Dear Mr. Heavenly Fox Recap, Plot, Synopsis

> Dear Mr. Heavenly Fox

Dear Mr. Heavenly Fox Synopsis

The drama mainly tells the love story between Miss Qi Yuanbao from the prestigious family of cultivators and the fox fairy Chang Yue.

Fate brings them together at Suiyue Mountain, where the human and the fox meet. Just as Chang Yue is about to obtain the Heart Soul Fruit, the fruit flies directly into Yuanbao's body.

This incident binds them together, unraveling a love and oath that has been buried for thousands of years...

Dear Mr. Heavenly Fox Recap

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Episode 1 Recap

Since ancient times, humans and foxes coexisted peacefully. However, a century ago, a series of disasters plagued the human world. Lingzi, wishing to protect all living beings, intended to sacrifice herself upon coming of age. Yet, the Sky Fox Bichuan, who loved Lingzi, tragically shattered Mount Yue and perished to prevent the sacrifice, inadvertently unleashing demonic energy. Lingzi then used her own mortal body to seal the Zombie King, restoring peace.

From that point on, humans and foxes ceased all interaction and lived separately. Meanwhile, Changyue was preparing for a crucial cultivation, as the Soulful Fruit was on the verge of ripening. Consuming it would allow him to ascend and reinforce the Northern Abyss barrier. Not far away, Qi Yuanbao was having an incredibly lucky streak at a gambling house, winning a substantial amount of money.

Her cousin, Xue Hanyu, nervously urged her to return home, fearing their uncle's wrath for sneaking out. Qi Yuanbao scoffed, declaring that if she was the Qishan Sect's hope, the sect was doomed, as her only desires were wealth and beauty. Just then, Uncle Huan appeared, causing Qi Yuanbao to cleverly feign a fox sighting to distract him and slip away. Attempting to return home, Qi Yuanbao inadvertently stumbled into a mysterious, beautiful place she had never seen before.

Before she could process this sudden change of scenery, Changyue confronted her, sword drawn, demanding to know her identity and how she entered this sacred area. A bewildered Qi Yuanbao explained that she had been in the marketplace just moments ago and had no idea how she ended up there. Changyue then noticed the Soulful Fruit was fully ripe. To his astonishment, instead of flying to him, his soul essence, contained within the fruit, flew directly into Qi Yuanbao's hands.

Confused, Changyue attempted to reclaim the fruit, but in the struggle, they accidentally kissed. At that very moment, the ancient barrier separating humans and foxes shattered, and a red glow emanating from Fragment Moon Mountain signaled an ominous development. Before Changyue could react, Qi Yuanbao, still disoriented, unwittingly ate the Soulful Fruit. Changyue desperately demanded his soul back, but Qi Yuanbao had no idea what he was talking about.

Suddenly, someone caused a distraction behind Qi Yuanbao, leaving Changyue no time to retrieve the fruit. With no other option, he erased Qi Yuanbao's memory of the entire incident. Soon after, Qi Yuanbao's senior brothers and Uncle Huan found her unconscious and quickly brought her back to the Qishan Sect. Simultaneously, Changyue returned to Northern Abyss to inform his Grand Elder about his soul essence being consumed by a mortal.

Deeply concerned, the Grand Elder used a fate chart, which confirmed Changyue's soul was indeed inside Qi Yuanbao, forming a "destined connection"—an ancient, harmful fox clan technique. She emphasized the dire consequences if the soul was not retrieved within seven days before it fully merged with Qi Yuanbao.

She then ordered Hu Bulin to accompany Changyue to the human world to recover his soul and then return immediately to Northern Abyss to repair the shattered barrier, warning Changyue that Qi Yuanbao might be the fox clan's nemesis. Back at the Qishan Sect, Qi Yuanbao awoke with no memory of what had transpired. Her father, Uncle Huan, was perplexed by the sudden resurgence of her spiritual root, which he had believed severed years ago.

He cautioned her to be exceedingly careful when venturing out, never to use her spiritual power recklessly, and to keep its existence a secret. He expressed concern that the recovery of her spiritual root might be linked to the disturbance at Fragment Moon Mountain and the potential return of the Fox Clan. With an important longevity banquet approaching, where cultivators from various sects would gather, any mishap was unthinkable.

Despite the memory erasure, Qi Yuanbao began having strange dreams involving the mysterious man she had encountered. Still restless under house arrest, she dismissed her cousin Xue Hanyu's pleas to behave, stating she was tired of cultivation and preferred a life of carefree enjoyment. She then easily snuck out of the sect with Xue Hanyu to explore the city.

Coincidentally, Changyue and Hu Bulin had also arrived in the human world, with Hu Bulin humorously suggesting that Changyue consider "cultivating love" with Qi Yuanbao, a remark Changyue quickly shut down with a stern warning that he would report him to the Grand Elder. In the city, Qi Yuanbao and Xue Hanyu stopped to listen to a storyteller.

The storyteller spoke of the prominent Qi family and a skilled young woman named Qi Yuanbao, who wielded the Jinghong Sword and fought Su Shen Shen, who used the Glazed Sword, to a draw four years ago. The crowd, however, scoffed, calling Qi Yuanbao the "top playboy" of Beixuan City and discrediting the story, stating that the current Qi Yuanbao was nothing like her past self, having drastically changed after the cultivators' assembly four years ago.

Xue Hanyu questioned Qi Yuanbao about this change, to which she simply replied she had grown tired of cultivating. Suddenly, Su Qianqian, the second young lady of the Su family, appeared and began to mock Qi Yuanbao, calling her a "useless guy" and deeming it a disgrace for her sister to be compared to such trash. Qi Yuanbao retorted, implying Su Qianqian's sister was also "useless."

Undeterred, Su Qianqian further escalated the confrontation by insulting Qi Yuanbao's deceased mother, accusing her of colluding with evil demons and deserving her "untimely death." Enraged, Qi Yuanbao slapped Su Qianqian, demanding an apology for her mother. Su Qianqian refused, brandishing her Seven-Star Whip, and a fierce fight erupted between the two. From a balcony above, Changyue and Hu Bulin observed the commotion.

Hu Bulin, recalling his earlier, naive description of Qishan Sect daughters as virtuous and gentle, was visibly taken aback by Qi Yuanbao's fiery demeanor and vulgar language. Qi Yuanbao ultimately overpowered Su Qianqian, pinning her down and reiterating her demand for an apology to her mother. Su Qianqian, trapped, grudgingly apologized. As Qi Yuanbao released her, Su Qianqian attempted a treacherous sneak attack, but Changyue swiftly intervened, blocking the strike and standing protectively in front of Qi Yuanbao.

Episode 2 Recap

Su Qianqian confronting Qi Yuanbao, accusing her of being shameless for bringing backup. As their argument escalates, a flower basket is knocked over, scattering petals across the street. Suddenly, Su Qianqian's elder sister attacks Qi Yuanbao with a sword, seeking revenge for her sister. Chang Yue intervenes, and in the struggle, his face is revealed when his veil is cut. Qi Yuanbao is mesmerized by his handsome appearance and thanks him for the rescue.

Chang Yue swiftly carries Qi Yuanbao away from the scene. As Chang Yue flies through the air with Qi Yuanbao, she bombards him with questions, wondering if they have met before and praising his extraordinary demeanor, which he curtly dismisses as frivolous. Chang Yue takes Qi Yuanbao to a secluded alley where his subordinate, Hu Bulin, attempts to extract Chang Yue's heart soul from her, but fails. The subordinate suggests that perhaps only Chang Yue himself can retrieve it.

Just then, Qi Yuanbao's senior brother, Xue Hanyu, arrives, calling out for her. To avoid alerting Qi Yuanbao’s companion, Chang Yue and his subordinate decide to retreat for now. After Chang Yue's departure, Qi Yuanbao finds herself constantly thinking about the mysterious young man, though she has no idea how to find him. Back home, Qi Yuanbao is secretly playing dice with Xue Hanyu when Huo Shuyai arrives. She quickly urges Xue Hanyu to hide the dice.

Huo Shuyai expresses concern for Qi Yuanbao's injuries from her recent altercation with Su Qianqian and brings a premium ointment to help her heal quickly without scars. Qi Yuanbao is pleased and allows Huo Shuyai to personally apply the medicine, affectionately calling him "Brother Shuya." Meanwhile, the seven-day deadline to retrieve his heart soul is fast approaching, and Chang Yue is perplexed by the heart soul's protective behavior towards Qi Yuanbao. Feeling the urgency, he resolves to personally retrieve it.

That night, Qi Yuanbao, accompanied by Xue Hanyu, attempts to sneak out of her home to attend a martial arts competition. Chang Yue appears on the rooftop, blocking her escape. He tries once more to retrieve his heart soul, but it proves impossible. In their struggle, they accidentally fall from the rooftop, landing in plain sight of several onlookers. Seeing they have been exposed, Chang Yue quickly departs. Later, Chang Yue's aunt questions him about the heart soul.

Chang Yue admits the situation is far more complicated than he anticipated. His aunt reveals the North Sea barrier is weakening, and the fox spirits are suffering greatly trying to repair it. Chang Yue's subordinate then proposes a drastic measure: "emotional cultivation." He explains that if Chang Yue can make Qi Yuanbao fall in love with him, their hearts will merge, and the heart soul will naturally be returned. Chang Yue is initially very reluctant, dismissing the idea as "impossible."

Back at Qi Shan Sect, Uncle Huan severely scolds Qi Yuanbao for her public behavior at the cultivator assembly, confining her to Reflection Cliff and forbidding her from leaving without his permission. Qi Yuanbao complains about the unfairness, noting that her previously severed spiritual root is now mysteriously healing, and wonders what grudge the mysterious man holds against her to attack her repeatedly.

Concerned that trouble will eventually find Qi Yuanbao, especially with her suspected connection to the "spirit child's descent," Uncle Huan decides to find a strict tutor to properly discipline her. Chang Yue, still contemplating the emotional cultivation strategy, sees a public notice seeking a tutor for Qishan Gate's young lady. Recognizing this as a perfect opportunity to get close to Qi Yuanbao, he applies for the position.

As Chang Yue and his subordinate approach the Qishan Sect on Qishan Mountain, they encounter a barrier. Chang Yue's subordinate nearly reveals his true form, but Chang Yue quickly maintains his composure, preventing Uncle Huan from becoming suspicious. Qi Yuanbao, initially annoyed about having a tutor, is left speechless when Chang Yue arrives, captivated by his handsome appearance.

During their first lesson, Qi Yuanbao attempts to disrupt the class by offering him a green pomelo and defiantly reciting a cheeky poem when asked to compose one. Chang Yue, seeing through her mischief, uses his magic to immobilize her, forcing her to kneel and serve him tea as a sign of respect. Despite her strong objections, Qi Yuanbao is compelled to comply. Uncle Huan is delighted to hear that someone has finally managed to discipline Qi Yuanbao.

Still under the immobilization spell, Qi Yuanbao can only express her frustration to Xue Hanyu and curse Chang Yue for her predicament, unable even to drink water. Chang Yue's subordinate praises his master's ingenuity. Chang Yue then calmly declares the lesson over, leaving Qi Yuanbao stuck in her immobilized state.

Episode 3 Recap

Many people in the mountains came to see Changyue because of his handsome appearance. Sun Qianqian and her sister also came, wanting to greet him, but Changyue ignored them. People gossiped that Changyue was Qi Yuanbao's new teacher and the last disciple of the immortal Taiyi. Sun Qianqian's sister openly said that Qi Yuanbao brought Changyue to Qishan Gate with ulterior motives, reminding others that they had embraced at an inn previously.

Huan Shu overheard these comments and told them not to gossip behind people's backs. Changyue assigned Qi Yuanbao a lot of homework, and she complained about it. Huo Shuya, also known as Uncle Ya, came to encourage her, but he encouraged her to write the homework properly instead of helping her do it directly. Later that night, Changyue transformed into his fox form, intending to retrieve his heart soul from Qi Yuanbao.

He recalled his aunt's advice that a true love's kiss was the secret to emotional cultivation, but he still felt embarrassed. Simultaneously, a black-clad figure attempted to infiltrate Reflection Cliff, but Huan Shu and his guards discovered him. This was a diversion, as another black-clad figure went to Qi Yuanbao's residence to attack her, hoping to test her spiritual roots. Huan Shu realized the deception and sent Shuya to assist Qi Yuanbao.

The black-clad figure attacked Qi Yuanbao in her room. Changyue, in his fox form, intervened and saved her. The attacker retreated, seeing that things weren't going as planned. Qi Yuanbao thought the little fox was cute and hid him in her bathtub when Huan Shu arrived, knowing her father despised foxes. She told her father she was unharmed and had even wounded the assailant's arm, urging him to pursue them.

Huan Shu sent Xiao Hui to check on Qi Yuanbao, who confirmed she was fine. Meanwhile, the 'Master' overseeing the operation was informed that Xue Yuying's Demon-Slaying Formation was unexpectedly strong, and the Corpse King was due to appear soon. His subordinate reported that Qi Yuanbao had regained her spiritual power. Elsewhere, Shuya sustained a minor injury to his hand. Changyue's subordinate wondered if he had kissed Qi Yuanbao and completed the emotional cultivation, noticing his flushed face.

Changyue remained silent, implying he hadn't. The subordinate stressed the urgency of the emotional cultivation, revealing that others were also targeting Qi Yuanbao. The next day, Huan Shu increased the number of guards around Qi Yuanbao's residence. Qi Yuanbao noticed Changyue's uncharacteristic behavior and evasive gaze during class, and questioned his whereabouts during the attack. Changyue, hesitant to admit he was in her bathtub as a fox, claimed he was bathing.

Qi Yuanbao tried various tricks to get a look at his hands for any injuries. Later, Qi Yuanbao proposed a group visit to the hot springs as a "Reflection Cliff benefit," explicitly inviting Changyue to join. Changyue declined, stating he disliked bathing with others. Despite his refusal, Qi Yuanbao secretly went to the hot springs, intending to observe Changyue. She was annoyed to find him still wearing clothes in the water.

While attempting to get a closer look at Changyue, Qi Yuanbao accidentally fell from the roof into the hot spring with a splash and a scream. Her cries attracted the guards, who were searching for the intruder. Panicked, Qi Yuanbao begged Changyue not to expose her. Changyue directed the guards to search to the east, allowing her to escape. Once the guards were gone, Changyue revealed his uninjured arm, proving he wasn't the attacker.

Qi Yuanbao, realizing her mistake, chastised him for not revealing the truth sooner, calling him "scheming." As Changyue dressed, people approached. To avoid being discovered, Qi Yuanbao quickly pulled Changyue into hiding, bringing them very close together, which made Changyue uncomfortable.

Episode 4 Recap

As Changyue and Qi Yuanbao hid together in close proximity, still a bit awkward from their earlier encounter, they inadvertently stumbled into a secret chamber. Inside, Qi Yuanbao, curious about the place, wondered if it was a legendary chamber left by the Qishan Sect's ancestors. Changyue was amazed by the numerous treasures within. Qi Yuanbao discovered an Obedience Talisman and pondered if she could use it to compel her father to reveal the truth about her mother's death.

She then found memorial tablets for her mother, grandfather, and uncle, deeply unsettling her as she questioned why they were kept there. Her eyes then fell upon a painting, recognizing it instantly as her mother. Overcome with emotion and longing, Qi Yuanbao reached out to touch the painting. This triggered a hidden mechanism, sending a volley of arrows from all directions. Changyue quickly pulled her to safety, asking if she was alright.

He deduced it was a forbidden area set up by her father, likely to protect something beyond the painting. Despite the danger, Qi Yuanbao was resolute, believing whatever was hidden might hold the key to her mother's demise. Behind the painting, Qi Yuanbao discovered a jade pendant. As she touched it, a fragmented memory flashed before her eyes: she saw her mother and another person wearing a mask.

However, before she could clearly discern the masked figure's face, a sudden sharp pain seized her chest. Witnessing her distress, Changyue insisted they leave the dangerous chamber. Upon exiting, they were confronted by Qi Yuanbao's father, who had been alerted to a trespasser in the forbidden grounds and was surprised to find his daughter and Changyue. He immediately demanded the jade pendant, which Qi Yuanbao held, claiming it was of no benefit to her.

Qi Yuanbao refused to hand it over, pressing him for answers about the pendant and the secrets he was keeping regarding her mother's death. Her father dismissively stated she had no need to know the circumstances of her mother's death. When she questioned if the jade pendant was connected to her mother's passing, he reiterated his demand, threatening her with family punishment. Qi Yuanbao defiantly refused, challenging him to "kill me today" if he wouldn't reveal the truth.

Changyue intervened, reminding Qi Yuanbao's father that physical wounds heal, but emotional ones do not. Unyielding, Qi Yuanbao's father ordered his guards to take her to Jingsi Cliff. Later, Qi Yuanbao was plagued by a nightmare, reliving a horrific scene where her mother was killed by her father. She woke up in terror, distraught and desperate to understand why her father would commit such an act. Her father, Qilian, overheard her cries.

Alone, he spoke to his deceased wife, Yuying, admitting he had promised to protect Yuanbao from the truth. However, with Yuanbao's persistent nature and her possession of the Tianji Pendant, he feared he could not keep it hidden much longer. Changyue, in his little fox form, visited Qi Yuanbao, offering silent companionship.

Qi Yuanbao confided in him, reminiscing about her childhood when her mother made fennel dumplings that she and her father cherished as the "best dumplings in the whole world." She yearned for her father to explain things to her, believing she would trust any reason he gave. Changyue, while listening, internally considered finding another opportunity for emotional cultivation with Qi Yuanbao. Qi Yuanbao noticed the little fox's injured leg and insisted on applying medicine, playfully remarking on their shared injuries.

Although the fox initially feigned toughness, he eventually admitted the wound still hurt a little. Qi Yuanbao then presented the fox with her homemade dumplings, proudly claiming they were delicious. Changyue, skeptical, found them to be "absolutely terrible" and "still raw." Qi Yuanbao then jokingly remarked that as a fox, he naturally preferred raw food, and offered him the rest of the dumplings. Changyue, however, politely declined.

As Qi Yuanbao drifted off to sleep, she mumbled about wanting candied hawthorn sticks, then listed a series of unusual cravings like grilled flatbread, lamb kidneys, tripe, pig lungs, and ox penis, much to Changyue's bewilderment. Changyue went to the market, procuring candied hawthorn sticks and other delicacies. Meanwhile, Huo Shuya woke Qi Yuanbao. Upon waking, she realized the little fox was gone and dared not mention its presence to anyone.

Changyue returned, intending to give Qi Yuanbao the snacks, but seeing her with Huo Shuya, he quietly left and later shared the food with a friend. Even though Qi Yuanbao currently possessed no spiritual power, there were still those who regarded her with apprehension. Elsewhere, a Master and his subordinate discussed Qi Yuanbao's conflict with her father, Qilian, after she entered the secret chamber.

The subordinate reported the father and daughter were at "complete odds" and predicted Qilian would soon expel Qi Yuanbao from the mountain. Noting the exodus of cultivators from Qishan Gate, the Master planned to return to Suyun City, instructing his subordinate to send a team with Huo Chen to Fragment Moon Mountain and to find "Shen Shen" to stay in Northern Xuan City to monitor Qi Yuanbao. Separately, Sun Qianqian complained to her sister about the boredom of Qishan Gate.

Her sister then declared her intention to stay in Northern Xuan City, claiming a desire for sightseeing. Sun Qianqian teased her, suggesting her real reason was a fondness for Changyue. Qi Yuanbao, holding the jade pendant from the forbidden chamber, contemplated its mysteries, the masked figure from her memory, their connection to her mother, and the meaning of her mother's last words. She also worried about the little fox, who had not returned.

She then witnessed Changyue skillfully using a freezing spell on a group of people, marveling at its "extraordinary" power. Realizing such a spell would make leaving the mountain "a piece of cake," she eagerly approached Changyue, asking him to teach her. Changyue, still bothered by seeing her with Huo Shuya the previous day, felt a pang of jealousy. Despite his feelings, Qi Yuanbao pleaded with him, calling him "Master." Changyue, acknowledging her rare enthusiasm for learning, praised her adaptable nature and agreed to teach her, promising that with diligent study, she would master the freezing spell within a year.

Episode 5 Recap

As various sects prepared to leave, Huo Shuyai made a special point to bid farewell to Qi Yuanbao. Qi Yuanbao expressed her reluctance to see him go, noting that they had just reunited and hadn't even had a chance to explore Beixuan City together. Huo Shuyai promised that next time he returned, she must take him sightseeing, and they sealed it with a deal.

He asked if she had any parting words, to which she wished him safety and success on his trip to Mount Fragmented Moon. Not entirely satisfied, he then asked her to promise to stay home, be cautious, and avoid getting hurt. Qi Yuanbao confidently assured him that no one could possibly bully her. All of this was observed by Chang Yue, who watched Huo Shuyai embrace Qi Yuanbao, causing his tea to spill unnoticed.

Qi Yuanbao longed to leave Qishan Gate, hoping to uncover the origins of the jade pendant she possessed, which her father treasured so much. She felt she couldn't wait any longer and needed a more immediate solution. Around this time, Sun Qianqian arrived, having snuck out of the sect herself. She told Qi Yuanbao she preferred sightseeing with her in Beixuan City rather than facing their stern father alone. Qi Yuanbao, claiming she had important business, didn't elaborate.

Determined to leave, Qi Yuanbao sought out Chang Yue under the pretense of feeling unwell. As Chang Yue checked her pulse, she seized his hand and pleaded for him to help her escape Reflection Cliff, claiming she would die of boredom or despair if she stayed. She invoked sympathy, lamenting that her father didn't care for her, and even Huo Shuyai, who once was kind, was now gone.

While Chang Yue initially seemed to consider that keeping her confined was not a long-term solution, he quickly realized her feigned illness. He left in anger, but later, in a conversation with his servant, Chang Yue expressed concern that Qi Yuanbao's resentment towards him was deepening, even though he was trying to protect her. He confessed he would rather she never understood his actions. Deciding that soft tactics wouldn't work on Chang Yue, Qi Yuanbao resolved to use force.

She retrieved an Obedience Talisman she had secretly taken from the secret room. Sun Qianqian questioned using the charm meant for their father on Chang Yue, but Qi Yuanbao argued that since her father rarely visited Reflection Cliff, it was a convenient opportunity. When Chang Yue arrived for their lesson, Qi Yuanbao subtly placed the talisman on him. To test its effectiveness, she commanded Chang Yue to take two steps to the left, then two steps to the right.

Both Qi Yuanbao and Sun Qianqian rejoiced as he obeyed, noting how much more agreeable he seemed now. Realizing they had no money for their journey, as Qi Yuanbao's father had confiscated all her coins, Qi Yuanbao quickly devised a plan. She suggested that Chang Yue's calligraphy would be valuable. They promptly set up "Chang Yue's Calligraphy Auction," attracting many eager buyers. Chang Yue's works proved to be very popular, and they quickly accumulated enough money for their travel expenses.

That evening, Qi Yuanbao attempted to sneak past the patrolling guards. She instructed Chang Yue to use his freezing spell on them. He complied, successfully freezing the guards for a brief moment, but they quickly resumed their movements. Despite repeated attempts to freeze them, the spell's effect was only momentary, preventing their escape. Frustrated, Qi Yuanbao, feeling tired, ordered Chang Yue to carry her to bed.

There, she told him he wasn't allowed to leave, and he remained by her side until morning. The next morning, Qi Yuanbao awoke to find Chang Yue still beside her. She gently pulled her hand away from his and earnestly begged him to take her down the mountain, offering him all the money they had earned.

Chang Yue, who was seeking to achieve "love training" success (a state he defined as a person blushing, their heart racing, longing to be near, touch, and kiss him, and considering him their one and only), asked her if she truly desired to leave the mountain so badly. He then offered to take her, but on one condition: she had to kiss him. Qi Yuanbao was momentarily stunned and hesitated, finding the request surprisingly difficult.

Chang Yue, sensing her reluctance, prepared to drop the condition, stating he disliked forcing others. However, after a moment's thought, Qi Yuanbao leaned in and quickly kissed him, then promptly asked if he would now take her down the mountain. Chang Yue then took Qi Yuanbao down the mountain. Their first stop was the bustling entertainment district of Meirenxiang, where the proprietress greeted "Miss Qi," inviting her in, but Qi Yuanbao politely declined, promising to visit another time.

As they explored the city, Qi Yuanbao bought a fox mask and presented it to Chang Yue as a gift for taking her down the mountain. She revealed her fondness for foxes, contrasting it with her father's intense dislike for them. When Chang Yue asked why, she explained that she couldn't find a reason to dislike them and wouldn't blindly follow her father's prejudices.

She fondly mentioned encountering an "absolutely adorable" little fox she "took care of" but had to leave behind. Chang Yue inwardly questioned, "When did I ever become something you 'took care of'?" He then assured her that if fate permitted, she would surely meet it again, to which she optimistically agreed.

While Qi Yuanbao was excitedly taking in the sights of the Meirenxiang district, Chang Yue found himself pondering why, despite her kiss, his "love training" had not yet been successful. He reaffirmed in his mind that true love training would only be complete when she genuinely fell in love with him, expressing her affection with blush, racing heart, and desire for closeness. Meanwhile, Master Qi was furious upon discovering Qi Yuanbao had left the mountain.

His disciples reported that they couldn't find her, prompting him to order a widespread search. Xue Hanyu, who had come down the mountain specifically to find Qi Yuanbao, was caught by Master Qi and Senior Brother Tian. Xue Hanyu confessed that Qi Yuanbao had begged Chang Yue to take her down. Master Qi angrily accused Chang Yue of "bringing trouble into our home," but Xue Hanyu defended Chang Yue, stating he was only looking out for Qi Yuanbao.

Sun Qianqian, also present with her sister, tried to calm Master Qi, explaining that Qi Yuanbao was merely tired of being confined and would return after a few days of fun. Master Qi rebuked her, emphasizing the dangers outside the mountain and accusing her of leading Qi Yuanbao to her death. Sun Qianqian then offered to join the search, and Master Qi agreed. Later, Xue Hanyu encountered Sun Qianqian and her sister.

Sun Qianqian’s sister questioned why he wasn't on Mount Fragmented Moon. Xue Hanyu, ignoring her retort, asked Sun Qianqian if she had seen his cousin, Qi Yuanbao. Sun Qianqian replied that she hadn't, assuming Qi Yuanbao was still locked up. Xue Hanyu lamented that his cousin, with her knack for disappearing, had run off again.

Sun Qianqian’s sister advised him that Qi Yuanbao was likely at Meirenxiang or Changlefang, not where he was searching, adding, "Don't you know your sister by now?" She then called him a "tag-along."

Episode 6 Recap

Su Qianqian's sister learned that Qi Yuanbao had left the mountain and wanted to find out more, leading to many others also becoming aware of Qi Yuanbao's departure. With her out in the open, some saw it as an opportune moment to act against her. Qi Yuanbao, in pursuit of answers about a jade pendant, visited Yihong Tower under the guise of leisure.

After inquiring, she learned that the pendant was located in Fragment Moon Mountain and decided to head there. Although Chang Yue was present, enjoying a song and dance performance, Qi Yuanbao merely cast a glance his way before swiftly departing. Meanwhile, Qi Yuanbao's father and his contingent had already descended the mountain in search of her.

Qi Yuanbao pondered that a journey to Fragment Moon Mountain might reveal the reason her father severed her spiritual roots and shed light on her mother's death. Just then, Chang Yue appeared, intent on taking her back. Qi Yuanbao adamantly refused, but with her father's people closing in, she had no choice but to follow Chang Yue.

After a brief escape, Qi Yuanbao questioned why Chang Yue helped her when he initially wanted her to return to Qishan Sect, to which he admitted, "Perhaps I made a mistake." She then informed him that she had her own destination and he needn't follow, but Chang Yue insisted he had to. As Qi Yuanbao's father's group entered an eerie forest, Chang Yue's aunt, in the distance, released a poisonous miasma, forcing them to retreat.

Elsewhere, Junior Sister Shen was tasked with finding Qi Yuanbao before her father, Qilian, could. Junior Sister Shen questioned why her Master was so determined to find Qi Yuanbao, to which Senior Yun reassured her that whatever their Master did was for the benefit of the entire Su Sect. Su Qianqian's sister, also pursuing Qi Yuanbao, stumbled upon a piece of Qi Yuanbao's clothing on a small tree branch.

She successfully located Qi Yuanbao but chose to keep this information to herself, without reporting it to anyone. Chang Yue continued to follow Qi Yuanbao, much to her annoyance. She confronted him, accusing him of ulterior motives and calling him a "clingy tape" for constantly trailing her. She declared that from that moment on, they should go their separate ways. Suddenly, Qi Yuanbao and Su Qianqian's sister were swept away by a mysterious branch.

Chang Yue attempted to pull them back but was dragged along with them. They awoke in a breathtaking yet peculiar realm, confronting a colossal carnivorous flower that craved blood. The three worked together and managed to escape, though Chang Yue sustained an injury to his chest. Feeling a pang of guilt, Qi Yuanbao asked about Chang Yue's injury, to which he replied it was "nothing serious." She even complimented him, noting he wasn't as cold as she once thought.

Su Qianqian's sister, observing Chang Yue's wounds, offered him a healing ointment, boasting it was the best from her sect. Chang Yue accepted it but, noticing Qi Yuanbao's unspoken displeasure, tried to pass it to her, claiming his injury wasn't severe. Qi Yuanbao, understanding the romantic implication of the gift, declined, stating her own injury was also minor. Chang Yue, now grasping the deeper meaning of such a gift, returned the medicine pack to Su Qianqian's sister.

Feeling deeply embarrassed and humiliated, she stormed off, blaming Qi Yuanbao. Shortly after, Chang Yue began to feel weak and dizzy from the carnivorous flower's venom. Meanwhile, Su Qianqian and Xue Hanyu were also navigating the ominous forest. Su Qianqian complained about its creepiness and Xue Hanyu's slow pace before accidentally falling and realizing she had been bitten by a snake.

Xue Hanyu confirmed the snake's venom was deadly and that the poison needed to be expelled immediately to save her life. Su Qianqian, panicking, begged Xue Hanyu to suck out the venom. However, Xue Hanyu, scoffing at her, suggested she had been reading too many romance novels, as no one in reality would suck out snake venom with their mouth unless they were a "fool."

As Su Qianqian cried in pain, he pulled out a knife, intending to cut open the wound to release the blood, much to her renewed horror and protest. Back with Qi Yuanbao and Chang Yue, Qi Yuanbao realized Chang Yue was indeed poisoned by the carnivorous flower and needed help. Despite Chang Yue's initial reluctance and an attempt to hide a peculiar, glowing item on his person, Qi Yuanbao insisted on helping.

She leaned in and began to suck the poisoned blood from his chest, emphatically stating that she had no other intentions. As she did, Chang Yue's heart began to pound rapidly, and Qi Yuanbao herself felt a blush creep onto her face, suddenly feeling a surge of embarrassment.

Episode 7 Recap

As night fell, Qi Yuanbao checked on Changyue's injury, offering him food. She confessed her regret about her previous determination to uncover mysteries, now realizing that staying alive was paramount and worrying about her father who must be searching for her. Changyue reassured her, suggesting they rest for the night and plan their escape from the forest in the morning. Later, exhausted, Qi Yuanbao leaned on Changyue and fell asleep.

Though Changyue initially moved her, she soon leaned back, and he allowed her to rest. Elsewhere, Xue Hanyu had finished bandaging Su Qianqian's leg, explaining that the pain indicated the poison was dissipating. He revealed he carried many medicines because his cousin, Qi Yuanbao, was prone to injuries. When he prepared to leave, Su Qianqian refused to walk, recalling his earlier mockery of her. Despite his initial refusal, he eventually gave in and carried her.

Su Qianqian, leaning contentedly on Xue Hanyu, called him "not completely useless," earning a sharp retort from him to remain silent if she couldn't offer a proper compliment. She then playfully dared him to leave her behind, prompting him to continue carrying her. She asked if he would return to Qishan Sect, to which Xue Hanyu responded that he couldn't, fearing his uncle's anger over Qi Yuanbao's disappearance and his failure to protect her.

Su Qianqian then suggested he become her "pet" in Su Yun City, extolling its culinary delights. Xue Hanyu rejected the offer, stating his priority was to find and protect Qi Yuanbao, who his uncle believed was in constant danger. Su Qianqian retorted with a proverb about troublemakers having long lives, implying Qi Yuanbao would be fine, which made Xue Hanyu momentarily pretend to drop her. They slept until dawn. Qi Yuanbao awoke and was captivated by Changyue’s beautiful face.

As she reached out a hand towards his lips, Changyue suddenly opened his eyes, startling and embarrassing her. Just as Changyue was about to kiss Qi Yuanbao, Su Qianqian's sister arrived, breaking the intimate atmosphere. She casually remarked that the view was lovely. Soon after, Qi Yuanbao spotted a rabbit. Changyue quickly used his powers to freeze it, allowing Qi Yuanbao to collect some of its blood, which she intended to use against the carnivorous flowers.

Su Qianqian's sister was dismayed by this act, but Qi Yuanbao challenged her to offer her own blood if she sympathized so much. They then encountered another giant carnivorous flower. Changyue tried attacking it with his Huasheng Sword, but it proved ineffective. Qi Yuanbao quickly realized that the flower's mouth was its weak point and instructed Changyue to target it. Working together, they successfully defeated the flower and finally managed to exit the strange forest.

Meanwhile, Xue Hanyu also emerged from the forest, still carrying Su Qianqian, who expressed relief at their escape and wondered about her sister's whereabouts. The three eventually reunited on a bustling street, only to discover sect disciples actively searching for Qi Yuanbao, showing her portraits to passersby. Recognizing the danger, Qi Yuanbao quickly guided Changyue and Su Qianqian's sister into hiding. Unbeknownst to them, in another location, Qi Yuanbao's sect members, led by her father, were anxiously searching for her.

Meng Shu, one of the sect members, expressed deep concern, feeling restless about Qi Yuanbao's safety amidst the current dangers. She also revealed that she believed she had seen "her" that day, hinting at a new, ominous development. Qi Yuanbao's father considered the possibility that if she wasn't in Bei Xuan City, she might have gone to Suiyue Mountain to find Shuyai, especially since she possessed the Tianji Pendant.

Deciding he must act, he resolved to travel to Suiyue Mountain personally to intercept Qi Yuanbao and instructed a subordinate to send a letter to Shuyai, urging him to closely monitor Qi Yuanbao's movements. Away from the searching parties, Su Qianqian's sister cunningly pulled Qi Yuanbao aside to ask if she harbored feelings for Changyue. Qi Yuanbao immediately denied it, though a hint of happiness stirred within her.

She stated her preference for "talented and charming scholars" over "dull and reserved" individuals like her Master. She then turned the accusation back on Su Qianqian's sister, who denied liking Changyue, claiming she merely wanted to travel alongside them. Changyue, overhearing, remarked that her reasons were irrelevant to him, prompting Qi Yuanbao to again call him dull and uninteresting. Meanwhile, Changyue's worried subordinate, who had been anxiously awaiting his return, received a magical message from Changyue: "I'm with Qi Yuanbao.

Don't worry." Relieved, the subordinate concluded that Changyue's emotional cultivation was making good progress. In another area, Xue Hanyu followed a trail marked by a small rabbit, a sign left by Qi Yuanbao, confirming her direction. He found Su Qianqian, who, despite her leg being largely healed, tried to feign walking difficulties and insisted he continue carrying her, even pretending to dance clumsily when he inquired about what she was hiding.

He reluctantly agreed to carry her again, remarking on her surprising weight. Deciding it was safer to find shelter since the Qishan Sect members wouldn't easily catch up, Qi Yuanbao, Changyue, and Su Qianqian's sister found an inn. Qi Yuanbao instructed the waiter to prepare two rooms: one for Changyue alone, and another for herself and Su Qianqian's sister to share.

Su Qianqian's sister immediately objected, citing her difficulty sleeping with others, but Qi Yuanbao dismissed her concerns, stating it was a matter of saving money on their long journey and wryly noting that Su Qianqian's sister would just have to "rough it" with her. As they headed to their rooms, Su Qianqian's sister secretly vowed to find an opportunity to contact Yunrong later.

Changyue, perceptive, asked Qi Yuanbao if she was suspicious of the sister, to which Qi Yuanbao confirmed her vigilance, urging him to be cautious. That night, as Su Qianqian's sister attempted to slip out of their shared room to meet Yunrong, she found her body immobilized by Qi Yuanbao's leg, which had been deliberately placed across her, effectively trapping her.

Despite Qi Yuanbao appearing to be asleep, the sister found it impossible to move, wondering if Qi Yuanbao was genuinely asleep or merely feigning it. The next morning at breakfast, Su Qianqian's sister looked visibly tired, while Qi Yuanbao, who had slept soundly, felt refreshed. Changyue courteously handed a pair of chopsticks to Su Qianqian's sister first. Delighted, she offered him a dish, but Changyue immediately passed it to Qi Yuanbao. Qi Yuanbao, with a sly look, then proceeded to eat the noodles that Su Qianqian's sister had originally served to Changyue.

Episode 8 Recap

Chang Yue and Qi Yuanbao were determined to uncover the truth behind recent events. Meanwhile, Xue Hanyu finished bandaging Su Qianqian's foot wound and carried her to a dilapidated temple to rest. Su Qianqian worried that Xue Hanyu would abandon her when he left to find food, but he reassured her. Huo Shuya found a kaleidoscope on the street, thinking Qi Yuanbao would like it, and decided to buy it for her.

Qi Yuanbao and Chang Yue found new accommodations with Su Qianqian's sister, who was plotting to relay Qi Yuanbao's location to Yunrong. That night, Chang Yue had a dream where Qi Yuanbao intimately called him "Master," which made him uncomfortable. This was caused by a sachet given to Su Qianqian's sister by a masked person to make Chang Yue fall in love with her. Su Qianqian's sister went to find Chang Yue, whose breathing became labored.

Qi Yuanbao, who was still awake, went to check on them. Chang Yue pulled Qi Yuanbao into his room, claiming to be ill and confessing that he was thinking about her. Qi Yuanbao reached out to touch Chang Yue's forehead, but he grabbed her hand. Embarrassed, Qi Yuanbao accused him of acting inappropriately, and Chang Yue sent her away. Concerned, Qi Yuanbao brought medicine to Chang Yue. He pulled her into an embrace and kissed her, leaving Qi Yuanbao flustered.

Su Qianqian's sister witnessed the encounter, and Qi Yuanbao hurried away, blushing. Chang Yue confided in his friend, who realized Chang Yue was falling in love with Qi Yuanbao. Qi Yuanbao, back in her room, replayed the kiss in her mind, smiling. Xue Hanyu planned to find Qi Yuanbao, but Su Qianqian insisted on following him, thwarting his attempts to lose her. Yunrong spotted them and had them kidnapped.

Wearing the black-clothed figure's mask, Yunrong interrogated them about Qi Yuanbao's whereabouts, while Xue Hanyu was worried that Yunrong intended to harm Qi Yuanbao. Waking up, Chang Yue found a fox clan sachet under his pillow and wondered how it got there. At breakfast, Chang Yue and Qi Yuanbao were awkward around each other. Yunrong threatened Xue Hanyu, demanding to know where to find Qi Yuanbao.

To protect Xue Hanyu, Su Qianqian revealed they could use a flute to signal Qi Yuanbao. Yunrong played the flute, hoping to lure her. Qi Yuanbao, nearing their location, realized Xue Hanyu had been leaving her markings along the way. Suspecting a trap and that Xue Hanyu had been captured, Qi Yuanbao went to rescue them, finding Xue Hanyu and Su Qianqian tied up.

Knowing that Yunrong was after her life, Qi Yuanbao offered herself in exchange for Xue Hanyu and Su Qianqian. Xue Hanyu, pulled away by Su Qianqian, remained concerned for Qi Yuanbao’s safety. As Qi Yuanbao fought Yunrong, Xue Hanyu and Su Qianqian returned to help because Qi Yuanbao wanted them to get reinforcements. Xue Hanyu was struck by Yunrong, drawing blood. Then, Chang Yue arrived, and a light emanated from Qi Yuanbao's chest, causing her to collapse into Chang Yue's arms.

Episode 9 Recap

Chang Yue carried the unconscious Qi Yuanbao back to the inn, only to discover that her heart veins were completely severed. Xue Hanyu, refusing to believe she was doomed, insisted on taking her home immediately, convinced his uncle could save her. Chang Yue urged him to calm down, explaining that the ferocious spiritual energy awakened in Yuanbao’s frail body had caused a severe backlash, severing her heart veins.

Meanwhile, Yunrong, also severely injured from her confrontation with Qi Yuanbao, was questioned by her Senior Brother and Junior Sister Shen. Yunrong explained that Qi Yuanbao's spiritual power had suddenly surged, making her no match. Junior Sister Shen expressed surprise, mentioning that Qi Yuanbao's spiritual power was supposedly cut off by her father. She then stated that with Qi Yuanbao's heart veins severed, she was sure to die, meaning Junior Sister Shen would no longer need to monitor her.

Upon hearing this, Yunrong's Senior Brother exclaimed in alarm, realizing the gravity of Qi Yuanbao's condition. A healer informed Qi Yuanbao's father that severed heart veins were beyond medical cure, stating that even their young master's intervention would be futile. Overcome with guilt for failing to protect her, Qi Yuanbao's father declared his intention to sacrifice his own life and cultivation to protect her heart veins, effectively trading his life for hers.

His disciples pleaded with him to reconsider, warning that even with his sacrifice, Yuanbao would only survive for three more months. Despite their pleas, he was resolute and dismissed them all. He then entrusted them with the task of caring for Yuanbao, asking only that she live her remaining days peacefully and without worry. Both Xue Hanyu and Su Qianqian felt immense guilt.

Xue Hanyu blamed himself for failing to protect Qi Yuanbao, lamenting that he was useless and couldn't even protect his uncle. Su Qianqian tried to comfort him, assuring him that he was never useless in her eyes. She reminded him that he had risked his own life to go back and save Qi Yuanbao, an act of great loyalty which she admired, stating that Qi Yuanbao loved him just as much.

She also reassured him that Qi Yuanbao, being a "troublemaker," was sure to be protected by fate and wouldn't die. Unbeknownst to them, Chang Yue approached the unconscious Qi Yuanbao. Despite warnings from an attendant that his Soul Essence was the vital source of the Sky Fox's power and crucial for him, Chang Yue disregarded them. He temporarily froze Qi Yuanbao's father to prevent interference and then extracted his own Soul Essence ("Mo Hun"), transferring it to Qi Yuanbao.

He explained that this Soul Essence could only sustain her life for one month and would temporarily ease her pain, urging her to keep the Soul Charm with her at all times. He declared that he would go find the true antidote that could save her, telling Yuanbao to wait for him to return. After Chang Yue unfroze him, Qi Yuanbao's father discovered to his astonishment that his daughter's pulse was gradually stabilizing.

He questioned everyone, but no one had seen anyone enter the room. Relieved, he announced that Qi Yuanbao was temporarily safe and decided against sacrificing his life. He ordered Xue Hanyu to send letters to all major sects, asking them to search for miraculous heart-protecting medicine, and commanded an immediate return to Qishan Sect. He privately wondered if a master had secretly intervened to stabilize her heart veins.

Back at her sect, Yunrong was severely reprimanded by her master for failing to capture Qi Yuanbao and for causing her heart veins to sever and spiritual roots to be lost. Yunrong defended herself, attributing it to Qi Yuanbao's sudden spiritual root eruption. Her master, however, decided that Qi Yuanbao was currently too gravely injured and weak to be useful for resurrecting the Corpse Puppet King, so they would wait.

Elsewhere, Huo Shuya (Huo Ping's father from the plot) overheard news that Qi Yuanbao's heart veins were completely severed and she wouldn't live much longer, causing him great concern. He informed Huo Ping that he would be going to Jade Peach Snow Mountain to find the Violet Scale Fruit, a treacherous journey to retrieve a rare herb from the cliffs.

Recognizing Huo Ping's deep affection for Yuanbao, his father allowed Huo Ping to join the dangerous expedition, instructing him to be extra careful. In turn, Huo Ping advised his father to be safe on his own journey to Suiyue Mountain. Seven days later, Qi Yuanbao finally woke up. She only remembered Chang Yue carrying her back to the inn after she collapsed, but nothing else from her unconscious state.

Xue Hanyu informed her that she had been asleep for seven days and seven nights. Su Qianqian's sister found Qi Yuanbao's recovery perplexing. Despite her heart veins supposedly being severed and her having only days to live, Qi Yuanbao had now fully recovered. She also received a letter from her father instructing her to "stay put" for the time being, preventing her from taking any immediate action against Qi Yuanbao.

Su Qianqian, believing her sister might want to return home, expressed her reluctance to leave, feeling it would be disloyal to abandon Qi Yuanbao who was injured protecting them. Qi Yuanbao discovered the jade pendant (Soul Charm) on her chest, recognizing it as Chang Yue's cherished possession. She asked Xue Hanyu about Chang Yue's whereabouts, wondering why he hadn't visited her since she woke up.

Xue Hanyu explained that Chang Yue had disappeared after her collapse and might have returned to Mount Taiyi. Soon after, her father entered, displaying an unusual level of gentleness and care, asking about her well-being, advising her to rest, and offering her special meals. His unprecedented kindness made Qi Yuanbao suspicious, leading her to wonder if she was secretly dying. Her father, seemingly flustered by her directness, quickly left, entrusting Xue Hanyu with her care.

Xue Hanyu remarked on her father's changed demeanor, noting he usually would have punished her. Later, Qi Yuanbao's father stood outside a locked room, lost in thought. He was overcome by memories of happier times when his family of three was together, recognizing that those days were now irrevocably lost.

Su Qianqian offered Qi Yuanbao a rare and potent heart-protecting medicine from the Su family, claiming it was to settle their debt, as Qi Yuanbao's injury was partly due to her. Qi Yuanbao playfully accused her of only wanting to save Xue Hanyu and saving her was just an afterthought, to which Su Qianqian retorted that it was because Qi Yuanbao was "too weak." They shared a lighthearted moment, bickering over the medicine.

Chang Yue was determined to venture into the treacherous Wan Lu Abyss to find the Pusa Leaf, the only known antidote that could save Qi Yuanbao. His attendant warned him that the Abyss was a deadly place, especially since he no longer possessed his Soul Essence. His aunt arrived and tried to dissuade him, questioning if he truly understood the fatal consequences of entering such a perilous place.

Chang Yue, however, was resolute, stating that he would regret it for the rest of his life if he didn't retrieve the Pusa Leaf for Yuanbao, even if it meant sacrificing his own life. His aunt questioned his priorities, asking if he truly valued a mortal woman above his own life. Chang Yue confirmed his dedication. His Grand Elder then appeared, admonishing him for prioritizing a mortal woman over his mission and the future of their fox descendants.

She reminded him that no one had ever returned alive from the Wan Lu Abyss in thousands of years. To make him "come to his senses," she struck him, causing him to cough up blood. Despite the blow, Chang Yue remained unwavering, kneeling and begging both his aunt and Grand Elder to allow him to undertake this quest. Seeing his determination, his aunt finally suggested they trust him and let him go.

Episode 10 Recap

During a lesson with her mentor, Qi Yuanbao's mind drifted, imagining Chang Yue's voice reciting the classics. She then snapped back to reality, holding the jade pendant Chang Yue gave her, and wondering aloud where he was, concerned for his safety. Chang Yue's aunt expressed frustration to the Grand Elder, questioning why she allowed Chang Yue to enter the perilous Wanmiao Abyss. The Grand Elder replied that Chang Yue is determined, and they couldn't stop him.

The aunt stressed the urgency, explaining that Chang Yue's love cultivation meant his soul was tied to Qi Yuanbao's life; if Qi Yuanbao died, Chang Yue’s soul would also dissipate. She argued that saving Qi Yuanbao was paramount to saving their fox clan. The Grand Elder acknowledged Chang Yue’s nine lives, asserting he would survive, but gravely noted that the suffering he would endure within was real and immense.

While with companions, Qi Yuanbao playfully feigned injury after a fright, but a deeper unease soon settled over her. When someone discovered Chang Yue's item in her possession, she felt a strong premonition of danger, wondering if something terrible had happened to him. Chang Yue’s torment continued in the Wanmiao Abyss. It was revealed that he had already sacrificed one of his nine lives, having endured the "Heart-Piercing Soul-Destroying Arrow," a wound that would never heal and inflict nightly agony.

He then entered the even crueler "Bewitching Heart Fantasy Realm," a place where he would confront his deepest desires and fears, seeing the person he longed for most. Each moment lost in the illusion meant losing another life. Within this illusion, Chang Yue found himself at Jingsi Cliff, where he saw Qi Yuanbao sleeping. He desperately called her name, holding her hand and imploring her not to die.

When she awoke, she playfully noticed his fast heartbeat, teasing him about being nervous and admitting his mind was full of her. She even provocatively suggested he wished to bathe with her. When Qi Yuanbao mentioned going to find "Uncle Ya," Chang Yue embraced her tightly, confessed that his mind was indeed full of her, and then kissed her. This vivid and emotional encounter was merely a powerful dream, reflecting his profound affection for Qi Yuanbao.

Back in the real world, the Grand Elder expressed deep concern, explaining that if Chang Yue remained trapped in the "Bewitching Heart Fantasy Realm" for too long, seeing the person he missed most, he would lose a life with every passing moment. Inside the illusion, Qi Yuanbao had asked Chang Yue to stay with her forever, to which he readily agreed. However, when she then complained of exhaustion and intense pain, Chang Yue was jolted awake from the illusion.

Struggling to move forward, he was spurred on by lingering memories of Qi Yuanbao, while various voices from his past, including Qi Yuanbao asking for his whereabouts, echoed in his mind. Meanwhile, Qi Yuanbao found herself constantly thinking of Chang Yue. When questioned by her cousin, she vehemently denied it, citing his sudden departure while she was ill. Her cousin suggested writing to him, but Qi Yuanbao revealed she had already done so.

Later, frustrated by his absence, she spoke to the jade pendant he had left her, threatening to discard it if he didn't return soon. Chang Yue finally reached the formidable Soul-burning Pool, the location of the Pusa Leaf. He knew that to obtain it, he would have to brave the countless demon souls imprisoned there, who had starved for a century and fed on blood and bone marrow.

This torment, he had been warned, would be far more agonizing than the Soul-Destroying Arrow. As he prepared to retrieve the leaf, a menacing black mist enveloped him. At the same time, in a moment of frustration and anger, Qi Yuanbao tossed the jade pendant Chang Yue gave her into a pond, declaring he should never appear before her again. However, shortly after, she jumped into the water to retrieve it.

Back in the Wanmiao Abyss, the Grand Elder’s companion implored her to intervene, fearing Chang Yue would perish, but the Grand Elder sternly stated that if he died, it would be his own doing, and she wouldn't shed a single tear. Despite the immense suffering, Chang Yue successfully retrieved the Pusa Leaf. His companions joyfully announced his return, though he emerged in a state of unconsciousness.

One of them observed the foolish yet profound nature of love, questioning what virtue Qi Yuanbao possessed to command such devotion. Meanwhile, Qi Yuanbao was rescued from the pond by her fellow disciples, who immediately checked on her well-being and urged her to change out of her wet clothes to avoid falling ill. Chang Yue remained in a deep coma, his condition appearing grim.

His attendant desperately asked the Grand Elder if there was any way to alleviate the nightly torment he would suffer from the Soul-Destroying Arrow, lamenting that Qi Yuanbao was the cause of His Highness’s plight. Far away, Qi Yuanbao found herself instinctively writing Chang Yue's name, only to quickly stop, angrily dismissing him and declaring she never wanted to see him again. Each time she thought of him, a sharp pain shot through her heart.

Qi Yuanbao's father visited her, expressing concern for her well-being. She concealed her writings of Chang Yue's name, fearing his reaction. Her father suggested she go out for fresh air, but Qi Yuanbao surprisingly said she was content staying at Qishan Sect. She then reminded him of his promise to teach her how to make her late mother’s favorite fennel dumplings. Her father warmly agreed, suggesting they go to Yu Ying Courtyard.

She asked him to go ahead and prepare the dough while she tidied up. After he left, Qi Yuanbao suddenly coughed up blood, a stark realization dawning upon her that her time was likely running out. Qi Yuanbao and her father went to her late mother's former room, which remained perfectly preserved.

Qi Yuanbao asked if her father visited often, and he confirmed that he regularly came to see her mother and personally kept the room clean, just as her mother would have liked. He then led her to the kitchen to make dumplings. News quickly spread among the disciples, who were surprised to hear that their Master was teaching Junior Sister Qi Yuanbao how to make dumplings in Yu Ying Courtyard, an unusually domestic and tender gesture.

Inside, Qi Yuanbao's face was playfully smeared with flour as her father helped her clean up. She proudly showed him her dumplings, and he affectionately praised them, conjuring a heartwarming image of their family, including her mother, making dumplings together in happier times—a beautiful memory that could not truly be relived, but brought comfort in the present. As they prepared to cook their dumplings, the excited chatter of other disciples wondering if the kitchen was being "wrecked" could be heard from outside.

Episode 11 Recap

Qi Yuanbao brought her father a plate of dumplings she had made. Her father praised them as delicious, but when Qi Yuanbao tried one herself, she found it salty and possibly undercooked, wondering why her father liked it so much. He affectionately replied that any dumplings made by her tasted good to him. She promised to make more the next day and try to improve.

Qi Yuanbao then grew wistful, noting that the little fox, like Changyue, had also disappeared without a trace since her return. She then handed her mother's keepsake back to her father. She explained that in the past, she had been childish, always seeking answers and truth, believing them to be paramount. She now understood that nothing was more important than being by his side. Her father, wishing she could remain a child forever, allowed her to keep her mother's keepsake.

Qi Yuanbao then surprised him with a sword, a belated birthday gift, humorously blaming him for keeping her at Jingsi Cliff and preventing her from retrieving it earlier. She expressed her hope that the sword would stay by his side and protect him when she was no longer there. Meanwhile, Changyue’s aunt confronted Yunrong’s master, Master Su, about his presence in the human realm.

She revealed her knowledge of his plans, specifically mentioning the Zombie King sealed under the sacred tree on Suiyue Mountain. She explained that the barrier was damaged when the spiritual essence appeared, making the Zombie King's tomb accessible to all, which could jeopardize Master Su's long-term schemes. When he pressed her for more information, she disclosed that Qi Yuanbao was the spiritual essence he intended to use to awaken the Zombie King and gain its formidable power.

Surprisingly, she then offered him a Phantom Fox Needle, a unique weapon of the fox clan, stating she was there to help. Master Su questioned her intentions, asking if she feared he would use it to frame the fox clan. She responded that she wished for it and insisted he must proceed with the plan.

When Master Su resisted her control, she provocatively asked about Changyue, describing him as a highly skilled individual at Qi Yuanbao's side, and questioned his true identity and motives for approaching Qi Yuanbao. Changyue, having been unconscious for over half a month, finally woke up, immediately asking about the Pusa Leaf. His attendant confirmed it was safe. Despite his injuries, Changyue was desperate to return to save Qi Yuanbao, insisting there was no time to lose.

He sought out the Grand Elder, reiterating Qi Yuanbao's dire situation and his need to go to her, promising to return later to beg for forgiveness. The Grand Elder sternly reminded Changyue of his sacred mission: to retrieve the Spirit Fruit for the fox clan and achieve ascension, cautioning him against being ensnared by mortal temptations, as the lives of all fox people rested upon his shoulders. Changyue solemnly affirmed he had never forgotten his duty.

Meanwhile, cultivators explored Suiyue Mountain, discovering a barrier leading to the legendary Demon Tomb, where the powerful Zombie King was sealed. They discussed the ancient prophecy of a Lingzi sacrificing herself to contain it and the human desire for its power. They were soon attacked. These attackers were revealed to be black-clad figures, who were, in fact, Yunrong's master and his subordinates. Changyue arrived on the scene to find many cultivators slain.

He noticed Phantom Fox Needles in their wounds, a distinctive weapon of his clan, leading him to suspect that someone from the fox clan was involved in these murders. Finding one cultivator barely clinging to life, Changyue instructed his attendant to take the injured man to the Huo family’s station for treatment, while he would return to Qishan Sect to save Qi Yuanbao.

When his attendant questioned why he would save human cultivators, Changyue replied that even ants deserved saving, let alone a person. Changyue then contacted the Grand Elder, informing her of the incident and the use of the Phantom Fox Needles, which she denied had been taken from Beiming. Changyue explained that someone was using them to commit murders and frame the fox clan, urging her to investigate.

The Grand Elder expressed concern for Changyue's safety in the treacherous human world and reiterated the importance of retrieving his soul and returning home swiftly. Changyue assured her he understood. Back at Qishan, Qi Yuanbao’s health was rapidly deteriorating. While flying a kite with Xue Hanyu, who noticed her increasing pallor, she tried to reassure him but soon collapsed.

Her father rushed her back, but she couldn’t keep down any medicine, even when Xue Hanyu tried to sweeten it with sugar. Huo Shuyai, returning with the Purple Scale Fruit he had bravely obtained, gave it to Qi Liu to prepare. Despite his own injuries, Huo Shuyai insisted on staying by Qi Yuanbao’s side, unwilling to seek treatment until she recovered. Her father deeply thanked him for his profound care.

Days passed, but Qi Yuanbao showed no improvement, leaving her father despairing at the thought of outliving his daughter. Qi Yuanbao eventually awoke to find Xue Hanyu by her bedside, earnestly promising to protect her. She felt a pang of pity for him, reflecting on how she had always protected him, and wondered who would shield him if she were gone.

Later, wandering alone in the courtyard, she expressed her profound longing and weariness, wishing Changyue would appear before she might never see him again. Exhausted, she fell asleep. When she reopened her eyes, Changyue stood before her. Believing it to be another dream or a hallucination born of her fading life, she touched his face, the warmth confirming his reality.

She then told him she did not want to see him and to leave, fearing she couldn't stay by his side. As he turned to depart, she, still half-believing it was a dream, pulled him back and kissed him passionately. Changyue returned her kiss, subtly transferring the Pusa Leaf into her body during the embrace. Unbeknownst to them, Huo Shuyai witnessed this tender moment from afar, his heart heavy with unspoken sorrow.

Qi Yuanbao soon awoke again, feeling a sense of renewed vigor. Her father quickly took her pulse, astonished to find her completely recovered. Qi Yuanbao herself was surprised, recalling her critical condition. Everyone attributed her miraculous recovery to Huo Shuyai's Purple Scale Fruit, unaware of Changyue's intervention. Only Qi Yuanbao retained the vivid memory of Changyue's visit and their kiss. Later, Qi Yuanbao brought a nourishing soup to Huo Shuyai, who was recuperating.

He had just woken from a troubled nightmare involving a woman's betrayal, leaving him emotionally distraught and hesitant to face Qi Yuanbao. His subordinate, unaware of Huo Shuyai’s inner turmoil, informed him of Qi Yuanbao’s full recovery and how she had personally brought the tonic, expressing her care and gratitude.

Huo Shuyai, misinterpreting these gestures through the lens of his own distress and love for Qi Yuanbao, concluded that she must have been forced into her actions, possibly referring to earlier events or a perceived obligation rather than genuine affection. Meanwhile, Changyue’s attendant found him deeply troubled, despite having successfully given Qi Yuanbao the Pusa Leaf.

Changyue, who had unconsciously fallen deeply in love with Qi Yuanbao, revealed his inability to retrieve his heart-soul, concluding that Qi Yuanbao did not truly love him, despite her earlier displays of affection. The attendant tried to console him, explaining the complexities of the human heart, where physical closeness and kisses do not always signify genuine feelings, especially from someone like Qi Yuanbao, who he described as "toying with emotions." He suggested she might treat others similarly.

Changyue, heartbroken, asked how he could truly win her affection. The attendant, admitting Qi Yuanbao was unusual and challenging, advised Changyue to "act as he saw fit" while he studied the matter further. The attendant then, with a hint of surprise, asked Changyue if he had kissed Qi Yuanbao again. Unaware of Changyue's internal conflict, Qi Yuanbao, while walking with Xue Hanyu, questioned how she returned from Jingsi Cliff, believing Changyue had carried her back.

Xue Hanyu denied it, claiming he had done so and that Changyue hadn't been there. However, upon returning to her room, Qi Yuanbao noticed an overturned teacup, confirming Changyue's presence had been real, not a dream. Determined to find him, Qi Yuanbao declared she was going to "settle a score," and together with Xue Hanyu, embarked on a search for Changyue, asking passersby for any information on his whereabouts.

Episode 12 Recap

After Xue Hanyu's persistent efforts, he finally located Changyue's residence. Qi Yuanbao and Xue Hanyu quickly went there. Upon arrival, Qi Yuanbao rushed into Changyue's room, finding him tending to a serious chest wound. She was initially warm towards him, but Changyue's cold demeanor angered her, leading her to express her dislike for him leaving without a word, comparing him to a pet she would miss, and then she abruptly left.

Changyue was left feeling that in Qi Yuanbao's heart, he was no more significant than a pet. Qi Yuanbao reflected on the kiss they shared the previous day, wondering if Changyue was upset about it due to his seemingly traditional and pure nature. She believed, however, that he had reciprocated the kiss. Despite this, she decided to demonstrate her feelings for him through actions by sending him food.

The innkeeper mentioned that Changyue had booked a room for a month, but Qi Yuanbao dismissed it. Returning home, Qi Yuanbao encountered Huo Shuyai, who had prepared her favorite food, hoping to share a meal. However, Qi Yuanbao declined, stating she was already full from eating with Xue Hanyu. Huo Shuyai, who had witnessed the kiss between Qi Yuanbao and Changyue, felt a pang of disappointment.

Despite this, Qi Yuanbao did not give up on Changyue and even drew many portraits of him. Meanwhile, Changyue, back in his own room, still suffering from his wound caused by a soul-piercing arrow, pondered Qi Yuanbao's whereabouts, longing for her. His attendant urged him to retrieve his fragmented soul. Changyue reflected on Qi Yuanbao looking thinner but noted her improved temper, telling himself he never thought of her.

Just then, Changyue, in his fox form, appeared at Qi Yuanbao's side, injured. Qi Yuanbao scolded the "heartless fox" for running away again but quickly grew concerned when she saw his wounds and noticed how thin he had become. She gently tended to his injuries, blowing on them to ease his pain, and insisted he must inform her if he leaves next time, comparing his abrupt departure to that of "that annoying guy, Changyue."

Deciding he needed nourishing, she attempted to catch a chicken for him, but struggled. Changyue, still in fox form, expertly helped her catch the plumpest one, leading her to praise foxes for their chicken-catching skills. She then lovingly prepared soup for him, urging him to eat more to regain his strength. Huo Shuyai, upon discovering fox fur and observing Qi Yuanbao's affection for the injured fox, began to suspect that the fox was indeed Changyue.

He recalled his own arduous journey to retrieve the medicinal herb to save Qi Yuanbao and felt deeply unappreciated, believing Qi Yuanbao was now enchanted by the fox demon and prioritising it over their long-standing relationship. He feared for Qi Yuanbao's innocence, knowing fox demons were adept at deception. News of Qi Yuanbao's recovery had spread after Sun Qianqian's sister, Meng Shu, informed others.

Her father decided to host a banquet to formally thank Huo Shuyai for his life-saving efforts, and Qi Yuanbao resolved to buy him a gift. Huo Shuyai later presented the fox fur he found to Qi Yuanbao's father, expressing his concerns about Qi Yuanbao's involvement with a fox demon. Qi Yuanbao's father, surprised by the fur, promised to investigate, while Huo Shuyai formulated a plan to deal with Changyue.

Qi Yuanbao, eager to find a suitable gift for Huo Shuyai, sought Changyue's help while shopping. Though Changyue seemed reluctant, his attendant urged him to accompany her, viewing it as an opportunity to retrieve his fragmented soul. Qi Yuanbao led Changyue to a store, engaging in a playful spat over trivial matters before selecting a dagger for Huo Shuyai, which Changyue approved of.

Meanwhile, Xue Hanyu tried to buy a comb for Qi Yuanbao, much to Sun Qianqian's displeasure, who, thinking it was for her, stormed off when she realized it wasn't. At a clothing store, the charming owner, captivated by Changyue's good looks, flirted with him. Qi Yuanbao, teasingly, suggested buying Changyue a gift as compensation for her earlier "improper behavior." She then selected a blue outfit for Changyue, believing it would suit his temperament, and insisted he try it on.

In the fitting room, she helped him tie the intricate belt, their close proximity causing her heart to flutter with happiness. She apologized for her forwardness, but Changyue assured her it was not a problem. Appearing in the blue attire, Changyue looked exceptionally handsome, prompting Qi Yuanbao to purchase the outfit. She then invited him to the banquet her father was hosting that evening.

Back at the Qi family estate, Qi Yuanbao's father questioned her about her day and showed her the fox fur Huo Shuyai had given him. Qi Yuanbao feigned ignorance, claiming not to know about any foxes in the human world for a century. The banquet began, and Qi Yuanbao anxiously awaited Changyue's arrival, despite Huo Shuyai's dismissive remarks that Changyue did not seem like someone who enjoyed crowds.

To Qi Yuanbao's delight, Changyue eventually arrived, looking somewhat tired from his journey but still handsome in the new blue attire. Qi Yuanbao's father, in his speech, profusely thanked everyone, and especially her "greatest lifesaver." Changyue inwardly wondered how they knew he had saved Qi Yuanbao.

As Qi Yuanbao presented her gifts, she gave Huo Shuyai the dagger, thanking him for retrieving the purple scaled fruit for her from Jade Peach Snow Mountain, an act she vividly remembered, stating she would have died without it. Huo Shuyai graciously accepted, reaffirming his dedication to her, stating he would willingly face death to save her. Other guests commented on their deep childhood bond, leading Changyue to a disheartening realization that Qi Yuanbao's efforts were all for Huo Shuyai.

Xue Hanyu then announced a second gift. To Qi Yuanbao's dismay, she realized she had accidentally swapped the gifts, presenting Huo Shuyai with the blue outfit meant for Changyue. Huo Shuyai, unaware of the mix-up, expressed his joy over the outfit, saying he truly loved it. Guests commented that women giving clothes to lovers showed deep affection. This left Changyue even more disheartened, while Xue Hanyu playfully chided Qi Yuanbao for her carelessness, leading to another playful argument between them.

Huo Shuyai, oblivious to the underlying tension and the mix-up, excused himself to try on the new clothes, unaware that his attendant was finalizing a sinister plot against Changyue, ensuring he "will come but not leave." Huo Shuyai later returned, wearing the blue outfit, reiterating his fondness for it, much to Qi Yuanbao's lingering disappointment.

Episode 13 Recap

Huo Shuyai wore the clothes Qi Yuanbao had bought, making Qi Yuanbao almost mistake him for Chang Yue. Nearby, Chang Yue felt uneasy. Meanwhile, others at the banquet excitedly speculated about an engagement between Qi Yuanbao and Huo Shuyai, citing their close family ties and Huo Shuyai’s heroic act of saving Qi Yuanbao. They declared them a perfect match and anticipated a wedding feast soon. Feeling unwell, Chang Yue excused himself and left the gathering.

Disturbed by the talk of an engagement, Qi Yuanbao rushed out to find Chang Yue, asking if he was upset or if the food wasn't to his liking. Chang Yue then directly asked why she had kissed him that night. Believing he was confronting her about her "inappropriate behavior," Qi Yuanbao quickly apologized, claiming she was "delirious because she was sick" and acted "absurd and out of line."

She then tried to dismiss the incident by suggesting they "call it even" since he had kissed her back and "forget everything that happened," pretending "it never happened." Chang Yue was clearly angered by her flippant attitude. When Qi Yuanbao, in frustration, then offered to "take responsibility" by suggesting they "get married," Chang Yue criticized her for speaking so "frivolously" about a "lifelong commitment."

A disheartened Qi Yuanbao asked what he expected of her, as "apologizing doesn’t work" and "marrying you doesn’t work either." Hurt by Qi Yuanbao's dismissive words, and still feeling unwell, Chang Yue transformed back into his fox form. Qi Yuanbao, feeling disheartened, returned to the banquet and drank heavily. Unbeknownst to her, as soon as Chang Yue transformed and left, her father and Huo Shuyai's group began chasing him in his fox form.

Qi Yuanbao soon grew suspicious of her fellow disciples' unusually insistent behavior, as they kept urging her to drink despite her recent recovery, clearly trying to stop her. She confronted them, asking, "What exactly are you all up to?" They then revealed that a fox demon had intruded into the Qishan Sect, and her father, Master Qi, was currently hunting it. Qi Yuanbao rushed to intervene in the hunt, shielding Chang Yue from an arrow and getting injured herself.

Huo Shuyai questioned why she would "risk her life to save a fox," while her father urged her to come down so he could attend to her wounds. Huo Shuyai warned Qi Yuanbao's father that she shouldn't be left alone with the fox demon, especially in her injured state, and they all began to chase after her.

Qi Yuanbao led the injured fox demon to a cliff, urging him to leave quickly before her father, who "hates little foxes the most," could find him. Huo Shuyai appeared, warning her not to be "deceived" by the demon. Qi Yuanbao pleaded with Huo Shuyai to "please let it go," insisting that the fox was her "best friend" and that she didn't understand why he was targeting it.

Huo Shuyai countered that she didn't know the fox demon's true identity and would "regret it someday" for protecting it so fiercely, implying the fox might not consider her a friend. Qi Yuanbao firmly declared that any friend she recognized would remain her friend, and killing it was "absolutely impossible." After asking if she truly cared for the fox that much, Huo Shuyai seemingly agreed to let it go.

However, he then launched a magic attack at Chang Yue, who fell off the cliff. Without hesitation, Qi Yuanbao jumped after him. Mid-fall, Chang Yue transformed into his human form, catching and embracing Qi Yuanbao. Astonished, Qi Yuanbao realized that Chang Yue was indeed the little fox she had been protecting.

Initially disbelieving, she accused him of using "illusion spells" or "nonsense magic," but Chang Yue affirmed that there was "no illusion spell and no magic either," forcing her to confront the truth. The revelation left Qi Yuanbao flustered and embarrassed, realizing she had "bathed and slept with him" while he was in human form and that he had been the one she kissed. She told Chang Yue to stay away while she "calmed down."

After they found refuge in a farmhouse, Chang Yue offered to help with her injuries, but Qi Yuanbao, still mortified, insisted she could manage alone and told him to wait outside. Chang Yue waited patiently. Inside, Qi Yuanbao berated herself for almost dying for a "sly little fox" and pondered Chang Yue's true nature, labeling him a "cunning, scheming old fox" and a "player" beneath his righteous exterior.

After a while, Qi Yuanbao suddenly remembered that Chang Yue himself was injured. She went out to check on him, but found he had left. Worried, she frantically searched for him, only to discover he had gone up the mountain to gather medicinal herbs for her wounds. When Qi Yuanbao asked about his injuries, Chang Yue vaguely dismissed them as accidental.

He then apologized to Qi Yuanbao for not revealing his true identity earlier, but Qi Yuanbao was still overwhelmed and preferred to treat her own wounds inside. Struggling to apply medicine to her own back, she eventually called him in for help. To maintain her modesty, Chang Yue blindfolded himself before tending to her wounds. That night, they slept in the same bed. Qi Yuanbao almost kissed Chang Yue but stopped herself, internally scolding herself for "thinking about teasing him."

The next morning, she continued to tease him about his fox form and their shared bath, playfully asking if he "often turn[s] into a fox and sneak[s] into young girls' bathtubs." Chang Yue reminded her that she was the one who "carried me into the bathtub" and "invited me to your room every night," making Qi Yuanbao blush and quickly silence him.

Just as they were about to share a kiss, her father and Huo Shuyai arrived, searching for the fox demon. Qi Yuanbao quickly went out to reassure her father that she was fine and denied Chang Yue was inside, but her father insisted on searching the room. Although he saw Chang Yue, he discreetly covered for his daughter, reporting no signs of the fox.

Huo Shuyai, however, questioned Qi Yuanbao directly, asking if she had "fallen in love with him" because of her continuous protection. Later, Qi Yuanbao's father confronted Chang Yue. He first thanked Chang Yue for saving his daughter, then requested him to "leave this place quickly and stay away from Yuanbao."

He revealed that he knew Chang Yue's true fox identity but chose not to expose him partly because Chang Yue saved his daughter, and also because he "pities Yuanbao," knowing her pure and passionate nature and how hurt she would be if she discovered Chang Yue had "other intentions" in approaching her.

He emphasized that "humans and foxes have been at odds" for centuries and that there was "no future" for Chang Yue and Yuanbao, as neither their families nor their clans would accept their union. He further informed Chang Yue that Yuanbao and Huo Shuyai were "childhood sweethearts" and a "perfect match," and he intended to arrange their marriage soon, ensuring they would become a "loving couple."

He warned Chang Yue to "judge for yourself" the implications and threatened to "show no mercy" if Chang Yue insisted on staying near Yuanbao. Meanwhile, Xue Hanyu directly asked Qi Yuanbao if she had "fallen in love" with Chang Yue due to her constant defense of him. Later, with Xue Hanyu and Sun Qianqian (her cousin), Qi Yuanbao probed them about their experiences with love, asking, "Have you ever truly loved someone?"

Both Xue Hanyu and Sun Qianqian reacted guiltily and denied it. Qi Yuanbao then asked for a description of what it "feels like to like someone." Sun Qianqian explained that it would be akin to "lose your appetite and can't stop tossing and turning at night." This resonated deeply with Qi Yuanbao, who realized she had felt exactly that way when Chang Yue was absent, making her suspect she might indeed be in love with him.

She then asked what kind of girl a "disciplined and virtuous" man would like, to which Sun Qianqian bluntly stated that such a man "definitely won't like someone like you," describing the ideal woman as "gentle, delicate, cultured, polite, and sweet," basically someone who "has nothing in common with you." Feeling upset, Qi Yuanbao asked them to leave her alone.

After they left, Huo Shuyai offered a comb to Xue Hanyu, explaining that he had many such gifts for Qi Yuanbao already and she likely wouldn't want another. Xue Hanyu, however, refused it, stating that if Qi Yuanbao didn't want it, neither would he, leaving Huo Shuyai frustrated at how "hard to understand" girls were.

Episode 14 Recap

Qi Yuanbao struggled to style her hair, trying to embody a cultured, graceful, gentle, and lovely image, yet found the task daunting, lamenting the difficulties of being a woman. Her father entered, inquiring about her worries, and affectionately helped her by placing a simple and unadorned hairpin in her hair, reminiscing about doing the same for her late mother. He then asked if she had someone special in her heart before steering the conversation towards Changyue.

Qi Yuanbao defended Changyue, insisting he was genuinely kind and harbored no ill will, contrary to Huo Shuyai's warnings. Her father, however, cautioned her, calling her naive and suggesting Changyue might have ulterior motives. Qi Yuanbao dismissed his concerns, questioning what Changyue could possibly want from her, and confidently declared that Changyue would never betray her trust. She reassured her father that she was capable of protecting herself.

Meanwhile, Changyue was left in contemplation, troubled by Qi Yuanbao’s father’s words, who had firmly demanded he leave and emphasized that Qi Yuanbao and Huo Shuyai were destined for a harmonious and happy life together and that he would soon marry Yuanbao to Shuyai. Unaware of this, Qi Yuanbao, hoping to capture Changyue’s affection, dressed up carefully, wondering if he would appreciate her effort. When Changyue appeared, she became shy, fiddling with her hair.

He complimented her, noting her especially cute and gentle demeanor that day. Delighted, Qi Yuanbao seized the opportunity to ask if he was free. She suggested showing him "all the facets of life" in the human world, given his unique identity. In her excitement, she blurted out, "Don’t say no," before quickly correcting herself and adopting a more demure, ladylike posture.

Changyue then accompanied Qi Yuanbao to a place where poetry was being recited, but noticing her boredom with the verses, he suggested they go elsewhere. When asked where, he proposed a casino. Initially hesitant about the impropriety, Qi Yuanbao's adventurous spirit took over, and she excitedly ushered people aside to make room for her "Master." Changyue proved to be an exceptionally skilled gambler, winning consistently and astonishing Qi Yuanbao.

Overjoyed by their winnings, which made her feel as though she had reached the peak of her life, Qi Yuanbao decided to treat Changyue to dinner. Changyue dotingly touched Qi Yuanbao's forehead. At a bustling food stall, as plates of grilled pig lungs, lamb kidneys, pig intestines, and ox whip were served, Qi Yuanbao momentarily held back from eating the skewers, remembering her resolve to maintain a ladylike image.

She claimed she "never touched such things," but when Changyue admitted his fondness for them, she eagerly joined in, quickly devouring the food as he gently advised her not to choke. Over dinner, Qi Yuanbao inquired about Changyue’s home in Beiming, which she noted was far from Beixuan City, and joked about the exotic diet of lizards, frogs, and insects there, concluding that human cuisine was far superior. She then directly asked why he had come to Beixuan City.

Changyue revealed he had "left something here" and was close to retrieving it. This confession led Qi Yuanbao to anxiously ask if he would return to Beiming once his task was complete, to which he confirmed he would. Pressing further, she asked if he would ever come back after his return. Changyue responded, "If you want me to return, I will come back." Qi Yuanbao instantly affirmed her desire for his return.

She then brought up the upcoming Qiqiao Festival, initially suggesting he invite his "beloved one" to view the lanterns. However, a moment of self-doubt made her worry about being "looked down upon" for such forwardness. But she quickly changed her mind, declaring that one should be "courageous and go after them" when in love, regardless of "worldly opinions." Taking the initiative, she then asked Changyue if he had plans for the following night.

When he said no, and she confessed she also had no plans, she directly invited him to the lantern festival. Sensing her own eagerness, she awkwardly tried to clarify her intentions, but Changyue simply agreed. Meanwhile, Qi Yuanbao bought some candy for Huo Shuyai, leaving it at his door with an implied note to sweeten his medicine.

Huo Shuyai discovered the candy and was deeply moved, believing it meant he was still important in her heart, and he savored the sweet treat. With the Qiqiao Festival approaching, Qi Yuanbao, determined to confess her feelings to Changyue, sought advice from her senior brothers on how to pursue a man. Despite their reassurances about her past romantic conquests, she explained that Changyue was different—an innocent, pure, and perfect gentleman.

Her brothers offered various suggestions: one pair demonstrated cheesy pickup lines, which Qi Yuanbao dismissed as "too cheesy." Another brother proposed a more refined, poetic confession, but Qi Yuanbao found it "oily" and too straightforward. A third suggested showering Changyue with gifts and treats, aiming to make him infatuated, but Qi Yuanbao worried about being valued only for material possessions, especially after a blunt comment from another brother questioning what else she had to offer. Annoyed, she rejected these ideas.

Finally, a senior brother mysteriously advised her to take Changyue to an inn and handed her a book, his "lifelong masterpiece," instructing her to study it later. However, a quick peek at its contents later left Qi Yuanbao exclaiming it was "unbearable" and she immediately put it away. Elsewhere, Su Qianqian found Xue Hanyu engrossed in a cricket fight and demanded he meet her that night at Xu hour outside Qishan Gate. Xue Hanyu found her behavior "so strange."

Unbeknownst to them, a junior brother frantically reported to a Master that Sect Master Su and Sect Master Huo had arrived with dire news: all cultivators who ventured to Fractured Moon Mountain had been killed by a "fox demon." Meanwhile, Qi Yuanbao, filled with anticipation for the Qiqiao Festival, fantasized about confessing her feelings to Changyue. She met Changyue and presented him with a gift, which turned out to be two performance tickets, suggesting they watch together.

She playfully dismissed anyone else who might want to join them. As they settled into their seats, Qi Yuanbao was determined to confess her feelings. She mentally rehearsed several cheesy pickup lines and a "too forward" approach, ultimately discarding them. She then tried to deliver a heartfelt confession, but her words were completely drowned out by the enthusiastic cheers from the audience for the "true star" performer.

Elsewhere, Su Qianqian, holding a carefully stitched sachet, debated whether to give it to Xue Hanyu. He playfully snatched it, refusing to return it until she explained why she had been angry when he previously gave her a comb. She simply replied that he wouldn't understand. After a brief chase, he returned the sachet, and they decided to go watch a play, with a shop owner wishing them a harmonious and happy life together.

Around the same time, Huo Shuyai was seen purchasing a love lantern, on which he carefully wrote, "Yuan Bao, wait for me," hoping to express his unspoken feelings. Back at the performance, a frustrated Qi Yuanbao wondered if Changyue had heard her earlier attempt. Preparing to try again, she was gently told by Changyue to "stay calm." Disappointed but accepting, she decided against another confession, only for Changyue to suddenly turn and kiss her.

Episode 15 Recap

Chang Yue pulled Qi Yuanbao close and kissed her, a moment witnessed by both Huo Shuyai and Xue Hanyu nearby. Chang Yue confirmed he had heard Qi Yuanbao's earlier confession, which made her incredibly happy. He teased her, noting she had expressed her sweet sentiments ten times already, then asked for quiet. Later, Qi Yuanbao spotted a flower seller and bought flowers for Chang Yue, delighting in giving them to him. Meanwhile, Huo Shuyai, witnessing the kiss, became enraged.

He confronted a stranger over a broken lantern, then attacked the person, demanding to know how Chang Yue could be better than him. His attendant rushed to tell him to return to Qishan Gate as the Master was in trouble. Qi Yuanbao and Chang Yue went to his inn. She felt it was progressing too quickly, but then quickly clarified that she liked it. She asked him to wait while she briefly left to buy something.

When she returned, she helped him change into a new outfit, explaining that the previous one, originally meant for him, was mistakenly given to Huo Shuyai by Xue Hanyu. She made it clear that such an intimate gift would never have been intended for Huo Shuyai. Qi Yuanbao then expressed that this year's Qiqiao Festival was the happiest she'd ever had and hoped they could celebrate the next one together, to which Chang Yue agreed.

She then earnestly confessed her strong affection for him, calling him "the best." Chang Yue, while acknowledging her deep feelings, inwardly knew human hearts were unpredictable, yet he couldn't help but want to trust Qi Yuanbao. Huo Shuyai returned home and asked his father about the fox demon that had injured him. Before this, Huo Shuyai's father had warned him to be wary of fox demons' cunning and to protect Qi Yuanbao from being bewitched.

His father, Huo Chen, confirmed the demon was masked and he found the sealed Zombie King on Fragment Moon Mountain, adding that the legend of Lingzi suppressing the Zombie King was true. He then revealed that Chang Yue had saved his life from the fox demon. Huo Shuyai, however, insisted that Chang Yue was the fox demon who had gotten close to Qi Yuanbao, which his father initially found hard to believe, still intending to thank Chang Yue.

Unbeknownst to them, another unnamed master and his subordinate were already plotting, agreeing that even if Huo Chen didn't implicate Chang Yue regarding the cultivator deaths, others would. They questioned whether Huo Chen himself harbored ambitions for the Zombie King's power, to which the master affirmed that all people are greedy. Shortly after, Qi Yuanbao's senior siblings urgently summoned her to the council hall.

Members of the Yue Lumen sect accused a fox demon of massacring cultivators at Fragment Moon Mountain a month prior, displaying a greenish-blue wound with a fox-like aura, caused by the "Illusory Fox Needle," and imploring Qi Yuanbao's father to eliminate the demon fox. Huo Shuyai immediately pointed fingers at Chang Yue, questioning Qi Yuanbao about his disappearance during the incident and the mysterious injuries he sustained, which Chang Yue had previously vaguely dismissed as "just a mistake."

Qi Yuanbao vehemently defended Chang Yue, calling Huo Shuyai's accusations baseless speculation. Sun Qianqian also tried to interject in Chang Yue's defense but was told by an elder not to interrupt. Qi Yuanbao demanded concrete evidence to prove Chang Yue's guilt. Huo Chen was then asked to identify his attacker. While initially confirming a kind person had saved him, he shockingly reversed his testimony, claiming he had personally witnessed Chang Yue mercilessly slaughtering everyone.

When Qi Yuanbao expressed disbelief, others accused her of being complicit due to her closeness with Chang Yue. Huo Chen then produced a folding fan, which he said he'd taken from one of the culprits, and Qi Yuanbao's father identified it as "Hu Bulin's fan," solidifying the connection to Chang Yue. Despite the mounting evidence, Qi Yuanbao refused to believe Chang Yue was a murderer. However, Su, another sect leader, intervened, stating that Chang Yue had ulterior motives.

He explained the ancient legend of the Red-Tailed Silver Fox, which requires a century of training and the retrieval of a lost soul fragment to ascend to a Celestial Fox, granting immense power to the fox clan for a counter-attack on humans. Su then dropped a bombshell: Chang Yue was indeed the Red-Tailed Silver Fox, and his lost soul fragment resided within Qi Yuanbao.

He recalled how Qi Yuanbao's severed spiritual roots had mysteriously recovered, and her spiritual power surged, confirming the fragment's presence. Su clarified that Chang Yue couldn't simply take the soul fragment; he needed to use "emotion cultivation" to make Qi Yuanbao truly fall in love with him, thus making the soul fragment recognize him again and allowing for its easy retrieval.

He reminded Qi Yuanbao of suspicious past encounters, like Chang Yue fighting with Hu Bulin, and Chang Yue's own words about "leaving something here" in the human world and once asking her to "kiss me." The realization dawned on Qi Yuanbao that Chang Yue had never loved her, only sought his soul fragment, and his entire approach had been a calculated scheme. Overwhelmed by the truth, she fainted.

As Qi Yuanbao's father watched over her, Xue Hanyu expressed outrage, declaring he would confront Chang Yue. Sun Qianqian, fearing for his safety, quickly knocked him unconscious, secretly admitting to herself, "Liking you is so exhausting." Huo Shuyai then confessed to his father that he had pressured him to accuse Chang Yue, believing Qi Yuanbao was under Chang Yue's demonic influence and would be in danger if she didn't realize the truth.

He pleaded with his father, arguing that Chang Yue was just a fox demon, and his own "true and deep feelings" for Qi Yuanbao and their lifelong happiness should take precedence. Following this, Huo Shuyai's father revealed another secret from the Xue family archives: Qi Yuanbao was the fabled Lingzi.

He explained that the Lingzi was bound by a "love curse" to the Celestial Fox's soul across generations and possessed the power to both suppress and release the Zombie King, thus wielding the world's most powerful force. This revelation explained Qi Yuanbao's recent perils and solidified Huo Shuyai's determination, as he declared his desire to marry Qi Yuanbao to prevent the fox spirit from succeeding.

Meanwhile, the shadowy master and his subordinate confirmed that the accusations against Chang Yue had successfully ignited widespread anger. The master concluded that Chang Yue must die to ensure he could never retrieve his soul, deciding to "use someone else to do the dirty work." Sun Qianqian's sister reflected on the day's events, concluding that the evidence against Chang Yue was irrefutable, and now understood why he had protected Qi Yuanbao.

Sun Qianqian subtly questioned her sister if she still harbored feelings for Chang Yue, which her sister flatly denied. Sun Qianqian then mused that Qi Yuanbao's passionate love, though misguided, was "not so bad either," unlike her own restrained emotions. Her sister dismissed this, criticizing Qi Yuanbao for not allowing the fox demon to be killed earlier, suggesting she brought her current predicament upon herself.

When her sister questioned if Sun Qianqian wanted to become part of Qi Yuanbao's family due to her closeness with Qi Yuanbao and Xue Hanyu, Sun Qianqian, with a thoughtful pause, asked if her sister would support her if she truly harbored such feelings. Her sister replied, "Between us sisters, at least one of us should find happiness."

Episode 16 Recap

Qi Yuanbao awoke from a disturbing nightmare, haunted by accusations that Chang Yue was a murderer and that he had deceived her, planning to take her soul to harm humanity. Her father, seated beside her, expressed deep regret for not being able to protect her. He confessed that he had realized too late, on the day of the Fox Hunt Ritual when she mysteriously disappeared, that Chang Yue's intentions might have been related to her soul.

He wished for her to forget Chang Yue but acknowledged her deep feelings. He then gave her a Truth Pill, explaining that whoever consumed it would answer any question truthfully. He urged her to find some answers for herself. Meanwhile, a messenger informed Chang Yue that Qi Yuanbao was waiting for him at Xiao Jing Lake in the north of the city. Elsewhere, Xue Hanyu discovered Su Qianqian's sachet in his possession.

Mistaking it for something she carelessly lost, he went to return it, complaining about her being careless and her rough demeanor, having recalled her hitting him on the neck. Su Qianqian, annoyed, called him stupid. Her sister then revealed to Xue Hanyu that Su Qianqian had deliberately given him the sachet because she harbored feelings for him.

Realizing this, Xue Hanyu rushed back to Su Qianqian, playfully snatching the sachet back, claiming it was his now that she had given it to him. Despite feigning indifference, Su Qianqian was secretly pleased. He then sniffed the sachet, remarking on its pleasant scent, before quickly affirming his liking for it when she offered to take it back. At Xiao Jing Lake, Qi Yuanbao met Chang Yue, who noticed her troubled expression.

She offered him the Truth Pill, asking if he would take it. Without a moment's hesitation, Chang Yue swallowed the pill. Qi Yuanbao then began her interrogation. She asked if he was the future Sky Fox of the fox race, to which he affirmed. She asked if he had approached her solely to complete an emotional trial and take the soul within her, and he confirmed it.

She pressed further, asking if his role as her mentor, his care and protection, were merely tactics to make her fall in love with him, and again, he affirmed. Devastated, Qi Yuanbao realized his feelings were never genuine. Her next questions probed the cultivators' mishap: if he was present, if his illusion needles were the weapons used, and if he had indeed killed people at Suiyue Mountain.

Chang Yue struggled, coughing up blood and collapsing as the Soul-devouring Grass, which had been secretly mixed into the Truth Pill by Huo Shuyai's faction, took effect. Huo Shuyai and his followers appeared, confirming the poisoning. Believing Chang Yue was a killer and heartbroken by his deception, Qi Yuanbao prepared to strike him herself. However, Grand Elder intervened, scornfully remarking on the humans' greed and ingratitude, before swiftly taking Chang Yue away.

Later, Huo Shuyai questioned Qi Yuanbao, asking if she had intentionally allowed Chang Yue to escape, which she denied. Back at his residence, a weakened Chang Yue lay ill. His subordinate noted that the jade pendant, Mohen, which was intrinsically linked to Chang Yue's life, had mysteriously returned to him from Qi Yuanbao. The subordinate expressed anger at Qi Yuanbao's perceived ruthlessness and betrayal, particularly her seemingly intentional poisoning of Chang Yue despite his sincere sacrifices for her.

Chang Yue, however, lamented Qi Yuanbao's deep lack of trust, concluding that the human heart was indeed cold and unfeeling, and knew that any explanation would now be futile. Meanwhile, Qi Yuanbao, in a fit of despair and unaware that the Truth Pill was poisoned, attempted to smash items Chang Yue had given her, oblivious to her bleeding hands. Her senior sister, believing it best to forget him, threw the jade pendant into a nearby lake.

Qi Yuanbao desperately tried to retrieve it, but her fellow disciples held her back. Huo Shuyai approached Qi Yuanbao's father and knelt, formally requesting Qi Yuanbao's hand in marriage. He explained that he and Qi Yuanbao had been childhood sweethearts and he had long intended to marry her. He expressed his deep anguish at seeing her tormented by the fox demon and regretted not having proposed sooner. He pleaded for a chance to make amends and protect her.

While moved by Huo Shuyai's sincerity, Qi Yuanbao's father stated that his daughter was deeply shaken and not ready for marriage. Huo Shuyai vowed to wait. Qi Yuanbao's father then explained that his daughter was strong-willed and the final decision rested with her. Elsewhere, Yunrong's master discussed Huo Shuyai's proposal, speculating that the Huo family suspected Qi Yuanbao's true identity.

The master instructed Yunrong to subtly aid Huo Shuyai in marrying Qi Yuanbao, believing that if Qi Yuanbao developed feelings for Huo Shuyai, Chang Yue, as the future Sky Fox, would never be able to retrieve his soul from her. The master explained that Chang Yue was the future Sky Fox, and if he were to retrieve the heart soul and ascend, it would become an insurmountable task for the master to deal with Qi Yuanbao in the future.

Yunrong understood her instructions. Later, Qi Yuanbao's father gently broached the subject of Huo Shuyai's proposal. Qi Yuanbao, however, firmly rejected it, asserting that she only regarded Huo Shuyai as an older brother and harbored no romantic feelings for him. Her father accepted her decision, promising to decline the proposal on her behalf. Feeling unwell, Chang Yue left his room. Upon inquiring about his aunt, he learned she was searching for an antidote to the Soul-devouring Grass.

Chang Yue revealed that as a Red-Tailed Silver Fox, the herb, while causing immense pain, could not kill him and had no true antidote. He sensed an impending danger. His aunt appeared, attempting to harm innocent villagers to extract their heart blood, believing it could form a Blood Essence Pill to cure Chang Yue. Chang Yue intervened, preventing her, stating he would rather perish than use the lives of innocents.

His aunt chastised him for siding with ungrateful humans who had wronged him. Chang Yue, however, declared that his actions were guided by his conscience, and he would never unjustly take an innocent life, be it human or fox. His aunt, lamenting his naivety, warned him that humans would ultimately shatter him, but Chang Yue remained steadfast in his choice. His aunt relented and departed.

Shortly after, a black-clad figure brutally murdered the villagers, leaving behind illusion needles to frame the fox clan. News quickly spread throughout the city that the "demon fox" had killed more innocent people, with phantom fox needles found at the scenes. The city plunged into fear. Rumors also began to circulate that Qi Yuanbao had colluded with the demon fox and allowed his escape, leading to the escalating violence.

Worried about the growing resentment towards Qi Yuanbao, Huo Shuyai instructed his disciples to intensify their search for Chang Yue, specifically ordering them to keep the true extent of the public's anger from Qi Yuanbao. Despite these efforts, Qi Yuanbao noticed her fellow disciples hurrying about, their expressions grim. When she asked, they vaguely claimed they were dealing with small bandits. Later, she saw Xue Hanyu trying to conceal an injury on his face.

He initially claimed he had fallen from the mountain. However, under her persistent questioning, Xue Hanyu reluctantly revealed the truth: many commoners in Beixuan City had been killed by the "demon fox." An angry mob had gathered at Qishan Gate, attacking anyone from the sect and demanding that Qi Yuanbao be handed over. They feared that if her soul were taken, it would bring disaster upon the human world. Xue Hanyu warned her not to venture outside, fearing the mob would "tear her apart."

Episode 17 Recap

A distressed group of common people gathered on the mountain, demanding that Qi Yuanbao be handed over. They accused her of colluding with a fox demon and being responsible for the many deaths that had occurred by enabling the demon fox. They threatened to destroy Qishan Sect if their demands were not met. Qi Yuanbao's father, Master Qi, stepped forward, apologizing for failing to properly raise his daughter and assuring everyone that Yuanbao did not collude with the demon fox.

However, the villagers pressed for a guarantee, fearing that if the fox demon reclaimed its soul from Qi Yuanbao, its power would increase, leading to more slaughter. Just then, Huo Shuyai intervened, announcing that he would marry Qi Yuanbao. He explained that if they were to marry, the fox demon would never be able to retrieve its soul, thus preventing its return to harm more humans.

Qi Yuanbao's father initially expressed his hesitation for his daughter to marry under such circumstances, but the escalating threats from the mob forced Qi Yuanbao to publicly agree to the marriage. She promised she would prevent the fox demon from ever reclaiming its soul or harming humanity again. After her pledge, the crowd dispersed, satisfied. It was later revealed that the "villagers" leading the charge were actually hired by Huo Shuyai, cunningly orchestrated to compel Qi Yuanbao into marriage.

Meanwhile, Chang Yue, who had been recovering from his injuries and reading, learned the shocking news of Qi Yuanbao's impending marriage to Huo Shuyai from his subordinate. The subordinate expressed his disbelief at Qi Yuanbao's ingratitude, given Chang Yue’s past actions to save them, and called her a "heartless and ungrateful woman." Chang Yue, visibly shaken, silently absorbed the information. Qi Yuanbao, looking beautiful yet sorrowful in her wedding dress, felt the weight of her decision.

She was unwilling to marry Huo Shuyai but felt compelled by public opinion and her father's predicament. Later, Chang Yue, in his fox form, secretly visited her. Though he left quickly, Qi Yuanbao caught a glimpse of him, recognizing his presence. That night, Xue Hanyu expressed his unease about Qi Yuanbao marrying Huo Shuyai, as he knew Qi Yuanbao did not truly love him. He and Su Qianqian decided to confront Huo Shuyai.

As they approached, they overheard Huo Shuyai and his father discussing their scheme to frame Chang Yue. Huo Shuyai's father voiced regret, admitting that Chang Yue had saved his life at Fragmented Moon Mountain and that his participation in framing and attacking Chang Yue had left him restless. Huo Shuyai, however, expressed his indifference to Qi Yuanbao's feelings, and their discussion revealed his role in orchestrating the framing of Chang Yue.

Enraged by this revelation, Xue Hanyu attempted to burst in, but Su Qianqian held him back. Their accidental noise alerted Huo Shuyai, who chased them down and had them bound, determined to prevent anyone from disrupting his wedding. The wedding ceremony commenced with the traditional bows. Just as Qi Yuanbao and Huo Shuyai were about to complete their final bow as husband and wife, Chang Yue dramatically arrived, interrupting the ceremony and attempting to take Qi Yuanbao.

Huo Shuyai attempted to shield Qi Yuanbao, but Chang Yue easily injured him. In the ensuing chaos, Xue Hanyu and Su Qianqian managed to free themselves, incapacitated the guards with a potent sleeping medicine, and rushed to expose Huo Shuyai's true nature to Qi Yuanbao. Still under the impression that Chang Yue was the killer, Qi Yuanbao pointed her sword at him.

Chang Yue, ignoring the weapon, gravely asked if her past declarations of sincerity at the Qiqiao Festival were true. He then questioned her sincerity towards him, lamenting that he foolishly believed her words despite her apparent lack of genuine emotion. He spoke of his unwavering protection and truthful intentions, asserting that he only sought to reclaim what was his, and wondered why she was so intent on killing him without ever seeking the truth.

As he finished, Qi Yuanbao, with a desperate thrust, stabbed Chang Yue. With the sword still in his chest, Chang Yue, heartbroken, pulled it out and threw it, embedding it into the 'double happiness' decoration. He then turned to Huo Shuyai's father and challenged him, asking if he had ever harmed a single member of their sect during the Fragmented Moon Mountain incident. Huo Shuyai's father remained silent, unable to respond. With that, Chang Yue, utterly despairing, turned and left.

Qi Yuanbao, realizing her profound mistake, tried to chase after him but was restrained by Huo Shuyai. Xue Hanyu and Su Qianqian then rushed forward, exposing Huo Shuyai's elaborate scheme. Huo Shuyai, driven by jealousy, confessed that he orchestrated everything, unapologetically stating that Chang Yue, as a fox demon, deserved to die.

Incensed, Qi Yuanbao slapped Huo Shuyai and publicly declared that from that moment forward, she had no connection to him whatsoever, warning him never to mention their "marriage" again. Overwhelmed by grief and shock, she fainted. Huo Shuyai, his dreams shattered, retreated to his room. In a fit of rage, he destroyed a dress Qi Yuanbao had once intended for Chang Yue, severing his ties with her and declaring their relationship eternally broken.

Following the disastrous wedding, Qi Yuanbao's father ordered all the red wedding decorations to be taken down. Qi Yuanbao secluded herself in her room, endlessly writing apology letters to Chang Yue. Elsewhere, Chang Yue lay gravely wounded, his physical pain exacerbated by the emotional wound Qi Yuanbao had inflicted. His subordinate expressed outrage at Qi Yuanbao's ruthlessness, noting that the sword had struck precisely where he already bore a Soul-Destroying Arrow injury.

Chang Yue, however, simply stated that "the past is dead," and he would never repeat such a foolish mistake. His grandmother, noticing his deteriorating condition, suggested that Yi Xuan, who had returned from Mount Taiyi, would care for him. Chang Yue agreed, allowing his grandmother to make the arrangements, though he had not completely forgotten Qi Yuanbao.

Episode 18 Recap

Distraught and walking alone through the streets, Qi Yuanbao was tormented by vivid memories of her past with Changyue, especially her confession to him on the Qiqiao Festival and his subsequent kiss, realizing those moments could never return. The pain of having wronged him brought tears to her eyes. Internally, she questioned what she had done to provoke such extreme actions from him, feeling he had left her with no choice but death.

Despite his accusations of her harming his people, she felt he never sincerely sought the truth, yet she stood by her sincerity, even if her initial approach was for cultivation purposes. While eating, Qi Yuanbao was accosted by angry townspeople who recognized her as the "demon woman." They cursed her for her perceived heartlessness and ingratitude, accusing her of causing their families' deaths and being bewitched by a demon fox.

Despite their accusations, Qi Yuanbao vehemently defended Changyue, asserting that he was not a demon fox and had killed no one. Her father intervened, urging her to compose herself and seek out the true culprit to clear Changyue's name and bring peace to the departed souls, noting that this was the demeanor of a Qishan Gate daughter and expressing pride in her.

Meanwhile, in the Northern Abyss, Changyue was being tended to by Yixuan, a woman arranged by the Grand Elder. Yixuan carefully dressed his wounds, a task Changyue previously permitted no one to perform. Yixuan also offered him Hundred Flower Solidifying Honey, explaining that his spiritual energy was severely depleted and the concoction would alleviate his pain and aid recovery. Changyue thanked her.

Observing this, an attendant remarked on Yixuan's meticulous care, noting how Changyue treated her differently from others, who were never allowed near him. They speculated that Changyue's current openness stemmed from heartbreak caused by the "unfaithful, heartless, and ungrateful woman" from the mortal realm, Qi Yuanbao. Later, Changyue asked the Grand Elder about her investigation into the Phantom Fox Needle.

She reported that the access records for the Treasure Pavilion had been completely erased, indicating the perpetrator’s thorough preparation and suggesting it was someone with intimate knowledge of the place, as very few could enter. Qi Yuanbao spoke with her father, expressing her confusion over the motive behind the killings in the city and the framing of Changyue. She wondered if it was merely to incite conflict between cultivators and Changyue.

Her father clarified that the true aim was to provoke a confrontation specifically between her and Changyue. He then revealed to Qi Yuanbao the ancient rumors of the Corpse Puppet King and the Spirit Child—a powerful entity that once wrought havoc upon the world, and a prophesized savior. To her shock, he explained that she was the Spirit Child.

He elaborated that the culprits, coveting the Corpse Puppet King's power, orchestrated the conflict to prevent Changyue from reclaiming her soul essence, thus allowing them to take her to Fragmented Moon Mountain to awaken the Corpse Puppet King. Qi Yuanbao's father further linked this to Huo Chen's earlier accidental entry into the Corpse Puppet King's demon tomb, implying that the culprits wished to silence him and monopolize the Corpse Puppet King's power.

Qi Yuanbao realized that the culprit must be someone close to them, as they were intimately aware of their affairs, including the breach of the Demon Exorcism Array at Qishan Gate and the rumors spread during her wedding to Huo Shuya. She deduced that the culprit's possession of a Phantom Fox Needle suggested possible collusion within the fox tribe. Determined to uncover the truth, Qi Yuanbao declared her intention to go to the Northern Abyss.

Despite her father's warnings that the culprits would try to stop her, she resolved to proceed, even if it meant appearing to go to Fragmented Moon Mountain to fulfill their wishes. Meanwhile, the barrier protecting the Northern Abyss continued to weaken, with tremors becoming increasingly frequent. Changyue's attendants blamed Qi Yuanbao for having consumed his soul essence, which prevented him from ascending and reinforcing the barrier.

Changyue informed them of another method recorded in the "Northern Abyss Chronicles": if a Celestial Fox could not ascend, they could refine their spiritual power and spirit body at the Departure Altar for twenty days to forge an indestructible barrier that would last a century. His attendants, alarmed, realized he intended to sacrifice himself. Changyue confirmed it was indeed time. In a separate conversation, Su Qianqian approached Xue Hanyu, who was making chicken soup for his grieving cousin Qi Yuanbao.

Su Qianqian suggested they meet less frequently to avoid upsetting Qi Yuanbao further. Xue Hanyu, surprised by her sudden cooperativeness, agreed. To Xue Hanyu's surprise, Su Qianqian then announced she was returning to Suyun City the next day, stating her father deemed her skills insufficient for the investigation at Fragmented Moon Mountain and that she would only be a burden.

As she tearfully said goodbye, Xue Hanyu stopped her, giving her a comb and promising to come find her in Suyun City after his return, reminding her of all the delicious foods she had promised to treat him to. They made a pinky promise not to lie to each other, with Su Qianqian playfully calling him an "old dog" for suggesting lying would make one a "puppy." The next morning, preparations were underway for the journey to Fragmented Moon Mountain.

A junior sister inquired why Qi Yuanbao was wearing a bamboo hat. Xue Hanyu replied that she was heartbroken and her eyes were swollen from crying. As the group departed, Xue Hanyu and Su Qianqian (the real Su Qianqian) later discussed the successful deception. Su Qianqian, boasting about her acting skills, revealed that Qi Yuanbao had "slid and knelt" and pleaded with her to impersonate her, stating she couldn't manage without her. Xue Hanyu praised Su Qianqian's performance.

He warned her against peeking out, reminding her that her father and sister (and others) believed she was Qi Yuanbao, and she risked her father's wrath if he discovered she hadn't returned to Suyun City. Su Qianqian lauded Qi Yuanbao's "diversionary tactic," which allowed Qi Yuanbao to travel to the Northern Abyss safely while everyone's attention was focused on them. However, Su Qianqian was shocked to learn she would have to maintain the disguise for an entire month.

At the Northern Abyss, attendants fretted that Changyue would be gone forever, noting that after four days he would disappear. Back at the Departure Altar, Changyue began his self-sacrifice. The Grand Elder arrived, desperately calling out to him, urging him not to be reckless. Changyue solemnly declared that as the future Sky Fox, he had failed his duty by losing his soul essence, making ascension impossible.

He resolved to sacrifice himself to reinforce the barrier, despite the Grand Elder's warning that he would vanish completely. Changyue remained firm, stating that consolidating the barrier and protecting the fox clan was his inherent duty. He bowed deeply to the Grand Elder, whose pleas were in vain. She conceded that no one could sway Changyue once his mind was made up but, unable to fully relinquish her worry, followed after him.

Meanwhile, Qi Yuanbao, following her map, found herself at an unfamiliar location, not the Northern Abyss, and became disoriented. Just then, Changyue's aunt, having expressed her determination not to let Changyue sacrifice himself, pushed Qi Yuanbao towards the fading Changyue. Qi Yuanbao was overjoyed to see him, crying out his name and expressing relief at finally finding him. However, a visibly weakened and translucent Changyue glared at her.

He commanded her to stop, drawing his sword, and questioned her audacity in trespassing into the Northern Abyss, asking if she truly didn't deserve to die. Qi Yuanbao, realizing the depth of her past mistakes, admitted her culpability. She confessed to believing false accusations, wronging him, doubting him, and hurting him. As she tried to explain further, Changyue silenced her. Seeing his pain and hesitation, Qi Yuanbao took a knife and, knowing he couldn't bring himself to harm her, stabbed herself.

Episode 19 Recap

Chang Yue didn't expect that Qi Yuanbao would stab her in the chest with a sword. However, Chang Yue was completely disappointed in Qi Yuanbao, and then locked Qi Yuanbao up. Grand Elder was very worried about Chang Yue's situation. However, her aunt thought this was all a good thing. After all, the Heart Soul was still on Qi Yuanbao's body. As long as Qi Yuanbao was here, Chang Yue could get the Heart Soul.

Just as Qi Yuanbao didn't know how to get out, a man named Yan Hongzhen appeared in front of Qi Yuanbao. Yan Hongzhen was also very narcissistic. Qi Yuanbao didn't even want to pay attention to him. Qi Yuanbao deliberately said something to satirize Yan Hongzhen. Yan Hongzhen directly used magic to control Qi Yuanbao. Yan Hongzhen also forced Qi Yuanbao to call him grandfather. In order to save her life, Qi Yuanbao had no choice but to do so.

Then Qi Yuanbao begged him to take her out. Yan Hongzhen was very soft-spoken and naturally took Qi Yuanbao out. Qi Yuanbao asked him where Chang Yue lived, but Yan Hongzhen refused to say. Just as Qi Yuanbao was begging Yan Hongzhen, she happened to be seen by Chang Yue. Chang Yue turned around and left. Qi Yuanbao immediately chased after her, but Chang Yue closed the door.

Qi Yuanbao knew that Chang Yue should be very difficult to forgive herself, but Qi Yuanbao refused to give up and stayed outside the door. Qi Yuanbao talked about her experience of coming to Northern Abyss. Qi Yuanbao just wanted to say these words hoping that Chang Yue could forgive her. Chang Yue was originally reading a book, but her mind followed Qi Yuanbao's words. Chang Yue came out and saw that Qi Yuanbao was asleep.

Chang Yue was actually a little distressed for Qi Yuanbao. Qi Yuanbao woke up again and saw Chang Yue sleeping in the tree. Qi Yuanbao took the initiative to go to Chang Yue's side. Qi Yuanbao quietly looked at Chang Yue's face, but thinking about her hurting Chang Yue, Qi Yuanbao couldn't help but want to touch Chang Yue's scars. As a result, Chang Yue woke up. Qi Yuanbao quickly retracted her hand and almost fell down.

Fortunately, Chang Yue grabbed Qi Yuanbao. After the two came down from the tree, Qi Yuanbao wanted to explain to Chang Yue, but Chang Yue went directly into the room. At this time, Yixuan came over. After seeing the injured Qi Yuanbao, she took the initiative to heal her wounds and gave Qi Yuanbao a new set of clothes to change into. At this time, Yan Hongzhen came over.

Qi Yuanbao quickly hid to avoid being discovered the relationship between the two, but Yan Hongzhen still saw Qi Yuanbao. Later, Qi Yuanbao learned from Yan Hongzhen that he and Yixuan were siblings. Qi Yuanbao was also asking Yixuan about Chang Yue's usual situation in the fox clan. Yan Hongzhen told Qi Yuanbao to eat well. Because Huo Shuyai had deceived Qi Yuanbao, Qi Yuanbao's senior brothers on the mountain were very unfriendly to Huo Shuyai.

They wouldn't even let Huo Shuyai sit next to them when eating. Xue Hanyu had been guarding Su Qianqian's side, after all, he was very afraid that others would discover that this person was not Qi Yuanbao but Su Qianqian. Su Qianqian had been hiding and couldn't eat with them, so she was very hungry. Xue Hanyu bought two cakes for Su Qianqian, but Su Qianqian found that there were many scallions in them and didn't want to eat them.

Xue Hanyu couldn't help but complain again. Qi Yuanbao planned to make a meal for Chang Yue to apologize. After all, it was her first time cooking, and Qi Yuanbao had no experience at all. After Yan Hongzhen came over, Qi Yuanbao asked Yan Hongzhen to help her make a fire. The two almost burned down the kitchen. Soon this news also reached Chang Yue's ears, but Chang Yue did not show any emotion.

Qi Yuanbao brought the hard-earned meal to Chang Yue's bedroom. Qi Yuanbao looked at the place where Chang Yue had lived since she was a child and couldn't help but take a closer look. Qi Yuanbao found that Chang Yue was back, so she quickly hid, but Chang Yue had already noticed that Qi Yuanbao was here. Chang Yue came to the room and saw the meal that Qi Yuanbao had made for her. All of them were burnt.

Chang Yue sent someone to take the meal away. Qi Yuanbao was still a little disappointed after seeing it. Even so, Qi Yuanbao insisted on making meals for Chang Yue every day to apologize, but now there were only ten days left before the time she had agreed with her father. If Chang Yue still couldn't forgive her after ten days, Qi Yuanbao would have to go back.

Episode 20 Recap

These days, Qi Yuanbao insisted on cooking for Changyue every day. Although Changyue didn't eat it, she still persisted. This time, Changyue discovered Qi Yuanbao peeking from the side, and after dismissing the maidservant, he let Qi Yuanbao come out. Changyue was very cold towards Qi Yuanbao. Qi Yuanbao said that she didn't crave to receive Changyue's forgive, and that she came to return her heart and soul to Changyue.

But Changyue knew that if Qi Yuanbao wasn't sincere, it couldn't be taken out. Qi Yuanbao asked Changyue to try. Originally, Changyue was a bit moved, but he didn't want to be disappointed again, so he ultimately refused. He even deliberately said that Yixuan was much better than Qi Yuanbao. Qi Yuanbao knew that she couldn't win Changyue back this time, so she left feeling dejected.

Qi Yuanbao knew that the distance between herself and Changyue was growing further and further. After Qi Yuanbao left, Changyue tasted the dishes Qi Yuanbao had made. Qi Yuanbao had transformed the once burnt and charred meals into the delicious dishes they were now, which showed how much effort Qi Yuanbao had put in. Today was Yixuan's birthday, so the entire grand hall was decorated solely for Yixuan's celebration.

Originally, Qi Yuanbao didn't know what was happening; she learned about it from Yan Hongzhen. Qi Yuanbao had initially wanted to leave, but Yan Hongzhen dragged her over. Qi Yuanbao saw Changyue, but Changyue didn't say a word to Qi Yuanbao. Qi Yuanbao sat behind Changyue, watching him. Qi Yuanbao now only wanted Changyue to forgive her.

Many people now believed that Yixuan and Changyue were the most suitable match, and that she was simply not worthy of being with Changyue. The Grand Elder came to personally preside over Yixuan's birthday. Many people gave Yixuan gifts, and Changyue naturally also presented a gift to Yixuan. In fact, this gift was prepared by the Grand Elder. Changyue had originally wanted to explain, but the Grand Elder publicly announced the marriage between Yixuan and Changyue.

Qi Yuanbao couldn't accept it, so she left immediately. After Qi Yuanbao left, Changyue and Yixuan both successively stepped forward to say they didn't want to get married too early, and the Grand Elder eventually agreed. Qi Yuanbao returned and drank a lot of alcohol. She knew that she had no right to care about Changyue's marriage, but her heart still ached. Yan Hongzhen came over and saw the drunk Qi Yuanbao.

Qi Yuanbao flared up at Yan Hongzhen, saying that she wouldn't be able to stay here for long and would have to leave, and that no one here cared about her. Qi Yuanbao's father and his group were still on their journey, but those traveling with them began to suspect that the person in the carriage might not be Qi Yuanbao.

Afterwards, Sun Qianqian's elder sister found an excuse, claiming she sprained her ankle and wanted to stay in the carriage, but Xue Hanyu directly refused. Qi Yuanbao's father also spoke up for them. Huo Shuya was also very curious about Qi Yuanbao's identity. Fortunately, Qi Yuanbao had prepared in advance and given a type of medicine to Sun Qianqian.

After Sun Qianqian took it, she had the same scars on her hand as Qi Yuanbao, which finally made everyone no longer doubt that the person in the carriage was Qi Yuanbao. Qi Yuanbao had stayed in the Fox Clan for a long time. Seeing that Changyue had not yet forgiven her, and knowing that the time she had agreed upon with her father was fast approaching, Qi Yuanbao planned to leave tomorrow.

She told Changyue about this, and unexpectedly, Changyue readily agreed. Qi Yuanbao felt that Changyue would naturally not forgive her, while Changyue felt that Qi Yuanbao was not truly sincere towards him. The two thus continued to misunderstand each other.

Episode 21 Recap

Upon hearing palace maids anxiously calling for Miss Yixuan and learning that Changyue's wound had severely worsened, Qi Yuanbao watched from the side, deeply distressed. Miss Yixuan quickly attended to Changyue, who, despite his excruciating pain, dismissed it, stating he had grown accustomed to the torment of the Soul-Destroying Arrow, an incurable wound that could only be slightly alleviated by medicine.

After Miss Yixuan and the other attendants left, Qi Yuanbao sought out Hufu Lin, an attendant, demanding to know why Changyue's injuries were so dire. Hufu Lin initially refused but then, exasperated, revealed the truth. Changyue's wound was caused by the Heart-Piercing Soul-Erasing Arrow and would never heal, inflicting constant, agonizing pain.

Hufu Lin further disclosed that Qi Yuanbao's own life was saved by Changyue, who had risked his life to retrieve the Perseverance Leaf for her when her heart meridian was shattered. This heroic act was the origin of Changyue's lasting injury. Hufu Lin condemned Qi Yuanbao for her ingratitude, not only for attributing her rescue to others but also for later poisoning Changyue and stabbing him, reopening and worsening his already healing wound.

Hufu Lin pleaded with Qi Yuanbao to show mercy and cease disturbing Changyue. Overwhelmed with guilt and sorrow, Qi Yuanbao tearfully apologized to the unconscious Changyue, vowing that he must find happiness. Later, Qi Yuanbao awoke in a bed with Miss Yixuan by her side. She inquired if there was any hope for Changyue's recovery.

Miss Yixuan confirmed the wound was indeed incurable but offered a way to temporarily ease his suffering: by collecting a rare Frost Bloom nectar using the Autumn Dew Jade Flask. This task required unwavering patience and extreme caution, as the nectar could scatter with the slightest disturbance. Without hesitation, Qi Yuanbao pledged to undertake the arduous task, declaring that no hardship or even death could deter her if it meant alleviating Changyue's pain.

Qi Yuanbao then embarked on the demanding vigil, standing for four days and nights, enduring the elements and even the irritation of bees, holding the Autumn Dew Jade Flask perfectly still. As the critical moment arrived, Miss Yixuan appeared and collected the nectar herself, revealing that Qi Yuanbao's prolonged, static wait was unnecessary; the nectar only needed to be collected at the precise time of its formation.

Miss Yixuan gently suggested that Qi Yuanbao's suffering, though commendable, still paled in comparison to Changyue's sacrifice, a sentiment echoed by everyone in the Northern Abyss. She then handed the precious Frost Bloom nectar to Qi Yuanbao, asking her to deliver it to Changyue. As Qi Yuanbao saw Changyue's wounds again, she was filled with self-reproach.

She also noticed a familiar item in his possession and wondered if he intended to give it to Miss Yixuan, prompting her to question if Changyue was truly going to marry Miss Yixuan. As Qi Yuanbao prepared to leave, Changyue, still partially awake, reached out and grasped her hand, imploring her not to go, leaving Qi Yuanbao in disbelief and profound surprise. Four days later, Changyue awoke.

Believing Qi Yuanbao had already departed the Northern Abyss as per her previous intention, he instructed a maid to prepare pastries for Miss Yixuan as a token of gratitude for her care during his recovery. However, as he arrived at Yilan Hall, he spotted Qi Yuanbao playfully bantering with Yan Hongzhen, enjoying her time in the Northern Abyss. Changyue confronted her, asking why she hadn't left.

Qi Yuanbao candidly replied that she no longer wished to leave because the person she cared for most, Changyue, was there. Changyue remained silent, leaving Qi Yuanbao uncertain if he had truly forgiven her. Meanwhile, Qi Yuanbao's father, Qi Lian, and his entourage were nearing Mount Suiyue. Qi Lian expressed concern over Qi Yuanbao's prolonged absence. Huo Shuya's father subtly warned him against coveting things that were not rightfully his, lest he fall into ruin.

That night, unable to sleep, Qi Yuanbao quietly slipped into Changyue's chamber, finding him deeply asleep. She confided in him, explaining that she couldn't leave yet because she needed to return his heart and soul, an act vital for his ascension and the complete healing of his grievous wounds. She spoke of seeing adorable fox children earlier that day with Yan Hongzhen and yearning for Changyue to take her out to play.

As she spoke, Changyue, in his sleep, turned and embraced her. Qi Yuanbao returned his embrace, playfully remarking on his habit of cuddling in his sleep. Concurrently, Sun Qianqian and Xue Hanyu continued their impersonation of Qi Yuanbao within Qi Lian's group. Huo Shuya, suspicious, had them constantly monitored. With everyone gathered at Mount Suiyue, a conspirator (implied to be Xue Hanyu's master) planned to act that very night to prevent Qi Lian from reaching the Demon Crypt.

That evening, Xue Hanyu brought food to Sun Qianqian, Qi Liu, and other disciples. After consuming the meal, everyone present unexpectedly fainted, revealing a calculated plot to incapacitate Qi Yuanbao's father's group and thwart their mission.

Episode 22 Recap

While resting under a tree, Qi Yuanbao fell asleep. Changyue joined her, and she leaned onto his shoulder. Groggy upon waking, Qi Yuanbao mistook Changyue for a figment of her dream and kissed him, an advance Changyue did not reject. Qi Yuanbao awoke believing it was just a dream, unaware that her aunt had witnessed the entire scene and vowed to make her life miserable due to her parents' identities, Qi Lian and Xue Yuying.

Elsewhere, Su Qingmu's subordinate reported that Qi Yuanbao had been successfully captured. However, upon removing her mask, Su Qingmu realized he had captured his own daughter, Sun Qianqian, instead of Qi Yuanbao. Sun Qianqian implored her father to end his destructive path and questioned his involvement in the deaths of cultivators. Enraged by the deception, Su Qingmu demanded to know Qi Yuanbao's whereabouts, threatening Sun Qianqian when she revealed that Qi Yuanbao had never gone to Fractured Moon Mountain.

As Su Qingmu threatened to harm his daughter, Qi Yuanbao's father, Qilian, and his group revealed that they had feigned being poisoned and saw through Su Qingmu's scheme. However, Su Qingmu revealed that they had, in fact, been poisoned with Spirit Dispersion. He admitted to knowing their plan to switch the drugs, attributing his success to understanding his daughter better than Qi Yuanbao.

Declaring that his sole objective was Qi Yuanbao, Su Qingmu ordered Xue Hanyu to deliver a message, giving him seven days to bring Qi Yuanbao to him, or Qilian's group would be killed. Xue Hanyu agreed and set off to find Qi Yuanbao and rescue her father's group. Meanwhile, Yixuan invited Changyue to Yangjie Mountain to see the blooming flowers, suggesting it would help with his spiritual recovery.

Changyue initially refused but changed his mind after remembering Qi Yuanbao's remark about the fox tribe children. Feeling excluded from their outing, Qi Yuanbao was approached by Yan Hongzhen, who offered a solution: an invisibility spell to sneak her into their carriage. Overjoyed to be close to Changyue and believing she was unseen, Qi Yuanbao considered kissing him, but Yan Hongzhen stopped her. A sudden jolt broke the spell, exposing Qi Yuanbao and Yan Hongzhen to Changyue and Yixuan.

With their cover blown, they all decided to continue the outing together. While playing shuttlecock with Yan Hongzhen, Qi Yuanbao sprained her ankle. Changyue quickly carried her. Along the way, Qi Yuanbao apologized and vowed not to upset him again. She asked Changyue if he had been moon-gazing recently, confirming that her "dream" had actually happened. She then asked about Mo Hun, a spiritual item that she had previously owned. Changyue explained that abandoned items return to their original owners.

Qi Yuanbao insisted that she never abandoned it and vowed to get Mo Hun back, even if it meant being shameless. Back home, Qi Yuanbao discovered her jade pendant was missing. Suspecting it was at Changyue's residence, she asked him to use his spirit butterfly to find it. The butterfly led them to a cabinet in Changyue's room. Changyue, flustered, insisted the jade pendant wasn't there, claiming the butterfly was malfunctioning, trying to stop her from opening the cabinet.

Seizing an opportunity, Qi Yuanbao opened the cabinet, revealing the old clothes she had gifted him. A palace maid commented on the shabbiness of the clothes compared to Yixuan's gift, but mentioned that Changyue preferred the "mud," implying his fondness for Qi Yuanbao's humble present. Overjoyed, Qi Yuanbao feigned disinterest, telling the maid to throw the clothes away, only to quickly stop her. Meanwhile, Xue Hanyu arrived at the fox tribe but was blocked by a magical barrier.

Remembering that his flute could reach Qi Yuanbao, he played it. Qi Yuanbao, alarmed, arrived to find Xue Hanyu injured. Xue Hanyu informed her that her father's group was in danger. He also presented her with a painting from Qilian, making Qi Yuanbao suspect Su Qingmu's connection to the demon realm. Qi Yuanbao decided to leave with Xue Hanyu to help her father, but first she planned to return something important to Changyue.

Episode 23 Recap

Qi Yuanbao bravely confessed her love to Changyue, telling him she genuinely loved him and that every word she spoke was true. She recounted her happiness during their time together at Qishan Sect and how she constantly thought of him. She affirmed that even if he were a fox and she a human, she still wished to be with him and had tried every possible way to win his affection.

Changyue initially dismissed her words, accusing her of lying and playing games with his feelings again. He attempted to extract the heart soul from her, but when it proved impossible, he despaired, believing she was deceiving him once more. Qi Yuanbao then explained that she had an urgent matter to attend to – saving her father on Mount Suiyue – and promised to return to him after. As Qi Yuanbao departed, Changyue was left pondering her confession.

He questioned whether the difficulty in extracting the heart soul was truly due to a problem with it. Overcome by his feelings, he chased after her, expressing that he must have been mad to follow her. He confessed his own love and frustration, having always felt that his words meant nothing to her.

Qi Yuanbao clarified that she wasn't leaving him but going to rescue her father, prompting Changyue to declare he would not leave her side and would protect her. He then resolved to accompany her. Meanwhile, Su Qingmu awaited Qi Yuanbao's arrival. Su Qianqian’s sister, deeply worried, pleaded with her father to stop his wicked path and release everyone. However, Su Qingmu remained unyielding, confirming his goal was to become the Corpse Puppet King.

Huo Shuyai tried to intervene, threatening Su Qingmu with Su Qianqian’s sister's life, but Su Qingmu's resolve was unwavering. He coldly stated he would kill her if necessary, driven by his ambition to become the undying Corpse Puppet King. Su Qianqian's sister expressed her heartbreak, realizing her once kind father had transformed into a cold-blooded, ruthless demon. Despite her pleas, Su Qingmu tragically took his own daughter's life. Su Qianqian, witnessing the horrific act, fainted beside her sister's body.

Qi Yuanbao and Changyue arrived at the scene. Qi Yuanbao decided to confront Su Qingmu to buy time, while Changyue examined the map her father had provided. Su Qingmu, surprised by Qi Yuanbao's appearance, tried to entice her to enter his formation. Qi Yuanbao, holding a dagger to herself, threatened to take her own life, hoping to make him release the others. Su Qingmu, however, warned that if she died, everyone else would be buried with her.

With no other choice, Qi Yuanbao lowered the dagger. Su Qingmu then pulled her towards the formation, demanding her blood. Qi Yuanbao feigned compliance, pricking only her finger to stall for time, much to Su Qingmu’s annoyance. Seeing her playful defiance, Su Qingmu engaged her in a fight. Qi Yuanbao, realizing time was running out, urgently called for Changyue. Changyue quickly joined the fray. Together, Qi Yuanbao and Changyue fought Su Qingmu, eventually overpowering him.

In defeat, Su Qingmu's hair turned white, and his appearance became terrifying. Realizing he was outmatched, he fled. Changyue speculated that Su Qingmu had been backfired by his dark magic, which was not yet fully developed, and that his end was near. He resolved to find the scoundrel. Following the battle, Xue Hanyu distributed the antidote for the Spirit Dispelling Powder to everyone, ensuring their safe descent from the mountain.

He then stayed by Su Qianqian's side, reassuring her that her collapse was due to excessive sorrow and that she would be fine. Changyue, noticing Qi Yuanbao's injured hand, expressed his concern and vowed to always take care of her. Despite the heart soul remaining unextractable, Changyue was now convinced of Qi Yuanbao's love for him, suggesting they could search ancient texts in Beiming for a solution.

Meanwhile, Qi Yuanbao's senior brothers approached Changyue, earnestly apologizing for their past misunderstandings and acknowledging his crucial assistance in their rescue from Su Qingmu, whom they branded as a despicable scoundrel. Changyue, showing his forgiving nature, accepted their apologies. Su Qianqian eventually awoke from her nightmares after three days and nights. Distraught, she insisted on finding her sister, but Xue Hanyu gently stopped her, revealing the devastating truth that her sister was gone and already buried in Suyun City.

Su Qianqian collapsed in uncontrollable tears, unable to comprehend her father's cruel actions. Xue Hanyu, recognizing the immense blow this was to her, pledged to stay by her side and be her family from that moment forward.

Episode 24 Recap

After the recent tumultuous events, Su Qianqian found herself facing exclusion and unkindness from the other disciples, who blamed her for her father's actions that led to significant harm to their sect. During a meal, they deliberately gave her only vegetarian dishes and even put bugs in her food. Witnessing this, Xue Hanyu immediately intervened, adding meat to her plate and insisting she eat, telling her he would "feel bad for her" if she didn't.

The other disciples, including Brother Tian and Senior Brother Liu, remarked on Xue Hanyu's unusual attentiveness to Su Qianqian, noting he was "acting differently" and had never cared for anyone this way apart from Qi Yuanbao. Later that evening, Xue Hanyu confronted the disciples who had placed bugs in Su Qianqian's food. They justified their actions, citing "the father's debt is paid by the daughter" and calling Su Qianqian a "Witch" for her father's deeds.

They even mocked Xue Hanyu for "playing the hero." In response, Xue Hanyu force-fed them the bugs as punishment. He issued a final warning, stating that Su Qianqian should not be held responsible for her father's actions and threatening severe consequences if they ever bullied her again. Su Qianqian, who had secretly observed this, was deeply moved. She approached Xue Hanyu and kissed him, then quickly ran back to her room in embarrassment.

Despite a bleeding mouth, Xue Hanyu was overcome with joy, realizing he had truly fallen in love with Su Qianqian. Meanwhile, Qi Yuanbao had breakfast with her father, who had come to accept her relationship with Chang Yue. Qi Yuanbao explained that she could not return to Qishan Sect with him yet because Chang Yue's heart soul had not been fully restored. She also confessed that her mother's jade pendant, the "Tianji Pendant," had mysteriously disappeared in the Northern Abyss.

Her father revealed the pendant's immense importance, explaining it was a Xue family artifact crucial for counteracting the Zombie King. He recounted how, decades ago, his wife and her maternal uncle had sealed a wisp of the Zombie King's dark aura within the pendant to stabilize a weakening formation, but her maternal uncle and aunt sacrificed themselves to save her mother from demons.

Qi Yuanbao's father stressed the urgency of finding the pendant, fearing its misuse, and asked if she knew a woman named Meng Shu in Northern Abyss, whom he suspected of supplying Su Qingmu with the Magic Fox Needle and possibly possessing the lost pendant. Qi Yuanbao denied knowing Meng Shu.

Unbeknownst to them, Meng Shu had indeed taken the Tianji Pendant and given it to Su Qingmu, as it contained a wisp of the Zombie King's hair, enabling him to potentially regain his full power. Qi Yuanbao's father had sent people to search for Su Qingmu, who was gravely injured but had fled. However, it was Huo Shuye who found the injured Su Qingmu.

Su Qingmu exploited Huo Shuye's resentment towards Qi Yuanbao and Chang Yue, reminding him of his public humiliation and Chang Yue "taking his woman." He then demonstrated the pendant's dark power to forge puppet slaves, which could easily be used to capture Qi Yuanbao for sacrifice or seek revenge on Chang Yue, swaying Huo Shuye. Huo Shuye brought the injured Su Qingmu back to his room at the inn, narrowly avoiding detection by Qi Yuanbao.

Su Qingmu promised to teach Huo Shuye the art of cultivating puppet slaves once he recovered. The next morning, Qi Yuanbao and her father sensed an unease emanating from Huo Shuye's room. Huo Shuye questioned Su Qingmu about his peculiar injury, remembering that Su Qingmu had not been visibly wounded on the day of their previous confrontation.

Su Qingmu, however, insisted his spiritual power was damaged and refused to teach Huo Shuye the technique, claiming he needed more time to heal. Huo Shuye grew suspicious, believing Su Qingmu was feigning weakness and that the artifact for creating puppet slaves was hidden with him. He realized that if Su Qingmu fully recovered, he would no longer be controllable. Huo Shuye confronted Su Qingmu, demanding the artifact and threatening his life.

Su Qingmu, in turn, tried to manipulate Huo Shuye, warning that killing him in the inn would cause a commotion, alerting other cultivators and jeopardizing Huo Shuye's chances of acquiring the artifact. Despite this, Huo Shuye attacked Su Qingmu, but Su Qingmu managed to overpower and control him. At that critical moment, Huo Shuye's father entered the room. Seizing the distraction, Huo Shuye fatally stabbed Su Qingmu.

While his father rushed to alert others, Huo Shuye quickly retrieved the Tianji Pendant from Su Qingmu's body. Upon examining Su Qingmu's wound, Qi Yuanbao found it unusually clean, as if "cut open" rather than pierced. Huo Shuye offered a flimsy explanation, but Qi Yuanbao remained silently suspicious. Su Qianqian, despite knowing her father deserved his fate, broke down crying upon seeing his lifeless body. Later, Huo Shuye attempted to use the pendant to contact puppet slaves.

His father discovered him and tried to intervene, begging him to "stop before it's too late" and reminding him that his actions would bring disgrace to the Huo family ancestors. However, Huo Shuye declared that he had gone too far to turn back. In a fit of rage, he accused his father of killing his mother and ruining his life, then killed his own father.

Qi Yuanbao and Chang Yue witnessed this horrific act, and Huo Shuye fled the scene with the pendant. After these tragic events, Qi Yuanbao's father expressed his bewilderment at Huo Shuye's transformation but acknowledged it as a private Huo family matter. He gave Qi Yuanbao heartfelt warnings, urging her to be cautious and take care of herself when she returned to Northern Abyss, which Qi Yuanbao playfully dismissed as nagging.

Chang Yue assured Qi Yuanbao's father that he would protect her. Meanwhile, Xue Hanyu approached a distraught Su Qianqian, offering her a place at Qishan Sect since she was now alone and promising to keep her from being bored with many enjoyable activities. Su Qianqian, with no other options, accepted his offer.

Back in Northern Abyss, Qi Yuanbao and Chang Yue began their rigorous search through ancient texts and tried various methods to retrieve Chang Yue's heart soul, but all their efforts proved fruitless. Frustrated, Qi Yuanbao decided to try a "fasting retreat," and Chang Yue willingly joined her. A short while into their fast, Qi Yuanbao was already struggling with hunger, despite her resolve.

They soon realized they had exhausted all accessible knowledge within Northern Abyss, but Chang Yue then revealed that there was still "one more place" where they might find the answers they sought.

Episode 25 Recap

Qi Yuanbao searched her aunt Xi Yu's room, forcing her way in despite Chang Yue's hesitation, which led Chang Yue to call her "bandit-like." Inside, she discovered a painting depicting her parents alongside her aunt. She found this very strange and suspected her aunt, also known as Meng Shu, was the person her father had warned her about and the one who likely possessed her Tianji Pendant. Shortly after, Aunt Xi Yu entered, questioning their presence.

Qi Yuanbao and Chang Yue feigned searching for books on "emotional cultivation techniques" before quickly departing. Later, Qi Yuanbao discussed her suspicions with Chang Yue, believing Aunt Xi Yu was Meng Shu and responsible for framing Chang Yue with the Illusion Fox Needle. She also thought her aunt held the Tianji Pendant.

When Chang Yue asked for proof, Qi Yuanbao proposed a plan: she asked Chang Yue to transform her into Su Qianqian's father, Su Qingmu, to trick Aunt Xi Yu into revealing the truth. Chang Yue obliged, transforming Qi Yuanbao. Qi Yuanbao then tested the disguise on a slightly nervous Chang Yue, concluding that the resemblance was indeed convincing enough to fool her aunt. That night, Qi Yuanbao, in the guise of Su Qingmu, met with Aunt Xi Yu.

Aunt Xi Yu, unaware of the deception, mentioned that she had already given the Tianji Pendant to "Su Qingmu" (referring to the real Su Qianqian's father, whom she thought she was speaking to) and asked why he hadn't yet taken the expected action to bring chaos to the Northern Abyss, which she said would soon be in turmoil.

Qi Yuanbao, still disguised, falsely claimed that the Tianji Pendant had fallen into the hands of Qilian and that Qilian knew she was responsible for killing cultivators. She warned Xi Yu that Qi Yuanbao was investigating the Illusion Fox Needle incident and would soon uncover Xi Yu's treachery, leading to her expulsion from the Northern Abyss. Xi Yu, confident in her "foolproof preparations," dismissed the warning. At this point, Qi Yuanbao dropped her disguise.

She then directly confronted Xi Yu, accusing her of colluding with Su Qingmu (the villainous accomplice) to frame the Northern Abyss and Chang Yue with the Illusion Fox Needle. Xi Yu defiantly stated her intention was to make Qi Yuanbao and Qilian suffer endless misery. Just then, Chang Yue and the Grand Elder arrived. The Grand Elder confronted Xi Yu, who attempted to deny her involvement, but her earlier admissions served as irrefutable evidence.

Qi Yuanbao demanded to know why Xi Yu acted this way. Xi Yu confessed her deep-seated resentment, explaining that she, Qilian (Qi Yuanbao's father), and Xue Yuying (Qi Yuanbao's mother) had once been a trio of heroes, vowing to remain together. However, Qilian betrayed her by choosing Xue Yuying, a decision Xi Yu attributed to her being a fox. She labeled Qilian a "hypocritical heartbreaker" and both him and Xue Yuying as despicable and undeserving of life.

Qi Yuanbao fiercely defended her parents, suggesting her father had merely seen through Xi Yu's cruel and beastly nature. The Grand Elder, deeply saddened by Xi Yu's obsession and betrayal, condemned her for harming the Fox Clan and Chang Yue. She severed Xi Yu's spiritual root, stripping her of her powers, and banished her from the Northern Abyss forever, forbidding her from ever returning. As Xi Yu departed, she vowed that Qi Yuanbao would one day experience unbearable agony.

Qi Yuanbao then called out, asking about her Tianji Pendant. Unbeknownst to her, the jade pendant was actually in the possession of Huo Shuya. Meanwhile, a report reached Qi Yuanbao's father about trouble in Luyun Town, where a group of strange monsters, neither human nor demon, were wreaking havoc, appearing to be controlled and indiscriminately attacking even their own kin. Qi Yuanbao's father and his companions decided to investigate Luyun Town.

Upon arrival, they found the town deserted and filled with the stench of blood. They split up to search. Xue Hanyu, while rescuing a woman from one of these creatures, was bitten after the monster surprisingly did not die from his initial attack. Qi Yuanbao's father identified these creatures as "puppet slaves" and realized that their creation required the Tianji Pendant, raising immediate concerns. Su Qianqian diligently cared for Xue Hanyu, applying her family's special healing ointment to his wound.

During this tender moment, Xue Hanyu's demeanor suddenly changed; he grew aggressive, leaned in as if to kiss her, and then horrifyingly transformed into a puppet slave right before her eyes. Su Qianqian screamed, and Qi Yuanbao's father and the others quickly rushed over to subdue Xue Hanyu. Su Qianqian was devastated, begging Qi Yuanbao's father to save him. He replied that they first needed to find Qi Yuanbao.

Su Qianqian spoke to the bound Xue Hanyu, reassuring him and professing her love, saying she would accept him even in his monstrous state. She lamented losing her father and sister and pleaded with him to recover, her words seemingly calming him. As Qi Yuanbao's father and his group continued their search for the puppet slave master, Su Qianqian and Xue Hanyu went to gather firewood.

Su Qianqian momentarily lost sight of Xue Hanyu, only to find him being bullied by a group of children who called him an "ugly beast" and demanded his fruit. She discovered he was trying to pick fruits for her, and she intervened, feeling a mix of amusement and emotion. Concurrently, a book was discovered that shed light on "emotional cultivation," the method required to restore Chang Yue's soul. It explained that this process involved two layers: "Emotion" and "Cultivation."

The first layer, "Emotion," was completed when one found their fated soulmate and cultivated a love so profound that the other would sacrifice their life. Qi Yuanbao and Chang Yue had successfully achieved this. The second layer, "Cultivation," required the two sincerely devoted individuals to willingly engage in "dual cultivation." Realizing they had only completed the first layer, they understood that dual cultivation was their next step.

When asked what "dual cultivation" entailed, their companion (likely Hu Bulin) offered to write a manual for Qi Yuanbao to instruct Chang Yue, eager to see them complete the process that very day. Meanwhile, Huo Shuya, now controlling a large horde of puppet slaves, declared that his current predicament was entirely Qi Yuanbao's fault. He vowed to make her suffer the exact same painful fate.

Episode 26 Recap

Huo Shuyai's puppet slaves breached the barrier protecting the Wolf Clan and human realm, prompting an invasion of Beiming as an act of retaliation against Qi Yuanbao. Meanwhile, Qi Yuanbao and Chang Yue were in the midst of dual cultivation to retrieve a soul, following the instructions from a peculiar script by Hu Bulin.

They began with a kiss and were about to proceed with undressing when a subordinate frantically reported that humans had broken through the barrier and entered Beiming. Qi Yuanbao and Chang Yue rushed to the scene, finding the entrance under Huo Shuyai's control. Qi Yuanbao's father also arrived, observing the chaos caused by the puppet slaves. Huo Shuyai declared that since the Qishan Sect members were present, he would ensure their demise.

Qi Yuanbao confronted him, calling him insane, but Huo Shuyai retorted that she was responsible for pushing him to this extreme, accusing her of causing harm to the innocent and her own sect brothers. He further revealed his true intention: to acquire the power of the Lingzi. Qi Yuanbao, understanding his demand for her sacrifice, agreed to it on the condition that he withdraw his puppet slaves immediately.

However, seeing Chang Yue holding Qi Yuanbao's hand, Huo Shuyai's rage intensified, and he vowed that both of them would die without a burial place. He ordered his puppet slaves to attack, and Qi Yuanbao's father quickly formed a defensive formation. During the ensuing battle, Huo Shuyai initially believed he had overcome Chang Yue, but he was outsmarted and subsequently controlled by Qi Yuanbao. Chang Yue, speaking through Qi Yuanbao's control, told Huo Shuyai that warfare is based on deception.

He demanded that Huo Shuyai and his puppet slaves leave the barrier immediately, or he would be killed. Huo Shuyai defiantly welcomed death, claiming he would have company from their fallen comrades in the underworld. However, Qi Yuanbao countered by threatening to prevent him from ever obtaining the Lingzi's power if he continued.

This forced Huo Shuyai to halt his attack and retreat, but not before challenging Qi Yuanbao to meet him at Fragment Moon Mountain Tomb if she wished to save her sect brothers and other affected people. After the confrontation, Qi Yuanbao instructed Chang Yue to repair the damaged barrier to prevent any further incursions. Grand Elder, still upset by the day's events, coldly told Qi Yuanbao not to expect any gratitude.

Later, guests from Qishan Sect were settled in Beiming, and one of their attendants remarked on Grand Elder's tough exterior but kind heart, noting her specific instructions to treat them well. Qi Yuanbao was happy to see Xue Hanyu and Su Qianqian playfully bickering, with Xue Hanyu, still under some influence but responsive to Su Qianqian, playfully spitting at her. Alone, Qi Yuanbao reflected that since this crisis began because of her, it was her responsibility to end it.

She informed her father of her intention to go to Fragment Moon Mountain to confront the Zombie King. Her father was distraught, forbidding her from going, fearing that the Zombie King would reappear if she went, which would plunge the world into chaos and misery. Qi Yuanbao reminded him that he once taught her that she was the only one capable of sealing the Zombie King permanently.

She explained that only by absorbing the Zombie King's demonic power could peace be restored and all the puppet slaves, including Xue Hanyu and her sect brothers, return to normal. Despite her father's desperate pleas and warnings of her inevitable death, Qi Yuanbao declared that her sacrifice would be worthwhile if it brought lasting peace and prevented the Zombie King from ever appearing again.

She affirmed her duty not only as his daughter but also as a child of the Qishan Sect. Separately, Grand Elder discussed with Chang Yue the fragility of the repaired barrier, stating it would only last three more days. She urged him to complete his ascension within that timeframe to better protect Beiming. Noticing Chang Yue's troubled demeanor, she surmised he was worried about Qi Yuanbao's impending sacrifice.

Grand Elder admitted that she would respect Qi Yuanbao for such a brave and selfless act. Later, Qi Yuanbao went to meet Chang Yue. Chang Yue adamantly refused to let her go for the sacrifice, but Qi Yuanbao insisted, emphasizing it was her responsibility and that he would make the same choice in her position.

During this emotional farewell, Qi Yuanbao, shedding tears, returned Chang Yue's heart-soul to him, and they completed their final dual cultivation, unsure if they would ever see each other again. Eventually, Chang Yue successfully ascended, causing a magnificent spectacle in the sky that was celebrated by the people of Beiming as the miraculous birth of a heavenly fox.

The event triggered a vivid memory for Chang Yue, revealing his past life as the revered Lingzi, a holy spirit who practiced silent meditation, devoid of emotion, and destined for a sacrificial ceremony at age twenty to save all living beings. In this past life, a spirited young girl named Bichuan (the past life of Qi Yuanbao) playfully tested if Lingzi was real, discovering he indeed moved.

She constantly talked to the silent Lingzi, questioning his austere life and even trying to join him during his bath, which provoked him to speak for the first time, calling her a "Beast!" She promptly introduced herself as Bichuan. Later, Bichuan confessed to her attendant that she had fallen deeply in love with Lingzi and would not return to Beiming until he loved her "to death."

The flashback continued, showing Bichuan sheltering Lingzi from the rain, vowing to protect him "lifetime after lifetime," and then kissing him. She boldly told him that one day he would love her to death, and then they would marry. Faced with Lingzi's impending sacrifice at Fragment Moon Mountain, Bichuan desperately sought a way to prevent it, proposing to destroy the mountain itself to nullify the ritual. Despite Lingzi's apprehension, Bichuan declared she would crash into Fragment Moon Mountain.

She fulfilled her promise, asking Lingzi if her act meant he would no longer have to die. As she lay dying, Bichuan confessed her profound love for him, lamenting that he never reciprocated her feelings. Overcome with grief, Lingzi called her a "reckless little rascal" and wondered why she couldn't have waited.

Unwilling to live without her, Lingzi then expelled a spiritual bead, vowing that in his next life, he would become a fox to find her and love her "to death." The flashback concluded with Chang Yue's realization of their shared past, resolving that in this current life, they would cherish each other and remain together. Following this, Chang Yue placed his treasure on Qi Yuanbao.

Episode 27 Recap

Qi Yuanbao awoke to find Chang Yue by her side. She gently touched his face, then leaned in to kiss him. As she watched her father's retreating figure, tears welled up in her eyes. She thought of her father, feeling she had failed in her filial duties and could only hope to repay his love in another life. Before departing, Qi Yuanbao visited Xue Hanyu and Su Qianqian.

She was surprised to see Xue Hanyu injured, but was relieved that Su Qianqian was faithfully by his side. Silently, Qi Yuanbao recalled a vow she had made long ago to grow strong and protect Xue Hanyu. She spoke to the unconscious Xue Hanyu, advising him to treat Su Qianqian well once he recovered, or she would haunt his dreams.

She acknowledged that her loved ones were now in Beiming and expressed a wish to reunite with them in the next life, a sentiment that underscored her decision to face the looming danger alone. As Qi Yuanbao prepared to confront Huo Shuya by herself, Chang Yue awoke to find her gone. Her father, Qilian, also unable to find his daughter, grew worried. Chang Yue suggested she might have headed to Suiyue Mountain.

Upon arriving at a familiar forest, Qi Yuanbao realized it was the very place where she had mistakenly consumed Chang Yue's heart soul. Entering a nearby cave, she spoke Chang Yue's name, reflecting on how their bond began and would seemingly end in this location. She then used her blood to awaken the slumbering Zombie King, declaring that it was time for it to rise.

Meanwhile, Huo Shuya, now fully under the Zombie King's control, began to absorb spiritual energy using his jade pendant. Those who had been controlled by him were freed, and Xue Hanyu, previously tied up by a frantic Su Qianqian, was among those who recovered. Su Qianqian was overjoyed to see Xue Hanyu restored, while he, still confused about being tied, was urged by her to flee as danger mounted. Chang Yue and Qi Yuanbao's father, Qilian, arrived at the scene.

Huo Shuya, through the Zombie King, greeted Qi Yuanbao, calling her "Lingzi" and stating he had long awaited her arrival. As chaos erupted, people feared they would all perish. Defiantly, Qi Yuanbao declared she would not let Huo Shuya succeed. She courageously stepped forward, intending to absorb all the demonic energy from the Zombie King with her own blood. Chang Yue, horrified, tried to intervene, fearing she would die.

However, Qilian stopped him, explaining it was her choice, the only way to save all living beings. Huo Shuya mocked her sacrifice for "foolish and worthless beings," but Qi Yuanbao refused to justify herself, vowing to take his life in return for hers. This act severely injured her. With Qi Yuanbao on the brink of death, Qilian proposed using a five-person array, originally devised by Yu Ying, to suppress the demonic energy in her body.

He explained it required five highly skilled practitioners. While he and Chang Yue could participate, they needed three more, as the other disciples lacked sufficient cultivation and would perish in the array. Just then, Grand Elder and her companions arrived, offering their assistance. Grand Elder, though initially disparaging of Qi Yuanbao, agreed to help, remarking they should "save that ugly bastard first." As the array was activated, Qi Yuanbao fell into a coma.

In her unconscious state, she heard the chilling voice of her aunt, Mengshu, revealing a distorted truth about her mother's death. Mengshu claimed Qi Yuanbao was a "Heavenly Doom Star," born with demonic energy, and that her mother, Xue Yuying, had become a demon trying to save her, forcing Qilian to kill her. Thus, Mengshu declared, Qi Yuanbao was the true culprit in her mother's demise.

Despite Qilian's urgent pleas for her to focus her spirit, Qi Yuanbao was overwhelmed by these accusations, recalling happier moments with her mother. The others in the array worried that if Qi Yuanbao failed, the formation would backfire on them all. Xue Hanyu and Su Qianqian attempted to join the array to help, but were stopped due to their insufficient cultivation.

Despite the immense challenge and Qi Yuanbao's severe condition, the collective efforts of everyone in the array successfully saved her, though she briefly fainted again after glancing at them. Shortly after, Qi Yuanbao's aunt, Mengshu, appeared before Qilian. Mengshu mocked the futile efforts of those who saved Qi Yuanbao, stating that their weak spiritual power had created "huge hidden dangers," and that their "hero" would eventually transform into a "demon they fear."

Qilian accused her of malicious intent, but Mengshu defiantly declared her plan to make Qi Yuanbao's emotions uncontrollable as revenge for their past betrayal. She then provoked Qilian, allowing him to strike her down, vowing to haunt him with guilt for the rest of his life. Qi Yuanbao later awoke from a nightmare, crying out for her mother. Chang Yue comforted her, assuring her that everything was alright and would be from now on.

He confirmed that everyone else was safe. Qilian then entered, and Chang Yue respectfully left them alone. Grand Elder, acknowledging Qi Yuanbao's bravery, gave Chang Yue some "Solidifying Essence Honey" to help restore his spiritual body, implicitly showing her approval. She announced her departure with Hongzhen back to Beiming, and Chang Yue stated his intention to return to the Qi Mountain Sect with Qi Yuanbao first, then bring her to visit Beiming.

Grand Elder, however, expressed reluctance to allow Qi Yuanbao back into Beiming. Qi Yuanbao tearfully apologized to Qilian for her past criticisms and opposition, realizing that her mother had truly sacrificed herself to protect her, and he had painstakingly hidden the truth to spare her pain. Qilian embraced her, explaining that her mother, after the loss of her siblings, found solace and joy in Qi Yuanbao's presence.

He expressed immense pride in her actions that day, believing her mother's spirit would be pleased. He offered her homemade fennel dumplings, a dish her mother used to make, made with his own love. Qi Yuanbao, deeply moved, found them delicious. Later, Qilian reviewed a letter left by her mother, Yu Ying. In the letter, Yu Ying wrote of her deep love for Qilian and their daughter.

She revealed that Qi Yuanbao was born with demonic energy and would not live long, so Yu Ying willingly absorbed the demonic energy from her daughter, taking on the pain herself. However, after absorbing the energy, Yu Ying began to lose control, fearing she might cause a disaster.

As a member of the Xue family, dedicated to protecting the people, she instructed her husband to put righteousness first and kill her if she ever harmed the innocent, without hesitation or sentiment. Meanwhile, Xue Hanyu had fully recovered, with Su Qianqian continuing to dote on him. She playfully tried to feed him, but he teased her, jesting about how being a "brainless puppet slave" had been more enjoyable, leading to a playful argument about who was lazier.

Su Qianqian threatened to tell Qi Yuanbao. Xue Hanyu expressed guilt for what might have happened to Qi Yuanbao. Su Qianqian asked about their plans to return to the Qi Mountain Sect, and Xue Hanyu confirmed they would, once Qi Yuanbao was well. When asked about his own plans, Xue Hanyu playfully evaded the question, prompting Su Qianqian to demand clarification of their relationship.

After some back-and-forth teasing, including Su Qianqian jokingly threatening to bite him to turn him back into a "headless yet adorably silly" puppet slave, Xue Hanyu's fellow disciples arrived, praising him as a hero for saving Qi Yuanbao. He humbly attributed the success to everyone's collective efforts as Su Qianqian massaged him. After Qi Yuanbao's full recovery, she returned home with Chang Yue, while Xue Hanyu and Su Qianqian also headed back.

Along the way, they were all in high spirits, laughing and teasing each other. Qi Yuanbao and Su Qianqian playfully competed for attention, while Chang Yue and Xue Hanyu indulged their antics. Back at the Qi Mountain Sect, Qilian retrieved the Kongtong Cauldron, a magical artifact left by the Xue Clan. He explained that it could absorb the Zombie King's demonic energy, offering a potential solution to Qi Yuanbao's lingering demonic aura.

However, he revealed a grim truth: when Yu Ying had used it to extract the demonic energy from Qi Yuanbao, she herself was backlashed and transformed into a demon, ultimately leading to her death. A subordinate questioned if the demonic energy could ever be truly eradicated. Despite the inherent dangers and his wife's tragic fate, Qilian resolved that he must use the artifact to save his daughter.

Episode 28 Recap

Xue Hanyu excitedly shared his creative proposal plan for Su Qianqian with Qi Yuanbao, asking her to keep it a secret. Qi Yuanbao feigned disinterest, calling his idea "outdated" and asserting that "girls won't like it at all," subtly encouraging him to devise a new plan. However, as soon as Xue Hanyu left, Qi Yuanbao, seeing an opportunity, decided to "not hold back" and use his idea to propose to Chang Yue.

She rallied her fellow disciples, instructing them to give it their all, as Chang Yue's happiness was in their hands. Qi Yuanbao then began her elaborate proposal, repeatedly calling for Chang Yue to come out of her dwelling. Inside, Chang Yue, hearing the commotion, mused that Qi Yuanbao was "wasting time on pointless things again." Meanwhile, Su Qianqian confronted Xue Hanyu, demanding the surprise he had promised her and threatening dire consequences if he failed to deliver within two days.

Xue Hanyu assured her she would be "definitely satisfied." As they talked, they heard the noise and went to investigate. When Chang Yue finally emerged, Qi Yuanbao knelt and sincerely proposed to her. Xue Hanyu rushed forward, accusing Qi Yuanbao of stealing his creative idea. Qi Yuanbao retorted that "whoever uses it first owns it." Su Qianqian, echoing Xue Hanyu, called Qi Yuanbao a "thief" and declared she wanted something better, which Xue Hanyu tried to pacify.

Undeterred, Qi Yuanbao reiterated her heartfelt proposal to Chang Yue. Chang Yue accepted the flowers, and Qi Yuanbao placed a ring on her finger. Chang Yue then embraced Qi Yuanbao, playfully telling her she had to "take responsibility" for her from that moment on. After the commotion, Xue Hanyu consoled Su Qianqian, promising her an even "bigger, better surprise" to make up for Qi Yuanbao's actions.

Su Qianqian initially remained unimpressed, stating a "bouquet of wild chrysanthemums won't win me over." Xue Hanyu, however, vowed to find her any flower she desired, even "Venus flytraps," and promised that if he failed, she would never have to speak to him or see him again. Su Qianqian, appeased, agreed, warning him she would "seriously, seriously never talk to you again" if he broke his word.

Later, Qi Yuanbao and Chang Yue discussed their future, agreeing to quickly plan their wedding. They wondered about how many children they would have and if they would be "little foxes" like Chang Yue. They also decided on a living arrangement, spending half the year in Beiming and half at Qishan Sect.

Chang Yue expressed concern that Grand Elder might not accept Qi Yuanbao, but Qi Yuanbao reassured her that despite Grand Elder's stern demeanor, she was "tough on the outside but soft inside" and had already accepted her. Qi Yuanbao shared how incredibly happy she felt and hoped they would be together in the next life, a sentiment Chang Yue affirmed. As they started writing wedding invitations, Qi Yuanbao asked Chang Yue to inspect her handwriting.

Chang Yue playfully critiqued it, noting "still a lot of room for improvement" and urging her to "practice diligently" after marriage. Qi Yuanbao jokingly complained about being a "frivolous" person defeated by a "schoolteacher." Chang Yue then teased if "Qi Yuanbao" regretted her choice, a sentiment Qi Yuanbao denied. Meanwhile, Su Qianqian and Xue Hanyu continued their playful banter, debating whether Qi Yuanbao and Chang Yue's future children should live in Beiming or Qishan Sect.

Su Qianqian, biased towards Beiming, jokingly called Qishan children "ordinary" and "wildlings." Later, Grand Elder received Chang Yue and Qi Yuanbao's wedding invitation. Yi Xuan reported the news, lamenting that "our Beiming's prized 'cabbage' has really been taken by a pig." Grand Elder was outraged, declaring it unacceptable for Chang Yue, a "divine fox of Beiming," to marry into the mortal world. She prepared to confront Qishan Sect, especially since no "decent betrothal gift" had arrived.

However, a Qishan Sect disciple, Qi Huan, arrived shortly thereafter with a lavish array of gifts, including a thousand taels of silver, wedding cakes, seafood delicacies, ceremonial boxes, and "countless jewelry and jade artifacts." He formally requested Grand Elder's approval on behalf of Qi Yuanbao. Mollified by the impressive display, Grand Elder reluctantly gave her consent.

She then issued a stern warning to Qi Huan: if Qi Yuanbao "dares to bully our Chang Yue," Grand Elder would "demand justice" even if it cost her life. Yi Xuan, saddened by the impending marriage, was later seen unable to eat dumplings that Qi Yuanbao had specifically left for him, reflecting his unspoken feelings for Chang Yue. As wedding preparations continued, Su Qianqian helped Qi Yuanbao choose a wedding dress.

Qi Yuanbao dismissed one as "outdated" before settling on a simple yet elegant design, confident that "Chang Yue likes this kind." There was a brief moment where Qi Yuanbao's eyes briefly glowed red upon seeing a red object, but she quickly regained her composure.

Separately, Xue Hanyu thoroughly briefed Chang Yue on all of Qi Yuanbao's preferences, detailing her favorite and disliked foods, preferred fabric types for different seasons, and even her preferred genres of "refined" and "deep" books, offering Chang Yue a comprehensive guide to his future wife's tastes. Su Qianqian was also seen admiring a wedding dress, patiently waiting for Xue Hanyu to come and marry her.

Xue Hanyu teased her about wanting to get married and being shy, suggesting she be more "proactive" like Qi Yuanbao. Su Qianqian retorted that she was "not as thick-skinned" and would wait for the man she loved to marry her. Later, Xue Hanyu and Chang Yue playfully teased Su Qianqian with candied hawthorn from Li Ji, knowing it was her favorite, further cementing their playful dynamic.

The wedding day arrived, and Qishan Sect buzzed with celebratory activity, as Qi Yuanbao was marrying a husband. Guests offered congratulations to Master Qi, who expressed his gratitude and welcomed everyone. Qi Huan informed Master Qi that Qi Yuanbao had already set off to retrieve Young Master Chang Yue. With great enthusiasm, Qi Yuanbao declared her intention to bring Chang Yue home "with grandeur and splendor," rallying her companions to "charge" into Chang Yue's residence.

A lively scene ensued as Qi Yuanbao and her group playfully struggled to "break the door" to get to Chang Yue, who was guarded by an older man, "Grandpa." After much pleading from Qi Yuanbao and her companions, who warned about missing the "auspicious hour," and even after "Grandpa" rejected a red envelope, he finally relented. Qi Yuanbao entered to welcome Chang Yue.

During the wedding ceremony, Qi Yuanbao's father delivered a heartfelt blessing, entrusting his "beloved daughter" to Chang Yue and asking him to love, cherish, and protect her as he had, wishing them a lifetime together.

Chang Yue, in turn, made a solemn vow to Qi Yuanbao, declaring that after all their struggles, he would never let her down, vowing to protect and love her "through every lifetime," and expressing his sole wish to "hold your hand and grow old with you." Qi Yuanbao also expressed her commitment to always be with Chang Yue. Xue Hanyu was moved to tears during the vows, but was gently reminded that crying was unlucky on such a joyous occasion.

The couple then performed their "first bow to the heavens and earth," formally becoming husband and wife. Later that evening, in their bridal chamber, Qi Yuanbao anxiously waited for Chang Yue, growing impatient and hungry. She attempted to lift her veil, but a senior sister intervened, reminding her that it was "not time yet." Qi Yuanbao complained about suffocating under the veil and being famished.

The senior sister offered her a small date to "stave it off," but Qi Yuanbao found it insufficient. Just then, Chang Yue arrived, causing Qi Yuanbao to nearly choke on the date. Chang Yue offered her water, and the senior sister announced that the "auspicious hour" had arrived for him to lift the veil. With a ceremonial scepter, Chang Yue performed the "three strokes" – for good fortune, a loving marriage, and blessings of children.

He then slowly lifted Qi Yuanbao's veil, finding her blushing. Chang Yue teased her about being shy, a claim Qi Yuanbao denied. As Chang Yue leaned in, Qi Yuanbao puckered her lips, ready for their first kiss as a married couple, a culmination of their many shared trials.

Episode 29 Recap

The morning after their wedding, Qi Yuanbao and Chang Yue respectfully served tea to their elders. Qi Yuanbao offered tea to her father, and then she and Chang Yue served tea to her grandmother. Her grandmother, filled with joy, wished them a long and harmonious life, hoping they would be deeply in love and bear many fox cubs and grandchildren, allowing her to dote on them and live out her golden years in peace.

Qi Yuanbao gladly accepted her grandmother’s blessings. Later, Qi Yuanbao accompanied Xue Hanyu on an errand. Xue Hanyu was meticulously selecting a gift, a high-quality sandalwood item, to use in his upcoming proposal to Sun Qianqian. Qi Yuanbao, however, grew impatient, urging him to hurry so she could buy flowers for her own husband, Chang Yue. She playfully called Xue Hanyu "slow and indecisive."

Xue Hanyu decided on an item, asking the shop owner to engrave "Shallow" on it, which Qi Yuanbao found "cheesy and old-fashioned." Xue Hanyu, unfazed, remarked that if she found it old-fashioned, then it was perfect, implying it would appeal to Sun Qianqian. He also teased Qi Yuanbao, who accused him of constantly upsetting Sun Qianqian. As they continued to browse, Qi Yuanbao’s eyes briefly turned red upon seeing some flowers, but she quickly returned to normal.

Determined to find the perfect bouquet, Qi Yuanbao stated her intention to choose one that best suited Chang Yue. Xue Hanyu, impatient, told her to stop wasting time and simply pick something, even jokingly suggesting a sprig of foxtail grass or chrysanthemums, which he claimed all men liked. Qi Yuanbao, finding him unhelpful, went off to search for Chang Yue herself. She first asked her father, who, seeing the roasted chicken she held, assumed it was for him.

Upon learning it was for Chang Yue, her father grew visibly jealous, dismissively telling her to ask her martial brothers instead. Following a tip from Sixth Brother, Qi Yuanbao found Chang Yue in the kitchen. Her father later discovered that Chang Yue was making Qi Yuanbao’s favorite fennel dumplings, which further irritated him, feeling as though Chang Yue was even "stealing the dumpling memory I have with Yuanbao."

Qi Yuanbao was delighted to see Chang Yue, praising him as a "virtuous and beautiful husband" before giving him the roasted chicken. Later, Qi Yuanbao confided in Sun Qianqian, complaining about how much weight she had gained since marrying. She vividly described her "chubby waist" and how Chang Yue constantly fed her "so many delicious things," even getting upset if she refused to eat.

She dramatically declared that she was a "living example" of why one should "never get married" as it would lead to regret. She even added that Sun Qianqian wouldn't face such problems because "Xue Hanyu is ugly," calling him an "ugly duckling." When Qi Yuanbao anticipated Sun Qianqian might call it "happy weight," she vehemently dismissed the idea, stating, "Weight is just weight!" Sun Qianqian, tired of the thinly veiled bragging, told Qi Yuanbao to stop.

An argument ensued, with Qi Yuanbao telling Sun Qianqian to "get lost," and Sun Qianqian retorting that Qi Yuanbao was too aggressive and would never find a partner. Qi Yuanbao reminded her it was her own room, and Sun Qianqian should leave, which she did, wishing Qi Yuanbao would "get fat." Meanwhile, Xue Hanyu was busily arranging his proposal setting with the help of his fellow disciples.

They enthusiastically cheered him on, assuring him he looked "super handsome" and "so dashing." He instructed Senior Brother Tian and Sixth Senior Brother to meticulously adjust the flowers for the perfect arrangement. Realizing he hadn't yet informed Sun Qianqian of the plans, Xue Hanyu discreetly sent her a note with the meeting time and location, emphasizing, "Don't be late, alright?" He then confidently told his friends to await his good news.

As evening fell, Sun Qianqian arrived at the designated spot, waiting for Xue Hanyu. She grew impatient, grumbling about "Xue Hanyu, that idiot. . . Stupid fool," wondering what he had been up to and if he had overslept. She resolved to wait for only "the time it takes to drink a cup of tea." Unknown to her, a sinister transformation was unfolding.

Elsewhere, some disciples conversed about Qi Yuanbao and Chang Yue's new life, expecting them to reside at Qishan Sect. One disciple, seeing Qi Yuanbao awake late, casually asked her why she wasn't asleep. Suddenly, Qi Yuanbao's eyes turned blood-red, and she lunged at them, displaying signs of demonic possession. The moon, at that moment, became obscured. Xue Hanyu, making his way to the proposal site, stumbled upon the horrific scene.

He saw Qi Yuanbao, her eyes glowing red, brutally attacking his fellow disciples. Horrified, he called out her name, "Yuanbao! It's me, Hanyu! It's your cousin!" desperately trying to make her recognize him. But the possessed Qi Yuanbao remained unresponsive, grabbing him by the throat. As he choked, he cried out, "Don't!" Just then, his desperate cries seemed to penetrate the demonic influence, and Qi Yuanbao briefly regained a flicker of consciousness.

Struggling against the Zombie King possessing her, she screamed "Don't!" and attempted to end her own life to stop the entity. However, Xue Hanyu, in a selfless act, blocked her path, taking the fatal blow himself and dying instantly. With his last breath, he uttered, "I'm sorry," seemingly for his inability to prevent the tragedy. Back at the proposal site, Sun Qianqian, still waiting, saw the sky lanterns that Xue Hanyu had arranged for her light up.

Believing her romantic surprise was finally beginning, she happily remarked, "Xue Hanyu. Such a cliché," though she seemed genuinely touched. Her joy, however, was tragically short-lived. Qi Yuanbao's father discovered his daughter, fully controlled by the Zombie King, wreaking havoc. Without hesitation, he rushed to her aid, sacrificing his own life to save her from the demonic entity. When Qi Yuanbao awoke, drenched by the falling rain, she found Chang Yue standing before her, and her father's lifeless body nearby.

Overcome with grief, she cried out for her father. Seeing a sword in Chang Yue's hand, she instantly concluded that he was responsible for her father's death. She desperately demanded an explanation, "Why? Why is that? Changyue, give me a reason. As long as it's you saying it, I'll believe anything." Chang Yue, however, remained silent, his face filled with sorrow. Qi Yuanbao's pleas grew more frantic: "Why aren't you saying anything? Speak up! Give me a reason.

Even if it's a lie, even if you just make something up, I'll believe it." Finally, with tears in his eyes, Chang Yue softly replied, "There's no reason." Unconvinced, Qi Yuanbao pressed further, asking if he had also killed Xue Hanyu and the other disciples. After a painful pause, Chang Yue quietly admitted, "Yes," doing so to protect her. Enraged, Qi Yuanbao swore vengeance, "Why? Why did you do this? Why did you kill my father?

I will kill you, Chang Yue! I hate you! Give my father back to me!" Her heart shattered, she continued to scream, demanding her father back, utterly heartbroken and consumed by hatred for Chang Yue. The Qilian Mountain, so recently alive with the joy of a wedding, was now plunged into profound mourning. Everyone was stunned by the news that Qi Yuanbao's father and Xue Hanyu had both been tragically killed by Chang Yue.

Qi Yuanbao was haunted by memories of Xue Hanyu—childhood moments of him chasing her, her pushing him on a swing, despite his protests, and her father playfully scolding her for bullying her cousin. Meanwhile, in her room, Sun Qianqian wept inconsolably. A senior sister brought her a wedding dress, explaining it was an outfit Xue Hanyu had ordered for her some time ago, which had only just arrived that day.

Recognizing it as her favorite, Sun Qianqian's tears flowed even more freely. She clutched the dress, lamenting, "Xue Hanyu, you lied to me again," recalling her vow to marry the person she loved in a grand fashion. Despite the tragic loss, she reaffirmed her determination, declaring she would still put on that wedding dress and marry Xue Hanyu, the person she loved the most, implicitly resolving to honor his memory and their planned union.

Episode 30 (Ending) Recap

Xue Hanyu and Su Qianqian shared a lighthearted moment, with Xue Hanyu playfully teasing her about bloodletting. Moments later, Xue Hanyu fiercely defended Su Qianqian against bullies, warning them he would "beat you to death" if they ever harassed her again. He then made a heartfelt promise to Su Qianqian: he would give her an even bigger and better surprise, telling her, "You fool. From now on, I am your family."

Clutching her wedding gown, Su Qianqian arrived at the mourning hall, determined to marry Xue Hanyu as planned, despite his death. She performed the wedding ritual, but before she could finish, she fainted from grief and exhaustion. At that moment, Chang Yue appeared in the hall. Qi Yuanbao, seeing him, accused him of being her father's murderer, her eyes burning with hatred.

Chang Yue stated he had come to pay respects to her father, but Qi Yuanbao furiously declared he had no right to even speak her father's name, let alone mourn him, addressing him instead as "Sect Leader Qi." As Chang Yue's eyes filled with tears, Qi Yuanbao used her magic to attack him, attempting to drive him away.

Despite being severely injured and spitting blood, Chang Yue stubbornly continued to advance, asking Qi Yuanbao if his suffering brought her any relief. Qi Yuanbao, struggling to maintain her composure, questioned why Chang Yue, who had once promised to protect and love her for eternity, would kill her father and Xue Hanyu, leaving her devastated. The truth, however, was far more complex.

It was revealed that on the night of her father's death, he had transferred the parasitic Zombie King from Qi Yuanbao's body to his own, ensuring she could live. Knowing the immense guilt this would cause her, he begged Chang Yue to conceal the truth from Qi Yuanbao. Overwhelmed by the pain of the Zombie King's possession, her father then pleaded with Chang Yue to end his suffering.

Before Chang Yue could fully comprehend, her father grabbed Chang Yue’s hand and forced the sword into his own chest. In the present, holding a sword, Qi Yuanbao desperately implored Chang Yue to kill her and release her from her agony, but Chang Yue managed to wrench the weapon away. Chang Yue, still determined to protect Qi Yuanbao, offered to teach her a way to exact revenge for her father.

He then shattered his own Soul of the End, explaining that this soul was the very essence of a Heavenly Fox's life, and its destruction would cause the fox to perish entirely. Qi Yuanbao watched in horror and anguish as Chang Yue made this ultimate sacrifice, crying out that she never wanted him to die. Chang Yue had chosen to die by her hand, making her believe her revenge was complete, to spare her from the true, unbearable reality.

Back in her father's room, a senior brother brought grave news: Su Qianqian's condition had worsened significantly over the past two days, and the doctor feared she did not have much time left. Delirious, Su Qianqian constantly heard Xue Hanyu's voice, feeling his presence and his hand in hers. She rose from her bed, seeing visions of him everywhere, her tears flowing freely. When Qi Yuanbao arrived, she found Su Qianqian collapsed on the floor.

Qi Yuanbao understood that for Su Qianqian, this was a release. Out of compassion, Qi Yuanbao arranged for Su Qianqian to be buried beside Xue Hanyu, so they could finally rest together. Qi Yuanbao later visited a special place where she, her father, Xue Hanyu, and Chang Yue had once laughed and played. Now, she was utterly alone. Mistaking a new arrival for Chang Yue, she was instead met by his subordinate.

The subordinate recounted the immense suffering Chang Yue had endured for Qi Yuanbao's sake. He explained that to obtain the Po Suo Leaf, Chang Yue had braved the soul-burning, body-scorching Heavenly Fire and Thunder, survived the tendon-ripping, bone-pecking attack of the Eight-Clawed Demon Bird, and endured the blood-draining, marrow-consuming Abyss of Soul Flames, losing eight lives in the process. Chang Yue had kept all this a secret because he feared the guilt would overwhelm Qi Yuanbao.

The subordinate then presented Qi Yuanbao with an item, telling her it held the "final truth" of their intertwined fates. Through the item, Qi Yuanbao witnessed the full, devastating reality. She saw that it was her actions, when possessed by the Zombie King, that had killed Xue Hanyu and her senior brothers.

She saw her father willingly sacrifice himself to save her from the Zombie King, and heard his plea to Chang Yue not to reveal the truth, stating, "I, Qilian, have never asked anyone for anything. You cannot let Father become a sinner condemned for eternity. . . As long as I can protect Yuanbao and ensure peace in the world, I am willing to die."

She also saw his deep affection for her, believing that "only this simple and unadorned hairpin is worthy of my daughter." Realizing she was responsible for the deaths of those she loved most, and that Chang Yue had taken the blame to shield her, Qi Yuanbao's world shattered, and she completely broke down. Driven to despair and consumed by guilt, Qi Yuanbao walked to a cliff's edge, intending to end her life.

As she prepared to leap, the item Chang Yue had left behind glowed with a spiritual light, triggering a flood of past life memories. She remembered being a fox spirit in her previous existence, desperately trying to win the love of Lingzi, a divine spirit who practiced Silent Meditation and was destined for sacrifice at age twenty. In her desperate attempt to save him, she had even contemplated shattering Smashed Moon Mountain to destroy the sacrificial formation.

As these memories unfolded, she saw an image of Chang Yue embracing her, and suddenly, she found herself back safely on the cliff. A spirit pearl then emerged from her body and ascended into the sky, confirming Chang Yue's rebirth. With a glimmer of hope, Qi Yuanbao returned to the place where she first met Chang Yue. She heard his voice calling her name, and a smile, a rare one in her recent grief, touched her lips.