Flying up without Disturb Recap, Plot, Synopsis
Flying up without Disturb Synopsis
Konghou, a neglected princess from a fallen kingdom in the mortal realm, accidentally stumbles into the world of cultivation through a twist of fate. There, she experiences what it's like to be universally adored, as everyone from her master and senior brothers to neighboring sects dotes on her.
In an effort to toughen herself and gain real experience, she voluntarily leaves this comfortable bubble and ventures down the mountain. During her journey, she meets a seemingly frail and sickly cultivator, **Huan Zong.** The two team up to level up and battle monsters together as they travel through the cultivation world.
To her astonishment, Konghou discovers that Huan Zong is actually the renowned author of the cultivation novels she has always been obsessed with, as well as a legendary prodigy in their world. She successfully brings the author himself back to her sect, effectively making him their "son-in-law."
Through countless trials and tribulations, the couple overcome their inner demons, achieve breakthroughs in their cultivation, and eventually both ascend to become revered grandmasters of their generation.
Flying up without Disturb Recap
Episode 1 Recap
Kong Hou lives in the Lingyou Realm, a world where cultivators dream of ascending to immortality. However, she was born without a spiritual root, making ascension an impossible dream for her. Nevertheless, Kong Hou holds onto her ambition to become a true cultivator, believing she can achieve this if she earns enough spirit stones to purchase a spiritual tool. Driven by her goal, Kong Hou works diligently to accumulate wealth.
She successfully sells all her Fairy Dresses, but the meager earnings are far from what she needs for a spiritual tool. Seeing her desperation, her fellow Yunhua Sect disciple, Senior Ling Hui, expresses concern. Undeterred, Kong Hou produces a rare bracelet, hoping to sell it for a significant sum.
She loudly advertises its uniqueness, claiming it was once worn by Master Zhong Xi, the esteemed Liuguang Sect cultivator renowned for leading the Luanfeng Peak disciples to subdue the Eight Corpse Kings of Mount Beigu, a feat known throughout the Lingyou Realm. Her sales pitch is abruptly interrupted by a commotion. A man in a white robe and veiled hat has blocked the sedan chair of a haughty Nascent Soul Elder from the Yuxiao Sect.
The Elder’s subordinates immediately reprimand him, but the Elder, struck by the man’s extraordinary presence, brazenly attempts to abduct him in broad daylight. Outraged, Kong Hou steps forward to intervene, invoking the name of her own master, Master Wang Tong. The Elder pauses, recognizing the name, but quickly regains her disdainful composure, dismissing Kong Hou as a mere rogue cultivator. Realizing she is outmatched, Kong Hou quickly grabs the man's hand and pulls him away, declaring they must run.
The Elder’s men immediately give chase. Kong Hou leads the man to a secluded spot where he removes his veil, revealing a strikingly handsome face. As their pursuers draw near, Kong Hou instinctively covers his mouth to silence him. To her astonishment, a surge of spiritual energy flows from his touch into her body, a sensation that leaves her disoriented and eager to maintain contact.
This unusual behavior causes the man to misunderstand, believing she is trying to take liberties with him, much like the Elder. Kong Hou denies any ill intent, explaining she was only trying to protect him. Just then, Senior Ling Hui sends a messenger talisman, signaling that she has gathered help. Kong Hou plans to lead the man to her senior sister, but they once again encounter the Nascent Soul Elder.
The Elder prevents Kong Hou from signaling for help and attacks. The man deflects the attack with surprising power, revealing his immense spiritual strength. As they fight, Kong Hou’s fellow disciples arrive. Seeing the Yunhua Sect disciples, the Elder swiftly retreats. Before they part ways, the man reveals he is from the Liuguang Sect, and they agree to meet later at the Jingxin Bookshop.
The man, now revealed as Zhong Xi, arrives at the Jingxin Bookshop with his junior brother, Lin Hu, to await Kong Hou. Meanwhile, Kong Hou attempts to sneak out of Yunhua Mountain, but she finds that a barrier has been placed, preventing her from leaving. Her senior brother confronts her, explaining she is under detention for sneaking out and for her safety, particularly given her lack of a spiritual root.
Despite the late hour, Zhong Xi waits patiently outside the bookshop until it closes, worried that something might have happened to Kong Hou. Trapped in her room, Kong Hou recalls the unusual spiritual energy transfer from Zhong Xi. She tries to see if she can now use spiritual power, only for her master, Master Wang Tong, to suddenly return, revealing it was his power that had dispelled the barrier.
Master Wang Tong, having learned of Kong Hou’s encounter with the Yuxiao Sect Elder, declares his intention to seek revenge. Overhearing that the Elder is looking for Zhong Xi at the Qingquan Inn, Kong Hou quickly writes a note to her master and hurries off to warn him. Kong Hou finds Zhong Xi and alerts him to the impending danger. They manage to escape the Elder’s persistent pursuit.
In a moment of quiet, Kong Hou confides in Zhong Xi, explaining her unique condition: she has no spiritual root and can only regulate her spiritual energy through physical contact with him, causing a surge of power in her. She suggests a mutual energy regulation, believing it would benefit both of them, but insists she needs to hold his hand to do so. Zhong Xi finds her story unbelievable, expressing skepticism and wondering if she has ulterior motives.
Before she can explain further, Master Wang Tong’s voice echoes nearby, searching for Kong Hou. Unwilling to be dragged back to the sect, Kong Hou pleads with Zhong Xi, who reluctantly takes her away. Zhong Xi leads Kong Hou directly to confront the Nascent Soul Elder, Zhou Xing, who is still fuming over not finding him.
Zhou Xing, sister of Yuxiao Sect Leader Zhou Cang, remains defiant even after being informed that Zhong Xi is from the Liuguang Sect’s Luanfeng Peak, the parent sect. She boasts of the Yuxiao Sect’s financial contributions and mutual respect agreement with the Liuguang Sect, claiming even Master Zhong Xi himself would defer to her. However, her bravado crumbles the moment Zhong Xi draws his legendary Dragon's Roar Sword.
Zhong Xi’s junior brother, Lin Hu, then recites a long list of Zhou Xing’s abuses of power, including bullying, exploitation, and causing harm to numerous commoners in Yong City, even presenting testimonies from her own disciples. Zhou Xing attempts to beg for mercy, attributing her actions to consensual encounters, but Zhong Xi questions her unusually high spiritual power.
Under pressure, Zhou Xing confesses to consuming Longgu Pills, a forbidden concoction she acquired from Qing Yuan in the Yunhua Sect’s Forbidden Forest. Following the revelation about the Longgu Pills, Kong Hou returns to Yunhua Mountain, hoping to enlist her senior brother's help to investigate the Forbidden Forest. Unable to find him, she ventures into the mysterious forest alone.
Inside, she discovers a spiritual tool and soon encounters a dangerous dark cultivator named Jiu Su, whose spreading dark energy immediately identifies him as a formidable threat. Overwhelmed and realizing her own limited spiritual power, Kong Hou attempts to use a defensive formation and threatens to call her masters, but Jiu Su dismisses her. Just as she is about to be defeated, Zhong Xi reappears and rescues her.
As Jiu Su attempts to flee, Zhong Xi quickly sets up a powerful barrier to trap him. Meanwhile, within the Yunhua Sect, Master Qing Yuan becomes aware that someone has breached the Forbidden Forest, fearing their secrets might be exposed, and other Yunhua Sect disciples notice the mysterious barrier. Kong Hou, relieved, speaks with Zhong Xi, deducing he is also investigating the Longgu Pills and Jiu Su. She is impressed by his barrier.
Senior Ling Hui, upon learning Kong Hou is in the Forbidden Forest investigating forbidden drug transactions, immediately alerts Master Wang Tong, who becomes highly agitated, threatening severe retribution against the Liuguang Sect if any harm comes to his disciple. Inside the barrier, Jiu Su challenges Zhong Xi, mocking his dedication to justice. They engage in a fierce battle, with Jiu Su acknowledging Zhong Xi’s exceptional skill as a Luanfeng Peak cultivator.
However, Jiu Su then cunningly injects Zhong Xi with a dark poison that clashes with righteous spiritual energy, warning that any attempt to circulate his spiritual energy will destroy his spiritual core and hasten his death. Witnessing Zhong Xi’s plight, Kong Hou is suddenly able to wield a spiritual tool, realizing her spiritual power has surged again through renewed contact with Zhong Xi. She fiercely retaliates against Jiu Su.
The dark cultivator observes Kong Hou drawing on her "heart’s blood to boost spiritual energy," an act of immense self-sacrifice. Undeterred, Kong Hou proclaims that if it means killing him, she is willing to sacrifice her life.
Episode 2 Recap
Kong Hou, though lacking the skill to match Jiu Su, bravely confronted him, asserting that she was no longer the person she once was. Master Zhong Xi, seeing her in peril, desperately sought to subdue the rampaging Jiu Su. He resorted to a forbidden technique, using his heart's blood to boost his spiritual energy, prepared to sacrifice his life if it meant eliminating Jiu Su.
Meanwhile, outside the Forbidden Forest, Master Wang Tong, Ling Hui, and Tan Feng were in a frantic state. The barrier surrounding the forest remained impenetrable, causing Master Wang Tong immense anxiety. He questioned why the Liuguang Sect's aid was delayed, expressing frustration with an elder named Song He's unreliability. In his desperation, Master Wang Tong suggested they try to break in again, but Tan Feng reminded him of their previous failures.
Master Wang Tong's concern for Kong Hou, trapped inside, was palpable as he paced anxiously, even scolding Tan Feng for not finding another solution. Amidst the chaos, Kong Hou managed to bring the heavily injured Master Zhong Xi to a secluded cultivation cave, a place known for its abundant spiritual energy. She initially intended to find her master for healing, but realizing time was short, Master Zhong Xi weakly suggested that Kong Hou try to heal him herself.
Kong Hou, aware of her own meager spiritual power, doubted her ability. However, in her concern, she inadvertently touched Master Zhong Xi's skin. To her astonishment, they began to absorb the surrounding spiritual energy. Realizing this unique ability could save him, Kong Hou embraced Master Zhong Xi, allowing a continuous flow of spiritual energy into both their bodies. The influx of spiritual energy rapidly healed Master Zhong Xi's severe wounds, and Kong Hou's own spiritual power saw a significant increase.
Upon regaining his strength, Master Zhong Xi expressed his gratitude to Kong Hou. Kong Hou, feeling invigorated by her newfound power, pondered whether she now qualified to choose a spiritual tool. She tried to leverage her role in saving him for a favor, suggesting he stay longer at Yunhua Sect and spread tales of her heroism. However, Master Zhong Xi maintained a cold demeanor, refusing to stay and emphasizing that danger always followed him.
He only asked for her name, "Kong Hou," before preparing to leave. Still too weak to open the barrier himself, Master Zhong Xi instructed Kong Hou to do so using an incantation. Following his guidance, Kong Hou channeled her spiritual energy and successfully opened the barrier. As Master Zhong Xi departed, Master Wang Tong, Ling Hui, and Tan Feng rushed into the forest, overjoyed to find Kong Hou safe and sound.
Master Wang Tong, while relieved, sternly reprimanded Kong Hou for her recklessness in entering the forbidden area and even playfully chided Tan Feng for not looking after her better. Kong Hou explained her sudden spiritual growth by attributing it to the rich spiritual energy within the Forbidden Forest, although Tan Feng was skeptical, noting he had never experienced such a surge despite frequent visits. Now possessing spiritual power, Kong Hou eagerly joined her fellow disciples in cultivation classes.
During her first class, she entered a meditative state, triggering a three-strike Heavenly Tribulation. Master Wang Tong and others attempted to block the lightning, but Kong Hou bravely faced the final strike herself. Although she emerged disheveled, she was miraculously unharmed, astounding everyone. Meanwhile, back at the Liuguang Sect, Master Zhong Xi’s injuries relapsed, his spiritual core severely damaged. Sect Leader Jin Yue, deeply concerned about the sect's esteemed prodigy, personally tended to his wounds.
Knowing that an unrecoverable spiritual core would mean the ruin of Zhong Xi's cultivation, Jin Yue assured him that he would exhaust all means to not only preserve his life but also fully restore his spiritual core and cultivation base. However, Zhong Xi found that despite his efforts, including consuming more medicine, his condition worsened, leading him to wonder if only Kong Hou could help him. Master Wang Tong, still perplexed by Kong Hou's rapid advancement, questioned her further.
Kong Hou finally confessed that her spiritual power surge was due to her ability to absorb spiritual energy through physical contact with Master Zhong Xi. Unconvinced, Master Wang Tong took her back to the cave to test her claim, but upon touching her, nothing happened. He then deduced that this unique phenomenon only occurred with Master Zhong Xi, expressing concern about the unpredictable and potentially dangerous nature of such an ability.
Later, Master Qing Yuan, suspecting Kong Hou had ruined his secret dealings, accused her of secretly cultivating forbidden arts by consuming Longgu Pills. He summoned all the elders to pass judgment. However, Kong Hou, anticipating his malicious intent, produced a ledger she had found in the Forbidden Forest. The ledger contained irrefutable evidence of Master Qing Yuan's illicit transactions, detailing his long-term sale of the banned Longgu Pills to a Nascent Soul Elder.
Qing Yuan's false accusations were thus exposed, and he was disgraced. Kong Hou, far from being punished, was instead commended for her meritorious act. As a reward, Master Wang Tong and the Sect Leader offered Kong Hou a prize. To everyone's surprise, Kong Hou declined any material gifts, requesting instead to descend the mountain for spiritual experience.
The Sect Leader, impressed by her courage and recent achievements, granted her permission and allowed her the special privilege of choosing her own natal spiritual tool from the Treasure Hall. Amidst a dazzling array of spiritual tools, Kong Hou patiently used her spiritual energy to sense her destined companion. Eventually, a phoenix-headed konghou appeared before her. Recognizing the deep connection—as her name was also Kong Hou, inspired by the instrument—she joyfully chose it.
However, despite her newfound cultivation, Kong Hou found herself unable to play the phoenix-headed konghou. Her fellow disciples, Ling Hui and Tan Feng, tried to reassure her, suggesting that it was normal for a newly ascended Foundation stage cultivator to struggle with such a powerful instrument. Undeterred, Kong Hou reaffirmed her determination to descend the mountain for experience.
Episode 3 Recap
Master Zhong Xi attempted to heal his injuries by absorbing spiritual energy at Luanfeng Peak, but to his surprise, he felt worse, despite taking medicine. He wondered if only Kong Hou could bring him relief. Meanwhile, Kong Hou was excitedly preparing for her journey down the mountain. Unbeknownst to her, her master, Master Wang Tong, intercepted all flying talisman messages from Master Zhong Xi.
Master Wang Tong harbored deep concerns about Kong Hou's safety if she continued to interact with Master Zhong Xi, whom he regarded as a troublesome individual from the Liuguang Sect. Though sad to see her go, Master Wang Tong knew the journey was vital for her growth. Concerned by Kong Hou's rapid spiritual energy absorption, he feared she might prematurely attempt ascension outside and face lethal thunder strikes without protection.
To mitigate this risk, he sealed several of her key acupoints, a measure Kong Hou reluctantly accepted. Master Zhong Xi, anxious about Kong Hou's silence, sent his attendant Lin Hu to Yunhua Sect to ascertain her well-being. Lin Hu expressed worry about Zhong Xi's injury, attributing it to Jiusu and lamenting that it might impede his ascension, implicitly linking it to Kong Hou.
Zhong Xi dismissed Lin Hu's remarks about his injury but conceded that Kong Hou's unpredictable nature might lead her into trouble, even within her own sect. He then firmly instructed Lin Hu to visit Yunhua Sect. On her departure day, Kong Hou bid farewell to her fellow disciples, including Senior Ling Hui. Her seniors gifted her spirit stones and expressed their reluctance to see her undertake a solo journey.
Master Wang Tong reminded her to remember the magical tools he had taught her to use and to prioritize her self-protection. Soon after Kong Hou departed, Master Wang Tong apprehended Lin Hu. Upon learning that Lin Hu was there on behalf of his "Young Master" to find Kong Hou, Master Wang Tong, furious at Master Zhong Xi's continued attempts to contact Kong Hou, lashed out.
He claimed Kong Hou’s prior interactions with Zhong Xi were merely to enhance her spiritual energy and awaken her natal weapon for her journey. He beat Lin Hu and accused him of fabricating his identity, since he refused to reveal his "Young Master's" name. Lin Hu, battered, returned to Master Zhong Xi, complaining bitterly about the assault and Master Wang Tong's accusations. He recounted Wang Tong's assertion that Kong Hou only sought to boost her spiritual energy through Zhong Xi.
Master Zhong Xi, however, was merely relieved that Kong Hou was safe and had achieved her goal of improving her cultivation. He then decided it was time for him to leave as well. During their travels, Master Zhong Xi and Lin Hu came across a man poisoned by what Lin Hu initially mistook for burdock root.
An old man intervened, identifying the plant as highly toxic wood and swiftly curing the victim by locating and extracting the poison through acupoint analysis, astounding the onlookers. Master Zhong Xi, recognizing the old man's extraordinary medical prowess, approached him for help with his own severe injuries. However, the old man, who Zhong Xi surmised was the renowned Master Huang Qi, arrogantly refused, claiming he could not discern Zhong Xi's cultivation level and therefore would not treat him.
As Zhong Xi and Lin Hu pondered their predicament, Kong Hou suddenly appeared. Having overheard their conversation about Master Huang Qi, she offered to help. Lin Hu was skeptical, but Kong Hou, confident she had a way, insisted they wait until the following day. That evening, as Kong Hou prepared a meal, she asked Zhong Xi his name. To conceal his identity, Zhong Xi gave the false name "Huan Zong."
Kong Hou, noticing his pain, innocently offered her shoulder for him to rest on, assuring him she wouldn't try to absorb his spiritual energy since direct skin contact was required. Later that night, Kong Hou woke "Huan Zong" to show him a field of glowing blue flowers, which he identified as rare Blue Silver Flowers, noting their brief blooming period. The next morning, Kong Hou, "Huan Zong," and Lin Hu went to Master Huang Qi.
Kong Hou, having heard Master Huang Qi disliked handsome men, had deliberately dressed up, believing her "adorable" appearance would be more persuasive. Master Huang Qi, who was receiving a massage, handed Kong Hou a note that read, "I don't save handsome men." Kong Hou then formally introduced herself as a disciple of Yunhua Sect. Master Huang Qi, recognizing her name from Master Wang Tong, found her indeed "adorable."
Kong Hou then launched into a flurry of flattery, praising Master Huang Qi's legendary healing skills and even declaring him the most handsome man in the Lingyou Realm, surpassing both her master and "Huan Zong." Flattered, Master Huang Qi agreed to treat "Huan Zong" but only if they brought him one Blue Silver Flower, a crucial ingredient for a new medicine. Kong Hou excitedly revealed she had collected many the previous night, much to his astonishment.
During the treatment, Master Huang Qi recognized "Huan Zong" as Master Zhong Xi from Liuguang Sect and noted that despite his grave condition from the poison and forceful use of spiritual energy, he had consumed an elixir that temporarily suppressed his pain. Zhong Xi explained that Kong Hou's energy regulation had provided temporary relief, unlike Lin Hu's attempts.
Master Huang Qi then revealed that Zhong Xi and Kong Hou were in a rare cultivation state called "Harmony Sync," where two destined individuals could absorb ambient spiritual energy through contact, although Zhong Xi's high cultivation had made the subtle effect unnoticeable. He clarified that Master Wang Tong had alerted him to this peculiar situation.
Master Huang Qi then revealed that Kong Hou's unstable mental state combined with unrestrained energy absorption had led to three thunder strikes during her trial, which she barely survived thanks to her master and senior disciples shielding her. Understanding the danger this posed to Kong Hou, Master Zhong Xi immediately decided he would no longer regulate energy with her.
Master Huang Qi then announced a ten-day retreat to find a cure for Zhong Xi's spiritual core and instructed them to clear the weeds from his herb garden. Kong Hou complained about the extensive weeding, calling Master Huang Qi lazy. Zhong Xi reminded her they had to comply. To speed up the process, Kong Hou used her true fire, mistakenly believing water would extinguish it. However, the true fire, unlike ordinary flames, consumed Master Huang Qi's entire paddy field.
Zhong Xi acknowledged their predicament, and though Kong Hou worried Master Huang Qi would abandon them, he calmly stated he would find another solution. Meanwhile, Master Huang Qi had explained to Zhong Xi that without Kong Hou's stabilizing influence, his spiritual core issues would relapse. He taught Zhong Xi a painful self-regulation method, which Zhong Xi began to practice. Concerned, Kong Hou tried to enter Zhong Xi's room to help, but he repeatedly turned her away.
She pressed Lin Hu for answers, who then revealed Master Huang Qi's warning: continued energy regulation with Zhong Xi could bring more thunder strikes upon Kong Hou. Zhong Xi was enduring the excruciating self-regulation to protect her. Kong Hou desperately tried to persuade Zhong Xi to let her help, arguing that once he was better, he could help her improve her cultivation and mental stability, which would mitigate the risk of thunder.
She even lightheartedly suggested he could shield her if thunder did strike. Zhong Xi, however, remained resolute, emphasizing the immense danger to them both. Kong Hou, exasperated, insisted his immediate health was more important than future unknowns and reminded him he was a person, not a weapon. Unmoved, Zhong Xi declared that her concerns were not his to bear and that after Master Huang Qi finished his retreat in ten days, they would go their separate ways. Frustrated, Kong Hou reluctantly agreed to part ways then.
Episode 4 Recap
Kong Hou set out to purchase medicinal herbs for Lin Hu. The previous evening, she and Master Zhong Xi had a minor disagreement, and though she secretly wished for his company, her pride led her to declare she would go alone. Master Zhong Xi, however, quietly followed her. As they walked through the market, they passed a new pastry shop with a long queue. Two young women in line were openly admiring Master Zhong Xi's handsome appearance.
Kong Hou, noticing their interest, felt a surge of jealousy and pulled Master Zhong Xi away, reminding him of a past lesson about avoiding such entanglements. Kong Hou then playfully demonstrated her bargaining skills, securing a better price from a vendor. Master Zhong Xi, acknowledging her cleverness, offered her an ice pop, which she accepted, forgiving him for their earlier quarrel. Their journey continued to a bookstore, where Kong Hou excitedly sought out books by her favorite author, "Master Writer."
The shopkeeper recognized Master Zhong Xi, mentioning he had previously browsed the same author's works. Kong Hou, delighted, believed they shared a common interest, though Master Zhong Xi remained reserved. Determined to show her appreciation for the author, Kong Hou insisted on buying the entire collection for fifty spirit stones, proclaiming the books "priceless." When she realized she had spent all her money on pastries, Master Zhong Xi quietly paid for them.
Walking on, Kong Hou passionately described Master Writer's characters as righteous and heroic, much like the disciples of Luanfeng Peak. She confessed her regret at not being able to master her own spiritual tool, an inability that had confined her to Yong City. Upon their return to Master Huang Qi's residence, a chaotic scene unfolded. Lin Hu had brought a flock of ducks, believing they would repel pests, but instead, they created a ruckus.
Master Zhong Xi intervened, efficiently herding the ducks and restoring order. Master Huang Qi emerged from his seclusion, revealing a new strategy for Master Zhong Xi's recovery. He gave them a prescription for the three remaining rare spirit herbs needed: Azure Phoenix Feather, Merfolk Scale, and Cloudseeker Twig. He explained that these were to be placed into a special elixir furnace to create a potent elixir that would restore Master Zhong Xi's spiritual core.
Master Zhong Xi thanked him, while Lin Hu, eager to show gratitude, suggested commissioning a grand thank-you plaque. Huang Qi cautioned them that these herbs would be exceptionally difficult to find. Master Zhong Xi expressed confidence that his Uncle Master, Song He, would be able to assist. Before sending them off, Huang Qi gave Lin Hu a laxative for his own master, joking about his excessive eating.
As Master Zhong Xi prepared to depart for his sect to seek further assistance, he and Kong Hou stood together, both reluctant to part. Kong Hou urged him to send her a messaging talisman if he encountered any difficulties. In a rare gesture, Master Zhong Xi gave her a set of his personal talismans, which he had never shared with anyone before.
Kong Hou then made him promise to take care of himself and not to push his limits, a sentiment he echoed to her. Back at his sect, Master Zhong Xi presented the prescription to his Master and Master Song He. Master Song He confirmed the remedy would work and revealed he had already procured three of the necessary ingredients: Vermilion Grass, Wuyuan Water, and Wangqiu Stone.
With only the rarest herbs remaining to be found, Zhong Xi informed them of his decision to search for them personally. To ensure the sect's affairs remained undisturbed, he offered to temporarily return his command token. Despite his Master's concerns, Zhong Xi was resolute. The sect elders tasked Lin Hu with accompanying Master Zhong Xi, ensuring his safety and providing daily updates with a supply of messaging talismans and generous travel funds.
Lin Hu then hurried to catch up with Master Zhong Xi, who had already set off. Alone, Kong Hou discovered that the messaging talismans Master Zhong Xi had given her had been damaged by water, rendering them useless. Frustrated, she tried in vain to dry them, realizing she had no way to contact him. Determined to find him, she embarked on a journey to Qiu City, using a Master Writer storybook for guidance.
The book described the city as Yunhua Sect territory but also warned of "scavengers"—organized thieves common due to the city's proximity to the wilderness. Meanwhile, Lin Hu tried to console a worried Master Zhong Xi, suggesting that if Kong Hou truly valued their friendship, she would have contacted him by now. Still concerned, Master Zhong Xi decided to take a walk. As Kong Hou neared Qiu City, she was robbed by scavengers.
She gave chase but tripped and tumbled into a nearby lake, knocking Master Zhong Xi, who was coincidentally standing by the water, in with her. After a brief, surprised exchange and a quick apology, Kong Hou declared her urgency to retrieve her stolen purse and hurried off, promising to meet him later in Qiu City.
Catching up, Lin Hu overheard people discussing the Zhaohan Sect transporting a genuine "Azure Phoenix" to Qiu City, immediately recognizing its connection to the "Azure Phoenix Feather" needed for the elixir. Realizing the significance, Master Zhong Xi instructed Lin Hu to also keep an eye out for Kong Hou. Kong Hou continued her pursuit, cornering the scavengers in a courtyard. Another elegant woman, seemingly from a powerful sect, also appeared and stopped the thieves. They worked together to apprehend them.
The woman, however, was wary of Kong Hou, who simply stated her purpose was to retrieve her stolen purse. The mysterious woman sternly warned Kong Hou to keep their encounter a secret before they parted ways. Unbeknownst to them, other organizations were also actively seeking the Azure Phoenix, planning to acquire it for their "Lord" to create an elixir. Later, Kong Hou checked into an inn in Qiu City. To her surprise, she again encountered the woman from the courtyard.
Kong Hou learned the woman was Fairy Ling Bo of the Zhaohan Sect. She attempted to greet her, but Ling Bo merely gave her a cold stare without a response. Elsewhere in the inn, Lin Hu attempted to flirt with Ling Bo's maid, employing several clumsy pick-up lines. Enraged by his advances toward her maid, Fairy Ling Bo confronted him. Undeterred, Lin Hu insisted he was merely trying to make friends. Furious, Ling Bo threatened him before leaving.
That night, Kong Hou was in her room, frustrated by her inability to locate Master Zhong Xi. Her vexation grew with the loud singing emanating from the adjacent room. She attempted to investigate but found a barrier blocking the door. She requested a room change, but the inn was full. The timid waiter eventually revealed that the room housed the Azure Phoenix, escorted by the Zhaohan Sect, which explained the high security. Unable to sleep or even read amidst the incessant singing, Kong Hou decided to go for a walk. As she stepped outside, she saw Master Zhong Xi.
Episode 5 Recap
Kong Hou, overjoyed to encounter Zhong Xi, made her way towards him. However, Lin Hu, in a mischievous mood, cast a concealment spell, causing Kong Hou to mistakenly enter a different room. Realizing her error, Kong Hou felt wronged, believing Zhong Xi had deliberately played a trick on her as a punishment for leaving in a hurry the previous day. She confronted him, but Zhong Xi, while not revealing Lin Hu's prank, assured her he truly wished to see her.
Observing their interaction, Lin Hu warned Zhong Xi that Kong Hou likely harbored ulterior motives, echoing previous warnings from her master. Kong Hou, in turn, tried to cheer Zhong Xi up. Kong Hou then discussed continuing her energy regulation with Zhong Xi, but he hesitated. Lin Hu again interjected, suggesting Kong Hou's true aim was his energy.
Kong Hou explained that her master had sealed several of her acupoints, diminishing her spiritual power and making her less capable of assisting him. Seeing Zhong Xi’s evident frustration about his injuries and the ongoing search for herbs, Kong Hou tried to lighten his mood by mentioning the noisy bird in the room next to hers. Lin Hu quickly identified it as an Azure Phoenix, whose feathers were a vital medicinal ingredient for Zhong Xi.
Kong Hou eagerly volunteered to retrieve the feathers, first jokingly hinting at stealing them, then promising to "communicate" with the bird to obtain them, as its constant singing kept her awake. As Kong Hou departed, she mockingly praised the effectiveness of Lin Hu’s concealment spell, which prompted Zhong Xi to instruct Lin Hu to teach it to her. Feeling cheerful, Kong Hou no longer found the phoenix's singing bothersome. She called out to the Azure Phoenix, offering to chat.
Discovering a barrier around the phoenix's room, Kong Hou managed to break an outer layer but found an inner, indestructible barrier. Through this remaining barrier, the phoenix revealed that Zhaohan Sect intended to kill it and turn it into a specimen, urging Kong Hou to save it. It explained that Fairy Ling Bo, possessing a water spiritual root, had created the barrier, making it as strong as "eternal frost" and impervious to true fire, but vulnerable to tears.
Meanwhile, Lin Hu, attempting to retrieve the phoenix's feathers himself, was intercepted by Zhong Xi. Zhong Xi warned him against stealing and saw through his supposed intention to flirt with Ling Bo's maid, Yue He. Lin Hu, though seemingly agreeing to sleep, still sought the phoenix. By mistake, he entered Fairy Ling Bo's room, where she was resting.
Upon seeing him, Ling Bo believed he was attempting to assault her after previously harassing her maid, and she immediately moved to kill him. Kong Hou, having successfully used her tears to break the inner barrier, reminded the phoenix of its promise for a feather. However, the phoenix, calling her a "little fool," immediately flew away without leaving any feathers, much to Kong Hou's dismay. The commotion woke everyone, who witnessed the phoenix's escape.
Lin Hu, observing the chaos, realized that a concealment spell was what led him to Ling Bo's room and blamed Zhong Xi for teaching Kong Hou. Fairy Ling Bo confronted them all, accusing Kong Hou, Lin Hu, and Zhong Xi of colluding to steal the phoenix, and attempted to attack with her sword. Zhong Xi easily subdued her. Kong Hou then confronted Ling Bo, reiterating the phoenix's claim that Zhaohan Sect intended to turn it into a specimen.
Ling Bo vehemently denied this, asserting that their sect's intention was to mate the male Azure Phoenix with a female found a decade ago in the Fufeng realm to benefit from its valuable treasures. She explained the male phoenix's unwillingness, stating simply, "It doesn't like that female." After Lin Hu's laughter, Ling Bo warned them she would kill them if the phoenix wasn't recovered. Kong Hou appealed to Zhong Xi for help.
Ling Bo, leading the search for the Azure Phoenix, dismissed the help of other cultivators as mere flattery. She paired herself with Lin Hu, insisting he remain in her sight, while Zhong Xi and Kong Hou formed another group. Kong Hou, still irked by the phoenix's trickery, vowed to pluck its feathers. Ling Bo revealed that the phoenix exclusively eats a rare "spiritual fruit" found only near Qiu City, indicating it couldn't have flown far.
When Kong Hou asked about the phoenix's other habits, Ling Bo revealed it is "lustful." While searching with Zhong Xi, Kong Hou attempted to reconcile with him, explaining that her messenger talismans fell into a river, which is why she couldn't reply to him. Zhong Xi, still skeptical, claimed he sent her messages that she never received, leading to a mutual confusion. Meanwhile, Lin Hu and Ling Bo continued their bickering.
Ling Bo accused Lin Hu of lusting after the phoenix and of flirting with her maid, Yue He, before breaking into her room. Lin Hu denied any improper intentions towards Ling Bo. During their argument, Ling Bo discovered Lin Hu is a demon cultivator and expressed her prejudice against them, to which Lin Hu retorted that his cultivation was higher.
Kong Hou and Zhong Xi encountered a bird, and Kong Hou used her spiritual tool, a gift from Master Pei Huai, to communicate with it. She learned that the Azure Phoenix had indeed passed through, deceiving the bird's feelings. Confirming the phoenix's lustful nature, Kong Hou devised a trap, inspired by the saying "Lust clouds judgment." Kong Hou set up her trap, crafting a bird-like figure adorned with a flower.
She boasted to Zhong Xi about her improved magic, but when attempting to turn the flower into a butterfly, she accidentally created a bee. While waiting, Kong Hou and Zhong Xi discussed their earlier misunderstanding regarding messenger talismans. Kong Hou assured him she wasn't angry and worried about his health, explaining again that her sealed acupoints prevented her from performing energy regulation with him. They agreed to focus on the medicinal ingredients.
Meanwhile, Lin Hu, still bickering with Ling Bo, refused to use his demon senses to track the phoenix, claiming her perfume was too strong. Kong Hou proceeded with the trap, singing suggestive songs from popular storybooks—one from a famous writer and another from his rival—to attract the lustful phoenix. The trap worked, and Zhong Xi successfully captured the Azure Phoenix.
To celebrate, Kong Hou suggested a game where she acted out animals for others to guess, including a "phoenix" and a "snowy owl." Ling Bo, initially concerned Kong Hou had revealed embarrassing details about her, pulled Kong Hou aside. Upon learning that Kong Hou was merely mimicking a "snowy owl," Ling Bo was reassured and promised Kong Hou a feather once the phoenix was safely returned to the inn.
Lin Hu and Zhong Xi then arrived, revealing Zhong Xi had sensed they were being followed. As everyone relaxed, an attacker ambushed them, releasing a sedative smoke to steal the phoenix. Ling Bo realized her protective mechanism on the phoenix had been breached. While Lin Hu and Zhong Xi were affected, Kong Hou remained immune due to a potent elixir from her master.
Zhong Xi, observing the attacker's high cultivation, told Lin Hu and Kong Hou to stay put while he chased after them. Kong Hou, however, also rushed after the thief but was struck by "Frost Poison." In a desperate move, Zhong Xi immediately performed mouth-to-mouth suction to extract the poison, apologizing for the unconventional method. When Kong Hou regained consciousness, her first concern was the phoenix's feather, which Zhong Xi assured her Ling Bo would deliver.
He then warned her about the cunning nature of dark cultivators and urged her to be more vigilant. Kong Hou, now fully alert, recalled Zhong Xi's life-saving kiss and, embarrassed, questioned him about it. Zhong Xi explained the extreme urgency, even comparing it to a doctor treating a patient. Ling Bo and Lin Hu interrogated the captured "bird thief," accusing him of poisoning and theft. Lin Hu added that Luanfeng Peak, his sect, had harsh methods for dark cultivators.
To their shock, the thief self-destructed into sand, revealing itself to be a puppet. This discovery led them to believe dark cultivators were behind the incident. Elsewhere, two unknown figures discussed the failure to acquire the Azure Phoenix for their "Lord" and planned alternative gifts, expressing concern over the growing boldness of dark cultivators and the loss of leads due to the puppets' self-destruction.
Ling Bo's subordinate reported that the sect had been informed and the carriage for the Azure Phoenix was ready. Ling Bo instructed them to proceed with caution to uphold Zhaohan Sect's reputation. As she prepared to depart, she thanked Lin Hu, leading to another round of bickering. Lin Hu complimented her composure, calling it the "bearing of a major sect," while Ling Bo dismissed him. They bid a sarcastic farewell, with Ling Bo saying, "Hope we never meet again." Zhong Xi, intending to find Kong Hou, heard her pleading for help from her room.
Episode 6 Recap
Master Zhong Xi hurried into Kong Hou's room and found her caught in a net. Kong Hou explained that the net was a spiritual tool given to her by her sect members for self-defense during her upcoming trials, but she hadn't learned how to use it properly. Master Zhong Xi helped to free her from the entanglement. Seizing the opportunity, Kong Hou earnestly requested to accompany Master Zhong Xi on his journey.
Although he secretly welcomed her presence, he feigned hesitation, making an excuse that he needed her assistance in finding herbs and required protection due to his own injuries. Kong Hou eagerly promised not to be a burden and vowed to help him gather all the necessary herbs. She reminded him of her ambition to become a heroine who helps those in need, pointing out that he was currently the one in need of help.
As they embarked on their journey, Lin Hu grumbled from the carriage, complaining about Kong Hou's presence. He suspected she was merely trying to gain spiritual energy from Master Zhong Xi. Master Zhong Xi, however, dismissed his concerns. Later, Kong Hou decided to send a message to her master, but she moved away from Master Zhong Xi and Lin Hu, warning them not to approach.
She explained that her master disapproved of her association with Huan Zong (Master Zhong Xi), and if he overheard his voice, he would surely come to take her back. While Kong Hou was away, Lin Hu questioned Master Zhong Xi about why they were even traveling with her. Master Zhong Xi clarified that Master Wang Tong was concerned that Kong Hou regulating his spiritual energy might provoke heavenly thunder.
Lin Hu then revealed that he had once visited Kong Hou, and her master had mistakenly believed he was there to help her regulate Master Zhong Xi’s energy, becoming enraged and driving him away before he could explain. Despite his growing concern for Kong Hou, Master Zhong Xi respected her warning and stayed put. Meanwhile, Kong Hou found herself ambushed by a group of dark cultivators in the forest.
Just as she was in a perilous situation, Zhou Xiao, the chief disciple of the Yuanji Sect, appeared and bravely came to her rescue. As Kong Hou expressed her gratitude, Jin Ling, another disciple from the Yuanji Sect, also arrived, whom Kong Hou immediately recognized as a music cultivator. Lin Hu, witnessing the unfolding danger, hesitated to intervene, reminding Master Zhong Xi of Kong Hou's earlier warning.
However, Master Zhong Xi sensed the severity of the situation and, along with Lin Hu, quickly joined the fray, collectively driving off the dark cultivators. Zhou Xiao warmly invited Kong Hou to be a guest at the Yuanji Sect. Kong Hou initially declined, stating her preference to continue with Master Zhong Xi. However, Master Zhong Xi suggested she seek guidance from Jin Ling, noting her expertise as a music cultivator.
Lin Hu chimed in, mentioning Jin Ling's esteemed ranking as the eleventh music cultivator in the Lingyou Realm, which sparked Kong Hou's excitement. Jin Ling, however, expressed a hint of disdain, having heard that Kong Hou couldn't even play her own spiritual tool. Despite this, Kong Hou eventually agreed to visit the Yuanji Sect with Zhou Xiao, and Master Zhong Xi also decided to accompany them.
Zhou Xiao inwardly fretted, concerned that Master Zhong Xi’s unexpected presence might disrupt his plans, but he dared not offend a disciple from the prestigious Liuguang Sect. As they traveled, Master Zhong Xi and Lin Hu discussed the unusual behavior of the dark cultivators, suspecting a deeper connection to the Yuanji Sect. Master Zhong Xi even discovered a flower tainted with dark energy near the sect grounds, fueling his suspicions.
At the Yuanji Sect, Master Shuang Qing, the sect leader, confided in his son, Zhang Feng, about his ambition to elevate their sect into the Ten Great Sects. He proudly revealed his elaborate scheme to arrange a marriage between Zhou Xiao and Kong Hou, believing this alliance would bring prestige. He admitted to staging the "hero saves damsel" encounter to bolster Zhou Xiao’s heroic image. His next step was to host a grand welcome, followed by their wedding.
However, the carefully choreographed welcome ceremony was immediately upstaged by Master Zhong Xi's sudden appearance, whose powerful aura completely overshadowed Zhou Xiao. Upon learning that Master Zhong Xi was a disciple of the Liuguang Sect, Master Shuang Qing quickly altered his plans, deciding that Jin Ling should marry Master Zhong Xi instead. He explained to Jin Ling that this would secure alliances with two major sects. Despite her affection for Zhou Xiao, Jin Ling reluctantly agreed to her master's command.
Determined to further win Kong Hou’s favor, Master Shuang Qing discovered that she, unlike the fasting Yuanji Sect disciples, still ate regular food, and that cooking was no longer a common practice in his sect. He ordered all disciples with culinary skills to assemble in the kitchen, promising generous rewards. He then instructed Zhou Xiao to personally deliver the finest dishes to Kong Hou, falsely claiming he had prepared them himself.
During dinner, Kong Hou, thoroughly engrossed in the delicious scallion oil noodles and other dishes, remained oblivious to the romantic candlelight setting arranged for her. Master Zhong Xi and Lin Hu observed from a distance, with Lin Hu wondering if Zhou Xiao harbored feelings for Kong Hou. Master Zhong Xi subtly told him to "remember." Master Zhong Xi then joined Kong Hou and Zhou Xiao.
Zhou Xiao attempted to explain that Yuanji Sect disciples sometimes ate, unlike the strict fasting practices of the Liuguang Sect. Master Zhong Xi pressed him about the unusual presence of dark cultivators near the Yuanji Sect, but Zhou Xiao dismissed his concerns, calling them audacious and claiming they had caused trouble in other cities like Sanshu City.
Kong Hou, ever optimistic, remarked that the dark cultivator incident led her to meet Jin Ling, and she still intended to seek her guidance. Master Zhong Xi, however, pointed out her inaction, to which Kong Hou admitted she was too hungry, promising to consult Jin Ling the next morning. Master Zhong Xi then deliberately acted intimately with Kong Hou, much to Zhou Xiao's surprise and irritation, creating a clear rivalry between the two men.
Later, Lin Hu reported to Master Zhong Xi that while the external areas of the Yuanji Sect seemed normal, a courtyard in the back was heavily guarded, and Master Zhong Xi ordered him to investigate further. During a walk, Kong Hou nearly slipped, and Master Zhong Xi swiftly protected her. In doing so, he fell into a bed of thorny flowers, leaving his back pricked and intensely itchy. Kong Hou offered to scratch his back, but he politely refused.
She then found some ice and applied a cold compress to his back, which provided significant relief. Master Zhong Xi, feeling jealous of Kong Hou's time with Zhou Xiao, subtly inquired about his standing in her heart. Kong Hou innocently ranked her Senior Ling Hui first, Master Zhong Xi second, and Zhou Xiao somewhere in the "teens," a ranking Master Zhong Xi found surprisingly acceptable.
Outside, Master Shuang Qing, who had planned to check on Master Zhong Xi, overheard their conversation. Misinterpreting their exchange as a romantic one, he believed Master Zhong Xi’s injury was fortuitous, as it seemed to foster intimacy between him and Kong Hou. Still eager to see Zhou Xiao succeed, Master Shuang Qing decided to adapt his plan, resolving that Zhou Xiao should feign an injury to attract Kong Hou's sympathy and attention. The following day, Master Shuang Qing hosted a martial arts contest and invited Kong Hou to attend.
Episode 7 Recap
Master Zhong Xi observed the martial arts competition. Kong Hou tried to ask Jin Ling for advice on cultivation, but Jin Ling was completely preoccupied with Zhou Xiao, constantly worrying about him getting hurt in the fight. When Zhou Xiao was eventually injured, Jin Ling immediately rushed to his side to check on him. Meanwhile, Kong Hou remained focused on her spiritual tool, pondering how to make it resonate.
Later, back in her room, Kong Hou was still attempting to make her spiritual tool work when Zhou Xiao arrived. He explained that Master Shuang Qing, feeling apologetic for their previous reception and acknowledging Yuanji Sect's historical ties with Yunhua Sect, wished to present a gift. Zhou Xiao invited Kong Hou to the Treasure Hall to select it. Though initially hesitant, Kong Hou eventually agreed to accept the gesture from Yuanji Sect.
At the Treasure Hall, Kong Hou was captivated by the array of treasures, complimenting Yuanji Sect's collection and its diligent disciples, believing the sect would prosper. Zhou Xiao, seemingly with an internal struggle, acknowledged her kind nature. He then subtly closed the hall's door, activating a barrier that could only be opened from the outside. Kong Hou quickly realized it was a trap.
Outside, Lin Hu reported the activation of the barrier to Master Zhong Xi, confirming that someone had intentionally locked the door and left. Master Zhong Xi learned the barrier could be opened but required spiritual energy. He instructed Lin Hu to maintain watch, stressing that they should not act unless absolutely necessary, but to immediately break the barrier if Kong Hou faced any danger.
Trapped inside, Kong Hou and Zhou Xiao realized they would be stuck until morning when a disciple would come to clean. Kong Hou suggested they combine their spiritual power to break the barrier, but Zhou Xiao informed her that a special Yuanji Sect spell made it impossible to open from the inside without Master Shuang Qing's presence.
Kong Hou noticed Zhou Xiao’s surprising lack of urgency, to which he calmly explained he had been locked up many times as a child and knew help would come by morning. Frustrated, Kong Hou mentioned she would have used her spiritual tools to break out if not for the risk of damaging the precious items around them.
Lin Hu, observing from outside, remarked on how Zhou Xiao had purposefully trapped them, noting his seemingly pleasant demeanor masked ulterior motives, and privately questioned Master Zhong Xi's intense concern for Kong Hou. The next morning, Yuanji Sect disciples discovered Kong Hou and Zhou Xiao in the Treasure Hall. They immediately began spreading rumors about the two of them spending the night alone.
Kong Hou tried to explain that nothing had happened, but Zhou Xiao's vague response only fueled the gossip. When Kong Hou urged Zhou Xiao to clarify, reminding him he was normal last night and not to be swayed by notions of propriety, he remained evasive. The disciples decided to take the matter to Master Shuang Qing. Master Shuang Qing, feigning outrage and concern for Kong Hou's reputation, scolded Zhou Xiao for "ruining" her honor.
Despite Kong Hou’s protests that nothing serious had occurred and that cultivators were not bound by such trivialities, Master Shuang Qing insisted on providing a "proper resolution" for Yunhua Sect. Overruling Kong Hou's objections, he decreed that Zhou Xiao and Kong Hou must marry immediately. The entire sect was swiftly decorated for a festive wedding. Alone, Kong Hou realized she had been manipulated into the marriage. She spoke to Jin Ling, who was also distraught by the turn of events.
Kong Hou acknowledged Jin Ling's feelings for Zhou Xiao, stating that she knew Jin Ling loved him and that their bond was irreplaceable. She urged Jin Ling to pursue her own happiness, asserting that if cultivation meant losing one's true self, it held no meaning. Kong Hou passionately told Jin Ling that she, not Kong Hou, should be the one wearing the bridal gown and encouraged her to fight for a future with Zhou Xiao.
Meanwhile, Master Zhong Xi and Lin Hu discussed the forced marriage. Lin Hu suggested they crash the wedding, revealing that a messenger talisman they had sent out earlier was intercepted, confirming their suspicions about Yuanji Sect's deceptive nature. Lin Hu proposed two plans: either storm the ceremony or covertly rescue Kong Hou at night. Master Zhong Xi, however, decided to wait, trusting Kong Hou’s strong will to not submit easily.
That night, Master Zhong Xi entered the bridal chamber and was surprised to find Jin Ling there instead of Kong Hou. Jin Ling confessed her love to Zhou Xiao, asking if he truly liked Kong Hou and was content to marry her. Zhou Xiao, however, was only concerned about Kong Hou's whereabouts, reiterating that he had to obey Master Shuang Qing's orders. Jin Ling pleaded with him, expressing her continued hope for his affection.
Zhou Xiao then left to report Kong Hou's disappearance to Master Shuang Qing, who was shocked that a Foundation-stage cultivator could break his barrier and ordered all disciples to search for her. Kong Hou, attempting her escape, was caught by a cluster of evil vines. Master Zhong Xi arrived just in time to free her. Instead of taking her away, he instructed her to return to the bridal chamber and buy them more time, promising he would handle the rest.
Kong Hou, though confused by the strange vines and Master Zhong Xi's instructions, returned. As Master Shuang Qing and Zhou Xiao entered, Kong Hou decided to stall, emphasizing the importance of a grand wedding ceremony for such a significant life event, demanding proper rituals and fanfare despite the absence of her own sect's elders. Master Shuang Qing agreed to her demands.
However, to prevent another escape, he placed an immobilization spell on her, informing her it would wear off in two hours when the preparations would be complete. Later, Zhou Xiao brought Kong Hou food and, perhaps out of conscience, revealed Master Shuang Qing's entire scheme. He explained that Yuanji Sect, having struggled to enter the top ten sects, sought external aid. Their plan was to marry Zhou Xiao to Kong Hou, leveraging Yunhua Sect's influence.
Zhou Xiao admitted they had been tracking Kong Hou since her fame grew after the Zhaohan Sect's phoenix incident and that the "dark cultivators" who had attacked her earlier were actually Yuanji disciples in disguise, all part of the setup to bring them together. When Kong Hou pressed him about the mysterious vines that had attacked her, Zhou Xiao seemed genuinely unaware and denied any involvement. Master Zhong Xi found Kong Hou in her room, offering to take her away.
However, Kong Hou refused, determined to uncover the truth behind everything. Master Zhong Xi checked her for injuries from the vines but found no marks. Kong Hou then recalled that the flowers on the vines were identical to those Jin Ling often wore. Although she doubted Jin Ling's involvement, considering Jin Ling had always seemed eager for her departure, the similarity was striking. Meanwhile, Master Zhong Xi had already been investigating the mysterious flowers.
Lin Hu had helped him gather samples, confirming that two identical flowers were found. Master Zhong Xi concluded that the method of draining spiritual energy using these flowers was sinister and could only be performed by dark cultivators adept in herbal poisons. He dispatched Lin Hu to Master Huang Qi's residence for further examination. Soon after, Jin Ling brought food for Kong Hou, expressing her helplessness over the arranged marriage.
Kong Hou took the opportunity to question Jin Ling about the origin of the distinctive flower she used to wear, showing her a drawing of it. Jin Ling said she picked it from the flower field. Realizing Jin Ling could be in danger, Kong Hou tried to warn her, but Jin Ling, now suspicious, borrowed the drawing to investigate herself. Worried for Jin Ling, Kong Hou sought out Master Zhong Xi to go to her aid.
Zhou Xiao, discovering Kong Hou missing, also came looking for her. The three met and rushed to the back courtyard, where they found Jin Ling in danger, attacked by an unknown figure. Master Zhong Xi and Zhou Xiao pursued the attacker while Kong Hou stayed to attend to Jin Ling. During the chase, Zhou Xiao was injured. Master Zhong Xi noted the attacker's familiarity with the terrain, identifying them as someone from Yuanji Sect.
While tending to Zhou Xiao's injuries, he discovered that Zhou Xiao's heart's blood had been taken. Similarly, while healing Jin Ling, Kong Hou made the same alarming discovery about her heart's blood.
Episode 8 Recap
After the tumultuous events at Yuanji Sect, where Kong Hou was nearly forced into a marriage and both Jin Ling and Zhou Xiao had their heart's blood taken, the immediate crisis had passed. Kong Hou, having discovered that the unusual flowers on the vines that had ensnared her were identical to those Jin Ling wore, suspected a connection. When Jin Ling, still recovering, brought her a meal, Kong Hou subtly questioned her about the flowers.
This prompted Jin Ling to investigate their origin herself, inadvertently leading her into danger. Worried, Kong Hou sought out Zhong Xi. Together, they, along with Zhou Xiao—who had been searching for Kong Hou after she disappeared from the bridal chamber—rushed to the backyard and rescued Jin Ling from a dark cultivator. During the pursuit, Zhou Xiao was injured, and as Zhong Xi attended to him, he confirmed that Zhou Xiao's heart's blood had indeed been stolen.
Kong Hou, while healing Jin Ling, found the same disturbing mark, indicating she too had been a victim. Zhong Xi, Kong Hou, and Zhou Xiao initiated a thorough investigation into the numerous disciples of Yuanji Sect. They observed several disciples practicing bare-chested, revealing that nearly all of them bore marks indicating their heart's blood had been extracted.
The disciples, including Mao Mao and Fu, were visibly exhausted, with some speculating that their strict training regimen was Zhou Xiao's way of venting frustration over Jin Ling's injury. Zhong Xi theorized that the heart's blood was being harvested to collect spiritual energy, which was then used to nourish the mysterious flower field they had found, though the ultimate purpose remained shrouded in mystery. He struggled to comprehend how such a delicate procedure could be performed without anyone noticing.
However, as Kong Hou changed Zhong Xi's dressing, a flash of insight struck her: acupuncture. She realized that only through precise acupuncture techniques could heart's blood be drawn subtly, making the victims unaware of the violation. Zhong Xi found her deduction plausible. They then approached Zhou Xiao for information about potential suspects, especially among the acupuncturists. Zhou Xiao admitted he couldn't identify anyone suspicious among the four officially recognized acupuncturists, as they had all been recruited from outside the sect.
He did, however, mention Zhang Feng, Master Shuang Qing's son, who had studied medicine from a young age but was known to be simple-minded, making him seem an unlikely culprit, despite also bearing a similar mark. Zhou Xiao suggested immediately informing Master Shuang Qing, but Zhong Xi advised against it, cautioning that the investigation was incomplete and premature exposure could alert the true mastermind. Disregarding Zhong Xi's advice, Zhou Xiao confided everything to Master Shuang Qing.
The Master was enraged to discover that a dark cultivator had infiltrated his sect and vowed to personally uncover the truth. The following day, in the presence of Zhong Xi and Kong Hou, Master Shuang Qing declared the investigation concluded. He presented a bound acupuncturist, explaining that he had once rescued the man from being bullied in Sanshu City and brought him into the sect, only to be betrayed.
He publicly expressed regret for his poor judgment in not recognizing the man as a dark cultivator. To "purge the sect's disgrace," Master Shuang Qing summarily executed the alleged culprit. He then dismissed Zhong Xi and Kong Hou, stating that Yuanji Sect would handle the remaining issues. However, the haste and public nature of the execution only deepened Zhong Xi’s suspicions, a sentiment shared by Lin Hu. Kong Hou expressed her unease, believing that Yuanji Sect harbored even darker secrets.
Soon after, a junior disciple urgently informed Kong Hou that Jin Ling was awake and wished to see her. Kong Hou excitedly rushed to Jin Ling’s side, only to find her still unconscious in bed. At that moment, Master Shuang Qing appeared. Elsewhere, Lin Hu reported his findings to Zhong Xi. He revealed that Master Huang Qi had elucidated a forbidden art practiced by powerful dark cultivators involving a plant called Roumanluo.
When a dark cultivator's physical body is damaged, they bury it in a spiritually rich location and cultivate Roumanluo around it. The plant then absorbs spiritual energy, nourishing and regenerating the damaged body, and produces vibrant, bewitching flowers as it thrives. Understanding the connection to the flower field, Zhong Xi declared their immediate need to destroy it. Before they could act, Kong Hou was captured by Master Shuang Qing.
He dragged her to the backyard, where the dark cultivator, revealed to be possessing Zhang Feng, used vines to absorb Kong Hou’s spiritual energy. In a tragic turn, Shuang Qing had been coerced by the dark cultivator, who held Zhang Feng's life hostage, forcing the Master to capture Kong Hou. Zhong Xi and Lin Hu arrived to intervene.
The dark cultivator, speaking through Zhang Feng, recognized Zhong Xi from a past confrontation, gloating that Kong Hou was responsible for the destruction of his original body. Zhong Xi confronted the possessed Zhang Feng, acknowledging that the real Zhang Feng was a victim. Zhong Xi managed to subdue the dark cultivator, but the tenacious vines still clung tightly to Kong Hou.
Just as Zhong Xi appeared helpless, Kong Hou’s fireproof robe, a gift from Elder Qiu Shuang, activated, burning away the vines and freeing her. Overwhelmed with relief, Zhong Xi embraced Kong Hou, who expressed gratitude for her miraculous robe. Although Zhong Xi had sustained severe internal injuries during the battle, he stoically concealed his pain from Kong Hou, merely stating he was fine when she inquired about his well-being.
Following the intense confrontation, Zhou Xiao led Zhong Xi and Kong Hou to Master Shuang Qing’s secluded cultivation cave. He explained that Shuang Qing was not complicit with the dark cultivators but had been desperately trying to save his son, Zhang Feng, who had been threatened. They found Master Shuang Qing consumed by grief, mourning Zhang Feng's death and lamenting the tragedy that had befallen his innocent son. Zhou Xiao offered his solemn condolences.
As Zhong Xi prepared to leave with Kong Hou, his hidden injuries proved too much to bear. He suddenly coughed up blood and collapsed. Kong Hou, alarmed, immediately began to regulate his energy, assuring him that she could help and urged him to hold on. Meanwhile, in a hidden chamber, a group of dark cultivators celebrated the manifestation of the forbidden art, believing it would ensure their lord's grand plan.
Elsewhere, various sect elders and leaders were engaged in a heated discussion. One elder argued that Kong Hou, having just descended the mountain, should be recalled due to the dangers she faced, citing a messenger talisman she had sent describing peril. Another countered, emphasizing that Kong Hou's journey was for cultivation, and she needed to learn to solve problems herself, not retreat at the first sign of trouble.
They acknowledged that Lin Hu's reports strongly suggested Jiu Su was indeed attempting to rebuild his body. To prevent widespread panic in the Lingyou Realm, they decided against a public announcement, instead instructing all major sects to reinforce their defenses. Concerns were raised about Zhong Xi's deteriorating health, with some suggesting he be recalled. However, others argued that Zhong Xi, dedicated to vanquishing evil, would never abandon his mission.
They believed that since Jiu Su had only recently restored his body and his power was not yet insurmountable, Zhong Xi still had a chance, and to prevent him from pursuing a cure would be a far greater blow to his spirit. Back at Yuanji Sect, Master Shuang Qing, utterly heartbroken, retreated from all sect duties, leaving Zhou Xiao to shoulder the immense burden of managing the sect.
Zhou Xiao, dedicating himself to caring for the still-unconscious Jin Ling, found his feelings for her deepening into an undeniable affection. He tirelessly watched over her, softly pleading for her to awaken and promising to fulfill her every wish.
Before their departure from Yuanji Sect, Zhou Xiao sincerely apologized to Zhong Xi and Kong Hou for his earlier actions, explaining that his hasty decision to inform Master Shuang Qing about the heart's blood was rooted in his belief that his Master would never harm them. He reiterated that Shuang Qing had been a victim of coercion and hoped that their sects would not become adversaries.
However, Lin Hu was stern, stating that Zhou Xiao still owed them an apology, especially given Zhong Xi's injuries, and that the matter of inter-sect relations was now beyond their control, to be decided by the elders. Despite her anger towards Yuanji Sect, Kong Hou showed compassion by giving Zhou Xiao a visiting card to Master Huang Qi's Residence outside Yuan City, advising him to take Jin Ling there for healing, as Master Huang Qi was a wandering healer.
Kong Hou expressed her disappointment that her original purpose of seeking Jin Ling’s guidance to resonate her phoenix-headed konghou was now thwarted. In return, Zhou Xiao suggested she seek out Jiao Tong, the foremost music cultivator in the Lingyou Realm, who resided in Yi City. Zhong Xi and Kong Hou, accompanied by Lin Hu, then set off for Yi City.
Along the way, Kong Hou, vibrant with excitement, enthusiastically shared tales of Yi City's romantic legends and renowned delicacies, all gleaned from a storybook titled "Ten Thousand Perfect Places" by Master Writer. Zhong Xi, amused, playfully asserted that Master Writer had never penned such a work, prompting Kong Hou to defiantly insist on her knowledge. With a sly smile, Zhong Xi then revealed his true identity as Master Writer himself.
Kong Hou, utterly disbelieving, retorted that if he were Master Writer, she would be the rightful sect leader of Yunhua Sect. Upon their arrival in Yi City, they were met with a peculiar sight: all the young women were accompanied by handsome men, and some even brazenly attempted to recruit Zhong Xi and Lin Hu for their establishments.
An inn attendant clarified that Yi City was the domain of the Hehuan Sect, a sect predominantly led by women, which explained the local custom of female companions. The attendant also informed them that while the Blissful Isle of the Hehuan Sect was easily accessible, meeting the esteemed Master Jiao Tong at the exclusive Jiao Tong Pavilion was a different matter.
The Pavilion operated only at night, catered exclusively to female guests, and acquiring a ticket was both difficult and prohibitively expensive. When Kong Hou expressed dismay at the exorbitant price, Zhong Xi, without a moment's hesitation, produced a large sum of money, insisting that she proceed to meet Jiao Tong without concern for the cost. Later, Kong Hou discovered Zhong Xi secretly engrossed in a romantic storybook called "Jade Immortal Bond," a genre she herself enjoyed. She playfully teased him about his unexpected literary taste and his shyness, trying to snatch the book from his hands.
Episode 9 Recap
Kong Hou noticed several romance storybooks on the table and asked Huan Zong if he had fallen for anyone. Huan Zong initially denied it, but Kong Hou persisted, questioning why he, who seemed uninterested in such books, was reading them. She pressed him, asking about the person he liked, how they met, and if he had confessed his feelings.
Huan Zong finally admitted that he was reading the books to understand what it meant to like someone but maintained that there was no specific person. Kong Hou, understanding his underlying feelings, declared herself an expert and began listing scenarios of falling in love. As she described moments like a wildly beating heart, an urge to protect someone, or the pain of separation, Huan Zong's reactions clearly indicated that all these feelings applied to Kong Hou herself.
Realizing this, Kong Hou playfully pretended that she was asking for Lin Hu, who also seemed clueless about love, and asked Huan Zong to keep their conversation a secret from him. Huan Zong agreed to keep quiet. Later, Huan Zong and Lin Hu arrived at Jiao Tong Pavilion to apply as performers but were stopped at the entrance and told a recommendation letter was required.
Lin Hu tried to argue that their looks should be enough, but the attendant dismissed them. Huan Zong, however, calmly asked to see an example of the letter. After carefully observing it, he led Lin Hu away. Kong Hou, upon hearing about the recommendation letter, initially suggested forging one, but Huan Zong revealed he had already prepared a genuine letter.
Kong Hou then enthusiastically took it upon herself to style Huan Zong, transforming him into the image of a captivating performer to make a grand entrance. With everything ready, Kong Hou headed to the Jiao Tong Pavilion, where she encountered Madam Chen, a warm-hearted older woman. Kong Hou soon learned that at Jiao Tong Pavilion, every service, even walking and sitting, required payment in spirit stones.
During the auditions, Lin Hu, despite being told his appearance wasn't ideal, impressed the judges with his quick wit and eloquent speech, securing a position in the kitchen. When Huan Zong stepped onto the stage, the examiners were immediately captivated by his demeanor and appearance, hiring him directly without even asking for a performance. Later, as Huan Zong performed a flawless piece on his instrument, stunning the audience with his talent, Kong Hou subtly advised him to play poorly instead.
Their true objective was not to impress but to lure out Jiao Tong himself. Following Kong Hou's instruction, Huan Zong's next performance was intentionally terrible, drawing complaints from the audience. Amidst the chaos, a child accidentally knocked over a stage prop that was about to hit Kong Hou. Without hesitation, Huan Zong used his spiritual powers to save her, an act that unfortunately led to his immediate dismissal from the pavilion for violating the rules.
Outside, Kong Hou overheard women discussing Huan Zong, praising his good looks and charm despite his poor performance. Seizing the opportunity, Kong Hou approached them, offering to lead them to Huan Zong if they would help her meet Jiao Tong. The women informed her that to meet Jiao Tong, one needed to be a patron for at least three years and spend 100,000 spirit stones, an amount Kong Hou couldn't afford.
Feeling dejected, Kong Hou was unaware she was being followed. She then saw Madam Chen again, who appeared distressed. Madam Chen confessed her "lovesickness" for Huan Zong, explaining she greatly admired him and sought Kong Hou's help to meet him. Realizing that Madam Chen was a high-spending regular at the pavilion, Kong Hou saw a new path to Jiao Tong. She asked Huan Zong to meet with Madam Chen, arguing that Madam Chen seemed harmless and genuinely admired him.
Huan Zong was reluctant, but when Kong Hou threatened to seek help from "other pretty boys," he reluctantly agreed. Huan Zong and Kong Hou went to meet Madam Chen. Huan Zong placed an invisibility talisman on Kong Hou, allowing only him to see her. Madam Chen presented Huan Zong with an ancient-style outfit, asking him to wear it. As Huan Zong changed, Kong Hou, though invisible, playfully offered commentary, and they bickered back and forth.
Madam Chen, who had already noticed Kong Hou's presence, watched them with a wistful smile, expressing her envy of their intimacy. She then explained her true reason for wanting to meet Huan Zong: he bore a striking resemblance to her former lover, a prince from the Lingyou Realm with whom she could never watch the sunset due to his strict schedule. Her deepest wish was to experience that moment with someone who looked like him.
Madam Chen then gave Huan Zong a special token that would grant access to Jiao Tong. Kong Hou, eager to finally meet Jiao Tong, quickly prepared to leave. Huan Zong, visibly jealous, tried to delay her, claiming he had important instructions to give. Kong Hou, however, was too excited to pay much attention, wanting only to freshen up before her meeting.
Huan Zong, worried, gave her serious warnings: she must never drink from a cup or eat food that left her sight to avoid poisoning, and she must maintain a distance from Jiao Tong if they were ever alone, dismissing any notion of "hand-in-hand" qin lessons. Kong Hou laughed off his concerns, assuring him that Jiao Tong Pavilion was a reputable place and she was clever enough to handle any situation.
While having tea with Huan Zong, Kong Hou suddenly noticed his distinct handwriting. The way he wrote the character "Zong" was peculiar, reminiscent of a unique stroke in "Master Writer's" signature. Prompted by suspicion, she asked him to write more, and upon seeing his calligraphy, she became convinced he was indeed "Master Writer."
Though Huan Zong tried to deflect her questions and hurried her off to Jiao Tong, he was left alone, tormented by vivid images of Kong Hou and Jiao Tong playing the zither intimately. Just then, he received an urgent message from Lin Hu. Lin Hu's messenger talisman revealed that there was something suspicious within the Jiao Tong Pavilion.
Lin Hu, who had been assigned to the kitchen, managed to take over the role of a front hall servant when the original one had a stomachache, allowing him to gather information. The message ended abruptly with "Oh no!" indicating trouble.
Episode 10 Recap
Kong Hou arrived at Jiao Tong Pavilion, where she had to pay spirit stones to a guard at the entrance. Despite her frustration with the constant need for payment, she complied, determined to learn how to play her phoenix-headed konghou. Upon entering Jiao Tong's room, she found him lying on a bed. He invited her closer, but Kong Hou chose to remain near the entrance, suggesting he put on some clothes. Jiao Tong seemed amused by her demeanor.
He welcomed her, praising her youth and the lavish sum she had spent to visit his pavilion. Kong Hou clarified that she was not a "Madam," introducing herself as Kong Hou and explaining that she had acquired the entry token from a lady she had once assisted. Jiao Tong accepted her explanation, assuring her that all guests were welcome and he would ensure her satisfaction.
Kong Hou tried to immediately convey her urgent request, but Jiao Tong insisted they had plenty of time and invited her to sit down to chat at leisure. Meanwhile, Master Zhong Xi learned from Lin Hu that Jiao Tong was not the virtuous person he was rumored to be and rushed to find Kong Hou.
During the meal, Jiao Tong complimented Kong Hou's skin, while Kong Hou, conscious of maintaining her distance, offered him some special snow cream from her Senior Ling Hui. Jiao Tong subtly hinted that he desired more than just the cream. Kong Hou tried to offer various other delights she had brought, but Jiao Tong politely refused, stating it was his duty as the host to provide entertainment. He then prompted her to state her urgent request.
Kong Hou presented her phoenix-headed konghou, admitting she couldn't make it resonate and asking for his guidance. Jiao Tong initially seemed unfamiliar with the instrument, making Kong Hou briefly suspect his musical prowess, but he quickly claimed basic knowledge of the konghou. He stated that while spiritual resonance was important for her natal instrument, proficiency in musical skills was paramount. As he pretended to instruct her, Jiao Tong leaned in closely, which made Kong Hou uncomfortable.
Recalling Master Zhong Xi’s earlier advice to maintain distance from Jiao Tong if they were alone, she quickly pulled away, suggesting he demonstrate the playing first while she observed. Jiao Tong left briefly, claiming he would retrieve his own konghou, but returned to apologize, stating he had lent it to Xi Tang, who was out of town. He suggested Kong Hou stay the night, promising to teach her the following day, but Kong Hou politely declined, opting to return tomorrow.
As a gesture of apology, Jiao Tong offered another toast. Unknown to Kong Hou, Jiao Tong had already poisoned the leek dish, but it had no effect due to Kong Hou's immunity. He observed her eating the local delicacies, puzzled as to why the spiritual infusion hadn't worked, wondering if the dosage was insufficient. When he proposed another toast, Kong Hou remembered Master Zhong Xi’s warning not to drink from any cup that left her sight.
Feigning coldness, she asked Jiao Tong to close the door, and while he was occupied, she deftly swapped their wine cups to test him. Jiao Tong, unknowingly, drank the poisoned wine. Soon, the drug took effect, causing his face to peel and crack, revealing his true, hideous appearance. With his deception exposed, he abandoned all pretense and lunged at Kong Hou, intending to "peel her pretty face off." Kong Hou desperately evaded him, shouting for help.
Just as Jiao Tong was about to catch her, Master Zhong Xi arrived and swiftly subdued him. Master Zhong Xi then urged Kong Hou to leave with him, despite her desire to see Jiao Tong's full transformation. As they departed, Master Zhong Xi complained of chest and leg pain, along with dizziness, which he attributed to exerting spiritual energy during the rescue. Concerned, Kong Hou offered to regulate his energy or massage his back, which he accepted.
While she massaged him, Master Zhong Xi expressed his regret for allowing her to face Jiao Tong alone and reiterated his concern for her safety. Kong Hou, however, reassured him, crediting his previous warnings for enabling her to act cautiously. Master Zhong Xi then explicitly cautioned her again: she must never be alone in a room with any man, and if unavoidable, to always maintain a proper distance. Playfully, Kong Hou pointed out their current situation, sharing a room.
Master Zhong Xi fumbled for an explanation, only repeating that "they were different." Kong Hou laughed, calling it a tease, and affirmed that as "very, very good friends," they could certainly be together, and that she felt "completely at ease" with him. Master Zhong Xi’s face flushed, though he unconvincingly denied being angry. Meanwhile, Ling Bo arrived at the Jiao Tong Pavilion, finding it in ruins.
She interrogated a frightened servant, who explained that Jiao Tong had fought with someone, his face peeling, and had tried to take a lady, but two young masters had saved her. The servant further disclosed that one of the young masters had later released Jiao Tong. Kong Hou and Master Zhong Xi then sat down to play Go while awaiting Lin Hu's return.
Kong Hou's unconventional style of play amused Master Zhong Xi, and she prematurely declared victory after lining up five pieces. Master Zhong Xi reminded her they were playing Go, not five-in-a-row, accusing her of cheating. Kong Hou retorted by playfully reminding him of his own secret: his identity as Master Writer. Master Zhong Xi lamented that, apart from her, no one read his books. Just then, Lin Hu returned, informing Master Zhong Xi that the matter was "settled."
He pleaded for Jiao Tong's body to be left intact, revealing that Jiao Tong was also a fox demon. The plea stemmed from their shared past; as Lin Hu recalled, they had once been close friends who trained together, and he struggled to reconcile this with Jiao Tong's current actions. Kong Hou expressed surprise at learning Lin Hu was a demon cultivator.
Lin Hu voiced concern about potential prejudice, but Kong Hou quickly reassured him, stating that righteous demon and human cultivators were equal in her eyes, even commending the arduous path of demon cultivation. She then inquired about how Lin Hu, a demon cultivator, came to know Master Zhong Xi, but Lin Hu abruptly changed the subject and departed. Elsewhere, Jiao Tong was being harshly reprimanded for his failure to capture Kong Hou by a subordinate of Jiu Su.
He humbly confessed his incompetence and vowed to rectify his mistake, assuring his superior that Kong Hou would not escape as long as she remained in Yi City. His superior, acknowledging Jiao Tong's years of loyalty to Jiu Su, granted him another chance, warning of severe punishment for any further failure. Jiao Tong accepted, determined to seize another opportunity to capture Kong Hou. He was then intercepted by Ling Bo, who introduced herself as a disciple from Zhaohan Sect.
She demanded to know why he had targeted Kong Hou, a member of Yunhua Sect. Jiao Tong defiantly asserted that his motives were none of her concern and threatened to capture even Zhaohan Sect members if she did not leave. Ling Bo, enraged by his impudence, drew her sword, but Jiao Tong swiftly overpowered and captured her, intending to deal with her the following day.
Later that evening, Master Zhong Xi and Kong Hou shared drinks in the courtyard, confiding in each other. Kong Hou admitted she had always admired the close bond between Master Zhong Xi and Lin Hu, drawing a parallel to her own cherished friendships with her senior disciples at Yunhua Sect.
Master Zhong Xi playfully responded that he should envy her, as she had many friends while he, having been brought to Liuguang Sect after personal family troubles in his adulthood, had only Lin Hu as a true friend until recently. Kong Hou joyfully corrected him, affirming that he now had two friends, including her.
She then openly addressed his reluctance to reveal his identity as Master Writer, speculating that he might feel it was an inappropriate pursuit for a Luanfeng Peak cultivator. Kong Hou reiterated her belief that he was an individual, not merely a sword, and possessed the right to pursue his passions. She offered to keep his secret if he promised to write new storybooks, expressing her eagerness to read them. Master Zhong Xi agreed to her request.
They continued their conversation until they both fell asleep, with Kong Hou unconsciously resting her head on Master Zhong Xi's lap. He awoke the next morning, enduring his numb legs, to allow her to continue sleeping peacefully. Upon waking, Kong Hou recalled seeing a heavily intoxicated Lin Hu the previous night, making a boisterous display of their "friends for life" bond.
She had witnessed him being placed in a water vat to sleep, with Master Zhong Xi assuring her of a fox's natural resilience. The following morning, Lin Hu was discovered stripped naked and displayed on the street, attracting the curious gazes of passersby. Kong Hou teased him, suggesting he must have angered his "wife" and been thrown out. An embarrassed Lin Hu quickly attempted to cover himself and disperse the crowd.
Kong Hou and Master Zhong Xi playfully continued to tease him about the incident, calling it revenge for him having eaten all of Kong Hou's sunflower seeds. Master Zhong Xi then presented Lin Hu with a sword manual, which instantly lifted Lin Hu’s spirits and prompted his forgiveness. Shortly thereafter, a disciple from the Hehuan Sect arrived, specifically seeking Kong Hou.
The disciple explained that Master Ouyang of the Hehuan Sect felt "deeply sorry" that Kong Hou had been distressed within their territory and extended a personal invitation for her to attend a banquet, where Master Ouyang wished to offer her a direct apology.
Episode 11 Recap
The Hehuan Sect Leader, Ouyang, extended a welcoming invitation to Master Zhong Xi, Kong Hou, and Lin Hu. During the initial introductions, she subtly probed their relationship, to which Master Zhong Xi falsely claimed they had only met recently and were traveling together. The Sect Leader then offered a formal apology for the previous troubles at Jiao Tong Pavilion, announcing its closure and denouncing Jiao Tong as a rogue, a calculated move to ease any suspicions.
She then used a hypnosis spell, disguised as entertainment with dancers, to incapacitate the three guests. Lin Hu had a momentary concern about poisoned food, but Kong Hou confidently dismissed it, stating she was immune to toxins. Once they were unconscious, Jiu Su's envoy arrived, instructing the Sect Leader to only secure Kong Hou and detain the two men.
Attempts to detect Kong Hou's spiritual root proved futile, leading the envoy to speculate that her power was being suppressed by a powerful formation. Master Zhong Xi awoke to find himself restrained by blacksteel chains, reinforced with special talismans. Sect Leader Ouyang, confident in her control, sat beside him and boastfully claimed to have rescued him from Old Wu Bei, then propositioned him to become her personal consort. Master Zhong Xi feigned compliance, subtly questioning Wu Bei's motives.
Ouyang, believing him subdued, revealed Wu Bei’s true target was Kong Hou, noting that the girl was difficult to capture, though she was unaware of Wu Bei's specific reasons beyond Kong Hou having "offended him somehow." Hearing this, Master Zhong Xi immediately shattered the chains and revealed his true identity, much to Ouyang's shock. Concurrently, Lin Hu regained consciousness in a courtyard, confronted by Jiao Tong, who casually invited him to drink.
Lin Hu, however, was preoccupied with the whereabouts of Master Zhong Xi and Kong Hou. Jiao Tong attempted to lure Lin Hu back to the demon path, offering to help him overcome his Golden Core tribulation using an evil art that involved cultivating with captured girls. Lin Hu was furious at Jiao Tong's heinous methods, reminding him that he had chosen a different path.
Jiao Tong scoffed, asserting that humans would never accept a demon, and then revealed he had captured Fairy Ling Bo of Zhaohan Sect, using her as leverage to force Lin Hu to join him. Despite Lin Hu's attempts to appear indifferent, his concern for Ling Bo was evident. He refused Jiao Tong's offer, leading to a fierce battle.
Lin Hu emerged victorious, but instead of killing Jiao Tong, he chose to strip him of all his cultivation, condemning him to a life devoid of spiritual power. Jiao Tong, unable to accept a mundane existence, chose to take his own life. Lin Hu then rushed to Master Zhong Xi. Master Zhong Xi, with Ouyang assisting, was already searching for Kong Hou. Wu Bei, alerted to their presence, fled carrying the unconscious Kong Hou.
During his escape, Kong Hou’s spiritual root unexpectedly awakened, allowing her to momentarily break free from his grasp. Wu Bei, intrigued by her awakened power, attempted to recapture her, but Master Zhong Xi arrived, forcing Wu Bei to retreat. Kong Hou, exhausted, fell unconscious once more. Master Zhong Xi sent Lin Hu to notify their sect of the events and then await them in Yi City.
Before leaving the scene, Kong Hou discovered a bird egg beneath a tree and decided to take it, hoping to care for a hatchling. On their journey, Kong Hou questioned why the dark cultivator had targeted her and how she had suddenly gained immense power. Master Zhong Xi explained that despite her lack of a spiritual root, she harbored an unknown power, which Wu Bei was likely after.
He reassured a worried Kong Hou that she would be protected by him, Lin Hu, and her master. Meanwhile, Ling Bo woke up, freed herself from her restraints, and began searching for Jiao Tong, determined to exact revenge. She soon found other bound individuals and released them. Lin Hu then arrived. Ling Bo initially mistook him for Jiao Tong's accomplice and drew her sword, but seeing his genuine intentions, she lowered it.
However, upon learning from Lin Hu that Jiao Tong was dead, she chided him, regretting that she couldn't bring Jiao Tong back for the merit it would bring to Zhaohan Sect, especially after discovering his atrocities, such as skinning people to maintain his appearance. Ling Bo mentioned she was looking for her senior Chang De in Fengyi, admitting her poor sense of direction.
Observing Lin Hu's lingering distress, Kong Hou subtly initiated a private conversation with Master Zhong Xi through a communication barrier, brainstorming ways to cheer him up. She proposed various activities like visiting the long-haired apes and spiritual fruit orchards in Cuiming Mountains, getting foot massages, and even getting "friendship tattoos." Lin Hu, who had been given the communication barrier’s passcode by Master Zhong Xi, overheard their plans.
He immediately voiced his strong disapproval of the tattoos, declaring it more of a "shock" than a "surprise." On Kong Hou’s birthday, she received a flood of gifts from her fellow sect members and her master, who sent his "hidden treasures" along with well wishes. When Master Zhong Xi asked what gift she desired, Kong Hou requested they make sweet cakes together, explaining it was a cherished tradition with her Senior Ling Hui.
While baking, she playfully inquired if disciples of the Liuguang Sect were too refined to cook and whether a non-fasting girl would starve if she married into their sect. Master Zhong Xi lightheartedly replied that he would hire a cook. Their baking session turned into a playful flour fight, smudging each other's faces. Later, Lin Hu created a romantic ambiance for Kong Hou and Master Zhong Xi. They made wishes upon a "wishing flower."
Kong Hou wished for her master’s longevity and her seniors’ advancement, and then made a third, secret wish. Master Zhong Xi correctly guessed her first two wishes, prompting Kong Hou to teasingly withhold her third. She then insisted Master Zhong Xi try a bite of her homemade sweet cake, despite his fasting. Unexpectedly, the egg Kong Hou had picked up earlier hatched, revealing an Azure Jade Fungus, a rare spirit herb Master Zhong Xi had long sought.
Kong Hou realized her third wish had been to help him find his medicine. Later that night, Lin Hu noticed a powerful tribulation phenomenon and alerted Master Zhong Xi. They quickly discovered Kong Hou undergoing a rapid advancement to the Foundation Establishment stage. A mysterious barrier surrounded her, preventing her breakthrough. Concerned for Kong Hou’s agony, Master Zhong Xi decided to shatter the barrier, despite Lin Hu's warning about the impending thunder strike, offering to bear the strike himself.
However, as Master Zhong Xi moved to break the barrier, a fire phoenix erupted from within Kong Hou, attacking him. In a moment of instinct, Kong Hou shielded Master Zhong Xi, causing the fire phoenix to instantly vanish. Afterward, Master Zhong Xi explained that the phoenix symbol had created the barrier to suppress her latent power and protect it from malicious individuals, and noted that the phoenix ceased its attack when she protected him.
Kong Hou pondered the phoenix's origin, wondering if she possessed a "phoenix destiny," as described in storybooks, which often foretold a difficult life. Master Zhong Xi encouraged her to consider the positive aspect of bearing such a seal, signifying extraordinary power. Recalling her Master Wang Tong’s prophecy that she would "achieve greatness later in life," Kong Hou concluded that her failed tribulation was merely a test from Heaven.
Episode 12 Recap
Lin Hu was puzzled by a barrier on Kong Hou that prevented her from breaking through to the next realm. Master Zhong Xi speculated it was likely a charm her own master had set up, fearing she would encounter danger during her tribulation. Following this, Master Zhong Xi led Kong Hou and Lin Hu to the Liuguang Sect’s branch in Fengyi. The disciples there were very respectful upon seeing Master Zhong Xi.
Initially, they mistook Kong Hou for Master Zhong Xi's new apprentice, but Kong Hou quickly clarified that they were friends, a statement that elevated her standing considerably. Thoughtfully, Kong Hou gave red envelopes to two of the disciples. However, the information gathered from the branch about the Cloudseeker Twig was fragmented and yielded no concrete leads. So, the three decided to search the streets themselves, but their efforts were fruitless.
As they walked through the streets, Kong Hou suddenly noticed a group of beggars chasing her senior, Tan Feng. She intervened, using her spiritual power to help him escape their pursuit. That evening, Kong Hou secretly met Tan Feng on the street, bringing him a delicious roast chicken. Master Zhong Xi, sensing something amiss, found them. Kong Hou then brought her senior back to their lodging.
Master Zhong Xi, however, was clearly hostile towards Tan Feng, closely monitoring them and denying them any chance to be alone. Seeing the closeness between Kong Hou and Master Zhong Xi, Tan Feng became angry and told Kong Hou to maintain her distance from Master Zhong Xi. Kong Hou asked Tan Feng why he was in Fengyi. He explained he was investigating grey-robed cultivators.
The sect had originally intended to send a clean-cut and dignified disciple named Wu Chuan, but Tan Feng's appearance made him a more suitable candidate for the undercover mission among the beggars. Kong Hou started thinking of ways to help her senior, and Tan Feng proposed using tracking talismans, which they could discreetly place on the beggars to monitor their movements and trace them back to the mastermind.
Master Zhong Xi and Lin Hu, observing Kong Hou’s familiarity with Tan Feng, deliberately created various excuses to prevent the two from having any private time. Master Zhong Xi kept Kong Hou by his side, claiming he couldn't sleep due to feeling dizzy, prompting Kong Hou to tell him stories until she eventually drifted off to sleep.
As Kong Hou slept, Master Zhong Xi watched over her, softly murmuring that it was his turn to protect her, just as her senior had done when she was little. The next day, Master Zhong Xi and Kong Hou prepared to distribute roast chickens, secretly attaching tracking talismans to each one. However, as they handed out the food, the East and West Faction beggars erupted into a brawl.
The West Faction accused an East Faction man of breaking off an engagement with one of their girls, escalating their existing feud over territory at the city gate. To prevent the plan from being ruined and encourage the beggars to take the chickens, Kong Hou spontaneously suggested to Master Zhong Xi that they perform a play about two lovers from feuding families resolving their hatred through shared sacrifice.
On the city gate, Kong Hou and Master Zhong Xi dramatically declared their love. As the beggars remained skeptical, Kong Hou prompted Master Zhong Xi to kiss her, a passionate display that finally convinced the onlookers to stop fighting, fearing a tragic outcome for the lovers. Tan Feng, who had arrived, witnessed the kiss and became furious, believing Master Zhong Xi had deceived Kong Hou. He threatened to punish Kong Hou.
Kong Hou immediately tried to defend Master Zhong Xi, and he stepped forward to protect her, arguing that Kong Hou deserved credit, not punishment. He cited her quick thinking in using the food distribution to plant tracking talismans, her improvisational acting to divert attention during the chaos, and her successful resolution of the East and West Factions' dispute. Despite this, Tan Feng adamantly told Master Zhong Xi to stay away from Kong Hou.
Master Zhong Xi refused, stating he was Kong Hou’s friend and intended to continue traveling with her. Enraged, Tan Feng struck Kong Hou's hand with a discipline ruler. Master Zhong Xi gently applied medicine to Kong Hou’s hand, reassuring her that Tan Feng wouldn’t seriously harm her. Kong Hou, recalling Master Zhong Xi's miraculous healing powers, playfully asked him to "wave his hand" and heal her wound.
Master Zhong Xi explained that the ruler's special properties caused a unique injury not easily healed by such methods, revealing that he knew this because he often used such rulers to discipline unruly disciples at Luanfeng Peak. As he tended to her, Kong Hou held his hand tightly, thanking him for his kindness. Kong Hou then commented on Master Zhong Xi’s convincing performance, particularly the kiss, to which Master Zhong Xi cryptically replied, "What if it wasn't an act?"
Meanwhile, Lin Hu encountered Fairy Ling Bo, who was also disguised as a beggar, having infiltrated the gangs to gather information. She informed him about a broken temple nearby that was rumored to be haunted, suspecting dark cultivators were behind it. Lin Hu, teasing her about her appearance, offered her a tracking talisman, urging her to contact him if she encountered danger. Though Ling Bo pretended to be indifferent, she accepted the talisman.
That night, Kong Hou lay in bed, distracted from her novel, her thoughts returning to Master Zhong Xi. She wondered if her feelings during their "act" were more than just pretend. In his own room, Master Zhong Xi also tossed and turned, unable to sleep, his mind consumed by thoughts of Kong Hou. The next morning at breakfast, Tan Feng and Master Zhong Xi sat in tense silence, refusing to eat.
Realizing her senior was still angry, Kong Hou tried to appease him by serving his favorite dishes and repeatedly apologizing. When Tan Feng remained unforgiving, Kong Hou dramatically burst into tears and left the table. Despite his outward dismissal, Tan Feng couldn't shake his worry about Kong Hou wandering alone in an unfamiliar place, especially with rumors of dark cultivators. He quickly went to search for her.
Kong Hou soon returned, bringing what she called "laxative spiritual fruits," explaining that she deduced his bad mood was due to constipation, just as when he was stressed at Yunhua Sect. Just then, Tan Feng's tracking jade pendant began to glow, indicating that a tracking talisman had been triggered.
Episode 13 Recap
Kong Hou's group diligently followed the tracking talisman's fading signal, which led them deep into a small forest before disappearing entirely. Lin Hu, relying on his exceptionally keen sense of smell, began searching for any lingering traces. Meanwhile, Ling Bo, who had been patiently waiting for Lin Hu and the others to arrive, observed a lone beggar passing by with an unnatural, vacant stare.
Master Huan Zong and his companions also noticed the beggar, suspecting him to be a puppet due to his listless, linear movements, and decided to follow. Just as four other puppets emerged to attack the beggar, Ling Bo swiftly intervened, neutralizing the assailants. To their surprise, the attacking puppets crumbled into piles of sand. Ling Bo then directed Huan Zong's group to a nearby hut, suggesting it might hold crucial clues. Inside, they discovered the hut filled with more puppets.
Kong Hou's sharp eyes caught one puppet blinking, revealing it to be a person in disguise. Under interrogation, the disguised individual confessed that he was seeking a key to a secret realm for Lord Jiu Su. He explained that a village lay beneath the cliff, where Immortal Bo Yuan, the realm's owner, had hidden the key years ago.
He had repeatedly sent cultists and puppets down to retrieve it, but all had either vanished or returned mentally broken, trapped by their inner demons. He had then resorted to kidnapping beggars and turning them into puppets. Later, Kong Hou's senior brother noticed the growing closeness between Huan Zong and Kong Hou. Concerned, he pulled Huan Zong aside, warning him to maintain a proper distance, reminding him that Kong Hou was a young lady and such intimacy could be misunderstood.
Huan Zong, however, declared that Kong Hou's straightforward, kind, and helpful nature made her a worthy friend, and any affection towards her would be understandable, unless her senior brother thought she was undeserving. Worried about their heated discussion, Kong Hou hurried over after Lin Hu jokingly suggested they might fight. She arrived just in time to hear her senior brother recounting embarrassing stories from her past.
Upset, Kong Hou confronted him, but Huan Zong smoothed things over by suggesting her senior brother's vivid memory of her quirks simply proved his deep care and their strong bond. Their conversation was abruptly interrupted by a swarm of Bone-devourers, the fiercest raptors in the cultivation world, attacking them. They realized these creatures were allies of the captured puppet master, released to cause chaos and facilitate his escape.
As the swarm overwhelmed them, Kong Hou desperately called upon her phoenix-headed konghou. At the critical moment, the instrument resonated, unleashing a powerful sound that cleared the swarm. Still concerned for her senior brother, Kong Hou and Huan Zong went to find him. Suddenly, a mysterious force pulled Kong Hou towards the edge of a cliff. Huan Zong, without hesitation, tossed Kong Hou to safety, but was himself dragged down into the abyss.
Distraught, Kong Hou urgently questioned the puppet master about the dangers beneath the cliff. He explained that those who ventured down, whether cultivators or puppets, often became trapped in their most agonizing memories, imprisoned by inner demons. Victims would either return as mindless shells or perish, forever lost in the illusion. This chilling revelation intensified Kong Hou's fear for Huan Zong. Meanwhile, Huan Zong awoke in a lavish bed, surrounded by servants who addressed him as the Second Prince.
Confused, he sought his mother, only to be told she, the Empress, had passed away. Distraught and enraged, he confronted his father, who callously revealed he had murdered the Empress, his own wife, to seize the throne, refusing to be subservient to a woman. In the court, ministers advocated for the Crown Prince's succession, but Huan Zong's father, now self-proclaimed Emperor, dismissed them, claiming the Empress had named him her successor and the Crown Prince was too young.
When ministers offered to support the young prince, the Emperor accused the leading minister of treason and ordered his public execution, warning others against similar opposition. Back with Kong Hou's group, they discussed a way to rescue Huan Zong. The puppet master suggested that a Mind Stone could detect inner demons, and the person with the fewest inner demons would have the highest chance of survival in the cliff's illusion.
Upon testing themselves, Kong Hou discovered she had no inner demons, making her the ideal candidate for the perilous descent. Knowing she needed to remain undetected, she approached her senior brother for Concealment Pills, which could hide her aura. Though her senior brother was reluctant to let her undertake such a dangerous mission, especially after Huan Zong had sacrificed himself to save her, Kong Hou insisted, reminding him of their shared values of loyalty and compassion.
She promised to be careful, relying on her heightened cultivation, spiritual tools, and natural good fortune. Finally, her senior brother relented, giving her the pills but strictly warning her of their time limit and the absolute necessity of avoiding spiritual energy to remain undetected. Kong Hou accepted the pills, promising to return with good news, and embarked on her mission to rescue Huan Zong.
Episode 14 Recap
A solemn execution was underway. The Second Prince, Huan Zong, received orders to oversee the execution of the First Prince, his elder brother. The imperial decree declared the First Prince a Grand General who, despite his duty to protect the realm, harbored treasonous ambitions, led armies against the capital, and plotted regicide. For these unforgivable crimes, he was to be stripped of all titles, demoted to a commoner, and executed immediately.
The First Prince, however, laughed defiantly, condemning the current Emperor as a ruthless usurper. He asserted his return with troops was rightful and just, regretting only his haste in failing to claim the Emperor's head. He vowed that even in death, the Emperor would not escape heaven's retribution. As Huan Zong approached, the First Prince quietly urged him to protect himself and their younger brother. Huan Zong, with a promise, gave the order.
As the blade fell, Huan Zong felt a tearing pain in his heart. After the execution, a distraught Huan Zong returned, where his younger brother, the Crown Prince, greeted him, distraught. The younger brother questioned if his own failures led the First Prince to rebel against his succession, recalling their father's manipulative words. Huan Zong embraced him, reassuring him. He emphasized that the First Prince loved his younger brother dearly and his rebellion had nothing to do with him.
Huan Zong urged him not to blame himself and vowed to protect him within the capital. Meanwhile, Kong Hou finally reached the bottom of the cliff after enduring immense hardship. The sight of numerous corpses, including dark cultivator bodies and beggar puppets, filled her with deep worry for Huan Zong. She frantically searched until she found him lying unconscious against a large tree.
Her initial instinct was to take him away, but she remembered the Black-robed man's warning: if Huan Zong's inner demon was not dispelled, he would remain catatonic or perish even if his body was recovered. Realizing the gravity of the situation, Kong Hou used her spiritual tool to enter Huan Zong's dream, a realm dominated by his inner demon. Within Huan Zong's dream, the imperial palace reflected his father's debauchery.
After usurping the throne, the Emperor indulged in endless pleasures, constantly seeking beautiful women and neglecting state affairs. Kong Hou disguised herself as a palace maid to blend in, observing and listening to the court gossip. She overheard other maids complaining about their arduous tasks and haughty guards. When Kong Hou inquired about a handsome guard named Huan Zong, the maids dismissed her, suggesting she must be fantasizing.
Later, she heard whispers that the First Prince's rebellion was a quest for revenge, fueled by the Emperor's murder of the late Empress, Huan Zong's mother, over three hundred years ago. The Emperor had even forced Huan Zong to oversee his elder brother's execution as a warning. Kong Hou found it chilling how this mirrored the Lingyou Realm's ancient history, questioning how Huan Zong's inner demon could be so intricately linked to such distant royal tragedies.
She narrowly avoided suspicion by claiming to be delivering treats from another palace. Huan Zong, still within his inner demon's world, shrewdly manipulated his vigilant eunuch by feigning a desire for beautiful companions, sending the eunuch off on a search. He then met secretly with a loyal general, who presented him with the First Prince's token, confirming the Northwest Camp's allegiance and their readiness to act when the time was right.
Meanwhile, having no proper place to sleep in the palace, Kong Hou found a large tree and decided to rest there. As Huan Zong returned from his meeting, he spotted her sleeping in the tree. She fell directly into his arms. Kong Hou was overjoyed to see him, but Huan Zong was instantly suspicious, believing her to be a spy sent by his father.
At that moment, Consort Qi, who was secretly following Huan Zong to gather evidence of his rebellion, stumbled upon their embrace. Huan Zong cleverly used this unexpected encounter to his advantage, pretending to be distracted by beauty to dispel Consort Qi's suspicions. Back in his chambers, Huan Zong remained wary, convinced Kong Hou was a spy.
Kong Hou tried to tell him that this world was an illusion and urged him to leave with her, but he did not recognize her. She tried to forcibly pull him towards an exit she perceived, but Huan Zong saw nothing but a solid wall, unable to comprehend her words or actions. As he struggled free, Kong Hou was suddenly ejected from the inner demon realm.
Outside, she saw Huan Zong still unconscious, now bleeding from a wound he sustained in the dream. Realizing that injuries within the inner demon manifested externally and that he couldn't leave on his own, Kong Hou vowed to rescue him and re-entered the dreamscape. Inside, Huan Zong was perplexed by Kong Hou's sudden disappearance. He recounted the strange encounter with the "fairy sister" who vanished into a wall to his younger brother, who naively suggested she was a celestial being.
When Kong Hou re-entered the inner demon realm, it was already morning, and palace guards, who had been searching for her for "days" in the dream, brought her before Huan Zong. Still getting dressed, Huan Zong angrily confronted her, accusing her of being a spy sent by his father who used witchcraft. Kong Hou insisted she was his friend, but he remained unconvinced and ordered her immediate execution.
Desperate, Kong Hou remembered an intimate detail Lin Hu had told her about Huan Zong: he had a mole on his buttock. She blurted out this secret, stunning Huan Zong and causing him to dismiss his attendant. She further revealed his preferences for white clothing, cleanliness, and tea brewed with morning dew from pine needles.
Huan Zong remained suspicious, concluding that his father must have divulged these details to make her a more effective spy, yet he spared her, citing his father's high regard for her. Kong Hou was taken to lavish chambers and showered with gifts, signifying her unique status as the first woman Huan Zong had kept company. Uninterested in the riches, Kong Hou pondered how to break Huan Zong's inner demon.
She recalled the maids' gossip about the tragic history of his family: his father murdered his mother, the Empress, and forced Huan Zong to execute his own elder brother. She speculated that Huan Zong's inner demon might stem from his failure to avenge his family, wondering if she needed to help him kill the Emperor or if he had to do it himself. Later that night, Huan Zong, heavily intoxicated and overcome with grief, stumbled into Kong Hou's room.
He made advances, mistaking her for a spy sent to tempt him. Kong Hou struggled desperately, repeatedly calling out his name, which eventually broke through his drunken stupor. Huan Zong stopped, his eyes clearing, and he lay down on the bed, deep in thought. It was revealed that it was his elder brother's birthday that day, and his profound sadness had driven him to drink.
Episode 15 Recap
A servant greeted Huan Zong, noting his vitality and inquiring if he had slept well. Huan Zong responded that he had slept well enough. Turning to Kong Hou, he told her that since she hadn't served him well the previous night, she was demoted to a common palace maid, effective immediately. Kong Hou found the uniform hideous and, while being led away, tried to ask about Huan Zong’s preferences.
She was cut off and warned against being too talkative, lest she be mistaken for the Emperor's spy. Recalling her mission to rescue Huan Zong from his inner demon, Kong Hou realized her initial plan of having him kill his father was impossible without spiritual power and too outlandish for Huan Zong to believe. She resolved to find another way. Later, as Kong Hou attempted to help Huan Zong wash up, he found her clumsy.
He disliked her using a rag that smelled of sandalwood—which she admitted was used to clean the table—to wipe his hands. He also found her hair styling painful and messy. While cleaning, Kong Hou accidentally broke a vase. She tried to explain it was an accident, but Huan Zong merely pointed out her carelessness and ordered her to clean it up.
Kong Hou then spent the morning by the lake, feeding fish and pondering how to make Huan Zong remember her. She knew she couldn’t simply push him to kill his father, as he still didn't trust her. Huan Zong's guards observed her, puzzled by her unusual behavior for a suspected spy. They reported to Huan Zong that she had spent the entire morning feeding fish and later consumed all his pastries in the kitchen. Huan Zong found her "tactic" peculiar.
As Kong Hou fed the fish, she was inspired by a past encounter where they both fell into a lake and decided to recreate the scene to trigger his memories. When Huan Zong approached, Kong Hou impulsively pulled him towards the water, attempting to push him in. However, he dodged, and she fell into the shallow fish pond herself. Huan Zong mocked her clumsy ambush, suggesting she find a deeper pond next time.
Frustrated, Kong Hou confessed she was trying to help him recall their shared past. She recounted their first meeting where she fell into water and accidentally dragged him in, even mentioning Lin Hu, his attendant, whom Huan Zong claimed he had never heard of. She also mentioned an incident with a Nascent Soul Elder, but Huan Zong dismissed her stories as nonsense, deepening his suspicion.
Undaunted, Kong Hou saw a patch of thorny flowers and planned to use them to jog his memory of another past event. When Huan Zong passed by, she pretended to slip and pulled him down, causing thorns to prick his hand. He was exasperated, calling her the most inept spy he had ever seen. Despite her denials, Huan Zong, citing his busy schedule, ordered her to the stables.
There, Kong Hou confided in the horses, lamenting Huan Zong's "heartless" and "poor memory." His guards reported that she mostly ate, slept, and occasionally "argued with" and adorned his favorite horse. Huan Zong confessed to his attendant that her nonsensical claims were oddly plausible, wondering if he had experienced memory lapses since waking from his coma. His attendant, however, assured him that his memory was intact.
One day, the Crown Prince, Huan Zong's younger brother, came to the stables, insisting on riding Huan Zong’s recently acquired horse. During the ride, the Crown Prince accidentally dropped and broke a dough figurine his brother had made for him and began to cry inconsolably. Kong Hou comforted him, promising to make him many more. The prince lamented that his brother was always too busy for him and his other attendants were boring.
Kong Hou promised to fulfill all his wishes for food and play. Later, as Kong Hou rode with the Crown Prince, the horse suddenly became spooked, throwing both of them to the ground and knocking them unconscious. Huan Zong rushed to the scene and, seeing his brother unconscious, immediately suspected Kong Hou of an assassination attempt. He had her beaten and thrown into an ice cellar.
In the freezing dungeon, Kong Hou called out Huan Zong's name, desperately trying to make him understand. Despite her pain, she resisted using her spiritual energy, knowing it would jeopardize her mission to break his inner demon. Meanwhile, the two black-robed men, still imprisoned, attempted to dig a tunnel to escape but were quickly intercepted by Lin Hu and her senior brother.
Lin Hu warned them that if they continued to be uncooperative, they would be "sent to lush pastures," a veiled threat of death. The next morning, the Crown Prince awoke. He told Huan Zong that when the horse went mad, Kong Hou had shielded him with her body, saving him from severe injury. Almost simultaneously, the coroner reported that the horse had consumed "Bell Grass," a poisonous herb that causes madness 7 to 10 days after ingestion.
Realizing he had only sent Kong Hou to the stables two days prior, Huan Zong understood she could not have been the poisoner and had gravely wronged her. He rushed to the dungeon, where he found Kong Hou unconscious and emaciated, still faintly calling his name. As he looked at her, memories of their past together resurfaced, revealing the truth of her words.
Kong Hou remained unconscious for three days, during which Huan Zong stayed by her side, tending to her. Upon waking, Kong Hou believed Huan Zong had finally remembered her and eagerly rushed to him. He clarified that while he now believed her innocent of harming his brother, he still hadn't fully regained his memories of her. She tearfully recounted her pain, reminding him that even in this inner demon realm, her injuries were real.
He apologized and offered compensation, sending a tonic meal from the imperial kitchen. However, Kong Hou, feeling her suffering was being dismissed, refused the meal. She later told him his apology was unappreciative and that if his sincerity were genuine, she would be able to feel it. In response, Huan Zong publicly ordered his guards to whip him, intending to show her his profound remorse.
Episode 16 Recap
Second Prince Huan Zong ordered his bodyguard, Bei Jun, to whip him, insisting on a genuine punishment rather than a pretense. A palace maid informed Kong Hou of the ongoing whipping, which she initially dismissed as a trick but soon realized was serious. Rushing to the scene, Kong Hou found Huan Zong being lashed and immediately intervened, accusing him of being insane. Huan Zong asserted that the self-inflicted pain was his apology.
Seeing his severe injuries, Kong Hou declared them even, accepted his apology, and implored him to stop. Though she first suggested a palace maid tend to his wounds, citing her own unhealed injury, Huan Zong insisted that she do it. While applying medicine, Kong Hou recalled a past memory where she tended to his itching after he was wounded protecting her from poisonous thorns, noting that he was "aloof, yet unexpectedly adorable" then, a stark contrast to his current demeanor.
Huan Zong flinched, telling her to be gentle. Following this, Huan Zong ordered Kong Hou to return to his personal service the next day, relieving her of stable duties. Later, Emperor Jing Hong, while receiving a massage, inquired about the Crown Prince's recovery. Soon after, one of Huan Zong's bodyguards presented a captive to the Emperor, revealing that this person had poisoned a horse meant for Huan Zong, causing it to go wild and endanger the Crown Prince.
The bodyguard requested the Emperor to administer justice. Emperor Jing Hong confronted Consort Qi, recognizing the captive as her brother. Consort Qi confessed, claiming she only meant to scare Huan Zong for constantly troubling the Emperor and had no intention of harming the Crown Prince. Enraged, the Emperor chastised her, revealing his own plan to wait for Huan Zong to lower his guard before delivering a fatal blow.
He fumed that Consort Qi's impulsive act had alerted the "patient predator," forcing him to now take the initiative. The Crown Prince happily played hide-and-seek with Kong Hou, proudly stating that "Second Brother said this is a tactic" after she found him. The Crown Prince then pleaded with Huan Zong to fly a kite with him, reminding him of past broken promises. Kong Hou supported the Crown Prince, mentioning her master's advice on the benefits of fresh air.
Huan Zong reluctantly agreed. After Huan Zong failed to fly the kite, Kong Hou took over and skillfully launched it high into the sky, much to the Crown Prince's delight. Kong Hou then proposed a kite-flying competition. During the competition, their kite became stuck in a tree. Kong Hou climbed up to retrieve it but slipped, spraining her ankle and falling into Huan Zong's arms. They bickered again, with Huan Zong calling her clumsy and she accusing him of bullying.
The Crown Prince defended Kong Hou, praising her as "brilliant, adorable, and beautiful," and asked Huan Zong to treat her better. He then expressed his desire for Kong Hou to stay by his side forever and, being too young to marry her, asked Huan Zong to marry her instead. Huan Zong and Kong Hou exchanged a look but did not refuse, making the Crown Prince overjoyed.
Later that night, while watching over the sleeping Crown Prince, Kong Hou impulsively hugged Huan Zong from behind, and he did not push her away. After they left the room, Kong Hou asked why he didn't push her away, and he claimed he feared waking his brother. She then reassured Huan Zong, telling him that he was not corrupted by power but acted solely to protect his brother and others.
Subsequently, Huan Zong gathered his late elder brother's former subordinates, informing them that their enemy was now on alert. He instructed them to wait for the completion of the temple where Emperor Jing Hong planned to cultivate, as that moment would be their best chance for revenge. His subordinates pledged their unwavering loyalty. Meanwhile, outside the illusion, Kong Hou's Senior Tan grew increasingly anxious after five days of her absence, suggesting they force their way in.
Lin Hu cautioned against this, warning that their own inner demons could adversely affect those within the illusion. He highlighted Kong Hou's intelligence and unique absence of inner demons, urging patience. Lin Hu also explained that time flowed differently inside—one day outside equaled ten days inside—and Kong Hou's Concealment Pill would soon expire. They agreed to intervene only if a disturbance occurred or if Kong Hou was discovered.
While Huan Zong and Kong Hou were together, a guard rushed in to report that Consort Qi had taken the Crown Prince. Consort Qi attempted to feed the wary Crown Prince, who refused her food. She then placed his hand on her pregnant belly, claiming to carry a new prince who would become the Emperor's favorite, implying the Crown Prince would be cast aside.
She cruelly asserted that Huan Zong merely pretended to care, had killed their elder brother, and would eventually kill the Crown Prince too, graphically describing gruesome execution methods. The terrified Crown Prince began to cry hysterically. When Emperor Jing Hong arrived, Consort Qi feigned distress, claiming she had merely revealed her pregnancy, prompting the Crown Prince to allegedly attack her belly. Enraged, Emperor Jing Hong moved to strike the Crown Prince, but Huan Zong swiftly intervened.
Huan Zong questioned the distraught Crown Prince and comforted him, assuring him, "Brother knows, Brother believes you. Don't be afraid." Outside, Bei Jun informed Senior Tan and Kong Hou about Consort Qi's "miscarriage risk" and refused them entry. An imperial physician soon confirmed that Consort Qi's pregnancy was stable. The Emperor then confronted Consort Qi, revealing he knew she faked the incident and sternly warned her to "behave yourself."
Huan Zong comforted the Crown Prince, who was then confined to his quarters by imperial decree. Huan Zong then knelt outside the Emperor's palace and declared he would go to the ancestral temple to pray for the unborn child. Emperor Jing Hong understood this as a silent warning that he would not tolerate a severe punishment for the Crown Prince based solely on Consort Qi's word.
He mused that while Huan Zong might be contemplating rebellion, it was not the right time to act, prioritizing his own cultivation goals. Huan Zong continued kneeling at the ancestral temple, joined by Kong Hou. She questioned his methods but reiterated her unwavering support, stating, "I came here for you. No matter what happens. . . I'll be with you." The effect of Kong Hou's Concealment Pill was visibly nearing its end.
An eunuch brought Emperor Jing Hong a letter from Master Jin Yue. The letter revealed a prophecy about an "extraordinary cultivation prodigy" in the imperial family, whom Jin Yue had identified as Huan Zong. Jin Yue expressed his desire to take Huan Zong as his disciple and requested the Emperor's approval. Emperor Jing Hong was enraged, cursing Jin Yue for rejecting him but wanting Huan Zong.
Fearing Huan Zong's growing power, he vowed to never permit it and immediately ordered his guards to act. At the temple, Huan Zong and Kong Hou sensed the approaching danger, realizing the Emperor was making his move. The palace erupted in chaos. Huan Zong's loyal bodyguards attempted to protect him from poisoned arrows. Huan Zong ordered a guard to take Kong Hou to a safe place.
She resisted being forced away in a carriage until Senior Tan, who was with her, warned her that if Huan Zong died within the illusion, his real self would never awaken. Meanwhile, Emperor Jing Hong's guards seized the crying Crown Prince. The Emperor declared Huan Zong a traitor scheming rebellion and ordered his capture, dead or alive. Huan Zong arrived to confront the Emperor, who held the Crown Prince hostage.
The Emperor gave Huan Zong a choice: surrender, or watch his brother die. Huan Zong threatened to kill his father if he harmed the boy. Amidst the ensuing fight, poisoned arrows flew, and Huan Zong shielded his brother. The Crown Prince was gravely wounded, crying out, "Brother, it hurts." As he died in Huan Zong's arms, the Crown Prince said he was tired and pleaded for Huan Zong and Kong Hou to stay with him forever.
Episode 17 Recap
The faux Crown Prince in Zhong Xi’s inner demon realm accused Zhong Xi of causing his death and demanded that Zhong Xi stay to atone for his sins, telling him that if not for Zhong Xi’s actions, he would not have died in his arms. In this illusory world, Zhong Xi felt enveloped by darkness, but then vivid memories of Kong Hou flooded his mind—their shared warmth, laughter, and battles.
He abruptly realized this scene was his own inner demon manifesting. At this critical moment, Kong Hou, sensing his distress from outside, played the phoenix-headed konghou. Its melodious, stirring notes pierced the darkness, dissolving the illusion into nothingness. Guided by the music, Zhong Xi finally broke free from his inner demon. Kong Hou was overjoyed, yet also expressed her fear and sadness that he had almost forgotten her while trapped.
As Zhong Xi and Kong Hou embraced after their ordeal, they discovered a small child curled up nearby, bearing a striking resemblance to the Crown Prince. Zhong Xi initially suspected it was another trick of the inner demon, but he then acknowledged that Kong Hou had taught him to cherish simple joys, release his obsessions, and accept himself. He realized the past could not be changed, and one must move forward.
The child revealed he was the key to the Secret Realm Valley, trapped within a barrier for 500 years. He explained that anyone entering would typically fall into their own inner demons, but Kong Hou, having no inner demons, had broken the enchantment. Kong Hou, annoyed by the ordeal, chastised the child, who then offered to remove the barrier and guide them into the Secret Realm if they took him along.
Kong Hou initially refused, stating she only fell in while fighting dark cultivators, and Zhong Xi also claimed he was just looking for her. However, when the child mentioned the Secret Realm contained countless treasures, including the legendary Merfolk Scale and the Cloudseeker Twig, which they had been searching for to aid Zhong Xi’s condition, Kong Hou became eager. The child, surprised by their initial lack of interest, finally lifted the spell, and they exited the barrier.
Upon their return, Kong Hou’s Senior Tan rushed to her, expressing relief and scolding her for the dangerous situation she had put herself in. He insisted they return to Yunhua Sect immediately, fearing what their Master would say. Kong Hou, however, was resolute in her desire to stay with Zhong Xi. Lin Hu, observing their interaction, cleverly intervened by engaging Senior Tan in a conversation, creating an opportunity for Zhong Xi and Kong Hou to have some private time.
Meanwhile, Ling Bo, having injured her leg, leaned against a tree in the forest. Lin Hu arrived just in time, carrying her back to the inn and carefully bandaging her wound. Ling Bo, ever proud, attempted to hide her injury, but Lin Hu teased her, revealing she got hurt due to her recklessness while trying to outdo her senior. He also mentioned that he had already sent word to her sect.
Back at the inn, Kong Hou tended to Zhong Xi. He asked how she managed to play the phoenix-headed konghou. Kong Hou explained that her desperate desire to save him must have caused the spiritual tool to resonate with her. Zhong Xi then pressed her on the nature of their relationship, admitting he didn't want to be just friends and that his feelings for her were why the phoenix-headed konghou had responded to his crisis.
Kong Hou, blushing and shy, tried to escape, but Zhong Xi pulled her back and kissed her. Later, Zhong Xi discussed the Secret Realm Valley with Lin Hu, surmising that it contained something vital that the dark cultivators desired. They decided to consult with the major sects to organize a joint expedition.
At the same time, Jiu Su, having just emerged from seclusion, was furious that his subordinates, Wu Xi and Wu Bei, had been captured and the key to the Secret Realm had fallen into the hands of the righteous cultivators. He dismissed the value of his captured subordinates, noting that as long as the realm was opened, he didn't care who held the key.
One of his subordinates reported that Kong Hou possessed exceptional spiritual roots and was inseparable from Zhong Xi, raising concerns about her power if her seal were ever lifted. Jiu Su chillingly implied he would not allow her to reach that stage. Concurrently, at Yunhua Sect, Kong Hou's Master, Wang Tong, expressed his deep concern over her near-fatal encounter in the inner demon realm and wished to recall her.
However, another elder, Qiu Shuang, praised Kong Hou's growth and ability to control her natal spiritual tool, suggesting they ask for her opinion first. Meanwhile, the Master of Liuguang Sect and Jin Yue reflected on Zhong Xi’s past trauma and were impressed by Kong Hou's unwavering courage in saving him. They expressed hope that finding the Cloudseeker Twig and Merfolk Scale would aid Zhong Xi’s recovery and agreed that the Secret Realm must be opened to counter the dark cultivators.
Ling Bo’s mother arrived, scolding her daughter for her reckless actions but eventually agreeing to let Ling Bo lead her sect’s team into the Secret Realm, as her senior, Chang De, was also injured and unable to go. Meanwhile, Senior Tan again tried to convince Kong Hou to return, citing their Master's orders, but Kong Hou reminded him of her promise to Zhong Xi.
Seeing their bond, Senior Tan, after a clever suggestion from Zhong Xi, decided to report to their Master that he had "lost track" of Kong Hou or that they had already departed by the time he received the message, allowing them to proceed. As Zhong Xi, Kong Hou, Lin Hu, and Senior Tan journeyed to the Secret Realm Valley, they encountered Ling Bo, who greeted everyone except Lin Hu, reigniting their playful banter.
They also met disciples from other sects, including Jin Ling and Zhou Xiao from Shuangqing Sect. The two offered pastries and sincerely apologized for their Master Shuang Qing’s past misdeeds. Kong Hou graciously accepted their apology and the pastries, recognizing their genuine regret.
Upon reaching the Secret Realm entrance, Ling Bo announced the collective decision of the elders: due to the dangers within, some cultivators would guard the entrance while others would be selected by a lottery using "enter" or "stay" tokens. She also confirmed that the key to the Secret Realm would be jointly held by Liuguang Sect and Yunhua Sect. The selected cultivators then prepared to enter the Secret Realm Valley.
Episode 18 Recap
Master Zhong Xi and other cultivators ventured into a mysterious secret realm. As they delved deeper, the surrounding mist grew thick, obscuring their vision. Although Ling Bo was chosen as the expedition leader, Lin Hu, concerned for her safety, charged ahead into the dense fog. The others quickly followed, but Master Zhong Xi and Kong Hou, who entered last, found themselves completely alone. To avoid further separation, they held hands as they moved forward.
Kong Hou observed that they had not encountered anyone else from the other sects, which Master Zhong Xi attributed to the realm being a grand formation that teleported individuals to different locations upon entry. They soon arrived at a desolate area marked "Bo Yuan Residence." Kong Hou found it peculiar that Immortal Bo Yuan, a revered figure known for battling demon cultivators, would reside in such an isolated place.
Master Zhong Xi explained that Immortal Bo Yuan's formations were formidable, emphasizing that places appearing simple could be the most dangerous. He added that since Lin Hu was a demon cultivator, he might face "special treatment" within Immortal Bo Yuan’s domain. Indeed, Lin Hu found himself repeatedly struck by lightning upon entering, complaining that the ancient animosity towards demon cultivators persisted. Ling Bo, who had just arrived, mockingly asked what he was shouting about.
Lin Hu pleaded for her help, explaining the lightning was targeting him. Ling Bo suggested he simply leave, but Lin Hu refused, citing an important mission. Desperate, Lin Hu tried to pull Ling Bo close, insisting that being near her helped him avoid the lightning. Ling Bo accused him of being a lecher. In a moment of panic, Lin Hu placed a demon mark on Ling Bo.
Horrified, she demanded he remove it immediately, but Lin Hu claimed he couldn't, stating he needed his Young Master's assistance. Ling Bo threatened to kill him, but Lin Hu revealed that the demon mark had bound their fates, making them "life and death" companions, meaning if one died, the other would too. Ling Bo, thus, spared his life. Master Zhong Xi and Kong Hou discovered a tree that matched the description of the legendary Cloudseeker Twig.
Kong Hou eagerly wanted to retrieve it, but a voice, a remnant of Immortal Bo Yuan's consciousness, announced that this was his abode and only cultivators at the Void Unity stage could enter. Kong Hou expressed frustration at this arrogant challenge, feeling that the treasures were being flaunted but kept out of reach. However, she realized Master Zhong Xi was nearing the Void Unity stage, and she herself had received the phoenix-headed konghou's recognition.
She proposed they try the "Harmony Sync" method. Master Zhong Xi agreed, and by entering meditation and combining their spiritual energies, they successfully broke through the barrier and entered Immortal Bo Yuan's inner residence. Meanwhile, Lin Hu and Ling Bo found themselves in a barren desert. Ling Bo accidentally stumbled into a formation, separating them. Both tried using their sect’s formation incantations to find a way out, but to no avail.
Lin Hu reasoned that Immortal Bo Yuan, known for his unconventional ways, would not create formations that yielded to standard incantations. Frustrated, Lin Hu suggested they simply "wander around," and to Ling Bo’s surprise, this undirected approach eventually led them out of the desert. Ling Bo expressed relief, admitting she feared she would never see him again, but quickly disguised her concern as a leader's duty to protect her team.
They continued to bicker about their predicament and how to proceed. Separated from his companion, Zhou Xiao heard Jin Ling's flute melody, a pre-arranged signal for danger. He anxiously searched for her. Rogue cultivator Chi Si, whom Zhou Xiao had met earlier, offered his assistance. Zhou Xiao confided that he and Jin Ling were engaged to be married, which explained his urgency.
Chi Si reassured him, and together they set off to find Jin Ling, soon getting trapped in an illusionary formation. They quickly realized they were separated by the array, agreeing to find their own ways out while remaining calm. Inside Immortal Bo Yuan's residence, Kong Hou discovered numerous storybooks. Master Zhong Xi speculated they were for leisure, and Kong Hou was surprised that such a serious immortal would indulge in reading, making him seem "more like a human."
She noticed one book was particularly worn, indicating it was a favorite. Master Zhong Xi assured her that taking these items was acceptable, as they were meant for future generations of the Lingyou Realm. Kong Hou also found spiritual fruits that were over a thousand years old but still fresh and enhanced spiritual energy. She decided to gather them for her fellow disciples.
As they prepared to leave, Immortal Bo Yuan’s voice echoed again, declaring that his life's ultimate techniques were stored there. They were required to master these techniques and pass a final test to leave; failure would result in eternal entrapment. Kong Hou was daunted by the immense task. Master Zhong Xi commented that while the ancient techniques were profound, many seemed outdated in the present era, though some theories remained valuable.
Kong Hou worried Immortal Bo Yuan might hear such criticism and punish them, so they resigned themselves to studying the texts. Kong Hou eventually dozed off while reading. She awoke to a completely different environment, and Master Zhong Xi was gone. When he reappeared, his demeanor was harsh and disdainful. He berated her for falling asleep, calling her talentless and mediocre, and ordered her to return to her sect, claiming she was a hindrance.
Kong Hou, observing his uncharacteristic words and harshness, soon realized that this was not the real Master Zhong Xi. She confronted him, asserting that the true Master Zhong Xi would never abandon or look down on her, and that she always felt secure with him. The imposter, acknowledging her cleverness, revealed that he was a manifestation sent by Immortal Bo Yuan to test her.
He vaguely assured her that the real Master Zhong Xi was fine and much smarter than she imagined. Having passed this emotional and intellectual trial, Kong Hou was instructed to move on. Meanwhile, Lin Hu and Ling Bo, still in the mysterious courtyard, discovered a stone inscription. It revealed that the courtyard was Immortal Bo Yuan’s "containment site" for demon cultivators he had defeated, whose souls were sealed there, causing a pervasive demonic aura.
Ling Bo was perplexed, as she was not a demon cultivator. She then realized that the demon mark Lin Hu had placed on her had merged their bloodlines, causing her to temporarily manifest fox-like features and emit a demonic aura, thus triggering the courtyard's absorption mechanism. She furiously threatened Lin Hu again, but he quickly undid the demon mark, enduring significant spiritual drain. However, a residual demonic aura lingered in Ling Bo, preventing her immediate departure from the site.
Since night was approaching and the secret realm was perilous after dark, Lin Hu urged her to stay, offering a cleaned room and reassurance that the remaining aura might dissipate by morning. He even offered her a roasted wild goose, empathizing with her cravings and promising to keep her temporary demonic state a secret, emphasizing that she would soon return to being the "beautiful, gorgeous, generous, highly cultivated, and noble Lady Ling Bo."
With Chi Si's help, Zhou Xiao found Jin Ling. She had discovered a treasure chest containing Immortal Bo Yuan’s Heaven and Earth Swordplay and a unique mirror. Chi Si explained that the Heaven and Earth Swordplay was a legendary and profound technique, said to have been created by an ascended sword cultivator three millennia ago, capable of "overturning Heaven and Earth" and leading one to immortality.
Seeing Chi Si's awe, Jin Ling offered him the swordplay as a token of gratitude for his help. Chi Si, however, declined, stating he was not greedy and suggesting they study it together. Zhou Xiao praised Chi Si's magnanimity, and Jin Ling resolved to make thousands of copies of the swordplay to distribute among all major sects. As for the mirror, Jin Ling revealed its special ability: it could show a person's past. She playfully offered it to both Chi Si and Zhou Xiao, but both politely declined to look into it.
Episode 19 Recap
Ling Bo, afflicted by a demonic aura, underwent a drastic change in temperament, even attempting to seduce Lin Hu. Disturbed by her altered state, Lin Hu had no choice but to confine her to a room while he sought a solution. Trapped and unable to leave the manor, he lit a fire to send up smoke signals, hoping to alert others to his plight.
From within her confinement, Ling Bo struggled, at times blaming Lin Hu for her predicament and insisting that her mind was perfectly clear, uncontrolled by the demonic aura. Meanwhile, Zhou Xiao steadfastly refused to let Jin Ling glimpse his past using a magic mirror, fearing her reaction. Suspicious that he might have wronged her, Jin Ling insisted on seeing for herself. As she peered into the mirror, it revealed a memory of Zhou Xiao calling her a "tigress."
Enraged, Jin Ling chased him furiously, eventually throwing the mirror, which landed precisely at Chi Si’s feet. When Zhou Xiao bent to retrieve it, he felt a flicker of unease, as the reflection of Chi Si in the mirror seemed strangely unlike him. In another part of the secret realm, Master Zhong Xi and Kong Hou successfully navigated their trials, emerging with three treasures. Tasked with choosing only one, Kong Hou selected a teleportation talisman, intending to rejoin Lin Hu.
However, upon activation, they found themselves transported to a secluded forest, not Lin Hu’s location. Kong Hou initially doubted the talisman’s authenticity, but Master Zhong Xi surmised that Lin Hu might be trapped in a demon-forbidden area, making direct teleportation impossible. He also speculated that the Merfolk Scale they sought might be located within such a forbidden zone. Zhou Xiao, Jin Ling, and Chi Si spotted Lin Hu's smoke signals and hurried to his location.
They found the manor surrounded by a strong demonic aura and saw a tablet warning that the area only trapped demon cultivators. Correctly guessing that as regular cultivators they might be able to enter, Chi Si volunteered to test the theory and passed through the barrier unharmed. Once inside, they found Lin Hu, who explained that Ling Bo was uncontrollably raging due to the demonic influence and pleaded for their help.
However, their combined efforts to expel the demonic energy failed. Later, when her condition worsened, Lin Hu, in a desperate act to save her, performed a ritual to draw her demonic aura into himself. He severed his own fox tail, a great sacrifice of his cultivation, to break their shared demon pact. After this ordeal, Ling Bo fell unconscious. Earlier, hoping to appease Jin Ling, Zhou Xiao had promised to marry her once they returned to their sect.
When Jin Ling expressed a wish for flowers, Zhou Xiao eagerly went to find some. It was then that he noticed Chi Si behaving suspiciously and secretly followed him, seeing Chi Si take a mysterious item from a hidden location. Upon being confronted, Chi Si warned Zhou Xiao that revealing the item's nature would cost him his life. A fierce battle ensued, in which Zhou Xiao was gravely wounded.
Tragically, Jin Ling arrived at that moment and was struck down by Chi Si, dying instantly. Holding his deceased companion, a heartbroken Zhou Xiao made a dying request to Lin Hu and Ling Bo to have him and Jin Ling buried together in their sect. He gasped out a final clue: Chi Si had taken something important. Chi Si, fleeing the scene, encountered Master Zhong Xi and Kong Hou. Still maintaining his facade, he engaged them in conversation.
Master Zhong Xi, already suspicious of Chi Si, cautiously tested his identity. As they spoke, an old man emerged from behind some rocks, introducing himself as the Realm Spirit who had resided there for a millennium and expressing immense excitement at seeing living beings. He stated that the secret realm's gate only opened on specific "odd-numbered days after the Hour of Shen," implying they were all temporarily trapped.
Kong Hou informed him of their quest for the Merfolk Scale, and he confirmed it was hidden within Immortal Bo Yuan’s residence. The elder announced he required breakfast as a condition for revealing the Merfolk Scale's exact location. Kong Hou prepared simple dishes like dried meat and Frostweed, describing each with such eloquence that the elder, having never tasted proper food, found them exquisitely delicious. Master Zhong Xi, upon tasting the overly salty food, realized Kong Hou's clever ploy.
After the meal, the elder requested a story. Seizing the opportunity, Kong Hou and Master Zhong Xi tricked him into revealing his true identity. Using a simple medicine bottle he claimed was a spiritual tool that could discern identities, Zhong Xi prompted the elder to confess: he was indeed Immortal Bo Yuan, who had failed his ascension and hid away out of shame, lying to the outside world about his success.
Kong Hou then struck a deal: their silence about his secret in exchange for the Merfolk Scale. As Chi Si again tried to leave, Master Zhong Xi blocked his path. At that moment, Kong Hou's spiritual tool, the phoenix-headed konghou, struck, dispelling Chi Si's disguise and revealing his true form: Jiu Su. Lin Hu soon received a message from Master Zhong Xi confirming Chi Si's identity as Jiu Su.
Ling Bo speculated that Jiu Su's ultimate objective in the secret realm was to acquire the Dark Cloud Tablet, a formidable spiritual tool rumored to possess the power to stir the cosmic forces.
Episode 20 Recap
Master Zhong Xi, still recovering from his injuries, needed only the Dragonblood Herb to fully restore his spiritual core. Despite his condition, he led his disciples to pursue Jiusu, who had fled back to his lair. Upon arrival, Master Zhong Xi found the lair empty.
Jiusu, recognizing he was not strong enough to confront Master Zhong Xi, had quickly retreated, leaving behind a letter that vowed revenge for his father, Rong Ji, and promised to slaughter all those who had wronged him. Meanwhile, Kong Hou reunited with her Senior Ling Hui and her Senior Brother. They were overjoyed and relieved to see her safe after her perilous trip to the secret realm.
Her Senior Brother expressed his fear of their Master's wrath, as he was supposed to have brought Kong Hou back earlier. After sharing some qiaoguo, Kong Hou confided in Senior Ling Hui, expressing her desire to be with Zhong Xi forever. However, she admitted to being inexperienced in matters of the heart and unsure how to achieve a lasting bond. Senior Ling Hui, happy for her junior sister, suggested marriage.
Kong Hou's eyes lit up, and she immediately decided she would propose to Zhong Xi, planning a grand, once-in-a-lifetime ceremony. Senior Ling Hui advised her to plan properly, as such matters shouldn't be rushed. Elsewhere, Fairy Ling Bo, having returned from the secret realm, inquired about what various foxes liked to eat. Lin Hu, feigning severe injuries whenever she approached, sought her care.
Ling Bo, feeling guilty that he had supposedly lost his cultivation because of her, dismissed her sect members and stayed behind to look after him personally. Lin Hu, however, was secretly ashamed, as his cultivation had not vanished, and his tail would regrow along with his full powers. When Ling Bo discovered his deception, she became furious, drawing her sword and threatening to "take good care" of him.
Seeing that he was perfectly fine, Ling Bo, no longer worried about his supposed injuries, decided to return to her sect. Lin Hu pleaded with her to stay, arguing he was still a patient and needed care, but she departed. Later, Master Zhong Xi returned after failing to capture Jiusu. Kong Hou, pondering a storybook she had read, began to subtly probe him about his identity, hinting that she knew he was more than he seemed.
Master Zhong Xi, realizing he could no longer hide, revealed his true identity as the revered Master of Liuguang Sect's Luanfeng Peak. Kong Hou was initially excited but soon grew concerned about the immense responsibilities and burdens he carried, realizing the sacrifices he had made.
Master Zhong Xi explained that he had maintained a cold and rigorous demeanor throughout the years, fearing that emotions would lead to losing his sect members, just as his own master had experienced a painful loss in his youth due to being too soft-hearted. Kong Hou understood his plight and comforted him, promising to stand by his side and protect him from now on.
Before her planned departure, Fairy Ling Bo encountered Xiao Dong, an old acquaintance to whom she had once given a jade pendant. Noting the late hour and the impending rain, Xiao Dong suggested she stay one more night, and Ling Bo agreed. She later reflected on Xiao Dong, wondering why he still wore the pendant despite her believing she had made her feelings clear.
She recalled how he had feigned ignorance of basic cultivation arts, like the Night Vision Art, to get her to teach him, hoping to spend more time with her. That night, Lin Hu came to Ling Bo's room and, through the door, playfully teased her, promising to wake her up in the morning so he wouldn't miss seeing her off. The next day, Kong Hou discussed with Senior Ling Hui her plan to bring Zhong Xi to meet her master.
Senior Ling Hui humorously wondered if Master Zhong Xi, being a Daoist, might not want to marry, and offered Kong Hou some advice which made her blush. Meanwhile, Master Zhong Xi, nervous about meeting Kong Hou's master, sought Lin Hu's advice on which outfit to wear. Lin Hu helped him consider various attire choices, advising him to think carefully about the "status" under which he would be presenting himself.
As Kong Hou and Senior Ling Hui continued to brainstorm proposal ideas, Master Zhong Xi suddenly arrived. He presented Kong Hou with a collection of keys, explaining they belonged to Luanfeng Peak's Treasure Hall, storage rooms, and archive vaults. He expressed his wish for her to keep them, signifying that she would become the other master of his abode. Overwhelmed, Kong Hou eventually realized he was proposing marriage. With a joyful "I will," she accepted.
The following morning, after a brief absence, Lin Hu rejoined the group. Kong Hou's Senior Brother's attitude towards Master Zhong Xi noticeably softened after learning his true identity, no longer harboring his previous dislike. Just as Master Zhong Xi prepared to accompany Kong Hou to meet her master, an urgent message arrived: his master, Jin Yue, was seriously ill. Master Zhong Xi's expression changed drastically. Kong Hou gently held his arm, offering silent comfort.
Taking a deep breath, he informed Kong Hou that they had to return to his sect first. The group hurried to depart, Master Zhong Xi’s steps urgent yet steady, with Kong Hou close behind, while Senior Ling Hui and her brother looked on with grave expressions. Lagging slightly, Lin Hu glanced at his fully regrown tail, then at Master Zhong Xi's retreating back.
Episode 21 Recap
Master Jin Yue recalled Zhong Xi, feigning illness. His true intention, however, was to prevent Zhong Xi from marrying Kong Hou, as he envisioned Zhong Xi ascending to immortality rather than forming a marital bond. Jin Yue had also observed the profound changes in Zhong Xi since he began his relationship with Kong Hou, noting that the sect could not teach Zhong Xi the things Kong Hou had.
When Zhong Xi returned, he tried to regulate Jin Yue’s energy, but Jin Yue refused, claiming Zhong Xi’s spiritual core was not fully stabilized. Jin Yue then confessed to feeling as though he had failed Zhong Xi, to which Zhong Xi responded that Jin Yue’s past strictness was due to circumstances and that he knew Jin Yue always cared for him.
Zhong Xi acknowledged his own transformation, attributing it to Kong Hou, who had opened his heart and broadened his perspective beyond just cultivation and demon slaying. He admitted that being with Kong Hou brought him great joy and declared his wish to form a cultivation partnership with her. Meanwhile, Master Hong Yan from the Yuexing Sect arrived, emphasizing their sect's mission to protect those destined for ascension, a role Zhong Xi was fated to fulfill.
She expressed her unwillingness for Zhong Xi to be influenced by external factors that might jeopardize this great responsibility. Jin Yue promptly led Master Hong Yan to the inner hall to discuss the matter further. As they conversed, Zhong Xi happened to pass by and overheard their discussion, learning that they considered his focus on Kong Hou a distraction from his solemn duty.
Separately, Kong Hou was anxious about Zhong Xi’s return to his master, fearing his master might oppose their union and even punish Zhong Xi. She confided in Ling Hui, expressing her worry and even suggesting they "steal Zhong Xi back" if necessary. Zhong Xi then appeared, reassuring her that his master had agreed to the marriage. Kong Hou introduced Zhong Xi to her Master, Wang Tong, who was quite surprised to see him.
Zhong Xi offered a gift of Mengshi Mushrooms, explaining he had heard of Master Wang Tong's stomach ailments and had specially found the cure. Master Wang Tong, while seemingly touched by Zhong Xi's thoughtfulness, was shocked when Kong Hou boldly stated her desire to marry Zhong Xi, declaring she loved him and wanted to be with him forever. Master Wang Tong firmly rejected the proposal, telling Zhong Xi to leave and take his gift with him.
After Zhong Xi was asked to leave, Kong Hou, still hopeful, reassured him that her master would eventually agree. Alone, Master Wang Tong reflected on how quickly this day had arrived. He recalled a memory from the mortal realm, where he encountered a dying woman who pleaded with him to save her child, Kong Hou.
This memory reinforced his knowledge that Kong Hou was no ordinary person, and he feared that if she married Zhong Xi, given Zhong Xi's prominent status, her true identity would be exposed, potentially drawing her into danger once more. This was the true reason for his strong opposition. Around the same time, Jiu Su and his subordinate discussed their past.
Jiu Su recounted being relentlessly hunted since childhood and how he was saved by the sacrifice of a fellow clan member. He revealed his acquisition of the Dark Cloud Tablet and his intent to use it to make the "righteous sects" suffer the same agony he experienced, fueled by a deep-seated hatred. Kong Hou approached Master Wang Tong again, earnestly pleading for his consent to her marriage.
She stressed that her decision was not impulsive and expressed confidence in Zhong Xi’s character. Unable to completely deny Kong Hou, Master Wang Tong agreed to give Zhong Xi three trials. The first trial was for Zhong Xi to serve Kong Hou, beginning with the arduous task of washing a mountain of clothes without using magic.
Zhong Xi readily accepted, but Kong Hou, feeling pity for him, actively helped with the laundry, recalling her own childhood lessons from Master Wang Tong on how to effectively wash large piles of clothing by stomping on them. Next, Master Wang Tong tasked Zhong Xi with carving fruit, jokingly emphasizing Kong Hou’s pampered upbringing and her supposed preference for artistically carved fruits. Zhong Xi, being a skilled sword cultivator, effortlessly carved the fruit, impressing Master Wang Tong.
For the third trial, Master Wang Tong demanded that Zhong Xi clean the floors perfectly. He was exceedingly strict, repeatedly claiming the floors were still not clean enough, which frustrated Kong Hou. Seeing Zhong Xi being continually tested, Kong Hou orchestrated a distraction by enlisting other disciples to report a missing cat to Master Wang Tong, prompting him to leave and giving Zhong Xi a much-needed break. Zhong Xi, however, insisted on finishing the cleaning to honor his promise.
Meanwhile, Lin Hu pondered how to apologize to Fairy Ling Bo using a messenger talisman. His internal monologue, filled with doubts about her reaction, was accidentally sent through the talisman. Fairy Ling Bo received this awkward message and dismissed him as a "stupid fox." Later, Zhong Xi declared to Master Wang Tong that he had successfully completed all three trials. Kong Hou eagerly added her plea for approval.
However, Master Wang Tong remained unyielding, stubbornly refusing to permit their marriage and ordering Zhong Xi to return to his sect. Overwhelmed with distress, Kong Hou fainted. Master Wang Tong, after examining Kong Hou and finding no physical ailment, concluded she suffered from a "matter of the heart." He decided to consult the sect leader for a solution.
While he was away, Zhong Xi observed Kong Hou's condition and realized her seal might be unstable due to dark energy, causing her to collapse. He decided to place a new seal on her to suppress it. Master Wang Tong, having returned, secretly witnessed Zhong Xi placing the seal. He confronted Zhong Xi, knowing a seal was not a remedy for "heart sickness" and accurately surmising that Zhong Xi had discovered Kong Hou's hidden identity.
Zhong Xi confirmed his knowledge and vowed to protect Kong Hou and keep her secret. Witnessing Zhong Xi's genuine sincerity and unwavering commitment, Master Wang Tong finally relented and gave his blessing to their union. To ensure Kong Hou’s continued care and safety, he stipulated that Zhong Xi must marry into and become a member of the Yunhua Sect. Zhong Xi joyfully accepted this condition. With her master’s approval secured, a delighted Kong Hou began preparations.
She confided in Ling Hui that she wanted to create her own romantic proposal for Zhong Xi, mirroring the joy he had brought her and asserting that a woman should not be outdone. She led Zhong Xi to a beautifully adorned location and, expressing his profound importance to her, asked him to marry her. Zhong Xi, overwhelmed with happiness, enthusiastically accepted. As the day of their grand wedding approached, various sect representatives arrived.
Fairy Ling Bo encountered Jin Yue at the entrance. Noticing he still wore the jade pendant she had given him years ago, she firmly requested its return, explaining that its continued presence led to misunderstandings and gossip about their past relationship. Despite Jin Yue’s reluctance and his sentimental attachment to the pendant as her first gift to him, he returned it. Shortly after, Lin Hu, who had been waiting anxiously, enthusiastically greeted Fairy Ling Bo.
Their reunion quickly devolved into playful banter, with both denying they were waiting for the other. Lin Hu, attempting to cover his eagerness, claimed he was waiting for Xiao Dong. They briefly discussed the upcoming Cultivation Assembly before Fairy Ling Bo departed, leaving Lin Hu to wonder about her slightly irritable mood. Later, in her room, Ling Bo held the jade pendant she had just taken back.
A disciple noted that Xiao Dong of Liguang Sect, with whom Ling Bo was close, had been distant recently. The disciple suggested that Xiao Dong might have misinterpreted Ling Bo's reserved nature as disinterest and decided to give up. Pondering this, Ling Bo decided to send a final messenger talisman to Xiao Dong to clarify her intentions, acknowledging that her true destiny might lie elsewhere.
Episode 22 Recap
Lin Hu persistently sought out Lady Ling Bo, creating various excuses to talk to her. First, he claimed he was out of water and needed a drink, to which Lady Ling Bo retorted he should ask his closer neighbor. Later, he returned saying his lamp oil ran out and asked to borrow a lamp or sit in her room, despite it being daytime.
Finally, he complained his room smelled bad and asked about her incense, leading Lady Ling Bo to sharply state her room smelled good because of her, and his stank because of him, before ordering him to leave. She was clearly annoyed and distressed by past events. That night, Master Zhong Xi and Kong Hou went to the riverside to release lotus lanterns and make wishes. Kong Hou refused to reveal her wish, believing it wouldn't come true if spoken aloud.
Master Zhong Xi then presented her with a bracelet containing his spiritual energy. Kong Hou joyfully recalled how her senior brother had once given her a similar bracelet, claiming it was Master Zhong Xi's, and now she possessed not only the bracelet but Master Zhong Xi himself. He affirmed that he was hers alone. Elder Qiu Shuang designed a grand bridal headpiece for Kong Hou, but Kong Hou found its glittering gold too ostentatious and preferred a simpler style.
Just then, Master Zhong Xi arrived to see Kong Hou, but Elder Qiu Shuang intercepted him. She reminded him that tradition dictated the groom and bride should not meet frequently before the bonding ceremony. Elder Qiu Shuang assured Master Zhong Xi that Kong Hou was well and promised she would be the most beautiful bride in the Lingyou Realm, then sent him away.
However, unwilling to be apart from Kong Hou, Master Zhong Xi returned the moment Elder Qiu Shuang left, and the couple shared a tender moment, promising to never tire of one another. Sometime later, a frantic Lady Ling Bo found Lin Hu, explaining that she discovered a bug on a flower in her room and was terrified. She asked him to remove it, and then to thoroughly search her room for any other insects.
As he searched, their bodies inadvertently brushed against each other. Lin Hu teased her about the fearless Lady Ling Bo being afraid of a tiny bug. He found another bug on her clothes, and she thanked him before he left. Meanwhile, Xiao Dong sat alone in a courtyard, troubled by thoughts of Lady Ling Bo.
He overheard discussions that the Zhaohan Sect Leader (Lady Ling Bo’s mother) had failed her tribulation and was unlikely to recover, necessitating a new sect leader. They concluded that Lady Ling Bo lacked the cultivation and experience, making her senior brother, Chang De, the most suitable candidate. Xiao Dong reflected on his past decision to cut ties with Lady Ling Bo when her mother was severely injured. He wondered if she would ever speak to him again.
Lin Hu approached Xiao Dong, eager to hear his troubles. Xiao Dong confided about a woman he once admired, with whom he had broken up. He admitted he still had feelings for her but felt she wouldn’t reciprocate, especially after she recently insisted he remove a jade pendant she had given him.
Lin Hu offered advice, telling Xiao Dong that her anger indicated she still cared and that he should be persistent, never backing down even if she told him to leave or to "get lost." He emphasized the importance of expressing sincere love. Despite Xiao Dong playfully pointing out Lin Hu's own lack of success with women, he took the advice to heart, promising to act quickly. Finally, the wedding day arrived.
Kong Hou, radiant in her bridal makeup, walked hand-in-hand with Master Zhong Xi into the wedding hall. Amidst the blessings of the assembled guests, they performed the traditional bows: to heaven and earth, to the elders, and to each other, symbolizing their union. Kong Hou's Master Wang Tong watched his beloved disciple marry, visibly moved and shedding tears, though he playfully attributed it to dust in his eyes.
He sternly warned Master Zhong Xi not to mistreat Kong Hou, prompting Kong Hou to affectionately defend her new husband. Later that night, as Kong Hou awaited Master Zhong Xi in their bridal chamber, Jiusu unexpectedly appeared. He announced his purpose was to take her home, revealing a phoenix mark and calling her his "little sister." He declared they were blood siblings, members of the Yueluo Clan, a group scorned as "dark cultivators" by the righteous sects.
He accused these very sects of killing their parents and clan members, challenging Kong Hou if she would still marry Master Zhong Xi. Master Zhong Xi then burst in, attempting to stop Jiusu, who implied that Master Zhong Xi was already aware of Kong Hou’s true identity. Kong Hou, deeply shaken, denied Jiusu's claims. To prove his words, Jiusu lifted a seal on Kong Hou, awakening her spiritual root and suppressed memories.
She realized her long-standing lack of spiritual roots was due to this seal, and she recognized her mother's phoenix mark. Master Wang Tong, Master Heng Yan, and other elders arrived at the bridal chamber. Jiusu challenged Master Wang Tong to confirm Kong Hou’s identity as his sister and the daughter of the late Sovereign Rong Ji of the Yueluo Clan. Master Wang Tong angrily denied it.
Kong Hou's senior brother stepped forward, defending her by asserting that she had grown up in the Yunhua Sect under his observation, never leaving Yong City before the age of seventeen, making it impossible for her to be a dark cultivator. Jiusu dismissed their arguments, stating that facts could not be altered by mere words. At that moment, Kong Hou's newly awakened spiritual power surged, unintentionally injuring some nearby disciples.
Jiusu warned Kong Hou that with her identity as a dark cultivator exposed, the Ten Great Sects would reject her, and she would eventually return to him. Master Zhong Xi held a terrified Kong Hou close. The other sect leaders, upon learning of Kong Hou's true identity, labeled her a "dark cultivator" and demanded her immediate capture.
Master Wang Tong vehemently defended Kong Hou, stating that he had personally brought her from the mortal realm and knew her character; she was not evil. Master Heng Yan vouched for Kong Hou, explaining that despite her lineage, she had been raised in the Yunhua Sect and had never practiced dark arts. A disciple reported that the injured disciples were recovering.
However, another sect leader raised concerns about Kong Hou possessing Rong Ji’s Five Spiritual Roots, fearing that if Jiusu manipulated her for revenge, even the combined strength of the righteous sects might not be enough to stop them. Master Wang Tong insisted on a thorough investigation before any judgment, accusing the Liuguang Sect of bias due to Master Zhong Xi’s involvement. Master Jin Yue of the Liuguang Sect denied any partiality but agreed that a thorough investigation was necessary.
Faced with Master Heng Yan's reluctance to take immediate action, other sect leaders pressed Master Jin Yue to order Kong Hou's arrest. Master Jin Yue refused, asserting that the Liuguang Sect upheld justice and would not harm the innocent. The Head of Jiufeng Sect declared he would personally apprehend Kong Hou at Qiyue Peak, but Master Heng Yan questioned his ability to do so against the will of Master Jin Yue and himself.
A suggestion was made to find a solution without resorting to conflict. Master Wang Tong attempted to enter the room to comfort Kong Hou but was restrained by other elders, including Song He, who urged him to consider the broader situation. Master Wang Tong expressed his frustration, lamenting that the "righteous" sects valued their ideals over Kong Hou's life.
Inside, Master Heng Yan and Master Jin Yue informed Kong Hou of the sects' decision: to spare her life, they would remove her Five Spiritual Roots and purge her cultivation, allowing her to remain in the Yunhua Sect. Master Zhong Xi vehemently rejected this, arguing that such a procedure was life-threatening and that Kong Hou had done nothing wrong.
He declared that if the Yunhua Sect could not protect her, he would take her away; if the Lingyou Realm could not tolerate her, they would leave for another realm entirely. Master Jin Yue tried to calm Master Zhong Xi, but he remained resolute. Master Wang Tong then made a pretense of agreeing to the terms, claiming exhaustion and leaving to rest, subtly hinting at his true intentions to Song He, who remained suspicious.
Master Wang Tong denied any ulterior motives. Master Zhong Xi and Kong Hou managed to escape the bridal chamber. Disciples who discovered their flight immediately gave chase. Master Wang Tong created a diversion using a concealment spell, generating multiple illusions of Kong Hou in different directions, confusing their pursuers. He mockingly taunted the deceived disciples. Lin Hu and Lady Ling Bo arrived to assist Master Zhong Xi and Kong Hou.
Lady Ling Bo stated she was helping them because she believed in discerning right from wrong. Lin Hu decided to return to his sect to rejoin the search, pretending to look for the fugitives. He explained that his sect leader would suspect him anyway due to his close relationship with Master Zhong Xi, and by rejoining the search, he could deflect attention, buy them time, and potentially gather information to warn them if their hiding place was discovered.
Lady Ling Bo acknowledged his plan was well-considered and urged him to be careful, to which he reciprocated the warning. Back at the main hall, the other sect leaders angrily accused Master Wang Tong of deliberately allowing Kong Hou to escape. Master Wang Tong fiercely defended his actions, reiterating his disciple's innocence and his inability to stand by while she was harmed. He asserted that a person's character was not determined by their birth.
The sect leaders then accused Master Wang Tong of possibly colluding with dark cultivators, given his prior knowledge of Kong Hou's situation. Master Heng Yan immediately defended Master Wang Tong, reminding everyone of his long-standing reputation for being merciless against evil and emphasizing that he was simply concerned for his disciple. Master Wang Tong, accepting full responsibility, stated he would not allow the Yunhua Sect to be implicated and accepted any punishment.
However, when other sect leaders demanded his immediate execution, Master Heng Yan intervened once more. He admitted Master Wang Tong's actions were rash but stressed the unresolved ambiguities in Kong Hou's case. He promised that the Yunhua Sect would collaborate in the investigation into Kong Hou’s identity, but Master Wang Tong would be disciplined strictly according to the Yunhua Sect’s internal rules, inviting outside supervision to ensure fairness.
Episode 23 Recap
Master Zhong Xi and Kong Hou found refuge in the abandoned grounds of the Hehuan Sect. Zhong Xi reassured Kong Hou that this secluded spot, deserted since the sect's sealing by Luanfeng Peak, would be unknown and undisturbed. He promised that someday they would prove she was not what "they" believed. Kong Hou, however, expressed her profound confusion and fear, pondering her true identity and the fact that others cared only about her status, not the person she was.
Zhong Xi, admitting he wasn't good with words, earnestly told her that in his heart, she was simply herself, the one he loved and wished to protect for the rest of his life. He hoped they could stay together forever, comparing their resilience to a lone flower blooming amidst withered plants. Meanwhile, various major sects were actively searching for Zhong Xi and Kong Hou. Fairy Ling Bo's disciples conducted a perfunctory search.
Just as Ling Bo considered returning to report, she spotted Xiao Dong heading toward the Hehuan Sect. Realizing he was on the path to their hiding place, Ling Bo feigned an ankle injury to distract him and send their respective followers elsewhere. Xiao Dong, however, saw through her ruse, but revealed he also had no intention of capturing Zhong Xi, wishing only to confirm his safety. Reassured, Ling Bo insisted he stay with her.
Concurrently, Jin Yue aggressively interrogated Lin Hu about Zhong Xi's whereabouts, accusing him and Zhong Xi of orchestrating Kong Hou's disappearance. Lin Hu feigned ignorance, enraging Jin Yue, who stressed Zhong Xi's critical importance to the Liuguang Sect and the Lingyou Realm, threatening Lin Hu if Zhong Xi, already injured, came to harm. After a brief moment of peace where Zhong Xi comforted Kong Hou and promised a life of seclusion in the mortal realm, he left to find food.
Alone, Kong Hou found herself unexpectedly joyful about their escape, yet plagued by an inexplicable fear. During Zhong Xi's absence, an internal seal within her shattered, awakening her spiritual root and causing her to lose control, desperately craving spiritual energy. When Zhong Xi returned, Kong Hou, in a frenzied state, unknowingly choked him. Zhong Xi's repeated calls of her name eventually broke through, bringing her back to her senses.
Remorseful, Kong Hou apologized for her loss of control, but Zhong Xi gently assured her it was over and not her true self. Master Wang Tong, Senior Ling Hui, and a disciple named Tan Feng were confined in Yunhua Sect for their role in helping Zhong Xi and Kong Hou escape. Master Wang Tong dismissed the confinement, stating his only concern was Kong Hou's safety and that no news was good news, trusting Zhong Xi to protect her.
Ling Hui defended her actions, explaining she merely wished to prevent Kong Hou from being wrongly accused. Master Wang Tong took responsibility, acknowledging his failure to guide them. Their Master, the Sect Leader, admitted his own shortcomings, regretting not being more involved and allowing Ling Hui too much independence. Both Ling Hui and Master Wang Tong expressed their unwavering belief in Kong Hou's innocence and the eventual triumph of truth.
The Sect Leader praised them as loyal and righteous disciples, acknowledging that external pressures necessitated the symbolic confinement but promising to keep them informed. Tan Feng vowed to stay with Ling Hui throughout their confinement. Later, Kong Hou again expressed her profound apologies to Zhong Xi for hurting him, confessing her deep fear of future uncontrolled outbursts and the potential to gravely injure him.
Zhong Xi tried to lighten the mood by playfully calling her a "mother tiger" and joking that he was strong enough to handle it, suggesting they would simply "get used to it." Though initially offended, Kong Hou accepted his sincere reassurance that he would always be by her side. However, her spiritual power proved too volatile. That night, overwhelmed by the power within her, Kong Hou desperately pleaded with Zhong Xi to tie her up, anticipating another uncontrollable episode.
The next morning, Xiao Dong proposed carrying Ling Bo back into the sect, suggesting it would provide a plausible reason for their overnight absence and prevent gossip, with her twisted ankle as the cause. Lin Hu, who had been impatiently waiting, rushed forward upon seeing Xiao Dong carrying her. He immediately questioned their joint return and her supposed injury. After a brief rivalry for her attention, Lin Hu escorted her back to her quarters.
He pressed her about her overnight stay with Xiao Dong, suggesting she should have contacted him instead. Ling Bo, finding his interference childish, dismissed his jealousy and sent him away. Subsequently, Lin Hu confronted Xiao Dong, who had deliberately sought him out. Lin Hu directly asked if Xiao Dong had feelings for Ling Bo, noting his frequent visits. Xiao Dong candidly admitted his deep affection, stating that Ling Bo was indeed the girl he liked.
Unsettled by this revelation, Lin Hu visited Ling Bo's room late that night under the pretense of checking for "bugs." Ling Bo, amused by his transparent excuse, called out his hypocrisy, reminding him of his earlier disapproval of her spending the night with Xiao Dong. When he awkwardly tried to inquire about her relationship with Xiao Dong, Ling Bo dismissed his questions as gossip and a private matter, sending him away and concluding that he was simply jealous and immature.
Consumed by the fear that her increasingly volatile spiritual energy would eventually lead her to irrevocably harm Zhong Xi, Kong Hou made the painful decision to leave him. She recalled a mental message from Jiu Su offering guidance on controlling her power and inviting her to find him. Under the cover of night, she quietly departed. Meanwhile, Ling Bo's mother urgently summoned her, revealing that Xiao Dong had approached her to propose marriage.
Shocked and enraged, Ling Bo confronted Xiao Dong, who confirmed his proposal, expressing deep regret for past mistakes. He vowed not to give up on her, intending to marry her once her mother consented. Ling Bo, however, firmly stated that her mother's consent was meaningless without her own and rejected his advances. Kong Hou eventually located Jiu Su, seeking guidance on how to control her turbulent spiritual power.
Jiu Su, referring to her as his "sister" – a title Kong Hou rebuffed – expressed his intent to take her home, claiming Zhong Xi was unworthy of her. Kong Hou, adamant about not harming Zhong Xi, explained she could not stay by his side. Jiu Su promised to reveal how to control her power if she accompanied him.
Weighing the risk to Zhong Xi and her need to uncover the truth about her heritage, Kong Hou agreed to leave with Jiu Su. As they prepared to depart, Zhong Xi appeared, demanding Jiu Su release her. Jiu Su dismissed him, stating Kong Hou was leaving willingly. Zhong Xi reminded Kong Hou of her promise to build a life together, but she explained that her spiritual energy was uncontrollable when with him, causing her immense pain.
She then revealed her true identity as the daughter of the Dark Sovereign, a Yueluo Clan member, and vowed to seek revenge against the righteous sects. Despite Zhong Xi's pleas, Kong Hou, in a heartbreaking act of resolve to prevent further harm to him, struck Zhong Xi with her power, gravely injuring him before departing with Jiu Su. Jiu Su noted her ability to remain unswayed by emotional attachments.
Upon arriving at the Yueluo Clan's stronghold, Kong Hou confronted Jiu Su about his true intentions. Despite his claims of them being family, Kong Hou remained deeply distrustful, rejecting the simple labels of "righteous" and "evil." Jiu Su, praising her newfound composure, admitted he once doubted her capacity for leadership but now saw her as capable.
He promised to explain everything later and introduced her to the assembled clan members, declaring her their new Sovereign as per their father's dying wish. Many clan members, recognizing Kong Hou as a former Yunhua Sect disciple, voiced their disbelief and accused her of being a spy. Jiu Su explained that her rare Five Spiritual Roots made her the rightful heir. Observing the defiance, Kong Hou challenged the dissenters.
When a clan member directly insulted her, she unleashed a powerful display of force, striking him down and asserting her authority. With this display of power, she silenced all opposition, proclaiming herself their Sovereign, and the clan members humbly welcomed their new leader.
Episode 24 Recap
Now established as the Sovereign, Kong Hou found herself in a new residence, though she immediately sensed Jiu Su's lack of complete trust, evident by the presence of guards around her. She sarcastically noted the "joy of power," which Jiu Su hoped she would embrace, telling her that her days of following the righteous sects were over and that as the Sovereign of the Yueluo Clan, life and death were now in her hands.
Kong Hou, however, challenged his notion of "trust," pointing to the watchful guards. Despite Jiu Su's claim that they were for her safety, Kong Hou, exercising her newfound authority, declared herself tired and dismissed him and the guards from her presence. Jiu Su, observing her assertiveness, seemed pleased, believing she was beginning to embrace her powerful identity. Meanwhile, Master Zhong Xi had returned to the sect severely injured.
His return brought immediate consequences for Fairy Ling Bo, whose master sternly reprimanded her for helping them escape, emphasizing the gravity of Zhong Xi's injuries and the danger Ling Bo's actions posed to the entire Lingyou Realm. Ling Bo, however, staunchly defended her actions, asserting Kong Hou's innocence and promising to prove it. She then sought out Lin Hu, who delivered the shocking news: Zhong Xi had been gravely injured by Kong Hou before she left with Jiu Su.
Devastated, Ling Bo questioned if their decision to help had been a mistake. Later, finding Lin Hu in low spirits, she encouraged him to be strong. Lin Hu, in turn, drew on his own experience as a demon cultivator facing prejudice to reaffirm their choice, urging her to stand firm against judgment as they both believed helping Kong Hou was right. In her new residence, Kong Hou was plagued by nightmares, calling out for her mother in her sleep.
After waking, Xiao Pei, a servant sent by Jiu Su, arrived. Kong Hou quickly realized Xiao Pei was a spy but accepted her presence. Xiao Pei conveyed Jiu Su's request for a meeting in the main hall, but Kong Hou, asserting her status as Sovereign, demanded that Jiu Su come to her instead. Jiu Su complied, visiting Kong Hou and presenting her with a secret cultivation manual of the Yueluo Clan for them to practice together.
Kong Hou, unimpressed, refused, stating her Five Spiritual Roots made power growth effortless and she had no need for such methods. She also reiterated her demand that he address her as "Your Eminence" and ordered him to remove the two permanent guards from her door. Jiu Su explained they were for her comfort but conceded to her wishes. As Kong Hou struggled with her intensifying dark energy, she confronted Jiu Su, reminding him of his promise to teach her control.
Jiu Su responded by bringing in several human cultivators and, before Kong Hou's horrified eyes, brutally drained their spiritual energy, declaring this to be the method for controlling her dark energy. Kong Hou was appalled, refusing to harm others. Jiu Su, dismissing her compassion as a weakness, claimed that the righteous sects were the true cause of the Yueluo Clan's suffering and their inability to control their dark energy, implying their actions were mere retaliation.
When Kong Hou demanded a full explanation, Jiu Su demurred, stating it was not yet time for her to know everything. He then threatened to kill all the captured cultivators if Kong Hou refused to absorb their spiritual energy. Kong Hou defiantly stated that as Sovereign, she would follow her own path, even if it meant relinquishing her title.
Jiu Su then backed down, apologizing for his "rashness," and stated that if she refused to absorb energy, she would simply have to "endure the pain." Meanwhile, Lin Hu, still grappling with Xiao Dong's persistent pursuit of Ling Bo, found her once more. Ling Bo, exasperated, proposed a plan: they would pretend to be lovers to make Xiao Dong give up, especially after he had inexplicably proposed to her master.
Lin Hu was flustered and hesitant, initially deeming it inappropriate to deceive Xiao Dong. However, seeing Ling Bo's disappointment, he relented, agreeing to the charade. Master Zhong Xi, having recovered somewhat, was determined to find Kong Hou, believing she was innocent and helpless. He attempted to leave the sect, but Lin Hu, concerned for his safety, tried to stop him. Zhong Xi's master then intervened, ordering Lin Hu to confine him.
Zhong Xi passionately argued that Kong Hou was his wife and he had to bring her back, but his master cautioned him against acting rashly, warning that it would only bring disaster upon the Liuguang Sect and force Kong Hou into a life of constant hiding. Despite understanding the risks, Zhong Xi, overwhelmed by worry for Kong Hou's safety with Jiu Su, pleaded for his master's permission to go.
Coincidentally, Master Zhong Xi encountered a group of human cultivators being chased by dark cultivators. He rescued them and questioned their captors, who revealed they were gathering cultivators for the new Sovereign to absorb spiritual energy, adding that the new Sovereign was a female cultivator. Zhong Xi immediately suspected Kong Hou but quickly dismissed the thought as impossible. He instructed the rescued cultivators to return to their sect, promising to deal with the dark cultivators himself.
At the same time, Xiao Dong's master confronted him about his proposal to Ling Bo, discerning that Xiao Dong's true motive was to leverage Ling Bo's status as the daughter of the Zhaohan Sect leader for his own advancement. He sternly advised Xiao Dong against such opportunism in matters of the heart. Ling Bo, who happened to overhear their conversation, was devastated. She confronted Xiao Dong, who stammered an apology.
Ling Bo, however, dismissed it, expressing her long-standing fear of being judged by her status rather than her merits. She bitterly remarked that in his eyes, her identity was merely her "worth." With newfound resolve, she decisively ended their connection, stating she had more important matters to attend to. Lin Hu, having learned about Zhong Xi's departure and his lone pursuit of the dark cultivators, worried for his Young Master. He then encountered Ling Bo near a dark cultivator stronghold.
She explained she was also looking for Zhong Xi to uncover the truth about Kong Hou. Despite Lin Hu's initial reservations about her safety, they decided to join forces, agreeing to search for Zhong Xi and uncover the truth together, watching each other's backs. Back at the sect, Lin Hu and Ling Bo, hand in hand, confronted Xiao Dong. Lin Hu declared their profound love, claiming they had kept it secret due to recent events.
Xiao Dong, however, scoffed, seeing through their act and refusing to believe Ling Bo could genuinely love a demon cultivator like Lin Hu, not out of prejudice, but fear of her master's disapproval. Ling Bo passionately defended Lin Hu, enumerating his virtues: his righteousness, unwavering loyalty to Zhong Xi, kindness, and courage, recounting how he sacrificed his tail to save her in the secret realm.
Lin Hu then added his own affections, stating he enjoyed being with her despite her teasing. Witnessing Ling Bo's heartfelt words, Xiao Dong realized her feelings for Lin Hu were genuine. However, he remained unyielding, declaring he would prove his love for Ling Bo was greater. After Xiao Dong left, Lin Hu awkwardly asked if Ling Bo's heartfelt praises were real or just part of the act, to which she replied they were just to convince Xiao Dong.
Later, Zhong Xi arrived at the Evil Cultivator Hall, demanding to see Kong Hou. Jiu Su, greeting him with thinly veiled condescension, deduced Zhong Xi's visit was for his "beloved" and tried to reassure him that Kong Hou, his "sister," was unharmed. Unconvinced, Zhong Xi threatened to destroy the hall if he wasn't allowed to see her. Jiu Su mocked his weakened state and ordered his guards to attack, but Kong Hou, emerging from the shadows, commanded them to stop. Zhong Xi stared at her in shock, unable to comprehend how she had become their Sovereign. Kong Hou, with a changed demeanor, confirmed that she was indeed their leader.
Episode 25 Recap
Master Zhong Xi found Kong Hou and was shocked to realize she was the Sovereign of the dark cultivators. Jiu Su immediately tried to kill Master Zhong Xi, but Kong Hou intervened, asserting that an excessive conflict with the Liuguang Sect was not suitable at that moment. Jiu Su, with a hint of sarcasm, agreed to let Kong Hou deal with her "former lover" but advised her to forget him quickly.
Kong Hou then tried to persuade Master Zhong Xi to leave, explaining their paths had diverged. However, Master Zhong Xi refused to believe her, prompting Kong Hou to threaten and injure him with her phoenix-headed konghou. Despite his injuries, Master Zhong Xi remained steadfast, declaring he would not leave without her. He offered himself as a source of spiritual energy, proposing that his alone would be enough for Kong Hou, thus sparing other minor cultivators.
Amused, Jiu Su complimented Master Zhong Xi's "bodhisattva heart" and agreed to his terms. Kong Hou, calling Master Zhong Xi a fool, ordered him to be taken away and imprisoned. While imprisoned, Master Zhong Xi urged Kong Hou to abandon her current path, believing her actions were a deception to fool Jiu Su. Kong Hou insisted she was the Sovereign of the Yueluo Clan and had no other choice.
Master Zhong Xi reminded her of their marriage vows, affirming his role as her husband and vowing to stand by her no matter what. He implored her to stop, emphasizing that her chosen path was breaking his heart and that he could protect her. Kong Hou, however, reiterated her helplessness, prompting a frustrated Master Zhong Xi to call her deluded. Meanwhile, Master Zhong Xi's sudden disappearance caused alarm among the various sects.
Jin Yue attempted to conceal the truth but knew the deception could not last. Jin Yue’s junior expressed concern that Jin Yue might be too harsh on Master Zhong Xi, highlighting Master Zhong Xi’s deep loyalty to his disciples and cultivation partner. Jin Yue acknowledged Master Zhong Xi’s character, understanding that he was prepared to face any consequences for his actions. Kong Hou continued to suffer from a cultivation struggle.
During a painful episode, one of Jiu Su's attendants assigned to monitor her was knocked unconscious and replaced by a disguised individual. This impostor rushed to Kong Hou's side, but she, mistaking him for one of Jiu Su's spies, angrily ordered him out. Fairy Ling Bo and Lin Hu found themselves lost in a forest, repeatedly circling back to the same spot.
When Ling Bo complained of foot pain from the long walk, Lin Hu picked her up and carried her to a resting place. He lit a bonfire, fetched water in a leaf, and prepared a spot for her to rest. Dismissing her request for a proper cup, Lin Hu then offered to apply medicine to her injured foot. Ling Bo playfully called him a lecher and initially refused, but Lin Hu insisted, teasing that a fairy shouldn't mind such trivialities.
He applied a secret Liuguang Sect ointment, warning her that it would sting but work quickly. Later, Jiu Su visited Kong Hou, suggesting they engage in dual cultivation. Kong Hou initially refused, but Jiu Su appealed to their sibling bond to disclose the history of the Yueluo Clan. He explained that the clan, from Mount Yueluo, discovered that absorbing other cultivators' spiritual energy greatly accelerated their cultivation.
This practice led to the clan’s rapid growth, but a century ago, an ascending Lingyou Realm elder cast a forbidden curse on their Energy Drain Art. Now, using it caused a dangerous backlash, requiring immediate absorption of new spiritual energy to prevent madness and death; the curse was also hereditary. Kong Hou questioned if abandoning the art would break the curse, but Jiu Su adamantly refused, blaming the Lingyou sects.
He recounted how the major sects had annihilated their clan, resulting in their father’s death. Before his demise, their father transferred all his life’s power to Kong Hou, making her the clan’s sole hope. Lacking the Five Spiritual Roots needed for ascension, Jiu Su resorted to extracting spiritual roots from others. He revealed his true intention: Kong Hou, possessing the Five Spiritual Roots and their father’s power, could ascend and lead the clan to glory.
Kong Hou expressed skepticism, questioning his true motives, but Jiu Su dodged the question, advising her to visit their clansmen. Following Jiu Su's advice, Kong Hou visited the clan village. There, Xiao Pei asked her to deliver new clothes to her younger brother, explaining she was forbidden from leaving the palace. In the village, the boy eagerly asked about his sister, and Kong Hou gave him the clothes.
An elder revealed the unbearable agony of the curse, which drove some to commit unforgivable acts. He showed Kong Hou his self-inflicted wounds, explaining that physical pain was their only means of resisting the urge to absorb others' spiritual energy. As they spoke, a villager announced that Xiao Pei's brother was suffering a severe episode. The elder sorrowfully explained the boy now had to endure it alone.
Heartbroken, Kong Hou watched the child run off in agony before she too experienced a flare-up. A guard rushed to her aid, channeling spiritual energy to relieve her pain, and she recognized him as Master Zhong Xi in disguise. Concerned for his safety, she ordered him to leave, but he refused, vowing to stay and find a solution.
Kong Hou insisted her Yueluo blood forever separated them, but he reminded her of her past sacrifices for him and reaffirmed his resolve to never abandon her. Back at the palace, Xiao Pei cheerfully asked Kong Hou about her brother. Filled with guilt, Kong Hou delivered the devastating news that he had died. Soon after, Jiu Su confronted Kong Hou, asking about her feelings after seeing the clansmen and the child's death.
Kong Hou realized he had been watching her and accused him of orchestrating the scene. Jiu Su denied it, reiterating his commitment to their father's cause before declaring he would capture more people for her to absorb. During a meeting, the dark cultivators proposed attacking the fragmented Ten Great Sects. Kong Hou rejected the strategy, warning it would force the sects to unite. When her subordinates demanded vengeance, she rebuked them as incompetent.
Surprisingly, Jiu Su sided with Kong Hou, hinting at a different plan that required her cooperation. Later, Kong Hou confided in Master Zhong Xi that Jiu Su's refusal to attack was highly suspicious. Believing he was plotting something larger, and noting his persistent demands for dual cultivation as a prerequisite for revealing his plan, Kong Hou decided to proceed with it to uncover his true intentions. Master Zhong Xi cautioned her to be extremely careful.
Episode 26 Recap
Lin Hu and Fairy Ling Bo were traveling through the forest when they found an old Yueluo Clan woman suffering greatly. Noticing their approach, the old woman urged them to leave, fearing she would lose control and absorb their spiritual energy. Lin Hu, however, disregarded the warning and selflessly offered his spiritual energy to her. After absorbing some, the old woman felt better and explained that her clan was cursed to absorb external spiritual energy to survive.
She recounted how they had been driven from Mount Yueluo by the Ten Great Sects, forced to live as refugees. She tragically revealed that her husband, son, and daughter-in-law had all taken their own lives because they could no longer bear the curse. Meanwhile, Kong Hou sought out Jiu Su, proposing they cultivate together. Jiu Su was immediately wary of her sudden change of heart, especially after she had opposed Wu Bei's plan for vengeance against the major sects.
Kong Hou calmly explained that as the Yueluo Clan's Sovereign, her duty was to prevent needless sacrifices. Unconvinced, Jiu Su presented her with cultivation manuals he used, intending to test her. Kong Hou was horrified to discover they contained "life-consuming dark arts." She discussed this with Master Zhong Xi, who was still disguised as her personal guard. Jiu Su arrived unexpectedly, forcing Zhong Xi to resume his role as a silent attendant.
Jiu Su then presented Kong Hou with a colorful pinwheel, reminding her of their shared, difficult childhood as orphans and how she had always wanted one. While the memory stirred some emotion in Kong Hou, her wariness of Jiu Su's true intentions remained. During their dual cultivation, Kong Hou deliberately misaligned her breathing rhythm with Jiu Su's, causing his energy flow to become turbulent.
However, Jiu Su was protected by a divine artifact, the Dark Cloud Tablet, which stabilized his energy and prevented injury. Kong Hou later reported the existence of the Dark Cloud Tablet to Master Zhong Xi, highlighting its power and confirming Jiu Su's lingering suspicion of her. Zhong Xi speculated that the Dark Cloud Tablet might contain the Dragonblood Herb he needed for his own condition.
Kong Hou surmised that Jiu Su wouldn't keep such a powerful artifact on him at all times and would likely store it in a place rich in spiritual energy to recharge. That night, as Lin Hu prepared to sleep on the floor, Fairy Ling Bo, feigning disgust with her pillow, threw it to him so he could be more comfortable.
Amused by her gesture, Lin Hu playfully questioned if she had feelings for him, listing her recent kind actions as evidence. Though she flusteredly told him to go to sleep, the moment brought them closer. The next morning, they were awakened by the old woman's coughing to find they had rolled together onto the floor in their sleep. The old woman teased them about being a couple, and despite their embarrassment, the shared experience deepened their bond.
Kong Hou and Master Zhong Xi used the night to search Jiu Su's residence. They found a hidden mechanism leading to a secret chamber filled with ancient texts and artifacts. As they searched, they overheard Jiu Su and Wu Bei returning, discussing their true plan: to use Kong Hou's Phoenix Essence for their joint ascension, which would trigger a "black rain" that would destroy the entire Lingyou Realm and allow the Yueluo Clan to reclaim its glory.
Kong Hou quickly pretended to be studying a manual to avoid detection. Master Zhong Xi urged her to leave, but Kong Hou refused after finding a scroll that revealed only someone with Phoenix Essence could facilitate a cultivator's ascension. Realizing Jiu Su needed her unique bloodline and would pursue her relentlessly, she decided to stay and face him.
To decipher the cryptic ancient texts they found, Kong Hou asked Master Zhong Xi to seek out the eccentric old elder known for his knowledge of ancient writings. Despite his worries for her safety, Master Zhong Xi reluctantly agreed and left immediately. The next morning, Lin Hu and Fairy Ling Bo continued their observations in the village, noting that the Yueluo Clan villagers, though dark cultivators, seemed peaceful. Just then, righteous sect disciples violently attacked the village, massacring the inhabitants.
Xiao Pei rushed to Kong Hou to report the horrific events. Kong Hou hurried to the village, witnessing the carnage. When the righteous sect members saw Master Zhong Xi, who had just returned, with Kong Hou, they accused him of colluding with dark cultivators. To protect him, Kong Hou publicly renounced him, struck him with a palm, and threw away the bracelet he had given her, pretending to absorb his spiritual energy.
Amid the chaos, Lin Hu and Fairy Ling Bo managed to lead some surviving Yueluo Clan members into the forest to hide. Believing all her clan members in the village were dead, Kong Hou was overcome with grief. Xiao Pei, who had lost her brother and now felt utterly alone, pledged to follow Kong Hou regardless of the danger.
Meanwhile, Master Zhong Xi returned to a sect outpost, where his disciple, Xiao Dong, expressed his firm belief that Kong Hou had truly become a dark cultivator. Lin Hu and Fairy Ling Bo, returning to their hidden group, were devastated to find that those they had saved had also been killed. Overcome with rage, Fairy Ling Bo nearly attacked the sect disciples, who accused her of being enchanted by dark cultivators.
Later, Kong Hou experienced an intense resurgence of pain from her dark cultivation bloodline, realizing that Master Zhong Xi's discarded bracelet, imbued with his spiritual energy, had been suppressing it all along. She knew she now had to find another way to manage her condition.
Episode 27 Recap
Master Zhong Xi, understanding that Kong Hou's dramatic breakup was a ruse to save him, nonetheless worried how she would suppress her dark cultivator bloodline without the protective bracelet. He resolved to find a way to return it to her. Meanwhile, Fairy Ling Bo confessed to Lin Hu her doubts about the simplistic view of good and evil, questioning if she had been wrong all these years.
Lin Hu reassured her that she was maturing and no longer believed Kong Hou was a dark cultivator. He praised her continuous improvement. When asked, Lin Hu admitted he once believed Kong Hou was a dark cultivator but was now unsure. Ling Bo then declared her intention to investigate matters at the Yunhua Sect. Jiu Su gathered his followers, announcing the completion of his Ascension Array.
Kong Hou expressed surprise, but Jiu Su, without allowing her time to think, proposed an Ascension Ceremony and invited elders from the Ten Great Sects to witness their power, demanding Kong Hou issue the invitations. Kong Hou reluctantly agreed but insisted on personally overseeing the preparations, claiming it was too important to entrust to anyone else. Jiu Su, secretly suspecting Kong Hou, agreed.
When a subordinate later questioned his trust in Kong Hou, fearing she might collude with Zhong Xi to sabotage the ceremony, Jiu Su merely stated he was counting on Zhong Xi to appear. Kong Hou took advantage of her new responsibility to secretly meet Master Zhong Xi on the street. He immediately returned her bracelet, explaining its vital role in suppressing her dark cultivator bloodline.
He then revealed the existence of the Soul Anchoring Lamp, a permanent solution to calm her mind and stabilize her essence. Kong Hou initially harbored suspicions, fearing he might be sacrificing himself for her, but seeing him well, her worries eased. They quickly made plans, and Zhong Xi urged her to prioritize her safety before they parted ways. Back in the palace, Kong Hou continued her cultivation with Jiu Su, but her mind was elsewhere, hindering their progress.
Jiu Su noticed her distraction and probed for the reason, but Kong Hou remained tight-lipped, claiming tiredness and retiring to rest. Unbeknownst to them, Wu Bei had sent his people to spy on Kong Hou, and they reported her secret meeting with Zhong Xi to Jiu Su. Wu Bei suggested eliminating Zhong Xi to prevent further distraction, but Jiu Su dismissed the idea, stating that killing Zhong Xi without completely breaking Kong Hou's attachment would only lead to resentment.
He emphasized the critical need for Kong Hou's Phoenix Essence for the upcoming Ascension Ceremony and assured Wu Bei he had his own plans. Later, Jiu Su deliberately left the Qibao Hollow Bell where Xiao Pei would find it, then retreated to his secret chamber. Xiao Pei, remembering how the bell could extract memories and turn people into mindless automatons, immediately reported her discovery to Kong Hou.
Kong Hou found the bell and was pulled into a fabricated memory barrier, where she witnessed Master Zhong Xi killing her mother with his unique Dragon's Roar Sword. Distraught, she confronted Zhong Xi, who explained that the Qibao Hollow Bell could also create illusions, and this was clearly Jiu Su's attempt to sow discord between them. Just as they were speaking, Jiu Su appeared, having tracked Kong Hou.
He mocked their affection and accused Kong Hou of betraying her clan by siding with Zhong Xi. Before Zhong Xi could fully defend Kong Hou, Jiu Su injected him with a potent, incurable Gu parasite, unique to the Yueluo Clan. Kong Hou pleaded with Jiu Su to release Zhong Xi, promising her full cooperation, but Jiu Su retorted that he trusted the Gu parasite more than her sincerity. He threatened Zhong Xi's life if Kong Hou disobeyed.
Zhong Xi, despite his pain, urged Kong Hou not to give in, but Jiu Su dragged them both back to his palace. Meanwhile, Master Wang Tong and Kong Hou's Senior Ling Hui and Senior Tan worried about her safety. Dark cultivators, under Jiu Su's command, had surrounded and harassed the Yunhua Sect for days. With the Sect Leader undergoing tribulation, the elders appointed Master Wang Tong as interim leader to navigate the crisis.
Jiu Su, now confident in Kong Hou's forced compliance, ordered Wu Bei to annihilate the Yunhua Sect if they refused to surrender disciples for the Ascension Array, and replenish from other sects if necessary. Lin Hu and Fairy Ling Bo observed the escalating conflict at Yunhua Sect. Ling Bo wanted to intervene, but Lin Hu cautioned patience, fearing they might disrupt a larger plan or get themselves hurt.
Kong Hou arrived at Yunhua Sect, feigning ruthlessness, and stopped Wu Bei from killing Senior Ling Hui. She demanded ten disciples for the Ascension Array, claiming her long-standing relationship with Master Wang Tong as her reason for offering a choice. The Yunhua Sect members were aghast, calling her a traitor, but Kong Hou coldly asserted her true nature and explained that Jiu Su needed living cultivators. She reprimanded Wu Bei for his incompetence.
Senior Ling Hui and Senior Tan, understanding Kong Hou's unspoken message, volunteered to go with her, and Kong Hou ordered them to be taken. Imprisoned, Zhong Xi desperately searched for a cure for the Gu parasite. Xiao Pei brought him food and, overhearing his concerns for Kong Hou's health, learned that Kong Hou's energy flow was chaotic and her blood flow was reversing, putting her in grave danger.
Realizing Kong Hou's suffering and Zhong Xi's genuine love for her, Xiao Pei volunteered to find ancient manuals from Jiu Su's collection to search for remedies. Zhong Xi warned her of the danger, but Xiao Pei insisted, believing that helping Zhong Xi was helping Kong Hou. Back at the palace, Kong Hou reported to Jiu Su that she had successfully brought the Yunhua Sect members, subtly criticizing his subordinates' lack of skill.
Jiu Su, seemingly appeased by her actions and Zhong Xi's captivity, reiterated his belief in her loyalty to Wu Bei. Lin Hu, having successfully infiltrated the palace, found Zhong Xi. Misunderstanding Kong Hou's actions at Yunhua Sect, he informed Zhong Xi that she had captured Senior Tan and Ling Hui and seemed to have truly changed. Zhong Xi, however, understood Kong Hou was being coerced by Jiu Su.
Kong Hou later visited Zhong Xi to explain her upcoming task of capturing people from his own sect, feeling deep remorse. Zhong Xi understood her predicament but expressed grave concern that even their combined strength might not suffice against Jiu Su once the Ascension Array was complete. He revealed that through the ancient texts Xiao Pei acquired, he discovered a technique called "Harmony Sync" possessed the power of resurrection and might be the only way to dismantle the Ascension Array.
He urged Kong Hou to be careful around Jiu Su. Later, during cultivation, Jiu Su experienced unexpected difficulties. He spotted Xiao Pei rushing by and, accusing her of negligence in monitoring Kong Hou and being useless, declared his need for spiritual energy. He "granted" her a chance to atone, implying her sacrifice for his power. Kong Hou, arriving shortly after, confronted Jiu Su, having overheard his discussion about the Xuan Yun Gui with a subordinate (Wu Bei).
Accusing him of distrust, she challenged him to test her loyalty by sending her to personally retrieve people from the Liuguang Sect, which she knew he was struggling to subjugate. This act further concealed her true intentions and solidified her resolve against Jiu Su, especially after witnessing the fate of Xiao Pei.
Episode 28 Recap
Lin Hu and Ling Bo arrived at a dilapidated house, their compass glowing. Ling Bo expressed doubt about finding the Soul Anchoring Lamp in such a rundown place, but Lin Hu insisted they search thoroughly. After a brief scare where Lin Hu almost slipped and was saved by Ling Bo, leading to a moment of closeness, the compass pointed them to a pot of flowers. Believing it was the lamp, Lin Hu was disappointed to find nothing.
They continued searching and eventually found the Soul Anchoring Lamp hidden within a painting. Overjoyed, Lin Hu embraced Ling Bo, who reminded him that their Young Master was waiting. Meanwhile, Master Zhong Xi was trying to expel the Gu parasite from his body, but his efforts failed. He lamented that Xiao Pei, who used to help him retrieve ancient books from Jiusu, was now dead, preventing him from studying the texts.
Kong Hou offered to go to Jiusu’s place to get the books for him. Concerned about the risk of Kong Hou traveling back and forth alone, Master Zhong Xi proposed they go together to a secret library within Jiusu’s lair to consult the books directly. After Lin Hu and Ling Bo found the Soul Anchoring Lamp, they prepared to leave, only to discover a new barrier blocking the exit and the lamp itself had vanished from Lin Hu's hands.
They realized the lamp had tricked them. The Soul Anchoring Lamp then spoke, revealing it did not want to leave. Understanding its childlike nature, Ling Bo suggested a game of hide-and-seek. After searching the room, Ling Bo identified its true form as a paperweight. Lin Hu then came up with a plan to inject it with a spiritual itchy liquid to force it out.
The lamp, unable to bear the itching, reappeared and agreed to help them if they promised to bring it back and play with it for 800 years. Ling Bo agreed, but later confided in Lin Hu that her promise was merely a tactic to secure its help. She then affirmed that she would accompany Lin Hu wherever he went after their mission was complete.
Kong Hou, along with Master Zhong Xi, reached Jiusu’s secret library, which was full of books on esoteric arts. Kong Hou confirmed that Jiusu and Wu Bei were away, giving them time to search. Overwhelmed, Kong Hou broke down, embracing Master Zhong Xi and confessing her fear. She worried that her actions to save Lingyou Realm would be misunderstood and that she would be hated.
She also expressed her deep apprehension about leaving Master Zhong Xi alone while she led others to capture cultivators from his sect, fearing Jiusu would harm him. She pleaded with Master Zhong Xi to protect himself. Master Zhong Xi reassured her that her sacrifices were for the greater good and he would testify on her behalf. Together, they found a method to remove the Nine-Yin Corpse Gu, which required the fresh blood of a "pure individual"—someone unmarried.
Kong Hou volunteered, but Master Zhong Xi insisted on using his own blood to protect her. On their journey, the Soul Anchoring Lamp continued its childish antics. It used a Reverse Spell on Ling Bo, causing her to misinterpret Lin Hu’s words and storm off in anger. The lamp then trapped Ling Bo in an illusion where she lived out her dream life.
In this illusion, Ling Bo was married to Xiao Dong, the head of Yunhua Sect, and they had a son. She believed she and Xiao Dong had found the Soul Anchoring Lamp together and successfully suppressed Kong Hou’s dark cultivator blood, bringing peace to the realm. She had almost completely forgotten Lin Hu, until "Xiao Dong" refused to catch a bug for her, which reminded her that Lin Hu had always been the one to do that for her.
This discrepancy helped Ling Bo realize she was in an illusion. Back in reality, Lin Hu discovered that the Soul Anchoring Lamp was afraid of bugs and used this weakness to threaten it. In the illusion, Ling Bo confronted "Xiao Dong," recognizing him as the Soul Anchoring Lamp. The lamp tried to persuade her to stay, claiming Lin Hu didn't truly love her and would eventually abandon her. Unwavering, Ling Bo rejected the illusion.
Lin Hu then threatened the lamp with a bug, forcing it to release her. Upon waking, Ling Bo was furious with the lamp. However, it revealed that in its effort to wake her, it had cracked itself. Worried it might no longer be powerful enough to suppress Kong Hou's bloodline, they decided to find Xiao Dong for repairs, as he was skilled at fixing spiritual tools.
Elsewhere, Wu Bei, still suspicious of Kong Hou’s loyalty, brought her captive seniors before her, intending for Kong Hou to absorb their spiritual energy to prove her allegiance. Kong Hou cleverly cited the imminent Ascension Array's need for spiritual power, refusing to "waste" it on them and thus saving her seniors from Wu Bei’s scheme. Lin Hu and Ling Bo arrived at Liuguang Sect to seek Xiao Dong’s help.
Seeing Ling Bo with Lin Hu, Xiao Dong was clearly jealous and advised Ling Bo to distance herself from "dark cultivators," believing Kong Hou was beyond saving. Lin Hu countered by reminding Xiao Dong that Master Zhong Xi was a captive in the dark cultivators' palace, and repairing the lamp to restore Kong Hou's rationality would ensure Master Zhong Xi's safety. Ling Bo also urged Xiao Dong to trust Master Zhong Xi's judgment. Convinced, Xiao Dong reluctantly agreed to fix the lamp for Ling Bo's sake.
Episode 29 Recap
Jiu Su and Wu Bei conspired to drive a wedge between Master Zhong Xi and Kong Hou, creating a false impression that Kong Hou had brutally slaughtered the Liuguang Sect. A subordinate sent by Jiu Su to the cave where Master Zhong Xi was held, informed him of Kong Hou's supposed rampage.
Though the subordinate claimed he couldn't kill or harm Master Zhong Xi, Jiu Su had instructed him to deliver the fabricated news, ensuring Master Zhong Xi would believe it. Master Zhong Xi, hearing that Kong Hou had gone on a killing spree at the Liuguang Sect and was now celebrating with Jiu Su, was enraged.
He was also distressed to hear from Chang Le, a Liuguang Sect disciple who had been drugged and intentionally injured by Wu Bei, that Kong Hou had severely injured Master Jin Yue and was not to be trusted. When Master Zhong Xi confronted her, Kong Hou tried to explain, but ultimately had to restrain him with Jiu Su's special ropes.
She promised to prove her innocence, asserting that there was something suspicious about the situation and insisting she had not harmed anyone from the Liuguang Sect nor killed Lin Hu or Ling Bo. While Master Zhong Xi was still bound, Lin Hu and Fairy Ling Bo arrived at the palace, a presence quickly noticed by Jiu Su.
Master Zhong Xi desperately wanted Kong Hou to release him so he could aid them, but Kong Hou refused, knowing his current state would only lead to a futile sacrifice against Jiu Su's growing power. Lin Hu and Fairy Ling Bo engaged Jiu Su, but they were no match for him and quickly sustained severe injuries. To protect them from Jiu Su's lethal intent, Kong Hou intervened, feigning cruelty and demanding to execute them herself.
Lin Hu and Fairy Ling Bo, in a display of mutual devotion, offered themselves to save the other. Kong Hou appeared to kill them, then callously suggested leaving their bodies unburied in the wilderness, stating they were "detestable" for causing trouble before the Ascension Ceremony. Jiu Su commented on Kong Hou's changed demeanor, to which she retorted that she was still the sister he never trusted.
She then proposed that they study the Dark Cloud Tablet together the next day, a suggestion Jiu Su accepted. To clear her name and demonstrate Jiu Su's treachery, Kong Hou released Master Zhong Xi and led him to the captured Liuguang Sect disciples. There, the disciples confirmed that Kong Hou had brought them, but had not tormented them. They revealed they came voluntarily because Kong Hou had threatened Master Zhong Xi's life.
Crucially, they disclosed that Chang Le, the disciple who had earlier accused Kong Hou, had been taken by Wu Bei the previous day and never returned. This revelation exposed Jiu Su's manipulative plot. Master Zhong Xi, deeply regretful, apologized to Kong Hou for doubting and hurting her, acknowledging that while the entire Lingyou Realm viewed her as a traitor, he should have been the one to trust her unconditionally.
Kong Hou, visibly emotional, expressed her disappointment, believing she had lost his trust, but Master Zhong Xi vowed never to doubt her again. He also received a messenger talisman from Lin Hu, confirming that he and Fairy Ling Bo were safe and that Kong Hou had indeed saved them. Meanwhile, Lin Hu and Fairy Ling Bo awakened in the wilderness, their wounds miraculously healed.
Fairy Ling Bo, disoriented, feared they had entered the netherworld and wept over her unfulfilled life and unexperienced kiss from a loved one. To console her, Lin Hu kissed her. The appearance of a firefly and their ability to feel pain confirmed they were alive. Lin Hu discovered a hidden note from Kong Hou, instructing them to meet at Qingquan Inn in Yong City in three days, confirming Kong Hou's true intentions.
Kong Hou later explained to Master Zhong Xi that she had secretly sent Lin Hu and Fairy Ling Bo through a hidden path. At the Yunhua Sect, the elders reminisced about Kong Hou's past kindness and thoughtful nature, recalling how she only asked for storybooks and treasured small gifts. They expressed sorrow over her dark cultivator bloodline.
However, Master Wang Tong passionately defended Kong Hou, asserting that her lineage was not her fault and she could not choose it, debating with the other elders who still held reservations. Kong Hou and Jiu Su proceeded with their cultivation using the Dark Cloud Tablet. Kong Hou attempted to probe the tablet's secrets, but Jiu Su, after reciting a cryptic verse, swiftly reclaimed it, refusing her further access under the guise of "gradual cultivation."
Jiu Su's power continued to grow, surpassing Master Zhong Xi's capabilities. Realizing Master Zhong Xi needed the Dragonblood Herb to restore his spiritual core, Kong Hou secretly infiltrated a hidden chamber to access the Dark Cloud Tablet's secret realm. Following a clue that the herb thrived in shade, she located the Dragonblood Herb. Believing the herb craved blood, she offered her own as a sacrifice to obtain it.
However, upon being removed from the secret realm, the herb immediately withered, revealing an inscription: "All things are in balance. Gain one thing, lose one thing." Just as she made this discovery, Jiu Su and Wu Bei arrived. Kong Hou quickly feigned practicing the Ascension Array, reprimanding them for nearly causing her qi deviation.
Wu Bei remained suspicious, accusing her of lying and hiding something, but Kong Hou argued it was merely a misunderstanding and she was simply trying to hasten their ascension. She threatened to stop cultivating the array, which would prevent anyone from ascending, prompting Jiu Su to dismiss Wu Bei's concerns.
Lin Hu and Fairy Ling Bo, while in hiding, observed Jiu Su's followers rampantly harassing and capturing common people and cultivators in Yong City, intending to use them as "spiritual energy vessels." Disguising themselves as higher-ranking captors, they intervened, claiming to need healthy cultivators for the "Sovereign," thereby rescuing the captives.
Meanwhile, Kong Hou informed Master Zhong Xi that she had found the Dragonblood Herb in the Dark Cloud Tablet's secret realm and intended to use it to heal his spiritual core. He thanked her, but she insisted no thanks were necessary between them. Wu Bei, still harboring doubts about Kong Hou's loyalty, suggested to Jiu Su that she be strictly monitored, but Jiu Su dismissed his concerns.
After their perilous experiences, Lin Hu and Fairy Ling Bo finally confessed their feelings. Lin Hu expressed his desire to shield Fairy Ling Bo from danger, wanting her to stand behind him in fights. Fairy Ling Bo reciprocated, stating that facing Jiu Su made her realize she also wanted to protect him, vowing that they would face everything together. They both admitted their love and desire to be together, with Lin Hu proposing marriage. Fairy Ling Bo enthusiastically accepted, brushing aside his concern about him being a demon cultivator, saying such distinctions no longer mattered after facing death together.
Episode 30 Recap
As the Ascension Ceremony approached, a mysterious visitor cautioned Jiu Su to be exceedingly careful, emphasizing that not even the slightest error could be tolerated. The visitor warned Jiu Su specifically about Kong Hou potentially allying with Master Zhong Xi, whom Jiu Su dismissed as useless due to his depleted cultivation. Jiu Su boasted that he and Kong Hou were united as siblings.
The visitor countered, suggesting Kong Hou only obeyed because Jiu Su was leveraging Zhong Xi, and questioned if she truly saw him as a brother. Jiu Su asserted that it was not up to her. The mysterious person reiterated the need for caution, particularly against arrogance, and urged Jiu Su to keep a close watch on Kong Hou, threatening severe consequences if she disrupted the ascension.
Annoyed, Jiu Su told the visitor to leave, but the visitor departed on his own terms, insisting he would act with caution. Meanwhile, Kong Hou desperately sought the Dragonblood Herb to restore Master Zhong Xi's spiritual core. She offered various precious items, including the Infinite Divine Water gifted by her master, the popular Ruxian Fruit from Lingyou Realm, and her cherished Fairy Dress, but the herb would not budge.
Recalling that divine herbs disliked worldly objects, Kong Hou, in her desperation, played her phoenix-headed konghou. The ancient instrument's music successfully drew the Dragonblood Herb from its resting place. Kong Hou excitedly presented the Dragonblood Herb to Master Zhong Xi. She downplayed any dangers she faced and asked about his progress with the revival method he had been studying. Master Zhong Xi then demonstrated the "Harmony Sync," a technique from ancient texts, by causing flowers to bloom on a stone.
Kong Hou realized this meant they could counter Jiu Su's Ascension Array. Master Zhong Xi stated that while his individual power was limited, their combined efforts could deliver a significant surprise during Jiu Su's ceremony. To further their plans, Kong Hou, in disguise, met with Lin Hu and Fairy Ling Bo.
She explained that she and Master Zhong Xi needed more time to practice the Harmony Sync and requested their assistance: while she and Master Zhong Xi confronted Jiu Su during the ascension, Lin Hu and Ling Bo were to rescue the captive sect disciples. Ling Bo expressed concern about the peril involved, but both she and Lin Hu readily agreed to help, with Ling Bo promising they would spare no effort.
With the Dragonblood Herb, Master Zhong Xi’s spiritual core was fully restored. Soon after, cultivators from the Ten Great Sects, intended as sacrifices for the array, were brought forth. Most of them misunderstood Kong Hou's intentions, viewing her as an evil collaborator. However, Senior Ling Hui and Senior Tan Feng, her senior sister and brother, staunchly defended her.
Disregarding the captives' defiance, Jiu Su confirmed with Kong Hou that they would activate the Ascension Array at dawn the next day, and Kong Hou agreed. Back at their preparation site, Kong Hou and Master Zhong Xi discussed their need to perfect the Harmony Sync quickly. Elsewhere, Ling Bo remained anxious about their ability to defeat the formidable Jiu Su, but Lin Hu calmly advised patience and trust in Kong Hou's plan.
To lighten the mood, he returned with "Fox Laugh Grass," claiming if he ate it, he would obey her every command. Ling Bo tested it on him, and it worked, bringing a moment of levity. Later, Kong Hou asked Master Zhong Xi about Jiu Su's fate if their Harmony Sync destroyed the Ascension Array. Master Zhong Xi revealed that Jiu Su would be reduced to ashes. Kong Hou was deeply saddened, reflecting on her complex emotions.
Master Zhong Xi comforted her, saying she should follow her heart and that he wouldn't force her to harm Jiu Su. Kong Hou affirmed her desire to stop his wickedness, accepting that he would face the consequences if she succeeded. Suddenly, Jiu Su appeared, revealing he had known about their secret meetings. He scoffed at their efforts, declaring the Ascension Array would not be stopped.
Jiu Su tried to threaten Kong Hou by mentioning the Gu parasite in Master Zhong Xi, but Master Zhong Xi revealed he had already expelled it and restored his spiritual core. Unfazed, Jiu Su boasted that his cultivation had surpassed Void Unity, making him far superior. Realizing he could not defeat Jiu Su, Master Zhong Xi declared his intent to fight him to the death. Jiu Su brutally struck Master Zhong Xi down.
Heartbroken, Kong Hou cradled him as he urged her to take care of herself before succumbing to his wounds. Jiu Su, confident Kong Hou would now comply, dismissed her grief and left. Alone, Kong Hou remembered Master Huang Qi's words that the Phoenix Essence could revive the dead. She resolved to extract her Phoenix Essence to save Master Zhong Xi, knowing it meant her own life would soon end, and tearfully urged him to live on for her.
Jiu Su returned, oblivious to her sacrifice, cheerfully declaring that their ascension was imminent. He remarked that their combined power and the disciples' blood were essential, and that their parents would be pleased. Kong Hou retorted coldly that the dead had nothing to be pleased about. Jiu Su left, telling her to contemplate if Zhong Xi was worth it. Moments later, Master Zhong Xi awoke, confused. He had been killed but was now alive, and simultaneously, a thunder tribulation began.
Jiu Su witnessed it and mistakenly believed Kong Hou was undergoing the tribulation, worrying for her safety. Kong Hou realized it was Zhong Xi, whose revival was unexpectedly fast, as the Phoenix Essence usually took three days. To prevent Jiu Su from discovering the truth, Kong Hou urged him to depart for the Ascension Array, using the imminent arrival of the Ten Great Sects as a reason to avoid delay.
Meanwhile, Lin Hu received an urgent messenger talisman from Master Zhong Xi, activated by heart's blood. He insisted Ling Bo stay and wait for Kong Hou as planned, then set off alone. Master Zhong Xi, having successfully rescued the sect masters meant for sacrifice, instructed them to return for reinforcements, cautioning them about Jiu Su's Void Unity cultivation, before he set off to save Kong Hou. Jiu Su learned that Master Zhong Xi was alive and had rescued the disciples.
He angrily confronted Kong Hou, who denied any collusion and blamed his guards. Jiu Su's subordinate, Wu Bei, accused Kong Hou of conspiracy. Kong Hou retaliated, accusing Wu Bei of hiding the body to frame her and usurp her role in the ascension, reminding them all that without her, no one could ascend. Jiu Su ordered his guards to seize her but then rescinded the order, remembering he needed her Phoenix Essence.
Elsewhere, the rescued elders, including Master Wang Tong, Senior Tan Feng, and Senior Ling Hui, regrouped and expressed alarm upon learning of Jiu Su's advanced cultivation. With the Ascension Array paused, Jiu Su declared his intent to proceed the next day, stating that if the spiritual energy was impure, they would compensate with numbers. Later, Kong Hou secretly followed a mysterious black-clad figure who escaped but left behind some clues.
Jiu Su found her wandering and reminded her to stay put, reiterating his decision to resume the array. As other sects raced to rendezvous with Master Zhong Xi, Jiu Su revealed his new plan at the array: he would use the newly arriving sect disciples as sacrifices. Kong Hou confronted him, revealing she had lost her Phoenix Essence. She declared that while her individual Harmony Sync power was insufficient, sacrificing her life would magnify its power infinitely.
She condemned his evil deeds and vowed to eliminate him for the sake of Lingyou Realm, proclaiming she would die with him. Jiu Su, appealing to their childhood bond, offered to abandon his revenge and ascension if she would leave with him. Kong Hou refused. Seeing her unwavering resolve, Jiu Su, enraged, declared that she and all the righteous sects would perish with him.
Episode 31 Recap
Jiu Su, filled with malevolence, declared his intention to drag everyone down with him, including the righteous sects. Amidst the chaos, Kong Hou's body began to gradually turn to ashes. Sensing her dire peril, Master Zhong Xi rushed to her aid, pulling her from the brink of death. He then engaged Jiu Su in a fierce battle.
Jiu Su cruelly taunted Zhong Xi, expressing his desire for him to witness Kong Hou's complete disintegration before sending them both to oblivion, along with every mortal cultivator. Displaying formidable will and power, Master Zhong Xi eventually defeated Jiu Su, casting him into a black hole, and retrieved the now deeply unconscious Kong Hou. The others quickly gathered, their faces etched with worry. They discovered that Kong Hou's spiritual essence and energy had vanished.
It was explained that she had used her Phoenix Essence to revive Master Zhong Xi and then completely depleted her spiritual energy battling Jiu Su, leaving her with little time left. Initially believing Kong Hou was beyond saving, Master Zhong Xi learned from his master, Jin Yue, that there was still one way to save her. Meanwhile, Hong Yan, the leader of the Yuexing Sect, was filled with bitter disappointment and anger towards Kong Hou.
She had intended to use Jiu Su's Ascension Array to resurrect her own husband, Master Zi Chen, who had perished over a thousand years ago in a battle against demon cultivators. Now, to save Kong Hou, the only solution was to use the Yuexing Sect's Yuexing Formation. Master Zhong Xi sought out Hong Yan, who informed him that the Yuexing Formation could only be activated once with the current power of the sect.
Hong Yan was reluctant to use this sole opportunity to save Kong Hou, preferring to facilitate Master Zhong Xi's ascension to bring heavenly dew to the Lingyou Realm and clear its current decline. However, Master Zhong Xi was resolute, even kneeling to implore Hong Yan.
Moved by his profound devotion, Hong Yan revealed that the Yuexing Formation could save Kong Hou, but it would require Master Zhong Xi to sacrifice his own spiritual core, leading to his demise once Kong Hou was revived. Master Zhong Xi accepted this fate without hesitation. To spare everyone, especially Kong Hou, the grief of his impending death, Master Zhong Xi chose to conceal the full truth.
He informed his peers that the Yuexing Formation would aid his ascension, and the heavenly dew it brought forth would be capable of saving Kong Hou. Soon after, Kong Hou awoke, astonished to find herself alive. Upon learning of Master Zhong Xi's imminent ascension and their unavoidable separation, she expressed no sorrow, choosing instead to spend their remaining time together joyfully, revisiting places they cherished. They left the others, seeking a period of sweet, private solitude.
During this time, Lin Hu took Fairy Ling Bo to a bustling market to find a token of their affection, eventually selecting a pair of Hetian jade rings. While they admired their new rings, Master Zhong Xi sent Lin Hu a message, announcing his and Kong Hou's wedding the following day. When the day arrived, Master Zhong Xi and Kong Hou were preparing for their ceremony, only to be surprised by all their friends arriving to celebrate with them.
That evening, their wedding formally took place, blessed by their loved ones. Filled with joy, yet also a subtle sadness at the thought of their upcoming separation, Kong Hou drank heavily and eventually fell asleep on Master Zhong Xi's shoulder. Internally, Master Zhong Xi made a painful decision: to cast the Memory-Severing Technique on Kong Hou after his "ascension," ensuring she would forget him and live freely, unburdened by his sacrifice.
The bond between Lin Hu and Fairy Ling Bo also deepened. Lin Hu, hoping to delight Ling Bo, presented her with wildflowers. Though secretly pleased, Ling Bo playfully chided him for picking them carelessly. Lin Hu, undeterred, promised to plant a garden full of flowers in their courtyard once they were married, though Ling Bo continued to feign reluctance.
Just then, Master Zhong Xi and Kong Hou appeared, offering them an ancient spiritual tool, the Shuicang Jade, as a wedding gift. Hearing Ling Bo's mock refusal, Master Zhong Xi playfully teased the couple. Ling Bo finally relented, instructing Lin Hu to accept the gift, signifying her acceptance of their union. The day of the ritual arrived, and everyone gathered. Master Zhong Xi and Kong Hou entered the Yuexing Formation. Inside, Kong Hou felt an unsettling strangeness.
At a crucial moment, she noticed a distinctive pendant on Hong Yan. A flash of memory struck her: the pendant was identical to an item left behind by the mysterious figure she had encountered. Kong Hou realized with dread that Hong Yan was the enigmatic stranger. She urgently informed Master Zhong Xi, but it was too late. Both were ensnared by Hong Yan's control.
Hong Yan then revealed that this was not the Yuexing Formation at all, but rather a Rebirth Formation, designed to bring people back to life. She confessed that she needed Master Zhong Xi's spiritual core to complete the formation and resurrect Master Zi Chen, her late husband. She angrily declared that Master Zhong Xi and Kong Hou had ruined her original plans involving Jiu Su and would now pay the price.
Master Zhong Xi realized she was attempting to strip him of his spiritual core. Kong Hou desperately urged him to break the malevolent array, but Hong Yan threatened to kill Kong Hou if he resisted.
Episode 32 (Ending) Recap
As Jin Yue, Master Wang Tong, and other cultivators investigated the Yuexing Formation, they quickly realized something was amiss. The formation radiated dark energy and felt wrong, causing concern and questions about Master Hong Yan's true intentions, especially regarding Kong Hou's well-being. At the same time, Hong Yan, filled with anticipation, eagerly watched over her soon-to-be-revived husband.
In a desperate attempt, Kong Hou used her Phoenix-headed Konghou to free Master Zhong Xi, but the effort completely drained her, causing her to fall unconscious. Enraged by Kong Hou's actions, Hong Yan accused her of harming her husband. She then revealed that she had waited for nearly a millennium for an ascending cultivator with a spiritual core to revive her husband. When Kong Hou, a prodigy, emerged, her hopes were dashed because Kong Hou's spiritual core was shattered.
This led Hong Yan to turn to Jiu Su, planning to use his near-ascension-level core for the revival. With her hopes once again broken, Hong Yan’s fury ignited, and she vowed to kill both Zhong Xi and Kong Hou. However, she was no match for Zhong Xi, who ultimately defeated her. Hong Yan collapsed beside her husband's body, and both turned to dust, vanishing completely. As this happened, Kong Hou, cradled in Zhong Xi’s arms, also faded into dust.
Three hundred years later, Master Zhong Xi successfully completed another tribulation. Meanwhile, Lin Hu and Fairy Ling Bo had found happiness together. After every tribulation, Zhong Xi would habitually travel to the mortal realm to search for someone, and Lin Hu, ever watchful, would follow to ensure his safe return. This time, however, Zhong Xi erected a barrier, determined to go alone.
Though initially confined by the barrier, Lin Hu and Fairy Ling Bo’s clever child managed to dismantle it, and the couple then decided to accompany Zhong Xi to the mortal realm. In Fan City, Zhong Xi tirelessly searched for Kong Hou. His search led him to a woman dressed in red who looked identical to Kong Hou, even sharing her name.
This current incarnation of Kong Hou had no memory of her past life and, upon Zhong Xi's approach, suspected him of merely trying to flirt with her. Despite her lack of recognition, Zhong Xi, overcome with emotion, took her hand, intent on helping her remember. Kong Hou, startled and annoyed, thought he was a madman and quickly made an excuse to flee, even calling for the city officers.
Kong Hou, still fond of storybooks in this life, soon returned to the bookstall to buy some. By chance, she encountered Zhong Xi again. He playfully vied with her for a storybook. Later that evening, Kong Hou returned home only to be confronted by her landlady for unpaid rent. Her life had been difficult since her foster grandfather passed away, leaving her in financial hardship. Zhong Xi appeared, helping her clean up the mess.
Initially distraught and not paying attention to who was helping her, Kong Hou looked up and recognized Zhong Xi, immediately trying to drive him away. Lin Hu and Fairy Ling Bo, still observing from a distance, commented on Kong Hou’s suffering and Zhong Xi’s determination. To reawaken Kong Hou's memories, Zhong Xi intentionally recreated scenes from their past. While dusting, Kong Hou felt a sense of déjà vu, vaguely recalling Zhong Xi watching her dust in a similar manner before.
He also brought up washing clothes in a way she found familiar, further stirring faint recollections. Despite these small sparks of memory, Kong Hou maintained her distance, expressing her intention to cultivate in the Lingyou Realm. Zhong Xi then revealed his own identity as a cultivator from the Lingyou Realm, even demonstrating a brief immobilization spell on nearby villagers to prove his power. Yet, Kong Hou remained skeptical, dismissing him as a charlatan.
Later that night, as Kong Hou prepared to hang a lantern and make a wish for her cultivation, Zhong Xi surprised her again. It was her birthday, a detail she hadn't mentioned, and he surprised her with a special cake and a dazzling display of fireworks, reminding her that no one had remembered her birthday since her grandfather’s passing. Deeply touched by his kindness, Kong Hou finally began to believe his claims about the Lingyou Realm.
The next day, Zhong Xi transported Kong Hou to Yong City in the Lingyou Realm. Seeing the ethereal beauty of the realm, Kong Hou’s doubts finally vanished, and she accepted that Zhong Xi was a genuine cultivator. He then returned to her the Phoenix-headed Konghou, which had transformed from a hairpin into a powerful spiritual tool and back again, revealing its true nature.
She finally agreed to become his disciple, playfully warning him that she would change masters if he taught her poorly. Zhong Xi then brought Kong Hou to Yunhua Sect, which was now under the leadership of her former Senior Ling Hui and Senior Tan. While her senior siblings were overjoyed to see her, Kong Hou found their reactions unsettling and expressed no desire to stay and cultivate there.
Respecting her choice, Zhong Xi continued to show her items from their past, hoping to trigger more memories, and allowed her to choose any location for her cultivation. He eventually led her to Jiu Su's former residence. Kong Hou instantly fell in love with the place, deciding to make it her new home. Zhong Xi agreed, sensing that this location held profound, unforgettable memories for her.
Zhong Xi then announced his plan to enter secluded cultivation with Kong Hou, a period that would be quite long, meaning many familiar faces might not be seen again before their ascension. He bid an emotional farewell to Master Wang Tong, Lin Hu, Fairy Ling Bo, and their child, thanking them for their unwavering support over the centuries and encouraging them to live happily and strive for their own ascension. Before embarking on their long seclusion, Kong Hou renamed their new abode, prominently displaying a sign that read, "Flying Up Without Disturb." Zhong Xi approved, finding the name excellent.
