Eternal Brotherhood Season 2 Recap, Plot, Synopsis

Eternal Brotherhood Season 2 Synopsis

The "Planet of Light," once inhabited by humans, has high-tech weapons remaining from a prehistoric civilization that was destroyed. Millions of years later, the Zichuan, Liu Feng, Lin, and Sai Ya families are in continuous conflict. The planet's resources are being endlessly exploited, and the people are suffering.

Zichuan Xiu, a young man who champions love and peace, realizes his responsibility after witnessing the tragic plight of the Zuo Yi people under the brutal rule of the Sai Ya tribe. He leads them to unite and regain their dignity. However, Zichuan Xiu, who should have returned home in glory, is suspected by his own family due to his overwhelming achievements and is transferred to the southwest.

There, he champions justice and seeks welfare for the common people. He also meets Liu Fengshuang, an enemy general who becomes the love of his life, and cleverly resolves the past grievances of the three major families, gathering collective strength to defeat the resurgent Sai Ya tribe. Just when peace seemed to arrive, his elder brother Di Lin's obsession with power struggles leads to further bloody internal strife.

Zichuan Xiu returns to the family and, with a heavy heart, engages in a decisive battle with his former brother. Afterward, Zichuan Xiu quells the rebellion, safeguards the peace and life of the Planet of Light, and brings new hope for freedom. Ultimately, Zichuan Xiu and Liu Fengshuang embark on a journey together to explore the origin of humanity and the relics of civilization on the Planet of Light, beginning a new quest to uncover human secrets.

Eternal Brotherhood Season 2 Recap

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On the vast land of Xichuan, the major families are deeply entangled in power struggles. Among them, the Zichuan family and the Northern Tribe have been engaged in years of evenly matched warfare. As a child, the orphan Zichuan Xiu was adopted by Zichuan Yuanxing, an elder of the Zichuan family.

He formed a close childhood bond with the family's heir, Zichuan Ning, and also became sworn brothers with Di Lin, the Minister of Military and Legal Affairs, and Si Yilin, commander of the Palace Guards. The three pledged to protect the peace of Zichuan together. After being assigned to the frontlines for many years, Zichuan Xiu returned to the imperial capital following numerous military victories, only to find the family already beset with crises.

Internally, the ambitious Yang Minghua was plotting rebellion, while externally, the Northern Tribe stirred unrest at the borders. Zichuan Xiu joined forces with Di Lin and Si Yilin to suppress Yang Minghua's rebellion and successfully defended the imperial capital. However, the resurgence of border conflicts could not be halted. Yang Minghua’s subordinate Lei Hong colluded with the Northern Tribe and formally launched an attack on Zichuan, capturing the final line of defense—Payi City.

Zichuan Xiu and Si Yilin rushed to Payi City, retook the city, and seriously injured the enemy general, dealing a heavy blow to the Northern Tribe. Nevertheless, the Northern Tribe sent Lei Hong once again, leading a massive army to besiege Payi City. Due to a food shortage within the city, casualties mounted. Zichuan Xiu and Si Yilin could only lead a handful of soldiers in a desperate stand.

At this critical moment, Di Lin, ordered to reinforce the city, led troops to Payi. The three brothers were reunited and resolved to fight to the death together to defend Zichuan. Ma Wei brought news of Zichuan Xiu to Zichuan Ning. Although there was no trace of Zichuan Xiu and Si Yilin at the frontlines, the orderly state of the abandoned camp suggested they had left voluntarily, not due to danger.

Ma Wei initially thought this news would shake Zichuan Ning, but she appeared calm and composed. In fact, years of Zichuan Xiu’s deployments, with frequent reports of danger and disappearance, had hardened Zichuan Ning. In the past, Zichuan Xiu went alone, but now with Si Yilin, she felt more at ease. Ma Wei, who had prepared a distraction activity in advance for Zichuan Ning, realized it was unnecessary. Zichuan Ning, upon hearing this, proactively asked about the activity.

It turned out Ma Wei had prepared a few horses for a ride. Remembering her beloved horse was gone, Zichuan Ning agreed to go. On the mountain trail where they rode, Zichuan Ning felt a sense of déjà vu. Ma Wei recalled that they had met here as children and that the greenery on both sides of the trail was planted because of a comment Zichuan Ning made back then.

Zichuan Ning remembered nearly falling at the time and being helped by a young boy—who turned out to be Ma Wei. Zichuan Ning mentioned how she once asked Zichuan Xiu to teach her horseback riding, but he refused. Later, after she learned it herself and challenged him, she surprisingly won. But both she and Ma Wei knew that Zichuan Xiu had let her win. Ma Wei proposed they race horses when Zichuan Xiu returned.

In Payi City, some deserters appeared—shockingly, they were from the Xiu Battalion. This surprised Zichuan Xiu, who didn’t believe it and led a search outside the city. In the mountain forest, he found Li Nong, Mao Cai, and A Ze—the three brothers who, due to lack of food, had come to hunt wild game, not to desert. Zichuan Xiu worried this might be a trap laid by the enemy to lure them out for hunting.

In the enemy camp, the commander Yun Qianxue learned that someone had gone hunting east of the city and understood the situation. He deliberately sent pursuers—not to kill them all, but to wound A Ze and break their morale. Upon returning, Zichuan Xiu harshly scolded the three for risking their lives over food and for failing to recognize the enemy's trap. However, he couldn’t bear to punish them severely and instead sentenced them to three days without food.

A Ze, upon hearing this, would rather die. Zichuan Xiu didn’t actually carry out the punishment and gave them a chance to redeem themselves. Zichuan Xiu then taught everyone a technique that would help them feel less hungry and resist the enemy. Everyone was surprised such a useful method was being taught only now. The so-called technique was deep breathing. Zichuan Xiu had Luo Jie join in, and soon the entire group was practicing the “breath cultivation” method.

This was merely a strategy to stabilize morale while waiting for an opportunity. Suddenly, Yun Qianxue’s grain transport unit was ambushed, with heads thrown into the Hui River. Yun Qianxue realized Di Lin had arrived and was attempting to cut off communication between him and the city. Di Lin arrived with his men outside Payi City and assessed the terrain. He discovered Yun Qianxue had the city tightly surrounded, making entry extremely difficult. He could only wait for a chance.

Watching the birds circling above the battlefield, Yun Qianxue lamented the calamity of war, wondering how many more lives would be lost in the conflict between the two armies. To help everyone hold on, Zichuan Xiu had no choice but to slaughter warhorses to feed the soldiers. After persuasion, Qi He drank a bowl of soup—it was the first time he had tasted salt since arriving in Payi City.

Si Yilin came up with a plan to break through the enemy lines by attacking Yun Qianxue, creating a path for the others to escape. But Zichuan Xiu disagreed, believing it wasn’t a good idea. He had faith that everything would be resolved once Di Lin arrived. Di Lin would not abandon them—just like when they were children, fighting off villains together. The two believed that as long as Di Lin knew their situation, he would come.

But Si Yilin worried that such an impenetrable encirclement would be hard for Di Lin to breach. Upon hearing from the sentries that there was an enemy camp nearby, Zichuan Xiu donned a previously seized enemy uniform and infiltrated the enemy ranks to steal some drying cured meat. By chance, he overheard a discussion that the Divine Emperor was coming to personally oversee the battle, and the soldiers speculated it might be to reprimand Yun Qianxue for his ineffective assault.

The Divine Emperor suddenly arrived and scolded Yun Qianxue for his failure. Yun Qianxue explained that the delay was due to Di Lin’s arrival and acknowledged Di Lin’s military prowess. However, the prince, eager to claim credit, dismissed Di Lin as no real threat. Yun Qianxue still insisted that Di Lin must not be underestimated. He privately inquired about the number of troops the Divine Emperor had brought and promised to take Si Yilin’s head the next day. These words were overheard by Zichuan Xiu.

After returning, Zichuan Xiu told Si Yilin everything he had seen in the enemy camp. The arrival of the Divine Emperor now made them somewhat uneasy. Zichuan Xiu didn’t forget to ask Si Yilin whether he was still thinking about the Northern princess Ka Dan. Si Yilin admitted that he indeed was, but he was worried that they might never meet again, especially since tomorrow they would be fighting against Ka Dan’s father.

Si Yilin suddenly asked whom Zichuan Xiu missed. Zichuan Xiu pretended to be carefree, saying he missed many people—Xiaohua, Xiaoli, and so on. Si Yilin knew Zichuan Xiu had always avoided facing his true feelings and didn’t press further. The Divine Emperor and Yun Qianxue continued analyzing Di Lin’s possible location. The Divine Emperor didn’t believe Di Lin could escape no matter what.

At this time, Di Lin was indeed planning to use war hawks to transport food into Payi City. His subordinates were concerned that this might cause the loss of all the war hawks, but Di Lin could no longer care about that—his brothers were the ones trapped in Payi City. Just as the Northern forces were attacking Payi City, hundreds of war hawks flew over.

Zichuan Xiu was overjoyed, knowing that Di Lin had arrived because these war hawks were his prized possessions. Although the Divine Emperor ordered the hawks to be shot down, many still made it into the city. Di Lin, wearing flight wings, also flew toward Payi City. Yun Qianxue immediately ordered archers to shoot, but they missed the best opportunity. Di Lin successfully entered the city, ready for the three brothers to face Yun Qianxue together.

Under Di Lin’s command, the war hawks carried explosives and charged toward the enemy. The soldiers were terrified and fled. Both Yun Qianxue and the Divine Emperor were shocked. After the battle, Di Lin and his two brothers emerged victorious, though more than half of the war hawks were lost. Zichuan Xiu flattered Di Lin, only to angle for a chance to fly himself. Si Yilin worried that the Northern forces would attack again.

Di Lin was most concerned about the 300,000 troops outside the city—the enemy wouldn’t give up easily. Then Di Lin suddenly thought of a way to make them retreat without fighting: negotiation. But clearly now was not the right time, and Di Lin started to contemplate how to initiate talks.

Yun Qianxue was distressed by the defeat and begged the Divine Emperor to execute him, but the Divine Emperor spared his life, instructing him to keep fighting against the three Zichuan brothers. Zichuan Xiu and Di Lin analyzed that the Divine Emperor might have used the Ka Dan situation as a pretext to send troops. On the surface, he appeared heartbroken and claimed to have dispatched troops in anger upon hearing of Ka Dan’s death.

However, it was possible someone was stirring up trouble, hiding the fact that Ka Dan was actually alive. They believed that perhaps sending Ka Dan back could avert the war. Zichuan Xiu and Di Lin went to drink with Si Yilin. Di Lin suggested that negotiations would be the best course of action, but if Si Yilin still wanted to fight, they would stand with him.

Si Yilin embraced his two brothers, declaring he would not become a traitor to Zichuan and asking them to protect Ka Dan. When Di Lin returned to Zichuan intending to escort Ka Dan, he was suddenly surrounded by Luo Minghai and his men. Just as tensions rose, Li Qing arrived to deliver an order—the commander wanted to see Di Lin. Luo Minghai had no choice but to withdraw. Meanwhile, Payi City was once again under siege.

The defenders had been fighting nonstop for ten days, and Si Yilin realized the enemy was attempting a war of attrition. Di Lin went to see Zichuan Canxing, who was having his hair combed. Di Lin offered to do it for him and updated him on the Payi City situation: supplies could last at most ten more days, over half the troops had already been lost, and even the Divine Emperor himself was now personally leading the attack.

The Northern forces were overwhelming, and not only was Payi City facing certain doom, the rest of Zichuan would soon be in grave danger too. Canxing feared a great calamity for Zichuan. Di Lin proposed peace talks and hoped Canxing would agree. The first condition was to return Ka Dan and let her help mediate. Canxing found this reasonable. Di Lin also suggested Canxing relinquish control of the Twenty-Three Remote Prefectures. Furious, Canxing drew his sword at Di Lin.

Di Lin explained his reasoning: given the heavy losses, if the war continued, Zichuan would surely be destroyed within three years. Only peace talks could buy ten years of recovery. Then, all that was lost could be regained. With endurance and determination, Zichuan would grow strong again. More importantly, Zichuan Ning would live to witness Zichuan’s future prosperity.

Zichuan Canxing couldn’t help but give a bitter smile, claiming that he was not a competent monarch. Lei Hong and Yang Minghua had each betrayed him, and now the Northern Tribe was invading. He couldn’t allow Zichuan to be destroyed in his hands, nor could he let Zichuan Ning inherit this realm with nothing. In the end, with tears streaming down like rain, Canxing agreed to follow Di Lin’s plan.

As soon as Di Lin left, Canxing attempted to draw his sword and kill himself, but then felt that he couldn’t die—not yet—not while his heart still clung to Yuanzhou. Staggering, Canxing made his way to the map of the realm. Looking at the location of Yuanzhou, he shouted loudly, then collapsed powerlessly to the ground, heartbroken that Yuanzhou was gone forever. Di Lin came to take Ka Dan away.

Zichuan Ning felt reluctant to part, so Di Lin had to wait outside. Zichuan Ning said that the first time she and Ka Dan met, they drank until they were drunk, and today, they needed to drink again to say goodbye. When Ka Dan first arrived, she missed Northern Tribe cuisine the most, so Zichuan Ning specially prepared some for her and hoped she would eat it.

Zichuan Ning then tore the handkerchief they once shared in half and threw it to the ground—their friendship had begun here, and it would also end here. From now on, they could only be enemies. But Ka Dan said they would still be friends from now on, and that Zichuan would always be a friend of the Northern Tribe. Saddened, Zichuan Ning left, while Ka Dan bent down and picked up the handkerchief from the ground.

Lin Xiujia rushed to see Di Lin when she heard of his return. Di Lin blamed himself for not visiting her first. Xiujia pretended to be angry, which made Di Lin feel even worse, but she suddenly smiled and said she wanted the children to watch Di Lin mount his horse and leave—so they could see how heroic he looked. Di Lin gently embraced Xiujia, resting his forehead against her rounded belly, then turned away with determination.

Xiujia watched him disappear through the city gates. Though Di Lin persuaded Zichuan Canxing to agree to peace talks, some viewed it as cowardice and humiliation, believing they should fight to the end for Yuanzhou. But Canxing knew it was too late—if they continued fighting, there would be nothing left. On the front lines, the soldiers were already suffering from the horrors of war, unable even to eat a full meal.

Only singing could momentarily ease the pain in their hearts. As night fell, thieves in black nightwear scaled the walls, launching constant raids. Zichuan Xiu and the soldiers fought bravely, and the entire city remained on high alert. Mao Cai and Si Yilin were knocked off the wall during the battle and captured by the enemy. The next day, Mao Cai was dragged beneath the city walls.

As the enemy raised their blades over him, Mao Cai began loudly singing a song familiar to everyone. Those sitting atop the wall dared not look down. One by one, they shut their eyes tightly, remembering the joyful times they had once shared in battle with Mao Cai. A Ze, unable to bear the grief, sprang up to try to rescue Mao Cai, but Zichuan Xiu held him back tightly.

Unwilling to implicate his brothers, Mao Cai took his own life. Di Lin went alone to meet the Divine Emperor. Though surrounded and threatened, he made no move to resist. Hei Sha came to see Di Lin, holding weapons to his face, but Di Lin remained calm, impressing Hei Sha with his courage. Hei Sha personally reported to the Divine Emperor. At that time, the Divine Emperor was discussing the assault on Yuanzhou.

Upon hearing of the envoy, he allowed Di Lin to enter. The Divine Emperor asked Di Lin for his name. Di Lin falsely claimed to be Ge Qing, but it was clear the Divine Emperor didn’t believe him. Di Lin then analyzed the current situation, suggesting that even if the Divine Emperor attacked, it wouldn’t be easy. The Divine Emperor accused them of breaking the peace and killing his daughter Ka Dan.

Di Lin then presented Ka Dan’s token and a letter she had written to the Divine Emperor, in which she requested him to withdraw the troops so she could return safely—otherwise, she would never be able to come back. The Divine Emperor told his eldest son Ka Dun and the others to leave, and spoke to Di Lin privately.

Ka Dun suddenly realized that Ka Dan might still be alive and, in anger, struck his subordinate for failing to confirm her death. Inside the tent, the Divine Emperor revealed that he knew Di Lin’s true identity. Di Lin immediately admitted it, surprising the Divine Emperor with his boldness in coming alone. Di Lin stated plainly that Ka Dan was in their camp, and if he didn’t return within twelve hours, she would be executed.

Now that Zichuan had shown sincerity, he hoped the Divine Emperor would reciprocate. The Divine Emperor agreed to release Si Yilin and authorized Yun Qianxue to draft the peace negotiation terms. Si Yilin and Ka Dan were to be exchanged by the river. After Di Lin left, Hei Sha couldn’t understand why the Divine Emperor let him go. The Divine Emperor said that in Di Lin’s eyes, he saw ambition.

Meanwhile, his own sons, Ka Dun and Ka Lan, were unworthy of use, having secretly fought against each other behind his back. Once the situation in Paiyi City was resolved, he intended to discipline his sons properly. In truth, the Divine Emperor also knew that now was the best time for peace. The siege of Paiyi City had nearly exhausted them, and to capture the entire Imperial Capital would demand unknown costs. If he wanted to unify the Xichuan continent in his lifetime, he would have to make some compromises.

Both sides entered peace negotiations, and Yun Qianxue presented their terms. The captured soldiers had to be ransomed by the Zichuan side, and Payi City was handed over to Yun Qianxue for takeover. What surprised Yun Qianxue was that there were only a handful of soldiers left in the city, yet it had held out for such a long time. He couldn’t help but admire them and realized that these were people who could never be truly conquered.

He specifically instructed his subordinates to give them some horses. On the opposite bank of the river, Si Yilin saw Princess Ka Dan's carriage and couldn't help but stop and look at her. Ka Dan burst into tears—though it was just a fleeting glance, their hearts were filled with countless emotions. When Ka Dan saw the scattered arrows on the walls of Payi City, she couldn’t hold back her tears. She could imagine how fierce the battle had been.

When she saw the writing on the wall, she recognized it as Si Yilin’s and her tears fell upon the words. Zichuan Xiu sent his two elder brothers back to the capital and handed his Moon-Washing Blade to his subordinate Bai Chuan, telling her that he was going to handle an important matter. He entrusted the Xiu Battalion brothers to her leadership. Bai Chuan sensed that she couldn’t get any more answers from him and could only agree.

As Si Yilin returned to the capital, he encountered Mao Cai's father and deliberately told the old man that Mao Cai was a brave warrior. The old man asked him to deliver some tea eggs to Mao Cai. Si Yilin handed over Mao Cai’s belongings but did not reveal that Mao Cai had died. Si Yilin apologized to Zichuan Canxing, hoping to receive punishment, but Zichuan Canxing did not blame him.

He believed that as long as they returned, there was still hope, and he hoped to one day reclaim all that was lost. Deeply moved, Si Yilin knelt and pledged to recover everything. When Si Yilin came back, Zichuan Xiu was waiting outside. Si Yilin told Zichuan Ning that Zichuan Xiu had been sent to guard Wayun and had not returned. Zichuan Ning wanted to know if Zichuan Xiu had brought any message, but there was nothing.

Disappointed, she passed on the item Ka Dan had left for Si Yilin. Bai Chuan and the brothers of the Xiu Battalion kept walking slowly, hoping Zichuan Xiu would return. But as time passed with no sign of him, Bai Chuan began to worry something had gone wrong. Lin Bing sent news back to Di Lin, reporting that Zichuan Xiu's whereabouts were unknown and that rumors were spreading about the Xiu Battalion.

Zichuan Ning was anxious due to the lack of news about Zichuan Xiu. Unexpectedly, Li Qing came and told her that Zichuan Xiu had betrayed them. Someone had seen Zichuan Xiu approach Yun Qianxue and defect. When Yun Qianxue asked why he was surrendering, Zichuan Xiu jokingly claimed it was for fame and fortune. Yun Qianxue remained skeptical, believing that the best time to surrender would have been during the siege of Payi City, to take it from within.

Zichuan Xiu falsely said it was for the sake of brotherhood but swore that they would show no mercy if they met again on the battlefield. Yun Qianxue promised that if the surrender was genuine, he would be well rewarded. Zichuan Ning came to Zichuan Canxing, proposing to send someone to investigate. She did not believe Zichuan Xiu would betray them. Di Lin and Si Yilin also arrived and shared the same disbelief.

They reasoned that if Zichuan Xiu had truly defected, he would have done so during the attack. Zichuan Canxing sent people to find out the truth. The Divine Emperor also doubted whether Zichuan Xiu had truly defected. Yun Qianxue could not be certain either, because Zichuan Xiu had publicly declared his defection in front of everyone, leaving no room to turn back.

A shadow agent reported Zichuan Xiu’s history—he was not only a brilliant strategist but also fiercely loyal, although there were incidents of him embezzling during war, suggesting he was also greedy. The Divine Emperor couldn’t determine the truth but believed that whether Zichuan Xiu was sincere or not, accepting him would deal a major blow to the Zichuan family. Therefore, not only would he accept him, but he would also heavily promote him.

That night, a grand welcoming banquet was held in his honor. At the banquet, Zichuan Xiu drunkenly brought up that he had yet to meet Prince Kadun. Some began mocking Zichuan Xiu as someone who shifted with the wind. Yun Qianxue asked whether he knew any skilled blade users from the Zichuan family, but Zichuan Xiu dodged the question and only talked about fun and games.

He expressed a desire to meet Lei Hong and talk with someone who shared similar experiences. Ka Dan had not attended the banquet. Her maid couldn’t help but ask about Zichuan Xiu. When Ka Dan heard he had defected, she rushed to the banquet, but the two did not exchange greetings. At the banquet, Lei Hong appeared and warned Kadun not to trust Zichuan Xiu.

Back when they were in the Zichuan family, Zichuan Xiu had always wanted to kill him. He said none of Zichuan Xiu’s words could be trusted. Suddenly, Zichuan Xiu’s eyes turned red, and with a powerful grip, he crushed his wine cup and slashed at Lei Hong’s neck. From just one small gesture, Yun Qianxue immediately recognized him as the masked swordsman he had once fought and rushed forward to slash Zichuan Xiu’s arm. But Zichuan Xiu still killed Lei Hong and declared to all: anyone who betrays the Zichuan family will be executed without mercy.

Ka Dun saw Zichuan Xiu kill Lei Hong and immediately ordered his capture. Zichuan Xiu looked around but felt that even if he couldn’t escape, it was still worth it. Just as both sides were about to fight, Ka Dan stepped forward and publicly accused Zichuan Xiu of killing their warrior, actually hinting for him to take her as a hostage to force the others to release him.

Yun Qianxue didn’t dare to act recklessly and could only step back slowly. Ka Dun wanted to stop them, but Yun Qianxue reminded him not to advance. Ka Dan deliberately shouted for help, and Yun Qianxue had no choice but to agree to release Zichuan Xiu. He also swore that if Zichuan Xiu dared hurt Ka Dan, he would hunt him down to the ends of the earth and kill him in the cruelest way.

Zichuan Xiu agreed with a smile. Zichuan Xiu left with Ka Dan. He was groggy and his injuries were worsening. Ka Dan fed him some medicinal pills. Zichuan Xiu asked why she saved him. Ka Dan said frankly that she saw him as a friend. She used to think their two sides were like fire and water, but during her time with the Zichuan family, people like Si Yilin and Zichuan Ning made her believe they could live in peace.

Ka Dan didn’t understand why such a clever man like Zichuan Xiu had to come all this way to kill Lei Hong, knowing he couldn’t possibly escape. Zichuan Xiu admitted it was to avenge Lord Ge—Lei Hong had betrayed Lord Ge and deserved to die. Upon hearing what Zichuan Xiu had done, the Divine Emperor blamed Ka Dun for mishandling things.

At the same time, he issued a decree naming Zichuan Xiu as Grand Commander, but secretly ordered his capture, intending to sever his path of return and sow discord. After forty-three prisoners of war returned, they all gave the same statement—that Zichuan Xiu had betrayed the Zichuan family. But Si Yilin and Di Lin still refused to believe it. They wanted to trust Zichuan Xiu.

He had fought with them at Paiyi City—if he were going to betray them, he would have done it then. However, Luo Minghai accused Zichuan Xiu of long harboring such intentions, pointing out that Zichuan Xiu’s subordinates only obeyed him and not the court’s orders. Di Lin offered to vouch for Zichuan Xiu. Just as both sides were arguing, word came that Zichuan Xiu had been granted the title of Grand Commander.

Zichuan Canxing, enraged, immediately ordered the stripping of all Zichuan Xiu’s titles, his surname, and the disbanding of the Xiu Battalion—declaring him an enemy to be killed by all. Ka Dan told Zichuan Xiu to leave quickly, worried that Yun Qianxue’s men would arrive. She also asked him to send her regards to Zichuan Ning, though Zichuan Xiu doubted he would ever see her again.

When Yun Qianxue found Ka Dan and asked where Zichuan Xiu had gone, she pointed in the opposite direction. Bai Chuan, along with two deputy generals, arrived in Yuanzhou and met Deputy Commander Lin Bing. Bai Chuan and Gu Lei recounted their parting with Zichuan Xiu. Lin Bing admitted that Zichuan Xiu had already betrayed them and that she had orders to arrest all members of the Xiu Battalion.

The three refused to believe it, convinced there must be a reason. But if Zichuan Xiu truly had betrayed them, Lin Bing said she would personally bring him in. Reluctantly, she ordered them detained, but in reality, she let them go, believing in Bai Chuan. Bai Chuan planned to go to Old Delun, Zichuan Xiu’s hometown, believing he would return there.

She told the soldiers to make their own choice—those who wanted to return to Wayun could go, and those who didn’t could continue following Zichuan Xiu. Many, for the sake of their families, chose to return, hoping for survival since this manhunt targeted Zichuan Xiu alone. Bai Chuan then announced that those remaining were free to disband on the spot, but everyone unanimously insisted on finding Zichuan Xiu. They all agreed to become mountain bandits and uphold justice.

With no rations, they decided to rob Northern Tribe supply lines. When a convoy from the Northern Tribe passed, Bai Chuan led everyone in a masked robbery—only to find an unconscious Zichuan Xiu in one of the carriages. When Zichuan Xiu awoke, he seemed startled and blindly ran around, unable to see. Once they confirmed it was him, everyone rushed to bring him back. Zichuan Xiu pretended to be fine when he woke up, but everyone noticed he was blind.

Zichuan Xiu boasted loudly that Yun Qianxue had slashed him, but claimed none of them could have endured it. Thinking of killing Lei Hong made him proud—he believed everyone would soon know of his great deeds. A Ze cautiously explained the current situation to him. Zichuan Xiu scolded them for being foolish and urged them to return and clear things up, not to follow him. But the Xiu Battalion brothers insisted on staying, urging him not to give up.

Zichuan Xiu held back tears. Bai Chuan handed him a branch to use as a cane, and Zichuan Xiu solemnly thanked them all. Lin Bing received secret orders to covertly hunt Zichuan Xiu down and execute him on the spot, without needing to report back. Her heart sank—clearly, Zichuan Canxing intended to cut off all his paths. The brothers of the Xiu Battalion renamed themselves the Fierce Tiger Society. As they drank together, they suggested focusing on seizing military supplies.

But they were unsure what to do if they encountered the Zichuan military. Zichuan Xiu made a firm decision—they would return to Wayun at dawn.

Bai Chuan felt heartbroken as she looked at the injured and blind Zichuan Xiu, tears streaming down her face. She blamed him for being too reckless—risking his life over Lei Hong. Yet for Zichuan Xiu, everything was worth it; he had never planned to return alive this time. That night, someone broke into Zichuan Xiu's room in an attempt to assassinate him, but Zichuan Xiu recognized the voice of Xiao Shaozi.

Bai Chuan and the others quickly discovered the situation and captured Xiao Shaozi and his companions. They also found an order from Zichuan Canxing on Xiao Shaozi, stating that anyone could kill Zichuan Xiu. Xiao Shaozi and the others had gone to Wayout Cloud but found themselves unable to enter. The only condition for their return home was to kill Zichuan Xiu—only then could they go back. Xiao Shaozi was devastated, realizing he could never return.

Overwhelmed by despair, he cried bitterly. Gu Lei was furious and wanted to kill Xiao Shaozi, but Zichuan Xiu ordered him to be released. After being untied, Xiao Shaozi took the whistle from around his neck, blew it hard, placed it on the table, and left with tears in his eyes. The other three followed him. Zichuan Xiu smiled forgivingly—Xiao Shaozi was still just a child in his heart.

Zichuan Xiu realized that, at this point, there was no way to explain things clearly. He no longer knew whether he was a traitor or whether the Zichuan family had simply cast him aside. Seeing his sorrow, Bai Chuan felt a deep ache in her heart. Zichuan Ning approached Di Lin, hoping he would investigate the matter, since the Ministry of Military and Legal Affairs was under his jurisdiction.

As long as he conducted an investigation, the truth would come to light. However, Di Lin didn’t want her to pursue it further. Whether people believed it or not was no longer important—what mattered was that Zichuan Canxing didn’t believe. Zichuan Ning stormed off in anger. Di Lin’s subordinate also felt that an order should be issued to investigate the matter, but Di Lin feared being misunderstood as forming factions, which would do more harm than good to Zichuan Xiu.

Nonetheless, he firmly believed Zichuan Xiu had not betrayed them. Zichuan Ning stubbornly insisted on uncovering the truth about Zichuan Xiu. Li Qing was sent by Zichuan Canxing to monitor her. Li Qing analyzed the pros and cons and knew Zichuan Ning intended to investigate. But if she really did so, it would only deepen Zichuan Canxing’s hatred for Zichuan Xiu. Zichuan Ning hesitated.

A Ze believed that the Zichuan family wanted to kill Zichuan Xiu and insisted on burning the military banner. Everyone tried to stop him. Hearing the commotion, Zichuan Xiu came over and reminded them that even if the Zichuan family no longer accepted them, the banner represented their home, and Zichuan blood flowed through their veins. Home was something they must return to. He asked each person about their hopes, and everyone shared their dreams.

Zichuan Xiu then delivered a speech that felt familiar—it was the same words he used when recruiting them into the army. Together, they shouted their determination to fight on and return to Zichuan with honor and achievement. Bai Chuan and the others led the oath, vowing to follow Zichuan Xiu to the end, never wavering. Zichuan Xiu draped the banner over himself, declaring his undying resolve. Zichuan Xiu asked Bai Chuan to take him to the Guqi Mountains.

He was very familiar with the area—even the traps and torch placements. He told Bai Chuan this was the residence of his master, the Bright King Zuo Jia. Bai Chuan didn’t believe it—she had never heard Zichuan Xiu mention this before and didn’t think someone like the Bright King would take on such an unreliable student. But Zichuan Xiu joked that his liveliness and charm had earned his master's favor.

He had come here to find his master and cure his blindness. This place was also a perfect strategic location—it could be used to attack or defend, and led directly to Zichuan. Bai Chuan led the way, guiding Zichuan Xiu with a stick. Suddenly, the torches ahead disappeared. Zichuan Xiu simply asked, “Are you ready? ” and when Bai Chuan turned around, he was gone. She panicked and searched everywhere.

When Zichuan Xiu reappeared, he claimed to have seen his master, but Bai Chuan tested him and realized his eyesight hadn’t been restored. Di Lin had sent six people to investigate Zichuan Xiu, but the reports they returned with were identical—Zichuan Xiu had been made Grand Commander and had completely defected. Di Lin and Si Yilin, however, found this increasingly suspicious, suspecting the Divine Emperor was playing a psychological game.

Si Yilin proposed that if they could bring Zichuan Xiu back, they could clear his name. But Di Lin thought the situation had already collapsed and needed a scapegoat. The next day at the meeting, Zichuan Canxing argued they couldn’t go to Yuanzhou to capture Zichuan Xiu because it was no longer under their jurisdiction. At that moment, Zichuan Ning appeared and insisted on going to Yuanzhou to bring Zichuan Xiu back.

In her heart, not searching for Zichuan Xiu felt like giving up. She wanted to personally lead the effort to find him. Zichuan Canxing privately blamed Li Qing for failing to keep an eye on Zichuan Ning. Under Zichuan Canxing’s instruction, Li Qing dissuaded Zichuan Ning from going. Zichuan Ning thought Li Qing would scold her again, but Li Qing instead praised her courage today. Although it hadn’t helped, it was better than crying and running away.

Zichuan Ning felt helpless—before, if she made a fuss, Zichuan Canxing would give in. Now, no matter what she did, he was unmoved. She didn’t know what else she could do. But Li Qing told her that in fact, she could do many things—the real question was whether she was ready to face Zichuan Xiu.

Li Qing brought maps of various places in Yuanzhou to show Zichuan Ning, and had her study the history of Yuanzhou. Tomorrow, she would also be interrogated. Although Zichuan Ning did not verbally acknowledge Li Qing as her teacher, she still obediently read the books until she fell asleep at the desk. Li Qing remained strict as she continued teaching her more knowledge.

She also spoke about Liu Fengshuang of the Liu Feng family, who, after taking over the border, resolved problems that had troubled the area for ten years—truly a rare talent. At this moment, Zichuan Ning became curious about Liu Fengshuang and hoped to become someone like her. From that day on, Zichuan Ning would also take the initiative to ask Li Qing questions. Old Delun treated Zichuan Xiu’s eyes and called Li Nong in to massage his legs.

In fact, Zichuan Xiu had already recovered, but he asked Old Delun not to reveal this because the pressure was too great. Old Delun agreed with a doting smile. Li Nong and the others found the training manual of Prince Zuo Jiaming. Nobody knew whether it was real or fake. Bai Chuan told everyone it was real and said Prince Zuo Jiaming had a humorous personality, so the manual was written in an unusual style.

In truth, Bai Chuan knew it must have been Zichuan Xiu’s doing, but she didn’t know what he was really planning. Later, Bai Chuan went to Zichuan Xiu’s room and found some illustrated books of men and women, as well as martial arts manuals he was drawing. She immediately guessed that Zichuan Xiu was pretending to be blind. She deliberately undressed in front of him and sat in front of him.

Zichuan Xiu became extremely nervous, hurriedly picked up her clothes, and told her to leave. His quick reaction confirmed to Bai Chuan that he was faking his blindness, and she punched him in anger. Zichuan Xiu hastily explained that he had only recently recovered. He just wanted to rest properly.

The martial arts techniques had been taught by his master and he remembered them all, so he drew them out for everyone to use, tailored to their strengths for more efficient training. Bai Chuan understood his good intentions but insisted that he couldn’t hide his recovery and avoid fighting—it was only fair to let everyone vent their anger. The Northern Tribe’s army began attacking Blue Village.

Zichuan Xiu happened to be sheltered there and felt it was time to repay them and fight back against the Northern Tribe. It was also a great opportunity to make achievements. Although everyone was a bit scared and worried they couldn’t win, they dared not disobey Zichuan Xiu’s order and had no choice but to charge out, otherwise they’d be executed on the spot.

Li Nong and A Ze led people out and encountered fake Northern Tribe soldiers lying in ambush. A fierce fight ensued. A Ze realized these people were not very strong but unexpectedly, real Northern Tribe soldiers showed up. Thinking they were the same as the others, A Ze charged in and astonishingly managed to fight off over ten enemies by himself, shocking everyone. No one expected A Ze to become so formidable.

Bai Chuan initially thought these were actors arranged by Zichuan Xiu, but Zichuan Xiu revealed they were real Northern Tribe soldiers. This battle completely shed the Xiu Battalion’s reputation as weaklings. That night, everyone drank together in celebration. Old Delun whispered conspiratorially with Zichuan Xiu, saying his brothers had truly impressed him today—even his fake Northern Tribe men had almost been beaten. Zichuan Xiu mentioned they still lacked funds to buy high-quality weapons.

Old Delun purposely let him see his silver and was willing to lend him money, but with interest. Zichuan Xiu was overjoyed. Bai Chuan noticed Zichuan Xiu had come into a chest full of silver and correctly guessed he had borrowed it. What surprised her was that the first thing he wanted to do was treat everyone to a feast.

While Bai Chuan was training the troops, she discovered some Northern Tribe soldiers nearby with fresh bloodstains, suggesting the attackers weren’t far. She led people in pursuit and identified them as deserters from Yuanzhou, each wounded. Bai Chuan shared their food and learned they were from the fifth squad of the Zichuan family’s Lei Hong, led by a man named Hu An. Since Hu An didn’t know where to go next, Bai Chuan suggested returning to the village together.

When Hu An heard it was Zichuan Xiu’s unit, he was overjoyed and respectfully saluted. They had long known Zichuan Xiu killed Lei Hong—something they all wanted but didn’t dare do—so they admired him deeply. Bai Chuan introduced Hu An to Zichuan Xiu. Ever since Lei Hong died, they had fled. While following Lei Hong, they were always sent on the most dangerous missions—they were simply cannon fodder. After fleeing, some of their comrades were captured and burned alive.

Later, Hu An set a trap and wiped out those enemies. After Zichuan Xiu killed Lei Hong, Lu Di was promoted to Great General of Pingyuan, which confused Zichuan Xiu. He thought only someone like Yun Qianxue deserved such a title. Hu An explained that recently, the Divine Emperor of Sairong had decreed that the person who killed the most could take the position.

Lu Di then went to Moon Bay and massacred tens of thousands of civilians, issuing a kill-and-occupy order. Because of the high death toll, he secured the generalship. Old Delun furiously cursed Lu Di as a beast and wanted to rescue the people immediately. He gathered locals for a meeting. Zichuan Xiu was willing to join the rescue, but Old Delun advised him not to get involved out of concern that he would no longer be welcomed there.

Zichuan Xiu agreed only to listen during the meeting and not give opinions, so Old Delun allowed it. No one wanted to go rescue the people. In frustration, Old Delun decided to lead the mission himself with twenty thousand men. Privately, Zichuan Xiu told Old Delun that if the Yuanzhou people could be united and trained together, they would become a formidable force. But Old Delun believed the people were too divided and unwilling.

Zichuan Xiu wanted to help rescue the people, but also understood that each tribe needed individual support. Zichuan Xiu found locals from Moon Bay and persuaded them to help. He drew a prison layout and had the Xiu Battalion handle the fighting, while the others were only responsible for the rescue. However, after being rescued, the people of Moon Bay were ungrateful and lashed out at the people of Blue Village.

A Ze kicked down a pillar in anger, shocking everyone. Zichuan Xiu then addressed the real issue: everyone was starving. Only by leaving could they eat. That finally got everyone to cooperate. Zichuan Xiu felt that although these people had been rescued, they had no ability to survive on their own. If they left, it would mean death. Bai Chuan understood Zichuan Xiu’s point and agreed to help them build houses, which made Zichuan Xiu happy.

Once the elves of Moon Bay were fed, Bai Chuan suggested teaching them martial arts. But the elves refused to learn and argued that farming was more useful. Bai Chuan reluctantly agreed to promise meat for those who learned well, which finally convinced them to train. However, once training began, the elves and Blue Village people clashed frequently, drawing swords at the slightest provocation. Bai Chuan angrily warned that anyone not training properly would go hungry.

The two groups then started competing in hunting. The Xiu Battalion caught a lot of prey, while the elves and Blue Village people caught nothing due to constant fighting and stealing. Bai Chuan only allowed the Xiu Battalion to eat, leaving the others truly hungry. Bai Chuan stormed into Zichuan Xiu’s room, angry and unwilling to continue training the elves.

Zichuan Xiu was about to comfort her when news came that the elves, led by Gu Xi, were preparing to leave. Zichuan Xiu had to personally go and persuade them. Gu Xi said they didn’t want conflict, only to farm and live peacefully. Zichuan Xiu gave them money and helped them start building homes, which finally convinced them to stay. He understood that with basic survival still an issue, they couldn’t be expected to care about spiritual ideals.

The Northern Tribe’s sacrificial ceremony arrived. Duke Ross’s tribute was more than ten times the usual. Ka Dun arranged for him to stay at her residence, leading to conflict with Ka Lan. Hei Sha reported all the gathered intelligence to the Divine Emperor, suggesting these princes had their own agendas. The Divine Emperor was well aware—they all wanted his position. Ross visited Ka Dan with an extremely arrogant attitude. He searched her room and asked her to return with him.

Ka Dan rudely threw him out. As her maid tried to reason with Ross, he suddenly made a move. Ka Dan nearly fell, but Yun Qianxue arrived in time to support her and, with an imposing presence, drove Ross away. Ross declared that after this sacrificial ceremony, he would definitely marry Ka Dan. Yun Qianxue wanted to report this to the Divine Emperor, but Ka Dan stopped him.

To avoid marrying Ross, Ka Dan sought out Ka Lan to form an alliance against Ka Dun. Ka Dun began analyzing the hunting contest. Ross believed the only prizes were the title of crown prince and Ka Dan’s hand. Whoever resolved the Ka Dan issue would win the Divine Emperor’s favor. Ka Dun immediately said he would help Ross marry Ka Dan. Suddenly, a slave from the Dragon Clan rushed into the hunting grounds to see the Divine Emperor.

He pleaded for justice, accusing Lu Di of senseless killings and land seizures that left the people destitute. Ka Dun publicly condemned Lu Di, who knelt and begged the Divine Emperor for punishment. But the Divine Emperor didn’t blame him. Instead, he declared that in this world, only the strong prevail, and ordered the slave executed. Ka Dan was heartbroken but dared not show it. She then announced she would also participate in the hunting competition.

Ka Dun blamed Ka Lan for having the slave complain. In truth, the Divine Emperor didn’t mind and issued no punishment. Ka Lan believed the Divine Emperor always concealed his true emotions and couldn’t be judged yet. When Ka Dan didn’t return, the Divine Emperor grew concerned. Someone reported that there were traps, deep pits, grain powder, and bloodthirsty ducks in the hunting grounds. After an investigation, it was discovered that Ka Dun’s people had been seen there.

The Divine Emperor became suspicious. Ka Dan returned, clearly wounded by the bloodthirsty ducks. Hei Sha took her pulse and found she was pregnant. The Divine Emperor could not tolerate his daughter being involved with someone from the Zichuan family and angrily demanded an explanation. Ka Dan wanted to reveal the truth, but Yun Qianxue knelt and confessed that something happened between them while he was escorting her back.

In the end, the Divine Emperor gave Ka Dan to Yun Qianxue, entrusting his most beloved daughter to him. Privately, Ka Dan told Yun Qianxue she deeply loved the child’s father and perhaps always would. She wanted to tell Yun Qianxue who he was, but he didn’t want to know. Now that Ka Dan had returned, they would never meet again, and he was willing to bear it all and protect both Ka Dan and the child.

The Divine Emperor furiously beat Ka Dun, blaming him for failing to restrain Lu Di and for framing his sister. He called him incompetent and ordered him to return and act like a proper prince. He warned both Ka Dun and Lu Di that his sword would be waiting for them. The Divine Emperor scolded Ka Dun for being foolish, unable to see Ross’s greed and ambition. Ambition alone was far from enough.

Yun Qianxue promised Ka Dan that after their marriage, they would live separately. He only wished to have the chance to protect Ka Dan, not to possess her. Ka Dan gradually began to understand Yun Qianxue, though she still longed for Si Yilin. Since Zichuan Xiu arranged for two clans to build houses together, the Dragon Clan and the Elves had been living in harmony.

Even Gu Xi and the Dragon Clan’s Qiluo, once like fire and water, now shared mutual affection and hoped to be together one day. This greatly comforted Zichuan Xiu. When everyone saw the temple, they showed extraordinary faith, even believing the temple could protect everything. Zichuan Xiu found this foolish, believing true protection came only from strength, but he didn’t know how to persuade them.

At that moment, news arrived that Qiluo and others, who had gone out on a mission, had been captured by the Northern Clan. Zichuan Xiu immediately led a team to rescue them. Zichuan Xiu went with Bai, Juan, and A Ze, planning to exchange themselves for Qiluo and the others’ safety. They would resist after the others had left. However, due to being outnumbered and Zichuan Xiu’s previous injuries, they were no match.

At the critical moment, Gu Xi and Qiluo returned. They understood that only if Zichuan Xiu and the others survived would there be hope. So they ignited the pre-arranged gasoline and drove Zichuan Xiu’s group away. Zichuan Xiu was overwhelmed with grief as he heard the explosion behind him. He tried to rush back but was forcibly taken away by Bai Chuan.

After returning, Zichuan Xiu set up memorial tablets for Qiluo and Gu Xi and blamed himself for his previous reckless actions that had implicated so many. Bai Chuan told him that as long as they were alive, Qiluo and Gu Xi’s deaths were not in vain. Everyone continued to support Zichuan Xiu. Suddenly, he proposed visiting the legendary Elder Budan at the temple.

Busen, the village chief of Blue Village, met Zichuan Xiu and thought he was just a sickly man, not worth paying attention to. However, Zichuan Xiu accurately observed that Busen’s left foot was heavier when walking, indicating an injury. If they fought, attacking the left foot would surely lead to victory. Busen was left speechless and led Zichuan Xiu to see Elder Budan. Without the elder’s permission, no one could enter the temple.

In over a thousand years, Zichuan Xiu was the only one allowed to go in. Busen had to wait outside. Elder Budan had his back to Zichuan Xiu, cloaked in a large robe, but when he turned around, he was just a young boy. Rumor had it that Budan was eighty, but he looked nothing like it. Zichuan Xiu saw Budan walk on water as if on solid ground, while he nearly fell in when trying himself.

Zichuan Xiu believed that everyone viewed Budan as their faith and hoped to use that power to unite them. He recounted the battle at Payi City. Budan was concerned that a war against the Northern Clan could cause great losses and that they were handed over by Zichuan himself. To Budan, Yuanzhou was both a traitor and mortal enemy to Zichuan. Zichuan Xiu shared his ideals and vision, hoping that future generations would all be treated equally.

This deeply moved Budan, who repeated the words several times and asked Zichuan Xiu if he truly believed in equality. Zichuan Xiu gave his firm promise. Zichuan Xiu returned safely from his meeting with Budan, and everyone waited anxiously. However, Zichuan Xiu disappointed them, saying Budan did not agree to his request. Although Budan yearned for the world Zichuan Xiu described, he dared not believe easily.

In the past, someone named Zichuan Yun also promised to lead them out of the Northern Clan’s grasp, only to bring oppression from Zichuan. Zichuan Xiu explained that it was Lei Hong’s personal actions, but Budan could not speak out for Zichuan nor convince others to trust him. Budan said ants could not trust bees—they could not bear another betrayal.

Even so, Zichuan Xiu said he himself had once been a traitor to Zichuan and hoped Budan would see him as one of the Yuanzhou people, fighting to protect Yuanzhou together. But Budan still refused to believe. With no other choice, Zichuan Xiu had to leave. Though Lei Hong was dead, his methods continued to hinder them. Despite this, everyone said they would continue even without Budan’s support.

Busen agreed to let Zichuan Xiu stay, but Zichuan Xiu had made his own plan to leave first. Ma Wei delivered a message to Zichuan Ning. Although Zichuan Xiu was the Grand Governor of the Northern Clan's Yuanzhou, the actual administrator was Lu Di. Zichuan Xiu had been missing for a long time. Zichuan Ning asked Ma Wei to continue sending people to search for Zichuan Xiu. This letter alone couldn’t prove his innocence, and Ma Wei agreed.

In private, Li Qing met with Ma Wei, worried that he would exploit Zichuan Ning’s longing for Zichuan Xiu to seek personal gain. She warned him, and only after receiving his assurance did she leave. Recently, Lin Xiujia had been experiencing frequent dizziness. The royal physician advised terminating the pregnancy, but Lin Xiujia insisted on keeping the baby and deliberately hid the truth from Di Lin. While Di Lin was talking with her, news arrived that something had happened in the northwest.

Zichuan Canxing informed Si Yilin that news had arrived from the northwest—Liu Fengshuang had suddenly launched a surprise attack on the northwestern border, capturing three cities. Canxing ordered Si Yilin to lead troops to reinforce the area and dispatched Li Qing to accompany him. Li Qing had previously been suppressed by Si Yilin when they were in the military camp and was now eager to go along.

In Lijia City, Liu Fengshuang and Liu Fengsen also received news that Si Yilin and Li Qing were on their way. Precisely because it was Si Yilin, Liu Fengshuang planned to carefully scout the terrain. Liu Fengsen cast a divination and foresaw bad omens, but Liu Fengshuang dismissed his reading, saying that her younger brother had never once been accurate in the past ten years and that she had never even paid homage to the spirits.

Li Qing and Si Yilin discussed how to deal with Liu Fengshuang’s forces and planned a surprise attack. Li Qing volunteered to take Ganan, promising to seize it within three days. Si Yilin objected, but Li Qing insisted, reminding him that on this expedition, she was the commanding general. When Li Qing led her troops toward Ganan, Liu Fengshuang prepared to use the flooding season to her advantage and defeat Li Qing.

She vowed to capture two cities from Zichuan that day. Liu Fengshuang, along with her subordinate Ying Mulan, intercepted Li Qing, urging her to surrender or die within two hours. However, Li Qing firmly refused and had already spotted the ambush—yet she had no intention of retreating. At that moment, Si Yilin arrived as well and bluntly revealed that their true goal was to lure Liu Fengshuang out, having predicted her tactics.

Liu Fengshuang originally wanted to fight, but realized her brother Liu Fengsen had already been captured. A chaotic battle ensued, and Li Qing and Si Yilin emerged victorious. The news quickly reached Zichuan. Storytellers vividly recounted the battlefield tales, praising the two as a deeply bonded couple. Ma Wei saw Zichuan Ning also listening to the stories and took the opportunity to speak with her.

Knowing she always wanted to help Zichuan Xiu, he exploited that sentiment, hoping she might take action. But Zichuan Ning did not dare to trust Ma Wei as a friend. Ma Wei presented her with a moonstone, hoping to soothe her heart. Zichuan Ning recalled how Zichuan Xiu had once given her a moonstone and sighed at having lost him.

Ma Wei reminded her that as the future head of the Zichuan clan, everything under heaven would be hers—let alone just one person. After the battle, Si Yilin and Li Qing returned. The capital was abuzz with stories about them. Canxing, overjoyed, wanted to reward them. At that moment, news arrived that the Divine Emperor of Sairong was marrying off his daughter. Si Yilin fell into deep sorrow.

When he was alone, Canxing came to comfort him, telling him it was okay to cry if he wanted to. He understood Ka Dan’s place in Si Yilin’s heart, and told him that while it was fine to mourn and feel sad, a true man should not wallow in it forever. He hoped Si Yilin would have a bright future. The internal strife in the Liu Feng family was the biggest factor in ending the war.

At this time, Liu Fengming raised troops in rebellion. The emperor remained composed, even thinking this son was being too impatient—after his own death, Liu Fengming would naturally take over. But Liu Fengming could no longer wait. Though he didn’t kill his father, he placed him under house arrest and issued a kill order for Liu Fengshuang, accusing her of treason. The Northern Tribe attacked again, reaching the entrance of Bru Village.

Upon hearing the news, Zichuan Xiu rushed to help. Old Delun was fighting desperately with the others. Luckily, Zichuan Xiu arrived just in time. He ordered his men to hold the line and once again sought out Budan. Budan had been praying to the gods for protection and didn’t expect Zichuan Xiu to return. Zichuan Xiu proposed taking Ka Dan away with him, but Budan said he could only die here to fulfill his duty.

The Holy Temple was the faith of all the Far Isles tribes. Zichuan Xiu said that if they could defend the temple, they could unite the tribes of the Far Isles. Only by harnessing each tribe’s strengths could they ensure the long-term protection of their homeland. Budan handed the map of the terrain to Zichuan Xiu, hoping he could help and stand up so the tribes would believe in him.

He wanted everyone to unite, but this time the leader to defend wasn’t Budan, the elder, but Zichuan Xiu himself. Budan placed the elder’s symbolic necklace around Zichuan Xiu’s neck. Zichuan Xiu vowed on the spot not to fail in his mission. Zichuan Ning took the initiative to find Canxing, asking for a mentor to teach her military strategy. She also expressed her understanding of Canxing’s difficulties.

Canxing was gratified and entrusted her with the repair of the Wayun Pass, the key defensive point between Zichuan and the Northern Tribe. Canxing hoped she could complete this task and seek guidance from Di Lin if needed. Li Qing and Si Yilin went to a restaurant for a meal. When Li Qing went to the carriage to retrieve something, Si Yilin accompanied her.

They happened to encounter someone who recognized them and was convinced the two were a loving couple. Li Qing tried to explain that they were not in that kind of relationship, but no one believed it—after all, that’s what the storytellers had said.

Canxing asked if the storyteller was still performing and learned that Li Qing and Si Yilin were now the talk of the town. Now, if she couldn't end up with Si Yilin, no one would dare marry her. All of this was orchestrated behind the scenes by Canxing. Among the current rising talents, only Zichuan Xiu, Si Yilin, and Di Lin stood out. Di Lin was the most difficult for Canxing to control.

He was deeply thoughtful, to the point that even Canxing couldn't read him sometimes. Zichuan Xiu had already betrayed him. Only if Li Qing and Si Yilin were together could Di Lin be at ease, and Canxing also believed the two were the most compatible couple. At this moment, Zichuan Ning, Di Lin, Xiujia, and Si Yilin were together, discussing the repairs of the Wayun Stronghold. The greatest shortage was funding.

Zichuan Ning hoped to request funds from the Three Ministries, beginning with diplomacy and turning to pressure if necessary. But things were not progressing as expected. The Three Ministries believed Zichuan Ning had not yet succeeded to the throne and lacked seniority, so they didn’t take her seriously and rejected her with various excuses. Zichuan Ning decided to visit Ma Wei personally.

She believed Ma Wei was the key to the Three Ministries and that her presence would earn her some respect. Li Qing no longer stopped her. In private conversation, Canxing praised Li Qing in front of Si Yilin and tried to matchmake them. Si Yilin didn’t express any opinion at the time. While patrolling that night, someone picked up the remains of a sky lantern. Si Yilin appeared unmoved and told them to continue the patrol.

When no one was around, he held the remains and wept, recognizing it as the lantern Ka Dan had released. Memories of their time together overwhelmed him with sorrow. But he knew he had to sever this emotional tie for the greater good, and he personally burned the remains of the sky lantern.

When Zichuan Ning went to see Ma Wei, before she could even speak, he had already prepared several chests of gold and jewels to help rebuild the Wayun Stronghold. Ma Wei analyzed that Canxing assigned this task to Zichuan Ning partly out of trust and partly as a test. He also believed the Three Ministries would not easily give in.

Ma Wei suggested that Zichuan Ning host a family charity banquet, where auctioning some jewels could generate significant funds, and others would follow suit. Zichuan Ning was delighted and adopted the suggestion. This time, the soldiers brought by Emperor Lu numbered fewer than ten thousand and were stationed near Bulu Village. Zichuan Xiu assigned roles to everyone before the battle. After ambushing through the night, they finally captured a Northern soldier.

This allowed Zichuan Xiu to confirm that the enemy was indeed preparing to attack, which oddly excited him, as it meant the conflict could be resolved quickly. People from all tribes in Yuanzhou gathered, urging Zichuan Xiu to come up with a strategy. Seeing them bicker nonstop, Zichuan Xiu grew furious and suggested they might as well retreat. He even planned to withdraw with the Xiu Battalion and let the ancestral temple be handed over to the Northern Tribe.

This finally silenced the group. Zichuan Xiu wanted everyone to play to their strengths and strike the enemy hard. He arranged for the Snake Tribe to lure the Northern forces into the city, followed by ambushes from the Dragon and Elf tribes. But if the Elf and Dragon tribes didn’t cooperate, he’d retreat with the Xiu Battalion and leave the others to perish, even letting Budan become a prisoner.

The Snake Tribe, known for their sharp tongues, stood on the city walls and hurled insults at Emperor Lu’s men. Enraged, Emperor Lu stormed the city to capture them, only to find no one. He ordered a search, but the city was empty. Suddenly, attackers emerged from nowhere, struck, and disappeared. Emperor Lu’s subordinates began to panic. He calmed them and ordered buildings to be set on fire to deny the enemy hiding spots.

Meanwhile, Budan prayed in the temple, hoping for the protection of their people. As Emperor Lu approached the temple, Zichuan Xiu's ambush was waiting. Emperor Lu rushed inside hoping to capture Budan but found Zichuan Xiu in disguise. During the battle, Emperor Lu grabbed Zichuan Xiu by the neck, but a young boy suddenly rushed in and stabbed him. Budan, hiding, was frantic.

As Emperor Lu pressed forward, trying to kill the boy, Zichuan Xiu shielded him and wounded Emperor Lu. Yet, he didn’t kill him—he only took a blue feather from his ornament. Emperor Lu warned that he’d return, but Zichuan Xiu was unfazed. Their victory led to cheers as everyone lifted Zichuan Xiu in celebration. But Zichuan Xiu felt he wasn’t the one who led them to victory—it was their unity and faith.

Bai Chuan wondered why he didn’t kill Emperor Lu. Zichuan Xiu confessed that even if he had, another general would rise. Compared to Yun Qianxue, he preferred Emperor Lu as an opponent. In the ancestral temple, Budan declared she now believed in Zichuan Xiu and announced that the prophecy had come true—Zichuan Xiu was the Lightbringer who would lead them into the light.

Zichuan Xiu wanted to return the necklace to Budan. He had no desire to be the Lightbringer—he only wanted to leave. But Budan believed what they lacked was a leader, and Zichuan Xiu was the most suitable. She sincerely pleaded with him, promising to unite all armies under his command. She believed he was the prophesied Lightbringer who would lead them into brightness. Zichuan Xiu feared dragging everyone down, but Budan had already considered that.

They would do everything in their power to help him become Yuanzhou’s king. She even retrieved a box from the water and gifted it to him. Everyone believed the box was a rare treasure and urged Zichuan Xiu to open it. Inside were not sacred relics, but an old robe and a mask. Zichuan Xiu immediately lost interest. Bai Chuan, however, encouraged everyone, saying the humble outfit was intentional—to set an example for the leader.

Luo Minghai feared Zichuan Ning would face trouble collecting funds and wanted Canxing to step in. But Canxing declined, saying that Zichuan Ning, as the future ruler of Zichuan, needed to face these challenges, and that some hidden forces needed to be exposed and eliminated. The Three Ministries discussed the upcoming banquet. Everyone knew it was to make them contribute funds and were displeased.

Ma Wei said Zichuan Ning would also offer valuable treasures and that her hosting role signaled political backing. Not showing support might jeopardize their own interests. Some thought Ma Wei was leveraging her status to rise in power and ignored him. Others believed him. Ma Wei gave a gift to Registrar Wange, asking him to support Zichuan Ning, and Wange agreed on the spot. At the banquet, Ma Wei introduced Zichuan Ning to Wange and others.

Li Qing, Si Yilin, and Di Lin also attended to show support. Si Yilin admired how Ma Wei managed to gather such people, and Di Lin believed Ma Wei was indeed clever. The situation had become critical. Zichuan Ning issued honorary medals, but to receive one required significant contributions. She assigned the renovation project to Ma Wei. He swore to do his best. Zichuan Ning admired how he could gather such support.

When she learned he gifted Wange an East Sea Pearl, she felt indebted. Ma Wei took the opportunity to invite her to enjoy the moon together, but Si Yilin came and called Zichuan Ning away. Di Lin then spoke privately with Ma Wei. Ma Wei said he liked the knife Di Lin had auctioned and regretted not getting it—he’d pay 8,000 gold for it now. Di Lin handed him the knife. Ma Wei couldn’t refuse and accepted it reluctantly.

Di Lin had given Ma Wei a lesson. They all saw Ma Wei’s intentions—to position himself for future political power. But his methods were indeed brilliant; he made others sacrifice without even realizing it. Later, Zichuan Ning told Ma Wei she was only grateful and would offer nothing more. Ma Wei feigned melancholy, claiming he was a passionate man—just like her. Li Qing arrived and stopped him, taking Zichuan Ning away. Wange then insulted Li Qing’s reputation.

Si Yilin rushed over, warning everyone that anyone who dared slander Li Qing would face his sword. He personally escorted Zichuan Ning and Li Qing back. Privately, Li Qing stopped Si Yilin and admitted she had always loved him. She wanted to know his true thoughts—was he just protecting her or did he care for her? What did he think of this marriage? Si Yilin said none of this was what he wanted, including the marriage.

So many had died in Payi City, and it was his responsibility. Now, he would marry Li Qing and live as everyone expected. When Xiujia gave birth, complications arose. Di Lin rushed over and saw women carrying basins of blood. He seemed to see his fallen comrades and felt sorrowful. When Xiujia woke, the child was gone. She cried uncontrollably in Di Lin’s arms. Di Lin gently combed her hair, saying as long as she was well, that was enough.

Xiujia feared she might never have children again, but Di Lin said as long as he had her, it was enough—child or no child, he would love her for life. Zichuan Xiu visited Budan again, convinced that the mask and robe weren’t the real gift and asked for the true one. Unexpectedly, Budan told him to undress and soak in the holy spring—it could heal his body and renew him. But only a true king could use the spring.

While in the water, Zichuan Xiu saw Di Lin and Si Yilin fighting. Di Lin killed Si Yilin and came after Zichuan Xiu, seemingly unable to hear him. Zichuan Xiu struck Di Lin and then saw Zichuan Ning—but she disappeared. Si Yilin reappeared and entrusted the Zichuan family to him. When he came to, it felt like a dream. He told Budan what he had seen and asked for its meaning. Budan affirmed that Zichuan Xiu was the Lightbringer.

What he saw was the future—and it was coming soon. Zichuan Xiu began to believe it himself. He donned the mask and robe. The people of Yuanzhou sang praises to the Lightbringer, believing he would tear through the darkness and lead them to dawn.

Old Delun excitedly came to see the Light King. More and more soldiers were arriving from afar after hearing his fame. Although it was a good thing, the food supplies became insufficient. Bai Chuan urged the Light King to come up with a solution, but the Light King simply lay in the chair, mumbling without saying anything. Just as Bai Chuan was about to lose her temper, Zichuan Xiu walked in.

He had been having Li Nong impersonate him as the Light King. To raise food supplies, Zichuan Xiu planned to go to the imperial capital and have Li Nong continue the impersonation to deter the Lu Emperor.

In the council hall of the imperial capital, the commander of the Directorate of Political Affairs, Ge Shan, was dissatisfied that Di Lin’s long leave had delayed matters of the Ministry of Military and Legal Affairs, causing a backlog of cases for a month. Luo Minghai immediately proposed to take on the role of commander of the Military Inspection Unit to get things moving. Si Yilin objected but couldn’t provide a specific date for Di Lin’s return.

Zichuan Canxing ordered Luo Minghai to take over the unit. However, things didn’t go smoothly. The members of the Military Inspection Unit only recognized Di Lin and refused to accept new leadership. Si Yilin went to find Di Lin and talked about Luo Minghai's current actions, hoping Di Lin would step forward instead of enduring constant criticism.

Lin Xiujia, unwilling to have Di Lin blamed due to her illness, deliberately sent him to buy sour plums while she busied herself at the shop, forcing herself to act energetic. Di Lin understood and hoped his wife wouldn't push herself too hard for his sake. Lin Xiujia didn’t want Di Lin to face everything alone. Their deep love for each other made others envious. Di Lin officially resumed his post at the Ministry of Military and Legal Affairs.

Luo Minghai went to Zichuan Canxing to complain, saying that now the entire ministry only followed Di Lin. Zichuan Canxing took Luo Minghai to watch Di Lin training the troops. An arrow shot through the target and headed toward Zichuan Canxing. Luo Minghai tried to stir conflict and urged punishment, but Zichuan Canxing felt Di Lin's training achievements were commendable. Despite his long break, morale had not dropped, which was rare.

Di Lin offered to be punished, but Zichuan Canxing only docked some of his salary and praised both Luo Minghai and Di Lin as pillars of the imperial capital. Di Lin was aware of Luo Minghai’s actions but wasn't angry, nor did he plan to retaliate. In Di Lin’s eyes, Luo Minghai wasn’t a villain, just not good at leading troops—more suited for assistance roles. A subordinate reported that a Light King had appeared in Yuanzhou a month ago.

Di Lin instructed them to keep monitoring the situation. Li Qing brought study materials to Zichuan Ning, saying she would return in a month for an assessment and mentioned preparing for her wedding. Zichuan Ning suddenly realized everyone was growing up. She privately sought out Si Yilin, feeling that marrying Li Qing would hurt both of them. Si Yilin admitted his greatest love was always Ka Dan, whom he could no longer see.

Some things were beyond his control, including his involvement with Li Qing. Zichuan Ning insisted on doing only what she wanted and wouldn't be forced to marry someone she didn’t love. Si Yilin envied her, but he also knew that her questioning today was partly for Ka Dan and partly for Zichuan Xiu. He revealed that Zichuan Xiu actually liked her very much but didn’t feel strong enough to protect her. Everyone had their mission and couldn’t escape it.

Zichuan Ning was touched by his words. That night, Zichuan Xiu took shelter from the rain at a temple and encountered Liu Fengshuang being hunted by the Black Tiger Gang. Despite being outnumbered, Liu Fengshuang's superior martial skills gave her the upper hand. When someone tried to use a hidden weapon, Zichuan Xiu couldn’t bear to watch and stepped in to drive them off, saving Liu Fengshuang. She didn’t trust him, drew her sword, and asked who he was.

Before Zichuan Xiu could answer, Liu Fengshuang fainted from severe injuries. Zichuan Xiu tried to apply medicine to Liu Fengshuang, expecting her to resist out of modesty, but she confidently removed her outer garment and allowed him to bandage her. Her clothes were soaked, and without hesitation, she took Zichuan Xiu’s clothes to wear, leaving him no choice but to remain in his wet clothes.

Liu Fengshuang called Zichuan Xiu “uncle,” which he found unacceptable, thinking she should at least call him “big brother. ” When asked his name, he lied and said he was Zhang A San. Liu Fengshuang developed a fever from the infected wounds. After Zichuan Xiu gave her medicine, she clung to him for warmth, afraid the cold would kill her.

The next morning, Liu Fengshuang woke to find herself leaning on Zichuan Xiu’s shoulder and assumed he had taken advantage of her, slapping him in the face. Zichuan Xiu reminded her about the fever. Realizing her mistake, she apologized but continued to hide her true identity, claiming her name was Lin Yu. Zichuan Xiu could tell the name was fake, and Liu Fengshuang also knew his was too, but neither would tell the truth.

Liu Fengshuang gave Zichuan Xiu a jade pendant as payment, and he accepted it without hesitation. Liu Fengshuang gave Zichuan Xiu a piece of flatbread. He teased her for eating messily, and she mocked him for being sloppy. Zichuan Xiu hurried to strike a handsome pose, explaining that he was usually neat but had just gotten drenched in the rain. At that moment, they heard footsteps outside.

The Black Tiger Gang returned. Zichuan Xiu and Liu Fengshuang split up to fight them off. Liu Fengshuang happened to reunite with her subordinates, left a letter, and departed. In the letter, she addressed Zichuan Xiu as “Third Brother. ” The Lu Emperor planned to attack the main base and capture the Light King. Bai Chuan quickly opened the contingency pouch left by Zichuan Xiu, only to find the word “surrender.

” Left with no choice, she raised a white cloth with the word “surrender” and led the villagers to surrender. Bai Chuan cried bitterly, denouncing the Light King for abandoning the city and inviting the Lu Emperor into the city. But the Lu Emperor feared it was a ruse. Lying on the ground to listen, he heard ambushes outside the city. Entering would be walking into a trap.

He ordered a retreat and considered it a victory for having seen through the enemy’s trick. Bai Chuan was shocked—she never imagined winning without a fight. Di Lin told Si Yilin about the Light King. Judging by the masked man’s demeanor, he believed it was Zichuan Xiu, so he hadn’t reported it to the Zichuan family. Di Lin also received a letter from the Liu Feng family demanding the capture of Liu Fengshuang. She was headed toward Zichuan territory.

If captured, the Liu Feng family promised peace for three years. But neither Di Lin nor Si Yilin cared—given the current situation, even if war broke out, nothing would happen within three years. However, they agreed Liu Fengshuang could be valuable and should be captured first. Liu Fengshuang arrived in the imperial capital of Zichuan. Knowing the entire city was searching for her, she hid in a red-light district. Unexpectedly, she saw a disguised Zichuan Xiu.

The jade pendant on his waist made her suspect he was from her family, as it bore a symbol unique to the Liu Feng clan. She guessed her whereabouts had been leaked due to it. From a building above, Zichuan Xiu also spotted Liu Fengshuang and followed her. When he saw the Black Tiger Gang chasing her, he quickly pulled her behind a red curtain. They danced with the women there.

Since Liu Fengshuang didn’t know how to dance, she ended up performing a sword dance behind the red veil. When the dance ended, Zichuan Xiu declared her the queen of the night and successfully took her away. Madam Mingyue, the madam of the brothel, was familiar with Zichuan Xiu and agreed to help. She also helped him contact Boss Feng to purchase grain.

Boss Feng feared punishment for selling to Zichuan Xiu, but Zichuan Xiu promised to only buy locally and wouldn’t expose his whereabouts. Boss Feng agreed. Because the previous peace talks had allowed Zichuan to recuperate, despite a bumper grain harvest, the national treasury was still insufficient. Di Lin believed the Lin family was to blame, as they were connected to the Liu Feng family and were secretly buying up grain and shipping it out—effectively smuggling.

Zichuan Canxing assigned Di Lin to investigate the smuggling routes and gather more information. Boss Feng, fearing an investigation by the Ministry of Military and Legal Affairs, refused to sell grain. Zichuan Xiu deliberately sent the girls from Chunfeng Courtyard to Lin Xiujia’s shop. As a result, Di Lin correctly guessed Zichuan Xiu had returned and quickly found him. After a brief conversation, he figured out what Zichuan Xiu had done and realized he was the Light King.

Zichuan Xiu pleaded sweetly for Di Lin’s help. Di Lin agreed to purchase a small amount of grain in his personal capacity but said larger purchases had to go through the Zichuan family. Di Lin proposed that Zichuan Xiu meet Si Yilin, but Zichuan Xiu feared implicating him. Di Lin told him that tomorrow was Si Yilin’s wedding day. Di Lin and Si Yilin drank together while hiding Zichuan Xiu in another room.

The three of them drinking together felt just like old times, though Si Yilin didn’t know Zichuan Xiu was in the other room. At Di Lin’s suggestion, they toasted toward that room for the distant Zichuan Xiu. Si Yilin and Li Qing officially married, with Zichuan Canxing personally presiding over the ceremony. Zichuan Xiu hid in the shadows watching everything. Zichuan Ning was absent-minded, missing Zichuan Xiu and Ka Dan.

She attended the wedding on Ka Dan’s behalf, reminiscing about the past when everyone, including Zichuan Xiu, had been together. Now, they were all gone. She wept uncontrollably. Suddenly, snow began to fall. Zichuan Ning stepped outside to watch the snow. Zichuan Xiu, hiding in the room, also looked out and saw her—but didn’t dare go to her. Just then, Ma Wei brought her a cloak and invited her inside. Zichuan Xiu watched and felt a pang in his heart.

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