Sword and Beloved Recap, Plot, Synopsis
Sword and Beloved Synopsis
Wang Quan Fu Gui is the son of Wang Quan Hong Ye and Dongfang Huaizhu, and the most powerful member of the Wang Quan family. Trained as a Daoist soldier, Fu Gui lived a life without freedom. Qing Tong, initially a spy planted by Poison Lady to gather intelligence on the Wang Quan family, regains her freedom with Fu Gui’s help. As their bond deepens, Fu Gui's longing for liberty and vision of a peaceful world are reignited. After enduring immense trials, he takes Qing Tong with him and walks the path he has chosen for himself.
Sword and Beloved Recap
Episode 1 Recap
In the heart of Eastern City, corpses lay scattered across the snowy ground, the only sound the eerie chime of broken wind chimes. Young Master Cheng led his disciples into the city, only to find everyone massacred. As they stood in shock, a swift, dark shadow descended, killing several followers instantly. Despite the danger, Young Master Cheng bravely declared the Cheng family's disciples would not retreat and ordered an attack.
However, the assailant's speed was overwhelming; Young Master Cheng himself vanished amidst the chaos. Back at Wangquan Manor, the headquarters of the Yiqi Alliance, reports flooded in of Eastern City's obliteration by demons and Young Master Cheng's disappearance. Amidst the growing panic, Wangquan Hongye, the Chief of the Yiqi Alliance, remained resolute, assuring everyone that the Soldier had already arrived. Wangquan Fugui, the Soldier of the Yiqi Alliance and Young Master of Wangquan Manor, appeared in Eastern City.
A blood-stained Young Master Cheng, on the verge of death, reached out to him for help, but behind him lurked numerous grotesque demons. With his First-Snow Sword, Wangquan Fugui swiftly dispatched the attacking demons. He then proceeded towards a raging inferno of karmic fire, where the bodies of the deceased fueled a horrifying blaze. A sharp, feminine voice announced the demon's identity: Huodou, the Demon King.
She taunted Wangquan Fugui, but he cut her off, engaging her in a fierce battle. Though Huodou managed to inflict an injury on him, she was shocked when Wangquan Fugui emerged from her seemingly inescapable karmic fire, completely unharmed. The karmic fire, instead of consuming him, recoiled in fear, parting a path. When Huodou demanded to know why her fire feared him, Wangquan Fugui simply stated she didn't need to know, then mercilessly struck her down, reducing her to ashes.
As Wangquan Fugui prepared to leave Eastern City, his attendants discovered a survivor. They reported that someone had used spider silk to stop the bleeding of one of the injured. Wangquan Fugui then found No.12580, a spider demon attempting to flee. Upon learning that she had used her silk to help the injured, Wangquan Fugui, in an unprecedented act, spared her life, breaking his usual rule of demon slaying.
Meanwhile, back at Silk Cave, the Mistress was furious that her spider demons had failed to infiltrate Wangquan Manor. As she punished the other failed demons, threatening No.12581, No.12580 pleaded for his life, referring to him as her brother despite their shared hatching day. No.12580 offered a solution to redeem their failure: on the third day of the month, Wangquan Manor's cargo ship would pass through the perilous Dingling Mountain.
She proposed that if the Mistress helped her board the ship, she could infiltrate the manor and gather intelligence. Impressed by No.12580's wit, the Mistress agreed, promising to spare No.12581's life if she returned with valuable information about the Soldier. Wangquan Fugui reflected on his role as a Soldier: his life was a cycle of cold, emotionless killing, where drawing his sword to slay demons required no reason.
He saw his heart trapped within its sheath, unable to unleash the ultimate Heaven-and-Earth Strike, viewing himself merely as a weapon for Wangquan Manor. Following his quick victory over Huodou, Steward Fei praised his impressive skill, but Wangquan Hongye remained stern, noting Wangquan Fugui's injury as proof his strength had not yet peaked. He criticized his son for failing to master the Heaven-and-Earth Strike and immediately ordered him to return to the Cold Pool for more cultivation, despite his wounds.
Steward Fei expressed concern for Wangquan Fugui's poisoned injuries, suggesting treatment first, but Wangquan Hongye was unyielding. Wangquan Fugui recalled his origins: born of a concubine, his mother, a powerful spiritualist, had reportedly exhausted all her spiritual power giving birth to him. From childhood, he endured eight hours of daily cultivation, secluded from the outside world. By twelve, he was unrivaled by anyone in the family except Wangquan Hongye.
His life soon expanded to include journeys in the Demon-Slaying Palanquin, endlessly slaying demons. He was taught to shed all emotion and warmth. Yet, the Heaven-and-Earth Strike eluded him, making him wonder if his father's only concern for him was this ultimate skill. No.12580 successfully infiltrated Wangquan Manor by stowing away on a cargo ship. However, she was quickly discovered by Feng Tingyun, a disciple of the manor, who detected her demonic aura.
To save herself, No.12580 spun a tale of accidentally falling from a tree and offered to mend Feng Tingyun's patched dress, promising to weave an even more beautiful one from demon silk. Feng Tingyun, pleased with her weaving skills, then presented a portrait of a costume, tasking No.12580 with recreating it. She revealed she intended to wear it for her senior's upcoming birthday, a senior she admired despite his disinterest in celebrations and her annual letters.
No.12580 volunteered to deliver the letter this year. That night, she stealthily entered Wangquan Fugui's room. He recognized her as the spider demon he had spared earlier and ordered her to leave. Desperate, No.12580 pleaded with him to accept Feng Tingyun's letter, even opening it to reveal an invitation to meet by the garden pond the following night. Wangquan Fugui curtly stated he could read and again commanded her to leave.
As she departed, No.12580 wistfully mentioned the beautiful rhododendrons on Mount Baiwu and urged him to attend the meeting. However, Wangquan Fugui did not show up. The next day, Feng Tingyun, wearing heavy makeup for her rendezvous, was subtly told by No.12580 that her makeup was "a bit too much." Feng Tingyun brushed it off, asserting her self-confidence as the chief female disciple of Wangquan Manor.
Later, a crestfallen Feng Tingyun informed No.12580 that her senior had sent someone in his stead, instructing her to simply practice her sword more. Despite her disappointment, Feng Tingyun remained determined, vowing to become the Yiqi Alliance's strongest swordsman to win his approval. Witnessing her unyielding spirit, No.12580 decided she could not remain idle.
On his birthday, Wangquan Fugui held the Jinlan Mask, a gift from his mother, Dongfang Huaizhu, to his father, Wangquan Hongye, a mask no one else was permitted to touch. Steward Fei confirmed its sacred status, noting its perpetual spotless condition as a testament to Wangquan Hongye's enduring love for his late wife. Wangquan Fugui knew his father avoided him on this day because his birthday was also his mother's death anniversary.
He asked Steward Fei if his father truly hated him and sought to learn the mask's history and Wangquan Hongye's past, but Steward Fei cautiously declined to elaborate, merely stating that Wangquan Hongye wished for him to focus on achieving the Heaven-and-Earth Strike. Unseen, Wangquan Hongye stood at Dongfang Huaizhu's grave, lost in memories.
He recounted how Huaizhu had conceived the "Yiqi Alliance Soldier" project: a child, fusing Dongfang spiritual power and Wangquan sword spirit, destined to be the world's strongest swordsman. He remembered Huaizhu's hopes for their child to be kind and intelligent, while he himself envisioned a hero who would "chase the endless night and save all living beings."
Over twenty years, he had aged, and in his relentless pursuit of forging Wangquan Fugui into the ultimate Soldier, he had become a distant father, agonizing over his son's increasing resemblance to his own past self—a fate he desperately wanted to prevent. No.12580, secretly following Wangquan Fugui, watched as he approached his mother's burial site. Wangquan Hongye, sensing his son's presence, harshly chastised him for his momentary distraction, warning that such lapses could be fatal.
Wangquan Fugui retorted that he merely wished to honor his mother. Wangquan Hongye argued that his mother's true wish was for him to master the Heaven-and-Earth Strike, demanding he purge all emotions—soft-heartedness, attachments, and unwillingness—which he deemed weaknesses hindering his ultimate power. Wangquan Fugui defiantly asked if his father would be satisfied if he were to strike him down without hesitation, seeking an answer to his underlying questions.
In an act of profound rebellion, Wangquan Fugui put on the Jinlan Mask. This immediately provoked a violent frenzy in Wangquan Hongye. The mask seemed to trigger memories of a past self—a "Hongye under the Jinlan Mask"—who "lost because of his emotions" and was responsible for "tragedies" and the "tragic, unnatural deaths" of loved ones, dying "under that black Grief Tree."
He furiously knocked the mask off Wangquan Fugui, declaring that he would not allow his son to follow in his footsteps. Wangquan Hongye then dismissed Wangquan Fugui, stating his mother preferred quiet. Alone again, Wangquan Hongye reflected on his actions, acknowledging the joy he had stripped from his son and from himself, all to fulfill Dongfang Huaizhu's vision of the Soldier: a being born solely to slay demons.
Episode 2 Recap
Wangquan Hongye visited Huaizhu's tombstone, lamenting that Wangquan Fugui had lost all joy in life to become a Soldier. He swore he could not show weakness, as it would betray Huaizhu's sacrifices for him and the Yiqi Alliance, firmly believing that a Soldier exists solely to slay demons. Meanwhile, a small spider demon, No.12580, witnessed Wangquan Fugui's earlier confrontation with his father.
She approached him, offering horseweed for his wounds and criticizing Wangquan Hongye for being too harsh, especially on Wangquan Fugui's birthday. Wangquan Fugui, however, coldly rejected the medicine and walked away. No.12580 then offered an internal injury medicine, but he ignored her again. Wangquan Fugui was left bewildered by his father's words, questioning what secrets he was truly keeping.
He remembered his father's earlier warning that Wangquan Hongye, under the Jinlan Mask, had been defeated by emotion, losing his closest friends and loved ones, and vowed not to let Wangquan Fugui follow the same path. That night, Wangquan Hongye was disturbed by a recurring dream of the Black Grief Tree, which he distinctly recalled cutting down with his own hands.
The dream tree, cloaked in ominous energy, taunted him with a sharp female voice, claiming he had never truly killed her, and that in this world, love fades while hatred grows. She challenged his belief that raising a Soldier could control the Demon Realm, eagerly anticipating a confrontation with Wangquan Fugui, the "sharpened blade" he had forged. Wangquan Hongye woke with a start, wondering why his dreams were consistently connected to the "outer circle" and if it had truly returned.
His attendant, Fei Grandpa, reported a recent surge in hostility and cross-border attacks from the Demon Realm, possibly linked to the Black Fox, underscoring the urgency for Wangquan Fugui to master the Heaven-and-Earth Strike. Fei Grandpa also informed Wangquan Hongye about the upcoming Blue Sky Convention, a grand talent selection event for the Yiqi Alliance, meticulously prepared by Master Li of Peach Garden's Li family.
He then revealed that Quan Jingting, whom Wangquan Hongye stripped of his Wangquan surname and exiled to the Western Regions 15 years prior for practicing dark arts with demon cores, was returning with his son, Quan Rumu, who had once been Wangquan Hongye's favorite nephew. Quan Jingting and Quan Rumu made a dramatic entrance into the city, creating a stir with their heavy cargo. Quan Jingting tracked down Wangquan Shouyi at his tobacco house, a front for his illegal activities.
Quan Jingting exposed Wangquan Shouyi's trade in forbidden medicine, extracted from demon cores, which he sold in the Western Regions to avoid detection by Wangquan Manor. He threatened to expose Shouyi to Wangquan Hongye. To further pressure Wangquan Shouyi, Quan Jingting showcased Quan Rumu's swordsmanship, a powerful display that nearly achieved the legendary Heaven-and-Earth Strike.
Quan Jingting revealed his 15-year grudge, stemming from a "minor mistake" that led Wangquan Hongye to strip him of his rightful Wangquan surname and exile him. He challenged Wangquan Shouyi's cowardice for merely cursing Wangquan Hongye in the shadows. Quan Jingting proposed a plan: at the Blue Sky Convention, Quan Rumu would defeat the Soldier, Wangquan Fugui, and seize the Wangquan Sword.
Given the Yiqi Alliance's many fence-sitters, Quan Jingting believed that if Rumu succeeded, Wangquan Shouyi could rally support for their revolt, making the Alliance their own. Though Wangquan Shouyi dismissed it as a simple plan, Quan Jingting asserted his direct approach, reminding Shouyi of the severe consequences if his illicit drug trade was exposed. He argued that "heroes are made by their times," and together, they could turn the Yiqi Alliance into Shouyi's "cash cow."
To ensure the plan's success, Quan Jingting demanded a high-grade pill to enhance Quan Rumu's power, with Quan Rumu himself scornfully rejecting Shouyi's initial offering of inferior elixirs. Later, No.12580 approached Wangquan Fugui, offering him a small wild chrysanthemum as a belated birthday gift. She explained her lack of fear, believing he would not harm the weak and innocent, and that he would have killed her already if he intended to.
Wangquan Fugui, in turn, revealed his full knowledge of her identity as a spy from the Silk Cave, dispatched by Madam Yin, who harbored deep resentment towards him and frequently sent spider spies. He detailed her methods of weaving brocade and using silk vibrations for communication, and her cunning use of Feng Tingyun to gain access to his residence. He ordered her to leave.
Desperate, No.12580 pleaded to stay, highlighting the countless expendable spiders in the Silk Cave and her imminent death if she returned without information. Noticing his preoccupation with maps, she offered to weave any desired scenery into a brocade, having traveled extensively. She then collapsed, revealing injuries inflicted by a male spider. Wangquan Fugui, seeing her distress, carefully set her broken bone and prepared a soothing medicine bath.
He pondered why she had previously saved a wounded human swordsman in East City, given that demons typically despise humans. No.12580 confirmed that he had allowed her to stay because of her offer to weave desired scenery. Wangquan Fugui then showed her a map, pointing to a place called "Bamboo Pavilion by River Huai," and asked if she had ever visited it. She hadn't, but described similar serene bamboo forests by water with elegant pavilions.
She complained about the bitter medicine, asking for candy. He initially declined, but later placed a piece of candy near her. He even folded a paper boat for her to rest in. Throughout their time, No.12580 chattered incessantly, questioning his sparse room despite Wangquan Manor's wealth, and remarking on the significance of the "Bamboo Pavilion by River Huai" to him. She bid him goodnight, promising to see him the next day. The following days continued in a similar fashion.
No.12580 offered him tea and speculated about his dislike for the title "Soldier." She explained that her arm injury slowed her weaving, and again asked for candy, suggesting it would speed up her work. Wangquan Fugui silently provided another candy. She asked if Feng Tingyun had inquired about her, to which he replied that he had informed Feng Tingyun that a spider had been chased away.
No.12580 remarked on Feng Tingyun's innocence and confidence, playfully suggesting they were a good match, but quickly silenced herself when Wangquan Fugui showed annoyance. She continued describing the scenery for the brocade painting. As the "Bamboo Pavilion by River Huai" brocade neared completion, No.12580 prepared for her departure. She observed him deliberately performing sword moves slowly, realizing he was doing so to give her information to report back to the Silk Cave.
She thanked him for the opportunity to live and for the "sweet candy." She questioned how he viewed demons, since he didn't see them as terrifying monsters like those in the Silk Cave. He simply replied, "Demons." She elaborated that small demons like her were like wild chrysanthemums, easily crushed, yet they, too, yearned for life. She recalled saving the human swordsman in East City because she recognized his desire to live.
She expressed gratitude for his kindness and wished him happiness, sensing his profound loneliness and gentle nature, promising to cherish the memories of her time with him. Upon the completion of the exquisite "Bamboo Pavilion by River Huai" brocade, No.12580 hailed it as the most beautiful she had ever seen. She wished Wangquan Fugui would one day see the real pavilion and escape his solitude.
She hoped to weave more beautiful scenery for him and vowed to live on, offering to become his "eyes" in the world. With a heartfelt goodbye, she left. Wangquan Fugui, gazing at the brocade, reflected on the profound impact it had on him. He acknowledged that he could no longer indiscriminately kill demons, pondering if all demons truly deserved death. Back at the Silk Cave, Madam Yin reviewed No.12580's intelligence, including Wangquan Fugui's sword techniques, daily routine, and habits.
She openly admitted the intelligence was useless, as her true intention in sending No.12580 into Wangquan Manor was not to gather information, but to cultivate her as Wangquan Fugui's weakness. She planned to orchestrate a reunion between the Soldier and his "little spider" at an opportune moment.
Soon after, Fei Grandpa delivered a new mission to Wangquan Fugui: the Xin family had requested assistance from the Yiqi Alliance against the aggressive Raccoon Dog Demon King, Fu Li, who had driven them into a land of miasma. Wangquan Fugui noted the unusual aggression of the typically peaceful raccoon dog clan.
Fei Grandpa explained that Fu Li had usurped the old king, acquiring a powerful winged spirit pearl capable of absorbing human spiritual power and aiding in demon transformation, which she used to oppress human clans. Fei Grandpa encouraged Wangquan Fugui to excel at the upcoming Blue Sky Convention to earn his father's permission to venture beyond the manor. Wangquan Fugui, with a new resolve, declared he would no longer dwell on "useless things" like maps.
Meanwhile, No.12580's frail younger brother was rewarded for her successful mission. He shared news of their next mission: stealing the winged spirit pearl from the raccoon dog clan. When her brother, No.12581, was called to undertake the dangerous task, No.12580, remembering his previous injury at the hands of the Yiqi Alliance, immediately volunteered to go in his stead. She covertly infiltrated the raccoon dog territory to steal the winged spirit pearl but was quickly discovered by Fu Li.
The Raccoon Dog Demon King mocked her as a "mere spider demon" for daring to steal their treasure. Just as No.12580 believed her life was forfeit, Wangquan Fugui appeared, challenging Fu Li. No.12580 was stunned to see him. A fierce battle ensued, with Fu Li employing her shapeshifting abilities against Wangquan Fugui. He ultimately defeated her, seized the winged spirit pearl, and destroyed her. As he prepared to leave, Wangquan Fugui sensed No.12580's presence.
He found her severely wounded, on the brink of death. Recalling her poignant words about small demons also yearning to live and her gratitude for his kindness, Wangquan Fugui realized her injuries were irreversible through conventional means. He decided the only way to save her was to use the newly acquired winged spirit pearl to refine and transfer his own spiritual power into her. He mused that perhaps this extraordinary turn of events was simply "heaven's will."
Episode 3 Recap
The little spider lay critically injured, beyond saving unless Wangquan Fugui refined his spiritual power with the winged spirit pearl, a turn of events he mused might be destiny. The little spider soon awakened, surprised to be alive. She asked Wangquan Fugui if he had saved her, noting his pale complexion and offering to fetch a towel. He stopped her, asking if she wished to take human form.
The little spider eagerly expressed her desire, hoping to become a powerful demon who could cultivate faster and protect her younger brother, No.12581, as all their other siblings had perished. She pleaded with Wangquan Fugui to help rescue her brother. Wangquan Fugui, however, told her that she must realize her own wishes. On a cold day, Wangquan Fugui led the little spider into the courtyard and drew out the winged spirit pearl.
She floated upwards, curious about the pearl, to which Wangquan Fugui replied it was unimportant, but it would transform her into a human. With Wangquan Fugui’s spiritual power, the little spider successfully transformed into a beautiful young woman, excitedly touching her new face and twirling before stumbling, unaccustomed to two legs. Wangquan Fugui instructed her to stand firmly and try walking. She exclaimed that it must not be a dream and wanted him to pinch her.
He told her to return inside, while she reassured him that she would adapt to walking on two legs, marveling at how different the world looked from her new perspective. During the Wangquan Manor’s morning practice, Quan Jingting arrived with his retinue, challenging the current Wangquan Swordsmanship. Wangquan Fugui stepped forward and soundly defeated his challenge, leaving Quan Jingting’s face flushed with embarrassment.
Wangquan Hongye addressed Quan Jingting, reminding him of his expulsion from the Wangquan family over a decade ago and his subsequent change of surname to "Quan," emphasizing that as a guest in Wangquan Manor, he should observe proper guest etiquette. Quan Jingting, acknowledging Wangquan Hongye as the Chief of Yiqi Alliance, confirmed his presence for the upcoming Blue Sky Convention and stated that his son, Quan Rumu, would proceed directly to the Li Residence.
Wangquan Hongye then instructed his men to escort Quan Jingting and his party to the guest quarters. Wangquan Fugui returned to his room, visibly weakened and coughing up blood, noting that transferring spiritual power to the little spider had taken a considerable toll. The now human-shaped spider, Qing Tong, happily approached him, demonstrating her improved ability to walk on two legs.
Wangquan Fugui, however, was dismissive, stating he needed to regulate his breathing and heal, and remarking that her current dress was unsuitable. While Wangquan Fugui meditated, another spider demon, sent by Madam Yin, entered, urging Qing Tong to kill him by stabbing his Baihui acupoint with a needle, as he was vulnerable. Qing Tong refused, insisting her task was merely to monitor Wangquan Fugui, not assassinate him.
The other spider demon accused her of disloyalty and threatened to report her to Madam Yin, which would lead to her brother’s death. Enraged, Qing Tong quickly encased the other spider demon in a cocoon, proclaiming that she would cultivate diligently and rescue her brother with her own strength. Soon after, Feng Tingyun came to visit Wangquan Fugui and immediately sensed his significant loss of spiritual power, wondering if the Raccoon Dog Demon King or Quan Jingting had harmed him.
Wangquan Fugui assured her he was fine and asked her to return. Feng Tingyun confessed her affection for him but also stated that she would relinquish her pursuit if a more suitable person appeared. She then asked if he had seen the little spider demon who delivered her letters.
Wangquan Fugui replied no. Feng Tingyun expressed a hint of sadness, finding the spider interesting but acknowledging that humans and demons were meant for separate paths and could not be friends, a fact she understood. After Feng Tingyun departed, Qing Tong emerged from her hiding spot, asking Wangquan Fugui if she looked more beautiful in her human form compared to her spider form. He found her question noisy.
Qing Tong thanked him for saving her life and pledged to repay him. She then requested that he teach her sword skills, wishing to grow stronger to protect her loved ones. Wangquan Fugui agreed but commented on the unsuitability of her attire. He began to instruct Qing Tong in sword arts, explaining that elements like wind, frost, rain, and snow were all natural breaths, aiding in enlightenment. Qing Tong diligently practiced, impressed by his mastery.
She observed his quiet appreciation for sights like sunset glows and flying birds, realizing that he was confined and yearned for the outside world. This realization stirred anger within her, and she resolved to do something for him. Qing Tong was nearing completion of her sword instruction, with only one seven-move technique remaining. However, Wangquan Fugui informed her that he would not have time to teach her before the impending Blue Sky Convention.
He also had another mission before his departure, and Qing Tong eagerly requested to accompany him. Wangquan Fugui's mission was to eliminate the Red Silver-ringed Snake Demon King, a notorious creature that relished clear water and dark forests, responsible for devastating 130 families in Kangshui Town, and now hiding in a valley on Huyan Mountain under an Yiqi Alliance order for execution. Unbeknownst to them, Quan Rumu was stealthily following.
As Wangquan Fugui was about to deliver the killing blow to the snake demon, Quan Rumu suddenly attacked, blinding Wangquan Fugui with True Dragon Power, leaving him vulnerable to the snake demon. As the demon king prepared to strike, Qing Tong courageously intervened, standing defiantly in front of Wangquan Fugui despite her innate spider-demon fear of snakes, shaking but unyielding.
The snake demon king scornfully called her a "lowly little thing," but Wangquan Fugui, recovering his sight and strength, declared that she was no such thing and was by no means inferior, before finally slaying the Red Silver-ringed Snake Demon King. Qing Tong was thrilled and emotional about their first mission together, recounting her fear but pride in her performance, which she attributed to Wangquan Fugui's sword teachings. He offered her a piece of candy as a reward.
Wangquan Fugui then revealed that his eyes were scorched by the True Dragon Power and would take at least a month to recover. Meanwhile, Quan Jingting was pleased to learn of Wangquan Fugui’s blindness, seeing it as proof of Quan Rumu's effectiveness. He then visited Wangquan Shouyi, who provided him with the freshly concocted Dragon Tempering Pill, essential for Quan Rumu to defeat Wangquan Fugui at the Blue Sky Convention.
During the meeting, one of Quan Jingting's allies questioned the plan, expressing doubt that Quan Rumu could succeed even with such aid. Mr. Fei expressed his sorrow to Wangquan Fugui, lamenting that his father had finally agreed to let him travel by horse carriage to the Blue Sky Convention, freeing him from his palanquin to see the outside world, only for him to become blind.
Qing Tong, deeply saddened by Wangquan Fugui's condition, cried that she couldn't protect anyone she cared about. Wangquan Fugui gently told her to be his eyes. She joyfully accepted, promising to weave more beautiful scenes for him, hoping he would one day see the world, including the mythical Bamboo Pavilion by River Huai.
As they began their journey in a horse carriage, Qing Tong eagerly pointed out a flock of Datian birds flying south, noting a young bird that momentarily fell behind but quickly rejoined its family. She expressed her happiness at being his eyes. Wangquan Fugui, listening to her joyful descriptions, remarked that the world outside must be beautiful because she sounded so happy.
Episode 4 Recap
Quan Rumu sought out the raccoon dog demons Lu Qiba and Lu Shangxia, who were squabbling over a pilfered roasted chicken in a dilapidated temple. Rumu, having consumed their chicken, offered them a task: to track a specific individual and report his whereabouts. When the two demons brazenly demanded five hundred taels for the job, Rumu scoffed, revealing his knowledge of their clan's customs.
He explained that a raccoon dog demon’s braid, which takes a very long time to grow, is crucial for courtship, and losing it is akin to becoming a eunuch in human society. With a swift movement, he severed their braids, promising to reattach them perfectly once the mission was accomplished, effectively coercing them into his service. Meanwhile, Wangquan Fugui and Qing Tong arrived at a picturesque lake.
Qing Tong, thrilled by the beautiful scenery, promised to weave a brocade of the lake to show Wangquan Fugui once his eyesight recovered. She expressed her joy, and Wangquan Fugui noted that the outside world must indeed be beautiful because of her happiness. As they approached the Li family residence, Wangquan Fugui handed Qing Tong an Aura Concealment Talisman, instructing her to keep it on her to hide her demonic aura.
He had arranged for her to pose as a maid sent by Butler Fei, advising her to stay in the guest room and avoid contact with others. Qing Tong, aware that Alliance Chief Wangquan Hongye would be present, expressed concern about his reaction to Wangquan Fugui’s blindness, but Wangquan Fugui assured her that as long as he remained undefeated, his injury wouldn't matter to the Chief. The Blue Sky Convention began, hosted by the Li family.
Li Muhai announced the three-day competition, divided into Physical Combat, Skill, and Mind, with the winners gaining access to the Third Young Master of Aolai’s secret Spiritual Stone. Wangquan Hongye, discussing his nephew Wangquan Fugui’s eye injury with Li Quzhuo, casually dismissed it as a minor wound that would heal in a month. Quan Jingting, having struggled to arrange a meeting with his son, finally caught up with him.
Quan Rumu, however, was clearly disinclined to spend time with his father, sarcastically remarking that the dullest place on earth was by his father's side. He pressed Quan Jingting to reveal his true motive for seeking him out. Quan Jingting admitted his friends were concerned about the blind Soldier's perceived invincibility and wanted to witness Quan Rumu's true strength. During the Physical Combat Contest, Wangquan Fugui challenged all of the day's victors.
Quan Rumu, despite his poor health, put up a fight but ultimately lost his strength after one strike. Wangquan Fugui easily defeated all other challengers. Afterward, Quan Jingting urged Quan Rumu to return with him, reminding him that everything he worked for would eventually be Rumu's. However, Quan Rumu bitterly recounted his past, revealing the depth of his father’s cruelty.
He reminded Quan Jingting that he was exiled to the Western Regions for practicing forbidden arts, taking young Rumu along despite his severe asthma and the harsh desert conditions. Wangquan Hongye had offered to let Rumu stay, but Quan Jingting insisted, declaring that Rumu, as his son, was "mine in life and his ghost in death." Quan Rumu continued, detailing how his asthma worsened in the Western Regions while Quan Jingting neglected him, relentlessly killing demons and making enemies.
One day, Rumu was captured by an enemy seeking revenge, but Quan Jingting callously stated that Rumu was "of no use" and that his life "meant nothing." After escaping, Quan Rumu wandered the desert for over a decade, with his father never once searching for him. It was only after Rumu made a name for himself with his swordsmanship in the Western Regions that Quan Jingting reappeared, not with love, but with further manipulation.
He had taken Rumu’s friends hostage to force Rumu to work for him, a love more poisonous than arsenic. Quan Jingting then produced a pill, claiming it would boost Rumu’s spiritual power to ensure he defeated the Soldier. When Rumu refused, Quan Jingting revealed a trap where Rumu's friends were covered in crude oil, threatening to burn them to ashes with a single spark.
Facing his friends' imminent demise and his father's True Dragon Power, Quan Rumu reluctantly ingested the pill. Quan Jingting then ordered him to attend the evening banquet to make up for his earlier absence. At the Li family, Wangquan Fugui was settled into a chamber with a side room for his maid. Later, at the evening banquet, Quan Rumu made a dramatic entrance, asking for a spot in tomorrow’s competition despite missing the day's contests.
Wangquan Shouyi explained that only those approved by the Soldier could participate, suggesting Rumu prove his strength. Quan Rumu then challenged Wangquan Fugui, and after a brief exchange, Wangquan Fugui approved his participation. Back in her room, Qing Tong was practicing her sword when Quan Rumu appeared. He observed her swordsmanship, noting its similarity to Wangquan Fugui’s, and deduced she wasn't human.
When he claimed responsibility for blinding Wangquan Fugui, Qing Tong became enraged, nearly attacking him until Wangquan Fugui intervened, identifying Rumu as a friend and stating there was more to the story of his eyes. Quan Rumu playfully called Qing Tong "sister-in-law," which flustered her. She insisted she was merely Wangquan Fugui’s maid, to which Rumu retorted that she should learn to speak like a normal person. Wangquan Fugui then inquired about the mission with the raccoon dog demons.
The three rode to the lake where Wangquan Fugui and Rumu had played as children. Qing Tong, observing Wangquan Fugui skipping stones, asked about their history. Quan Rumu recounted how, sixteen years ago, he easily breached the highly guarded "Soldier's barrier" at the Wangquan Manor. He found a young Wangquan Fugui, who lived in isolation in the Cold Pool, listening to a cricket.
Rumu, after accidentally killing the cricket, was fiercely reprimanded by Wangquan Fugui, who declared it his "only friend." To make amends, Rumu offered to be Wangquan Fugui’s friend and took him outside the manor to the lake, teaching him how to skip stones. Wangquan Fugui, yearning to see the world, cherished these moments. When Quan Rumu had to leave with his father for the Western Regions, Wangquan Fugui gave him a specially crafted skipping stone as a farewell gift.
Qing Tong, hearing their story, wondered why Rumu would blind his friend. Wangquan Fugui clarified that the eye injury was a deliberate, pre-arranged act to appease Quan Jingting. Rumu had sought out Wangquan Fugui shortly after Qing Tong transformed into human form, and they conspired to use the blindness as a means to gain time and save Rumu's friends from Quan Jingting’s clutches. Rumu explained that his father would have used other dirty tactics against Wangquan Fugui anyway.
He then noted that Wangquan Fugui, having received little affection, cherished his friendships greatly. The raccoon dog demons, Lu Qiba and Lu Shangxia, finally arrived, complaining about Rumu’s coercion. They reported tracking Quan Jingting to Xiyun Hall, where he disappeared into a cave. Wangquan Fugui and Rumu concluded that this was likely where Rumu's friends were imprisoned. Quan Rumu then confided in Wangquan Fugui about the mysterious pill his father forced him to take that morning, expressing a bad premonition.
He asked Wangquan Fugui not to hold back if he acted strangely during tomorrow's competition, and requested that if he were to die, Wangquan Fugui would deliver a message to a dragon demon carrying a snowflake gourd: that Rumu never blamed her. Wangquan Fugui and Quan Rumu finalized their plan for the next day: Rumu would participate in the Skill Contest at the Blue Sky Convention to buy time, while Wangquan Fugui would infiltrate Xiyun Hall to rescue Rumu’s friends. Wangquan Fugui assured Rumu that he would not let him die, promising to return to him after saving their friends.
Episode 5 Recap
As agreed, Wangquan Fugui and Little Spider, accompanied by the two raccoon demons Lu Qiba and Lu Shangxia, set off for Xiyun Hall to rescue Rumu's friends. Quan Rumu, meanwhile, went to the Blue Sky Convention to participate in the skill battles and buy time, with Fugui having told him he must persist until Fugui returned. The two raccoon demons pointed out Xiyun Hall in the distance, indicating their arrival.
On their journey, Lu Qiba and Lu Shangxia constantly complained about their mission, believing it to be unprofitable. They repeatedly tried to take advantage of Fugui, whom they still thought was blind. Lu Qiba first asked Fugui for a massage for his sore legs, but Little Spider quickly offered to do it herself, only for Lu Qiba to mock her thin arms. He then insisted Fugui tell his fortune, claiming to have been "dealing with those shameless guys" all year.
Little Spider again stepped in, stating Fugui didn't do fortune-telling and offering her services. Lu Qiba dismissed her, insisting Fugui, being blind, would be more accurate. At this, Fugui revealed that he was not blind and that it was Rumu who had arranged for Lu Qiba to find him. Lu Qiba then called Little Spider "even more shameless," prompting Fugui to warn him that he would regret those words.
Lu Shangxia proudly introduced Lu Qiba as the "Phantom of the Raccoon Dogs, Lu Qiba, also known as Lu Piaopiao," but Fugui's amused reaction angered Lu Qiba, who threatened to hit him. Upon arriving at Xiyun Hall, Fugui asked Lu Qiba about the situation inside.
Lu Qiba admitted he hadn't dared to go deep and didn't know the exact internal layout or the location of the cave entrance, only that it used to be a tobacco house for disheartened Yiqi Alliance members. Recognizing they couldn't act rashly due to hostages, Little Spider volunteered to go in first. She changed into a dancer's costume, having found and incapacitated a resting dancer.
When she spoke with Fugui, he confirmed that his eyesight had indeed recovered, much to her surprise. She reported that the mansion was heavily guarded, but she still hadn't located the cave entrance. Fugui then announced he knew how to find the entrance and called Lu Qiba over. He instructed Lu Qiba to enter the hall with him, remain silent, and follow his orders, promising extra money for his cooperation.
As they entered, Fugui, maintaining his disguise as a dancer, fabricated a story for the guards that Lu Qiba was a demon trying to escape from Master Quan's custody, which she supposedly discovered while stepping out for air. The guard, confirming that Master Quan's demons were usually held in a heavily-talismaned cave, was puzzled by how Lu Qiba could have escaped.
Fugui suggested that small demons were often cunning and hard to contain, then thanked the guard and had Lu Qiba taken away. Meanwhile, at the Blue Sky Convention, Quan Rumu entered the fifth skill battle against Li Shunqi. Under the influence of the pill forced upon him by Quan Jingting, Rumu became a bloodthirsty puppet, declaring that the pill filled him "with a yearning to kill!" He ruthlessly defeated Li Shunqi.
Wangquan Hongye, the Chief, observed Rumu's increasingly brutal behavior, noting he had already severely injured five opponents. While the next challenger, Shi Tang, was announced, a messenger informed Wangquan Shouyi that "the Soldier" (Wangquan Fugui) had arrived at Xiyun Hall. Every move by Fugui and Little Spider was reported to Wangquan Shouyi, who was present at the Blue Sky Convention. Wangquan Shouyi and Quan Jingting had orchestrated this entire plot.
Shouyi remarked to Jingting that he knew Rumu, having been friends with "the Soldier" since childhood, would never harm his friends under duress and would certainly try to get help from Fugui. Shouyi clarified that his foresight wasn't prophetic, but rather an understanding of human nature, allowing him to simply "play along." Jingting then revealed his deeper machinations: he had lured "the Soldier" to Xiyun Hall to be eliminated and forced Rumu to participate in the Blue Sky Convention.
Jingting hinted that his ultimate target was not just "the Soldier," but someone else, someone who had always "outshone him in every aspect since childhood." He confirmed that Rumu would not kill "the Soldier," but outlined his "kill two birds with one stone" strategy to "split them up and destroy them separately." Wangquan Shouyi assured Jingting that the Musk Demon King, whom he had cultivated, would successfully eliminate "the Soldier" at Xiyun Hall.
He elaborated that the Musk Demon King, despite not being the most powerful in the Demon Realm, was formidable due to her mastery of clones and poison; her clones would "never die" unless her true body was destroyed. Shouyi confidently stated that "the Soldier" would not survive this encounter. Wangquan Fugui proceeded unhindered, finding the dungeon where Rumu's friends were held with surprising ease. This smooth progress made him suspicious, realizing that someone must have anticipated his arrival.
A man inside the dungeon even commented on Fugui's effective plan, admitting that had they not been pre-warned, a prison break would have undoubtedly occurred, and Fugui would have succeeded. Suddenly, shouts erupted as attackers confronted Fugui, declaring they had been waiting for him. This confirmed Fugui's suspicions of a trap. He fiercely fought back, swiftly eliminating the mob and rescuing Rumu's friends. As they tried to escape, a dancer blocked their path.
Little Spider, recognizing her as a demon, engaged her in a verbal sparring match before attacking. The dancer then revealed herself to be the Musk Demon King and recognized Fugui as Wangquan Fugui, "the Soldier," whom she had been waiting for as per her master's orders.
The Musk Demon King then unleashed her suffocating, poisonous miasma, which not only hindered sword control but also disoriented Fugui's senses, making it impossible for him to distinguish her true form from her numerous alluring clones, even with his restored vision. Little Spider quickly warned Fugui to hold his breath. The Demon King boasted that no swordsman could defeat her if they couldn't find her true body in such chaos.
However, Little Spider, with quick thinking, had already discerned the Demon King's true body when she was pulled onto the stage earlier. She had discreetly wrapped her gossamer around the Demon King's wrist. Now, using her silk, she ensnared the real Musk Demon King. Wangquan Fugui seized the opportunity, striking the identified target and instantly destroying the Musk Demon King. Other demons then appeared, ordered by their master to leave no survivors.
Fugui thanked Little Spider for her ingenuity, but warned her to run away next time and not risk her life. Little Spider, however, expressed her concern for Fugui, asking what would happen to him if she left. Reflecting on the events, Wangquan Fugui realized that the enemy had anticipated his rescue attempt at Xiyun Hall and was even willing to sacrifice their own people to ensure his demise.
He then deduced that Quan Jingting's manipulation of Rumu, using the enhanced Dragon Tempering Pill containing mind-controlling talismans, was not actually aimed at him. Instead, Jingting's true target was his father, Wangquan Hongye. Fugui immediately urged Little Spider to go somewhere safe, telling her to take care and not to follow him as the situation was too perilous. He then sped off using his sword.
At the Blue Sky Convention, Rumu, under Quan Jingting's control, was ordered to kill his opponent. His behavior became increasingly erratic, causing Wangquan Hongye to note his madness and order Rumu to be taken off stage. Seizing the opportune moment, Wangquan Shouyi, addressing Hongye as "Uncle," dramatically announced, "It's your turn now." Masked assassins, acting on his command, swarmed the stage, targeting Wangquan Hongye. Hongye immediately descended to engage the attackers.
Quan Jingting, observing Rumu, commanded him to "kill Wangquan Hongye at all costs." Wangquan Fugui arrived just in time, cutting down multiple assassins. Seeing Rumu's bloodshot eyes and uncontrolled rage, Fugui activated his own Dongfang Divine Fire. Drawing on memories of his father teaching him about the power of the Divine Fire, Fugui used it to purge the sinister pill from Rumu's body, causing Rumu to collapse unconscious. However, in the intense confrontation with the maddened Rumu, Fugui sustained injuries.
During the chaos, Wangquan Shouyi expressed surprise that "the Soldier" was still alive. Hongye, recognizing Fugui, threw him a sword, and Fugui pleaded with Rumu to "Wake up!" As the situation unraveled, Wangquan Shouyi, surprised that Fugui was still alive, made a desperate lunge at Wangquan Hongye with a dagger. However, Quan Jingting swiftly intercepted Shouyi, seizing the dagger and killing him in a shocking turn of events.
Jingting then feigned remorse, confessing to Hongye that he had sought out "Elder Wangquan" (Shouyi) at Xiyun Hall to acquire a powerful elixir for Rumu, hoping to secure Rumu's victory at the Blue Sky Convention and facilitate their return to Wangquan Manor. He claimed he was horrified to discover Shouyi's true ambition: to murder the Chief and usurp his position, crediting himself with preventing a catastrophe by acting swiftly.
Quzhuo, examining the pill, confirmed it was a powerful combat enhancer mixed with mind-controlling talismans, capable of turning users into senseless killing machines. He noted that the "master-talisman holder" was likely present. Hongye pressed Jingting for his true involvement. Jingting reaffirmed his desire for Rumu to return to Wangquan Manor and reclaim his surname, admitting he was "used by Wangquan Shouyi."
He pleaded for Rumu's forgiveness, offering his own life and pledging to guard the Sword Tomb as atonement, as Hongye had given him a chance over ten years ago for Rumu's sake. Quzhuo also exposed Jingting's lie, revealing the drug was cheap "Chakuwa," not the expensive "Dragon Tempering Pill" Jingting claimed to have bought.
Hongye, having heard enough, ordered Jingting to be immediately imprisoned and sent to guard the Sword Tomb, and instructed Quzhuo to continue investigating Xiyun Hall and Shouyi's conspirators. During this, a mysterious voice broadcast a taunt, claiming responsibility for a "small gift" that caused infighting within the Yiqi Alliance, declaring it pathetic, and that "the show has just begun." After the battle, Quzhuo reported to Wangquan Hongye that while Rumu would recover, Fugui's injuries required closer attention.
Hongye acknowledged this, decided to cancel the next day's "mind battles," and planned to return to Wangquan Manor once Rumu recovered, explaining to his concerned subordinate that Fugui "has his own way to go" and that "spoiling him too much will only harm him." Meanwhile, Little Spider, realizing Fugui had sent her away for her safety, decided she had to return to him. She found Rumu in a snowy courtyard, who teasingly invited her to see the wintersweet.
Little Spider then rushed to Fugui, expressing relief that he was unharmed. Fugui, aware of Rumu's presence, quietly told her to calm down. Little Spider explained that she couldn't leave yet because she hadn't fulfilled their agreement to learn a sword technique for self-protection. Rumu then revealed a secret to Little Spider: Fugui had sacrificed ten years of his lifespan to enable her transformation into human form.
Rumu joked about them both owing Fugui their lives and, after telling Little Spider to "take your time to feel touched," left the two alone. Overwhelmed with emotion, Little Spider tearfully asked Fugui why he had made such a sacrifice. Fugui explained it was because he saw her "striving to survive" and refused to let her "be crushed by fate," adding that he would have done the same for any other creature who desired to live.
Deeply moved, Little Spider pledged her unwavering loyalty, declaring she would not leave and would repay his kindness, stating, "From now on, I'll be your person in life and your little spider in death." Fugui, clarifying that she didn't belong to him, offered her a name instead. He named her "Qingtong," meaning "clear eyes," because she possessed "eyes that can see through the world."
Qingtong, overjoyed, practiced writing her new name in the snow, profusely thanking Fugui for his profound kindness, which surpassed anyone else's in her life. She joyfully embraced her new identity and name: Qingtong.
Episode 6 Recap
Qing Tong was overjoyed with the name Wangquan Fugui gave her. She continuously practiced writing "Qingtong" in the snow, a sight that brought Wangquan Fugui great comfort, assuring him that all his efforts for her were worthwhile. Following the Blue Sky Convention, where Rumu had injured many innocents, numerous victims and their families sought justice from Wangquan Hongye, the Chief of the Yiqi Alliance.
Wangquan Fugui passionately defended Rumu, arguing that Quan Jingting was the true instigator and Rumu was merely a victim. However, Wangquan Hongye cut him off, asserting that as a Soldier, Wangquan Fugui had no right to meddle in Yiqi Alliance affairs. Wangquan Fugui, his face stern, accused his father of not treating him as a son but as a mere tool for slaughter. Wangquan Hongye offered no further explanation, simply ordering him back to the Cold Pool for sword practice.
Later, a subordinate reported that an investigation into the Xiyun Hall incident confirmed the evil medicine was developed by Wangquan Shouyi and sold to the Demon Realm and Western Regions, making Quan Jingting's request for it logical. Wangquan Hongye ordered a full search for the medicine within the Yiqi Alliance. Wangquan Fugui went to the Sword Tomb and confronted Quan Jingting, who was now imprisoned. Wangquan Fugui expressed his disdain, wondering how a father could be so ruthless.
He dismissed Quan Jingting's claims of being misled by Wangquan Shouyi, and then, without further ado, abolished his cultivation, stating this was necessary for him to properly guard the Sword Tomb. Wangquan Fugui then bid farewell to Rumu, who was determined to find his "Yun sister." Wangquan Fugui watched him go, silently wishing Rumu the freedom and happiness he himself lacked.
Rumu eventually found his way to a dilapidated temple, believing it to be a place his "Yun sister," Long Weiyun, would frequent. Despite his deteriorating health, he stubbornly waited for her, eventually collapsing from the cold. Long Weiyun, the Dragon demon, did arrive and, seeing Rumu huddled on the ground, she tenderly lit a bonfire for him.
However, she could not bring herself to meet him face-to-face, feeling unworthy until she found a way to atone for having hurt him in the past. She draped her cloak over Rumu before quietly leaving. Upon waking, Rumu found the cloak and realized Long Weiyun had been there. Crying, he rushed into the courtyard, but it was empty. He called out for his "Sister," pleading for her to meet him, assuring her he had never blamed her.
Her lingering voice, however, reminded him that "the past is gone. Let bygones be bygones." Rumu, realizing he had just missed her, vowed to find her. Back at the Blue Sky Convention, Wangquan Hongye addressed the assembled families. He publicly vouched for Rumu, explaining that he had been threatened and framed by his father, Quan Jingting. He proposed dropping the charges against Rumu, which was accepted.
He then announced that the "mind battle" portion of the Blue Sky Convention, originally intended for participants to interact with the Third Young Master of Aolai's secret stone, would be postponed until the next convention due to the recent events. The secret stone would be temporarily stored at Wangquan Manor under his care.
However, the secret stone then began to vibrate and project a prophecy: images of the Heavenly Gate, followed by a figure resembling Wangquan Fugui wielding the Heaven-and-Earth Strike. Attendees interpreted this as a prophecy that someone would master thirteen forms of the Heaven-and-Earth Strike, break the Heavenly Gate, and release destructive entities from beyond the bound, specifically implicating the Soldier, Wangquan Fugui.
Far away, a group of antagonists observed the prophecy, believing that capturing the Soldier would fulfill their "Madam's" wish to break the bound. They were commanded to acquire Wangquan Fugui at any cost. Inside the Yiqi Alliance, Wangquan Hongye immediately ordered a lockdown, prohibiting anyone from leaving Wangquan Manor until a decision could be made regarding the prophecy. Other family heads questioned Wangquan Hongye's silence, recalling past tragedies where Yiqi Alliance elites were lost beyond the bound.
Wangquan Hongye vehemently denied that Wangquan Fugui was the one in the prophecy, as he had not yet mastered the Heaven-and-Earth Strike. Master Sima openly criticized Wangquan Hongye's past leadership, blaming him for the Yiqi Alliance's decline and suggesting that Soldiers were unnecessary. Wangquan Hongye admitted his past failures but emphasized the unimaginable horrors beyond the bound, asserting that the bound must not be broken and that Soldiers existed precisely for that defense.
He dismissed the idea of Soldiers having inner demons. He then fiercely defended Wangquan Fugui, declaring that his family would handle the prophecy and challenging anyone who dared to question the Soldier to a duel. He warned that any further criticism of the Soldier would be seen as an act of war against the Wangquan family. Wangquan Hongye declared that if the prophecy truly came to pass, he, Wangquan Hongye, would personally resolve it. He then left with Wangquan Fugui.
Wangquan Fugui expressed his appreciation to his father for defending him, admitting it was the first time he had ever seen such care. Wangquan Hongye responded cryptically, saying their path was dark and meaning only came with seeing the light. Later, Wangquan Fugui apologized for his earlier defiance, and Wangquan Hongye clarified that he had never intended to punish Rumu, adding that Fugui had never truly understood him.
Wangquan Fugui reiterated his desire to explore the outside world, believing that experiencing life beyond the Cold Pool was crucial to mastering the Heaven-and-Earth Strike. However, Wangquan Hongye dismissed his request, stating that the Spirit Stone's prophecy was infallible. A heartbroken Wangquan Fugui concluded that his father did not truly trust him and only saw him as a "sword for killing," despite his earlier defense.
Wangquan Hongye insisted that Wangquan Manor was Wangquan Fugui's entire world, and only by staying within these confines could the prophecy be averted. Feeling disheartened, Wangquan Fugui sat alone at his mother's tomb, questioning if he was truly just a weapon in his father's eyes. Qingtong found him there and expressed her worry. Pointing out the bamboo forest his father had planted for his mother, she argued that Wangquan Hongye's defense of him at the convention proved his love.
Qingtong reassured him that his mother in heaven would be proud. Wangquan Fugui agreed to toast his mother with tea. Qingtong, explaining it was Winter Solstice, a day when some people set off firecrackers to honor ancestors, decided to light the longest string of firecrackers for Wangquan Fugui's mother, to let her know her son was well and not lonely.
Meanwhile, the Spider Cave Master, upon learning that Qingtong had transformed into human form and was loyal to the Soldier, used Qingtong's younger brother as leverage. She gave Qingtong a vial of "Seven Regrets" powder, instructing her to "deal with the Soldier" by Winter Solstice. She threatened that if Qingtong failed, his brother's legs would be pulled off, reminding her that he "only has one life."
Wangquan Fugui, in a moment of kindness, encouraged Qingtong to practice her writing, especially her name. He told her she possessed clear vision and a warm heart, and that mastering her name would allow her to leave her unique mark on her brocade. Qingtong, torn by her loyalty to Wangquan Fugui and the threat to her brother, tearfully poured the "Seven Regrets" powder into a candle.
As Wangquan Fugui prepared for rest, Qingtong bid him goodnight, knowing she had to leave. Soon after, Wangquan Fugui, inhaling the toxic smoke, grew drowsy and fell asleep at his desk. Separately, Feng Tingyun, who had found a large cocoon, opened it to reveal a male spider, which she promptly caged. When the male spider awoke, she aggressively interrogated him, demanding to know his identity, who sent him, and what he was doing outside her senior's room. Initially resistant, the male spider eventually begged for his life, promising to reveal everything he knew.
Episode 7 Recap
Back in the Silk Cave, Qing Tong consumed the remaining Seven Bitterness poison, believing it was the only way to save Young Master Fugui. Madam Yin was delighted upon learning that Qing Tong had indeed poisoned the Soldier, gloating about her success. She recalled how her husband had been deceived and killed by humans, specifically Wangquan Hongye, and vowed to make the Wangquan family experience the pain of losing a loved one.
Qing Tong then informed Madam Yin that she, too, was poisoned, explaining that the Soldier was extremely vigilant and always made her taste his food first. This only fueled Madam Yin's hatred, confirming her belief that humans were all hypocritical. However, she withheld the antidote, insisting she would only hand it over once she received definitive confirmation that the Soldier was truly poisoned. The next morning, Wangquan Fugui awoke feeling unusually fatigued.
He was puzzled as to how he had fallen asleep so deeply. After circulating his inner energy, he discovered he had been poisoned. He searched the entire Wangquan Manor but Qing Tong was nowhere to be found, confirming his suspicions. Just then, Feng Tingyun arrived in a hurry. She had learned everything from the male spider, whom she had trapped after he transformed from a cocoon.
Furious, she confronted Fugui, but he stopped her, calmly stating that Qing Tong had already left. Noticing Fugui's pale complexion, Feng Tingyun touched his wrist and realized he was deeply afflicted by a potent Gu poison. Despite this, Fugui showed no anger towards Qing Tong and even prevented Feng Tingyun from telling his Master.
Feng Tingyun, realizing Fugui knew everything and was protecting Qing Tong, became even more frustrated, but Fugui insisted it was his business and he would handle it himself. Meanwhile, at the Sword Tomb, Wangquan Jingting was seething with rage. With only his attendant Lu by his side, he drank and revealed his hidden ambitions. He recounted his past in the Western Regions, where he had offended many in his pursuit of power.
Once, he was left for dead after being gravely wounded. While everyone else wished for his demise, the Black Fox Madam sent her clone, Taisui, to rescue him. Taisui revealed a secret: the Western Regions harbored the True Dragon Power, which could grant omnipotence. However, to wield it, one needed dragon scales, a dragon spine, and a dragon core.
After years of searching, he discovered that the Wangquan family's ancestors had once slain a true dragon and forged a sword from its spine, which was then sealed in the Sword Tomb due to its immense power. This revelation was his reason for returning to the Wangquan family under the guise of the Blue Sky Conference: to find the dragon spine.
He declared his absolute need for success, but raged that the Soldier, Fugui, had thwarted his plans and destroyed his cultivation. He swore that Wangquan Hongye and Wangquan Fugui both must die. Fugui, reflecting on Qing Tong’s nature, understood she must have been coerced by Madam Yin to poison him, likely to save her brother.
He knew Qing Tong had a younger brother and concluded her sudden departure meant she had returned to the Silk Cave on Mount Baiwu to rescue him. Without hesitation, he boarded the Demon-Slaying Palanquin and set off for Mount Baiwu. Madam Yin, having received confirmation that Fugui was indeed poisoned, finally handed the sole antidote to Qing Tong. However, she immediately ordered Qing Tong to be imprisoned, intending to keep her by her side forever.
When Qing Tong awoke, she found her brother, Qingcheng, next to her. She recounted her adventures and shared half of her demon power with him, enabling him to transform into human form. Together, they made a daring escape from the Silk Cave. Upon receiving reports of Qing Tong and Qingcheng's escape, and that the Soldier was heading towards Mount Baiwu, Madam Yin dismissed Fugui as a threat due to his poisoned state.
Believing this was her chance to avenge her husband, she gathered all capable fighters from the Silk Cave to intercept him. Fugui was soon surrounded by Madam Yin's forces, but despite being poisoned, he effortlessly defeated them. He then issued a stern warning to a fleeing Madam Yin, vowing to show no mercy if he ever saw her again. Having learned that Qing Tong and her brother had successfully escaped, Fugui turned back towards the Cold Pool.
Meanwhile, Qing Tong gave her brother, Qingcheng, all the gems she had secretly saved over the years, instructing him to travel to the safe haven of Deer Village, home to deer demons. She told him to share half the gems with the local deer demons and use the rest to buy food and regain his strength. Qingcheng questioned her about not taking the antidote and her decision to give it to Fugui, reminding her of the humans' past cruelties.
Qing Tong, however, explained that just as there are good and bad demons, there are good and bad humans, and emphasized that without Fugui's spiritual power, neither she nor Qingcheng would have been able to achieve human form. Despite Qingcheng's pleas for her to come with him, Qing Tong insisted he leave for his safety and tearfully urged him to take care of himself. Enduring the debilitating effects of the poison, Qing Tong hurried back towards the Cold Pool.
Feng Tingyun, encountering Qing Tong on her way back, angrily intercepted her. Still furious about what she perceived as Qing Tong's betrayal against Fugui, whom she deeply cared for, Feng Tingyun refused to listen to Qing Tong's explanation that she was there to deliver the antidote. She immediately ordered her people to attack Qing Tong. As Qing Tong's life hung by a thread, Fugui arrived just in time to rescue her.
Seeing Qing Tong, bruised and battered, yet still clutching the antidote meant for him, deeply moved Fugui. As Qing Tong fell unconscious, Fugui administered the only antidote to her. He then sent a message to Rumu, asking him to return and help him purge the poison and heal. Rumu arrived, questioning Fugui's decision to give away the only antidote when the poison in Fugui's own body would reach his heart in five days.
Fugui explained that it was the seventh night, and the Gu poison had fully formed, making it the opportune moment to expel it. However, with his vital energy in turmoil, he needed Rumu's assistance to seal his spiritual veins during the process. As Fugui and Rumu began the ritual, the Black Fox Madam observed, noting that a "sword forged to vanquish evil" had developed warmth.
She mused that Wangquan Fugui, the Soldier, had fallen for a "lowly little demon," concluding that "Once a person develops feelings, they gain weaknesses." She then checked on her four clones—Taisui, Gukui, Guifeng, and Jiuwei—confirming they were on standby, and declared it was time for Taisui to confront "our old friend from the Western Regions."
Episode 8 Recap
Feng Tingyun confronts Qing Tong, accusing her of clinging to her senior, Young Master Fugui, and ignoring the division between humans and demons, which she believes will only bring him trouble. Feng Tingyun gives Qing Tong an ultimatum: die by her sword or leave immediately. Qing Tong, claiming to be dying from Gu poison she ingested to obtain the antidote for Young Master Fugui, insists she has one last thing to do before she can leave.
She earnestly asks Feng Tingyun if she has ever visited the Bamboo Pavilion by River Huai, explaining she wishes to embroider a true depiction of the place for Young Master Fugui before her impending death. Feng Tingyun dismisses Qing Tong’s pleas, revealing that the poison in Qing Tong’s body has already been neutralized. She accuses Qing Tong of being a liar and warns her again to stay away from her senior, or she will report Qing Tong to their Master.
Later, Feng Tingyun, conflicted by her emotions, admits to herself that Young Master Fugui has only recently shown signs of happiness. Despite her inner turmoil, she meets with her Master but decides not to disclose anything about Qing Tong. Qing Tong approaches Young Master Fugui, asking if he gave her the only antidote. He confirms this, assuring her that his own poison has been neutralized.
He praises her bravery for solving the problem and saving her brother, telling her that her efforts were not in vain. Qing Tong, deeply touched, expresses her gratitude and vows to remember his kindness forever. Afterward, Feng Tingyun seeks out Young Master Fugui, reminding him of their first meeting nine years ago when he saved her village from a demon attack.
She confesses that she fell in love with him then, dreaming of becoming as powerful as him and fighting by his side. She demands to know why he would care for a "frail spider demon." Young Master Fugui explains that every life deserves respect, and he simply did not want Qing Tong to be killed. Feng Tingyun retorts, asking why he never showed her the same pity.
Young Master Fugui clarifies that if he hadn't pitied her, she wouldn't be standing there now. She then directly asks if he likes Qing Tong. Young Master Fugui, after a moment of hesitation, states that a demon is still a demon, and humans and demons walk different paths, especially for a Soldier like himself. He asserts that he will handle his affairs in his own way and leaves.
When Feng Tingyun asks why he is not afraid of her reporting him to their Master, Young Master Fugui responds that it is because she is Feng Tingyun, whose sword essence is as free as the wind and as graceful as drifting clouds. Later, in a conversation with her Master, Feng Tingyun decides that she will walk her own path as a Swordswoman, regardless of Young Master Fugui’s feelings.
Meanwhile, imprisoned in the Sword Tomb, Quan Jingting, accompanied by his loyal attendant Quan Lu, bitterly recounts his failure and expresses his ambition to dominate the Wangquan family by obtaining the Dragon Spine Sword. He speaks with a representative of the Black Fox, who questions if he can fulfill the goal of making Young Master Fugui reviled by the world. Quan Jingting expresses his deep-seated resentment towards his own son, believing only Quan Lu is truly loyal to him.
Later, he declares his readiness to undergo a painful transformation into a half-human, half-demon by absorbing the energy of the Dragon's Breath, even though his powers are gone. He vows to eliminate anyone who stands in his way and to abandon any hindrances. He reaffirms his promise to the Black Fox to drive the Soldier, Young Master Fugui, into darkness when the time is right.
Wangquan Hongye is displeased when he learns that Young Master Fugui did not completely eradicate the small demons at Mount Baiwu. Young Master Fugui explains that many of these lesser demons had not committed evil and were merely struggling to survive under Madam Yin, asserting that all lives, human or demon, have a right to exist, and a Soldier should not kill the innocent indiscriminately. Unconvinced, Wangquan Hongye takes Young Master Fugui to his wife's grave.
He lectures his son, emphasizing the sacrifice his mother made and warning that Young Master Fugui’s compassion will weaken him and damage the Soldier's credibility. Young Master Fugui counters that he has not weakened; instead, his heart has warmed with connections of family, friendship, and nature, making him stronger. Infuriated, Wangquan Hongye draws his sword, challenging his son.
After a tense exchange where Young Master Fugui holds his own, Wangquan Hongye, frustrated by his inability to break his son’s resolve, angrily sheathes his sword and departs. Alone at his mother's tomb, Young Master Fugui contemplates the purpose of his sword and his mother's sacrifice, wondering if she would forgive him for choosing a different path. Back at their residence, Rumu asks Young Master Fugui if his uncle gave him a difficult time.
Young Master Fugui downplays the encounter and then inquires about Rumu’s own past. Rumu recounts that his father, Quan Jingting, had once indiscriminately killed many dragons in the Western Regions. A dragon demon kidnapped Rumu when he was thirteen, seeking retribution, but his father showed no concern for his life. The kind-hearted dragon demon then took Rumu with her, and when Rumu suffered from asthma attacks, she would heal him with her powers.
Over more than a decade of wandering together, Rumu developed deep feelings for her. He explains that he learned his unique sword path not from manuals, but by observing nature. He admits he is still searching for her. Rumu shares a profound insight with Young Master Fugui, stating that "the only 'impossible' in this world is the one we place on ourselves." Young Master Fugui then expresses his thoughts on Qing Tong.
He believes that not all encounters are meant to last, and he has his own path as the Soldier, burdened by his mother's sacrifice and the responsibility of protecting the Yiqi Alliance, which prevents him from being lost in romantic attachments. He hopes Qing Tong will not be chained by her dream of him, but instead awaken to pursue her own happiness. Unbeknownst to them, Qing Tong is outside, overhearing their conversation.
Heartbroken, she recalls Feng Tingyun's words about the human-demon divide. However, she also dreams of creating a world where humans and demons can coexist, believing that Young Master Fugui would be happy for her then. Realizing her presence might be a burden, she secretly resolves to leave him. Later, Steward Fei reports to Wangquan Hongye that the illicit medicine, Chakuwa, sold by Xiyun Hall, has been traced to Peach Village in Dingling Mountain.
He explains that the village, once an uninhabited valley choked by miasma, has been transformed by Zhang Qi, the respected heir of the master of the Black Sword Zhang family, Zhang Zheng, into a thriving community where humans and demons live together. Both Steward Fei and Wangquan Hongye, recalling that Zhang Qi's father, Zhang Zheng, was Wangquan Hongye's sworn brother and a source of guidance in the past, believe that Zhang Qi could not be responsible for such wrongdoing.
Therefore, Wangquan Hongye assigns Young Master Fugui the mission of going to Peach Village to bring Zhang Qi back to Wangquan Manor. Young Master Fugui accepts the task, vowing to ensure Zhang Qi’s safety. Steward Fei, while acknowledging Wangquan Hongye's strict demeanor, reveals that his master also carries deep sorrow and hopes Young Master Fugui will not disappoint him again. Young Master Fugui reassures him that he understands his purpose in the world.
Qing Tong, having decided to leave, visits Feng Tingyun to deliver a new outfit she meticulously wove, featuring a lotus embroidery. Feng Tingyun accepts it, expressing a wistful sentiment: "If only you weren't a demon." Qing Tong reaffirms her decision to leave and not return, acknowledging that her presence would only cause trouble for Young Master Fugui. She bids Feng Tingyun farewell, urging her to take care.
As she departs, Qing Tong reflects, wondering if she would have ever met Young Master Fugui if she had not been a demon. Learning of Qing Tong's intention to leave, Young Master Fugui asks her to accompany him on his mission to Peach Village before she goes. A carriage is then prepared for their journey to Peach Village in Dingling Mountain.
Episode 9 Recap
The Black Fox Elder Demon learned that the Soldier had developed genuine feelings for a lesser demon. Delighted by this, the Elder Demon dispatched a clone, Tai Sui, to meet Quan Jingting, who was confined in the Sword Tomb. Quan Jingting, whose martial power was already gone, asked for the Dragon's Spine Sword, declaring his willingness to do anything for it.
Tai Sui agreed to help him obtain the sword but first commanded him to be ready to let the Dragon Sigh penetrate his meridians, and then to fulfill his promise to push the Soldier into eternal darkness when the time was right. Quan Jingting readily agreed. Meanwhile, Fugui and Qing Tong arrived at Peach Village in Dingling Mountain, a tranquil haven meticulously built by Zhang Qi.
Qing Tong marvelled at the vibrant atmosphere, noting how humans and demons coexisted harmoniously, from a demon tending flowers to a turtle demon drumming up business, and even a human woman greeting a demon. The air was filled with a lovely fragrance, and everyone seemed to be smiling.
As Zhang Qi returned from his errands, he was greeted by the villagers, while the energetic little raccoon dog demon, Jiu, eagerly ran ahead to alert Zhang Qi's wife, Qingli, a beautiful and kind-hearted butterfly demon who helped him manage their idyllic village. Fugui and Qing Tong approached Jiu to ask for Zhang Qi's whereabouts. Jiu, initially wary, tried to give them drugged tea, but they saw through her trick. Reluctantly, she agreed to guide them to Zhang Qi's home.
However, Jiu played another trick, leading them into a noxious fog-filled forest before fleeing. She had recognized Fugui's sword as belonging to the Yiqi Alliance, believing them to be "terrible beings" who would kill any demon they encountered and were there to cause trouble for Zhang Qi. Fugui quickly cast a barrier, realizing they would have to wait until morning for the fog to clear. Unluckily, Qing Tong inhaled some of the noxious fog and began to hallucinate.
She imagined seeing a "little fox" and then spoke to one of Jiu's ducklings, whom she affectionately called "Little Fugui." In her delirium, Qing Tong revealed her deepest fears, expressing her reluctance to leave Fugui, worrying that he would be lonely and unable to care for himself without her. Fugui listened silently, deeply moved by her heartfelt confessions.
The next morning, when Qing Tong awoke, she asked Fugui if she had spoken any nonsense during the night, to which he calmly replied that she had been sound asleep, clutching his sword. Later, Jiu returned to the noxious fog forest, intending to club Fugui and Qing Tong unconscious and deliver them to Zhang Qi. However, she found them unharmed.
Realizing that the legendary Soldier, who supposedly killed all demons, had not harmed her, she reluctantly led them to Zhang Qi's residence. Fugui explained his purpose, and Zhang Qi, an old friend of Wangquan Hongye, did not react with hostility. Instead, he proposed a duel of sword intent, stating that if he lost, he would accompany Fugui to meet Wangquan Hongye. In a masterful display of internal skill, they engaged in a bloodless contest, using only their mental prowess.
Fugui emerged victorious, and Zhang Qi honored his word, accepting defeat. Fugui then revealed that a nefarious drug, called Chakuwa, originated from Peach Village. Zhang Qi, shocked, denied any involvement, explaining that he had never dabbled in elixirs, dedicating his life to sword practice and wood carving. He requested time to investigate the matter thoroughly.
While Zhang Qi began his investigation, Fugui and Qing Tong also started their own inquiry within the village, going through the intelligence scrolls collected by Jiu. Qing Tong, familiar with Jiu's crude but effective system (circles for humans, crosses for minor demons, two crosses for major demons), identified a human and three demons whose accounts contradicted the compiled information. Fugui agreed that these individuals were suspicious. The first suspect was a green demon named Xu Feng.
Fugui recognized him as Zeng Ming, who had challenged him three years prior. Zeng Ming explained his past grievances with the Yiqi Alliance and his challenge to the Soldier, but Fugui concluded that Zeng Ming was "clean," acting out of a past sense of injustice and fear rather than malicious intent. The second suspect, Fuying, believed to be a snake demon, was actually half-dragon, and his music master was a Ximen family elder who had renounced his cultivation.
Fugui found nothing suspicious about them either, leaving only the deer demon as the prime suspect. Meanwhile, Tai Sui informed Quan Jingting that he must accept the Dragon Sigh to restore his cultivation, which would transform him into a half-human, half-demon being. Tai Sui reiterated Quan Jingting's promise to push the Soldier into eternal darkness, and Quan Jingting agreed to all conditions.
After Xiao Lu, Quan Jingting's only attendant, was inhumanely killed, his blood flowed into the Sword Tomb, causing the formidable, crimson Dragon's Spine Sword to slowly emerge. Later, Zhang Qi introduced his wife, Qingli, to Fugui and Qing Tong. Qing Tong was astonished by their human-demon union and, curious, asked them to recount their love story. Zhang Qi spoke of his lifelong dream to create a paradise free of conflict.
He had spent seven years in Dingling Mountain, tirelessly clearing the noxious fog, and in his fifth year, as the fog receded, humans and demons began to settle. It was then that he met Qingli, whom he saved from bullies. Qingli, out of gratitude, frequently visited him. Zhang Qi recalled a moment of despair when a wolf demon he had taken in stole money and fled, making him doubt if human-demon coexistence was merely a pipe dream.
Qingli, however, encouraged him, urging them to work together to create a miracle, much like believing a dead tree could bloom. Qing Tong, deeply moved and envious, asked how Qingli managed to convince everyone to come to the village. Zhang Qi suggested that they would witness the answer for themselves during the Night Peach Ceremony later that evening.
Zhang Qi informed Fugui that he had ordered all residents to remain within Peach Village while the investigation into the evil medicine proceeded. Fugui added that his four sword attendants had already sealed all entrances to the village. Zhang Qi then showed them a Phoenix Flower, whose seeds were recently distributed by the deer demon, Lu Shu, and had just bloomed.
Fugui then revealed that Lu Shu was lying about his origins; two years prior, all deer demons had departed Xishu due to the desolation of its forests. Zhang Qi promised to immediately trace the deer demon's whereabouts.
Episode 10 Recap
Zhang Qi introduced his butterfly demon wife, Qingli, to entertain Fugui and Qing Tong. Qing Tong listened intently as Qingli and Zhang Qi recounted their love story and how, united in purpose, they spent seven years transforming Peach Village into a harmonious paradise where humans and demons coexisted. She found their dedication deeply inspiring. With his keen Soldier's perception, Fugui noticed a peculiar detail: the abundant red flowers lacked pistils. He plucked one and questioned Zhang Qi about their origin.
Zhang Qi explained that a deer demon named Lu Shu, who claimed to have arrived from Xishu half a year prior, had planted them. Qing Tong immediately interjected, revealing Lu Shu’s lie, stating that the forests in Xishu had long since withered, forcing all deer demons to leave that region years ago. Zhang Qi declared his intention to investigate Lu Shu’s whereabouts.
Hearing this, Qingli’s expression subtly shifted, and she asked Fugui if, upon discovery of the true culprit, he would agree to spare Zhang Qi and the other inhabitants of Peach Village, both human and demon. She passionately defended Zhang Qi, saying he had done nothing wrong and was the gentlest, kindest man she had ever met.
As Fugui hesitated, Zhang Qi quickly changed the topic, reminding Qingli that it was time to prepare for the upcoming Night Peach Blossom blessing ceremony, noting that everyone had eagerly anticipated it for a long time. On the night of the full moon, as the peach blossoms unfurled, the villagers, humans and demons alike, gathered under the great peach tree, holding candles in devout anticipation of Qingli’s appearance.
Qing Tong observed their radiant smiles with a touch of envy, wishing that she and Fugui could also experience such happiness in Peach Village. When Fugui inquired about her thoughts, Qing Tong did not reveal her inner longing but instead told him she had found Lu Shu among the crowd. Amidst the villagers’ eager whispers, Qingli emerged, resplendent in ceremonial attire, resembling a celestial fairy. She softly declared, "The night peach blossoms bloom. The prayer begins."
Leading the assembly, she guided their collective prayer: "The full moon hangs in the sky. We pray for humans and demons to coexist and for there to be no more divisions of race or class in this world. Colorful butterflies dance. We pray for peaceful years and for there to be no more killing in the world. May humans and demons coexist. . . and no more killing."
Following her invocation, numerous butterflies appeared, swirling gracefully as the massive peach tree miraculously burst into full bloom. Fugui recognized these blossoms as mere magical illusions, yet everyone present chose to believe in their reality. Qing Tong reflected on how many, having experienced despair, once doubted the existence of such a paradise, but now in Peach Village, all, regardless of race or strength, could live happily and pursue their desires.
Just as the crowd was captivated, Fugui noticed Lu Shu slipping away and discreetly followed him. Fugui trailed Lu Shu into the forest, confronting him about the flower seeds he distributed to the villagers and demanding to know his connection to Chakuwa. Lu Shu, however, remained silent and instead engaged Fugui in a struggle. During the confrontation, Fugui spotted a teleportation talisman, realizing Lu Shu's attack was merely a diversion.
He accused Lu Shu of fighting him as a distraction despite being prepared to flee, and then quickly dispatched him before rushing back to the peach tree. Returning to the peach tree, Fugui discovered everyone lying unconscious. He called out for Qing Tong, only to hear a sound behind him. Zhang Qi appeared, his eyes vacant and his mind clearly controlled.
Realizing Qingli was behind this, Fugui sternly demanded she show herself, accusing her of being the one who created the Chakuwa. Qingli emerged and led Fugui to a mystical barrier, announcing her intention to reveal everything. She confirmed that Zhang Qi had consumed Chakuwa and inhaled phosphorus powder, rendering him completely under her control. She taunted Fugui for not asking her motives, eager to explain her "perfect scheme."
Within the barrier, where the Night Peach Tree amplified their power, Zhang Qi, now her weapon, menacingly advanced on Fugui with a sword, striking with lethal intent. Qingli watched the scene unfold, laughing triumphantly at her successful manipulation. Qing Tong, finally regaining consciousness, launched a powerful attack from outside the barrier, shattering Qingli’s magical defense. She confronted Qingli, questioning her actions.
Qingli then revealed her true form: she was not a butterfly demon, but a lowly ghost-faced moth demon from the vile Dongshan Insect Valley, where such creatures endured immense filth and torment simply to survive. She admitted to disguising herself as a butterfly demon to gain Zhang Qi's affection, but feeling unworthy, she had planned to strip him of his free will, transforming him into a puppet.
Qingli further explained that Chakuwa consisted of "the eggs of the ancient bird demon," which could parasitize plants, making them "perfect seeds." She recounted how Lu Shu had gleefully distributed these seeds to the villagers. Qing Tong then grasped the horrifying truth: the "flower seeds" were actually parasitic insects that, once inside a host, rapidly absorbed life force to become Chakuwa. She accused Qingli of ruthlessly exploiting Zhang Qi's kindness to deceive everyone for her "wretched medicine."
Qingli, unrepentant, boasted that her plan was so perfect that if not for the "little accident," no one would have cared or remembered the villagers after Peach Village vanished. Qing Tong pressed her, questioning how she could justify such betrayal given Zhang Qi's sincere love. Qingli scoffed at Zhang Qi’s idealism, calling him a "fool" for spending seven years to create a home for a "lowly ghost-faced moth demon."
She confessed her deep-seated hatred for all things "holy and flawless," including Fugui, whom she also wished to drag into the darkness with her. She asserted that the controlled Zhang Qi was her "most perfect" version and she wanted him to "stay by my side forever," even as a puppet. Zhang Qi, slowly regaining his senses, struggled to comprehend that Qingli, the woman he had loved so genuinely, could have perpetrated such cruelty.
Qingli, however, continued her torment, mocking him for his "ridiculous" dreams of a future where "humans and demons coexist" in Peach Village, declaring his dream a "joke" that he had failed to achieve. Overwhelmed by a potent mix of grief and betrayal, Zhang Qi plunged his sword into the demon he had cherished for seven years. The tragic devastation of Peach Village left Qing Tong profoundly shaken.
Fugui, too, was left pondering a fundamental question: could a paradise where humans and demons coexist truly never exist? Granting Zhang Qi's request for a day to manage the funerals, Fugui found Qing Tong, who lamented the sudden loss of life and questioned why innocent, weaker beings like those in Peach Village were deemed unworthy of survival. To empower Qing Tong, Fugui presented her with the Dust-Seeker Sword, noting its suitability for her slender build.
He then led her to a quiet spot for a final swordsmanship lesson, promising that the answers she sought lay within the movements. He instructed her to observe the light and perceive the swirling dust within it, explaining that "dust dances with the light, revealing where the light comes from. And with a sword, what matters isn't the technique but the sword essence."
He challenged her to understand why one strives to live with all their might, why life as fragile as grass still rises with the wind, and why dust refuses to fall. He affirmed her innate strength: "Your heart has never been weak. You've had your sword essence all along. What you need to do is simply integrate the techniques I've taught you into your sword essence."
Fugui praised Qing Tong's intelligence and resolve, expressing his belief that she would surpass his expectations. He explained that naming her Qing Tong was not to bind her, but for her to see the world for him, to believe in her ability to become a light that dispels darkness, even when humble and small. He assured her that amidst the world's myriad wonders, she would find her true sanctuary.
Qing Tong understood, realizing Fugui wanted her to "live in the light and become a better version of myself." Acknowledging their separate paths, they agreed to part ways, with Qing Tong expressing her hope for a future reunion. She promised that if their paths ever crossed again, she would eagerly accompany him to witness all the unseen landscapes of the world, from green mountains and clear waters to vast deserts and falling snow, before bidding him a heartfelt farewell.
Episode 11 Recap
Wangquan Fugui reflected on the nature of good and evil, asserting that both humans and demons possess them, and no one is destined for darkness. Qing Tong confided in Fugui, expressing her deep affection for Peach Village, a place she had once imagined as her home, now tragically lost overnight. Fugui then instructed Qing Tong to open the Dust-Seeker Sword and brought her to a riverbank.
He began teaching her sword techniques for self-preservation, emphasizing that the true essence of swordsmanship lies in intent, not just movements. Discovering Qing Tong's remarkable intellect, Fugui wished for her to live a vibrant life, unconstrained, and to witness the world's myriad wonders. Qing Tong understood that Fugui desired for her to embrace the light and become her best self.
With this understanding, they bid each other a poignant farewell, promising to reunite someday, so Qing Tong could accompany Fugui to see the beautiful mountains, rivers, and vast landscapes of the world. In the aftermath of the night's devastation in Peach Village, Zhang Qi took on the sorrowful task of tending to the deceased. He cursed himself for the tragedy, believing he was responsible for the loss of life.
Yet, he remained steadfast in his conviction that his cultivation was not about compromising with a chaotic world; rather, every being, human or demon, strong or weak, deserved a home. He confessed to Fugui that he no longer had the face to return to the Yiqi Alliance. Still, to protect Peach Village and those who chose to remain, he was prepared to sacrifice his life.
Zhang Qi revealed to Fugui his initial plan to return to the Yiqi Alliance for a comfortable retirement, but the faces of the lost villagers—Jiu, a 900-year-old raccoon dog demon who cultivated into a great demon, the human and water-snake demon Wu couple who sacrificed for each other, and Qiu Hanlin, the noble benefactor of Fuying—haunted him, reminding him that they had no future. He realized he could not abandon them.
Fugui expressed concern that the Ximen family, whose territory Peach Village was, would not allow its continued existence, leaving the weak humans and demons with nowhere to go. Zhang Qi explained that he had burned the twelve talismans that once protected Peach Village from the miasma, ensuring that no one from the Ximen family could enter. However, this also meant the village itself would be engulfed.
He then revealed his ultimate sacrifice: he would use his own blood to write miasma-repelling talismans, with the peach tree as the core, to activate a defense formation, preserving Peach Village permanently from the miasma's corrosion. He explained that bamboo talismans would take seven years to set up, time he didn't have. Fugui realized this act would cost Zhang Qi his life.
Zhang Qi affirmed that his dream started and would end there, and he would not fail his past self. As his spiritual energy waned, Zhang Qi asked Fugui to activate the formation. Fugui agreed, acknowledging the heavy price he might pay as a Soldier of the Yiqi Alliance. Fugui affirmed Zhang Qi's belief that "we cultivate, not to compromise with this chaotic world," and promised to uphold his trust.
Zhang Qi's vision, as he passed, was of the peach blossoms finally blooming, symbolizing his dream's enduring legacy. Fugui, deeply moved, reflected on the purpose of his sword: not for indiscriminate slaughter, but for protecting the weak, regardless of their nature. He relayed Zhang Qi's final message to the villagers to leave within a day if they did not wish to stay, as the miasma would soon envelop the village.
When a subordinate asked about Zhang Qi, Fugui informed him of his death and ordered the palanquin to return home. Wangquan Hongye was furious upon hearing of the events in Peach Village and Fugui's actions. He questioned why Fugui hadn't brought Zhang Qi back, killed the demons, or protected the Ximen family's territory, which had now become a place where humans and demons coexisted.
Fugui, however, stood his ground, stating that the instigator of the Chakuwa was dead, and he believed the innocent villagers had a right to live. He declared his new resolve: from that day forward, before undertaking any demon-slaying mission, he would first ascertain the reasons and spare any demon that did not deserve to die. He even went so far as to question whether a system that relied solely on killing to deal with the Demon Realm was inherently flawed.
Wangquan Hongye was enraged, accusing Fugui of being swayed by Zhang Qi and neglecting his duties as a Soldier born to slay demons. Fugui asserted that this was not wavering, but a deeper understanding of a Soldier's true purpose. He declared that he, Wangquan Fugui, would stand without regret and with a clear conscience. Ignoring Wangquan Hongye's threats of family and Yiqi Alliance's reputation, Fugui decided to leave. Enraged, Wangquan Hongye immediately ordered Fugui to be subjected to clan punishment.
Fugui was suspended in mid-air and mercilessly whipped. Fei, a loyal servant, pleaded for Wangquan Hongye to stop, reminding him that Fugui was already injured and his spiritual power sealed, which would kill him. Wangquan Hongye remained unyielding, stating that while demons were cruel to humans, Fugui had shown mercy to demons. Fei desperately urged Fugui to concede, but Fugui only acknowledged him with a glance.
Wangquan Hongye, to further break Fugui, announced that he would no longer have birthdays, as a Soldier required absolute solitude and focus, free from worldly distractions. He then ordered Fugui to break the ebony sword, a gift from his father, to symbolize severing all sentiment. Even after enduring forty lashes, Fugui refused to admit any wrongdoing. Wangquan Hongye, seeing his defiance, ordered him to remain suspended until he repented, forbidding anyone from approaching him as a warning.
Meanwhile, Quan Jingting, still struggling to master the Dragon Spine Sword, received a visit from a Black Fox Elder. She chastised his despair, revealing that the Soldier, Fugui, had protected Peach Village, an act she framed as heaven siding with Quan Jingting's ambitions. Encouraged, Quan Jingting reaffirmed his determination, and the Black Fox Elder offered her assistance. With her aid, Quan Jingting finally subdued the Dragon Spine Sword, feeling ready to make his grand entrance.
The elders and family heads of the Yiqi Alliance convened, pressing Wangquan Hongye for an explanation regarding the Peach Village incident. Wangquan Hongye asserted that he had already punished the Soldier for a moment of weakness, but the Ximen family head, whose territory Peach Village was, vehemently rejected this, calling it a blatant disregard for their family and the Alliance.
Quan Jingting seized the opportunity, claiming that the Wangquan ancestors in the Sword Tomb had cried out to him, foretelling a great calamity for the Yiqi Alliance, stemming from Wangquan Fugui. Wangquan Hongye attempted to silence him, but Quan Jingting, now wielding the Dragon Spine Sword, claimed it as his right to speak. He amplified the "ancestral wailing" to further sow dissent, bringing up Wangquan Hongye's past transgressions that led to many deaths to undermine his authority.
He then argued that Fugui's changed mindset made the Blue Sky Assembly's prophecy a real danger. Fei attempted to defend Wangquan Hongye, highlighting his long service to the Alliance. However, the elder in charge of law introduced a severe countermeasure: a magic tool called Wuchen, capable of stripping away all of a Soldier's worldly thoughts, transforming him into a merciless, emotionless, peerless blade.
Fei was horrified, but Wangquan Hongye declared that as long as he remained in the Yiqi Alliance, no one would harm his son. The elder, understanding the ties of blood, offered a compromise: Fugui must mend his mistakes and provide a satisfactory answer by sunset the following day, or face the ruthless measures of the Yiqi Alliance. Later, the Black Fox Elder spoke with an associate about the confrontation.
She correctly predicted that Wangquan Hongye, despite his strict demeanor, would fiercely protect his son, Wangquan Fugui, who was also the son of Dongfang Huaizhu. She explained that she needed another "blade" to further destabilize the father and son, and pledged to provide it. Meanwhile, Qingche, Qing Tong's brother, followed his sister's instructions and arrived in Deer Village.
Using a precious gem, he rented a spacious courtyard, diligently arranging a room for Qing Tong, filled with happy anticipation of their life together. The landlord, noticing Qingche had rented two rooms for himself, offered a smaller, cheaper option, but Qingche explained the larger room was for his sister who would be joining him.
The landlord then warned Qingche to avoid the east, specifically Qianji City, located three hundred li away, ruled by a "devil in human skin" who indiscriminately hunted demons. Qing Tong, leading the group of humans and demons who did not wish to stay in Peach Village, journeyed towards Deer Village. While they rested, she sensed danger and quickly ordered everyone to evacuate, staying behind to cover their retreat.
Just as she suspected, Quan Jingting and a group of black-clad figures appeared in pursuit. Qing Tong fought bravely, eliminating the black-clad attackers, but was ultimately struck down and rendered unconscious by Quan Jingting. He remarked on her intriguing nature, noting that it was no wonder the Soldier had taken a liking to her.
Episode 12 Recap
After a desperate struggle, Qing Tong was unable to escape Quan Jingting's pursuit and was eventually knocked unconscious. Observing her, Quan Jingting remarked that she was quite interesting, making it no wonder the Soldier had taken a liking to her. Meanwhile, Wangquan Hongye held the sword he had forged with his wife, Dongfang Huaizhu, reminiscing about the joy of becoming a father.
He recalled telling his wife that this sword would be their child's Wangquan Sword, and he would teach their son every sword technique he knew. Steward Fei entered, and Wangquan Hongye inquired about the elders. Steward Fei reported that they were still waiting in the hall, demanding a satisfactory answer soon; otherwise, they threatened to forge Fugui into a magic tool. Wangquan Hongye expressed his determination not to let them punish Fugui so easily.
He asked if Fugui had reflected on his actions, to which Steward Fei replied that the Young Master was as stubborn as Wangquan Hongye was in his youth and remained unrepentant while hanging in the tree. Wangquan Hongye decided to wait one more day, vowing to personally expel those elders from Wangquan Manor if Fugui still refused to apologize by tomorrow. A subordinate then reported that Quan Jingting requested Wangquan Hongye's immediate presence in the main hall.
Upon arriving, Wangquan Hongye found several elders gathered there, and Qing Tong kneeling on the ground, having been captured. He questioned Quan Jingting's intentions, who then declared that Qing Tong was the pitiful little demon who had accompanied the Soldier at the Cold Pool. An elder present doubted this, pointing out her lack of demonic aura.
Quan Jingting claimed the Soldier had used a magic tool to suppress her aura and presented the Dust-Seeker Sword, which he claimed to have found on Qing Tong. Elder Shouren confirmed it was crafted with the Wangquan family's unique sword-forging technique and demanded an explanation from Wangquan Hongye. Quan Jingting then directly pressed Qing Tong, asserting she was a demon and demanding she explain what was happening.
Qing Tong defiantly admitted she was a spider demon from the Silk Cave, sent by her Mistress to take human form and infiltrate Wangquan Manor. She confessed to stealing the Dust-Seeker Sword herself, stating her intention was to kill everyone in the manor as demons and the Wangquan family were sworn enemies. Having been caught, she declared she had nothing more to say and was willing to die.
Quan Jingting, however, refused to believe her, insisting the matter was grave due to the Soldier's alleged affair with a demon and required thorough investigation. He suggested Wangquan Hongye recuse himself due to his father-son relationship with the Soldier. Elder Shouren agreed, authorizing Quan Jingting to interrogate Qing Tong. Quan Jingting proceeded to torture Qing Tong with spiritual power, but she remained unyielding.
She accused him of hypocrisy, calling him a treacherous, faithless, and self-serving scumbag, and exposed his true motive, stating he was merely using the situation for personal revenge and to eliminate enemies, reminding everyone how he was once driven from Wangquan Manor. Enraged, Quan Jingting intensified the torture, but Qing Tong continued to defy him.
He then produced a brocade found in the Soldier's quarters, claiming it was proof of their intimate relationship, stating that weaving silk brocade was a unique demonic skill of the spindle spider demon and linked the situation to the Blue Sky Assembly's prophecy, which foretold "13 Moves and the Heaven-and-Earth Strike—the Soldier will break the circle and end the world." He concluded that the Soldier could not be allowed to stay.
Steward Fei immediately interjected, asserting that as long as Young Master Fugui had not unleashed the Heaven-and-Earth Strike, anyone who called him the prophesied one would have to answer to him first. Quan Jingting disregarded him, ordering that the Soldier be brought, but Fugui had already arrived. Fugui appeared in the hall, acknowledging the brocade painting.
Wangquan Hongye confronted him, calling him naive and foolish for being bewitched by a demon, even refusing to draw the Wangquan Sword for her sake. He deemed Fugui unworthy of the Wangquan lineage and the Wangquan Sword, demanding he kill Qing Tong to atone. Fugui refused, asking if his father only wanted him to kill her because she was a demon. He questioned Wangquan Hongye's own marriage to Dongfang Huaizhu, asking if it was solely to produce a stronger Soldier.
Fugui explained that while he had always obeyed his father and accepted his role as the Soldier, it was not the path he had chosen. He clarified that his actions were not merely for a demon, but for his understanding of the Way of the Sword, which his father had never truly listened to, instead seeing him as just a weapon.
He declared that the world belongs to all living beings, not just humans or demons, and kindness transcends their differences. As this path contradicted his father's, he announced his departure from the Yiqi Alliance, placing the Wangquan Sword on the ground. He then gently asked Qing Tong if, should they survive, she would be willing to see the world with him. Embracing the injured Qing Tong, he began to walk out.
The enraged Quan Jingting yelled, branding Fugui a traitor and ordering everyone to stop and kill him, claiming Fugui owed the Yiqi Alliance everything. He commanded the alliance members to unleash "a thousand swords" upon Fugui. As countless swords rained down, Fugui initially used his spiritual power as a shield, but it quickly depleted. Swords pierced his body, staining his white robes with blood, and he collapsed, dazed.
In that moment, he heard his mother, Dongfang Huaizhu, reminding him that his spiritual blood still flowed and his life would not end there, before helping him awaken his divine dragon power. Fugui's form transformed, prompting Quan Jingting to exclaim that the Soldier was demonizing and to rally everyone to capture him. However, they were no match for Fugui's awakened power, and Quan Jingting was swiftly defeated.
Wangquan Hongye intervened to stop Fugui, who knelt before him in a final farewell. As others prepared to pursue, Steward Fei and Feng Tingyun stepped forward, defiantly declaring that Fugui, having endured a thousand swords for his path and abandoned the Wangquan Sword, had paid his dues. They challenged anyone who still harbored grievances to face them first.
Wangquan Hongye then had a flashback of Dongfang Huaizhu, who had once made him promise that if their son Fugui ever wished to leave, he would let him go. Returning to the present, Wangquan Hongye faced the remaining elders and publicly declared that Fugui had grown up and was no longer the one destined by the Spiritual Stone's prophecy, having endured "a thousand swords" and abandoned the Wangquan Sword. He dared anyone who remained unconvinced to challenge him directly. Later, alone, Wangquan Hongye murmured, "Huaizhu, Fugui wanted to leave, and I let him go. But was this truly the right choice?"
Episode 13 Recap
Wangquan Hongye watched his son, Fugui, leave, his heart heavy with complex emotions. Although their paths diverged, he felt he had fulfilled his promise to his late wife, Dongfang Huaizhu, by letting Fugui go when he desired. Addressing the gathered crowd, Wangquan Hongye declared that the Soldier had endured the ordeal of a thousand swords piercing his heart and had abandoned the Wangquan Sword.
He asserted that the prophecy foretelling an individual associated with a spiritual stone would not apply to Fugui. Meanwhile, Fugui carried Qing Tong to a dilapidated temple. He soon collapsed, having absorbed a potent, overbearing energy from Quan Jingting's Dragon Spine Sword. This demonic power clashed violently with his own spiritual energy, leaving him unconscious. Qing Tong slowly regained consciousness, finding Fugui unresponsive.
Despite her own severe injuries, she painfully crawled over to tend to him, but discovered her spiritual energy was unable to transfer to him. Back at the Yiqi Alliance, Quan Jingting continued to stir up discord, reminding everyone of Fugui's words about the world belonging to all living beings, not just humans or demons. He insinuated that Fugui had become demonized, leaving the alliance members to ponder their future stance.
Fei, angered, condemned Quan Jingting for harming Fugui and causing his departure, which resulted in a significant loss for the Yiqi Alliance. He vowed to remember this transgression. Wangquan Hongye glared at Quan Jingting, who then provoked him further, stating this was the second time Wangquan Hongye had protected Fugui. An elder defended Quan Jingting, arguing his actions were for the alliance.
Suppressing his fury, Wangquan Hongye ordered Quan Jingting to be sent back to the Sword Tomb and forbidden from leaving. Quan Jingting, however, chose to walk back himself, advising the others to reflect on his words. Fei scoffed at Quan Jingting's hypocrisy. News of the Soldier's plight reached the Black Fox Madam. She learned that Fugui had been wounded by Quan Jingting's Dragon Spine Sword but had unexpectedly gained the Purest Sun Flame, awakening his Dongfang bloodline.
She also heard that Quan Jingting had successfully driven a wedge between Fugui and the Yiqi Alliance. Seeing this as a golden opportunity, the Black Fox Madam fantasized about recruiting Fugui to her side. She immediately dispatched Gukui, one of her clones, to find him. Amidst a heavy downpour, Wangquan Hongye went to the Cold Pool, where Fugui had left his sword.
Overwhelmed by longing for his son, he confided in Fei, questioning how Quan Jingting, confined to the dark Sword Tomb, could have known about Qing Tong's hiding place. Fei agreed that someone must be secretly assisting him and promised to investigate. He also assured Wangquan Hongye that he would keep an eye on Fugui's whereabouts and safety. Wangquan Hongye wished for Fugui's well-being.
As winter deepened, the Yiqi Alliance's Soldier had defected from Wangquan Manor, and both the human and demon realms were searching for him. Tai Sui, another clone of the Black Fox Madam, sought out Quan Jingting and recounted a story. She began by questioning his lack of guilt for his actions, then proposed a plan from her Madam to destroy Wangquan Hongye.
Tai Sui revealed that the Black Fox Madam was born from the Black Grief Tree in Tushan, a being of darkness who nurtured the tree with hatred. She explained how Wangquan Hongye, leading the Mask Group, broke through the outer circle and, with the aid of Dongfang Huaizhu who burned her life force, used the Heaven-and-Earth Strike to sever the Black Grief Tree.
This act destroyed the Madam's physical form, leaving only a wisp of hatred, and caused Wangquan Hongye to lose his Heart of Sword due to guilt. After years of dormancy, the Black Fox Madam slowly absorbed the world's hatred through the remnants of the Grief Tree and resurrected, which in turn revived her clones that remained outside the circle. Tai Sui told Quan Jingting that this was his chance for revenge.
Quan Jingting expressed skepticism about harming Wangquan Hongye, given his strength. Tai Sui countered by highlighting the Madam's past success with mind-control and hinted at a scar on Wangquan Hongye as his weakness, instructing Quan Jingting to exploit it. Meanwhile, Qing Tong had taken Fugui to a secluded mountain for recovery. She diligently wove and embroidered, trading her work for medicine and necessities.
On New Year's Eve, she went down the mountain with newly embroidered handkerchiefs to procure more medicine and festive supplies, leaving Fugui to rest. Before leaving, she checked her cobweb barrier, noting it was intact, which meant the village was safe for now. At the village, Mrs. Qian, the pharmacist, complimented Qing Tong's embroidery and mistakenly assumed Fugui was her husband, commenting on how hard Qing Tong worked to care for him and wishing them reunion by making yuanzi.
Qing Tong clarified that Fugui was her savior. Back in their mountain dwelling, Fugui slowly woke. He discovered the Purest Sun Flame still within him, realizing it had protected his meridians and purged the evil energy during his coma. He felt his mother, Dongfang Huaizhu, had been watching over him. Qing Tong returned, overjoyed to find him awake. They celebrated by making "yuanzi" (glutinous rice balls), which Qing Tong explained were a New Year's tradition symbolizing reunion.
She assured him the stuffing had no meat, but Fugui, now more open-minded, suggested he wouldn't always have to be vegetarian. They enjoyed the yuanzi, and Fugui, learning of the coin tradition for good luck, secretly placed the coin into Qing Tong's bowl when she stepped away, wishing her good fortune. She playfully accused him of the switch, and they shared a tender moment.
Unbeknownst to Fugui, Qing Tong noticed the cobweb barrier being triggered, signaling the arrival of Silk Cave spies, but decided not to burden him with the news. That evening, they descended to the lively Huadeng Village to enjoy the lantern festivities. They met Ma Xiaolian, the village head's daughter, who accidentally bumped into Qing Tong but quickly apologized. Xiaolian, realizing they were visitors, invited them to her home.
There, they were offered "Rice Tea" and joined the villagers in making lanterns. The villagers continued to mistake Fugui and Qing Tong for a married couple, praising Qing Tong's devotion to her "husband." Qing Tong again gently corrected them, saying Fugui was her savior. The village elder explained the New Year's Eve ritual dedicated to the River God, involving lighting lamps and staying up all night, praying for good weather and peace. They were welcomed to participate.
Ma Xiaolian began the "Rolling Lamp" dance, a tradition symbolizing an everlasting light that must not touch the ground. However, she sprained her ankle, and Qing Tong, having observed her, bravely stepped in to continue the dance, to the delight of the villagers. Meanwhile, an elder taught Fugui how to make a "fish lantern" to convey his wishes to the River God.
As they made their lanterns, Fugui wished for a world free of evil and a life of carefree freedom, like the villagers. Qing Tong, in turn, wished for Fugui to be free from worldly troubles, to roam the world and pursue his heart's desires. Later, they joined the villagers in drinking homemade rice wine. Fugui, much like his mother, discovered a high tolerance for alcohol. Observing the peaceful scene, Fugui smiled more freely. As the night progressed and the lanterns illuminated the village, a mysterious voice echoed, "I finally found you, Soldier."
Episode 14 Recap
As Wangquan Fugui and Qing Tong crafted a fish-shaped lantern, Qing Tong noted that Fugui had changed, smiling more often. Suddenly, Gukui, a clone of Madam Black Fox, appeared before Fugui. She taunted him about the pain of having his heart pierced by a thousand swords and his expulsion from the Yiqi Alliance. Gukui suggested that since both demons and humans now hated him, and the world of hypocrites was not worth protecting, he should join Madam Black Fox.
She offered him shared dominion over the world if he would help Madam Black Fox break the circle with an Earth-and-Heaven Strike, claiming this was his true destiny. Gukui explained that Madam Black Fox's plan was to ignite hatred within him. However, Fugui firmly rejected her offer, stating that he would never be controlled by anyone and intended to break the circle himself.
Frustrated by his lack of hatred, Gukui left, vowing that he would eventually come to her side at the extremity of hatred. Witnessing Gukui, Fugui realized that Madam Black Fox had indeed returned to the martial world. Later, Qing Tong lovingly brought Fugui a bowl of porridge, urging him to eat it while it was hot. She gently advised him to recover indoors from now on, as the riverside was too cold for his wounds.
Qing Tong sensed his desire to hide his injuries, so she offered to go down the mountain to purchase household supplies, leaving him to recuperate in privacy. Before leaving, she presented him with some sweet candy she bought from the market. Alone, Fugui reflected on Gukui's words and realized he was Madam Black Fox's target. He understood he needed to restore his power quickly, despite a strange, alien feeling within him.
Meanwhile, Quan Rumu, severely injured, stumbled into a pharmacy seeking Reviving Powder, a potent medicine usually reserved for those with broken meridians who wish to see their families one last time, despite its life-shortening effects. He desperately claimed he also needed it for a final farewell, admitting his meridians were completely ruined and that he had used the powder before.
Quan Rumu instructed the shopkeeper to procure the medicine and send word to the Demon Realm about his location in a mountain hut. Earlier, Quan Rumu had encountered a woman from the All-Hear Sect, who found his scholarly appearance unbefitting of Taoist Lei's friend, despite her obligation to help him due to a favor owed to Taoist Lei from the Western Regions.
Quan Rumu, sensing she was a female demon in disguise, challenged her not to judge by appearances, revealing her true form. The woman, surprised, confirmed that the dragon demon Long Weiyun had last been seen in Dingling Mountain before vanishing. Quan Rumu, sensing Long Weiyun's demon power, concluded it was indeed her. He left abruptly, declining to explain his persistent search for the dragon demon.
The woman was left wondering if this seemingly un-intimidating man was truly the famous "crazy man" who made a name for himself in the Western Regions. Later, as Quan Rumu, weakened, rested in a dilapidated temple, two tanuki demons, Shangxia and his companion, arrived with the Reviving Powder. Shangxia jokingly accused Quan Rumu of having been beaten after threatening someone.
Quan Rumu, feigning worsened injury from Shangxia's touch, threatened to haunt him if he died without the medicine or a sip of wine. He insisted on getting wine with the medicine, calling it compensation. Shangxia, frustrated but compliant, fed him the medicine and then some wine. However, Shangxia soon realized that Quan Rumu's injuries might not have been as severe as claimed, as he hadn't touched his meridians.
Demanding the money for the medicine or for Quan Rumu to spit out the wine, Shangxia was met with a defiant refusal. Quan Rumu arrogantly claimed he had the Soldier backing him. Shangxia then revealed the shocking news: the Soldier had been subjected to the "pierced by a thousand swords" punishment and expelled from Wangquan Manor. Back on the mountain, Qing Tong, skipping happily to the market, was suddenly confronted by Madam Yin, the Mistress of the Silk Cave.
Madam Yin denounced Qing Tong as a traitor, declaring her intent to kill both Qing Tong and the Soldier to avenge her husband. Qing Tong bravely warned Madam Yin that Fugui was prepared and urged her to leave. Madam Yin scoffed, calling Qing Tong an "inferior No.12580." Qing Tong, asserting her new name, "Qingtong," denied being inferior.
Madam Yin cruelly reminded Qing Tong of her humble origins in a spider's nest, her desperate past, and her servile begging during her undercover work. She accused Qing Tong of clinging to the Soldier solely to escape her lowly status, lying to herself about her true feelings, and questioned if she would risk her life for him if he were merely an ordinary man. Qing Tong, resolute, swore she would die rather than let Madam Yin harm Fugui.
Seeing Qing Tong's determination, Madam Yin offered to spare her life if she admitted her affection for the Soldier was false. Qing Tong reaffirmed her resolve, knowing Fugui was not fully recovered, and prepared to fight to the death, even attempting to self-detonate her demon core to stop Madam Yin. Just as Madam Yin moved to prevent Qing Tong's sacrifice, Fugui, having sensed danger, arrived and blocked Madam Yin's attack.
Madam Yin, seeing Fugui injured and weakened, gloated that she would send him to the nether world to join her late husband. Trapped by Madam Yin's spell, Fugui and Qing Tong worked together to break free. Once free, Madam Yin continued to mock Fugui for protecting an "inferior little demon," calling Qing Tong by her old number. Fugui angrily corrected her, declaring Qing Tong's name and asserting that she was not inferior.
Madam Yin, unimpressed, threatened to kill Qing Tong in front of him, so he would experience the pain of loss. Fugui countered that with a sword in hand, no one could harm Qing Tong. Madam Yin scoffed at how he, having left Wangquan Manor, would obtain a sword.
Unfazed, Fugui activated his Purest Sun Flame, using his own life to forge a sword, declaring that though his power was weak, he still had his life—the life of the Soldier, whom they all feared. Madam Yin, realizing his intent to die for Qing Tong, agreed to grant his death wish. As Fugui swung his life-forged sword, Madam Yin dodged, causing her crown to fall and reveal her husband's preserved body.
She clutched the crown, lamenting her failure to avenge him against Wangquan Hongye and his son, and expressing her readiness to join him. Fugui questioned when his father could have killed her husband, as no spider demon was on the family's demon-slaying records. Madam Yin adamantly insisted Wangquan Hongye had killed her husband twenty years ago after he exploded his golden core, having lied that he could be saved, and vowed the Wangquan family would pay.
Fugui then explained that spiders could feign death when in danger, and a golden-core spider demon could appear dead for decades after losing cultivation, a fact Madam Yin, blinded by hatred, had overlooked. Stunned, Madam Yin asked if her husband was truly alive. Fugui confirmed it, telling her she was fortunate to have kept the golden crown, and offered to lift the seal to prove it. As Fugui channeled his true energy, Madam Yin's husband stirred within the crown.
Overjoyed, Madam Yin cried out to her husband. She then knelt, tearfully apologizing to Fugui for her past actions and offering her own life, begging him to spare her husband's. Fugui, however, told her that her life should not be limited by such things, and encouraged her to take good care of her newly awakened husband and live well. He let them go, but warned her never to commit evil again.
Grateful, Madam Yin declared Fugui their eternal benefactor and instructed Qing Tong to send a message to the Silk Cave if they ever needed assistance. As Madam Yin departed, she mused that Qing Tong's path with the Soldier would be arduous but magnificent, and wished her well. Later, Qing Tong, still shaken, asked Fugui why he had risked his life by attempting to burn his life for her.
She wondered if he would wait for her, like Madam Yin waited for her husband, should she ever be gone. Fugui reassured her, reaffirming their promise to journey together and vowing to wait for her, no matter what. Qing Tong, emotional but resolute, promised to become stronger and stand by his side. Fugui then reflected on Madam Yin's newfound gentleness, acknowledging the hardships she endured and the joy of her reunion.
As they watched the sunset, Qing Tong remarked it was their first beautiful sunset since leaving Wangquan Manor, feeling the moment was almost too good to be true. She promised to weave all the beautiful sights of their journey together—the deserts, snow, mountains, and rivers—into a tapestry, no longer just dreams. Fugui simply replied, "Good." Meanwhile, after Fugui's departure, demon kings across the land had grown restless, causing chaos and overwhelming the Yiqi Alliance.
Fei reported that Feng Tingyun had even been injured while fighting demons. Wangquan Hongye questioned why the various aristocratic families hadn't offered more aid, to which Fei responded that only the Li Family of Peach Garden had helped, and the attitudes of the other families had become strangely distant. Fei lamented how much Fugui had sacrificed, fighting over 200 battles a year without regard for his own well-being, even when blind or broken.
Fei believed Wangquan Manor and the Yiqi Alliance owed Young Master Fugui an immeasurable debt. Wangquan Hongye instructed Fei to ensure Feng Tingyun recovered, declaring he would personally oversee the demon hunting. He then inquired about Quan Jingting, who was reportedly confined to the Sword Tomb and seemed calm. Wangquan Hongye, however, suspected otherwise and ordered Fei to monitor his movements closely. Just then, a disciple reported that all the family masters had gathered in the main hall.
Wangquan Hongye and Fei entered to find the masters dressed in mourning clothes, clutching spirit tablets of their deceased kin. Wangquan Hongye greeted them, asking the reason for their visit. One master stated they were there to verify a rumor. Quan Jingting, his head wrapped in a white mourning band, stepped forward, declaring their purpose was to expose Wangquan Hongye's hypocritical facade and a decades-old lie within the Yiqi Alliance.
Wangquan Hongye rebuked Quan Jingting for stirring up trouble instead of reflecting in the Sword Tomb and questioned his mourning attire. Quan Jingting defiantly stated the mourning band was for his cousin, Wangquan Zui, Wangquan Hongye's own sister. Wangquan Hongye warned him to watch his words, stating his patience had limits. Quan Jingting then recounted his unwavering loyalty to the Wangquan family despite Wangquan Hongye banishing him and stripping him of his name over a trivial matter.
He claimed that during his time in the Sword Tomb, he realized he could no longer hide the truth for family ties and self-interest, lest the spirits of their ancestors and the wronged souls never forgive him. He announced his intention to expose Wangquan Hongye, revealing that the "Black Fox beyond the circle" was a carefully fabricated lie.
Wangquan Hongye angrily dismissed it as nonsense, but Quan Jingting persisted, accusing him of creating the Black Fox myth twenty years ago when their father, Wangquan Shouzhuo, lost control while practicing swordsmanship, to consolidate power and make everyone fight a non-existent enemy. Wangquan Hongye ordered guards, but Quan Jingting continued, accusing him of using the lie to lure the young masters of various families, and even his own sister, Wangquan Zui, to their deaths in the "so-called outside world."
Wangquan Hongye called him crazy, claiming Zui was his dearest sister, implying her sacrifice was necessary. Quan Jingting retorted that Zui was merely a pawn in his grand ambition. Quan Jingting then declared he did not expect to leave alive today, but challenged the assembled masters if they would stand by and let Wangquan Hongye cover up the truth and silence dissent.
The family masters erupted in murmurs, realizing the possibility of a decades-long deception and that none had ever truly seen the Black Fox. Wangquan Hongye admitted his past failings but insisted he and his siblings fought heroically against the Black Fox, and he had done his best to care for the families since. He questioned if they would be swayed by Quan Jingting's malicious provocations.
Quan Jingting further accused Wangquan Hongye of ordering the Soldier to kill talented individuals like Zhang Qi in Peach Village. Fei interjected, stating that Wangquan Hongye had explicitly ordered Zhang Qi to be brought back alive. Quan Jingting dismissed this as mere talk, demanding evidence. He promised to provide it, then announced the arrival of Tianmen Wenlu, son of the Taoist Tianmen. Tianmen Wenlu introduced himself.
Quan Jingting questioned him, asking if it was true that twenty years ago, Wangquan Hongye had led a group across his father's guarded Heavenly Gate into the "so-called outside world," with eight entering and only two returning, leaving many dead. Tianmen Wenlu confirmed it. Quan Jingting then asked if Wangquan Hongye had claimed it was all to slay the Black Fox and end the Eternal Night.
Tianmen Wenlu replied with a resounding "No." He then revealed that before the expedition, Wangquan Hongye had coerced his father into setting up a Mind-losing Formation in the "so-called outside world," which caused the young masters to kill each other, and that the Black Fox had never existed. When a family master expressed skepticism due to the passage of time, Tianmen Wenlu asserted his knowledge and presented a Mind-losing Talisman.
He explained it was one of seven talismans written in Wangquan Hongye's own blood twenty years ago, which formed the Mind-losing Formation, causing self-slaughter but protecting the talisman's creator. He asked Master Mu, a master of talisman arts, to verify it. Master Mu confirmed it was a Mind-losing Talisman and, after testing it, declared it a "blood spell" that protected its owner, confirming it was indeed written in Wangquan Hongye's blood.
Wangquan Hongye cried "frame-up," but Quan Jingting countered that if it wasn't his blood, no one would have used it to frame him twenty years ago, and questioned why Hongye was the only one to return unharmed. Wangquan Hongye accused Quan Jingting and the Black Fox of collusion, but Quan Jingting dismissed it as another lie, asserting that no one believed him anymore.
Fei desperately defended Wangquan Hongye, urging the masters to remember his character and contributions compared to Quan Jingting's treachery. Tianmen Wenlu then recounted how his father, Taoist Tianmen, a lifelong hero, had been coerced by Wangquan Hongye and ultimately died from the anguish of his conscience. Tianmen Wenlu declared he would clear his father's name with his own blood. Inspired by this, the family masters charged at Wangquan Hongye. Fei also lunged at him but was stopped.
Wangquan Hongye then addressed Quan Jingting, stating that he was not unwilling to fight but could not bear to see the members of the Yiqi Alliance slaughter each other. He ordered Feng Tingyun to drop her sword. Finally, Wangquan Hongye told Quan Jingting that he would not let him die so easily.
Episode 15 Recap
Wangquan Hongye, to avoid harming innocent lives, ordered his subordinates not to draw their swords, effectively surrendering. Quan Jingting, his cousin, sneered, telling him he would not let him die so easily. Meanwhile, Quan Rumu found Fugui and Qing Tong. Fugui, surprised by Rumu's grim condition, asked if his father, Quan Jingting, was responsible. Seeing no denial, Rumu's pent-up frustration led him to cough up a mouthful of blood.
Fugui, noticing Rumu's severe injuries and destroyed meridians, pressed him for details, asking who had inflicted such wounds. Quan Rumu, knowing his time might be short, decided to tell Fugui the full story of himself and Long Weiyun. Many years ago, Quan Jingting had led a brutal campaign in the Western Regions, slaughtering numerous dragon demons, a species that had thrived there for generations. Among his victims was Long Weiyun's mother, Long Yun.
She had tragically fallen in love with Quan Jingting, only to be betrayed and subjected to unimaginable torture before her death. Seeking revenge, Long Weiyun abducted Quan Rumu, hoping to exchange him for her mother's remains. However, Quan Jingting showed no concern for his son's life, rendering Long Weiyun's plan futile. Young Rumu, who suffered from asthma, experienced a severe attack during his captivity. Long Weiyun, unable to bear his suffering, used her innate dragon healing powers to save him.
From that day on, Rumu, an outcast from his own family, clung to Long Weiyun, following her devotedly for over a decade and gradually falling deeply in love with her. Upon realizing Long Weiyun's deep desire to reclaim her mother's bones, Quan Rumu returned to his home and retrieved the skull, all that remained of Long Yun. Long Weiyun placed her mother's skull in the Dragon Cave, where fragmented memories of Long Yun's suffering surfaced.
These memories revealed how Quan Jingting had not only brutally scraped off her dragon scales but also repeatedly severed her regrowing dragon horns. Witnessing her mother's agonizing screams, Long Weiyun was consumed by rage, vowing to kill Quan Jingting. In the Dragon Cave, a dying dragon spirit entrusted Long Weiyun with the Water-Control Orb, a revered dragon treasure containing centuries of accumulated spiritual power.
The spirit warned her that while the orb possessed immense power, it was also a double-edged sword, capable of turning its wielder into a demon if not properly controlled. However, driven by her desire for vengeance, Long Weiyun, whose spiritual energy was still unstable, attempted to forcefully absorb the orb. This led to a severe backlash. To continue absorbing the orb's power, she followed an ancient teaching and planted a Love Gu on Quan Rumu, who deeply loved her.
This parasitic insect would transfer all the pain of the orb's backlash to Rumu. Despite the excruciating pain he endured as Long Weiyun absorbed the Water-Control Orb, Rumu accepted it, understanding her hatred stemmed from his father's cruelty and finding the physical suffering preferable to seeing her silently endure her hatred. Long Weiyun eventually absorbed the Water-Control Orb, but her control over its power remained unstable. Fueled by vengeance, she confronted Quan Jingting.
During their battle, the orb's sinister energy erupted, transforming her into a terrifying, powerful berserk dragon. Seeing her lose control, Quan Rumu desperately intervened. He knew he could not allow Long Weiyun to become a murderer of innocents. He absorbed her devastating blow, which shattered all his meridians, but his sacrifice ultimately forced the Water-Control Orb out of Long Weiyun's body. He then used the last of his spiritual energy to save her life before collapsing, exhausted and unconscious.
The Water-Control Orb vanished without a trace. When Rumu awoke, Long Weiyun had already left, burdened by guilt. Since then, Quan Rumu has embarked on a journey to find her. Fugui, listening to Rumu's story, believed his friend's sacrifices were not worth it, arguing that Rumu, who had comprehended his own Way of the Sword, should not let his life end this way. But Rumu maintained that he was content with his choices.
Before resting, Rumu asked Fugui to promise that if he ever met Long Weiyun, he would tell her that Quan Rumu never hated her. He then performed a single sword move for Fugui, stating that his sword essence was "Live freely and carelessly; show gratitude before it's expected." Unlike Fugui's profound and world-bearing sword essence, his own lacked ambition. Later, news arrived from the Silk Cave: something had happened at Wangquan Manor.
Wangquan Hongye's whereabouts were unknown, and Quan Jingting had seized control as the new family master. Fugui prepared to leave to intervene, but Rumu cautioned him, explaining that if he were to succeed in rescuing Wangquan Hongye, he would be branded a traitor to the Yiqi Alliance, or worse, he could fall into a trap. Fugui acknowledged that neither outcome was acceptable, as the Yiqi Alliance's change of leadership at this time would surely plunge the world into chaos.
Quan Jingting, now firmly in power at Wangquan Manor, addressed his new subjects, acknowledging that many in the Yiqi Alliance doubted his right to the position. He declared that he would show everyone, human or demon, the fate of those who opposed him. He then commanded his forces to charge into the Eastern City to avenge it, stating that every demon found would be killed. From that day forward, the Yiqi Alliance would "exterminate every demon without exception."
Episode 16 Recap
Qing Tong reported to Wangquan Fugui and Quan Rumu that Quan Jingting had led his disciples into Eastern City, brutally slaughtering every demon they encountered, leaving blood flowing like a river. She added that they appeared to have used a substance called Chakuwa. Fugui observed that this situation, where love was fading and hatred was growing amidst countless corpses, was exactly what the Black Fox desired.
He recalled a deer demon named Lu Shu who mysteriously obtained an ancient Gu insect. Fugui speculated that the Black Fox likely provided Lu Shu with the Chakuwa, and since Quan Jingting was now using it on a large scale, there might be a connection between him and the Black Fox. Quan Rumu, visibly troubled, asked if this meant his father's actions were related to the Black Fox.
Fugui admitted he wasn't certain but acknowledged that Quan Jingting's current deeds aligned with the Black Fox's objectives. Despite his uncle's past failings, Quan Rumu noted that the Yiqi Alliance had experienced its most peaceful century under his leadership. He stressed that regardless of his father's potential connection to the Black Fox, their immediate priority was to rescue his uncle, Wangquan Hongye.
Fugui then confirmed that Wangquan Hongye was still alive, explaining that Quan Jingting needed the Chief alive to maintain stability within the Yiqi Alliance, especially with the staunch support of families like the Li Family of Peach Garden. Fugui stated that their only chance to turn the tide was to prove the Black Fox's existence before all the prestigious families, which would allow his father to reclaim his rightful position.
Meanwhile, the Black Fox observed the unfolding chaos, feeling endless hatred. She praised Quan Jingting's actions, noting that with Wangquan Hongye's loss of power and the bloodshed in both human and demon realms, her Grief Tree was finally sprouting. She inquired about the progress of Gukui, who was sent to persuade the Soldier (Wangquan Fugui). Her subordinate reported that Gukui had made contact, but the Soldier was stubborn and refused to submit.
The Black Fox remained confident, asserting that the Soldier harbored hatred towards the Yiqi Alliance. She then instructed Gukui to find the dragon demon and was informed that Guifeng, another Black Fox clone, had found an optimal vessel and was awaiting the right moment. In Deer Village, Qing Che was waiting for Qing Tong when panic erupted. Villagers cried out that people from Qianji City were coming, known for hunting demons.
His landlord urged Qing Che, whom he affectionately called "little spider," to flee for his life. Qing Che initially fled with the others but soon returned, determined to wait for his sister. He found their carefully arranged room ransacked, and a bouquet of flowers he had prepared for Qing Tong was broken and discarded, causing him to weep. At that moment, Guifeng appeared, preying on Qing Che's vulnerability.
Guifeng told Qing Che that his sister wouldn't return and that her heart belonged to the Soldier. Qing Che fiercely refuted this, insisting his sister had promised not to abandon him, claiming she owed the Soldier a life and was merely repaying a debt. Guifeng mocked his "pompous" explanation, introducing himself as Guifeng before disappearing, promising they would meet again when Qing Che needed him.
Alone and distraught, Qing Che continued to cling to the hope that his sister would return. Soon after, Qianji City soldiers returned to search the village. Spotting Qing Che, they excitedly captured him. Later, Qing Tong entrusted Madam Yin of Silk Cave with a message and a package for Qing Che, asking her to tell him that she was well and would come for him soon.
Back at their hideout, Quan Rumu consoled Wangquan Fugui, telling him that after enduring the agony of 10,000 swords piercing his heart, he owed Wangquan Manor nothing. Fugui then revealed his plan: the Black Fox, though beyond the human realm, had clones stirring chaos within it, and he possessed "bait" to draw them out—himself. Just then, Madam Yin arrived.
She reported that her intelligence network had recovered, revealing that many great demons were seeking Wangquan Fugui's whereabouts for revenge, believing the Soldier had lost his Wangquan Sword. Madam Yin also revealed that after the Eastern City massacre, Quan Jingting's next target was Mount Baiwu, home to 800 demons, and she pleaded for Wangquan Fugui's help.
Fugui instructed her to spread the news that the Soldier had gone mad during practice and was severely injured, believing this would make the information more credible coming from the Silk Cave, which had a historical enmity with the Soldier. Madam Yin agreed to disseminate the news throughout both human and demon realms within a day. Wangquan Hongye remained imprisoned in the Sword Tomb.
Quan Jingting, his cousin, appeared, taunting Hongye about the thirty years he had waited for this moment since Hongye had humiliated him at a family banquet for crippling a disciple. He explained that he had manipulated Tianmen Wenlu into framing Hongye by threatening his five-year-old daughter, asserting that anyone with attachments could be controlled. Quan Jingting then ordered his men to bring in Fei Tianqing, Wangquan Hongye's loyal steward. The steward was severely beaten, his organs almost shattered.
Quan Jingting demanded Wangquan Hongye kneel for Fei Tianqing's life. Hongye prepared to do so, but Fei intervened, reminding him that they were in the Sword Tomb, under the watchful eyes of their ancestors, and swore to kill himself if Hongye knelt to Quan Jingting. The steward asserted that Hongye had something Quan Jingting lacked: loyal companions, loving partners, and devoted offspring, making him the true victor. Angered, Quan Jingting left, vowing to let Hongye watch Fei slowly die.
Wangquan Hongye, desperate, attempted to burn his life force to kill himself, but Fei Tianqing stopped him, insisting that Hongye must live for the Wangquan family and the Yiqi Alliance. Despite his severe injuries, Fei Tianqing, the fifth steward of Wangquan Manor, decided to hit his own vital point, sacrificing himself to break free from his restraints and find Young Master Fugui, believing only Fugui could turn the tide.
With tears in his eyes, Wangquan Hongye bid farewell to the loyal steward, who resolved to fight his way out, fulfilling his duty to the Wangquan family. Back with Wangquan Fugui, he felt a strange flutter in his chest, sensing something bad had happened. He informed Qing Tong that tomorrow night was the New Moon Night, when demon power was at its peak, and the great demons would surely come for revenge.
He explained that after his "10,000 swords piercing his heart" ordeal, the Little Black Fox had tried to tempt him. He believed that if he was besieged by demons on the New Moon Night, the Black Fox would reappear. He had set a trap for her, anticipating she might come alone or possess a great demon. He instructed Quan Rumu to go to the valley entrance first, "thin out the first wave," but to avoid acting tough and show mercy.
As the New Moon Night arrived, the demons, alerted by the news of the Soldier's vulnerability, cautiously approached. They encountered an intricate barrier. A masked female demon, Long Weiyun, spurred them on, chastising their fear and lack of courage as she led them forward. Quan Rumu, waiting at the valley entrance, swiftly dealt with the weaker demons. As he prepared to confront the masked female demon, he recognized her as Long Weiyun, the woman he had been searching for.
Wangquan Fugui then appeared. Long Weiyun, believing Fugui to be powerless without his sword, was surprised when he activated the Purest Sun Flame within him. Fugui quickly used the flame to expel the Black Fox from Long Weiyun. However, Quan Rumu rushed in, preventing Fugui from harming Long Weiyun, reminding him that killing her would be a grave mistake.
Episode 17 Recap
Wangquan Fugui identified the woman Rumu was protecting as Long Weiyun, the cousin Rumu had been searching for. The Black Fox, possessing Long Weiyun, declared that Wangquan Fugui’s spiritual power was running low. The Black Fox gloated about having taken over Long Weiyun’s body, expressing its determination not to give up such a valuable tool.
It challenged Wangquan Fugui, questioning if he would truly remain without hatred if it used Long Weiyun’s body to kill his beloved, Qing Tong, and his cousin, Rumu. The possessed Long Weiyun then targeted Rumu, declaring she would kill him first. Rumu fought back, telling her that while he wouldn't have minded dying in the past, he would not allow it this time.
Wangquan Fugui explained that he had only temporarily trapped Long Weiyun in a barrier and that she needed to purge the Black Fox's demonic aura from her body herself. Qing Tong offered to use her spider silk to enter Long Weiyun’s consciousness and wake her, and Wangquan Fugui urged her to be careful. Inside Long Weiyun’s consciousness, Qing Tong found her sitting alone under a ginkgo tree, repeatedly muttering, "I don't want to owe you."
Long Weiyun held Rumu’s spirit tablet, lamenting that she couldn't find a way to save him and feeling she owed him too much. Qing Tong realized she couldn't physically touch Long Weiyun in this state. From outside, Wangquan Fugui urged Qing Tong to hurry.
Qing Tong then remembered a poem Wangquan Fugui had taught her that contained Rumu's name, recalling his explanation of its meaning: if a flower has basked in the morning dew, it can die at dusk without regret, signifying that beautiful experiences make the length of life irrelevant. Qing Tong shouted to Long Weiyun that Rumu was not dead and had never hated her.
She repeated the poem, emphasizing that as a True Dragon, Long Weiyun’s emotions should not be controlled by an evil entity. Long Weiyun finally stirred, realizing Rumu was alive and didn't hate her, calling him a fool. She accepted Qing Tong’s help, declaring that her emotions would not be swayed by an evil creature, and forcefully expelled the Black Fox’s demonic energy from her body.
Wangquan Fugui then contained the Black Fox, a clone of a being called "Madam" born from hatred, within a small sphere. The Black Fox scoffed that it had no physical form and couldn't be caught, taunting Wangquan Fugui about his father and the eternal nature of hatred. Back at their dwelling, Rumu asked Long Weiyun why she had been possessed.
She explained that while desperately searching for a way to save him, the Black Fox offered a solution: using Wangquan Fugui’s sword meridian to reconnect Rumu’s broken meridians. Knowing Rumu would never accept such a sacrifice from his cousin, a voice inside her suggested killing Wangquan Fugui to force Rumu to accept the cure, thereby settling her debt. This desperation allowed the Black Fox to possess her.
Rumu tried to reassure her of his love, but Long Weiyun coldly rejected him. She stated that her deep hatred for Quan Jingting, Rumu’s deranged father, for what he did to her mother, made Rumu’s affection unbearable. Concluding that some rifts could not be bridged, she asked him to let her go. Long Weiyun then promised Wangquan Fugui a favor, giving him a dragon scale as proof and vowing to fulfill any request before departing.
After Long Weiyun left, Qing Tong asked Wangquan Fugui if Quan Jingting’s death would resolve the conflict. Wangquan Fugui replied that there was another way, but the time was not right. Suddenly, a gravely injured Steward Fei arrived. He gave Wangquan Fugui the Wangquan Sword and informed him of Wangquan Hongye's dire situation before collapsing. Wangquan Fugui tried to heal him, but Steward Fei revealed he had sealed his own death acupoints to escape and was beyond saving.
Heartbroken, Wangquan Fugui tearfully promised the dying steward that he would rescue his father and restore justice to the Yiqi Alliance. Grief-stricken, Rumu offered to take the Black Fox to the Yiqi Alliance. Wangquan Fugui refused, explaining that only his Eastern spiritual blood could suppress it.
When Rumu insisted he would handle the rest, Wangquan Fugui confronted him, correctly deducing that Rumu intended to die with Quan Jingting to free Long Weiyun from her emotional burden and atone for his father's sins. Telling his cousin it was not his fault, Wangquan Fugui sealed his acupoints to stop him. He instructed Qing Tong to take the immobilized Rumu to the Cold Pool and then return, reassuring her that he had arranged for reinforcements and would return safely.
Meanwhile, Quan Jingting’s subordinates mocked Feng Tingyun and Wangquan Hongye’s other loyal disciples in the Yiqi Alliance hall. Their spiritual power had been sealed and they had been starved for five days, yet they refused to yield. Wangquan Fugui arrived, released them, and learned that his father was held in the Sword Tomb. He instructed Feng Tingyun to await the reinforcements he had summoned. Wangquan Fugui found Wangquan Hongye severely wounded and chained in the Sword Tomb.
He expressed regret for his delay, broke the chains, and helped his father to the main hall. Wangquan Hongye initially doubted their chances, but his son urged him to trust him. As they entered the main hall, their allied families arrived, followed by a furious Quan Jingting. He accused Wangquan Hongye of treason for recalling Wangquan Fugui, a supposed traitor. After Wangquan Hongye reasserted his authority as Chief, Wangquan Fugui confronted Quan Jingting, who vehemently denied the Black Fox's existence.
In response, Wangquan Fugui produced the sphere and unleashed the Black Fox's true form, exposing Quan Jingting's lies. Enraged, Quan Jingting attacked. During their battle, Wangquan Fugui's Dongfang spiritual power overwhelmed Quan Jingting, forcing him to reveal his own demonic aura and proving he was the true demon. The Black Fox escaped during the chaos and taunted that if the Yiqi Alliance couldn't serve Madam, then everyone would die. Wangquan Fugui unleashed the legendary Heaven-and-Earth Strike, destroying Quan Jingting.
The Black Fox gloated that this meant Madam could now be revived, then fled. However, the crowd turned on Wangquan Fugui. They feared him, recalling a prophecy by the Third Young Master that whoever mastered the Heaven-and-Earth Strike would bring calamity upon the world. Wangquan Hongye defended his son, reminding them that he had just saved them all, but the other family heads, while acknowledging Hongye as Chief, knelt and implored him to punish his son for the greater good.
To spare his father an impossible choice, Wangquan Fugui declared that the Wangquan family would not fail the world. He then willingly severed his own sword meridian, stating he would eliminate this future threat himself.
Episode 18 Recap
Compelled by the circumstances, Wangquan Hongye declared his decision to remove Fugui's sword meridian, stating that the Wangquan family must not fail the people of the world and that this action would eliminate a threat forever. He explicitly ordered the removal of "the Soldier's" sword meridian. Despite the painful nature of the procedure, Fugui calmly submitted, telling his father that he was best at enduring.
An ally questioned if he could uphold his Way as a crippled person, unable to wield a sword and restricted in movement. Following the removal, an elder announced Fugui's exile to the Western Regions, where he would be branded with a binding spell, ensuring he could never leave. Fugui reassured his father not to blame himself, stating he had anticipated everything and only wished for his father to understand his Way.
Wangquan Hongye, however, wondered if Fugui had considered himself in his calculations. Before his exile, Fugui made a final request to his father: to retrieve Steward Fei's body and give him a proper farewell, acknowledging Fei's lifelong companionship.
As Fugui stood before Fei's body, tears streamed down his face, remembering Fei's unwavering support, his mischievousness in allowing Fugui to touch the Jinlan Mask, his encouragement for Fugui to win the Blue Sky Assembly and see the world, and his fierce defense of Fugui against other alliance members. Fei's spirit had wished for Fugui to find happiness, to live an ordinary life, which would make him content. With a final "Farewell," Fugui bid goodbye to his beloved guardian.
Fugui then proceeded to his agreed meeting place with Qingtong, calling out for her, but she was nowhere to be found. Instead, a butterfly appeared, delivering a message from Qingtong stating she had an urgent matter to attend to and would come to him later. Under the escort of guards, Fugui arrived in the Western Regions. One of the guards offered him a more comfortable dwelling, but Fugui declined, saying the current one was sufficient, and dismissed the guard.
The guard reminded Fugui that the binding spell meant he could never leave the Western Regions, but promised to send word if he found any news of Qingtong. Fugui thanked him. The guard then relayed a final message from Wangquan Hongye: "From this day forth, there will never again be a Soldier in the Yiqi Alliance." At Dongfang Huaizhu's grave, Wangquan Hongye poured wine and wept, lamenting the day's events.
He revealed that Fugui had foreseen everything upon his return to Wangquan Manor, even proposing the transplant of his sword meridian to Young Master Rumu. Fugui's reasoning, as recalled by Hongye, was that this way, Wangquan Hongye could continue to lead the Yiqi Alliance, and Rumu could uphold his Way of the Sword, declaring that to gain, one must sacrifice, and he had no regrets.
Hongye further reflected on Fugui's actions, noting that his son sought to prove the Black Fox's existence to clear his father's name. To prevent the Black Fox from escaping, Fugui had to unleash the Heaven-and-Earth Strike, knowing it would lead to his condemnation. Hongye agonized over whether he had ever shown Fugui love, and felt unworthy of his son's sacrifice.
He vowed to become a selfish father, taking on the burdens of the Yiqi Alliance and the Black Fox alone, so that Fugui would be free of such entanglements. Wangquan Hongye wished for Fugui to live a happy, ordinary life in the Western Regions, to find joy in simple existence, away from conflict. Young Master Rumu awoke in the Cold Pool, where Feng Tingyun informed him of recent events, including Fugui's sword meridian removal and exile to the Western Regions.
She explained that his own old injury had been healed by the alliance's Divine Healer using potent medicine, which had caused his ten-day unconsciousness. She also presented him with the First-Snow Sword, which had been returned from the Master's side hall. Feng Tingyun conveyed that he was to remain at Wangquan Manor for recovery, offering to find him a different residence if he disliked the Cold Pool.
Rumu declined a new room but requested a different sword, stating that the First-Snow Sword belonged to his cousin, and he did not deserve to wield it. He then confronted Quan Jingting, who was miserably sweeping the courtyard. Quan Jingting feigned innocence, claiming the Black Fox's possession caused his evil deeds and that his concern for Rumu's loneliness kept him alive.
Rumu, recognizing his father's true nature, dismissed the excuses, stating he knew what kind of person Quan Jingting was and that he didn't believe the Black Fox was solely to blame. Quan Jingting goaded Rumu to kill him, asserting he was not afraid of death but feared leaving Rumu alone. Rumu, disgusted, reiterated that there was no father as cruel and immoral as Quan Jingting, whose actions were unforgivable.
Despite his anger, Rumu couldn't bring himself to kill his father, but threatened him if he continued to use the familiar address "Rumu." In his mind, Rumu heard his cousin Fugui's words of encouragement, promising to treasure the gifted talent, live on, and decide his own fate, looking forward to their reunion.
While dining in Sandstorm Town in the Western Regions, Fugui was recognized as a southerner by the waiter, who noted his simple meal choice and asked if he was settling down. Fugui affirmed his intention to settle, listening as the waiter commented on the town being the most peaceful part of the chaotic Western Regions. A sand painter began a show, narrating the history of the Western Regions.
A thousand years ago, it was an ocean with Penglai Island, home to the dragon clan led by True Dragons, and the human kingdom of Qianxia. The dragons possessed the Water-Control Orb, a relic of immense power that, when used, turned True Dragons into berserk dragons, causing widespread slaughter. To survive, other demon clans allied with humans.
The Corsac Fox Clan and the human Li Army then united, enduring massive casualties, to unleash the Myriad Blight Formation, sacrificing countless lives to finally destroy the berserk dragon and bring peace. A bystander questioned why the region was still chaotic if the Li Army was so strong. The sand painter explained that the Water-Control Orb, rumored to grant dominion over the Western Regions, had recently been found by bandits, leading to the current unrest.
Upon hearing this, Fugui decided he could not ignore the matter and resolved to investigate, heading into the desert. Qingtong awoke in an unfamiliar room, disoriented and unable to recall recent events. Her sister, Qingcheng, rushed to her side, dressed entirely in black, a significant change in appearance. Qingtong questioned her sister's presence and their location. Qingcheng spun a tale, claiming she had rescued Qingtong from a life-threatening situation with the Yiqi Alliance and brought her to Qianji City.
When Qingtong expressed her urgent need to find Fugui, Qingcheng dramatically clutched her side, feigning an injury from the supposed rescue. She then emotionally manipulated Qingtong, accusing her of only caring for Fugui and disregarding her sister's sacrifices and life. Qingcheng insisted that Fugui was likely dead, having used the Heaven-and-Earth Strike and fulfilled the prophecy of the Third Young Master of Aolai, causing the Yiqi Alliance to abandon him.
Qingtong was distraught, refusing to believe Fugui was gone, and tried to leave immediately. Qingcheng intensified her act, accusing Qingtong of abandoning her again, as she had allegedly done in the past, and offered her medicine. Reluctantly, Qingtong stayed. Qingcheng promised to send people to search for Fugui, urging patience. However, Qingtong grew suspicious, realizing Qingcheng’s meticulous care was a guise for soft imprisonment. When Qingcheng was absent, Qingtong secretly summoned a familiar demon.
Learning that Qingcheng's tight control of Qianji City yielded no information, Qingtong instructed the demon to relay a message to Madam Yin, requesting her help in locating Young Master Fugui. Meanwhile, the Black Fox Queen observed that Wangquan Fugui had finally comprehended the Heaven-and-Earth Strike, signaling that "the day of breaking the circle" was near. Her assistant congratulated her but noted the loss of two clones, asking if the Jiuwei clone should be dispatched to deal with the "Soldier."
The Black Fox Queen explained that Jiuwei, a clone formed from her own severed tail, was specifically created to possess the Soldier and should not be used lightly. She then inquired about Guifeng, learning that Guifeng had approached Qingtong, whom she referred to as "that lowly demon." Considering Qingtong's crucial role in her plan, the Black Fox Queen ordered Guifeng to incite hatred and revive her Grief Tree before Fugui could break the circle.
Separately, Young Master Rumu, having learned of the Demon Realm's instability due to Fugui's departure and Quan Jingting's recent rampage, expressed his intention to join efforts to subdue the demons. Despite his attendant's reminder of his need for recuperation as per the Master's instructions, Rumu firmly commanded him to lead the way.
Episode 19 Recap
Exiled to the Western Regions and stripped of his cultivation, Fugui settled in Sandstorm Town, making a living by crafting paper lanterns. Though he introduced himself as Wang, the locals referred to him as Lantern Wang. A man of simple needs, he found survival easy, yet his mind often drifted back to his peaceful, joyful days with Qing Tong in Huadeng Village.
Despite his longing to find Qing Tong, Fugui understood that with his powers gone and the Western Regions in turmoil, locating the Water-Control Orb was paramount. To prepare for this, he secretly practiced daily, striving to regain his lost inner power. He recognized that potential threats still loomed large in the Western Regions, and with a binding spell restricting his movements, he could only keep his deep longing for Qing Tong to himself.
One day, a young girl came to his home, captivated by his fish lanterns. Her father was ill, and she wished for a lantern to bring him comfort, but she had no money. Fugui, touched by her sincerity, offered a lantern in exchange for the chrysanthemums she held. Back inside, he carefully placed the flowers in a vase and tended to them. Soon after, a small, adorable corsac fox appeared, drawn to the chrysanthemums.
Fugui noted its strong demonic power, realizing it should have been able to transform into a human long ago, and suspected its attraction to the chrysanthemums was the reason it stayed. The fox, however, was a picky eater and only consumed meat. When Fugui refused to provide it, the fox stubbornly remained. Forced to indulge its appetite, Fugui took it to the market to buy meat.
There, he overheard villagers discussing the Corsac Fox State's search for its long-missing Second Prince. Fugui wondered if the little fox by his side could be the prince. Indeed, the old king of the Corsac Fox State was consumed with worry over his missing Second Prince, Yunfei. His Imperial Preceptor urged him to eat, just as a guard reported a lead on Yunfei's whereabouts. The king immediately ordered his troops to bring his son back, no matter what.
Meanwhile, Fugui was resting when bandits burst into his home, holding a knife to his throat and forcing him to accompany them with his valuables. He was led to a courtyard filled with other captives, where a fierce female bandit passionately addressed the group, striking anyone who dared to resist. Disapproving of her harshness, Fugui spoke out, catching the bandit leader's attention. Impressed by his appearance, she took him to a private room.
Yunfei, captured by the Corsac Fox State's guards, was brought before his father. The king, his eyes filled with sorrow, pleaded with him to stay, for he was old and the state needed an heir. Yunfei, the son of the Queen, harbored sympathy for his older brother, Yunhai, who, despite being older, was of lower birth and thus denied the throne by both the Queen and the King.
To allow Yunhai to inherit, Yunfei had always refused to transform into human form. He revealed that he had indeed returned to the palace the day his brother passed away. Yunhai had been harmed by evildoers and chose to die with them. His passing left Yunfei with deep resentment and a reluctance to return to the palace. Yunhai had loved chrysanthemums, explaining Yunfei's own fondness for them.
The old king, with tears streaming down his face, admitted his own incompetence in failing to protect his eldest son, emotionally begging Yunfei to take on his human form. Seeing his father's distress, Yunfei agreed. Overjoyed, the king immediately declared Yunfei the sole prince of the Corsac Fox State, promising him the throne on his wedding day, and announced a full-scale search for the Water-Control Orb, the sacred relic of their clan.
However, Yunfei mumbled that he only said five words in total, indicating his true reluctance to transform. The king later advised Yunfei that instead of directly breaking into the bandit's hideout to retrieve the Water-Control Orb, he should use his charms, as slyness and deceit were the nature of the Corsac Fox, rather than acting recklessly. Subsequently, Yunfei was delivered to the female bandit's camp, presented as a "beauty" from a nearby village to appease the bandit leader.
There, he encountered Fugui. The female bandit, finding Yunfei more attractive and seemingly easier to handle than Fugui, decided to keep Yunfei for herself. As Yunfei was being led away, he whispered to Fugui, "It's okay. It's me, that mutt. I'll use my demon power and wisdom to save you and protect you." Overhearing them, the female bandit scorned Fugui for his defiance and threw him into a cell with other captives to perform hard labor.
Inside, Fugui encountered a powerful leopard demon whose meridians had been sealed. Using his strategic mind, Fugui precisely guided the demon and other prisoners, calling out commands that enabled them to overpower the guards in a coordinated attack. Meanwhile, Qingcheng intercepted a small demon sent from the Thousand Silk Cave.
Qingcheng, learning that the Soldier had his sword meridian cut off, his power lost, and was exiled to the Western Regions, threatened the demon not to reveal this information to Qing Tong. Upon returning to Qing Tong, who was now dressed lavishly, Qing Tong questioned his changed appearance and the true nature of Qianji City.
Qingcheng admitted to decorating the room for her, but then, with some reservation, he explained that the former Qianji City Lord was a cruel and bloodthirsty monster who hunted demons to absorb their power. Qingcheng recounted being captured himself when the entire Deer Village's demons were drained of their energy. He claimed to have escaped by killing the old City Lord and taking over. Qing Tong expressed her sorrow for failing to protect him.
Qingcheng, however, cunningly expressed his desire for a share of her love, acknowledging the Soldier's importance to her. He assured her that he had sent people to search for the Soldier and that Qianji City would always support her, then encouraged her to rest. Unbeknownst to Qing Tong, Guifeng, a clone of the Black Fox, had possessed Qingcheng.
Guifeng taunted Qingcheng for lying to Qing Tong, reminding him that he only managed to kill the old City Lord because of Guifeng's power. Guifeng revealed that Qingcheng was dying and his body would soon be taken over. Qingcheng vehemently denied this, fearing that Qing Tong would worry if he disappeared.
Guifeng mockingly pointed out that Qingcheng and Qing Tong were not related by blood, and Qing Tong only cared about the Soldier, viewing Qingcheng as a discarded, weak, and lowly failure. Enraged by Guifeng's words and a sense of betrayal, Qingcheng declared that he could not die and vowed to kill everyone. Guifeng fueled Qingcheng's hatred, saying that desire, pain, and hatred must be extreme and crazy enough for true power.
Qingcheng, consumed by his desire for Qing Tong, cried out that his sister belonged to him, confirming his total surrender to Guifeng. Guifeng then stated that he would complete Qingcheng's "nirvana" for him. Guifeng further advised Qingcheng that his simple tricks wouldn't keep Qing Tong by his side forever, to which Qingcheng declared he would do whatever it took to sever all her ties to anyone else and keep her with him.
Episode 20 Recap
Guifeng, a clone of the Black Fox, watched as Qingcheng excessively flattered Qing Tong. Guifeng scoffed, telling Qingcheng his efforts were in vain because Qing Tong only had eyes for the Soldier. Hearing this, Qingcheng gritted his teeth and vowed to sever all ties between Qing Tong and the Soldier, ensuring she remained by his side. Meanwhile, Fugui, known as Lantern Wang, liberated the captured civilians from the female bandit's dungeon.
They expressed their gratitude and departed, while Fugui turned back to rescue the little corsac fox. Inside, Fan Yunfei, the Second Prince of Corsac Fox State who had transformed into human form, was seemingly giving the female bandit a massage. The bandit provocatively teased him, but Fan Yunfei, unversed in romantic overtures, bluntly stated he was there to reclaim the family's sacred Water-Control Orb.
Enraged, the bandit threw him to the ground, and as she prepared to attack, Fugui arrived just in time. The female bandit then produced the Water-Control Orb, intending to use it against them. Fugui, observing that she could only wield it as a mere artifact and hadn't assimilated it, felt a measure of relief. With his internal energy not fully restored, he could only offer guidance to Fan Yunfei from the sidelines.
Fortunately, Li Xueyang, a female general of the Li Army, arrived after learning of the situation. Together, they subdued the female bandit, and Fan Yunfei, revealing his true form, swallowed the Water-Control Orb. Fan Yunfei recognized Li Xueyang, but she showed no recollection of him, a fact Fugui noticed, observing Fan Yunfei’s evident disappointment. Envoys from Corsac Fox State then escorted Fan Yunfei and Fugui to the royal palace.
It was confirmed that Fan Yunfei had indeed secured the Water-Control Orb, though it was now within him. According to their agreement, he was entitled to assume the throne of Corsac Fox State. However, the Corsac Fox Elders voiced their dissent, proposing that Fan Yunfei could become king only if Fugui agreed to stay on as a tutor. Fugui unequivocally declined. The old King then met with Fugui privately, imploring him to reconsider.
Fugui reasoned that since the Water-Control Orb was inside Fan Yunfei, he might as well remain for a while, but he simply told the King he needed more time to think. Later, Fan Yunfei recounted his past encounter with Li Xueyang. He explained that one day, when he was still a small corsac fox, he found Li Xueyang injured and unconscious in a desert sandstorm.
To save her, he unwillingly unleashed his demon power to shield her, then went to fetch water. By the time he returned, she had vanished. He admitted to Fugui that his heart pounded whenever he thought of her, wondering if he was in love. Fugui advised him that affection required mutual feelings.
Fan Yunfei later attempted to impress Li Xueyang by presenting a gift, but his awkward attempts at striking impressive poses were met with confusion and a playful beating from Li Xueyang, who mistook his actions for a challenge and did not recognize him as her savior.
Her parents, General Li and his wife, reminded her of a similar incident three years prior where she was rescued in the desert, but she could only recall her savior being "furry" and comforting, unaware it was Fan Yunfei. Fugui decided to accept the role of tutor temporarily. He mused that while the King seemed simple-minded, his longevity suggested hidden depths, and the title of "Tutor of Corsac Fox State" was certainly an upgrade from "Lantern Wang."
Meanwhile, Qing Tong anxiously awaited news of Fugui in Qianji City. Qingcheng eventually returned, bearing the devastating news that the Soldier had been stripped of his sword meridian by the Yiqi Alliance and had died, his place taken by his cousin, Rumu. Qingcheng then led a heartbroken Qing Tong to see the Soldier's cenotaph. Consumed by grief and anger, Qing Tong refused to believe the Soldier was truly gone without seeing his body.
She swore that if Fugui had indeed died at the hands of the Yiqi Alliance, she would exact vengeance. Qingcheng seized the opportunity to dissuade her from impulsive action, pointing out that her current demon power was too weak and confronting the Yiqi Alliance would be suicide. He urged her to train in Qianji City, which held numerous martial arts manuals, to significantly boost her power before seeking revenge.
Following this, Qing Tong embarked on a relentless regimen of cultivation, day and night. Yet, she found her demon power inexplicably weakening rather than growing, sensing that something was amiss. Unbeknownst to Qing Tong, Guifeng confirmed to Qingcheng that the "cultivation methods" he had given Qing Tong were deliberately unsuitable for her constitution, ensuring she would not grow powerful enough to escape his control. In the Yiqi Alliance, Rumu continued his relentless campaign against demons.
His uncle, Wangquan Hongye, noticed Rumu's intense dedication to demon-slaying. Hongye then revealed that before his death, Fugui had approached him, expressing his willingness to have his sword meridian transferred to Rumu, stating he had "no regrets." Rumu, feigning indifference, dismissed the sentiment as a joke, claiming his relationship with Fugui was merely a matter of childhood games and that he himself harbored no grand ambitions, wishing only to wander freely.
Hongye acknowledged their shared pain and urged Rumu to look ahead. Soon after, urgent news arrived from the border: the long-lost Water-Control Orb had reappeared in the Western Regions, now in the possession of the Corsac Fox Clan. Fearing the orb's powerful and corrupting influence, which could plunge the Western Regions into chaos, Wangquan Hongye decided to send Rumu, as his most trusted individual and the one most familiar with the Western Regions, to retrieve it.
Rumu accepted, but requested to bring someone with him, to which Hongye agreed. As Rumu departed, he asked if Hongye had any message for an old friend in the Western Regions, but Hongye simply told him not to disturb the person and to take care of himself. To lift Qing Tong's spirits, Qingcheng commissioned the collection of various rare treasures from across the land. Among these was a fish lantern from the Western Regions.
Upon seeing it, Qing Tong was overcome with emotion. She instantly recognized it as Fugui's handiwork, realizing with a surge of hope that Young Master Fugui was, in fact, still alive, and that he was in the Western Regions.
Episode 21 Recap
Qing Tong, convinced that Young Master Fugui was still alive after recognizing his fish-shaped lantern, immediately set off for the Western Regions to find him. On her journey, Qingcheng intercepted her. Qing Tong firmly declared that she had to find Young Master Fugui and urged him not to stop her. Noting her unwavering resolve, Qingcheng expressed concern for her traveling alone through the sandstorms of the Western Regions and insisted on accompanying her.
Meanwhile, Young Master Fugui, who had accepted the invitation to become Fan Yunfei's tutor in the Corsac Fox State, returned to Sandstorm Town to collect his belongings. Coincidentally, Qing Tong and Qingcheng arrived in the same town. Qing Tong noticed someone carrying a fish-shaped lantern and, filled with hope, rushed to the vendor's stall, asking if he made the lanterns himself and if he knew about the Soldier.
The vendor, a man secretly bribed by Qingcheng, confirmed that the Soldier had been publicly executed by the Yiqi Alliance for consorting with demons, with many witnesses. Hearing this, Qing Tong was heartbroken and utterly distraught, repeatedly denying the news. Qingcheng then gently urged her to return to Qianji City with him. Rumu returned to the Western Regions, bringing his father, Quan Jinting, to Long Weiyun, offering her the chance to exact her revenge.
Long Weiyun, furious at the sight of the man who harmed her mother, confronted Quan Jinting. He pleaded, claiming he was possessed by the Black Fox when he committed his past misdeeds and that he truly loved Long Weiyun’s mother. Despite her anger and disbelief, Long Weiyun couldn't bring herself to kill him. She lashed out with her power, causing him to cough up blood, before ordering Rumu to take his father away.
Rumu then led Long Weiyun to a place they often frequented, revealing it was his birthday. He used his powers to transform the area into a dazzling golden spectacle, fulfilling a promise he had made to her. Long Weiyun noticed his broken meridians were completely healed, much to her delight. Rumu, admitting his past immaturity and clinging nature, declared that he was now fully recovered and intended to fulfill his duties as the Soldier, protecting the Yiqi Alliance.
He promised he would no longer pester her, allowing her to live freely as a True Dragon. Before leaving, he asked for a hug and told her to go live for herself. After Rumu's departure, Long Weiyun felt a sense of loss but accepted that perhaps it was best for them to go their separate ways. Rumu, after placing his father in the Quan family dungeon, turned his attention to finding the Water-Control Orb.
His subordinate informed him that the Water-Control Orb had, by an unexpected turn of events, been consumed by the second prince of the Corsac Fox State, a situation Rumu deemed surprising. Upon learning that the Corsac Fox State was highly superstitious and believed in astrology, he decided to disguise himself as an astrologer and infiltrate the royal palace. Rumu, in his astrologer disguise, met Young Master Fugui.
Fugui found Rumu's odd appearance amusing, while the old King of the Corsac Fox State and Prince Fan Yunfei, thoroughly convinced by Rumu's astrological predictions of prosperity and fated love with General Li Xueyang, enthusiastically invited him to stay and assist them. Fugui reluctantly agreed to Rumu’s presence after Rumu (as the astrologer) subtly praised his character. The two brothers later conversed, catching up on their separated experiences.
Rumu brought up Qing Tong, and Fugui explained that a seal prevented him from leaving the Western Regions to search for her. Rumu promised to help find her. Rumu also admitted that his purpose there was to monitor the Water-Control Orb, as he had witnessed Long Weiyun transform into a berserk dragon and felt he could not stand by.
Fugui then revealed that the Water-Control Orb, which Fan Yunfei had swallowed, had not caused any backlash, indicating that Fan Yunfei's pure and kind nature made him uniquely suited to refine it over time, which would ultimately benefit everyone. Despite Rumu's skepticism about Fan Yunfei's clumsy swordplay, Fugui expressed confidence in the young prince's potential. Fan Yunfei later approached Rumu, now known as the Celestial Master, to seek guidance in awakening his talents.
Back in Qianji City, Qing Tong expressed her growing suspicion that Young Master Fugui's reported death was part of a larger scheme. She told Qingcheng, "Something's not right. Everything happened too smoothly. . . unless I see it with my own eyes, I'll never believe anyone." Determined to gain strength quickly, she asked Qingcheng for a faster way to cultivate her demonic power.
Qingcheng presented her with a grim method: absorbing the spiritual power of captured lesser demons, explaining it was a technique from the former Qianji City Lord’s secret journal. Qing Tong vehemently refused, deeming it dark magic no different from murder and ordering him to release the demons. Qingcheng tried to convince her by reminding her of their past sufferings and the Soldier's death, arguing they needed to be ruthless.
Qing Tong, however, stood firm, declaring she would not use such methods for cultivation. She then discovered the existence of the Space of Joy and Sorrow in a cultivation manual. Qingcheng tried to deter her, describing it as a perilous place where no one had returned, but also revealed that it contained a seed from the Tushan Grief Tree, capable of bestowing supreme Power of Love upon one with truly pure love.
Undeterred, Qing Tong insisted on entering, despite Qingcheng's desperate attempts to dissuade her by highlighting the fatal risks and even attempting to confine her. Feigning compliance, Qing Tong later made her escape. Entering the mysterious Space of Joy and Sorrow, Qing Tong declared to a towering statue that she was there for the Power of Love and was ready for its trial.
The statue's voice explained that the trial involved making the Grief Tree seed sprout, a feat only possible for those with truly pure love, but warned that failure meant being consumed by the hatred within her heart and being eternally frozen. Qing Tong accepted without hesitation. As she prepared, the Black Fox's voice mocked her, doubting her meager demon power could ever make the Grief Tree's seed take root.
Episode 22 Recap
Qing Tong entered the Space of Joy and Sorrow and encountered a woman identical to herself. The woman questioned Qing Tong's ability to make the Grief Tree seed sprout with her "tiny bit of Demon Power," and taunted her, stating that true love was an illusion. She highlighted how Wangquan Fugui had always abandoned Qing Tong in critical moments, both in Peach Village and Wangquan Manor, concluding that only hatred was eternal and love offered no real power.
Initially shaken, Qing Tong was roused by the faint sound of Wangquan Fugui's voice. She firmly declared that there was nothing wrong with love between humans and demons and that love itself provided the strength to live. The woman, infuriated, vowed to make Qing Tong suffer for her defiance. With a swift motion, Qing Tong was impaled by countless sharp swords, experiencing agonizing pain.
The woman urged Qing Tong to abandon her "stubborn delusion," revealing that many others who believed in the Way of Love had met a similar end in this place, their spirits now aimlessly adrift. She asserted that pure and genuine Power of Love was non-existent and that the weak did not deserve to live, constantly emphasizing Qing Tong's inherent weakness. Despite the unbearable pain, Qing Tong recalled Wangquan Fugui's words, realizing that her heart had never been weak.
She remembered that he had named her Qing Tong not to restrict her, but to inspire her to see the world, and to believe she could be a light, even when humble and small. She also remembered the Dust-Seeker Sword he had given her, and his teaching that the essence of a sword, "the dust that never falls to the ground," was more important than its technique.
With renewed resolve, she declared that she would never embrace hatred, proclaiming her path as one where love existed, all beings were equal, and all creatures coexisted. Summoning the Dust-Seeker Sword, Qing Tong completely shattered the illusion before her. The woman, astonished that Qing Tong had managed to "shatter falsehood," retreated, acknowledging Qing Tong's victory.
Qing Tong gained the power from the Grief Tree seed, but realized that the Space of Joy and Sorrow's true secret was to gain power by harming others, a power she disdained. She then released the many demon spirits trapped within the Space of Joy and Sorrow, and broke through its gates. Outside, Qingcheng and the assembled crowd, witnessing Qing Tong's powerful transformation, immediately knelt and hailed her as the new City Lord of Qianji City.
Qing Tong issued a decree that the Asura Hall would be permanently sealed and its evil magic forbidden from any further practice. Qingcheng presented a list of dark magic artifacts from the Asura Hall, including a "Soul-Devouring Umbrella" that could disturb minds and absorb life force. Qing Tong reaffirmed her commitment to building a better home and rejected such sinister tools.
She then ordered the release of Jiang Bo, a guard who had been imprisoned for secretly freeing humans and demons from the Asura Hall, offering him his old position as chief guard. Jiang Bo accepted, and Qing Tong promised to transform Qianji City.
Later, while refining the Grief Tree seed, Qing Tong found it hard to control her anger, and noticed her Demon Power's aura was disturbingly similar to that of the Black Fox, making her wonder about a potential connection. Meanwhile, Fan Yunfei continued his cultivation under Ru Mu’s guidance. Ru Mu, having learned from Wangquan Fugui that Fan Yunfei might be able to refine the Water-Control Orb, encouraged him to try controlling water, which resulted in Ru Mu being thoroughly drenched.
During a meal, Fan Yunfei, like a dog, selectively ate only the meatballs, much to Ru Mu's annoyance. Fan Yunfei then shared his tale of meeting his fated person, Li Xueyang, after he left the palace. He recalled being held in her arms while she was injured, and how, despite her own pain, she was still thinking of others, urging them to leave.
Determined not to let the desert bury such a kind and beautiful woman, Fan Yunfei experienced an eruption of his Demon Power, instinctively controlling the entire desert. Ru Mu, realizing Fan Yunfei's affection for Li Xueyang, offered to assist him, devising a pursuit plan based on the principle that "a persistent suitor wins over a reluctant love interest," and encouraged him to make 100 or more attempts.
Fan Yunfei, eagerly following Ru Mu's advice, made his first attempt to propose by presenting gifts he liked best—black threads, dried hamsters, scratching pads, bones, and red willow branches. Li Xueyang promptly froze him and sent him away. A frustrated Ru Mu reminded Fan Yunfei that he had taken human form and needed to act like a human, not an animal, emphasizing the importance of understanding Li Xueyang's preferences.
To gather information, Ru Mu disguised himself as a fortune teller in the market. He observed Li Xueyang, learning that she disliked arrogant individuals and constant fighting, but admired a man who was artistic, gentle, romantic, and heroic, and appreciated sincere, handmade gifts. Following Ru Mu's revised advice, Fan Yunfei started by writing love poems. After some initial struggles with sincerity and length, he became more direct.
He began proposing marriage to Li Xueyang daily, despite being consistently rejected and often frozen. Yet, he remained undeterred, vowing to return every day. His persistence gradually softened Li Xueyang's heart. One day, she found the forget-me-nots he offered quite beautiful. Although she still told him to leave, she noticed he hadn't received his usual beating. When he pointed this out and reiterated his vow to return, she merely chuckled, finding the "silly dog" rather adorable.
Later, Fan Yunfei began capturing demons that had injured Li Xueyang and presented them as gifts to lessen her burden. Initially, Li Xueyang was annoyed, feeling he was trying to "snatch her job," but seeing his crestfallen expression, she felt a pang of sympathy. She clarified that her anger stemmed from her dislike of owing favors, then offered him water, thanking him for the gift.
Although she reiterated that she could not accept him due to the fundamental differences between humans and demons and told him not to return, Fan Yunfei cheerfully declared he would be back tomorrow. Her soldiers, witnessing this, speculated if he would return, with most believing he would. The next day, he indeed returned with seven more captured demons. Back at their residence, Wangquan Fugui, now serving as Fan Yunfei's Royal Master in the Corsac Fox State, questioned Ru Mu's maturity.
He then shared his recent discoveries: after comparing the historical records of the Corsac Fox State with the secret history of the dragon clan from Wangquan Manor, he found 17 discrepancies. Wangquan Fugui noted that centuries ago, while other races were devastated by a war between the dragon clan and human race, the Corsac Fox Clan mysteriously prospered. He revealed that using an Invisibility Talisman provided by Ru Mu, he infiltrated the Imperial Preceptor's intelligence archives.
There, he uncovered extensive files on all major generals of the Li Army, detailing their dietary habits, daily routines, and hobbies. Li Xueyang's information, in particular, was meticulously documented and specially marked, including her daily activities. He concluded that the Corsac Fox State's detailed surveillance of the Li Army, especially Li Xueyang, indicated a secret, ulterior motive. Ru Mu realized this meant everyone in the Li Army, particularly Li Xueyang, was in danger.
Wangquan Fugui also observed that the Corsac Fox King seemed happiest about Fan Yunfei and Li Xueyang's potential union. Despite Fan Yunfei's genuine, almost foolish, love for Li Xueyang, Wangquan Fugui felt something was amiss and believed Ru Mu could help him investigate the situation. Meanwhile, Qing Tong continued to refine the Grief Tree seed, intending to find Wangquan Fugui after its completion.
However, she overheard a shocking conversation between the Black Fox and its clone, revealing that Wangquan Fugui was still alive and that a "little black fox" had been placed by his side. Startled by this revelation and the disturbing visions she experienced, Qing Tong decided she needed to immediately travel to Tushan.
Episode 23 Recap
At the Li Army’s camp, soldiers were counting Fan Yunfei’s repeated marriage proposals to Li Xueyang. They reached his ninety-ninth attempt, with one soldier remarking that if he proposed just one more time to reach a hundred, the marriage would surely be settled. Another soldier wondered if their boss had an obsession with round numbers. Many doubted anyone could persist for a hundred proposals.
However, Li Xueyang, who declared her hatred for quitters above all else, was confident he would appear. Her soldiers enthusiastically agreed, chanting for her to marry him, which prompted Li Xueyang to tell them to "Cut that out!" Still, they were certain she would accept him. As evening approached and Fan Yunfei remained absent, Li Xueyang’s confidence wavered, "What if he doesn't show up today?"
Her soldiers tried to reassure her, but her concern deepened, questioning if he might have gotten into trouble. Worried, she went to search for him. She found him in a tavern, surrounded by beautiful women. He was boasting that once he married "that shrew" and ascended to the throne, he would banish her to the cold palace and marry all the women present.
Li Xueyang, enraged, confronted him, only for him to casually invite her to join them and then insult her as "that shrew." In a fit of fury, Li Xueyang slapped him, knocking out his tooth, and warned him never to appear before her again. After Li Xueyang left, the man revealed his true form: the Old King of Corsac Fox State. He had been disguised as his son, the Second Prince, to avoid being shamed for frequenting such establishments.
Meanwhile, the real Fan Yunfei was battling several small demons, complaining to them that they had ruined his hundredth proposal. After defeating them, he hurried to find Li Xueyang. Distraught, Li Xueyang questioned her own anger and the intensity of her reaction to Fan Yunfei's betrayal. While she was reeling, her old adversary, the Snake-Haired Fire Dame, appeared, mocking her emotional state and claiming she had a broken heart.
The Snake-Haired Fire Dame declared her intention to settle an old score, as Li Xueyang had previously harmed her sisters. Li Xueyang, in no mood for a fight, told her to leave, but the Snake-Haired Fire Dame persisted, taunting that Li Xueyang’s foul mood made her an easy target. The two engaged in a fierce battle in the desert, with the Snake-Haired Fire Dame vowing to burn through Li Xueyang's protective talismans and then burn her as well.
Just as the Snake-Haired Fire Dame was about to land a fatal blow, Fan Yunfei arrived, shielding Li Xueyang. Li Xueyang, surprised, questioned his presence, asking if he shouldn't be enjoying pleasures in Corsac Fox City. Fan Yunfei, confused by her words, faced the Snake-Haired Fire Dame. Li Xueyang, still reeling from the earlier incident, retorted to Fan Yunfei that her slap wasn't hard enough and accused him of pretending not to understand.
The Snake-Haired Fire Dame observed their exchange, mocking Li Xueyang for being a lovesick fool and calling Fan Yunfei a fickle corsac fox. Enraged, Li Xueyang prepared to fight again, but Fan Yunfei told her to rest, assuring her he would handle the Snake-Haired Fire Dame. Fan Yunfei then produced the Water-Control Orb, which astonished the Snake-Haired Fire Dame, as it was a sacred dragon relic incompatible with corsac fox magic.
Despite the perceived incompatibility, Fan Yunfei defiantly used it, declaring that anyone who dared to hurt his fiancée would die, and swiftly defeated the Snake-Haired Fire Dame. As Fan Yunfei stood over her, Li Xueyang recognized his familiar silhouette. She realized he was the small corsac fox who had saved her previously. Fan Yunfei carried the unconscious Li Xueyang back to her camp and personally gave her water mouth-to-mouth to help her recover.
Her subordinates, witnessing the scene, later whispered about the kiss, confirming they had seen it with their own eyes. When asked why they didn't intervene, a soldier explained they tried, but Fan Yunfei was merely saving their boss by hydrating her. Li Xueyang, overhearing, told them they talked too much, and they scattered. Later, Fan Yunfei's brother noticed his distress and asked if he was sick.
Fan Yunfei asked what "seeking nighttime pleasures" meant, a term he had heard Li Xueyang use. His brother vaguely explained it as engaging in certain activities at certain places. Fan Yunfei was indignant, stating he could never seek pleasure with other women, as he had been battling demons all night during his hundredth proposal attempt. His father, the Old King, then confessed that he had disguised himself as Fan Yunfei and visited the tavern, unwittingly causing the misunderstanding.
He even asked if his deception had successfully made General Li jealous. Fan Yunfei, furious, threatened to inform the Plump Consort, making his father quickly recant. His brother then advised Fan Yunfei to immediately go and explain everything to General Li, but Fan Yunfei was at a loss for how to do so. The next day, Fan Yunfei stood beneath the city walls, calling out to Li Xueyang.
He explained there was a misunderstanding and that the person she saw at the tavern was not him. He affirmed he was not one to give up halfway and proudly announced this was his one hundred and first formal proposal. Li Xueyang, calling him "Poor Dog," declared she no longer needed an explanation and believed him.
When Fan Yunfei confirmed she genuinely believed him, she reiterated her trust and, with a playful tone, told him not to bother her again, signaling her acceptance. Fan Yunfei was ecstatic, vowing to propose a hundred more times if necessary. Later, Li Xueyang recalled the moment in the desert more clearly, realizing it was Fan Yunfei who had saved her. He confessed that was when he fell for her.
She playfully prompted him to repeat his proposal, and he proudly declared his persistence, stating he had proposed not just a hundred times, but one more. Li Xueyang, confirming it was his one hundred and first proposal, joyfully accepted, promising to love only him for all lives to come.
She stated that his one hundred and first proposal was the most romantic thing she had ever experienced and expressed her desire to create a world where humans and demons coexisted, supporting all his pursuits. Subsequently, the Old King and Fan Yunfei formally visited the Li Army camp to propose marriage. The Old King presented lavish betrothal gifts, including treasures, warhorses, and camels. However, Li Xueyang's father stressed that wealth was secondary to his daughter's happiness.
He warned Fan Yunfei that Li Xueyang would retain command of the Li Army even after marriage and must be free to live wherever she desired. Fan Yunfei promised unwavering loyalty and freedom within the Corsac Fox State. Li Xueyang's mother added strict conditions, including lifelong fidelity and no concubines, threatening severe consequences if he broke his vows. Fan Yunfei stammered his agreement.
Li Xueyang's mother then presented her "Fourteen Family Rules," starting with rules about Li Xueyang's bathing water and appearance, but Fan Yunfei interrupted, calling her "Mother," and swore to comply with anything that made Xueyang happy, promising never to retaliate if hit or talk back if scolded. Li Xueyang’s father jokingly suggested Fan Yunfei learn from him in this regard.
Finally, Li Xueyang's mother asked her daughter one last time if she had truly considered the implications of a human-demon union. Li Xueyang firmly declared her love for Fan Yunfei, stating she would marry no one else in this life. The Old King happily pronounced them family. Meanwhile, Qian Jingting reflected on his predicament, feeling abandoned by Madam Black Fox after his defeat by Wangquan Fugui rendered him powerless.
He remembered Gulizan, the last queen of the Qianxia Kingdom from a thousand years ago, and her Myriad Blight Formation, which could absorb immense power, particularly hatred. Believing this would be a valuable asset to Madam Black Fox, Qian Jingting, despite his subordinate's doubt about Gulizan's survival, revealed that his investigations beneath the sands of the Western Regions confirmed Gulizan was still alive.
He instructed his subordinate to spread this news in Qianji City as a grand gift to Madam Black Fox. Elsewhere, Qing Tong had a vision, prompting her to realize that Young Master Fugui was still alive. Determined to find answers, she decided to visit Tushan. At Tushan, she met Tushan Rongrong, the Third Master, who was contemplating a missed distinguished guest according to her divination.
Qing Tong introduced herself and was recognized by Tushan Rongrong as the new city lord of Qianji City. Tushan Rongrong, noticing the Power of Love mixed in Qing Tong's demonic energy, deduced she was refining a Grief Tree seed. Qing Tong sought answers, and Tushan Rongrong explained the origins of the Grief Tree seeds from Tushan, revealing that Qianji City's former governor had stolen the seed Qing Tong now possessed. Tushan Rongrong demanded its return.
Qing Tong stated her intention was to ask questions, not to fight, but Tushan Rongrong insisted on the seed's return first. Qing Tong effortlessly deflected Tushan Rongrong's attack and revealed she had seen the Black Fox in a vision. She questioned if the Grief Tree within the circle could connect with the Black Grief Tree, but Tushan Rongrong firmly denied this.
Qing Tong then asked if her seed was a Black Grief Tree seed, to which Tushan Rongrong advised her to seek answers at the source of the seed. As Qing Tong departed, Tushan Rongrong mused that allowing Qing Tong to leave with the Grief Tree seed, despite it being stolen, might unexpectedly turn the tide against the Black Fox. Qing Tong returned to the Space of Joy and Sorrow, seeking answers about the nature of the seed she held.
An entity within the space explained that since Qianji City obtained the seed, the area had become a purgatory where countless beings died trying to refine it. Their combined hatred had corrupted the love-born seed, turning it into a Black Grief Tree seed. The entity informed Qing Tong that she was the only one capable of purifying it back into a pure Grief Tree seed and thereby obtaining pure Power of Love.
Qing Tong further inquired if purifying her seed would enable her to purify Madam Black Fox's Great Grief Tree beyond the circle, which the entity confirmed, warning her of the immense cost. Qing Tong declared her willingness to pay any price. She then confirmed that her vision of the Black Fox was real, finally realizing with joy that Young Master Fugui was indeed alive.
Filled with newfound purpose, Qing Tong confronted Qingcheng, declaring that Young Master Fugui was alive and in the Western Regions, and accused Qingcheng of lying to her twice. Qingcheng admitted his deception, offering to accept any punishment if only she wouldn't abandon him. He explained his lies by stating that Young Master Fugui was unworthy of her. Qingcheng desperately pleaded with Qing Tong not to leave, expressing his fear of losing her and even begging her to kill him. However, Qing Tong dismissed his pleas, asserting that as her younger brother, he had no right to make decisions for her, and she left him behind.
Episode 24 Recap
Qing Tong overheard a conversation between Madam Black Fox and her clone, revealing that the Soldier, whom she believed to be her Young Master Fugui, was not dead but exiled to the Western Regions. Ignoring Lord Qingcheng's attempts to stop her, Qing Tong left for the Western Regions to find him. Lord Qingcheng dispatched trackers, but they lost her, prompting him to kill them in a fit of rage.
Guifeng, a shadowy entity, mocked Qingcheng for his inability to prevent Qing Tong's departure. Guifeng offered to help Qingcheng retrieve Qing Tong if he assisted Madam Black Fox's plan. This plan, revealed by Quan Jingting, involved awakening Qianxia Kingdom's last queen, Gulizan, to activate the Myriad Blight Formation. Success would give Madam Black Fox a physical body and empower the Black Grief Tree, and if Qingcheng then killed the Soldier, Qing Tong would return to him.
Guifeng, after being asked by Quan Jingting's subordinate to relay Quan Jingting's loyalty, agreed to the plan, intending to showcase his own capabilities to Madam Black Fox. Meanwhile, Fan Yunfei's wedding to Li Xueyang commenced. Li Xueyang, accompanied by her parents, was presented to Fan Yunfei. General Li entrusted his daughter to Fan Yunfei, humorously reminding him of an earlier threat to "skin him alive" if he ever wronged Xueyang, which Fan Yunfei earnestly affirmed.
During the ceremony, Fan Yunfei, referring to himself as "Poor Dog," vowed eternal devotion to Xueyang. The King of Corsac Fox State, Fan Yuanji, presided over the union. After the traditional vows, King Fan Yuanji commanded the Imperial Preceptor to initiate a "blessing." The Imperial Preceptor began chanting with a staff, then King Fan Yuanji suddenly unleashed his power, causing all attendees to faint. He then suspended Li Xueyang above a towering column of fire.
Horrified, Fan Yunfei demanded to know his father's intentions. King Fan Yuanji gloated that Fan Yunfei's innocence made his plan flawless, then threatened to kill Li Xueyang if his son didn't listen. The King then revealed the true history of the Western Regions. A millennium ago, the Dragon Clan, empowered by the Water-Control Orb, became berserk dragons, causing chaos.
Queen Gulizan of Qianxia Kingdom and Fan Yunfei's grandfather, the Corsac Fox leader, planned to use the Myriad Blight Formation to defeat them. However, at the critical moment, Fan Yunfei's grandfather abandoned the human-demon alliance to save his own Corsac Fox cubs, leading to Qianxia Kingdom's downfall and Gulizan's sealing. The surviving humans formed the Li Army, who secretly carried the dragon spine of the Dragon Clan leader, a power now inherited by Li Xueyang.
King Fan Yuanji justified his ancestor's betrayal as necessary for the survival of the Corsac Fox State. He further explained that combining the Dragon Spine, dragon scales, and the Water-Control Orb would grant True Dragon Power, regardless of one's lineage. Seeing his son's marriage to Li Xueyang as a fated opportunity, he declared his intention to extract Li Xueyang's dragon spine and implant it into Fan Yunfei, making him the supreme ruler of the Western Regions.
Fan Yunfei vehemently refused, threatening to die if Li Xueyang was harmed, but King Fan Yuanji dismissed his pleas, asserting it was not his choice, and began the extraction. As King Fan Yuanji began the ritual, Fugui, revealed to be the Soldier, and Rumu intervened. Fugui, unaffected by the King's potent Blood Scorpion Toxin due to his "Dongfang Blood," explained they were prepared.
Despite his surprise, King Fan Yuanji mocked Fugui for not killing him, then used a rare Triple Transfer Talisman to teleport himself, Fan Yunfei, and Li Xueyang to a dungeon. Fugui, having placed a tracking mark on Fan Yunfei, prioritized helping the poisoned guests by catalyzing his spiritual blood with Rumu's help, expressing his faith in Fan Yunfei's pure heart. In the dungeon, King Fan Yuanji revealed the walls were enchanted with a Spirit-Sealing Curse, weakening all but himself.
He forcefully extracted the Dragon Spine from Li Xueyang, ignoring her cries of pain and Fan Yunfei's desperate pleas, and implanted it into Fan Yunfei. The Dragon Spine's influence, combined with the Water-Control Orb, awakened a violent rage within Fan Yunfei. The King then handed him a knife, commanding him to kill Li Xueyang to sever all emotional ties and ensure the Corsac Fox State's supremacy.
Fan Yunfei, struggling against the overwhelming demonic power, defiantly rejected his father's words, crying out that Li Xueyang would not cease to exist. In a fit of rage, he struck his father, knocking him unconscious. As Fan Yunfei raised the knife to deliver a fatal blow, a pained Li Xueyang pleaded with him, calling him "Poor Dog" and reminding him not to succumb to the power and become a berserk dragon.
She urged him to "go home," which brought a flicker of recognition to him. Fugui and Rumu arrived in the dungeon. Fugui guided Fan Yunfei, reminding him of his teachings about a true spirit's invincibility and to trust his own path. Fugui then used the Purest Sun Flame to help Fan Yunfei refine the Water-Control Orb within him, a process that cost Fugui some of his lifespan and caused him immense pain, as observed by King Fan Yuanji.
This purification balanced the water and fire energies in Fan Yunfei, stabilizing his emotions and purifying the Water-Control Orb, ensuring no more berserk dragons would exist. Fugui declared Fan Yunfei the new master of the Orb, urging him to safeguard world peace. Li Xueyang awoke, her spine damaged, and reassured a guilt-ridden Fan Yunfei that she didn't blame him.
She acknowledged the historical betrayal of the Corsac Fox Clan but emphasized that current and future peace in the Western Regions was paramount. General Li burst in with his army, demanding King Fan Yuanji's life for harming his daughter. Fan Yunfei explained that the Corsac Fox elders had already sent his father to Huntian Prison for his greed-driven actions.
Despite General Li's continued anger and refusal to accept Fan Yunfei, Li Xueyang defended him, stating he had proven his devotion by resisting the Breath of Berserk Dragon. To prevent further conflict and ensure peace, Li Xueyang announced that she and Fan Yunfei would leave the Corsac Fox State together. Though heartbroken, General Li eventually conceded, warning Fan Yunfei with a final threat.
Fan Yunfei reassured her that the pain from her father's blow was a small price to pay to be with her. Meanwhile, at the Black Grief Tree, King Fan Yuanji voiced his concern to Madam Black Fox that Fugui might burn away his life to save others, leaving no one to break her seal. Madam Black Fox dismissed his worry, stating that the plan remained unchanged but they should also make other preparations.
She declared that if Qingcheng ("Little Spider") awakened Gulizan and activated the Myriad Blight Formation, she would regain her physical form, the Black Grief Tree would be nourished, and as love faded and hatred grew, their collective powers would surge. She then commanded the Black Grief Tree to prepare to receive the coming torrent of hatred and facilitate her transformation. Following Quan Jingting's intelligence, Qingcheng arrived at the ruins of Qianxia Kingdom in the Western Regions.
Declaring that it was time for the Western Regions to atone for their ancient blood debt to Gulizan, he performed a blood ritual, summoning the power of the night to awaken the sleeping Queen Gulizan. After realizing a millennium had passed, Gulizan asked Qingcheng why he had awakened her. Qingcheng explained that he needed her to activate the Myriad Blight Formation to free Madam Black Fox from her confinement.
Though surprised to hear Madam Black Fox was still alive, Gulizan was told to remember her hatred and fulfill her role, with Qingcheng promising to provide everything she required, as only she could command the Myriad Blight Formation. Gulizan warned him that if he betrayed her, she would condemn him to eternal damnation.
Episode 25 Recap
Gulizan questioned Qingcheng about why he had awakened her across a thousand years. Qingcheng explained that he needed her to deploy the Myriad Blight Formation to help Madam Black Fox escape her current predicament, promising to fulfill all of Gulizan's needs. Gulizan warned him to remember his promise, threatening eternal abyss and no reincarnation if he lied to her.
Meanwhile, Fugui realized that sacrificing his lifespan to save others had severely depleted his energy, and he couldn't hold on much longer. He resolved to find Qing Tong as soon as possible to settle his lingering worries. When Rumu brought him medicine, he chided Fugui for recklessly sacrificing his life, suggesting he should be enjoying a quiet life, planting flowers, and looking for Little Spider. Fugui then asked Rumu to help him break the binding spell on him.
Rumu worried this would further damage his body. Just then, Fan Yunfei arrived with Li Xueyang, stating they had come to drink with Fugui and Rumu until they were completely drunk. Fan Yunfei thanked Fugui for saving him and brought some treasured wine. Rumu, initially believing Fugui couldn't drink, offered to drink on his behalf. However, they soon discovered that Fugui was a far heavier drinker than expected, a trait he attributed to his mother.
Rumu proudly served a table full of dishes he had prepared, which even a chef would praise. As Fan Yunfei and Li Xueyang openly displayed their affection, Fugui quietly excused himself, stepping outside. He felt tired, sitting amongst the lanterns he had made, wondering where Qing Tong was at that moment. He reflected on how he was now living an ordinary life and how much he missed her.
Overcome by exhaustion, he drifted off to sleep, knowing his internal injuries were worsening and he needed to find Qing Tong soon. Qing Tong eventually found Fugui sleeping. Noticing his pale, haggard face, she quickly used her spider silk to diagnose him. She discovered his power was less than thirty percent of what it once was, and he had severe internal injuries. Enraged that the Yiqi Alliance had hurt him so grievously, she vowed to seek justice for him.
She picked up a lantern Fugui had made, cherishing it. She realized that the tree seed within her body was inextricably linked to the Black Fox, and Madam Black Fox's true target was Fugui. Therefore, she couldn't reveal herself to him yet, as it would endanger him.
She resolved to protect him from the shadows and promised to return to him and explore the world together once she could control the tree seed and sever its connection to the Black Fox. With a heavy heart, Qing Tong quietly departed without waking him. After awakening Gulizan, Qingcheng did not immediately return to Qianji City. Instead, he boldly sought out Fugui.
Guifeng had previously warned Qingcheng not to provoke Fugui, acknowledging Fugui's formidable strength even after his sword meridian was abolished. Qingcheng, however, was eager to test Fugui's remaining power. Posing as a client, he asked Fugui, a lantern craftsman who also wrote letters, to draft a letter to his beloved sister. Fugui asked Qingcheng to grind the ink himself and noted his ill health.
The letter Qingcheng dictated was full of insults, claiming that the man his sister loved (Fugui) was hypocritical, only cared about his righteousness and achievements, and considered her insignificant. Qingcheng declared that only he truly loved and cherished his sister. When Fugui finished writing and folded the letter, he casually asked about Qing Tong's whereabouts. Qingcheng realized Fugui knew his true identity. Believing Fugui to be severely wounded and vulnerable, Qingcheng launched a sneak attack.
However, Fugui easily parried, striking Qingcheng to the ground. Rumu and Fan Yunfei rushed out upon hearing the commotion. Fan Yunfei, sensing trouble, promptly fled. Fugui informed Rumu that the attacker was Qingcheng, Qingtong's younger brother, and that he sensed the aura of the Black Fox on him. He stressed the urgent need to remove the binding spell so he could find Qing Tong immediately, asking Rumu to help him.
Rumu, though worried about Fugui's health, understood the gravity of the situation after learning about Qingcheng's connection to the Black Fox. He worked with Fugui to channel their internal energy, successfully removing the binding spell. Rumu then offered to accompany Fugui in his search for Qing Tong, expressing regret for not being with Fugui during his previous encounter with a demon and not wanting a similar event to recur.
However, Fugui insisted that Rumu was needed to mediate and stabilize the Western Regions and the Quan family, as the area was close to the outer circle. Fan Yunfei, having recovered from his earlier fright, then volunteered to go with Fugui, jokingly suggesting that Rumu, being newly married, should prioritize his wife, Li Xueyang. Meanwhile, at Wangquan Manor, Feng Tingyun brought medicine to Wangquan Hongye, expressing concern about his declining health.
Wangquan Hongye admitted he felt dizzy and old from the burden of his position, acknowledging his age. He instructed Feng Tingyun to continue recruiting talented young individuals to inject new life into the Yiqi Alliance, announcing his intention to resign as Chief in three months, believing the position should go to the most capable.
Feng Tingyun worried about the future of Wangquan Manor, but Wangquan Hongye asserted that its existence was less important than a strong core for the Yiqi Alliance, citing his own diminishing energy. Feng Tingyun agreed to his resignation but urged him to prioritize his well-being. Back in Qianji City, Qing Tong dispatched Jiang Bo to investigate areas of unrest for any traces of the Little Black Fox. Upon Qingcheng's return, Qing Tong questioned his prolonged absence.
Qingcheng, however, inquired if Qing Tong had met Fugui in the Western Regions. Qing Tong stated it wasn't the right time to reveal herself and that she had more important matters to attend to. Guifeng later admonished Qingcheng for Qing Tong's extensive investigation into Madam Black Fox, mobilizing the entire city. He warned that Qing Tong's connection to the Misery Tree could allow her to uncover Madam Black Fox's plan and reveal it to Fugui, jeopardizing everything.
Guifeng urged Qingcheng to find a way to restrain Qing Tong and remove the tree seed from her body. Qingcheng, however, defiantly declared that Madam Black Fox could use him, but must never harm Qing Tong, or he would fight her to the death. Guifeng then instructed Qingcheng to create a diversion for the Yiqi Alliance to buy time for Gulizan.
Qingcheng proposed a "three-birds-with-one-stone" scheme: to make Wangquan Manor too preoccupied to interfere, stop Qing Tong's investigation of Madam Black Fox, and cause an irreparable rift between Qing Tong and Fugui. Subsequently, Qingcheng approached Master Ximen of the Yiqi Alliance, who harbored deep resentment towards Wangquan Hongye, feeling slighted by his leadership and the perceived favoritism towards others.
Master Ximen was furious that Wangquan Hongye had allowed "a groom's child" to be his equal and valued Dongfang Yuechu so highly, dismissing Wangquan Hongye's talk of abdication and meritocratic selection as mere ploys for control. Qingcheng offered Master Ximen a secret method for demon core refinement, implying that with increased power, he could assassinate Wangquan Hongye and usurp his position.
Master Ximen, desperate for power, asked where to find demons for refinement, to which Qingcheng cryptically suggested the "lawless Qianji City" without revealing his own identity or motives. News soon reached Qianji City that the Ximen family was capturing demons. Guifeng praised Qingcheng for successfully diverting Qing Tong's attention from Madam Black Fox.
Qingcheng confirmed that the Ximen family was merely bait, and his grand strategy for the Western Regions and the Yiqi Alliance was progressing as planned, reaffirming his sole desire to ensure Qing Tong's happiness. Qing Tong, enraged by the abduction of demons from Qianji City, confronted the Ximen family alone. Master Ximen's guards initially dismissed her as a mere demon and ordered her to leave the Yiqi Alliance territory. They attacked, but Qing Tong easily overpowered them.
Master Ximen emerged, arrogantly calling her a "lowly spider" and boasting that the captured demons were in his dungeon, near death. He taunted her, suggesting she join them to experience the pain of having her demon power drained. Qing Tong declared that she would settle both Qianji City's grievances and Fugui's revenge that day. Master Ximen, surprised by her newfound strength, resolved to drain her formidable demon power.
Qing Tong denounced him as despicable for daring to utter Fugui's name, reminding him that Fugui had selflessly protected "despicable people" like him, and that the Wangquan Manor had forced Fugui to abandon his sword meridian not out of principle, but out of fear. She condemned them as selfish, cowardly, and greedy, unworthy of being human. Despite her fury, Qing Tong spared Master Ximen "for Chief Wangquan's sake," ordering him to release all the captured demons before sunset, without exception.
Guifeng observed that Qing Tong had spared Master Ximen, lamenting that her compassion might hinder their plans to sow discord within the Yiqi Alliance. Qingcheng, however, remained confident, stating, "Not necessarily." He then secretly returned to the Ximen family compound. In a brutal act, he killed the remaining, barely conscious Ximen family members, ensuring that the blame would fall squarely on Qing Tong.
Qingcheng's sinister plan was to make the entire world believe that Qing Tong was responsible for the massacre, thereby isolating her, making Qianji City her only refuge, and forever turning the Yiqi Alliance against her, thus ensuring she and Fugui could never reconcile.
Episode 26 Recap
The entire Ximen family was brutally murdered, and the killer left a message deliberately implicating Qingtong and Fugui, while also announcing the intention to kill Wangquan Shouren on the night of Frost's Descent. An investigator identified the unique wound as being left by the killer. Feng Tingyun reported her findings to Wangquan Hongye: the victims had been attacked with the Dust-Seeker Sword, an item Fugui had given to Qingtong.
This led to rumors that Fugui had returned for revenge, using a spider demon (Qingtong) to carry out the killings. However, Feng Tingyun asserted her belief that Fugui would not commit such acts. Wangquan Hongye, despite a moment of doubt, dismissed the idea of Fugui's involvement. He ordered a thorough investigation to clear their names and immediately dispatched guards to protect Elder Shouren. Despite the danger, Wangquan Shouren insisted on hosting a banquet on the night of Frost's Descent.
When Feng Tingyun tried to dissuade him, he defiantly stated that all his actions were for the Yiqi Alliance and the Wangquan family, not for himself, so he had no fear. He declared that if Wangquan Hongye wished to avoid disgrace, he must protect Shouren with all his might. Feng Tingyun reluctantly agreed to send more guards but insisted no guests be allowed inside the mansion before the Frost's Descent banquet.
Shouren assured her that most guests would be staying at the Night Hotel. Fugui and Fan Yunfei arrived in the mainland and were dining at a restaurant in the Night Hotel when they overheard guests discussing the murders. People speculated that the "Soldier" (Fugui) and his "little spider" (Qingtong) had committed the killings for revenge, first crippling the victims and then silencing them. They also heard that Master Ximen's body was at Huntian Prison, where evidence would surely be found.
Fugui noted that the entire Yiqi Alliance was being led to believe he was the killer. In the same restaurant, Qingtong was present in disguise. Having learned of the slaughter, she realized someone was framing them and was determined to investigate. Fan Yunfei pointed out Qingcheng, the one who had asked Fugui to write a letter.
Qingcheng then approached the disguised Qingtong to flirt, but Fan Yunfei immediately recognized her from portraits Fugui had drawn and affectionately called her "Young Master's Wife." Qingtong denied knowing them, and Fugui, understanding her caution, engaged her in conversation. He offered her a token belonging to Zhuge Wu, an inspector from Huntian Prison, knowing she intended to go there.
Fugui explained that the Zhuge family had bought posts at the prison, so the token would grant access, and revealed that he also needed to go. Qingcheng interjected, claiming to be Qingtong's younger brother and pretending they didn't know Fugui. Fugui discreetly arranged with Qingtong to meet at midnight to visit the prison. Fugui then instructed Fan Yunfei to keep Qingcheng occupied, as he was hostile and shouldn't know their plans.
Later, Qingcheng pressed Qingtong, asking who she would choose between him and Fugui, a question designed to drive a wedge between them as part of his larger scheme. That night, the Black Fox, communicating through Qingcheng, expressed surprise that Fugui had broken free of his binding spell. It urged Qingcheng to abandon Qingtong and assist Gulizan in the Western Regions with the Myriad Blight Formation. Qingcheng staunchly refused, stating his sole desire was Qingtong.
The Black Fox reluctantly agreed to Qingcheng's plan: to force Qingtong to choose between him and Fugui. Meanwhile, Fan Yunfei, using the alias Li Yunfei of the Li Army, kept Qingcheng from following Fugui and Qingtong. He deliberately provoked Qingcheng, boasting about his own wife, and eventually trapped him with a spell array to prevent him from interfering. Fugui and Qingtong used the token to enter Huntian Prison's mortuary.
They examined Master Ximen's body, noting nine non-fatal wounds on his limbs designed to cripple his martial arts, but the fatal wound was a swift strike to the neck. Both wound types bore the marks of the Dust-Seeker Sword. Fugui concluded the killer was someone intimately familiar with Qingtong, capable of mimicking her sword skills, and reaffirmed his unwavering trust in her.
Qingtong expressed her anguish over their separation and explained she hadn't acknowledged him to spare him further burden due to his severe internal injuries. Fugui, concerned only for her safety, insisted he knew she must have an idea who was behind the frame-up. Upon their return, Qingtong and Fugui set a trap. Qingtong baited Qingcheng by telling him she planned to go to the Wangquan Manor to clear her name.
Panicked, Qingcheng used a "Puppet Talisman" on her, ordering her to kill Wangquan Shouren instead. This confirmed he was the murderer. As Qingtong confronted him, Fugui appeared, revealing the setup. Cornered, Qingcheng attacked Fugui. Knowing Qingcheng was being influenced, Fugui only intended to expel the Black Fox from his body, not kill him. Qingcheng, however, screamed that Fugui was trying to kill him, a ploy for the sympathy of Qingtong, who was trapped by a silencing spell.
Just as Fugui prepared to use the Purest Sun Flame to drive out the Black Fox, Qingtong broke free and shielded Qingcheng. She pleaded with Fugui, saying she would handle the Black Fox herself. Fugui countered that since Qingcheng was the killer, he must be brought to the Yiqi Alliance. Cornered, Qingcheng confessed his plan was perfect until Fugui interfered and taunted Qingtong that he wasn't her real brother. Seizing the moment, he fled. Qingtong, realizing he was likely headed for Wangquan Shouren's mansion, immediately rushed there with Fugui, and they split up to search for him.
Episode 27 Recap
Wangquan Fugui and Qing Tong rushed to Wangquan Shouren's house, but they found it covered in cobwebs, desolate and terrifying. Wangquan Shouren was suspended in mid-air, encased in a blood-soaked cocoon. As Qing Tong entered, Wangquan Shouren used his last ounce of strength to apologize, admitting, "All of this is my fault. I shouldn't have incited the Yiqi Alliance to punish you. I shouldn't have spread rumors, called you a scourge, or said you were despicable.
I'm worse than a beast. I deserve to die. It's all my fault." Immediately after, Qingcheng, who had been behind him, struck him dead with a palm. Qing Tong was distraught, asking Qingcheng why he would kill Wangquan Shouren now that his own involvement was exposed. Qingcheng coldly responded that those who hurt Qing Tong must die, emphasizing, "In this world, the only person who cares about you is me!"
Qing Tong tried to explain that Qingcheng was possessed by the Black Fox, but Qingcheng defiantly claimed he couldn't have survived Qianji City without the Black Fox's help. Qing Tong urged him to expel the Black Fox, but Qingcheng refused to return to being a "lowly little spider." As Wangquan Fugui approached, Qing Tong quickly cast a silence talisman on Qingcheng, instructing him to remain silent and listen.
Qingcheng then declared that since he had already lost Qing Tong, she must now choose between him and Wangquan Fugui. When Wangquan Fugui finally confronted Qingcheng, Qingcheng taunted him, asserting that Wangquan Fugui didn't deserve Qing Tong. He provoked Wangquan Fugui to fight, stating, "Today, either you die or I do!" As Wangquan Fugui attempted to force the Black Fox out of Qingcheng, Qingcheng dramatically cried out for Qing Tong's help, falsely claiming Wangquan Fugui was killing him.
Qing Tong, believing Qingcheng was in mortal danger and fearing his death, broke free from Wangquan Fugui's restraint and intervened. She declared she would handle the Black Fox inside Qingcheng herself. Wangquan Fugui, having confirmed Qingcheng as the killer, insisted on bringing him to the Yiqi Alliance to explain. As he ordered Yiqi Alliance disciples to search the area, Qing Tong used her demon power to take Qingcheng and disappear.
Left alone, Wangquan Fugui noticed a faint scent of the Black Fox on Qing Tong, which greatly puzzled him. Later, Wangquan Fugui met with Feng Tingyun, admitting he had broken the binding spell and violated alliance rules by leaving the Western Regions, but he explained his need to investigate recent events. Feng Tingyun dismissed his concerns, stating she couldn't stop him anyway and had always believed he did nothing wrong. She affirmed he could move freely.
She also revealed that the alliance now knew a little black fox had possessed Qingcheng. Regarding Qianji City, Feng Tingyun asserted that the alliance would not easily let the matter rest and would besiege the city if Qingcheng was not surrendered. Wangquan Fugui requested more time, to which Feng Tingyun agreed. Queen Gulizan of Qianxia Nation confronted Quan Jingting, demanding to know why he had awakened her, what he truly wanted, and what benefits she would receive.
Quan Jingting reminded her that a thousand years ago, she had sacrificed her Qianxia Nation people through the Myriad Blight Formation to defeat the Berserk Dragon and bring peace to the Western Regions. He bitterly pointed out that this peace had been enjoyed by the treacherous Corsac Fox State, a clan she despised. Gulizan, already aware of these facts, questioned the purpose of his words now, stating that she would spare neither the Corsac Fox Clan nor the Dragon Clan.
Quan Jingting then unveiled his grand plan: Gulizan was to unleash the Myriad Blight Formation across the entire Western Regions, sacrificing all its inhabitants. The immense power generated would allow Madam Black Fox to take physical form, enabling the Black Fox to destroy the world and satisfying Gulizan's long-held hatred. Gulizan tacitly agreed but raised a crucial point: the Myriad Blight Formation required the combined power of three clans. She wondered if True Dragons still existed.
Quan Jingting, with a sinister smile, assured her they did. To draw out the True Dragon, Gulizan captured numerous Dragon Clan children, mostly mixed-bloods with weak demon power. Rumu's subordinate brought him news of the missing dragon children, immediately making Rumu realize Long Weiyun was in danger. Long Weiyun fell into Gulizan's trap, captured while attempting to rescue the children.
Gulizan then trapped Long Weiyun in a Dream Formation, a powerful ancient spell designed to slowly absorb her True Dragon power as she remained unconscious in a blissful dream. Rumu arrived to find Long Weiyun already in a soul-wandering state, realizing that if she wasn't awakened soon, she would perish once her dragon power was completely drained.
Despite the immense danger, Rumu resolved to enter the Dream Formation himself to awaken her, instructing his subordinate to rescue the captured children through a temporary barrier he would create upon entering the dream. Gulizan mocked his foolishness, wishing him to be trapped in the dream forever with Long Weiyun. Inside the Dream Formation, Long Weiyun was in a beautiful dream, preparing for her wedding to her beloved "Sigou," her childhood sweetheart.
She described their shared past, how he had suffered from asthma, how a kind demon cured him, and how he had risked his life to save her from demonization, her heart hearing his devotion as he carried her back. She longed for a simple, happy life with him. However, she couldn't recall her fiancé's face. Rumu, having entered the dream, appeared to her as her fiancé.
He tried to make her see the inconsistencies in her dream, pointing out that she couldn't remember her beloved's face and had mistaken him for a "defiler" upon first seeing him in the dream. He explained that she was in a dream that was slowly draining her life force. He then realized that her subconscious held the key: her dream parents had always warned her to stay away from the Thunder Pool.
Rumu deduced that the Thunder Pool must be the Dream Formation's weakest point. He insisted on taking her there despite her protests, explaining, "You are Long Weiyun, the one I love. You've been harmed by someone and trapped in a dream. This dream is absorbing your dragon power. And in reality, you're slowly dying. The longer we stay, the more danger you're in. So, I must take you away."
Long Weiyun, amidst the flashes of lightning, slowly began to remember him. Rumu, holding Long Weiyun, intentionally channeled lightning strikes onto himself, believing each jolt would help her regain her memories. " Looks like every bolt of lightning I endure stirs a few more memories within you," he told her. As he repeatedly endured the electric shocks, his body became severely wounded. Long Weiyun's consciousness finally cleared, crying out "Rumu!"
She apologized for the suffering he had endured because of her over the years, proclaiming, "I can't and I won't lose you again. Rumu, I'll never let you die." Long Weiyun, now fully awake and identifying herself as "Long Weiyun, a True Dragon," used her dragon power to shatter the Dream Formation, carrying the heavily injured and unconscious Rumu out. Outside, Gulizan, who had absorbed sufficient dragon power from Long Weiyun, smirked, "She's a pure-blooded dragon demon after all.
She actually managed to break free. However, I've absorbed enough power." She quickly activated the core of the Myriad Blight Formation, awaiting the imminent catastrophe. As Long Weiyun carried Rumu, she thought, "Actually, I'm the one who truly can't let go." Meanwhile, Qing Tong brought Qingcheng back to Qianji City. Despite her attempts to expel the Black Fox using her Power of Love, a powerful force within Qingcheng resisted her, preventing her from connecting with him.
Frustrated and unable to break the Black Fox's hold, Qing Tong imprisoned Qingcheng in Asura Hall, assuring him she would find a solution and return to save him. The Black Fox, speaking through Qingcheng, mocked Qing Tong's emotional attachment. Qingcheng, now completely under the Black Fox's influence, revealed a chilling smile, gloating that his reckless actions and "emotional gambit" had succeeded in ensuring Qing Tong would never abandon him.
He mused that Wangquan Fugui and the Yiqi Alliance would be so preoccupied with him, "trapped in this scheme of mine," that they would be unable to intervene in the Western Regions. He confidently stated that everything was still under his control.
Episode 28 Recap
Quan Rumu brought Long Weiyun back to his home and carefully looked after her. His subordinate reported that the Dragon Clan children had been safely returned. Rumu expressed his concern, stating that he was afraid "this isn't over yet," and ordered an immediate investigation into the Dream Formation to identify the person orchestrating it.
He noted the strangeness of the situation and stressed the urgency of sending a message to his brother, Fugui, while waiting for Long Weiyun to awaken so he could question her further. Receiving Quan Rumu's urgent message, Wangquan Fugui learned about a woman wielding a golden serpent-bone scepter with mind-control abilities, who had been capturing people for sacrifice in the Western Regions, even ensnaring Long Weiyun before Rumu rescued her.
Rumu assured Fugui he would continue the investigation and provide updates. Fugui and the Celestial Master discussed the alarming news, recognizing the scepter from ancient Western Regions' secret histories as belonging to the queen of the long-perished Qianxia Kingdom, which was destroyed by the Dragon Clan a thousand years ago. Puzzled by its reappearance, Fugui instructed Fan Yunfei to immediately return to the Western Regions and thoroughly investigate the matter with Rumu.
Believing the situation was connected to the Black Fox, Fugui decided to journey to Qianji City alone, ensuring they would stay in constant communication. Meanwhile, in Qianji City, Qingcheng, while still seemingly trapped in Asura Hall, confided to a "Little Spider" that Qingtong was Wangquan Fugui's sole weakness. He believed Fugui and the "fools" from the Yiqi Alliance would be ensnared in his scheme, too preoccupied to intervene in the Western Regions.
Qingcheng considered his plan risky but brilliant, confident that everything was unfolding according to his design, as he had set the machinations in motion before his capture. Later, when Qingtong entered Asura Hall, intending to expel the Black Fox from her brother, Qingcheng feigned innocence, asking if she had a way to free him. Qingtong offered to release him if he abandoned the Black Fox, but Qingcheng defiantly refused.
He claimed he needed the Black Fox's power to keep Soldier (Wangquan Fugui) away from her, expressing joy at the discord between Qingtong and Soldier caused by his actions. When Qingtong attempted to force the Black Fox out, the Black Fox was surprised by the "power of the tree seed" but asserted that as long as it resided within Qingcheng's body, Qingtong could not harm it without harming her brother.
The Black Fox then attempted to entice Qingtong to join Madam Black Fox, offering her the supreme Power of Hatred and highlighting Qingtong's unique power that, unlike other Black Foxes, did not feed on hatred. Ultimately, Qingtong declared she would trap the Black Fox, and thus Qingcheng, within Qianji City forever, preventing it from ever achieving its sinister goals. Wangquan Fugui arrived alone at Qianji City, confronting Qingcheng and ordering him to release Qingtong.
Qingcheng, however, seized Qingtong by the throat, menacingly threatening Fugui and challenging him to a contest of speed between his hand and Fugui's sword. Filled with malice, Qingcheng condemned Fugui for abandoning his former life and causing suffering to those around him, calling him an ominous presence. Fugui coldly retorted that Qingcheng had no right to judge his life. Following a fierce struggle, Qingcheng, aided by the Black Fox, managed to transport Fugui to a distant Emotion-Devouring Snow Demon barrier.
There, under Qingcheng's instruction, the Emotion-Devouring Snow Demon prepared to freeze Fugui and absorb his spiritual power, for within her domain, she could seal any life and drain its essence. Back in the Western Regions, Fan Yunfei arrived at the Li Army camp to visit Li Xueyang, bringing her gifts from the mainland. He playfully tested a facial mask on two soldiers before applying it to Xueyang, along with a rare lip balm.
Yunfei informed Xueyang of his successful mission in finding the Master's wife, Qingtong. When Xueyang inquired why the Master and his wife hadn't returned together, Yunfei explained that he was sent back to investigate a woman with a serpent-bone scepter. Xueyang confirmed encountering such a person during a patrol, a woman with a golden scepter inlaid with a gemstone, though she hadn't clearly seen her face.
One of Xueyang's soldiers identified the woman as Gulizan, the leader of a newly established, wealthy sect in the Western Regions, known for recruiting individuals with potent spiritual power. Xueyang ordered her men to monitor Gulizan, and the soldier reported a peculiar detail: despite numerous new recruits, the sect's food consumption and waste disposal rates remained unchanged, suggesting something was amiss.
Yunfei deduced that Gulizan was the person Fugui wanted him to investigate, suspecting a link to the Black Fox and recent demon disappearances. Just then, Quan Rumu arrived with Long Weiyun. After some initial confusion where Long Weiyun was mistaken for the Celestial Master's wife, the true identities of Long Weiyun and Li Xueyang, leaders of historically feuding clans, were revealed. They instantly prepared for battle.
Yunfei and Rumu frantically attempted to mediate, but to their astonishment, the women quickly reconciled. Weiyun complimented Xueyang's new perfume, and Xueyang offered to share it and teach her how to make it. The women explained that the ancient feuds, a thousand years old, were no longer relevant, and the paramount concern was to unite and protect the peace of the Western Regions, humorously dismissing their initial confrontation as merely a "girl's way of greeting each other."
The four then gathered for a meal, continuing their discussions amidst the newfound alliance. Having infiltrated Gulizan's mansion, the four began their investigation. As part of her cover, Li Xueyang posed as a recruit concerned about her monthly salary, which she needed to support her "family." Quan Rumu noted that Gulizan's recruits were all skilled martial artists, confirming her formidable background.
Long Weiyun, having gathered intelligence while disguised in the kitchen, revealed that Gulizan was not genuinely recruiting talent; instead, many powerful demons who had joined the mansion had mysteriously vanished shortly after their arrival. She pointed to a heavily guarded, abandoned warehouse as a highly suspicious location. During his own intelligence-gathering efforts, Fan Yunfei approached the guards, feigning interest in their wages and attempting to sell them a "top-grade fox demon whip." The four then regrouped to devise a plan.
Rumu clarified that Gulizan was using her serpent-bone scepter to transport many powerful demons into an evil formation to absorb their demon power. He warned that a direct assault to seize the scepter would endanger the demons already trapped within the formation. Instead, Rumu proposed a strategic approach, and everyone's gaze fell on Yunfei. After denying it initially, Yunfei reluctantly admitted that Gulizan might have "a little" interest in him.
Rumu then outlined the "honey trap" plan: Yunfei would use his charm to steal the scepter, and then Li Xueyang would disable its teleportation spell. Yunfei was extremely hesitant, but Rumu insisted it was a necessary "sacrifice for the greater good." Rumu and Weiyun, who had already prepared fruits, pastries, and an eavesdropping talisman, pressured him to comply, reminding him that he wasn't engaging in anything "naughty" and simply needed to follow instructions.
Yunfei, sighing about "sacrificing the small self for the greater good," reluctantly agreed. Fan Yunfei reluctantly went to attend to Gulizan, who made him feed her grapes. She questioned his identity, and he nervously confessed to being a "corsac fox demon," confirming he was married and explaining he was there for money, but "sells his skills, not his body." Gulizan then asked him to tell her stories about his wife to "entertain" her.
Later, noticing Yunfei's keen interest in her serpent-bone scepter, Gulizan invited him to examine it closely. He inquired about its value, and she explained it was her potent magic tool, crafted from the complete bone of the Snake Demon King and a red bloodstone from a golden-winged bird demon's heart, capable of maximizing spell power. She then directly challenged Yunfei, asking if he intended to steal it, which he nervously denied.
Gulizan then revealed her knowledge of his true identity as Fan Yunfei, the Second Prince of Corsac Fox State, and informed him that it had required considerable effort to teleport him to the Myriad Blight Formation due to his caution and formidable demon power. Realizing he had been tricked, Yunfei was then teleported away. Immediately, Li Xueyang, Quan Rumu, and Long Weiyun burst into the room, with Xueyang demanding to know where Yunfei had been taken.
Gulizan calmly greeted each of them by their full names and titles—Quan Rumu, Master Quan; Long Weiyun, the last True Dragon; and Li Xueyang, General Li—revealing she had known their identities all along. Meanwhile, Fan Yunfei found himself trapped in the Myriad Blight Formation, realizing it was absorbing his demon power and using him as its core. Gulizan, observing the "endless Power of Hatred" flowing into the Grief Tree, declared that she had long awaited this day.
She then fully revealed her ultimate plan: the Myriad Blight Formation had been activated, and once she regained her full strength, both Wangquan Hongye and Wangquan Fugui would perish. Concurrently, back in Qianji City, Qingcheng, still a captive yet secretly orchestrating events, reassured the "Little Spider" to remain calm, affirming that everything was proceeding according to his intricate plan. He pointed out the weakening power on the spell pillar and the fading magic in the spiritual chain.
Qingcheng revealed that on the day of the new moon, the Grief Tree seed would inevitably backfire, significantly diminishing Qingtong's power and her perception of the outside world. He identified this as Qingtong's critical weakness, declaring that tonight was the optimal moment for them to execute their plan, which involved helping "Little Spider" break free from its chains.
Episode 29 Recap
Gulizan revealed her deep hatred for the Corsac Fox clan's betrayal a thousand years ago and explained that the Myriad Blight Formation had been activated. She declared her intention to sacrifice the Western Regions to help Madam Black Fox gain a physical form, destroy the world, and restore the Qianxia Kingdom. She also revealed she had sent Fan Yunfei into the core of this dangerous formation.
Li Xueyang was furious, accusing Gulizan of madness for making the current generation pay for ancient mistakes. Determined to save Fan Yunfei, Li Xueyang decided to enter the formation. Quan Rumu instructed Long Weiyun to accompany Li Xueyang, while he stayed behind to confront Gulizan and prevent her from bringing her powerful snake staff into the formation.
Gulizan scoffed at Rumu, asserting that as the formation was already active and irreversible, a mere head of the Quan family could not stop her. Rumu, however, was resolute in his goal to prevent her from reaching the formation's core. Meanwhile, Qingcheng, having gained control of Qing Tong's body, sought to remove the tree seed within her, claiming he would protect her and make her his, whether she consented or not.
A minion of Madam Black Fox, observing Qingcheng, noted that the great drama in the Western Regions had begun and that once Qingcheng obtained Madam Black Fox's power, he would no longer fear the Soldier. Qingcheng then attempted to fuse his blood with the tree seed to claim it for himself, driven by his deepest, darkest desire: the fear of losing Qing Tong.
He confessed that this inner darkness had led to his possession by the Black Fox, but the power gained had also made him stronger. Qing Tong, who had been secretly conscious, suddenly intervened, stopping Qingcheng. She was hurt by his actions, realizing he intended to remove the seed, which would kill her. Qingcheng expressed surprise, claiming Madam Black Fox had lied to him about the lethal consequences.
Qing Tong asked him if, given another chance, he would still choose to be possessed by the Black Fox. Qingcheng defiantly stated that he would choose the path of a ruthless powerhouse over a kind, insignificant nobody a million times over. He admitted his deep-seated hatred for those who had wronged him, including the Soldier.
Realizing Qingcheng intended to destroy them both with the tree seed, Qing Tong tearfully told him she hated him for choosing this path but had never given up on him. She accepted their fate, wishing they could meet again in the next life, but not as siblings. As Madam Black Fox, speaking through the minion, urged him to destroy Qing Tong, Qingcheng hesitated and then disintegrated in a flash of light.
At the core of the Myriad Blight Formation, Fan Yunfei was engulfed by raging flames. Li Xueyang and Long Weiyun arrived, desperately trying to suppress the fire. Fan Yunfei urged them to leave, explaining that his father had warned that the formation required the combined powers of a human, a dragon, and a demon to detonate. Their presence completed the trio, sealing their fate.
Li Xueyang, refusing to abandon her husband, declared she would never leave, and they continued to exert their power against the inferno. Madam Black Fox, sensing the presence of all three clans, rejoiced at Gulizan's success and decided to amplify the formation's power to ensure the Western Regions' destruction. Meanwhile, in the Emotion-Devouring Snow Demon's barrier, the demon recounted Gulizan's plan to assist Madam Black Fox in taking physical form, which would secure Fugui's life force for herself.
Fugui, who had been feigning his frozen state, used this opportunity to gather critical information. He revealed he was aware of the Snow Demon's true nature as an ancient, deceptively innocent entity sustained by devoured spirits. The Snow Demon realized Fugui had tricked her. Breaking free, Fugui sensed the colossal storm generated by the formation heading directly towards the Corsac Fox State.
He knew he had to stop it within an hour, or the entire Western Regions would be wiped out. Madam Black Fox, sensing the Purest Sun Flame, recognized its wielder as Wangquan Fugui and expressed her eagerness to test the legendary Soldier's strength. Back at Gulizan's location, Rumu, though overwhelmed and disarmed, remembered his brother's teachings: that the Wangquan Sword was meant to carve a path of light through darkness. Enduring immense pain, he retrieved his fallen sword.
With renewed determination, he unleashed a powerful strike, and Gulizan collapsed, turning to ash. Madam Black Fox, witnessing this, dismissed Gulizan as a failure but noted her own backup plan would ensure the death was not entirely in vain. Simultaneously, Fan Yunfei unleashed his full power, activating his Water-Control Orb and channeling demon power as once taught by Fugui. He successfully extinguished the massive fireball, emerging severely wounded but alive.
He collapsed into Li Xueyang's arms, and they embraced tightly, their mission a success. With Gulizan defeated, Madam Black Fox felt the pressure from Fugui's Purest Sun Flame and realized she was up against the Soldier. She decided to retreat. As tranquility returned to the desert, Fugui allowed himself a faint smile, his thoughts turning to Qing Tong, wondering about her fate.
Episode 30 Recap
The four-person team, consisting of Quan Rumu, Long Weiyun, Fan Yunfei, and Li Xueyang, successfully defeated Gulizan. As Quan Rumu had fought tirelessly, he collapsed from exhaustion and lay unconscious in the Li Army camp. Long Weiyun expressed deep concern for him, asking about his condition. Fan Yunfei, seizing the opportunity to foster a romantic connection between them, claimed that the Celestial Master was severely injured and struggling to breathe.
He fabricated a folk remedy from the Western Regions, suggesting a mouth-to-mouth energy transfer method to help Quan Rumu recover and wake up, slyly adding that Long Weiyun, with her Dragon Clan's medical skills, surely wouldn't refuse. Li Xueyang, in on the scheme, praised Fan Yunfei and urged Long Weiyun that there was no better option at such a critical moment. Long Weiyun, though skeptical of Fan Yunfei's "Poor Dog" nickname for himself, approached Quan Rumu.
She then discretely gestured for Fan Yunfei and Li Xueyang to leave, which Li Xueyang quickly understood, pulling Fan Yunfei away despite his attempts to peek. Long Weiyun then leaned down to administer the breath, prompting a subtle smirk on Quan Rumu's face as the Dragon Bone Bell, a charm that rings with true emotion, chimed softly. Long Weiyun quickly pulled back, feigning that nothing had happened.
Quan Rumu, pretending to have just woken up, innocently asked about the ringing sound, which Long Weiyun denied hearing. Long Weiyun announced her departure, stating that the mission they had allied for was complete and she needed to go where she belonged. Quan Rumu, however, was unwilling to let her leave.
Fan Yunfei and Li Xueyang then invited her to a celebratory bonfire banquet the Li Army was holding that evening, urging her to stay and celebrate their victory and the continued peace of the Western Regions. Quan Rumu added his plea, hoping she would make more like-minded friends with him. Long Weiyun, initially hesitant, was eventually swayed by their persistent invitations.
At the bonfire, everyone sang and danced, and Long Weiyun, caught in the joyous atmosphere, displayed a rare, genuine smile. Li Xueyang toasted to their concerted efforts in defeating Gulizan and safeguarding peace. Quan Rumu observed that he had never seen her smile so happily, but Long Weiyun downplayed it, attributing her cheer to General Li's hospitality and reiterating that he should stop following her after that night. Quan Rumu cleverly dodged the conversation, encouraging more drinking.
Li Xueyang pulled Long Weiyun onto the dance floor, and despite her protestations of not knowing how to dance, she joined in the merriment. The next day, Long Weiyun was determined to leave, but Quan Rumu followed her persistently, trying various antics to make her smile. Later that night, Quan Rumu sat outside her room, playing his flute, bringing an unfamiliar sense of peace to Long Weiyun as she drank inside. Suddenly, a meteor shower lit up the night sky.
Long Weiyun was about to go outside when she nearly collided with Quan Rumu, who had come to call her. They hurried to the courtyard to watch the spectacle. Quan Rumu suggested they make wishes, as storybooks claimed they would come true. He passionately wished to marry Long Weiyun, hoping they would be together hand-in-hand, across changing seasons, flowing time, and even lifetimes.
Long Weiyun, in turn, wished for Quan Rumu’s every aspiration and hope to come true, whatever his wish might be. Quan Rumu, intuiting her wish was about him, confessed that he would never leave her again, regretting his past foolish words about letting her go. He reminded her of her previous remark about human lives being fleeting like smoke in the eyes of demons, but affirmed that love transcends time.
As they finally embraced and shared a kiss, the Dragon Bone Bell rang out loudly. Quan Rumu, delighted, declared that the bell's ringing proved her affection and announced his decision to take her to the Grief Tree in Tushan to extend their romance across lifetimes. Long Weiyun, feigning annoyance at the "noisy" bell, was met with Quan Rumu's playful retort that it was the most beautiful sound he had ever heard.
Meanwhile, in Qianji City, Qing Tong felt a profound sadness after Qing Cheng’s disappearance, often lost in thought about him. Wangquan Fugui visited, noticing her melancholy. He spoke of Zhang Qi's philosophy that cultivation shouldn't be about compromise with a chaotic world, and proposed that Qing Tong transform Qianji City into a Peach Village, a safe haven for all helpless human and demon souls. Inspired, Qing Tong, as the Lord of Qianji City, issued a proclamation across the land.
It invited individuals of insight and vision to Qianji City to foster a prosperous era of human-demon coexistence, promising comradeship and protection to all who sought refuge there. Despite the grand vision, Qing Tong informed Wangquan Fugui that the initial influx of residents was slow, with only a few scattered individuals arriving, including a large boar demon who could eat twenty steamed buns in one meal.
Wangquan Fugui reassured her, reminding her that Zhang Qi spent seven years building his Peach Village, and their goal for Qianji City would also take considerable time. He also continued his research on developing a magic compass capable of tracking the Black Fox's energy, acknowledging that this, too, was a long journey.
During this period, they encountered a mixed-blood Chongming bird demon child, named Little Bun, being pursued by other Chongming bird demons and aristocratic families who deemed him an abomination. Qing Tong bravely confronted the pursuers, asserting Qianji City's role as a sanctuary and warning them to leave. When they attacked, she and Wangquan Fugui fought them off.
Wangquan Fugui comforted Little Bun, who revealed that he couldn't cry because it would cause blood to appear, a distinguishing feature of Chongming bird demons, which would expose him to his pursuers. Little Bun, innocent and confused, asked why people disliked him, believing it was because he wasn’t good enough. Wangquan Fugui assured him that he was good and that the bad guys were simply bullies.
When Little Bun asked him to sing him to sleep, Wangquan Fugui, admitting he wasn't good at singing, instead recited lines from a sword manual to soothe the child. Observing Wangquan Fugui’s care, Qing Tong reflected on Qing Cheng, envisioning their dream of a human-demon coexistence slowly becoming a reality in Qianji City. Wangquan Fugui also prepared a special nerve-soothing soup for Little Bun, and Qing Tong offered to gather specific herbs to enhance it.
Concurrently, Wangquan Hongye's health was failing. After taking potent medicine prescribed by Dr. Xin, he fell into a deep sleep. His subordinate, Shuang, reported that it was time to select a new Chief for the Yiqi Alliance. Shuang also informed him that Wangquan Fugui had saved a mixed-blood human-demon child in Qianji City, and the news had spread across both realms.
He questioned why Wangquan Hongye would not recall Fugui to become the new Chief, especially since his old adversaries were no longer a threat. Wangquan Hongye responded with quiet sorrow, recognizing that Zhang Qi's ideals of a Peach Village had deeply taken root in his son's heart. He expressed a desire to be a selfish father this one time, allowing his son to pursue his own path.
He mused that perhaps never meeting again was the best outcome for them, recalling a past moment where he disciplined a younger Fugui, who already understood his father's actions and simply wished for his father to comprehend his chosen path. Wangquan Hongye acknowledged that he might not live to see Fugui wield his sword to achieve his ideal Way.
Following a rigorous selection process involving tests of physical strength, skills, and willpower, a young talent named Dongfang Yuechu emerged as the new Chief of the Yiqi Alliance, and Wangquan Hongye stepped down. That night, he stood in the courtyard, gazing at the tree where he once disciplined his son, overwhelmed with complex emotions. Despite Gulizan's defeat, Madam Black Fox had not abandoned Quan Jingting.
Her envoy conveyed Madam Black Fox's disappointment in Gulizan's failure but offered Quan Jingting a chance to redeem himself. She presented him with a bead left by Gulizan, capable of absorbing spiritual energy, and commanded him to swiftly accumulate power to aid in her own transformation into human form. Quan Jingting eagerly accepted, seeing this as his sole opportunity to reverse his fate and rise again.
He vowed not to disappoint Madam Black Fox and declared his intention to eliminate Wangquan Fugui and all those he held dear. Madam Black Fox revealed that while he couldn't perfectly replicate the Myriad Blight Formation, the bead would still allow him to absorb power, and she promised to take him to the Dragon Cave to absorb abundant dragon power. Quan Jingting, envisioning his resurgence, ended with a cryptic thought about his "rebellious son."
Episode 31 Recap
Quan Jingting, absorbing spiritual power from dragon corpses in the Dragon Cave, concluded that this power was insufficient. His goal was to harness the mighty power of living dragons. He remembered Long Weiyun, the daughter of a mother dragon, and a sinister smile spread across his face, indicating his intention to target her.
Meanwhile, a subordinate of Madam Black Fox urged Quan Jingting to hasten his power absorption, reminding him that he was destined to become Madam Black Fox's blade, a weapon to pierce Wangquan Fugui and eliminate everyone he cherished. In Qianji City, Wangquan Fugui encouraged Qing Tong not to despair over the slow progress of their recent proclamation, which had attracted few humans or demons to their cause. He believed things would improve gradually.
Soon after, they encountered a young demon named Little Bun, a child born of both human and Chongming bird demon parents, relentlessly pursued by both human and Chongming bird demon factions who sought his demise. Wangquan Fugui and Qing Tong intervened, driving off the pursuers and bringing Little Bun to Qianji City. Later, Qing Tong offered Little Bun some medicine, which the child found bitter. She coaxed him to drink it by promising a reward.
Observing this, Wangquan Fugui felt immense warmth. Little Bun, still traumatized, struggled to sleep. Unable to sing lullabies, Wangquan Fugui recited sword chants to soothe him. Qing Tong entered with a calming herbal soup, but Wangquan Fugui noted that, due to Chongming bird demons' timid and sensitive nature, regular calming soups might not be effective. He promised to gather more potent, specific herbs the next day.
The following day, as Wangquan Fugui collected herbs, Qing Tong brought him an umbrella when the sky threatened rain. On their way back, Wangquan Fugui, sensing Qing Tong's lingering sadness over Qingcheng's departure, gently held her hand. He explained that just as even the finest swords bear marks from use, representing varied experiences that lead to greater resilience, so too do people.
He admitted he wasn't good at comforting others and encouraged her to express her grief if she needed to. Qing Tong, however, insisted she was fine, touched by his concern. Having stepped down as Chief, Wangquan Hongye felt a sense of relief. His best friend, Master Li Quzhuo, visited him.
They shared drinks, reminiscing about their youthful, spirited days in the Mask Group, recalling battles and their camaraderie, with Quzhuo as the mischievous fourth and Wangquan Hongye as their undisputed leader. Quzhuo revealed that, at Wangquan Hongye's request, he had developed a spell to counteract the Black Fox's mind-manipulating techniques and identified four powerful artifacts capable of truly defeating her: the Purest Sun Flame, the Wangquan Sword, the Water-Control Orb, and the Grief Tree seeds.
He acknowledged that assembling all four would be incredibly difficult but found comfort in knowing they could finally leave something tangible for future generations. Quzhuo expressed concern for Wangquan Hongye's health and offered to call Wangquan Fugui back, but Wangquan Hongye dismissed the idea, noting that Fugui had grown independent and his resolve was unwavering. He lamented his unworthiness as a father. They then discussed creating a map of the area beyond the circle and ideas for new masks.
Meanwhile, Feng Tingyun was relentlessly practicing her sword arts, feeling she hadn't done enough to ease her Master's burdens. Wangquan Hongye approached her, affectionately advising her not to be so hard on herself. He expressed guilt for delaying her, remarking that a girl her age should typically be married. Feng Tingyun quickly countered that women have many paths beyond marriage, and since comprehending the Heart of Sword, she had set aside romantic feelings.
Wangquan Hongye then presented her with a jewelry box containing a phoenix gold hairpin, crafted by Dongfang Huaizhu. He told her that by wearing it, she would forever be a daughter of the Wangquan family. Moments later, Wangquan Hongye coughed up blood. A terrified Feng Tingyun immediately summoned Dr. Xin. After examining him, Dr. Xin conveyed a grim prognosis: Wangquan Hongye's heart was exhausted from accumulated injuries, and he had, at most, only a month left.
Wangquan Hongye calmly accepted the news, instructing the distraught Feng Tingyun to leave him to rest. Upon receiving news of his father's critical condition, Wangquan Fugui immediately returned to the manor. He found Wangquan Hongye standing alone by a tree and draped a cloak over his shoulders. Wangquan Hongye, sensing Qing Tong's presence outside, invited her in.
Once seated, Wangquan Hongye formally apologized to Qing Tong for his past harsh judgment and treatment, admitting he was wrong to believe all demons were heartless. He then began to recount the tragic history of the Mask Group and their defeat by the Black Fox, displaying two masks, including the Jinlan Mask, a personal creation of Dongfang Huaizhu.
He revealed that the "Hongye" under the mask had died beyond the circle, having witnessed his closest friends and loved ones perish due to emotional manipulation by the Black Fox. He explained that he could never forgive himself for surviving while his comrades suffered, for his wife Dongfang Huaizhu sacrificing her life to save the Yiqi Alliance, and for forcing his son to bear the burdens he and his generation could not.
He confessed that his past harshness and insistence on Fugui maintaining a "simple heart and body" were not born of hatred, but a desperate attempt to prevent his son from following in his footsteps and being undone by emotions.
He admitted he was profoundly wrong to impose his own guilt and burdens on Fugui, and that his hope for Fugui to simply survive the battle with the Black Fox was a naive attempt to compensate for the two decades of loneliness he had inflicted. Qing Tong then presented a beautifully woven depiction of the "Bamboo Pavilion by River Huai," a place Wangquan Fugui had always wanted to visit. After another moment of physical weakness, Wangquan Hongye asked Fugui to accompany him to the Bamboo Pavilion by River Huai. Wangquan Fugui agreed.
Episode 32 Recap
Wangquan Fugui accompanied his father, Wangquan Hongye, to the serene Bamboo Pavilion by River Huai. Wangquan Hongye explained that this tranquil place was where he and Dongfang Huaizhu first met in Nanchui and fell in love. He fondly described Dongfang Huaizhu as a free-spirited woman of strong character, unlike typical women who excelled in domestic arts. She was skilled in fighting and enchanting, despite her self-deprecating remarks about her lack of conventional talents.
He recalled his own mask being "ugly" and how Dongfang Huaizhu had crafted the beautiful Jinlan Mask for him with her own hands. Their joyous time together was brief. Wangquan Hongye recounted his crushing defeat beyond the circle, which resulted in the loss of his Heart of Sword and the decimation of the Yiqi Alliance's elites.
He then revealed that Dongfang Huaizhu, risking her life, gave birth to Wangquan Fugui, intending for him to be raised as a Soldier to safeguard peace and prevent the Black Fox's resurgence. However, her dying wish was that if Fugui ever desired to leave, he should be allowed to go. Wangquan Hongye expressed his deep regret for failing to be a proper father, admitting that his role as Alliance Chief had made him narrow-minded and biased.
He questioned if he was truly the "great hero" Dongfang Huaizhu once called him. Tearfully, Wangquan Fugui affirmed that in his mother's heart, his father was indeed a great hero. He explained that he had willingly embraced the path of a Soldier, following his father's Way, but later discovered his own distinct path.
Although his departure from Wangquan Manor had been resolute, he ultimately returned, believing that by upholding his own Way, he could guide his father back from any misguided steps. He acknowledged that heroes can err and age, but his father's Heart of Sword had always remained true. Wangquan Fugui had realized through his experiences in the outside world that merely "letting go" was not the ultimate solution.
Wangquan Hongye, despite wishing for his son to "let go," was met with Wangquan Fugui's conviction that he was still the sword, forged to protect the world. Wangquan Fugui stressed that without eradicating the threat beyond the circle, true peace within could never be achieved, and the sacrifices of his father and the Mask Group elites would be in vain.
He concluded that his father's Heart of Sword, though it may have led him astray, was never fundamentally wrong in its aspiration to protect the world. Overwhelmed, Wangquan Hongye admitted he had selfishly wished for Wangquan Fugui to live as he pleased, but Wangquan Fugui firmly stated that embodying his father's will was his true desire. Wangquan Hongye then informed his son that his time was near, and he was ready to join Dongfang Huaizhu.
He requested to be buried beside her. Before sending Wangquan Fugui away, he made his son promise to return alive. Wangquan Hongye then asked for solitude, stating his weariness. After his father passed, Wangquan Fugui buried his parents together. He stood before their grave, making a solemn vow to inherit their unwavering will and the strength they bestowed upon him, to completely eradicate the Black Fox from the world and restore peace.
As Wangquan Hongye succumbed, he experienced a final vision of Dongfang Huaizhu, who urged him never to give up on finding his Heart of Sword, reminding him he was always her great hero. He responded that he had indeed found his Heart of Sword, and that Wangquan Fugui had united with his Way, signifying his own final triumph in this world. He proudly proclaimed that their son, Wangquan Fugui, was unparalleled.
Upon returning to Wangquan Manor, Wangquan Fugui was presented with his father's belongings. A subordinate revealed that Wangquan Hongye had secretly crafted small gifts for Wangquan Fugui before each Bamboo Forest Sword Contest, expressing his deep desire for Wangquan Fugui not to be a Soldier and his own regret for his choices.
The subordinate handed Wangquan Fugui a box containing the strategy to eliminate the Black Fox and a map of the world beyond the circle, explaining that Wangquan Hongye had intended these to be given to him at the right time. Wangquan Fugui was profoundly moved, feeling the depth of his father's unspoken love, and vowed not to disappoint him.
He then addressed the disciples of Wangquan Manor, announcing his father's last wish: no elaborate funeral or mourning, but instead, a unified Heart of Sword to forever protect humanity. The disciples echoed his sentiment. Feng Tingyun stepped forward, declaring her voluntary adoption of the surname Wangquan, pledging to inherit her master's will, and immediately depart to guard the border, ensuring the Black Fox would not wreak havoc within the circle.
She emphasized that the Mask Group's original mission, initiated by her master, would now be continued by them. Wangquan Fugui also entrusted a junior with letters to the Mask Group's esteemed families, intending to reveal the truth of their past defeat beyond the circle, resolve old grievances, and invite them to join Wangquan Manor in the fight against the Black Fox. Qing Tong approached Wangquan Fugui, offering him food after his sleepless night.
Observing him studying a scroll, which detailed four ancient primordial powers needed to defeat the Black Fox, she noticed he was particularly focused on the "Grief Tree seed." She realized this might refer to the one within her and silently resolved to stand by Young Master Wangquan Fugui in any circumstance. She later informed him that she would return to Qianji City the next day, as Little Bun needed her there.
Qing Tong reiterated her unwavering commitment to him, acknowledging his tendency to internalize his sorrow, and pledged to walk alongside him until his Way was complete. While teaching children, she reaffirmed her determination to protect the beautiful world around her. The scroll Wangquan Fugui was reading described the four essential treasures: Wangquan Sword, Purest Sun Flame, Grief Tree seed, and Water-Control Orb.
The Wangquan Sword, the strongest treasure of the Wangquan family, when wielded with its essence, allowed "man-sword unity" to cut fate and slay evil. The Purest Sun Flame, a secret art of the Dongfang family, could incinerate all evil and destroy the Black Fox's vessel. The Grief Tree seed, from Tushan, contained profound power of love, capable of anchoring causality through threads of emotion.
The Water-Control Orb, a sacred relic of the Dragon Clan and the source of water, could be obtained only by the purest and most single-minded, granting mighty dragon power to seal origins and imprison evil. The scroll concluded by emphasizing the difficulty of gathering these four items, but affirmed it as the sole method to definitively destroy the Black Fox, and that only Wangquan Fugui possessed the ability to succeed, urging him to return safely.
Meanwhile, Long Weiyun awoke to find Quan Rumu gone, but a note left behind promised he was getting her favorite date cake and that they would go to Tushan together. She smiled at his playful words. In town, Quan Rumu bought the date cake and a red veil, happily imagining Long Weiyun wearing it.
However, his joyful reverie was interrupted by a Quan family servant who urgently informed him that the Old Master, Quan Jingting, was gravely ill and wished to see him one last time. Rumu rushed home to his father's bedside. Quan Jingting, feigning weakness, sincerely pleaded for Rumu's forgiveness, claiming to have one last unfulfilled wish. As Rumu's emotions were stirred, Quan Jingting's eyes turned menacing. He suddenly exerted force, seizing and restraining Rumu, his face twisting into a sinister grin.
Rumu, shocked, questioned how his father, whose cultivation had supposedly been abolished, could possess such malevolent power. Quan Jingting laughed triumphantly, mocking them for their foolishness in not utilizing the Myriad Blight Formation. He then pondered what else of Rumu's could be "worth his effort." Back at their home, Long Weiyun, who had prepared a feast, worried why Rumu had not returned. The door burst open, and Quan Jingting entered, exuding a chilling aura.
He immediately challenged Long Weiyun, telling her that Rumu's life was now in her hands. When she demanded to know what he had done to Rumu, Quan Jingting commanded her to seal her demon power and accompany him, or Rumu would suffer excruciating pain. He then magically displayed Rumu's agony before her eyes. Long Weiyun, calling him a "beast" for harming his own son, furiously resisted.
Quan Jingting callously asserted that his son existed solely to serve him, otherwise, his life was worthless. He explained that dragon demons, despite their cruel nature, were fiercely devoted in love, becoming "tamed" once they fell, allowing their beloved to control their very existence. He referenced Long Weiyun's own mother, who had willingly allowed him to sever her horns and strip her scales.
Quan Jingting then threatened that any attack Long Weiyun launched at him would be directly borne by Rumu. He dared her to strike. Long Weiyun, seeing Rumu's torment, threatened to make Quan Jingting pay with his life if Rumu died, but Quan Jingting defiantly stated he would let Rumu die. As Rumu cried out in anguish, Long Weiyun, desperate, cried "Stop!" and, confronted with Quan Jingting's threat to make her watch Rumu suffer a torturous death, reluctantly sealed her demon power.
Episode 33 Recap
Quan Jingting commanded Long Weiyun to seal her Demon Power and follow him, threatening to make her watch as Quan Rumu suffered an agonizing death if she refused. Soon after, Rumu regained consciousness and was distraught to see Long Weiyun lying nearby, covered in blood. He furiously demanded to know what Quan Jingting had done to her.
Quan Jingting, with a callous smile, revealed that Long Weiyun truly loved Rumu, so much so that she willingly allowed him to break her dragon horns and peel off her dragon scales for Rumu's sake. Enraged, Rumu declared that he regretted not killing Quan Jingting when he had the chance. Quan Jingting merely sneered and moved towards Long Weiyun, intending to kill her right in front of Rumu.
Unwilling to witness this, Rumu mustered his remaining strength, activating his sword meridian, and lunged at Quan Jingting with a blade, proclaiming that someone as "filthy, cruel, heartless, and loveless" as him would never understand the power of love and duty. Quan Jingting fell, stabbed, and Rumu rushed to embrace Long Weiyun. Long Weiyun, barely clinging to life, weakly opened her eyes and told Rumu she thought she would never see him again.
Rumu held her tightly, vowing that he would never let her suffer again. However, Quan Jingting, still alive, delivered a fatal blow to Rumu from behind. Rumu, shocked by his own father's ruthlessness, heard Quan Jingting's chilling lesson: "When you kill, always make sure to finish your enemy off." Seeing the danger, Long Weiyun tried to protect Rumu and escape, but it was too late. As Rumu lay dying, he pulled out a red scarf.
Long Weiyun understood his unspoken wish and tearfully placed the blood-stained scarf on her head. Rumu, gazing at her beautiful face beneath the scarf, slowly closed his eyes, remembering a time when they stood under a tree, making wishes. He had wished to marry Long Weiyun and be together forever, and she had wished for all of his desires to come true. Meanwhile, at Wangquan Manor, Wangquan Fugui suddenly felt his sword meridian weakening.
Concerned, he immediately suspected something was wrong with Rumu. He ordered his sword attendants to prepare, declaring he had to return to the Western Regions at once. He arrived too late, finding Long Weiyun cradling Rumu, weeping uncontrollably. Fugui's heart ached with unbearable grief. Upon learning that Quan Jingting was responsible, he instructed his attendants to give Rumu a proper burial, then turned to seek out Quan Jingting, vowing to avenge his younger brother.
In Qianji City, Qing Tong had been noticeably distracted, wondering about Wangquan Fugui's well-being. Little Bun, noticing her melancholy, thoughtfully offered her some mugwort dumplings. Qing Tong declined, explaining she wasn't hungry, but Little Bun insisted one was saved for Brother Fugui. Moments later, a subordinate reported that a cat demon had come seeking help, her child kidnapped by bandits who had fled south. Qing Tong immediately rose to investigate.
Long Weiyun, having laid Rumu to rest, felt a profound stillness within her. She sat by his grave, explaining to her departed beloved that the True Dragon Clan are noble and proud, and if a chosen partner passes away, the other will not choose to live on alone. She recalled Rumu once asking her to make it snow for him.
Although she knew Rumu would want her to live for herself, she affirmed that having promised to be his wife and go to Tushan with him to renew their bond, she could no longer live only for herself. Recounting an ancient legend of the True Dragon Clan—that if a dragon's core melts into snow and falls upon a beloved's heart, their souls will meet again in another life—Long Weiyun resolved to fulfill her promise.
She gathered her remaining strength, her body dissolving into a pure white snow that fell gracefully from the sky. With her final words, she whispered, "Rumu, I'm coming to keep you company," as she vanished. Madam Black Fox received a report from Jiuwei that Quan Jingting's actions had completely enraged Wangquan Fugui, who was now frantically searching for Quan Jingting to exact revenge. Madam Black Fox was delighted, stating that everything was proceeding as she had foreseen.
She believed that as Fugui's hatred intensified and fully consumed him, the immense power unleashed would allow her to break her dimensional seal and use his hate-ridden body as her perfect vessel. She commanded Jiuwei to continue monitoring Wangquan Fugui and await the opportune moment. Meanwhile, Quan Jingting, having absorbed the True Dragon power, felt an overwhelming sense of might.
He grumbled about Wangquan Hongye dying prematurely, lamenting that he hadn't had the chance to battle him and personally seize the Wangquan Sword. Just as he spoke, the Wangquan Sword plunged into the ground before him. Wangquan Fugui, dressed in white, stood opposite him, his face stern and resolute. Quan Jingting, brimming with arrogant confidence, welcomed the challenge and unleashed a powerful attack, kicking up a swirling vortex of sand that engulfed Fugui.
Quan Jingting grinned triumphantly, but as the dust settled, the sight before him made his eyes widen in disbelief. He taunted Fugui, reminding him that he had failed to save Wangquan Hongye and now Quan Rumu. To inflict more pain, he pulled out a small, flat stone that Rumu had once made for skipping and tossed it back to Fugui.
Crushed by the memory of his brother's unfulfilled dreams, Fugui lamented to himself that he wished Rumu had never returned, as it would have spared him this fate. Seeing his words land their blow, Quan Jingting declared himself the true ruler of the world and warned Fugui that opposing him meant death.
Episode 34 Recap
Wangquan Fugui, his hair now white and his eyes blazing with fierce intent, confronted Quan Jingting. Their clash of dragon powers caused the very earth to tremble. Fugui unleashed the potent Purest Sun Flame, threatening to reduce Quan Jingting to ashes, before finally impaling him with the Wangquan Sword, ending the life of the man he deemed unworthy of being Rumu's father.
Afterwards, at Rumu's tomb, Wangquan Fugui observed a Dragon Crystal dissipate, confirming his somber realization that Long Weiyun had followed Rumu into the afterlife. He quietly wished for them to find peace and reunion, knowing Quan Jingting had received his just retribution. Madam Black Fox's clone, Jiuwei, then appeared, relishing in Fugui's raw anger and grief, claiming such emotions made him easier to manipulate.
She transported him into an illusion, challenging him on how it felt to exact revenge and asserting that hatred had taken root in his heart. Jiuwei preached that love only led to destruction, pointing to the tragic ends of Steward Fei, who died for loyalty; Quan Rumu, who perished due to jealousy and hatred; and Long Weiyun, who succumbed to her devotion.
She urged Fugui to embrace hatred as the ultimate power, break the established circle, and unite with Madam Black Fox to rule the world. Fugui, however, scorned her, declaring that a mere clone had no right to discuss his life or control his will, and that he made his own choices regarding good and evil. Despite dispelling the illusion, Jiuwei had already infiltrated his body, visibly altering his appearance.
Returning to Wangquan Manor, a fierce internal battle raged within Wangquan Fugui. His conscience struggled against the invading Dragon Qi clashing with his spiritual blood, but the transformed Fugui embraced his new appearance, questioning the value of rules and righteousness that failed to protect his loved ones. Jiuwei's whispers persisted, insisting his heart was tainted with hatred and he would soon belong to Madam Black Fox.
An internal debate ensued: one side questioned the efficacy of killing the Black Fox if darkness persisted in human hearts, while the other scoffed at the Black Fox's past failures and painted both Fugui and the Black Fox as products of human darkness. The corrupted self proposed that Fugui should become the supreme ruler, controlling all and subjugating even the Black Fox.
When his benevolent side expressed concern over the lives that would be lost, the corrupted self dismissed it, stating that soft-heartedness saved no one, a lesson his father had supposedly imparted. It furiously proclaimed its own righteousness, advocating for absolute dominance and demanding they "break the circle together." The darker persona ultimately prevailed, concluding with the mantra: "Killing to end violence—this should be my Way." Wangquan Fugui then arrived at Qianji City.
He immediately declared the disbandment of Zelan Hall, ordering its students to leave within three days. When Little Bun affectionately greeted him, Fugui coldly pushed him aside. He also harshly disciplined Jiang Bo for questioning his authority and the dissolution of Zelan Hall. Fugui then commanded Jiang Bo to reopen Asura Hall and retrieve the Soul-Devouring Umbrella, a forbidden artifact that absorbed spiritual energy.
Despite Jiang Bo's protests about the umbrella being sealed by the city's governor, Fugui threatened death for disobedience, promising dragon power to those who complied. A distraught Qingtong soon appeared, horrified to see the Soul-Devouring Umbrella. She desperately warned Fugui against using such evil items, recalling her past admonitions and predicting severe backlash. Unmoved, Fugui declared he feared no backlash, as he had "no taboos."
Qingtong, realizing the depth of his transformation, urged him to leave Qianji City, stating it was no longer his familiar sanctuary. Jiang Bo, though reluctant, instructed his subordinates to obey Fugui's orders, acknowledging they had no choice given his immense power. He reported to Fugui that a group of evil demons had been captured for Asura Hall, their powers to be extracted into spirit pearls.
When informed it would take time to separate the demons' cries of agony from the pearls, Fugui coldly ordered that the cries remain, stating someone would surely enjoy them. Meanwhile, Madam Black Fox, pleased with Fugui's growing hatred, saw an opportunity to advance her schemes, instructing Jiuwei to manipulate a specific individual. Using his newfound power, Wangquan Fugui then summoned Fan Yunfei to Qianji City.
Fan Yunfei was visibly shocked by Fugui's altered appearance, yet pledged his continued loyalty against the Black Fox, even tentatively questioning the nature of the Soul-Devouring Umbrella. Fugui, with a cold demeanor, reminded Fan Yunfei of a past favor and demanded immediate repayment. Without warning, Fugui attacked Fan Yunfei, forcibly extracting the Water-Control Orb from him. A wounded and heartbroken Fan Yunfei demanded an explanation.
Fugui chillingly explained that he had realized goodness could not triumph over evil, and that neither of them possessed the ruthlessness of the Black Fox. Fan Yunfei, refusing to believe this, offered the Water-Control Orb only if Fugui revealed the true reason for his transformation. Qingtong arrived, witnessing Fan Yunfei's anguish.
When Fan Yunfei pleaded with her for an answer, she insisted there was "no reason" other than what he had seen and urged him to leave immediately to save his life. Fan Yunfei, however, defiantly refused to abandon Fugui, offering his own life if Fugui truly intended to follow the Black Fox's path. Fugui, growing impatient, dismissively ordered both of them to "get lost." Enraged by their continued defiance, Wangquan Fugui then struck Qingtong with his sword.
He demanded to know why she remained, scornfully calling her weak and a burden, and ordered her to leave, reminding her that "pets shouldn't disobey their owners." Qingtong, deeply wounded and with a cold heart, declared that Fugui had given her the name "Qingtong" and taught her swordsmanship so she would never be anyone's accessory or pet. She asserted that he was "no longer that Young Master Fugui" and resolutely turned to leave.
Back in the Western Regions, a distraught Fan Yunfei struggled with the pain and confusion over Wangquan Fugui's drastic change. Li Xueyang comforted him, acknowledging his sorrow. She then immediately dispatched a subordinate to send word to Feng Tingyun, alerting her that the "Soldier's heart has changed" and advising her to "make preparations early." Far away, Feng Tingyun gazed at the dark night sky, murmuring to herself that her Senior Brother, Wangquan Fugui, had indeed "taken a different path."
Episode 35 Recap
Wangquan Fugui coldly dismissed Qing Tong, accusing her of overstepping her bounds as a pet. With tears in her eyes, Qing Tong reminded him that he had given her her name and taught her swordsmanship, stressing that she was not meant to be anyone's mere pet. She then declared that he was no longer the Wangquan Fugui she once knew before turning to leave.
Qing Tong later sought out Jiang Bo, who reported that Fugui's power was too great for them to oppose. Jiang Bo revealed that Fugui had commanded him to shut down Zelan Hall and to capture demons from outside the city to imprison in Asura Hall, where Fugui could absorb their demon power. Jiang Bo reassured her that, for now, they were only capturing evil demons.
Qing Tong questioned the change in Fugui, noting that his four sword attendants had witnessed ferocious Dragon Qi in the sky when he killed Quan Jingting in the Western Regions, suggesting it might have affected him. She pondered if this was the reason for his transformation, especially since he had previously absorbed dragon power without ill effect. Qing Tong ordered Jiang Bo to report any further inappropriate actions by Fugui.
Privately, she feared that Fugui, like Qingcheng before him, had been possessed by Black Fox and suspected that if he continued absorbing demon cores, it would confirm Black Fox's influence, as these cores would be tainted with the Power of Hatred. Meanwhile, Black Fox observed Fugui, noting his newfound cruelty. A Black Fox subordinate expressed surprise at Jiuwei's failure, but another corrected him, stating that their Madam’s true plan was for Fugui to "fail" in saving Rumu.
This would force Fugui to personally destroy his brother's spectral form, thereby fully immersing him in hatred. Black Fox gloated that the "seed of hatred" in Fugui's heart had now fully grown, preparing him to break the barrier and offer up his "perfect body." As Wangquan Fugui walked through a desolate street covered in corpses, wielding the Soul-Devouring Umbrella, an illusion of Rumu appeared before him.
Black Fox's voice echoed, challenging Fugui to see if he still had the determination to wield his sword against someone he grew up with. The spectral Rumu, filled with resentment, accused Fugui of not being the brother he once knew, declaring that the real Rumu was dead. The illusion blamed Fugui for his father Quan Jingting's actions and for Rumu's own suffering, including being possessed by Black Fox even after death.
He pointedly asked where Fugui was when Long Weiyun suffered the brutal removal of her dragon scales, horns, and bones, and demanded how Fugui intended to repay his debts. Fugui internally acknowledged that this resentful spirit was not his true brother, recalling Rumu's genuine desire to fight Black Fox and live peacefully, always with a smile.
Recognizing it as Black Fox's manipulation, Fugui regretfully admitted he could not repay his debts but asserted that the illusion must die, and struck it down. Black Fox watched, pleased that Fugui had proven capable of eliminating even his closest kin, marking his full alignment with their cause. Qing Tong reflected on the teachings of the Joy and Sorrow Sect master, who spoke of the tree seed within her as the key to breaking the impasse.
The master had taught that "Love is the lifeline of those who have the tree seed. They are born of love, and for love, there's no place they can't reach. If they can turn the threads of love into a mighty force, though mountains collapse, seas surge, and mists enshroud the way, love shall be their blade to break the impasse."
Having fully refined her own tree seed, Qing Tong now understood that the secret to breaking the impasse was to completely sacrifice oneself for one's beloved. Qing Tong confronted Wangquan Fugui again, who questioned why she hadn't left. She asked if he truly intended to break the barrier to meet Black Fox, and then, heartbreakingly, asked what she was to him. Fugui coldly replied that everyone was merely a pawn in this game.
Realizing her fate, Qing Tong asked if she would be next. She acknowledged her earlier promise to always accompany him, but knowing words were futile, she declared her willingness to die, requesting only to choose the final location. They traveled by boat to the Bamboo Pavilion by River Huai. There, Qing Tong poured out her heart, thanking Fugui for helping her achieve human form and experience life's joys, and for his warm companionship.
She reflected on their long journey together, regretting that their path was ending, and spoke of her dreams of a future with him, free from shackles, traveling the world and witnessing all its wonders. As the sun set, she expressed her gratitude for the beautiful memories. She requested one last hug, saying that "love that begins must have an end" and that this was their conclusion.
In his embrace, Qing Tong tragically ended her own life, allowing Fugui to receive the tree seed from her body. Fugui, with a pained expression, acknowledged her sacrifice, telling her that the Joy and Sorrow Sect was her true destination. A Black Fox subordinate reported that the "Soldier" (Fugui) had killed his "little spider" (Qing Tong) and taken the Black Grief Tree seed from her body, and was now heading to Heavenly Gate.
Black Fox rejoiced, confident that Fugui would now help her break the barrier, allowing her to escape and seize his "perfect body" to subjugate all beings in the Six Realms. With the Wangquan Sword, the Water-Control Orb, the tree seed, and his own Purest Sun Flame, Wangquan Fugui had assembled the four artifacts needed to defeat Black Fox. He immediately set off for Heavenly Gate. News of Fugui's approach reached others.
Feng Tingyun, with the disciples of Wangquan Manor, and Fan Yunfei and Li Xueyang, with the Western Regions soldiers, had already gathered at Heavenly Gate, prepared to stop him from breaking the barrier. Black Fox hailed Fugui's arrival, believing he had become just like her—emotionless and consumed by hatred for fate. She ordered her followers to assist Fugui in breaking the barrier.
Feng Tingyun confronted her senior, declaring that they would die before allowing him to pass and warning him that "he who slays the dragon becomes the evil dragon." Ignoring their pleas, Fugui unleashed the "Thirteen Heaven-and-Earth Strikes." With Black Fox's forces aiding him from within, he violently tore open the barrier set by the Third Young Master of Aolai. As Fugui flew through the breach, Feng Tingyun cried out for her senior in despair, powerless to stop him.
Episode 36 (Ending) Recap
As the barrier set by the Third Young Master of Aolai shattered, the Black Fox reveled in her newfound freedom, having been confined for a millennium. She declared that Wangquan Fugui had finally unleashed the 13th Heaven-and-Earth Strike, inadvertently aiding her escape, and demanded his body to fulfill his destiny. Fugui vehemently refused, challenging her to take it if she could. The Black Fox, finding his defiance arrogant, promised his body would be hers.
She then transformed into the image of Wangquan Hongye, Fugui's father, engaging him in a fierce battle and asserting that she would show him the peak of his father's power. Meanwhile, at the Heavenly Gate, countless Black Fox clones surged forth like a black tide, attempting to breach the defenses. Feng Tingyun and Fan Yunfei immediately rallied their forces, vowing to hold the gate at all costs.
Despite their valiant efforts, the enemy's numbers were endless, and casualties mounted, pushing them to the brink. During his struggle, the Black Fox continued to taunt Fugui, highlighting his ruthlessness even against his "father" and stating they were no different. She reminded him that her power, fueled by hatred, was inexhaustible, questioning if he could outlast her. To end the battle, the Black Fox, despite her own waning demon power, risked manifesting a physical form to directly attack Fugui.
She then unleashed a mind-controlling sound across the battlefield, forcing the defenders to block their ears. In her physical form, the Black Fox gloated that the "farce" was ending, flaunting the terrifying power of hatred and calling Fugui a "weapon born from hatred" who should understand its might. She accused him of stealing his disciple's Water-Control Orb and killing Qingtong for the Black Grief Tree Seed, claiming he had lost everything and urging him to surrender his body.
When Fugui challenged her to take it, she declared she would imbue him with her millennium of hatred, intending for him to become her instrument to wipe out all life outside the Heavenly Gate. In a pivotal moment, as the Black Fox attempted to merge her soul with his, Fugui activated the Grief Tree Seed left by Qingtong. The seed's power, combined with cleansing talismans Fugui had secretly carved onto his Soul-Devouring Umbrella, unleashed a pure Power of Love.
Caught in Fugui's intricate trap, the Black Fox tried to withdraw, but it was too late. Fugui had used his own body as bait, luring her to infuse him with hatred, only to be bound by the threads of love and trapped within the core of the Grief Tree. The Black Fox, realizing the extent of Fugui's plan, was further stunned when Fugui activated his Purest Sun Flame, combining it with the Wangquan Sword.
He revealed that he was burning his life force for this power. Meanwhile, outside the gate, the Black Fox's clones began to withdraw, as Fugui used the Water-Control Orb to absorb the Power of Hatred. The Black Fox tried to reason with Fugui, offering to join forces to rule the Six Realms, but he sternly refused, proclaiming that the world belonged to all living beings, not just demons or humans.
He affirmed his identity as a "Soldier," born to be a sacrifice for the world, and stated he had no regrets. With a final, powerful cry of "Soul burns like flame. Blood boils into a blade! Die with no regrets! Slash the heaven and earth! Annihilate evil!" Fugui unleashed a devastating blow with the Wangquan Sword, consuming the Black Fox and ending her millennium-long menace.
As his life force dwindled, Fugui returned the Water-Control Orb to Fan Yunfei, entrusting him and the others with the responsibility of protecting the world and fostering a new era of harmony between humans and demons. In his final moments, a ghostly image of Fugui, holding an umbrella, appeared. He revealed that his "blackened" state was a deception to mislead the Black Fox. He had pushed away those he cared for to make her believe he had fallen into darkness.
He confessed his torment over knowing that Qingtong would die if she offered the Grief Tree Seed, which was why he could never bring himself to take it. However, Qingtong, with her clear insight, understood his plight and voluntarily chose to sacrifice herself at the Bamboo Pavilion by River Huai, ending her life in his embrace. This profound understanding between them, though heart-wrenching, allowed his plan to succeed.
Fugui expressed deep remorse for Qingtong's sacrifice but found solace in their shared path, hoping their love would become an eternal lantern for the world. Later, Feng Tingyun revealed her decision to honor her Master's teaching about the Wangquan legacy's purpose. She would split the "Wangquan" surname, adopting "Quan" herself to guard the Western Regions, while another outstanding disciple would adopt "Wang" to guard the Central Plain, ensuring their legacy of protection continued even without the Wangquan Sword.
Years passed, and Fan Yunfei, along with Li Xueyang, brought children to a vibrant field of flowers beneath the thriving Grief Tree. Fan Yunfei shared the tale of Fugui, assuring the children that he was not truly dead but had transformed into the very life force of the world, watching over them as a great hero. Inspired, the children declared their aspirations to become heroes like Fugui.
After the children departed, Fan Yunfei looked towards the sky, telling Fugui's spirit that everyone was well and his hopes had been realized. In a final scene, a vision of Qingtong, restored to her spider demon form, waits beneath the Grief Tree. A gentle voice calls her name, "Qingtong!"
