Explore With the Note Recap, Plot, Synopsis

> Explore With the Note

Explore With the Note Synopsis

waThe drama tells the story of Wu Xie, Wang Pangzi, Xiao Ge, Xie Yuchen, and other partners who cooperated with the relevant government departments to track down the ancient relics stealing and selling gang led by Qiu Dekao.

They finally identify Qiu Dekao’s conspiracy to covet national treasures for many years in Changbai Mountain’s Yun Ding Heavenly Palace, and successfully stop the tomb raiding operation.

Explore With the Note Recap

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Episode 1 Recap

After previous explorations in an underwater tomb and the depths of Qinling, Wu Xie narrowly escaped death in Warlord Zhang's Tomb in Guizhou, where his Uncle Wu Sanxing had abandoned him to Hendry Cox's schemes. Wu Xie was rescued and hospitalized, but for over two months, he remained in a catatonic state, almost completely losing his basic senses.

He was plagued by nightmares of Wu Sanxing leaving him, challenging him to choose between his life and the truth, and dismissing his pursuit as "not worth it." His friends, Wang Pangzi and Xie Yuchen, visited him. Wang Pangzi was relieved when the doctor confirmed Wu Xie had regained his senses and perception. Xie Yuchen expressed his belief that Wu Sanxing's actions were intentional, but Wang Pangzi suggested it might be a misunderstanding.

Despite their worries, Wu Xie remained resolute, intent on finding his uncle and uncovering the truth. He dismissed his friends' concerns, stating he was fine on his own and planned to discharge himself, believing his uncle had his reasons for everything. Wang Pangzi and Xie Yuchen confronted him, with Xie Yuchen reminding Wu Xie of Wang Pangzi's unwavering support since the incident in Guizhou, never even going home.

They condemned Wu Sanxing for abandoning them in the tomb to collaborate with Hendry Cox, an American relic smuggler. Wu Xie, however, insisted that even if his uncle had turned rogue, he was still his uncle, and he couldn't simply let go. Feeling he had already indebted his friends too much, he declared his intention to continue his search alone.

Later, Wu Xie found a mysterious note in his clothes containing an address and a message: "If you want to know your uncle's secret, go to this address." He boarded a bus, feeling disoriented as the scenery blurred past like a kaleidoscope. Arriving at an antique shop, the clerk handed him a faded old newspaper detailing a major archaeological discovery of a Snake-Eyed Copper Fish in Guangxi Province.

When Wu Xie questioned the owner's identity and connection to the hospital visit, the silent shopkeeper simply pointed to a sign that read, "Inquiries and exchanges at your own discretion." Shortly after, Wu Xie was forcibly dragged into a car by several men in black, injected with a substance, and left unconscious on the street. Wang Pangzi eventually found him and the rain-damaged newspaper in his pocket. Back at home, Wu Xie immersed himself in research, tirelessly sifting through documents.

Even in his brief moments of sleep, he was haunted by terrifying visions, all stemming from his obsession with Wu Sanxing. Driven by his conviction, he decided to seek information at an antique shop, offering his Qilin Blood for trade. To his surprise, the shop owner was Uncle Hai, an old acquaintance. Uncle Hai, despite his mercenary nature, provided accurate information.

He explained that the "Mirrored Palace" was known as the "Yin-Yang Shuttle" in the Northern style, a concept of two identical structures, one above ground and one below, like a shuttle embedded in the earth, representing the mortal and underworlds. He confirmed that the Mirrored Palace, where the Snake-Eyed Copper Fish was found, lay beneath a stone pagoda. Wu Xie realized that finding the copper fish in the Mirrored Palace could lead him to Wu Sanxing.

Meanwhile, Hendry Cox's research team made a breakthrough, extracting a special substance from an ancient tomb corpse that could resist corpse poison and delay aging by altering telomeres in DNA. Hendry Cox, ecstatic, injected himself with a purer form, the same one Wu Xie had received. He concealed this progress from his superiors, aiming to monopolize the discovery.

However, a white mouse injected with a less potent version of the substance dissolved into liquid, completely different from the medicine in Wu Xie's body. This frustrated Hendry Cox, who then smashed lab equipment in a fit of rage. During a phone call with his superior, Hendry Cox downplayed his progress, claiming Zhang Buxun's body was decaying. He defiantly asserted his indispensable value to the project, refusing to share the secrets of longevity.

Elsewhere, Wu Sanxing was tormented by nightmares, seeing visions of an angry and heartbroken Wu Xie, whose relentless questions tortured his conscience about the truth. A phone call jarred him awake. His superior, dissatisfied with the lack of progress from both Hendry Cox and Wu Sanxing, threatened to replace them. Wu Sanxing, defending his professionalism, dismissed Hendry Cox as "trash" and reminded his superior of how much wealth he had generated for them.

When challenged about delaying their progress to the Cloud Top Palace due to his nephew, Wu Sanxing coldly declared that if he could leave Wu Xie to die once, he could do it again, guaranteeing Wu Xie's presence at the Cloud Top Palace. In another development, Wang Tianming was apprehended by Xie Yuchen's men while attempting to steal a Snake-Eyed Copper Fish from a warehouse.

Under duress, Wang Tianming confessed he was hired via email and WeChat and that the Snake-Eyed Copper Fish was his target. Xie Yuchen obtained the contact information. Wu Xie embarked alone on his quest for the Snake-Eyed Copper Fish. During his journey, he fell from a cliff but found temporary respite by a tree.

Recalling Wu Sanxing's past affection and Uncle Hai's recent counsel that the Mirrored Palace held the key to his uncle's secrets, Wu Xie steeled himself and continued onward. His solitary journey was soon interrupted by numerous green vines, which coiled around him like serpents, suspending him in the air. Just in time, Wang Pangzi appeared, setting the vines ablaze to free Wu Xie. Wang Pangzi, exasperated but unwavering, chided Wu Xie for leaving him behind and venturing unprepared.

He stressed their unbreakable bond, insisting that he would never let Wu Xie face dangers alone. Despite Wu Xie's annoyance, Wang Pangzi remained by his side, providing company and food. That night, Wu Xie confided in Wang Pangzi, admitting he suspected the entire path was a trap laid by Hendry Cox. However, he was determined to walk into it if it meant finding his uncle, believing it was a better gamble than circling the core secret indefinitely.

Unbeknownst to them, Hendry Cox was indeed monitoring their every move. He discussed with Ning the arrival of Jason, a spy sent by "Alpha" due to their insecurity, and decided to leverage him as a potential ally. Hendry Cox was soon informed that Wu Xie and Wang Pangzi had reached the Mirrored Palace. Wang Pangzi eventually caught up with Wu Xie, who had once again slipped away, at the Mirrored Palace.

They stood atop a damaged stone pagoda (standing on the natural rock formations that remained). Wu Xie explained that the original pagoda and its underground mirror image had collapsed due to structural failures and immense weight, leaving only naturally formed rock formations between them.

He deduced that by piecing together the sequences of the folklore totems—the Whale's Baleen, the Monitor Lizard's Leg, the Red Carp's Scales, the Fly's Claws, the Tiger's Eyes, the White Shark's Tail, and the Snake's Body—he could reconstruct the pagoda's original layout. Wang Pangzi, still annoyed but committed, assured Wu Xie of their shared fate. Inside the palace, they discovered several corpses pierced by arrows.

Wu Xie concluded that the arrows originated from the "Red Carp's Scales" statue and that the bodies had been repositioned after death. He noted strange damage to the eyes of a human-faced serpent statue, which Wu Xie pointed out resembled Nüwa from Chinese mythology, urging caution. Curious, Wang Pangzi pressed a button on a central pagoda. The palace shuddered and began to collapse, sending massive rocks crashing down. The two quickly scrambled into a nearby stone cave for shelter.

Episode 2 Recap

Wu Xie and Wang Pangzi continued their exploration within the ancient ruins, eventually finding the correct path. They observed numerous dilapidated walls and broken eaves, realizing most of the original palace was long gone, with only foundations remaining. As Wang Pangzi pondered Wang Zanghai's initial purpose for building such a grand palace, they suddenly heard the sound of flowing water at the entrance, and then noticed the marks they had carved earlier had been tampered with.

Wu Xie, realizing they were not alone and someone more familiar with the place was present, decided to use dynamite to blow up a wall, creating an exit despite Wang Pangzi's concerns about the structure collapsing. The explosion, however, led them to step on a mechanism, unleashing a swarm of fierce Dihuang venomous bees.

As a black cloud of bees surged from all directions, Wu Xie quickly threw a flashbang grenade towards Wang Pangzi, allowing them to escape the underground palace amidst the chaos. Outside, Wang Pangzi's face and butt were covered in painful stings, while Wu Xie remained unharmed. Wu Xie had to gather herbs to alleviate the swelling and inflammation, warning Wang Pangzi not to scratch the blisters to avoid infection and potential amputation.

Later, Wu Xie gave Wang Pangzi some herbs to chew, intending for them to be applied topically, but Wang Pangzi mistakenly swallowed them. Wang Pangzi then repeatedly suggested Wu Xie use his Qilin blood for treatment, but Wu Xie did not. Meanwhile, Xie Yuchen was aware that many, including Qiu Dekao, coveted the Snake-Eyed Copper Fish he possessed.

Pan Zi, who was working for Qiu Dekao, secretly informed Xie Yuchen about Qiu Dekao's agency in China, which facilitated foreign merchants and relic dealers. Pan Zi mentioned that a mixed-race man named Jason frequently visited this agency and had close ties to Wu Sanxing. Recognizing the danger Wu Xie was in, Xie Yuchen decided to help him indirectly.

Despite his assistant's concerns that helping Wu Xie might lead him to uncover unpleasant truths about Wu Sanxing, potentially causing resentment, Xie Yuchen remained firm. He instructed his assistant to have the Red Bat spread rumors to aid Wu Xie. After a brief rest, Wu Xie and Wang Pangzi, with Wang Pangzi now wearing a protective suit Wu Xie improvised, re-entered the underground palace. They were once again attacked by the venomous bees.

Thinking quickly, Wu Xie used his folding shovel to mix water with mud and sealed the beehive entrance, preventing more bees from emerging. Continuing their journey, they soon entered a large palace chamber. Both Wu Xie and Wang Pangzi sensed a dark shadow flitting by, scaring them into running wildly. They ran blindly, past an automatically rotating stone door, and stumbled into the main hall, dominated by a towering stone pillar adorned with intricate reliefs.

The sight of countless human and animal skulls scattered everywhere sent shivers down Wang Pangzi's spine. Before Wu Xie could fully process the grim surroundings, hundreds of mutated iron-line worms began to crawl up his legs, quickly ensnaring his entire body. Just as the worms were about to reach his eyes, Zhang Qiling arrived, swiftly cutting the parasites from Wu Xie's body.

Zhang Qiling explained to Wu Xie and Wang Pangzi that these were mutated iron-line worms, parasites that attached to bones. He clarified that they parasitized in flesh and blood while the host creature was alive, entering dormancy after its death. Upon sensing fresh flesh, their instinct drove them to seek new hosts. Suddenly, a ragged old man, wielding a long knife, lunged at the three. Zhang Qiling intercepted the attacker, urging Wu Xie and Wang Pangzi to find an exit.

As they fled the palace, they were met with a volley of poison arrows from armed villagers. Based on a pendant worn by the old man, the villagers identified him as their long-lost Elder Kua Xiong, who was also their shaman. Wang Pangzi, having been hit by a poison arrow, quickly fell unconscious. The villagers took them to their settlement for treatment.

The chief, Dang Mang, thanked them profusely for rescuing Elder Kua Xiong, who had been missing for over 40 years. Wu Xie was intrigued to see Zhang Qiling conversing fluently with Dang Mang in a language he didn't understand, further deepening his curiosity about Zhang Qiling's mysterious identity. Zhang Qiling, however, said he didn't know how he spoke their language, only that it came naturally to him, and he remembered nothing else.

He also reassured Wu Xie that Wang Pangzi's fever was a natural process of his body expelling the arrow poison, rather than an infection. Dang Mang announced a long-table banquet that evening to express their gratitude. He explained that Elder Kua Xiong, though awake, was still very weak and his eyesight was severely damaged, so he needed rest and couldn't immediately answer questions about the Snake-Eyed Copper Fish.

Wang Pangzi, upon waking, discovered a young girl had applied medicine to his butt, an intimate act that greatly embarrassed him, while Wu Xie found it amusing. Later, Zhang Qiling, speaking with Wu Xie, drew a connection between Elder Kua Xiong's disappearance, the stone pagoda's collapse, and the theft of the Snake-Eyed Copper Fish, all happening in the same year, suggesting a crucial link.

He warned Wu Xie that the underground palace of the stone pagoda was heavily modified with numerous unknown mechanisms, making further exploration extremely dangerous. Zhang Qiling urged Wu Xie to return home with Wang Pangzi once he recovered, offering to continue the search for him. Wu Xie explained that he only knew a mysterious informant had told him there was something more valuable than the Snake-Eyed Copper Fish beneath, but not what it was.

He also speculated, based on the palace's modifications and the Snake-Eyed Copper Fish, that the stone pagoda was inextricably linked to Wang Zanghai and believed Elder Kua Xiong held the answers to the past events. During the long-table banquet, everyone celebrated joyfully, but Zhang Qiling remained pensive. After the feast, he voiced his concerns, emphasizing the unpredictable dangers and numerous unknown mechanisms within Mirror Palace.

He stated that Wu Xie was no match for Wu Sanxing and shouldn't continue his pursuit, but if Wu Xie insisted on going, Zhang Qiling would accompany him. Wu Xie accepted the offer, though with a non-committal "We'll see." Meanwhile, in a hidden underground boxing gym, Pan Zi met with Wu Sanxing. He reported that Old Hai from the Qin family, an accomplice of Qiu Dekao who had misled Wu Xie to Mirror Palace, was now investigating Xie Yuchen.

Pan Zi suspected Xie Yuchen was assisting Wu Xie in finding Wu Sanxing and expressed worry that a connection between these two matters could endanger Wu Sanxing. Wu Sanxing, however, dismissed these fears, reiterating to Pan Zi that his sole priority was to protect Wu Xie, "the only root of the Wu family," should anything happen to him in their perilous life.

Episode 3 Recap

Wu Sanxing met with Uncle Hai, who initially expressed concern about Wu Xie resuming tomb raiding, hoping the Wu family could remain on a righteous path. Uncle Hai then tried to cover up his real activities by claiming to be investigating the conflict between Chen Pi Ah Si and Xie Yuchen. However, Wu Sanxing saw through his deception, and Uncle Hai eventually admitted that Xie Lianhuan's body had been found.

Xie Yuchen, now the head of the Xie family, was preparing to hold a belated funeral for his adoptive father, and planned to inter a Snake-Eyed Copper Fish with him as a tribute. Wu Sanxing clarified that his interest was solely in the Snake-Eyed Copper Fish, not the Xie family's affairs. Meanwhile, the Iron Triangle rested in the ancient village. Wang Pangzi had fully recovered, and Elder Kua Xiong's health was also improving with the care of Kun Na.

Wang Pangzi jokingly suggested they should be match-made as a reward for saving the Elder. When Elder Kua Xiong first saw Zhang Qiling, he was overwhelmed with emotion, kneeling and calling him "Leader," remarking that Zhang Qiling had not changed over the years. Wu Xie quickly explained that Zhang Qiling was their friend, not the leader he remembered.

After calming down, Elder Kua Xiong apologized for the misunderstanding and recounted his forty-plus years of being trapped in the underground palace without daylight, which he said could drive anyone mad. He emphasized the danger of the place and how it's always been a place of ill omen. He explained that the village had resided there for generations, with their ancestral home built on the "brow of the Mountain God," and their duty was to protect it.

They feared the "monsters" rumored to be locked in the pagoda, believing that if the Mountain God were enraged and the pagoda collapsed, misery would befall the mortal world. Thus, they performed annual sacrifices for peace. Elder Kua Xiong then recounted how, decades ago, Chen Pi Ah Si had arrived in the village.

He falsely introduced himself as a history teacher from Wuhan University, claiming to have been stranded with his students during an earthquake while collecting data from the ancient pagoda in Guangxi. He pleaded for help to rescue his students. The village leader believed Chen Pi Ah Si's story and dispatched the men to search for his "students," unaware they were being manipulated.

While the villagers were searching, Chen Pi Ah Si used a compass to locate the entrance to the Mirrored Palace and successfully retrieved the Eightfold Reliquary. Elder Kua Xiong, who was young and hot-headed at the time, witnessed Chen Pi Ah Si murdering his clansmen and tried to fight him but was no match. To escape Chen Pi Ah Si's bullets, he was forced to flee into a stone chamber, where he became trapped for over forty years.

An explosion soon alerted the village leader, who realized Chen Pi Ah Si's deceit. According to tribal law, for his crimes, the leader personally blinded Chen Pi Ah Si. Elder Kua Xiong mentioned that being expelled by Er Yuehong was Chen Pi Ah Si's greatest humiliation, so he always concealed the truth, letting outsiders believe he lost his sight in the Mirrored Palace. This made the sole remaining Snake-Eyed Copper Fish an object of contention for many factions.

At Xie Lianhuan's funeral, Xie Yuchen calmly placed a jade box into the tomb, despite knowing he was being watched. He then led his men away, secretly observing the surroundings. Jason and his team were also present, monitoring the process from a distance of several hundred meters from the cemetery, preparing to use their advanced equipment to steal the item.

However, the situation escalated beyond Xie Yuchen’s expectations when Chen Pi Ah Si unexpectedly intervened, using iron pellets to snatch the jade box from Jason's grasp, demonstrating agility comparable to Xie Lianhuan. Jason's superior, Qiu Dekao, later chastised Jason for underestimating local tomb robbers and lacking understanding of Chinese culture and ancient tombs. Later, Xie Lianhuan met with Wu Sanxing at Wu Sanxing’s old house.

Xie Lianhuan expressed reluctance about their ongoing plan, feeling uneasy about the potential harm to Wu Xie and Xie Yuchen, stating that it deviated from their initial goal of avenging their brothers. He hadn't expected the younger generation to be involved.

Wu Sanxing angrily rebuked Xie Lianhuan’s indecisiveness, insisting that they were past the point of no return, like "riding a horse on a wall, only able to advance, not retreat," warning that any hesitation would lead to a terrible end for everyone, including Wu Xie. He further reminded Xie Lianhuan that "the old you are dead" since the Underwater Tomb, and their goal of revenge had never changed.

Xie Lianhuan pressed Wu Sanxing on why he sent Wu Xie to the Mirrored Palace. Wu Sanxing explained that the Mirrored Palace was Wang Zanghai's final stop, where he left a critical, overlooked item. While the copper fish could unlock the secrets of the Cloud Top Palace, Wu Sanxing wanted Wu Xie's sharp mind and good luck to find a shortcut, an artifact left by the creator of the Snake-Eyed Copper Fish that he had long been searching for.

Before dawn, Wu Sanxing went to Qiu Dekao's residence to make a deal. He first spoke with A'Ning, subtly implying that Qiu Dekao was hiding things from her and warning her about the complexity of human intentions. A'Ning then expressed her concern about Qiu Dekao's undisclosed research on the Misty Village corpses and his attempt to blame her. When Qiu Dekao appeared, Wu Sanxing proposed trading the jade box for the original Warring States Silk Book.

Jason was skeptical, questioning if the item had been swapped, but Wu Sanxing warned that the ancient lock, a fruit of ancient wisdom, could not be restored once opened. Wu Sanxing insisted on the original Silk Book, not scanned copies, for the jade box. Qiu Dekao initially found the deal unattractive since the Snake-Eyed Copper Fish was not particularly valuable to him, and Jason was the one who desired it.

However, he ultimately agreed, instructing Jason that business was about profit, not sentiment. Wu Sanxing then proceeded to open the jade box, revealing a tracker and a counterfeit Snake-Eyed Copper Fish inside. Jason accused Xie Yuchen of placing the tracker. Qiu Dekao, realizing it was a fake, attempted to cancel the transaction. Wu Sanxing countered that the deal was for the "jade box," not the "Snake-Eyed Copper Fish," implying he didn't guarantee the authenticity of its contents.

He feigned ignorance about the fake, attributing it to Chen Pi Ah Si's reputation as a master forger and suggesting that whether an item was authentic was a matter of luck. He also implied Chen Pi Ah Si might have placed the tracker.

With no grounds to renege, Qiu Dekao allowed Wu Sanxing to take the Warring States Silk Book, believing that the future returns from Wu Xie, influenced by Wu Sanxing, would be far more significant than a map to the Empyrean Palace. Back in the village, Wu Xie tried to extract secrets about the pagoda from Elder Kua Xiong but received no definitive answers.

Wu Xie declared his unwavering resolve to proceed, stating that his biggest wish was to personally meet his uncle and hear the truth from him. Elder Kua Xiong described his bizarre experience in the Black Crystal Cave: after an explosion, his Sacrificial Staff fell into a crevice. He crawled down into what felt like another world, filled with black stones and multiple phantom images of his staff, making it impossible to reach.

He lost his way, saw his despairing face reflected everywhere, and scratched himself in a frenzy until his hair covered his eyes. Although he felt he was trapped for a year, only a few days had passed in the outside world, as the bodies of his fallen clansmen had only just begun to decompose.

Before Wu Xie, Wang Pangzi, and Zhang Qiling departed, Elder Kua Xiong gave Wu Xie a map of the underground palace's secret passages, warning them about geothermal activity and unknown dangers. Wang Pangzi expressed concern about leaving in the middle of the night, worrying about Kun Na’s reaction, but Wu Xie told him they could explain later. As they left the village, Wang Pangzi wistfully hoped the place would never be disturbed again, looking at collected photos of Kun Na.

Soon after their departure, as Dang Mang and Kun Na brought medicine for Elder Kua Xiong, they discovered he had been mysteriously murdered in his room, leading to a profound misunderstanding between them. Meanwhile, the Iron Triangle descended deeper underground, feeling increasing heat as they neared their destination.

Episode 4 Recap

Using Elder Kua Xiong's personal map of the underground palace secret passage, the Iron Triangle (Wu Xie, Wang Pangzi, and Zhang Qiling) successfully located the Black Crystal Cave. Wu Xie warned them about the dangers Elder Kua Xiong had described, advising them to be extremely cautious, especially Wang Pangzi, against touching anything unnecessarily. Inside the cave, the trio initially found the place magical, adorned with glittering black crystals.

However, as they ventured deeper, they felt increasingly fatigued, disoriented, and began experiencing vivid hallucinations, leading to a complete loss of their five senses. Even Zhang Qiling struggled under the intense magnetic field, suffering from severe headaches and unable to withstand the effects for long. Despite repeated attempts, the three found themselves unable to overcome the powerful magnetic forces and optical illusions caused by the high refractive black crystals acting as prisms.

They were forced to crawl, feeling as though they had been trapped for a month, losing all sense of time and hunger. Zhang Qiling even attempted to break through the hard black crystals with his Black-gold Ancient Knife but failed. Just as they felt completely lost and exhausted, Wang Pangzi inadvertently stumbled out of the hallucinatory area. Observing this, Zhang Qiling quickly guided Wu Xie out of the disorienting environment. Outside, Wang Pangzi discovered Elder Kua Xiong's lost staff.

Wu Xie realized that the staff's bronze, containing significant radioactive substances, along with the cave's unique crystal structure, was responsible for the mind-deceiving effects and their sensory loss. Moments later, Wang Pangzi retrieved a wooden box from a stone pillar, triggering a gravity-based booby trap set by Wang Zanghai. The cave began to collapse, forcing them to flee.

As they escaped, Zhang Qiling mysteriously disappeared, which Wang Pangzi remarked was typical of him, though Wu Xie understood Zhang Qiling might have his reasons. Wu Xie then examined the silk manuscript from the box, deciphering text that mentioned "Snow Mountain, a sacred place," and pondered its connection to the Empyrean Palace and the Kunlun Snow Mountain.

They also discovered bomb fragments from a 1950s American MK80 aerial bomb in the debris, leading Wu Xie to conclude that the historical earthquake was a man-made event and Qiu Dekao had been targeting the location for a long time, turning their mission into a conspiracy. Before they could process this new information, Dang Mang and the enraged villagers arrived, launching fire arrows at Wu Xie and Wang Pangzi. The villagers' sudden hostility confused Wang Pangzi.

At that critical moment, several SUVs rapidly approached, and A Ning appeared. She ordered her team to throw smoke bombs at the villagers, quickly incapacitating everyone, including Wu Xie and Wang Pangzi. Wu Xie later awoke, recovering quickly from the effects of the smoke bomb, to find A Ning tending to him. He thanked her for returning an item to him, an act she seemed surprised by. Wu Xie offered her instant noodles as a thank you for saving them.

However, their meal was interrupted by a video call from Qiu Dekao. Qiu Dekao explicitly stated that he had sent A Ning to rescue Wu Xie and attempted to persuade Wu Xie to collaborate with him, painting Wu Sanxing as an untrustworthy individual who had betrayed friends and family. Qiu Dekao claimed Wu Sanxing would invite Wu Xie to the Empyrean Palace but could harm him again, promising that his own alliance would never abandon Wu Xie.

Enraged to learn A Ning was acting on Qiu Dekao's orders, Wu Xie curtly refused the offer, hung up the call, and dismissed A Ning, who tried to explain but could not. Wang Pangzi jokingly commented on Wu Xie's "girlfriend" being angry, but Wu Xie remained unconvinced by Qiu Dekao's manipulations. Shortly after, Wu Sanxing called Wu Xie, asking him to meet at Xing's Home, "the same old place."

Wu Xie arrived with lingering resentment, accusing Wu Sanxing of abandoning him in Guizhou and only reaching out when he needed help. Wu Sanxing first tried to appease Wu Xie with a fake heirloom, but Wu Xie, seeing through the deception, confronted him about his lies. Wu Sanxing then presented a genuine Warring States Silk Book, revealing he had traded several ancient tombs to Qiu Dekao for it.

Despite Wu Xie's lingering distrust regarding Wu Sanxing's secretive dealings, he ultimately agreed to accompany his uncle. Wu Sanxing then formally invited Wu Xie to join him on an expedition to the Empyrean Palace, stating he would feel more at ease with his nephew by his side. Wu Xie accepted.

Meanwhile, Wu Sanxing also approached Xie Yuchen, hoping to borrow the Snake-Eyed Copper Fish, arguing its importance for the Empyrean Palace expedition and his need for it due to his age. Xie Yuchen, however, saw through Wu Sanxing's pretense, directly accusing him of collaborating with Qiu Dekao and discerning the insincerity in his words. Xie Yuchen starkly contrasted Wu Sanxing's character with his own uncle's, implying Wu Sanxing's unreliability.

Though disappointed, Xie Yuchen agreed to let the matter rest out of respect for Wu Xie, but the encounter left their relationship severely strained. Immediately after Wu Sanxing left, Xie Yuchen received news that the Snake-Eyed Copper Fish from his stronghold had been stolen. Surveillance footage confirmed Chen Pi Ah Si as the thief, who even made a taunting gesture to the camera. Xie Yuchen realized he had fallen for Wu Sanxing's elaborate trap.

Out of concern for Wu Xie, Xie Yuchen later called him, offering to join him on the perilous journey. Wu Xie declined the offer, wishing to avoid implicating Xie Yuchen. As a compromise, Xie Yuchen arranged for his subordinate, Jia Sha, to send Wu Xie a tracker to ensure his safety and enable a swift response in emergencies. Before Wu Xie's departure, A Ning met him privately, asserting that she was acting independently, not on Qiu Dekao's behalf.

She provided Wu Xie with a miniature earpiece, explaining its utility for secure communication and for discreetly capturing and transmitting video from within the Empyrean Palace. She suggested it was a "safety net," reminding Wu Xie that while he might be wary of her group, he might be more vulnerable to those he trusts. Wu Xie promised to consider her offer. Subsequently, Wu Xie and Wang Pangzi boarded a train heading north.

Wang Pangzi questioned Wu Xie's certainty about the Empyrean Palace's location on Changbai Mountain. Wu Xie then revealed a map from his grandfather Wu Laogu's diary, which depicted a "dragon vein," confirming the Empyrean Palace's position.

Episode 5 Recap

On a green train, Wu Xie and Wang Pangzi were discussing the Empyrean Palace. Wu Xie explained that a painting from his grandpa's notes, which had no explanation, turned out to be a map of the dragon vein. He pointed out that the three Snake-Eyed Copper Fish unearthed from the Seven-Star Lu Palace, Guangxi Mirrored Palace, and the Paracel Underwater Tomb formed an "indistinct sea dragon" (qian long chu hai), symbolizing a hidden dragon emerging from the sea.

He concluded that, from a geomancy perspective, the missing "dragon head" was Changbai Mountain. This explained why Qiu Dekao had been unable to find the Empyrean Palace, having mistaken the dragon vein map for a star chart. Wang Pangzi was impressed by Wu Xie's discovery and referred to a silent, sunglasses-wearing man in their compartment as "playing it cool," clearly not fond of his aloof demeanor. Unbeknownst to them, this man was Chen Pi Ah Si.

Wang Pangzi's seemingly nonchalant attitude was a facade. He had earlier been forced into a perilous situation by Qiu Dekao. While minding his antique shop, he was approached by an honest-looking man named Old Yu, who offered an authentic Tang Yin painting for sale due to a family emergency. Wang Pangzi agreed to be a middleman, only for the buyer to demand his shop as collateral for the deposit.

Eager to finalize the deal, Wang Pangzi signed the contract, unknowingly falling into Qiu Dekao's trap. Old Yu subsequently vanished, and Qiu Dekao then used the legally binding contract for the shop to coerce Wang Pangzi into monitoring Wu Xie and reporting his activities. Wang Pangzi detested the task but had no choice, continuing to report on Wu Xie's actions via a hidden device.

Meanwhile, Wu Xie stepped into the train aisle to take a call from A Ning, who warned him that Jason was also headed to Changbai Mountain and had disguised his men as police to set up checkpoints along the way. A Ning then tried to give Wu Xie a device to covertly film inside the Empyrean Palace and track Jason, claiming she didn't trust Jason and that Wu Xie's trusted allies might not be as reliable as he thought.

She suggested leaving a way out wasn't a bad thing. Wu Xie thanked her for the warning but dismissed her intentions. Shortly after A Ning's call, Wu Xie noticed several suspicious men in plainclothes, clearly not ordinary passengers, checking photos and searching the compartments. Realizing they might be the "police" A Ning warned him about, Wu Xie rushed back to his compartment. With Chen Pi Ah Si's help, they successfully evaded detection.

Wu Xie later asked Chen Pi Ah Si how he knew, and Chen Pi explained that the men had bulging pockets, indicating concealed weapons. Seeing Wu Xie sleep soundly afterward, Wang Pangzi felt a pang of guilt over his secret agreement with Qiu Dekao. He internally noted that Qiu Dekao had many "eyes" and they needed to be careful.

Separately, Jason expressed frustration to Qiu Dekao about the company's tight deadlines and the missing Snake-Eyed Copper Fish, unable to understand Qiu Dekao's apparent calm. Qiu Dekao, however, revealed his long-term strategy. He explained that the Empyrean Palace was far more dangerous than any tomb they had previously explored, holding Wang Zanghai's greatest secret. He intended to let experienced tomb raiders like Wu Sanxing and the Wu family go first, enduring the initial risks and clearing the path.

This way, his team could simply "reap the final rewards." He confidently added that he had planted informants within their group to report any developments immediately. Meanwhile, Xie Yuchen orchestrated a confrontation with Jason. Under Xie Yuchen's instruction, Jia Sha disrupted Jason's celebration at a bar, swiftly subduing Jason's bodyguards. When Jason regained consciousness, Xie Yuchen was seated opposite him. Xie Yuchen bluntly demanded that Jason travel to Changbai Mountain to retrieve his stolen Snake-Eyed Copper Fish.

He also instructed Jason to gather information on the Paracel Underwater Tomb and the archaeological team. Jason raised concerns about drawing police attention, but Xie Yuchen assured him that he would handle any legal complications, enabling Jason to remain in the country and complete the tasks. Xie Yuchen further highlighted Qiu Dekao's manipulative plan to use Wu Xie as a human shield and noted that Jason's company would be displeased if he were sidelined from the operation.

Jason, acknowledging Xie Yuchen's superior information and leverage, reluctantly agreed to the cooperation. Concerned about developments at Changbai Mountain, Qiu Dekao instructed A Ning to also go there and remain with Wu Xie, anticipating Jason's imminent actions. A Ning complied, later traveling under the guise of an expedition team, which involved an extreme sports club testing a new ski resort. Her team was stopped and inspected by local police, but their cover held.

After successfully evading the plainclothes police, Wu Xie, Wang Pangzi, and Chen Pi Ah Si disembarked from the train. Guided by Chen Pi Ah Si, who shrewdly selected a taxi driver based on his calloused hands, a cigarette tucked behind his ear, durable leather clothing, and his method of holding the steering wheel—all signs of an experienced driver familiar with rough mountain roads and having driven large trucks—they embarked on a drive along the winding mountain highway.

This was the same challenging road that Jason's team struggled to traverse. Upon arrival at the Changbai Inn, they were surprised to find Uncle Hai already there, working as a consultant. Wu Xie was even more astonished to learn from Uncle Hai that the quiet, sunglasses-wearing man they had been traveling with was none other than Chen Pi Ah Si, his great-granduncle, whom he should address as Pop Si.

Overwhelmed, Wu Xie and Wang Pangzi rushed upstairs to apologize to Chen Pi Ah Si for their earlier rudeness, only to discover that contrary to popular rumor, Chen Pi Ah Si was not blind. At the inn, Wu Xie encountered Pan Zi, who informed him that Wu Sanxing had already departed to conduct a tomb raid. Due to heavy snowfall over the past three days, finding a suitable local guide was proving difficult.

Pan Zi himself was actively searching for one. Jason, having been informed by Xie Yuchen, learned that Wu Xie was at the Changbai Inn and furiously headed there, reprimanding his men for losing track of Wu Xie on the mountain highway and having two of their men arrested. With no guides available and stuck waiting for the snow to subside, Wu Xie and Wang Pangzi amused themselves by playing in the snow outside.

Their playful antics almost led to them falling off a cliff. Later, discussing their predicament, Wang Pangzi speculated about the difficulty of finding guides in winter and suggested that Chen Pi Ah Si might be a crucial figure, despite his peculiar temper and reliance on his apprentice.

Wu Xie pondered why Uncle Hai, being the "operator" for "recruit grave robbers" organized by Qiu Dekao, had not been forthright with him, given that Uncle Hai must have known Wu Xie's purpose there. Wang Pangzi, however, dismissed this as Uncle Hai simply being embarrassed to directly cooperate with Qiu Dekao and face Wu Xie. Ultimately, they both agreed that with the persistent heavy snow, they could do nothing but wait. Wu Xie also wondered if Wu Sanxing and his team had already managed to get up the mountain.

Episode 6 Recap

Wang Pangzi and Wu Xie found themselves in a perilous situation, dangling from a cliff, with Wang Pangzi declaring he could no longer hold on. Just as they were at their limit, Chen Pi appeared and effortlessly pulled them to safety. Wu Xie thanked Chen Pi, who then scoffed at their inexperience, questioning how "rookies" like them dared to target the Nine Dragons Coffin of the Eastern Xia Emperor.

He even jokingly suggested Wu Sanxing's mind must have been "kicked by a donkey" for sending them. Wang Pangzi, offended, defended Wu Sanxing while boasting about his own extensive tomb-raiding experience. Chen Pi then drew a comparison, noting that both Wu Sanxing and Wu Xie seemed to attract unwanted attention from the authorities. Wu Xie explained that the men pursuing them were sent by Jason, who intended to use Wu Xie as leverage against Wu Sanxing.

Wang Pangzi tried to smooth things over, asking Chen Pi for guidance. Chen Pi then revealed the true nature of their expedition, stating that the destination was an extraordinary place, far beyond the reach of anyone but himself. He explained that Wu Sanxing had brought him along precisely to offer guidance to the younger generation. Wang Pangzi and Wu Xie expressed confusion, only having heard of the Empyrean Palace.

Chen Pi clarified that he and Wu Sanxing were indeed targeting the mausoleum of the Eastern Xia Emperor, which contained the Nine Dragons Coffin. Their lack of knowledge about the Eastern Xia Emperor or the Nine Dragons Coffin further annoyed Chen Pi, who dismissed them as cowardly and suggested they go home if they lacked the courage, before walking away. Wang Pangzi continued to chide Wu Xie for his near-fall and for upsetting Chen Pi.

As they returned to the inn, Wang Pangzi and Wu Xie observed Chen Pi's extensive preparations, including bringing his apprentices and all their equipment. Wang Pangzi wondered if Chen Pi had secret dealings with "that red hat guy," presumably Qiu Dekao. Wu Xie speculated that the Eastern Xia royal tomb and the Empyrean Palace might be the same location, reasoning that it was highly improbable for two magnificent ancient tombs to exist simultaneously on Changbai Mountain.

He concluded that Chen Pi must possess critical information unknown to them. Wang Pangzi added that their original plan to acquire gear in Dunhua was now impossible, as Uncle Hai had defected to Qiu Dekao's side, leaving them without their contact. Faced with this, and the inability to reach Chestnut Village due to adverse weather, they decided their best course of action was to follow Chen Pi for now.

The Changbai Mountain inn buzzed with activity, hosting representatives from three distinct factions: Chen Pi's group, A Ning's team, and Jason's crew. Wu Xie and Wang Pangzi tried to mingle with Chen Pi's apprentices, Ye Cheng, Hua Heshang, and Lang Feng, who politely but firmly sidestepped their attempts to join, citing orders from Chen Pi. Wang Pangzi, dismissing them as inexperienced, joked that they would surely panic in a real tomb.

The tension escalated dramatically with the arrival of Jason, who aggressively demanded Wu Xie hand over the Empyrean Palace map. Wang Pangzi retorted, questioning Jason's rude approach and informing him that even if they had the map, they wouldn't share it, advising him to wait for Wu Sanxing to return. A heated argument ensued, with Jason attempting to physically confront Wu Xie.

A Ning intervened, referencing a message from Mr. Hendry (Qiu Dekao) and stating her primary role was to protect Wu Xie and prevent anyone with ulterior motives from disrupting their plans. Jason, suspecting Qiu Dekao had sent A Ning to thwart him, was met with A Ning's reiterated claim of protecting Wu Xie due to his inexperience and her concerns about uncooperative individuals.

From inside, Chen Pi calmly observed, noting that they didn't need to get involved as all factions were ultimately pursuing the same goal, and wondered if Jason's group could handle the situation. Jason and his men then departed. Later, Wu Xie and Wang Pangzi settled down to play cards.

A Ning then made a phone call to Qiu Dekao, reporting the chaotic situation at the train station, mentioning two of Jason's men were arrested for impersonating police, and the rest had arrived. Qiu Dekao instructed her to keep a close watch on Wu Xie, emphasizing that without Wu Sanxing, Wu Xie was their sole guide to the Empyrean Palace's location. A Ning voiced concerns about Chen Pi seizing control and Wu Xie's ability to handle him.

Qiu Dekao dismissed her worries, confident that Wu Sanxing would not put Wu Xie in harm's way by involving Chen Pi. However, A Ning sensed Wu Sanxing's actions were becoming inscrutable and that Wu Xie's trust in his uncle was wavering. Qiu Dekao acknowledged Wu Sanxing's enigmatic behavior but reassured A Ning, promising to send backup to Changbai Mountain and to join her after completing his current affairs.

A Ning, mindful of the harsh conditions, suggested he remain at the base of the mountain, but Qiu Dekao insisted he had his own arrangements. Meanwhile, Wu Xie and Wang Pangzi sought out a local guide. Driver Dashan led them to Shun Zi, a Korean villager whose father was a renowned hunter and ginseng gatherer, making Shun Zi exceptionally familiar with the mountain.

Upon meeting Shun Zi, Wu Xie was struck by his uncanny resemblance to a portrait of his deceased father. Eager to set out, Wu Xie was cautioned by Shun Zi, who warned that the current period was when the "Goddess of Snow Mountain" was angered, making mountain travel forbidden. Zhang Qiling, who had quietly joined them, affirmed Shun Zi's warning, confirming a powerful blizzard was imminent and urging everyone to stay indoors.

Wang Pangzi joked about Zhang Qiling's sparse attire in such conditions. Wu Xie asked when the storm would pass, and Zhang Qiling redirected the question to Shun Zi, who could only say "not tonight" and that future travel depended on the weather, especially the absence of fog. As they returned to the inn, Wu Xie expressed concern about being stranded. Dashan confirmed the impending blizzard was the most severe of the year.

Shun Zi then shared the somber tale of his father and an archaeology team who vanished in a blizzard and subsequent avalanche years ago. He recalled how power outages and fog had preceded the disaster, interpreting them as warnings from the "Goddess of Snow Mountain." He vowed he would not risk their lives if conditions were unsafe. Back at the inn, the lights abruptly went out, a common occurrence during blizzards, as Shun Zi explained.

Despite the warnings and the worsening weather, Jason, driven by ambition, decided to press on. He dismissed Dashan's pleas to his subordinate, Li, calling Dashan an "old geezer" and stating Li was paid to "sell his life" for their mission. Jason ignored A Ning's counsel to heed local wisdom and not act recklessly. Shun Zi tried to assert his authority as a guide, outlining strict rules for mountain travel, including immediate retreat if conditions became unmanageable.

Jason scoffed, cut him off, and left with his team. Wang Pangzi ominously remarked that "fewer mouths" would likely be at the next meal. A Ning, having failed to dissuade Jason, contacted Qiu Dekao. She reported the blizzard and the locals' reluctance to venture out, citing "rumors of life-threatening conditions" and advising against rash actions. She informed him that Jason had insisted on leaving despite her attempts to stop him.

Qiu Dekao ordered her to find Jason and keep him within sight, assuring her this task should not be difficult. A Ning then gathered her gear and, after briefly being held up by Li who tried to offer advice on tents, departed to track Jason. As the night deepened and the blizzard intensified, the inn felt the eerie stillness, punctuated by the rising fog. Shun Zi reiterated his warning for everyone to stay indoors, fearing unforeseen dangers.

Uncle Hai announced his departure, stating that his boss needed him, and urged caution, specifically telling Zhang Qiling to be vigilant. A Ning, too, prepared to leave, ignoring Dashan's heartfelt pleas for her, a "young lady," not to venture into the dangerous, blizzard-swept Changbai Mountain. Wang Pangzi, playing cards with Wu Xie, scoffed at Wu Xie's obvious concern for A Ning, pointing out her combat skills and reminding Wu Xie that she had saved them before.

Wu Xie, however, worried about her lack of snow-climbing experience and unfamiliarity with the terrain. Wang Pangzi, wary of Wu Xie's "heroic" tendencies, warned him against acting altruistically, reminding him of their own important mission. Wu Xie reluctantly agreed. However, later, seeing Wang Pangzi asleep, Wu Xie quietly slipped out of the room, determined to find A Ning, muttering about being a "hero." He encountered Dashan, who was tidying up, and sought advice on tracking wildlife and navigating winter mountains.

Dashan advised him to look for animal tracks, footprints, and feces, and to pace himself carefully in the deep snow while marking his path. Wu Xie then set off into the deep snow, hoping to find her. Unbeknownst to him, Zhang Qiling was already awake and observant. Meanwhile, far away, Qiu Dekao contacted Huo Xiangu, offering her a crucial secret regarding Wu Sanxing as leverage for a partnership.

Despite her personal disdain for Qiu Dekao, Huo Xiangu agreed to his proposition, recognizing the strategic value. In another location, Xie Yuchen, who had been investigating Wu Sanxing, received a shocking photo of a wall bearing an inscription: "Wu Sanxing. No escape. He framed me. Xie Lianhuan. God be my witness." Jia Sha, Xie Yuchen's assistant, expressed concern about Xie Yuchen dedicating himself to Wu Xie's search for Wu Sanxing while the Xie family had numerous pressing issues.

Xie Yuchen firmly replied that if he didn't help Wu Xie, no one else would, and reassured Jia Sha he could handle the pressure. He then instructed Jia Sha to thoroughly investigate who was behind this provocative message, aiming to sow discord. Out in the treacherous mountain, Jason's team was abruptly attacked by unseen monsters. Panicked shouts of "Monsters!" filled the air as several of his men were killed.

Some, terrified, fled, refusing to go further, invoking the "Goddess of Snow Mountain" and begging for mercy. Jason frantically tried to rally his fleeing men, ordering the remaining members to bury the dead and erase any traces. From a distance, A Ning and her team witnessed the chaos. As strange noises began to surround their position, A Ning ordered her men to grab their rifles and quickly split up, acknowledging the danger.

Episode 7 Recap

The main group continued to face monster attacks, leaving only a few survivors. Wu Xie eventually found Ning, and they took refuge in an abandoned hut. Ning suggested they leave the dangerous area, but with no signal and the window of their shelter growing weaker, they decided to wait until daylight, taking turns to keep watch. Wu Xie offered Ning some chocolate.

As she looked at it, she remembered meeting Jude Kao as a child and how his adoption of her had cemented her loyalty to him. During their conversation, Wu Xie inquired about Ning's reasons for risking her life for Wu Sanxing, despite his past attempts to harm her. Ning retorted that it was none of his business, explaining that she had her own beliefs, just as he had his.

Wu Xie then expressed his desire to understand what had changed his uncle (Wu Sanxing) into the person he was now. Ning, however, countered that risking his life for such an answer wasn't worth it. Suddenly, Zhang Qiling arrived at the hut, revealing he had wounded a monster that appeared in a sudden gust of wind outside. Wu Xie chided him for going out alone, but Zhang Qiling only stated he was fine.

The three then quickly returned to the lodge. Back at the lodge, Uncle Hai voiced his frustration over the perilous nature of their current mission. Jason and his men then burst in, with Jason appearing somewhat flustered. His men were panicked about the woods being bewitched, causing people to disappear in the fog. Someone mentioned that Ning had gone looking for Wu Xie's group.

Jason, however, was indifferent to Ning's whereabouts, stating he couldn't afford to lose more men and that she had gone looking for them, not at his request. He ordered his remaining crew to set up tents close to the lodge and rest until dawn. When one of his men warned against returning to the woods, Jason dismissed him as a fool.

Wu Xie urged everyone to rest, and Shun Zi, convinced they had angered the Goddess of Snow Mountain, began praying, believing their path ahead would be fraught with difficulty. Meanwhile, a subordinate reported to Jude Kao over the phone, informing him that Jason's company had insisted on entering the mountain and suffered significant casualties from an unknown monster or mechanism, with no phone signal. Jude Kao, stating he had enough on his plate, prioritized Wu Xie's safety above all else.

Elsewhere, Huo Xiuxiu discussed a mysterious photo with her grandmother, Madam Huo. She suspected Jude Kao might have used the photo to blackmail Wu Sanxing into doing his bidding, especially given Jude Kao's past involvement in the Underwater Tomb incident. Huo Xiuxiu wanted to approach Jude Kao for information about her missing aunt.

Madam Huo revealed she had already sent the photo to Xie Yuchen (also known as Xiezi or Xiao Hua), on the strict condition that Huo Xiuxiu was not allowed to go to Changbai Mountain. Soon after, Jude Kao contacted someone via phone, confirming he had sent the location of the Empyrean Palace and urging them to leave quickly, as Wu Sanxing had already departed days ago, warning that there might not be much left to claim.

Following this, Xie Yuchen instructed Jia Sha to prepare all necessary equipment for their immediate journey to Changbai Mountain. The next morning, Wang Pangzi informed Wu Xie of Uncle Dashan's gruesome death. Wu Xie decided to investigate, but Zhang Qiling insisted on going alone. After Zhang Qiling's prolonged absence, Chen Pi decided to send his apprentice, Ye Cheng, tethered by a rope, to investigate. Shortly after, a scream echoed through the air, and the rope returned empty.

Zhang Qiling then reappeared, carrying Ye Cheng's body, explaining that a monster had attacked him, and he was already wounded when found. They discovered more bodies strewn around the tents. Mark was seen in distress, repeatedly exclaiming "I didn't do it!" Wu Xie suggested to Jason that Mark seemed suspicious, but Mark, adopting a military posture, explained that Uncle Dashan had chased him out of the kitchen the previous night when he sought food.

He heard strange noises but didn't re-enter, later realizing that by not going back, he might have contributed to Uncle Dashan's death. Mark blamed himself for not saving him. Wu Xie later buried Uncle Dashan under a tree. Chen Pi remained emotionless about his apprentice's death. Ning then realized Uncle Hai was missing.

Some speculated he could be the murderer, but Shun Zi dismissed their suspicions, reiterating that these were punishments from the Goddess of Snow Mountain that they must simply endure. Wu Xie and Wang Pangzi discussed their growing unease, feeling that staying cooped up in the lodge would eventually lead to people losing their minds or turning on each other. Jason, having secured the location of the Empyrean Palace, decided to leave ahead with Mark.

Chen Pi subsequently ordered everyone to pack and prepare for departure. Wang Pangzi openly expressed his distrust of Chen Pi, believing him to be the mastermind behind the recent events, but Zhang Qiling, in contrast, stood by Chen Pi. As the group set out on the mountain trail, Wu Xie spotted a flashing object. Wang Pangzi pretended to relieve himself to investigate and discovered a newly installed, spring-loaded contraption that appeared to have been triggered recently.

Uncertain of its origin, they decided to observe it further. Wu Xie then noticed a fox in the nearby woods. As they prepared to investigate, Shun Zi intervened, warning them against straying from the group. Chen Pi swiftly threw an iron egg, striking the fox. Shun Zi picked up the injured animal, but it bit his wrist. Enraged, Shun Zi twisted the fox's neck and put it in his bag.

Shortly after, Ning called Wu Xie through his earpiece, stating that Chen Pi's decisive action implied he had sensed something unusual and was now suspicious. She informed Wu Xie that she would be leaving the team and hung up before he could dissuade her. Wang Pangzi asked about Ning's sudden departure, and Wu Xie explained that Ning never disclosed her plans to him. Wang Pangzi then inquired about Pan Zi, who had been gone for days, expressing concern.

Wu Xie cautioned him not to mention Pan Zi in front of Chen Pi, as Chen Pi suspected everyone. When Wang Pangzi suggested they make a fire to eat, Shun Zi quickly stopped him, explaining that this forest was known as "Hanging Wood" because many people had inexplicably hanged themselves there. He recounted local tales of poor individuals who, after taking shoes from the hanged bodies, were themselves found hanged in the same woods the very next day.

Episode 8 Recap

Jia Sha successfully traced the email address that sent the mysterious photos, revealing it originated from the Huo Family in Beijing. Puzzled by the Huo Family's involvement, Xie Yuchen decided to travel to Beijing himself, despite concerns about his health. He paid a visit to Huo Xiangu, who was already aware of his purpose. When Xie Yuchen directly pressed her for the photo's source, Huo Xiangu remained evasive, stating only that someone had taken it and she had acquired it.

Xie Yuchen challenged her, arguing that modern technology could easily forge such images and he couldn't simply trust an unverified photo that had such grave implications for the Xie family. Taken aback, Huo Xiangu reminded him that she had watched him grow up and would never stoop to deceiving him with a fake photo. Ultimately, Xie Yuchen left without obtaining any useful information, though he kept the photo.

Meanwhile, in the arduous terrain of Changbai Mountain, Wu Xie's team continued their difficult journey, occasionally pausing for brief rests. Wu Xie questioned their guide, Shun Zi, about the presence of any ancient tombs or unusual sites in the vicinity. Shun Zi denied knowledge of any tombs but warned them that further ahead lay a treacherous snow mountain fault, perpetually covered by deep snow.

He cautioned them against disrespecting the "Goddess of Snow Mountain" and recounted a grim tale from years past: an archaeological team, heedless of local warnings, ventured into the high snow. Their female captain soon became disoriented, and the team members began to quarrel over trivial matters. Shun Zi's recounting included snippets of their desperate arguments, revealing their growing fear, the loss of one of their guides in a rescue attempt, and internal jealousies.

Their leader's pleas for unity were in vain, as they were eventually engulfed by a catastrophic avalanche, leaving no survivors and instilling a deep local reverence for the mountain. Chen Pi then addressed the group, reminding them that treasure and danger are inseparable. He challenged anyone lacking courage to turn back, prompting Wang Pangzi to adamantly refuse, asserting he wouldn't be looked down upon.

As Shun Zi continued to lead, they struggled to locate the outpost they sought, only to realize it had been completely buried beneath a small avalanche directly below them. With their horses gone and facing extreme cold without shelter, Shun Zi suggested their only hope was to find a nearby hot spring, whose higher altitude he believed would keep it unburied.

Meanwhile, Anning, who had separated from Wu Xie's team earlier, contacted Jude Kao by phone to report their situation, explaining the recent strange occurrences that defied scientific explanation. She informed him that her team was maintaining a day's distance behind Wu Xie's, as instructed, for strategic reasons. Facing Shun Zi's collapse from sheer exhaustion, leaving him unconscious and them without a guide, the group decided to split up to search for the hot spring.

To ensure safety, they remained connected by ropes, extending them to their maximum length, and agreed to use their walkie-talkies if anyone made a discovery. As Wu Xie ventured out, he succumbed to severe hypoxia and extreme cold, triggering vivid hallucinations. He first saw Wu Sanxing, who affectionately urged him to come closer for warmth and oxygen.

However, Wu Xie's rational mind fought back, remembering that extreme cold could cause hallucinations, and questioned the incongruity of his "uncle" appearing in mountaineering gear and flippers. The hallucination then twisted into the menacing figure of Xie Lianhuan, who chillingly demanded that Wu Sanxing repay the life he owed. Terror-stricken, Wu Xie repeatedly cried out "No!" before being violently yanked back by his rope, rejoining the others who had just fallen into a newly collapsed snow pit.

Wang Pangzi quickly checked on a dazed Wu Xie. As the group recovered in the snow pit, they uncovered a large, intricately carved stone partially buried in the snow. Wang Pangzi initially found the serpent-like carving unappealing, likening it to a centipede or a poorly crafted piece. However, Chen Pi, demonstrating his extensive knowledge, corrected him, identifying it as a "Hundred-legged Dragon," a common motif from the ancient Eastern Xia period.

He explained the diverse and evolving forms of dragons in ancient China, implying the Eastern Xia civilization was very ancient. Wu Xie observed cracks on the stone, deducing it had fallen from above due to a past avalanche or earthquake. Chen Pi, angered by Wu Xie's partial understanding, vehemently corrected him, stating it was no mere falling stone, but a "sealing rock for a tomb passage."

He pointed to a chain within the dragon's mouth, revealing it to be the "horse chain" used to operate the sealing mechanism of the tomb from the inside. They attempted to pull the chain, but it remained firmly stuck. Simultaneously, Shun Zi's condition worsened dramatically. Lang Feng noticed his breath fading and his eyes suddenly opening, glowing golden-yellow, which startled him.

Shun Zi then deliberately removed his glove, revealing his wrist where a fox bite had begun to fester and decay. Just then, Zhang Qiling detected a strong sulfurous smell, suggesting the hot spring was nearby. Upon investigation, they found traces of previous explorers and a notebook with text from the Warring States period's Lu Huang silk book. Wu Xie began deciphering the ancient writings.

Zhang Qiling, noticing Shun Zi's feigned unconsciousness, privately confronted him and then advised Wu Xie to re-examine the stone carving. As the main group descended further into the discovered crevice, the temperature rose significantly, becoming uncomfortably hot. They observed numerous ancient, undecipherable writings on the rock walls, appearing to be a blend of ancient Han, Korean, and Jurchen scripts. Wu Xie theorized that the sealing rock was not an accidental placement.

He suggested that the mountain, once a quarry for tomb construction, had its workers discover this underground passage, which was subsequently sealed for unknown reasons. Wu Xie then revealed the alarming truth: Changbai Mountain is a dormant volcano, which last erupted in the 18th century, and a reawakening would quickly lead to their demise by magma. This grim discussion unnerved some of the group, with Lang Feng explicitly criticizing Wu Xie and Wang Pangzi for speaking inauspiciously.

Recognizing the narrowness of the path ahead, Wu Xie proposed that Chen Pi, due to his age and physical limitations, should remain outside to guard. Chen Pi agreed, acknowledging the difficulty for him to crawl through. Wang Pangzi then volunteered to stay with Chen Pi, ensuring he wouldn't be alone. With Chen Pi and Wang Pangzi staying behind, Wu Xie and Zhang Qiling prepared to enter the constricted passage.

Episode 9 Recap

Wu Xie suggested that he, Wang Pangzi, and Zhang Qiling explore the cave first, while Chen Pi, being elderly, decided to wait outside. As the three navigated the narrow, hot passage, Wang Pangzi complained that his expensive shirt would get scratched and that the temperature was rising, making it hard to breathe. He suggested they turn back, but Wu Xie insisted they continue a little further, promising to retreat if they didn't find an end soon.

Wu Xie, who had been experiencing hallucinations possibly due to altitude sickness or exhaustion, asked Zhang Qiling if he had felt anything unusual during their climb. Wang Pangzi joked that Wu Xie's "old problem" of hysteria might lead him to dream up the Empyrean Palace's location. After making their way through the narrow passage, they emerged into an area with a hot spring and an ancient mural depicting celestial maidens.

Wu Xie noted that the entrance was blocked by a "Crouching Dragon Sealing Rock," wondering what kind of place this was. Wang Pangzi humorously called it the "Qinghua Bathhouse," a perfect spot to relax. Realizing this was a safe and warm spot, Zhang Qiling agreed it would be a good place for everyone to gather. Meanwhile, A Ning set up camp in the mountains and reported their situation to Qiu Dekao.

That night, Jason's team, who had been separated, stumbled into their camp, having survived a snow avalanche that buried most of their gear. A Ning offered them some equipment to descend the mountain, but Jason refused, demanding to speak to Qiu Dekao. He threatened to keep the avalanche incident a secret if he wasn't allowed to stay, implying that a missing team might only be discovered decades or centuries later.

A Ning warned him that she was just like Qiu Dekao, having been raised by him. Speaking to Qiu Dekao on the phone, A Ning expressed her concern about collaborating with Jason, but Qiu Dekao explained he needed Jason's new shipping channels and personnel for a batch of cargo. He instructed A Ning to keep a close eye on Jason and, if he proved uncooperative, to arrange another "small snow slide" for him.

Qiu Dekao also expressed a deep personal desire to see the Empyrean Palace, comparing it to a "long-lost lover," and insisted on coming himself despite A Ning's warnings about the dangerous blizzards. After the call, A Ning recalled Wu Sanxing's warning about the unpredictability of human hearts, feeling increasingly wary of Qiu Dekao. Elsewhere, Jia Sha traced the source of a mysterious photo to an underwater tomb expedition organized by Qiu Dekao, in which Wu Xie had also participated.

Xie Yuchen, determined to uncover the truth, instructed his contact to use the Xie family's hacker channels to investigate further, acknowledging Qiu Dekao's stringent security measures. Back at the hot spring, Wu Xie and Wang Pangzi examined the celestial maiden mural, finding it odd that such a unique spot would only feature decorative art. Suddenly, Pan Zi arrived, explaining he had followed a map given by Wu Sanxing to scout ahead and had gotten lost before finding them.

Chen Pi, suspicious due to an earlier incident and the loss of one of his apprentices, demanded proof of Pan Zi's sincerity. Pan Zi offered to take everyone to see the "real" hot spring cave paintings. Wu Xie defended Pan Zi, assuring Chen Pi of his loyalty. As Pan Zi led Chen Pi and his men, Jin Shunzi, who had been recovering in the hot spring, suddenly disappeared. Moments later, he launched a wild attack on Wu Xie.

Zhang Qiling quickly intervened, subduing Jin Shunzi and diagnosing him with fox venom, which he believed the hot spring's sulfurous water could detoxify. They decided to immerse Jin Shunzi in the hot spring. Following Pan Zi, they arrived at another section of the cave. Wang Pangzi scratched at a mural there, revealing a second layer beneath the initial "flying maiden" paintings.

Wu Xie deduced that someone had painted over an older artwork, and the outer layer had never received a protective coating, causing it to fade. He, Wang Pangzi, and Zhang Qiling recognized the clothing in the exposed inner mural as similar to those seen in the Underwater Tomb, suggesting a connection to the Empyrean Palace. Noticing their discussion, Chen Pi signaled Lang Feng to join them.

Hua Heshang began to explain the murals, which depicted two distinct stories forming a single narrative. He described how the Eastern Xia people were once fierce warriors, capable of fighting three enemies at once, but were ultimately outnumbered and massacred by the Mongolian army.

When Wang Pangzi asked for more details, Hua Heshang elaborated that Eastern Xia was a short-lived regime that emerged in Jilin and Heilongjiang during the decline of the Jurchen state, with whom they shared close cultural and linguistic ties, including their script. They were eventually annihilated by the Mongolians, existing for only about 70 years, leading many historians to consider them more of a large tribe than a nation.

Wu Xie questioned how a short-lived regime with low productivity could construct an imperial tomb of the scale Chen Pi had mentioned. Chen Pi countered by proposing that the Empyrean Palace and the Eastern Xia royal tomb might be the same place, pointing to a mural depicting Eastern Xia women in ceremonial attire carrying out a funeral procession towards a palace in the clouds.

Chen Pi further supported this theory by citing historical records, including "History of Goryeo" from the Ming Dynasty, which suggested that some Eastern Xia survivors might have retreated into the mountains along the Jilin-Joseon border and continued to exist long after their supposed demise. To further bolster his claim, Chen Pi presented a Snake-Eyed Copper Fish. Hua Heshang used a flashlight to illuminate the fish scales, revealing 47 tiny Jurchen characters etched onto them.

Chen Pi explained that this rare copper fish, a variant of a dragon, had come into his possession by chance. He believed its creator possessed deep knowledge of Eastern Xia and had concealed a secret within the fish.

Although the information was incomplete and he couldn't fully decipher it, Chen Pi stated that the legible portions indicated that after the decisive battle between Eastern Xia and the Mongolians, a faction of Eastern Xia people had retreated to the border region of Jilin and Joseon, where they lived for an extended period. He added that if he could acquire the complete information, he could fully uncover this lost history.

Chen Pi then revealed that Xie Yuchen once possessed another Snake-Eyed Copper Fish, which Wu Sanxing had obtained in exchange for two ancient tombs, promising to share the deciphered information. Chen Pi speculated that Wu Sanxing must have already broken the code, given that Wu Xie was now on a mission to find the Empyrean Palace.

Wu Xie and Wang Pangzi tried to smooth things over, reminding Chen Pi that Wu Sanxing hadn't excluded him from this expedition and that they were now relying on Chen Pi's knowledge. Chen Pi, however, still expressed his frustration with Wu Sanxing's secretive nature, which he believed had put both himself and Wu Xie in a perilous situation.

Later, as Wu Xie, Wang Pangzi, and Hua Heshang explored a deep crevice, Wang Pangzi suggested blasting it open, earning him the nickname "Cannon God" from Hua Heshang due to his previous expertise with explosives. Wu Xie, drawing on his architectural background, advised against it, explaining that the crevice was part of a natural frozen rock formation and likely contained no hidden passages.

Suddenly, Jin Shunzi appeared, stating that the hot spring had improved his condition and he had come looking for them. He confirmed this was the "Shilong Hot Spring" his father had told him about but couldn't recall specific details about the archaeological team his father was with due to his young age at the time. Wu Xie subtly warned Jin Shunzi to be careful about what he revealed.

Without warning, Jin Shunzi lunged forward and snatched the Snake-Eyed Copper Fish from Chen Pi. Zhang Qiling and Wang Pangzi quickly subdued him again. Zhang Qiling explained that the fox venom, which had been temporarily suppressed by the hot spring, had now infected Jin Shunzi's nervous system, causing his erratic behavior. Chen Pi immediately complained about Jin Shunzi becoming a burden.

Zhang Qiling calmly stated that Jin Shunzi's condition wasn't severe and that two more days in the hot spring would fully detoxify him. His precise knowledge surprised Wu Xie, Wang Pangzi, and Chen Pi, with the latter warning Zhang Qiling that even his influence wouldn't protect him if such an incident recurred. Wu Xie then asked Hua Heshang about the final, undeciphered sentence on the copper fish.

Hua Heshang reiterated that the incomplete data prevented a full translation but hinted at significant revelations about the Eastern Xia survivors. An impatient Wang Pangzi dismissed such intellectual pursuits, preferring a direct approach: "open the coffin and see what's inside." Hua Heshang retorted with the importance of "knowing your enemies."

Wu Xie pondered whether the two-layered murals were meant to be relocated to a tomb or simply painted by people with too much time on their hands, a sentiment Wang Pangzi echoed. Exhausted, everyone decided to return to the Crouching Dragon Hot Spring for rest. Zhang Qiling remained behind to ensure Jin Shunzi continued his detoxification in the hot spring.

Episode 10 Recap

Due to Zhang Qiling's insistence, the group remained at the hot spring for two days to allow Jin Shunzi to fully detoxify from the fox poison he had contracted. During this time, Chen Pi observed Jin Shunzi waking up and commented on his resilience, then instructed Wang Pangzi to take guard outside if the snow continued. Later, Wu Xie, still feeling restless from the previous day's events, engaged Zhang Qiling and Wang Pangzi in a conversation about several lingering questions.

He pointed out that the Snake-Eyed Copper Fish Chen Pi possessed was identical to one pictured in an old newspaper. Wang Pangzi explained Chen Pi’s history with the fish, including his arrest after leaving the Mirrored Palace and how he later burned down the Cultural Bureau's office to reclaim it. Wu Xie acknowledged this but pressed on, asking why Chen Pi, the one who stole from the Mirrored Palace, showed no reaction upon seeing Zhang Qiling.

He reminded them how the Miao Village elder, who had captured and blinded Chen Pi, bore a striking resemblance to Zhang Qiling. Wang Pangzi, jokingly, suggested Chen Pi might be old and senile, forgetting what the elder looked like, but Wu Xie found this explanation unconvincing. Two days later, with Jin Shunzi's condition improved, the group resumed their arduous journey through the ancient forest.

Wang Pangzi complained about the three-day delay due to the snow and worried about dwindling supplies, but Chen Pi brushed off his concerns, implying that serious adventurers wouldn't worry so much. Wu Xie suggested they had no choice but to ration food, and Chen Pi declared turning back was impossible. After a difficult trek, they finally emerged to see a massive, snow-covered mountain in the distance.

Wu Xie immediately recognized it as the mountain depicted in the murals of the underwater tomb, though Wang Pangzi struggled to see the resemblance. Meanwhile, back in the city, Jia Sha informed Xie Yuchen that all data on his computer needed to be deleted within twenty-four hours to leave no trace. Xie Yuchen then tasked Jia Sha with discreetly investigating any private dealings between Huo Xiangu and Qiu Dekao.

Knowing that Huo Xiuxiu, Huo Xiangu’s granddaughter, might become suspicious, Xie Yuchen decided to personally handle explaining the situation to her. Huo Xiuxiu, during an inspection at a warehouse Qiu Dekao used, discovered numerous pieces of goods. The keeper informed her that around one to two hundred such pieces, filled with undisclosed goods, were shipped overseas either annually or semi-annually, and this had been ongoing for seven years.

Troubled, Huo Xiuxiu confronted her grandmother, Huo Xiangu, asking about the nature of these shipments. Huo Xiangu confirmed her partnership with Qiu Dekao, emphasizing the substantial profits and the advantageous position the Huo family gained from the ongoing conflict between Qiu Dekao and Wu Sansheng. She also mentioned Jason as a new source for acquiring relics. Huo Xiuxiu, however, expressed her deep unease, pointing out the immense risk and lamenting that priceless national relics were being lost forever.

She reminded her grandmother that her aunt was an archaeologist. Huo Xiangu dismissed her concerns, stating that profit was the driving force and urged her to proceed with the shipment, warning against delays. When Huo Xiuxiu questioned if there was more to the partnership than just money, Huo Xiangu grew angry, questioning her granddaughter's defiance and threatening to remove her from family affairs.

Reluctantly, Huo Xiuxiu agreed to comply, but she later secretly reached out to Xie Yuchen for help via phone. As the shipment day approached, Huo Xiuxiu orchestrated a plan to swap the cultural relics in transit. Xie Yuchen's subordinates incapacitated the bodyguards accompanying the convoy. Huo Xiuxiu then fabricated a story, instructing her subordinate to report that Jason had stolen the goods after their lead vehicle was swapped at a junction, leading them to a wrong location.

However, Huo Xiangu saw through her deception. She angrily confronted Huo Xiuxiu for conspiring with outsiders against her own family, asserting that she was still the head of the family and Huo Xiuxiu had no right to usurp her authority. Huo Xiuxiu defiantly declared she would not let the Huo family become Qiu Dekao’s puppets, accusing her grandmother of being stubborn and senile for jeopardizing their family’s future. Enraged, Huo Xiangu slapped her and ordered her to leave.

Back on the mountain, Chen Pi pointed out the three prominent peaks, explaining their significance as a rare "three-headed dragon" formation in macro-fengshui, an ideal site for group burials. He theorized that if the Eastern Xia royal tomb was on the cliff of the Trinity Hill, the two surrounding peaks would house the tombs of the empress and high-ranking officials.

Wu Xie asked if such multi-dragon tomb structures were real, to which Wang Pangzi confirmed, citing historical examples of linked tombs. Wang Pangzi further explained that the three dragon heads must be interconnected by passages; otherwise, the spiritual energy would scatter, leading to discord and self-destruction among the descendants. Wu Xie sought Chen Pi’s confirmation, and he agreed with their assessment, urging them to continue.

Later that night, as they made camp, Wu Xie approached Chen Pi, offering him water and a rest. He then asked Chen Pi for his insights into how the Eastern Xia people could have built such a monumental structure as the Empyrean Palace, given their limited resources and short reign. Chen Pi challenged Wu Xie, stating that as Wu Laogou’s grandson, he should be able to deduce the secret.

Wu Xie offered his theory: the Empyrean Palace pre-existed the Eastern Xia dynasty, and the Lord of Slavery merely claimed it as his own tomb, which then raised the question of its true builders. Chen Pi, however, remained cryptic, suggesting they would find answers once they reached the location. Wu Xie then pressed him about the Snake-Eyed Copper Fish, considering it a crucial key, and asked about its origin and any connection to the Empyrean Palace.

Chen Pi revealed he found it within an Eightfold Reliquary inside a stone pagoda at the Ridge of Sleeping Buddha in Guangxi, a naturally secluded and difficult-to-access valley, but claimed the pagoda itself held no other valuables. Wu Xie questioned if the process was unusually smooth for such a treasure, suggesting Chen Pi might have overlooked details. Chen Pi, with a hint of amusement, complimented Wu Xie’s boldness, comparing him to his grandfather.

Feeling restless and getting no further answers from Chen Pi, Wu Xie later went to talk with Jin Shunzi, who was on guard duty. He offered to take over, but Jin Shunzi declined, asserting his responsibility as a paid guide. Jin Shunzi shared his past, explaining he was a local who gathered herbs and hunted with his father, earning him the name "Alang Cai," meaning "son of the mountain."

He then, in turn, asked Wu Xie about their group's true purpose. Wu Xie hinted that Jin Shunzi could likely guess, and promised him safe return. Wu Xie then asked why Jin Shunzi, despite the profitability of herb gathering, chose the more perilous path of a mountain guide, especially given his admission that he wasn't a professional and rarely ventured so deep, usually turning back at Lady’s Lake.

Jin Shunzi confessed that his primary motivation wasn't money but a personal quest: his father had led a group of tourists on a similar route years ago, and none of them ever returned. Jin Shunzi, remembering those tourists’ insistence on ascending the mountain at the same time of year, decided to lead Wu Xie’s group in the hope of uncovering what happened to his father.

He expressed the profound pain of knowing his father was somewhere on Changbai Mountain but being unable to find him. Jin Shunzi implored Wu Xie to keep his reasons secret, fearing the others, especially Lang Feng, would worry. After a long ascent, the group finally reached the summit of Dragon Head Mountain. Wang Pangzi exclaimed at their achievement, calling it a significant leap for tomb raiders, as they took in the breathtaking panoramic view, appreciating the majestic snow-covered landscape.

Zhang Qiling, with a somber expression, walked to the side and knelt, bowing towards the distant Trinity Hill. Inspired by Zhang Qiling's devoutness, Wu Xie also stepped forward to offer his respects. Jin Shunzi seized the opportunity to narrate the local legend of Changbai Mountain: in ancient times, the Greater Hill, Lesser Hill, and Trinity Hill were a single peak, split into three by Yu the Great’s divine blade.

He explained the unique perspectives from each mountain, noting that from the Lesser Hill (where they were), one could see both Greater Hill and Trinity Hill. He then mentioned that from the Trinity Hill’s ridge, one could see not only the other two hills but also the distant Heavenly Stairway Peak, a more imposing peak perpetually shrouded in mist.

Legends held that the Heavenly Stairway Peak contained a "stairway to heaven," a portal between realms, sometimes marked by a rainbow-like glow. Wu Xie interjected, questioning why the Empyrean Palace was now associated with the Heavenly Stairway Peak instead of Trinity Hill, as he had previously understood.

Wang Pangzi offered a theory, explaining that his research suggested a mirage, formed by the refraction of the Heavenly Stairway Peak and surrounding snow mountains, projected onto the constant mist in the stream valley, making the palace appear to be in the sky. Wu Xie acknowledged the rarity of mountain mirages, attributing it to the unique terrain and powerful "dragon vein," concluding that in such a sacred place, anything was possible.

Episode 11 Recap

The group rested at Xiaosheng Mountain, observing the approaching sunset. With less than an hour of daylight left, they debated how to proceed. Given the potential for the treasure cave to be directly beneath them, their immediate task was to drill into the glacier. Worried about triggering an avalanche by blasting the perpetually snow-covered glacier, Wu Xie expressed concern, fearing an avalanche would bury them all and suggesting they use shovels instead.

Wang Pangzi, however, proposed using explosives, citing his friends' methods for clearing snow in Daxing'anling, which involved a single blast to clear large areas, now even using mortars. Lang Feng, who had been setting explosives since he was fourteen and had earned the nickname "Canon God" for his skill in blasting no less than a hundred mountains, stepped forward. He assured everyone that his expertise allowed him to precisely control the explosive's power, minimizing sound and impact.

Hua Heshang vouched for Lang Feng, comparing his task to making a hole in tofu without visible damage on the surface. Wu Xie was impressed by Lang Feng's reputation. As Lang Feng began preparing the explosives, calculating a reconfigured, less powerful dosage, Jin Shunzi rushed forward, pleading with the bosses not to detonate, fearing a catastrophic avalanche. Hua Heshang promptly knocked Jin Shunzi unconscious, dragging him to a nearby rock.

One of the group members clarified that Jin Shunzi was merely knocked out, not seriously harmed, and would be needed later. Everyone retreated behind a bare rock. Lang Feng detonated the explosives. Initially, only a stream of snow fell, like a small waterfall. However, a deeper rumble from behind indicated a larger, small-scale avalanche. Chen Pi instructed everyone to remain calm, assuring them that the snow layer above was thin, and it would likely be a minor collapse.

Wang Pangzi quickly identified a protective corner formed by a rock. Pan Zi and Zhang Qiling secured themselves with ropes, followed by Chen Pi and Lang Feng. As Wu Xie tried to join them, he slipped, plummeting down the cliff. The others frantically pulled on the ropes, eventually hauling him back to safety. After the narrow escape, the group, exhausted but relieved, watched the sunset paint the snow-covered mountains in fiery hues.

Wu Xie realized this scene mirrored a mural he and Zhang Qiling had seen in the Underwater Tomb. He had previously wondered about the red "flames" depicted in the mural and now understood they represented the sunset's afterglow. This confirmed his belief that the Cloud Top Palace (Yun Ding Tian Gong) was located precisely where the sun's remnants shone. Despite the earlier scare, the group decided to blast the ice again.

Chen Pi sternly warned Lang Feng to be absolutely precise with his calculations this time, or he wouldn't be returning with them. Lang Feng confirmed he had halved the dosage but increased the number of charges to six, each about a meter deep, aiming to create an opening less than four meters wide. The second blast successfully opened a large cavity in the ice.

Hua Heshang shone flashlights into the depths, revealing a massive, indistinct shadow resembling a curled-up infant, occupying half of the ice cliff. Chen Pi identified this as a Kunlun Fetus, a natural and peculiar phenomenon found at the source of a dragon vein, signifying a place of immense spiritual energy and, often, a significant tomb like the Eastern Xia royal tomb.

However, Wu Xie speculated that this Kunlun Fetus might be an artificial construction, a symbolic representation of a fetus for burial, questioning why a mere satellite tomb would possess such an auspicious natural formation, and wondering if the course of the "three rivers" had been intentionally altered. The immediate challenge was the descent.

The opening revealed a vast abyss, a hundred meters deep to the Kunlun Fetus, with an additional twenty meters horizontally to the Ling Palace's "tai dong" (fetus cave). Though their ropes were long enough, swinging across the horizontal gap was impossible. Wu Xie noted that the enormous wooden pillars, each over a hundred meters long and constructed from wedged logs, supported the ice dome above.

He expressed concern that while the structure could withstand vertical pressure, it might not handle the tension of a descent, risking a catastrophic chain collapse. Wang Pangzi, dismissing Wu Xie’s worries, urged them to proceed, citing good omens. As they deliberated, Chen Pi outlined a plan: one person would descend to the wooden pillars, climb along them, and then use ropes to reach the roof tiles of the submerged buildings. Zhang Qiling, without a word, volunteered to go first.

He secured a rope around his waist and bravely jumped into the chasm, swiftly finding a foothold on the pillars. Following Zhang Qiling, the group eventually reached the Ling Palace, standing on the eaves of an elevated hall. Hua Heshang observed that the bronze tripods and the palace's architectural style were distinctly Han.

Chen Pi explained that despite being an Eastern Xia satellite tomb, the Han architectural influence was a clear sign of Wang Zanghai's work, as he could never escape the stylistic limitations of his own culture and era, regardless of where he took contracts. Wang Pangzi, eager to explore, tried to open a stone door. Wu Xie, startled by a small noise, shouted. Zhang Qiling reassured them that it was merely frozen moisture-proof paint flaking off the door.

He then inspected the door's carvings, cautioning everyone to stay close and silent before effortlessly pushing it open. The interior of the tomb was even colder than the snow mountain above, with temperatures potentially dropping to minus forty degrees Celsius, which would force their retreat. Meanwhile, Ding Ning learned that a shipment following Jason's route had been hijacked. She already harbored doubts about Jason and now suspected him of foul play, though Jason remained oblivious to the accusation.

Elsewhere, Jia Sha located Huo Xiuxiu at the Color of Night Bar on the west side. Xie Yuchen immediately dispatched men, rescuing Huo Xiuxiu just as she was being cornered by two men she had been covertly following, who were discussing suspicious "goods" and tried to grab her bag. Xie Yuchen then reprimanded Huo Xiuxiu for her reckless and impulsive actions.

One of Xie Yuchen's men informed Huo Xiuxiu that his comrade had been captured, implying that her previous attempt to swap the cargo had indeed alerted someone, and she needed to be careful because "someone is behind this."

Episode 12 Recap

The team found themselves inside the main hall of the Ling Palace, a vast ice dome. The air was frigid, and their flashlights barely pierced the gloom. Wang Pangzi, eager to illuminate their surroundings, attempted to light the lamps, but Wu Xie quickly stopped him. Wu Xie explained that the structure's integrity relied on the low temperature; any significant heat would melt the ice crystals of the roof, causing the entire palace to collapse.

Meanwhile, Huo Xiuxiu, who had been secretly tracking Zhang Hao, confronted him about stolen relics. She managed to subdue Zhang Hao and was attempting to get information from him when his reinforcements soon arrived, putting her in danger. Just as she was in trouble, Xie Yuchen and his men, including Jia Sha, intervened, rescuing her. Xie Yuchen admonished Xiuxiu for her recklessness, reminding her that dealing with such dangerous situations was not for a single woman.

He emphasized that everyone makes sacrifices for those they love: Wu Xie ventures into the Empyrean Palace for his Uncle Sanxing despite immense risks, and Xiuxiu must face the truth for Madam Huo. Xie Yuchen also implied he had his own sacrifices to make. He then instructed Jia Sha to keep a close watch on Zhang Hao, believing him to be a lead to a larger network and aiming to "catch a big fish."

Back in the Ling Palace, the group pressed on, the silence and increasing cold making them uneasy. Wang Pangzi tried to break the quiet with conversation, but Zhang Qiling warned that noise could prevent them from hearing mechanisms or traps. Hua Heshang, however, suggested traps were unlikely given the area's use for rituals and the ice's preserving nature, which would render any mechanisms unusable.

As the cold intensified, numbing their limbs, Wang Pangzi lamented his "layers of fat" were no longer protective after his time in the hospital. Chen Pi noted that no one could endure such cold for long, especially given they had just entered. As they built a small fire for warmth, they heard faint, intermittent cracking sounds. Zhang Qiling, investigating, discovered the pillar bases were made of ice and immediately ordered the fire extinguished, despite Wang Pangzi's complaints about the cold.

Wu Xie clarified that these weren't simple ice pillars but contained special additives, giving them a color similar to the stone. He also explained the hall's unique climate: white gas released from the bases during the day due to warmer temperatures would condense into frost at night, a cycle that created the hall's distinctive atmosphere. Considering the dangers of both freezing and causing a collapse, Wu Xie suggested they withdraw and return better prepared.

Chen Pi, however, dismissed the idea, asserting that if the younger members couldn't endure the journey, they might as well give up. The group ultimately decided to press on. They soon reached the center of the main hall, where a massive column stood. From a distance, it resembled a dragon ascending through clouds, but closer inspection revealed a bizarre creature, neither human nor Buddha, but rather a colossal leech or house centipede clinging to the pillar.

Hua Heshang identified it as a mutated form of Tengri, the chief god in Eastern Xia religion, but found it unusual that the palace lacked common ritualistic items like a giant cauldron, funerary candles, or ceremonial resting places. Wang Pangzi, unimpressed, joked about the "false idol."

Wu Xie, however, suggested it might be an evil spirit from Haitian fetishism, similar to one he had seen in an exhibition, and speculated that it could be an image of the Lord of Slavery, considering his origins from underground creatures. Wang Pangzi, ever on the lookout for valuables, discovered several bronze monkey statues, which Hua Heshang deduced must be the centipede god's guardians.

He found it strange that bronze was used, as iron tools were prevalent during the Ming Dynasty, questioning the anomaly with Zhang Qiling. Further on, they came across a large jade door. Wang Pangzi excitedly recalled seeing a similar door auctioned for 400 million Hong Kong Dollars, but Wu Xie quickly debunked the figure as auction hype, stating its actual value was significantly less, perhaps only forty thousand. Despite their efforts, they found no obvious way to open the door.

Wang Pangzi then shrewdly suggested that the opening mechanism might not be on the door itself, prompting everyone to search the surrounding area. At the base of the giant centipede statue, Wu Xie discovered a nine-palace grid puzzle with four missing pieces embedded in nearby stone pedestals. Initially, they struggled to remove them, but Wu Xie, remembering a detail or sequence from the patterns on the pieces, figured out how to extract one.

He explained it was a sequential mechanism, and others soon managed to retrieve the remaining pieces. Fearing a wrong move could activate other traps, Hua Heshang suggested they make rubbings of the puzzle patterns before attempting to solve it, and Wu Xie assisted him. Meanwhile, Wang Pangzi and Lang Feng used their phones to photograph the intricate carvings on the hall's pillars, hoping to find more clues.

Shun Zi, observing the pillar carvings, offered an explanation: they depicted the legend of the Goddess of Snow Mountain, who long ago awaited her warrior husband's return. When he never came, she chose to slumber in Changbai Mountain, transforming into its guardian goddess so he could find her someday. Wang Pangzi immediately connected this to the Lord of Slavery, inferring that the goddess was his wife, and Wu Xie pondered if the entire palace was her tomb.

As Chen Pi studied the puzzle's patterns, he felt a strong sense of familiarity, as if he had seen them in a tomb before, but despite prompting from Wu Xie, his aging memory failed him. The patterns on the puzzle pieces were found to be Sanskrit, suggesting they might need a scripture for reference.

Episode 13 Recap

Wu Xie continued to decipher the Sanskrit inscriptions found on the jade pieces, referencing a scripture to understand the stroke order. He discovered a tale of the Lord of Slavery who, after burying his beloved wife in an undersea tomb, returned to battle in the southwest. The inscription also contained a heartfelt love poem, revealing the Lord’s deep affection for his departed wife.

Wang Pangzi, however, was unimpressed by the romantic details, instead urging Wu Xie to focus on opening the tomb. Once Wu Xie completed the nine-square grid puzzle, a stone door began to rise but stopped abruptly less than half a meter high. Confused, the group searched for other mechanisms. Wu Xie noticed the main deity statue, and after clearing the accumulated snow from its surface, the stone door fully opened.

Wang Pangzi joked about being the Lord of Slavery’s janitor, while Wu Xie speculated that the snow symbolized the Lord's loneliness, and its removal acted as a trigger. Despite the success, Wu Xie found the mechanism illogical. Meanwhile, Jia Sha, working through Zhang Hao, uncovered information confirming Huo Xiangu’s involvement in cultural relic smuggling. Xie Yuchen summoned Huo Xiuxiu, advising her to remain calm as Huo Xiangu might have been coerced.

Their immediate goal was to approach Dao, the head of the smuggling operation. Known for his extreme caution, Dao was difficult to reach. Huo Xiuxiu proposed going undercover as a hostess named Summer at a nightclub he frequented. Despite his reluctance and concern for her safety, Xie Yuchen eventually agreed to the plan after Huo Xiuxiu’s persistence, ensuring she wore an ear-mic with a locator.

He was reassured by the fact that Qiao, the nightclub’s madam, was a former member of the Xie family’s organization and thus trustworthy. Qiao successfully introduced Summer to Dao, immediately capturing his attention. Xie Yuchen, monitoring the situation via hidden cameras, suppressed his anger, waiting for the right moment. However, seeing Dao lead Summer into a private room, he could no longer wait and gave the command to his team.

He rushed in, subdued Dao, and was informed by Jia Sha that Dao's mercenary bodyguards had already been taken into police custody. As Dao was being led away, he defiantly threatened Xie Yuchen and his team, boasting about his influence and subordinates. Back in the tomb, the group advanced from the main hall into a corridor. They noted the absence of typical funerary offerings or decorative coffins, which was unusual for such a tomb.

Instead, the walls and ceiling were covered in murals, mostly depicting Hundred-legged Dragons. Wu Xie pointed out that if it were a satellite tomb for family or favored officials, the murals should show scenes of their lives or political duties, not just creatures. He found it strange that there was no central figure, like the Lord of Slavery, depicted among the worshipping figures, only soldiers and slaves.

They then entered the apse, which had a similar layout to the main hall but was smaller. It also featured Hundred-legged Dragon murals on all four walls. Opposite the entrance, three catafalques were arranged, and a raised square seal stone with a Taiji Bagua relief and surrounding bird-human carvings dominated the center of the floor. Wu Xie asked Zhang Qiling to check for traps before they attempted to move the seal stone.

Zhang Qiling confirmed there were none, and the group worked together to push it aside. Underneath, they found a layer of green bricks. After excavating for some time, they unearthed a dual-headed giant tortoise with a woman's face carved on its back. Wu Xie's shovel unexpectedly stuck to the tortoise, revealing it was made of magnetic material. When Chen Pi's compass malfunctioned, Wu Xie had an epiphany: they had been tricked.

The "three-headed dragon" formation they had previously relied on was a false premise, influenced by the magnetic field. He realized that the Kunlun fetus, the ice vault, and the entire spirit palace were elaborate illusions designed to lead them into a trap, likely set by Wang Zanghai. This explained the abnormal murals and the complete lack of valuable funerary objects, only inexpensive bronze artifacts.

Frustration grew among the group due to the wasted time and the magnetic field's effect on their emotions. Lang Feng and Wang Pangzi began to argue about their next course of action, with Wang Pangzi suggesting they return to the village for supplies, hoping Jason's team would also be misled and leave "leftovers." Zhang Qiling intervened, urging everyone to control their emotions, explaining that the stone tortoise's strong magnetic field amplified negative feelings.

Wu Xie noted that Zhang Qiling was also experiencing discomfort, though less severe than in the Black Crystal Cave, confirming the strange nature of the place. Zhang Qiling then pointed towards a hidden path, believing there must be something else to discover. Following Zhang Qiling's lead, Wu Xie discovered a section of the wall that felt hollow and had a draft, suspecting a hidden escape route.

He theorized that this wall, constructed with a specialized brick structure, could only be opened from the other side. He explained that ancient tomb builders would seal such escape tunnels irreversibly as they retreated, using spiral structures to save materials. However, the extreme cold of the hall meant that the materials used were not strong enough, allowing drafts to reveal the hidden passage. He warned against using modern demolition methods, fearing a massive collapse.

Frustrated by the inability to find an outward exit, Lang Feng, believing the tortoise to be a curse, declared that they must destroy it to break free. Zhang Qiling agreed, stating that without doing so, their direction would always be wrong once they left. Wu Xie, however, expressed concern about the potential for the ice in the hall to melt if Lang Feng set the tortoise on fire.

Episode 14 Recap

The Stone Tortoise, now engulfed in flames, glowed crimson from the intense heat. Wang Pangzi, smoking nearby, acknowledged the warmth and remarked on the tortoise finally proving useful. He watched as Wu Xie, visibly agitated, managed to suppress his anger rather than arguing with Lang Feng. Wu Xie realized they had underestimated Wang Zanghai, acknowledging the elaborate trap he had set. Wang Pangzi, recalling childhood pets, expressed an ironic hatred for this particular creature.

Soon after, the compasses began to function normally again. Chen Pi then silently turned and walked away from the group. Feeling a sense of unease, Wu Xie hurried to follow him, struggling to keep up and asking Chen Pi to slow down. When Chen Pi finally turned, he removed his sunglasses, revealing eyes that struck Wu Xie as both familiar and unsettlingly strange. Wu Xie, taken aback by his changed appearance, questioned if Chen Pi's eyesight had always been functional.

Without warning, Chen Pi delivered a powerful kick, rendering Wu Xie unconscious. Meanwhile, Wang Pangzi, using his dagger, attempted to pry a valuable gem from the stone wall, rationalizing that it was better he took it than to let foreigners steal it. A voice, eerily similar to Wu Xie's, then called out from behind him, accusing him of concealing something. Wang Pangzi, startled, tried to deny it, but the illusory Wu Xie pressed further, expressing disappointment before turning to leave.

At that moment, Jude Kao called Wang Pangzi, demanding updates and questioning the lack of signal from his communication device. Jude Kao accused Wang Pangzi of allowing Wu Xie to discover his secret. Infuriated, Wang Pangzi retorted that Jude Kao knew the risks when he took the money and angrily told him to "bugger off." Immediately after the call, Wang Pangzi saw Jin Shunzi nearby and frantically asked how much he had heard.

The intense magnetic field of the area seemed to amplify everyone's darker impulses. In a state of delusion, Wang Pangzi brutally killed Jin Shunzi to protect his secret. Hua Heshang and Lang Feng also fell victim to the powerful illusions. Separately, Xie Yuchen contacted Jason, expressing his determination to uncover the truth behind Xie Lianhuan's death.

He accused Alpha Inc. of colluding with Jude Kao in past artifact smuggling operations, even using his family's pier, and implicated both parties in the disappearance of the archaeological team at the Paracel Underwater Tomb. Jason denied direct involvement in those older incidents, stating he hadn't joined the company yet.

However, he confirmed that in recent years, Jude Kao had been deliberately reducing collaborations with Alpha Inc. and withholding shared information on major projects, including the Paracel Underwater Tomb, the Misty Village in Guizhou, and the current Empyrean Palace, driven by a desire to take sole control. Xie Yuchen proposed a deal: Jason would help him seek retribution against Jude Kao and the Huo family for framing him, and expose the true culprit, in exchange for the information he sought.

Jason agreed, revealing that Wu Xie had already entered the satellite tomb of the Empyrean Palace, with Wu Sanxing having arrived even earlier, and Jude Kao was also en route. He suggested that the answers Xie Yuchen sought would be found within the mountain. Meanwhile, A Ning, having intercepted their conversation, reported to Jude Kao.

She informed him of the alliance between Jason and Xie Yuchen, and revealed that, based on messages from Lang Feng, there was a mole in Wu Xie's team actively working to deplete their numbers. Jude Kao, sounding unwell and pressed for time, emphasized that Wu Xie's safety was paramount. He instructed A Ning to meet him at Changbai Mountain and, if anyone suggested the Empyrean Palace was fake, to feign agreement and await his arrival.

Back at the Stone Tortoise, Wu Xie slowly regained consciousness from his vivid illusion, where he had been confronted by two identical and unsettling versions of his Uncle Sanxing. The real Wu Sanxing shook Wu Xie and the others awake, calling them "madmen" and warning that the Insect Perfume was now active. Wu Xie observed the cracked Stone Tortoise emitting thick black gas into the air, accompanied by increasingly eerie, rustling sounds coming from all directions.

Wu Sanxing immediately understood it was Wang Zanghai's elaborate trap, explaining that the Stone Tortoise contained Insect Perfume, now three times more potent due to the heat. He blamed the group for igniting it, despite Lang Feng's earlier decision to burn the magnetic tortoise to neutralize its magnetic interference, which could cause insanity and had caused their disorientation in the maze.

Wu Xie, frustrated by the deception and their precarious situation, confronted Wu Sanxing for withholding crucial information, making them feel like "headless chickens." Wu Sanxing, however, remained evasive, joking and deflecting Wu Xie's accusations, even suggesting he helps whoever offers the most money. Suddenly, Wu Sanxing abruptly yelled for everyone to extinguish their flashlights and look up. The ceiling above was blanketed with countless house centipedes, raining down upon them.

Wu Sanxing urgently warned everyone to save themselves, as the Insect Perfume had drawn the creatures. The house centipedes rained down, some even attempting to burrow into their ears. Thinking quickly, Wu Sanxing lit the Brazier, successfully diverting the centipedes towards its heat and away from the group. They seized the opportunity to escape the main hall, running a considerable distance before stopping to rest in a corridor.

During the frantic escape, Wu Xie helped support Chen Pi, a gesture that earned Wu Sanxing's exasperated remark about Wu Xie "only caring about Mr. Chen." Lang Feng then appeared, claiming he had gotten separated and had stumbled upon them, describing how the corridors seemed to endlessly stretch, confirming the area was under an illusion that had disoriented them all.

Wu Xie, however, found Lang Feng's behavior suspicious, noting his frequent use of a phone to take pictures, as if sending messages to someone. Wu Xie reported his suspicions to Wu Sanxing, who, frustrated, scolded Wu Xie for his indecisiveness in a life-or-death situation. Wu Sanxing then ordered Pan Zi to subdue Lang Feng. Lang Feng struggled and protested as Pan Zi restrained him.

When a communication device was discovered on Lang Feng, Wu Sanxing offered Chen Pi the opportunity to deal with his own apprentice. Chen Pi, however, hesitated, stating he couldn't bring himself to harm Lang Feng. Wu Sanxing, exasperated by Chen Pi's soft-heartedness, called him a "scum" before instructing Pan Zi to make Lang Feng confess, despite Pan Zi's concern about Wu Xie witnessing the interrogation. Wu Sanxing then led Wu Xie away from the scene.

Meanwhile, in a separate development, Hua Heshang received a report from a subordinate that their captive, "Dao," had finally confessed. Dao, claiming allegiance to Alpha Inc., had revealed the time of their next transaction but refused to disclose the transaction code unless he was released. Hua Heshang, distrusting Dao's motives, declared that Dao would not be allowed to leave the Xie family compound alive.

Wu Xie again confronted Wu Sanxing, demanding answers and expressing his deep confusion about his uncle's true character, feeling he no longer knew him. He accused Wu Sanxing of presenting multiple "façades" and deliberately avoiding his questions, pleading for honesty. Angered, Wu Sanxing warned Wu Xie against letting his thoughts "run wild," threatening to strangle him. When Wu Xie continued to press, Wu Sanxing, still evasive, eventually relented, promising to tell him everything.

However, Wu Xie, skeptical, refused, stating he didn't want any more fabricated stories. Wu Sanxing, mockingly frustrated by his nephew's disbelief, jokingly offered a rope for Wu Xie to hang him. Pan Zi returned shortly after, reporting that Lang Feng had confessed to being Jason's informant, sending messages and carrying a GPS tracker.

Lang Feng also revealed that Jason's team had suffered heavy casualties in an avalanche and had since joined forces with A Ning, indicating they were either very close or already inside the tomb. Wu Sanxing noted their faster-than-anticipated progress. Suddenly, another swarm of giant house centipedes appeared, forcing the group to flee frantically. Wu Xie, exhausted, suggested lighting more Braziers to distract the creatures, as they had done before. But Wu Sanxing vehemently rejected the idea, dismissing it as cowardly.

Instead, he declared they would "kill them." With a command from Wu Sanxing, an explosion ripped through the area, and a severed leg flew past. Wu Xie, horrified, initially feared it was Wu Sanxing's, but seeing his uncle unharmed, he realized it belonged to Lang Feng. Wu Xie was stunned by Wu Sanxing's cold-blooded indifference. Pan Zi then respectfully handed Lang Feng's gear to Chen Pi, offering a subtle warning to be more cautious next time to avoid "friendly fire."

Chen Pi, visibly saddened, accepted the gear. Witnessing this brutal act and his uncle's apparent callousness, Wu Xie felt that Wu Sanxing had become utterly unrecognizable, questioning how they could be so cold-blooded.

Episode 15 Recap

Wu Xie remained deeply troubled by the recent explosion and Lang Feng's death, struggling to comprehend his companions' callous disregard for human life. He was particularly disturbed that Chen Pi had concealed the truth about Lang Feng's demise from Hua Heshang. Wu Xie also knew that Lang Feng was a spy and had been killed by Wu Sanxing. Recalling Qiu Dekao’s cryptic warnings about trusted individuals becoming unreliable, Wu Xie felt compelled to safeguard his own interests.

He decided to send the underground palace’s location and photographs to A Ning, hoping to lure her team towards them as a potential backup. Meanwhile, A Ning and Jason's team had reached the outer perimeter of the palace. Mindful of Qiu Dekao’s secret instructions to shake off Jason, A Ning attempted to do so subtly. However, Jason, sensing her evasiveness, insisted on remaining by her side.

As the fires from the explosion gradually died down, the group concluded their brief discussions and focused on a large hole that had opened in the ground. This aperture revealed a tomb passage beneath. The Spirit Palace, constructed on a steep slope, incorporated a triangular space supported by beams and columns under the main floor. The group realized the newly created hole might serve as an escape route.

Wang Pangzi, strapping a rope around his waist, volunteered to descend into the passage. He planned to widen the hole with a hammer, but his foot slipped into a void, and he felt something beneath grabbing his leg. Pan Zi quickly moved to assist, attempting to chop at the stone to free him. In his haste, he neglected the weakened support structures, leading to a sudden collapse of the pit. Everyone tumbled into the depths below.

Despite Chen Pi sustaining a minor leg injury from the fall, the rest of the team was unharmed. They activated their flashlights, illuminating their new surroundings. The layout resembled the main palace, but further in, they found terraced levels lined with countless mummified corpses, frozen solid and grotesque, with sharpened teeth. Wang Pangzi speculated they were monks, possibly from a legendary Golden Arhats Pavilion, or even "snowmen."

Chen Pi quickly dismissed these fanciful notions, explaining that the sharpened teeth were a custom of ancient Shamanism, later replaced by masks due to the effort involved. Wu Xie pointed out that their primitive attire did not match that of the Jurchen or Mongolian people of the Ming Dynasty, nor the Eastern Xia. He concluded these were ancient ice burial remains of early inhabitants, unearthed by Wang Zanghai during his construction of the mausoleum.

Wang Pangzi questioned why these bodies were arranged in such an orderly fashion, to which Chen Pi suggested it might be linked to Shamanistic rituals or curses. After their discussion, Chen Pi urged the group to carefully search for an exit. Concurrently, Xie Yuchen, disguised as "Dao," successfully rendezvoused with Nan, exchanging a pre-arranged code phrase. He then led his subordinates to a fishing village warehouse, discovering dozens of crates filled with cultural relics.

Inspecting the artifacts, Xie Yuchen identified examples of "blood jade" and "old dyed jade," the latter being expertly crafted fakes using special dyes and heat treatment. He deduced that this criminal enterprise was not merely smuggling but also orchestrating elaborate forgeries to swap genuine artifacts with counterfeits before shipping the originals abroad. He highlighted a porcelain vase, confirming it was authentic and had likely been swapped from a renowned international collection.

Xie Yuchen instructed his subordinate to interrogate the captured members of the ring to uncover "Dao's" domestic smuggling routes, the identities of those involved in the forgery, and the total number of cultural relics that had been swapped. He acknowledged the risk of alarming the broader network by disappearing so many people at once but stressed the importance of swift action. During a phone call, Huo Xiuxiu’s voice was heard, expressing her desire to participate in the investigation.

Xie Yuchen, still maintaining his "Dao" persona, placated her with promises of luxury gifts and told her he was busy with a big deal. Back in the main hall, as the group explored for an exit, Wang Pangzi's foot plunged through a hole in the stone flooring. Two gigantic pincers erupted from below, clamping down on him. His companions rushed to help, but even Pan Zi, with his strength, found his rescue attempts thwarted by the elusive creature.

Just as despair set in, Wu Sanxing appeared, firing a shot that forced the monster to retreat, freeing Wang Pangzi. Pan Zi lightened the tension by teasing Wang Pangzi, suggesting the large house centipede must have taken a liking to him. However, the creature reappeared moments later, snatching Pan Zi and dragging him into the hole.

Wu Xie frantically moved to intervene, but Wu Sanxing quickly held him back, sternly warning him against reckless heroics that would only lead to another death. Soon after, gunshots echoed from within the hole, and Pan Zi, shaken but alive, re-emerged with Wang Pangzi, having killed the monster. Wu Xie then examined the hole more closely, dismissing his initial theories of natural formation or abandoned wells due to its unusually large diameter.

The team debated the origin and purpose of the mysterious holes. Chen Pi, noting the increasing activity of house centipedes as night approached, suggested they rest until morning. Later that night, Wu Sanxing found Wu Xie lost in thought and sat beside him.

They shared nostalgic memories, from Wu Sanxing’s childhood stories that lulled Wu Xie to sleep to a past incident where Wu Sanxing left Wu Xie by the roadside to go on a date, resulting in Wu Xie suffering a heatstroke and Wu Sanxing receiving a severe beating from Wu Xie's grandfather, leaving a scar. Wu Xie, recalling the scar, asked to see it.

Wu Sanxing allowed him to touch the back of his head, but Wu Xie noticed the scar was slightly larger than he remembered, deepening his subtle, indescribable sense of unease about his uncle's true identity. The following morning, the group divided into three teams to continue their search for an exit. Wu Xie witnessed Hua Heshang in distress, claiming Chen Pi had suddenly stopped breathing. Chen Pi lay motionless against a pillar, eyes closed.

Wu Xie checked for a pulse but found none, leaving him perplexed. However, Chen Pi's fingers twitched faintly. Before anyone could react, he abruptly opened his eyes and lunged, gripping Wu Xie's throat. Wang Pangzi frantically yelled for Hua Heshang to fetch black donkey's hoofs to ward off evil while attempting to pry Chen Pi's hands from Wu Xie.

Episode 16 Recap

After Chen Pi, who had appeared lifeless, suddenly moved and began to strangle Wu Xie, the group was thrown into a panic. Wang Pangzi frantically called for a black donkey's hoof, believing it to be a sudden corpse movement. Despite their attempts to free Wu Xie, Chen Pi's grip was incredibly strong, and Wu Xie started to lose consciousness.

Unexpectedly, Chen Pi suddenly released him, opened his eyes, and seemed to return to normal, proclaiming that an "old man like him won't die so easily." Everyone was relieved, but later, Chen Pi closed his eyes again, prompting Wang Pangzi to joke that he was dying once more. Wu Xie then tried to persuade Chen Pi to leave and rest due to the harsh environment. Wu Xie and his group soon encountered Zhang Qiling, who joined them.

As they proceeded, the passageway, initially wide, began to narrow drastically, eventually becoming a mere crevice through which they had to squeeze sideways. Wu Xie theorized that this path utilized natural volcanic lava tubes, common in volcanic regions and often leading to extensive underground corridors, assuring the group that the path would soon widen. Wang Pangzi expressed concern about getting stuck, but Chen Pi supported Wu Xie's analysis, and the group decided to continue.

Soon, the sound of water led them to a hot spring waterfall. Despite the temptation to refresh themselves, Zhang Qiling warned them about the potential presence of leeches in such areas, noting that while the current low temperatures kept creatures dormant, strong stimuli could awaken them. Suddenly, a strange sound caught their attention. Upon closer inspection, the rocks around the hot spring were covered with countless massive centipedes, so densely packed they initially appeared to be volcanic patterns.

Zhang Qiling instructed everyone to remain quiet and turn off their flashlights. In the dim light, they realized the centipedes were large and their protective coloration made them almost invisible. They were cautioned against stepping on any, as a dead centipede would attract a swarm of its kind. While the group rested, Wu Xie asked Zhang Qiling about the situation outside, learning that Jason's and A Ning's groups had already entered Ling Palace.

Wu Xie expressed surprise at their speed and questioned whether they had been followed. Later, during a break, Wang Pangzi excused himself, claiming he needed to relieve himself. A suspicious Wu Xie secretly followed him, discovering Wang Pangzi meeting with "Wu Sanxing." Angry at their clandestine meeting, Wu Xie confronted his "uncle," demanding to know why he had abandoned the team previously. " Wu Sanxing" responded evasively, stating that in critical situations, one must "strike first" to avoid disadvantage.

When pressed about the secrets of Cloud Top Heavenly Palace, Lord of Slavery, and Wang Zanghai, "Wu Sanxing" offered only vague answers, dismissing it as a simple employer-employee relationship and telling Wu Xie to uncover the secrets himself. Growing increasingly agitated, Wu Xie pointed a gun at "Wu Sanxing," accusing him of being an imposter. Wu Xie asserted that his real uncle's head scar had long since flattened, unlike the prominent one on this man.

He revealed his suspicion that this person was Xie Lianhuan, who had faked his death and impersonated Wu Sanxing to conduct secret investigations, even suggesting that Wang Pangzi was in league with him, intentionally causing delays at the train station and informing the police. " Wu Sanxing" steadfastly denied all accusations, attempting to appeal to Wu Xie's loyalty and affection, reminding him of all the care and skills he had imparted.

Despite the emotional plea, Wu Xie, still unconvinced, threatened to shoot as "Wu Sanxing" walked away. Wang Pangzi, attempting to clear his name, was questioned by Wu Xie about his relationship with the imposter "Wu Sanxing." Wang Pangzi insisted that "Wu Sanxing" was only looking out for Wu Xie and that he was merely earning some "pocket money." Wu Xie then discovered a tracker disguised as an Iron Man badge that Wang Pangzi used to communicate.

He immediately activated it, connecting to Qiu Dekao. Hearing Wu Xie's voice, Qiu Dekao wisely remained silent, which, ironically, caused Wu Xie to momentarily drop his suspicions about Wang Pangzi. Moments after Wu Xie left, "Wu Sanxing" reappeared, cornered Wang Pangzi, and sternly warned him against harming Wu Xie, promising severe repercussions if he dared. Meanwhile, Xie Yuchen orchestrated a plan to intercept smuggled cultural relics.

Receiving intelligence about a batch of artifacts arriving at Macao Port via the Huo family's route, he decided to "beat them to it." Xie Yuchen, disguised as Dao, went to meet the buyers, while his associate Jia Sha and others apprehended the thugs and secured the warehouse, discovering dozens of boxes of cultural relics. Xie Yuchen deduced that the smugglers were also counterfeiting artifacts with professional methods to swap genuine items for fakes before shipping them abroad.

Huo Xiuxiu initially wanted to join Xie Yuchen, but he dissuaded her due to the danger and the flaws in her male disguise, promising to take her on a trip after the operation. News of the Macao incident reached Qiu Dekao, who remained unconcerned. Similarly, Huo Xiangu, after learning of Xie Yuchen's involvement, instructed her people to withdraw from Macao, deeming a direct confrontation unnecessary.

Wu Xie and his team eventually arrived at the volcano crater, finding themselves at an impasse with no clear path forward. They decided to set up camp. They attempted to enter the crater but were met with a suffocating, sulfurous gas that forced them to retreat. Wu Xie surmised that the main path, the Path of God, must be located within the crater, but the toxic fumes made it impassable during the day due to higher temperatures.

Later that night, Wu Xie ventured to the cliff edge and was captivated by a vast expanse of glowing purple trees below. He summoned the others, explaining that the low night temperatures and high humidity caused the sulfurous gas molecules to condense and fall with the water vapor, making the area temporarily safe. Convinced, the group resolved to make their descent into the crater under the cover of night.

Episode 17 Recap

The team found themselves surrounded by countless dried vines clinging to the cliffs, covered in captivating purplish-red, fluorescent flowers. The air shimmered with floating pollen. Wang Pangzi, intrigued by the "delicious" and "appetizing" fragrance that reminded him of "tasty pig offal," suggested they camp there, playfully wondering if the flowers were edible. However, Wu Xie noticed Zhang Qiling looking unwell and asked what was wrong.

Zhang Qiling, who possessed Qilin Blood, was less susceptible to the poison, allowing him to remain clear-headed. He warned everyone not to breathe. Wu Xie then saw the others, including Wang Pangzi, behaving erratically, clearly hallucinating from the toxic air, their faces displaying a "fanatical excitement" and "desire for wealth." Acting quickly while he was still clear-headed, Zhang Qiling cut his finger and used his blood to help everyone recover.

Once everyone regained their senses, Wang Pangzi wondered aloud about his bizarre behavior. Wu Xie clarified that the dried vines, not the flowers, emitted the hallucinogenic substance. He revealed that they had been trapped there for an entire night, falling into a dangerous cycle of night-time intoxication and daytime lethargy, almost perishing in the process. Realizing the peril, Chen Pi urged them to leave immediately, fearing more booby traps.

Following the Path of God, they soon reached a stone archway inscribed with "Heavenly Gate," the first official entrance to the imperial mausoleum. Chen Pi instructed them to exit the gate by walking backward to avoid the "dead end," explaining that traditionally, pallbearers and mourners were sacrificed at this gate after entombment ceremonies, making it a "portal to the dead" for explorers. Wang Pangzi scoffed at this, calling it superstition.

As they passed through, Wu Xie thought he saw a person flash by one of the white stone statues lining the path and wondered if A Ning's group was following them. Chen Pi, concerned, decided to go back with Zhang Qiling to investigate, while the rest of the group, including Wu Xie, Wang Pangzi, and Pan Zi, continued forward.

Wu Xie noted that while the Jurchens practiced Shamanism, the architectural designs, including the six stone gates symbolizing "the Six Realms of Han-era Buddhism," were clearly Han in origin. Wang Pangzi spotted an owl-like creature on a statue, which he called a "cute" "mascot" that could fetch a good price in Beijing and serve as a "guardian beast." Wu Xie corrected him, identifying it as a Manlike Owl, historically known as "true owls" and considered "evil birds associated with death."

He elaborated on their complex history in ancient China, from being worshipped as "auspicious symbols," "guardian spirits of the night and dreams," and "incarnations of ancestors" in the Shang dynasty, to being shunned in the Western Zhou dynasty. Suddenly, dozens of Manlike Owls appeared on withered trees, their large round eyes fixed on them. Wu Xie realized these were the Lord of Slavery's living funerary objects, which explained why Jason's team had been attacked without a visible enemy.

The group quickly fled, carefully moving past jade figures to escape the Manlike Owls. They eventually found refuge in a derelict hall, littered with bullet casings and several corpses in peculiar positions near a statue. Pan Zi noted the powerful machine guns the deceased had carried, suggesting they should have been able to handle any threat, and wondered what could have happened.

Wang Pangzi, however, was more interested in collecting the abandoned firearms and ammunition, climbing a pillar to retrieve more weapons. Wu Xie warned him against touching the bodies, fearing they might be poisoned. To their horror, one of the "dead" bodies stirred, and the dying man uttered something in Hakka about a "big bird" before succumbing. It became clear that Jason's men had been killed by the Manlike Owls.

Meanwhile, in a separate location, an associate of Qiu Dekao visited Huo Xiangu. He informed her that Qiu Dekao was hospitalized for the fourth time and expressed his principal's "surprise" at her handling of an operation, as Xie Yuchen had intercepted a batch of relics from Macao, preventing their shipment. Qiu Dekao demanded she resolve the situation promptly, adding that Xie Yuchen would soon be sent to "the Empyrean Palace."

Huo Xiangu, angered, retorted that her alliance with Qiu Dekao had already made her an "enemy of her family" and violated the rules of The Mystic Nine. She lamented that Xie Yuchen had become "rebellious" and even her granddaughter Xiuxiu was increasingly disobedient. She told the associate to convey to Qiu Dekao that he should "call off the whole thing," warning that if he insisted on opposing the Xie family, their cooperation would cease.

The associate, however, suggested that Xie Yuchen's presence in the dangerous Empyrean Palace would be an "asset" and subtly reminded Huo Xiangu about "her daughter's whereabouts," implying leverage related to Huo Ling. Though visibly troubled, Huo Xiangu declared that this move would inevitably turn the Xie family against the Huo family, but the associate remained firm, stating, "you win some, you lose some." Afterwards, Huo Xiangu instructed someone to "take action" on "that matter."

Back in the tomb, A Ning's team was in a different hall, with A Ning communicating with Qiu Dekao when they were suddenly attacked by Manlike Owls. Her men suffered heavy casualties, and A Ning herself was severely wounded, losing consciousness as her team fled. Later, Wu Sanxing found and rescued the injured A Ning, who then joined him and his team. With Wu Xie's group, they too were fending off Manlike Owls.

Pan Zi and other armed members stayed to fight, while Shun Zi urged the unarmed ones to run, claiming it was Wu Sanxing's instruction. During the skirmish, Wang Pangzi, jubilant after successfully repelling some creatures with a machine gun, accidentally dropped his communicator. Wu Xie noticed it and, filled with rage, confronted Wang Pangzi, accusing him of being a traitor.

Wang Pangzi initially denied it, but when Wu Xie activated the device, Qiu Dekao's voice emanated from it, asking, "Mr. Wang, anything new?" Unable to conceal his actions any longer, Wang Pangzi confessed. He explained that he had been swindled by Qiu Dekao, who took his parents' store, forcing him to act as an informant to get it back. He adamantly insisted he had never disclosed any critical information and had always protected Wu Xie.

Wu Xie, feeling deeply betrayed, dismissed Wang Pangzi's explanation, accusing him of using his care as a facade for espionage. He branded Wang Pangzi a "traitor," prioritizing personal gain over the safety of the entire team, and rejected his apologies. Wu Xie expressed his disappointment, saying he had always seen Wang Pangzi as a wise man but now felt tricked, questioning if he cared about his brothers' lives.

Wang Pangzi, hurt and frustrated, retorted that he had always helped Wu Xie with his "lousy family issues" and sacrificed his home and store to care for him at the hospital, never once selling any treasures they found. Yet, he felt Wu Xie consistently viewed him as a "money-grubbing scoundrel." The heated argument culminated in Wu Xie telling Wang Pangzi to leave and never return.

Wang Pangzi, equally angry, declared he would never see Wu Xie again, or he would "take Wu as his last name," and walked away. Left alone with Pan Zi and Shun Zi, Wu Xie was disoriented. Shun Zi then revealed that Wu Sanxing had instructed him to relay the phrase "Xuanwu Jushi Zhi Di", or "Black Tortoise Rejects Corpses Zone," to Wu Xie, assuring him that this would reveal the entrance to the Underground Palace. Wu Xie was stunned by the cryptic message, disbelieving such a place could exist. At that moment, another wave of Manlike Owls attacked, forcing them to quickly find cover.

Episode 18 Recap

Amidst the relentless pursuit of Manlike Owls, Wu Xie and Pan Zi found themselves cornered at the end of a stone bridge. Beyond them lay the Mausoleum Monument, marking the beginning of the Longevity Stairway leading to the Afterlife Hall, a symbolic gateway between the human world and the underworld. With the bridge collapsed, a three-meter chasm stood in their way.

Pan Zi urged Wu Xie to jump across while he provided cover, but a Manlike Owl snatched Wu Xie mid-air, then released him, sending him plummeting into the abyss below. Moments later, Shun Zi arrived to find Pan Zi weeping by the cliffside, distraught over failing to protect Wu Xie and feeling he had let Mr. Wu down.

Shun Zi prevented Pan Zi from attempting a reckless rescue, reminding him that Mr. Wu had tasked Shun Zi with delivering a message to Wu Xie, believing Wu Xie would ultimately lead them to him. Meanwhile, Wu Sanxing's team faced their own peril, attacked by wall centipedes. Suffering heavy losses, they desperately lit torches to fend off the creatures and make their escape. Miraculously, Wu Xie survived his fall, his descent cushioned by an unforeseen chain-like object.

He regained consciousness, disoriented and weak from dehydration in a desolate, sandy landscape, before succumbing to unconsciousness once more. Zhang Qiling appeared and revived him by offering water. Discussing their predicament, Wu Xie questioned the notion of the Eastern Xia Mausoleum, a royal burial site, having such ill fengshui.

Zhang Qiling, drawing from the totems and murals they had observed, and the records on Chen Pi Ah Si's Snake-Eyed Copper Fish, posited that if Lord of Slavery commanded such influence to construct the mausoleum, it must involve a religious element, suggesting Lord of Slavery might not be human. Wu Xie, however, believed that to truly uncover Lord of Slavery's identity, they needed to gather all the Snake-Eyed Copper Fish.

Recognizing the inhospitable environment, Zhang Qiling helped Wu Xie move forward. They soon stumbled upon numerous terracotta martyrs. During a brief rest, Wu Xie reflected on recent events, growing suspicious that Shun Zi might be deliberately withholding critical information. He wondered why Shun Zi had intentionally separated them, especially when he could have privately conveyed Mr. Wu's message to him.

He also pondered why Pop Si chose Shun Zi and Zhang Qiling as his escorts instead of his trusted man, Hua Heshang, hinting at the possibility of Shun Zi being an informant. Concurrently, Jia Sha reported to Xie Yuchen that they had successfully hacked into Qiu Dekao's database, confirming the authenticity of the underwater tomb photographs. Tracking a signal, Xie Yuchen located a residence and discovered a diary on a study desk.

The handwriting unmistakably belonged to Wu Xie, but its contents were startling: "Xie Lianhuan framed me, Wu Sanxing." Realizing this could be a trap set by Qiu Dekao, Xie Yuchen still decided to head to the northeast to meet Wu Xie. Qiu Dekao, informed of Xie Yuchen's imminent departure to the northeast to meet Wu Xie, seemed unconcerned about A Ning's continued disappearance, confident she would reach out if she were alive, and prepared for his own journey.

Back in the tomb, Zhang Qiling and Wu Xie found an isolated stone house, likely a former rest stop for the palace builders, far from any other structures. While Wu Xie slept, Zhang Qiling gathered firewood and, exploring the house, discovered a desiccated skeleton in a rice jar. Wu Xie awoke, his energy somewhat restored, but the skeletal remains in the corner of the house left him unsettled. He felt fortunate to have Zhang Qiling by his side.

Zhang Qiling inquired about the others, specifically Wang Pangzi, noting that Wang Pangzi wouldn't typically leave Wu Xie's side. Meanwhile, Wang Pangzi, who had been searching for Wu Xie and Zhang Qiling, reached the broken bridge. As he prepared to rappel down, he was unexpectedly seized by a Manlike Owl and plunged into the abyss, mirroring Wu Xie's earlier fate. Wu Xie and Zhang Qiling heard the commotion and rushed out, finding Wang Pangzi, surprisingly unharmed, lying on the ground.

There was still a strained awkwardness between Wang Pangzi and Wu Xie, with Wang Pangzi defiantly asserting his name was still Wang Pangzi, not 'Fatty Wu,' despite offering Wu Xie some compressed biscuits. Zhang Qiling intervened, taking the biscuits and giving them to Wu Xie, suggesting they rest for the night, allowing Wu Xie to recover before rejoining the group the following day. That night, Wu Xie was plagued by a vivid nightmare.

He witnessed Wu Sanxing and Xie Lianhuan in a tomb, their appearances so similar that only their distinct personalities distinguished them. The dream turned sinister when Xie Lianhuan, visibly terrified, confronted Wu Sanxing, accusing him of attempting to harm and kill him. Wu Sanxing, in turn, questioned Xie Lianhuan's intentions, asking why he would try to kill him. This chaotic scene of alleged fratricide startled Wu Xie awake.

Zhang Qiling's earlier words about Mr. Wu's coded messages echoed in his mind, and a nascent understanding of his uncle's cryptic statement began to form. The next morning, the trio embarked on their journey. Their flashlights revealed a path lined with numerous terracotta martyrs, including large terracotta carriage statues. Wu Xie noted the unusual placement of these figures outside a traditional underground palace or burial pit.

He observed their Eastern Xia outfits, similar to those depicted in murals, and the fact that they were all facing the same direction, like an army marching. Zhang Qiling explained that these figures were substitutes for live sacrifices, their corroded faces a result of prolonged submersion in river water, and they were all progressing towards Lord of Slavery.

Episode 19 Recap

Wu Xie finally reunited with Pan Zi and Shun Zi. Before their reunion, the team observed scattered chariot and horse figurines by the moat, which was an unusual placement for such burial objects that typically belonged in the underground palace. Human figurines stood in a ditch in the center of the moat. Wang Pangzi noted they all faced the same direction, extending into the moat's depths, leading Zhang Qiling to speculate they were substitutes for live sacrifices.

Pan Zi expressed his relief at finding Wu Xie and apologized for not having taken better care of him. Wang Pangzi, observing their surroundings, commented on feeling watched. Wu Xie then asked Shun Zi to elaborate on the message Wu Sanxing had given him, finding the previous information too vague to be useful, and also seeking to fully resolve his lingering doubts about Shun Zi.

Shun Zi recounted that approximately a month prior, Wu Sanxing, disguised as a sightseer in a group Shun Zi was guiding, had secretly pulled him aside. Wu Sanxing instructed him to await Wu Xie at an estimated time and escort him to the mountain, promising a substantial reward. Wu Sanxing specifically stressed that "only Wu Xie would understand" the message.

Shun Zi confessed that he had perceived two distinct factions within their initial expedition and chose to feign ignorance to avoid compromising Wu Sanxing's crucial instructions, especially given the significant deposit he had already received. He further revealed that he had quickly discerned their true objectives once they ventured into the mountains and would have intervened during the avalanche if not for Wu Sanxing's specific orders.

Wang Pangzi wryly commented that Shun Zi appeared to be "another spy" in their midst. Shun Zi, however, asserted his sincerity, explaining that Wu Sanxing's payment was sufficient for two lifetimes, compelling him to uphold his commitment. Pondering Wu Sanxing's words, "Only you would understand," Wu Xie realized the message was not meant to be taken literally. He revealed that "Rising Black Tortoise Formation" was a homonym in the Hangzhou dialect, which translated to "Follow the waterway to the end."

Wang Pangzi was surprised by this revelation, acknowledging Wu Sanxing's cunning in using a local dialect to convey a secret message. Pan Zi, who had lived in Hangzhou, also admitted he had only thought of the phrase in its fengshui context. Wang Pangzi reassured everyone that Wu Sanxing was a resilient veteran and they should focus on their own safety, suggesting that Wu Sanxing's clues meant he knew more than them.

Wu Xie suspected the unusual phrasing might be from an ancient text and believed his uncle's trip to Xisha was to gather relevant information. He also speculated that A Ning's team might be targeting the Empyrean Palace (Yun Ding Tian Gong), not just the Underwater Tomb, and wondered if she had obtained crucial intel there. Wang Pangzi, however, dismissed this, reasoning that she wouldn't need their help if she had.

Given that the mausoleum had springs but no rivers, the team decided to follow the former water channel, which eventually led them into a square hole where further passage seemed blocked. Meanwhile, A Ning’s team faced challenges. Her subordinates reported being trapped in an endless corridor, suspecting a grand formation or trap within the mausoleum was preventing them from finding the way out. They couldn't even use flares due to the wooden structure, fearing fire.

Wu Sanxing, who had been unconscious after a wall centipede attack, finally awoke. A Ning tended to him, giving him painkillers. Wu Sanxing requested A Ning not to inform Jude Cox of his recovery. A Ning stated she could keep it from Jason but not her boss. Wu Sanxing then questioned A Ning about Jude Cox's true intentions in the Empyrean Palace, which A Ning claimed were the same as his.

Wu Sanxing disagreed, urging A Ning to consider Jude Cox’s advanced age and remarkable physical capabilities. He hinted that some individuals, like Jude Cox, were born with extraordinary talents, "kissed by God." A Ning corrected him, stating it was "the Devil of the tomb" who had kissed him. Elsewhere, Xie Yuchen confronted Uncle Hai, whom he praised as an "expert forger" whose counterfeits were so exquisite even museums couldn't detect them.

Xie Yuchen suggested that Uncle Hai was the only one who knew the true extent of the switched relics. Uncle Hai downplayed his involvement, claiming to be merely a reseller of old trinkets, and questioned if Wu Sanxing knew about Xie Yuchen's visit, implying Wu Sanxing was also involved. Upholding "merchant's ethics," Uncle Hai advised Xie Yuchen to seek information from someone closer to him, stating "she knows it better."

Back at his own camp, Xie Yuchen confronted his grandmother, ordering her to stay put until his mission was over. He demanded an explanation for her collaboration with Jude Cox, accusing her of forsaking the search for Aunt Ling's disappearance and not taking it seriously. His grandmother dismissed his concerns, calling Aunt Ling "naive."

Following the translated clue, Wu Xie, Wang Pangzi, Zhang Qiling, Pan Zi, and Shun Zi ventured into the tomb along what used to be a water channel, now dried up, which eventually led them into a square hole. Wu Xie spotted a marker. They then found a giant fish-head statue situated to their right, with English letters carved in nearby rubble. Wu Xie remembered seeing similar symbols in the Underwater Tomb.

Pan Zi, who had worked for Wu Sanxing for years, stated his uncle never left such markers. While they discussed the path forward, Zhang Qiling quietly slipped away. Wang Pangzi was the first to bend down and enter through the fish-head statue, noting Zhang Qiling's typical elusive behavior but wishing he'd stay during dangerous times.

Inside the dark and featureless cave, Wu Xie then pointed out hiking boot prints on the ground, indicating others had entered before them, prompting them to hurry. After exiting the fish-belly cave, they entered a black-rock tomb chamber filled with thousands of roughly made wine jars. Wang Pangzi joked about the Lord of Slavery (Wan Nu Wang) being a heavy drinker and dreamt of finding more treasures from the Jin Dynasty.

Wu Xie cautioned him against premature excitement, reminding him that perishable goods from the Southern Song tributes would have long rotted. Accidentally, Wang Pangzi broke a jar, revealing a rotten monkey corpse. Pan Zi explained it was "Monkey Head Brew" (Hou Tou Shao), a spirit Wu Sanxing had told him about, made with unformed monkeys, believed to be an aphrodisiac, though its effects on longevity were uncertain.

Wu Xie warned Wang Pangzi against consuming anything from the ancient tomb, to which Wang Pangzi jokingly replied it would only cause a stomachache. Continuing their journey, they traversed several sealed stone barriers. At a crossroads, they paused, noting one passage was significantly more elaborate than the others, adorned with extensive, vibrant murals that led directly to the outer coffin chamber. It was at the entrance to this passage that they found more deliberate English letter markers.

Wu Xie explained that while he initially thought they were simple directional signs, the "change" in the symbol indicated it conveyed additional information, such as potential conditions or dangers ahead, rather than just the path taken. Pan Zi then recognized this as a "tracking language" system from his Vietnam jungle training, used for rescue tracking where symbols communicate vital information like food supply or distress.

However, Pan Zi noted this specific symbol was unfamiliar and different from previous ones, suggesting a new kind of warning. As they pondered its meaning, Wu Xie exclaimed warning, indicating an unseen danger. Shun Zi experienced a strange mental interference, hearing voices but being unable to move until someone (likely Zhang Qiling, who had briefly touched him) helped him. His intuition warned him of great danger.

Wang Pangzi dismissed further decoding, stating the symbols weren't meant for them, and they should simply find their own way. Wu Xie, however, warned about potential arrow traps and trapdoors. They soon arrived at a blasted jade door. After entering, they discovered a massive tomb chamber, ten times larger than the previous wine storage room, overflowing with mountains of gold, silver, jewels, and precious stones.

While Pan Zi and Wang Pangzi were ecstatic, Wu Xie noticed several dry corpses curled amongst the treasures. Their clothing, including an old Shanghai watch on one woman, suggested they were an archaeological team from the 1980s or 90s. Shun Zi stared at one corpse, then fell to his knees, weeping, recognizing it as his long-lost father. The other bodies were members of his father's team.

Wu Xie found their presence suspicious, noting they had entered the mountains at an unusual time and were clearly not ordinary tourists. Wang Pangzi searched their belongings, finding no identification, but observed that all their food had been consumed. Wu Xie concluded that the team had not died by accident; instead, they had seemingly "sat there, waiting to die."

Episode 20 Recap

Upon discovering a vast treasury, Shun Zi silently kneels by one of the dead bodies, gently tidying its hair, indicating he has found his father. Wu Xie and Wang Pangzi examine the scene, noting empty food packaging. Wu Xie concludes that the archeology team found here did not die accidentally but starved to death. Pan Zi, however, disagrees, pointing out that people can survive for several days without food or water, suggesting they should have been able to escape.

Wu Xie counters that they might have been trapped and unable to find a way out. This discovery made everyone uneasy, the initial joy and excitement fading into solemnity. Wu Xie, feigning cheerfulness, suggested that even if they couldn't find an exit, they could use dynamite, and so they prepared to continue their search. Shun Zi recalls that his father departed with seven other people, making a total of eight in the expedition.

Yet, they only found six bodies in the chamber. Wang Pangzi speculates that the two missing individuals might have killed the others for the treasure and then fled. Wu Xie dismisses this idea, noting the absence of any signs of struggle and observing that the bodies do not appear to have been murdered. Feeling uneasy amidst the dead, Pan Zi urges everyone to refocus on their main objective.

Wang Pangzi realizes that the jade door was blasted open and that this chamber is solely a treasury, lacking any caskets. He suspects that Ning and her team might have marked the location for a second team to collect the valuables. Wu Xie, however, suggests that the blast hole on the door seems to have been made by the trapped individuals themselves.

Pan Zi concludes that since the caskets are not here, they must head in the opposite direction, where Wu Sanxing is likely to be. Wang Pangzi agrees, eager to find Wu Sanxing quickly. As the group proceeds, Wu Xie notices that the murals on the tomb path have completely changed. Wang Pangzi, unfazed, mentions that he and Wu Xie encountered a similar phenomenon in the Underwater Tomb.

Pan Zi expresses concern about the complex structure of the Underground Palace and fears they might be trapped. Wu Xie reassures him, explaining that Wang Zanghai's tricks typically create psychological pressure, often leading people to succumb to mental exhaustion and despair, rather than employing actual fatal entrapment. He confidently states they will find a way out. Pan Zi voices his worries about Wu Sanxing, who is likely further ahead, and hopes he avoids dangerous creatures like Man-faced Owls.

Wu Xie playfully suggests that Pan Zi sounds like Wu Sanxing’s nephew. Pan Zi asserts that Wu Xie is not his uncle. Wu Xie, maintaining the playful act, asks, "Who am I then?" Pan Zi responds, "You're Xie Lianhuan." Wu Xie then clarifies, "Kid, in this world, there's only one person who won't hurt you. That is me, your uncle." The group continues and soon encounters another jade door, identical to the one they had previously blasted open.

Wang Pangzi notes the similarity, believing the previous explorers cleared the way for them. However, upon entering, they discover yet another treasure room, an exact replica of the last one, complete with the same pile of gold and silver and the familiar six dead bodies. They realize they are caught in a looping illusion, commonly known as a "Ghosts pounding the wall" phenomenon, constantly returning to the same chamber.

At that moment, Wu Xie understood why the archaeological team might have been trapped and starved to death amidst the gold, realizing their predicament was far more bizarre than imagined. Frustrated, Wang Pangzi attempts to make Shun Zi put down his father’s body, believing it to be the cause of their predicament. Pan Zi intervenes, urging Wang Pangzi to remain calm. Pan Zi then reminds Wu Xie of his earlier statement about Wang Zanghai’s tricks being psychological.

Wu Xie agrees, confirming that an actual "Ghosts pounding the wall" is a myth, and that this must be a clever mechanism designed to create a misleading atmosphere. They decide to try navigating the path again, moving slowly this time, to detect any hidden traps. Separately, Xie Yuchen goes to confront Huo Xiangu about Huo Xiuxiu, whom he has been unable to contact since he sent her home.

Huo Xiangu admits to confining Huo Xiuxiu, stating that disobedient young people need discipline and suggesting that Xie Yuchen himself has lacked proper guidance since his grandfather and Er Yuehong passed away. Xie Yuchen challenges her, accusing her of downplaying Huo Xiuxiu's efforts and questioning her true fears. He then articulates his suspicions about Huo Xiangu's involvement with Hendry Cox and Jason’s Alpha Inc., whose operations in China began even before the Liberation.

He asserts that their scheme at the Paracel Underwater Tomb directly led to the death of his uncle, Xie Lianhuan, and the disappearance of her daughter, Huo Ling. He finds it unbelievable that she could ignore such obvious facts. Huo Xiangu warns him against blind self-assurance, which could lead to harm. When Xie Yuchen asks why she sent him a particular photo, Huo Xiangu evades the question, claiming fatigue.

Xie Yuchen persists, noting that only she and Chen Pi Ah Si remain from The Mystic Nine, and she must be keenly aware of her own aging. He then questions why Hendry Cox appears unaffected by age, suggesting that Hendry is tempting her with a secret related to immortality to secure her cooperation. Huo Xiangu dismisses the idea of immortality as a ridiculous dream.

However, Xie Yuchen points to Hendry Cox’s own inexplicable physical state as a unique medical anomaly, stating he is "70 percent convinced, 30 percent skeptical" about immortality, and that any further proof from Hendry Cox would turn his skepticism into belief. When asked what proof Hendry Cox has, Huo Xiangu replies, "The Empyrean Palace." Huo Xiangu recounts that the entire archeology team, including Huo Ling, disappeared, with only Wu Sanxing returning.

She explains that Wu Sanxing claimed Xie Lianhuan was the first to encounter trouble, and his body was supposedly sent back on a research vessel. However, both the vessel and Xie Lianhuan's body subsequently disappeared. Wu Sanxing then recounted blacking out in the Underwater Tomb and waking up ashore with no memory of what happened to the others.

Huo Xiangu reveals her deep suspicion that Wu Sanxing orchestrated these disappearances to eliminate promising heirs from both the Huo and Xie families. Soon after, she received a videotape showing Huo Ling, dressed in clothes she wore a week before the expedition (after getting oil on her work uniform), trapped and desperately crying out for help to her mother.

Xie Yuchen understands Huo Xiangu’s past inaction: she feared that if his grandfather, Wu Laojiu, with his keen intellect, discovered the tape, he would pursue the mastermind behind the conspiracy, which could further endanger Huo Ling. She clarifies that because of this, his grandfather died believing Huo Ling’s disappearance was an accident. Huo Xiangu then reveals she received a second tape three years after Huo Ling's disappearance.

This tape showed a gaunt, silent Huo Ling and was equipped with a self-destruct device that burned it after viewing, nearly causing a fire. This device prevented her from analyzing it for clues. She explains that she could not gamble with Huo Ling's life, which is why she appeared to do little to investigate and discouraged Huo Xiuxiu from pursuing the truth, instead merely distancing herself from the Wu family.

Xie Yuchen recalls seeing Wu Sanxing looking exactly like Xie Lianhuan when he was a child. Xie Yuchen understands her past rationale but remains confused by her current actions, particularly sending him the photo. Huo Xiangu insists she wants him to see the true nature of Wu Sanxing and his nephew, Wu Xie.

She asserts that despite her decades of experience in the ruthless world of The Mystic Nine, where she prided herself on being able to discern anyone's true character, Wu Sanxing remains an enigma to her. She emphasizes that Wu Sanxing's sole survival from the expedition, regardless of his relationship with Huo Ling or his motives, is highly suspicious. Xie Yuchen accuses Huo Xiangu of merely wanting to spite Wu Sanxing.

He argues that Hendry Cox’s involvement in the Underwater Tomb incident and the archeologists' disappearance is a proven fact. He presses her, asking if her alliance with Hendry Cox is truly for finding her daughter or if she is tempted by his secret of immortality, believing that Hendry Cox's leverage must be this secret, given his own medically unexplainable youthful state.

Convinced he needs to investigate further, Xie Yuchen instructs his subordinate, Jia Sha, to prepare for a journey to the Northeast, to the Empyrean Palace, where he intends to meet Wu Xie and seek answers directly. Meanwhile, Ding Ning reports to Hendry Cox via phone that her team is also trapped in the painted corridor of the Empyrean Palace, experiencing a looping illusion for seven hours without finding an exit.

Her team members are panicking, with some refusing to continue and claiming they haven't been on this path before, and others noticing the murals have changed from centipedes to something else, causing fear. Wu Sanxing, who is with Ning's team, suggests using dynamite. Jason objects, fearing unknown traps, but Wu Sanxing argues that ancient traps would be ineffective against their explosives. Hendry Cox, trusting Wu Sanxing's judgment, orders Ning to follow his advice and prepare the dynamite.

Wu Sanxing then sarcastically questions if Hendry Cox, supposedly invincible, is now afraid. Back with Wu Xie's group, they have repeatedly tried to find an exit but failed, exhausting everyone. Pan Zi suggests rationing their remaining food, but Wang Pangzi points out they only have enough for two more meals, so they might as well eat it all and accept their fate. He then asks for food to be prepared to help him think.

Shun Zi suddenly succumbs to the "fox poison" again, prompting Wu Xie and Pan Zi to struggle to restrain him. Wu Xie wishes "Brother Zhang" were there, while Pan Zi suggests tying Shun Zi up and urges them to quickly reunite with "Brother Zhang," as Shun Zi's condition is temporary and could relapse. Wu Xie theorizes that the Underground Palace is shaped like a moat, with the structurally rigid Spirit Hall at its center.

He believes they are currently at the outer edge, where the complex corridors and tomb paths are more prone to tricks. Wang Pangzi proposes a systematic approach: listing all possibilities and testing them. Pan Zi suggests "booby traps." One person mentions an "illusion" or "mind control" affecting their senses, citing Shun Zi’s recent experience. Wu Xie adds "space folding," and Wang Pangzi suggests "ghosts." They decide to first test the booby trap and illusion theories simultaneously.

Wang Pangzi takes a gun to the entrance of the tomb path and fires a shot. Wu Xie explains that if it's an illusion, the bullet won't be fooled, and if it's a short booby-trapped passage, the bullet would hit the end instantly. However, the bullet remarkably flies back, narrowly missing Wang Pangzi's head. They find the bullet mark right where he fired. Wang Pangzi emphatically declares it a "Ghosts pounding the wall." Wu Xie then recalls an earlier encounter with Brother Zhang that might have also involved space folding, wondering how they could prove it.

Episode 21 Recap

Wu Xie firmly believed in the concept of space folding, recalling how Zhang Qiling had previously experienced a similar phenomenon where two identical Wang Pangzis appeared due to the short distance of the folded space. He explained to Wang Pangzi that the tomb passage itself was a paradox; if space folded, there must be a turning point, like a mirror, that reversed direction.

He further elaborated that if this reflective surface had no thickness, anyone passing through it would suffer fatal physical distortions. Since they were still alive, he deduced that the reflective surface must be much thicker than a human, acting as a transitional space. He then suggested that if this transitional space was only a few steps long, an observer might see two identical Wang Pangzis. Wang Pangzi found this analogy unsettling.

Wu Xie concluded that such an illogical passage shouldn't exist as Wang Zanghai was not a god capable of creating his own physical laws. He posited that the traps were unrelated to Wang Zanghai and the previously discovered bodies weren't trapped to their death by them. Instead, they were facing a new, unique problem, misled by the bodies.

When Wang Pangzi jokingly suggested ghosts, Wu Xie corrected him, stating it was hallucinations, reminding them of their past experience with the Bronze Tree in Qinling which could affect people and make them feel trapped. Seeking clues, Pan Zi and Wang Pangzi searched the archaeological team's belongings. Wang Pangzi found a diary containing an entry about selling an item found "underwater" and clearing a debt, suggesting the writer had been to the Underwater Tomb.

Pan Zi then discovered a photograph of the Xisha archaeological team hidden in a comic book. Wu Xie identified his uncle in the picture, but Pan Zi corrected him, identifying the person as Xie Lianhuan and stating that Wu Sanxing was the one who took the photo. The realization that his uncle and Zhang Qiling, along with the entire archaeological team, might have ended up in Empyrean Palace deeply disturbed Wu Xie.

Overwhelmed with questions, he impulsively suggested blasting the place, desperate to find his uncle and demand answers. Wang Pangzi and Pan Zi urged him to calm down, reminding him of his internal injuries and suggesting they strategize a way out first. Wu Xie, recalling the Bronze Tree's hallucinatory effects, proposed that the current situation was an illusion and instructed them to search for any bronze artifacts.

Despite Wang Pangzi's initial complaints about only finding gold and silver, he eventually found a small bronze object. They decided to burn it to dispel the illusion. As they burned the bronze object, a strange sound echoed through the chamber, and Shun Zi inexplicably vanished. Suddenly, he reappeared, clinging to a pillar, and violently attacked Wu Xie, seemingly losing his mind. Pan Zi quickly instructed everyone to stay back-to-back to prevent a rear attack.

Just as the situation grew dire, Xie Yuchen arrived, swiftly subduing Shun Zi with a short-acting tranquilizer. With Shun Zi neutralized, they realized they had successfully exited the confusing, looping passage. Wu Xie, surprised by Xie Yuchen's appearance, asked how he found them. Xie Yuchen mentioned hearing the sound of dynamite, speculating if Wu Sanxing's group was involved. Xie Yuchen then requested a private conversation with Wu Xie.

He expressed his curiosity about the secrets of Empyrean Palace and what drove people to seek it. He revealed he was also searching for someone. He then directly questioned Wu Xie, asking if he would unconditionally trust Wu Sanxing, to which Wu Xie affirmed his understanding of his uncle.

Next, Xie Yuchen pressed Wu Xie about what truly happened to Wu Sanxing and Xie Lianhuan at the Underwater Tomb, mentioning his years of fruitless investigation and asking what Wu Xie himself discovered during his visit. Wu Xie vaguely recounted encountering many strange things and finding many exhumed relics and destroyed archaeological traces. Finally, Xie Yuchen asked if Wu Xie considered him a true "blood brother" and "confidant."

Xie Yuchen revealed that he believed he had already uncovered the truth about the incident. He expressed profound disappointment and a sense of betrayal that Wu Xie had concealed information from him, especially since he had always been completely transparent with Wu Xie, just as Xie Lianhuan had been with Wu Sanxing. He accused Wu Xie of lying, even after being given a direct opportunity to reveal the truth.

Wu Xie admitted to lying, explaining he had initially intended to tell everything after a full investigation but then hesitated, fearing Xie Yuchen's reaction. Xie Yuchen dismissed this, asserting that Wu Xie would still hide the truth even if Wu Sanxing were revealed to be malevolent. Feeling that he had chosen the wrong brother, much like Xie Lianhuan, Xie Yuchen expressed his relief at shedding his last attachment to the Wu family.

He imparted a final, stark warning to Wu Xie: to abandon his pursuit, or risk never being able to leave the Ling Palace. After Xie Yuchen's departure, a recovered Shun Zi announced he would not be joining them further. He explained that he had fulfilled Wu Sanxing's request, earned his pay, and, more importantly, had found his father's remains, which he intended to take home. He also mentioned needing to find a hot spring due to his physical condition.

Despite their brief but intense shared experiences, Wu Xie and Wang Pangzi bid him a heartfelt farewell. Before leaving, Shun Zi reminded Wu Xie of his deep-seated quest for answers and warned him about their dwindling food supplies for the long journey out. After a brief rest, Wu Xie's group resumed their journey, intending to rendezvous with Wu Sanxing. Meanwhile, in another part of the tomb, A Ning and Jason's team rendezvoused with a group sent by Qiu Dekao.

A medic from Qiu Dekao's team provided an antidote injection and re-bandaged Wu Sanxing's wounds, cautioning him against strenuous activity. A Ning, unable to contact Qiu Dekao, grew anxious, but Jason assured her that Qiu Dekao would only appear once they reached the ultimate answer. Driven by the desire for treasure, Jason and his men attempted to open a jade coffin. Upon opening it, a large house centipede lunged out, followed by a swarm of smaller ones.

Their gunfire proved ineffective against the onslaught. Wu Xie, emerging from an adjacent passage, accidentally stumbled and fell, spitting blood. To everyone's astonishment, his blood repelled the centipedes, bringing an abrupt calm to the chaotic scene. The groups then settled down to rest. Wang Pangzi learned about Wu Sanxing's terrible condition, with centipedes having burrowed deep into his flesh, necessitating painful surgical removal. During this time, a mysterious figure, Chen Pi, appeared.

He paused briefly near Wu Sanxing before sitting on a nearby stone. Wu Xie noticed Chen Pi gesturing to him and quickly approached. Unexpectedly, Chen Pi discreetly slipped a note into Wu Xie's hand. In a parallel event, an old lady, presumably Huo Xiangu, initially refused to meet a subordinate of Qiu Dekao.

However, she agreed when he mentioned "the truth about the agreement between you and Mr. Qiu" and Huo Ling's whereabouts, revealing that Qiu Dekao was likely at Empyrean Palace and would be unreachable for some time. The subordinate, aware of the Huo family's ambitions, warned that Qiu Dekao's desire for the contents of the Empyrean Palace was immense, and once obtained, nothing else would matter.

Episode 22 Recap

Wu Sanxing believed the group, having just endured a fierce battle, should rest and regain their strength before continuing. However, A Ning insisted they press on immediately, asserting that the tomb becomes far more perilous at night. She allowed them only an hour of rest, noting Wu Sanxing’s severely wounded state. Wu Sanxing reluctantly conceded. Pan Zi, at Wu Sanxing’s subtle signal, diverted Wang Pangzi, creating an opportunity for Chen Pi to speak privately with Wu Xie.

Wu Xie, overwhelmed by the many confusing events, expressed his desire for Chen Pi to stay out of his affairs. Chen Pi acknowledged Wu Xie’s feelings but emphasized his crucial role in the operation, warning against indecisiveness. He hinted that Wu Sanxing had reasons for withholding certain information, waiting for the right moment to reveal it. Meanwhile, in a separate location, a subordinate demanded that Huo Xiangu open all shipping routes.

Huo Xiangu vehemently refused, arguing that such an “immoral and illicit” act would violate the Mystic Nine's rules and devastate her family, whose many members already disagreed with her. The subordinate then threatened Huo Ling's life, forcing Huo Xiangu to reluctantly agree to the terms, lamenting their fated connection was not meant to be. Shortly after, her butler reported that Huo Xiuxiu had stolen the cargo container keys and contract and fled.

Back in the tomb, Wu Xie showed Wu Sanxing a note left by Zhang Qiling, which stated, "The Snake-Eyed Copper Fish has everything you want to know." Wu Xie noticed Wu Sanxing showed no surprise, intensifying his suspicions. He brought up a conversation with Xiao Hua about human-skin masks that could perfectly disguise someone. Wu Xie then directly questioned Wu Sanxing, asking if the man posing as Chen Pi Ah Si was actually his uncle, implying an identity swap.

Wu Sanxing dismissed Wu Xie's ideas as childish, telling him he must focus on the most important priorities and agree to whatever A Ning proposed. He also asserted that he was not a prophet and only understood the situation upon arrival. True to Wu Sanxing's prediction, A Ning approached Wu Xie, proposing cooperation.

She detailed her previous mission in the Paracel Underwater Tomb, where she was tasked with finding the Phantom Seal, which could summon an army of the underworld, and the Empyrean Palace's layout. She confirmed they hadn't found the Phantom Seal, assuming it was buried with Wang Zanghai, who supposedly exchanged the Snake-Eyed Copper Fish for the Phantom Seal after robbing Lord Lushang's tomb.

A Ning suspected the Empyrean Palace layout was with Wu Sanxing, admitting they still needed to work with him because his intelligence was more accurate, despite his past deceptions. A Ning then showed Wu Xie photos of storytelling murals from the main underwater tomb. One image depicted Jurchen guards capturing a Han Chinese man, whom Wu Xie identified as Wang Zanghai. This suggested Wang Zanghai was coerced into building the Empyrean Palace.

Other murals illustrated his experiences as a prisoner of the Eastern Xia guards. One drawing showed an imperial mausoleum, initially Shang Dynasty in style but later modified into a Ming-style by Wang Zanghai, as the original had become too ancient and dilapidated. Wu Xie accused A Ning of withholding "important details," feeling she was "fooling with me."

Following Wu Sanxing’s earlier instruction, Wu Xie produced two Snake-Eyed Copper Fish and asked A Ning's team member, Tang Dao, if he could translate the Jurchen script. Tang Dao, initially surprised by Wu Xie possessing two fish, agreed to try. The translated text revealed Wang Zanghai had etched the message, hoping it would remain hidden forever, but if discovered, by a Han Chinese, not a Jurchen.

Wu Sanxing then explained this as a "double fail-safe": Jurchens wouldn't understand Han mechanisms, and Han wouldn't understand Jurchen script without a translator. The inscription detailed Wang Zanghai's ten-year confinement by the Eastern Xia guards and his forced labor, excavating ancient tombs for treasures to build the imperial mausoleum. During these expeditions, he secretly placed the Copper Fish in "places with the best mystical energy," hoping the secret would eventually be uncovered.

The text also mentioned that Wang Zanghai was once led to an "underground door called Miracle," located beneath Changbai Mountain, at the imperial mausoleum's base, likely dating back to the Xia or Shang dynasty. The path to this door was guarded by "avian guards with human faces" (Manlike Owls), known for their gruesome method of killing prey by dropping them from heights and then dehydrating them.

Wang Zanghai himself had entered the door, describing it as a "void" that could only be illuminated by the "Flame of Truth," rendering other light sources useless. Wu Sanxing's health deteriorated, and he fainted from a high fever. Pan Zi urged him to seek immediate medical attention, but Wu Sanxing adamantly refused to leave, stating he "cannot leave."

Wu Xie stayed by his side, attempting to examine his wound, but Wu Sanxing vehemently rebuffed him, dismissing Wu Xie's continuing "doubts" about his identity. Wu Xie pressed him again about the identity swap, asking when they would revert, and expressed that he sometimes felt he was not speaking to the real Wu Sanxing. Wu Sanxing again deflected, stressing the importance of focusing on their current mission.

Later, Wu Sanxing secretly instructed Pan Zi to keep certain matters confidential "until death." The groups then resumed their search of the tomb chamber. Wang Pangzi jokingly mused about a deep basalt well containing a white marble coffin infested with bugs. Wu Xie examined four stone plates carved with the Four Symbols: Azure Dragon, White Tiger, Vermillion Bird, and Black Tortoise, believing they held significant meaning. A Ning noticed that grooves behind nearby bronze statues precisely matched the plates' dimensions.

They inserted the plates, but nothing happened. Chen Pi, scoffing at their "rookie" mistake, interjected, revealing the correct cardinal alignment: "East Dragon, West Tiger. South Bird, North Tortoise." Following his instructions, Wu Xie then directed Pangzi to correctly position the plates, which activated a mechanism, causing a hidden passage to slowly open.

Episode 23 Recap

The group located a hidden doorway in the corridor. Chen Pi Ah Si examined it, noting that it was a double-layered tomb and that the true coffin likely lay beneath, accessible through this entrance. Wu Xie identified a symbol beside the door as a deliberate marker left by Zhang Qiling. Wang Pangzi remarked that Zhang Qiling had become incredibly skilled, like a seer, since entering the Empyrean Palace, and everyone decided to press forward into the passage.

They ventured through the hidden doorway, following a tomb path that grew progressively steeper and warmer. Wu Xie and Wang Pangzi speculated they were descending deep into Changbai Mountain, possibly reaching the volcanic activity layer near Earth's core, which explained the rising temperature. Eventually, the path opened into a gallery built on a cliff overlooking a deep rift. This chasm was spanned by countless thick bronze chains, from which numerous objects hung.

A Ning showed them photos from the undersea tomb, revealing murals depicting Eastern Xia warriors climbing similar cliffs with identical chains, illustrating their exploration of this immense underground rift. Wu Xie wondered if these bronze chains were a defense mechanism against something ascending from below, such as the giant black creatures or Manlike Owls depicted in the murals. Just then, Qiu Dekao arrived with his team, impressing Jason by getting there ahead of everyone else.

Qiu Dekao claimed he had to bypass them to save time, declaring everyone present to be "favored by destiny" and urging cooperation. A Ning briefed Qiu Dekao on the situation, suggesting Wu Sanxing's men should take the lead. Meanwhile, Wu Xie discreetly approached Chen Pi Ah Si, acknowledging his real identity as Xie Lianhuan. Chen Pi Ah Si asked Wu Xie to continue calling him "Pop Si" to avoid arousing Qiu Dekao's suspicion by appearing too "full of spirit."

Wu Xie offered him some antibiotics, which Chen Pi Ah Si initially refused, stating Pan Zi had already provided him with some from Qiu Dekao's doctor. He then warned Wu Xie to be perceptive, stating that while Wu Sanxing might not be a good man, he was at least a human, unlike some others, referring to Qiu Dekao, who were "nothing but fiends."

He also cautioned Wu Xie about the traps ahead and advised him to seek help from Wu Sanxing if needed, not him. Wu Sanxing vehemently argued with Qiu Dekao, refusing to send his men to scout ahead, emphasizing his extensive experience and the "Mystic Nine's" superior knowledge of the Empyrean Palace. He warned that the "opening time" had not yet arrived, and premature entry would lead to certain death, unwilling to sacrifice his men in vain.

Qiu Dekao, who had earlier insisted on proceeding, accused Wu Sanxing of stalling and reminded him of his role as the guide for their joint operation. A Ning also advised Qiu Dekao to rest for the night, but he stubbornly ordered her to be tied up for her defiance. Wu Sanxing then laid down terms: should danger arise, everyone was on their own, and his men would not save Qiu Dekao's group.

As they prepared to move, Wu Xie noticed Chen Pi Ah Si was missing. Wu Sanxing sarcastically replied that Chen Pi Ah Si was greedy and had probably gone ahead alone to secure more treasure for himself. Suddenly, Wu Sanxing collapsed, unconscious. A doctor confirmed he had a severe infection from the house centipede toxin, which had entered his internal organs.

Moving him vigorously would worsen his condition, so they could only try to get him through the night with an antidote and oxygen. Qiu Dekao reluctantly agreed to halt for the night. Wu Xie stayed by his uncle's side, distressed by the persistent high fever. After being refused more medicine by Qiu Dekao's doctor, Wu Xie went with Wang Pangzi to find ice for cooling, and A Ning later provided them with additional antibiotics, fever pills, and vitamins.

During the night, Wu Sanxing regained consciousness, but appeared weak. He told Wu Xie that he might not survive this time, his old injuries flaring up and his body failing. He instructed Wu Xie to conceal his emotions after his death, then leave the group and go to the old mansion. Chen Pi Ah Si would be waiting there for him on the third day of the next month, ready to reveal everything.

If Chen Pi Ah Si wasn't there, Wu Sanxing directed Pan Zi to entrust all his assets to Wu Xie. Wu Xie, overwhelmed, protested, saying he knew nothing about business and would squander everything. Wu Sanxing playfully dismissed him as a "debauched heir." A brief flashback showed a younger Wu Xie promising his uncle he wouldn't get involved in business.

Back in the present, Pan Zi, believing Wu Sanxing had passed, broke down in tears, only for Wu Sanxing to surprisingly tell him he was still alive. Wu Sanxing then chastised Wu Xie for not crying and even smiling, calling him an "ingrate" before asking for more rest. Meanwhile, concerned for Xie Yuchen's safety, Huo Xiuxiu fled her home.

She initially planned to go to the airport but, after managing to shake off her pursuers, changed her mind and decided to take a high-speed train instead. Her grandmother, Madam Huo Xiangu, was informed that the flight records were fake and suspected Xie Yuchen might be helping Huo Xiuxiu. Reacting swiftly, Madam Huo Xiangu recalled all her men and redirected them to Dalian Harbor. Thanks to A Ning's medicine and a night's rest, Wu Sanxing's condition visibly improved.

Qiu Dekao, his eyes gleaming with barely concealed greed, was exceptionally enthusiastic about the next phase. A Ning, however, felt a growing sense of detachment, realizing she hardly knew the true nature of the man she worked for. The teams then began their slow descent down the ropes. Upon reaching the bottom, they soon found a monumental, two-sided bronze door, whose sheer scale and apparent single-piece casting defied ancient human capabilities, weighing tens of thousands of tons.

Wu Sanxing identified it as the "underground gate" mentioned by Wang Zanghai, wondering what lay beyond. Wu Xie felt a profound sense of insignificance before its grandeur. Wang Pangzi noted Qiu Dekao's absence, suspecting the "old scoundrel" was up to something, as he wouldn't miss such a critical discovery. Pan Zi's exclamation then drew everyone's attention to a large white stone sarcophagus on a central platform, encircled by nine coiling Hundred-legged Dragons in a lotus formation, all kneeling.

This perfectly matched Wang Zanghai's inscription of the Nine Dragons Tomb. Wu Xie pointed out that the seemingly decorative Hundred-legged Dragons coiling around the sarcophagus were, in fact, hibernating house centipedes. Their dormant state, due to the cold winter temperatures, made them appear like stone sculptures. Wang Pangzi, eager to proceed, suggested shooting them, but Wu Xie strongly advised against it.

He reminded everyone that the scent of dead house centipedes would attract more of their kind, and given the rift's vastness throughout Changbai Mountain, they couldn't risk waking an unknown number of potentially larger creatures. Wu Sanxing, still recovering, warned them to keep their distance from Qiu Dekao, fearing he might use them as "human shields." He also instructed Pan Zi to protect Wu Xie if chaos erupted.

Using his night vision binoculars, Wu Xie observed Jurchen script carved on the screen wall behind the sarcophagus, suspecting it held crucial information about the tomb owner. Suddenly, Wang Pangzi, believing he could gain an advantage, climbed a rope towards the coffin platform. While initially successful, a Manlike Owl unexpectedly appeared, snatched him up, and dropped him. Just as he plummeted towards the sarcophagus, Wang Pangzi managed to grab a rope, narrowly saving himself.

Episode 24 (Ending) Recap

As Manlike Owls swarmed the area, Wu Xie instructed everyone to hold fire, explaining that the birds were partially blind and couldn't see them in bright light, but were sensitive to sound. After their illumination flares ran out, Wu Xie ordered Pan Zi to lead Wu Sanxing and the others to retreat along the rift, moving in the opposite direction from the owls' foraging path.

Wu Xie insisted on staying to save Wang Pangzi, who was clinging to a rope near the jade coffin, having been climbing up. Pan Zi offered to save Wang Pangzi instead, but Wu Xie asserted that his Qilin Blood repelled the creatures, ensuring his safety. Pan Zi gave Wu Xie a gun, then he and Wu Sanxing retreated, with Pan Zi vowing to protect Wu Sanxing and await Wu Xie. During the chaos, Manlike Owls abducted A Ning.

Hendry Cox showed no concern for her, prioritizing Wu Xie's safety instead. Fortunately, Wu Xie rescued A Ning in time. Wang Pangzi, who had been climbing a rope, successfully rejoined the group. Wu Xie provided cover fire and urged everyone to leave as they made their way to safety. Suddenly, the coffin lid flipped open, and a colossal male corpse wearing tattered Jurchen armor, with twelve hands arranged like a multi-armed deity, slowly emerged.

Wang Pangzi initially mistook it for a mutated centipede due to its massive size, but Wu Xie quickly identified it as the Lord of Slavery, the husband of the twelve-handed corpse from the Paracel Underwater Tomb. Wang Pangzi expressed fear about opening "Hell's gate" as described in the Copper Fish inscriptions, warning of an inferno that would burn the entire underground palace. The Lord of Slavery approached, and the group opened fire, but bullets were useless against its body.

Zhang Qiling suddenly appeared, shielding Wu Xie and Wang Pangzi. He urged them to leave, reminding Wu Xie he had been told not to follow. Despite Wu Xie's desire to help, Wang Pangzi insisted Zhang Qiling could handle it alone and that they would only be a hindrance. The others were forced to retreat, leaving Zhang Qiling to confront the Lord of Slavery alone. The group regrouped outside the tomb.

Wu Xie expressed concern for Wu Sanxing's wounds, but Wu Sanxing dismissed it, criticizing Wu Xie's "soft heart." Wu Xie confronted Wu Sanxing, deducing that their grandfather had been aware of Wu Sanxing's plans all along, which Wu Sanxing confirmed, stating the operation couldn't have proceeded without his grandfather's approval. Wu Sanxing then revealed the truth about the Paracel Underwater Tomb. He had noticed many irregularities within their archaeological team but couldn't identify the mole.

After their ambush and injuries, which included Xie Lianhuan, Wu Sanxing and Xie Lianhuan devised a plan: they faked Xie Lianhuan's death, and both men began to use the identity of Wu Sanxing to deceive the mastermind. They discovered that Hendry Cox was involved, working with a powerful entity known as Alpha Inc., whose ultimate goal wasn't wealth but immortality.

At the bronze gate, Hendry Cox openly declared his ambition for immortality, boasting that his previous research and self-experiments had already extended his life, albeit with "side effects." He claimed the complete truth to immortality lay behind the bronze gate. Sensing Wu Sanxing's hesitation, Hendry Cox seized Wu Xie as a hostage.

Wu Sanxing, appearing to change his allegiance, agreed to partner with Hendry Cox under three conditions: Hendry Cox must publicly exonerate him to The Mystic Nine, retrieve an item taken from him by Alpha Inc., and grant him a share of the patent for the synthesis of Wu Xie's Qilin Blood. Wang Pangzi was appalled, questioning Wu Sanxing's willingness to sacrifice his own nephew. Wang Pangzi defiantly stated he would rather die than betray his friend.

Hendry Cox then revealed to a shocked Wu Xie that his uncle had never told him the full truth: Hendry Cox's own body was failing, and he needed Wu Xie's "magical blood" and youth for a "perfect symbiosis" and shared immortality inside the gate. Hendry Cox ordered Wang Pangzi tied up and Wu Sanxing's men to withdraw from the platform for his own security, promising to fulfill his agreement with Wu Sanxing upon their return.

As he was about to enter with Wu Xie, Wu Sanxing cryptically told his nephew that his final lesson was to prioritize self-preservation in critical moments. Wang Pangzi was bound, and Wu Sanxing, with his men, departed. Hendry Cox forced Wu Xie into the bronze gate. A potent green mist engulfed them, and Hendry Cox's body rapidly dissolved, turning transparent before finally disintegrating into dust, his greedy laughter echoing as he vanished.

At the critical moment, Wang Pangzi and Pan Zi, who had seemingly retreated, rushed back and managed to pull Wu Xie out of the expanding green mist with a rope, saving him from the same fate. Wu Xie immediately understood that his uncle's actions were part of a larger, elaborate plan to save him, with Pan Zi playing a crucial role. He instructed Pan Zi to return to Wu Sanxing, while he and Wang Pangzi remained to await Zhang Qiling.

Pan Zi reassured Wu Xie, telling him to "move forward without any fear," as he and Wu Sanxing would protect him. A Ning observed the bronze gate closing before turning to leave, seemingly free of her past burdens. Meanwhile, Huo Xiangu was shown under duress, likely physically restrained. She was confronted by an unknown party who noted her previous obstructions and pressed her to confirm if she would sacrifice Huo Xiuxiu to them.

She faced a difficult choice, as "headquarters" had threatened her: only by opposing Wu Sanxing and Xie Yuchen could she see the person she truly wanted to find, possibly Huo Ling. Huo Xiuxiu's repeated interference had angered them, making Huo Xiangu realize that stopping cooperation to save her granddaughter would mean all her previous efforts would be in vain. Later, Hendry Cox, before his demise, called her to solicit her help against Xie Yuchen, Alpha Inc., and Wu Sanxing.

He leveraged her desire to find Huo Ling, revealing that "the company" also held information about Huo Ling and might be experimenting on her with incomplete immortality data, implicitly suggesting Huo Ling herself might be a subject. Huo Xiangu was caught in a desperate situation, grappling with this difficult choice. Separately, Xie Yuchen found Chen Pi heavily injured in the tomb. Chen Pi removed his human skin mask, revealing himself to be Xie Lianhuan.

He explained to Xie Yuchen that he and Wu Sanxing had spent years "in Hell" together, meticulously planning to thwart Alpha Inc.'s operation. Xie Lianhuan expressed profound relief that their long-standing mission to stop them had finally concluded, and he could now rest without his disguise. He also mentioned contacting the police beforehand to ensure all culprits were brought to justice.

A loud thud signaled the end of the battle as Zhang Qiling and the colossal body of the Lord of Slavery fell to the ground. Wu Xie rushed to Zhang Qiling, concerned about his injuries and recurring headaches. Zhang Qiling, however, urged Wu Xie and Wang Pangzi to leave immediately, warning them that they were "no match for what's behind that gate."

Without revealing what lay beyond, Zhang Qiling bid them "Goodbye" and, without looking back, dashed into the closing bronze gate, leaving Wu Xie and Wang Pangzi bewildered and worried about his fate.