Resumen, trama, sinopsis de The Unclouded Soul

Sinopsis de The Unclouded Soul

Driven by desire, both humans and demons have sought the divine Jade Elixir Spring, leading to centuries of relentless conflict among various factions. Xiao Yao, a carefree and quick-witted young girl, unexpectedly embarks on a fantastical journey through the Valley of Ten Thousand Demons, turning the demon world upside down.

Hong Ye, the revered King of Ten Thousand Demons, who is feared by humans, reemerges to protect the valley. Having endured the trials of time, he has long discerned the inherent weaknesses of all beings and understands that the Jade Elixir Spring is merely a manifestation of countless desires. In his interactions with Xiao Yao, he gradually recognizes the rarity and value of her pure heart, untouched by greed.

The two join forces, finding themselves entangled in a series of bizarre cases and facing an enigmatic, formidable opponent.

Resúmenes de The Unclouded Soul

• 1
• 2
• 3
• 4
• 5
• 6
• 7
• 8
• 9
• 10
• 11
• 12
• 13
• 14
• 15
• 16
• 17
• 18
• 19
• 20
• 21
• 22
• 23
• 24
• 25
• 26
• 27
• 28
• 29
• 30
• 31
• 32
• 33
• 34
• 35
• 36
• 37
• 38
• 39
• 40

Since ancient times, legends have spoken of a celestial mountain drifting between the sea and sky, home to the sacred Yuli Spring. Its waters are a dual-edged prize: granting immortality to humans and a millennium of cultivation to demons. However, the path to this spring remains hidden from the world, accessible only through the guidance of the ancient Kunlun Mirror.

In the Tiancheng Kingdom, the Emperor’s obsession with this legend led him to launch seven exhaustive expeditions, yet the spring remained out of reach. One night, the Emperor was drawn into a mystical vision where he finally encountered the Yuli Spring and a divine being known as the Dreamshard Immortal. To his dismay, she revealed that what he saw was merely an illusion. She warned him that the true threat lay with Hong Ye, the Monarch of All Demons.

Though many believed Hong Ye had been destroyed a century ago, the Immortal cautioned that he was merely dormant. She warned that if Hong Ye were to reach the spring first and restore his powers, no force on earth could stop him. Waking in a state of paranoid terror, the Emperor redirected his fear into rage, punishing the Feiyu Guards for failing to keep "demonic" influences out of his bedchamber.

He appointed a new Demon Slayer, Bing Zhu, granting him a command token to purge the realm of all evil. In Pingjiang Prefecture, a young woman named Xiao Yao and her father, Xiao Dadan, were running a clever scam. Staging a dramatic hunt for a "bear demon"—which was actually Xiao Dadan in a costume—Xiao Yao presented herself as a master exorcist from Jiwei Mountain.

She manipulated the terrified townspeople by first offering "protective" talismans for free to establish trust, then selling them for one coin each once the crowd became desperate. However, Bing Zhu was stationed in the city and saw through the performance. He noted that his demon-slaying blade remained silent and pointed out that the supposed bear footprints were far too light for a real monster. The hoax was exposed, and the pair were hauled before the local Prefect.

In court, Xiao Yao remained defiant, scolding the corrupt officials for their incompetence. To test her, Bing Zhu placed a demon-tracking compass near her, and the needle spun violently. While Xiao Yao tried to bluff by claiming to be a nine-tailed fox, her father revealed the heartbreaking truth: she was human, but her blood possessed a unique, sweet scent that naturally attracted demons.

This "curse" had forced them to live as outcasts, constantly hounded by the very creatures she claimed to hunt. Seeing an opportunity, Bing Zhu struck a bargain: if Xiao Yao helped him lure out a true high-level demon, he would grant her and her father their freedom. They traveled to the depths of Qingyuan Mountain, a site thick with demonic energy.

Bing Zhu drew Xiao Yao’s blood to serve as bait, and she retreated into the safety of an ancient tree, following her own wilderness survival rules. The scent of her blood triggered a transformation in the tree, and a massive multi-headed snake of the Zhu Jiuyin lineage emerged. As the Feiyu Guards battled the beast, a cat demon named Xiao Mu appeared.

He seemed paralyzed with shock upon seeing Xiao Yao, addressing her as "Ning’an" and questioning how she could return after a hundred years. Amidst the chaos, the Dreamshard Immortal descended to seize a glowing orb revealed during the fight. During the struggle, Xiao Yao tumbled down a steep cliff, her blood splashing onto the submerged, dormant body of Hong Ye. The touch of her blood awakened the Demon Monarch.

As he rose from the depths, Hong Ye looked at Xiao Yao with a complex mix of bitterness and recognition, whispering that she still refused to let him go. He seized her and vanished into the water before Bing Zhu could intervene. Safe within a hidden cave, Hong Ye was attended to by Xiao Mu. Looking at the unconscious Xiao Yao, he was haunted by memories of a past life a century ago.

He remembered her not as a wanderer, but as Princess Ning’an—his wife, who had ultimately chosen her kingdom and the world over him, striking him down with her own sword. To Hong Ye, this reunion felt like the final, cruelest trick of fate.

Desperate to avoid becoming a demon's meal, Xiao Yao claims she is completely unappetizing, arguing that her flesh is sour and foul-smelling because she hasn't bathed or relieved herself in days. When Xiao Ming questions the origin of the half-demon blood in her veins, she maintains her ignorance. She insists she is a commoner from Wenling, the daughter of a hunter who turned to petty scams after being forced by the local magistrate to hunt demons they didn't understand.

She even claims not to know her own birthday, only that she was born on a snowy winter night when the wind blew plum blossoms into the room. Hong Ye remains skeptical. He notices Xiao Yao lacks the scar once borne by Ning'an, a woman from his past, yet he cannot help but wonder if she is the same person. The twin cat demons, Xiao Ming and Xiao Mu, provide a different account of the past.

Xiao Mu reveals that after Hong Ye died, he witnessed Ning'an's own death. Xiao Mu had managed to save a shard of Hong Ye’s primordial spirit and sealed it within an ancient tree in Qingyuan Mountain, intending for him to recover over three hundred years. Xiao Yao’s accidental intervention with her blood has awakened him two centuries too early, leaving his spiritual power severely diminished and his three souls and seven spirits unsettled.

To restore his power, Hong Ye must find the Yuli Spring, which requires the scattered shards of the Kunlun Mirror. While Hong Ye discusses this with the twins, Xiao Yao manages to trick her minor demon guards. Claiming she will relieve herself right in her room if they don't let her out, she slips away. During her flight, she encounters a group of minor plant demons known as Zhuyu.

These spirits are rare and hunted by humans because eating them can stave off hunger for seven days. Xiao Yao accidentally breaks their bridge and damages their dwellings. Though she tries to repair the damage, she only makes things worse until Hong Ye arrives to help her fix the mess. Xiao Yao’s escape is cut short when she is intercepted by Hei Wu, a powerful demon from Pipa Cave who has long coveted the position of Demon Lord.

Hei Wu intends to kill the "outsider" for carrying demon-repelling artifacts, but Hong Ye arrives to stop him. Hong Ye asserts his authority, reminding Hei Wu of his defeat a century ago and warning him against harboring treacherous thoughts regarding the Yuli Spring. Although Hong Ye wins the confrontation, he sustains internal injuries during the fight.

Hong Ye brings Xiao Yao back and assigns her to a room decorated with a bright-red gauze canopy, which she jokes looks more like a dowry than a bedroom. He informs her that she must stay in the valley to cultivate her spiritual power and learn to hide her demonic aura, promising that only then can she freely travel between the realms.

He points out that as long as she carries the scent of the valley and her mysterious blood, the human world will never accept her again. Xiao Yao remains defiant, but realizing she has no choice, she agrees to stay. To help her integrate, Xiao Yao is sent to classes at the Moon-Gazing Terrace with other minor demons like Bamboo, Da Li, and Luoluo.

Using her sharp wit, she spins a grand tale to her classmates, claiming her true form is a white snake that was once rescued by a heroic figure in green robes. While exploring, she meets a small boy she assumes is a ginseng boy. She ties a red string on him as a joke, but the boy—actually a disciple of the Red-thread demon—gifts her a pair of red strings in return.

Unknowingly, Xiao Yao ties one to Hong Ye’s wrist as a thank-you gift for the items he gave her. The strings vanish, magically bonding them together. Hong Ye explains they are now tied by the Red Matchmaking Thread, which forces them to stay within one "zhang" (about ten feet) of each other and will eventually cause them to share the same physical sensations. The bond can only be broken after passing through three specific stages of connection.

As the auspicious hour arrives for Hong Ye’s cleansing ceremony, the matchmaking thread forces Xiao Yao to serve him personally, much to Xiao Ming’s annoyance. Guided by the twins, Xiao Yao attempts to perform the ritual involving fragrant herbs, holy water, and willow branches. True to her clumsy nature, she splashes him and accidentally strikes him with the branch instead of waving it for a blessing. Though she fears his wrath, Hong Ye remains uncharacteristically patient.

After the ritual, Hong Ye stands upon the cliffs overlooking the vast valley. As he appears before his subjects, the mountain ranges echo with the thunderous roars of a thousand demons, all bowing in unison to welcome their Lord back to the world.

Hong Ye was well aware that Xiao Yao’s heart remained far beyond the borders of Demons' Valley, as she was constantly plotting her escape. His subordinate, Xiao Mu, reported that her ambitions went beyond mere flight; she intended to plunder the valley of its most precious treasures before vanishing. Examining a map she had dropped, Hong Ye found her markings on various items.

When he questioned why she wanted to steal common carrots and mushrooms, Xiao Mu clarified that they were actually rare ginseng and lingzhi. Furthermore, while the snow lotus was being guarded heavily, it turned out Xiao Yao actually had her sights set on the cordyceps. Frustrated by her unruly nature, Hong Ye decided he must discipline her.

Meanwhile, Xiao Mu mentioned that a pair of red matchmaking threads had been lost by the Red String Demon, though Hong Ye, knowing the truth of their whereabouts, dismissed the matter as insignificant. Xiao Yao, oblivious to the fact that her movements were being tracked, woke up to find that Hong Ye had already confiscated the items she had attempted to steal.

Realizing he was playing with her, she tried to feign a severe headache and dizziness to avoid attending her classes. Hong Ye saw through her act immediately and told her that until the second phase of their bond ended, she should stay confined to her hut.

When she argued that he had promised she could return to the human realm if she learned quickly, Hong Ye offered a deal: if she committed herself to her cultivation and stopped disrupting the order of the valley, he would grant her as many treasures from her map as she desired. They struck a bargain, and Xiao Yao agreed to focus on her training.

While out with her companions, the flower demon Da Li and the pig demon Luoluo, Xiao Yao listened to their harrowing tales of human cruelty. Da Li spoke of how humans claimed to love flowers yet would sever their roots, and Luoluo recalled the terror of seeing his grandfather butchered for food. Xiao Yao attempted to argue that humans and demons alike had both good and bad individuals, but her friends remained unconvinced.

Their conversation was cut short when they were caught digging for shoots by a vengeful bamboo demon. In the chaotic flight that followed, Xiao Yao tumbled into a deep ravine. Fortunately, Hong Ye arrived just in time, catching her in a protective magical bubble. Safely on the ground, Xiao Yao noticed that Hong Ye had a fresh wound on his face that mirrored her own injury.

She realized they had entered the second stage of the red-thread bond: shared physical senses. To show her gratitude, she treated his wound and offered him some of the bamboo shoots she had roasted. As they looked at the massive carvings of ancient beasts like Qiongqi and Tengshe on the mountainside, Hong Ye explained that these were tributes to mythical creatures who had perished in the great wars against humans.

When Xiao Yao noticed him smiling and remarked on how handsome he looked, asking why he didn't smile more, Hong Ye’s expression grew somber. He spoke of having experienced the eight sufferings of life: birth, aging, sickness, death, separation from loved ones, resentment, unfulfilled desires, and the inability to let go. Back at her studies, Xiao Yao overheard Da Li and Luoluo discussing the third stage of the matchmaking threads, which they called pair cultivation.

Misunderstanding the term as something scandalous, she grew defensive and confronted Hong Ye, accusing him of having a wicked hidden agenda. Hong Ye found her reaction amusing and eventually clarified that in the demon realm, pair cultivation simply meant two individuals working together to master the same spell. He chose the Fire Technique for their joint practice.

Because Xiao Yao was impatient and struggled with the incantations, Hong Ye intentionally provoked her emotions, knowing she needed to experience joy, anger, sorrow, and fear to achieve rapid progress. After she endured these emotional trials and finally mastered the spell, the red thread binding them finally dissolved. As the full moon approached, a demon named Wu Huan, acting under the orders of the mysterious Hei Wu, organized a test for the minor demons to venture into the human realm.

Before Xiao Yao departed for Lantern Village, Hong Ye gave her his personal jade pendant, instructing her to grip it and call for him only in a moment of dire emergency. The mission for the minor demons was simple but daunting: sneak into a human home, frighten a child, and steal a pillow. Da Li and Luoluo were paralyzed by fear, so Xiao Yao took it upon herself to help them.

While sneaking into a house, she was startled when a demon-subduing talisman reacted to her presence. This confirmed her fear that she was losing her humanity and becoming more like a demon, a change that could bring ruin to her and her father, Xiao Dadan. The situation turned dire when Luoluo was captured by the villagers, who intended to butcher and eat him.

To save her friend, Xiao Yao disguised herself as a vengeful spirit and confronted her father and the other men. She accused Xiao Dadan of having a life filled with sin and deception, terrifying the villagers into releasing Luoluo and fleeing. Though Luoluo escaped back to the valley, the mission was a failure in the eyes of their teacher, who scolded them for exposing their tracks and bringing danger to the entire community. However, a more significant threat was looming.

Bing Zhu of the Feiyu Guard had secretly used fluorite powder to mark Xiao Yao’s path, allowing the human soldiers to track her trail directly to the entrance of the Demons' Valley. The Feiyu Guard soon arrived in force, deploying an imperial divine weapon to form a powerful formation aimed at eradicating the demons. As the valley came under siege, Hong Ye ordered the minor demons to retreat to the safety of Youning Cave.

Despite his own unhealed injuries and depleted spiritual power, Hong Ye stood his ground to face the invaders. Seeing the overwhelming strength of the great demon, Bing Zhu ordered his commander to withdraw the main force to avoid unnecessary casualties, leaving himself behind to battle Hong Ye. Meanwhile, Hei Wu lurked in the shadows, hoping to exploit the chaos and claim credit for the destruction.

Amidst the fire and chaos, Xiao Yao refused to flee alone, choosing instead to stay and help the smaller demons escape their burning home, determined to protect the only friends she had left.

Facing off against the Monarch of All Demons, the Demon Slayer Bing Zhu recognized Hong Ye immediately and moved to strike. Despite his immense power, Hong Ye viewed the humans as insignificant, yet Xiao Yao threw herself between them to protect him. She confronted Bing Zhu, questioning why the Feiyu Guards had stormed Demons' Valley to massacre minor demons who had never harmed humans.

When Bing Zhu’s sword vibrated, identifying Xiao Yao as a demon, Hong Ye intervened, declaring that half-demon blood flowed through her veins. He revealed that because she had stayed in the valley and learned demonic arts, she was now imbued with demonic energy and could never return to her old life. Following the confrontation, Bing Zhu and his forces withdrew.

The surviving demons in the valley were consumed by fury, convinced that a spy had led the humans to their sanctuary. Under the subtle provocation of Heiwu, suspicion fell heavily on Xiao Yao because of the tracing powder found only on her shoes. To prove her innocence and secure the safety of the demon realm, Xiao Mu suggested that Xiao Yao retrieve the legendary demon-slaying blade from Bing Zhu.

Eager to clear her name, Xiao Yao agreed to the mission, accompanied by her friends Da Li and Luoluo. Before they departed, the trio learned a practical spell from Xiao Mu: the art of turning leaves into silver, which they believed would allow them to navigate the human world with ease. Meanwhile, Bing Zhu viewed the expedition as a failure because Hong Ye had escaped.

Although he wished to pursue the demons to satisfy a personal vendetta, his subordinate, Commander Ji Yan, urged him to retreat. Ji Yan pointed out that the Feiyu Guards existed only because of the demon threat; if every demon were eliminated, the men would lose their livelihoods and be unable to support their families. Reluctantly, Bing Zhu ordered his men back to Pingjiang Prefecture.

Xiao Yao and her friends arrived at the gates of Pingjiang to find high security, with masters using holy water to screen for demons. When their attempt to bribe a guard by claiming to be relatives of the local Prefect was nearly exposed, Xiao Yao scattered handfuls of silver on the ground. The resulting chaotic scramble for the money allowed the three of them to slip into the city unnoticed.

Once inside, they indulged in human delicacies and bought fine new clothes, though their lavish spending drew unwanted attention. Hoping to soften Hong Ye’s resentment toward mankind, Xiao Yao used her jade pendant to summon him to the city. She led him through the bustling streets to taste local delicacies like tea soup. Hong Ye followed her with reserved patience, though he remained troubled by memories of his past lives.

Their walk was interrupted when they saw Feiyu Guards bullying a woman while boasting about the massacre in the valley. Incensed, Xiao Yao tried to use elemental spells to scare them. Although she mistakenly cast fire before wind due to a lack of practice, Hong Ye secretly assisted her from the shadows, creating a magical storm that sent the guards fleeing. Afterward, Xiao Yao bought Hong Ye a new robe to replace his soiled one.

Despite the brief connection, Hong Ye warned her that the rift between humans and demons was deepening and told her not to summon him again unless her life was in danger. As the demons explored the city, Bing Zhu began investigating a string of mysterious disappearances. He visited a mother whose daughter had vanished in the blink of an eye while the mother was fetching soup. Sensing something supernatural, Bing Zhu decided to stake out the location.

At the same time, the powerful Qionghua Sect, led by Jin Muqing, arrived in the city to join the hunt for demons, further complicating the situation. Deciding it was time for serious business, Xiao Yao disguised herself as a man and headed to a prominent local pavilion. While Luoluo befriended a young servant girl named Yueyue and shared food with her, Xiao Yao made a grand display of wealth to the madam and the guests.

She announced a massive bounty: anyone who could bring her Bing Zhu’s demon-slaying blade to "ward off evil" at her home would be rewarded with a cartload of gold. Greed soon took hold of the local officials. Prefect Liu and Commander Ji Yan both approached Bing Zhu with fabricated stories about sick parents needing the blade’s power for protection. Seeing through their lies and the rumors of the wealthy young eccentric, Bing Zhu decided to visit the pavilion himself to confront the person seeking his weapon.

Cloaked and mysterious, Bing Zhu arrived at the tavern with the stated purpose of presenting a legendary blade. His presence immediately drew the mockery of local thugs and the tavern's guards, who flaunted their own weapons and tried to seize his. Bing Zhu made short work of them, leaving the group sprawled on the floor.

Seeing his martial prowess, the Madam of the establishment quickly changed her tune, hoping for a share of the reward if his "demon-slaying blade" proved authentic. Inside the upper chambers, Bing Zhu came face-to-face with Xiao Yao. He saw through her disguise immediately, questioning how she could be so subservient to the Demon King, Hong Ye. Xiao Yao stood her ground, explaining her experiences in the Demons' Valley.

She argued that the demons had provided her with food and shelter without any malice, and that the minor demons were as innocent as human children. She pleaded for him to abandon his prejudice, arguing it was wrong to condemn an entire race for the sins of a few.

Skeptical and believing she had been brainwashed, Bing Zhu drew his blade to intimidate her, demanding a full account of what happened the day she fell off the cliff at Qingyuan Mountain. As she spoke, Bing Zhu watched his sword closely. When the blade remained still, he admitted that because his weapon trusted her, he would too. He revealed that his blade was inhabited by the soul of his sister, Tan'er.

He shared his tragic past: after their family was disgraced, Tan'er had sold herself as a servant to buy him a proper blade so he could fulfill their father's military legacy. Later, she was forcibly sacrificed by villagers as a "bride" to a demonic entity known as Lord Locust Tree to pray for rain. By the time Bing Zhu found her, she was being consumed. In her final moments, her soul bound itself to the blade to save his life.

Despite Xiao Yao’s insistence that Hong Ye was not evil, Bing Zhu remained convinced the Demon King was a monster, citing records of how he had bewitched Princess Ning'an and slaughtered humans a century ago. He left the "Demon-Slaying Blood Blade" with Xiao Yao, urging her to take it to Hong Ye in hopes that Tan'er's soul would find an opportunity to strike the final blow.

As Bing Zhu left, he learned that the city was in a panic over more missing girls. At the magistrate’s office, Jin Muqing, the leader of the Qionghua Sect, and his wife were furiously demanding that the authorities find their daughter, Yunyi. The girl, who had been blind since birth, had vanished while chasing her cat. Bing Zhu took charge of the chaotic scene, ordering the city gates closed and a strict curfew for women and children.

Meanwhile, Luoluo’s keen sense of smell led Xiao Yao and the others to a river far from the city. Luoluo was devastated, sensing that her friend Yueyue was in the water. Xiao Yao, suspecting a "water ghost" might be involved, dived in to investigate. Beneath the surface, she found six girls suspended like zombies. They swarmed her, dragging her down. In her desperation, Xiao Yao called out for Hong Ye before losing consciousness.

When Xiao Yao woke up on the shore, she found Bing Zhu and Luoluo by her side. Bing Zhu claimed he had received a signal from Tan’er and arrived just in time to save her. However, Xiao Yao felt a lingering doubt. Unbeknownst to her, Hong Ye had been watching from the shadows, keeping himself hidden while even communicating with Bing Zhu's sentient blade to keep it quiet so his presence wouldn't be detected.

The Feiyu Guard eventually retrieved the bodies of the six missing girls. Bing Zhu examined them and found that their blood had been entirely drained, yet their bodies showed no signs of decay and their skin remained elastic. He discovered they had been placed under a Soul-binding Spell, an ancient and cruel forbidden art that kept the bodies in a state between life and death.

Because this spell was so complex and ancient, Bing Zhu was convinced only Hong Ye could be the culprit. Jin Muqing was relieved to find his daughter was not among the dead, though he pleaded for the search to continue. Seeking to catch the perpetrator, Bing Zhu proposed a dangerous plan to Magistrate Liu: using the Magistrate’s own daughters as bait. Liu was horrified and adamantly refused.

As they argued, Xiao Yao, who had been eavesdropping from atop a nearby wall with her friends, accidentally lost her footing and tumbled to the ground, revealing her presence to everyone below.

Bing Zhu proposed a daring plan to use Mr. Liu's two daughters as bait to lure out the Demon King, promising that the Feiyu Guard would guarantee their safety. He argued that the demon's recent rampages made such measures necessary to prevent more deaths. Mr. Liu was adamantly opposed, refusing to let his children face such danger.

As Xiao Yao eavesdropped from the roof with Da Li, she was startled by Mr. Liu's loud refusal, causing her to lose her footing and fall into the courtyard. Bing Zhu caught her and, noting her defense of Hong Ye, became certain she had met the demon. Though she tried to deny it, the glowing of Bing Zhu’s sword, Tan'er, confirmed his suspicions.

To protect the magistrate's family and settle the matter, Xiao Yao volunteered to act as the bait herself. Mr. Liu’s anger instantly turned into a welcoming smile. That night, Xiao Yao took her position while Bing Zhu and his men followed. To avoid alerting the demon, Bing Zhu ordered his subordinates to fall back. However, as a thick, unnatural mist rolled in, Xiao Yao followed a mysterious shadow on a boat into the trees, disappearing from sight.

Realizing something was wrong, Bing Zhu ordered his men to find a boat while he pursued her into the forest, though his vice commander, Ji Yan, seemed strangely unconcerned about the urgency. Xiao Yao wandered deep into the woods, following what she believed was Hong Ye’s silhouette. Bing Zhu followed the guidance of his sword but lost her in the haze.

Within the forest, Xiao Yao encountered a version of Hong Ye who claimed he had been waiting for her since she left Demons' Valley. He spoke of wanting to cherish her, but his tone shifted when he revealed the condition for their life together: she had to become a full demon, feast on human blood, and abandon the human realm forever. Horrified, Xiao Yao realized the figure was an impostor.

Simultaneously, Bing Zhu was trapped in his own nightmare, seeing a vision of the place where his sister Tan'er had died. As Xiao Yao was confronted by a vision of Princess Ning'an demanding her life, the real Hong Ye arrived and shattered the illusion. He explained that they were in the Misty Forest, a forbidden area that projects a person’s deepest desires and fears. Sensing the malevolence of the mist, Bing Zhu ordered his men to retreat.

Amidst the confusion, Xiao Yao spotted a masked man with a metal arm whom a young girl addressed as Li. Despite the girl’s apparent comfort with him, Hong Ye sensed a strange aura from Li that was neither human nor demon, and he quickly pulled Xiao Yao away. As they escaped the forest, Xiao Yao realized the girl she saw was the missing heiress of the Qionghua Sect and scolded Hong Ye for dragging her away.

Concerned for her safety, Hong Ye insisted she return to Demons' Valley, revealing he had previously orchestrated a plan to help her escape. Xiao Yao was touched to learn he had saved her from drowning in the past, though she became embarrassed when she realized he had seen her in the bath at the inn. Their moment was interrupted by the Feiyu Guard. Bing Zhu, still believing Hong Ye was the murderer, ordered his men to fire arrows.

Xiao Yao tried to convince Bing Zhu that Hong Ye was innocent and that the Qionghua Sect’s daughter was still alive. Bing Zhu remained skeptical, citing Hong Ye’s alleged involvement in the imperial palace massacre and the death of Princess Ning'an a century ago. However, when Bing Zhu tried to attack, Tan'er refused to leave its sheath. This hesitation led Bing Zhu to wonder if Hong Ye truly was the evil entity he believed him to be.

He decided to retreat, vowing to find the truth. Meanwhile, Xiao Yao felt a pang of disappointment, realizing Hong Ye’s kindness might only be due to her resemblance to the late Princess Ning'an. When Xiao Yao questioned him about the past, Hong Ye was reluctant to revisit his painful memories, stating there was no need to mention bygone days.

Heartbroken by his silence and feeling like a shadow of another woman, Xiao Yao told him her greatest regret was ever waking him up. Saddened, Hong Ye chose to leave. Shortly after, Xiao Yao discovered that the Qionghua Sect, led by Master Jin, had found Da Li and Luo Luo at the magistrate's office and intended to execute them. Xiao Yao intervened, revealing she had seen Master Jin's daughter, Yun Yi, alive in the forest.

Xiao Yao struck a deal with Master Jin, promising to bring his daughter back safely within three days in exchange for her friends' lives. Bing Zhu warned her of the forest's dangers, explaining its dark history involving an assassination team from the He Feng Tribe whose resentment formed the eternal mist. Despite the warnings, Xiao Yao noted that the forest’s barrier felt similar to the one at Demons' Valley, implying a hidden passage.

As Pingjiang remained gripped by fear, with families hiding their daughters or dressing them as boys, Xiao Yao bought a massive amount of rope and prepared to return to the forest. Hong Ye, unable to leave her to face the danger alone, decided to secretly follow her.

Following the guidance of Xiao Ming, Hong Ye sought out Xiao Yao to warn her about the dangers she was facing. Xiao Yao remained prickly, questioning why he would bother with her if he was truly angry, and insisted her affairs were none of his concern. However, Hong Ye maintained that protecting the demon kind was his solemn responsibility, and she was no exception to that rule.

His insistence only frustrated her further; she felt she had wandered the martial world long enough to not need the protection of someone she deemed irrelevant. Hong Ye ignored her protest, telling her to stop making a fuss. He revealed that the masked man in the forest was a "Chi"—a mountain elf, a rare thousand-year-old entity that existed outside the Three Realms.

Because this being was neither human nor demon, it was far more dangerous than she realized, and she could not face him alone. Reluctantly, Xiao Yao agreed to follow him. Meanwhile, Bing Zhu was busy selecting hemp ropes at a shop, only to realize too late that Xiao Yao had already departed with a tall, fair-skinned man.

Looking at his sword, Tan'er, Bing Zhu was troubled by why the blade had failed to sense the presence of such a powerful demon nearby. As they moved toward the forest, the history of the mountain elf was brought to light through the Baize Drawings. Two decades ago, the Hefeng Tribe had discovered the legendary Yuli Spring. While attempting to bring the water back to their leader, a storm blew their vessel into the Tiansheng Kingdom.

The Emperor, desperate for immortality, mobilized the Feiyu Guard and various sects to seize the spring by force, resulting in a bloody massacre. A young warrior of the Hefeng Tribe, seeking power for revenge, swallowed mud tainted by the Yuli Spring and transformed into the mountain elf. Xiao Ming noted that this being harbored a deep blood feud against humans but had no quarrel with demons.

While Xiao Mu tried to prevent Hong Ye from intervening in human affairs—fearing for the Monarch's safety and the possibility of Hei Wu seizing the Demon Heart—Hong Ye insisted that he could not restore his heart if he abandoned his own people, like Luoluo and Dali, who were currently trapped by the human authorities. Upon reaching the edge of the forest, Xiao Yao insisted on taking the lead for the rescue mission.

She tied a hemp rope around her waist, instructing Hong Ye to watch for a signal; two tugs would mean she was in danger. Carrying stinky dried fish to lure out a missing cat, Xiao Yao ventured into the woods. Inside, she encountered the blind girl, Yunyi, who was happily tending to her cat, Flower Lady. Yunyi explained that she had come to the forest by choice because a kind man named Ali was treating her eyes with morning dew.

When Hong Ye rushed in, sensing something amiss with the rope, Xiao Yao mocked him, asking if he was worried about her safety or merely the safety of her face, which reminded him of Ning'an. Yunyi led them to meet Ali, who was revealed to be the mountain elf. Ali immediately recognized Hong Ye as the Monarch of All Demons and denied any involvement in the murders of the young women found at the lake.

He explained that while he had once lived for revenge and killed many, he eventually suffered the backlash of his own inner demon, leaving him in a state of being neither truly alive nor dead. His path changed ten years ago in a ruined temple, where Yunyi’s mother had shown him kindness by leaving offerings of food. That single act of mercy saved him from despair.

Since then, Ali had vowed to atone for his sins by saving lives; once Yunyi’s sight was restored, she would be the thousandth person he had rescued. Yunyi, sensing the tension, told Xiao Yao that although Hong Ye seemed cold, his heart clearly cared for her. Xiao Yao eventually prepared to leave to clear the names of her friends.

Yunyi gave her a unique longevity lock and her cat as proof to show her parents that she was safe and recovering. Before they reached the city, Hong Ye finally offered a sincere apology to Xiao Yao. He admitted that he now realized she and Ning'an were entirely different people, and his desire to protect her was for her sake alone, not because of a memory. This explanation finally eased the tension between them.

However, the meeting with Yunyi’s parents did not go as planned. Her father, the Qionghua sect leader, reacted with unexplained rage upon seeing the longevity lock, immediately accusing Xiao Yao of hiding his daughter's corpse. Despite his wife's willingness to believe the news, the father's hostility peaked when he was scratched by the cat, prompting the couple to leave abruptly.

Later, as Bing Zhu escorted Xiao Yao home, he warned her to remain cautious, as the city remained dangerous with the killer still at large. It was later revealed that the Qionghua sect leader himself was the true culprit behind the murders of the local girls. That evening, Xiao Yao and Hong Ye shared wine at her home.

Hong Ye opened up about his past, confessing that his previous sincerity had once been used as a weapon against him, causing him to lock his heart away. It was only after meeting Xiao Yao and witnessing her genuine kindness toward the demon kind that he felt warmth again, calling her his only true friend.

As the wine took hold, a tipsy Xiao Yao began showing off her demon arts, playfully manifesting "silver coins" and declaring it the best magic she had learned. In her drunken state, she teased Hong Ye about his incomparable beauty, staring intently at his profile and demanding he smile for her, leaving the normally composed Demon Lord flustered and captivated.

Hong Ye tenderly looks after Xiao Yao as she sleeps off her intoxication. In her drunken state, she is fixated on his happiness, asking how much silver it would cost to buy a smile meant only for her. Her sincere words deeply move Hong Ye. Meanwhile, a grim situation unfolds within the Qionghua Sect. Madam Jin brings food to her husband, Jin Muqing, but he dismisses it as filth.

Consumed by a monstrous craving for human blood, he rages about the difficulty of restraining his urges until their daughter, Yunyi, returns. When Madam Jin reminds him of their sect's duty to eliminate demons, she asks what kind of creature he has become, realizing the true monster is standing right in front of her. Driven to a bloodthirsty fury, Jin Muqing nearly attacks her but manages to restrain himself at the last second.

Later, Madam Jin visits Xiao Yao at the inn, urgently requesting to be taken to Yunyi so they can leave Pingjiang Prefecture immediately. She laments that Yunyi’s lifelong blindness might simply be an inescapable fate. During the conversation, Xiao Yao notices a fresh wound on Madam Jin’s neck. Though Madam Jin blames a cat, her suspicious behavior alerts Xiao Yao that something is wrong. When Xiao Yao later finds Hong Ye, he is uncharacteristically cheerful.

Unaware that she had questioned him about his smile while drunk, she is puzzled by his grin. Xiao Yao informs him that the real murderer is likely about to reveal himself. At the Bodhisattva Temple, Yunyi’s sight begins to return. She tells A Li that she isn't worried about his appearance because she has already seen his kindness. Nearby, Jin Muqing arrives with his disciples, putting on a grand performance of hunting demons to find his daughter.

Xiao Yao leads the couple into a dense fog that affects the mind, causing the couple to lose sight of her. Trapped in the mist, Jin Muqing is haunted by the vengeful spirits of his victims. When his monstrous true form is finally exposed, Xiao Yao and Hong Ye prepare to strike, but Madam Jin intercedes.

She confesses that her husband’s descent into madness began out of love for her; years ago, he practiced dangerous cultivation to cure her terminal heart condition, which ultimately caused him to crave blood. To protect him and find a cure, they traveled under the guise of demon hunters, searching for the Yuli Spring. Madam Jin reveals they found Yunyi during this journey, viewing the girl's blindness as divine retribution for their sins.

A Li recognizes Madam Jin as the woman who once saved his life with a simple act of charity at a temple, an act that had inspired his own path to redemption. As the truth settles, Madam Jin decides to end the cycle of violence to preserve the Qionghua Sect’s dignity. She begs Xiao Yao to tell Yunyi that her parents died honorably while hunting demons and apologizes for her earlier suspicions.

Inside the temple, she confronts her husband, recalling their wedding vows to uphold justice. Choosing to find peace in the afterlife, Madam Jin kills her husband and then herself. When A Li arrives, he finds the woman he considered a living Buddha dead, and he is subsequently struck down by the Feiyu Guard. Bing Zhu arrives to witness the carnage.

While his subordinates and the remaining Qionghua disciples bicker over rewards and glory, Bing Zhu is sickened by their greed and quietly leaves. Yunyi finally opens her eyes to a clear world, but she is heartbroken to find that A Li is gone. Xiao Yao comforts her, explaining that he had a more important vow to fulfill. Meanwhile, Hong Ye discovers a fragment of the Kunlun Mirror, known as "Lasting Resentment," born from intense emotional attachments.

This leads Xiao Yao to reflect on how humans often ruin their current happiness by chasing impossible desires. Seeking to protect her, Hong Ye offers Xiao Yao a special jade pendant, promising to appear whenever she calls. However, Xiao Yao returns it, insisting she must learn to stand on her own feet and grow strong enough to protect her friends without always relying on him.

Back at the Demon Academy, Xiao Mu restarts lessons to ensure the minor demons can defend themselves. He teaches that humans are slaves to desires like wealth and power, but Xiao Yao argues that humans are also capable of genuine love. Unmoved, Xiao Mu punishes her with extra homework. During a practical lesson on transformation, Xiao Yao successfully transforms into Xiao Mu himself, perfectly capturing his likeness, much to her stern teacher's irritation.

During a transformation class in Demons' Valley, Xiao Yao takes the form of her teacher, Xiao Mu, leaving her classmates Da Li and Luoluo stunned. Using this disguise, Xiao Yao boldly refutes Xiao Mu's earlier claim that humans are incapable of true love. Having witnessed the deep bond between parents and children during her training in the human world, she tells the other demons that the teacher’s views are biased and should not be taken to heart.

An enraged Xiao Mu quickly regains control and orders Xiao Yao to a cliff to reflect on her actions, threatening to punish anyone who dares to plead for her. While Xiao Yao is confined to the cliffside, Xiao Mu confronts her, offering to lift the punishment if she admits her mistake. However, Xiao Yao stands her ground, arguing that spreading hatred will only deepen the divide between the human and demon races.

Xiao Mu insists that as a resident of the Valley, she must remain loyal to the demons alone. Accusing her of bewitching His Lordship and disrupting the demonic order, he binds her with the Demon-Binding Rope. He warns her that this agonizing restraint, which suppresses her spiritual power and makes her internal organs feel as though they are being crushed by boulders, will only release once she sincerely repents.

Da Li and Luoluo attempt a rescue by transforming into Xiao Mu and His Lordship, but their poor acting—and Da Li’s strange concern for camellias—quickly exposes them. Realizing they cannot break the rope themselves, they decide to seek help from the real Hong Ye. Meanwhile, Xiao Mu discovers that Hong Ye has already left his post to wander the human realm.

Hong Ye arrives at a famous noodle shop in Pingjiang Prefecture, intending to learn how to make the stir-fried shrimp and eel noodles Xiao Yao loves. He is initially confused by the complex ordering terms, such as red broth, extra scallions, and whether the toppings should be served on the side or mixed in. Determined to master the dish, he spends the entire day in the kitchen, paying the chefs a silver ingot for every taste test.

Despite wasting many ingredients and producing several "terrible" batches, he continues to practice with low heat and medium oil until he creates a dish that is finally edible. As the fifteenth of the twelfth lunar month arrives, Xiao Yao is surprised when Hong Ye brings her to the human world for a birthday meal. She initially mistakes him for Da Li, but he reveals that he was the one who had visited her on the cliff previously.

At a noodle shop he kept open late just for her, Hong Ye serves the stir-fried shrimp and eel noodles he worked so hard to perfect. Deeply moved, Xiao Yao admits it is the best meal she has ever had. Hong Ye even lights a red candle, encouraging her to make a wish as humans do, hoping that she might one day roam free in the vast world.

The quiet moment is interrupted when a drunken and sorrowful Xiao Dadan enters the shop. Xiao Yao is paralyzed with fear, hiding her face to prevent her father from seeing her as a demon. Xiao Dadan laments to Hong Ye about his "precious daughter," explaining that while he has searched everywhere for her, he is glad she remains hidden so she does not have to spend her life running from demon hunters.

He insists that even if she has become a demon, she must be a good one. Listening to his grief, Xiao Yao is moved to tears but remains silent to protect him. After he leaves, she follows him in the shadows for a long time but ultimately chooses not to reveal herself, accepting that she can never return to her old life. On the road back to the valley, a group of bandits attempts to rob Hong Ye.

Xiao Yao intervenes and drives them off with her demon arts before Hong Ye is forced to act. Despite her long-held desire to return to the human world, she tells him that she has decided to stay by his side for now, choosing to follow her heart in the short time they have. To conclude her birthday, Hong Ye uses his powers to take her soaring through the clouds, where they release a sky lantern together, watching it drift beautifully into the night.

Under a sky filled with drifting Kongming lanterns, Xiao Yao marveled at the breathtaking view, feeling as though she were in a dream. Hong Ye guided her hand as they launched a lantern together, telling her to pick her favorite one. Watching the vibrant fireworks explode above, Xiao Yao felt that this was truly the most wonderful birthday she had ever experienced. The festivities in the human realm were equally lively.

Da Li and Luoluo wandered through the bustling market to find Xiao Yao a birthday gift. While Luoluo was constantly distracted by the aroma of food and pig-shaped treats, Da Li found a rouge shop crowded with beautiful women. The shop assistants, claiming to be celestial maidens, offered scented balms that promised eternal youth.

Da Li was selected as a special guest and led into a back room to see a portrait of the "Immortal Lord Suimeng," the supreme head of all flowers. The maiden instructed Da Li to take the portrait home and offer it fresh flowers daily, promising that her devotion would eventually lead her to become a disciple of the Immortal Lord and enjoy beauty that never fades.

Excited by the discovery, Da Li brought the scented balm and the portrait back to the Valley of Ten Thousand Demons. However, the moment Xiao Yao saw the image of the Immortal Lord, she sensed something was wrong and urged Da Li to throw it away. It was too late. The portrait had acted as a beacon, allowing four maidens from the Misty Void Realm—Yingning, Zhirui, Pei’er, and Pianpian—to bypass the valley’s barrier.

They revealed they had been waiting outside for over a month, and the portrait was their way in. In the ensuing chaos, Xiao Yao attempted to use her transformation skills to disguise herself as Yingning, but she was quickly identified. Xiao Mu rushed in to save her, but he was bound by their magic and forced to watch helplessly as Xiao Yao was captured. Hong Ye arrived to confront the intruders, finding his people held hostage.

To protect Xiao Yao and the other demons, he was forced to accept a "gift" from Immortal Lord Suimeng—a Heart-Devouring Poison in the form of a venomous worm. The maidens explained that while Hong Ye’s power was profound, his many weaknesses made him vulnerable.

Hong Ye then shared the dark truth about Suimeng: she was once a celestial maiden who fell in love with the human realm, but her marriage to a mortal tainted her with worldly impurities, preventing her return to heaven. To maintain her youth, she replaced her heart with an "Exquisite Crystal Heart" and began consuming the essence of mortal women.

She now sought the Jade Nectar Spring to return to the heavens and had sent her followers to trap Hong Ye. Following the encounter, Da Li was overwhelmed with guilt for inadvertently bringing danger to the valley. Hong Ye, feeling the poison begin to take hold, ordered everyone back to their cultivation. He explained to Xiao Mu that the poison was designed to draw out the inherent malice in a demon’s nature.

Knowing he only had a few days before the poison overcame him, Hong Ye found Heiwu and Wu Huan, banishing them from the valley forever for their treacherous ambitions. He then sought out Xiao Yao one last time. To ensure her safety, he infused his spirit sense into a grass ring and gave it to her before knocking her unconscious to prevent her from following him.

When Xiao Yao woke, she found a message left by Hong Ye explaining that he had gone to the Misty Void Realm alone to settle the matter. Xiao Mu was furious with Xiao Yao, blaming her presence for the suffering their Lord was enduring. He warned her that if Hong Ye did not return, the entire valley would hold her accountable. Despite the hostility, Da Li and Luoluo remained loyal to Xiao Yao.

Da Li revealed she had stolen a Safety Talisman that would burn to ash only if Hong Ye remained safe. When Xiao Mu caught them together, Da Li had to quickly stomp on a noisy paper charm to hide their activities. Unwilling to wait in the valley while Hong Ye risked his life, Xiao Yao decided to sneak out. Luoluo agreed to disguise himself as her to cover her absence during morning lessons.

Da Li insisted on coming along, refusing to let Xiao Yao face danger alone after all the times Xiao Yao had saved her. They decided their best hope was to seek help from Bing Zhu in Pingjiang Prefecture. However, upon arriving at the prefectural office, they found the gates closed.

A local informed them that the Feather Guard had already left for the capital to report their capture of a great demon, and the prefect had taken his family to see the Emperor, leaving the two girls with nowhere to turn.

Following their escape from the Myriad Demon Valley to find help for the poisoned Hong Ye, Xiao Yao and Da Li arrive in the capital. Meanwhile, Bingzhu reports to the Emperor regarding the Feather Guard’s campaign in the Misty Forest. He details the battle where they eliminated a "chi"—a remnant of the Hefeng Tribe that had plagued the region for a century—alongside the fallen Qionghua leader, Jin Muqing.

Bingzhu presents soil gathered from the creature’s burial site, suggesting the Imperial Mages investigate it for traces of the legendary Jade Nectar Spring. While the Emperor rewards Bingzhu and Prefect Liu, he privately summons Bingzhu to the Alchemy Room to deliver a troubling decree. The Emperor reveals that a "Supreme Immortal" has appeared to him, demanding a tribute of one hundred intelligent maidens from official families to serve in the distant land of Penglang.

Though Bingzhu attempts to voice concerns about the nature of this request, the Emperor’s obsession with achieving longevity through the Jade Nectar Spring leaves no room for dissent. Bingzhu is forced to personally escort these women to their destination. Xiao Yao and Da Li, wandering the capital, find themselves broke and exhausted. While searching for Bingzhu, they are cornered by a persistent rogue who is the eldest legitimate son of the Surveillance Commander.

He attempts to lure them to his mansion with promises of luxury, but Xiao Yao dismisses him. At the Matchmaker Temple, Xiao Yao prays for Hong Ye’s safety, reflecting on the spirit fragment he once left in her grass ring to protect her. Nearby, they witness an argument between the two daughters of Prefect Liu, both of whom are infatuated with Bingzhu.

When the Surveillance Commander’s son returns to harass them again, a scuffle breaks out, and Bingzhu arrives just in time to intervene and chase the rogue away. Surprised to find them in the city, Bingzhu takes Xiao Yao and Da Li to eat. Xiao Yao explains they have come to help him stop the "Immortal Lord Suimeng." She provides a portrait of the entity, which Bingzhu realizes matches the "Supreme Immortal" the Emperor is obsessed with.

Xiao Yao reveals that Suimeng was once a celestial being who became corrupted by worldly desires and turned into a malevolent "mei". She maintains her youth by consuming the spiritual essence of young maidens. Bingzhu consults his maritime charts and confirms that Penglang is actually Suimeng’s territory, the Yanxu Realm. While Bingzhu struggles with this information, Hong Ye finds himself trapped within the Yanxu Realm. He encounters a figure looking exactly like his past love, Ning'an.

Weakened by poison and emotional turmoil, Hong Ye is manipulated by Suimeng’s illusion. Under her spell, he agrees to do anything for her, eventually surrendering his very heart to the demoness. Bingzhu attempts to warn the Emperor about the "mei" race, but the Emperor is furious, accusing Bingzhu of calling him incompetent. Desperate for the Jade Nectar Spring, the Emperor orders the immediate collection of the maidens. Bingzhu begins the grim task of rounding up the daughters of high-ranking officials.

Tan'er, sensing the danger, expresses a sincere desire to help Xiao Yao, even if it means entering the enemy's lair. To protect Xiao Yao and Da Li from the perilous journey, Bingzhu tricks them. He encourages them to draw fortune sticks at the temple, rigging the results to show "top-tier" fortunes. Once they go inside to freshen up, Bingzhu locks the door and places powerful talismans on it, intending to face Suimeng alone.

However, Xiao Yao, having anticipated his schemes, manages to break the spell and escape shortly after he leaves. In the city, Prefect Liu is desperate to save his daughters from the tribute list. Xiao Yao and Da Li seize the opportunity to help him while furthering their own goals; they disguise themselves as his daughters and voluntarily join the group of maidens.

When the group assembles at the docks, Bingzhu is frustrated to discover that Xiao Yao and Da Li have smuggled themselves onto the ship. He has no choice but to let them stay as the vessel sails into the deep sea. As the ship reaches open waters, the maidens pray to Suimeng. A vision of the "Immortal Mountain" appears through the mist, delighting the women who believe they are headed toward eternal life.

Upon arriving at the flower-filled Yanxu Realm, they are met by Suimeng's disciples. They explain that the island is a paradise for women where men are forbidden. Bingzhu insists on seeing Suimeng personally to ensure the safety of the women, stating he is prepared to die to fulfill his duty. As they are led through the island, an elderly woman tells Xiao Yao that the plants are not flowers, but human hearts that Suimeng harvests.

The group then encounters a high-ranking disciple named Lu Pianpian, who wears a veil to hide a large scar—a punishment from Suimeng. Bingzhu remarks that true beauty lies in one's character, which no scar can destroy. The disciples announce that the maidens must undergo trials to determine if they possess the "immortal roots" required to stay. As the girls are being settled, Xiao Yao and Da Li are suddenly singled out by disciples who recognize them from a previous encounter.

At the Realm of Mist and Void, Bingzhu stands firm in his duty to protect the innocent women brought to the island. Among the crowd, Xiao Yao and Da Li are singled out by two of the Immortal Lord’s attendants, who recognize Xiao Yao from a previous encounter. When Xiao Yao demands to know Hong Ye’s whereabouts, the attendants cruelly suggest he has already been turned into fertilizer for the flower fields.

Though Xiao Yao is ready to strike, Bingzhu restrains her, noting that his Demon-Slaying Blade remains in its sheath—a sign that these women are not demons, but humans led astray by the promise of paradise. Bingzhu reveals that the shimmering world around them is merely an illusion created by the malevolent spirit, Immortal Lord Suimeng. He commands Tan’er, the spirit within his blade, to shatter the dream, causing the palace to dissolve into desolate ruins.

Among the attendants, Bingzhu recognizes Lu Pianpian, the younger sister of his late senior, Lu Tong. He tells her that Lu Tong joined the Feiyu Guard to find her after she was abducted by demons and that he died a hero. Despite the revelation, Pianpian warns Bingzhu that challenging Suimeng is futile. Undeterred, Bingzhu demands to be led to the spirit's true form.

As the group ventures into the Linghua Palace, they are trapped in a "Mirror Flower, Water Moon" illusion. Bingzhu shatters the mirrors, but Suimeng remains elusive. Internal strife breaks out when the attendant Yingning accuses Lu Pianpian of colluding with the intruders. Suimeng forces them to fight, and while Pianpian hesitates out of mercy, Yingning tries to kill her. Finally, Suimeng unleashes Hong Ye, who has been turned into a mindless puppet by the Heart-Devouring Poison.

Hong Ye attacks relentlessly, though Xiao Yao notices a brief moment where he seems to struggle against the poison to avoid killing Bingzhu. The confrontation ends with Bingzhu severely injured and poisoned. Suimeng offers to take him as a disciple, but he defiantly refuses to serve a demon. In retaliation, she infects him with the Lingxi Poison, linking his senses to Tan’er’s consciousness within the blade, forcing him to endure the constant agony of her soul being scorched by fire.

To save Hong Ye and Bingzhu, Xiao Yao strikes a bargain: she will remain and help Suimeng find the fragments of the Kunlun Mirror and the Yuli Spring. Suimeng agrees but subjects Xiao Yao to a grueling trial of labor. Xiao Yao is tasked with watering the vast flower fields under a scorching sun. She learns that the elderly woman she previously encountered died from exhaustion doing this very task.

While working, Xiao Yao discovers that the straw bracelet on her wrist contains a fragment of Hong Ye’s soul, a spirit she playfully names "Little Leaf." Although this spirit acts with the same arrogance as the true Demon King, he promises to protect her while she seeks a way to save the real Hong Ye. Meanwhile, Lu Pianpian brings water to the imprisoned Bingzhu, urging him to surrender to save himself and Tan’er.

Bingzhu remains unmoved and challenges Pianpian’s loyalty to Suimeng. Pianpian then reveals Suimeng’s tragic past: a millennium ago, she was a celestial who fell for a mortal. The man faked a terminal illness to trick her into gathering the Kunlun Mirror, only to use it to secure a position as an imperial son-in-law. In her despair, she used the Heart-Burning Incantation to shed her divinity and become a "Chi," a mountain spirit, slaughtering the man’s entire family in revenge.

Now, she lures humans to the island to drain their essence and maintain her power, hoping to use the mirror to return to the heavens. Pianpian warns Bingzhu that he has only three days to submit before he and Tan’er are discarded as fertilizer.

In the flower sea of the Realm of Mist and Void, Lu Pianpian somberly buried a woman's garment in the soil, lamenting that this beautiful expanse was the ultimate destination for all women in the realm. To her, every woman who arrived would eventually wither and become part of the earth, a fate she felt she could not escape. Nearby, Xiao Yao continued her relentless task of watering the flowers, wondering if the work would ever end.

Her toil was interrupted by Lu Pianpian, who informed her that it was the day of the trial. Realizing she was late, Xiao Yao rushed to join the other women. The fairies overseeing the newcomers explained that Immortal Lord Suimeng had granted sanctuary to those who had been abandoned or bullied by men in the human realm. However, the realm did not harbor idle people; everyone was expected to learn domestic skills like cooking and laundry.

This news caused an immediate stir among the women, many of whom were young ladies from official families who had never performed manual labor. They looked down on the ordinary ingredients provided, missing the delicacies of their former homes. When the trial began, the women had to declare the dish they intended to prepare, with the rule that no two people could make the same thing.

Xiao Yao originally thought of making flower pastries, but her friend Da Li quickly claimed the dish for herself. A chaotic scramble for ingredients followed, as the ladies fought over eggs, fish, and cabbage. Guided by the spiritual consciousness left by Hong Ye, Xiao Yao managed to declare that she would make Topping Noodles. However, the kitchen soon turned into a scene of disaster as the inexperienced noblewomen struggled with the stoves.

During the chaos, Xiao Yao attempted to help Da Li decorate her pastries, but Da Li harshly rejected her, throwing the decorations aside. Da Li confessed her deep-seated jealousy, noting that since Xiao Yao’s arrival in the Valley of Thousand Demons, everyone—including the spirits and the Demon King—had been drawn to her. Da Li felt she had become a mere shadow, a green leaf meant only to make Xiao Yao shine.

Declaring their friendship over, Da Li insisted she would win her place in the realm alone. Despite the heartbreak, Xiao Yao had no time to grieve. With the clock ticking, she followed the spirit's instructions to prepare her noodles. The process was fraught with difficulty. Xiao Yao struggled to slice the eel and manage the batter. In the heat of the moment, the ingredients were burnt, leaving her with a ruined dish.

Thinking quickly, she decided to serve a simple bowl of Yangchun Noodles instead. When the results were presented at Linghua Palace, many elaborate dishes were called forward, but it was Xiao Yao’s humble noodles that stood out. Using her wit, she explained to Immortal Lord Suimeng that the noodles represented sincerity. she shared a story about how she once cooked this simple dish for her father when he was deathly ill, and her sincerity had seemingly helped him recover.

Suimeng was impressed by her story and the taste, allowing both Xiao Yao and Da Li to remain for the next trial. Meanwhile, Hong Ye was suffering in the dungeons, resisting the effects of the Heart-Devouring Poison. Lu Pianpian watched him, puzzled by why the powerful Demon King would endure such agony for a month rather than succumb and become a mindless puppet. Hong Ye remained defiant, refusing to abandon his feelings for the human woman he loved.

Lu Pianpian argued that human nature was fickle and that only by letting go of desire could one reach true enlightenment. She urged him to serve the Immortal Lord by luring more humans to the realm to provide the essence needed to sustain Suimeng's power. Hong Ye was later forced to guide a ship of humans searching for the celestial mountain and the Yuli Spring.

He watched as they sacrificed their own companions in their greedy pursuit of immortality, realizing their obsession was unstoppable. Lu Pianpian pointed out that these humans were leading themselves to their own destruction; the trials in the realm were meant to test their humanity, but their greed always led them to stay and perish. Back in the flower sea, Xiao Yao suddenly felt a wave of extreme cold, realizing that Hong Ye must be suffering.

She tried to warm the Dreamshard spirit, whom she called Little Leaf, with her hands. Using the last of its strength, the spirit summoned Hong Ye’s primordial spirit for a brief meeting with Xiao Yao. Hong Ye explained that his previous coldness was merely an act to protect her from the Immortal Lord's suspicion. He warned her that the second trial would be far more dangerous than the first and urged her to be extremely cautious. Amidst the tension, Lu Pianpian received a spiritual ointment from Suimeng to finally restore her scarred face.

In the Realm of Mist and Void, the captive women are pushed to their breaking points by relentless labor and a meager diet. While others lament their tattered clothes and waning beauty, Dali eats with a cold, focused determination, preparing herself for the second trial. Meanwhile, Lu Pianpian discovers that the scar on her face has become severely inflamed.

Unbeknownst to her, two spiteful maids have sabotaged her healing dew with the toxic sap of oleanders and datura nectar, betting that she would never dare to question the Immortal Lord about her worsening condition. Xiao Yao finds Lu Pianpian in the garden and expresses concern for her wound, but Pianpian dismisses it, viewing her physical form as nothing more than a superficial shell. Later, Pianpian brings water to Bing Zhu, who is being held in the realm.

They reflect on their shared fate—whether serving an emperor in the mortal world or an immortal here, they are both merely tools. Pianpian warns him that continued defiance will only lead to punishment for him and Tan'er. Though stoic, Bing Zhu advises her that rose and trumpet creeper petals found on the island can act as an antidote. However, Xiao Yao has already prepared a special ointment made from five different flowers.

Touched by this unexpected kindness, Pianpian warns Xiao Yao that the upcoming trial is unprecedented in its danger. As the second trial approaches, Hong Ye remains in the confinement room, praying that his spiritual connection with "Little Leaf" can protect Xiao Yao. The trial is held at the "Ghost Courtyard" in the eastern wing of Biexin Courtyard, a place haunted by the vengeful spirit of a woman betrayed by her friend.

Lu Pianpian announces that the gates will remain sealed until the spirit’s resentment is quelled—or until everyone inside has perished. Xiao Yao takes charge by carrying a single candle, warning the group that if the flame is extinguished, their lives will end with it. The group is initially fractured; a high-born lady bullies the modest Huang Ying, mocking her for her status as the daughter of a concubine.

Xiao Yao intervenes, rebuking the noblewoman for her arrogance and forcing an apology. Despite the internal friction, Xiao Yao manages to lead them through the courtyard, instructing them to hold hands and move in unison to navigate the terrain. The women soon encounter a lethal "killing formation" involving mirrors that emit deadly purple light beams. They find a mysterious zither that seems to wail with grief, but it is missing strings.

After a beam draws blood from one of the women, Dali notices a string partially forming and suggests the instrument must "drink" blood to be completed. A cruel debate ensues as the high-born women suggest that those with the lowest social rank should sacrifice their blood first. Xiao Yao stops the madness, refusing to let anyone be sacrificed. She notices seven characters—Gong, Shang, Jue, Zhi, Yu, Wen, and Wu—carved into the mirrors, corresponding to the strings of the zither.

Xiao Yao determines that the mirrors must be flipped in pairs to disrupt the light beams. She asks for a volunteer, and the girl she helped earlier steps forward to assist. Together, they begin solving the puzzle, and Dali eventually joins in to help. Though they successfully deactivate the light beams, the overseers watching from the shadows find the progress "boring" and decide to add new challenges.

Suddenly, the zither begins to play on its own, forcefully pulling Dali’s hands onto the strings and causing her immense pain as she loses control of her movements. To make matters worse, a masked man appears to attack the group. As a fierce wind threatens to blow out the candle, Xiao Yao is forced to use her magic to repel the attacker while desperately shielding the flickering flame.

Xiao Yao watched in distress as a vengeful spirit forced Da Li to play a zither until her fingers were bloodied and raw. Recalling Hong Ye's teaching that spirits fear fire, Xiao Yao lured the ghost toward her while Da Li prepared the Wind-Control Technique. Their combined efforts successfully incinerated the spirit. While most of the survivors were indifferent toward Xiao Yao, a clumsy girl named Huang Ying remained steadfast in her trust.

When four doors opened, the group split up but eventually reunited in a courtyard filled with bizarre mechanisms. \n\nGuided by cryptic hints from Little Leaf, Xiao Yao realized the stone statues in the courtyard represented five human vices: jealousy, vanity, greed, sloth, and schadenfreude. The formation amplified these negative traits, causing the noblewomen to bicker over status and possessions. Xiao Yao briefly succumbed to envy toward the wealthy women but was quickly snapped back to reality.

She realized that if the statues were allowed to move to their designated spots, they would all perish. To break the spell, she commanded everyone to close their eyes and focus on their happiest memories and the people they loved most. This successfully calmed the mechanism, and the final string appeared on the zither. \n\nHowever, a haunting melody soon revealed a grim requirement: one life had to be sacrificed for the rest to live.

The women decided to draw sticks, and Huang Ying drew the shortest one. The group immediately turned on her, arguing that her perceived stupidity made her the most expendable sacrifice. Xiao Yao bravely shielded the girl, declaring that no one, not even the Immortal Lord, had the right to decide who lived or died. In the chaos, Da Li attempted to strike, but the blade shattered before it could cause any harm.

\n\nHuang Ying then revealed her true identity as the original vengeful spirit of the courtyard. Having committed suicide years ago after being relentlessly bullied, she had spent years witnessing only the cruelty and betrayal of newcomers. Xiao Yao was the first person to treat her with genuine sincerity and risk her own life to save her. Having finally experienced true friendship, Huang Ying’s resentment vanished.

She played a final song for Xiao Yao before her soul was finally allowed to enter reincarnation. \n\nFollowing the trial, Lu Pianpian announced the new placements. Xiao Yao was granted the rare honor of serving as Immortal Lord Suimeng’s personal attendant. To everyone’s shock, she refused the position, asking only for Hong Ye's release. Lu Pianpian denied the request and sent her back to the flower sea, giving the attendant role to Da Li instead.

Da Li later confronted Xiao Yao, frustrated that her friend would choose such a difficult path when a better life was within reach. Meanwhile, Bing Zhu urged Lu Pianpian to help him find the Immortal Lord’s true form to save his sister, Tan'er, from the eternal torment of the Ghostly Fire. As Lu Pianpian went to check on Tan'er, Immortal Lord Suimeng finally manifested before her, revealing he had known of her wavering loyalty all along.

Lu Pianpian’s search for Tan’er was abruptly cut short when she was intercepted by Immortal Lord Suimeng. Bing Zhu was brought in under guard, and Suimeng revealed a devastating secret: Bing Zhu was the man who had killed Pianpian’s brother, Lu Tong, using a demon-slaying blade. Heartbroken and feeling deceived, Pianpian’s attitude toward Bing Zhu turned cold as she begged the Immortal Lord for mercy, admitting she had been momentarily blinded.

Bing Zhu, resigned to his fate of being turned into fertilizer, pleaded with Suimeng to spare Pianpian, claiming he was the one who had led her astray. Mocking their sentimentality, Suimeng ordered the pair to be bound in the Biexin Courtyard to be turned into living corpses by venomous insects as a public warning.

Facing death, Pianpian reflected on her sixteen years of service, confessing that while she enjoyed wealth, she had committed many atrocities—such as extracting human essence and destroying souls—simply because she never dared to say no to the Immortal Lord. \n\nSeeking a way to save them and secure Hong Ye’s freedom, Xiao Yao proposed a deal: she and Bing Zhu would retrieve the Kunlun Mirror fragments for Suimeng. Suimeng agreed, promising to release Hong Ye, Tan’er, and Pianpian if they succeeded.

She directed them to Mount Qiansui, warning that the fragments were guarded by Taosha, a ferocious ancient beast that left all who approached it either dead or maimed. As Xiao Yao and Bing Zhu set off, a spirit herb—a protective charm left by Hong Ye—began to act up.

The herb, acting out of Hong Ye’s jealousy, bit Xiao Yao and grumbled about her being alone in a room with a "pretty boy" like Bing Zhu, demanding she maintain her distance and propriety. \n\nUpon reaching the outskirts of Mount Qiansui, the duo was met with a hail of arrows. Bing Zhu de-escalated the situation by clarifying that they were there to slay demons, not collect taxes.

The villagers, led by a man named Ali and the Tribe Leader, were relieved. They described Taosha as a terrifying monster with three heads and six arms that breathed fire. However, Xiao Yao noticed that the villagers were grinding red pigment and that the "claw marks" and "bloodstains" on the village walls were crudely fabricated.

Her suspicions grew when a young boy named Zixiu showed her a drawing used for target practice and whispered that the real Taosha looked nothing like the picture. \n\nThat night, an alarm was raised that the beast had entered the village. While the villagers claimed to have driven it away, Bing Zhu remained skeptical after examining Ali’s arrows. Seeking the truth, Bing Zhu asked Ali about his wife, Ya’er.

Ali recounted how, during a time of heavy taxation and his own illness, Ya’er had gone into the mountains and returned with a bottle of "Yuli Spring" water she claimed was from an immortal. During an argument, Ali accidentally broke the bottle, and the shards cut her hand. Ya’er later vanished in the mountains, leaving behind only her clothes and a broken jade pendant. Ali claimed he had seen blood-red eyes staring at him from the forest where she disappeared.

\n\nMeanwhile, Zixiu led Xiao Yao to a desolate graveyard where villagers who died strange deaths were buried. Xiao Yao set up a spiritual formation, but noticing her sensors remained undisturbed, she realized no actual demons were present in the immediate area. She performed a fire trick that forced several "ghosts" to reveal themselves, catching the Tribe Leader and the villagers red-handed.

The Leader confessed that because Mount Qiansui was barren and they could not afford extortionate taxes, they had faked the monster attacks and spread rumors to keep officials away. While they had dressed as ghosts to scare outsiders, they insisted they had no intent to harm. Despite the deception, Bing Zhu and Xiao Yao remained committed to their mission, demanding the villagers hide nothing more as they prepared to face the genuine threats lurking in the area.

Bing Zhu agrees to overlook the villagers' recent deception at the graveyard on the condition that they reveal the truth about the supernatural occurrences in the area. The Tribe Leader admits they have never clearly seen the beast they call the Taosha; they only know that those who venture into the mountains never return, or are found as mutilated corpses. Despite this, the Taosha has been appearing more frequently near the village lately.

Xiao Yao points out the contradiction: if no one has actually seen it, how can they be so certain of its identity? \n\nThe conversation is cut short by a disturbance. Li, fueled by a desire to avenge his bride, Ya'er, captures a creature he believes is the monster. As the villagers prepare to kill it, Bing Zhu and Xiao Yao intervene, suspecting the creature is innocent.

Bing Zhu uses his official authority to silence the angry mob, ordering the creature to be imprisoned for a formal investigation. \n\nWhile Xiao Yao tends to the creature’s wounds, she discovers it can understand human speech. Her companion, Little Leaf, a spirit herb who boasts about being a powerful demon, assists her. Meanwhile, Li remains convinced of the creature's guilt, claiming its eyes match those he saw in the forest.

Suddenly, the village is plunged into chaos as reanimated corpses—zombies from a local graveyard—begin to attack. While Bing Zhu and Li fight to defend the villagers, the captured "monster" breaks its chains. Instead of attacking, it saves Zixiu from the zombies. Xiao Yao later uses this act of heroism to argue that the creature is a protector, not a killer. \n\nCommander Ji and his Feiyu Guards arrive, ostensibly to deal with the demon problem at Mount Qiansui.

However, Bing Zhu realizes they are not truly loyal to him. Commander Ji behaves with extreme arrogance, intimidating the villagers and mocking Bing Zhu for losing his demon-slaying blade. He warns Bing Zhu that failing to secure the legendary Yuli Spring for the Emperor will lead to his downfall in the capital. \n\nIn secret, Commander Ji meets with the demon Hei Wu. The two are conspiring to present ordinary poisoned water as the Yuli Spring to deceive the imperial court.

They plan to sacrifice low-level demons to make it appear as though the mountain has been cleansed. Zixiu happens to overhear their treachery and flees. Later, Xiao Yao observes the "monster" using herbs to treat Li’s injuries. She confronts Li with the truth: the creature is actually his wife, Ya'er, who likely transformed after being poisoned. Li is initially incredulous until Xiao Yao shows him a jade pendant—a token of their love—that the creature had been carrying.

\n\nMoved by the couple’s tragic fate, Xiao Yao asks Little Leaf to help. Little Leaf agrees to use his power to restore Ya'er to her human form for one hour, though the spell will exhaust his energy. Meanwhile, Hei Wu disguises himself as a celestial immortal and gathers the villagers, claiming his "Yuli Spring" will grant them immortality. Ya'er, now human, arrives just in time to expose him, warning everyone that the water is what turned her into a monster.

\n\nA battle breaks out as Hei Wu uses magic to attack. Xiao Yao attempts to intervene by posing as the spirit Hong Ye, but she is quickly discovered. In a moment of intense emotional distress, Zixiu undergoes a terrifying transformation into the true Taosha. His immense power drives the villains away, but the strain causes him to collapse into a deep unconsciousness.

After revealing his true form as the guardian beast Tasha to save the villagers, Zixiu was heartbroken when everyone fled from him in fear. Xiao Yao comforted the boy, explaining that his appearance didn't matter because his heart was kind and he had acted out of protection. Zixiu, still feeling lonely, asked if anyone would ever play jianzi (shuttlecock) with him again. Xiao Yao promised she would, but she questioned his deep attachment to the game.

Zixiu revealed that his obsession stemmed from his memory of a friend named Jin Ge. Centuries ago, Zixiu was tasked by the heavens to guard fragments of the Kunlun Mirror on Mount Qiansui. Overwhelmed by thousands of years of isolation, he occasionally took human form to seek companionship, only to be rejected by local children like a boy named Lansheng. During his lowest moment, he met Jin Ge, a girl who was the only person willing to play with him.

However, Jin Ge was actually a mayfly who had gained a human form for one year after touching immortal dew. With only one month left to live, she claimed she needed the mirror fragments to find the Yuli Spring to save her life. To prevent his only friend's death, Zixiu gave her the fragment he guarded.

They made a pact: Jin Ge would return after drinking from the spring, and Zixiu would wait in that spot, maintaining his current form so she would recognize him. Although Bing Zhu suspected Jin Ge never intended to return, Zixiu remained faithful to his promise for a thousand years. After spending a final joyful day playing games like "Freeze!" with Xiao Yao and the others, Zixiu’s time was up.

He had to depart to face heavenly punishment for losing the mirror, leaving a final message for Xiao Yao to deliver to Jin Ge: he had finally become better at jianzi than she was. Following Zixiu's departure, Bing Zhu revealed the tragic truth to Xiao Yao. Jin Ge was actually an avatar of the Immortal Lord Dreamshard.

A thousand years ago, before becoming a spirit, she had been a human who gathered the mirror fragments to save her lover, only to realize he had used her to set a trap to gain favor with the Emperor. In her vengeful grief, she discarded her heart, wiped out the traitor’s family, and founded the Misty Void Realm. Upon returning to the realm to face Dreamshard, Bing Zhu attempted a desperate gamble.

He presented a mirror fragment and claimed he wanted to save his sister, Tan'er, rather than Lu Pianpian. Dreamshard mocked his perceived selfishness, but the situation turned lethal when Bing Zhu tried to assassinate her. Using her illusions, Dreamshard swapped places with her follower, Da Li, leading to Da Li’s death at Bing Zhu's hands. In the ensuing chaos, Hong Ye appeared, initially feigning submission to Dreamshard by claiming his "Heart-Devouring Poison" and past obsessions were cured.

Dreamshard, however, sensed the pain in his heart and realized he was lying. Cornered, Hong Ye urged Xiao Yao to flee as he prepared to use the "Heart-Burning Incantation"—a suicide attack intended to destroy both his heart and Dreamshard’s through their "Luan-Feng" soul-link. Xiao Yao rushed to intervene, refusing to let Hong Ye die.

She challenged Dreamshard’s cynical view of the world by pointing out a unique yellow flower in the garden that was perpetually covered in dew despite never being watered. Xiao Yao realized the dew was actually the tears of Dreamshard’s discarded human heart, which she had kept hidden because she still secretly yearned for proof of true devotion. Finally, Xiao Yao delivered Zixiu’s message.

Realizing that Zixiu had waited a thousand years without a single hint of hatred, Dreamshard was finally overwhelmed by the sincerity she thought was a lie. She wept and dissipated, and the illusions of the Misty Void Realm crumbled into ruins. As the realm vanished, Xiao Yao was relieved to find that Hong Ye had survived the incantation, though his spirit companion, Little Leaf, had sacrificed herself to save him.

Despite their shared victory, the tension between the group and the Feiyu Guard remained. Bing Zhu insisted that the recovered Kunlun Mirror fragments must be delivered to the Emperor as per his decree. Xiao Yao was disgusted by his rigid loyalty to a monarch whose greed for immortality had already destroyed so many lives, including Tan'er’s. To prevent immediate bloodshed between the exhausted survivors, Bing Zhu allowed Xiao Yao to hold the fragments for now.

However, he warned Hong Ye that their duty-bound battle to the death was merely delayed, not canceled. For the moment, Bing Zhu turned his attention to leading Lu Pianpian and the other surviving girls back to their homes.

Lu Pianpian awakens to find the illusory Realm of Mist and Void dissolving as the Immortal Lord’s power dissipates. Miraculously, the scars on her face have vanished, leaving her skin flawless once more. However, she is immediately confronted by two of the Immortal Lord’s former attendants. Knowing their mistress is gone and fearing Pianpian will seek revenge for past grievances, they attempt to kill her while she is vulnerable.

Bing Zhu arrives just in time to disarm them, informing the women that they have all returned to their mortal forms and will be taken to the capital of Tiansheng for the Emperor to judge. Before they leave the crumbling realm, a sorrowful Pianpian asks if the Immortal Lord left any final words for her. Bing Zhu gently suggests that the fact she spared Pianpian’s life throughout the years was the only message she needed to hear.

As the fake world burns away, revealing reality, a glimmering object appears among the charred remains of the flower sea: the Immortal Lord’s Exquisite Crystal Heart. Knowing that Bing Zhu failed to find the Yuli Spring and might face the Emperor's wrath, Pianpian urges him to take the crystal heart back as proof of his success in slaying the demon. However, Bing Zhu refuses to take credit for a victory that wasn't his.

Recalling Xiao Yao’s views on integrity, he admits that while he was outmatched by the demon race in skill, he refuses to abandon his principles as a human. When Pianpian teases him for blushing at the mention of Xiao Yao, Bing Zhu awkwardly explains that Pianpian’s sheltered upbringing makes her very different from Xiao Yao, who developed a "bandit-like" street smartness while wandering the world.

Before they depart, Pianpian asks Bing Zhu to lead her to her brother's final resting place. Meanwhile, in a peaceful clearing, Xiao Yao tenderly plants the remains of Da Li, hoping that through years of cultivation, her friend might one day take human form again. Nearby, Hong Ye waters a sapling that was once Little Leaf, wishing for him to grow into a mighty tree so that he will never be bullied again.

When Xiao Yao grows hungry, Hong Ye tries to cook for her, but in his weakened state, he clumsily cuts his finger and burns his hand on the bowl. He attempts to use a healing spell, only to realize with growing despair that his magic is completely gone. Xiao Yao comforts him, suggesting his powers might return as he heals, but Hong Ye reveals the severity of the Heart-Burning Incantation.

It is a forbidden suicide art used by the Primordial Heavenly Mother, and the only whispered cure involves a legendary object called the Sky Stone—something no one has ever truly seen. Despite his feelings of failure toward the citizens of the Demons' Valley, Xiao Yao remains devoted, promising to help him find the Sky Stone no matter the cost.

As they travel by boat, Hong Ye takes up the oars, reflecting on the irony that after thousands of years of protecting others, he is now being protected by a young girl. Under the stars, he shares his knowledge of the twenty-eight mansions and the constellations, explaining how he spent his long years of cultivation reading ancient human texts. Xiao Yao, who grew up reading only simple romance novels about scholars and ladies, finds his lessons far more meaningful.

The next morning, she treats him to fresh sashimi, a skill she picked up from pirates years ago. Worried about the dangers of their journey, she asks Hong Ye to teach her basic spells like the Wind-Control Technique so she can protect them both. At Lu Tong’s grave, Bing Zhu finally tells Pianpian the truth about her brother’s death. Years ago, during a mission to hunt a mountain demon, Lu Tong’s squad was decimated.

To save Pianpian from the demon Mei, Lu Tong had agreed to serve the demon and sacrifice a hundred girls in exchange for her freedom. Mei had replaced Lu Tong's heart with a stone to make him an invincible, emotionless warrior, yet he was still defeated. In his final moments, Lu Tong had asked Bing Zhu to take his stone heart as a trophy and to look after his sister.

Bing Zhu admits he buried all the fallen guards there and kept the secret to protect Lu Tong’s honor. Knowing he must face the Emperor, Bing Zhu gives Pianpian the keys to his home and his life savings, instructing her to flee if he does not return by the hour of the Pig. He also asks her to look after the spirit Tan'er and help her find peace. However, betrayal awaits him at the palace.

The official Ji Yan has presented fake spring water from Mount Tianyu to the Emperor, claiming it is the Yuli Spring. To secure his position, Ji Yan accuses Bing Zhu of harboring demons, deceiving the crown, and murdering his own colleagues. To Bing Zhu's horror, the women he saved from the island appear as witnesses, falsely testifying to his "crimes." Believing the lies and satisfied by the false tribute, the Emperor orders Bing Zhu to be imprisoned and executed.

At the imperial court, Bing Zhu confronts Ji Yan with deep suspicion. He knows that the Kunlun Mirror has not yet been fully assembled, making it impossible for Ji Yan to have obtained the genuine Yuli Spring water. He accuses Ji Yan of the grave crime of deceiving the Emperor with a fake tribute. However, the Emperor, appearing weak and supported by attendants, has already been manipulated into believing Bing Zhu is the traitor.

To seal the trap, two former attendants of Immortal Lord Suimeng testify against Bing Zhu, claiming they were granted the spring water for their service on the celestial mountain but that Bing Zhu attempted to embezzle it and kill them to cover his tracks.

Despite Bing Zhu’s pleas, the Emperor remains cold and sentences him to execution at three quarters past noon the following day outside the Meridian Gate, vowing to bring all officials to witness the spring's supposed effects on the prisoner. Meanwhile, in the human realm, Xiao Yao and Hong Ye enjoy the lively Lantern Festival. Xiao Yao treats Hong Ye to fireworks, discreetly shielding him from stray sparks—an act of protection Hong Ye notices but keeps to himself.

At a "Wish-Fulfilling Rings" stall, Hong Ye’s skill wins them silver, but the dishonest owner tries to change the rules to avoid paying. Xiao Yao quickly devises a plan; on her signal, Hong Ye faints, allowing her to play the part of a grieving wife whose sick husband was struck by a crooked businessman. The local crowd and the arrival of an officer force the cornered owner to hand over the silver.

Later, while dining at a restaurant, Hong Ye’s striking appearance draws the gaze of every woman in the room. Feeling out of place and unable to stomach the medicinal dishes Xiao Yao ordered for his recovery, Hong Ye slips away for a walk. His stroll leads him to a rouge shop, where his radiant complexion causes a stir among the customers.

Seizing the opportunity, Hong Ye strikes a deal with the owner to endorse the products, earning enough money to buy a sky lantern. He returns to find a worried Xiao Yao, and they release the lantern together. Xiao Yao wishes for Hong Ye to regain his powers and stay safe, while Hong Ye wishes for time to pause. For a brief moment, the world around them freezes.

He takes the chance to kiss Xiao Yao, but as his magic fades, he teases her to hide his actions. As night falls, the pair finds most inns are fully booked for the festival. Pretending to be a couple, they secure the last available room. Feeling shy about sharing the space, Xiao Yao makes an excuse to go out for a late-night snack.

While outside, she witnesses a commotion and realizes the Feiyu Guards have captured Luoluo, a boar demon from her home. It is an ambush using demons as bait. Though her spiritual power is weak, Xiao Yao tries to intervene but is quickly outmatched. Hong Ye arrives and uses a clever bluff involving smoke and fire oil to intimidate the guards, allowing them to escape.

Luoluo delivers devastating news: Heiwu has led a surprise attack on Demons' Valley, seriously injuring Xiao Ming and Xiao Mu. Heiwu has seized the throne, removed the protective barriers, and is now working with the Feiyu Guards to send fellow demons to the Emperor as offerings twice a month. Hong Ye is filled with regret for not killing Heiwu sooner. Realizing the situation is dire, he decides he must return to reclaim his home.

That night, while Xiao Yao is asleep, he watches her one last time, wishing for her to have a better life in the human realm before leaving with Luoluo. Back in the city, news of Bing Zhu’s arrest reaches Lu Pianpian. In the death row cell, Ji Yan presents Bing Zhu with fabricated charges, including collusion with the Demon King and the murder of officials' daughters.

When Bing Zhu refuses to sign the false confession, Ji Yan threatens to cut off his hand to use it for a forced thumbprint. Determined to save him, Lu Pianpian breaks into the prison with the help of Tan'er. Although she fights fiercely with her demon-slaying blade, the guards realize she is human and their anti-demon formations are useless against her; however, they manage to block the cell door to keep her away from Bing Zhu.

Realizing the rescue is failing, Bing Zhu urges Tan'er to take Pianpian and flee. Outside, as dawn approaches, the city is heavily guarded. Desperate, Pianpian retrieves the Exquisite Crystal Heart left behind by Immortal Lord Suimeng. Using its power, she transforms herself into a Mei, intending to infiltrate the palace and confront the Emperor directly to save her friend.

To save Bing Zhu, Lu Pianpian utilized Immortal Lord Suimeng’s Exquisite Crystal Heart, appearing before the Emperor in the guise of an exalted immortal. She warned him that his lack of sincerity would lead to his demise and that his quest for the Yuli Spring was currently a futile dream. When the Emperor pleaded for guidance, she explained that the hundred maidens previously offered were plagued by selfish desires, rendering him unworthy.

She revealed that the key to his long life was a truly sincere person by his side: Bing Zhu of the Feiyu Guard. Realizing he had almost executed his only hope, the Emperor immediately ordered Bing Zhu’s release. In the Imperial Prison, Ji Yan had already begun to assert his new authority.

Resenting Bing Zhu's former superiority and fearing that a public execution might lead to complications—especially since Bing Zhu had consumed the Yuli Spring and might survive a beheading—Ji Yan decided to kill him privately. He ordered wet mulberry paper to be pressed onto Bing Zhu's face, intending to suffocate him. Bing Zhu, feeling profound disillusionment toward the Emperor’s greed and his brothers' betrayal, prepared for death. However, just as he was losing consciousness, a royal decree arrived.

The eunuch announced a full pardon and summoned Bing Zhu to the West Garden, citing his years of loyalty and demon-slaying merit. Following her actions, Lu Pianpian spoke with Tan'er. She explained that by using the heart, she had transformed into a "Mei" (spirit), meaning she was now immune to nightmare techniques but would eventually be hunted as a demon. She told Tan'er that her only moral compass now was the protection of their small group—Bing Zhu, Tan'er, and herself.

She somberly asked that if she ever truly turned evil, they should be the ones to end her life. Meanwhile, Hong Ye and Luoluo were traveling back to Demons' Valley. Luoluo, unaware that Hong Ye had lost his spiritual power, spent the journey complaining about hunger and his love for rolling in the mud. Hong Ye lamented letting a pig demon handle the directions after Luoluo admitted he had forgotten a shopkeeper’s advice about a faster water route.

Their journey was interrupted when Luoluo fell into a bandit trap. Despite his lack of magic, Hong Ye maintained his composure, posing as a wealthy merchant's son. He successfully bluffed the bandits, offering them a "treasure" to release his "attendant," and scared them off. Xiao Yao caught up with them shortly after, having refused to be left behind.

She confronted Hong Ye for trying to disappear for her safety, insisting that she wanted to face the coming storms by his side. Moved, Hong Ye agreed they would return to the valley together. At the West Garden, the Emperor received Bing Zhu with feigned warmth, claiming the imprisonment was a final "test" of his character. He appointed Bing Zhu as the Bulwark Duke, granting him land and a generous grain stipend.

The Emperor’s true motive remained his obsession with the Yuli Spring; he urged Bing Zhu to use his favor with the "Exalted Immortal" to secure the elixir. Bing Zhu played along, asking if the immortal was still the one in the painting. The Emperor replied that the immortal had many incarnations and that her reappearance gave him hope for eternal life.

Returning to his residence as a Duke, Bing Zhu was met by Ji Yan and the other guards, who knelt in terror. Ji Yan attempted to save himself by claiming they were only following orders to support their families. Bing Zhu demanded an account of their collusion with the demons. Ji Yan confessed that since Xiao Yao’s capture, they had been working with a demon named Heiwu.

Twice a month, the demons provided minor spirits for the guards to deliver to the Emperor’s refinery in exchange for rewards. Ji Yan argued that this arrangement was a "win-win," as it kept the guards employed and the Emperor satisfied without the danger of real combat. That night, Bing Zhu met Lu Pianpian on a rooftop. He lamented his inability to save anyone despite his title.

He was surprised to find that he still felt heartache, questioning if the Exquisite Crystal Heart he now carried should have made him emotionless. Lu Pianpian comforted him, explaining that desire, not nature, corrupts. She expressed her hope that they would never be enemies, but begged him to keep his promise if she ever lost her way. As Hong Ye, Xiao Yao, and Luoluo reached Demons' Valley, Hong Ye led them through a secret barrier he had established years ago.

Inside, they found a bamboo demon named Zhuzi being hunted by Wu Huan. Hong Ye stepped forward, masking his weakness with a grand display of authority. He declared that while the Dreamshard Immortal had died, he, the Demon King, was very much alive. He threatened Wu Huan for harming his own kind and gave him a count of three to flee. While the bluff worked on Wu Huan, the Feiyu Guards watching from the shadows became suspicious.

They noticed that despite his formidable words, Hong Ye hadn't used a single bit of spiritual power. Realizing the Demon King was vulnerable, the guards turned back, eager to hunt the "prey" they had almost let escape. Sensing the approaching danger, Xiao Yao prepared to stand with Hong Ye to face the search party.

Wu Huan returns to the forest and discovers that the Feiyu Guards have lost track of the Demon King. Realizing that Hong Ye’s spiritual power was depleted during his battle with Immortal Lord Suimeng, the guards are eager to capture him for the reward. However, Xiao Yao intervenes with her magic to intimidate them.

She cleverly sows discord by approaching Wu Huan as if they are co-conspirators, tricking the humans into believing Wu Huan led them into a trap to harvest their hearts for food. Terrified of being turned into "barbecue," the Feiyu Guards flee. Hong Ye makes a timely appearance to maintain the ruse, forcing a panicked Wu Huan to retreat as well.

The bamboo demon, Xiao Mu, is overcome with guilt for his past treatment of Xiao Yao, but she reassures him that he is simply a common demon and wasn't the only one involved in saving him. Xiao Mu informs Hong Ye that since Heiwu seized control of Demons' Valley and took over Youning Cave, the local demons have been hiding in the shadows, waiting for their true King’s return. Meanwhile, Heiwu is furious upon learning of Wu Huan’s failure.

He treats Wu Huan like a lowly servant, striking him across the face before ordering him to leak Hong Ye’s whereabouts to the human authorities. Heiwu plans to use the Feiyu Guards to kill Hong Ye, hoping to seize power once both parties are weakened. Knowing they cannot rush into a direct confrontation, Xiao Yao advises Hong Ye to gather their allies first.

To lure the cat demon Xiao Ming out of hiding, they experiment with various scents, eventually succeeding with catnip. When Xiao Ming sees that His Lordship is alive, he excitedly attempts to pounce on him. Fearing that Hong Ye’s lack of spiritual power will be exposed if he is knocked over, Xiao Yao discreetly uses her own magic to restrain the cat. Xiao Mu remains hidden at first, too ashamed to face Hong Ye after losing the valley to Heiwu.

When he learns of Hong Ye's condition, he blames Xiao Yao, but Hong Ye defends her, explaining that he used the Heart-Burning Incantation of his own accord and that the Immortal Lord would have targeted him regardless. Xiao Yao convinces Xiao Mu to use his magic to conjure silver so they can visit a human settlement. Her plan is to "fight fire with fire" by purchasing human weapons designed to hunt demons.

When Xiao Mu questions if these human trinkets can stop a thousand-year-old demon, Xiao Yao explains that Heiwu is a horseshoe bat in human form. Like any animal, he has innate weaknesses, such as a fear of loud noises. She believes these human inventions are the perfect tools to exploit his cowardly nature. Back at Demons' Valley, the paranoid Heiwu sends Wu Huan to investigate strange noises outside.

Wu Huan is lured into a series of traps, blinded by toxic fog and caught in a physical snare. He stumbles back to report the ambush, leaving Heiwu terrified. When Heiwu finally ventures out, he is met with a barrage of fireworks and a grand illusion of Hong Ye. Seeing "Hong Ye" surrounded by what appear to be powerful reinforcements, Heiwu loses his nerve.

In an act of cowardice, he pushes Wu Huan forward to test their strength and flees, abandoning his subordinate. With Heiwu gone, the demons reclaim the valley and bind Wu Huan. While the others berate him for his betrayal, Xiao Yao observes that Wu Huan is not a mere crow but a falcon who was manipulated by a bat.

Xiao Mu wants to execute the traitor, but Hong Ye shows mercy and orders him to be released, hoping Wu Huan will reflect on his misdeeds. To boost morale, Xiao Yao offers to teach the demons new spells. Xiao Mu tries to show off his newly learned "Earth Escape" technique to impress the others, but only succeeds in embarrassing himself when it fails.

Later, Xiao Ming searches through ancient texts for a way to restore Hong Ye’s power but finds nothing, grumbling about the self-destructive nature of the Heart-Burning Incantation. Hong Ye visits Wu Huan, who remains stubborn, claiming he will never betray Heiwu because the bat demon once saved him from a narrow-necked bottle. During the night, Wu Huan attempts to trick the guard Luo Luo into loosening his bindings.

When Luo Luo’s kindness is met with a sudden attack, Hong Ye intervenes, taking the blow to protect the minor demon. Hong Ye lectures the stunned Wu Huan, stating that a true leader must care for all beings equally rather than ruling through slaughter. Though Hong Ye is injured and visibly pale, he hides his pain and his search for medicine from Xiao Yao when she finds him later that night.

Xiao Yao patiently applies medicine to Hong Ye’s wounds, her heart aching as she asks why he keeps getting hurt. Hong Ye attempts to dismiss his injuries as a simple accident in the bamboo grove, but Xiao Yao reveals she already knows the truth after speaking with Luoluo. His pale face betrays his weakness, yet he stubbornly insists he can handle it, claiming that as the Demon Lord, he cannot let his people worry.

Xiao Yao is frustrated by his pride, arguing that his lingering injuries will eventually become a great burden and that his survival is essential for the demon race. When Hong Ye insists on doing things his way to avoid the guilt of her risking her life for him, a hurt Xiao Yao tells him to leave. Seeking a way to mend the situation, Hong Ye wakes Xiao Ming.

While the studious Xiao Mu suggests physical distractions like hunting or cultivation to relieve depression, the more sentimental Xiao Ming offers a different perspective. Having secretly read human plays, Xiao Ming explains that love is about supporting each other and sharing responsibilities rather than acting alone. Hong Ye begins to realize that his attempts to protect Xiao Yao by shutting her out were actually hurting her more than the truth.

Seeking to resolve internal threats, Xiao Yao challenges Wu Huan to a duel. She offers him freedom if he wins, but he must submit to her if he loses. To Wu Huan's surprise, Xiao Yao’s spiritual power has grown significantly, and she quickly defeats him. She reprimands him for using his power to harm fellow demons and reminds him that Hong Ye remains the Demon Lord because of his dedication to protecting his people.

She urges him to let go of his obsession and stop providing amusement for humans who enjoy watching demons kill one another. Later, Xiao Ming explains to Xiao Yao that Hong Ye’s heart meridian is damaged, preventing him from accessing the spiritual power still trapped within his body. However, the ancient demon texts are fragmented and difficult to piece together. Xiao Yao encourages him before returning home, where she finds Hong Ye waiting by her door.

He sincerely apologizes, admitting that losing his power made him anxious and that he fell back on a century-long habit of shouldering everything alone. He confesses his fear of her getting hurt, but Xiao Yao insists that as a couple, they must face the world together. They reconcile, their bond strengthened by newfound honesty. Their peace is short-lived as a meteor shower streaks across the sky.

While Xiao Yao admires the beauty, Hong Ye senses a dark omen; the Revelation Star has shifted, signaling a great catastrophe. Elsewhere, Bing Zhu also observes the celestial shift and prepares his men for tougher demons. During a hunt, Bing Zhu struggles against a fierce mountain demon, but Lu Pianpian secretly intervenes and kills the beast from the shadows. Bing Zhu takes the credit and presents the captured demon to the Emperor.

The Emperor, desperate for elixirs to prolong his life, grows increasingly irritable over the slow progress in finding the "Immortal Lord," forcing Bing Zhu to carefully navigate the sovereign's frantic demands. Back at the estate, Bing Zhu brushes Lu Pianpian’s hair, but the atmosphere remains cold. Lu Pianpian reveals the grim reality of her existence as a Mei; without consuming human hearts, she will age rapidly.

Haunted by the influence of the Exquisite Crystal Heart, she begs Bing Zhu and Tan'er to kill her while she still possesses her sanity, wishing to be remembered as Lu Pianpian rather than a cold-blooded spirit. Meanwhile, Ji Yan witnesses Lu Pianpian acting as the "Immortal Lord." Exploiting Heiwu’s greed, Ji Yan lures him to the palace under the guise of convincing the Emperor to recognize Heiwu as the new Demon King.

Instead, Ji Yan tricks Heiwu into a demon-refining furnace. Heiwu realizes the betrayal too late as the flames begin to refine his essence. Xiao Ming finally finds a breakthrough in the ancient texts regarding the Heart-Burning Incantation used by the Heavenly Mother. He discovers that the Sky Stone, formed during the Mother’s seal, can restore Hong Ye’s power. The stone was last seen at the West Coast, a treacherous region guarded by the greedy Treasure Swallower.

Despite the dangers of scaled dragons and storms, Xiao Yao is determined to go. Wu Huan, moved by Hong Ye’s mercy and his honesty about his own weakness, pledges his loyalty and offers to carry them to the West Coast. Hong Ye chooses to trust him, believing that an honest leader should be open about his vulnerabilities. As they prepare to depart, Luoluo brings food for the long journey, and the group sets out for the West Coast.

Xiao Ming was distraught when Hong Ye chose the traitorous Wu Huan to accompany them to the West Coast, fearing they would be betrayed once again. Deeply hurt that his help was refused, Xiao Ming declared that he would abandon the valley entirely if the group failed to return safely. Meanwhile, as Hong Ye, Xiao Yao, and Wu Huan approached their destination, they encountered a treacherous storm.

Knowing Xiao Yao was terrified of thunder, Hong Ye tenderly covered her eyes and held her close to comfort her. Upon reaching the shore, the group decided to wait for the Treasure Swallower to fall asleep before attempting to enter its lair. Guided by the beast’s thunderous snores, they found a cavern filled with an overwhelming hoard of gold and jewels.

While Xiao Yao was momentarily dazzled by the riches, Hong Ye urged her to stay focused, promising to conjure even more gold for her once his powers were restored. Hong Ye instructed Wu Huan to wait outside, telling him to flee with Xiao Yao if they encountered any danger. However, the Treasure Swallower soon sensed their presence. To distract the massive creature, Xiao Yao offered it a bag of snacks.

Although the beast enjoyed the treat, it complained that the portion was far too small. When it threatened to eat Hong Ye, Xiao Yao desperately claimed he was far too stinky to be edible—even worse than stinky tofu. She then pivoted, charming the lonely beast by telling it they had only come to play games. The Treasure Swallower, having spent centuries in isolation, was delighted. They began a game of pitch-pot, but the monster grew frustrated when it repeatedly missed.

It barked at Hong Ye to act as a servant and retrieve the arrows. To find a way to leave, Xiao Yao criticized the beast’s collection as old and broken, convincing it to let her go buy modern toys and tools to make the cave more fun. Sensing that Hong Ye was the girl’s most precious treasure, the beast agreed to let her leave while keeping him as a hostage.

While Xiao Yao was away, the monster taunted Hong Ye about his lack of spiritual power, but Hong Ye steadfastly vowed to guard Xiao Yao with his life. Xiao Yao returned with an array of new entertainment, including dice and shadow puppets. She taught the beast these games and refused any gold in return, insisting that the fun they shared was not a business transaction.

Hong Ye watched them play, feeling a childish sense of jealousy as the beast became increasingly fond of her. Later, Xiao Yao took the Treasure Swallower outside to fly kites. Experiencing the world's beauty after ages of confinement moved the beast deeply. Recognizing the duo’s sincerity and the bond they shared, the monster decided to entrust them with the Sky Stone.

Xiao Yao promised to return the stone once Hong Ye’s power was restored and to return to play with the beast again. Meanwhile, in the capital, the situation turned bloody. Heiwu managed to survive the refining furnace and escaped, slaughtering many guards during his flight. The Emperor was enraged by the Feiyu Guard’s failure to secure the Yuli Spring or contain the demon.

He issued a final imperial decree: the guards had one month to purge the kingdom of all demon threats. Failure would result in the execution of their entire clans. Back at the Demons' Valley, Hong Ye and Xiao Yao used the Sky Stone to uncover the secret of the spell.

They learned that the Heavenly Mother had once used the Heart-Burning Incantation to reverse time to the beginning of creation, seeking her younger self to reclaim her primordial spirit and restore her magic.

Xiao Ming explains the secret of the Heavenly Mother recorded on the Sky Stone. To restore her magic, she used the Heart-Burning Incantation to trigger the Time-Reversal Array, returning to the dawn of creation to retrieve her primordial spirit from her younger self. However, the stone only shows her entering the array; whether she successfully returned remains a mystery. Hong Ye notes the technique's extreme danger: travelers usually revert to an infant state, losing all memories and power.

While this renders the art useless for ordinary humans or demons, Xiao Yao realizes that as a being of both human and demon blood, she exists outside the Six Realms and can enter the array with her physical form intact. Though Xiao Yao is curious about seeing a younger Hong Ye and the legendary Princess Ning’an, Hong Ye initially refuses, fearing she may be lost in time or hurt by the secrets of his past.

Seeking answers, Xiao Yao reads a human novel to uncover Hong Ye’s history. Meanwhile, in the human realm, the Emperor orders a total war against the demon realm to mask his own selfish desires. Lu Pianpian, now fully inhabiting her role as the Dreamshard Immortal, mocks Bing Zhu for his lingering mercy.

When Bing Zhu argues that he possesses "heart and eyes" to see that not all demons are evil, Lu Pianpian cruelly reminds him that his past hesitation cost him the original Lu Pianpian. Outside, the Feiyu Guards are in a panic; the Emperor has given them only one month to exterminate the demons or face execution.

Desperate to survive and gain the power to win, the guards beg Lu Pianpian to perform a heart-swap ritual, choosing to become demons themselves rather than die as humans. Elsewhere, the villainous Heiwu plots his next move. He travels to Yunmeng Lake and deceives the ancient guardian, Demon Venerable Daimao, by pretending to carry the Demon King’s orders.

He drugs the lonely guardian with wine laced with toad venom, tricking him into revealing the keys to the ancient seal: Celestial Water, Underground Fire, and heart blood. Once the seal is broken, three ancient great demons—Qiongqi, Tengshe, and Ao Hen—are unleashed. Though Heiwu tries to command them, the trio quickly puts the "little bat" in his place.

Learning that Hong Ye is the current Demon King, the three ancient entities set out for the valley to settle a ten-thousand-year-old grudge. As the threat looms, Hong Ye finally agrees to let Xiao Yao use the Time-Reversal Array, primarily to send her to safety before the ancient demons arrive. Xiao Ming warns that he can open the portal but cannot control where or when she will land. Xiao Yao, determined to save Hong Ye, enters the ritual.

While drifting through the temporal void, she encounters a vision of the Heavenly Mother, who tells her that primordial spirits are shaped by love and hate. To restore Hong Ye’s power, Xiao Yao must collect a single "tear-essence" from him in the past. As the three ancient demons descend upon the valley, Hong Ye stays behind to hold them off alone, urging Xiao Ming to focus on the transport.

Xiao Yao eventually loses consciousness and wakes up in a luxurious palace. Looking in the mirror, she sees her own face but finds herself dressed in imperial robes. A maid enters and addresses her as "Your Highness," confirming that she has successfully traveled back one hundred years and is now living the life of Princess Ning’an.

Having been sent back a hundred years through a time-reversal formation, Xiao Yao wakes up in a lavishly decorated room. Disoriented, she wanders through the grand hall, calling out to see if anyone is there. Catching her reflection in a mirror, she is struck by her own beauty, eventually realizing that she has inhabited the body of Princess Ning'an. Her maid, Mocui, arrives to serve lunch and inadvertently fills in the gaps of her new identity.

Xiao Yao learns that Ning'an is a deeply unfavored princess, born of a lowly maid and regarded as a "jinx" by the court. Because she had previously spoken in defense of the demon kind, the Emperor became livid and confined her to her quarters, Yong'an Palace. Xiao Yao initially thinks being a princess will make her mission easier, but she soon finds herself trapped by heavy security.

Determined to find Hong Ye, she tricks Mocui into a clothes swap, intending to sneak out in a maid’s uniform. However, as she emerges, the palace erupts in chaos with cries that the Demon King has arrived. She witnesses Hong Ye easily overpowering the Feiyu Guards, but realizes with a pang of sadness that, in this era, he has no idea who she is. To avoid trouble, she quickly retreats to her bedchamber.

Back in her room, Xiao Yao hears a commotion and discovers Hong Ye has broken in. He is there specifically to retrieve the Fuxi Zither, a sacred artifact of the demons that is currently in her possession. When Hong Ye prepares to leave with the instrument, Xiao Yao clings to him, begging him to stay. She plays on his sympathy, claiming she is a lonely princess with no one to talk to, isolated by her own family.

Their conversation is interrupted when the Feiyu Guards arrive to search the premises, suspecting the Demon King is hiding there. Mocui tries to stall them, but the guards, emboldened by the Princess’s lack of status, force their way in. Xiao Yao maintains her composure, scolding them for their insolence. Finding nothing, the guards are forced to leave, though they find it strange that the Princess chose the middle of the night to play her zither.

Once the coast is clear, Xiao Yao releases Hong Ye from his hiding spot. Recalling the Heavenly Mother’s instructions that she needs a "tear-essence" from Hong Ye to restore his future self’s magic power, she begins a series of increasingly desperate attempts to make him cry. When she asks for a single tear, Hong Ye is baffled, claiming he has never wept in thousands of years, even in the face of catastrophe.

Xiao Yao tries to make him peel onions, but he handles them with freakish stoicism, not shedding a single drop. Refusing to give up, Xiao Yao decides to win him over with a meal. She heads to the Imperial Kitchen, where the terrified chefs kneel before her. Under her direction, they prepare a bowl of noodles enriched with eel and shrimp, into which she piles an excessive amount of spicy peppers, hoping the heat will sting his eyes.

Hong Ye enjoys the human delicacy, finding the seasoning perfect, yet he finishes every last bite without a single tear. She even tries using a foreign snuff powder known to make anyone’s eyes water, but that too fails against the Demon King. As a final resort, Xiao Yao suggests they celebrate their new friendship with wine. While Hong Ye proves to be a legendary drinker who cannot be intoxicated, Xiao Yao quickly becomes drunk.

In her hazy state, she sees him not as a stranger, but as the man she loves. Noticing a breeze, she forgets his strength and instinctively moves to shield him, worried that his lack of spiritual energy will make him susceptible to the cold. She begins to pour her heart out, describing him as a "fake" stoic who hides his heart behind layers of defensive barriers because he is afraid of disappointment and loss.

She tells him that an "old demon" like him should embrace the world's beauty and emotions, both joy and sorrow, to truly be whole. Stunned by her words, Hong Ye looks at her with a new sense of wonder, marveling at how a human princess could possibly understand the deepest, most guarded parts of his soul.

Xiao Yao, still under the influence of alcohol, pointed to Hong Ye’s heart and claimed to see the three layers of his personality: duplicity, insincerity, and a stubborn obsession with saving face. She urged him to live more freely as an "old demon" and enjoy life's fulfillment. Hong Ye was struck by her insight, questioning if she was truly the human princess, Ning’an.

Xiao Yao admitted she had changed and now possessed a strong desire to protect the people she cared about. Growing weary of Ning’an’s previous attempts to sneak out of the palace, the Emperor issued a decree. He branded her behavior a poor example and ordered her into strict confinement to study ancient texts and practice swordsmanship. Xiao Yao found the daily routine incredibly stifling.

Seeing her boredom, Hong Ye brought her a branch of plum blossoms from a frozen forest, noting that their fragrance thrived despite the bitter cold. Xiao Yao tried to use the opportunity to elicit a "tear essence" from him by reading the tragic legend of "Liang Shanbo and Zhu Yingtai". Although she was moved to tears by the story, Hong Ye remained indifferent, dismissively claiming the book was merely a human fabrication.

During her mandatory sword practice, Xiao Yao faced an instructor who mocked her lack of progress. Dropping the facade of a frail princess, she used her actual combat skills to easily overwhelm and terrify him, forcing the instructor to flee to the imperial physicians in a panic. When Xiao Yao nearly slipped during the exchange, Hong Ye instinctively caught her sword with his bare hand to steady her.

Xiao Yao was horrified by his recklessness, scolding him for using his flesh to stop a blade. Though Hong Ye insisted his spiritual power protected him, he was touched by her genuine concern. The palace maids noticed that the princess had become much more vibrant since she started spending time alone in her chambers. While Xiao Yao and Hong Ye were watching a beautiful sunset from the palace roof, they were discovered by the Feiyu Guards.

To protect Xiao Yao from being implicated in his trespass, Hong Ye played the part of the villain, pretending to take the princess hostage. He threatened to kill her if the guards moved, effectively forcing a standoff that allowed them to escape the palace together. In the aftermath, a guard named Wang Hong took advantage of the Emperor’s fury. He proposed a plan to expand the Feiyu Guard and hunt down the demon lair.

The Emperor promoted Wang Hong to Deputy Demon Slayer, giving him a one-month deadline to clear the demon threat and rescue the princess. Now free from her confinement, Xiao Yao enjoyed a blissful day with Hong Ye in a secluded plum garden. They engaged in a playful snow fight and built a snowman together. Hong Ye insisted on giving the snowman horns, calling it a "Snow Demon" to make it look more intimidating.

As a parting gift, he used his magic to plant a plum blossom mark on Xiao Yao, promising it would never wither and would allow him to find her anywhere. Xiao Yao cherished the day, noting that it was likely the happiest day the princess had ever known. The duo eventually made their way into the city, where Xiao Yao introduced Hong Ye to human delicacies like candy figurines and plum cakes.

She spoke of her hope for a world where humans and demons could live in peace, suggesting that most ordinary people simply wanted stability. However, their outing was shattered by news of a demon attack. They followed the commotion to a clinic where a servant named Liu had allegedly gone mad and murdered the mistress. Nearby, the Jin family claimed their son's bride had been snatched away by a demon on their wedding night.

Sensing a mystery, Xiao Yao and Hong Ye made a bet to see who could uncover the truth behind their respective cases first. Xiao Yao visited the clinic and confronted Dr. Zhang. She sat for a consultation and claimed her "conscience" had gone missing. She then exposed the doctor's secret: he had risen from a lowly street doctor only through the support of his wealthy father-in-law.

To protect his status after his wife discovered his affair with his father-in-law’s concubine, Dr. Zhang had systematically drugged his servant, Liu, with a tonic designed to cause hallucinations. He then locked the unstable servant in a room with his wife, leading to the fatal tragedy which he blamed on a demon. Xiao Yao produced the incriminating prescription and berated him for his heartless betrayal.

Meanwhile, Hong Ye won his part of the bet by finding the missing bride, Xiao Cui. She revealed that she had never been kidnapped; instead, she had conspired with the Jin family to fake her disappearance. Desperate to escape a family that only valued sons, she sought a life of freedom in spiritual cultivation. Xiao Yao and Hong Ye then confronted the Jin family as they prepared to flee the city with the bride's dowry.

The Jins were terrified, assuming the pair were immortal demon hunters. However, Hong Ye revealed he knew their true identities as chipmunk demons. Rather than punishing them, he affirmed his role as the Monarch of All Demons, declaring his duty was to protect the safety of his own kind.

Xiao Yao and Hong Ye are surprised to discover that Jin Jr. and his entire family are actually chipmunk demons. The parents plead for mercy, explaining that their peaceful life was destroyed by humans a decade ago. In the chaos, they were separated from their son, who was eventually sold and kept as a pet by the wealthy Xu family. They waited years for the Xu family to move so they could bypass the demon-repelling talismans and rescue him.

However, they found that Jin Jr. had lost his memory of being a demon and believed himself to be human. To survive in the human world and provide for him, they helped a mistreated girl, Xiao Cui, fake her death and used her dowry as a "succession fee," allowing the blame for the incident to fall on the demon race. To break Jin Jr.’

s obsession with his human identity, Xiao Yao discovers that the Xu family has moved to Dengzhou. Upon arriving at the Xu Residence during a grand wedding, Jin Jr. reunites with his childhood friend, Tai, who is now the groom. Heartbreakingly, Tai denies knowing Jin Jr. , claiming he was raised under strict supervision and never had playmates. Feeling discarded like a forgotten pet, Jin Jr. prepares to leave with his parents.

However, Xiao Yao bets Hong Ye that true bonds endure. Her faith is rewarded when Tai suddenly rushes out to call Jin Jr.’ s name, confessing that he never forgot him. Tai reveals that when his father forbade him from taking the chipmunk during their move, he had filled the cage with nuts and chestnuts, hoping his "brother" would find the strength to survive on his own. With his heart finally at peace, Jin Jr. accepts his true identity.

Hong Ye decides to lead the family to Demon’s Valley, a hidden sanctuary protected by ancient barriers. As they enter, Xiao Yao exhibits a startling familiarity with the place, noting that except for two bridges, nothing has changed in a hundred years. She recognizes spirit herbs like the Zhuyu plant, which can ward off hunger for seven days.

She even surprises Hong Ye by mentioning she once knew a bamboo spirit who was the very first of its kind to achieve human form. To avoid causing a stir among the other inhabitants, Xiao Yao pretends to be a small snake demon that Hong Ye rescued from the human realm. They visit the "Moon-Gazing Terrace," a school where young demons are taught by a teacher named the King of Eight Plates.

While exploring, they meet Xiao Ming and Xiao Mu, two brothers who share a single body and two souls. Xiao Ming, the cheerful soul, explains that Xiao Mu had sacrificed his life during a massive heavenly tribulation to save him, and Hong Ye had arrived just in time to stabilize their spirits and teach them how to cultivate. While Xiao Ming befriends Xiao Yao, internal trouble brews.

The ambitious Hei Wu has been spreading rumors that the Demon Monarch is neglecting his people to consort with humans. Hei Wu returns to the elders at Youning Cave with "trophies" from hunting humans to gain favor and discredit Hong Ye’s leadership. Urged by Xiao Ming, Hong Ye heads to the cave to confront the growing dissent and protect the valley’s stability.

Heiwu was busy sowing seeds of discord among the demon elders, spreading malicious rumors that their leader, Hong Ye, was neglecting the demon race's interests. He was mid-sentence when Hong Ye suddenly returned, forcing Heiwu to quickly change his tune. Faking enthusiasm, Heiwu asked if the Demon Lord had brought back any sacred demon relics from the human realm. Hong Ye coldly rebuffed the inquiry, stating his movements were none of Heiwu’s business.

Undeterred, Heiwu claimed he was asking on behalf of the elders, citing rumors that Hong Ye had become far too intimate with the human race. The elders warned Hong Ye that he was chosen to revitalize the demon race and resist human aggression, cautioning that if the rumors were proven true, they would not be able to shield him. Meanwhile, Xiao Yao sought to learn more about Hong Ye. She questioned Xiao Ming about his true form and age.

Xiao Ming admitted that while his true form remained a mystery—with rumors ranging from him being born from a stone to being a descendant of the ancient dragon race—his rise to power was legendary. Hong Ye had once been incredibly weak, but to prove his worthiness to the old Demon King’s legacy, he had endured the agony of breaking and rebuilding all his meridians. This process transformed him into the most powerful demon of their time.

Despite his strength, Xiao Ming noted that Hong Ye was profoundly lonely, often seen staring at the moon as if waiting for someone. Heartbroken by this image, Xiao Ming and Xiao Mu had resolved to stay by his side, filling his silence with their constant chatter to make him feel less isolated. As they walked through the woods, Xiao Yao discovered a hidden prison.

Inside, she found several humans, including a guard named Wang Hong and a group of young children intended as sacrifices. Wang Hong begged for mercy, even offering to gouge out his own eyes to prove he wouldn't speak of the valley. Xiao Yao was horrified to learn that humans were often kept as food for the great demons.

When she asked Xiao Ming if Hong Ye had ever eaten a human, Xiao Ming gave a vague answer, suggesting that after thousands of years, it wouldn't be surprising. Disturbed, Xiao Yao tricked Xiao Ming into letting her be alone by claiming she needed to relieve herself, using the opportunity to release the prisoners. She urged Wang Hong to tell the human Emperor that demons and humans were not so different and should pursue a path of coexistence.

Trouble soon followed when Wu Huan arrived to collect the sacrifices for a ceremony. Finding the cells empty, he confronted Xiao Ming. To protect Xiao Yao, Xiao Ming claimed he had grown starving and eaten all four humans himself. Heiwu used this confession to trap Hong Ye, arguing that Xiao Ming was destroying evidence of Hong Ye's collusion with the human royal family.

Hong Ye accepted the responsibility for his subordinate's "actions," opting to endure the punishment of lightning to appease the elders and end Heiwu's schemes. From a distance, Xiao Yao witnessed the terrifying display of lightning hitting the valley and realized Hong Ye was being punished. She rushed back to find him severely injured.

When she questioned him about his past, Hong Ye admitted that while he had killed many in battle, he had never committed the act of eating a human. Xiao Yao then led the remaining humans to the Chenxiang Sea to send them home. Before they parted, Hong Ye confessed his deep love for her, telling her she was the only one who had ever shown him a different side of the world.

He promised that even if she were to change or pass away, he would find her in her next life. Upon their return to the human realm, they were immediately met with betrayal. Wang Hong, the guard Xiao Yao had saved, had fabricated a story for the Emperor, claiming he had narrowly escaped a demon trap. He led the Feiyu Guard in an ambush at Yong'an Palace, intending to kill the weakened Hong Ye for a title.

To stop the slaughter, Xiao Yao boldly claimed she was carrying Hong Ye’s child, warning that killing him would mean killing her as well. Just as the conflict reached a boiling point, an imperial decree arrived, summoning the Princess and the Demon Lord to a private audience. In the royal study, the Emperor presented himself as a remorseful father. He apologized for his years of neglect, explaining that he had distanced himself to protect Xiao Yao from the court’s scrutiny.

He then revealed a shocking secret: Xiao Yao’s mother had actually been a demon. He recounted their forbidden love and her tragic death during childbirth, admitting that he had only kept Xiao Yao in the palace by promising the court she would eventually be married off to a frontier land. Seeing history repeating itself, the Emperor surprisingly offered his blessing for them to marry, hoping to unite the two races. However, he had one final request: he asked Hong Ye to find the ancient Kunlun Mirror to help achieve a lasting peace.

Hong Ye escorted Xiao Yao, who was now living as Princess Ning’an, back to the imperial palace. Heartened by the Emperor's apparent desire for peace, Hong Ye listened as the monarch proposed a royal marriage between the Demon King and the Princess to symbolize a new era of harmony. To solidify this union and grant both races eternal life, the Emperor requested that Hong Ye retrieve the ancient Kunlun Mirror to reach the Yuli Spring.

Driven by his devotion to Ning’an and the Emperor's appeal for them to share a long life together, Hong Ye readily agreed to the quest. As the wedding neared, Xiao Yao received lavish gifts from the court, including the Luoshui Goddess painting and fine silks.

However, her joy was overshadowed by a chilling memory from a history book: in the year 248 of Tiansheng, Princess Ning’an had allegedly lured the demon Hong Ye into a trap, sacrificing her own life to kill him. This sense of dread intensified when the Emperor led her to the ancestral hall. There, his facade of benevolence shattered. He spoke of a legacy built on demon blood and revealed that he had personally killed her mother—a demoness—immediately after Ning'an's birth.

The Emperor demanded that Xiao Yao kill Hong Ye to prove her loyalty and "cleanse" her bloodline. When she indignantly refused, he surreptitiously placed a puppet talisman, crafted by a Heavenly Master, on her back. This allowed him to override her will and use her as a tool in his scheme. Upon his return with the Kunlun Mirror, Hong Ye became suspicious of the Emperor’s greed. He refused to hand over the mirror until he saw Ning’an.

A brutal ambush followed, and Hong Ye was forced to face the puppet-controlled Xiao Yao. Under the talisman’s influence, she denounced him as a scourge and claimed their love was merely a ploy to weaken him. Trapped within the Eight Yang Formation and tortured by Pipa Hooks, a weakened Hong Ye asked if she had ever truly loved him. Controlled by the spell, she replied "Never" and identified herself only as Princess Ning'an.

Heartbroken, Hong Ye chose to dissipate into golden light, leaving behind only his robes and a single tear-essence. As the talisman fell away, Xiao Yao collapsed in grief. The Emperor’s triumph was short-lived as the Kunlun Mirror vanished before he could seize it. In a rage, he ordered his armies to slaughter every remaining demon. Guided by the tear-essence, Xiao Yao’s consciousness traveled through time, leading her to the profound realization that she and Ning'an were the same soul.

In the present timeline, Lu Pianpian—now the Dreamshard Immortal—had used Shadow Poison to link her mind with Tan'er, monitoring Bing Zhu’s progress at the Demons' Valley. As Bing Zhu faced a crowd of displaced refugees, the powerful demons Ao Hen, Tengshe, and Qiongqi appeared, eager to take revenge on Hong Ye for the ten thousand years they spent sealed away.

The three ancient beasts—Qiongqi, Tengshe, and Ao Hen—confronted Hong Ye with a ten-thousand-year-old grudge, eager to inflict a torturous death for his past role in their imprisonment. Qiongqi dismissed a quick execution as too merciful, while Tengshe suggested flaying him to fashion a kickball, and Ao Hen proposed slicing his flesh into paper-thin layers. As the three bickered over who should strike first, Hong Ye stood defenseless.

Meanwhile, outside the valley, the human commander Bing Zhu remained indifferent to his mounting casualties, focusing solely on breaching the barrier. He ruthlessly ordered his men to pivot their attack toward a weakness to the southwest, threatening immediate execution for any deserters while promising pensions only to those who fell in battle. Just as the beasts prepared to descend upon Hong Ye, Xiao Yao arrived in a brilliant pillar of light.

Having finally understood the magnitude of Hong Ye’s past sacrifices, she returned his primordial spirit through the tear-essence she had been carrying. This restoration of power left the beasts and the traitorous Heiwu in shock. Tengshe, acting with a possessive protectiveness, demanded Hong Ye release the woman he called "Sister."

While Xiao Yao was baffled by their familiarity and her own lack of memory regarding their history, the beasts were visibly irritated that she seemed only to remember Hong Ye after so many centuries. Recognizing the dire state of Demons' Valley, Hong Ye and Xiao Yao urged the ancient beings to set aside their grudges. Xiao Yao appealed to their pride, questioning if such powerful creatures truly intended to harm their own kind while the demon race faced extinction.

Though the beasts initially mocked the current demons for being cornered by "mere humans," they were moved by her plea. After briefly repairing a breach in the sky barrier, the three fierce beasts unleashed their immense power on the human army, turning the tide of the battle and rescuing Xiao Mu and the other retreating demons. Lu Pianpian, sensing the shifting momentum and the danger to Bing Zhu, signaled for Tan'er to evacuate him from the field.

As the human army fled, Ao Hen attempted to settle the score with Hong Ye once more, but Xiao Yao stepped firmly between them. She declared that any challenge to Hong Ye would have to go through her first, a stance that Tengshe immediately supported. Frustrated, Ao Hen mocked Qiongqi for his simple-mindedness in the face of Xiao Yao's protection of their rival.

In the aftermath, Heiwu sought out Bing Zhu to secure his own survival, cunningly framing Hong Ye for the recent chaos. He claimed the Demon King had murdered the protector Daimao to release the ancient beasts and was now using Xiao Yao to manipulate them. Meanwhile, in the imperial palace, Lu Pianpian confronted the Emperor, blaming his greed and the consumption of demon pills for the awakening of the fierce beasts.

Internally, however, she was fighting a different battle; she felt the spirit of the real Suimeng Immortal Lord attempting to consume her soul. Fearing she would lose herself, she turned to Bing Zhu and asked him to fulfill three wishes. For the first, she requested he carve her a wooden doll representing how she looked the day they first met, a memory she feared was fading.

Back in the valley, Ao Hen continued to test Xiao Yao’s resolve, suggesting that Hong Ye’s death might be the only way for the demon kind to truly prosper. Xiao Yao refused to listen, insisting that Hong Ye had exhausted himself for the sake of his people. Seeing her devotion, Ao Hen left her with a warning that her protection would not last forever. Tengshe, ever eager to please, brought Xiao Yao gifts and attempted to flatter her. When Xiao Yao asked him to stop calling her "Sister," he misinterpreted it as an invitation to pursue her romantically, leaving her thoroughly startled.

Xiao Yao grows increasingly frustrated with the constant bickering between the three ancient demons: Ao Hen, Qiong Qi, and Teng She. When they argue over who is best suited to teach her how to restore her spiritual power, she shuts them down, telling them that if they have so much excess energy, they should use it to help rebuild Demons’ Valley instead. Chastened, the three surprisingly agree and set off to repair the valley's barriers.

As they work, the trio inadvertently begins to charm the local inhabitants. A demon named Bamboo becomes infatuated with Ao Hen, admiring his refined and "classical" beauty. Meanwhile, Qiong Qi’s display of strength attracts Wu Huan and other young demons who are eager to learn how to protect their home. Qiong Qi subjects them to a grueling physical regimen, teaching them the harsh philosophy that power is the only truth.

Nearby, Teng She interacts with a pig demon named Luoluo, who offers him human treats like sugarcane. Teng She challenges Luoluo to a game of "Ju"—a form of cuju—forbidding the use of magic. To Teng She's shock, the clumsy-looking Luoluo wins the game. When granted a wish for his victory, Luoluo simply asks for a friend, a request that moves the ancient demon.

Despite the positive energy the newcomers bring to the valley, Xiao Mu and Xiao Ming remain suspicious, fearing their leader Hong Ye is being overshadowed. Hong Ye, however, remains composed until he discovers Xiao Yao is baking flower pastries for the three demons as a reward. Admitting his jealousy, Hong Ye confesses his fear that even with his great power, he might lose her to them. Reassured by her, he eventually accompanies her to deliver the treats.

The delivery quickly devolves into a confrontation. When Xiao Yao mentions that she and Hong Ye made the pastries together, the demons are outraged. Qiong Qi is particularly incensed, unable to comprehend how Xiao Yao can protect Hong Ye while forgetting their shared past. Teng She continues his flirtatious "brotherly" act, but Xiao Yao firmly tells him to stop calling her "sister."

To settle the matter, Hong Ye announces that he and Xiao Yao are to consummate their marriage that night. Xiao Yao supports him, explaining they have been married for a hundred years and that the pastries are actually their wedding cakes. Disgusted and feeling betrayed, the three demons spit out the food. Meanwhile, Lu Pianpian’s condition is worsening.

Deprived of human essence, she is visibly aging and finds herself embroiled in a petty power struggle between the Eastern and Western Palaces. A maid named Yanlan tries to manipulate her by presenting jewelry intended for the elderly, a subtle insult from a rival concubine. Lu Pianpian’s temper flares, but she is horrified to see the cruel reflection of the Immortal Lord Suimeng in her own behavior, fearing she is losing her true self.

Back in Demons’ Valley, the wedding ceremony proceeds with the local demons offering their blessings. In the bridal chamber, Hong Ye presents Xiao Yao with a fragment of the Kunlun Mirror known as "Love and Separation," declaring that his century-long obsession is finally fulfilled. While Xiao Mu and Xiao Ming stay busy chasing away eavesdroppers, the three ancient demons realize that Xiao Yao will never listen to their warnings as long as her memories are suppressed.

They decide to occupy Youning Cave and combine their powers to cast the Time-Reversal Array, intending to force her to witness Hong Ye’s true face and the betrayals of ten thousand years ago. The next morning, as Hong Ye prepares a simple bowl of noodles for Xiao Yao, their peaceful future is interrupted. Xiao Mu rushes in to report that the three demons have activated a massive spell in the cave. Xiao Yao and Hong Ye hurry to the scene, finding the trio mid-ritual, determined to force a final confrontation with the truth of the past.

Xiao Yao and Hong Ye arrived at the cave only to find that Qiong Qi, Ao Hen, and Teng She had already activated the Time-Reversal Array. The three ancient demons intended to use their combined spiritual power to send Xiao Yao back ten thousand years, insisting that she witness the truth of the past before making a final choice between them and Hong Ye.

Despite Xiao Yao’s steadfast declaration that she would choose Hong Ye even ten thousand times over, the demons remained determined. Teng She, fearing she was being deceived by her current path, even performed a blood oath to prove they harbored no ill will, swearing he would face utter annihilation if he were lying. Hong Ye warned of the extreme danger, noting that Xiao Yao’s previous trip back only a century had nearly cost her everything.

However, Ao Hen dismissed his concerns, stating they could easily kill Hong Ye but refrained only to avoid earning Xiao Yao's resentment. He even offered that if Xiao Yao still held the same beliefs after her journey, they would willingly be sealed away by her again. Seeing their resolve, Xiao Yao agreed to go but commanded them to protect Hong Ye and Demons' Valley from any human attacks in her absence.

Even as the Heavenly Mother appeared to urge her to stay, Xiao Yao’s mind was set. With the support of Hong Ye and the three demons, she stepped into the light of the array. Xiao Yao awoke ten thousand years in the past, discovering she was immensely wealthy and possessed boundless magic power. While testing her new abilities, she happened upon a man who looked exactly like Hong Ye.

To her shock, this Hong Ye was a mortal human who trembled with fear at the sight of her. In this era, the human race was considered lowly, repeatedly enslaved and bullied by the demon tribes. This Hong Ye was defiant, claiming he would rather die than be captured and eaten. Xiao Yao, saddened by the deep-seated hatred between their races, clarified that she had actually saved his life and had no intention of hurting him.

Though he remained suspicious, she allowed him to leave. Shortly after, Long Zhi arrived and celebrated Xiao Yao’s successful transition after her heavenly tribulation. Xiao Yao had attained the true form of the Azure Dragon, a legendary status that made her the pinnacle of the dragon clan, which followed a strict hierarchy from snakes and pythons up to winged dragons.

As an Azure Dragon, she was just one step away from becoming a Holy Dragon and ascending to the celestial realm. Feigning memory loss from the tribulation, Xiao Yao listened as Long Zhi explained their power. When Long Zhi offered a congratulatory gift, Xiao Yao asked for "humans," which Long Zhi found amusingly lowly, though she promised to provide hundreds of human slaves for her to use as she pleased.

A rare annular solar eclipse soon darkened the sky, a phenomenon Long Zhi claimed was the heavens acknowledging the birth of the Azure Dragon. She noted that many demons who relied on sunlight for cultivation, like the Qiong Qi clan, would be weakened, potentially allowing rivals like Ao Hen to strike. Xiao Yao went to investigate and found Ao Hen and Qiong Qi locked in battle.

Qiong Qi’s tribe was desperately praying for the Sun God’s protection, while Ao Hen was using treacherous means to eliminate his rival. Xiao Yao intervened, using her overwhelming power to stop the fight and scolding Ao Hen for his habit of taking advantage of others. After the conflict, Qiong Qi spoke with Xiao Yao about their shared history.

He recalled her as a mischievous young dragon who once tricked him into a fight with a Treasure Swallower just so she could go sunbathe. Qiong Qi then confessed he had loved her for thousands of years and proposed a duel; if he won, she would belong to him. Xiao Yao used her status as an Azure Dragon to brush him off, explaining her purpose was to protect all living beings, not to engage in petty brawls.

She defeated him easily, leading Qiong Qi to realize the vast gap between them. He vowed to one day become the Demon King, believing only a ruler of all demons would be worthy of standing beside her. Later, Teng She approached Xiao Yao with a rare gift of Lantern Grass from Mount Kunlun, which bloomed for only a single moment every thousand years. As the flowers bloomed, he asked if she would finally be his partner.

Xiao Yao gently rejected him, stating her heart was already taken. Teng She laughed it off, claiming it was his 999th rejection and that he was only joking, though his sadness was evident. Xiao Yao comforted him, calling him her brother and promising to always be there for him. Xiao Yao then encountered Ao Hen, who had been hiding nearby. She noticed he was injured and kindly helped bandage his wounds, a gesture that moved the cold demon.

She criticized his method of stealing spiritual power from minor demons, telling him that true cultivation was about refining one's mind. She spoke of a powerful demon she knew who protected a valley through peace and diligent practice, urging Ao Hen to find a more righteous path. As time passed, the world seemed more peaceful under the influence of the Azure Dragon. When her birthday approached, a Jiao dragon named Long Yu suggested a grand celebration.

Xiao Yao, however, only wanted a simple bowl of noodle soup. To her disappointment, she learned that noodles had not yet been invented in this era. Feeling a wave of nostalgia and longing, Xiao Yao went to the shore where she had first arrived, looking out over the water and wishing that she could soon see Hong Ye again.

Standing by the shore where she first arrived in the past, Xiao Yao closed her eyes and made a silent wish to see Hong Ye again. Her solitude was soon interrupted by Ao Hen, who claimed he was merely passing by. He approached her to express his gratitude for her help in bandaging his wounds, presenting her with a mermaid pearl as a token of thanks.

He explained that the pearl possessed great life energy and could serve as a safeguard in times of crisis. Xiao Yao immediately saw through his stoic demeanor, noting the convenience of him "happening" to be there on her birthday with a gift that fit her perfectly.

Though Ao Hen stubbornly insisted he only acted out of a sense of debt and that they were not close enough for a deliberate birthday present, he couldn't fully hide his reaction as Xiao Yao accepted the gift and thanked him. Upon returning to the Dragon Palace, Xiao Yao was greeted by Qiongqi, who had brought an array of formidable weapons to celebrate her birthday.

He showcased the Heaven-Shattering Hammer, forged from a meteor, the Adamant Shield made of Que Mountain crystal, and the Golden Chiming Spear. Long Zhi teased him, remarking that such unrefined gifts were likely why he couldn't win Xiao Yao’s heart. Xiao Yao, feeling overwhelmed by Qiongqi’s constant chatter, decided to test a legendary bow said to be left behind by Hou Yi.

As she channeled her spiritual power into the bowstring, she released a powerful shot that nearly struck Tengshe as he arrived. Tengshe had brought wine to fulfill their promise of enjoying the best food and drinks together. However, the gathering soon devolved into a bickering match between Qiongqi and Tengshe, with both sides trading insults and mocking each other's status.

Exasperated by their behavior, Xiao Yao finally dismissed them, challenging them to find something truly unique and unseen if they wished to give her a real gift. Seeking to provide a grander entertainment, Long Zhi presented a "gift" consisting of captured humans. She revealed that a hundred humans had been forced to fight until only three remained, claiming that serving the Dragon Lord was their highest honor. Among these survivors was Hong Ye.

Seizing a moment of proximity, Hong Ye attempted to assassinate Xiao Yao but was quickly intercepted by an elder. Despite the shock of his actions, Xiao Yao felt a deep concern for him. She personally carried the unconscious Hong Ye to her own bed and channeled her spiritual power to stabilize him. Her actions baffled Long Zhi and the others, who could not understand why she would show such care for a "lowly" human.

While Hong Ye recovered, Xiao Yao personally tended to him, feeling that she could finally protect him just as he had once protected her. The palace servants were equally confused by Xiao Yao's decision to yield her bedchamber to a human while she moved to a side hall. When Hong Ye finally regained consciousness, his immediate reaction was one of hostility.

He spoke of his deep hatred for the demon kind, who forced humans to slaughter one another for their amusement. Xiao Yao did not retaliate but urged him to focus on his recovery, suggesting that his unfinished business was a sufficient reason to stay alive. She began to understand the weight of his perspective, finding his current situation mirrored her own experiences when she first entered Demons' Valley.

Despite her protection, Hong Ye initially refused her care and sought to leave, but Xiao Yao insisted he stay until his wounds were fully healed. She issued a stern decree to her followers: from that day forward, no one was to belittle or harm humans, and Hong Ye was to be treated with the same respect as herself.

When Hong Ye presented her with pearl powder he had prepared to nourish her skin, the gesture was misinterpreted by Long Yu, who struck the man. Xiao Yao immediately intervened, wounding Long Yu to teach him that her rules were absolute. She then confronted Hong Ye about his repeated attempts on her life.

He admitted that he had initially viewed her actions as a form of humiliation, but seeing her turn against her own kind to protect him caused his resentment to fade. Xiao Yao later spoke with Long Yu, explaining that her duty as an Azure Dragon was to protect all living beings—not just dragons. This insight motivated Long Yu to focus on his own cultivation with a new perspective. As Hong Ye’s strength returned, Xiao Yao accompanied him on a walk.

While listening to the sea through a conch shell, Hong Ye revealed that he was a human prince. He shared that a deity had once revealed the existence of the Yuli Spring on a celestial mountain, which could grant humans immortality and free them from the oppression of demons. His people had built a ship to search for the spring, but a tsunami had destroyed their vessel and led to their encounter on the shore.

Realizing the importance of this quest, Xiao Yao requested her companions, Long Zhi and Long Yu, to assist in searching for the hidden mountain. During a quiet moment on a boat, Xiao Yao told Hong Ye that he was her destined husband according to a divine vision. Although Hong Ye felt he could not prioritize personal feelings while his people were suffering, he instinctively shielded Xiao Yao during a sudden surge of waves.

His selflessness, despite his lack of spiritual power, deeply moved Xiao Yao. She found it impossible to believe he was the villain her friends from the future had described. Later, at a deserted fishing village, Hong Ye prepared soup for her, and Xiao Yao taught him how to make noodles. As she watched him work in the modest kitchen, she felt a profound sense of peace and happiness.

Xiao Yao and Hong Ye continue their peaceful life together, finding simple joy in the kitchen. As they prepare a meal of noodles, Hong Ye is so impressed by the flavor that he vows to share the recipe with the human race once he returns. Xiao Yao is struck by a sense of deja vu, realizing that in this timeline, they are the original inventors of the dish.

To show her gratitude to the local villagers for providing ingredients, she uses her magic to create a bounty of pearls for them. While the villagers are overjoyed, Xiao Yao feels a deep sense of contentment. Meanwhile, the search for the celestial mountain remains fruitless. Long Zhi reports that they have scoured the islands but found no sign of the legendary spring.

Xiao Yao reassures her that a celestial mountain cannot be found easily and decides to seek clues from other clans. Soon after, Qiong Qi arrives at the Dragon Palace with a late birthday gift for Xiao Yao: a group of small, magical spirits he found on Mount Zhaoyao. Although he is slightly discouraged to find that Xiao Yao already recognizes them, she explains that these beings thrive in cold, dark groves and that the underwater environment is unsuitable for them.

Accompanied by Qiong Qi, Xiao Yao returns the spirits to Mount Zhaoyao and establishes a protective barrier to ensure they can thrive in peace. Back at the palace, Long Yu returns from a scouting mission severely injured by a pair of Bi Yi birds on a deserted island. While Long Zhi scolds him for his recklessness, Hong Ye steps forward to offer assistance.

Long Zhi is initially dismissive of a human's help, but she is surprised by the professional manner in which Hong Ye applies the ambergris. During the treatment, Hong Ye mentions the Yuli Spring on the celestial mountain, noting its waters can grant immortality to humans and significantly boost the cultivation of demons. This mention of power catches Long Yu’s interest, but Long Zhi, who is dreading her upcoming tribulation, loses her temper and leaves.

Hong Ye advises the young dragon that the best way to manage fear is to focus on the necessity of the task at hand. As Xiao Yao prepares to head out with Qiong Qi, the latter is annoyed that Hong Ye fails to kneel before the Dragon Lord, but Xiao Yao quickly dismisses the formality.

Before departing, she entrusts Hong Ye with the string of mermaid pearls she previously received from Ao Hen, strictly instructing him to keep them on his person for protection. She asks Long Yu and Long Zhi to look after him in her absence. Later, Long Yu takes Hong Ye flying through the sky to return him to the human realm.

Experiencing flight, Hong Ye realizes that Xiao Yao’s previous insistence on rowing a boat was merely a pretense to test him or spend time together. During their journey, Long Yu explains the significance of the Dragon Essence Pearl, a relic where dragons pray before facing their tribulations. Hong Ye observes that this practice is remarkably similar to how humans pray before their own deities. The journey is suddenly interrupted by a violent magical storm.

Long Yu struggles against the crashing waves and lightning, but when the chaos subsides, Hong Ye has vanished. Realizing that a powerful demon must have abducted him, Xiao Yao becomes frantic. She catches Teng She spying on her and demands help. Teng She brings out the Mist Pearl, a vine serpent clan treasure that can reveal the location of those one is thinking of.

Upon looking into the pearl, Xiao Yao sees Hong Ye at Mount Qingyuan, the territory of the Ao Hen Clan. Teng She questions why Xiao Yao cares so much for a "lowly human," but Xiao Yao firmly declares that Hong Ye is her chosen husband and she will not tolerate any harm coming to him. At Mount Qingyuan, Ao Hen reveals his deep-seated jealousy. He is insulted that Hong Ye is wearing the mermaid pearls he gave to Xiao Yao.

To break Hong Ye's spirit, Ao Hen rounds up a group of human captives. He demands that Hong Ye crawl on the ground and use his mouth to bring obsidian stones to his feet; for every stone brought, one human life will be spared. Despite the humiliation, Hong Ye kneels to save his people. However, Ao Hen remains ruthless and kills a captive anyway. Hong Ye, realizing that Ao Hen is motivated by envy, stands his ground.

He admits that he once felt unworthy of the noble Azure Dragon, but Xiao Yao’s genuine affection has proven he is the better man. He tells Ao Hen that while the demon only knows how to hurt the weak, Xiao Yao will remember Hong Ye forever even if he dies. Xiao Yao arrives at the cave, her fury palpable as she demands Hong Ye’s release.

Ao Hen finally confesses his long-standing, hidden love for her, explaining that he tried to become a better demon to be worthy of her. He expresses bitter disappointment that she would choose a human instead. While Xiao Yao confronts Ao Hen, Teng She finds Hong Ye. In a startling turn, Teng She claims that she also received a divine revelation identifying Hong Ye as her own destined husband.

To test his resolve, she subjects him to the Samadhi Yin Fire, a flame that causes agonizing pain to the body and heart. She promises to release him only if he vows never to see Xiao Yao again. Despite the searing torment, Hong Ye refuses to yield, declaring that any amount of suffering is worth the chance to see Xiao Yao again.

Teng She subjects Hong Ye to the torment of his true fire, trying to force him to abandon his feelings for Xiao Yao. Despite the agonizing heat, Hong Ye remains steadfast, declaring that no amount of suffering matters if he can see Xiao Yao again. Recognizing Hong Ye's resolve and knowing he cannot kill him without earning Xiao Yao’s hatred, Teng She eventually releases him, though he sternly warns the human never to betray her.

Meanwhile, Xiao Yao confronts Ao Hen and wounds him. Ao Hen remains defiant, confessing that his obsession stems from the day she healed his hand—the only time someone had shown him compassion in a thousand years of combat. He claims his actions are meant to eliminate anything that might harm her, but Xiao Yao rejects his interference.

As she prepares to strike him down, Teng She arrives with Hong Ye, causing Xiao Yao to retract her divine power and focus on tending to the injured human. When Xiao Yao tries to take Hong Ye back to the Dragon Palace to heal, he refuses. Realizing his weakness as a human, he vows to find the Yuli Spring so he can stand as an equal by her side.

Although Xiao Yao worries that the spring might disrupt the balance of the world, she is moved by his sincerity. Upon their parting, she gifts him a Dragon Bone Flute, promising that she will hear its sound and come to him from a thousand miles away if he ever needs her. However, Hong Ye returns to find his tribe massacred and his father, the Emperor, dead.

A survivor claims that the Ao Hen Clan descended from the sky and destroyed everything. Consumed by grief and a newfound sense of duty, Hong Ye ascends the throne and vows to secure a future for humanity at any cost. Desperate for strength, he appeals to the heavens and offers his own flesh and blood to receive divine power. An immortal answers, explaining that the Yuli Spring has not appeared because humans are too full of greed and lack sincerity.

The immortal grants Hong Ye power but declares that the spring will only reveal itself once he gathers the eight sacred pearls from the various demon tribes. Empowered, Hong Ye begins crafting divine talismans to protect humans from demons. When the State Preceptor captures a rare Deceptive Beast—a creature capable of shapeshifting and deception—they devise a plan to use it to sow discord among the demons.

Hong Ye follows this advice and begins his campaign by seizing the Earth Pearl from the Mountain Demon tribe. As other tribes, including the Bi Fang and Fox Clans, lose their sacred pearls and suffer casualties, the demon world falls into chaos. Leaders of the affected tribes flock to the Dragon Palace, accusing Ao Hen of these ruthless crimes and demanding a coalition to execute him. While most are convinced of his guilt, Xiao Yao remains skeptical.

She believes that while Ao Hen is ruthless, he has understood the benefits of proper cultivation since the solar eclipse and would not resort to such indiscriminate slaughter. Suspecting someone is stoking the flames of war, she promises the tribes she will uncover the truth and punish the real culprit. During this turmoil, Hong Ye visits Xiao Yao.

Reflecting on the fleeting nature of human life, he formally asks for her hand in marriage, offering a strand of his hair as a pledge. Xiao Yao accepts, and they set their wedding for the fifteenth day of the eighth month. The news causes an uproar in the Dragon Clan. Long Zhi and the elders argue that an Azure Dragon marrying a human violates all tradition, and Long Zhi even suspects Hong Ye is complicit in the recent unrest.

Only Long Yu speaks in her defense, reminding everyone of Xiao Yao’s selfless service and her help with Long Zhi’s own tribulation. Xiao Yao eventually silences the dissent by vowing to resolve the chaos in the demon world before the wedding day. To find the truth, Xiao Yao uses the Mist Pearl to track Ao Hen. She finds him at the Fajiu Mountain forest, drinking heavily with Teng She.

When Xiao Yao questions him, Ao Hen is insulted by her lack of trust. Teng She quickly intervenes, explaining that Ao Hen has been miserable and drinking by his side ever since Xiao Yao took Hong Ye away. Teng She reveals that Ao Hen even swore a solemn vow of loyalty to her, and since the sky remained clear without any divine retribution, his words were proven true. Realizing that Ao Hen has been framed, Xiao Yao asks both of them to join her in investigating the real mastermind behind the stolen pearls.

After gaining a small portion of divine power, the humans became increasingly emboldened and desperate to gather all eight sacred pearls. They launched a sudden assault on the Qiongqi Clan, believing them to be a weak target. However, they fell into a trap and were forced to retreat in a humiliating state. Xiao Yao and her companions examined the discarded weapons left behind.

Xiao Yao noted that the blades were ordinary but mixed with items previously stolen from the Shanxiao and Leimeng tribes, making it difficult to identify the attackers. Qiongqi immediately cast a suspicious glance at Ao Hen, but Xiao Yao defended him, explaining that Ao Hen had been drinking with her and Tengshe during the attack. Tengshe added that with Ao Hen’s prideful temperament, he would never resort to wearing a mask for such underhanded tactics.

To ensure mutual safety, Xiao Yao gave Ao Hen, Qiongqi, and Tengshe each a Dragon Bell. These bells were designed to resonate with one another regardless of distance, allowing the group to coordinate a rescue if anyone encountered an enemy. Meanwhile, Hong Ye sought out Xiao Yao to discuss cooperation with the demon tribes, accompanied by Long Yu.

Hong Ye playfully referred to Long Yu as his savior, while Long Yu expressed his sincere hope that Hong Ye and Xiao Yao’s union would be a success. Observing that the humans no longer seemed to fear her or Long Yu, Xiao Yao felt a sense of peace. Hong Ye then took her to see her wedding attire, and Xiao Yao looked forward to their big day with great anticipation.

While Xiao Yao was trying on her dress, Hong Ye bribed Long Yu for information regarding the demon race’s plans. Though Hong Ye was troubled to learn that the State Preceptor had tampered with Xiao Yao’s wedding gown, he realized there was no turning back. Under the State Preceptor's manipulation, Hong Ye made a fateful choice. Using the enchanted wedding dress—which allowed the wearer to morph into Xiao Yao’s likeness—he disguised himself as Xiao Yao and visited the demon lords.

Qiongqi failed to notice the deception. The impostor invited him to the wedding and specifically requested that he bring the Hunyuan Pearl to offer blessings. Similarly, Tengshe, who had been drinking while spying on Xiao Yao, was startled when the disguised Hong Ye appeared before him. The impostor invited Tengshe to bring the Wucheng Pearl to the human realm and asked him to relay an invitation to Ao Hen to bring the Qiankun Pearl.

Hong Ye reported his progress to the State Preceptor but strictly warned him not to harm Xiao Yao, despite the Preceptor's obvious designs on the Dragon Clan. Later, Hong Ye approached Long Yu, expressing a desire to see the Longyuan Pearl to create a matching crown jewel for Xiao Yao’s empress crown. Unable to refuse the request, Long Yu secretly led Hong Ye to the Treasure House, where Hong Ye managed to swap the pearl.

Xiao Yao sensed a disturbance and rushed to investigate, but she found the Longyuan Pearl seemingly intact. Around the same time, Ao Hen, Qiongqi, and Tengshe gathered together. Xiao Yao reiterated her invitation for them to attend the wedding, and though Qiongqi remained bitter, he agreed to come. On the wedding day, Long Yu accompanied Hong Ye, unaware of the complex emotions the Emperor felt while clutching the stolen pearl.

At the human wedding site, Tengshe and Ao Hen bickered as usual, while Qiongqi looked around at the simple decorations, feeling that Xiao Yao was being treated poorly. The three demon lords made a pact that after a hundred years—the lifespan of a human—they would once again compete for Xiao Yao’s hand. While the three demon lords were greeted by a fake Xiao Yao at the human ceremony, the real Xiao Yao was at a sacred site with Long Zhi.

Having cultivated for a thousand years, Long Zhi was finally ready to face her tribulation to become a Winged Dragon. Xiao Yao had prepared a set of golden armor for her to ease the pain of the lightning strikes and prayed for her success. However, back at the wedding, the three demon lords suddenly found themselves bound by a powerful formation. They realized too late that they had been lured into a trap.

With all eight pearls finally gathered, the State Preceptor recited an incantation to call upon the celestial mountain to reveal the Yuli Spring. This ritual triggered a massive celestial disturbance. At that exact moment, Long Zhi was in the midst of her tribulation. Struck by a stray bolt of divine lightning caused by the ritual, she was mortally wounded.

As she lay dying, Long Zhi made a shocking confession: she had once disguised herself as Ao Hen to slaughter human tribes and kill Hong Ye’s father. She had done this to drive a wedge between Xiao Yao and Hong Ye, fearing that Xiao Yao’s devotion to a human would distract her from her duties. Xiao Yao was devastated to learn the true origin of Hong Ye’s hatred and the tragic misunderstanding that had driven his actions.

Long Zhi warned Xiao Yao that the most difficult trial to pass was the tribulation of love, and she predicted that the dragons would eventually revolt if Xiao Yao remained obsessed with Hong Ye. With those final words, Long Zhi vanished, leaving Xiao Yao in deep sorrow as her companion of a thousand years slipped away.

Xiao Yao examines the dragon beads and is horrified to find that the Dragon Essence Pearl has been replaced by an Illusion Beast. This revelation explains why Long Zhi failed her tribulation; she had lost the pearl's sacred protection. To make matters worse, Long Zhi reveals before her death that she was the one who, disguised as Ao Hen, killed Hong Ye’s father to prevent Xiao Yao from being distracted by human emotions.

The Dragon Palace falls into a state of panic, as the treasure house's barrier can only be bypassed by those with dragon scales. Xiao Yao confronts Long Yu, who tearfully admits he allowed Hong Ye to see the pearl under the pretense of choosing a wedding gift, unintentionally facilitating the theft. Meanwhile, the great demons Ao Hen, Qiongqi, and Tengshe find themselves ensnared in a lethal magic array. As they sink into the shifting sands, Hong Ye sheds his disguise.

He expresses a long-simmering resentment toward the demon kind, who have enjoyed near-immortality while humans suffered under their oppression for tens of thousands of years. Hong Ye believes that with the power of the Yuli Spring, the era of human endurance is over. Despite his betrayal, he claims his actions were driven by a desire to obtain the power necessary to stand as an equal beside Xiao Yao for eternity.

Xiao Yao arrives at the Yuli Spring just after the great demons are submerged. Hong Ye admits that their wedding and the theft of the pearls were all calculated steps to reach the Spring and protect his race. However, he maintains that his love for her was a genuine instinct. He begs her to step forward with him so they can rule the world together, but Xiao Yao is repulsed.

She questions the value of immortality bought with the blood of others. Recognizing that Hong Ye has become the very tyrant he sought to overthrow, she kills him. Hong Ye does not resist, believing he owes her his life, but he worries that she will be left to face millions of years of loneliness without him. Returning to the Dragon Palace, Xiao Yao addresses her people.

She explains that the eight demon pearls, tainted by human desire, have transformed into the Kunlun Mirror. She shatters the mirror, warning that its fragments contain the world's suffering and must never be reunited. Xiao Yao uses the Azure Dragon's power to place Hong Ye’s spirit into a five-thousand-year slumber, hoping he will awaken without his human memories to atone for his sins among the demons.

Before dispersing her own consciousness to vanish from the world, she tasks Long Yu with three duties: to become the Monarch of All Demons, to guard the sealed locations of the three great demons, and to erase her name from the dragon clan records. Ten thousand years later, the Heavenly Mother observes that Xiao Yao’s sacrifice did not bring lasting peace, as the allure of the Yuli Spring caused the conflict between humans and demons to intensify.

Hong Ye finally awakens in the Demons' Valley and is greeted by an aged Long Yu. Although Hong Ye has no memory of the past, Xiao Yao eventually returns to find him. She remains firm in her choice to stay by his side, pointing out that he has already spent thousands of years serving the valley to repay his debts. The group realizes a new disaster is looming as the Kunlun Mirror fragments begin to stir.

To permanently seal the Yuli Spring, they must recover the eight shards, which represent the burdens of existence: Love and Separation, Lasting Resentment, Unattainable Desire, Unresolved Attachment, Birth, Aging, Sickness, and Death. They split into four groups to track the shards, with Ao Hen maintaining his competitive spirit by challenging the others to a race. On the human side, the appearance of four "disaster stars" in the sky sparks terror.

Bing Zhu of the Feiyu Guard restores order among the panicked Imperial Guards through force. Lu Pianpian and her allies, realizing the demons are moving to collect the fragments, decide to intercept them individually, targeting the entity at Mount Buchou first.

Qiong Qi arrived at the desolate Mount Buzhou and encountered a frail elder of his own kind. The old man, who had spent years in hiding to escape human persecution, lamented being the last of his clan and having forgotten even his own name over the centuries. When Qiong Qi revealed his identity as the Qiong Qi King, the elder was overcome with emotion, realizing he was no longer the final survivor of their race.

This profound relief was his final act; he passed away in Qiong Qi's arms, his body transforming into the Kunlun Mirror fragment representing "Old." Just as Qiong Qi secured the shard, human forces surrounded him. While Heiwu remained hidden in the shadows, Ji Yan feigned death to avoid the dangerous fray. Although Qiong Qi initially held the upper hand against Bing Zhu, the situation shifted when Lu Pianpian joined the struggle.

Despite being an ancient beast, Qiong Qi was ultimately a straightforward warrior and was overwhelmed by their combined strength. After Qiong Qi's death, Lu Pianpian handed the mirror fragment to Bing Zhu. Bing Zhu then presented Lu Pianpian with a wooden statue he had carved for her, but she sensed that he still harbored affection for her former self, noting that he had not called her "Pianpian" since her heart was changed.

She urged him to consume Qiong Qi’s heart to absorb his cultivation, arguing that even the human emperor's elixirs were nothing compared to the power of an ancient demon. Bing Zhu hesitated, questioning whether such a brutal act would make him more demon than human, but Lu Pianpian insisted he must become stronger so she would never lose him.

Driven by her second wish, Bing Zhu absorbed the power, causing demon marks to appear on his face as he wept for the path he was taking. Heiwu, witnessing the scene, was too terrified to move. Meanwhile, Xiao Yao and Hong Ye returned to the seaside, finding the beach and waves unchanged from ten thousand years ago.

Hong Ye reflected on his past with a heavy heart, acknowledging that despite his human nature, he had been the source of the long-standing war between their races because of the Yuli Spring. Xiao Yao comforted him, noting that his millennia of atonement had repaid his debt to the demon race. Amidst their conversation, the Dragon Essence Pearl emerged, which Hong Ye identified as the fragment representing "Life."

Teng She arrived at Mount Fajiu only to find it ravaged by a devastating plague. He learned from a dying woman that the villagers had mistakenly consumed the flesh of a fallen member of the Teng She clan, inviting a curse upon themselves. Despite his anger toward the humans for eating his kin, Teng She was moved by the mother’s plea to save her innocent child, who had not partaken in the meal.

After being called a "good demon," he rescued the boy and discovered the "Sickness" fragment nearby. Lu Pianpian and Bing Zhu soon confronted him, with Lu Pianpian arguing that it would be more merciful to let the child die in such a cruel world. Teng She fought desperately to protect the infant, managing to send the boy to safety before he was struck down.

Though Lu Pianpian felt a flicker of pity for Teng She, Bing Zhu ruthlessly absorbed his power to ensure their enemies were eliminated. Back at the Valley of Demons, Heiwu remained determined to rebuild his empire. Xiao Yao and Hong Ye were the first to return, but the others were missing. While searching for his companions, Ao Hen encountered Lu Pianpian disguised as Teng She.

He quickly realized his friend had been murdered and, in a fit of rage, unleashed his full power. However, Bing Zhu, having already consumed two ancient beasts, was far too powerful and severely wounded Ao Hen. In a desperate final move, Ao Hen used a mirror fragment to lure Bing Zhu close for a suicide strike. Lu Pianpian saw the danger and threw herself in front of Bing Zhu, taking the fatal blow and suffering a shattered heart.

As Lu Pianpian lay dying, she expressed relief that the constant pain in her chest was finally fading. She shared her final wish: for Bing Zhu to be reunited with his sister, Tan'er. Bing Zhu was left stunned as she slipped into unconsciousness. He entrusted Lu Pianpian to Tan'er's care and absorbed Ao Hen's power, determined to seize the Yuli Spring to save her life. He began to provoke Hong Ye from outside the valley’s barrier, threatening to destroy everything.

Xiao Yao, fearing for Hong Ye's safety, urged him to wait for their allies, but Hong Ye had already realized the grim truth—Bing Zhu had grown strong by devouring their friends. Knowing this battle was his destiny, Hong Ye shared a final kiss with Xiao Yao before stepping out. Bing Zhu, eager for a fight that would not be interrupted, prepared for their ultimate confrontation.

Bing Zhu confronted Hong Ye, declaring that their previous two duels had been interrupted, but this time, nothing would stop them from finishing their fight. Hong Ye met the challenge without a word, and the two clashed violently. Having only recently absorbed his new spiritual powers from the fallen beasts, Bing Zhu struggled to control his human body, falling repeatedly under Hong Ye’s superior technique.

After taking three heavy strikes, Bing Zhu told Hong Ye that he accepted the blows as repayment for the debts involving Ao Hen, Qiong Qi, and Teng She. He acknowledged that if it hadn't been for Hong Ye and Xiao Yao, he and his sisters would never have escaped the Realm of Mist and Void alive. With those three strikes, Bing Zhu considered their debt of gratitude settled, intending to reclaim the mirror fragments.

As the battle raged, Tan’er suddenly realized she had regained a physical form within Lu Pianpian’s body. Overwhelmed by her resurrection, she rushed toward the combatants, desperately calling out for her brother to stop. Bing Zhu was too consumed by the fight to hear her, but Tan’er eventually reached Xiao Yao. She explained that she was Tan’er inhabiting Lu Pianpian’s body and begged Xiao Yao to help her end the violence.

Their conversation was cut short as Ji Yan and Heiwu, refusing to give up their pursuit of power, attempted to seize Tan’er as a bargaining chip for the Kunlun Mirror. Xiao Yao sensed the impending danger and fought them off, eventually wounding them both. Amidst the chaos, Xiao Mu was gravely injured and passed away, leaving Xiao Ming heartbroken. Unable to bear the senseless destruction any longer, Xiao Yao unleashed her magic to forcibly separate the two men.

The cries of the women finally brought Bing Zhu and Hong Ye to a halt. Hong Ye rushed to Xiao Mu, but it was too late to save her. Before she passed, Xiao Mu told Hong Ye not to grieve, reminding him that Xiao Ming would still be by his side. She urged Xiao Ming to use his final life wisely and entrusted him to Hong Ye’s care.

Meanwhile, Bing Zhu stared at his sister, initially believing Lu Pianpian had returned to life. When Tan’er spoke, reminding him of her wish for him to be a happy general and how she had lent him money in the past, he finally accepted that it was truly her. Tan’er confessed that she had remained within the blade for so long because she realized that not all demons were evil.

She told him that Lu Pianpian had sacrificed herself to repair Tan’er’s soul, and she could no longer sense Lu Pianpian’s presence. Grief-stricken yet reunited, the siblings embraced and decided it was finally time to go home. Bing Zhu approached Hong Ye and voluntarily surrendered the final three mirror fragments representing Aging, Sickness, and Death.

He declared that he would spend the rest of his life atoning for his sins in his own way and expressed his deep gratitude to Xiao Yao. With the Kunlun Mirror finally complete, Hong Ye lamented that its appearance only ever brought pain. Xiao Yao agreed, noting that the mirror was a vessel for the accumulated desires and suffering of humanity. They traveled together to the Yuli Spring to destroy the artifact once and for all.

Upon entering the spring, Hong Ye’s memories of the past ten thousand years flooded back. He remembered his life as a human prince, the simple noodles in the fishing village, the bone flute Xiao Yao had given him, and their wedding in the desert. Overcome with guilt for how he had utilized her in the past, he apologized, but Xiao Yao assured him that their ancient debts had long been settled.

However, the Heavenly Mother revealed that the Yuli Spring and the Kunlun Mirror could not be easily destroyed as long as human greed existed. Hong Ye realized that as the one who had started this cycle, he was the only one who could end it. He decided to seal the Kunlun Mirror within his own body and seal himself away—neither living nor dead, never perishing—thereby removing the spring from the world.

Though Xiao Yao was devastated, she could only watch as he sacrificed himself to fulfill his duty, apologizing one last time for being unable to keep his vows to her. In the aftermath, the demon kind slowly restored their world to its former vitality. Bamboo and Luoluo became teachers, educating a new generation of young demons in transformation techniques. Luoluo often reminisced about the goddess Da Li, while Wu Huan continued to miss Heiwu.

Xiao Ming remained in Demon Valley, frequently talking to himself and mimicking Xiao Mu’s nagging voice as a way to keep her memory alive. In the human realm, the old emperor passed away after consuming a fraudulent version of the spring water, and a new, younger emperor took the throne, disbanding the Feiyu Guards and easing tensions between humans and demons.

Xiao Yao’s father lived a peaceful, carefree life with his peers, while Xiao Yao herself recorded their experiences in a series of chronicles. She lived in isolation, eating noodles every day as a way to feel close to Hong Ye. Worried that she was withdrawing too much, Xiao Ming encouraged Xiao Yao to return to the human realm. There, Xiao Yao spent years in deep cultivation.

Having mastered a powerful technique from an ancient scroll that combined with the Time-Reversal spell, she asked Xiao Ming to help her return to a specific moment in her memory. Successfully traveling back to the time she first became a demon, Xiao Yao found herself outside a familiar room. When she saw Hong Ye standing there, she pretended she had simply lost her way to confirm he was real.

Hong Ye, thinking she was the Xiao Yao of that time, told her he had prepared layers for her bed because she had complained it was too hard. Seeing him alive and caring for her once more, Xiao Yao could not hold back her tears, finally finding the happiness she had sought through time.