Fruit. Yu Mingye, a man of the Darknight Court, insisted he would not give up until he got what he wanted.

Separately, Lord Bi's investigation yielded a crucial clue: Feng Xiaowu had reportedly visited an alchemist in the city. Jun Linyuan immediately connected this information to Old Man Ba, whom they had already encountered.

Episode 6 Recap

Alerted by Lord Bi that the person in Feng Xiaowu's portrait had visited an alchemist in Border City, Jun Linyuan, Feng Xun, and Xuan Yi immediately suspected Old Man Ba. They quickly set out for his residence. Feng Wu, concerned for Old Man Ba's safety, followed them. Upon arrival, they found Old Man Ba held hostage by Yu Mingye, who was demanding to know Feng Xiaowu's whereabouts.

Yu Mingye was surprised to see Jun Linyuan and his team, and after a brief confrontation where he complained about being outnumbered, he escaped. Jun Linyuan ordered his men not to pursue, prioritizing the search for the Celestial Fruit. Feng Wu checked on Old Man Ba, confirming his safety. Jun Linyuan then presented Feng Xiaowu's portrait to Old Man Ba, who, realizing he couldn't easily fool Jun Linyuan, hesitantly concocted a tragic backstory.

He claimed Feng Xiaowu was a "poor girl" who, along with the Celestial Fruit, was captured by the Young Master from Darknight Court and his subordinate. Jun Linyuan, however, did not pursue this line of questioning, instead preparing to leave. Before departing, he subtly tapped Feng Wu's forehead three times. Feng Wu, after discreetly ensuring that Old Man Ba had safely hidden the Nine Transformation Spirit Restoration Pill, followed the group back to the Feng family's old house.

On their way, Feng Wu complimented Old Man Ba's storytelling, but he warned her about the powerful cultivators she had now attracted. Meanwhile, Zuo Qingluan and Mu Yao had completed their task of subduing the Hundred Poison Beast and arrived in Border City. Zuo Qingluan learned that Jun Linyuan had not yet made progress in his search for the Celestial Fruit. Instead of immediately revealing herself, she arranged to meet with Feng Liu.

Feng Liu, who harbored her own feelings for Jun Linyuan, was trying to locate the Phoenix Sword, believing it would solidify her position to become Jun Linyuan's wife. When Feng Liu met Zuo Qingluan, she expressed surprise at Zuo Qingluan's sudden appearance in Border City, thinking she was in Jingzhou handling the demonic beast. Feng Liu tried to curry favor, mentioning Jun Linyuan was staying at her house.

Zuo Qingluan subtly dismissed her, implying Jun Linyuan wouldn't care for her, before instructing Feng Liu to "take good care of His Highness Jun" while Zuo Qingluan remained discreet. Feng Liu, flattered, promised to closely monitor Jun Linyuan's activities. Zuo Qingluan confided in Mu Yao that her true intention was to use Feng Liu to create discord and prevent Feng Wu and Jun Linyuan from getting back together, planning to intervene herself when Jun Linyuan was in need of assistance.

Back at the Feng family's old house, Jun Linyuan was once again overcome by agonizing chest pain due to the Loveless Insect Venom. Feng Wu, using her silver needle acupuncture technique, began to clear his meridians. Feng Xun, initially skeptical, was assured by Feng Wu's maid that her medical skills were renowned and beneficial for cultivation. While preparing medicine with a stone pestle, Feng Wu inquired about the peculiar energy she detected within Jun Linyuan.

Feng Xun explained it was the Loveless Insect Venom she had tricked him into taking years ago, which caused severe chest pain and forced him to speak contrary to his true feelings when it flared up.

This revelation prompted Feng Wu to recall Jun Linyuan's seemingly dismissive words when she was in peril in the Frozen Forest, leading her to consider that his harsh words were actually a manifestation of the venom, and he had indeed been concerned for her safety. When Feng Xun requested acupuncture for himself, Feng Wu light-heartedly told him he merely talked too much and suffered from a minor Qi deficiency, easily remedied.

Regarding Jun Linyuan, she jokingly diagnosed him with "kidney deficiency" and advised him to "drink more water." After the treatment, Feng Wu retired to her room only to discover Yu Mingye had followed her. He failed to recognize her, becoming agitated when she offhandedly referred to Feng Xiaowu as an "ugly girl."

Yu Mingye ardently defended Feng Xiaowu, describing her as a beautiful, kind, brave, and selfless "Little Fairy" who had once saved his life, emphasizing the vast difference between her and Feng Wu. Feng Wu, realizing she must have inadvertently "brainwashed" him during their previous encounter in the Frozen Forest, decided to manipulate him further. She falsely claimed that Jun Linyuan had captured Feng Xiaowu and was subjecting her to harsh interrogation to uncover the whereabouts of the Celestial Fruit.

Feng Wu cunningly advised Yu Mingye to follow Jun Linyuan, assuring him it would lead him to Feng Xiaowu's location. Believing her story, Yu Mingye promptly departed through the window. Feng Wu, relieved by his departure, mused that Jun Linyuan's presence always brought trouble. Feng Wu, dwelling on Jun Linyuan's three taps on her forehead, mistakenly interpreted them as an invitation for a midnight meeting. She waited through the night but he never appeared.

The next morning, Jun Linyuan took Feng Wu out into the city. Throughout their outing, he subtly probed her, trying to ascertain if she was indeed Feng Xiaowu. He questioned her about the details of Old Man Ba's fabricated story and her cooking abilities, particularly regarding grilled fish, raising his suspicions about her connection to Darknight Court. He also mentioned that Feng Xun and Xuan Yi were currently occupied with "other tasks."

Jun Linyuan even flirted with her by presenting her with some food and asking if it compared to her grilled fish, to which she denied knowing how to grill fish. Unbeknownst to Feng Wu, Yu Mingye had been covertly trailing them.

Jun Linyuan, fully aware of Yu Mingye's presence, intentionally declared to Feng Wu that Feng Xun and Xuan Yi were on a separate mission and that he would later meet them at Lord Bi's residence, implicitly suggesting their own residence would be vacant. Yu Mingye, falling for the ruse, covertly infiltrated the Feng family's old house, intending to rescue Feng Xiaowu.

However, he walked straight into a trap, as Feng Xun and Xuan Yi were lying in wait, prepared to ambush him. Meanwhile, Jun Linyuan and Feng Wu returned. Just outside the mansion, Feng Liu, who had been informed by a maid that Jun Linyuan and Feng Wu had been out together all morning, confronted Feng Wu in a fit of jealous rage. She accused Feng Wu of seducing Jun Linyuan and bringing shame to the Feng family.

Brandishing a dagger, Feng Liu aggressively threatened to disfigure Feng Wu's face and gouge out her eyes. Feng Wu's maid tried to intervene but Feng Liu threatened to harm her instead. Inside the inner courtyard, Jun Linyuan, Feng Xun, and Xuan Yi were engaged in a fierce battle with Yu Mingye, unaware of Feng Wu's perilous situation outside. Yu Mingye, feeling outnumbered, challenged Jun Linyuan to a one-on-one duel.

Jun Linyuan accepted, but on the condition that if Yu Mingye lost, he would have to disclose the identity of the person he had placed as a spy among Jun Linyuan's associates. Jun Linyuan suspected he had an insider leaking his movements, as members of Darknight Court had been consistently tracking them since they entered Border City.

Episode 7 Recap

While Jun Linyuan and Yu Mingye were engaged in a fierce battle, Feng Wu faced abuse from Feng Liu in the front courtyard. Feng Liu, despite her low spiritual power, acted with arrogance and tyranny. When Qiu Ling tried to protect Feng Wu, she only angered Feng Liu further. In an attempt to shield Qiu Ling, Feng Wu inadvertently injured Feng Liu, who then retaliated with her spiritual power.

Even as Qiu Ling left to fetch Madam Feng for help, Feng Liu continued her assault, burning Feng Wu’s medicinal herbs and gloating about ruining Feng Wu’s looks to prevent her from attracting His Highness Jun. Amidst the chaos, the pestle Feng Wu used for grinding herbs fell unnoticed.

Feng Liu, consumed by her desire to torment Feng Wu, not only destroyed her herbs but also ripped off the Dragon Phoenix Spirit Ring from Feng Wu’s chest and threw it into the flames. Madam Feng, risking severe burns, retrieved the scorching ring, her hands badly injured. Seeing her mother’s suffering, Feng Wu was enraged and grabbed Feng Liu’s sword blade with her bare hands, vowing to fight her to the end.

In the backyard, Jun Linyuan was distracted by Feng Wu's cries from the front. Yu Mingye noticed his loss of focus, mocking him for not being serious in their fight, and declared their duel pointless before leaving. Jun Linyuan, Feng Xun, and Xuan Yi then rushed to the front courtyard. There, they witnessed Feng Wu's blood dripping onto the ordinary-looking pestle. The pestle suddenly rose into the air, transformed into the Phoenix Sword, and repelled Feng Liu.

At that moment, Zuo Qingluan appeared. Everyone watched as the Phoenix Sword, which was finally out of seclusion to choose its owner, inexplicably selected the powerless Feng Wu. As Feng Wu, exhausted, collapsed to the ground, Feng Yiran recognized the Phoenix Sword, and Feng Liu, still defiant, attempted to seize it. Zuo Qingluan immediately interceded, sternly criticizing Feng Liu and Feng Yiran for bullying a defenseless person.

Jun Linyuan’s arrival made Feng Yiran and Feng Liu realize the gravity of their actions, as using spiritual power against mortals was a serious transgression. Feng Yiran tried to portray the incident as a misunderstanding, claiming he was about to intervene, but Jun Linyuan was unmoved. He firmly declared that in this place, he was the sole arbiter of their fates.

Feng Xun suggested a harsh punishment, but Zuo Qingluan argued against extreme measures, citing their weak spiritual power and the Feng family's esteemed status. Jun Linyuan chastised Feng Yiran and Feng Liu for abusing their positions as cultivators and misrepresenting the Sage Monarch's name. They both pleaded for leniency, reminding him of the Feng family’s loyal service. Considering it their first offense and that no major harm was done, Jun Linyuan chose to reduce their spiritual power as a warning.

He also placed a Thunder Spell on Feng Liu, ensuring that thunder would strike her whenever she spoke ill, hoping to instill kindness in her heart. Feng Yiran and Feng Liu reluctantly accepted their punishment. Qiu Ling rejoiced at seeing the siblings humbled, and Feng Wu agreed that it served them right. Feng Wu was safely returned to her room to recover, and Madam Feng’s burns were promptly treated, with no lasting damage.

Upon waking, Feng Wu, though grateful for her mother's care, initially resisted the idea of thanking Jun Linyuan, blaming him for Feng Liu's aggression. Madam Feng, however, advised her to set aside hatred and cherish the Phoenix Sword, a relic of her father, as its choice of her was a significant stroke of destiny. Jun Linyuan visited the unconscious Feng Wu, expressing regret for letting his suspicions put her in danger.

He felt she should become stronger to avoid being looked down upon, especially now that the Phoenix Sword had chosen her. Before leaving, Jun Linyuan found Yu Mingye’s jade pendant near the window, deepening his suspicion about Feng Wu's hidden connections. Meanwhile, in the imperial court, various Spiritual Masters discussed the problem of demonic beasts attacking southern villages.

While some suggested appointing Gao Wei, the empress’s nephew, to lead the charge, the empress herself was proposed to manage clan affairs during the Sage Monarch’s upcoming seclusion. However, Spiritual Elder Fang, Xuan Yi's grandfather, unexpectedly arrived. He revealed that Jun Linyuan had appointed him to handle clan matters, thereby circumventing the empress's attempt to seize power. Xuan Yi reassured Jun Linyuan that his grandfather was pleased to help the Junwu Clan.

Despite this, Jun Linyuan remained concerned about failing to retrieve the Celestial Fruit for the Sage Monarch and pondered the potential involvement of the Darknight Court in recent events. Unbeknownst to everyone, Zuo Qingluan was the very person who had stolen Feng Wu’s Phoenix True Blood three years prior. She concealed the blood’s powerful aura within a special ice bracelet from her master, deeply worried her secret would be exposed.

Seeing Feng Wu again, Zuo Qingluan suspected she might be feigning ignorance. To probe further, she allied with Feng Liu and Feng Yiran, secretly giving them pills to restore their spiritual power. From them, she learned that Feng Wu had genuinely lost her memory and her personality had changed drastically after the incident, which eased Zuo Qingluan’s fears.

Later, when Feng Wu naively offered her some "Phoenix Tea," Zuo Qingluan complimented the taste and thanked her for the tea and the healing pills for her mother. Feng Wu, in turn, expressed her gratitude, calling Zuo Qingluan a kind and beautiful "Goddess Zuo," confirming for Zuo Qingluan that Feng Wu truly had no recollection of their past.

Realizing Feng Wu's genuine memory loss, Zuo Qingluan subtly hinted to Feng Yiran about a "big brother's responsibility," implying he should arrange a marriage for Feng Wu. Feng Yiran understood that if Feng Wu married, she would lose the Phoenix Sword and her claim to the Feng family headship.

He then planned to arrange a marriage for Feng Wu, assuring Feng Liu that he would secure her position by Jun Linyuan's side before Zuo Qingluan departed for the Junwu Academy entrance exams. Later, Zuo Qingluan also brought Feng Wu some strength-building pills. Feng Wu, struggling to wield the heavy and seemingly useless Phoenix Sword due to her lack of spiritual power, realized she needed to cultivate to protect herself and the sword from causing trouble.

She was determined to train. Zuo Qingluan, observing this, offered to teach her. Meanwhile, Jun Linyuan, Feng Xun, and Xuan Yi enjoyed the various teas Feng Wu had made, including "Dirty Tea," pearl milk tea, and honey pomelo tea, making Jun Linyuan realize Feng Wu possessed many hidden talents.

However, Feng Wu remained oblivious to Zuo Qingluan's true intentions, still viewing her as a benevolent figure, and dismissed Qiu Ling's remarks about Zuo Qingluan and Jun Linyuan being a "match made in heaven" as irrelevant to her.

Episode 8 Recap

Zuo Qingluan, under the guise of teaching Feng Wu sword skills, subtly probed her. Feng Wu, however, showed no signs of resentment despite her futile attempts at cultivation. Instead, she apologized for wasting Zuo Qingluan's time, remarking that she must truly lack talent to not even learn a single move. Seeing this, Zuo Qingluan was finally convinced that Feng Wu had indeed lost all her memories and cultivation base.

Shortly after, Zuo Qingluan's Master from the Biluo Palace summoned her back to the Capital to meet an important person. Zuo Qingluan expressed her inner thoughts, believing Feng Wu to be a hindrance to her goals, and departed, leaving Feng Wu alone by the river. Feng Wu, lamenting the difficulty of cultivation, tried to summon her Colored Phoenix, but it ignored her.

Jun Linyuan, who had come looking for her, mocked her for her slow progress, stating she would "never be able to master it" if she continued practicing that way. Despite his harsh words, Jun Linyuan demonstrated some swordplay and even took Feng Wu flying with his sword. Their moment was interrupted by Qiu Ling, who arrived in a panic, exclaiming that Feng Yiran had arranged a marriage for Feng Wu.

Feng Wu, furious, rushed back to the estate with Qiu Ling to stop Feng Yiran's absurd plan. Upon Feng Wu's return, Feng Yiran initially feigned apology to Feng Wu's aunt for Feng Liu's past transgressions, presenting gifts and speaking of his father's instructions to care for them. He then revealed his true purpose, stating he had found a "good match" for Feng Wu. Feng Wu confronted Feng Yiran, asserting that her marriage was "not up to you to decide."

Feng Yiran tried to justify his actions, but Feng Wu defiantly declared herself the rightful heir of the Feng family and warned him against making decisions for her. Feng Liu then arrived, criticizing Feng Yiran for being servile and shaming the Feng family. She challenged Feng Wu to a duel, citing family rules and questioning Feng Wu's status as heir, demanding the Phoenix Sword if Feng Wu lost. Feng Wu accepted, despite having no spiritual power.

Feng Xun and Xuan Yi attempted to intervene but were stopped by Feng Yiran, who insisted it was "the Feng family's business." Xuan Yi urged Feng Xun to remain calm, suggesting they only intervene if Feng Wu was truly in danger. As Feng Liu attacked Feng Wu with murderous intent, shouting "Go to hell!" , a half-drop of Phoenix Blood belonging to Mu Jiuzhou suddenly manifested within Feng Wu, and the Phoenix Sword responded to its call.

With a single swing of the sword, Feng Wu struck Feng Liu, who fell to the ground, spitting blood. However, Feng Wu also coughed up blood and collapsed. Feng Xun and Xuan Yi, who had witnessed the event, discussed how bizarre it was. They speculated that Feng Wu was actually Feng Xiaowu, a fact they believed she had been hiding, and noted the strange energy she exuded during the fight, remarking that it felt like "someone else" was present.

They resolved to question her once she awoke. After a brief unconsciousness, Feng Wu regained awareness and slipped away to Old Man Ba's residence. Old Man Ba had successfully refined the Nine Transformation Spirit Restoration Pill and presented it to Feng Wu, who dutifully consumed it. Just as she finished, Yu Mingye suddenly appeared. He addressed her as "Feng Xiaowu," revealing he knew her true identity after learning it from Jun Linyuan.

Feng Wu realized that Jun Linyuan had long suspected her, but with the pill now consumed, there was no turning back. Jun Linyuan then arrived, confirming he had suspected Feng Wu was Feng Xiaowu for a long time. He stated he wasn't angry about the stolen Celestial Fruit since it was already consumed, but he pressed her about her relationship with Darknight Court.

Feng Wu denied any connection, but with Yu Mingye present and openly showing concern for her, she felt unable to explain herself. Yu Mingye, seemingly deliberately, flirted with Feng Wu and then took her away right in front of Jun Linyuan. Infuriated, Jun Linyuan suffered an onset of the Loveless Insect Venom and retreated to the riverbank to heal himself. Evading Jun Linyuan, Feng Wu and Yu Mingye encountered a young boy being bullied.

Yu Mingye urged the boy to "be strong enough" to resist, as "the strong prey on the weak." Feng Wu, however, offered a different perspective, explaining that strength should be used "to create and protect things we cherish most," and that if "violence is met with violence, we'll be the same as people we hate."

Hearing this, Yu Mingye was lost in thought, flashing back to when he was forced to kill his childhood companion, Xiaokong, to secure his position as heir of Darknight Court. He questioned for the first time whether his power had been properly used. After comforting the boy, Feng Wu felt a summons from the Colored Phoenix and quickly bid farewell to Yu Mingye.

The Colored Phoenix informed Feng Wu that while her Master was in a deep sleep, his subconscious had protected her when she was in danger. It then revealed that it had used its own spiritual energy to clear her meridians, making her a junior-rank spiritual practitioner. Feng Wu was thrilled to learn she could finally resume cultivation and one day become a Great Spiritual Master again.

She playfully imagined using her power for mundane tasks, prompting the Colored Phoenix to warn her against abusing it. Meanwhile, Yu Mingye encountered Jun Linyuan by the river. Jun Linyuan, agitated, demanded to know Feng Wu's whereabouts. Without using their spiritual powers, they engaged in a physical brawl. After several rounds, both were bruised and locked in a stalemate. Only after Yu Mingye confirmed that Feng Wu had safely returned did they release each other.

Observing Jun Linyuan's intense concern, Yu Mingye concluded that he had strong feelings for Feng Wu. He then provocatively stated that since their engagement was not publicly known, everyone assumed it was broken, making Feng Wu a free woman, and declared he would win her affections. Later, when Feng Xun mentioned Feng Wu, Jun Linyuan's Loveless Insect Venom acted up, causing him to warn Feng Xun never to mention her again.

Back at the Feng family, Feng Yiran and Feng Liu were determined to see Jun Linyuan punish Feng Wu for stealing the Celestial Fruit. However, Jun Linyuan had no such intention, understanding she only sought to regain her cultivation. Since the fruit was meant as a birthday gift for the Holy Sovereign, he asked Feng Wu to conceive a suitable gift as "compensation."

Feng Wu proposed "collecting wishes" from the common people, having them write birthday messages to be carried to the Capital by carrier pigeons. The initiative was widely popular due to Feng Wu's good reputation. The Holy Sovereign was delighted by the heartfelt gift, spending the entire day reading the notes. Feng Wu later apologized to Jun Linyuan, who told her he'd be glad "as long as you stay away from Yu Mingye."

Episode 9 Recap

At Feng Wu's suggestion, Jun Linyuan carried out the collection of birthday blessings from the people. He sent these blessings to the Holy Sovereign in the Capital via carrier pigeon, along with a Millennia-Old Ice Jade Pillow from Penglai. The Holy Sovereign was overjoyed, happily reading the numerous messages that praised him for bringing peace and predicted he would become an immortal, even comparing him to the great Liu Bei.

Her Majesty the Queen explained that these were voluntary blessings from the people of Border City, showing their admiration for the Crown Prince. With such a heartfelt gift and the valuable jade pillow, the Holy Sovereign dismissed the matter of the missing Celestial Fruit, declaring that the pillow was a perfect complement to his cultivation and would ensure his longevity. Jun Linyuan, grateful for Feng Wu's help, later presented her with a wooden comb he had purchased from the market.

He tried to pass it off as something he "picked up casually" and merely a "token of gratitude" for her recent hard work. Feng Wu, however, teased him, asking if he wanted her to think of him every time she used it. He quickly denied it. Feng Wu, aware of his Loveless Insect Venom, understood that his words often belied his true feelings and did not mind his gruff demeanor.

Since the Celestial Fruit issue had been resolved, their interactions had become noticeably more harmonious and less confrontational. However, not everyone was pleased with their growing closeness. Feng Yiran and Feng Liu watched as Jun Linyuan and Feng Wu spent more time together, fearing Feng Wu might eventually return to the Capital. To prevent this, Feng Yiran threatened Feng Wu with harm to her mother, forcing her into a blind date with Bi Youfu, the foolish son of Lord Bi.

Feng Xun and Xuan Yi, learning of the situation from Qiu Ling, decided to follow, with Feng Xun expressing his frustration at Feng Yiran's continuous schemes. The local people in Border City, unaware of Feng Wu's true identity but grateful for her frequent medical assistance, held her in high regard, making Lord Bi quite satisfied with her as a potential daughter-in-law. Bi Youfu, known for his gluttony and lustful nature, had long coveted Feng Wu's beauty.

Before Feng Wu could even express her feelings, Lord Bi and Bi Youfu were already discussing betrothal gifts. Fortunately, Jun Linyuan, having been alerted by Qiu Ling, arrived at the tea house just in time to stop Feng Yiran's outrageous plan. He publicly declared Feng Wu as his fiancée, stating, "My intended Spiritual Princess almost got abducted. Am I invisible to you?"

Lord Bi was stunned to learn that the "Miss Wu" before him was none other than Feng Wu, the former genius from the Capital and the Crown Prince's betrothed. Realizing the gravity of his mistake, Lord Bi profusely apologized and angrily chastised Feng Yiran for concealing Feng Wu's identity, accusing him of attempting to humiliate their family.

Jun Linyuan then firmly took Feng Wu's hand and led her away from the tea house, ignoring her request to release her hand in public. Feng Liu, infuriated by the failure of their scheme, once again confronted Feng Wu, accusing her of causing their brother to be scolded. Feng Wu, no longer a pushover and now wielding her Phoenix Sword, responded with a fierce gaze and threatened Feng Liu with her blade.

Feng Liu, though still verbally abusive and accusing Feng Wu of relying on Jun Linyuan's favor, dared not provoke her further, uncertain of Feng Wu's true power. Feng Wu declared that her sole focus was on awakening her master, and romantic attachments were not her priority, emphasizing that the position of Junwu Spiritual Princess, coveted by many, was not necessarily what she desired. She also dismissively referred to Jun Linyuan as "not Tang Monk's flesh."

Unbeknownst to Feng Wu, Jun Linyuan, Feng Xun, and Xuan Yi were passing by and overheard her words. Feng Liu, noticing Jun Linyuan's presence, deliberately pressed Feng Wu, asking if she truly disliked him. Feng Wu, without thinking, readily confirmed her dislike, which caused Jun Linyuan's expression to darken considerably. Feng Xun, however, was secretly delighted, harboring his own affection for Feng Wu since childhood and now seeing a potential opportunity.

He even asked Jun Linyuan if he now had a chance, still curious about the "Tang Monk's flesh" comment. Feng Xun's momentary hope was soon dashed. Later, as he and Qiu Ling were talking, he mused about Feng Wu. Qiu Ling, who observed Feng Wu closely, explained that while Feng Wu might not realize it, her eyes were solely for Jun Linyuan whenever they were together.

She described how Feng Wu's eyes would light up, and her face would be filled with a radiant smile in his presence, signs that clearly indicated love. This realization crushed Feng Xun's spirits. He lamented his unrequited love to Xuan Yi, wondering why Feng Wu only liked Jun Linyuan and why he was always "jilted." To drown his sorrows, he began drinking heavily, dragging a stoic Xuan Yi and a now-moody Jun Linyuan into his drunken spree.

Xuan Yi, in his own drunken state, tried to cheer Feng Xun up by lecturing him about reading more books, while Feng Xun continued to lament that no one was as good as Feng Wu—no one could cure the sick, be as interesting, or make Phoenix Tea as well. He then expressed his loyalty to Jun Linyuan, stating he "couldn't steal Boss Jun's fiancée" because that was not what a good friend does.

As the three men grew increasingly drunk, Feng Xun tearfully implored Jun Linyuan to propose to Feng Wu like a real man, stressing all he had done for him. Jun Linyuan, completely inebriated, surprisingly agreed and staggered towards Feng Wu's room, cheered on by Feng Xun and Xuan Yi. Simultaneously, Feng Yiran and Feng Liu had orchestrated another sinister plot.

They had tricked Feng Wu into drinking a drugged tea and then allowed Bi Youfu to enter her room, intending to force a marriage and make the situation irreversible. Jun Linyuan, still under the influence of alcohol, arrived at Feng Wu's room to find Bi Youfu harassing her. His intoxication somewhat cleared by the shocking scene, Jun Linyuan roared at Bi Youfu to "get lost!" He then severely beat Bi Youfu, who, battered and bruised, hastily fled.

Feng Wu was still deeply shaken by the ordeal. When Jun Linyuan reached out to her, she instinctively flipped him onto the bed in self-defense. After realizing it was Jun Linyuan and that he meant no harm, she slowly relaxed her guard. Exhausted and emotionally drained, Feng Wu inadvertently fell asleep on Jun Linyuan, who, due to the alcohol, soon drifted into a deep slumber himself. The following morning, Jun Linyuan woke first.

Seeing Feng Wu beside him, he was momentarily startled, fearing he might have done something inappropriate while drunk. However, being a man of integrity, he did not flee. Instead, he gently tapped Feng Wu's forehead to wake her. Feng Wu awoke, looking confused. Jun Linyuan, with a serious expression, vowed to marry her as soon as possible, promising to ensure all traditional courtesies and rites would be observed.

Episode 10 Recap

Early in the morning, Jun Linyuan declared to Feng Wu that he would marry her as soon as possible, promising to treat her well in every aspect and take full responsibility. Feng Wu, however, was not pleased. She told him there was no need to discuss marriage, as she did not wish to get involved in the potential trouble of the capital.

She insisted he forget what happened and leave before anyone saw them, expressing no desire to be drowned in jealousy. Jun Linyuan refused, stating he could not pretend nothing happened and accepted responsibility for his actions before departing. Soon after, Qiu Ling discovered that Madam Feng was missing. Initially, Feng Liu mockingly accused Feng Wu of chasing Jun Linyuan and putting a potion in her tea.

Feng Yiran informed Feng Wu that everyone was preparing to return to the capital, implying that Jun Linyuan had intentionally left her behind. Feng Wu, suspecting Feng Yiran, directly asked if he had hidden her mother. Feng Yiran then revealed that Jun Linyuan had taken Madam Feng to the capital. Qiu Ling remembered a letter left by Feng Xun which confirmed that Jun Linyuan, urged by the Holy Sovereign, had to return to the capital quickly.

Concerned for Feng Wu's future as the heir to the Feng family and unwilling to be separated from her, Jun Linyuan had taken Madam Feng to ensure Feng Wu would follow. Upon reading this, Feng Wu resigned herself to the journey and instructed Qiu Ling to pack their belongings for the capital.

Before their departure, Feng Wu consulted Old Man Ba, expressing her concern about Jun Linyuan's "foxy" tactic of taking her mother to force her to the capital, and her fear of how the Feng family there might treat Madam Feng. Old Man Ba, in turn, gave Feng Wu some potent healing pills he had refined over the years.

He advised her to take one if she suffered injuries from any altercations, assuring her they would help restore energy and accelerate healing, even if not instantly. He also cautioned her to be extremely careful on the journey and to avoid arrogance in the capital, reminding her that "there's always someone stronger."

Meanwhile, Feng Liu, seemingly having learned of Feng Wu's regained ability to cultivate and wield the Phoenix Sword, reflected that she had underestimated Feng Wu, realizing Feng Wu had been feigning weakness. Feng Liu vowed to confront Feng Wu in the capital. As Jun Linyuan traveled with Madam Feng towards the capital, Feng Xun suggested they find shelter from an approaching storm. Madam Feng expressed worry for Feng Wu's safety, knowing she was traveling alone.

Jun Linyuan respectfully reassured her, asking her to treat him as a junior. Feng Xun, however, teased Jun Linyuan, suggesting he simply call Madam Feng "mom" to win her over. Feng Wu, Feng Yiran, Feng Liu, and their retinues stopped at an inn. There, they encountered Madam Yan, the wife of Great Spiritual Master Yan, and her sister, Madam Ning, wife of the President of Junwu Academy.

Madam Ning, displaying a haughty demeanor, introduced herself and Madam Yan, who was pregnant and traveling to Sumeru Temple to pray for her unborn child, stopping at the inn for a night's rest. Feng Yiran, recognizing their prestigious status, was overtly respectful, while Madam Ning condescendingly dismissed the Feng family's importance. Qiu Ling remarked on the strangeness of the inn, being fully stocked but completely deserted, with no staff.

Feng Wu found it suspicious, noting that it didn't look like an abrupt abandonment. Soon after, two terrified villagers appeared, claiming the inn was unsafe due to a demonic beast that had devoured the previous occupants. Madam Yan, frightened, suggested they leave, but Madam Ning insisted on staying due to the impending rain and Madam Yan's pregnant condition.

Fearing repercussions in the capital if they abandoned the influential ladies, Feng Yiran and Feng Liu reluctantly agreed to stay, and Feng Yiran ordered his guards to heighten their vigilance. Despite the warnings, the women gathered in one room for safety. Madam Ning rudely demanded a quilt from Feng Wu, prompting Madam Yan to apologize for her sister's haughty behavior. Moments later, Madam Yan suddenly went into labor, alarming everyone. Madam Ning panicked, urging Feng Wu to help.

Feng Wu, though lacking birthing experience, took charge, scolding Madam Ning for her short temper and instructing her to be quiet. She then drove Feng Yiran and Feng Liu out of the room, as they were only concerned about protecting themselves and the Feng family's reputation if Madam Yan suffered an accident. As Madam Yan struggled through labor, the Blood Demon Dragon, a high-level demonic beast, burst into the inn, seemingly drawn to Madam Yan.

The Feng family guards were quickly overwhelmed, and Feng Yiran and Feng Liu proved no match. Madam Ning, terrified, pleaded with Feng Wu to save her kind sister. Despite Qiu Ling's protests about her low spiritual power, Feng Wu heroically decided to confront the demon, instructing Madam Ning and Qiu Ling to tend to Madam Yan and ensure the baby's safe delivery.

Feng Yiran, meanwhile, convinced Feng Liu not to intervene, arguing that Feng Wu's fire-elemental power was no advantage against the demon, and they would only die alongside her. They attempted to flee but were thwarted by the Blood Demon Dragon. Feng Wu fiercely challenged the demon for harming innocent lives. In the midst of the battle, she experienced a breakthrough, awakening and advancing her cultivation level, surprising the Blood Demon Dragon.

With a powerful shout, Feng Wu soared into the air, fiery wings manifesting on her back, and struck the Blood Demon Dragon with her Phoenix Sword. However, the demon also wielded fire-elemental power, making it difficult for Feng Wu to gain a decisive advantage. Her spiritual energy rapidly depleted. Just as she was faltering, Jun Linyuan arrived, having sensed the demonic presence. He intervened, protecting Feng Wu.

During the intense fight, Jun Linyuan recognized the Wanyou Fire, a sacred treasure from the demon world, emanating from the Blood Demon Dragon. Despite his Loveless Insect Venom flaring up, he fought on. Feng Wu, with a final surge of strength, pierced the Blood Demon Dragon with her Phoenix Sword. In its death throes, the demon lunged a last strike, but Jun Linyuan, with quick reflexes, shielded Feng Wu, taking the blow himself.

As the Blood Demon Dragon perished, its Wanyou Fire was absorbed into Jun Linyuan's body. Feng Wu, seeing Jun Linyuan injured, cried inconsolably, questioning why he had protected her. Jun Linyuan, teasing her tears, assured her he was fine, having only sustained internal injuries. Feng Wu, however, was completely drained of spiritual energy and severely weakened. Amidst the chaos, Madam Yan, safely cared for by Madam Ning and Qiu Ling, gave birth to a healthy baby.

Everyone else was also safe. Madam Ning, deeply grateful for Feng Wu's bravery and for saving her sister, sincerely apologized for her past rudeness, her arrogant demeanor completely changed. When Feng Wu finally woke, Qiu Ling informed her that Jun Linyuan had stayed by her side all night. Seeing Jun Linyuan resting, looking utterly exhausted, Feng Wu was overcome by an impulse and gently kissed the corner of his lips. She immediately regretted her action, hoping he hadn't noticed.

At that moment, the Colored Phoenix within the Dragon Phoenix Spirit Ring surprisingly spoke to her. It explained that Feng Wu's potential had been activated during her fight with the Blood Demon Dragon, allowing her to advance to a medium-rank spiritual practitioner and enabling the Colored Phoenix to communicate with her directly (a sound only Feng Wu could hear).

Teasing Feng Wu about her unspoken feelings for Jun Linyuan, the Colored Phoenix then revealed that Jun Linyuan had absorbed the Wanyou Fire. It urged Feng Wu to retrieve the Wanyou Fire from him, stating that doing so would allow it to freely leave the spirit ring and stabilize its fluctuating power. The Colored Phoenix then suggested that if Feng Wu could just "kiss him" again, it could help her acquire the Wanyou Fire.

Episode 11 Recap

Driven by her desire to obtain the Wanyou Fire, Feng Wu tried to kiss Jun Linyuan while he was resting. However, just as she leaned in, Qiu Ling returned with medicine and accidentally witnessed the moment, quickly looking away. Jun Linyuan then woke up, and in a moment of panic, Feng Wu reflexively struck him, causing him to pass out. When Jun Linyuan regained consciousness, Feng Wu apologized, explaining that her actions were merely a reflex and not intentional.

Jun Linyuan playfully accused her of wanting to kiss him and encouraged her to be direct if she truly desired it, reminding her that she would eventually be his Spiritual Princess and he would grant her wishes. Taking his words literally, Feng Wu boldly demanded he kiss her. This direct approach, however, seemed to startle Jun Linyuan, who quickly evaded her.

Undeterred in her quest for the Wanyou Fire, Feng Wu spent the entire day attempting various methods to steal a kiss from Jun Linyuan, but all her efforts proved unsuccessful. Madam Yan, having successfully given birth, returned to the Capital with Madam Ning and her baby. They left their horses and food for Feng Wu and her companions.

Jun Linyuan, however, was not in a hurry to leave the inn, initially claiming his spiritual energy was damaged and he needed a couple more days to recover. Feng Wu, teasing him, suggested he simply wanted to spend more time with her. To her surprise, Jun Linyuan admitted it. It was then that they realized his Loveless Insect Venom had been detoxified, allowing him to speak his true feelings instead of the usual contradictory remarks.

This was likely due to Feng Wu's tears when he was injured, as the Penglai Pavilion's True Master Ziyang had once said that only the tears of a person with profound affection could break the Loveless Insect Venom. With more time available, Feng Wu continued her attempts to kiss Jun Linyuan. Jun Linyuan, growing curious, pressed her for the real reason behind her sudden forwardness, recalling her previous insistence on having no connection with him.

Feng Wu, seeing no point in further concealment, confessed that she wished for him to transfer the Wanyou Fire within him to her. She explained that while the Wanyou Fire was merely a bonus for him, possessing the strongest spiritual energy, it was crucial for her to accelerate her cultivation, especially since her current spiritual energy was inferior to even that of an ordinary cultivator. With Feng Wu's honesty, Jun Linyuan no longer held back and initiated a kiss.

Although Feng Wu’s initial motive was the Wanyou Fire, she found herself deeply engrossed in the intimate embrace. Their kiss was long and tender, continuing even after the Colored Phoenix in her spiritual ring reminded her that she had absorbed enough Wanyou Fire. Upon returning to the Capital, Feng Wu and Jun Linyuan parted ways, each heading to their respective residences. Jun Linyuan immediately went to meet the Holy Sovereign, with the Holy Empress also present.

The Holy Empress quickly brought up the topic of his marriage. Jun Linyuan, knowing that the Holy Empress was not his biological mother and had secret dealings with the Lord Demon of the Darknight Court, responded that he already had a Spiritual Princess in mind and would introduce her to the Holy Sovereign and the Holy Empress when the time was right.

The Holy Empress reminded him of the Junwu Clan's rule that only girls who become high-rank spiritual practitioners are qualified for the Spiritual Princess election. She wondered how many girls in the capital had such qualifications. Jun Linyuan firmly stated that he would not trouble the Holy Empress and would inform them when the time was right. The Holy Sovereign then expressed his approval, acknowledging Jun Linyuan's independent spirit and expressing anticipation for the extraordinary girl he had chosen.

Meanwhile, Feng Wu hurried back to the Feng Mansion to see her mother, Madam Feng, who had already been safely escorted home by Feng Xun and Xuan Yi. However, awaiting Feng Wu in the main hall was the First Madam, who had assumed control of the Feng family after Madam Feng and Feng Wu were banished. The First Madam, in league with her daughter Feng Liu, immediately began scheming.

Chief Maid Zhao reminded Feng Wu to show respect to the First Madam, who was waiting for her. Feng Wu respectfully greeted the First Madam, but then retorted with a witty remark about being rushed to tea. The First Madam, calling Feng Wu a "glib girl," then stated her intention to discuss the Phoenix Sword.

She tried to persuade Feng Wu to surrender the Phoenix Sword, arguing that as a girl with low spiritual energy, it was a burden and unsuitable for her, especially as she would eventually marry and have children. Feng Wu, however, expressed her disinterest in being the Feng family inheritor and defiantly summoned the Phoenix Sword, placing it on the table for them to take.

When no one could lift the ancient weapon, Feng Wu playfully suggested making a new sword for them, calling it a "small tricks sword." Enraged, the First Madam threatened to punish her, but Feng Wu, deeming the tea unworthy, swiftly departed with her mother. In a separate conversation with Feng Liu and Feng Yiran, the First Madam lamented Feng Wu's arrogance and Feng Liu's failure to capture Jun Linyuan's attention.

She then instructed Feng Yiran to inquire about the Junwu Academy enrollment, insisting he gain admission if Feng Wu intended to, citing his insufficient cultivation as the reason Feng Wu now wielded the Phoenix Sword. Later, Feng Wu, while walking through the city with Qiu Ling, encountered a young woman with a swollen physique being harassed. Feng Wu intervened to help, and the woman, who recognized her, tearfully embraced her.

This was Zhao Ge, the daughter of the Biluo Palace Leader, who had been abandoned by her family due to her perceived dull talents but shared a close bond with Feng Wu. Qiu Ling explained that Zhao Ge had accidentally eaten poisoned pastries intended for Feng Wu, leading to her current condition of extreme swelling and insatiable hunger. Despite extensive investigations, the Feng family had never found the culprit or an antidote.

After Feng Wu's exile three years prior, their connection had been lost. Feng Wu and Qiu Ling brought Zhao Ge back to Madam Feng, and Feng Wu prepared a feast for her. Watching Zhao Ge eat ravenously, Feng Wu felt a pang of sorrow, even though she couldn't recall their past friendship. She resolved to find an antidote for Zhao Ge.

Zhao Ge revealed that only the Heavenly Heart Pistil, a legendary treasure from the Peerless Tower in the Capital, could cure all poisons. She explained that on the fifteenth of every month, the Peerless Tower held a challenge, with the Heavenly Heart Pistil as the prize for successful challengers. However, no one had ever succeeded, with many being severely injured in the attempt.

Episode 12 Recap

Determined to find a cure for Zhao Ge, Feng Wu set her sights on Peerless Tower, which was rumored to hold the Heavenly Heart Pistil. While Feng Wu pondered the risks, Zuo Qingluan had already approached the Holy Empress (Your Majesty) for an elixir from the Junwu Divine Hall.

The Holy Empress, after Zuo Qingluan claimed her concern for her junior sister was merely her duty as the senior sister of Biluo Palace, revealed that the unique poison had no known cure within their halls. She then suggested Peerless Tower, but Zuo Qingluan hesitated due to the known risk of losing all cultivation if one failed the challenge. The Holy Empress sagely remarked that nothing worthwhile comes without a price, leaving the decision to Zuo Qingluan.

Feng Wu, also weighing the risk of losing her hard-won regained cultivation, decided to discuss her plan with Jun Linyuan. He had been following her, and upon meeting, immediately criticized her acuity as a medium-rank spiritual practitioner. He then surprised her by offering to build her a garden so she wouldn't have to stay at the Feng family residence, even suggesting that her mother and Qiu Ling could join her.

Feng Wu was perplexed by his inconsistent behavior, refusing the lavish gift and reminding him that she had no intention of staying in the capital permanently, accusing him of tricking her mother there in the first place. When Jun Linyuan mentioned her being his spiritual consort, she quickly stated she had never agreed to such a title, clarifying that while she liked him, she wasn't ready for such a commitment, especially since he made decisions without consulting her.

Jun Linyuan tried to explain that the title was merely a formality for him, but Feng Wu believed he didn't truly care. She eventually broke away, frustrated by his words and regretting seeking his help. Later, Feng Wu met Jun Linyuan again.

Unaware of her intentions regarding Peerless Tower, he brought up the Junwu Academy enrollment exam, explaining that Junwu Clan rules stipulated that only women who achieved Senior-rank spiritual practitioner status or higher were eligible for the spiritual consort selection.

He acknowledged the difficulty for her to reach that level so quickly after her spiritual energy loss but emphasized that the Holy Empress had already initiated discussions about his marriage with the Holy Sovereign, and he wished to quickly legitimize her position. Feng Wu felt he was implying she wasn't worthy and asked if the Holy Empress had proposed Zuo Qingluan, to which Jun Linyuan responded that only his choice mattered.

Feng Wu expressed her difficulty understanding his perspective, stating that she also desired to become a Senior-rank spiritual practitioner but had her own plans and did not need his guidance on how to live her life. Their conversation ended with Feng Wu feeling even more misunderstood. Leaving Jun Linyuan, Feng Wu felt anxious at the entrance of Peerless Tower. Yu Mingye suddenly appeared, cheerfully asking who had upset her.

Feng Wu accused him of past deceptions and recklessly offending Darknight Court. She provocatively suggested he kill her now, as she might lose all her spiritual energy anyway. Yu Mingye deduced her interest in Peerless Tower and offered his help, claiming to have studied the tower extensively. He had refrained from challenging it himself to prevent them from capitalizing on his fame as the Darknight Court's young master.

After a brief, playful exchange, Yu Mingye reiterated his offer to assist her. Three days later, Feng Wu was ready for the challenge. Zhao Ge, Qiu Ling, and Feng Madam accompanied her to Peerless Tower. Qiu Ling expressed worries about the dangers inside, but Feng Wu reminded her that Zhao Ge was her friend and had been poisoned because of her. Zhao Ge, though touched, told Feng Wu not to risk herself.

Feng Wu, however, vowed to return safely with the antidote. To enter, one had to strike a stone drum with spiritual power. Zhao Ge recalled her past failure to activate the drum, which had prevented her from even qualifying. With a determined strike from her Phoenix Sword, Feng Wu made the stone drum reverberate, marking her entry as the 1037th challenger.

The first challenge awaited her, overseen by Quatrain, a cultivator who behaved more like a poet and specialized in couplets. Quatrain demanded couplets that were grammatically precise and creatively novel, without strict adherence to meter or rhyme. Feng Wu, after a moment of internal debate (with an imagined Yu Mingye offering cheeky advice), rose to the occasion. Quatrain presented the first line: "Yi River, Luo River and Qingshui River all run to the sea."

Feng Wu countered with "Addition, subtraction, multiplication and division decide the universe." Quatrain, intrigued but perplexed by the unfamiliar terms, pressed for clarification, but Feng Wu simply stated he wouldn't understand and that she had met the challenge's conditions. For the second round, Quatrain offered: "Black is impermanent and white is impermanent. Between black and white, white speaks of Yin and Yang and reincarnation." Feng Wu replied, "The proposition is false and the proposition is true.

Amid the false and the true, the true shows the geometry of life." Again, Quatrain was stumped. He then warned Feng Wu about the dangers ahead, asking if worldly treasures were more important than life. Feng Wu declared that the treasure itself was secondary to fulfilling her promise to a friend.

Impressed by her resolve, Quatrain allowed her to pose a challenge, and she offered, "The law of sines and the law of cosines set your mind and tell you the truth," thereby passing the first barrier. Moving to the second challenge, Feng Wu encountered Greediness, known for his extraordinary hearing. Feng Wu, guided by Yu Mingye's earlier advice, utilized an Ear-piercing Bird. The bird's incredibly shrill sound proved unbearable for Greediness due to his heightened senses.

Overwhelmed, Greediness quickly conceded, begging for the noise to stop and granting Feng Wu passage to the next level. The third challenge brought Feng Wu face-to-face with Shadow Swordsman, widely regarded as the most formidable of the tower's guardians. Yu Mingye had previously given Feng Wu a Black Jade Sleeve Arrow, a potent secret weapon of Darknight Court, instructing her to use it if she found herself outmatched.

Shadow Swordsman, who appeared to know about the arrow, warned her that any hesitation would lead to defeat. Despite his intimidating "One-strike Drawing Chop" technique, Feng Wu decided against using the hidden weapon, believing it would be an unfair victory. Instead, she engaged him directly, questioning why a cultivator of his immense skill would remain confined to Peerless Tower, rather than using his abilities to protect the innocent. Her words struck a chord with Shadow Swordsman, momentarily distracting him.

Seizing the opportunity, Feng Wu attacked but chose not to deliver a killing blow, instead pushing him back with a powerful palm strike. Her honorable conduct earned his respect, and she advanced. Meanwhile, outside Peerless Tower, Feng Madam, Qiu Ling, and Zhao Ge waited anxiously. Yu Mingye, observing from a distance, had a subordinate provide umbrellas and chairs, cheekily announcing they were from "Young Lady Feng Wu's future husband." Zuo Qingluan was also present, noticing the interaction.

Elsewhere, Feng Xun, upon learning of Feng Wu's challenge, urgently informed Jun Linyuan and Xuan Yi. They discussed the two legendary treasures of Peerless Tower: the all-healing Heavenly Heart Pistil and the lost Qinglingsan Score. Feng Xun mentioned that only Min Zhongqing, the fourth son of the Min family, had ever reached the fourth level, but after leaving the tower, he had become a dissipated wreck, losing his cultivation and succumbing to a life of indulgence.

Jun Linyuan, concerned, dispatched Feng Xun and Xuan Yi to watch the tower entrance, while he himself sought out Min Zhongqing. Jun Linyuan confronted a disoriented Min Zhongqing, who, under pressure, confessed the truth: Peerless Tower's challenges were a deceit. The fourth level wasn't a test of skill but of human nature, designed to make challengers compromise their integrity.

Min Zhongqing admitted he had traded the challenge for wealth and pleasure, a choice that Jun Linyuan found deeply shameful for a member of the Junwu Clan. Back inside Peerless Tower, the true owner finally appeared, revealing himself as the final gatekeeper. He praised Feng Wu's impressive fight against Shadow Swordsman and, instead of further challenges, presented her with a chest overflowing with gold and silver.

He explained that the tower's fame and profitability depended on no one ever truly succeeding and obtaining the ultimate treasures. Shadow Swordsman, who remained nearby, echoed the owner's warning, advising Feng Wu to take the riches and leave. Feng Wu, who had only ever sought the Heavenly Heart Pistil for Zhao Ge, realized she had stumbled into an elaborate scam. The owner then unleashed the Heart-eroding Maze, urging her to give up. Undeterred, Feng Wu defiantly stated her sole demand was the Heavenly Heart Pistil, promising to leave immediately if she received it.

Episode 13 Recap

The Peerless Tower’s owner intensified his efforts to force Feng Wu to abandon her challenge, unleashing the Heart-eroding Maze upon her, which caused her excruciating pain. Despite her suffering, Feng Wu adamantly refused to yield, focused solely on fulfilling her promise to Zhao Ge. Witnessing her unyielding resolve, the owner commanded his men to eliminate Feng Wu on the spot. At that critical moment, the previously silent Shadow Swordsman stepped forward, shielding Feng Wu.

The owner then threatened the life of the Shadow Swordsman’s daughter, revealing that the Shadow Swordsman had remained in the Peerless Tower to secure rare medicines for her. Just as things seemed dire, the Heaven Slaying Sword burst through the door, coming to rest at the owner’s neck. Jun Linyuan had arrived. With his intervention, the cunning owner had no choice but to concede defeat.

As a result, Feng Wu acquired the two most valuable treasures of the Peerless Tower: the Qingling San Score and the Heavenly Heart Pistil. She offered the Heavenly Heart Pistil to the Shadow Swordsman as thanks for saving her. However, he sadly informed her that his daughter had passed away half a month prior and no longer needed the medicine.

He added that his daughter, before her death, had expressed the same sentiment as Feng Wu, urging him not to confine himself to the narrow Peerless Tower. Inspired by these words, the Shadow Swordsman declared his intention to travel the entire continent, and Feng Wu wished him well, hoping he would find new meaning in a vast world. After bidding farewell to the Shadow Swordsman, Feng Wu and Jun Linyuan safely exited the tower.

Outside, Madam Feng and Zhao Ge were overjoyed to see Feng Wu unharmed. Zuo Qingluan was also present; seeing Feng Wu’s selfless act of risking her life for Zhao Ge, she quietly departed. That evening, Feng Wu prepared the Heavenly Heart Pistil into medicine for Zhao Ge, who then fell asleep. Feng Wu noticed Jun Linyuan waiting outside her door and approached him, thanking him for his timely assistance. Jun Linyuan asked if she had forgiven him.

Feng Wu admitted she had been too extreme and understood his good intentions to help her advance her cultivation. She also expressed her belief that if small issues could keep them apart, they would face even greater difficulties in the future. Before Feng Wu could finish speaking, Jun Linyuan embraced her, confessing that he cared nothing for matched backgrounds or cultivation levels; he only cared about her.

Feng Wu shyly returned his embrace, though she inwardly wondered if he would still treat her so well if he knew she was not truly Feng Wu. The two reconciled, their bond strengthened. Meanwhile, Xuan Yi’s maternal grandfather, Spiritual Elder Fang, was at Great Spiritual Master Yan’s mansion discussing matters with Great Spiritual Master Yan when a masked thief broke into the family’s Treasury Building. Spiritual Elder Fang managed to injure the intruder, but the thief still escaped the guards.

Spiritual Elder Fang later informed Xuan Yi of the incident, suspecting Yu Mingye was the culprit. When Jun Linyuan learned that Yu Mingye’s target was the Yan family’s heirloom, the Water Sky Vase, he became concerned. He believed that the Darknight Court intended to steal the Water Sky Vase to win over the Ageless Child, Wu Youdao.

Legend held that Wu Youdao’s spiritual cultivation method was unique, and he had a fondness for ancient artifacts, being a close friend of Ning Shien, the Dean of Junwu Academy. Recent news indicated that Wu Youdao had been appointed as the Supervisor of Junwu Academy and would soon return to the Capital.

The Lord Demon of the Darknight Court aimed to use this opportunity to bring Wu Youdao into their fold, hoping to uncover the secrets to his cultivation growth, which would grant them control over the Qianyuan Continent. Yu Mingye had previously attempted to steal the vase but was unsuccessful. Though the Lord Demon acknowledged this failure, Yu Mingye himself was determined to make another attempt.

Recognizing the unpredictable nature of human hearts and the grave threat posed by the Darknight Court’s potential success, Jun Linyuan, Feng Xun, and Xuan Yi decided to act. Jun Linyuan noted that Wu Youdao would arrive in the Capital in a few days, and Yu Mingye would undoubtedly make his move soon.

So, they split into three groups: Jun Linyuan headed to Yan’s Mansion, Feng Xun was tasked with tracking Yu Mingye, and Xuan Yi went to investigate Wu Youdao’s background. At this very moment, Yu Mingye was secretly in Feng Wu’s room. Feng Liu had spotted him entering the Feng Mansion and, mistaking him for a thief, led servants on a search, eventually bursting into Feng Wu’s room.

Feng Wu, whose spiritual power had greatly increased after conquering the Peerless Tower, was formidable enough that even the arrogant Feng Liu dared not press the issue and left quickly. After Feng Liu departed, Feng Wu allowed Yu Mingye to emerge.

She lightly reprimanded him for always sneaking in and asked if he truly believed in the Darknight Court's violent ways, to which he responded that having grown up in such an environment, traits like power, honor, and plunder were ingrained in him, suggesting he had no other choice. Feng Wu then presented him with the Qingling San Score as a token of gratitude for his previous advice.

Yu Mingye, skilled in playing the flute, was overjoyed by the rare score, especially when he revealed it was his birthday. He expressed a wish for her to celebrate his birthday every year, but Feng Wu, taken aback, quickly dismissed it as a misunderstanding before Yu Mingye had to leave as her maid Qiu Ling returned.

After Yu Mingye left, the Colored Phoenix spoke to Feng Wu, revealing that it had sensed the spirit essence of a Star Shard on him. These Star Shards were fragments of the ancient divine artifact, the Soul Evocation Lantern. The Colored Phoenix explained that if all three fragments were reunited, Feng Wu’s master, Mu Jiuzhou, could be awakened. While the Star Shards could take any form, certain spirit animals could sense their faint essence.

Feng Wu realized that Yu Mingye must have recently touched a Star Shard and decided to follow this lead. She secretly tracked Yu Mingye but soon lost him, only to encounter Feng Xun, who was also following him. Feng Wu, eager to help, pressed Feng Xun for information. Initially reluctant due to Jun Linyuan's orders, Feng Xun eventually divulged that he was investigating Yu Mingye's attempted theft at Yan’s Mansion.

Feng Wu immediately realized that the item Yu Mingye had touched was the Water Sky Vase, and she suspected it was a manifestation of a Star Shard. Coincidentally, Yan’s Mansion was hosting a full moon celebration for Madam Yan’s newborn son. Feng Wu, with Zhao Ge by her side, managed to sneak into the event. She learned that Great Spiritual Master Yan and Madam Yan were expecting a distinguished guest in the study.

Inside the mansion, Feng Wu encountered Yu Mingye, disguised as a young servant. They both shared the objective of acquiring the Water Sky Vase. With quick thinking, Feng Wu deliberately set fire to a pile of firewood in the backyard, drawing the guards away from the Treasury Building. Yu Mingye, surprised by Feng Wu's bold tactic, followed her as she gained entry to the Treasury Building.

Meanwhile, Jun Linyuan, who was in conversation with Great Spiritual Master Yan, quickly deduced that the fire was no accident and, along with Great Spiritual Master Yan, rushed towards the Treasury Building. Feng Wu and Yu Mingye inadvertently sought refuge in a secret room within the Treasury Building. There, they discovered another Water Sky Vase, realizing that the one displayed outside was merely a fake.

Moments later, Great Spiritual Master Yan, inspecting the Treasury Building with Jun Linyuan, noticed that the secret room’s switch had been tampered with. He prepared to send his servants down to apprehend the intruders. However, Jun Linyuan, having subtly discovered Feng Wu's sachet, offered to descend into the secret room alone to assess the situation, intending to protect Feng Wu.

Episode 14 Recap

In the secret chamber, Feng Wu and Yu Mingye were discussing the Water Sky Vase, unaware that Jun Linyuan was secretly observing them. Feng Wu told Yu Mingye not to let Jun Linyuan know she had given him a music score for his birthday, as she did not want to upset Jun Linyuan.

Observing from the shadows, Jun Linyuan was initially pleased by Feng Wu's concern for his feelings, but his mood shifted when Yu Mingye deliberately moved closer to her, prompting him to reveal his presence. Yu Mingye pretended to hold Feng Wu hostage to threaten Jun Linyuan, but Jun Linyuan immediately saw through their act. With Great Spiritual Master Yan and his guards waiting upstairs, Yu Mingye and Feng Wu's only escape route was a secret passage.

To maintain the charade, Jun Linyuan and Yu Mingye staged a fight, intentionally smashing many of Great Spiritual Master Yan's prized collectibles. After Yu Mingye and Feng Wu left through the secret passage, Jun Linyuan went upstairs and falsely reported to Great Spiritual Master Yan that the thief had unfortunately escaped. Great Spiritual Master Yan was relieved that the Water Sky Vase was safe and did not press for more, despite the damage to his belongings.

Jun Linyuan then tried to negotiate a high-priced purchase of the Water Sky Vase from Great Spiritual Master Yan, intending to use it to secure the support of Wu Youdao. However, Great Spiritual Master Yan was unyielding, forcing Jun Linyuan to seek other methods. Back in the main hall, Feng Wu had rejoined the guests as if nothing had happened. Jun Linyuan informed her of the failed negotiation and suggested they approach Madam Yan.

Great Spiritual Master Yan and Madam Yan had once been a loving couple, but their relationship had soured after Concubine Xu entered the household. Rumors had even spread that Madam Yan's son was not Great Spiritual Master Yan's biological child. This was fueled by the child's failure to manifest spirit energy at birth, a traditional sign of direct lineage in the Yan family.

Feng Wu dismissed these rumors as baseless, asserting that ancient traditions could be either truth or mere coincidence. She publicly offered to prove her point, and Jun Linyuan readily agreed to assist her. Together, they worked to open the child's three meridians and rotate his seven chakras. A spirit energy lotus appeared, dispelling the malicious rumors. Feng Wu explained that the timing for activating one's spiritual potential varies among individuals, and not all cultivators display spirit energy from birth.

This demonstration resolved the misunderstanding between Great Spiritual Master Yan and Madam Yan. Grateful for their help, Great Spiritual Master Yan privately presented the Water Sky Vase to Jun Linyuan. Knowing Feng Wu also desired the vase, Jun Linyuan requested a gift from her. It turned out that the day Feng Wu gave the music score to Yu Mingye was his birthday, which also happened to be Jun Linyuan's birthday.

Unaware of this, Feng Wu was at a loss as to how to respond to Jun Linyuan's request. Seeing her hesitation, Jun Linyuan proposed a deal: he would give her the Water Sky Vase if she passed the entrance examination for Junwu Academy, an accomplishment he would accept as his birthday gift from her. Though reluctant to be coerced, Feng Wu realized she genuinely needed the vase and agreed.

Meanwhile, Yu Mingye, having failed his mission, was severely injured and punished by Lord Demon. Despite being the young master of Darknight Court, failure meant being treated as worthless, a harsh rule Yu Mingye had known since childhood. Later, learning that Jun Linyuan's birthday had passed and she had missed the chance to celebrate it, Feng Wu made a simple cake from fruit and brought it to him.

Jun Linyuan confessed that his birthday was not a happy occasion for him, which was why he never celebrated it grandly. He revealed that his birth mother had passed away shortly after giving birth to him, never having the opportunity to see him grow up. Feng Wu comforted him, explaining that true death is not the demise of the physical body, but rather being forgotten by the world.

By that measure, his mother was still alive in his heart, as he constantly thought of her. This deeply comforted Jun Linyuan, who then drank a large amount of wine and eventually fell into a drunken sleep. Unable to enter Junwu Divine Hall, Feng Wu carried Jun Linyuan to Feng Xun's residence.

She had initially intended to steal the Water Sky Vase while Jun Linyuan was unconscious, but Feng Xun informed her that Jun Linyuan had placed a spell on the bottle, rendering it untouchable by anyone other than himself. Jun Linyuan, in his drunken state, held Feng Wu close, murmuring about not wanting her to leave him and wondering if she would face the future with him.

Separately, the Holy Empress, concerned about Feng Wu's rising influence and past connection to Jun Linyuan, instructed her subordinate Gao Wei to support Zuo Qingluan. Gao Wei suggested using Wu Youdao, who was about to become the Supervisor of Junwu Academy. The Holy Empress then ordered Zuo Qingluan to personally greet Wu Youdao upon his arrival in the capital, expecting Zuo Qingluan to understand how to leverage this opportunity to her advantage and surpass Feng Wu.

Zuo Qingluan later expressed her worries about Jun Linyuan's attention to Feng Wu to the Holy Empress. The Holy Empress reassured her, emphasizing Zuo Qingluan's strengths and the support she had from Celestial Palace and the Holy Empress herself, and reiterated that aligning with Wu Youdao would further widen the gap between her and Feng Wu. Chaoge also had a conversation with her senior sister.

Her senior sister suggested Chaoge move in with them at the Celestial Palace residence in the capital to prepare for the Junwu Academy entrance exam, especially since Feng Wu was also aiming for the academy. Chaoge, however, expressed her disappointment with Celestial Palace, revealing that when she was poisoned, they had ignored her.

She felt like a burden to the palace and decided to keep her distance from them, affirming her friendship with her senior sister but choosing her own path. The next morning, Feng Wu brought Jun Linyuan breakfast, who was still recovering from his drunken stupor. He teasingly asked for his birthday gift, then showed her the Water Sky Vase.

He pretended to have intended to give it to her, only to retract the offer when she reacted, reminding her that she had previously denied wanting it and that he would only give it to her once she passed the Junwu Academy entrance exam.

Episode 15 Recap

Feng Wu, determined to acquire the Water Sky Vase from Jun Linyuan, tried everything from preparing breakfast and massages to crafting small gifts. However, Jun Linyuan remained unmoved, steadfastly insisting that she pass the Junwu Academy entrance examination before he would grant her wish. Feng Wu was so frustrated by his obstinacy that she even refused her favorite Phoenix Tea, much to the concern of her maids.

Zhao Ge, seeing Feng Wu's distress, proposed they invite her to the annual Xianyang Bazaar at the capital gate for a change of scenery. Qiu Ling enthusiastically agreed to suggest this to Feng Wu. While exiting Feng Wu's room, Qiu Ling and Zhao Ge encountered Xuan Yi. Zhao Ge, having fully recovered her original appearance after being cured of her poisoning, was no longer the plump girl Xuan Yi had briefly met when he saved her from bullies.

To her delight, Xuan Yi immediately recognized her. He playfully remarked that while other girls smelled of rouge, Zhao Ge had a unique scent, like "preserved fruit, almond, melon seed cake. . . and honey." Zhao Ge, flustered, thanked him for his past kindness.

Xuan Yi explained he was there to request Feng Wu's help in drawing a chart of acupoints and meridians as a birthday gift for his grandfather, Spiritual Elder Fang, who had an interest in various branches of study. Qiu Ling, noticing Zhao Ge's burgeoning feelings for Xuan Yi, subtly invited him to join them at the bazaar. Xuan Yi accepted, and Qiu Ling went to inform Feng Wu, who told them to proceed without her, promising to follow shortly.

At the bustling Xianyang Bazaar, Qiu Ling bought three green glaze stones, believed to offer protection from demonic beasts, intending to give one each to Feng Wu, Zhao Ge, and Madam Feng. Zhao Ge, secretly enamored with Xuan Yi, purchased an additional stone and shyly offered it to him. Xuan Yi accepted, though his reaction did not clearly indicate whether he understood her feelings. Soon after, Feng Wu arrived and was happily greeted by Qiu Ling.

Suddenly, a panicked horse burst through the crowd, causing chaos. A worker tumbled from a ladder, about to fall on a small child. Without hesitation, Feng Wu threw herself forward to shield the child. Before the worker could hit the ground, an old man in a straw hat, later revealed to be the Ageless Child, Spiritual Elder Wu Youdao, swiftly intervened, using spiritual energy to protect the worker and then subdue the frantic horse, averting a larger disaster.

Wu Youdao then advised Feng Wu to "deal with the root of the problem" before risking her life, lest she "get herself killed." Meanwhile, Holy Queen Gao, already aware of Wu Youdao's arrival in the capital to become the new Supervisor of Junwu Academy, had prepared a grand welcome at the city gate. She had also brought Zuo Qingluan, hoping Wu Youdao would take her as a disciple.

However, due to the market incident, Wu Youdao proceeded directly to Junwu Divine Hall, forcing Holy Queen Gao to return to the palace without meeting him. At the Divine Hall, Holy Queen Gao attempted to flatter Wu Youdao by asking him to demonstrate his spiritual arts, but he politely declined, claiming his methods were merely "small tricks" and he was unqualified to showcase them before her.

Spiritual Elder Fang, Xuan Yi's grandfather, interjected to support Wu Youdao, warning Holy Queen Gao against pressuring him. Afterwards, Spiritual Elder Fang privately advised Jun Linyuan that Wu Youdao was a stubborn and principled man, and any attempt to overtly recruit him would be counterproductive, suggesting they "wait and see." Zuo Qingluan also approached Wu Youdao, praising his heroic actions at the bazaar and formally requesting to become his disciple.

Wu Youdao recognized her use of Celestial Palace techniques and refused, explaining he had no desire to owe Celestial Palace a favor or get involved in unnecessary conflicts, stating he was merely a "sinecure" guarding the academy's library. Later, Feng Wu's off-screen master revealed to her that Junwu Academy was founded by Lord Mu, Jun Linyuan's previous incarnation, and that entering the academy might be a necessary step in her quest to find the Star Shards.

Shortly after, Jun Linyuan arrived at Feng Wu's residence. He adopted a softer approach, acknowledging his previous insistence on the exam was "inconsiderate." He reasoned that recent events should have made it clear that Junwu Academy was the most effective path to significantly improve her spiritual energy. Feng Wu, who responded better to gentle persuasion, conceded that she indeed needed to strengthen her spiritual power and accepted the necessity of the exam.

Jun Linyuan, having anticipated her agreement, promptly presented her with a large stack of books, confidently assuring her that memorizing them would guarantee her success in the written examination. Meanwhile, Xuan Yi invited Zhao Ge to study together for the Junwu Academy entrance exam. Zhao Ge expressed her self-doubt regarding her cultivation talent, but also her strong desire to enter the academy with him and Feng Wu.

She asked for a word of encouragement, and Xuan Yi offered her a poetic well-wish for success. Visibly flustered, Zhao Ge wished him good luck in return. Seeing her reaction, Xuan Yi promised to grant her one wish if she successfully passed the exam. Zhao Ge was overjoyed but decided to keep her wish a secret until that day came. Feng Wu, struggling with her studies, received a visit from Yu Mingye.

He informed her that Wu Youdao, Spiritual Elder Fang, and Dean Ning of Junwu Academy were all old friends, and surprisingly, so was Old Man Ba, who had previously helped Feng Wu refine elixirs. Yu Mingye also mentioned that Spiritual Elder Fang and Wu Youdao frequently bickered. Seizing this opportunity, Feng Wu drew a chart of acupoints and meridians.

She first presented it to Wu Youdao, flattering him with fabricated praises from Old Man Ba, calling him a "resolute, straightforward, extremely gifted man" and an "exceptional genius." A pleased Wu Youdao accepted the chart. Feng Wu then went to Spiritual Elder Fang, indignantly claiming that Wu Youdao had "forcibly taken" the chart she drew specifically for him, arguing they "don't differentiate between each other."

Infuriated, Spiritual Elder Fang stormed off to confront Wu Youdao, accusing him of being a "robber." Their argument quickly escalated into a spiritual energy battle, during which Feng Wu, from a hidden vantage point, meticulously observed their techniques. She realized the "checkerboard" Wu Youdao had been studying was actually a "spirit energy map" and, by reciting a chant, learned critical cultivation insights, using their rivalry to secretly advance her own spiritual power.

Holy Queen Gao, still intent on controlling Wu Youdao, hosted a banquet and sent her nephew, Gao Wei, to invite him. However, Wu Youdao politely declined, stating he had "paperwork to do." Enraged by his repeated defiance, Holy Queen Gao decided that if she could not control Wu Youdao, she would "destroy him." She dispatched Gao Wei and a team of shadow guards to eliminate him, explicitly stating he must not serve Jun Linyuan if he would not serve her.

Gao Wei, knowing Wu Youdao's formidable spiritual power, ambushed him using "magic incense," a colorless and odorless substance that rendered Wu Youdao unable to use his spiritual energy without causing severe internal damage. Despite his weakened state, Wu Youdao valiantly fought back, managing to escape the initial assault. However, Wu Youdao was eventually cornered in a deserted street and wounded by a poison dart from Darknight Court, flung by Gao Wei.

Fortuitously, Jun Linyuan and Xuan Yi happened to be passing by. They had been discussing the persistent presence of Darknight Court members since the Frozen Forest and Jun Linyuan's suspicion of a traitor within the Junwu clan, realizing he needed external help like Wu Youdao to address this threat. They quickly intervened, fighting off Gao Wei and his shadow guards, forcing them to retreat.

Jun Linyuan and Xuan Yi brought the injured Wu Youdao to Feng Xun's residence, where Jun Linyuan personally extracted the poison. Wu Youdao, profoundly grateful for his rescue, acknowledged Jun Linyuan's desire for his support. Yet, he stated he was too old and weary of conflicts, and despite believing Jun Linyuan would be a benevolent ruler, he wished to remain out of the power struggles, asking for Jun Linyuan's understanding.

Jun Linyuan accepted his decision, affirming that he understood it was merely his "wishful thinking." Wu Youdao then advised Jun Linyuan to remain resolute and prioritize the people's interests, assuring him that this path would lead the Junwu Clan to peace and prosperity. Jun Linyuan accepted his counsel and assured Wu Youdao that he was safe at Feng Xun's residence and should rest and recover.

Episode 16 Recap

Junwu Academy, renowned as the Capital's foremost cultivation institution, naturally served as the top choice for cultivators aiming to advance their skills. The academy held its entrance examination only once every three years, with extremely stringent admission requirements. All spiritual practitioners, from junior to senior ranks, were obliged to participate in the entrance exam. Even individuals from prestigious families, such as Feng Xun and Xuan Yi, were no exception to this rule.

Only cultivators who had already achieved the rank of Spiritual Venerable were granted exemption from the exam. For the current intake, only Jun Linyuan, Yu Mingye, and Zuo Qingluan had qualified for this exemption. Zhao Ge, with her relatively shallow cultivation, initially lacked confidence in her ability to pass the Junwu Academy exam. However, because Feng Wu was determined to take it, Zhao Ge decided to apply as well.

During the registration process, the two encountered members of the Celestial Palace. Mu Yao, who already harbored strong resentment towards Feng Wu, immediately began to taunt her. Her insults also extended to Zhao Ge, who, despite being the Celestial Palace Leader's daughter, received no respect from anyone within the palace and was even denied assistance during her period of poisoning. Consequently, Zhao Ge had long since become utterly disillusioned with the Celestial Palace.

Feng Wu, unable to tolerate Mu Yao's arrogant and bullying demeanor, proposed a wager. If Feng Wu successfully gained admission to Junwu Academy, Mu Yao would have to address her as "dad" whenever they met within the academy. Conversely, if Feng Wu failed, she would never again set foot in the Capital. Mu Yao, unable to resist the provocation, accepted the bet, confident that Feng Wu would fail and eager to witness her defeat.

The day of the exam arrived as scheduled. The morning's written test proved manageable, with both Feng Wu and Zhao Ge performing admirably. However, the true challenge lay in the afternoon's martial arts competition, which drew together spiritual practitioners from all corners, making it a gathering of formidable experts. Opponents for the martial arts segment were assigned randomly.

Before entering the arena, each participant was given a bell to tie around their waist; victory was declared when a contestant successfully removed their opponent's bell or caused it to drop to the ground. Zhao Ge was the first to enter the arena, facing Huang Li from the Celestial Palace. Not proficient with a sword, Zhao Ge opted for her most familiar weapon: a slingshot, using candied fruit as projectiles.

Though this choice initially seemed to mock her opponent, Zhao Ge's aim with the slingshot was remarkably precise. Combined with her spiritual energy, the candied fruit transformed into a weapon with considerable destructive power. Ultimately, she distracted Huang Li with a self-made pollen bomb, seizing the opportunity to claim her opponent's bell and secure her victory. Despite their exemption from the entrance exam, Jun Linyuan, Yu Mingye, and Zuo Qingluan were all present at the examination venue.

Yu Mingye even deliberately entered a match, engaging in a fight. Jun Linyuan, of course, was there for Feng Wu. Zuo Qingluan, however, came to observe both Mu Yao and Feng Wu. Having learned that Mu Yao was drawn as Feng Wu's opponent, Zuo Qingluan secretly instructed Mu Yao that the Celestial Palace Leader had commanded her to win this match at all costs.

Mu Yao, not one to fight fairly, immediately tried to deceive Feng Wu upon entering the arena, suggesting they only compete with spiritual energy and refrain from using weapons to maintain amicable relations. Feng Wu, believing her, sheathed her Phoenix Sword. To Feng Wu's surprise, Mu Yao's ice blades struck her mercilessly, leaving her heavily wounded. Below the stage, Jun Linyuan grew increasingly anxious, while Feng Xun, Xuan Yi, and Zhao Ge watched with deep concern.

Yu Mingye even directly urged Master Zhao, the exam invigilator, to intervene. However, Master Zhao explained that according to the rules, he could not interfere as long as Feng Wu did not admit defeat. It was only when Feng Wu collapsed unconscious on the ground that Jun Linyuan finally could no longer bear it and rushed onto the stage to protect her.

Just as the invigilator was preparing to declare Mu Yao the winner, Feng Wu suddenly sprang into the air, the Phoenix Blood from Mu Jiuzhou manifesting on her forehead. Before the astonished crowd, Feng Wu unleashed her full power, attacking Mu Yao with volleys of fireballs that seemed intent on ending her life. Fortunately, Wu Youdao intervened promptly, blocking the fiery assault. Otherwise, Feng Wu would have become the first candidate to kill an opponent in the examination arena.

Subsequently, Feng Wu collapsed once more due to exhaustion. When she finally regained consciousness, it was three days later, precisely the day the examination results were to be posted. Feng Wu rushed to check the list. To her great relief, both she and Zhao Ge had passed. It was rumored that Wu Youdao himself had personally added Feng Wu's name to the list.

This news reached Holy Queen Gao, who immediately ordered Gao Wei to investigate Feng Wu and the Feng family's background. She needed to ascertain if someone was secretly assisting Feng Wu in rapidly enhancing her spiritual power. If Feng Wu indeed possessed such extraordinary talent, it was even more imperative to prevent her from becoming Jun Linyuan's spiritual consort. Meanwhile, Feng Xun observed Xuan Yi's unusual interest in low-rank cultivation texts, knowing Xuan Yi typically read advanced spiritual literature.

Xuan Yi explained he was looking for books for "her" because "she" lacked a strong foundation and needed to review the basics. Feng Xun deduced he was referring to Zhao Ge and playfully teased Xuan Yi for his devoted attention to Miss Zhao Ge. Zhao Ge then approached Xuan Yi, reminding him of his promise to grant her a request if she passed the exam. She shyly asked if she could call him "Yi." Xuan Yi, though surprised, agreed.

Zhao Ge, in turn, made him promise not to let any other girls call him by that name, emphasizing it was a special reward she had earned. Xuan Yi accepted her unique request. As a final formality, the new cultivators gathered for the Junwu Academy admission ceremony.

A Master welcomed the students, emphasizing diligence, mutual assistance, and the mission of eliminating demons, urging them to remember the academy's 134 rules, including prohibitions against collusion with evil, bullying the weak, and misusing spiritual energy. After the rules were read, the students performed a solemn salute to their masters. During the ceremony, Feng Wu saw Jun Linyuan and playfully reminded him about her "reward" for passing the exam, to which he acknowledged his promise. The Master concluded by encouraging the new students to embrace their mission and dedicate themselves to cultivation.

Episode 17 Recap

The formal enrollment day at Junwu Academy began with an opening ceremony where fifty cultivators were read the academy's precepts and given their uniforms. Feng Wu and Mu Yao, both successfully admitted after their tie, found themselves at the center of attention as Feng Wu reminded Mu Yao of their wager. Mu Yao hesitated, but Feng Wu pressed her to fulfill her promise, which was for Mu Yao to call her "Baba."

Zuo Qingluan intervened, suggesting Feng Wu drop the matter as it was just a joke and accusing Feng Wu of being aggressive. Jun Linyuan, however, sided with Feng Wu, stating that agreements should be honored and questioning if Zuo Qingluan and Mu Yao would have shown similar leniency if Feng Wu had lost. Yu Mingye then openly criticized Zuo Qingluan for her attempts to manipulate the situation, reminding Mu Yao that a loss is a loss.

Left with no choice, Mu Yao reluctantly called Feng Wu "Baba" twice. Feng Wu, though aware that others didn't understand the term, found it immensely satisfying. Feng Wu's primary goal at the academy was the Water Sky Vase, not cultivation, so she dozed off during her first morning class. When the class ended, Jun Linyuan appeared and playfully chided her for sleeping.

He then led her to a private spot and presented her with the Water Sky Vase, as he had promised. Although Feng Wu didn't fully explain why she needed the vase, Jun Linyuan sternly warned her against sleeping in class again, reminding her of the academy's strict rules and his inability to intercede if she were expelled. Feng Wu, in good spirits, promised to be back before the midday class.

She immediately sought a secluded place to enter her spiritual ring and consult with Colored Phoenix. The Water Sky Vase was shattered, revealing a Star Shard. Inscribed on the shard were the words "Junwu Academy," indicating that the next fragment was hidden within the academy itself. The Star Shard's appearance caused a star representing Mu Jiuzhou's soul to flicker, catching the attention of the Demon Lord of Darknight Court.

Concerned that someone was helping Mu Jiuzhou awaken, the Demon Lord instructed Yu Mingye to thoroughly investigate Junwu Academy and guard against any such possibility. Yu Mingye subsequently ventured to the Library Pavilion, the academy's most tranquil spot, where he found Wu Youdao guarding it. He found Wu Youdao's deep cultivation and presence there highly suspicious. Unable to approach Wu Youdao directly, Yu Mingye decided to find an alternative method of investigation.

Meanwhile, during the lunch break, Zhao Ge, eager to show affection, brought homemade steamed buns with vegetable filling to Xuan Yi. Feng Xun, however, was blunt after tasting one, declaring it "too salty, enough to kill a salt seller." Embarrassed, Zhao Ge quickly collected the buns before Xuan Yi could even take a bite and rushed away, leaving Xuan Yi to glare at Feng Xun. Later, Feng Wu comforted Zhao Ge.

Inspired by Feng Wu’s determined spirit after her punishment, Zhao Ge resolved to improve her cooking to win over Xuan Yi. She compared Xuan Yi's reserved nature to Jun Linyuan's subtle care for Feng Wu. Jun Linyuan, who had been observing the scene, then approached Feng Wu, bringing her favorite osmanthus cakes. He delicately wiped a crumb from her face, showing his concern.

Feng Wu confided in him about her decision to diligently cultivate at Junwu Academy, hoping to become strong enough to fight alongside him. Jun Linyuan expressed his belief in her. The afternoon class brought more trouble. Master Zhao's ferule went missing and was found among Feng Wu's belongings. Mu Yao's reaction made it clear she was behind the prank.

Already holding a poor impression of Feng Wu due to her morning nap, Master Zhao severely reprimanded her for stealing and lying. Defiant, Feng Wu retaliated by intentionally smashing Mu Yao's desk, causing it to collapse and injure Mu Yao's foot. Enraged, Master Zhao ordered Feng Wu outside to melt a massive ice block with her spiritual power and boil tea water before she could return to class. The task was arduous, leaving Feng Wu's arms aching all afternoon.

However, instead of deterring her, the incident solidified her resolve. She vowed that if Mu Yao dared to cause trouble again, she would teach her a lesson, asserting her belief that oppression would be met with resistance. Unbeknownst to Feng Wu, Jun Linyuan was under immense pressure. Holy Queen Gao persistently brought up his marriage with the Holy Sovereign, attempting to interfere.

This time, the Holy Sovereign allowed Holy Queen Gao to choose the spiritual consort, a decision Jun Linyuan openly opposed. His protest, however, was perceived as defiance by the Holy Sovereign, and Holy Queen Gao subtly undermined him by feigning humility, making him seem disobedient. Enraged, the Holy Sovereign ordered Jun Linyuan to kneel for an hour on the Sky-reaching Terrace, a perilous platform where Mu Jiuzhou once endured heavenly tribulation, constantly struck by lightning. Jun Linyuan accepted the harsh punishment without complaint, determined to protect his commitment to Feng Wu.

Episode 18 Recap

Unaware that Jun Linyuan was currently undergoing punishment at the perilous Sky-reaching Terrace, Feng Wu was approached by Wu Youdao, who led her to the Library. Wu Youdao had observed Feng Wu searching for something, and although he couldn't directly provide answers, he suggested the books within might hold them. He explained that only the first floor was accessible to disciples, while the second floor was strictly off-limits.

He then gave her a key to the side door, allowing her free access, but emphasized she must not tell anyone, especially His Highness Jun. When Feng Wu questioned why Jun Linyuan was singled out, Wu Youdao revealed that their destinies were intertwined in a difficult path, and if they insisted on being together, it would bring immense misfortune. He urged Feng Wu to carefully consider her true purpose and not let romantic affections overshadow her original mission.

Later, a memory of her Master, Mu Jiuzhou, saying, "You are not you. Yet he is he," and reminding her to live well to discover her identity and reason for being there, flashed through Feng Wu's mind. Later that evening, as Feng Wu exited the Library, she noticed a figure slipping inside. She returned to investigate and discovered Yu Mingye attempting to access the forbidden second floor, but a protective barrier prevented him.

Yu Mingye, feigning innocence, claimed he was just "studying" to avoid falling behind and suggested they keep their presence there a secret. He then tried to persuade her to get late-night snacks, stating they were different from Jun Linyuan and his companions. Unbeknownst to them, Jun Linyuan, who had been searching for Feng Wu after his punishment, watched them from a distance.

He had visited Feng's Mansion earlier, asking her servant about her whereabouts and instructing them not to inform Mrs. Feng of his visit. Seeing Feng Wu safe, he quietly departed. Upon returning to her room, Zhao Ge informed Feng Wu that Jun Linyuan had been frantically looking for her, even turning the entire Junwu Academy upside down before going to Feng's Mansion to inform her family.

Zhao Ge urged Feng Wu to explain herself to Jun Linyuan the next day, as he had been very worried. Feng Wu agreed distractedly. In the following days, Feng Wu consciously distanced herself from Jun Linyuan. She reflected on Wu Youdao's warning about their "tough destiny" and did not want to bring disaster upon him.

Her spiritual guide, a bird, reinforced this, reminding her that her true purpose was to awaken her Master and leave this place, and warning that her own body might eventually change, creating an inevitable separation. Though she denied liking Jun Linyuan, the bird insisted she couldn't fool herself. Jun Linyuan, confused and hurt by her sudden coldness, confessed to Xuan Yi his nervousness about the upcoming Holy Queen's birthday celebration.

He hoped Feng Wu could perform with him before the Holy Sovereign and Holy Queen, believing it would ease the path to naming her his spiritual consort. Xuan Yi advised him to directly ask Feng Wu about her feelings, acknowledging the difficulty in understanding a girl's mind. Meanwhile, Holy Queen Gao's birthday celebration was approaching. She had planned for one male and one female disciple from Junwu Academy to perform the Double Swordsmanship created by Master Mu Jiuzhou.

While Jun Linyuan was the undisputed choice for the male role, Holy Queen Gao personally selected Zuo Qingluan as the female representative, clearly favoring her as Jun Linyuan's future spiritual consort. Jun Linyuan, however, opposed this direct appointment. He suggested holding a public challenge, arguing that a hasty decision would not be convincing and that the most capable disciple should be chosen.

Holy Queen Gao agreed but stipulated that if no one successfully challenged Zuo Qingluan, then she and Jun Linyuan would still perform. Mu Yao, harboring jealousy over Zhao Ge's continued closeness to Zuo Qingluan despite having left Celestial Palace, decided to stir trouble. Surrounded by other students who echoed her sentiments, she openly mocked Feng Wu as a "pathetic loser" and called Zhao Ge an "ungrateful traitor."

Zuo Qingluan, overhearing this, sternly warned Mu Yao not to speak ill of Zhao Ge, who was their Junior Sister. Ignoring the warning, Mu Yao later confronted Zhao Ge, calling both Feng Wu and Zhao Ge "pathetic losers" and cruelly suggesting Zhao Ge's mother had abandoned her. Enraged, Zhao Ge lashed out, but Mu Yao, claiming self-defense and using her superior spiritual power, severely injured her.

Xuan Yi and Feng Xun arrived, and Zuo Qingluan also intervened, preventing further harm, but Zhao Ge was already weak and fainted. Xuan Yi, furious, carried Zhao Ge away, vowing severe retaliation if anything happened to her. During the subsequent inquiry by Dean Ning and Supervisor Wu, Mu Yao insisted Zhao Ge had attacked first. However, two student witnesses testified that Mu Yao had been bullying Zhao Ge.

Supervisor Wu, invoking the academy's rules against bullying, sentenced Mu Yao to "confinement for seven days" for her actions and lack of repentance. Zuo Qingluan, accepting responsibility as the Senior Sister, offered to personally care for Zhao Ge until she recovered and promised to ask the Palace Leader to expel Mu Yao from Celestial Palace if she reoffended.

Feng Wu, however, was unwilling to let the matter rest, stating that Zhao Ge's injury was a fact that could not be undone by mere apologies or care. When the Dean and Supervisor suggested letting the matter conclude, Feng Wu declared she was "never a broad-minded person." She announced her intention to participate in the selection for the Holy Queen's birthday performance.

She explained that since Celestial Palace members proudly called Zhao Ge a traitor and lauded Zuo Qingluan's selection, she would challenge Zuo Qingluan to deny them their pride and seek justice for Zhao Ge in her own way. Zuo Qingluan, after sincerely apologizing again, accepted the challenge. The Dean agreed, setting the competition for three days later. With time running out, Feng Wu felt immense pressure.

Fellow students openly doubted her, noting the vast difference in cultivation levels between a Senior-rank Spiritual Practitioner like Feng Wu and a Great Spiritual Master like Zuo Qingluan, calling her challenge "looking for trouble." Feng Xun even suggested sabotaging Zuo Qingluan, but Xuan Yi quickly dismissed the idea, knowing Feng Wu would be blamed.

To help Feng Wu, Jun Linyuan took her to an ancient relic he had discovered as a child while flying around with his sword, a place he called "Skyland." He revealed that she was the only other person he had ever brought there.

Recognizing her cultivation was insufficient, he began teaching her the secret swordsmanship of the Junwu Clan, emphasizing that its power lay in intricate footwork rather than brute strength, offering her a chance to overcome Zuo Qingluan through technique. Though initially overwhelmed by the complexity, Feng Wu resolved to learn, declaring, "For Zhao Ge, and for you, I've got to win the competition!" Meanwhile, Zuo Qingluan visited Mu Yao in her confinement.

Mu Yao complained about her suppressed spiritual energy and pain. Zuo Qingluan sternly reprimanded Mu Yao for hurting Zhao Ge despite her repeated warnings not to, but Mu Yao still questioned why Zuo Qingluan continued to protect Zhao Ge after her perceived betrayal. Zuo Qingluan gave Mu Yao a Celestial Pill and comforted her.

Episode 19 Recap

Jun Linyuan intensely trained Feng Wu for her upcoming match against Zuo Qingluan, even imparting to her the unique sword techniques of the Junwu Clan. Meanwhile, Zuo Qingluan, confident of her victory, focused her worries on Zhao Ge’s recovery. She privately arranged to enter the detention room to confront Mu Yao, whose spiritual power was greatly suppressed. As Mu Yao pleaded for help, Zuo Qingluan slapped her, angrily accusing her of disregarding her words and harming Zhao Ge.

Mu Yao tearfully apologized, expressing her confusion about why Zuo Qingluan still protected Zhao Ge despite her actions. Zuo Qingluan sternly told Mu Yao that her persistent stubbornness had damaged the Celestial Palace's reputation and caused trouble for innocent people. Though upset, Zuo Qingluan still showed mercy due to their shared sect, promising to manage the situation outside while Mu Yao remained in the detention room to reflect for a few days.

As Zuo Qingluan left, Mu Yao called out to her Senior Sister, but Zuo Qingluan was already caught in her own turmoil, resentful that all her efforts to care for Zhao Ge seemed unappreciated, as Zhao Ge's heart was only with Feng Wu. After leaving the detention room, Zuo Qingluan visited Zhao Ge, who was being cared for by Xuan Yi. Zhao Ge was awake but not fully recovered.

She expressed a strong desire to watch Feng Wu's match against Zuo Qingluan, acknowledging the significance of the competition for Feng Wu, who had trained tirelessly day and night. Zhao Ge confessed to Xuan Yi her conflicted feelings, explaining that her own lack of talent led her mother, the Leader of the Celestial Palace, to place all her hopes and burdens on Zuo Qingluan.

Xuan Yi, concerned about Zhao Ge's severe injury, gently dissuaded her from attending, promising to relay the match results instead. Zhao Ge lamented her uselessness, feeling inadequate in her cultivation and unable to even cheer for Feng Wu. Xuan Yi encouraged her to strive harder and get well. However, Zuo Qingluan, overhearing Zhao Ge's fervent hopes for Feng Wu’s victory, felt a pang of resentment. " This match means a lot to Feng Wu?

But it also means a lot to me," she thought, "Feng Wu, why do you always get everything I want so easily?" This moment further intensified Zuo Qingluan's long-standing jealousy and hatred for Feng Wu, especially given her own struggles with integrating the Phoenix Blood she possessed. The highly anticipated match between Feng Wu and Zuo Qingluan commenced with an official reminding the combatants that it was merely a friendly exchange between schoolmates, to be stopped before causing harm.

Each participant wore a ribbon on their arm, and the first to lose their ribbon would be deemed the loser. Thanks to Jun Linyuan's rigorous and secret training, Feng Wu displayed astonishing progress, skillfully matching Zuo Qingluan's every move, a rare feat that surprised the onlookers. Some audience members noted the unusual parity between a high-rank spiritual practitioner and a Great Spiritual Master, while others asserted that Senior Sister Zuo Qingluan hadn't yet unleashed her full power.

Feng Xun remarked to Jun Linyuan that Feng Wu's sword techniques looked familiar, and Xuan Yi quickly recognized them as the unique swordsmanship of the Junwu Clan. Realizing she had underestimated Feng Wu, Zuo Qingluan abandoned the pretense of a friendly spar. With a chilling taunt about regretting not ending her completely before, she unleashed the advanced spiritual technique "Ice Bird," freezing half of Feng Wu's body and aiming for a fatal blow.

As Feng Wu's Phoenix Sword proved ineffective against the ice, a fiery phoenix burst from within her, saving her life. At that critical moment, the Colored Phoenix residing in her Dragon Phoenix Spirit Ring revealed to Feng Wu that her lost Phoenix Blood was held within Zuo Qingluan's Ice Bracelet. Seizing a moment when Zuo Qingluan was momentarily caught off guard, Feng Wu quickly removed Zuo Qingluan’s ribbon, winning the match.

Before Feng Wu could confront Zuo Qingluan for the Ice Bracelet, Holy Queen Gao dramatically arrived, stopping their struggle. When Feng Wu bravely declared that Zuo Qingluan possessed her Phoenix Blood within the Ice Bracelet and pleaded for the Holy Queen's judgment to reclaim it, Holy Queen Gao dismissed her claim, stating that the Ice Bracelet was a gift from herself to Goddess Zuo.

She insinuated Feng Wu was mistaken and cautioned her against slandering a schoolmate, then turned to leave with Zuo Qingluan, instructing Feng Wu to focus on practicing her sword dance with Jun Linyuan for the upcoming birthday celebration.

In the immediate aftermath, Feng Wu, still reeling from the Holy Queen's intervention, desperately asked Jun Linyuan, Feng Xun, and Xuan Yi if they believed her claim about the Phoenix Blood, even as Yu Mingye, who had stayed behind to offer comfort and a special plaster for her wounds, stood by her side.

Zhao Ge, torn between her loyalty to Feng Wu and her long-standing relationship with Zuo Qingluan, hesitantly stated that while her Senior Sister had always wanted to surpass Feng Wu, she didn't believe Zuo Qingluan capable of such a thing. Yu Mingye openly mocked Jun Linyuan and his companions for their silence, questioning why they wouldn't defend Feng Wu against the Holy Queen's authority.

He sarcastically suggested that if they wouldn't act, then he would wait until Feng Wu sought his help. Despite his public silence, Jun Linyuan secretly instructed Feng Xun and Xuan Yi to investigate the matter, revealing his suspicion of Holy Queen Gao and his unwavering belief that Feng Wu would not lie. He acknowledged the sensitivity of the situation and the need for careful investigation to avoid falling into a passive position.

Elsewhere, Holy Queen Gao reassured a contrite Zuo Qingluan, who had confessed her carelessness in losing the match. Holy Queen Gao reiterated that Feng Wu, without her Phoenix Blood, would never be recognized as the spiritual consort of the Junwu Clan. She emphasized the importance of the Ice Bracelet to Zuo Qingluan and warned her to control Mu Yao, so as not to ruin her future over a "nobody."

Soon after, the Leader of the Celestial Palace also visited Zuo Qingluan, sternly reminding her that there was no "next time" and that opportunities, once lost, were gone. She encouraged Zuo Qingluan to regain her pride, reminding her of their shared history with Holy Queen Gao, who was once a disciple of the Celestial Palace, and hinted that with Holy Queen Gao's continued support, Zuo Qingluan could still achieve her goals.

Later, Feng Wu learned of Jun Linyuan’s true intentions to investigate the Holy Queen and was deeply encouraged by his unwavering trust and determination to stand by her, no matter the consequences. Jun Linyuan confided in Feng Wu that while he believed in evidence, he believed in her more, and promised to be with her forever, to which Feng Wu simply appreciated their shared moment under the moonlight.

Holy Queen Gao, having once been a disciple of the Celestial Palace herself and a senior sister to its current leader, harbored a deep affinity for Zuo Qingluan. She saw in Zuo Qingluan a reflection of her own character—proud, competitive, and ruthless. Her grand plan was to secure Zuo Qingluan's position as Jun Linyuan's spiritual consort, thereby gaining control over the vital affairs of the Junwu Clan.

On the day of Holy Queen Gao's birthday banquet, Jun Linyuan and Feng Wu performed a magnificent and perfectly synchronized sword dance, drawing high praise from the assembled guests. Madam Yan and Madam Ning, who knew Feng Wu from a past encounter, spoke highly of her exceptional talents in both swordsmanship and medicine to the Holy Sovereign, even reminding him of Feng Wu's previous engagement to Jun Linyuan.

Unwilling for Feng Wu to gain favor with the Holy Sovereign, Holy Queen Gao subtly prompted Zuo Qingluan to present a birthday gift. Zuo Qingluan offered an exquisite mermaid silk, using a clever play on words to wish the Holy Queen prosperity. Yu Mingye, watching from the side, mused about Zuo Qingluan's choice of words, but Zhao Ge quickly defended her Senior Sister's intentions.

Seizing the moment, Holy Queen Gao openly suggested a match between Zuo Qingluan and Jun Linyuan, praising their suitability. Just as the Holy Sovereign seemed on the verge of agreement, Jun Linyuan, having just returned with Feng Wu after changing into their usual attire, intervened loudly. He declared his heartfelt love for Feng Wu, stating unequivocally that he wanted her as his spiritual consort and sought the Holy Sovereign's blessing for their marriage.

The Holy Sovereign erupted in anger, chastising Jun Linyuan, the Crown Prince, for daring to make such a monumental decision about his marriage without consultation. Holy Queen Gao attempted to mediate, suggesting they discuss the matter another day, but Jun Linyuan stood firm, holding Feng Wu’s hand and refusing to be swayed by anyone's arrangements. In his fury, the Holy Sovereign slammed the table, sending fruits scattering. A small, hand-drawn flip-book fell from Jun Linyuan's possession.

It was Feng Wu's artwork, depicting Jun Linyuan from childhood to adulthood, in both his innocent and majestic armored forms. The Holy Sovereign, upon flipping through the book, was deeply moved as he recalled the dying wishes of his late queen, who had longed to see their son grow into a valiant leader of the Junwu Clan.

His heart softened considerably, and upon learning that Feng Wu was the artist, he made a public decree: if Feng Wu could recover her Phoenix Blood, she would be allowed to become Jun Linyuan's spiritual consort. Jun Linyuan, overjoyed by this significant step towards their union, expressed his profound gratitude to the Holy Sovereign for his approval.

Episode 20 Recap

The Holy Sovereign's promise to Jun Linyuan, allowing Feng Wu to become his spiritual consort if she recovers her Phoenix Blood, effectively stripped Zuo Qingluan of her arranged marriage opportunity. This setback was a bitter pill for Zuo Qingluan, a highly acclaimed goddess of the Celestial Palace, who had been raised with immense expectations. Her master had recently chided her for making mistakes in practice, urging her to be the Celestial Palace's best disciple to bring it glory.

Her junior sister, Zhao Ge, also expressed concern for Zuo Qingluan, reminding her that the Palace leader had placed high hopes on her. Later, Holy Queen Gao confronted Zuo Qingluan, reflecting on her sudden fall from grace and comparing it to Feng Wu's years of suffering after Zuo Qingluan took her Phoenix Blood. Holy Queen Gao pragmatically stated that in this world, nothing is inherently destined for anyone; it belongs to whoever can seize it.

Zuo Qingluan, in turn, declared she would never again allow anyone to take what was hers, readily aligning herself with Holy Queen Gao and admitting that her motivation was not love for Jun Linyuan, but simply the thrill of winning. Meanwhile, Feng Wu's spiritual companion, the Colored Phoenix, sensing intense vibrations, urgently conveyed a warning. It predicted the imminent appearance of the second Star Shard and foretold that significant events were about to unfold at Junwu Academy.

Emphasizing the accuracy of its intuition, the Colored Phoenix urged Feng Wu to remain highly vigilant and offered its assistance should the need arise. As the annual Lantern Festival approached, Zhao Ge suggested that Feng Wu write a letter to Jun Linyuan, just as she planned to write to Xuan Yi. It was customary for women to send such invitations, and a man's attendance signified mutual interest.

Despite Jun Linyuan's public declaration for Feng Wu, she had yet to formally express her feelings. However, upon seeing a large stack of letters already on Jun Linyuan's desk, Feng Wu felt disheartened, believing her own would be lost among them, and decided against sending one. Unbeknownst to her, Zhao Ge, in her haste, inadvertently placed her letter intended for Xuan Yi into a book on his desk which actually belonged to Feng Xun.

Discovering the letter, Feng Xun mistakenly believed Zhao Ge was infatuated with him. Puffing with pride, he boasted to Jun Linyuan and Xuan Yi about his undeniable charm, blissfully unaware of Xuan Yi's growing jealousy and silent frustration. Jun Linyuan, however, was too preoccupied with Feng Wu's apparent lack of interest in writing to him to pay much mind to Feng Xun's boasting.

Despite Feng Wu’s recent attempts to distance herself and then an improvement in their relationship after practicing sword fighting together, she remained "neither hostile nor friendly." Concluding that he needed to be more direct, Jun Linyuan resolved to seek her out himself. Feng Wu, meanwhile, decided to stay in, citing unfinished herb preparation, and encouraged Zhao Ge to enjoy the festival with Xuan Yi.

Later that evening, Feng Xun, dressed in new clothes, excitedly arrived at the festival to meet Zhao Ge, assuming she had been waiting for him. Zhao Ge, bewildered, tried to explain her confusion. Just then, Xuan Yi also appeared. Feng Xun, completely oblivious to Xuan Yi's true intentions, cheerfully welcomed him and suggested they all enjoy the festivities together.

As Feng Xun became engrossed in the lively atmosphere, Xuan Yi subtly drew Zhao Ge closer, their unspoken feelings for each other becoming increasingly evident amidst the bustling crowd. Jun Linyuan's plan to meet Feng Wu was abruptly interrupted when Zuo Qingluan stopped him, informing him that the Holy Sovereign had collapsed. Rushing to the Junwu Divine Hall, Jun Linyuan found Holy Queen Gao and Dean Ning already present.

Dean Ning publicly assured everyone that the Holy Sovereign was merely overworked from fasting and meditation. However, a discreet exchange of glances between Dean Ning and Jun Linyuan hinted at a more serious underlying issue. Jun Linyuan used the pretense of escorting Dean Ning out to speak with him privately. During their private conversation, Dean Ning revealed that the Holy Sovereign's spiritual energy was mysteriously dissipating due to an external force. This was a rare and alarming condition.

While he needed to consult ancient texts for confirmation, Dean Ning suspected the presence of the Spirit Waning Herb, a rare plant from the West Region known to cause such symptoms if ingested. This implied deliberate harm against the Holy Sovereign. Dean Ning advised Jun Linyuan to stay by the Holy Sovereign's side until he awoke, to prevent any further attempts on his life. Unknown to them, Zuo Qingluan had secretly overheard their entire conversation.

Holy Queen Gao, upon learning that her long-term scheme had been compromised due to Cailin’s carelessness, acted swiftly and ruthlessly. She confronted Cailin, reminding her of their three-year-long arrangement and her true allegiance. Cailin tearfully confessed that the Holy Sovereign, eager to enhance his cultivation, had insisted on taking multiple "elixirs" at once, and she had failed to stop him, leading to an accelerated effect that exposed the plot.

Enraged that her plan, which was designed to manifest slowly over three to five years without a trace, was ruined, Holy Queen Gao had Gao Wei execute Cailin, making it appear as a suicide. She then produced a forged suicide note, implicating Cailin in a conspiracy with external forces to poison the Holy Sovereign and suggesting an accomplice within Junwu Academy. Jun Linyuan immediately doubted the credibility of a mere maid orchestrating such a complex plot.

However, Holy Queen Gao, asserting her authority, dismissed his skepticism and commanded Gao Wei to assemble all cultivators of Senior-rank spiritual practitioner and above in Xuanwu Hall for questioning, ostensibly to uncover the deeper conspiracy. She then instructed Jun Linyuan to remain by the Holy Sovereign's side, while she would handle the rest.

Zuo Qingluan, who had lingered, claimed she was staying out of concern for the Holy Sovereign and to assist Jun Linyuan, a move clearly intended to keep an eye on him. Jun Linyuan, giving her a cold reception, tried to dismiss her, but Holy Queen Gao insisted she stay. After Holy Queen Gao left, Zuo Qingluan made it clear to Jun Linyuan that they had their own tasks and would not interfere with each other. This exchange confirmed Jun Linyuan's suspicion that Zuo Qingluan's true ambition extended beyond simply becoming his spiritual consort.

Episode 21 Recap

Feng Wu waited for Jun Linyuan through the night at her residence, but he never arrived. Unbeknownst to her, Jun Linyuan was confined to Junwu Divine Hall, tending to the Holy Sovereign. Losing patience, Feng Wu decided to visit the Library Pavilion to read and check on Supervisor Wu Youdao. Upon her arrival, however, she discovered Dean Ning murdered.

She immediately called for help, but Gao Wei, who was patrolling with soldiers, arrived and, seeing her at the scene, arrested her as a suspect and confined her to the detention room. News of the murder reached Junwu Divine Hall, where Jun Linyuan vehemently argued against Feng Wu's guilt, refusing to believe she would commit such an act. However, Zuo Qingluan interjected, noting that Feng Wu's disposition had drastically changed from before.

She recalled Feng Wu's extraordinary display of spiritual energy during their past duel, implying that Feng Wu might be more powerful than people assumed, and therefore, a potential match for Dean Ning. She also pointed out that with all high-level spiritual masters summoned following the Holy Sovereign's poisoning, there were no other immediate suspects, making Feng Wu the primary one. Meanwhile, in the detention room, Feng Wu asserted her innocence, stating Dean Ning was already dead when she arrived.

Gao Wei presented a witness who claimed to have seen Feng Wu near the Library Pavilion an hour earlier. Feng Wu countered that her maid could confirm she was at her residence, but the maid's testimony was quickly dismissed. Zuo Qingluan, in a private conversation with the Holy Queen, confided that she knew Feng Wu was innocent. She had secretly followed Dean Ning to the Library Pavilion to consult ancient texts and had discovered his body before Feng Wu.

Seizing the opportunity, Zuo Qingluan decided to frame Feng Wu, seeing her as a major threat. She also saw the Holy Sovereign's illness as a chance to clear hidden obstacles within Junwu Academy. She was tasked by the Holy Queen to monitor Jun Linyuan. Word spread quickly through Junwu Academy, with students widely believing Feng Wu to be Dean Ning's killer, fueled by Mu Yao's deliberate rumors. Feng Xun and their friends refused to believe it but felt powerless.

Learning that Feng Wu was held in the detention room, a place reportedly filled with charms that suppressed spiritual energy, Yu Mingye immediately went to rescue her. Feng Wu refused to leave, explaining that fleeing would only solidify her guilt and implicate her mother and friends. Instead, she handed Yu Mingye her hair tie, asking him to seek out Jun Linyuan, believing that only together could they devise a plan to clear her name.

Yu Mingye, taking the hair tie, stormed into Junwu Divine Hall, injuring several guards in the process. Jun Linyuan, recognizing the hair tie and understanding Yu Mingye's purpose, intervened, claiming Yu Mingye as his friend to shield him from Zuo Qingluan’s accusations of ill intent. Just then, the Holy Sovereign, having recovered, woke up.

He expressed his pleasure that Jun Linyuan had made a new friend besides Feng Xun and Xuan Yi, granting Jun Linyuan the freedom to go with Yu Mingye. Jun Linyuan and Yu Mingye then discussed how to help Feng Wu. Yu Mingye had already formulated a plan: to "lure the snake out of its hole" by publicly announcing that Dean Ning had survived and was recuperating in Wenyuan Pavilion.

The murderer, upon hearing their target was still alive, would undoubtedly return to finish the job. Jun Linyuan, though initially skeptical, agreed to cooperate. As expected, Jun Linyuan and Yu Mingye waited in Wenyuan Pavilion and soon confronted a black-clad figure wearing a dark bamboo hat. The assailant demonstrated exceptional spiritual prowess, employing techniques from various sects. Recognizing they were no match individually, Jun Linyuan and Yu Mingye united their strength, managing to tear off the figure's hat.

To their astonishment, the assailant was revealed to be Supervisor Wu Youdao. Wu Youdao openly confessed to killing Dean Ning. He then took Gao Wei hostage, demanding that Feng Wu be brought to him at the Library Pavilion. Outside the Library Pavilion, Spiritual Elder Fang intervened, emphasizing that a direct assault would inevitably damage the invaluable historical texts housed within and that they should rely on Feng Wu. Jun Linyuan, worried for Feng Wu, proposed going in with her, unarmed.

Wu Youdao agreed, albeit only for Jun Linyuan, dismissing Yu Mingye. Jun Linyuan and Feng Wu then entered the Library Pavilion hand-in-hand. Inside, Wu Youdao was gazing at a painting of Sima Yunniang, the only female teacher in Junwu Academy's history, whom Jun Linyuan recognized as his former sword-fighting instructor. Wu Youdao then revealed his deep connection to Yunniang, disclosing that she was his beloved.

He recounted a thirty-five-year-old grievance: the invitation for the Junwu Academy Dean's position was originally sent to him, but Ning Shien stole it, boasting that his Junwu lineage made him more suitable. When Wu Youdao threatened to expose him, Ning Shien leveraged Yunniang, promising to help her achieve her lifelong aspiration of becoming the academy's first female teacher, but only if Wu Youdao stepped aside. For Yunniang's sake, Wu Youdao endured the injustice.

He left Junwu Academy and embarked on a journey across the Qianyuan Continent, where he fortuitously discovered one of Mu Jiuzhou’s manuscripts, which detailed the spiritual techniques of various sects. This knowledge allowed him to become one of Qianyuan Continent’s foremost Spiritual Elders. However, Yunniang later resigned due to ideological differences with the academy, retreating to the Library Pavilion for solitary cultivation, only to perish in a fire ten years prior, with no trace of her body found.

The unresolved grief and simmering rage finally drove Wu Youdao back to Junwu Academy to exact his revenge on Ning Shien. Jun Linyuan and Feng Wu urged Wu Youdao to surrender, hoping he might receive leniency. Wu Youdao, however, expressed no desire for forgiveness, having long prepared for his own death. He explained his true purpose in summoning them: he knew Feng Wu was Mu Jiuzhou's disciple and thus considered her part of the same lineage.

He also respected Jun Linyuan for his loyalty and as Yunniang's former student, vowing not to harm either of them. Taking advantage of their momentary distraction, Wu Youdao activated a hidden mechanism, trapping them in an underground secret chamber where spiritual energy was rendered useless. As Wu Youdao continued his rampage outside, vowing to destroy Junwu Academy and reunite with Yunniang, Jun Linyuan and Feng Wu searched for an exit.

Jun Linyuan speculated that this might be the secret cultivation chamber established by Mu Jiuzhou when he founded Junwu Academy. Feng Wu then confessed that she was indeed Mu Jiuzhou's disciple, explaining that she had kept it a secret to avoid bringing shame to him due to her own perceived lack of talent. She revealed that all her efforts had been dedicated to awakening him. Jun Linyuan, understanding her motivations, assured her he didn't blame her.

He acknowledged that the world's energy barrier, established by Mu Jiuzhou, was weakening and concluded that awakening him was likely the only way to repair it. He pledged his full support to Feng Wu in her mission. Together, they continued their search, eventually discovering a depiction of Mu Jiuzhou on the chamber wall.

Episode 22 Recap

Having consumed the Deadly Vessel-rupturing Pill, Wu Youdao became immensely powerful, his spirit energy tripled at the cost of his life. Spiritual Elder Fang, Feng Xun, Xuan Yi, and a wounded Zuo Qungluan attempted to contain him with an energy barrier. Feng Xun noted that Wu Youdao had lost his senses and urged Xuan Yi to quickly set the barrier, while Spiritual Elder Fang desperately tried to appeal to Wu Youdao's former self, begging him to stop harming innocent people.

Concurrently, Yu Mingye was prevented from intervening by a Darknight Court member, who conveyed Lord Demon's strict order to stay out of the conflict. Despite their efforts, Wu Youdao's overwhelming power shattered the barrier, severely injuring everyone present. Jun Linyuan and Feng Wu, who had escaped the underground chamber through a hidden passage, emerged in the back mountain of Junwu Academy.

They discovered a secluded residence, which Feng Wu deduced was Yunniang's, who had faked her death in the Library fire years ago to live in hiding. Jun Linyuan recalled that Wu Youdao had mentioned Yunniang's body was never found, confirming Feng Wu's suspicion. They found a letter addressed to Wu Youdao from Yunniang, and Feng Wu insisted on delivering it to him, believing it was crucial.

Arriving back at the Library, Feng Wu saw Yu Mingye struggling after being restrained by Wu Youdao. Feng Wu called out to Wu Youdao, trying to calm him by invoking Yunniang's name and presenting the letter. Jun Linyuan warned her against approaching the rampaging Wu Youdao and suggested she use her spirit energy to deliver the letter from a safe distance.

The letter expressed Yunniang’s deep longing for Wu Youdao, her reclusive life to avoid painful memories, and her hope that he would abandon his old grievances and return to his original aspirations. As Feng Wu also conveyed that Yunniang had been waiting for him, Wu Youdao saw a vision of Yunniang bidding him farewell and finally regained his sanity. Tearfully lamenting that he had realized the truth too late, he accepted his impending death from the pill.

Before his last breath, he whispered the location of the second Star Shard to Feng Wu. Feng Wu, heartbroken, desperately tried to save him with her medicine, but Jun Linyuan confirmed it was futile. Old Man Ba arrived moments too late, offering solace that Wu Youdao would now be reunited with Dean Ning and Yunniang. Later, Feng Wu confided in Jun Linyuan, revealing she was not the original Feng Wu and felt a pull back to her own world.

Jun Linyuan, unfazed, admitted he had long sensed she was different, initially attributing it to her injuries but eventually understanding the truth. He reassured her that he loved the current Feng Wu—the one who challenged him and faced dangers by his side—and promised to face all her fears with her. He confirmed his unwavering affection by playfully offering her a cake, prompting her to tease him, asking if he had already known she would accept.

Old Man Ba administered a golden medicinal pill to Holy Sovereign, explaining it would restore his primordial Qi and ensure his full recovery. Holy Queen Gao suggested Old Man Ba stay and teach, but he declined, stating his intention to return to Border City after visiting his "young friend," whom he revealed was Feng Wu. He praised her medical abilities, and Holy Sovereign, recalling Feng Wu's impressive sword dance with Jun Linyuan, was impressed by her talent.

He expressed interest in arranging their marriage, though the Queen advised deferring the discussion. Later, at the joint burial site for Dean Ning, Wu Youdao, and a symbolic tomb for Yunniang—a resting place Spiritual Elder Fang had successfully petitioned for—Old Man Ba joined Feng Wu and Jun Linyuan. There, they discussed the conspiracy against Holy Sovereign. Feng Wu pointed out the illogicality of Wu Youdao using a slow-acting poison, suggesting a larger plot, with which Jun Linyuan agreed.

Before departing, Old Man Ba cautioned Feng Wu about the dangers of the capital. Elsewhere, Zuo Qungluan, having failed to sow discord between Feng Wu and Zhao Ge, grew more determined to eliminate her. Holy Queen Gao reminded Zuo Qungluan that Feng Wu, now aware of her stolen Phoenix Blood, would inevitably seek revenge and urged her to seek greater strength.

Zuo Qungluan accepted an invitation to meet Lord Demon, who, despite her disdain for dark arts, offered her a path to power, warning that it might blur her understanding of good and evil. Simultaneously, Feng Wu, following Wu Youdao's instructions, located the second Star Shard and Mu Jiuzhou's manuscript in the Library. A spiritual entity within the Star Shard assured her the manuscript would enhance her cultivation.

However, Feng Wu realized she still needed one more Star Shard and her Phoenix Blood. She also learned from Huang Li that someone had impersonated her during Dean Ning's murder, responding to her name to frame her, signaling that a greater crisis was rapidly approaching.

Episode 23 Recap

After finding the second Star Shard, Feng Wu was about to enter her spirit ring to inform the Colored Phoenix when she encountered Huang Li, a fellow disciple from Celestial Palace. Huang Li confessed that she had previously exchanged greetings with the "Feng Wu" she saw entering the Library Pavilion just before Dean Ning's death, confirming Feng Wu's suspicion that someone had impersonated her to frame her for the Dean's demise.

As the Colored Phoenix impatiently urged Feng Wu to enter the spirit ring, Feng Wu quickly excused herself from Huang Li. Inside the spirit ring, the Colored Phoenix joyfully explained that the recovery of the second Star Shard was awakening the ring's vitality. Soon, it would be able to freely leave the ring to play with Feng Wu, eliminating the need to always pull her inside.

Meanwhile, the Holy Queen met with Zuo Qingluan to discuss her progress with the Demonic Cultivation Skills. Under the Lord Demon's tutelage, Zuo Qingluan had successfully advanced to the first level. Zuo Qingluan affirmed her commitment to learning these skills from Darknight Court to defeat Feng Wu, confident she could control the power.

The Holy Queen then divulged a hidden history, revealing that Mu Jiuzhou, the founder of Junwu Academy and the only person to achieve the Spirit Immortal rank, had been betrayed. He had selected two individuals to govern Qianyuan Continent: the current Holy Sovereign and the Lord Demon of Darknight Court. However, the Holy Sovereign, after a decade of feigned righteousness, sabotaged Mu Jiuzhou's ascension.

The Holy Queen asserted that the definitions of good and evil are simply creations of the victors, implying that the Junwu Clan wasn't inherently righteous, nor Darknight Court inherently evil. She expressed her belief that Jun Linyuan, much like Zuo Qingluan, would make the "correct" choice once he uncovered this truth, explaining her efforts to unite Zuo Qingluan and Jun Linyuan.

She then charged Zuo Qingluan with the critical mission to "awaken" Jun Linyuan, who she believed had been "bewitched" by Feng Wu, and to ultimately eliminate Feng Wu. Zuo Qingluan solemnly vowed to fulfill her duty to defeat Feng Wu and uphold justice. In another part of the academy, Zhao Ge and Xuan Yi's affection for each other continued to deepen. Xuan Yi diligently oversaw Zhao Ge's cultivation to ensure she wouldn't fall behind in her spiritual training again.

Although feeling tired, Zhao Ge admitted her efforts were fueled by her thoughts of Xuan Yi. When Xuan Yi playfully questioned her lack of shyness, she clarified that she spoke openly to prevent any misunderstandings, particularly recalling an incident with Feng Xun during a previous lantern festival. Xuan Yi, in turn, promised to reward her for her dedication. Later, the Leader of Celestial Palace arrived with other disciples, including Mu Yao, to observe their students' progress at Junwu Academy.

They soon noticed Zhao Ge practicing with her slingshot. The Leader acknowledged Zhao Ge's remarkable improvement in spiritual power, which irritated Mu Yao. Fearing that the Leader might welcome Zhao Ge back into Celestial Palace and thus jeopardize Zuo Qingluan's position as Goddess, Mu Yao audaciously challenged Zhao Ge to a sparring match. Despite Zuo Qingluan's attempt to intervene, the Leader permitted the contest. Though not initially gifted, Zhao Ge had made significant strides through diligent practice.

Her slingshot offered a potent long-range advantage, preventing Mu Yao from closing in. For close-quarters defense, Zhao Ge cleverly encircled herself with ice spikes. When Mu Yao finally breached her defenses, Zhao Ge ingeniously used candied fruits as projectiles through the ice spikes to disrupt Mu Yao's attack. With Zhao Ge's victory undeniable, Mu Yao defiantly refused to concede until the Leader sternly stopped the match and declared Zhao Ge the winner.

The Leader praised Zhao Ge's swift progress, which Zhao Ge humbly attributed to Feng Wu teaching her acupoint targeting with a slingshot, and to Xuan Yi's mentorship. Mu Yao, however, disparaged Zhao Ge as merely the Leader's "abandoned daughter," provoking a severe reprimand from the Leader, who threatened to expel Mu Yao from Celestial Palace for her inappropriate behavior.

Afterwards, Zuo Qingluan privately advised a resentful Mu Yao to foster alliances rather than hostilities, stressing that Zhao Ge, as a fellow sect member, should ideally return to Celestial Palace. Zuo Qingluan asserted that their true adversary was not Zhao Ge, and that she was prepared to relinquish her Goddess title if it meant achieving victory over Feng Wu. Following the departure of the Celestial Palace Leader, Zhao Ge expressed her disappointment that her mother left without saying anything.

Xuan Yi comforted her, suggesting that the Leader was simply too proud to openly praise her impressive progress. Meanwhile, Feng Wu and the Colored Phoenix engaged in a lively debate over a lantern Feng Wu had crafted, which the Colored Phoenix deemed "ugly" while teasing Feng Wu about being "in love" due to her recent unusual behavior.

Zhao Ge then approached Feng Wu, inquiring about a previous injury and inviting her to the fireworks show that evening, which had been rescheduled from the Chinese Valentine's Day. Feng Wu agreed, and Zhao Ge enthusiastically outlined their plans for the outing.

As Feng Wu and Zhao Ge enjoyed the bustling streets of Capital, Yu Mingye suddenly appeared and swiftly pulled Feng Wu away, leaving Zhao Ge in a panic, as she had been entrusted by Jun Linyuan to bring Feng Wu out. Yu Mingye led Feng Wu to a high city pavilion, claiming that watching the fireworks from there would be magnificent.

He then played a melody on his flute and complimented her beauty, remarking that the moonlit night was even more beautiful with her by his side. Yu Mingye offered Feng Wu his jade flute, a cherished memento from his mother. Feng Wu, however, gently declined, stating that her heart belonged to someone else and that she saw him only as a friend. Prepared for her rejection, Yu Mingye feigned cheerfulness, suggesting they could still be friends.

He then playfully remarked that Jun Linyuan, being the jealous guy he was, was undoubtedly scouring the entire Capital for Feng Wu. Indeed, as Feng Wu descended the pavilion stairs, she found Jun Linyuan waiting for her. He directly asked if she had developed feelings for Yu Mingye, a question Feng Wu steadfastly denied. Convinced by her candid response, Jun Linyuan passionately kissed her, an intimate moment witnessed by many of the city's onlookers.

Simultaneously, a spectacular display of fireworks lit up the sky, complemented by countless glowing lanterns. These lanterns had been prepared by Xuan Yi at Jun Linyuan's command, with Feng Xun responsible for using his spiritual power to launch them into the heavens. Feng Xun good-naturedly complained about having to use his skills for Jun Linyuan's romantic endeavor.

Jun Linyuan then explained that he orchestrated this elaborate display to compensate Feng Wu for the missed lantern festival and present her with a surprise. He earnestly confessed his desire to be with her, regardless of future challenges, and expressed profound gratitude for her trust in sharing her secrets with him. At the same moment, away from the celebrations, Zuo Qingluan secretly took Zhao Ge aside.

Zuo Qingluan reiterated her conviction that the current Feng Wu was an imposter, claiming that the true Feng Wu should have been killed by her. She implored Zhao Ge to distance herself from Feng Wu, portraying her as a mysterious demoness. While Zhao Ge was not entirely persuaded, she was disturbed by her Senior Sister's earnestness, given her deep trust in Zuo Qingluan.

Zuo Qingluan pressed on, urging Zhao Ge to reflect on the stark difference in the current Feng Wu's personality compared to her past self, and how the recent string of events in Capital seemed too perfectly orchestrated to be mere accidents. She speculated that an unknown entity was secretly guiding the current Feng Wu to achieve an undisclosed objective.

Episode 24 Recap

Zuo Qunluan meticulously cultivated Zhao Ge's doubts about Feng Wu, observing that Feng Wu seemed more lively and open now compared to her past self who kept everything hidden after her father's death. Zuo Qunluan suggested that the many incidents Feng Wu had experienced since coming to the Capital seemed orchestrated rather than coincidental. If the current Feng Wu was indeed an imposter, all these "coincidences" would make sense, implying someone was secretly guiding her for unknown motives.

Zuo Qunluan pressed Zhao Ge to consider that if Feng Wu was a fake, the real Feng Wu's fate—whether she was alive or dead—remained unknown. This line of reasoning finally swayed Zhao Ge, who confessed to seeing Feng Wu talking to the Dragon Phoenix Spirit Ring on her chest.

Zuo Qunluan, seeing her plan unfold, then instructed Zhao Ge to take the ring to an old fairy on Baiding Mountain, a place also known as The Purgatorial Place, located outside the Capital. This old fairy, known for her high spiritual power, specialized in casting out demons and could verify the ring's origin.

Zuo Qunluan emphasized the gravity of the situation if Feng Wu truly was an imposter, hinting at far-reaching implications, and sternly warned Zhao Ge to keep their scheme a secret. This entire setup was a trap concocted by Zuo Qunluan and Holy Queen Gao. Holy Queen Gao had promised to spare Zhao Ge, who was her junior sister's child, but harbored no such mercy for Feng Wu, wishing for her permanent removal.

To ensure no loose ends, Holy Queen Gao also dispatched Lord Demon to Baiding Mountain with orders to "net them all" and kill Feng Wu on the spot if she somehow managed to escape. Meanwhile, Yu Mingye, upon learning of Feng Wu's peril, found himself in a conflicted position.

Lord Demon, his father, reminded him of his past failures due to his feelings for Feng Wu, warning that if his "sympathy" jeopardized their plans again, he would become an "outcast" and neither the Darknight Court nor Lord Demon himself would forgive him.

Yu Mingye, trapped by his lineage and unable to defy his father, lamented that love was "the hardest thing to control in the world" and resigned himself to his "destined fate" as a villain, forever separated from Feng Wu. Feng Wu, having learned from a guard that Zhao Ge had inquired about directions to Baiding Mountain, grew deeply concerned for her friend's safety.

The guard warned her about the mountain, which was said to confine a thousand-year-old Demon Wolf subdued by Mu Jiuzhou, a beast too powerful for anyone else to approach or defeat. Feng Wu hastily made her way there. Before leaving, she instructed Feng Xun to return to the academy and check if Zhao Ge had come back.

If not, Feng Xun was to inform Jun Linyuan that her Dragon Phoenix Spirit Ring was missing and ask him to keep an eye out. Feng Xun found Zhao Ge absent from the academy and relayed the information to Jun Linyuan and Xuan Yi, warning them about the high-ranking spirit beast on Baiding Mountain. Jun Linyuan, realizing the potential danger, declared that they must go and investigate immediately.

Upon reaching Baiding Mountain, Feng Wu found Zhao Ge, not in danger, but in the company of a humanoid demonic beast – a "Wolf Girl." To Feng Wu's surprise, Zhao Ge was bandaging the Wolf Girl's arm and seemed to understand her. Zhao Ge explained that she was a "beast-speaker," capable of understanding the Wolf Girl, who was a thousand-year-old white wolf spirit and had actually saved her.

The Wolf Girl, now trusting Feng Wu as Zhao Ge's friend, transformed into a gentle human form. Feng Wu, noticing the Wolf Girl's old wounds, offered to gather herbs to help heal them. Zhao Ge returned the Dragon Phoenix Spirit Ring to Feng Wu, sincerely apologizing for her earlier suspicions.

Feng Wu, understanding Zhao Ge's predicament, forgave her, saying that since she herself had kept secrets, they were now "even," and encouraged Zhao Ge to always ask her directly if she had doubts in the future. The Wolf Girl reacted strongly to the sight of the Dragon Phoenix Spirit Ring. Zhao Ge translated that the ring belonged to Mu Jiuzhou, who was Feng Wu's master. It became clear that Feng Wu had been communicating with her master through the ring.

Zhao Ge then translated the Wolf Girl's tragic story. The Wolf Girl admitted to having committed "wicked things" but explained the circumstances. She was a white wolf that had cultivated for a thousand years to finally achieve human form. Out of curiosity, she disguised herself as a maid in the Capital's Shen's Mansion. There, she fell in love with Young Master Shen, who taught her to read and write, introducing her to a "new life."

Even after she revealed her true identity, he remained devoted to her. Soon, she became pregnant with his child. However, their forbidden love was discovered by the Shen family, who vehemently opposed it. She was banished, but Young Master Shen secretly promised to meet her at a pavilion on Baiding Mountain in three days. She waited, day after day, for three months, but he never came.

Believing he had regretted his promise, she returned to Shen's Mansion to see him one last time before leaving forever. Instead, she found him dying by suicide, having been confined and unable to keep their appointment. In his last moments, he expressed deep regret for not being with her but found solace in seeing her one last time before dying "without regrets."

Overwhelmed by grief and loss, the Wolf Girl went on a violent rampage, thus becoming the infamous thousand-year Demon Wolf. Mu Jiuzhou later subdued her on Baiding Mountain but, seeing she was pregnant, spared her life. Now, the Wolf Girl lived with her two cubs, the fruit of her love, wishing only to raise them. Moved by her story, Feng Wu went to gather herbs to help the Wolf Girl heal.

As Feng Wu left, Darknight Court forces, including Yu Mingye, were already on Baiding Mountain, setting up a trapping formation to prevent Feng Wu and Zhao Ge from leaving. Jun Linyuan, Feng Xun, and Xuan Yi, having arrived, witnessed the ambush. Feng Xun expressed disbelief that Yu Mingye would target Feng Wu.

Jun Linyuan decided to distract Darknight Court's forces, engaging Yu Mingye, while Feng Xun and Xuan Yi would rush into the mountain to find Feng Wu and Zhao Ge. In the cave, Lord Demon seized the opportunity while Feng Wu was away. He incapacitated Zhao Ge and the Wolf Girl, then cunningly transformed into Feng Wu's likeness. The Wolf Girl, before losing consciousness, saw "Feng Wu."

When Feng Wu returned with the herbs, she discovered Zhao Ge and the Wolf Girl unconscious, and one of the Wolf Girl's cubs tragically dead. The Wolf Girl awoke to see the real Feng Wu holding her deceased cub. Mistaking Feng Wu for the killer, the Wolf Girl, consumed by rage, unleashed her power and attacked Feng Wu. Feng Wu frantically protested her innocence, but the Wolf Girl was inconsolable.

Just then, Feng Xun and Xuan Yi arrived, seeing the chaos. They quickly restrained the enraged Wolf Girl, who, despite being partially restrained, still possessed immense spiritual power. Recognizing the danger, Feng Xun urged a swift departure, emphasizing that the Wolf Girl's power far exceeded any demonic beasts they had previously encountered. They quickly decided to leave the cave with Zhao Ge and Feng Wu for their safety.

Episode 25 Recap

Taking advantage of everyone's absence at Baiding Mountain, Holy Queen Gao moved swiftly to seize power. She and Lord Demon led the Darknight Court forces directly to Junwu Divine Hall. Although the Holy Sovereign attempted to resist, his loyalists had already been corrupted, and his spiritual power, only recently recovered, was no match for Lord Demon. He sustained injuries and was subsequently imprisoned.

Holy Queen Gao taunted the Holy Sovereign, saying he had been negligent in governing and had long lost the support of his people, rendering him truly alone. The Holy Sovereign realized they had been colluding all along. Lord Demon then declared the Holy Sovereign's era over, asserting there was no longer a place for him on Qianyuan Continent.

The Holy Sovereign expressed hope that the Crown Prince would thwart their plans, but Lord Demon dismissed this, stating that the Crown Prince himself was in too much peril to offer any help. A subordinate congratulated Holy Queen Gao on finally unifying Qianyuan Continent. On Baiding Mountain, Feng Xun and Xuan Yi, with Xuan Yi carrying the unconscious Zhao Ge, attempted to escape with Feng Wu.

At the mountain pass, Jun Linyuan and Yu Mingye were locked in a fierce battle. Meanwhile, Darknight Court forces had already set up an explosive energy barrier. This barrier was initially intended for Feng Wu, but as the enraged Demon Wolf rampaged, the Darknight Court planned to use it to gravely injure her. Feng Xun, observing the Demon Wolf's immense power, urged Feng Wu not to hesitate, noting the wolf had fully demonized and they were no match for her.

He insisted they meet Jun Linyuan down the mountain to avoid unimaginable consequences if the Demon Wolf descended. Yu Mingye's subordinates urged him to detonate the barrier to prevent further casualties, but he hesitated, knowing his own people were still inside. Jun Linyuan and the others tried to pull Feng Wu away from the imminent blast.

However, Feng Wu, recalling the Demon Wolf's tender moments with her cubs, insisted it was not the Demon Wolf's fault and rushed back into the explosive barrier to save her. Both Jun Linyuan and Yu Mingye desperately tried to stop the detonation, but it was too late. The Demon Wolf, saved by Feng Wu, pounced on her, but was enveloped in a white light that transported her memories back twenty years.

She recalled Mu Jiuzhou sealing most of her spiritual power, granting her freedom in exchange, and allowing her twenty years to bear her child. He foretold that twenty years later, her great tribulation would come, offering her a choice: kill that person to become a demon again, or let go of her hatred and accept her fate. In that moment, the Demon Wolf finally understood the nature of her tribulation.

At the last moment, she refrained from delivering a fatal blow, only leaving Feng Wu injured and unconscious. Just as they survived the Demon Wolf's attack, Zuo Qingluan arrived with her forces, surrounding them. She falsely claimed to be acting on the Holy Sovereign's orders to arrest Jun Linyuan, Feng Wu, Feng Xun, and Xuan Yi.

The accusations included a previous failed attempt to poison the Holy Sovereign and current collusion with the Demon Wolf to bring disaster to the capital. Feng Xun vehemently denied these baseless charges, questioning how Jun Linyuan, the Holy Sovereign's own son, could ever harm him, and accusing Zuo Qingluan of twisting the truth and siding with the sinister Darknight Court.

Zuo Qingluan asserted the collusion was a fact, crediting the Darknight Court with severely injuring the demon, and told them they could defend themselves before the Holy Sovereign. Jun Linyuan insisted Feng Wu stay with him, but Zuo Qingluan seized Feng Wu's Dragon Phoenix Spirit Ring, declaring it evidence of her collusion with demons and threatening any who interfered with war against the Junwu Clan, Celestial Palace, and Darknight Court.

Mu Yao, Zuo Qingluan's junior sister, confronted her, expressing disbelief at her actions, especially her alliance with the Darknight Court. Zuo Qingluan dismissed her, instructing her to return to Celestial Palace and stay out of the capital's affairs. Meanwhile, the now conscious Zhao Ge, who had been taken for treatment, also confronted Zuo Qingluan, revealing that Zuo Qingluan had deliberately tricked her into luring Feng Wu to Baiding Mountain and questioning if it was out of jealousy.

Zhao Ge refused to leave, reminding Zuo Qingluan that Feng Wu had offered her warmth after she was banished from Celestial Palace, and Xuan Yi had helped her when she was bullied. Zhao Ge declared that she had long lost her home, and her friends were her family, whom she would never abandon. She warned Zuo Qingluan that if she continued to oppose Feng Wu and harm their friends, their bond would be severed.

Zuo Qingluan, implying that life was paramount and people change, had Zhao Ge taken to the Celestial Prison. Jun Linyuan, Feng Xun, and Xuan Yi were also confined there, unable to use their spiritual powers. Feng Xun regretted not resisting, but Xuan Yi reminded him of the Darknight Court's overwhelming strength.

Holy Queen Gao, to solidify her control, gave orders for Feng Wu to be executed that night at the Sky-reaching Terrace by the Bone-eroding Thunder, fearing complications if she delayed. Meanwhile, the Demon Wolf had torn off her own claw to escape, and the Queen ordered her recapture, instructing that the wolf be kept alive as a future cultivation tool for Zuo Qingluan.

Knowing that Jun Linyuan, as the Crown Prince, could not be directly eliminated without public outcry, Holy Queen Gao summoned him from the Celestial Prison. Feigning maternal concern, she offered him dishes she supposedly cooked and began to manipulate him. Jun Linyuan saw through her pretense, asking about the Holy Sovereign's whereabouts.

Holy Queen Gao then revealed her past with Mu Jiuzhou, admitting she was the cause of his demise during his ascension, driven by her obsessive love for him and her hatred for his devotion to cultivation. She confessed that if she couldn't have him, she would destroy him and everything he protected. Jun Linyuan denounced her as a hypocrite undeserving of speaking of love, solely driven by power.

Feigning regret, Holy Queen Gao then offered him the rule of Qianyuan Continent. Jun Linyuan retorted that she merely sought a puppet to legitimize her unlawful ascent to power. He then defiantly summoned his Heaven Slaying Sword and pointed it at her. Before he could act, Gao Wei rushed in. Jun Linyuan escaped through a window, but his act was immediately twisted by Holy Queen Gao into an accusation of "colluding with demons and attempting matricide."

She publicly declared him an enemy to all, to be killed on sight. Jun Linyuan, having escaped, immediately headed to the Sky-reaching Terrace to find Feng Wu, who had regained consciousness but was extremely weak. Yu Mingye, watching Feng Wu's impending execution alongside Lord Demon, was visibly distraught. He finally broke years of silence, calling Lord Demon "Father" and pleading for Feng Wu's life, confessing she was the only woman he loved.

Lord Demon noted that Yu Mingye had not called him "Father" since he was ordered to kill someone, and now he used the term to save a life. However, Lord Demon stated it was too late, as the five types of lightning had converged for the Bone-eroding Thunder. In the Celestial Prison, Feng Xun, Xuan Yi, and Zhao Ge were desperate to help.

A guard named Huang Li arrived, revealing Zuo Qingluan's collusion with Holy Queen Gao and the execution plan. Expressing remorse for not protecting Zhao Ge from past bullying, Huang Li helped them escape. Meanwhile, at the Sky-reaching Terrace, Yu Mingye, losing all reason, defied Lord Demon and rushed towards the execution site, declaring he could not watch the girl he loved die and would save her even if it meant opposing his father and the entire Darknight Court. He fought valiantly against the Bone-eroding Thunder, repeatedly falling and rising, until he made one last desperate push, sacrificing his right arm, which was severed by the lightning.

Episode 26 Recap

As the five elements of heavenly lightning converged, Lord Demon warned Yu Mingye that he could do nothing to stop it. However, Yu Mingye defied his father, declaring this the last time he would call him such, and swore to save the girl he loved, even if it meant opposing his father and the entire Darknight Court. Feng Wu pleaded with Yu Mingye not to approach, knowing the danger, but he vowed he would not let her die.

Just as Yu Mingye was severely injured, losing his right arm, Jun Linyuan arrived, wielding the Heaven Slaying Sword. Though he declared it feared no lightning and promised to protect her, his efforts against the heavenly power were ultimately futile. Feng Wu, seeing his arrival and the immense sacrifices being made, begged him not to make any more for her.

Meanwhile, Feng Xun and Xuan Yi, along with others imprisoned in the Celestial Prison, were aided by Huang Li, who, believing Zuo Qingluan had deviated from her path and that Jun Linyuan's group was innocent, helped them escape. This allowed Feng Xun, Xuan Yi, and Zhao Ge to arrive at the scene. Zhao Ge, despite Zuo Qingluan's arrangements for her treatment, insisted on standing with Feng Xun and Xuan Yi. All three found Jun Linyuan and Yu Mingye gravely wounded.

Seeing the two men she cared for suffering for her, Feng Wu was overcome with grief and a sense of powerlessness. In a moment of inner turmoil, she questioned her presence in this world and if her absence would spare her friends from misfortune. A vision of her Master Mu Jiuzhou appeared, assuring her that the world doesn't change due to one's existence or disappearance, and that her journey was her own.

Despite her initial denial, a guiding voice, embodying her own destiny, reminded her that Jun Linyuan, Yu Mingye, Feng Xun, Xuan Yi, and Zhao Ge were all real, and their bonds were formed because of her. She was urged to embrace her destiny, cherish those around her, and protect them with her own power, as she was indeed Feng Wu.

During this powerful emotional and spiritual breakthrough, Feng Wu summoned an advanced Fire Phoenix, endured the full force of the Bone-eroding Thunder, and miraculously transcended her current cultivation level, becoming a Spiritual Elder. Meanwhile, Zuo Qingluan, while pursuing Miss Wolf, found her Ice Bracelet, containing the Phoenix Blood, reacting to Feng Wu's powerful awakening. Already disturbed by a backlash from her Demonic Cultivation Skills, Zuo Qingluan was unable to contend with Miss Wolf.

Mu Yao, despite having been sent back to Biliu Palace by Zuo Qingluan, had returned to offer her assistance, stating she could not leave her Senior Sister alone. Zuo Qingluan led her to a hidden cave for healing, instructing Mu Yao to wait outside. Concerned for Zuo Qingluan's well-being, Mu Yao disregarded the warning and entered the cave, only to discover Zuo Qingluan practicing Demonic Cultivation Skills—a forbidden art from the Darknight Court.

Zuo Qingluan tried to dismiss it, claiming it was for Biliu Palace's prestige and to avoid losing to Feng Wu, asserting her identity as the goddess of Biliu Palace and future Spiritual Princess of the Junwu Clan. Mu Yao, remembering Zuo Qingluan as her role model and Biliu Palace's righteous principles, tearfully pleaded with her to abandon the demonic path.

She then resolved to report the matter to the Palace Master of Biliu Palace, hoping the Palace Master could help Zuo Qingluan return to the righteous path, even offering to be expelled from the sect alongside her if it meant saving her. Zuo Qingluan, however, having gone too far to turn back, expressed her sorrow before tragically killing Mu Yao with an ice sword.

As Mu Yao died in her arms, Zuo Qingluan recalled how Mu Yao, after losing her mother, had loyally followed her, envying her closeness with Zhao Ge and asking to be taken along, a memory of simpler times blooming like Mujian Flowers. Following Feng Wu's unexpected breakthrough, Lord Demon observed that it was not the time to challenge fate by attempting to kill her, and he departed with his subordinates.

He then confronted Yu Mingye, declaring him useless due to his lost arm and severing all ties between him and the Darknight Court. Despite his banishment and severe injuries, Yu Mingye had no regrets, asserting that saving Feng Wu was his own choice and he would make it again. He sorrowfully told Feng Wu he had completed his mission and fulfilled his promise to her, but without a home, his destination no longer mattered.

Wishing he had met Feng Wu sooner, Yu Mingye bid her farewell, deliberately keeping his distance to preserve his final dignity as a cultivator, a decision Jun Linyuan silently respected. Having evaded Zuo Qingluan's pursuit, Miss Wolf returned to her cub but found herself surrounded by Junwu Academy disciples. Feng Wu and Jun Linyuan arrived, attempting to explain Holy Queen Gao's deception and her collusion with the Darknight Court.

However, a disciple challenged Feng Wu to kill the demonic beast to prove her innocence. Feng Wu, now a Spiritual Elder, understood Miss Wolf's language and her request: to be killed. Miss Wolf, realizing Feng Wu was not the killer of her cub, had let go of her hatred. As Feng Wu hesitated, Miss Wolf, determined to fulfill her destiny and achieve freedom, attacked Feng Wu, forcing her to instinctively raise her sword.

Miss Wolf fell, willingly dying by Feng Wu's blade. In her final moments, she crawled towards her deceased cub, her life with Shen Gongzi flashing before her eyes, lamenting that while everyone saw her as an evil demon, her deepest desire was merely to be reunited with her loved ones. As Miss Wolf's body disintegrated into dust, it transformed into the final Star Shard, returning to Feng Wu.

With all three Star Shards now in her possession, Feng Wu declared that upon retrieving the Dragon Phoenix Spirit Ring from Junwu Academy, she could awaken her Master Mu Jiuzhou. She then further revealed Holy Queen Gao's plot, explaining that the Holy Queen had imprisoned the Holy Sovereign and was using the disciples to eliminate her opponents, aiming to control the entire continent.

She warned that if they remained misled, Holy Queen Gao would turn against them, and even powerful sects like Penglai Pavilion and Biliu Palace would fall to the Darknight Court. When questioned for proof, Feng Wu presented her plan to awaken Master Mu Jiuzhou, a former ruler of the continent who knew all truths.

Convinced by her words and the sight of her killing the demonic beast, many Junwu Academy students stepped forward, expressing their renewed belief in Feng Wu and their willingness to join her to expose the true demonic forces.

Episode 27 Recap

The last Star Shard, acquired through the Wolf Girl's sacrifice, completed Feng Wu's collection and earned her the trust of her fellow students. Zuo Qingluan, emerging from a cave where she had been cultivating demonic arts, witnessed Feng Wu's triumph. She immediately reported to Holy Queen Gao at Junwu Divine Hall.

Holy Queen Gao was furious, questioning Lord Demon's decision not to eliminate Feng Wu when she was vulnerable at the Sky-reaching Terrance, despite Feng Wu having advanced to the Spiritual Zong rank. Lord Demon explained that even the heavenly lightning had failed to kill them, indicating the time was not right. He asserted that trying to force fate might lead to unnecessary consequences and added that Yu Mingye had risked his life to protect Feng Wu.

He stated that Feng Wu would die for their greater cause, but not at that moment. Holy Queen Gao was not appeased. She expressed deep concern that if Feng Wu was right about the three Star Shards waking up Mu Jiuzhou, all their years of effort would be in vain.

Lord Demon tried to reassure her, saying that the Dragon Phoenix Spirit Ring was still in their possession, making it difficult for Feng Wu to awaken Mu Jiuzhou even with all the Star Shards. He also argued that even if Mu Jiuzhou were to awaken after failing his Heavenly Tribulation and years of slumber, his spirit energy would not immediately return to its peak, and Lord Demon was confident he could defeat him.

Holy Queen Gao dismissed his overconfidence, refusing to gamble everything on his desire to win, and declared that Mu Jiuzhou must not be allowed to live. She then commanded Zuo Qingluan to apprehend Feng Wu's family as hostages to force her compliance. Zuo Qingluan hesitated, appealing to their identity as a "righteous sect" and arguing against harming innocent people. Holy Queen Gao sharply rebuked her, calling her foolish for clinging to hypocrisy.

She reminded Zuo Qingluan that her current path, involving demonic cultivation and the killing of a Junior Sister, meant she was no longer the person she once was. Holy Queen Gao emphasized that only winners could disregard others' opinions. Before Zuo Qingluan departed, Holy Queen Gao removed her Ice Bracelet, stating she would keep it to prevent it from becoming a tool for Feng Wu should Zuo Qingluan lose to her and risk the Phoenix Blood being taken.

Holy Queen Gao then instructed Gao Wei to proceed with an expedited plan, confirming he understood what needed to be done. Simultaneously, Holy Queen Gao summoned Ziyan and ordered him to gather the entire Darknight Court in the capital to await her commands, stating that if Zuo Qingluan failed to prevent Mu Jiuzhou's awakening, Ziyan was to eliminate Mu Jiuzhou and Feng Wu, even if it meant confronting the other three sects.

Ziyan expressed concern about further losses to Darknight Court, but Holy Queen Gao questioned his loyalty, reminding him of his vow to protect her. Ziyan reaffirmed his commitment, stating he would stake everything and even die with her if their plan failed. Holy Queen Gao scorned the idea of failure, asserting that the entire Qianyuan Continent would be hers. Soon after, Feng Wu and Jun Linyuan, accompanied by many students from Junwu Academy, confronted Zuo Qingluan.

Zuo Qingluan accused Feng Wu of colluding with a demon, but Zhao Ge defended Feng Wu, reminding Zuo Qingluan that it was her false claim about an old fairy on Baiding Mountain that led Feng Wu to encounter the Wolf Girl. Zhao Ge refused to let Zuo Qingluan twist the truth. Zuo Qingluan’s Junior Sister from Celestial Palace tried to intervene, but Zhao Ge was resolute.

Feng Wu demanded the return of the Dragon Phoenix Spirit Ring, calling Zuo Qingluan out for her lies and the theft of her Phoenix Blood. Zuo Qingluan mocked Feng Wu, saying she wasn't even born when Mu Jiuzhou disintegrated, and declared that Feng Wu was not the real Feng Wu. Feng Wu pressed her, asking if she meant she had killed the real Feng Wu.

In an attempt to force Feng Wu to confess her supposed true identity, Zuo Qingluan presented Feng Madam and Qiu Ling as hostages, urging them to expose Feng Wu's "deception." However, both Feng Madam and Qiu Ling fiercely stood by Feng Wu, proclaiming their unwavering loyalty. Qiu Ling, despite being threatened, declared that Feng Wu was her only Young Lady and that no threats would make her betray her.

Zhao Ge, seeing Zuo Qingluan's increasingly erratic behavior, also expressed her disbelief. Overwhelmed by jealousy and anger that everyone seemed to side with Feng Wu, Zuo Qingluan lost control. She produced the Celestial Palace's sacred artifact, the Illusion Mirror, and threw the Dragon Phoenix Spirit Ring into it, challenging Feng Wu to enter and retrieve it, stating that she would never achieve her goals.

Alarmed, the onlookers explained that the Illusion Mirror contained numerous void spaces, each a blend of truth and illusion, designed to trap individuals by showing them their deepest desires and lost loved ones. If one succumbed to these illusions, they would be forever trapped and their souls would disintegrate. Jun Linyuan, deeply concerned that Feng Wu, having endured so much, might get lost in the comforting illusions, decided to enter the mirror himself.

Despite warnings about the severe consequences of forcefully entering, Jun Linyuan declared he would never abandon Feng Wu. Zhao Ge questioned Zuo Qingluan's transformation from someone who cared for the common people to a person consumed by selfish desires. Zuo Qingluan, defiant, stated that if she couldn't have something, no one else would either, and vowed to destroy Feng Wu and the mirror.

Jun Linyuan forcefully broke through the mirror's barrier, followed by Zuo Qingluan, who intended to make Feng Wu vanish along with the Illusion Mirror. Inside the Illusion Mirror, Jun Linyuan found himself in a heart-wrenching illusion: his deceased mother, no longer a cold portrait, stood before him, lovingly calling him "Linyuan." He was momentarily lost in this fantasy but quickly regained his senses.

He acknowledged that his mother had passed away and could never truly return, but her memory would forever reside in his heart, not in this false reality. This clarity allowed him to resist the illusion's allure. He then perceived Feng Wu within her own illusion, though as mere souls, they could not directly communicate. He could only observe her experiences, unable to intervene.

Feng Wu's illusion presented a perfect world: her Master Mu Jiuzhou had never left, her parents were by her side, and their family was joyful. She was the Celestial Palace's chief disciple, not Zuo Qingluan, and the position of Goddess was hers. Her engagement to Jun Linyuan was intact and nearing fulfillment, and Holy Queen Gao adored her. Despite the apparent perfection, Feng Wu sensed something amiss.

Her family and Qiu Ling urged her to embrace this idyllic life, to spend time with Jun Linyuan who had sent an invitation, and to enjoy her status as Celestial Palace's Goddess and Master Mu's successor. But a faint voice, calling her name, eventually pierced through the illusion. It was Jun Linyuan’s desperate call, urging her to wake up from the illusion. Finally, she broke free from the deceptive happiness, understanding she was searching for the Dragon Phoenix Spirit Ring.

As Feng Wu awoke, she was transported back to the day of her fateful battle with Zuo Qingluan three years prior, the moment Zuo Qingluan stole her Phoenix Blood and nearly killed her. This time, however, the illusion diverged: Jun Linyuan appeared, blocking Zuo Qingluan's fatal blow and retaliating. The illusion shattered, releasing Feng Wu, Jun Linyuan, and Zuo Qingluan from the Illusion Mirror.

Jun Linyuan was injured but not fatally, while Zuo Qingluan was gravely wounded and on the verge of death. Zhao Ge rushed to support the weakening Zuo Qingluan, reminiscing about their shared childhood, joys, and sorrows. She acknowledged the immense pressure Zuo Qingluan had always borne, and how she, Zhao Ge, had always been there to comfort her. Zuo Qingluan thanked Zhao Ge for still calling her Senior Sister. Exhausted, Zuo Qingluan expressed her weariness, stating she was "really. .

. really. . . tired." She took her last breath in Zhao Ge's arms, finding a final release from her tumultuous life. With the Illusion Mirror shattered, the Dragon Phoenix Spirit Ring should have vanished, but Feng Wu's collection of the three Star Shards had already triggered the awakening of Master Mu Jiuzhou. A blinding light erupted, and the long-slumbering Mu Jiuzhou appeared before everyone.

Seeing Master Mu Jiuzhou recognize Feng Wu as his disciple confirmed her true identity to all present. The events unfolded rapidly, and Feng Wu found herself admitting to Zhao Ge and her friends that she was not the original Feng Wu. Overwhelmed by the recent loss of her Senior Sister Zuo Qingluan and the shock of her friend's true identity, Zhao Ge became distraught. She accused Feng Wu of deceiving them like fools, refusing to let her explain.

Jun Linyuan intervened, asking Zhao Ge to give Feng Wu time to explain, assuring her that she would eventually understand. Qiu Ling, however, remained loyal, asserting that regardless of what others said or what Feng Wu believed, she would always recognize Feng Wu as her Young Lady, recounting their years of mutual dependence. Realizing her beautiful mother, Feng Madam, must also know, Feng Wu rushed off to find her.

Episode 28 Recap

Feng Wu opted not to disturb Zhao Ge, knowing she needed time to process recent events. Meanwhile, Feng Madam visited Feng Wu's dwelling in the academy, expressing her long-held desire to see where she lived. When Feng Wu attempted to confess her true identity and return the Phoenix Sword, Feng Madam revealed that she had known all along that Feng Wu was not her biological daughter.

She explained that after losing her husband and then her own daughter, seeing Feng Wu, covered in blood yet looking exactly like her lost child, she couldn't bring herself to turn her away, eventually cherishing her as a gift from the heavens. Feng Madam valued Feng Wu's genuine emotions, seeing them as a reflection of her original daughter's past self, and insisted that the Phoenix Sword belonged to Feng Wu, as did Jun Linyuan, urging her to simply be herself.

As she departed for the Feng family, she promised to send warm clothing for Feng Wu. Distraught over the loss of her senior sister and conflicted about her friendship with the new Feng Wu, Zhao Ge confided in Xuan Yi. She felt that growing close to the current Feng Wu would be a betrayal of her memories of the original.

Xuan Yi patiently advised her that since the original Feng Wu was gone, she should cherish her memory but also embrace the present friendship, encouraging her to speak openly with Feng Wu. Realizing her harsh words to Feng Wu the day before were wrong, especially given Feng Wu's kindness, Zhao Ge decided to make Feng Wu's favorite Master Feng's instant noodles as an apology.

Xuan Yi, surprisingly, offered to help, stating he was repaying her for all her food, deepening their bond as they cooked together. Following Master Mu Jiuzhou's public recognition of Feng Wu as his disciple, many students flocked to Feng Wu, showering her with attention, offering gifts, and seeking insights into Master Mu's teachings. When Zhao Ge arrived with the instant noodles, Feng Wu, overwhelmed by the sudden popularity, eagerly called Zhao Ge over.

Other students, however, scoffed at the "instant noodles," deeming it a frivolous indulgence for cultivators who should prioritize spiritual advancement. Feng Wu skillfully diffused the situation by promising to ask Master Mu to give public lectures after the current crisis, subtly urging everyone to leave and prepare. With the other students dispersed, Feng Wu praised Zhao Ge's cooking and playfully retracted her "King of Dark Cuisine" title.

Zhao Ge sincerely apologized for her past words, and Feng Wu, without hesitation, demonstrated her forgiveness by playfully threatening to finish all the noodles herself, leading to their joyful reconciliation. Overjoyed by her successful reconciliation with Feng Wu, Zhao Ge went to thank Xuan Yi. She found him resting and, mesmerized by his peaceful demeanor, leaned in as if to kiss him. Xuan Yi suddenly opened his eyes, asking if she had made up with Feng Wu.

Relieved he hadn't noticed her attempt, Zhao Ge confirmed her reconciliation, crediting his helpful advice, and then tried to leave. Xuan Yi, however, stopped her, gazing at her intently before gently kissing her on the corner of her mouth. Zhao Ge smiled shyly, not rejecting his unexpected intimacy. Xuan Yi then offered a heartfelt promise, assuring her that no matter how complicated the situation became, he would always stand by her side, protect her, and be with her.

This moment revealed Xuan Yi's transformation from a mere bookworm to someone who understood and openly expressed his love for Zhao Ge. Feng Wu soon discovered the true extent of Master Mu Jiuzhou's weakened state from Colored Phoenix.

The bird revealed that by giving half of his Phoenix Blood to Feng Wu to save her life, Master Mu had lost his "core component," severely diminishing his spiritual power and leaving him far from his former status as the Qianyuan Continent's true ruler. Master Mu himself confirmed his sacrifice was a duty as her teacher. Feng Wu expressed regret, feeling her existence had come at a great cost, especially with Holy Queen Gao now stirring up trouble.

Master Mu, however, advised her against self-doubt and affirmed that the current turmoil stemmed from him, and he intended to bring it to an end. He then cryptically promised to send her back to her place of origin at the right time. Meanwhile, Holy Queen Gao, still seething with resentment from Master Mu's past rejection and his love for another, adamantly refused to see him.

Her attendant returned an old item Master Mu had tried to deliver, taunting him about his diminished power and warning him that he himself would personally "send him to the other world" soon. At the Junwu Divine Hall, Spiritual Elder Fang bravely confronted Holy Queen Gao, publicly accusing her of manipulating the Holy Sovereign as a puppet and endangering the Qianyuan Continent by aligning with the Darknight Court.

Despite his valiant efforts to awaken the other courtiers and his willingness to die for the cause, Holy Queen Gao had him arrested and sent to the Celestial Prison. Great Spiritual Master Yan, while feigning compliance, secretly dispatched a letter to Feng Wu, detailing the dire situation. Upon receiving this news, Jun Linyuan and his companions grew anxious, contemplating leaving Junwu Academy to avoid further endangering the students.

However, Master Zhao vehemently opposed this, asserting that as students, the academy was their rightful sanctuary, and they must bravely confront the unfolding crisis. He convened an emergency assembly, passionately urging all disciples to unite against the wicked queen. Sadly, the academy was deeply divided, with many students openly questioning the wisdom of sacrificing their lives for lofty ideals. Witnessing this disheartening disunity, Master Mu Jiuzhou coughed blood in distress.

Recognizing that forced unity was futile, he declared that any student unwilling to stay was free to leave immediately. Later, Feng Wu lamented her inability to help Master Mu or Jun Linyuan. Master Mu explained that the current disarray in the academy and the self-preservation of other sects rendered them incapable of resisting the Darknight Lord Demon and the Holy Queen.

He revealed that Feng Wu's power was the only hope, instructing her to return to her place of origin to find a specific power that could reverse time and prevent the current events from ever happening. Feng Wu, though hesitant about the risks, ultimately accepted her mission. She silently vowed to Jun Linyuan that she would return to face everything with him.

After Feng Wu departed, Master Mu called out to a hidden figure, who then questioned the true nature of the power Feng Wu was sent to find after returning to her origin.

Episode 29 Recap

Mu Jiuzhou, witnessing the Junwu Clan's control by Holy Queen Gao and the Darknight Court as her enforcers, realized that the other sects were only striving for self-preservation. Fearing the entire continent's imminent collapse, he determined the only viable path was to send Feng Wu back to her original place, believing she could find a power to reverse time. They agreed on a departure date two days later.

However, when Jun Linyuan inquired about this mysterious power, Mu Jiuzhou confessed that no such force existed. His spirit energy was severely depleted, and even with the combined might of Junwu Academy, they could not prevail. His true intention was merely to send Feng Wu away, keeping her safe from the coming calamity while he still possessed the means to do so.

Though Jun Linyuan’s heart ached at the thought of their separation, he declared that Feng Wu's safety and happiness were paramount, and he would accept this if it secured her well-being. The next morning, Jun Linyuan roused a sleepy Feng Wu, who initially mistook his presence for a dream. He announced his intention to take her somewhere. Draped in cloaks, they walked through the marketplace, blending in discreetly.

Jun Linyuan expressed his desire for them to abandon their titles and worries for one day, simply enjoying the life of ordinary people, free from cultivation, grievances, or power struggles. Feng Wu, optimistic about her eventual return, suggested they could enjoy such pleasures after she resolved everything. She eventually relented, and they spent the day relaxing. Later, they visited the Skyland, reflecting on their first encounter and how fate had seemingly destined their connection.

There, Jun Linyuan embraced and kissed Feng Wu, a silent tear escaping his eye, revealing his deep reluctance to part. Later, Jun Linyuan secretly infiltrated Junwu Divine Hall, discovering a hidden passage that led to a secret chamber. There, he located the Phoenix Blood, also known as the Ice Bracelet. However, Lord Demon appeared, blocking his escape and urging him to surrender.

Recognizing his disadvantage, Jun Linyuan, amidst a desperate struggle, managed to seal the Phoenix Blood within the chamber walls before Lord Demon struck him down. With his last breath, he wished for Feng Wu's happiness, wherever she might be. Meanwhile, Feng Xun set off for Penglai Pavilion to seek assistance from the Old Master, while Zhao Ge also decided to appeal to her mother, the Leader of Celestial Palace.

Upon her arrival, Zhao Ge was dismayed to find her mother calmly sharing tea with Holy Queen Gao. Holy Queen Gao subtly warned the Leader against interference, drawing upon their shared past and the fate of Qingluan. Reflecting on her own unfulfilled desires and her rivalry with their Senior Sister, Holy Queen Gao espoused a ruthless philosophy: if she could not possess something, she would destroy it, a principle she claimed to have instilled in Qingluan.

The Leader, recognizing the overwhelming power dynamic, promised Holy Queen Gao that she would not oppose her and would ensure Celestial Palace members remained neutral. Holy Queen Gao then expressed mild concern about Zhao Ge's friendship with Feng Wu, casually mentioning that Jun Linyuan had already died. After Holy Queen Gao departed, Zhao Ge confronted her mother.

While accepting that Celestial Palace could not offer direct aid, she implored her mother not to align with Holy Queen Gao, expressing her deep fear of a future where they would be adversaries. Her mother explained that Celestial Palace lacked the power and numbers to confront Darknight Court, unlike Junwu Clan, and also lacked the geographical advantages of Penglai Pavilion, making it essential to adapt to the circumstances.

The Leader then gravely informed Zhao Ge that Jun Linyuan was indeed dead. Overwhelmed, Zhao Ge rushed to the Library Pavilion where Mu Jiuzhou was in the process of sending Feng Wu away. Zhao Ge, unable to contain her grief, blurted out the news. Feng Wu, hearing this devastating information, was immediately overcome with emotion and collapsed. Mu Jiuzhou quickly began healing her, urging her to compose herself, reminding her that nothing was yet certain.

At that critical moment, Lord Demon and Gao Wei, leading a formidable force from Darknight Court, launched a full-scale assault on Junwu Academy. Students valiantly fought back, with some attempting to inform their Master of the unfolding chaos. Zhao Ge remained steadfastly guarding the room where Mu Jiuzhou was tending to Feng Wu. Xuan Yi soon arrived, revealing that Darknight Court had breached the main entrance and the academy's defenses would soon crumble.

He instructed Zhao Ge to lead Mu Jiuzhou and Feng Wu through the secret passage in the Library Pavilion to escape to the back mountain. Distraught, Zhao Ge refused to leave Xuan Yi, fearing it would be their last meeting and wishing to stand by him. Xuan Yi, pained by her distress, promised to return safely if she secured her own escape, reminding her of her responsibility to protect Feng Wu. He pledged to buy them enough time to escape.

Outside, Darknight Court forces continued their brutal onslaught, claiming many student lives. Elders from Peerless Tower and the Shadow Swordsman joined the fray, with the Shadow Swordsman fighting with incredible speed. However, Lord Demon, whose spiritual power far exceeded anyone else present, conjured a formidable barrier, intending to annihilate all the defenders. In a dramatic moment, Mu Jiuzhou appeared, creating a counter-barrier to allow the remaining students and allies to flee the immediate danger.

Lord Demon mocked Mu Jiuzhou’s diminished power, gloating that he would witness the destruction of Junwu Academy. Mu Jiuzhou defiantly declared that the true spirit of Junwu Academy resided in its people, not its buildings, and as long as they lived, hope for Qianyuan Continent would persist. Despite his heroic sacrifice, Mu Jiuzhou was captured by Lord Demon, who boasted that with Mu Jiuzhou's weakened state, the escapees would not get far and would be hunted down.

Lord Demon revealed that Holy Queen Gao, whom he referred to as Ziyan, specifically wanted Mu Jiuzhou kept alive. Mu Jiuzhou was then dragged away to Junwu Divine Hall. With Mu Jiuzhou's spiritual power significantly weakened, the temporarily escaped group couldn't travel far. They sought refuge in the secret room in the back mountain, regrouping with Feng Wu and Zhao Ge.

In the confined space, they discussed their injuries, Feng Wu's profound grief over Jun Linyuan's supposed death, and the heavy impact of Mu Jiuzhou's sacrifice. However, the outside world was swarming with Darknight Court forces, and it was clear their hiding spot would soon be compromised. Faced with the desperate situation, Feng Wu, despite her own deep sorrow, proposed a new, undiscoverable sanctuary.

She led them to the Skyland, a place only she and Jun Linyuan had known, making it a temporary safe haven. She arranged for everyone to rest and recover from their injuries there. Meanwhile, Holy Queen Gao raged over the disappearance of Feng Wu and her companions, harshly chastising Gao Wei for his failure to find them.

Lord Demon then proposed a cunning plan: to publicly execute Mu Jiuzhou using the devastating Bone-eroding Thunder at the Sky-reaching Terrace in three days. This, he argued, would serve as bait, either drawing Feng Wu and her allies out for a decisive capture or, if they failed to appear, eliminating Mu Jiuzhou and leaving the remaining resistance a disorganized rabble. Holy Queen Gao, though questioning Lord Demon's eagerness to dispose of Mu Jiuzhou, ultimately agreed.

She personally visited Mu Jiuzhou in his prison cell, revealing herself as Ziyan. She coldly informed him of the impending public execution, where the Bone-eroding Thunder would reduce him to ash, ensuring his complete eradication, a suffering she claimed would rival his Heavenly Tribulation. Mu Jiuzhou, heartbroken, asked when she had become so changed.

Ziyan bitterly explained that all her actions stemmed from his past rejection and his exclusive focus on her Senior Sister, followed by his singular devotion to cultivation after her death. She confessed that people might think she only loved power, but all she ever truly desired was his affection. Since he cherished the Qianyuan Continent and the cultivation world, she vowed to seize and then destroy it all, a direct act of revenge for his neglect.

Mu Jiuzhou attempted to reason with her, suggesting that if she stopped now, there might still be a way to mend things, but Ziyan was resolute. She declared that her years of planning were almost complete, and only his death would truly settle all their past grievances. As Ziyan left, Mu Jiuzhou, reflecting on his predetermined fate, entrusted Feng Wu and Jun Linyuan with the task of bringing an end to the chaos.

Episode 30 (Ending) Recap

Despite widespread rumors of Jun Linyuan's demise, Feng Wu refused to believe it. She was plagued by memories of their shared longing for a simple, ordinary life, free from cultivation, enmity, or power struggles, and yearned for the many happy days they had envisioned together. When Zhao Ge found Feng Wu, she affirmed her strong belief that Jun Linyuan was still alive, declaring, "I can feel him. Do you trust me?" Zhao Ge immediately reassured her, "Of course, I do.

But we need to perk up before we can go rescue him. You gotta cheer up. Okay?" Meanwhile, Holy Queen Gao, having failed to locate Feng Wu and her allies across the continent, devised a plan to use Mu Jiuzhou as bait. She issued a public decree announcing Mu Jiuzhou's execution by Bone-eroding Thunder in three days. Villagers gossiped about the injustice, with one noting the disappearance of Junwu Academy cultivators and the impending change of power.

Holy Queen Gao's intent was clear: if Feng Wu's group dared to come, they would walk into a death trap; if not, Mu Jiuzhou would surely die, leaving no one to challenge her authority. Feng Wu and her companions learned of Mu Jiuzhou's execution on the second day, leaving them with just one day.

When Feng Wu gathered everyone, some immediately interrupted her, stating they knew she wanted them to rescue Mu Jiuzhou but dismissed it as a "suicide mission" against an overwhelming foe. Others challenged her leadership, questioning her unknown identity and whether she truly considered their well-being if they continued to fight. Feng Wu calmly acknowledged their concerns, admitting, "I don't belong here." She confessed to initially being depressed by the hardships she faced that were not her own.

However, meeting them had changed everything; she had found friends, family, and a beloved, developing a deep affection for this land. She passionately urged them to unite, not for her, but for themselves, to "guard and fight for our beautiful life, our academy, and our home we all cherish dearly." Her heartfelt speech swayed many, who then eagerly pledged to join her in a surprise night attack on Junwu Divine Hall.

Just then, Feng Xun arrived, having received a secret letter from Xuan Yi, declaring his intent to join the fight. While he hadn't found any new clues, Feng Wu rallied the group, deciding to launch a surprise attack on Junwu Divine Hall before dawn, proclaiming, "Fight to the death! Eliminate demons and uphold justice!" The others echoed her resolve. Feng Xun then secretly pulled Xuan Yi aside to share a startling discovery from his trip to Penglai Pavilion.

He revealed that Zhao Ge's slow cultivation progress wasn't due to limited talent, but because she harbored an ancient treasure, the Red Sacred Bead, within her. This bead, if unleashed, could vastly increase spiritual power, but its separation from her body would result in her demise. Feng Xun explained that the Biluo Palace Lord had kept Zhao Ge in Yuandu and tirelessly searched for a cure to avoid others discovering this secret, but to no avail.

Both Feng Xun and Xuan Yi feared Zhao Ge might sacrifice herself if she knew, so they vowed to keep it secret. Xuan Yi promised that after the crisis, he would accompany Zhao Ge to seek a solution, declaring, "No matter what, I'll be with her and keep her safe." Unbeknownst to them, Zhao Ge had overheard their conversation, though she appeared only confused, without immediate further intentions.

That night, as Feng Wu led her allies in an attack on Junwu Divine Hall, Yu Mingye secretly infiltrated the dungeon where Lord Demon had imprisoned Jun Linyuan. He released Jun Linyuan from his restraints, admonishing him, "People all say that you are dead. Do you know how sad Feng Wu is hearing that?"

Jun Linyuan, severely wounded but alive, revealed he had found the Phoenix Blood and directed Yu Mingye to the Ice Bracelet, saying he had "sealed it inside the wall of the secret chamber. Please go find it, and give it to Feng Wu, so that she can stand a chance to fight against Lord Demon and Holy Queen Gao." Despite Yu Mingye's attempts to rescue him first, Jun Linyuan insisted, "Don't mind me. Go help Feng Wu."

Yu Mingye then administered an Invisible Pill from the Darknight Court to Jun Linyuan, which would allow him to hide within walls or underground for one hour, before promising, "I will give Phoenix Blood to Feng Wu. You. . . Do not die. Otherwise, no one will fight with me anymore."

Yu Mingye then evaded the guards and retrieved the Ice Bracelet from the secret chamber, but was immediately confronted by Lord Demon, who demanded, "Leave me the stuff, and I'll spare your life." However, due to their father-son bond, Lord Demon allowed Yu Mingye to escape with the Ice Bracelet. Feng Wu's forces swiftly overran Junwu Divine Hall, catching Holy Queen Gao completely off guard.

A guard reported the attack, to which Holy Queen Gao responded with disbelief and anger, "What? She's actually bold enough to attack me first!" When Lord Demon arrived, he found Feng Wu in the main hall and arrogantly challenged her, saying, "How dare you attack Junwu Divine Hall? Today will be an end for you. None of you can get out of here!"

When Yu Mingye appeared, he angrily confronted Lord Demon, stating, "It's all because of you that I, Yu Mingye, ended up like this! My life could have been much happier without you!" Lord Demon, asserting his dominance, scoffed, "I'm the ruler of this continent! Wanna kill me? You are so ignorant!" As Feng Wu struggled against Lord Demon, Yu Mingye appeared, delivering the Ice Bracelet to her. Lord Demon, realizing its significance, yelled, "No! Phoenix Blood! Stop her!"

Feng Wu now had the chance to re-merge with the Phoenix Blood, which, given her Spiritual Elder rank, would make her unstoppable. As Lord Demon prepared another attack, Feng Xun, Xuan Yi, and Zhao Ge bravely stepped forward to protect Feng Wu, buying her time to fuse the Phoenix Blood. However, Lord Demon's power proved too immense for their combined strength. Sensing their losing battle, Zhao Ge understood the true purpose of the Red Sacred Bead within her.

Despite Xuan Yi's desperate pleas for her to calm down and find another solution, she focused her mind, telling him, "I'm so lucky to have met you!" and urging Feng Wu, "You've got to win!" With a powerful chant, she summoned the Red Sacred Bead. A blinding light erupted within the Divine Hall, severely wounding Lord Demon.

As Zhao Ge's body began to perish, Xuan Yi rushed to her side, grasping her hand and declaring, "If this is your fate, I'll go with you." Moments later, both Zhao Ge and Xuan Yi vanished, and Feng Wu successfully completed the fusion. Empowered, Feng Wu raised her Phoenix Sword, aiming for Lord Demon. Yu Mingye, however, called out to stop her, and Feng Wu hesitated, lowering her sword out of consideration for him as Lord Demon's son.

At that critical moment, Gao Wei seized Feng Wu's mother as a hostage, demanding Feng Wu surrender. Feng Wu's mother bravely bit Gao Wei's wrist, creating an opening for Feng Xun to swiftly intervene, felling Gao Wei with his iron fan. Feng Wu urged Feng Xun to take her mother to safety. Holy Queen Gao was shaken by the sudden death of her trusted nephew.

Just then, Jun Linyuan, moving with incredible speed, burst into the hall and struck down Lord Demon, accidentally injuring Yu Mingye in the process, who collapsed unconscious. It was revealed that Jun Linyuan, after escaping his prison, had found Mu Jiuzhou in the Celestial Prison. Mu Jiuzhou, learning of Feng Wu's daring attack on Junwu Divine Hall, transferred all his spiritual power to Jun Linyuan to aid her. Lord Demon's death devastated Holy Queen Gao.

Over the past twenty years, he had been her constant, selfless supporter. Realizing the depth of her loss, she declared, "There are no 'ifs' in this world! And now, you have also left me. For all these years, I've never done anything for you. This time, I'll go with you." With those words, Holy Queen Gao took her own life, falling beside Lord Demon.

Yu Mingye later regained consciousness, seeing his deceased father, and solemnly stated, "Father, let me take you home." With the crisis averted, Mu Jiuzhou had saved Zhao Ge and Xuan Yi by housing their nascent souls within the Dragon Phoenix Spirit Ring, enabling their revival. Feng Wu and Jun Linyuan tirelessly sought rare medicines and spiritual herbs, allowing the two to slowly recover. Some time later, Jun Linyuan and Feng Wu prepared for their wedding.

Jun Linyuan, wishing to experience a simple happiness, chose a traditional sedan chair procession instead of flying with his sword. Feng Xun, feeling left out as the "only single one" compared to Xuan Yi and Zhao Ge, voiced his complaints. Xuan Yi and Zhao Ge, both looking well, came to see Feng Wu, with Zhao Ge exclaiming, "Wu, you are so beautiful today!" Xuan Yi remarked that he now considered himself "a member of the Feng family."

Zhao Ge added that they owed their recovery to Mu Jiuzhou and Feng Wu and Jun Linyuan's efforts in finding spiritual herbs, promising to help arrange the wedding well. Feng Wu's mother expressed her bittersweet emotions, lamenting, "Can't believe my Feng Wu will get married soon! Time really flies. I feel sad about your leaving. I really do." Feng Wu comforted her.

Later, dressed and awaiting the procession alone in her room, Feng Wu heard a sound, assuming Jun Linyuan had arrived early. She lifted her bridal veil and followed the fleeting silhouette, only to find her Master Mu Jiuzhou. Mu Jiuzhou informed Feng Wu that he had come to take her back to her original world.

Feng Wu did not argue, reflecting that perhaps the most important aspect of her "second life" was not its ending, but the shared laughter, tears, experiences, and growth she had undergone.