Love and Destiny Recap, Plot, Synopsis, Total Episodes

Love and Destiny Synopsis

Jiu Chen, the God of War, who had been sleeping for 50,000 years, was awakened by the Fairy Ling Xi. Then, it revealed many secrets of the God-Devil War.

Jiu Chen suspected Ling Xi’s identity and kept her by his side. They gradually developed affection during their time together.

Ling Xi was found to be in possession of demonic energy, which can unlock the seal of the demon ruler, and their relationship has been affected ever since.

Jiu Chen did not want to kill in vain, resisting the pressure to save Ling Xi.

With the help of Jiu Chen, Ling Xi finally got a new life after all the hardships and discovered that she was actually the princess of the Shanling tribe.

Just when they were about to reap the benefits of love, the door of the underworld in the Shanling Realm opened and the demon tribe invaded.

At the moment of danger, Jiu Chen jumped into the Fuling Yuan to suppress the demons with his body.

Love and Destiny Recap

Episode 1 Recap

In the serene Peach Forest beneath Kuafu Mountain, Lingxi awoke from a recurring dream. She often dreamed of the God of War killing many beings, including Heavenly Soldiers, members of the Demon Tribe, and even the Heaven-Devouring Beast. This disturbed her, as the tales she read depicted the God of War leading a hundred thousand Heavenly Soldiers against the Demon Tribe, ultimately sealing the Demon Lord before entering an eternal slumber in the Immortal Sea.

Seeking answers, she tried to rouse her father, Le Bo, who was deep in a drunken sleep and dismissed her concerns. Suddenly remembering an important task, Le Bo frantically told Lingxi to deliver a vital medicine to High Immortal Liu Yun, urging her to find Chengyan.

Unable to locate Chengyan, Lingxi seized the opportunity to finally leave the Peach Forest, a place her father had forbidden her from leaving since childhood, and decided to deliver the medicine to the Heavenly Palace herself. Upon reaching the South Gate of Heaven, Lingxi was immediately stopped by the guards, who informed her that entry was restricted to those with invitations for the ongoing conferment ceremony of the God of Heavenly Thunder.

Despite her protests and mentioning her father, Le Bo, as an Immortal Doctor, the guards denied her entry, claiming they had never heard of him and warned her against causing a ruckus. Frustrated, Lingxi leaned against a nearby spiritual tree, which instantly crumbled into ash, drawing the attention of the guards. Seizing the distraction, Lingxi slipped past them and entered the Heavenly Palace. Inside, the Heavenly Palace buzzed with immortals awaiting the conferment ceremony.

Lingxi overheard Star Lord Siming and Daoist Immortal Peng discussing the God of Heavenly Thunder's trial, which required him to withstand nine bolts of heavenly lightning on the Purple Cloud Platform. Curious, Lingxi asked who the God of Heavenly Thunder was. High God Yunfeng, appearing nearby, playfully pointed out the 'most tanned and ugliest' figure in the hall.

Lingxi, comparing him to the valiant image of the God of War from her books, silently questioned how such a person could become a God of War, agreeing with High God Yunfeng's assessment. High God Yunfeng seemed amused by her candor and good foresight, but Lingxi quickly spotted Heavenly Soldiers searching the area. Hastily handing the medicine bottle to High God Yunfeng, she asked him to deliver it to High Immortal Liu Yun, then swiftly made her escape.

Lingxi's frantic dash led the Heavenly Soldiers on a chase. As she tried to evade them, she was injured, causing her to fall into a vast sea. She blindly fled into a nearby icy structure. The pursuing Heavenly Soldiers, however, halted at the entrance, recognizing the place as the Immortal Sea's Ice Palace Hall, a forbidden resting place for Heavenly deities. Fearing severe punishment for trespassing into such a sacred area, they decided to return and report the incident.

Inside the desolate Ice Palace Hall, Lingxi stumbled upon a man covered in ice, seemingly meditating. Startled, she apologized for disturbing his peace, but noticed he wasn't breathing. Upon closer inspection, she discovered an Immortal knot clasped tightly in his hand. As she brushed away the ice from it, a wisp of spiritual energy emerged and entered the man's body. To her astonishment, the man slowly opened his eyes.

Terrified, Lingxi blurted out a series of blustering threats, claiming to be formidable and backed by ten thousand Heavenly Soldiers, warning him not to move before promising to return with her own magical weapon to fight him. She then turned and fled. The man, revealed to be Jiuchen, ignored her, focusing instead on melting the surrounding ice with his magic and summoning his Kunwu Sword from the Polar Abyss.

Meanwhile, on the Purple Cloud Platform, the God of Heavenly Thunder was enduring the eighth bolt of heavenly lightning when, to the shock of all present, the Heaven-Devouring Beast suddenly appeared. It had long been sealed near the South Gate of Heaven, and its unsealing was inexplicable. The God of Heavenly Thunder, seeing an opportunity to assert his power despite his ongoing trial, proudly declared he would handle the beast himself and pursued it.

As he fought, a swift streak of light crossed the sky—High God Yunfeng recognized it as his Senior Brother Jiuchen's Kunwu Sword. The Heaven-Devouring Beast led the chase to Dark Capital Mountain, where it encountered the fleeing Lingxi. Lingxi, still disoriented, questioned if she was dreaming upon seeing the beast again, and then realized many immortals were pursuing her. As she tried to evade falling rocks, the beast unexpectedly protected her, helping her to safety.

The pursuing God of Heavenly Thunder, witnessing this interaction, mistakenly concluded Lingxi was an accomplice of the demonic beast. Lingxi attempted to explain, but a confrontation erupted. Lingxi, no match for the Heavenly Soldiers, was quickly apprehended. As the God of Heavenly Thunder began to falter against the Heaven-Devouring Beast, Jiuchen, clad in white, appeared in a flash, effortlessly subduing the monstrous creature. All present watched in awe and reverence.

Back in the Peach Forest, Qingyao, upon returning, swiftly tied up Chengyan for failing to watch over Lingxi. She then rushed to wake a still-slumbering Le Bo, frantically informing him that Lingxi had been captured by the Heavenly Race for trespassing into the Heavenly Palace, and had even mistakenly entered the Immortal Sea. Alarmed, Le Bo and Qingyao immediately set off for the Heavenly Palace to rescue her.

In the Heavenly Palace, the Heavenly Emperor expressed his delight at Jiuchen's return after fifty thousand years of slumber, recalling how Jiuchen's spirit had been gravely wounded during the battle at Dark Capital Mountain. The God of Heavenly Thunder, still seething from his failed heavenly trial, quickly asserted that Lingxi's unknown origins and intimacy with the Heaven-Devouring Beast proved her to be a Demon Tribe spy, demanding her severe punishment.

High God Yunfeng subtly taunted the God of Heavenly Thunder about Jiuchen's easy defeat of the beast, further irritating him. The Heavenly Emperor, however, first questioned Lingxi about entering the Immortal Sea's Ice Palace Hall, a forbidden zone, which she denied. He then turned to Jiuchen, asking if he had seen her there. Jiuchen, to everyone's surprise, falsely claimed he had not.

The God of Heavenly Thunder persisted, suggesting that the Heaven-Devouring Beast's unsealing, Jiuchen's awakening, and Lingxi's trespass were all a meticulously planned conspiracy by the Demon Tribe, requesting to interrogate Lingxi himself. Just then, Le Bo, accompanied by Qingyao, burst into the hall. Hearing the suggestion of severe punishment for his daughter, he became indignant, questioning if the Heavenly Emperor intended for the Phoenix Bird Tribe to become extinct.

He passionately recounted how his tribe, once a powerful divine race of the Nine Heavens, had bravely fought the Demon Tribe during the ancient war, suffering immense casualties and subsequently declining. He expressed his disdain that the South Gate of Heaven, once accessible to them, had become an insurmountable barrier for his descendants. The Heavenly Emperor, now aware of Lingxi's identity, assured Le Bo that he would no longer punish her.

However, the God of Heavenly Thunder continued to press the issue of Lingxi's unnatural closeness with the Heaven-Devouring Beast. Le Bo, ever the eloquent one, retorted that his beautiful daughter could charm anyone, even a mythical beast with spiritual intelligence, suggesting the beast's affection was simply a natural admiration for beauty.

He then chastised the God of Heavenly Thunder for his lack of understanding and mismanagement of the South Gate of Heaven, pointedly remarking that Jiuchen, if he were still alive, would be appalled by their incompetence. Jiuchen then stepped forward, interrupting Le Bo’s rant. Le Bo, utterly dumbfounded by Jiuchen's presence, attempted to take his pulse, questioning how Jiuchen could possibly be alive after being presumed long dead.

Jiuchen explained that he had been severely wounded and had slept in the Immortal Sea for over fifty thousand years, and his spirit had not yet fully recovered. He proposed that Lingxi, having crossed paths with him, possessed a certain destiny with him and requested to keep her by his side for a period as an intelligent and medically skilled attendant.

Le Bo vehemently refused, exaggerating Lingxi's lack of medical knowledge and immortal magic, calling her a 'useless good-for-nothing' with a bad temper and even claiming she suffered from an incurable illness that made her bite people like a mad dog. Jiuchen, seeing through Le Bo’s transparent attempts to deter him, calmly questioned if there was some hidden reason for his strong objections.

Le Bo, regaining some composure, proudly stated that while the Phoenix Bird Tribe may have declined, his daughter was not to be treated as just any servant. The Heavenly Emperor, allowing Lingxi to make her own decision, asked her directly if she would be willing to serve as God of War Jiuchen's attendant and care for his health. Without hesitation, Lingxi, eager to experience the world outside the Peach Forest, eagerly agreed, much to Le Bo's dismay.

Episode 2 Recap

Returning to the Heavenly Palace, Jiuchen was filled with profound emotions; though fifty thousand years had passed, the war at Dark Capital Mountain felt as recent as yesterday. As he pondered, Lingxi, bursting with excitement, chattered away, thrilled to be by her idol's side, out of Peach Forest, and free from her father's strictures. Jiuchen, seemingly ignoring her, proceeded to his sleeping chamber. At the entrance to Fuyun Hall, Jiuchen paused.

Lingxi eagerly stepped forward to open the door, but it swung open on its own to reveal Shisan, a vividly dressed figure. Shisan was ecstatic to see Jiuchen, who hesitated, not recognizing the person. Shisan then explained that he was formerly known as Shishan, but fifty thousand years of galactic change had brought about some "slight alterations." Shisan asserted that he had always believed Jiuchen would return and had kept watch over the hall day and night.

Despite fifty thousand years having passed and many familiar faces gone, Fuyun Hall appeared untouched. Shisan noted that even the Dawn-Dusk Tree in the courtyard had ceased its growth and vital breath, as if all things had been awaiting Jiuchen's return. Jiuchen informed Shisan that his primary purpose for returning was recuperation.

He instructed Shisan to refuse unnecessary visitors and to ensure that Lingxi, whom he described as merely a naughty junior immortal from the lower realm, was properly taught the rules now that she was a maidservant in Fuyun Hall. Lingxi's cheerful demeanor instantly crumbled upon hearing this. Le Bo and Qingyao arrived, concerned for Lingxi. Le Bo, though sharp-tongued, harbored deep worries.

He gave Lingxi a spiritual stone necklace, stressing its immense importance and insisting she keep it on her at all times. Lingxi reluctantly accepted. Once they departed, Lingxi celebrated the start of her new life, but Shisan quickly dampened her spirits. Shisan explained that while the Nine Heavens were vast, they were also bound by countless rules. Despite Jiuchen being the third most important figure after the Heavenly Emperor and the Heavenly Supreme Lord, their status as maidservants was negligible.

As they conversed, High Immortal Yunfeng arrived with Kaiyang and Hanzhang, two of Jiuchen's former guards, and several other officials, to pay their respects. Kaiyang and Hanzhang were overjoyed at Jiuchen's return, stating that after the great battle between gods and demons at Dark Capital Mountain, peace had prevailed across the four seas, and they had been assigned military duties in the Heavenly Palace. Jiuchen inquired about his former comrades and their families.

They reported that Yuanzheng's position was now held by his younger sister, Yuan Tong, who had gained high standing in the military. They also informed him that Zhuxie's entire tribe had perished in the war, leaving no descendants. Hearing this, the already silent Jiuchen grew even more withdrawn.

Yunfeng, curious about how Jiuchen, whose immortal soul had been severely damaged and vitality lost, could suddenly awaken, was then told by Jiuchen that Lingxi had trespassed into the Immortal Sea and woken him. Jiuchen confessed his greater fear: if Lingxi could awaken him, could she also awaken the sealed Demon Tribe, or even the Demon Lord himself? This was why he kept her close.

Afterward, Kaiyang and Hanzhang recounted the events that transpired since Jiuchen's disappearance after the Dark Capital Mountain war. Later, when they were alone, Yunfeng questioned Jiuchen about keeping the "little danbird" by his side. Jiuchen stated that Lingxi's exact manner of entering the Immortal Sea was less important than the fact that this "unremarkable" little danbird had awakened him.

He reasoned that if she could awaken him, then the sealed demon beasts could also be in danger, and Lingxi's identity was indeed suspicious. Learning from Yunfeng that the Heavenly Supreme Lord had been in seclusion since Jiuchen's presumed death, Jiuchen felt a surge of guilt. The God of Heavenly Thunder had been despondent since his deity-conferring ceremony was interrupted.

His attendants, Ziguang and Fangsheng, commiserated with him, expressing outrage that the Heavenly Emperor had not even mentioned the matter, despite it being a pre-arranged event. Though the God of Heavenly Thunder outwardly rebuked them for their insolence, he harbored deep resentment.

Ziguang lamented that while Jiuchen was valiant in battle, it was the God of Heavenly Thunder who had shouldered the burden fifty thousand years ago, pacifying various tribes and aiding the wounded, and had since managed the Heavenly Race meticulously. The God of Heavenly Thunder, deeming Ziguang's words too presumptuous, chastised him, asserting that even if Jiuchen had erred, it was not his place to comment.

Fangsheng swiftly changed the subject, suggesting that Jiuchen's awakening was highly unusual, especially coinciding with the Heaven-Devouring Beast's escape. He implied that Lingxi, the junior immortal who trespassed into the Immortal Sea and was suspiciously close to the Heaven-Devouring Beast, must be a Demon Tribe remnant. The God of Heavenly Thunder fully agreed with Fangsheng, especially considering Lingxi was merely a junior immortal.

He immediately ordered Fangsheng to seize Lingxi and personally interrogated her on the Purple Cloud Platform with severe torture. Lingxi vehemently denied any wrongdoing, but the God of Heavenly Thunder refused to believe her. Just as he instructed Ziguang to continue whipping her, Jiuchen appeared, demanding if the God of Heavenly Thunder intended to defy the Heavenly Emperor's orders. Silenced, the God of Heavenly Thunder could only watch as Jiuchen took Lingxi away.

Qingyao arrived to treat Jiuchen, and seeing Lingxi injured, she applied medicine to her as well. Lingxi inquired about Jiuchen's injuries and, learning that he had further depleted his vitality to save her, felt a deep sense of guilt. Mustering her courage, she went into Jiuchen's inner hall to thank him. However, as she stepped inside, the Kunwu Sword suddenly appeared, pointing directly at her.

Jiuchen asked why she did not evade it, and Lingxi bravely stated that despite her fear, she trusted he would not harm her. Jiuchen then demanded the Lifelong Knot she had taken from him that day. Lingxi playfully claimed she might have lost it, but Jiuchen instantly saw through her lie, giving her ten days to retrieve it, or else he would send her back to the God of Heavenly Thunder.

After Lingxi left, Jiuchen instructed Shisan to keep Lingxi under close surveillance and report her every move. Lingxi, annoyed by Jiuchen's insistence on getting the knot back, stubbornly decided not to return it. At that moment, Shisan entered and instructed Lingxi to immediately move into her room. Lingxi firmly refused, citing the impropriety of men and women sharing quarters, having mistakenly assumed Shisan was male based on Jiuchen calling her "Shishan" (her previous male name as a merman soldier).

Shisan then explained that "Shishan" was her former male name, but now she was Shisan, and then moved into Lingxi's room instead. Shisan kept a vigilant eye on Lingxi all day, even through the night. In the middle of the night, Lingxi was awakened by Shisan's snoring. She attempted to use a spell to seal Shisan's mouth but was almost injured by Shisan's protective trident.

The day's events—being inexplicably whipped by the God of Heavenly Thunder, and then being monitored despite saving Jiuchen—left Lingxi feeling deeply wronged and upset. As her sense of injustice grew, Lingxi decided to leave. However, she found a layer of frost had formed in the main hall corridor. Following the ice, she arrived at Jiuchen's inner hall, discovering the entire room was frozen. Jiuchen, like the day in the Immortal Sea, was completely covered in ice, unable to consume medicine.

In a moment of urgency, Lingxi desperately used her inner power to expel the cold from Jiuchen. As Jiuchen gradually thawed, Lingxi, exhausted, collapsed powerlessly into his arms. Outside, a voice, seemingly that of the Demon Lord, echoed, questioning Jiuchen's past act of personally slaying one hundred thousand Heavenly Soldiers, asking how such an action differed from that of a demon. Lingxi, feeling confined and watched by her father at home and now by Jiuchen, wondered if there was any place for her in the vast Four Seas and Eight Wildernesses.

Episode 3 Recap

Lingxi remained unconscious after exhausting her vital energy to save Jiuchen, and cold air had entered her body. Qingyao, the medical officer, advised against moving Lingxi, stating she would wake naturally and was not in grave danger. However, Jiuchen’s condition was severe; he had suffered from the cold in the Immortal Sea for fifty thousand years. Qingyao prescribed regular baths in the Clear Heavenly Spring and a perpetually burning fire of Endless Wood in Fuyun Hall to dispel the cold.

She chastised Jiuchen for neglecting her advice and recklessly using his immortal powers, asserting that without Lingxi's intervention, he would have returned to a deep slumber in the Immortal Sea. Yunfeng volunteered to retrieve the Endless Wood, which Qingyao described as a magical wood from Mount Kunlun, capable of burning day and night without being extinguished by storms.

She explained that it originally grew on the Fiery Volcano south of Kunlun, but Yunfeng himself, after getting drunk fifty thousand years ago, had caused a flood that submerged vast lands, including the Endless Wood. She suggested checking the Chiyan Cave, Bifang’s dwelling west of the Weak River, but warned of the thousands of fire crows residing there. Yunfeng, undeterred, set off immediately, instructing the medical officer to care for Jiuchen.

Lingxi woke up in Jiuchen’s bed, confused and sore, wondering if Jiuchen had hurt her in her sleep. Shisan, Lingxi’s colleague, searched for her anxiously. Upon seeing Lingxi emerge from Jiuchen’s room, Shisan quickly checked if she was harmed, believing a demon tribe thief had infiltrated Fuyun Hall. Lingxi, oblivious to the implications, innocently explained she had slept in Jiuchen’s room last night.

This revelation spread like wildfire among the palace maids, fueling rumors that the God of War had taken in a small immortal maid. Lingxi received numerous gifts from strangers, and even Kaiyang and Hanzhang visited her, presenting her with a Wind-Stilling Bead and a Nine-Times-Refined Golden Pellet, a powerful medicinal pellet. Meanwhile, Yuan Tong, Yuanzheng’s sister, returned to the Heavenly Palace.

She was now the leader of the Four Great War Generals, a position she inherited after her brother, a loyal guard of Jiuchen, perished in the Dark Capital Mountain battle. Yuan Tong held deep admiration for Jiuchen and wished to pay her respects. However, her grandmother, Old Madam Yuan, was displeased, reminding Yuan Tong that Tianlei Zhenjun was now considered the new God of War, as Jiuchen had slept for fifty thousand years.

The Old Madam expressed her bitterness that Jiuchen had not once visited the Yuan Clan to mourn the three thousand disciples who died under his command, condemning him as “stone-hearted” and “affectionless.” She sternly cautioned Yuan Tong that her every action was scrutinized, and she must be careful not to jeopardize the Yuan Clan’s honor and future, given the uncertainty surrounding Jiuchen’s return to his former position. Jiuchen later visited the Yuan Clan but hesitated before their ancestral temple.

Yuan Tong, surprised and pleased, greeted him. Jiuchen praised her ability to lead the army in the Northern Seas, acknowledging the difficulties women faced in the military, and offered his assistance should she encounter any problems. Yuan Tong then congratulated him on taking in an immortal maid, remarking on his seemingly more amiable demeanor since waking. Jiuchen’s expression darkened as he realized the source of the rumors.

He confronted Lingxi back in Fuyun Hall, who innocently confessed to telling others she had slept in his bedchamber, believing she was simply stating the truth and that others were overthinking it. She even compared it to her frequent sleepovers in Chengyan’s room in the Peach Forest, which her father never minded.

Jiuchen reprimanded her for her disregard for her reputation, but Lingxi retorted that her father had taught her to ignore gossip if her conscience was clear, and she saw no disadvantage in being associated with him. Exasperated, Jiuchen angrily told her to leave. Lingxi, however, reminded him that he still owed her thanks for saving him from his cold illness, dismissing it as a small matter, and advised him to rest and take his medicine.

Later, Yuan Tong was lost in thought, holding a letter from her deceased brother, unaware of Duyu’s entrance. Duyu informed her he had just reported to Tianlei Zhenjun. Yuan Tong questioned Tianlei Zhenjun still holding the acting God of War position, believing Jiuchen should reclaim it.

Duyu, however, argued that Jiuchen had just awakened, his health was still recovering, and he hadn't commanded an army for fifty thousand years, so it would take time for him to fully resume his duties. He added that the decision of the God of War's position was beyond their concern. Meanwhile, Yunfeng arrived at Chiyan Cave. He entered and immediately spotted the Endless Wood. He engaged in a prolonged battle with Bifang and its fire crows, eventually driving them away.

Qingyao then arrived and casually took just one piece of the wood, explaining that "Endless Wood," by its very nature, was inexhaustible, and one piece was sufficient. When Yunfeng reminded her that she had previously said “the more, the better,” she feigned forgetfulness. Realizing he had been played, Yunfeng wondered if he had somehow offended her in their mere three encounters.

Qingyao simply dismissed his concerns, stating she was a lowly sprite with no interactions with a High God like him, before leaving to check on Jiuchen. Back at Fuyun Hall, Qingyao lit the Endless Wood fire and reiterated her instructions to Jiuchen: frequent baths in the Clear Heavenly Spring and refraining from using his immortal powers were crucial for managing his cold. She added that his ailment also required an open mind.

Yunfeng, still present, expressed concern about the Endless Wood fire burning unattended. Shisan offered to watch it, but Qingyao pointed out that as a merman, he preferred cold and feared heat, making the task detrimental to his health. Jiuchen, overhearing, suggested Lingxi take on the responsibility. Lingxi was overjoyed with her new task of watching the fire. Despite her enthusiasm, Jiuchen remained wary.

He considered Lingxi a crucial link to the Immortal Sea incident, yet he detected no demonic aura on her. Still, Tianlei Zhenjun’s observation that the Heaven-Devouring Beast was unusually close to her was concerning. Moreover, Medical Immortal Le Bo’s strange and seemingly fearful attitude in front of the Heavenly Emperor further piqued Jiuchen’s suspicion, prompting him to decide on an investigation into Lingxi's background in the Peach Forest.

Upon arriving at the Peach Forest, Jiuchen observed various aspects of Lingxi’s life, including a book titled "Stories of the God of War" and paintings of himself. Suddenly, Chengyan, a young fox demon and Lingxi’s junior, appeared and mistook Jiuchen for a thief, attempting to attack him. Le Bo, alerted by the commotion, quickly intervened, scolding and physically chastising Chengyan for his disrespect.

Jiuchen politely told Le Bo that Lingxi was doing well in the Heavenly Palace, then subtly tried to inquire more about her. Le Bo, however, evaded direct answers, vaguely stating that Lingxi was the result of a fleeting "one-night fling" and that he did not recall her mother. Jiuchen then commented on the unusual silence of the Peach Forest, noting the absence of bug or bird sounds.

Le Bo explained that he disliked noise and had established a barrier within a ten-li radius, which prevented mountain birds from entering. Jiuchen observed that while the barrier couldn't block a powerful God of War, it had effectively kept Lingxi confined, highlighting Le Bo’s painstaking efforts to protect his daughter. Meanwhile, in the Shanling Territory, Bifang sought an audience with State Preceptor Jingxiu, complaining that High God Yunfeng had occupied his Chiyan Cave and driven away his followers.

Jingxiu dismissed Bifang’s plea, stating that since Bifang himself had originally taken the cave from others, its loss was merely karma. Upon learning that Yunfeng had taken the cave for Endless Wood, Jingxiu surmised that Jiuchen's condition after fifty millennia in the Immortal Sea was likely not good. He then inquired about Zhonghao, a Heavenly Race general and descendant of Lieyi who had incited an uprising and was exiled to the Shanling Territory.

Chibi, a subordinate, reported that Zhonghao had escaped into the Innumerable Great Peaks, and their men had lost him. Chibi emphasized that they were only permitted to confine and supervise Lieyi’s descendants, not to kill or execute them. Chibi lamented the declining status of the Shanling Tribe, blaming their leader for not being more involved in governance and visiting the Heavenly Palace, which had led to their tribe being treated as an exile region, even below the merfolk.

Jingxiu dismissed the complaints, reaffirming his lifelong commitment to protecting an unnamed individual who had avenged his Xuan Bird Tribe by killing Yuandu. He then ordered the Heart Assembling Nail, declaring that lamenting was useless and that the Shanling Tribe must rely on themselves to gain the Heavenly Race's respect. Jingxiu instructed Chibi to deliberately leak his whereabouts, ensuring Zhonghao knew that his opportunity had arrived.

Back at the Heavenly Palace, Shisan asked Lingxi to fetch medicine for Jiuchen from Qingyao, warning her of Qingyao’s stern demeanor. Lingxi found Yunfeng outside Qingyao’s medical cave, observing her. High Immortal Peng was inside, explaining to Qingyao how his legs had lost sensation after a three-day battle with a "jiaolong".

Yunfeng, wanting to impress, loudly recounted his four-day battle with Bifang, describing the mythical bird as incredibly ugly, causing him shock and sleepless nights, thus prompting his visit to Qingyao for a "check-up."

As High Immortal Peng spoke of a Heavenly Emperor’s decree for him to become a mountain god guardian, Qingyao proceeded with a harsh "treatment" for his legs, by "breaking and then repairing" them as the fastest way to clear clogged vessels, causing the High Immortal to scream in agony. Yunfeng, horrified, quickly excused himself, claiming urgent affairs, and left feeling "so relaxed." High Immortal Peng, in pain, protested Qingyao’s crude methods.

As Lingxi left with the medicine, she saw State Preceptor Jingxiu attempting to gain an audience with Tianlei Zhenjun, blocked by a general who demanded his purpose. Jingxiu refused to state it to the general, implying severe consequences if Tianlei Zhenjun’s urgent matters were delayed. The general reluctantly allowed him to wait. Lingxi, recognizing the general as "evil," offered to relay Jingxiu’s message. Jingxiu accepted, but Lingxi quickly refused, stating she and Tianlei Zhenjun were rivals.

Just as she prepared to leave, Tianlei Zhenjun emerged. Lingxi quickly hid, inadvertently dropping Jiuchen’s Immortal knot. Jingxiu, finding it, picked it up with an amused expression. Tianlei Zhenjun then warmly welcomed Jingxiu, apologizing for his subordinate’s behavior, and invited him inside.

Episode 4 Recap

Jingxiu presented the Heart-Assembling Nail to God of Heavenly Thunder, stating that he had sent men deep into Dark Capital Mountain and finally found it, thus completing God of Heavenly Thunder's task. Pleased, God of Heavenly Thunder invited Jingxiu to stay and drink, offering his best wine. However, Jingxiu soon excused himself, claiming urgent tribal matters. He explained that his country's Master was weak, and he had acquired an illness-preventing bead from the Old Man of South Pole Immortal.

Unfortunately, his subordinate had allowed the bead to be accidentally tainted with death qi on Dark Capital Mountain, requiring Jingxiu's immediate return to warm and nourish it with his spirit so it could be presented as a birthday gift to his ruler next month. God of Heavenly Thunder dismissed his concerns, immediately summoning Fangsheng and ordering him to find Kaiyang and have him retrieve the bead from the Spirit Bird Realm.

Jingxiu feigned modesty, suggesting Kaiyang was too important for such a minor task, but God of Heavenly Thunder insisted it would be Kaiyang's blessing to serve him. Soon after, Kaiyang received the illness-preventing bead from Chibi of the Shanling Tribe. Chibi insisted on escorting Kaiyang, explaining that an enchanted barrier set by ancestors in ancient times made it difficult for ordinary immortals to use their full powers within the Shanling realm. He worried Jingxiu would blame him if Kaiyang struggled.

Chibi had pre-arranged for a message to be sent out to lure Zhonghao. As Kaiyang's carriage reached the border, they were ambushed by Zhonghao and his men, who believed they were attacking Jingxiu's carriage. Zhonghao ordered his men to capture the "rebel." However, Jiuchen intervened, saving Kaiyang, who had been severely wounded in the chest by Zhonghao's Buddha Arrows. Realizing they had been tricked, Zhonghao and his group quickly retreated.

Upon learning of Kaiyang's grave injury and Jiuchen's involvement, God of Heavenly Thunder expressed his anger, attributing Zhonghao's continued existence to the Shanling ruler's gentle nature. He then offered to deal with Zhonghao himself as a repayment for the Heart-Assembling Nail, entrusting the task to Ziguang. This outcome aligned perfectly with Jingxiu's expectations. Leaving God of Heavenly Thunder's palace, Jingxiu and Chibi made their way to Fuyun Hall. Inside, Jiuchen was tending to Kaiyang's injuries.

Lingxi, observing Jiuchen, noted that his cold qi was unstable, surmising it was due to the immense energy expended in healing Kaiyang. Shisan soon announced that State Preceptor Jingxiu was requesting an audience. Jiuchen declined to see visitors and instructed Shisan to deliver the illness-preventing bead to Jingxiu. Jingxiu accepted the bead without apparent displeasure. However, upon opening the box once Shisan departed, the bead instantly disintegrated into ashes. Later that night, Jiuchen's cold illness indeed recurred.

Lingxi diligently tended to him, keeping a brazier of burning Endless Wood nearby throughout the night to combat his freezing condition. She worried intensely, recalling a dream of being thrown into a cellar. Only after Jiuchen's condition gradually stabilized did she finally fall asleep, holding onto his sleeve. Upon waking, Jiuchen remained stoic, only reminding Lingxi that it was her ninth day at Fuyun Hall.

He reiterated his ultimatum: if she failed to return his Immortal Knot by the tenth day, he would hand her over to God of Heavenly Thunder, believing that such an experience would curb her tendency to lie. Panicked, Lingxi returned to her room, ransacking it in a desperate search for the Immortal Knot, though her maid, Huayan, suggested it was not a valuable item and she could simply make another if lost.

Huayan, who was supposed to be serving in the Grand Hall, then arrived and informed Lingxi that Star Lord Siming was present, having been ordered out by Senior Deity. Lingxi, curious, inquired about Siming. Huayan explained that Siming was the main deity of Wenchang Palace, responsible for the destinies, marriages, and fortunes of mortals.

She gossiped that Siming was once a mortal named Han Xin, who, through a stroke of luck, became a disciple of Senior Deity Xianchang and ascended to godhood after several hundred years of cultivation. Huayan added that Wenchang Palace's duties were arduous and never-ending, as they oversaw all aspects of mortal life, making advancement in cultivation difficult, hence most immortals avoided the position.

Meanwhile, Siming explained to Jiuchen that Jingxiu, the State Preceptor of the Shanling Tribe, hailed from the Xuan Bird Tribe, a lineage known for producing skilled tacticians who traditionally aided the Shanling monarchs. However, fifty thousand years ago, during the reign of the previous State Master Yuandu, the Xuan Bird Tribe plotted a rebellion, which was ultimately exposed by the Xuan Bird Tribe Leader's own son—Jingxiu.

Siming revealed that Jingxiu not only betrayed his father but also swore a blood pact to assist the Royal Phoenix Clan, thereby securing his survival at Yuandu's hands. Millennia later, after Yuandu's death from a Heavenly Tribulation, the throne passed to his daughter, Lingyue, and Jingxiu, adhering to tradition, assumed the role of State Preceptor, assisting Lingyue to this day. Siming noted that Lingyue showed little interest in state affairs, entrusting all important matters to Jingxiu.

Despite being praised by the Heavenly Emperor for his loyalty, Jingxiu was not well-regarded by others due to his betrayal and never attended Heavenly Palace banquets. Siming also clarified that Zhonghao was Lieyi's posthumous son, born in the Shanling realm. Like his father, Zhonghao was violent and undisciplined, having led his tribespeople into hiding within the Innumerable Great Peaks. Siming recounted an earlier encounter where he let Zhonghao off, only for him to grow bolder and incite rebellion.

Siming concluded that Jingxiu's outwardly low-profile but internally iron-fisted rule clashed with Zhonghao's arrogant and unbridled nature, forging a deadly enmity between them. Kaiyang directly questioned Jiuchen about whether he suspected Jingxiu's involvement in the recent ambush. Jiuchen, without confirming, warned them that Jingxiu was extremely calculating and scheming, advising them to exercise caution in future interactions with him.

He also pointed out that many notable figures had emerged in the Six Realms during his fifty-millennia-long slumber, implying Jingxiu might not be as significant as he seemed. Suddenly, Yunfeng burst in, exclaiming in disbelief that God of Heavenly Thunder had taken the initiative to approach the Heavenly Emperor to arrange a grand welcome banquet for Jiuchen, inviting all prominent immortals from the Six Realms. Yunfeng expressed concern, suspecting a sinister plot behind God of Heavenly Thunder's unprecedented actions.

However, Jiuchen calmly asserted that what was destined to come would inevitably arrive, and it was better to face it directly. On the day of the banquet, the Heavenly Palace was bustling with activity, with renowned immortals from all corners of the Six Realms gathered. The Fuyun Hall maids gossiped about the numerous female immortals present, many of whom were clearly there for Jiuchen, including Fairy Yuli, the Lord of Heavenly Medicine's daughter.

Unconcerned with the gossip, Lingxi continued her frantic search for the Immortal Knot. Shisan, finding her still searching, instructed her to stop and deliver Jiuchen's medicine to him at the approaching banquet. Upon arrival, a young immortal maid mistakenly assumed Lingxi was a guest and insisted she take a seat, ultimately placing her next to Fairy Yuli. Fairy Yuli, captivated by Jiuchen's presence, expressed her excitement about seeing him again after many years.

The Heavenly Emperor soon arrived, officially commencing the banquet. Fairy Yuli, noticing Lingxi's intense gaze on Jiuchen, asked if she knew him. Lingxi admitted to being merely curious. Fairy Yuli then shared her own cautionary tale, revealing that a single curious glance at Jiuchen years ago had led to her own lifelong regret, and sternly advised Lingxi not to harbor such aspirations, as Jiuchen was beyond the reach of junior immortals like them.

Meanwhile, Ziguang aggressively approached Jiuchen to offer a toast, provocatively mentioning the Heavenly Soldiers who had perished at Dark Capital Mountain and Jiuchen being the sole survivor. Yunfeng, observing Ziguang's insolence, immediately retaliated by bringing up Ziguang's past blunder during a previous moon eclipse: how Ziguang's month-long drunkenness after consuming 20,000-year-old wine from Western Seas Laozu's underground palace had allowed a Formless Beast to escape, leading to the death of 2,000 Heavenly Soldiers under his command.

As Ziguang became enraged, Yunfeng slapped him, calmly stating that Ziguang was not worthy of speaking his name. To de-escalate the escalating tension, Siming and High Immortal Peng deliberately caused a commotion nearby, creating a much-needed diversion. Lingxi, having witnessed the tense confrontation, grew concerned for Jiuchen's health, knowing he had over-exerted himself healing Kaiyang and was now drinking. She discretely approached Jiuchen from behind and handed him his medicine, urging him to drink less alcohol.

Jiuchen, displeased by her public display, quietly instructed her to return to her seat. At that moment, God of Heavenly Thunder seized the opportunity, stepping forward to address the Heavenly Emperor. He declared that after years of fruitless searching for relics from the devastating and mysterious battle at Dark Capital Mountain, he had finally found a valuable item: Yuanzheng's Heart-Assembling Nail. Yuantong immediately recognized it as her elder brother's cherished possession, and Old Madam Yuan wept at the sight.

Suddenly, the Heart-Assembling Nail flew erratically into the air. Jiuchen instantly moved to shield the Heavenly Emperor, while Lingxi, worried for Jiuchen, also stepped forward to assist. Together, they managed to subdue the wayward artifact, but Jiuchen's hand immediately became covered in a layer of frost, a sign of his recurring cold ailment. Lingxi, seeing this, discreetly channeled her spiritual power to help alleviate his condition.

God of Heavenly Thunder, far from being surprised by the Heart-Assembling Nail's erratic behavior, appeared pleased. He audaciously suggested that because the nail, Yuanzheng's natal treasure, attacked Jiuchen, it implied a hidden conflict between Jiuchen and Yuanzheng during their lives. Yuantong vehemently interjected, affirming that her brother Yuanzheng deeply respected Jiuchen, viewing him as a father figure, and Jiuchen, in turn, considered Yuanzheng his indispensable right-hand man.

Yunfeng quickly offered a plausible explanation, attributing the nail's anomaly to the chaotic, death-infused, and demon-laden environment of Dark Capital Mountain, where it had lain for fifty millennia. However, God of Heavenly Thunder persisted in his accusations, demanding to know why the nail targeted only Jiuchen and no other immortals. He then directly challenged Jiuchen, publicly asking if Yuanzheng and the one hundred thousand Heavenly Soldiers had truly perished at Jiuchen's hands during the battle fifty thousand years ago.

Old Madam Yuan, fueled by years of grief, also stepped forward, asking why her Heavenly Tribe warriors, whose bodies should remain uncorrupted and souls intact after death, had vanished completely in the Dark Capital Mountain battle. She questioned why all the subordinate generals died, yet Jiuchen, their commander, alone survived and had mysteriously awoken after fifty millennia of slumber in the Immortal Sea. Jiuchen, burdened by grief and a sense of duty, finally responded.

He explained that in the Battle of Gods and Demons, he and the Heavenly Soldiers fought shoulder-to-shoulder, trapping the Demon Lord and the Demon Tribe in Dark Capital Mountain. The Demon Tribe then sacrificed their flesh and souls to empower the Demon Lord, unleashing his immense power.

To overcome this, the one hundred thousand Heavenly Soldiers, with his permission, made the ultimate sacrifice: they burned their own immortal souls, fighting to the death, to finally vanquish the Demon Lord beneath Dark Capital Mountain. When Old Madam Yuan pressed for tangible proof, Jiuchen proudly declared that his word alone served as the undeniable basis for his account.

Before she could press further, the Heavenly Emperor intervened, asserting his full trust in Jiuchen's words and warning Old Madam Yuan against further accusations in the Heavenly Palace, then dismissed Jiuchen to rest.

Episode 5 Recap

Upon returning to Fuyun Hall, Jiuchen remained dispirited. Lingxi, knowing he had suffered an onset of the cold ailment, promptly prepared tea and a hand warmer. She chattered relentlessly, aiming to comfort him. Lingxi recounted how she felt important walking out of the Grand Hall holding Jiuchen’s hand, noting the jealous stares of other female immortals.

She then launched into a detailed explanation about the various coveted divine posts in the Heavenly Palace, from the Smallpox God to the multiple Plague Gods, asserting that people everywhere scramble for wealth and high positions. Expressing her fury over Jiuchen being falsely accused, she declared her wish to beat up "that old Tianlei Zhenjun" and "that old Yuan woman." Seeing her passionate defense, Jiuchen finally smiled.

Old Madam Yuan, dissatisfied with the outcome, returned home enraged and vented her frustration on Yuan Tong. She accused Yuan Tong of caring only for Jiuchen, rather than her own mother, her deceased elder brother, or the Yuan Clan. Yuan Tong argued that her brother’s death was an unavoidable casualty of war and not Jiuchen’s fault, especially since her brother, Yuanzheng, had served under Senior Deity and was highly valued by him.

However, Old Madam Yuan stubbornly questioned how an entire army could perish with only its general surviving, leaving no souls or skeletons. She believed Jiuchen had merely hidden in the Immortal Sea for fifty thousand years and was still protected by the Heavenly Emperor, but his true nature would eventually be exposed. She forbade Yuan Tong from defending Jiuchen further, threatening to bar her from the Yuan family’s door if she persisted.

Distraught, Yuan Tong went to the Yuan Clan’s ancestral temple and reread a letter from her late brother, Yuanzheng. As Yuan Tong approached Fuyun Hall, Duyu stopped her. He understood her internal conflict and dilemma. He acknowledged that the letter could prove Senior Deity’s innocence, but he warned that while Senior Deity could bear the consequences, the Yuan Clan could not; they might face exile to a savage region like the Lieyi tribe, never to recover.

He questioned if Yuan Tong, her mother, her tribe’s disciples, or future generations could endure such a fate, adding that she would never see Senior Deity again if she revealed the truth. Duyu suggested that Senior Deity’s silence was a deliberate choice to protect Yuanzheng’s posthumous reputation and the Yuan Clan’s centuries-old foundation and good name, knowing that the Yuan Clan could not bear the fallout.

Yuanzheng’s letter revealed that he had felt increasingly anxious and murderous while eliminating demons, suspecting he had been tricked and bewitched by the Demon Tribe. He stated that if he became unable to control himself, he would request Senior Deity to end his predicament to prevent bringing humiliation to their clan. After careful consideration, Yuan Tong burned the letter in Duyu’s presence. Meanwhile, Ling Yue learned that the Heavenly Race intended to intervene and eliminate Zhonghao.

She expressed compassion, noting that Zhonghao’s people were fundamentally good and should not be punished for their ancestor’s crime. She asked Jing Xiu, her State Preceptor, to intercede with the Heavenly Emperor and the God of War on Zhonghao’s behalf. Jing Xiu questioned if offending the Heavenly Tribe for Zhonghao was worthwhile.

Ling Yue countered that Zhonghao’s ancestor was once a part of the God of War’s tribe, implying Jiuchen might not wish to kill Zhonghao, and even if Zhonghao were to die, his clan should not be unjustly implicated. Jing Xiu agreed to mediate. Ling Yue then expressed concern for Jing Xiu’s health, observing that his stagnant cultivation might be due to overwork, and advised him to rest and take care of his body.

As Jing Xiu took his leave, an Immortal Knot accidentally fell from his sleeve onto the ground. Ling Yue’s composure shattered upon seeing it. She recalled a past event where she and her husband, Mohuan, were being pursued with their infant daughter. Mohuan had urged her to flee with the child while he diverted their pursuers.

Ling Yue, unable to abandon her husband, left their daughter in a safe place, placing the Immortal Knot into her baby’s swaddling clothes before leaving to find Mohuan. The Immortal Knot Jing Xiu had dropped was identical to the one she had left with her child. Ling Yue was deeply troubled, wondering if Jing Xiu had deceived her and if her child was still alive, especially since the incident mirrored her dreams.

The Heavenly Emperor, discussing the matter with Lord Baishanxian, expressed his unwavering trust in Jiuchen, having watched him grow up. However, he acknowledged that without an explanation, it was difficult to convince others, and Jiuchen would have to bear the consequences of his choice to remain silent.

The Heavenly Emperor then revealed his deeper concern: the re-emergence of a heavy demonic aura on Dark Capital Mountain and the unsealing of the Heaven-Devouring Beast, which seemed connected to Jiuchen’s sudden awakening after fifty thousand years of slumber in the Immortal Sea. He resolved to investigate any link between Jiuchen’s awakening and the Demon Lord, vowing to eliminate anyone involved with demons who brought disaster upon the common people.

As the ten-day deadline approached, Lingxi had not found Jiuchen’s Immortal Knot. She attempted to weave a new one based on her memory, though her initial attempt was quite ugly. Huayan offered to teach her, and Lingxi admitted the knot was a gift for someone. Huayan, teasing Lingxi about having a crush, revealed her own past as a mortal, born in a palace to a guard and a maid.

Spared by the Empress, she lived in the palace, finding it restrictive and full of serving others. She later met her Respected Teacher, who taught her immortal magic. After three thousand years of cultivation, she transformed from an Earth Immortal to a Heavenly Immortal and came to Fuyun Hall. Lingxi humorously pointed out that Huayan had simply moved from one palace to another, transitioning from serving mortals to serving immortals, and weaving for mortals to weaving for immortals.

Huayan countered that the difference lay in her vastly extended lifespan, now able to live for thousands of years. Later, Shisan, unimpressed by Lingxi’s attempt, called it merely an "Immortal lump" or "Immortal knot of thread." Lingxi insisted that a knot crafted by her own hands, though perhaps not beautiful, possessed unique and profound significance due to her sincerity. Jiuchen’s reputation had plummeted after the banquet, leading to a decline in Fuyun Hall’s treatment.

When immortal maids went to procure supplies like Purple Spirit Scent, Understanding Dao Tea, Green Jade Ginseng, and Hundred Immortals, they were often met with excuses or told the person in charge was absent. Shisan, frustrated by the disdain and mockery Fuyun Hall now faced, tried to confront those responsible, but Lingxi reminded her to control her temper. They decided to go themselves.

Lingxi observed how quickly people who once fawned over Fuyun Hall had turned hostile at the first sign of rumors. During their unsuccessful errand, Lingxi encountered an immortal maid carrying a small, skinny mortal puppy. The maid explained that a playful Qingluan from Wanling Park had brought the puppy from the mortal realm, and since it was too timid for the divine beasts, it was intended as food for them.

Lingxi, feeling pity, asked to adopt the puppy, naming him Xiao Bai. Another immortal commented on Xiao Bai’s lack of spiritual aura and meager size, suggesting it was barely edible, but Lingxi firmly stated she had rescued it to care for it, not for consumption. That night, Lingxi tied Xiao Bai near the stairs, but by morning, he was gone. After searching, she discovered Xiao Bai inside Senior Deity’s room.

Lingxi explained the situation, and Jiuchen did not blame her, simply advising her to take full responsibility if she chose to raise him. Lingxi assured him that despite the rumors, she believed him to be a good deity. Lingxi continued to diligently practice weaving the Immortal Knot as Huayan had taught her. One day, after finally completing a knot, she temporarily placed it in a basket when she was called away.

In her absence, the mischievous Xiao Bai knocked over the basket, getting tangled in the thread and the newly woven Immortal Knot. Xiao Bai then trotted into Senior Deity’s room and urinated on his shoes. Jiuchen, finding the situation both annoying and amusing, summoned Lingxi. Lingxi admitted her pet’s misbehavior and offered to take the punishment herself. Jiuchen sentenced her to clean the Grand Hall for an entire month without using any immortal magic.

He then noticed the tangled, newly woven Immortal Knot. Recognizing it was a fake, Jiuchen asked about it. Lingxi, unable to deceive him, confessed that the true Immortal Knot had been lost, despite her having searched every corner of Fuyun Hall.

Episode 6 Recap

Lingxi diligently cleaned Fuyun Hall while Shisan idly ate seeds nearby. As Lingxi wiped a table, she noticed a peculiar ornament and learned from Shisan that it was a totem of the Lieyi Tribe. Shisan explained that Lieyi was once a fierce general serving under Jiuchen, and their tribe's influence in the Heavenly Palace surpassed even that of the current Yuan Clan. However, Lieyi was eventually bewitched by demons, leading him to commit numerous murders before Jiuchen personally executed him.

The Heavenly Emperor then removed the immortal bones of Lieyi's tribesmen and exiled them to the Shanling Territory, forbidding them from ever returning to the Heavenly Race's lands. Jiuchen, cherishing old connections, had kept the totem. Lingxi expressed deep sympathy for their plight, openly disagreeing with the Heavenly Race's rule of punishing an entire family for the crime of one individual.

Meanwhile, Tianlei Zhenjun sought an audience with the Heavenly Emperor, formally requesting that the God of War's seal be reclaimed. He stated that since Jiuchen's return, his continued command of the seal and Heavenly Soldiers was unjustified. Tianlei had hoped this gesture would compel the Heavenly Emperor to give him a favorable concession.

However, to his surprise, the Heavenly Emperor readily agreed, not only instructing Tianlei to personally return the seal to Jiuchen but also emphasizing the importance of harmony between the two, stating that their peace would bring peace to all Six Realms. Tianlei Zhenjun left enraged by the unexpected turn of events, feeling forced to humble himself before Jiuchen.

His frustration was somewhat alleviated upon learning that most of Zhonghao's tribesmen had been captured by General Yuantong and War General Ziguang, with only Zhonghao escaping. Tianlei believed that if Jiuchen were to hear that the descendants of his former trusted general, Lieyi, had been slaughtered for rebellion, he would be unable to remain still, implying a scheme to further challenge Jiuchen's position.

In the Shanling Territory, State Preceptor Jing Xiu received a report from Chibi confirming the capture of all Lieyi tribesmen, except for Zhonghao, who was rescued by his assassins. Still uneasy about Zhonghao's escape, Jing Xiu ordered Chibi to continue the pursuit relentlessly, vowing to find him dead or alive.

Without informing the State Master, he then commanded that Zhonghao's captured tribesmen, who were no longer immortal beings, be sent to the Spirit-Binding Abyss—a place of dead spirits from which none return, ensuring their demise. Jiuchen summoned General Yuantong to discuss Zhonghao's tribe. He acknowledged Zhonghao's deserving fate for his rebellion and indiscriminate killing but argued that his tribesmen, many of whom were elderly, infirm, women, and children, were innocent and should not suffer for his crimes.

Jiuchen expressed the divine responsibility to uphold mercy for all living beings and entrusted Yuantong with a letter for Shanling State Master Ling Yue, requesting her leniency and promising to remember her favor. After Yuantong departed, Lingxi, who had been discreetly listening, emerged from her cleaning. She expressed admiration for General Yuantong's grace and asked Jiuchen if she could also become a Heavenly General.

Jiuchen promptly refused, citing her insufficient cultivation, dismissing her earlier remark about her beauty as a drunken exaggeration from her father, Le Bo. General Yuantong presented Jiuchen's letter to State Master Ling Yue, who was astonished to learn that Zhonghao's tribesmen had been captured, as she had received no prior report. Upon discovering they were being sent to the Spirit-Binding Abyss, Ling Yue immediately rushed to the location.

By the time she arrived, Jing Xiu's subordinate was already announcing the tribesmen's "crimes," and the priests had sealed their five senses, activating the formation, which, once started, could not be halted. As the formation commenced, Zhonghao's desperate tribesmen, facing certain death, made a solemn blood oath to the Demon Lord, offering their bodies as sacrifice for his return. Their spirits instantly transformed into black smoke, drifting into the abyss.

The seal of the Spirit-Binding Abyss began to vibrate violently, prompting Ling Yue and her attendants to swiftly employ their powers to suppress the demonic seal. Unbeknownst to Lingxi, who was cleaning Fuyun Hall, the Lieyi tribe totem on a nearby table began to emit an ominous red glow. Meanwhile, at Dark Capital Mountain, Zhonghao and his remaining assassins found themselves cornered by Heavenly soldiers. Suddenly, dozens of streaks of demonic aura appeared, swiftly annihilating their pursuers.

Zhonghao watched in disbelief as the demonic energy intensified, coalescing into a pulsating portal. From within, the Demon Lord's voice declared that there was no other escape, only he could save Zhonghao. Overwhelmed and without recourse, Zhonghao was consumed by the portal. At the very same moment, in Fuyun Hall, the Lieyi totem began to leak a stream of red, flowing sand. Drawn by curiosity, Lingxi reached out to examine it.

The moment her hand touched it, an inexplicable force drained the spiritual energy from her accompanying spiritual stone, causing a faint red circular mark to appear behind her right ear. Lingxi immediately collapsed, and the totem shattered into countless pieces. Miles away, Immortal Doctor Le Bo discovered his spiritual stone glowing intensely, realizing something dire had happened to Lingxi. He rushed towards the Heavenly Palace.

In the aftermath at the Spirit-Binding Abyss, State Master Ling Yue, having witnessed the horrific events, commanded Jing Xiu to release the remaining elderly, weak, women, and children of Zhonghao's tribe, a command he reluctantly obeyed. As Ling Yue prepared to leave, a resonant, ancient voice from the depths of the abyss called out her name. Jing Xiu, investigating the source, was stunned to discover Yuandu, who had long been presumed dead, alive at the bottom of the abyss.

Later, Lingxi awoke to find her father, Le Bo, and Senior Sister by her side. Le Bo adamantly insisted that Lingxi return home with him, but she stubbornly refused. The commotion drew Jiuchen's attention. Upon seeing him, Le Bo's demeanor turned cold as he accused Jiuchen of mistreating his daughter, treating her like a mere maidservant despite her noble background. Jiuchen, choosing not to engage in a lengthy argument, simply allowed Le Bo to do as he pleased.

At that moment, General Yuantong returned to report the grave developments at the Spirit-Binding Abyss, informing Jiuchen that Zhonghao's tribesmen had used their essence blood to conjure a spell, offering their souls to the Demon Lord, and had all transformed into vengeful spirits. Jiuchen's expression hardened, concerned about the stability of the demonic seal. Before anyone could fully process this, Tianlei Zhenjun arrived with his retinue.

He ceremoniously returned the God of War's seal to Jiuchen, insisting that Jiuchen immediately open it for verification. Jiuchen complied, only for Tianlei to produce War General Zhuxie's final report from the Dark Capital Mountain battle fifty thousand years prior. Tianlei challenged Jiuchen to activate the seal and open the report publicly, asserting that this would clarify the ancient war and prove Jiuchen's innocence.

Jiuchen easily opened the report but, after a brief glance, declared that he could not bear to witness the deaths of his comrades again and promptly threw the war report into a nearby brazier, burning it to ashes. Tianlei, having achieved his goal of provoking Jiuchen and creating a public incident, departed with a triumphant laugh. Immortal Lord Baishanxian immediately reported Jiuchen's actions to the Heavenly Emperor, who let out a weary sigh.

Subsequently, Tianlei Zhenjun himself reported to the Heavenly Emperor, who then had no choice but to convene a gathering of all Immortal Lords to deliberate on how to address Jiuchen's controversial actions.

Episode 7 Recap

Le Bo, Lingxi's father, was determined to take her back to Peach Forest, fearing Fuyun Hall would fall from grace and she would be bullied. Lingxi, however, found his reasoning baseless and called him disloyal, insisting that Senior Deity Jiuchen considered her fated to meet him.

Le Bo scoffed at her words, arguing that if her claim held any truth, he was practically sworn brothers with God of Heavenly Thunder, and further suggested Lingxi was only fated to do household chores, not assist a deity. Despite his threats to bind her, Lingxi dragged her feet, reluctantly agreeing to get her belongings. Meanwhile, Shisan was tasked with disposing of the ashes from burnt war reports and worried about polluting Wanling Park's water beasts.

High Immortal Yuantong offered to help, claiming the ashes, composed of Endless Wood, would be useful for the cave of Lord of Heavenly Medicine, where a new immortal medicine was being refined for Jiuchen. Shisan, grateful, handed the fire basin over. Unbeknownst to them, Lingxi observed the exchange. Immortals around Fuyun Hall gossiped about Jiuchen's defiance in publicly burning War General Zhuxie's war report.

They acknowledged Jiuchen's unwavering character but worried about God of Heavenly Thunder's growing influence and his clear ambition for the God of War position, which Jiuchen's actions made harder to dispute. Later, High Immortal Yuantong, haunted by the sight of the deceased Lieyi Tribesmen, resolved to prevent her own Yuan Clan from suffering a similar fate. She encased the ashes in a wooden box and secreted it within the Yuan Clan ancestral temple.

Despite her actions, she felt a pang of guilt towards Jiuchen, though she quickly rationalized that as a top-level God of War and a disciple of Heavenly Supreme Lord, he could endure any challenge. The Heavenly Emperor, under immense pressure, issued a decree: God of War Jiuchen was temporarily relieved of his position and confined to Fuyun Hall to recuperate and reflect, having broken Heavenly rules by destroying the war report.

When Lord Baishanxian delivered the decree, he inquired if Jiuchen wished to argue his case, but Jiuchen simply declined. His junior brother, High God Yunfeng, later pressed him, questioning who Jiuchen was protecting and what truly transpired at Dark Capital Mountain, mentioning possibilities of war delays, collusion with the Demon Tribe, or involvement of Yuanzheng or Zhuxie.

Jiuchen calmly explained that his punishment was lenient only because it was he who bore the consequences; any other individual would have faced the extermination of their entire clan. Yunfeng, realizing the implication, deduced that someone had been demonized, and Jiuchen was covering for them. Jiuchen confirmed the matter was closed and urged no further discussion. He then entrusted Yunfeng with a mission to investigate Dark Capital Mountain, suspecting the Lieyi Tribesmen's actions were more complex than mere escape.

He also expressed concern about Le Bo forcibly taking Lingxi away, sensing fear in her father's actions. Following Jiuchen's confinement, many maids eagerly abandoned Fuyun Hall. Only Huayan and Shisan remained. Huayan lamented that even Lingxi had seemingly departed, but just then, a disheveled Lingxi appeared, asking if her father had left. She explained she had hidden in Wanling Park for two days to escape Le Bo's insistence on taking her back to Peach Forest.

Shisan, overjoyed by Lingxi's loyalty, embraced her tightly, nearly suffocating her. In their playful struggle, an Immortal Knot fell from Shisan's embrace. Lingxi picked it up, recognizing it as one Shisan had made, but Shisan, flustered, snatched it back, denying it was hers and diverting their attention to the messy courtyard, emphasizing the increased workload for the three remaining maids. Lingxi attempted to send her pet, Xiaobai, to comfort Jiuchen, but the creature stubbornly refused.

Just as she grew frustrated, Jiuchen appeared behind her. Lingxi, recalling her accidental destruction of his furniture, attempted to apologize, but Jiuchen wryly stated he hadn't yet decided not to pursue the matter, causing her to quickly retract her apology. She then babbled about hiding from her father and being accused of smelling, asking Jiuchen to judge. He then asked why she hadn't returned to Peach Forest with her father.

Lingxi firmly declared she couldn't abandon Fuyun Hall in its time of need, proclaiming her loyalty. When asked what she could contribute, she offered to clean, wipe floors, and provide companionship to alleviate his boredom. Jiuchen discreetly probed into her past, asking about Le Bo's strictness. Lingxi revealed that her father once held a position in the Heavenly Palace, with Lord of Heavenly Medicine as his assistant, but inexplicably resigned to live in Peach Forest, constantly watching over her.

She admitted to frequently running away, sometimes for a day or two, sometimes being caught before even leaving the gates. Despite her average magical abilities, she boasted expertise in poisons, illusions, and especially in dismantling various formations, barriers, and confusing obstacles. Jiuchen then inquired if she had ever visited Dark Capital Mountain. Lingxi denied it, recounting an attempt where her father intercepted her midway, furiously beating her and frightening her from ever trying again.

She noted that no one could enter the mountain due to its overwhelming demonic aura, but Jiuchen suggested she might be an exception. Lingxi, believing herself uniquely gifted, blamed her father for her slow cultivation progress, claiming she was still an earthly immortal after fifty thousand years. She asked Jiuchen when he achieved earthly immortal status. He simply stated he was born an earthly immortal and reached the rank of High God at twenty-two thousand years old.

Lingxi, mentally calculating the rapid progression through the immortal ranks, accused him of exaggeration, but Jiuchen offered no further response. For years, Star Lord Siming had been avoiding Shisan, causing her deep confusion. Cornered, Siming finally explained that fifty thousand years ago, Shisan was a male merman, known as Shishan, serving as a general under the Senior Deity.

They had forged a deep friendship, even becoming sworn brothers after traveling the Northern Seas and Shishan teaching him the Sea Control Technique. However, a few years later, Shishan transformed into a female merman and confessed her love, proposing marriage. Siming, overwhelmed, struggled to accept this. Shisan reminded him of their sworn brotherhood under the Northern Seas moon, a pact where they promised to be "bosom friends forever."

She claimed High God Yunfeng had told her "bosom friend" meant "lifetime partner," which was why she had transformed. Siming vehemently denied Yunfeng's reliability, but Shisan pressed on, arguing that merfolk are genderless in their youth and questioning why he looked down on her transformation when a mortal figure like Zhu Yingtai, who had adopted a male guise, was still beloved by Liang Shanbo. She insisted she was a "real woman."

After a heated exchange and Siming's failed attempt to escape her pursuing "Clanging Golden Gong," Shisan forced him to accept an Immortal Knot she had intricately woven, demanding he visit her at Fuyun Hall every seven days. Siming, seeing no escape from her persistence, reluctantly agreed, resigning himself to the inevitable. Below the Spirit-Binding Abyss, Jing Xiu was haunted by the encounter with Yuandu, whose voice still echoed in his mind. He dispatched Chibi to investigate.

Chibi returned with the grim confirmation: it was indeed Yuandu, who had not died as they believed, but had been suppressed by Ling Yue beneath the abyss. Jing Xiu was enraged, vowing to kill Yuandu once more. Chibi explained that the Spirit-Binding Abyss was a perilous boundary between the realms of gods and demons, sealed ten thousand years prior by Heavenly Supreme Lord himself after a demonic invasion.

Yuandu lay in the chaotic void between these realms, protected by a formation that Jing Xiu, with his current power, could not breach. However, Chibi reminded him that Zhonghao's father, Lieyi, was a formation genius who had assisted Heavenly Supreme Lord in sealing the abyss.

Jing Xiu, speculating that Zhonghao, as Lieyi's son, might possess the knowledge to break the formation, ordered Chibi to find his whereabouts, noting that their intelligence indicated Zhonghao had escaped to Dark Capital Mountain when his tribe sacrificed themselves to the Demon Lord. Back in the Heavenly Palace, the promised seven-day period for Siming's visit arrived. Shisan waited expectantly at the Fuyun Hall entrance and sent Lingxi to retrieve Jiuchen's medicine.

Lingxi arrived at the cave of Lord of Heavenly Medicine, observing him escorting Old Madam Yuan. After Old Madam Yuan departed, Lingxi approached, only for the immortal child guarding the entrance to refuse her, falsely claiming Lord of Heavenly Medicine was on a long journey. Fortunately, Qingyao, Lingxi's senior sister, arrived.

Lingxi sought her help, but Qingyao explained the grim reality: Lord of Heavenly Medicine was Old Madam Yuan's brother, and Jiuchen's public destruction of War General Zhuxie's war report was tantamount to declaring war on half the Heavenly Race, making any association with him politically dangerous. Despite Qingyao's concerns, Lingxi declared her unwavering belief in Jiuchen.

Moved by Lingxi's sincerity, Qingyao reluctantly gave her the last of her own limited supply of medicine, urging Lingxi to leave the "muddy lake" of Fuyun Hall and prioritize her own safety, just as Qingyao herself often defied the Heavenly Scroll to secretly heal mortals. Lingxi, though disappointed by the small amount of medicine, eloquently argued that her actions, like Qingyao's, were about standing up for her personal beliefs and justice.

Qingyao was deeply affected by Lingxi's words and later found an ancient text detailing a remedy for "cold disease" but noted one crucial ingredient was missing. Resolved to find the missing ingredient and a complete medical formula for Jiuchen's cold disease, Lingxi entrusted the meager supply of medicine to Huayan, instructing her to keep her departure a secret from both Jiuchen and Shisan.

Lingxi then quietly left the Heavenly Palace for Peach Forest, asking Huayan to tell Jiuchen she had merely snuck off to play. Huayan, however, informed her that Jiuchen had been in seclusion for days and wouldn't even notice her absence. Meanwhile, Shisan, having waited in vain for Siming at Fuyun Hall, proceeded to Siming Hall.

Finding him absent, she became captivated by the Paradise Mirror on the wall, which displayed scenes from the mortal world, perceiving it as merely a tool for peeping. Siming returned, quickly closing the mirror and attempting to dismiss her, citing official duties. Shisan, unfazed, insisted on frequent visits, threatening to visit Siming Hall if he continued to avoid Fuyun Hall, ultimately coercing him into agreeing to her terms.

Unbeknownst to them, Jiuchen, in his seclusion, extended a wisp of his divine sense to Dark Capital Mountain. He sensed a disturbing weakening in the Demon Lord's seal. He recalled how, fifty thousand years ago, after slaughtering all the demonized Heavenly Soldiers, he had barely managed to seal the Demon Lord using the power of the Ancestor's Sword. The Demon Lord, as he was sealed, had chillingly prophesied that Jiuchen, burdened by immense slaughter and tainted by demonic aura, would inevitably succumb to demonization himself.

Episode 8 Recap

For years, Ling Yue had been unable to overcome the pain of losing her husband and daughter. Princess Baoqing, observing Ling Yue's recent melancholic state, showed her concern. Seeing the well-behaved Princess Baoqing, Ling Yue's thoughts turned even more strongly to her own biological daughter. As Princess Baoqing had grown into a young woman, Ling Yue intended to arrange a suitable marriage for her. However, Princess Baoqing revealed her affection for Jing Xiu.

Upon hearing this, Ling Yue immediately forbade the idea, sternly reminding her of the distinction of seniority between a princess and the State Preceptor. Ling Yue confessed that after so many years, she still couldn't truly comprehend Jing Xiu's true nature, deeming such a complex individual unsuitable for Princess Baoqing. Princess Baoqing, upset, left Ling Yue's room. She then overheard Lan'er, Ling Yue's personal maid, conversing with another servant.

Lan'er inadvertently revealed that Ling Yue was still searching for her biological daughter, speaking disrespectfully of Princess Baoqing in the process. Princess Baoqing learned that she was adopted; Ling Yue had found her as a baby, carried on the back of a mythical turtle by the Dayue Lake, after suffering the immense grief of losing her own child. Growing increasingly furious, Princess Baoqing suppressed her anger and ordered her own maid to find out Lan'er's whereabouts after her shift.

After sending her maid away, Princess Baoqing walked alone to a secluded spot within a dense forest. There, among a pile of rocks, was an old turtle's shell, firmly secured by chains. In this solitude, Princess Baoqing dropped her facade of sweetness, revealing her cruel nature.

She lamented to the chained turtle, speculating that her Royal Mother's refusal to let her be with Brother Jingxiu was because she wasn't Ling Yue's biological daughter, despite Ling Yue's daughter having been dead for years. She vowed to kill, one by one, the lowly servants in the palace who dared to gossip about her. She expressed her inherent lack of kindness and her intolerance for anyone who offended her.

She even admitted to having killed the old turtle, who had once saved her, for trying to escape, subsequently chaining its lifeless shell to the rocks as a permanent prison. Her anger mounting, Princess Baoqing then grew irritated by the birds singing in the trees and began throwing stones at them, wishing to kill them all. Yunfeng, passing by, witnessed Princess Baoqing's vicious behavior. He attempted to intervene, asking why she continued to attack birds that she had already struck.

Princess Baoqing sharply rebuffed him, telling him to mind his own business. Yunfeng then inquired about any recent abnormalities in Dark Capital Mountain. Princess Baoqing, holding a grudge against him, cunningly suggested that the mountain, once the Demon Lord's burial ground shrouded in impenetrable demonic aura, had recently become harmless, allowing ordinary people to enter and seek treasures from the ancient battlefield. Yunfeng was skeptical of her words but decided to investigate.

Once inside Dark Capital Mountain, he quickly realized he was being followed. He managed to hide and overheard his pursuers discussing how their lives were at stake if they failed to find him, confirming Princess Baoqing's malicious intent. After shaking off his trackers, Yunfeng continued his investigation, discovering that the demonic aura in the mountain had not diminished but had actually intensified. One day, Princess Baoqing came to visit Jing Xiu, who was preoccupied with state affairs.

Left to her own devices, she wandered around his study, touching a potted plant on his desk, only to be severely bitten. Jing Xiu explained it was a Ghost Vine from the Innumerable Great Peaks, which sustained itself by feeding on the blood of humans and beasts. Its venom caused excruciating pain, burning the heart and gnawing at the bones. Jing Xiu revealed he kept the plant as a painful reminder of how good it was to be alive.

Baoqing offered to destroy the dangerous plant, but Jing Xiu insisted on keeping it. Meanwhile, Lingxi secretly returned to Peach Forest hoping to find a remedy for her cold disease from Le Bo. However, Le Bo was absent. Upon seeing her, Chengyan lunged at her, scolding her for being bewitched by a "wild man" and for causing him to be beaten by their teacher and Senior Sister.

Lingxi, not adept at combat, was quickly knocked to the ground, getting her face muddy. Feigning injury, she cried out in pain, prompting Chengyan to rush to help her up. Lingxi seized the opportunity to pull him down, covering his face with mud as well. After their usual playful scuffle, Lingxi inquired about a magical artifact Le Bo had mentioned, capable of restoring anything. Chengyan casually identified it as the Water Moon Cauldron from the South Pole Immortal Continent.

He explained that the cauldron had three forms, with the second being the one that could restore all things. He added that the divine artifact possessed its own temperament, and even the Old Man of South Pole Immortal Continent had failed to make it acknowledge him as its master after tens of thousands of years of refinement. Lingxi silently absorbed this information.

She then feigned a sudden craving for the peach biscuits made by High Immortal Liuyun, sending Chengyan off to retrieve them. Once Chengyan was gone, she frantically searched through books, finally locating "Freezing Cold Illness Treatment." She carefully tucked it into her storage pouch and hurried back to Heavenly Palace. Elsewhere, Jiuchen, concerned by Yunfeng's prolonged absence, instructed Siming and Kaiyang to guard him. He then performed a soul-departure technique to personally investigate Dark Capital Mountain.

As he expected, the demonic aura there was exceedingly dense, and the long-slumbering Demon Lord reawakened upon his arrival. The Demon Lord boasted that if Jiuchen could awaken, so too could he revive, eager for another confrontation. Jiuchen immediately suppressed the demonic aura with his magic, vowing that such a day would never come. Simultaneously, in the Heavenly Palace, officials, including Ziguang, were still debating Jiuchen's punishment for past transgressions, advocating for more severe consequences beyond mere confinement.

Lingxi joyfully arrived at the South Gate of Heaven, where she encountered Ziguang and Fangsheng. Noticing her storage pouch, they accused her of hiding something and forcibly seized it, emptying its contents onto the ground. As Lingxi scrambled to pick up her belongings, Ziguang cruelly stepped on her hand, causing her immense pain. This scene was witnessed by Jiuchen's disembodied soul. Frowning, Jiuchen delivered a powerful, invisible slap to Ziguang.

Confused by the unseen assault, Ziguang, perhaps sensing an unseen power, quickly pulled Fangsheng away. Lingxi suspected Jiuchen had intervened to save her, but her suspicions deepened when she returned to Fuyun Hall and learned that Jiuchen had not left his chambers, leaving her perplexed. Jing Xiu consulted Wu, who gravely informed him that his heart's demon was worsening.

Wu explained that Jing Xiu was a cultivation genius with exceptional talent, only half a step away from achieving High God status. However, his profound obsession had trapped him at his current level for centuries, causing his cultivation to regress. Wu knew Jing Xiu intended to use Zhonghao to open the Spirit-Binding Abyss and urged him to release his obsession and find peace. Jing Xiu, however, declared his sole desire in life was to live comfortably and freely.

Unable to persuade him, Wu implored Jing Xiu to remember his father's teachings for the sake of the Shanling Tribe's myriad lives, no matter the circumstances, as the fate of millions rested on him and Ling Yue. As they spoke, Princess Baoqing arrived with her maid, bringing ginseng soup for Jing Xiu. Wu discreetly excused himself.

While Jing Xiu drank the soup, Princess Baoqing confided her anxieties, expressing her fear that Ling Yue would no longer cherish her if her biological daughter were to return. Jing Xiu was surprised to hear that Ling Yue was still searching for her daughter. He calmly reassured Princess Baoqing but found himself recalling a past memory: a time when he went to aid Ling Yue, who had desperately pleaded with him to protect her daughter.

He remembered finding the young princess just as demonic chaos caused a landslide, seemingly burying her. He now realized that he had never actually witnessed the little princess's demise with his own eyes. By a riverside, Qingyao finally located the elusive Yanxin Flower, a crucial ingredient for the Cold Dispelling Pellet. She used her magic to hasten its blooming. Just as the flower blossomed, a Bifang bird suddenly appeared, seemingly out of nowhere, and scratched her hand.

As she prepared to retaliate, Yunfeng unexpectedly arrived, pushing the Bifang bird away with a powerful strike and engaging it in battle. Qingyao, focused on her critical task, disregarded Yunfeng's heroic display, quickly harvested the short-lived medicinal flower, and flew back to Yaowang Cave to begin refining the medicine. By the time Yunfeng managed to subdue and knock the Bifang bird onto the riverbank, Qingyao had already vanished.

That night, Lingxi returned to Fuyun Hall to find Jiuchen waiting for her. He inquired about her whereabouts throughout the day. Lingxi truthfully reported that she had visited the Zhuri Bird and even managed to collect one of its feathers. Jiuchen, finding her completely unrepentant, patiently advised her against wandering aimlessly and encouraged her to remain within the hall when she had no pressing matters.

Lingxi, eager to comply, then took the opportunity to request permission to convert her room into a medicine lab. Jiuchen, assuming she wished to further her medical skills, readily agreed. Back at Yaowang Cave, Qingyao diligently worked on refining the Cold Dispelling Pellet according to the prescription. Yunfeng, undeterred, pursued her to the cave, only to be blocked by a medicine boy who explained that a doctor must not be disturbed during the refining process.

Annoyed by what he perceived as Qingyao's coldness, Yunfeng reluctantly departed. Meanwhile, Lingxi was also intensely refining medicine, though her efforts caused quite a commotion. The entire Fuyun Hall shook, prompting Shisan and Huayan to investigate. They found Lingxi looking disheveled, as if struck by lightning. Huayan even suggested Lingxi abandon alchemy and instead practice her teacher's Whale-Devouring Great Technique, which involved consuming copious amounts of spiritual energy-rich dishes daily to achieve immortality in ten to twenty thousand years. Lingxi, unwilling to listen to their sarcastic remarks, promptly closed her door to continue her efforts. Interestingly, Shisan seemed quite intrigued by Huayan's Whale-Devouring Great Technique.

Episode 9 Recap

Thirteen, who had been taught the Whale-Devouring Great Technique by Huayan, tried to practice with a basket of pancakes in Fuyun Hall. Despite her efforts to perfect the position and hand movements, she found herself unable to succeed and, frustrated, she simply began to eat the pancakes voraciously. This unusual sight was witnessed by Yunfeng and Siming, who had come to visit Jiuchen.

Yunfeng immediately teased Thirteen, questioning if the Heavenly Emperor had cut off the food supply to Fuyun Hall. Siming, amused by her unconventional eating, remarked that Fairy Shisan was truly extraordinary and admirable for her heroic spirit, even while eating. Yunfeng then reported to Jiuchen that the demonic aura in Dark Capital Mountain was too dense for him to enter directly.

He had, however, gathered intelligence: on a past occasion, the Lieyi Tribesmen had made a blood oath, transforming into vengeful souls, and escaped from Spirit-Binding Abyss. They rescued Zhonghao, who was on the brink of death, and together entered Dark Capital Mountain. Jiuchen was surprised to hear Zhonghao was there, revealing that he had only encountered the Demon Lord during his own visit to Dark Capital Mountain.

He confirmed that the Demon Lord was awake but remained trapped within the seal with incomplete power, unable to break free. Crucially, the Demon Lord's primordial spiritual energy was not within his own body. Yunfeng immediately wondered if Lingxi was connected, but Jiuchen stated he sensed no demonic aura on her.

Siming, overhearing their suspicions about Lingxi, expressed his disbelief, highly praising her as fair like snow and jade, adorable, smart, kind, energetic, clever, natural, and unrestrained, believing there must be a misunderstanding. Suddenly, a loud bang rattled the entire Observational Cloud Palace, startling Siming and Yunfeng, who feared the God of Heavenly Thunder had attacked. Jiuchen, however, rubbed his forehead in exasperation, wryly noting that the commotion was caused by the very person Siming had just so lavishly praised.

Meanwhile, Thirteen and Huayan rushed to the alchemy room, finding it in disarray. Amidst the mess, Lingxi proudly held up two black, egg-sized pills, exclaiming that she had finally succeeded. Huayan warned Lingxi against rashly consuming any random pill, stressing that if the refinement process was flawed, it could become a toxic concoction. This warning reminded Lingxi of something important. She asked Thirteen if the Full Moon Spring in High Clear Sky was truly a source of extremely cold water.

Thirteen confirmed it, recounting how an immortal child from Wanling Park once fell into the spring and almost lost his life in mere moments, suffering from a cold illness similar to Jiuchen's. The Heavenly Emperor had then assigned the child to care for the Zhuri Bird, hoping its warmth could dispel the cold. Thirteen even wondered if raising Zhuri Birds in their own garden could help Jiuchen.

That night, Lingxi secretly took her newly refined pills to the Full Moon Spring. Unbeknownst to her, Jiuchen sensed her departure and silently followed her. At the spring, Lingxi tested the water, finding it indeed bone-chilling. But for Jiuchen, she steeled herself, swallowed one of her pills, removed her outer garments, and plunged into the icy water. Jiuchen, who had been observing, swiftly flew over and, using his magic, pulled her out.

As soon as she was on shore, Lingxi, disregarding the cold, eagerly informed Jiuchen that her medicine was effective, boasting that she did not die after jumping in. Jiuchen then realized she had ventured out in the middle of the night to test the medicine for him. Impressed by her determination, Lingxi asked if he believed she had talent in refining medicines, as she had succeeded on her seventh attempt.

Jiuchen, expressing concern for her well-being in the cold, urged her to take care of herself first. The following day, Lingxi excitedly announced to Thirteen and Huayan that the medicine she made for Jiuchen was successful, offering to create any elixirs they might need in the future, from extending life to enhancing cultivation or healing. Huayan was overjoyed at the prospect of no longer needing to rely on the Yaowang Cave for medicine. Thirteen, however, remained skeptical.

Lingxi, undeterred, produced a medical book, assuring them she had meticulously followed its instructions. Yunfeng, drawn by their conversation, noticed an illustration of a Yanxin Flower in Lingxi's book, finding it strangely familiar. Lingxi explained that the Yanxin Flower was the most crucial ingredient for Cold Dispelling Pellets, but it was incredibly rare, blooming only once every sixty years.

It had to be picked immediately after blossoming and processed with special techniques within half a day, or its potency would be lost. Since she had insufficient time for her current batch, she had substituted it with the tail feather of a Zhuri Bird, acknowledging its much weaker effect compared to the Yanxin Flower. Upon hearing this, Yunfeng suddenly realized that Qingyao had been searching for the Yanxin Flower.

He promptly rushed to Yaowang Cave but was intercepted by a medicine child. Coincidentally, Qingyao had just finished refining a new Cold Dispelling Pellet and, upon hearing Yunfeng's commotion outside, asked him to deliver it to Jiuchen. Lingxi brought Qingyao's newly refined Cold Dispelling Pellet to Jiuchen. Remembering Lingxi's daring act of testing her own medicine in the Full Moon Spring, Jiuchen, moved by her sincerity, prompted her for her own medicine.

Lingxi, delighted by his apparent trust, swiftly returned to retrieve the huge, egg-sized pill she had made. Jiuchen's eyes widened in surprise at its immense size. Lingxi quickly explained that as it was her first attempt at alchemy, she couldn't refine and condense the pill as skillfully as her senior sister, but she assured him of its good efficacy. Jiuchen, however, was hesitant to trust her medicine and decided to take Qingyao's instead.

Lingxi, unwilling to let him back out, swiftly snatched the pill away, then presented him with a knife and chopsticks, suggesting he cut the large pill into smaller pieces for easier consumption before taking her leave. Jiuchen, left with little choice, reluctantly complied with her wishes. Meanwhile, a Qingluan from Wanling Park coincidentally learned that Xiao Bai, Jiuchen's dog, was still in the Heavenly Palace. The Qingluan devised a plan to lure Xiao Bai away from Fuyun Hall.

Being merely a mortal dog, Xiao Bai was no match for Qingluan's repeated tricks and soon succumbed, becoming gravely ill. Lingxi, having not seen Xiao Bai for an entire day, initially thought he had simply wandered off and began searching frantically. To her despair, she eventually found Xiao Bai's lifeless body. Overwhelmed with grief, Lingxi tenderly wrapped Xiao Bai's body in her clothes and carried it to the Immortal Cleansing Pond.

She recalled stories of immortals who, having committed grave errors, were cast into this pond to have their immortal bones cleansed, forcing them to return to the mortal realm. Since Xiao Bai originated from the lower realm, Lingxi decided to send him back to where he belonged, mournfully remarking on how naive he was to have been tricked.

Upon returning to Fuyun Hall, Lingxi confined herself to her room, choosing to hide the truth from Thirteen and Huayan to spare them the sorrow. Unaware of Xiao Bai's fate, Thirteen and Huayan searched for him, noting Lingxi’s unusual quietness and seclusion, speculating she was simply absorbed in alchemy.

They also discussed their disappointment with Yuan Tong, who, despite her previous diligence in visiting Jiuchen, had vanished after his confinement and was now seen closely associating with the God of Heavenly Thunder. A few days later, Immortal Lord Puhua, Immortal Lord Baishanxian, and Siming arrived at Fuyun Hall to deliver a decree.

They informed Jiuchen that he was summoned for a public trial at Purple Cloud Platform in three days at 9-11 am, with the Heavenly Emperor and all Supreme Lords of High Clear Sky in attendance. Thirteen indignantly challenged their right to publicly try Jiuchen.

Immortal Lord Puhua sternly justified the trial, stating that Jiuchen had privately destroyed war reports, leading to tens of thousands of immortals in the Heavenly Palace jointly petitioning for a re-trial of the Dark Capital Mountain case. As the official in charge of heavenly punishments, he asserted it was his duty.

After Immortal Lord Puhua and Immortal Lord Baishanxian departed, Siming reluctantly conveyed even more unsettling news: the God of Heavenly Thunder had successfully petitioned the Heavenly Emperor to welcome Yuanzheng's remnant treasures into the Merit Hall on the same day as Jiuchen's trial, and concurrently remove Jiuchen's Dragon Tooth Armor from the hall. To their dismay, the Heavenly Emperor had agreed, although the final decision on the armor removal would be made after Jiuchen's public trial.

Thirteen was enraged by this injustice, but Jiuchen remained stoic, silently turning and re-entering the Observational Cloud Palace, closing his door behind him. Meanwhile, Lingxi, deeply trusting Jiuchen's character and seeing his silence in the face of accusations, resolved to do something to prove his innocence.

She recalled the day Yuan Tong tricked Thirteen into giving her the brazier used to burn the war reports; Lingxi had secretly used magic to collect some ashes that drifted away with the wind, now determined to use them to clear Jiuchen's name. Meanwhile, Ling Yue had been consumed by her ongoing search for her daughter for 50,000 years, a quest that continued to fuel her nightmares.

Her attendant, Grandmother Shi, questioned why Ling Yue didn't seek confirmation from the State Preceptor, but Ling Yue expressed her distrust, recalling his past deceptions. Ling Yue clung to the belief that her daughter was still alive because the Immortal Knot she had personally woven was in his possession, and she was certain she could not have been mistaken about it. Ling Yue’s present daughter, Qing’er, visited her, bringing soup and showing concern for her mother’s well-being.

Ling Yue also inquired about another attendant, Lan’er, who had been missing for several days. Jing Xiu received a report that Ling Yue had left her palace with only Grandmother Shi, dismissing her other guards. Though Jing Xiu decided not to follow them, he confirmed that he had placed a "Thousand Li Fragrance" on Grandmother Shi, allowing him to track her if necessary.

Ling Yue and Grandmother Shi arrived at the South Pole Immortal Continent to consult the Old Man of South Pole. He confirmed he had promised Ling Yue this divination five hundred years prior and had anticipated her arrival. He explained that Ling Yue’s child belonged to the Ling Clan, possessing a long lifespan, making the divination immensely taxing. He could only perform such a prophecy once every sixty years, and it absolutely could not be interrupted.

He instructed his disciple, Qin Yuan, to protect him during the process. Jing Xiu, who had secretly infiltrated the area and was hiding above, overheard the Old Man of South Pole declare that Ling Yue's daughter was indeed alive. As Jing Xiu processed this revelation, he spotted a familiar little phoenix nearby and immediately recognized Lingxi.

Lingxi had come to the South Pole Immortal Continent in search of the Water Moon Cauldron, but her clumsy actions quickly led Qin Yuan to discover her presence. In a panic, Lingxi stumbled into Jing Xiu's hiding spot. Her eyes lit up upon seeing him, and she swiftly removed her veil, urgently pleading for his help against Qin Yuan. As Jing Xiu and Qin Yuan engaged in battle, Lingxi inadvertently stumbled and flew into a concealed mountain cave. Upon entering, she found herself in a dimly lit space with a circular platform in the center, upon which lay a strange, liquid-like substance.

Episode 10 Recap

Lingxi stumbled into a hidden cave and found a stone platform with a basin of clear water. Curious, she touched the liquid, and the platform suddenly burst forth with four water pillars, instantly forming four luminous mirrors. Lingxi was stunned to see herself in these mirrors: moments of sweet interaction with Jiuchen, a demonic transformation, and even a scene where she embraced and kissed Jiuchen.

Startled, she immediately covered her eyes, trying to convince herself that her feelings for Senior Deity were merely reverence, though a faint blush betrayed her true emotions. Moments later, the mirrors vanished, leaving behind a silver Water Moon Cauldron on the stone platform. Meanwhile, State Master Ling Yue desperately inquired about her daughter's whereabouts from the Old Man of South Pole Immortal Continent.

After checking the Heavenly Palace, the mortal world, her own Shanling Tribe, and Green Hill, and finding no trace, she grew increasingly anxious. The Old Man of South Pole Immortal Continent then revealed that her daughter was, in fact, "here." Lingxi poured the ashes of a war report into the Water Moon Cauldron, which miraculously restored the document. Witnessing the recovered scenes of Yuanzheng's demonic transformation, Lingxi finally understood Jiuchen's hidden struggles and sacrifices.

After she retrieved the report, the Water Moon Cauldron transformed into a bracelet that clasped onto her right wrist, unable to be removed. With the report in hand, she hurried away. No sooner had Lingxi departed than Qin Yuan arrived at the cave. Seeing the empty platform, he shamefully reported to the Old Man of South Pole Immortal Continent that the intruder had escaped.

The Old Man of South Pole Immortal Continent remained unperturbed, reassuring State Master Ling Yue that everything was predetermined fate and that the time was not yet ripe, requiring more patience. Though impatient, Ling Yue had no choice but to comply. Upon her return to Shanling Territory, Jing Xiu immediately sought her out to discuss state affairs.

Ling Yue, convinced that Jing Xiu had deceived her, gave him a cold reception and dismissed him, stating they would discuss the matter the next day. Back at Fuyun Hall, Jiuchen sternly questioned Lingxi why she had defied his instructions and left without permission. Lingxi, however, was overcome with sadness and explained that Xiaobai had died.

She lamented that Xiaobai, a mere mortal beast, could not even harm a single plant in the Heavenly Palace, yet had lost his life for no reason. She expressed her distress for Jiuchen, lamenting that he had to endure so much suffering to protect the weak. Jiuchen calmly responded that grievances could not kill him. Seeing his resolve, Lingxi promised not to cause him any more trouble and quietly took her leave.

Late that night, Lingxi secretly entered the Yuan Clan Ancestral Temple. Gazing at Yuanzheng's memorial tablet, she angrily accused him and his clan of causing Jiuchen immense suffering. She felt that despite Jiuchen's selfless protection of the Yuan Clan to prevent their destruction, they had repaid his kindness with animosity. Despite her anger, Lingxi resolved to respect Jiuchen's choice and keep the secret.

She asked Yuanzheng to look after Xiaobai in the afterlife, describing him as a timid and gluttonous little beast. Just as she prepared to burn the war report, Yuantong suddenly appeared, startling her. Yuantong demanded to know her purpose in the temple. Lingxi stammered a few excuses before hurrying away. However, as she reached a secluded spot, Yuantong reappeared, attempting to ambush Lingxi from behind.

Instinctively, Lingxi raised her right hand to block, and the Heavenly Lasting Mythical Sand on her wrist flared with light, deflecting Yuantong's attack. Yuantong, realizing Lingxi had been to the South Pole Immortal Continent, demanded the war report. Lingxi, astonished that Yuantong knew its contents, became furious.

She accused Yuantong of repaying kindness with hatred, revealing that Old Madam Yuan had even gone to Yaowang Cave to stop Jiuchen's medication, causing him to suffer from a cold disease, and that he was now facing a public trial at Purple Cloud Platform. Though feeling guilty, Yuantong remained resolute in her demand for the report. Lingxi refused to hand it over, and the two engaged in a fight.

Lingxi was no match for Yuantong and quickly found herself fleeing in disarray, inadvertently escaping to the Immortal Cleansing Pond. Seeing Lingxi cornered, Yuantong explained the pond's devastating effect: any immortal who fell in would lose their immortal essence and cultivation, forced to restart from nothing. Despite Yuantong's threats and cajoling, Lingxi refused to yield, worrying about Jiuchen. Enraged, Yuantong struck Lingxi, sending her plummeting into the Immortal Cleansing Pond.

A black vortex immediately engulfed Lingxi, and she lost consciousness amidst thunder and wind. At Fuyun Hall, Qingyao arrived to deliver medicine to Jiuchen. Learning from Shisan that Lingxi had disappeared, she grew concerned. Qingyao knew Lingxi cared deeply for Jiuchen and believed she shouldn't be wandering off at such a crucial time. She left some Warm Sun Pellets for Jiuchen and asked for Lingxi to visit her at Yaowang Cave upon her return.

Meanwhile, Yuantong returned to find Old Madam Yuan overjoyed. Yuantong learned that Yuanzheng's Heart Assembling Nail would be enshrined in the Merit Hall, while Jiuchen's Dragon Tooth Armor would be removed. Overwhelmed by deeper guilt, Yuantong recognized that the deception had grown too large to stop; she had no choice but to continue along with the lie to prevent the Yuan Clan's ruin. The next morning, Yunfeng, Kaiyang, and Hanzhang arrived at Fuyun Hall.

Not wishing to disturb Jiuchen, they sat outside the hall, chatting idly. Yunfeng recounted a recent encounter where a "pretty sprite" (Lingxi), the daughter of State Master Ling Yue, had covertly attempted to have her guards kill him. He remarked on his generous nature, stating he wouldn't hold a grudge against a mere girl. Jiuchen, aware of his friends' intentions to support him during his impending trial, knew he could only disappoint them as his decision was firm.

As the hour for his trial approached, and with Shisan missing and Lingxi still not returned, Jiuchen prepared to head to Purple Cloud Platform alone. Yunfeng and his companions immediately concocted excuses to accompany him. Just as they reached the hall entrance, Siming rushed up with urgent news. Earlier that morning, Shisan had angrily stormed into the Merit Hall, declaring she would protect Jiuchen's Dragon Tooth Armor and hack anyone who dared to touch it.

In a short time, she had already struck down over twenty Heavenly Palace protocol officers and overturned two side halls. Ziguang had already been dispatched with troops to handle her. Kaiyang, hearing this, praised Shisan's loyalty and immediately knelt, offering to capture God of Heavenly Thunder for Jiuchen. Jiuchen, however, refused to allow their recklessness and decided to go to the Merit Hall himself.

At the Yuan Clan Ancestral Temple, Old Madam Yuan ordered an altar to be set up and incense lit, celebrating what she deemed a joyous day for the Yuan Clan. She expressed immense pride in the honor her son had brought, while Yuantong appeared uneasy. Soon after, God of Heavenly Thunder arrived, bearing the Heavenly Emperor's decree. Old Madam Yuan lavishly thanked and flattered God of Heavenly Thunder, hoping he would continue to favor the Yuan Clan.

God of Heavenly Thunder, pleased to assert his authority over Jiuchen, engaged in congenial conversation with her. Haunted by Lingxi's disappearance, Qingyao ceaselessly searched for her. She eventually discovered Lingxi's feathers in a corner of an alley. Following the trail of feathers, she arrived at the Immortal Cleansing Pond, where she found the tiny little phoenix, Lingxi's true form, curled in a corner, barely clinging to life.

As Old Madam Yuan and God of Heavenly Thunder conversed, Ziguang and Fangsheng arrived, escorting a bound Shisan. God of Heavenly Thunder initially intended to send Shisan to Purple Cloud Platform, but considering Jiuchen's upcoming trial there, he ordered her to be held aside for later punishment. Unfazed, Shisan loudly warned them that if they dared to show any disrespect towards Jiuchen's Dragon Tooth Armor during its removal, she would fight them to the death.

God of Heavenly Thunder dismissed her, but at that moment, Jiuchen arrived with Siming and his companions. Jiuchen effortlessly removed Shisan's immortal rope, intending to take her away. God of Heavenly Thunder objected, but Jiuchen calmly stated he would take Shisan to Purple Cloud Platform himself to receive her punishment. Seeing God of Heavenly Thunder hesitant, Old Madam Yuan intervened. She aggressively demanded that Jiuchen swear on his immortal heart whether he had killed her son, Yuanzheng.

After a moment of silence, Jiuchen publicly admitted that Yuanzheng had indeed died by his hand. A gasp swept through the crowd. Old Madam Yuan, now even more indignant, immediately commanded the Yuan Clan disciples to form a battle array and engage Jiuchen in a fight to the death. God of Heavenly Thunder, enjoying the spectacle, merely stated that this was a private matter between the two families and he would not interfere.

In this critical moment, Qingyao rushed in, cradling the still-transformed little phoenix. Seeing Lingxi's severe injuries, Jiuchen immediately began healing her. Lingxi then barely regained her human form, but could only utter "It hurts" before collapsing into unconsciousness once more. Duyu, witnessing Old Madam Yuan's relentless fury, appealed to God of Heavenly Thunder for mediation, but the latter remained aloof. Old Madam Yuan, taking advantage of the situation, declared emphatically that Jiuchen must provide an explanation that day.

Qingyao, unable to tolerate the injustice any longer, deduced that Lingxi's injuries were connected to Yuantong. She immediately produced the war report, telling Old Madam Yuan that since she was so desperate for the truth, she would have it. Yuantong gasped in shock upon seeing the report and attempted to stop Qingyao, but it was too late. The truth of the battle at Dark Capital Mountain was finally exposed to all present.

Episode 11 Recap

Old Madam Yuan, distraught and in disbelief, begged for the truth, refusing to accept the war report that revealed her son Yuanzheng's demise. Yuanzheng, having become possessed by demonic aura during the battle at Dark Capital Mountain, had lost his sanity, killing several Heavenly Soldiers and severely injuring Zhuxie with a Heart Assembling Nail. It was Senior Deity Jiuchen who ultimately struck Yuanzheng down.

In his final moments, Yuanzheng pleaded with Jiuchen to protect his family, especially his young sister Yuan Tong, and Jiuchen promised to keep the truth of his possession a secret to safeguard the Yuan Clan. Upon finally seeing the full report, Old Madam Yuan was devastated, realizing the catastrophic implications of Yuanzheng's demonic possession for her family.

Physician Qingyao, however, showed no sympathy, telling the Old Madam that Jiuchen had decided to bear the burden of the truth and protect the Yuan Clan from the day he returned, but the Yuan Clan had been relentless in their pursuit of the truth, ultimately forcing this dire outcome upon themselves. Jiuchen, seeking to end the contentious discussion, interrupted Qingyao and returned to Fuyun Hall with Lingxi and the others. Back at Fuyun Hall, Qingyao carefully examined Lingxi.

She informed everyone that Lingxi's numerous external injuries were not severe and merely required careful recuperation. However, her internal injuries were far more troubling; having been submerged in the Immortal Cleansing Pond for an entire night, her foundation was gravely damaged. If not properly treated, Lingxi might forever be limited to the cultivation of an earth immortal, with no possibility of further advancement. Jiuchen thanked Qingyao for her care.

Qingyao, still harboring resentment towards Jiuchen for Lingxi's suffering, replied pointedly that Lingxi was her own younger sect sister, and while others might neglect her, she certainly would not. As night deepened, everyone began to disperse. When Siming prepared to leave, Shisan rose to see him off. Siming initially tried to decline, but Shisan's firm insistence made him agree. High God Yunfeng offered to escort Qingyao, hoping for some private time.

Qingyao, wishing to stay and care for Lingxi, reluctantly agreed to leave after Yunfeng assured her that Lingxi would be well-cared for by Shisan, Huayan, and Jiuchen. Yunfeng relentlessly pursued Qingyao, believing her coldness stemmed from false rumors about him and attempting to introduce his "true self." Qingyao, however, had deeply ingrained prejudices against him and swiftly departed mid-sentence, leaving him behind.

Meanwhile, Shisan pulled Siming aside, demanding to know why he hadn't rescued her when she was bullied at Merit Hall earlier. Siming explained that he had gone to report the incident, arguing it would have been foolish to fight when outnumbered. Shisan countered that such an act wouldn't be foolish, but rather a sign of liking someone. The usually strong-willed Shisan became vulnerable, asking if Siming's rejection was due to her past as a male merman and fear of ridicule.

She lamented that merfolk often had to marry within their own tribe, and for a mermaid like her, finding a fulfilling marriage outside their clan was nearly impossible—a matter of fate. Siming quickly denied looking down on her, stating they were simply incompatible, even comically citing their height difference as a reason for his discomfort. He insisted he only felt "brotherly affection" for her. Shisan was deeply hurt, sitting on the ground and embracing herself.

Siming suggested they could still be friends as they once were, but Shisan knew that their carefree days of drinking and singing were gone forever. She expressed that it was only after meeting Siming that she wished to become a true woman, explaining her rough demeanor was a survival mechanism from growing up parentless and being bullied in the army. She concluded that she must "very, very much" like him to have changed so profoundly.

Siming felt an unusual stirring in his heart upon hearing this. Shisan then seized the opportunity, promising not to pester him further but asking to visit his Siming Hall to observe mortal women and learn how to be a "true woman." Believing Shisan had finally seen reason, Siming readily agreed.

However, as soon as Siming departed, Shisan immediately rose from the ground, revealing that her entire heartbroken display was a calculated "retreat to advance" strategy learned from "A Merfolk Treasury on Surefire Ways to Induce Sweet Feelings." After everyone had left, Jiuchen shed his usual aloofness, tenderly wiping Lingxi's hands and face. Lingxi, though awake, feigned sleep to prolong this moment of unexpected tenderness, while Jiuchen gazed at her, lost in thought over her vulnerable state.

Their moment was interrupted by Huayan's announcement that Duyu of the Eastern Seas requested an audience. Jiuchen then rose and departed to the main hall. There, Duyu knelt, pleading with Jiuchen to save Yuan Tong and the Yuan Clan, emphasizing that Yuan Tong had shouldered the entire family's burden since the men perished at Dark Capital Mountain.

He warned that if Heavenly Emperor issued a decree, the Yuan Clan would face the same ruin as the Lieyi Tribesmen, begging Jiuchen to intervene for the sake of General Yuanzheng. Jiuchen asked Duyu if he and Yuan Tong had known the truth about Yuanzheng's possession all along. Duyu confirmed it, admitting that he had stopped Yuan Tong from revealing Yuanzheng's family letter to clear Jiuchen's name when he first awoke, believing Jiuchen's status could withstand any criticism.

Now, however, Duyu insisted that only Jiuchen could save the Yuan Clan. Lingxi, sensing that Duyu's visit concerned Yuan Tong, rose from her bed to eavesdrop, only to be caught by Jiuchen as he re-entered the room. Despite her quick attempt to return to the bed and feign sleep, Jiuchen's sharp eyes saw through her act. He gently awakened her, handing her a jade bottle containing a single "Purple Aura From the East Pellet."

Lingxi playfully complained about the scarcity, but Jiuchen explained that in the past 100,000 years, he had only acquired three such pellets: one for his promotion to High God, another during the Great Battle of Demons and Gods, making this the last remaining one. Hearing its immense value, Lingxi wanted to save it, but Jiuchen insisted she consume it immediately, chiding her for her recklessness in the Immortal Cleansing Pond.

After Lingxi took the pellet and moved energy for a moment, her external injuries visibly dissipated. Seeing she was out of immediate danger, Jiuchen inquired why she had gone to and fallen into the Immortal Cleansing Pond. Lingxi recounted the struggle with Yuan Tong over the war report, explaining that while she initially intended to burn it, Yuan Tong's aggression made her stubbornly refuse.

More importantly, she felt it was unfair for Jiuchen to endure public criticism for protecting such an undeserving person. Jiuchen asked how she wished to handle Yuan Tong. Lingxi, with a mischievous glint, declared herself petty and vindictive. She demanded Yuan Tong kowtow and sincerely apologize, be forbidden from eating for a hundred years, and compensate her with all the rare treasures Yuan Tong had accumulated during her years as the Northern Seas guarding general.

Jiuchen's lips curved into a slight smile at her eccentric demands. Meanwhile, Old Madam Yuan was consumed by regret, spending her days weeping in the ancestral hall before her ancestors' tablets. Yuan Tong, unable to offer solace, quietly left her mother, only to encounter Jiuchen and Lingxi at the doorway. Jiuchen told Yuan Tong he understood her motive in hiding Yuanzheng's family letter to protect her clan's honor and the war report's truth.

He stated that he had already accepted the consequences of helping the Yuan Clan and did not care for rumors. However, he sternly rebuked her for resorting to unscrupulous means and developing murderous intentions, which ultimately sealed the Yuan Clan's perilous path. Jiuchen then compared Yuan Tong to her brother, Yuanzheng, who had painstakingly risen from a Heavenly Soldier to become the leader of the four great war generals over 80,000 years.

He pointed out that Yuan Tong, despite occupying her position for 50,000 years, had learned nothing of a Heavenly General's responsibility or bearing. As punishment, Jiuchen removed 50,000 years of her cultivation and demoted her to a Heavenly Soldier, requiring her to start anew. Yuan Tong, greatly relieved that her clan would not be expelled and she would remain in the military, profusely thanked Jiuchen.

Jiuchen then instructed her to apologize directly to Lingxi and reiterate all of Lingxi's earlier demands for compensation. Yuan Tong outwardly agreed, though her resentment towards Lingxi only deepened. One day, Chengyan went to the mountains to gather herbs and discovered a fine Hualiao plant deep in the forest. As he pulled it, the plant struggled and transformed into a naive female sprite.

Chengyan recognized Hualiao as a sacred ingredient for winemaking and found it amusing that such a large specimen grew openly without being harvested. Hualiao, completely unaware of immortal customs, even questioned what a "dwelling" was. Seeing her innocence, Chengyan invited her to join him in the Peach Forest, promising a safe place to cultivate away from wine brewers. Hualiao, easily swayed, happily hopped into his herb basket.

Back at Fuyun Hall, Qingyao presented Jiuchen with a newly refined "First Sun Incense," explaining it was made from the pure essence of the sun and would alleviate his suffering from the cold disease if continuously burned in his hall. High God Yunfeng, observing Jiuchen, questioned why the cold disease persisted despite Jiuchen taking medicine for some time.

Qingyao explained that Jiuchen's prolonged exposure to the cold in the Immortal Sea for 50,000 years was not something a few medicines could easily cure. She emphasized that he must not use his magic, as the extreme cold would then spread throughout his body with the circulating magical power, negating any medicinal effects. She suggested that sealing his magic with the "Nine Spirits Technique" and living like a mortal for thirty to fifty years might allow him to self-cure.

Yunfeng eagerly agreed that this was a good idea, but Jiuchen silenced him with a stern glance. After leaving Fuyun Hall and returning to the Peach Forest, Qingyao finally let down her guard and revealed her true emotions. In the quiet of the night, she sought solace in drink, recalling a fleeting vision of her beloved husband styling her hair. She mourned the painful reality that while the memory remained, he was gone forever.

Heavenly Emperor convened a council of immortals to discuss the fate of Yuanzheng's remaining clan. God of Heavenly Thunder was the first to speak, asserting that no discussion was needed. He advocated for the customary punishment: stripping the Yuan clansmen of their immortal bones, expelling them from the Heavenly Race, and eternally banishing them to fend for themselves.

Duyu immediately stepped forward, arguing that Yuanzheng, despite his mistake, had contributed greatly to the Heavenly Race, and General Yuan Tong had served diligently for tens of thousands of years without fault. He implored Heavenly Emperor for mercy, arguing that punishing an entire clan for one individual's error would be unjust.

Episode 12 Recap

During a discussion in the Heavenly Palace, Duyu argued against punishing the Yuan Clan for Yuanzheng's error, citing Yuanzheng's past contributions and General Yuan Tong's long years of diligent service. However, the God of Heavenly Thunder fiercely countered, emphasizing the severity of Yuanzheng being bewitched by a demon, which led to the demise of a hundred thousand Heavenly Soldiers and Generals. He asserted that the Heavenly Race, as the leader of the Six Realms, must uphold its laws.

Jiuchen then spoke, agreeing with the God of Heavenly Thunder's stance on strict governance. He acknowledged Yuanzheng's crime as undeniable. Taking full responsibility as the God of War for failing to detect the anomaly within his own ranks and for personally eliminating the demonized soldiers, Jiuchen knelt and requested the Heavenly Emperor to punish him. The Heavenly Emperor attempted to dissuade Jiuchen, reminding him of his fifty-thousand-year slumber in the Immortal Sea after sealing the Demon Lord.

Yet, Jiuchen insisted, likening his duty to a father's responsibility for his child, and reiterated his heavy burden of "murderous sin." Finally, Jiuchen pleaded for leniency for the Yuan Clan, revealing that Yuan Tong, upon learning the truth, had voluntarily abolished fifty thousand years of her cultivation and resigned as a Heavenly Palace War General, expressing willingness to serve as a mere guard at the South Gate of Heaven to atone for her brother's sin.

Reluctantly, the Heavenly Emperor conceded, instructing Lord Baishanxian to announce Jiuchen's punishment: seven jolts of lightning at the Purple Cloud Platform for failing to govern his army strictly. The Yuan Clan, however, would be pardoned, considering they had no more male descendants and Yuan Tong's sincere repentance. Yuan Tong, awaiting news, was distraught when Duyu informed her that Jiuchen was suffering the punishment on her family's behalf at the Purple Cloud Platform. She immediately rushed towards the Purple Cloud Platform.

Meanwhile, Jiuchen was already kneeling on the Purple Cloud Platform, enduring the powerful lightning with his divine power, which shook the entire Heavenly Palace. Yuan Tong, filled with guilt and distress, tried to rush to him, but was restrained by Hanzhang and Kaiyang. Throughout the Heavenly Palace, immortals heard the booming thunder. At Fuyun Hall, Shisan lightheartedly wondered who the unlucky soul undergoing punishment was. Lingxi, however, sensed an ominous feeling.

Upon inquiring, she learned Jiuchen had gone to the main hall for a meeting, and understanding dawned on her. She immediately rushed towards the Purple Cloud Platform. After enduring all seven jolts of lightning, even Jiuchen, with his immense power, could no longer sustain himself and collapsed into unconsciousness. Once back in Fuyun Hall, Qingyao examined him.

She explained to Yunfeng and others that Jiuchen, despite her repeated warnings, had used a vast amount of his magic to resist the lightning, causing a violent relapse of his cold disease. With no other option, she had sealed his superpowers using the Nine Spirits Technique to prevent him from returning to the Immortal Sea to create another ice palace.

When Lord Baishanxian inquired about Jiuchen's exact condition for the Heavenly Emperor, Qingyao assured him that the seal would dispel on its own after forty-nine days, and Jiuchen would recover if he recuperated and took his medicine diligently. Relieved, Lord Baishanxian sternly cautioned everyone present to maintain strict secrecy regarding Jiuchen's temporary loss of power, fearing that malevolent beings might seize the opportunity to cause chaos. All solemnly pledged to keep the secret.

During Jiuchen's prolonged unconsciousness, Lingxi stayed by his side, tending to him for seven days and nights without leaving. High God Yunfeng also expressed concern to Siming, noting Jiuchen's unusually long slumber. Siming, who had brought mortal medicines, explained that Jiuchen was now like a mortal, susceptible to wind and cold, and extremely weak, requiring constant care. He even warned about small, spiritually undeveloped birds potentially harming Jiuchen, though Lingxi dismissed the notion as absurd.

Upon waking, Jiuchen immediately sensed that his magic had been sealed and calmly asked who had done it. Lingxi quickly explained that it was her Senior Sister Qingyao, out of good intentions. Jiuchen then inquired if Qingyao had mentioned any discomfort he might experience. Lingxi relayed Qingyao's instructions: Jiuchen, though a High God, could no longer absorb immortal qi and would feel thirsty, hungry, and excessively tired, needing sleep to recuperate.

Jiuchen then described feeling dizzy, stuffy, weak, "as if poisoned." Lingxi was surprised, pointing out that only a few knew about his sealed magic, Yunfeng had been guarding the Fuyun Hall, and she herself had not left the bedchamber, making poisoning seem impossible. Jiuchen then glanced at the closed windows and asked if she had opened them during the past seven days.

Lingxi confidently stated she hadn't, explaining she feared losing the accumulated heat, knowing his aversion to cold, and would never make such a "lowly mistake." Jiuchen then asked if she knew that burning charcoal in a closed room could lead to poisoning. Lingxi, initially confused, finally grasped the danger when Jiuchen stated his magic was sealed. Panicked, she profusely apologized and began fanning him frantically.

Jiuchen, weakened, urged her to open the windows, and Lingxi, finally understanding the urgency, rushed to do so. Later, Jiuchen also advised her that the damp mist in the room was not good for his current condition and could lead to rheumatism. Yuli, upon Qingyao's return from Fuyun Hall, questioned her about Jiuchen's health, receiving only a dismissive "Nothing serious."

Determined to visit him herself, Yuli overheard immortal maids gossiping that Jiuchen had recently taken in an immortal maid, who was not only pretty but had also helped him regain his reputation, suggesting she might have a prosperous future. This news sparked jealousy in Yuli's heart. Upon arriving at Fuyun Hall, Yuli encountered Lingxi working in the courtyard.

Yuli immediately confronted her, belittling her background as an earthly immortal born in Peach Forest, who, after fifty thousand years of cultivation, remained a mere earth immortal. She scoffed at Lingxi's father, Le Bo, who was expelled from the Lord of Heavenly Medicine's manor for drunken misconduct, and pointed out Lingxi's lack of a maternal tribe or even knowledge of her birth mother.

Yuli then sternly warned Lingxi not to harbor "wishful thinking," stating that Lingxi's only possible role was as an immortal maid in Fuyun Hall. Lingxi retorted that Yuli herself was the one with wishful thinking, to which Yuli boldly agreed, asserting her own beauty and higher cultivation made her more deserving. Yuli then proceeded to see Jiuchen. Jiuchen, who had observed the entire exchange, did not intervene but simply instructed Lingxi to come in and serve.

Once with Jiuchen, Yuli became exceedingly gentle and polite. She presented the Nine Dragons Mythical Fire Shade, explaining it was forged by Zhurong, the former God of Fire, from the Roasting Rock Mythical Bead, inscribed with the Nine Dragons Congealed Flame Formation, and tempered by earth's fire for over thirty thousand years.

She claimed her father, the Lord of Heavenly Medicine, believed it would greatly aid Jiuchen's cold disease and expressed his guilt for a recent delay in delivering his medicine. Jiuchen, recognizing it as a peace offering, simply had Lingxi accept the item. When Yuli offered her own medical services, implying superiority to Qingyao, Jiuchen politely declined, stating Qingyao was excellent and, citing his discomfort, asked Lingxi to escort Yuli out.

Lingxi courteously sent her off, despite Yuli's haughty remark that she knew the place better. Jiuchen, now susceptible to drowsiness since his magic was sealed, found himself falling asleep easily. Lingxi placed the Nine Dragons Mythical Fire Shade before him, and, mimicking his posture, unintentionally dozed off as well. Jiuchen awoke and, seeing Lingxi nodding off and then tumbling over, chuckled. Lingxi, jolted awake, heard Jiuchen muse about how much mortals loved to sleep.

She retorted that immortals loved sleep even more, citing her father who would sleep for "three to five years" when drunk, concluding that Jiuchen was likely the only one who preferred cultivation over sleep. Jiuchen then told Lingxi she didn't need to guard him and encouraged her to take the Nine Dragons Mythical Fire Shade. He noted her lazy disposition and poor cultivation due to constant sleeping, explaining that the fire-element artifact would greatly benefit her Dan Bird Tribe's cultivation.

Lingxi happily accepted the gift and departed. In Dark Capital Mountain, Zhonghao, having survived an earlier ordeal, harbored a deep hatred for the Heavenly Race. He sought out the Demon Lord, pledging his unwavering loyalty to exact revenge for his annihilated tribe. The Demon Lord, however, was skeptical, mocking Zhonghao's claim to remove his shackles, a feat that had cost Jiuchen most of his power and nearly his life.

Zhonghao clarified that while he lacked the power to directly undo the seal, he could open the Spirit-Binding Abyss, a passageway between the god and demon realms. He promised that once this "Gate of Hell" opened, millions of demon soldiers would gather under the Demon Lord's banner, effectively freeing him from the Heavenly Race's threat. Recognizing him as Lieyi's son, the Demon Lord accepted Zhonghao's allegiance and bestowed upon him his own Demon Blade.

Armed with the blade, Zhonghao traveled to a barren desert and commanded Heichi to find a girl born fifty thousand years ago in Dark Capital Mountain, one who possessed the combined power of both gods and demons, as she was the very person the Demon Lord needed. News of Zhonghao's demonization reached Jing Xiu, the State Preceptor.

He was informed that Zhonghao had sought aid from the Hanshan Tribe and obtained a Demon Blade, the power of which was still unknown but not to be underestimated.

Jing Xiu deduced that Zhonghao's search for a girl born fifty thousand years ago in Dark Capital Mountain, one bearing both godly and demonic powers, indicated he was looking for Ling Yue's daughter, who was connected to the great battle between the God of War and the Demon Lord fifty thousand years prior. Meanwhile, Ling Yue, who had recently learned her child was alive, often grieved, clutching her deceased husband Mohuan's belongings.

Grandmother Shi comforted her, encouraging her to be optimistic, as knowing the princess was alive was already good news, and mother and daughter would eventually reunite. She further explained that Mohuan belonged to the Dan Bird Tribe, which was now very rare, making such a unique bloodline easier to trace. Ling Yue found some solace in these words. The next day, she carried Mohuan's flute to the Peach Forest, where she met Le Bo.

It was revealed that Le Bo and Mohuan were fellow disciples. Ling Yue revealed she and Mohuan were deeply in love and had secretly pledged themselves to each other, but her father had never approved. Le Bo was stunned and deeply affected to hear that Mohuan had died fifty thousand years ago, and, explaining he had lived a muddled life of vengeance and forgotten to inform her, he accepted the flute from Ling Yue and abruptly departed, still visibly distraught.

Episode 13 Recap

In the Peach Forest, Le Bo was deeply sorrowful upon hearing of Mohuan's death. He told Chengyan that Mohuan had died fifty thousand years ago, having fallen in love with the wrong person and gotten involved in a forbidden fate, and he sought solace in wine. Jiuchen, his magic temporarily sealed, found daily life challenging as he experienced hunger, thirst, and fatigue, even needing to perform simple tasks himself, like blowing out a candle. This sense of powerlessness frustrated him.

When he decided to go out for a stroll, Lingxi immediately volunteered to accompany him, but Jiuchen sternly refused, asserting that he was only without magic, not disabled. Lingxi, worried and fearing his anger, still trailed him, though Jiuchen soon discovered her. As they arrived at Wangyue Spring, it began to rain. Lingxi quickly offered to shield him with an umbrella, but her overly cautious demeanor seemed to wound his pride.

Jiuchen did not accept her offer and turned to leave. Meanwhile, Huayan expressed her worry to Yunfeng about Jiuchen's safety without his magic, fearing he might be carried off by beasts. She also doubted Lingxi's ability to protect him, claiming even she could make Lingxi beg for mercy. With the truth of the Dark Capital Mountain battle revealed and all doubts about Jiuchen dispelled, the Heavenly Emperor restored his title as God of War.

During a gathering of Heavenly Palace generals in Fuyun Hall, Tianlei Zhenjun was absent. Ziguang explained that Tianlei Zhenjun was unwell and had gone into seclusion, asking for a leave of absence on his behalf. Jiuchen, though aware of the underlying truth, showed no reaction and granted the request. Jiuchen then announced significant personnel changes, based on their performance evaluations and the recent period of peace.

He reassigned Yuantong from her post as Northern Seas guarding general, appointing Hanzhang in her place. Kaiyang was to remain in the Heavenly Palace for training. Ziguang was recalled to the Heavenly Palace and placed temporarily under Kaiyang's command, with Ziguang's deputy taking over his former general post.

Furthermore, Jiuchen ordered Fangsheng to deploy a troop of Heavenly Soldiers to search the Six Realms for Demon Tribe remnants, sternly warning all generals against negligence and promising strict military law for any who dared to slack. Ziguang questioned his transfer back, but Kaiyang quickly put him in his place, and Ziguang conceded. Following this, Jiuchen moved on to discuss the settlement of the Yuan Clan.

Outside Fuyun Hall, Lingxi stood lost in thought, realizing that it was the day Jiuchen's confinement would be lifted, and he would once again become the revered God of War. Inside, Qingyao performed the ritual to dispel the Nine Spirits Technique for Jiuchen. Both Lingxi and Yunfeng were asked to wait outside the hall. Taking the opportunity, Lingxi asked Yunfeng if high-cultivation immortals like him and Jiuchen could truly prevent others from approaching them if they were unwilling.

Yunfeng confirmed this, stating that if one couldn't even approach, then kissing would certainly be impossible unless it was consensual. This made Lingxi recall the scene in the Water Moon Cauldron where she had seen herself kissing Jiuchen, and a wave of sweetness and shyness washed over her.

After completing the ritual, Qingyao informed Jiuchen that although most of his cold disease was cured, he would still be more susceptible to cold than other immortals and advised caution when using magic in battle. Jiuchen instructed Shisan to summon Yuantong to Fuyun Hall. Shisan, still resentful of Yuantong's ingratitude, refused to go himself and ordered Huayan to go in his stead.

Huayan, feeling a chill whenever she saw Yuantong and angered by the lightning punishment Jiuchen endured because of her, reluctantly agreed, pulling Lingxi along for company as she felt afraid of Yuantong. Meanwhile, at the Yuan Clan ancestral temple, Old Madam Yuan had been weeping incessantly for days, unable to sleep, lamenting the family's decline. Yuantong, concerned for her mother's health, tried to console her, but Old Madam Yuan simply stated she was tired and wanted to rest, dismissing Yuantong.

After the ancestral temple door closed, Old Madam Yuan declared her life to be an unbearable torment, believing all hope was lost, and picked up Yuanzheng's Heart Assembling Nail, resolute in her decision to end her suffering. Outside, Yuantong encountered Lingxi and Huayan. With a hostile gaze, Yuantong demanded to know what Lingxi wanted, but Lingxi merely informed her that Jiuchen had summoned her to Fuyun Hall. Before Lingxi could finish, a loud sound erupted from within the ancestral temple.

Yuantong frantically pushed the doors open to find Old Madam Yuan collapsed on the ground, having used the Heart Assembling Nail to end her own life. Yuantong cried out in anguish, collapsing onto her mother's lifeless body, heartbroken. Lingxi and Huayan, who had followed her in, were visibly shaken by the tragic sight. Yuantong looked back at Lingxi with deep resentment, causing Lingxi and Huayan to quickly flee the scene.

Upon their return, Shisan noticed Huayan and Lingxi were dispirited and asked if Yuantong had bullied them. Huayan vaguely suggested that they might need to avoid Yuantong in the future, without explaining why. Lingxi, meanwhile, sought solace in a corner, weeping quietly. Jiuchen found her and offered comfort, assuring her that Old Madam Yuan's death was not her fault.

He explained that Old Madam Yuan valued her clan's honor and glory more than her own life, and once that honor was gone, she lost the will to live. He added that it was this very personality that had shaped Yuanzheng and Yuantong, leading them to be overly attached to gains and losses, which in turn allowed them to be bewitched by demons and fall into an irreversible abyss. He concluded that her fate was destined and unavoidable.

Lingxi, hearing the words "destined," grew more troubled, pondering if all destined events were indeed inevitable. Yunfeng, sitting alone in the garden, spent the entire day gazing into a mirror. Siming, Kaiyang, and Hanzhang approached him, surprised to see the usually cheerful High God looking dejected. Yunfeng voiced his concerns, asking if he had become less handsome or if his beauty had faded, because Doctor Qingyao seemed impervious to his charms, no matter how hard he tried.

The three immortals stifled their laughter and quickly showered him with compliments about his enduring handsomeness, which restored Yunfeng's confidence. Convinced that Qingyao was merely playing hard to get and suppressing her true feelings, Yunfeng decided it was time to unleash a "big move" to win her heart. Later, as Qingyao was concocting medicines in the Medical Hall, a commotion erupted outside. Yunfeng appeared, dressed in flowing white robes, conjuring a massive pink heart in the sky.

As Qingyao emerged, he declared his affection for her publicly and showered her with a cascade of flower petals, stating he could give her anything she desired. Other immortals watched with amusement, and the young immortal maids shrieked with delight. However, Qingyao abruptly turned and closed the door, deflecting all the petals back onto Yunfeng, covering him completely. The onlookers burst into laughter, and Yunfeng, thoroughly embarrassed, retreated awkwardly.

Lingxi approached Jiuchen, seeking guidance on how to use the Heavenly Lasting Mythical Sand, which had inexplicably affixed itself to her hand. Jiuchen recognized it as a crucial treasure of the Old Man of the South Pole and inquired how it came to be in her possession. Lingxi explained that during her last visit to the South Pole Immortal Continent to restore a war report for him, she had inadvertently discovered the Water Moon Cauldron within a mountain.

After using the Cauldron to restore the report, the Heavenly Lasting Mythical Sand had spontaneously attached itself to her hand and defied all her attempts to remove it. Jiuchen expressed his displeasure that she had taken the item without informing the Old Man, emphasizing that while the artifact might have chosen her, it was still improper not to notify its long-time guardian.

Lingxi confessed her reluctance to return, citing a previous encounter with a "very fierce High Immortal" named Qinyuan during her last visit. Jiuchen, sensing her apprehension, offered to accompany her. Upon their arrival at the South Pole Immortal Continent, Jiuchen and Lingxi were informed by a disciple that the Old Man of the South Pole and his eldest disciple, Qinyuan, were both in seclusion, with no definite date for their return.

However, the disciple conveyed a message the Old Man had left specifically for Jiuchen, stating, "Everything and every creature in this world gather together because of fate. Just let nature take its course. No need to worry yourself." Jiuchen smiled, acknowledging his own attachment to worldly concepts compared to the Old Man's unaffected nature.

He asked the disciple to relay a message to the Old Man, assuring him that he would make the best possible use of the treasure and not allow such an important item to be neglected. Meanwhile, within his seclusion, the Old Man of the South Pole was attempting to dissuade Qinyuan from his path of revenge.

He reminded Qinyuan that ever since Zhonghao had sent him there, Qinyuan's connections to the mundane world were severed, and upon entering the Southern Mountain, he was no longer bound to Zhonghao. Qinyuan respectfully acknowledged his teacher's decree but asserted his unwavering loyalty to his adoptive father, Zhonghao, whose nurturing had saved him from certain death.

Despite the Old Man's warning that leaving the Southern Mountain would lead to a perilous future and potentially a doomed fate, Qinyuan remained resolute, declaring he would not back down even if his body and bones were decimated. Seeing Qinyuan's determination, the Old Man regretfully declared that their master-disciple bond had reached its end and told Qinyuan to take care of himself from that point onward. Qinyuan departed, feeling ashamed.

As Qinyuan exited his seclusion, his junior brother informed him about Jiuchen's recent visit with an immortal maid, and the Old Man's message about utilizing an item well. This immediately led Qinyuan to suspect that the Water Moon Cauldron was likely in Jiuchen's possession. Driven by a thirst for revenge, Qinyuan soon confronted Jingxiu. Without stating his reasons, Qinyuan declared his intention to offer Jingxiu's spirit to heaven and earth, immediately launching an attack with his staff.

Jingxiu recognized Qinyuan as someone he had fought before, and, perplexed by his sudden aggression, quickly overpowered Qinyuan, severely injuring him. Jingxiu ordered his subordinate, Chibi, to investigate Qinyuan's background and secretly follow him. Qinyuan, gravely wounded, fled and stumbled into the Hanshan Tribe territory, where he was astonished and overjoyed to find his adoptive father, Zhonghao, alive.

Zhonghao explained that his entire tribe had been annihilated, and he had sacrificed his soul to carve a bloody path out of Dark Capital Mountain, now existing as little more than a living corpse. He openly admitted to having embraced demonization after being exiled by the Heavenly Race and hunted by the Shanling Tribe. Zhonghao then questioned if Qinyuan, being of the Heavenly Race, would now stand against him.

Qinyuan steadfastly reaffirmed his loyalty, stating he had left the Southern Mountain precisely to avenge Zhonghao, ready to sacrifice himself if needed. Pleased, Zhonghao revealed his plan: he intended to repair his Demon Blade using the Water Moon Cauldron and then use Jingxiu's flesh as an offering to his deceased tribesmen. Qinyuan, without hesitation, vowed to retrieve the Water Moon Cauldron for him.

One day, as Lingxi walked, she was struck by bird droppings, only to discover it was the small Qingluan, deliberately provoking her from the sky. Annoyed, Lingxi immediately transformed into her original Dan Bird form and gave chase, intending to pluck the Qingluan's feathers. Just as she was about to catch it, First Lady Yuli suddenly appeared.

Yuli angrily rebuked Lingxi for her "atrocious" behavior near Wanling Park, warning her about a fierce Bagu Beast residing there that could tear her to pieces. She then demanded that Lingxi, as a "servant" from Fuyun Hall, apologize and bow to her beloved pet Qingluan for chasing it, stating that the matter would not be over otherwise. Lingxi naturally refused to bow to a bird. As Lingxi attempted to leave, Yuli used her magic to stop her. Taking advantage of the distraction, the small Qingluan swiftly scratched Lingxi's hand. With a smug look, Yuli then departed with her pet.

Episode 14 Recap

Shisan noticed a wound on Lingxi's hand and angrily demanded to know who was responsible, vowing revenge. Lingxi revealed it was caused by a "rotten Qingluan," to which Shisan, initially furious and ready to stew the bird, changed her tune upon learning it was Fairy Yuli's immortal pet.

Shisan then advised Lingxi to endure the slight, explaining that offending the Lord of Heavenly Medicine, Fairy Yuli's father, was unwise given their reliance on his medicinal pellets for cultivation, strengthening, and even recovering from cultivation deviations. Lingxi countered that she had never relied on such pellets, having grown up on common mortal foods like sesame-paste pancakes, sweetened jellied bean curd, and tripe in chili oil.

Lingxi felt increasingly wronged, lamenting that everyone seemed to bully her, leaving her unable to resist. Chibi reported to Jing Xiu that the assassin who had tried to kill him was Qinyuan, Zhonghao's adopted son. Jing Xiu acknowledged that Qinyuan must be seeking revenge for Zhonghao but noted that Qinyuan was a disciple of the Old Man of South Pole Immortal Continent, remarking on the ill fate of an immortal acknowledging a demonized individual as family.

After learning that Zhonghao's whereabouts had been discovered, Jing Xiu decided to personally lead the capture mission. However, he was nearly injured during the encounter, surprised by the immense power still held by a broken Demon Blade. After the confrontation, Zhonghao vowed to kill Jing Xiu someday. Yuan Tong had endured immense suffering, including her elder brother's demonization, her mother's suicide, her family's decline, and the drastic reduction of her own power, leading to the loss of her immortal post.

Unwilling to accept defeat, she found the "Dark Immortal Reference," a cultivation method previously practiced by Yuanzheng. Despite Duyu's alarmed warnings that the incomplete craft had caused Yuanzheng to lose his mind and become bewitched by demons, Yuan Tong remained obstinate. She declared that for the Yuan Family's legacy, she would rather risk everything than live a life no different from death, even regretting her past hesitation to be more decisive.

Qinyuan was present in Fuyun Hall, claiming to be there on behalf of the Old Man of South Pole Immortal Continent to meet High God Jiuchen. Meanwhile, Lingxi, unwilling to be bullied by the small Qingluan, Fairy Yuli's pet, set a trap, but the bird still managed to escape. As Lingxi vigorously pursued the bird and finally caught it, Fairy Yuli suddenly appeared and bound Lingxi with an immortal rope.

Infuriated by Lingxi's audacity to bully her beloved pet, Fairy Yuli dragged Lingxi, intending to seek Jiuchen's judgment. Qinyuan stated his purpose was to return the Water Moon Cauldron to his cave. Jiuchen observed him with suspicion, inquiring if he had sustained any recent injuries. Qinyuan, appearing flustered, evaded the question and reiterated his request for the Water Moon Cauldron. Jiuchen, sensing something amiss, denied ever seeing the item, causing a tense atmosphere in the hall.

At that moment, Fairy Yuli burst in, dragging Lingxi and roughly throwing her to the floor. Fairy Yuli accused Lingxi of using a Peach of Immortality to ensnare her Qingluan, questioning Lingxi's malicious intent. Lingxi, startled to see Qinyuan, quickly hid the Heavenly Lasting Mythical Sand on her hand and repeatedly apologized to Jiuchen. Seizing the opportunity, Jiuchen sternly rebuked Lingxi for causing trouble and ordered her to immediately withdraw and reflect behind closed doors.

An unknowing Shisan attempted to plead for Lingxi, but Lingxi pulled her away. After Lingxi and Shisan departed, Qinyuan again pressed Jiuchen to return the Water Moon Cauldron. When Jiuchen again denied having it, Qinyuan stood up assertively, accusing Jiuchen of attempting to seize the South Pole Immortal Continent's treasure. Before Jiuchen could respond, Fairy Yuli interjected, reprimanding Qinyuan for his insolence and daring to offend the Senior Deity. Silenced by her rebuke, Qinyuan grudgingly left, warning of future implications.

Jiuchen thanked Fairy Yuli for her assistance. Overjoyed, Fairy Yuli misinterpreted Jiuchen's punishment of Lingxi as an act of affection towards her, wistfully expressing her desire to be a mere attendant in Fuyun Hall to remain close to him. Jiuchen, however, offered no reciprocation, simply stating his weariness, prompting Fairy Yuli to tactfully depart after reminding him to use the Nine Dragons Mythical Fire Shade she had given him.

Soon after, Lingxi secretly returned to Jiuchen, cautiously asking if the high immortal, Qinyuan, was there to reclaim the Heavenly Lasting Mythical Sand, noting his unsettling demeanor. Jiuchen, in turn, told her to continue wearing it safely. Lingxi's brief moment of joy quickly faded when Jiuchen immediately reiterated her punishment to reflect behind closed doors. Jiuchen instructed Shisan to trail Qinyuan and investigate if he displayed any unusual signs. However, Shisan, being careless, was quickly discovered and evaded by Qinyuan.

Upon returning, Shisan casually reported losing Qinyuan, prompting Jiuchen to lament that despite having countless elite soldiers and generals in the past, he now had only such a muddle-headed follower. Just then, Lingxi entered to serve tea to both of them. Jiuchen questioned why she wasn't reflecting behind closed doors, to which Lingxi cleverly responded that she would do so after serving their tea.

Observing these two troublesome individuals, Jiuchen seemed at a loss for words, merely shaking his head in resignation. Yuan Tong continued to forcefully cultivate the "Dark Immortal Reference," a practice Duyu had earlier warned her against, reminding her that the incomplete craft had caused Yuanzheng to lose his sanity and become demonized. Despite Duyu's desperate pleas for her to stop, Yuan Tong remained obstinate, driven by her ambition to restore her family's prestige.

She expressed profound regret for her past hesitation, believing that if she had been more resolute then, the current dire consequences could have been avoided. Jiuchen located Zhonghao in Dark Capital Mountain and engaged him in combat. Zhonghao proved no match for Jiuchen, who quickly subdued him. Jiuchen pressed Zhonghao to reveal the Demon Lord's intentions, but Zhonghao defiantly refused, instead stating the Demon Lord wanted him dead.

Despite Jiuchen offering a chance to repent, Zhonghao was unwilling to accept it and was promptly recalled by the Demon Lord, who recognized Zhonghao's inferior skill. After leaving Dark Capital Mountain, Jiuchen went to the Peach Forest to find Le Bo, but Chengyan informed him that Le Bo was not present. Jiuchen left a message for Le Bo to await his return and then went back to Heavenly Palace. Upon reaching Fuyun Hall, his first order was to summon Yunfeng.

Yunfeng, still relentlessly pursuing Qingyao, resorted to a trick. He instructed a maid to falsely claim that an immortal beast in Wanling Park was gravely ill and required her immediate medical attention. When Qingyao realized the deception, seeing Yunfeng appear to serenely play music, she chastised the maid for speaking nonsense and confronted Yunfeng.

She accused him of being an irresponsible High God, more interested in frivolous pursuits than the welfare of the mortal realm, especially given the current drought and rampant plague in Great Yue State, which had left countless children homeless. When Yunfeng tried to defend himself, Qingyao intensified her criticism, reminding him of a devastating flood he had caused in Great Yue State 50,000 years prior, while in a drunken stupor.

Yunfeng admitted to the incident, claiming he had swiftly rectified it by retrieving the souls of the deceased from the Ghost Realm and altering their fates to grant them prosperous lives and happy families. He then minimized the gravity of the disaster by stating that only one person had died, emphasizing that he had even waited for that soul at the entrance between realms, but couldn't retrieve him.

Qingyao, in a fury, scornfully denounced him, asserting that every individual, no matter how insignificant in his eyes, had the right to experience the world and enjoy a simple life, things he disdained. Yunfeng was stunned by Qingyao's detailed knowledge of the past event and tried to explain further, but Qingyao drew her sword, threatening to kill him if he took another step. Recognizing her genuine intent, Yunfeng dared not pursue her.

Suspecting a connection between Qingyao and the single death in the Great Yue State flood, Yunfeng went to Siming Hall and began searching through the Destiny Books for records of immortals' trials. Siming, upon his return, immediately tried to stop him. Siming explained that while Shisan was allowed to look at records of deceased mortals for amusement, Yunfeng was attempting to access the sensitive Destiny Books pertaining to immortals' trials.

He warned that allowing a non-Siming Palace member to view these records would cause him to suffer heavenly retribution during his future promotions. Yunfeng, however, dismissed Siming's concerns, making a cutting remark about Siming's stalled cultivation progress and lack of future promotion prospects. Their argument escalated into a brief struggle over the books until Lingxi and Shisan arrived. Lingxi expressed concern for Siming, and Shisan defiantly stated he would never allow Yunfeng to bully Siming, despite their differing ranks.

After his encounter in Dark Capital Mountain, Jiuchen's suspicion of Lingxi intensified. He informed Yunfeng that he intended to take Lingxi to the mortal realm as a test, specifically to Dark Capital Mountain. Before departing, Jiuchen entrusted Yunfeng with the comprehensive management of Heavenly Palace affairs, urging him to set aside distractions and diligently perform his duties.

Yunfeng, initially attempting to be flippant, immediately adopted a serious demeanor after receiving a stern gaze from his senior brother and promised to handle everything with care, including keeping a close watch on the Yuan Family and the Shanling Tribe's potential collusion with demons. Meanwhile, Lingxi was daydreaming by the Full Moon Spring, imagining Jiuchen's reflection in the water.

She was startled back to reality when Jiuchen cleared his throat, only to learn he intended to take her to the mortal realm. Overjoyed, Lingxi eagerly accepted, excitedly listing the various delicious foods she looked forward to trying there. Jiuchen and Lingxi embarked on their journey by cloud towards Dark Capital Mountain. As they passed over Great Yue State, Jiuchen observed a Bai Ze beast rampaging through a bustling market, scattering terrified citizens.

As a deity, Jiuchen could not ignore such disruption and immediately descended. Lingxi, who had been chattering animatedly to Jiuchen, quickly noticed he had gone down and swiftly followed him to the mortal realm. The Bai Ze beast, it turned out, was not harming anyone, but merely searching for food. Lingxi, seeing its pure white fur, was reminded of her deceased pet, Xiao Bai. Noticing its pure eyes devoid of malice, she knew it hadn't injured anyone.

She promptly bought a cage of steamed buns from a nearby stall and lured the beast to a secluded bamboo grove outside the city. Once there, away from any human presence, Lingxi tossed the buns from the cage. The Bai Ze immediately stopped its rampage and began to eat with relish. Lingxi crouched down, attempting to speak to it.

When the Bai Ze made a gesture as if to show affection, Lingxi misinterpreted it as an attempt to eat her and fled in fear. Jiuchen, who had been observing from behind, swiftly cast a spell, confining the Bai Ze and transforming it from a large creature into an adorable small beast, barely larger than a rabbit.

Episode 15 Recap

Lingxi happily approaches a tiny Bai Ze, noting how small it is and jokingly asking if it plans to eat her. When Jiuchen intends to lock the beast in the Demon Tower for endangering mortals, Lingxi insists it is merely gluttonous and not truly malicious. She points out its clear eyes, which, according to her father, indicate it has not shed innocent blood.

Jiuchen warns her that the Bai Ze is an ancient, fierce mythical beast, too powerful for her to control once it matures, but Lingxi is moved by its resemblance to her old companion, Xiaobai. Seeing Lingxi's unwavering affection, Jiuchen relents, and Lingxi gratefully promises to care for and discipline it.

Jiuchen and Lingxi then arrive at the Shanling Tribe, where Jiuchen is greeted by State Master Ling Yue, an old acquaintance who expresses surprise at seeing him again after tens of thousands of years. She mentions High God Yunfeng's recent visit to inform her of Zhonghao's resurrection, to which Jiuchen asserts the close bond between the Shanling and Heavenly Races.

Ling Yue offers Jiuchen a precious Good Fire Pellet to aid the cold he contracted at the Immortal Sea, which Jiuchen accepts as an apology for a border misunderstanding. Ling Yue then observes Lingxi, finding her face kind, and asks her name and age. Lingxi reveals she is exactly fifty thousand years old, surprising both Ling Yue and Grandmother Shi. Grandmother Shi then asks about Lingxi's origins, learning she is from the Dan Bird Tribe.

However, their hopeful expressions turn to disappointment when Lingxi explains she grew up with her father, an older sister, and a younger brother. Ling Yue inwardly clings to the faint hope that Lingxi could still be her lost child. Ling Yue prepares a grand banquet to honor Jiuchen. Meanwhile, Chibi informs Jing Xiu of the banquet, noting that despite Jiuchen's presence, Jing Xiu has not been invited, a slight Jing Xiu appears indifferent to.

Princess Baoqing, Jing Xiu's half-sister, visits him, expressing her own disinterest in the banquet. Before leaving to change into a new pearl-studded skirt, she asks if he will attend, but he does not respond. Separately, Lingxi decides to name the little beast. She proposes "Wuwan," because it consumes at least five bowls of food per meal. Jiuchen, finding the name silly, simply states that her happiness is what matters.

At the banquet, Jiuchen sternly instructs Lingxi to stay by his side. However, Wuwan soon goes missing, prompting Lingxi to disregard Jiuchen’s order. After politely excusing herself to State Master Ling Yue, she rushes off to find it. Meanwhile, a bored Princess Baoqing, having also left the banquet, spots the tiny Wuwan and commands her guards to capture the "little beast." As Wuwan is cornered, Lingxi secretly uses her magic to help it bite Baoqing and escape.

Her intervention is noticed, and she flees, with Baoqing ordering her guards to pursue both Lingxi and Wuwan. While fleeing, Lingxi inadvertently stumbles into Jing Xiu's residence and becomes ensnared by Ghost Vines. Jing Xiu recognizes the "interesting little immortal" and questions her identity. Fearing that revealing her connection to Jiuchen would bring him trouble with the princess, Lingxi refuses to disclose her name and pleads for her release.

As Princess Baoqing and her guards approach, Jing Xiu steps out and calmly dismisses her search. Taking advantage of the distraction, Lingxi frees herself. Before leaving, she notices the Immortal Knot on a nearby table and impulsively takes it. Upon returning, Jing Xiu finds Lingxi gone and the Immortal Knot missing. Lingxi reunites with Wuwan just as guards approach. Jiuchen appears and creates a protective barrier, making them invisible to the passing guards. Caught, Lingxi apologizes for causing trouble.

The next day, Jiuchen leads Lingxi to Dark Capital Mountain, the place where the Demon Lord was sealed. Lingxi finds nothing out of the ordinary despite the heavy demonic aura, a stark contrast to the place's reputation as impassable to nearly all beings. Jiuchen observes that Lingxi is the only one besides himself who can enter unscathed, solidifying his certainty that she is the infant from fifty thousand years ago who possesses both divine and demonic power.

He then resolves to take her to the Polar Abyss, his former cultivation ground. At the Polar Abyss, a lone, icy palace stands amidst a snowy expanse. An old man emerges, bowing to Jiuchen. As Lingxi follows Jiuchen inside, Wuwan bites her skirt, whining and circling, trying to prevent her from entering. Misinterpreting its fear, Lingxi scoops it up and continues into a vast, frigid hall. Unable to bear the cold, Wuwan struggles free and flees.

Lingxi tries to follow, but Jiuchen stops her, instructing her to remain while he goes to find the beast. The old man then departs, sealing the heavy door behind them. A sudden chill envelops Lingxi. She calls out but receives no response. The biting cold soon becomes unbearable. She tries transforming into her Dan Bird form and then cultivating, but both fail to provide relief.

Finally, huddling on the icy bed, she succumbs to the cold and faints, whispering Jiuchen's title. Throughout her ordeal, Lingxi’s unwavering trust in Jiuchen never falters, believing he is a benevolent God of War who always acts for the greater good. Wuwan, sensing Lingxi's plight, desperately begs Jiuchen for help, but he remains impassive. The beast then runs to the hall door, repeatedly ramming its tiny body against it.

The thudding sounds, combined with memories of Lingxi's innocent trust, break Jiuchen's resolve. Unable to remain cold-blooded, he appears in the icy hall, infusing the unconscious Lingxi with spiritual power. Lingxi awakens briefly in his arms, weakly returning the tightly clutched Immortal Knot to him before fainting once more. Jiuchen gazes at her, recalling the Battle of Gods and Demons fifty thousand years ago. After sealing the Demon Lord, he had found a baby clutching an Immortal Knot.

As he reached for the child, the Demon Lord's spirit attempted to possess her. Jiuchen used his last reserves of divine power to suppress the demonic essence within the infant, dying in the process. Jiuchen brings Lingxi back to his quarters, where she later regains consciousness. Though she understands Jiuchen deliberately left her in the freezing palace, she retains her unconditional trust in him.

Feeling an aversion to the vast, empty palace and fearing being alone, she tearfully pleads for Jiuchen to stay. He relents, and Lingxi, comforted by his presence, peacefully falls asleep. After much contemplation, Jiuchen decides to send Lingxi back to the Peach Forest, remarking on how Wuwan has started to act like a dog since Lingxi began raising it like one. Elsewhere, High God Yunfeng persistently badgers Siming for information about Qingyao.

Exasperated, Siming agrees to read from the records of her mortal trial, stipulating that Yunfeng may only listen. Siming finds the entry and reveals that Fairy Qingyao was born into the Bai Family. Alarmed, Yunfeng presses him to continue. Siming then hands him the record, and Yunfeng is horrified to learn that he had accidentally killed Qingyao's mortal husband.

Siming attempts to console the distraught Yunfeng, suggesting that his actions, though angering Qingyao, inadvertently helped her complete her trial and ascend to High Immortal faster. Yunfeng, though dismayed, accepts the attempt at comfort and calls Siming a good friend.

Episode 16 Recap

Jiuchen returned Lingxi to the Peach Forest, stating she had been away from home for too long. Lingxi protested, expressing her desire to remain at Fuyun Hall and her longing for Shisan and Huayan, but Jiuchen, without explanation, used his magic to instantly take her back. Upon their arrival, Le Bo greeted his daughter with a mix of joy and anger, loudly scolding her for running away from Fuyun Hall. Jiuchen intervened, explaining that Lingxi had missed her home.

Le Bo then offered Jiuchen some of his homemade wine, which Jiuchen complimented. Jiuchen proceeded to reveal he knew Lingxi's true identity: she was not Le Bo's biological daughter. He explained that 50,000 years ago, Le Bo found her outside Dark Capital Mountain after a major battle, where she had been abandoned. Before his sealing, the Demon Lord attempted to possess her to hide his primordial spirit.

While Jiuchen managed to save her life and repel the Demon Lord, the Demon Lord injected his last demonic power into her body, granting her both immortal and demonic powers, and the ability to awaken both Jiuchen and the Demon Lord. Jiuchen accused Le Bo of knowing this secret and intentionally getting drunk to feign an error, fleeing the Heavenly Palace to hide Lingxi in the Peach Forest.

Le Bo, deeply concerned for Lingxi's safety should the Heavenly Palace discover her secret, inquired about Jiuchen's intentions. Jiuchen declared that Lingxi must remain confined to the Peach Forest, just as she had for the past 50,000 years. Le Bo expressed doubt, fearing their peace was now irrevocably broken as Lingxi had already appeared in the Heavenly Palace. Jiuchen solemnly vowed to protect her, affirming they would hide her for as long as possible.

Le Bo expressed profound gratitude, bowing deeply, and explained that when he found Lingxi, Jiuchen's immortal soul was completely shattered, and he appeared dead, so Le Bo prioritized saving the child. Jiuchen dismissed his actions, stating that saving her was all that mattered. As Jiuchen prepared to depart, Lingxi wondered what her father and Jiuchen were discussing. Chengyan teased her, suggesting she had been expelled from Fuyun Hall.

Lingxi proudly claimed that Jiuchen could not bear to be without her, asserting she had to repeatedly beg him to accompany her home for a visit. Jiuchen called Lingxi to him, commenting on the serenity of the Peach Forest and how it suited her. Lingxi expressed her dislike for the quiet, preferring Fuyun Hall instead. Jiuchen advised her to strive for worthiness, cultivate diligently, be cautious in her words and actions, and avoid worrying her father.

Lingxi earnestly promised to cultivate hard and stay by his side if he took her back to Fuyun Hall, assuring him that her father would then not worry. Jiuchen then instructed her on how to use the Heavenly Lasting Mythical Sand, which Lingxi initially dismissed as useless. Jiuchen corrected her, explaining that it was her lack of understanding, not the item, that made it seem so.

He taught her the principles of "thought is everything," guiding her through meditation and concentration exercises. Lingxi successfully manifested and retracted a sword with her mind. Jiuchen emphasized the importance of diligent practice and a clear mind so she could protect herself in his absence. Realizing Jiuchen was about to leave, Lingxi desperately asked if he was abandoning her. She impulsively embraced him and forcefully kissed him. Jiuchen neither responded nor pushed her away.

Lingxi then bravely confessed her deep love, clarifying that it was not a childish affection but a pure love between a man and a woman. She implored him to admit if he had even a slight liking for her, recalling his protection of her in the main palace hall and his decision to allow her to stay in Fuyun Hall.

She questioned what she had done wrong to be cast into the "icy cold room" and now returned to the Peach Forest. Only then did Jiuchen push her hands away, coldly stating that he did not like her, explaining that she was too young, her cultivation was too weak, and she was simply not compatible with him. He instructed her to remain in the Peach Forest and never to return to the Heavenly Palace, then walked away.

Lingxi was left in disbelief, questioning if his words were sincere. Later that night, Lingxi sat outside, unable to sleep, still distraught. Le Bo attempted to console her, declaring that anyone who did not want her was "blind," and asserting that they, in turn, did not like Jiuchen either. Despite this, Lingxi tearfully admitted that she still loved him. Chengyan then discovered her, mockingly suggesting her bragging about Jiuchen had led to her current unhappiness.

Lingxi warned him not to provoke her, threatening to expose his past misdeeds. Chengyan initially feigned indifference and began to walk away but ultimately returned to offer some rare, earnest advice. He told Lingxi that some matters could not be forced and that her one-sided affection was futile.

He starkly contrasted her status as an earth immortal who had cultivated for tens of thousands of years with Jiuchen's tens of thousands of years of life and his position as the strongest God of War in the Six Realms. He suggested that while Jiuchen might achieve eternal life, she would likely have long since perished, implying their incompatibility. Lingxi absorbed his words, which echoed Jiuchen's earlier declaration about her youth, weak powers, and incompatibility.

Deeply affected, she immediately returned to her room, closing the door to focus on cultivation. Meanwhile, Heichi, following Zhonghao's orders, continued to apprehend female immortals who were exactly 50,000 years old, but none were the one they sought. In the Heavenly Palace, the Heavenly Emperor expressed concern to Jiuchen about the increasing disappearances of female immortals, causing widespread fear. Jiuchen assured him that he had already dispatched Kaiyang to investigate.

Returning to Fuyun Hall, Jiuchen severely reprimanded Yunfeng, accusing him of disregarding his instructions to diligently monitor all activity around Dark Capital Mountain. Yunfeng protested that he had informed the Hanshan Tribe, but Jiuchen pointed out the internal strife within the tribe and the ambiguous nature of their State Preceptor, highlighting Yunfeng's negligence.

Yunfeng acknowledged his carelessness, and Jiuchen further criticized his negligence, remarking that even the benevolent Medical Immortal Qingyao, who compassionately aided mortals, would look down on such idleness. Kaiyang arrived to report that while the culprit remained unknown, all the missing female immortals shared a common trait: they were precisely 50,000 years old. Jiuchen immediately understood that the Demon Lord was searching for the infant from 50,000 years ago.

He ordered Kaiyang to instruct all Heavenly Palace War Division generals to intensify patrols across the Six Realms to prevent further incidents and to dispatch additional forces to heavily surround all strategic points in Dark Capital Mountain. Realizing the gravity of the situation, Yunfeng apologized to Jiuchen for his oversight, admitting he underestimated Zhonghao's capacity for disruption. He pledged to diligently assist Kaiyang and Hanzhang in any capacity.

Jiuchen, recognizing Yunfeng's laid-back and playful nature, reminded him that as a High God, he bore significant responsibility, especially given his talent and the Teacher's guidance. He emphasized that if Yunfeng had listened, those female immortals might have been spared, urging him to fully embrace his duties as a god. Yunfeng expressed his remorse and promised to change his lazy ways. Despite Yunfeng's newfound resolve, his habitual playfulness quickly resurfaced.

He noted Jiuchen's increased flexibility since Lingxi's arrival and asked about her whereabouts. Upon learning she had gone to the lower realm to visit her father, Yunfeng, assuming her safety, expressed his intention to personally fetch her back once her visit was complete. Jiuchen questioned why a High God like him would fetch a "little Dan bird" with no merit or official rank.

Yunfeng asserted that Lingxi's greatest "merit" was her ability to make Jiuchen laugh, claiming he would provide her with any treasures from the Four Seas and citing his own lack of "serious tasks" as a High God, which would also allow him to get wine from Le Bo. Jiuchen was left speechless by his junior brother's remarks. After Jiuchen's departure, Le Bo, fearing Lingxi might run away again, instructed Chengyan to keep an eye on her.

Lingxi, finding Chengyan annoying, used the Heavenly Lasting Mythical Sand, as taught by Jiuchen, to manifest a sharp sword, effectively chasing Chengyan away. While practicing her cultivation alone in the Peach Forest, Lingxi witnessed several members of the Hanshan Tribe pursuing two female immortals. Despite her limited cultivation, she bravely intervened to help, finding the fight challenging. At that moment, an immortal envoy from the Queen Mother of the West happened to be passing by.

He swiftly stepped in, driving Heichi and his cohorts away. Lingxi expressed her gratitude, and the rescued female immortals also thanked him before she quickly escorted them away. As the immortal envoy departed, he inadvertently discovered Wuwan, sound asleep beneath a tree in the Peach Forest. Charmed by the creature, he picked it up and took it with him, heading for the Queen Mother's banquet. Lingxi searched frantically for Wuwan.

She questioned a spirit bird, who informed her that a white-bearded old man had carried Wuwan away. Realizing it must be the immortal envoy she had just encountered from Kunlun Mountain, Lingxi, in her desperation and disregarding Jiuchen's earlier warnings, flew off towards Kunlun Mountain. Coincidentally, Jiuchen arrived at Dark Capital Mountain with Yunfeng, just as Heichi returned with a group of recently captured female immortals. Jiuchen intervened, rescuing the women from Heichi's grasp.

After his failed attempt to deliver the captives to Zhonghao, Heichi returned to the Peach Forest to search for the female immortals he previously missed. Le Bo discovered him and, unwilling to engage in battle within his peaceful home, lured Heichi outside the Peach Forest to fight him. Jiuchen arrived in time to drive Heichi away.

Jiuchen then warned Le Bo that Lingxi was alone in the Peach Forest and vulnerable, as the Hanshan Tribe was actively capturing female immortals who were 50,000 years old. Le Bo, realizing the danger, immediately rushed back to the Peach Forest. Back at his stronghold, Heichi reported his failure to Zhonghao, attributing it to Jiuchen's personal intervention. Jinyuan added that the Water Moon Cauldron, which Zhonghao sought, was believed to be in Fuyun Hall's possession, though Jiuchen adamantly denied it.

Zhonghao, intent on repairing his Demon Blade to contend with Jiuchen, acknowledged that the Water Moon Cauldron was not the only means. He revealed that the Demon Blade, forged from the spine of the previous Demon Lord's mount, could also be repaired using the bone and blood of the Heaven-Devouring Beast. Zhonghao stated he knew the Heaven-Devouring Beast was currently in the Tissue-Transforming Pool on Kunlun Mountain.

With this new plan, Zhonghao set off for Kunlun Mountain with Heichi and his men. Simultaneously, Kaiyang reported to Jiuchen the detection of a demonic essence rapidly moving towards the northwest. Jiuchen learned that the Heaven-Devouring Beast, the former mount of the Demon Lord, had been refining in the Tissue-Transforming Pool for forty-nine days and its bone and blood would be dispersed that very day. Recognizing Zhonghao's true intention, Jiuchen immediately departed for Kunlun Mountain.

At Kunlun Mountain, the Queen Mother of the West prepared to refine the Heaven-Devouring Beast, intending to send its bone and blood to the Manor of the Lord of Heavenly Medicine for elixir-making. To mark this auspicious occasion, she hosted a grand banquet, inviting many deities. Lingxi arrived at Kunlun Mountain, observing the multitude of deities in the main hall. She opted to discreetly head to the back mountain in search of Wuwan.

She discovered a mountain cave and, without hesitation, entered. Unbeknownst to her, Zhonghao and his followers had also gained entry to the same cave after killing the immortal guards. Lingxi cautiously navigated the winding passages, suddenly detecting the distinct scent of an evil beast. Following the scent, she eventually reached the Tissue-Transforming Pool, where she found the Heaven-Devouring Beast confined. Meanwhile, in the main hall, the Queen Mother of the West was engaged in conversation with Ling Yue.

A minor immortal then announced the unexpected arrival of the God of War, Jiuchen. Surprised by his uninvited presence but pleased, the Queen Mother quickly ordered him to be ushered into the hall.

Episode 17 Recap

During the Queen Mother of the West's Immortal Peach Fellowship, Jiuchen arrived, explaining he was merely passing by to observe the refinement of the Heaven-Devouring Beast. Yuli, who was also present, seemed pleased to see Jiuchen. However, when Kaiyang subtly tried to impress Yuli, she ignored him. Soon after, an immortal envoy approached Jiuchen. A small Bai Ze, named Wuwan, suddenly darted from the immortal's sleeve and leaped into Jiuchen's arms.

Jiuchen explained that Wuwan was the mount of an immortal maid under his command and inquired about its discovery and owner's well-being. The immortal confirmed he had found the beast after rescuing two female immortals from the Hanshan Tribe in the lower realm, and the two female immortals had since returned home. The Queen Mother of the West was charmed by the snow-white Wuwan and asked Jiuchen to give it to her.

Jiuchen, however, refused, stating he was not its owner and suggested she approach Wuwan's master at Fuyun Hall. The Queen Mother of the West was displeased, and other immortals at the banquet whispered about Jiuchen's arrogance. To regain face, she announced the primary purpose of the banquet: to witness the final stage of the Heaven-Devouring Beast's refinement, which had been soaking in the Tissue-Transforming Pool for forty-nine days.

Its bone marrow and blood would be given to the doctors of Yaowang Cave to be made into a powerful medicinal pellet. Meanwhile, at the Tissue-Transforming Pool, Lingxi desperately tried to free the Heaven-Devouring Beast. She explained to the beast that she was trying to get it out. Although the Heaven-Devouring Beast was once the Demon Lord's mount, it had shown her no malice, and she felt compelled to save it. Her attempts to break its chains were futile.

Suddenly, Zhonghao arrived with his men. Lingxi quickly hid. Zhonghao, ecstatic to find the Heaven-Devouring Beast, declared his intention to use its blood and bones to reform the Demon Blade, allowing the Demon Lord to "see the light of day again and rule over the Six Realms." Lingxi emerged, shouting for him to stop and not touch the beast, which was already injured. Zhonghao, recognizing her as an "immortal maid of Kunlun Mountain," ordered his men to kill her.

Lingxi, outmatched, was repeatedly pushed back, nearly falling into the pool. Seeing her in danger, the Heaven-Devouring Beast roared in fury. It used its horn to fling Lingxi onto its back, and fueled by the divine and demonic power within her, it struggled fiercely, finally breaking free from its restraints. It then flew out of the pool, carrying Lingxi, and burst into the Queen Mother of the West's main hall.

The Heaven-Devouring Beast unleashed a powerful burst of demonic energy towards the Queen Mother of the West, but Jiuchen swiftly intercepted and repelled it. Outmatched by Jiuchen, the Heaven-Devouring Beast turned and flew away with Lingxi on its back, Jiuchen in close pursuit. Soon after, a report reached the Queen Mother of the West that the guards at the back gate had been killed, presumably by the "evil woman" who rescued the Heaven-Devouring Beast.

Enraged, she demanded to know the identity of this "evil woman." Yuli, recognizing Lingxi and holding a long-standing grudge, attempted to expose her. However, Qingyao, standing beside her, quickly made Yuli appear to faint, silencing her. The Queen Mother, unaware of Qingyao's actions, ordered her forces to search the Six Realms to capture "those two demons," vowing to find them even "at the end of the sky." The Heaven-Devouring Beast carried Lingxi far beyond the Kunlun territory before landing, exhausted.

Lingxi dismounted, asking if it was in pain. Just then, Zhonghao caught up. He taunted Lingxi, stating that the Heaven-Devouring Beast had been soaking in the Tissue-Transforming Pool for forty-nine days and that "today. . . is the day it will die," asserting that it was fated to die with her and that to be "sacrificed to the Demon Blade was its great fortune." He raised his Demon Blade to strike.

Lingxi fought back but was quickly overwhelmed and knocked to the ground. As Zhonghao hurled the Demon Blade directly at Lingxi, the Heaven-Devouring Beast, with its last ounce of strength, lunged forward, shielding Lingxi and sacrificing itself to block the blade. It died instantly, its form and soul utterly annihilated. Witnessing this tragic scene, Lingxi's immense grief ignited the dormant demonic aura within her.

She clenched her fists, channeling the demonic energy, and unleashed a powerful attack against Zhonghao before collapsing under the suppression of her divine power. Zhonghao was knocked back, and it was then that he fully realized Lingxi was the infant girl the Demon Lord had been searching for—the one possessing both divine and demonic power. As he rose to attack Lingxi again, Jiuchen arrived.

He quickly moved to protect Lingxi but was momentarily distracted, sustaining a shoulder injury from the Demon Blade. After repelling Zhonghao, Jiuchen swiftly took the unconscious Lingxi back to Polar Abyss. While Lingxi's internal demonic power surged, a crystal pendant on her chest emitted a protective white light, seemingly in response to the chaos. The corresponding crystal pendant in the Peach Forest also vibrated violently.

Previously, when the pendant had alerted him, Le Bo had been too drunk to notice, so he had since placed his wine gourd atop the box containing the pendant while sleeping. This time, as the pendant pulsed, the wine gourd was knocked to the ground, waking Le Bo instantly. Realizing Lingxi was in trouble, he immediately rushed out. Chengyan, who was kneeling as punishment for not watching Lingxi, asked where he was going.

Le Bo, furious, kicked him and ordered him to continue his punishment. Believing Lingxi had returned to Fuyun Hall, Le Bo headed straight for the Heavenly Palace. Outside Fuyun Hall, he loudly demanded to see his daughter. Shisan and Huayan repeatedly insisted that neither Lingxi nor Jiuchen were in the hall. Le Bo refused to believe them and tried to force his way in. Shisan, frustrated, threatened to fight. Seeing their sincerity, Le Bo finally accepted they weren't lying.

He left a message, demanding that Jiuchen return his daughter to him, and stormed off. Back at Polar Abyss, Jiuchen instructed the immortal servants guarding the entrance to keep watch, then immediately focused on Lingxi. Despite his own injury, he began to use his power to forcibly suppress the surging demonic aura within her. After a strenuous effort, he managed to push it back down, but Lingxi remained unconscious.

To prevent further alerts that might worry Le Bo, Jiuchen carefully removed the jade pendant from Lingxi's neck. When Lingxi finally awoke, she found herself in Polar Abyss. She quickly rose and sought out Jiuchen. Upon seeing him, she embraced him, but then noticed the wound on his shoulder. Without hesitation, she tried to heal him with her magic, but to her horror, the wound worsened instead of healing.

Lingxi immediately stopped, intending to find her Senior Sister Qingyao, but Jiuchen held her back. He explained that it was a wound from the Demon Blade, and ordinary immortal power could not heal it; it would only recover through his own slow cultivation. Lingxi, angered by this, declared her intention to confront whoever had injured him. Jiuchen playfully flicked her nose, calling her silly. Lingxi felt immense self-reproach, believing that anyone who encountered her seemed to suffer.

She reflected that the Heaven-Devouring Beast died saving her, and Jiuchen was injured protecting her, which made her understand why he had wanted to send her back to Peach Forest. Jiuchen, sensing her sadness, comforted her. He explained that the Heaven-Devouring Beast's death was not her fault; it had been soaking for forty-nine days, and that day was its predestined end.

He added that before being good to her, it had been the Demon Lord's mount and had killed countless people, including many women her age. Lingxi acknowledged that she had caused a great deal of trouble. Jiuchen then asked if she wished to return to Peach Forest or remain in Polar Abyss, despite its lack of amenities, friends, or family.

Lingxi joyfully interrupted him, declaring her willingness to stay as long as he was there, even if there was nothing else. She leaned on him affectionately, pleading with him not to drive her away again. Jiuchen, unable to resist her earnestness, chuckled and promised never to make her leave. Concerned for her junior sister, Qingyao first took the unconscious Yuli back to the Heavenly Palace before hurrying to Peach Forest.

Upon seeing Chengyan, she immediately chastised him and tied him to a tree. Qingyao then spoke to Le Bo, inquiring about Lingxi. Given the recent events, she had long suspected that her junior sister was extraordinary. Le Bo, realizing there was no longer any point in concealing the truth, revealed Lingxi's true identity, explaining her origins and the divine and demonic power she possessed.

Qingyao was alarmed and immediately wanted to retrieve Lingxi from Jiuchen's side, fearing for her safety if Jiuchen were to discover her secret. However, Le Bo quickly reassured her, explaining that Jiuchen already knew everything and had promised to protect Lingxi, which finally eased Qingyao's worries. After being returned to Yaowang Cave, Yuli remained unconscious for a full day and night.

Upon waking, she recalled the events at the Queen Mother of the West's banquet and developed an intense hatred for Qingyao. Having finally grasped such a significant piece of information regarding Lingxi, she was unwilling to let the opportunity pass. Yuli went directly to the Lingxiao Treasure Hall and, in the presence of various deities, informed the Heavenly Emperor about Lingxi's involvement.

Yunfeng, overhearing this, quickly stepped forward to defend Lingxi, describing her as simple, lively, and adorable, with low magic and shallow cultivation, unlikely to be involved with demons. However, Tianlei seized the opportunity to add fuel to the fire, arguing that low cultivation did not preclude demonic involvement, citing the example of Yuanzheng who, despite his achievements, had become demonized. He expressed his suspicion of Lingxi since her appearance.

The Heavenly Emperor, growing weary of their argument, stopped them and instructed Yunfeng to bring Lingxi back for questioning. Ziguang, still resentful of Jiuchen for being stripped of his guard duty, quickly volunteered to go in Yunfeng's stead, but Yunfeng rebuffed him. At that moment, Jiuchen arrived to report an urgent matter: remnants of the Demon Tribe had been sighted near Dark Capital Mountain, requiring immediate preparations. The Heavenly Emperor was greatly alarmed by this news.

Yunfeng suspected that Jiuchen's report about the Demon Tribe remnants, appearing at such a critical juncture, was a deliberate attempt to divert attention from Lingxi. Yunfeng reflected that Jiuchen, as evidenced by his preference for straightforward individuals like Kaiyang, Hanzhang, Zhuxie, and Shisan, favored simple characters. Lingxi, being lively, simple, direct, clever, and interesting, had indeed brightened Fuyun Hall since her arrival.

However, Yunfeng expressed to Jiuchen that he would never allow Lingxi to put Jiuchen at odds with the Six Realms and all living creatures. Jiuchen simply assured Yunfeng that he had his own plans and that nothing bad would happen. Yunfeng, knowing Jiuchen never embarked on a battle unprepared, felt at ease. Jiuchen informed Yunfeng and Hanzhang that Zhonghao had repaired the Demon Blade and now possessed the strength to fight even Jiuchen himself, emphasizing the need for caution.

He then outlined his plan: to swiftly eliminate the Demon Tribe at Dark Capital Mountain. He instructed Yunfeng to attack from the northeast and Hanzhang from the northwest, cornering Zhonghao. Yunfeng, now serious and resolute, affirmed his commitment to success, surprising Kaiyang with his newfound determination. Yuantong, having learned of Jiuchen's impending expedition against the demons, sought to join him. As she arrived outside Fuyun Hall, she spotted Jiuchen carrying Wuwan.

She then followed him all the way to Polar Abyss. Lingxi, having been woken by Wuwan, was overjoyed and began searching for Jiuchen, holding the Bai Ze. When Lingxi opened the door, Yuantong, hidden in the shadows, observed her. Yuantong then realized that Jiuchen had hidden Lingxi there and had even brought Wuwan specifically for her, igniting a fierce surge of jealousy and rekindled hatred.

The significant deployment of Heavenly soldiers around Dark Capital Mountain did not go unnoticed by the neighboring Shanling Territory. Chibi quickly relayed this information to Jing Xiu. Jing Xiu, intending to use Zhonghao to open the Spirit-Binding Abyss and eliminate Yuandu, knew he could not allow Zhonghao to die at Jiuchen's hands. Thus, he and Chibi positioned themselves on the summit of Dark Capital Mountain, closely monitoring the unfolding events below.

Yunfeng and Hanzhang led the Heavenly forces, successfully cornering Zhonghao at a remote section of Dark Capital Mountain. During their confrontation, Zhonghao was injured by Yunfeng and attempted to flee, only to encounter Jiuchen. Zhonghao, like a cornered beast, lashed out at Jiuchen, accusing him of pursuing him solely for Lingxi's sake, claiming that as long as she lived, the Demon Lord would have no trouble being resurrected. Unbeknownst to them, Yuantong was observing this exchange from the shadows.

As the God of War, Jiuchen held the responsibility of eradicating demons. He confronted the demonized Zhonghao without mercy, asserting that Zhonghao's choice to become a "pawn of demons" was self-destruction. Already wounded, Zhonghao could not withstand Jiuchen's might and was quickly gravely injured again. As Jiuchen prepared to deliver the final blow, Jing Xiu, who had been watching from the mountaintop, suddenly intervened with a powerful burst of magic, obstructing Jiuchen's attack. Seizing the opportunity, Zhonghao transformed into a bird and made his escape.

Episode 18 Recap

Zhonghao, severely wounded by Yunfeng and Jiuchen, struggled to crawl back towards the black lotus, his strength failing. Just then, Qinyuan arrived. In his final moments, Zhonghao revealed to Qinyuan that Lingxi was the girl they had been searching for, that she possessed the Heavenly Lasting Mythical Sand, and that Jiuchen had hidden her. He implored Qinyuan to find and capture her before collapsing, seemingly lifeless, leaving Qinyuan stunned. Jiuchen returned to Polar Abyss, where Lingxi eagerly greeted him.

He noticed the fiery red mark had reappeared behind her right ear and immediately used his divine power to suppress it. After some time, the mark finally faded. This mark, a symbol of the former Demon Lord Wuzhiqi, signals that the demonic aura within Lingxi is gaining dominance and that the Demon Lord's return is imminent, requiring constant suppression by divine power.

Jiuchen then asked Lingxi if she would be willing to remain in Polar Abyss, to which she readily agreed, saying she would do anything to stay by his side. Sensing the gravity of her situation, Lingxi pressed Jiuchen for answers, asking what was truly wrong with her and why others sought to capture her. Though he did not directly answer, Jiuchen reassured her, promising that once he returned, he would never leave her side again.

Lingxi, filled with joy, escorted him to the entrance. After she went back inside, Jiuchen carefully sealed the palace door and set up a powerful barrier around it before departing. Unbeknownst to him, Yuan Tong observed his actions from a distance. Soon after Jiuchen departed, Yuan Tong swiftly traveled to Kunlun Mountain to inform the Queen Mother of the West about Lingxi's hiding place in Polar Abyss, prompting the Queen Mother to immediately gather her guards and head there.

Upon arrival at Polar Abyss, the Queen Mother of the West observed the barrier Jiuchen had placed at the grand hall's entrance, immediately suspecting something was amiss. The palace's immortal servant emerged to greet her, explaining that Jiuchen was not present and suggested she seek him at the Heavenly Palace. However, the Queen Mother insisted on entering, stating she had reason to believe someone with whom she had "some connection" was inside.

When the servant attempted to block her entry, he was struck down. The Queen Mother, along with her followers, stormed into the hall, searching everywhere. Lingxi, having heard the commotion from the destroyed barrier, knew intruders had arrived and quickly hid in the ice palace, cradling Wuwan. The Queen Mother's party scoured the entire main hall before eventually locating them in the ice palace.

Confronting Lingxi, the Queen Mother demanded her identity, to which Lingxi replied she was an immortal maid under God of War Jiuchen. The Queen Mother accused Lingxi of ruining her Flower Banquet, releasing the Heaven-Devouring Beast, and killing her Kunlun Mountain guards.

Lingxi calmly explained that she had gone to Kunlun Mountain to find her beast Wuwan, who had been mistakenly taken there, and clarified that she had not intentionally caused any damage, nor was she responsible for the Heaven-Devouring Beast's release or the guards' deaths. Disbelieving her, the Queen Mother ordered her guards to arrest Lingxi, intending to bring her before Immortal Lord of Universal Turn.

Lingxi protested, reminding them that she was under the God of War's protection and that his permission was required. As the Queen Mother’s guards closed in, Wuwan barked. Meanwhile, back in the Heavenly Palace, Jiuchen went directly to the Heavenly Emperor, offering to resign from his position as God of War and suggesting God of Heavenly Thunder as his successor. The Heavenly Emperor was greatly shocked and refused outright.

Just then, God of Heavenly Thunder arrived, and the Heavenly Emperor casually mentioned Jiuchen's proposal to him. God of Heavenly Thunder was equally astonished, unsure of Jiuchen's intentions. As Jiuchen was about to explain, he heard the sound of the barrier he had set up at Polar Abyss being destroyed. He quickly excused himself to the Heavenly Emperor and departed. The Heavenly Emperor, puzzled by Jiuchen's abrupt exit, ordered Ziguang to follow him.

Jiuchen arrived at Polar Abyss just as the Queen Mother of the West had found Lingxi in the ice palace, injured her, and was about to strike a fatal blow. He immediately placed himself between them, shielding Lingxi. The Queen Mother, acknowledging Jiuchen's outstanding merits, declared her intention to take Lingxi, accusing her of releasing the Heaven-Devouring Beast and causing the deaths of her Kunlun Mountain guards, and offered to overlook Jiuchen's "harboring" if he yielded.

Jiuchen firmly stated that Lingxi was a rightful resident of his Fuyun Hall and that there was a misunderstanding between Lingxi and the Queen Mother, which he would personally clarify before the Heavenly Emperor. The Queen Mother warned him that his continued protection of Lingxi, whom she deemed an "evil woman," would displease the Heavenly Emperor. Jiuchen dismissed her concerns. When she insisted on taking Lingxi by force, Jiuchen drew his Kunwu Sword, intimidating her into retreating.

He then turned to Lingxi, reassuring her that everything was fine. Knowing the matter would not simply resolve itself, Jiuchen informed Lingxi that they needed to go to the Heavenly Palace. He asked her if she was afraid, to which Lingxi responded with a feigned nonchalance, claiming she had nothing to fear as she had done no wrong, adding that she found the constant hiding unreasonable.

However, she then expressed concern for Jiuchen, worrying that his defense of her might anger the Heavenly Emperor and lead to severe consequences for him. Jiuchen lightened the mood with a rare joke, saying that having to listen to her chatter every day would indeed be a "not good ending." Lingxi immediately offered to talk less, but Jiuchen simply replied that he would endeavor to endure it, and they exchanged a knowing smile.

Before their departure, Jiuchen infused a portion of his divine essence into an Immortal knot and entrusted it to Lingxi to wear. Ziguang hurried back to the Heavenly Palace to report the incident to the Heavenly Emperor, but the Heavenly Emperor cut him off, stating he already knew, having seen the Queen Mother of the West. The Heavenly Emperor then dispatched Baishan to Polar Abyss to summon Jiuchen and Lingxi.

Upon their return to the Heavenly Palace, the Queen Mother of the West vehemently asserted Lingxi's connection to the Demon Tribe. Consequently, the Heavenly Emperor ordered Immortal Lord of Universal Turn and God of Heavenly Thunder to interrogate Lingxi at the Purple Cloud Platform, with the Queen Mother also present. Lingxi faced the accusations calmly.

She explained that she had ventured to Kunlun Mountain in search of her little beast, Wuwan, a Bai Ze beast mistakenly taken there by an immortal envoy, and clarified that Jiuchen had subdued Wuwan and gifted him to her. She steadfastly denied killing any guards or intentionally causing damage.

When pressed about the Heaven-Devouring Beast's unusual attachment to her and her presence in Jiuchen's Polar Abyss, Lingxi maintained her innocence, explaining she had sought refuge there to wait for Jiuchen as she feared returning to the Heavenly Palace after the trouble she had incited at Kunlun Mountain. Immortal Lord of Universal Turn, seeing no further progress through questioning, proceeded to test Lingxi's magical essence.

To the surprise of Immortal Lord of Universal Turn, God of Heavenly Thunder, and the Queen Mother, no demonic aura was found within her. Despite their astonishment, they had no choice but to accept this unexpected outcome. Throughout Lingxi's interrogation, Jiuchen stood silently before the Heavenly Emperor. Frustrated by Jiuchen's reticence, the Heavenly Emperor sighed and dismissed him, reminding him to remember his status. Jiuchen, acknowledging the Heavenly Emperor's words, then took the now-released Lingxi back to Fuyun Hall.

Having expended a portion of his divine essence to subtly aid Lingxi during Immortal Lord of Universal Turn's magical examination, Jiuchen's strength was severely depleted. Upon returning to Fuyun Hall, he could no longer sustain himself, and his cold disease relapsed, causing him to collapse into unconsciousness. When Jiuchen regained consciousness, he found Guanyun Hall filled with braziers, yet he still shivered uncontrollably from the cold.

Seeing his distress, Lingxi immediately embraced him tightly, using her own body warmth to warm him until he gradually felt better. Lingxi knew that Jiuchen had exhausted his magic to protect her. She recalled hearing someone say, "it was me after all," before she fainted, and remembered God of Heavenly Thunder implying she was a demon.

Overwhelmed by fear of public gossip, unforeseen misfortunes, and the prospect of implicating her family and Jiuchen, she tearfully pleaded with him to tell her what was truly wrong with her. Jiuchen did not provide a direct answer, instead simply holding her close and assuring her that everything would pass. Lingxi hesitantly produced the Immortal knot, wanting to return it to Jiuchen, yet her reluctance was evident.

Finding her conflicted expression amusing, Jiuchen told her it was now hers to keep, much to her delight. Since their return, Lingxi had noticed the absence of Shisan and Huayan. Remembering Jiuchen's earlier promise that they would return to Polar Abyss together once the current crisis was resolved, she began diligently packing all of Jiuchen's belongings—from tea sets and censers to ornaments, clothes, and books—into large chests. Fuyun Hall's main hall soon became cluttered with stacks of boxes.

Jiuchen was both amused and exasperated by her efforts. Seeing her continued busy work, he stopped her, playfully threatening to pack her into a box if he saw any more. This finally prompted Lingxi to cease her packing spree.

During this time, Lingxi also privately pondered her condition, wondering if she was becoming "demonized" despite her fifty thousand years of cultivation as a Dan Bird, recalling her strange dream of fighting God of Heavenly Thunder and the Queen Mother of the West, and her recent cravings for meat. She hoped that once they were at Polar Abyss, everything would be fine. Qingyao arrived to check on Jiuchen's health.

Upon seeing her Senior Sister, Lingxi affectionately pulled her aside to confide in her. She recounted her recent interrogation at the Purple Cloud Platform by Immortal Lord of Universal Turn, God of Heavenly Thunder, and the Queen Mother of the West, who insisted she was a demon, despite her upbringing in the peaceful Phoenix Bird Tribe.

Lingxi also revealed her inner turmoil: while Jiuchen had promised to take her to Polar Abyss for cultivation indefinitely once the Heavenly Palace investigation concluded—a prospect she would have once eagerly anticipated—she now felt an unsettling unease. Qingyao, recalling her master's cryptic words, felt a pang of worry for her innocent Junior Sister, yet she maintained a calm demeanor, gently advising Lingxi to trust Jiuchen and not overthink the situation.

Lingxi expressed sadness at the thought of not seeing Qingyao and her father often, but Qingyao reassured her that she would visit both Jiuchen and Lingxi at Polar Abyss and that their father would be at ease as long as Lingxi was doing well.

Episode 19 Recap

After Physician Qingyao thoroughly examined Jiuchen, she confirmed that he was in stable condition thanks to the timely use of the pellet and the healing effects of the Endless Wood's fire. She urged him to rest and avoid using his divine powers indiscriminately. Qingyao then expressed her gratitude to Jiuchen for protecting her junior sect sister, Lingxi. As she departed with Lingxi, they encountered High God Yunfeng.

Lingxi began to address him, but Qingyao promptly interrupted, noting that Yunfeng seemed busy with military matters, particularly in arresting remnants of the Demon Tribe, and quickly steered Lingxi away before he could inquire further about Lingxi's apparent change. Lingxi expressed her sadness to Qingyao that it would be difficult to meet again once she went to Polar Abyss. Upon returning to Peach Forest, Qingyao informed her master, Le Bo, about Lingxi's situation.

She explained that Lingxi had revealed her identity at Dark Capital Mountain, making her vulnerable to the Demon Tribe's relentless pursuit. Although the God of War had temporarily brought peace by sweeping Dark Capital Mountain, Qingyao worried that Polar Abyss, being within the Heavenly Race's view, was not a safe long-term solution.

She suggested hiding Lingxi in a place no one could find, but Le Bo remained worried, aware that even if such a place existed, Lingxi's devotion to Jiuchen would prevent her from going there. Meanwhile, Chengyan remained tied to a tree. Hualiao, a flower spirit, offered him water, which he irritably refused. Hualiao then poured the water at his feet, explaining that she "stored" water this way when she didn't drink. Chengyan found this both annoying and amusing.

He quietly tried to persuade Hualiao to untie him, mentioning that his Senior Sister had used an immortal rope, which even their master dared not untie. Hualiao, however, feigned ignorance, claiming she was "just a flower" and didn't understand, then quickly ran off, warning Chengyan not to tell her master. When Qingyao finally untied Chengyan, she instructed him to take good care of their master and avoid further trouble.

Resentful of being tied up due to Lingxi, Chengyan sneaked away to Fuyun Hall, determined to confront her. At Fuyun Hall, Chengyan demanded to know Lingxi's relationship with Jiuchen, criticizing her for being alone with him in the hall and questioning Jiuchen's intentions. He admonished her to be more discreet and stated that Jiuchen was "not a good match," pointing out their age and status differences—Jiuchen as the God of War, and Lingxi as a small fairy from Peach Forest.

Lingxi, however, was unfazed, telling Chengyan that she had finally enjoyed two peaceful days with Jiuchen and didn't want him to spoil it. She asserted that Jiuchen had already taken the initiative and that his youthful looks made him far more attractive than Chengyan. Lingxi confidently stated that no one in the Six Realms was truly worthy of Jiuchen, so it didn't matter if Chengyan thought she was. Seeing Lingxi's infatuated appearance, Chengyan could only shake his head helplessly.

Afterward, Jiuchen sent both Shisan and Huayan away from Fuyun Hall, claiming he needed to cultivate in solitude, leaving only Lingxi behind. Shisan recounted her frustration to High God Yunfeng and Siming at Siming Hall. She explained that while many halls eagerly sought Huayan's services, no one, not even Zigu, the Toilet Goddess who had previously claimed kinship with her, would take her in.

Feeling disheartened and neglected by Jiuchen, Shisan declared her intention to stay at Siming Hall as a small immortal maid. Siming was taken aback, attempting to refuse but eventually conceding under Shisan's persistent arguments about her multifaceted capabilities. Yunfeng, observing their usual squabbles, found it amusing and, after sharing a few drinks with them, discreetly excused himself, leaving Siming to endure Shisan's boisterous company. Later that night, Physician Qingyao quietly ventured to Full Moon Spring.

She had learned that its precious fish possessed curative effects for cold diseases and only surfaced at night. Knowing the fish was highly treasured by the Venerable of Lingtai, she waited until midnight when no one was around. Determined to repay Jiuchen for his kindness toward Lingxi, she planned to catch a few to prepare medicinal dishes for him.

As she was about to begin, High God Yunfeng, who had followed her after seeing her leave Yaowang Cave, appeared, expressing his appreciation for her consideration toward his senior brother. They collaborated, using their celestial powers to catch a fish. When the water splashed, Yunfeng instinctively pulled Qingyao close, shielding her from the cold spring water.

Noticing Qingyao's subdued reaction, Yunfeng seized the moment to sincerely apologize once more for his past actions that led to the death of her mortal husband during her trial. Qingyao, touched by his earnestness, found herself unable to further blame him, and a subtle shift in her feelings for Yunfeng began. She gazed at him for a moment before silently turning and leaving. Yunfeng felt a sense of relief, understanding that Qingyao's long-standing grievance had finally eased.

Encouraged by this, along with Jiuchen's earlier advice, Yunfeng had already adopted a more diligent approach, clearing years of backlog in his official duties. He then actively sought out evil beasts across the Four Seas to subdue. A Heavenly Soldier later gossiped that Yunfeng had recently mistaken the Eastern Seas Water Monarch's mount for an evil beast and beaten it severely, leading the Water Monarch to lodge a complaint with the Heavenly Emperor.

Despite this, Yunfeng remained unfazed, recounting his recent triumph over a group of Black Bee Monsters, which were as large as cauldrons and had tormented the Eastern Wilderness, emphasizing how he battled them for a day and night to ensure the safety of local residents. He returned to Heavenly Palace disheveled, only to be informed that the Heavenly Emperor had appeased the Eastern Seas Water Monarch by compensating him with a spiritual beast from Wanling Park.

Yunfeng shrugged off the news, asserting that such actions were merely his duty. Upon his return, Qingyao, who had heard of his exploits, spotted him in his disheveled state at the South Gate of Heaven. Although amused, she said nothing. Back at Yaowang Cave, Qingyao found Siming with bruised arms, which he explained were from Shisan hitting him with a Clanging Golden Gong while drunk.

Qingyao tended to his injuries but "accidentally" applied some bee venom, causing his arms to swell and itch. She then "generously" gave him an entire bottle of high-quality bee venom antidote, telling him he could give it to others if he didn't need it all. Siming, puzzled by her actions, took the medicine.

As Siming walked out of the hall, he saw Yunfeng, still covered in red welts, approaching him and asking for a list of more evil beasts to hunt in the Four Seas. Realizing Qingyao's true intention, Siming lamented that "when gods fight, small ghosts suffer." He quickly handed Yunfeng the antidote, explaining it was from Physician Qingyao and highly effective for bee stings.

Siming then urged Yunfeng to travel to the Southern Seas, claiming there were aggressive fish demons tormenting local fishermen and suggesting he seek treatment from Qingyao at Yaowang Cave if he got injured. Yunfeng was overjoyed to learn the medicine came from Qingyao. On the day of the Mid-Autumn Festival, Lingxi, after several attempts, successfully baked a batch of salted egg yolk mooncakes. She excitedly presented them to Jiuchen.

Though he usually abstained from food, Jiuchen, unwilling to disappoint her, took a bite. Lingxi then bravely explained a Peach Forest custom for Mid-Autumn Festival: family members would kiss each other on the forehead and say blessings. She immediately regretted her words, but to her surprise, Jiuchen gently kissed her forehead and blessed her with "Peace and happiness," leaving Lingxi stunned. The following day, Jiuchen went to the Grand Hall to meet the Heavenly Emperor.

Before leaving, he assured Lingxi that her matter would be resolved that day, and afterward, he would take her to Polar Abyss, filling her with joy. During the assembly, Immortal Lord of Universal Turn presented the findings of his thorough investigation into the Kunlun Mountain incident. It was confirmed that the Heavenly Soldiers had died from Heichi's demonic blade, and Heichi had conspired with Zhonghao to free the Heaven-Devouring Beast from Kunlun Mountain.

The investigation concluded that Lingxi had no involvement and was free to leave Heavenly Palace. God of Heavenly Thunder, skeptical of the findings, made sarcastic remarks towards Jiuchen but was silenced by the Heavenly Emperor's displeased cough. Upon returning to Fuyun Hall, Jiuchen was alarmed to find Wuwan unconscious in the courtyard and Lingxi missing. He frantically searched the entire hall, creating countless clones, but she was nowhere to be found.

Unbeknownst to him, Qinyuan, the disciple of Old Man of the South Pole, had infiltrated Heavenly Palace again. He had knocked out Wuwan and abducted Lingxi, noting that she carried the Heavenly Lasting Mythical Sand. Just then, Shisan returned, complaining to Jiuchen that no one would take her in, not even Siming, and she wished to return to Fuyun Hall. Jiuchen, preoccupied, quickly asked if she had seen Lingxi.

Upon receiving a negative answer, he immediately rushed towards the South Gate of Heaven, with a bewildered Shisan hurrying after him. From the South Gate guards, Jiuchen learned that Qinyuan was the only outsider to have entered Heavenly Palace that day. He instantly realized Qinyuan had abducted Lingxi and headed straight for Dark Capital Mountain, followed by Shisan.

At Dark Capital Mountain, Jiuchen ordered Shisan to guard the mountain pass, forbidding anyone from entering, as he proceeded alone towards the Demon Lord's sealed area. There, within a black lotus, Jiuchen was shocked to see the face of his former subordinate, Yuanzheng. Shortly after Jiuchen's departure, Yuli arrived at Fuyun Hall with some medicinal dishes.

Finding the hall empty, she searched around and accidentally discovered an item she had given to Jiuchen, the Nine Dragon Divine Fire Cover, lying in Lingxi's room. She noticed a faint black aura swirling within it and, assuming it was damaged, attempted to repair it with her magic. Moments later, the black aura intensified, and Yuli realized with alarm that it was demonic energy. She quickly collected the item, intending to take it back to Yaowang Cave.

However, on her way, she encountered Yuan Tong, who, noticing Yuli's panicked expression, immediately stopped her. Yuli, flustered, tried to evade her but accidentally dropped the item. Yuan Tong instantly recognized the demonic aura emanating from it. Yuli frantically explained that she had found it in Lingxi's room. Yuan Tong's eyes gleamed as a malicious plan formed in her mind.

Episode 20 Recap

Black lotus flowers suddenly bloomed, revealing Yuanzheng's face, which startled Jiuchen. The Demon Lord then manifested again, boasting that he was the demon within everyone's hearts, and that Jiuchen could not kill all living beings. He asserted that Lingxi had become Jiuchen's obsession, fueling desires that would eventually allow the Demon Lord to break free. He tempted Jiuchen to release him, claiming that this would also protect Lingxi from persecution by the Heavenly Race.

Jiuchen, as the God of War, scorned the Demon Lord's proposal, declaring his purpose was peace for the Six Realms while condemning the Demon Lord to eternal torment. He departed, ignoring the Demon Lord's vow of revenge. Yuan Tong sought an audience with the Heavenly Emperor, stating it was for the safety of the Heavenly Palace and the Six Realms, not for her own family.

She accused Lingxi from Peach Forest of being a remnant of the Demon Tribe, presenting the Nine Dragons Mythical Fire Shade as evidence. She claimed to have "accidentally" discovered it in Fuyun Hall, noting that while Huayan and Shisan had been there for millennia, Lingxi was a newcomer. The Heavenly Emperor, seeing the demonic aura emanating from the treasure, immediately ordered Lord Baishanxian to notify the War Division to bring Lingxi for a personal interrogation.

Yuan Tong then volunteered to accompany them, hoping to atone for past misdeeds, and the Heavenly Emperor granted her request. Jinyuan had already abducted Lingxi from Fuyun Hall, sealing her in his storage bag en route to Dark Capital Mountain. She regained consciousness midway, activated her Heavenly Lasting Mythical Sand, and broke free. Jinyuan immediately drew a weapon and attacked, but Lingxi proved no match, soon falling off a cliff.

At that precise moment, Jiuchen arrived, struck Jinyuan, sending him plummeting down the cliff, and then himself leaped off to catch the unconscious and injured Lingxi. Meanwhile, God of Heavenly Thunder, accompanied by Ziguang, Fangsheng, and Yuan Tong, arrived at Dark Capital Mountain. There, Shisan, following Jiuchen's orders, barred their entry. God of Heavenly Thunder questioned Shisan’s presence and then directly confronted Jiuchen, who appeared shortly after.

God of Heavenly Thunder asked about Lingxi's whereabouts, implying Jiuchen was openly harboring a demon remnant. Jiuchen, after a pointed look at Yuan Tong, merely sent Shisan back to Fuyun Hall and left without a word. Lingxi awoke to find herself in Peach Forest, disoriented. She vaguely recalled being pursued, injured, and spitting blood.

Rushing to a mirror, she found no injuries and assumed it was all a dream, unaware that she was merely a wisp of her true spirit, while her actual body was undergoing a re-examination by Immortal Lord of Universal Turn before a gathering of immortals in the Heavenly Palace. Later, Lingxi joyfully found Le Bo drinking outside, embracing his arm and asking about Jiuchen. Le Bo, annoyed, revealed that her harboring demonic aura was common knowledge in the Heavenly Palace.

He explained that Jiuchen had temporarily shielded her using the pretense of her death, but warned her that Jiuchen, as the God of War, could not continuously protect her without becoming an enemy of the Six Realms. He urged her to give up her infatuation and live out her days peacefully in Peach Forest. Lingxi initially laughed, thinking Le Bo was drunk. Suddenly, a chilling aura swept over them.

Wuwan stepped forward to confront the unseen presence but was violently struck down by the newly arrived Zhonghao. Le Bo, despite not recognizing Zhonghao, sensed his potent demonic aura and immediately knew he was from the Demon Tribe. Though Le Bo's expertise lay in medicine rather than combat, he bravely engaged Zhonghao. However, he was quickly overpowered. Lingxi tried to activate her Heavenly Lasting Mythical Sand, only to find that its magic seemed to have failed.

As Zhonghao advanced toward Lingxi, Le Bo desperately clung to him, shouting for Lingxi to flee. Zhonghao, without hesitation, slashed Le Bo with his blade. Witnessing her father's injury, Lingxi cried out in anguish and tried to rush to him, but Chengyan, who had just returned, forcibly dragged her away. As they fled, Lingxi tearfully demanded to know what was happening.

Chengyan, unaware of the full context, furiously blamed her for not heeding Le Bo's advice, for attracting demons, and for causing Le Bo's death. Distraught by Chengyan's accusations and recalling Le Bo's earlier warnings, Lingxi's mind reeled. Suddenly, Heichi appeared, attacking and injuring Chengyan without warning. This fresh trauma caused Lingxi's heart to shatter, and the demonic aura within her surged uncontrollably.

At that very moment, in the Heavenly Palace, Lingxi's body, under re-examination by Immortal Lord of Universal Turn, erupted with overwhelming demonic energy. Jiuchen, sensing the gravity of the situation, secretly channeled his own magic to suppress it. However, the emotional blow Lingxi had just suffered was too immense, and her mind could no longer control the surge. Despite Jiuchen's full effort, he failed to contain it, and the unique Wuzhiqi mark behind her ear reappeared. The onlookers were stunned.

God of Heavenly Thunder seized the moment, confronting Jiuchen and demanding what he had to say. Jiuchen, silent, ignored Lingxi's piteous plea for help and walked away, followed by Yunfeng and Shisan. Jiuchen returned to Fuyun Hall and barred everyone from entering. Inside his chambers, he staggered, coughing up a mouthful of blood. He slowly regained his composure, then sat in a daze on his bed, tormented by memories of Lingxi's words and their shared moments.

Meanwhile, Huayan, having heard the news, rushed to Fuyun Hall, urging Shisan to find a way to save Lingxi, but Shisan, overwhelmed with worry, could offer no solutions. The next day, Immortal Lord of Universal Turn reported the examination results to the Heavenly Emperor, confirming that Lingxi not only harbored demonic aura but also bore the unique mark of the former Demon Lord Wuzhiqi.

He warned that if she were to fall into the hands of Demon Tribe remnants, she would undoubtedly aid the Demon Lord in breaking his seal, endangering all living beings in the Six Realms. The Heavenly Emperor questioned why Immortal Lord of Universal Turn had not detected the demonic aura earlier. God of Heavenly Thunder immediately seized the opportunity to malign Jiuchen, claiming he had intentionally shielded Lingxi and requesting severe punishment.

Though the matter deeply troubled him, the Heavenly Emperor dared not be careless when it concerned the Demon Tribe. He issued a decree: Immortal Lord of Universal Turn was to investigate if there were any other Demon Tribe remnants in the Heavenly Palace and to ascertain why Lingxi harbored demonic aura. Ziguang and Fangsheng were ordered to lead Heavenly Soldiers to seal off Dark Capital Mountain and eliminate any Demon Tribe remnants.

Additionally, Yuan Tong was promoted one immortal rank for her meritorious report. Yuan Tong felt a surge of triumph at having climbed a step higher through Lingxi's downfall. God of Heavenly Thunder continued to press the issue regarding Jiuchen, but the Heavenly Emperor, displeased, lowered his gaze without responding. God of Heavenly Thunder immediately changed the subject, asking how to handle the criminal Lingxi.

The Heavenly Emperor ordered her temporary detention, stating that her fate would be decided after further investigation and a gathering of all immortals. After the assembly, God of Heavenly Thunder cautioned Ziguang and Fangsheng to proceed cautiously in their mission to eliminate demons at Dark Capital Mountain. Ziguang, with an arrogant tone, boasted to Kaiyang about his new assignment, while Kaiyang silently observed him.

As Yuan Tong emerged, Kaiyang and Hanzhang confronted her, demanding why she reported Lingxi's matter directly to the Heavenly Emperor instead of informing Jiuchen first. Yuan Tong self-righteously explained that due to the critical nature of the matter and Jiuchen's absence from the Heavenly Palace, she had no choice but to report to the Heavenly Emperor. With that, she left with her head held high, leaving Kaiyang seething with anger.

That night, as Lingxi was held under guard at Purple Cloud Platform, Yuan Tong secretly watched her frail figure kneeling. She clenched her fists, consumed by a desire to utterly destroy Lingxi. In the Heavenly Court, Yunfeng vehemently opposed the proposed execution of Lingxi, citing God of Heavenly Thunder's long-standing personal grudge against her and accusing him of using this opportunity for personal revenge.

Yunfeng proposed instead to extract the demonic aura from Lingxi and purify the demonic mark, thus eliminating the threat. A heated argument erupted between the two, while other immortals were divided, some supporting God of Heavenly Thunder's call for execution, and others aligning with Yunfeng. At this critical juncture, Jiuchen arrived at the Lingxiao Treasure Hall.

Kneeling before the Heavenly Emperor, he implored him to spare Lingxi's life, offering to personally confine and guard her in the Polar Abyss forever, ensuring the Demon Tribe would have no opportunity to exploit her. God of Heavenly Thunder immediately began to voice his opposition, but Jiuchen preempted him, offering to relinquish his God of War Seal, resign from his position, and forfeit his first-rank immortal status, dedicating his eternal life to guarding the Polar Abyss.

God of Heavenly Thunder fell silent, recognizing that Jiuchen's resignation would pave the way for his own ambitions. Jiuchen repeatedly pleaded for his request to be granted. As the Heavenly Emperor wavered, a resonant bell sound echoed from Heavenly Lord Mountain. Recognizing it as the Heavenly Supreme Lord emerging from seclusion, Jiuchen and Yunfeng swiftly departed the hall and rushed to Heavenly Lord Mountain.

Outside the Heavenly Supreme Lord's cave, they respectfully greeted their Teacher, who then summoned Jiuchen alone into the cave. After fifty thousand years, the Heavenly Supreme Lord greeted his beloved disciple, Jiuchen, with satisfaction, noting how the killing aura and aggressive tendencies in his immortal skeleton had significantly diminished. He recounted Jiuchen's childhood, particularly his vow to become the God of War and protect the Six Realms, before sternly declaring that Lingxi "cannot be allowed to live."

Jiuchen, astonished, questioned why an innocent minor immortal must die, especially since his Teacher knew everything that had transpired. The Heavenly Supreme Lord explained that her death was a matter of destiny, unavoidable for the greater good of the Six Realms. Jiuchen argued that while he would readily sacrifice himself for the Six Realms, Lingxi was an ordinary being who should not be forced to sacrifice for others.

Seeing Jiuchen's unwavering stance, the Heavenly Supreme Lord used his magic to erect a stone wall around him, sealing him within the cave to contemplate his words. During this tumultuous period, Qingyao remained secluded in her alchemy room, refusing all visitors. She declined Star Monarch Mude's request for an audience, citing the need to tend to her smelting furnace. Outside her door, two immortal children whispered about Lingxi's predicament, but Qingyao appeared to ignore them.

Shisan and Huayan also rushed to her for help but were similarly turned away. An exasperated Shisan cursed Qingyao before storming off, followed by a worried Huayan. After their departure, Yuli burst into the alchemy room, distraught, to inform Qingyao that Lingxi was about to be executed at Purple Cloud Platform. Yuli tearfully apologized, admitting she resented Lingxi but had never wished for her death. Qingyao calmly replied that she had never held a grudge against Yuli.

Yuli then noticed an unusual fragrance from Qingyao's freshly smelted medicine and inquired about it. Qingyao offered the bottle for Yuli to smell; as the scent entered Yuli's nostrils, she collapsed softly. Qingyao then gently placed a small pill into Yuli's mouth. Qingyao then left the alchemy room, but was immediately stopped by an immortal child who cited Medicine King's orders forbidding her from leaving. Qingyao calmly held up the medicine bottle and shook it, causing the immortal child and everyone else outside to instantly fall into a deep slumber.

Episode 21 Recap

Qingyao arrived at the Purple Cloud Platform, where Heavenly Soldiers immediately surrounded her, warning that unauthorized entry would be met with death. Lingxi, sensing danger, tried to stop her, but Qingyao swiftly lifted a medicine bottle, stunning the unprepared Heavenly Soldiers. Qingyao then insisted that Lingxi must leave, cautioning that no one would dare defy heavenly orders to save her due to the involvement of the Demon Tribe.

Lingxi, worried about implicating the Peach Forest, initially refused to go, so Qingyao incapacitated her as well and placed her into a storage bag to carry her away. Yuan Tong secretly observed this entire scene. After Qingyao and Lingxi departed, Yuan Tong emerged from the shadows and brutally murdered all the unconscious Heavenly Soldiers guarding the platform, intending to frame Qingyao for their deaths. In the Heavenly Palace, the Heavenly Emperor inquired about the progress of refining demonic aura.

God of Heavenly Thunder reported that everything was prepared, but they lacked the assistance of a High God. Both looked towards Yunfeng, who quickly feigned a severe injury, claiming Doctor Qingyao had advised him against using his magic for centuries. Just as Yunfeng was finishing his excuses, Yuan Tong arrived, falsely accusing Qingyao of forcefully taking Lingxi from Purple Cloud Platform and poisoning the guards to death.

She confessed to being helpless due to her diminished cultivation, painting herself as a victim. Yunfeng vehemently denied the accusations against Qingyao. The Heavenly Emperor, shocked by the news, immediately ordered Ziguang and Fangsheng to lead Heavenly Soldiers to apprehend Qingyao and Lingxi. Yuan Tong seized the opportunity to volunteer, vowing to present her head if she failed, an oath the Heavenly Emperor accepted.

Despite Yunfeng's renewed attempt to join the pursuit, the Heavenly Emperor strictly forbade him from leaving the Heavenly Palace, citing his supposed injury. Back in the Peach Forest, Le Bo and Chengyan anxiously awaited Qingyao and Lingxi's return. Qingyao soon arrived, carrying the unconscious Lingxi, and explained that she had to knock out some Heavenly Soldiers to evade them. However, almost immediately, Heavenly Soldiers descended upon them.

Le Bo quickly ordered them to split up: Qingyao and Chengyan would create a diversion, while he took Lingxi and fled. Unaware of the escalating crisis, Jiuchen was confined by the Heavenly Supreme Lord in a spiritual mountain, engaged in a deep discussion about the nature of existence. The Heavenly Supreme Lord attempted to guide Jiuchen, emphasizing the limitations of perception and the importance of choice within the cosmic order.

Jiuchen, however, asserted his belief in observing the vastness of heaven with his heart, stating that all things, though seemingly contradictory like yin and yang, eventually find harmony. He expressed his determination to find a path to resolution, even in a seemingly hopeless situation, seeking the "harmony" where opposing forces converge. The Heavenly Supreme Lord, despite his wisdom, could only sigh at Jiuchen's unwavering resolve.

Meanwhile, Heichi informed Zhonghao that Lingxi had escaped the Heavenly Palace and was being pursued by Heavenly Soldiers. Zhonghao was alarmed, understanding that Lingxi's death would mean the Demon Lord could never be resurrected. He immediately commanded Heichi to bring Lingxi back alive at any cost. Despite being confined to the Heavenly Palace, Yunfeng grew increasingly anxious about Qingyao and Lingxi's safety. He eventually found a way to project his spirit body, enabling him to leave the Heavenly Palace undetected.

Meanwhile, Yuan Tong and Fangsheng intercepted Qingyao and Chengyan, who had disguised himself as Lingxi. Qingyao confronted Yuan Tong, mockingly asking how it felt to have her cultivation stripped. Infuriated, Yuan Tong attacked Qingyao viciously. As a Medical Immortal, Qingyao was at a disadvantage in combat, and Chengyan, trying to protect her, was severely injured. Just as Yuan Tong prepared to deliver a fatal blow to Qingyao, Yunfeng's spirit body appeared, thwarting her attempt.

Recognizing that killing Qingyao was now impossible with Yunfeng present, Yuan Tong decisively abandoned her pursuit of Qingyao and turned her attention to chasing the real Lingxi. Lingxi, still disoriented within the storage bag, forced her way out using her magic, only to find herself with Le Bo. Upon learning that Qingyao and Chengyan were diverting the Heavenly Soldiers, Lingxi desperately wanted to return and help.

Le Bo, however, stopped her, explaining that while Qingyao might endure centuries of imprisonment, Lingxi would face certain death if caught. He then tried to comfort her by proposing they hide on a beautiful, secluded island for a hundred thousand years, where he could teach her all his medical skills and they could plant a grander Peach Forest. Lingxi, touched by her father's selflessness and optimism, knelt and apologized for inadvertently bringing trouble to the Peach Forest.

Le Bo lovingly chided her, affirming that he would always be there for her. Lingxi, moved, embraced him, promising to obey him, plant a vast Peach Forest, and diligently study medicine. She declared her willingness to stay hidden with him for even a million years, finding solace in his companionship. Le Bo was deeply comforted by her newfound understanding.

Chibi informed Jing Xiu that the girl the Demon Lord sought, named Lingxi, had been located and was currently being pursued by both the Heavenly Race and the Demon Tribe. The name Lingxi sounded familiar to Jing Xiu. Chibi stressed the urgency of securing Lingxi, explaining that she was crucial for their plans to control Zhonghao and repair their relationship with the State Master. Recognizing the critical importance of the situation, Jing Xiu decided to personally undertake Lingxi's capture.

Jiuchen remained steadfast in his conviction. The Heavenly Supreme Lord reminded him of the Dark Capital Mountain battle, where Jiuchen, despite shedding tears, had sacrificed his own kin to eliminate the demon threat for the Six Realms. He questioned why Jiuchen now hesitated to abandon Lingxi, whose fate was supposedly Heaven's will. Jiuchen, recalling the horrific battle, also remembered first encountering Lingxi as an infant.

He affirmed that as a deity who accepted mortals' reverence, he could not abandon Lingxi, especially since she had awakened him from the Immortal Sea. He argued that Lingxi's current plight was a consequence of his past actions, not merely Heaven's will. Jiuchen then solemnly declared that if Heaven's will meant abandoning Lingxi, he would defy it.

He would instead follow his own path, one rooted in cause and effect, guided by his heart, even if it meant diverging from his respected master's teachings. Having made his resolve clear, Jiuchen respectfully bowed to his master and hastily departed. Lingxi questioned Le Bo about not telling Qingyao their escape route, to which he explained it was to prevent the Heavenly Palace from tracking them down. Their debate was cut short when Ziguang and his Heavenly Soldiers caught up.

Outmatched, Le Bo and Lingxi quickly found themselves cornered. Just then, Qinyuan arrived with demon-path followers, engaging the Heavenly Soldiers. Amidst the chaos, Le Bo tried to escape with Lingxi. However, Zhonghao appeared, wielding a Demon Blade. Le Bo was critically wounded protecting Lingxi from Zhonghao's attack. Fortunately, Jiuchen arrived, instructing Lingxi to take the injured Le Bo and leave.

Unable to move, Le Bo, with his last breaths, gave Lingxi detailed directions to a secluded island filled with peach trees, where his old friend, the cowardly Fushou Zhenjun, resided. He instructed Lingxi to threaten Fushou Zhenjun with revealing his hiding spot to Queen Mother of the West to secure his help. Le Bo urged Lingxi never to seek revenge and never to trust anyone.

In his final moments, he revealed that he was not her biological father, having found her as an infant near Dark Capital Mountain 50,000 years ago, shortly after Jiuchen was nearly dead during the God-Demon war. He tasked her with finding her true parents. Lingxi was distraught and overwhelmed by this revelation. Just then, Yuan Tong arrived, consumed by hatred, blaming Lingxi for the downfall of the Yuan Clan and her mother's death.

As they fought, Lingxi, though proclaiming her innocence, was outmatched. Seeing his daughter struggling, Le Bo, with his last ounce of strength, lunged to protect her, only for Yuan Tong to fatally stab him. Witnessing her father's brutal death, Lingxi's grief and suppressed demonic aura erupted. Her phoenix true form manifested, sending Yuan Tong flying before Lingxi herself collapsed. Jing Xiu observed this shocking transformation from a distance but chose to leave without taking Lingxi.

Sometime later, Lingxi regained consciousness, only to discover Le Bo's lifeless body, causing her immense grief. She then heard a voice calling to her, and a mark on her forehead began to throb with pain. The Demon Lord, capitalizing on the chaos and Lingxi's vulnerable state, used his power to breach her spiritual altar, incessantly summoning her to his sealed prison at Dark Capital Mountain.

Spiritless and moving like a puppet, Lingxi walked step by step towards the black lotus, on the verge of breaking the Demon Lord's seal. Just in time, Jiuchen arrived and intercepted her, preventing her from completing the ominous act. Lingxi, disoriented and heartbroken, questioned why everyone wanted to kill her, expressing her confusion about the fairness of Heavenly Palace and the actions of the immortals.

Jiuchen, despite his own injuries, reassured her that she had done nothing wrong and that the fault lay with him. He asked if she still believed him. The Demon Lord's voice, still echoing in her mind, urged her not to trust Jiuchen, but Jiuchen pulled her close, promising to protect her and ensure no one would harm her. He then led her away from the perilous site.

Episode 22 Recap

Jiuchen brought Lingxi to the Demon Tower, explaining it was a place where powerful evil monsters had been suppressed since ancient times, and the most heavily guarded location in the Six Realms. He told her she needed to stay there temporarily to prevent demons from taking advantage of her. He clarified that he had made a promise to her, but also had to provide an explanation to the Heavenly Palace.

Despite her fear, Lingxi bravely asserted that she was not an evil monster, nor did she harbor any evil in her heart, and most importantly, she trusted Jiuchen would not harm her. Within the Demon Tower, many demons were confined, led by the powerful demon Huodou, who had once sworn brotherhood with Zhurong. Despite his immense power, Huodou lacked the sense of hearing and relied on a lesser demon named Changyou to communicate with outsiders.

Huodou constantly sought to restore his sense of hearing, but Changyou, fearing he would become obsolete, deliberately misled Huodou with false information. Huodou, though aware of Changyou's deception, had no other recourse. To assert control over the multitude of demons, Jiuchen personally led Lingxi into the tower, holding her hand. Lingxi instinctively recoiled behind Jiuchen upon seeing the grotesque demons.

Huodou, upon seeing Jiuchen, attempted to flatter him, but Jiuchen ignored him, instead taking Lingxi to the highest point within the Demon Tower. There, Lingxi, having endured a tumultuous period, confided in Jiuchen, revealing her feelings of injustice, resentment, and guilt. Jiuchen, though pained, could offer no immediate solace. Before departing, Jiuchen infused a strand of his divine consciousness into an Immortal Knot, giving it to Lingxi and instructing her to keep it on her person at all times.

He then created a barrier around her, assuring her that within its confines, the Immortal Knot would protect her. Lingxi watched Jiuchen's retreating figure with reluctance, her love for him making her willing to await his return and salvation, even amidst her confinement. Immortal Lord Puhua arrived at Yaowang Cave, intending to apprehend Doctor Qingyao, but was blocked at the entrance by Fairy Yuli.

High God Yunfeng, who had been attending to Qingyao, repelled the intruders with a wave of his sleeve. Yunfeng adamantly stated his disbelief that Doctor Qingyao, who had saved countless lives over tens of thousands of years, would commit murder. He requested time from Immortal Lord Puhua to investigate the truth, offering to be Qingyao's guarantor while she recuperated in Yaowang Cave. Puhua reluctantly agreed. Qingyao was stirred awake by the commotion outside.

Yunfeng informed her that Chengyan was gravely injured but out of mortal danger, currently being cared for by Fairy Yuli. Qingyao then inquired about her Teacher, Le Bo. Yunfeng hesitated, unwilling to elaborate, leading Qingyao to immediately surmise that Le Bo had likely met with an unfortunate end. Overwhelmed with grief, the usually composed Qingyao broke down, embracing her knees and weeping like a helpless child, seemingly oblivious to Yunfeng's presence.

After Jiuchen's departure, Huodou questioned Lingxi about her relationship with him. Before Lingxi could respond, Changyou began fabricating stories. Huodou attempted to enter Lingxi's barrier to teach her a lesson, but the Immortal Knot repelled him. Enraged, Huodou declared his current predicament was akin to a tiger being bullied by dogs, boasting of his glorious past and his sworn brotherhood with the God of Fire Zhurong.

He threatened Lingxi, demanding she surrender her sense of hearing to him, warning her that he possessed numerous means to torment her if she refused. Terrified, Lingxi could only curl into a ball, clutching her knees in the corner, unable to utter another word. Having ensured Lingxi's safety, Jiuchen returned to Heavenly Lord Mountain to seek his Master, the Heavenly Supreme Lord, and confess his actions.

The Heavenly Supreme Lord sighed, stating that while Jiuchen might have averted disaster today, he could not indefinitely defy destiny, and that Lingxi's fate of death was unavoidable. Jiuchen offered no reply, but privately began to formulate a plan. The following day, Jiuchen visited Siming at Siming Hall, inquiring about methods to retrieve the Farmer God's Cauldron.

Siming explained that the Farmer God's Cauldron was a supreme treasure forged by the ancient deity Shennong, and only three artifacts—the Fuxi Bone, Chi You's Blade, and one of the Nuwa Stones—could rival its power. However, due to the passage of time, the Fuxi Bone and Chi You's Blade had long been lost, and even the Nuwa Stones were difficult to find. Before Siming could finish, Jiuchen turned to leave.

Siming, realizing Jiuchen's likely intention to retrieve the Farmer God's Cauldron to save Lingxi, knelt and implored him to remember his duty as God of War and guardian of the Six Realms, urging him to prioritize the safety of billions of lives. Jiuchen, however, said nothing, merely waved Siming aside, and departed. Jiuchen arrived outside the Demon Tower with Wuwan. He secretly used his powers to enlarge Wuwan, creating a diversion by engaging the celestial guards.

Simultaneously, the Immortal Knot on Lingxi's person glowed brightly, immediately alerting her to Jiuchen's presence. Changyou, seeing the glowing Immortal Knot, urged Huodou to seize it. However, Huodou was again repelled by the spiritual energy emanating from the knot and had to give up. Heavenly generals also heard the commotion at the Demon Tower and rushed to investigate. Jiuchen seized this opportunity to order Kaiyang to summon all generals of the War Division to Fuyun Hall for a meeting.

After everyone had left, Jiuchen entered the Demon Tower. He stood before the Farmer God's Cauldron and, forming a hand seal, began to shrink it. The demon dragon Zhuyin, whom the Farmer God's Cauldron had suppressed, seized this opportune moment to escape. It attempted to kill Jiuchen but was swiftly re-suppressed by him. Jiuchen continued his spell until the Farmer God's Cauldron was reduced to the size of his palm.

Then, astonishingly, he extracted his own heart and transformed it into a phantom Farmer God's Cauldron, re-installing it within the Demon Tower. It was revealed that Jiuchen's parents had both died fighting demons, leaving him as the sole surviving bloodline of their clan. Nearing death from a damaged heart, the Heavenly Supreme Lord had recreated a heart for him using a Nuwa Stone, placing it within his body. This explained Jiuchen's desperate and dangerous actions after his conversation with Siming.

Without his heart, Jiuchen's body became severely weakened. Huodou, misled by Changyou's lies, suddenly launched a lethal attack on Jiuchen, but Jiuchen still managed to repel him. Jiuchen ascended to the highest point of the Demon Tower. Lingxi, seeing him, was overjoyed. Jiuchen struggled to suppress the surge of blood in his chest, reassuring Lingxi to wait for him a while longer and to trust him no matter what transpired.

Lingxi nodded her agreement, earnestly reminding him to take his medicine on time to prevent his cold disease from relapsing and to remind the careless Shisan to keep the Endless Wood perpetually burning. Jiuchen, fearing he would vomit blood if he spoke, merely bit his lip and nodded, then turned and left. Outside the Demon Tower, the celestial guards who had been knocked unconscious had awoken and questioned the earlier disturbance.

Jiuchen falsely claimed that Zhuyin had attempted to escape and had been re-suppressed by him. After Jiuchen's departure, Lingxi became increasingly concerned, recalling his weakened state. Just then, Huodou reappeared, this time effortlessly breaching the barrier Jiuchen had created. Huodou revealed to her that Jiuchen had excavated the Nuwa Stone Heart from his own body to save her, and that his life source was rapidly dissipating.

Huodou claimed to possess an item that could save him: the Fire Essence, the Thousand-Fire Primordial Energy that the God of Fire Zhurong had carried from birth. This Fire Essence, he explained, could not only replace the Nuwa Stone as Jiuchen's heart, providing him with life, but also completely cure his cold disease. Overwhelmed with worry for Jiuchen, Lingxi, disregarding Le Bo's dying warnings and Jiuchen's earlier instructions, desperately agreed to exchange her sense of hearing for the Fire Essence.

High God Yunfeng went to Fuyun Hall to find Jiuchen but was informed by Shisan that the generals had been waiting for two hours without any sign of the Senior Deity. Sensing something was amiss, Yunfeng immediately rushed to the Demon Tower. Outside, he encountered Jiuchen, who was on his way back. Yunfeng was alarmed to discover that Jiuchen's life source was rapidly dissipating and quickly questioned him. Jiuchen, concerned about potential eavesdroppers, spoke little.

Upon returning to Fuyun Hall, Yunfeng pressed Jiuchen repeatedly, but Jiuchen refused to reveal who had harmed him. Ignoring Jiuchen's protests, Yunfeng took his wrist to check his pulse, only to find none. Alarmed, he checked Jiuchen's chest and confirmed there was no heartbeat. With tears in his eyes, Yunfeng demanded answers. Jiuchen remained silent but, with a wave of his hand, summoned the Farmer God's Cauldron. Upon seeing it, Yunfeng immediately understood the gravity of the situation.

Episode 23 Recap

Yunfeng questioned Jiuchen about the whereabouts of his Nuwa Stone Heart, asking if he needed Senior Deity to intervene before he would speak. Jiuchen remained silent at first, but under Yunfeng's persistent questioning, he finally used his powers to reveal the Farmer God's Cauldron. Upon seeing it, Yunfeng immediately understood that Jiuchen had used his Nuwa Stone Heart to acquire the Cauldron and suppress the Demon Tower.

Yunfeng attempted to retrieve Jiuchen's heart, but Jiuchen firmly stopped him, explaining that without the Farmer God's Cauldron, Lingxi would surely die. Yunfeng retorted, expressing concern that Jiuchen himself would die without his Nuwa Stone Heart. Jiuchen somberly replied that everything had begun because of him and thus he must be the one to end it.

He acknowledged his role as the fourth God of War but stressed that even a God of War can die, implying that a new one would emerge to protect the Six Realms. Seeing Jiuchen's resolute determination, Yunfeng asked how he could help. Jiuchen requested Yunfeng to help preserve his dissipating life essence temporarily, so he could send Lingxi down to the mortal world to undergo three trials and cleanse the demonic aura within her.

Jiuchen elaborated that the Farmer God's Cauldron could both trap and refine all beings. By using this Cauldron to preserve Lingxi's main spirit, her blood and flesh could be recreated, allowing her to undergo mortal trials to remove her demonic aura and imprint. However, a mortal body could not withstand the power of the Immortal Cleansing Pond.

He explained that in three days, at noontime, when the stars and galaxy aligned and the purple energy was at its weakest, the Immortal Cleansing Pond's power would also be at its lowest. Missing this precise moment would mean waiting another hundred years, which Lingxi could not afford. This meant Lingxi had to die once, in three days, and crucially, without arousing suspicion from the other deities.

When Yunfeng tearfully questioned if sacrificing his own life for Lingxi was worth it, Jiuchen offered no verbal answer, but his gaze conveyed everything. Meanwhile, Lingxi agreed to trade her sense of hearing for the Fire Essence with Huodou. Huodou, who had long awaited this day, immediately began the painful process of stripping Lingxi of her ear sense. Lingxi bit her lip, drawing blood, but she found strength in Jiuchen's promise to her, believing it made everything worthwhile.

Huodou briefly considered going back on his word after obtaining her hearing, but seeing Lingxi's determined eyes, he ultimately kept his promise. He informed her that within a day or two, her hearing would gradually fade until she was completely enveloped in a world of silence. Feeling triumphant after successfully plotting against Lingxi, Yuan Tong conversed aloud at the Yuan Clan ancestral shrine, sharing her good news with her mother.

She spoke of Le Bo's death and Lingxi's impending demise, regretting only that Qingyao would not suffer the same fate, vowing to avenge her mother through their deaths. This entire monologue was overheard by Duyu, who confronted Yuan Tong about the Heavenly Soldiers killed on the Purple Cloud Platform. Yuan Tong calmly stated that Qingyao was responsible for those deaths, having committed them to save Lingxi.

Duyu questioned when Yuan Tong had become so manipulative, asserting that such a lie could not be maintained indefinitely. Soon, the day of Lingxi's judgment by the Heavenly Emperor arrived, and immortals gathered in the Lingxiao Palace. Lingxi was brought from the Demon Tower, her hearing already severely weakened. She found a slight comfort in hearing Puhua Immortal Lord say that Jiuchen was also present. In the Lingxiao Palace, the Heavenly Emperor questioned Lingxi about her crimes.

Lingxi stated her ignorance, acknowledging that others accused her of possessing demonic aura that could release the Demon Lord from his seal. Yet, she explained, she had grown up in the Peach Forest and never harmed anyone; her father, Le Bo, had saved countless lives through his medical practice. She then tearfully questioned why the Heavenly Palace sought to capture her, why the Demon Tribe also pursued her, and why her father had died because of her.

She asked if her very existence was a crime. Her poignant question left the Heavenly Emperor and the assembled immortals speechless, and a profound silence fell upon the hall. Seeing the pause, God of Heavenly Thunder seized the opportunity to bring up the incident on the Purple Cloud Platform, accusing Qingyao of killing immortals to save Lingxi. Lingxi immediately defended her Senior Sister, explaining that while Qingyao had sedated the Heavenly Soldiers, she had subsequently cured them.

Lingxi reminded the assembly that Qingyao had served in the Heavenly Palace for many years, saving countless lives, and her character should be well-known to all present. She argued that since Qingyao had already rescued her, there would have been no reason to kill anyone. Yunfeng concurred with Lingxi's assessment. The Heavenly Emperor found their reasoning plausible and considered sending Lingxi back to the Demon Tower for further interrogation while summoning Qingyao.

However, God of Heavenly Thunder objected, arguing that to prevent the Demon Lord's potential release, Lingxi's matter should be resolved without delay. Surprisingly, Yunfeng voiced his agreement, much to God of Heavenly Thunder's bewilderment. The Heavenly Emperor sought opinions from the assembled immortals, and all seconded God of Heavenly Thunder. Only Jiuchen remained silent. After repeated prompting from the Heavenly Emperor, Jiuchen finally spoke, agreeing with God of Heavenly Thunder and advocating for Lingxi's immediate execution. Lingxi listened in disbelief.

God of Heavenly Thunder was also visibly surprised. Jiuchen then explained that his previous protection of Lingxi was a strategic move. He had needed her as bait to capture the elusive and dispersed Demon Tribe remnants. Now that Zhonghao's tribe had suffered great losses and was no longer a threat, Lingxi had to be eliminated quickly. Lingxi heard every single word Jiuchen uttered.

With reddened eyes, she stared at this seemingly heartless man, feeling as though she had never truly known him. It felt like a cruel twist of fate that, before she completely lost her hearing, she was forced to hear the most devastating words imaginable. After Lingxi was escorted back to the Demon Tower, Jiuchen suddenly called Yuan Tong to step forward. Yuan Tong, who had been observing the proceedings with satisfaction, was surprised by the summons.

Jiuchen then informed the Heavenly Emperor that he had thoroughly investigated the case of the killed Heavenly Soldiers on the Purple Cloud Platform, casting a pointed glance at Yuan Tong. Realizing her deception had been exposed, Yuan Tong's legs gave way, and she knelt. Back in the Demon Tower, Lingxi huddled in a corner, clutching the Immortal Knot and replaying every word Jiuchen had ever spoken to her.

Yesterday's vows echoed in her mind, yet the harsh reality was that he had deceived her. Overwhelmed by this realization, she wept uncontrollably. Slowly, she calmed, resting motionless in the corner, still breathing but devoid of all spirit. Jiuchen came to visit Lingxi, but the Heavenly Soldiers guarding the tower blocked him, citing the Heavenly Emperor's decree.

Standing outside, he used his magic to transmit his voice, reassuring Lingxi that his words in the main hall earlier were merely a temporary tactic. He had already made all the necessary arrangements. He told her she would suffer a little tomorrow, but he would take her away, and it would remove the demonic aura from her.

He also informed her that Yuan Tong's involvement in the Purple Cloud Platform killings had been exposed and she would be punished, adding that Qingyao, despite breaking heavenly laws, would also be punished but would ultimately be fine. He concluded by saying he would enter a long seclusion after this, and she wouldn't see him when she returned to the Heavenly Palace, urging her not to be afraid at the Purple Cloud Platform tomorrow.

Tragically, Jiuchen was unaware that Lingxi had already completely lost her hearing and could not perceive a single word. After an unknown amount of time, Lingxi suddenly retrieved the Fire Essence and infused it into the Immortal Knot. Having learned that Lingxi was Lingyue's biological daughter, Jing Xiu carefully considered the matter before finally revealing the truth to Lingyue. Upon discovering that Lingxi was her child, Lingyue was filled with both shock and joy.

She immediately gathered her retinue and hastened towards the Heavenly Palace. The following day, Lingxi was brought to the Purple Cloud Platform, where Jiuchen and a host of immortals assembled to witness the execution. Jiuchen's mind was consumed with the intricate details of his rescue plan for Lingxi. Lingxi, with a lifeless gaze, looked at him, having secretly made her own decision.

As the appointed time drew near and Puhua Immortal Lord was about to give the order for execution, a Heavenly Soldier reported that Lingyue, the State Master of Shanling Tribe, had arrived to request an audience with the Heavenly Emperor. She pleaded with him to return Lingxi, the eldest princess of the Shanling Tribe.

God of Heavenly Thunder immediately mocked Jiuchen, claiming he now understood why Jiuchen's attitude had drastically changed the previous day, and threatened to seek the Heavenly Supreme Lord's personal intervention from Heavenly Lord Mountain. Jiuchen remained silent. God of Heavenly Thunder urged Puhua Immortal Lord to proceed with the execution immediately.

At that moment, Lingxi, who had kept her head down, suddenly turned to Jiuchen, bowed in farewell, and presented the Immortal Knot, asking him to return it to its rightful owner. Jiuchen, with an impassive expression, took the Immortal Knot from her hand and ordered the immediate execution. Just then, another Heavenly Soldier reported that the Heavenly Emperor had issued a decree to delay the execution.

Yet, Jiuchen vehemently commanded for the execution to proceed without delay, even summoning his Kunwu Sword. Witnessing his apparent ruthlessness, a single tear traced a path down Lingxi's cheek. Concluding that her death was inevitable and unwilling to allow his hands to be further stained, she abruptly rose and lunged forward, impaling herself on the Kunwu Sword. Jiuchen had not anticipated Lingxi's actions; he quickly embraced her as she collapsed.

In his arms, with her last breath, Lingxi whispered her final wish: never to remember him in any lifetime. With that, she closed her eyes forever. At that exact moment, Lingyue arrived. Seeing Lingxi covered in blood in Jiuchen's arms, her eyes blazed with fury. Without a word, she drew her sword, intending to make Jiuchen pay with his life. Jiuchen did not evade, allowing her to stab him, but Yunfeng intervened just in time.

As Yunfeng engaged Lingyue in battle, Siming noticed Lingxi's body gradually disappearing. He quickly called Lingyue's attention to it. Lingyue immediately dropped her sword and rushed to her daughter's side, watching in horror as Lingxi's body slowly faded into nothingness, even the Heavenly Lasting Mythical Sand falling from her wrist. Overcome with grief, Lingyue spat out a mouthful of blood and fainted.

Distraught, Jiuchen returned to Fuyun Hall, holding the Heavenly Lasting Mythical Sand in one hand and the Immortal Knot in the other. Though as strong as a deity, he could not hold back his sorrowful tears. Upon hearing that Lingxi had been executed at the Purple Cloud Platform, Qingyao immediately wanted to rush out.

Yunfeng stopped her, revealing Jiuchen's true plan: he had sacrificed his Nuwa Stone Heart for the Farmer God's Cauldron to gather Lingxi's soul and spirit and reconstruct her mortal body. Yunfeng strictly cautioned Qingyao to keep this an absolute secret, not even telling Chengyan. Shisan, upon learning of Lingxi's death, also shed tears. Siming, seeing her weep for the first time, remarked that Fuyun Hall would be quiet for a long time hereafter. Shisan, however, countered, expressing that if she, as an outsider, was so heartbroken by Lingxi's death, how much more must Senior Deity be suffering.

Episode 24 Recap

As dusk settled, Jiuchen returned to the Purple Cloud Platform and, using the Farmer God's Cauldron, began to gather Lingxi's scattered soul fragments. He then hurried to the Polar Abyss with Wuwan. After entrusting Wuwan to the gatekeeper immortal, Jiuchen rushed into his room, where he continued using the cauldron to reassemble Lingxi's soul. However, the last wisp of her spirit stubbornly refused to return, leading Jiuchen to speculate that Lingxi harbored resentment towards him.

Desperate as time ran short, Jiuchen disregarded his own weakened state. He transformed into his true form to forcefully summon Lingxi's soul, ultimately exhausting his magic and collapsing. As he fell, the Immortal Knot he carried slipped from his grasp, and the Zhurong Fire Essence Lingxi had hidden within it soared out, hovering over his body. The gatekeeper immortal heard the commotion, sighed, and sent a divine pigeon to notify Yunfeng.

Soon after, Yunfeng and Qingyao arrived and were astonished to see the fire essence. Qingyao identified it as a treasure of extreme heat capable of sustaining all life, and Yunfeng quickly guided it into Jiuchen's body. Meanwhile, Jing Xiu informed the Heavenly Emperor of Lingxi's true identity and pleaded for him to pardon Ling Yue for trespassing on the Purple Cloud Platform, given her grief.

The Heavenly Emperor expressed deep regret, admitting that had he known Lingxi was a princess of the Shanling Tribe, he would never have executed her without notifying her family. Out of magnanimity, the Heavenly Emperor decided against pursuing the matter further and, as a gesture of condolence, instructed Baishan to prepare gifts for Ling Yue. Back in the Shanling State, Jing Xiu faced Ling Yue's anticipated fury.

After he reported on his visit to the Heavenly Court, Ling Yue, blaming him for Lingxi's death, sarcastically lauded him as a loyal State Preceptor before ordering his arrest. When Jing Xiu calmly asked about his crimes, Ling Yue had an official enumerate his five major offenses: extravagance and overstepping his authority by building a private ancestral temple; executing meritorious officials, provoking rebellion; arbitrary and unfair governance; disloyalty and deceit towards his sovereign; and abuse of power, causing widespread resentment.

Ling Yue declared his crimes unpardonable and ordered him imprisoned in the forbidden land to await trial. Confined, Jing Xiu harbored no resentment, his thoughts drifting to his childhood. He recalled being bullied and how only Princess Ling Yue had believed his father had not colluded with the Demon Tribe, bravely defending him. It was Ling Yue who later overthrew Yuandu, the man who betrayed Jing Xiu's father, avenging his bloodline and cementing Jing Xiu's unwavering loyalty.

His reverie was broken when Ling Yue arrived with Grandmother Shi. Refusing to meet her gaze, Jing Xiu listened as an infuriated Ling Yue accused him of deception, claiming his lies led to her 50,000-year separation from her daughter and Lingxi's tragic death. Jing Xiu maintained that he had never deceived her; rather, she had broken her promise by allowing Yuandu to live.

Ling Yue scoffed, venomously stating she always knew his assistance was merely a means to use her to eliminate Yuandu. She scorned him for betraying his own family out of cowardice, which led to the death of his father and brother, declaring him unworthy of being a Xuan Bird clansman and having no right to seek revenge while Yuandu still lived. Finally agitated, Jing Xiu retorted that he was forced, but offered no further explanation.

Ling Yue dismissed his claim, informing him that his subordinates were in custody and that he would pay for her daughter's life in the netherworld. With the Zhurong Fire Essence, Jiuchen's life was saved. Qingyao warned him that although his cold disease was cured, he must not use any more divine magic. Murmuring that Lingxi had saved him, Jiuchen immediately rushed off to continue reconstructing her physical form.

Yunfeng chastised him for the "life-for-a-life" exchange, but Jiuchen simply replied, "So what?" Qingyao, relieved that Lingxi could be saved, felt she had fulfilled her duty to her master. Yunfeng reflected that for a man to use half his life's essence to recreate a woman's body was not merely kindness, but a testament to Jiuchen's profound love for Lingxi.

At noon, Jiuchen stood by the Immortal Cleansing Pond and, with a lingering gaze, gently sent Lingxi's newly formed body down to begin her journey in the mortal realm. In the Great Yue State, Nanny Jiang of a benevolent orphanage discovered a wailing infant wrapped in swaddling clothes at her doorstep—Lingxi's reincarnation. Coincidentally, a local official, Lin Shaohai, was seeking a newborn, and Nanny Jiang entrusted the baby to him.

Lord Lin promised that the child would become the eldest daughter of the Lin family, assured of a prosperous and safe life. Lord Lin and his wife were deeply in love, but his mother was anxious for a grandchild. As his wife had not conceived, they devised a plan to fake a pregnancy and adopt a child on the day of the "delivery."

Lin Shaohai secretly passed Lingxi through a back window into the delivery room while his mother waited anxiously outside. Invisibly, Jiuchen and Siming observed from within the residence. When Jiuchen instinctively moved toward Lingxi, Siming stopped him, explaining that after this mortal life and its three trials, Lingxi would be purged of her demonic aura and achieve true rebirth. Jiuchen's heart ached for the suffering she would endure.

Siming sighed, noting that Jiuchen himself knew suffering best, and hoped Lingxi would not waste his profound efforts. Upon learning Lingxi's whereabouts, Yunfeng hurried to the Peach Forest. He playfully teased an impatient Qingyao before she grabbed his hand, desperate for news. Secretly delighted, Yunfeng revealed everything but warned her not to visit Lingxi, as any interference could alter her destiny and undo all of Jiuchen's work. Lingxi grew into a delicate child.

Though her adoptive mother, Lady Lin, had wished for a son, she doted on Lingxi. One day, a servant dropped a teacup, but the sleeping infant showed no reaction. Alarmed, Lady Lin suspected a health issue. Hearing of a skilled new doctor in town, she took Lingxi for a consultation. The doctor was Qingyao.

Maintaining a calm demeanor despite her inner excitement, she examined Lingxi and regretfully informed Lady Lin that the child had a congenital hearing disorder that could not be cured. The implications of raising a disabled child, and one who was not her biological daughter, caused Lady Lin's mind to spiral. Trembling, she reached for a pillow, contemplating smothering the infant.

Episode 25 Recap

Madam Lin was deeply distressed upon learning that the adopted infant, who had been brought into their home, suffered from a congenital hearing disorder. Overwhelmed by anxiety, she decided to smother the baby with a pillow. Just as she was about to act, the room's window suddenly flew open, startling her into dropping the pillow and rushing to investigate. Although Qingyao had hoped this would deter Madam Lin, she saw no one outside and returned, intending to proceed.

Qingyao, therefore, appeared before her, advising that children are a blessing and fate is rarely perfect. She warned against fostering resentment or murderous thoughts that would accumulate negative karma, suggesting it was better to accept fate and cultivate good karma instead. With her words delivered, Qingyao vanished. Still shaken, Madam Lin later saw her husband, Lin Shaohai, return, unaware of the afternoon's events.

He joyfully fed the baby and officially named her Lin Mo, calling her A'Mo and noting that she seemed to respond to the name. Meanwhile, Zhonghao discovered that the black lotus, which sealed the Demon Lord, had not closed, indicating that Lingxi was still alive. He immediately ordered Qinyuan and another subordinate to capture and bring her back, stating that both he and the Demon Lord needed her.

At the Lin household, Old Madam Lin erupted in fury upon hearing of A'Mo's congenital hearing disorder, wailing about the misfortune that had befallen their family. Lin Shaohai and Madam Lin immediately knelt to placate her. Old Madam Lin seized the opportunity to once again suggest that Lin Shaohai take a second wife. Madam Lin visibly flinched at the suggestion, feeling an increased emotional distance from A'Mo.

Back in the Heavenly Palace, Qingyao hurried to Fuyun Hall to inform Jiuchen that Lingxi had developed a hearing disorder in the mortal world. Yunfeng, upon hearing this, lamented Lingxi's terrible luck, remarking that a child born with such an affliction would likely face an incredibly difficult life. Jiuchen immediately rose, intending to descend to the mortal realm himself.

However, Siming quickly intercepted him, reminding him of the strict Heavenly Law prohibiting interference with mortal affairs or arbitrarily altering mortal lifespans, which would not only harm Lingxi but also cause a backlash for Jiuchen. Jiuchen brushed off Siming's concerns, asserting that he knew his limits, but instructed Siming to investigate whether Lingxi's condition was a fated tribulation or the result of external interference.

Yunfeng also attempted to join, but Qingyao stopped him, doubting his medical abilities, though Yunfeng insisted on his skills. Using demonic aura, Zhonghao successfully tracked Lingxi's whereabouts and set out with Heichi to capture her. Concurrently, Jiuchen arrived in the mortal world. He heard passersby mention sesame-paste pancakes and remembered Lingxi's past wish for them and spicy tripe from their time in Polar Abyss.

With this memory, he appeared at a vendor's stall, bought a pancake, and found its taste quite good. By this time, Zhonghao and Heichi had neared the Lin family residence, but Jiuchen detected their presence and immediately cast a spell to conceal Lingxi's trace, causing the demons to lose her trail. Jiuchen then pursued them. Zhonghao and Heichi arrived at Witch Mountain, realizing their tracking smoke had lost Lingxi's scent. Just then, Jiuchen caught up to them.

Zhonghao, fearless, taunted Jiuchen, proclaiming that Lingxi was destined to be the Demon Lord's ultimate sacrifice. Jiuchen retorted coldly that Zhonghao would not live to witness that day. Heichi charged first but was swiftly repelled by a single palm strike from Jiuchen. Zhonghao, relying on his Demon Blade, barely managed to exchange a few blows with Jiuchen. Jiuchen then summoned his Ancestor's Sword, striking down both Zhonghao and Heichi.

The immense power of his attack cleaved a vast fissure through Witch Mountain, flattening the entire peak with its residual energy. At this point, High Immortal Peng appeared, limping and visibly distraught. He desperately pleaded with Jiuchen to stop, initially believing Jiuchen was after him.

Upon learning Jiuchen was battling demons, he launched into a tirade about his tragic plight: he had been peacefully drinking tea in his cave when calamity struck from the heavens, injuring his leg and leveling Witch Mountain. He questioned what kind of mountain deity he could be without his mountain. Jiuchen dismissively stated it was merely an oversight. Infuriated by Jiuchen's lack of remorse, High Immortal Peng vowed to take his complaint to the Heavenly Palace for justice.

Following this confrontation, Jiuchen went to A'Mo's room and used his immortal powers to suppress the demonic aura that had been drawn out within her. High Immortal Peng caused a scene at Lingxiao Palace, tearfully lodging a formal complaint against Jiuchen to the Heavenly Emperor. The God of Heavenly Thunder exacerbated the situation, also criticizing Jiuchen's excessive use of power. The Heavenly Emperor, left with no choice, accompanied High Immortal Peng to Fuyun Hall to confront Jiuchen.

Jiuchen truthfully reported that he had encountered two Demon Tribe remnants and inadvertently destroyed Witch Mountain during the struggle, adding that they had escaped and he had dispatched his subordinates to apprehend them. The Heavenly Emperor acknowledged the importance of capturing the demons, authorized the God of Heavenly Thunder to assist Jiuchen, and instructed Jiuchen to prepare a substantial gift to apologize to High Immortal Peng, thus concluding the matter. Jiuchen ordered Yunfeng to completely surround Dark Capital Mountain.

He expressed concern that Zhonghao might still be alive and, given State Master Lingyue's severe injuries at Purple Cloud Platform, advised Yunfeng to closely monitor the Shanling Tribe to prevent Zhonghao from exploiting any vulnerabilities. Yunfeng, however, dismissed this, trusting that State Preceptor Jingxiu's presence would prevent Zhonghao from gaining an advantage. Yunfeng then raised a more pressing concern: Jiuchen's uncharacteristic destruction of Witch Mountain.

He speculated that the loss of the Nuwa Stone Heart might be affecting Jiuchen's control over his magic and his very life. Jiuchen simply assured Yunfeng of his well-being. Yunfeng acknowledged that he could not prevent Jiuchen from saving Lingxi, but he declared that if Jiuchen's strength ever failed, he would retrieve the Farmer God's Cauldron, an action Jiuchen would be powerless to stop.

Duyu arrived at Polar Abyss with Yuanzheng's Heart Assembling Nail, requesting an audience for Yuan Tong with Jiuchen. Yuan Tong, though severely beaten, remained unrepentant, claiming Qingyao had poisoned her mind. She insisted that Lingxi inherently possessed demonic aura and that she was merely following orders. Jiuchen was incensed by her continued distortion of the truth.

He contrasted her with Yuanzheng, whose demonic corruption was an inadvertent result of the heavy slaughter he undertook for the peace of the Six Realms. Yuan Tong's corruption, however, Jiuchen declared, stemmed from her own heart's insidious desires. He reminded her that he had given her many chances, but her excessive ambition led to the ruin of both herself and the Yuan Clan.

As Jiuchen prepared to leave, Yuan Tong angrily demanded if his hatred stemmed from her killing Heavenly Soldiers, or from her exposing Lingxi's identity and killing her father. She expressed disbelief that a high and mighty War God like Jiuchen would care so deeply for a "lowly" minor immortal. Jiuchen turned back, his gaze cold, and stated that even if Lingxi were not present, Yuan Tong would still never be the one he chose; she had lost to herself.

At that moment, Lord Baishanxian arrived, relaying the Heavenly Emperor's decree: Yuan Tong was spared from death but sentenced to guard the Demon Tower indefinitely. Confined within the forbidden land, Jing Xiu was tormented by vivid memories. He relived being brutally attacked by crows and recalled his past imprisonment. Yuandu appeared, forcing a younger Jing Xiu to sign a confession implicating his father, Youchang, in colluding with the Demon Tribe and plotting rebellion.

Despite his father's cries of innocence, Yuandu used this confession to orchestrate the slaughter of Youchang and their entire clan. The horrific night of his father's death and the agonizing curses of his kinsmen have haunted Jing Xiu ever since, gradually driving him to the brink of madness. Wu visited Jing Xiu in his confinement. Jing Xiu sarcastically questioned whether Wu was concerned about his potential rebellion.

He recounted how he had elevated the Shanling Tribe from its long history of humiliation to its current strength where no power dares to underestimate them, maintaining that he had not failed Lingyue. Wu sharply countered, stating that Jing Xiu had never truly esteemed Lingyue, forgetting her status as the State Master and the rightful ruler of Shanling Territory. Wu criticized Jing Xiu for his arrogance, suggesting he had become complacent as Lingyue entrusted him with all state affairs.

Jing Xiu admitted his desire for vengeance but accused Lingyue of lying about not killing Yuandu. As Wu prepared to depart, Jing Xiu stopped him, emphasizing the urgent need to stabilize the military, as Lingyue had dismissed all his trusted generals. He warned that Zhonghao posed an imminent threat and urged Wu to advise Lingyue to seek assistance from the Heavenly Race if the situation spiraled out of control, fearing that otherwise, the Shanling Tribe faced utter destruction.

In the mortal realm, Lin Mo attempted to play with other children. A girl named Lin Zhan approached, offering "Second Young Mistress" freshly made white fungus soup. This prompted the other children to immediately distance themselves from Lin Mo, quickly leaving her to go home for dinner.

Episode 26 Recap

Old Madam Lin arranged for Shumei to become Lin Shaohai's concubine, and Shumei later gave birth to their second daughter, Lin Zhan. Old Madam Lin doted heavily on Lin Zhan, causing the girl to become spoiled and arrogant. As the years passed, the two young ladies grew up, but their treatment remained vastly different. Lin Zhan was ashamed of her older sister, Lin Mo, who was deaf, and often bullied her in secret.

Lin Mo also received little attention from Peiyun, Lin Shaohai's principal wife. Fortunately, Lin Shaohai remained true to his promise to always cherish his gentle daughter, Lin Mo. One day, Lin Zhan invited friends over to play. They were enjoying themselves when Lin Mo appeared. Although Lin Zhan's friends invited Lin Mo to join them, Lin Zhan's joyful expression immediately soured.

After her friends left, Lin Zhan tearfully complained to Old Madam Lin, insisting that Lin Mo should be confined to her room. She lamented that everyone now knew she had a deaf older sister, which she found utterly embarrassing. Old Madam Lin, already biased, comforted her with promises of a new silk dress for the approaching New Year, which managed to appease Lin Zhan.

At dinner, the family had just sat down when Lin Shaohai unexpectedly returned, much earlier than anticipated. When greeting Old Madam Lin, Lin Shaohai subtly winked at Lin Mo, immediately lifting her spirits. Throughout the meal, Lin Zhan watched with jealousy as her father consistently served dishes to Lin Mo.

Old Madam Lin then instructed Lin Shaohai to purchase new accessories for Peiyun and Shumei, and new clothes for Lin Zhan, as the year-end approached, but made no mention of Lin Mo, saddening her father. Later that night, Lin Shaohai quietly led Lin Mo to a secluded courtyard. He had brought her favorite snacks, carefully teaching her to say the name of each item as she ate them.

He told Lin Mo that he had been accepted into the Medicine Bureau and would no longer need to travel frequently. He vowed to stay by her side and teach her to speak so she would never be bullied again. Lin Mo shook her head, asserting that no one bullied her. She revealed that she could understand what others were saying but sometimes pretended not to, hoping to engage them in play.

She confessed that she feared loneliness more than ridicule. Heartbroken and relieved, Lin Shaohai asked her to hold out her hand and produced a small golden lock, a special gift from his trip. Jiuchen, who had been invisibly watching over Lin Mo, observed Lin Shaohai patiently teaching his daughter characters from the Thousand Character Classic through song, and then quietly departed. Meanwhile, Yuan Tong was brought to the Demon-Locking Tower and imprisoned.

Duyu was waiting at the entrance, but he was at a loss for words. Yuan Tong merely glanced at him indifferently before entering the tower. Inside, Huodou remarked to another demon that he was keen to see how long she could endure. Later, Doctor Song Cheng'en came to visit Lin Shaohai. While he was there, Lin Mo was in her room reading, but she grew tired and lay down for a nap.

Lin Zhan, seeing her asleep, picked up a brush to draw on her face, but then she noticed the small golden lock around Lin Mo's neck. Seizing the opportunity, she quietly cut the red string and stole the lock. When Lin Mo awoke, she found her neck bare, with only a piece of red string left on the table. Distressed, Lin Mo went to find Lin Shaohai but overheard him discussing a recent epidemic with Song Cheng'en.

Ten children had already presented with similar symptoms, and they were greatly concerned. Lin Shaohai instructed Song Cheng'en to stabilize the situation and prepare more medicinal supplies. After Song Cheng'en left, Lin Shaohai asked Lin Mo what was troubling her. Wanting to spare her father from more worry, Lin Mo kept the stolen golden lock a secret, simply saying she missed him.

A shaman conveyed Jing Xiu's message to Ling Yue, urging her to seek aid from the Heavenly Palace, but Ling Yue harbored deep resentment over her daughter's death and adamantly refused. Instead, Ling Yue wrote a secret letter and entrusted Grandmother Shi with her official token, instructing her to travel to Green Hill and deliver the letter to the State Master there. Unbeknownst to her, Princess Baoqing secretly overheard this entire conversation.

Qinyuan reported to Zhonghao that Jing Xiu had been impeached and imprisoned. Knowing that Ling Yue was gravely injured and the Shanling court was in chaos, Zhonghao recognized this as the tribe's weakest moment. Despite Qinyuan's suspicion that this might be a trap, Zhonghao dismissed the doubt and ordered the Demon Army to launch a massive assault. Without their general, the Shanling soldiers were leaderless, and their defenses were quickly breached.

Courtiers desperately pleaded with Ling Yue to release Jing Xiu, but she steadfastly refused, confident that reinforcements from Green Hill would soon arrive. Just then, a servant rushed in to report that the Demon Army had broken through. Meanwhile, Princess Baoqing used a token to release Jing Xiu. When he questioned how she obtained it, Baoqing admitted she had stolen it from Grandmother Shi, who was on her way to seek aid.

Baoqing had ambushed Grandmother Shi in a deserted area, meaning Green Hill never received Ling Yue's plea for help. As they attempted to escape, Jing Xiu witnessed the demons slaughtering the Shanling people. He instructed his subordinate, Chijiu, to take Princess Baoqing to a Silver Birch Grove and wait, while he turned back to rescue his people. However, Zhonghao intercepted him and, wielding his Demon Blade, gravely wounded and captured him.

Zhonghao brought Jing Xiu to the Spirit-Binding Abyss, gloating that the Xuan Bird Tribe was finally at its end. Jing Xiu defiantly retorted that generations of loyalty were superior to generations of treachery. Enraged, Zhonghao used seven White Bone Nails to seal Jing Xiu's vital energy channels, destroying his cultivation, and taunted that only a member of the Phoenix Tribe could remove them. He then had Jing Xiu imprisoned in the forbidden lands to await his death.

Unbeknownst to Zhonghao, Jing Xiu was soon rescued by the Shaman. Yuan Tong overheard another demon, Changyou, grumbling that Huodou was once the mount of the God of Fire, Zhurong. She offered him vitality-boosting pills in exchange for information. Changyou revealed that Huodou, Zhurong's former mount, had been imprisoned for 70,000 years. He was accused of deserting a battle, but Huodou always claimed that he had acted on Zhurong's secret orders, only to be betrayed and disavowed later.

As punishment, his five senses were stripped away, but over the millennia, he has absorbed them back from other demons and is now fully recovered, hoping to one day leave the tower and confront Zhurong. Duyu again attempted to plead with Jiuchen on Yuan Tong's behalf, but Jiuchen's attendant turned him away. Jiuchen then invisibly visited the mortal realm. Lin Mo was washing clothes when Lin Zhan approached, proudly showing a small bracelet on her wrist.

She mockingly told Lin Mo that the bracelet had been crafted from her stolen golden lock and threatened to have their grandmother expel Lin Mo from the house if she caused any trouble. Crushed by the humiliation, Lin Mo was filled with despair. Seeing her sorrow, Jiuchen had an idea and magically made the plum blossoms in the corner of the yard bloom, which instantly brought a smile to her face.

Episode 27 Recap

Yuan Tong deliberately provoked Huodou, who was imprisoned in the Demon Tower, by suggesting that outsiders called him a timid beast who had betrayed his master, Zhurong, for personal gain. She further asserted that because he originated from Zhongyinshan, the Heavenly Race deities were now unwilling to select mythical beasts from there, citing him as the prime example of a traitor. Huodou, infuriated, vehemently denied these accusations, stating he was no deserter.

He maintained that he had loyally served Zhurong through countless battles without fear. He recounted Zhurong's promise to treat him like family, words that still echoed in his mind. He expressed his confusion and anger over Zhurong's betrayal, which had led to his seventy thousand years of imprisonment. Yuan Tong then implied that Huodou might never get the chance to question Zhurong, as she had heard that Zhurong was reaching his limit and might already be dead.

Huodou was distraught by this news, asserting that only he had the right to kill Zhurong and that he had endured seventy thousand years of imprisonment to regain his senses and demand an explanation. Yuan Tong continued to fuel his rage, cynically suggesting that if he truly wanted to see Zhurong before his presumed death, he should attempt to knock over the Farmer God's Cauldron and escape the Demon Tower.

As Huodou, in his true form, began a desperate charge, Yuan Tong was surprised to see that the tower was suppressed not by the cauldron, but by the Nuwa Stone. Another demon, Changyou, informed her that Jiuchen had replaced the Farmer God's Cauldron with the Nuwa Stone Heart. The commotion alerted the tower guards, and soon, Tianlei Zhenjun and other immortals arrived. Yuan Tong, feigning a heroic attempt to restrain Huodou, was seen by all.

Huodou was ultimately subdued, and Yuan Tong, for her apparent efforts in protecting the tower, was granted a special pardon and reinstated to the Heavenly Palace War Division. Meanwhile, High God Yunfeng visited Siming Hall, hoping to find Siming for drinks. Instead, he found Shisan diligently studying a scroll. Siming was absent, having apparently told Shisan that Yunfeng had summoned him for discussions at his palace, a lie Yunfeng quickly saw through.

Yunfeng expressed his disappointment at Siming's absence, but Shisan, eager for a drink, offered to accompany Yunfeng, proposing a deal where Yunfeng would drink one cup for every jar she consumed. Yunfeng then inquired about Shisan's studies, to which Shisan proudly revealed she was examining the Book of Mortal Destiny, aspiring to become an "able and virtuous lady," a statement Yunfeng found amusing given her proposed drinking habits.

Later, after accidentally injuring Kaiyang during a sparring match, Yunfeng brought him to Yaowang Cave for treatment. They found only Fairy Yuli in the dispensary. Yunfeng inquired about Doctor Qingyao's whereabouts, and Yuli cautioned that Qingyao had been in a bad mood recently and was best left undisturbed. Soon after, a junior medical practitioner informed Yuli that Senior Deity Jiuchen had returned. Yuli, eager to see Jiuchen, quickly departed for Fuyun Hall.

Moments later, Qingyao arrived, and upon learning from a medicinal boy that Yuli had gone to Fuyun Hall, she too set off in the same direction. At Fuyun Hall, Yuli greeted Jiuchen effusively, inquiring about his health and any recurrence of his cold disease. Jiuchen offered brief, noncommittal responses. When Yuli offered to take his pulse, Qingyao arrived and also offered her medical assistance. Jiuchen accepted Qingyao’s offer, causing Yuli to depart in a huff.

Yunfeng, who had been waiting outside, grew increasingly uneasy. When Qingyao finally emerged, he acidly questioned her hasty arrival upon Jiuchen's return. He stammered, pointing out that Yuli's medical skills were on par with hers, and questioned why she felt the need to compete, bluntly asking if she harbored feelings for Jiuchen. Qingyao, exasperated by the accusation, turned and walked away. Realizing Qingyao harbored no romantic interest in Jiuchen, Yunfeng immediately brightened.

He quickly caught up to her, musing whether her actions were driven by a desire to protect Lingxi from Yuli's interference with Jiuchen, or a concern about Yuan Tong's release. He reminded her that Lingxi was currently undergoing her mortal trials, and it was best not to create further complications. Qingyao confirmed she was aware of these matters, having already discussed them with Jiuchen.

Yunfeng, undeterred, extended an invitation to visit the newly arrived spiritual beasts at Wanling Park or to his manor for a cup of longevity tea. Qingyao, mistaking his persistence for lingering guilt over her late husband's death, reassured him that she had long since put the past behind her and that he needn't dwell on it. Yunfeng, seizing the moment, blurted out that if she had truly moved on, she should be open to accepting someone new, hinting at himself.

Qingyao was taken aback, unable to meet his gaze. Yunfeng, misinterpreting her silence, speculated that she might still be waiting for her deceased husband, questioning if she intended to wait forever. Qingyao clarified that while she wasn't waiting for anyone, she had no inclination or energy to accept anyone new in her life. Elsewhere, Princess Baoqing found herself cornered by Qin Yuan.

As her guards were quickly overwhelmed, Baoqing resorted to feigning weakness, attempting to bribe Qin Yuan by offering him ten times the amount he had been paid to capture her. When Qin Yuan remained impassive, Baoqing clutched her shoulder, loudly feigning extreme pain, and insisted he examine her injury by removing her clothes. As Qin Yuan reluctantly leaned in, Baoqing seized the opportunity to knock him unconscious.

Qin Yuan awoke to find himself bound and suspended from a tree with a rope, which Baoqing gleefully explained was a special tether used by the Shanling Tribe for restraining wild beasts. She then sadistically lashed him with a whip and threatened to gouge out his eyes for having seen her body. However, Qin Yuan managed to break free using his magic, prompting Baoqing to flee.

For several days, Yunfeng was disheartened by Qingyao’s words, but soon he regained his usual spirited demeanor. Qingyao, dedicated to protecting Lingxi during her trial, continued to serve as a physician at Bai Yu Clinic, earning the gratitude and affection of her patients through her exceptional medical skills and compassionate nature. One day, Yunfeng, disguised in common clothes and feigning a cough, approached her for treatment. Qingyao recognized him immediately and, despite her exasperation, proceeded with the examination.

During the pulse check, Yunfeng shamelessly flirted, claiming to suffer from "lovesickness" and even attempting to hold her hand while asking if he could be cured. Other patients, witnessing his audacity, swiftly intervened, pushing and shoving him away, outraged by his disrespectful behavior towards Qingyao. Cornered and outnumbered, Yunfeng, utterly humiliated, made a hasty retreat. After her medical consultations concluded, Yunfeng led Qingyao to a county office, promising to introduce her to an old acquaintance.

Shortly after, a sedan chair arrived, from which a refined scholar, Lord Fang, emerged. The moment Qingyao saw his face, memories of her past life, which she had believed long forgotten, flooded her mind. She recalled their wedding day, his surprised expression as he lifted her veil, the unspoken understanding as they wrote poetry, and the sweet moments of their outings together.

Yunfeng, observing Qingyao’s stunned silence, suppressed a pang of jealousy and explained that he had consulted Lord Fang’s Book of Mortal Destiny. He revealed that Lord Fang had died in a previous life due to a god’s mistake, and as a result, had enjoyed prosperous and fortunate reincarnations for the past fifty thousand years, always aided by benefactors in times of peril.

In this current life, he was named Fang, destined to become a high-ranking minister, enjoy a harmonious marriage, and be blessed with many descendants, living a long life until his peaceful death. Yunfeng asked if Qingyao wished to greet him, but she shook her head, stating there was no need as he had long forgotten her. Yunfeng gently reminded her that as deities, it would not be difficult to make him recall their past.

Before Qingyao could respond, thunder rumbled, and a sudden downpour began. Yunfeng and Qingyao quickly sought shelter under an awning. Soon, two maids, supporting a heavily pregnant woman, also hurried to take cover. Noticing the woman's discomfort, Qingyao invited her to Bai Yu Clinic for an examination. Fortunately, the woman’s fetal qi had only been slightly disturbed, and Qingyao assured her that a few doses of fetal-securing medicines would suffice.

Relieved, the pregnant woman shared her story with Qingyao, explaining that she and her husband had been childless for many years. Though her husband never vocalized his desire, he always expressed great joy when he saw other families' children. She had repeatedly urged him to take a concubine, but he had steadfastly refused, making this child incredibly precious to them. Qingyao, moved by the woman's maternal joy and anticipation, asked if she feared childbirth.

The woman smiled, explaining that for two people deeply in love, a child was an unparalleled memory, binding them inextricably. Even after death, this bloodline would endure, generation after generation, a timeless testament to their profound love. Just then, a man, calling out for his wife, rushed into the clinic. It was none other than Lord Fang, whom Yunfeng and Qingyao had encountered earlier. Lord Fang expressed deep concern for his wife.

Witnessing the couple's tender affection for each other, Qingyao, unsure how to process the scene, excused herself to prepare the medicine. Yunfeng, observing the entire exchange, felt a complex mix of tenderness and melancholy. After the Fang couple departed, Qingyao began to recount her own marriage to Yunfeng. She described it as an ordinary union, much like most mortal couples. During her mortal trial, she had no magic and no memory, living as a simple woman.

At fifteen, she met her husband, the son of her father's colleague, through an arranged marriage. Their ten years of married life often felt like a dream to her, yet paradoxically, she confessed that only during those ten years did she feel truly alive. She recalled his surprise upon seeing her face for the first time on their wedding day, humorously calling him a "dullard" blinded by his studies.

Despite their later impoverished life after his father lost his official position and his repeated failures in imperial examinations, they subsisted on his talent for painting and calligraphy. She recalled his pedantic nature, his nagging, and his physical weakness, noting that his only redeeming quality was his delicious porridge. She also mentioned her inability to conceive, which caused his mother's disapproval and her own frequent fits of temper, which he always met with patience.

She mused that their life was filled with the mundane joys and squabbles of mortal existence, and that if not for a sudden flood, they might have simply grown old together. Yunfeng listened as Qingyao spoke of her marriage to the man, observing a newfound radiance in her eyes. He realized she was speaking like a woman deeply in love, yet the light in her eyes was not for him.

He felt a profound pang of remorse, knowing that his past mistake had led to the loss of her simple, happy life. A bitter and melancholic mix of emotions churned within him.

Episode 28 Recap

Yunfeng, after learning Qingyao was fond of her husband’s porridge, decided to comfort Lingxi, who was in the mortal world under the name of Lin Mo. He forcibly brought a government official to the kitchen, instructing him to cook porridge. The official refused, but Yunfeng insisted he wouldn't leave until the porridge was properly cooked. The official struggled, only managing to make a thin, watery gruel. Yunfeng, dissatisfied after tasting many bowls, took over the task himself and eventually succeeded.

Qingyao, upon waking up, saw Yunfeng offering her a bowl of porridge and was touched. She finished the porridge, delighting Yunfeng. However, the next day, Qingyao had already left. Time passed, and Lin Mo grew into a young woman who confided in a tree in the courtyard. Lin Zhan remained willful but harbored secret feelings. She complained about the nationwide vegetarian diet for the ailing Crown Prince, angering a servant. Song Cheng'en, an old friend of Lin Shaohai, arrived.

Lin Zhan pretended to be demure and inquired about Song Cheng'en's son, Ziyu. Lin Shaohai and Song Cheng'en discussed matters, and Song Cheng'en proposed that Ziyu marry Lin Mo, explaining that he and his wife admired Lin Mo's kindness and wisdom. He reassured Lin Shaohai that his affection for Lin Mo was genuine and praised Ziyu's filial piety and obedience. Lin Shaohai worried about Lin Mo's disability, but Song Cheng'en urged him to agree.

Lin Shaohai agreed, believing it would provide a stable home for Lin Mo. Xiao Ju shared the news with Old Madam Lin, who praised Ziyu. Lin Zhan blushed, assuming the engagement was for her. Lin Shaohai announced that the Song Family wanted to marry Lin Mo, which shocked Lin Zhan, who questioned why the Song Family would want someone deaf and mute. Lin Shaohai explained that the Song Family valued Lin Mo's kindness and filial piety.

Lin Zhan refused to believe it. Jiuchen, observing from Siming Hall, felt uneasy. Siming explained that Lingxi's mortal trials were predestined. Siming revealed that Huodou had recovered his five senses and suspected that he was responsible for Lingxi losing her hearing. Jiuchen went to the Demon Tower, where Huodou was confined, and confirmed Zhurong's death. Huodou lamented that his grievances would remain unheard, accusing Zhurong of betrayal. Jiuchen revealed that Zhurong was killed by Demon Lord Wuzhiqi after Huodou deserted.

Huodou was shocked, and Jiuchen explained that Zhurong was protecting him. Overcome with sorrow, Huodou knelt and bowed. Jiuchen offered to restore Lingxi's hearing and help release Huodou, but Huodou refused, expressing his desire to remain in the tower and offering his five senses as atonement. Huodou revealed that Lingxi had exchanged her hearing for Huodou's Fire Essence to save Jiuchen's life after Jiuchen's heart was swapped with the Nuwa Stone.

She endured the painful process silently and was deaf when she returned from the Grand Hall. Jiuchen realized that Lingxi only heard the words spoken in the Grand Hall, missing his telepathic messages, leading to her hatred and vow. Jiuchen wanted to restore Lin Mo's hearing immediately, but Siming stopped him, explaining that she couldn't handle it. Siming gave Jiuchen a spiritual seed to plant in a place with abundant spiritual energy.

After a year, Lin Mo could regain her hearing by consuming the spiritual fruit. That night, Lin Shaohai explained to Lin Mo why he agreed to the Song Family's proposal, emphasizing their genuine affection for her and Ziyu's good character. Lin Mo expressed her trust and willingness to follow her father's wishes. Later, Lin Mo was drying herbs when a wild cat knocked some over. She carefully separated similar herbs by their scent.

Lin Shaohai praised her skill and gifted her a "Botanical Handbook for Medicine Gathering." The next day, Lin Mo went into the mountains to collect herbs, comparing them to the book. While collecting herbs, Lin Mo fell into a hunter's trap. Jiuchen appeared and rescued her. Lin Mo thanked him with sign language, and he indicated he understood "a little." She asked if he was the immortal who had always protected her.

When Jiuchen shook his head, she wondered if he was Young Lord Song, her betrothed. Jiuchen didn't confirm or deny but focused on her injured foot, cautioning her against gathering herbs alone due to her hearing impairment. Lin Mo signed her name, A'Mo, and he responded with her name. Jiuchen offered to escort her home. Lin Mo accepted, and Jiuchen carried her down the mountain. As rain fell, they sought shelter in a wooden hut.

Lin Mo hesitated to enter, so Jiuchen brought a brazier. Feeling better, Lin Mo signed, asking why he was there and offered him a towel, finding his hand unusually cold. She tried to take his pulse but found none, causing Jiuchen to withdraw his hand. They sat in silence, listening to the rain. Jiuchen prolonged the rainfall to cherish the moment.

Episode 29 Recap

After the rain stopped, Lin Mo limped home and was met by her father, Lin Shaohai, who had been on his way to find her with an umbrella. Seeing her injured leg, he helped her inside, gently chiding her to be more careful. Jiuchen, who had followed her, observed this tender moment with a contented smile. He then located a spiritually abundant, abandoned courtyard near the Peach Forest.

There, Jiuchen planted the spiritual seed from Siming along with Huodou's five senses, using his immortal power to transform the derelict yard into a beautiful home he named the Peach Blossom Lodge. That evening, Lin Mo was surprised to find her leg had completely healed. As she smiled, recalling the day's events, Lin Shaohai approached her with a worried expression.

He explained that the Song family had sent the official marriage agreement the day before, and the thought of her leaving made him reluctant. He fretted about her future husband, Young Lord Song, who had been away for many years. Lin Shaohai worried if his character had changed, questioning why a scholar would also practice martial arts, and was concerned about his temper and whether he would treat A'Mo well.

He also feared that if Young Lord Song passed the imperial examination and became an official elsewhere, he would rarely see his daughter again. Seeing her father's distress, Lin Mo reassured him with sign language, explaining that she had met Young Lord Song that day and that he understood her signs. This news delighted Lin Shaohai, as it proved the young man's sincerity.

To better prepare her for marriage, Lin Shaohai placed her hand on his throat, teaching her to feel the vibrations as he shaped the words "Daddy" and "Husband." When Lin Mo strained to utter a soft "Daddy," Lin Shaohai was moved to tears. As Lin Mo's birthday approached, Housekeeper Song arrived with gifts from the capital: fine fabrics and pastries. Lin Zhan, witnessing the Song family's attention toward Lin Mo, became intensely jealous.

She belittled the gifts as old and claimed her family could afford better. She taunted Lin Mo, insisting the Song family was only interested in the marriage to repay a life-saving debt to their father and that Young Lord Song himself was against it, which is why he hadn't visited.

Lin Zhan cruelly asked who would want to marry a deaf and mute woman, predicting that the handsome and scholarly Young Lord Song would surely take concubines soon after their wedding. When a servant reminded her that Lin Mo couldn't hear, Lin Zhan retorted that she would say as she pleased. Lin Mo remained silent, but Lin Zhan's words deeply wounded her. Despite her optimistic nature, she began to wonder if the exceptional Young Lord Song could truly like her.

Later, in her room, she tried to shake off the hurtful remarks by recalling her encounter on the mountain, clinging to the belief that he was not a shallow person. On the eve of her birthday, Old Madam Lin was uncharacteristically kind to Lin Mo at dinner, instructing Housekeeper Yu to prepare longevity noodles for her the next morning.

She noted that this might be Lin Mo's last birthday at home before her marriage, prompting Lin Mo to glance quietly at her mother. Every year on Lin Mo's birthday, the peach tree outside her room would miraculously bloom, a phenomenon known throughout the town that led people to believe she was an auspicious child protected by fairies. Lin Zhan overheard this and secretly devised a cruel plan to hurt Lin Mo.

The next morning, after Housekeeper Yu brought the longevity noodles, Lin Mo, dressed in a festive new outfit, thoughtfully carried the bowl to her mother's room. Lin Madam, assuming she was looking for her father, was taken aback when Lin Mo offered the noodles to her. Long estranged, she stiffly claimed she wasn't hungry. Lin Mo knelt at her feet, explaining through sign language that it was her last birthday at home and that she knew her mother disliked her.

She expressed her deep guilt, believing her inability to speak was the reason her mother was ridiculed and scorned by her grandmother. Seeing Lin Mo take all the blame, Lin Madam's heart filled with remorse. For the first time, she stood, helped Lin Mo up, and gently caressed her head.

She confessed that her distance was due to her own reasons and reassured Lin Mo that she was a blessed child, protected by gods, and now had a good marriage ahead of her. She urged her daughter not to feel inferior after marriage just because she couldn't speak. Feeling her mother's affection for the first time, Lin Mo's eyes welled with tears.

After sharing the noodles with her mother, Lin Mo returned happily to her room, only to find the peach tree that had stood there for over a decade chopped down and lying on the ground. Lin Zhan was waiting there, a smug look on her face. Lin Mo’s eyes instantly reddened as tears streamed down her face.

Ignoring Lin Mo’s anguish, Lin Zhan mockingly remarked that it was just a rotten old tree and ordered the servants to drag it away. She added what a pity it was that Lin Mo would not see it bloom for her birthday again. Lin Mo didn't try to stop them, instead clutching two small branches and silently following the servants as they hauled the tree away. The servants discarded the tree trunk on a nearby mountain.

Lin Mo sat beside it, lost in grief. A woodcutter came by and, getting no response from her, proceeded to chop the trunk into firewood. Nearby, an invisible Jiuchen watched, his heart aching for her. Later, as Lin Mo walked through the Peach Forest, Jiuchen waved his hand, causing the entire forest to burst into spectacular full bloom. Staring in wonder at the breathtaking sight, a faint smile finally touched Lin Mo’s lips.

The next day, the Song family delivered the official betrothal gifts. As the courtyard filled with red chests and wedding provisions, Lin Zhan watched with seething envy. That night, Lin Madam came to Lin Mo's room to offer pre-marital advice. She explained that her future husband, having studied in the capital, was a man who likely valued strict etiquette.

She instructed Lin Mo to always be obedient, cautious, and attentive to her husband's needs, as this was the path to a harmonious marriage. She then presented Lin Mo with a golden hairpin, a keepsake from her own mother, telling her to wear it on her wedding day as a symbol of their bond. Meanwhile, Baoqing was wandering through town when she was harassed by a group of ruffians.

Enraged, she used her magic to freeze them in place, but Chibi appeared and stopped her, warning her of the trouble that could arise from using immortal powers in the mortal realm. More concerned about Jing Xiu, Baoqing relented. She was relieved to learn from Chibi that Jing Xiu was no longer in Shanling Territory. While traveling, Qingyao was caught in a downpour and sought shelter at a relay station meant only for officials.

The attendant was hesitant until Lord Fang arrived and claimed she was with him, gaining them entry. Lord Fang found her familiar and soon realized she was the doctor who had treated his wife. Just then, a contingent of armored soldiers also arrived for shelter. Inside, a woman was desperately begging for a doctor for her sick son, but an ill-tempered official, annoyed by the noise, harshly rebuked her and tried to throw them out.

Qingyao, driven by her compassionate nature, offered to treat the boy. The official scoffed at her abilities, to which Qingyao calmly replied that while she couldn't guarantee a cure for the child, the official's own ailment seemed incurable. Enraged, the official was about to react when Lord Fang intervened and apologized on her behalf. Qingyao then treated the child with acupuncture, and after vomiting, the boy felt much better. Later, Lord Fang ordered a hotpot, and they shared a meal.

Qingyao noticed him eating lamb and unthinkingly asked if he used to dislike it. Confused, he replied that he did eat it. Qingyao's heart fell as she was starkly reminded that although he looked the same, this reincarnated man was not the husband she once loved.

At the same time, they overheard whispers that the current emperor had already lost four sons and the Crown Prince was now gravely ill, fueling speculation that the fearsome soldiers from the capital were there on a grim mission. At that moment in the Nine Heavens, Siming rushed to Jiuchen, breathlessly reporting that Lingxi's life trial had begun.

Episode 30 Recap

Early in the morning, a government official, who had made arrogant remarks the previous day, arrived at Qingyao's residence clutching his stomach. He had suffered from severe vomiting and diarrhea overnight, rendering him unable to stand. Qingyao deliberately mentioned her high consultation fees, to which the terrified official readily agreed, promising to pay any amount. Seeing his desperate state, Qingyao administered an acupuncture needle and provided a prescription for three doses of medicine.

She then generously gave the bag of silver coins he paid her to the mother of a sick child, who expressed immense gratitude. Observing this scene from an upper floor, an Imperial bodyguard was deeply impressed by Qingyao's character and medical ethics. He instructed his subordinate to proceed to Wei County with the imperial decree while he descended to intercept Qingyao. That night, as Lin Mo embroidered in her room, Jiuchen and Siming appeared, invisible to her.

Siming explained that the world undergoes four phases—creation, maintenance, destruction, and emptiness—and mortals endure four sufferings—birth, aging, sickness, and death—all unavoidable. Though immortals are spared illness and enjoy eternal life, they are bound by three fated trials, which, if not navigated carefully, can lead to their death. Siming noted that throughout tens of thousands of years, more immortals have perished from their own trials than at the hands of the Demon Tribe.

He stressed that Lingxi, as a minor earth immortal, was fated to undergo three trials concurrently, the outcome of which remained unpredictable, and warned Jiuchen against intervening. Successful completion would result in significant advancement in cultivation and allow Lingxi to return to the immortal ranks. Siming added that Lingxi's entry in the Book of Mortal Destiny indicated she would live only nineteen years. He warned that any forced interference would only foil her progress.

Jiuchen, finding Siming's explanations lengthy, sent him back to the Heavenly Palace while he remained, gazing at Lin Mo. Lin Mo, feeling tired, unconsciously dozed off at her table. Jiuchen, unable to resist, reached out to touch her head. However, as his hand grazed her hair, it began to visibly frost over. At that moment, Lin Mo stirred awake, and Jiuchen swiftly disappeared from the room. Lin Mo thought she saw a flash of white light dart towards her door.

She opened it to find "Young Lord Song" standing outside, which startled her. When she heard someone approaching in the courtyard, Lin Mo quickly pulled Jiuchen inside. She noticed his hands were even colder than before. In a flurry, she fetched a basin of hot water, added ginger, and urged him to soak his hands. Seeing him hesitate, she gently took his hands and placed them into the basin, only to quickly withdraw her own.

Jiuchen picked up an embroidered fragrant pouch from the table and asked if it was for him. Lin Mo shyly conveyed through gestures that it was meant to dispel his cold, but it wasn't finished, as she had intended to embroider his name on it. Jiuchen promptly tucked it into his robes, declaring it was good enough as it was.

He then wanted to explore the room, eager to see more of Lingxi's living space, but Lin Mo, fearing discovery and criticism, urged him to leave. Lin Mo then took his hand and led him out of the room. Concerned about being seen, she suggested he jump over the high wall, instructing him to take medicine and care for his cold.

Jiuchen, using sign language, advised Lin Mo to be more broad-minded, no matter what difficulties she encountered, assuring her that once she endured this period, things would take a turn for the better. He then covered her eyes with his hand, and when she opened them again, he was gone. In truth, Jiuchen had only cloaked himself behind the wall, watching until Lin Mo re-entered her room before transforming into a white light and departing.

The next morning, Lin Shaohai arrived at the Medicine Bureau and overheard colleagues gossiping about officers from the capital having arrested a young lady from the Feng Manor in the city's eastern section. At noon, on his way home, he encountered Miss Zhang, a matchmaker. She informed him that earlier, an officer, accompanied by one from the capital, had visited the local government office seeking the birthdates of unmarried women in their county.

Miss Zhang noted that the officer had paused when he saw Lin Mo's birthdate, leading her to suspect they intended to select palace ladies. She had, however, informed the officers that Lin Mo was deaf and mute and thus unsuitable for the palace. Lin Shaohai felt an unease about this revelation as he returned home. Upon entering his home, Lin Shaohai's wife informed him that Cheng'en had been looking for him, appearing anxious and sweaty, suggesting an urgent matter.

Realizing the seriousness of the situation, Lin Shaohai hurried back to the Medicine Bureau. Meanwhile, Lin Mo's maid, Xiao Ju, asked her if she wanted to hear some news about Young Lord Song, which she had learned from his servants. Lin Mo remained silent, gazing intently at Xiao Ju, indicating her interest. Xiao Ju recounted how, a few days prior, Young Lord Guan and others from a neighboring county had dared to belittle Wei County's talents in a tea house.

Young Lord Song, angered by this slight, immediately challenged Young Lord Guan to a poetry and lyrics contest, defeating him and forcing him to serve tea and apologize to all the scholars of Wei County. Lin Mo appeared surprised by this account, as "Young Lord Song," in her estimation, was known for his humility, politeness, and gentle demeanor, not someone who would be so aggressively overbearing.

After finishing her story, Xiao Ju picked up clothes from Lin Mo's bed, asking if they needed washing. Just then, Lin Zhan loudly called out from outside, insisting that Xiao Ju had not properly washed her clothes, driven by jealousy at seeing Xiao Ju working in Lin Mo's room. Witnessing this, Lin Mo remained calm and quietly took her own clothes to wash them herself. Back at the Medicine Bureau, Lin Shaohai found Cheng'en anxiously awaiting him.

Cheng'en urgently asked if the birthdate Lin Shaohai had provided for A'Mo, the third day of the fifth month, was correct. Upon receiving Lin Shaohai's affirmation, Cheng'en grew even more frantic. He revealed that he had relatives working in the capital who had heard news of the Crown Prince's critical illness. The imperial shaman had conducted a ritual and predicted that a "demonic star" had descended to the world, whose fate contradicted that of the dragon's son.

The shaman had already calculated the exact birthdate of this person, and government officers were now secretly searching for them. Cheng'en revealed that A'Mo's birthdate matched the shaman's calculation exactly. He added that the daughters of the Feng Family, Li Family, and Zhao Family—all of whom shared the same birthday as A'Mo, including the Zhao Family's twin daughters—had already been arrested. He warned Lin Shaohai that if Lin Mo were discovered and captured, her fate would be grim.

Hearing this, Lin Shaohai sprinted home, bolted the main gate, and rushed to Lin Mo's courtyard. Lin Mo was hanging clothes. Without a word, Lin Shaohai grabbed her arm and pulled her towards the back. Just as they reached the door, they heard officers outside smashing on the main gate, demanding entry.

Lin Shaohai paused for a moment, then turned, leading Lin Mo out through the back door and straight to a small wooden house at the foot of the mountain. After settling Lin Mo there, he repeatedly warned her not to return home, promising to protect her no matter what. He then hastily departed. Upon his return, Lin Shaohai found his entire family, including the Old Madam, kneeling in the courtyard.

A squad of Imperial bodyguards was searching for Lin Mo and demanding her whereabouts. Composing himself, Lin Shaohai lied, claiming his daughter had drowned in the river while washing clothes the previous day, and her body had not yet been recovered. The Imperial bodyguard, aware that Lin Shaohai was lying, forcibly took Lin Zhan as a hostage, threatening that if Lin Mo's body was not retrieved by the next day, Lin Zhan's body would be used as a substitute.

After the Imperial bodyguards departed, Lin Shaohai recounted the full story to his family. His second wife, Lin Zhan's mother, tearfully pleaded with the Old Madam to intervene on her daughter's behalf. The Old Madam also relentlessly pressed Lin Shaohai for Lin Mo's location, but he remained silent. Faced with this dire situation, Lin Mo's mother, in desperation, revealed that Lin Mo's birthday was not the third day of the fifth month, and that she was not their biological daughter.

The Old Madam grew even more enraged upon hearing this. To absolve Lin Mo, Lin Shaohai said he had adopted her from the Benevolent Orphanage because his wife had trouble conceiving. The Old Madam demanded that Lin Mo be handed over to the authorities immediately to secure Lin Zhan's return. The second wife threatened to take her own life if Lin Zhan were to die.

The Old Madam also threatened to die in front of Lin Shaohai if he did not comply. Under immense pressure from his mother and second wife, Lin Shaohai reluctantly gave in. He arranged for a rich meal to be prepared in the kitchen and carried it to the small wooden house where Lin Mo was hiding. Lin Mo repeatedly questioned him about what had happened at home and why she had to hide.

Lin Shaohai only told her that everything was fine now, and urged her to eat, promising to take her home after the meal. Lin Mo took a few bites but soon felt dizzy and disoriented. As she collapsed, seemingly sensing what was happening, a single clear tear streamed from her eye. Watching the daughter he had cherished for over a decade face death, Lin Shaohai wept inconsolably.

Episode 31 Recap

With a heavy heart, Lin Shaohai pushed his drugged daughter Lin Mo on a cart towards a river. He placed her carefully on a prepared bamboo raft, severed the rope tethering it, and pushed it into the water. As the raft was carried away by the current, it quickly broke apart, and Lin Mo plunged into the river. Overcome with grief, Lin Shaohai broke down in tears. Jiuchen and Siming observed the scene from above.

Siming reminded Jiuchen that this was a necessary trial for Lingxi, just as every member of the Heavenly Race must face their destined hardships. Jiuchen, though pained, comforted himself with the hope that Lingxi's intelligence would allow her to survive this tribulation. As Lin Mo sank deeper, the demonic mark behind her ear glowed red, forming a thin, red halo that brought her back to the surface.

She awoke with a gasp, realizing she was underwater, and quickly held her breath, swimming to safety. The following morning, the Lin family anxiously awaited the return of Lin Zhan. Old Madam Lin prayed for her granddaughter's safe return. Finally, an official arrived with two constables, escorting Lin Zhan. The Old Madam and Second Madam rushed to embrace her, overjoyed to see her safe.

Lin Shaohai remained seated, only rising to greet the official as he inquired about his older daughter's corpse. The official, however, brought surprising news: an imperial edict had arrived, announcing the Crown Prince's recovery by a miracle doctor. His Majesty, in his fury, had punished Her Highness the Noble Consort and executed the man from the Imperial Astronomy Bureau who spread misleading lies.

As for Lin Mo's body, it had not been found, but all the other women who had been arrested were released. The official explained that due to their remote location, the news was slow to arrive; adjacent towns had received the imperial decree the previous night, and no one would come to capture Lin Mo again. Upon hearing this, Lin Shaohai was struck with disbelief, regret, and profound shame.

He gasped and spat out a mouthful of blood, alarming the women of the family who rushed to his side. Ignoring their pleas and his own failing health, Lin Shaohai pushed past them, stumbling out of the house, determined to find his daughter’s body. His wife, overcome with remorse, quickly followed, vowing to go with him. As they reached the doorway, Lin Mo, disheveled but alive, walked in.

Seeing blood on her father's mouth, Lin Mo immediately rushed to him, asking if he was hurt. Lin Shaohai, overwhelmed with emotions, embraced his daughter and wept. Lin Mo, still confused, asked her father why she had been in the lake. Lin Shaohai, trembling and speechless, could only fall to his knees before her, repeatedly apologizing for having wronged her.

While others in the family showed varying degrees of guilt, Lin Zhan showed no sympathy, attempting to pull Lin Shaohai away and complaining loudly about almost dying in Lin Mo's place, declaring that Lin Mo was lucky to have survived since the court had wanted to kill her. Lin Mo stared in disbelief, then her eyes welled up as she turned to Lin Shaohai and asked, "Was it Father. . . you. . . pushed me into the water?"

When her father remained sobbing, she turned to her mother, who also struggled to speak. The Second Madam, attempting to diffuse the situation, hastily explained that Lin Shaohai had no choice and that the matter was over, urging Lin Mo to stop asking questions. Lin Zhan, indignant that the family was apologizing to Lin Mo, especially since she hadn't died, continued to grumble. Lin Shaohai, unable to bear it any longer, rose and slapped Lin Zhan across the face.

The Second Madam immediately shielded her daughter, revealing to everyone that Lin Mo was merely an abandoned infant Lin Shaohai had picked up. Overwhelmed by these successive blows, Lin Mo finally collapsed. Jiuchen, observing from the celestial realm, noted to Siming that Lingxi had passed her first trial, and from this point forward, she would have to rely on herself to overcome future hardships. Siming asserted that with her inherently kind heart, Lingxi would certainly navigate this difficult period.

Lin Shaohai remained by Lin Mo’s bedside. When she awoke, he tried to console her, but Lin Mo simply gave him a cold look before pulling the quilt over her head. Tears streamed down Lin Shaohai’s face, and unable to face her, he slowly turned and left the room. Only after hearing his footsteps fade did Lin Mo pull back the covers and sob uncontrollably. The next morning, the Lin family gathered for breakfast.

Lin Mo was the last to emerge from her room. Her mother, completely changing her former cold demeanor, solicitously pulled her to the table, offering her food. Lin Mo looked at Old Madam Lin seated at the head of the table, then rose and knelt before the family, kowtowing several times with great solemnity. When Lin Shaohai tried to help her up, Lin Mo gently pushed him back onto his seat.

Using sign language, Lin Mo conveyed to her father that she had been deaf since birth and was an orphan, an arrangement of heaven. Yet, because of him, she had lived a happy life; he had taught her to read, write, and practice medicine. She urged him not to feel guilty about his past actions, assuring him that he would always be the person she loved and respected most.

Lin Shaohai was deeply moved, not expecting his daughter to forgive him. However, Lin Mo then expressed her decision to leave the family home. She declared that she did not believe in a predetermined fate and wished to learn to forge her own path. Though reluctant, Lin Shaohai agreed. Lin Mo packed a small bag, carefully wrapped a handful of her hometown soil in a handkerchief, and resolutely departed.

Meanwhile, a Princess anxiously searched for Jing Xiu in the mortal world, expressing frustration with her attendants for their lack of progress in finding "Brother Jingxiu." She vowed to find him herself, no matter how long it took. The miracle doctor who had cured the Crown Prince was Qingyao. Despite the Emperor's desire to keep her in the Imperial Academy of Medicine, she declined.

Young Lord Feng also tried to persuade her to stay, confessing a strange sense of familiarity upon seeing her, as if they had met before. Qingyao playfully suggested they might have met fifty thousand years ago, asking if he would take a medicine that could help him recall such ancient memories. Young Lord Feng pondered, then refused, explaining that the past, like a road already traveled, must be left behind to move forward.

He believed that remembering so much of a past life would fundamentally alter who he was in the present. His words resonated with Qingyao, dissolving her last lingering attachments. Smiling, she bid him and her past farewell. She returned to the Peach Forest, offering three sticks of incense to Immortal Doctor Le Bo's memorial tablet and, implicitly, to her own past self. Yunfeng soon arrived, finding Chengyan heavily intoxicated, with Hualiao looking worriedly over him.

Hualiao asked Yunfeng for help carrying Chengyan indoors. Qingyao then approached. Yunfeng remarked on Chengyan's drunkenness, and Qingyao sighed, wishing she too could find such eternal slumber if not for her lingering concerns. Yunfeng then quietly shared the news that Lingxi had successfully passed her life trial, bringing a measure of solace to Qingyao. Yunfeng then raised the topic of Yuan Tong’s full recovery and reinstatement, cautioning Qingyao against any rash actions.

Unbeknownst to them, Chengyan, though drunk, overheard their conversation about Yuan Tong. A celestial crane then descended, delivering a summons for Yunfeng from the Heavenly Emperor. At Lingxiao Palace, the God of Heavenly Thunder reported to the Heavenly Emperor that a few minor immortals from near the Shanling Tribe territory had escaped Zhonghao's grasp and sought aid from the Heavenly Race. However, no formal request for help had been received from Shanling's State Master.

The God of Heavenly Thunder offered three possible explanations: either Shanling's State Master had quelled the rebels on her own, the entire Shanling Tribe had been annihilated, or perhaps, Ling Yue, Shanling's State Master, harbored such deep resentment towards the Heavenly Race for the death of her daughter that she refused to show weakness by asking for help. A slight awkwardness crossed the Heavenly Emperor’s face at the mention of Ling Yue's grievance.

He commanded Jiuchen to lead an army to the Shanling Territory to investigate. He specifically instructed Jiuchen that if Ling Yue refused the Heavenly Race's assistance, he should not act rashly, to avoid further misunderstandings between the two races. Meanwhile, Lin Mo journeyed alone, aimlessly, as heavy rain began to fall.

She sought shelter in a small pavilion, where she noticed a man sitting quietly with a bamboo staff, allowing the water from a hole in the pavilion roof to pour onto his head. This man was Jing Xiu, whose body had been pierced by seven White Bone Nails by Zhonghao, causing his cultivation to dissipate and leaving him blind. After observing for a while, Lin Mo, unable to ignore his plight, approached and offered him her umbrella.

Jing Xiu, however, coldly refused it. Lin Mo then took his hand and, writing on his palm, informed him that there was a village ahead with a clinic and a local constabulary where he could seek help. Jing Xiu still insisted he did not need assistance. Frustrated but unwilling to leave him, Lin Mo moved to another corner of the pavilion, remaining nearby out of concern.

Episode 32 Recap

Lin Mo sat in a rain-soaked pavilion, sharing a bun with Jing Xiu, who quietly thanked her for the meal. As the rain subsided, Lin Mo drifted off to sleep against a pillar. Before departing, Jing Xiu, in gratitude for her kindness, used his dwindling magic to perform a spell on her throat, then stumbled away.

Prior to his military expedition to the Shanling Territory, Jiuchen instructed Siming to travel to the mortal world on his behalf to lead Ling Xi to the Peach Blossom Lodge, where Jiuchen had planted his five senses, and ensure she settled down there. Jiuchen promised to follow once his current affairs were concluded. Siming reassured him, and Jiuchen then inquired about Ling Xi's second trial.

Siming admitted he didn't know, explaining that it’s difficult to foresee a tribulation's appearance until it strikes, suggesting it will likely involve typical human experiences of birth, aging, sickness, death, happiness, anger, sorrow, or joy. He advised against prying into Heaven's Will and suggested observing patiently. As Siming prepared to leave, Yuantong rushed in, kneeling and admitting her mistakes, but Jiuchen dismissed her without a glance. Lin Mo journeyed on, eventually arriving at a bustling small town.

While observing the lively surroundings, she was accidentally bumped by a sedan chair. The occupant tossed some small silver coins, and a kind older woman picked them up, insisting Lin Mo take them. As Lin Mo tried to refuse, she was astonished to discover that she could now speak normally, uttering "I can talk?" Overjoyed by her newfound voice, Lin Mo practiced speaking aloud as she walked through the street.

She was soon stopped by Siming, disguised as a long-bearded fortune teller, who insisted on reading her fortune. Despite her initial reluctance, Lin Mo agreed. The fortune teller claimed Lin Mo has a shallow family fate, faces many obstacles, has recently escaped death, and has traveled thousands of li alone. Lin Mo explained her recent ability to speak, which the fortune teller brushed off as a medical matter.

When asked what she sought, Lin Mo admitted she simply didn't know where to go. The fortune teller then requested her name and birth date. After a theatrical performance, he dramatically described her "side official" fate as fierce and ominous, foretelling incompatible wealth and food fortunes, and the departure of loved ones. He warned of minor presentations like toil, oppression, sickness, and major presentations including severe illness, disabilities, and even life endangerment, hurting both herself and her loved ones.

However, he quickly reassured her that this ominous fate could be controlled and resolved. Based on her birth year, he instructed her to head northwest, seeking a place by water with a view of mountains, specifically a courtyard with trees and blossoming flowers, where she could find peace and feel at home. He emphasized that she is a person of great fortune, destined to be aided by a benefactor who will soon appear.

The fortune teller refused payment, stating it was destined for him to make this prediction. Trusting the fortune teller’s words, Lin Mo set off towards the northwest, keeping in mind his specific mention of a peach tree. Days later, she reached a fishing village and encountered an old fisherwoman, who was another of Siming’s disguises. Lin Mo asked for a place to rest.

The fisherwoman, after a brief joke, directed her to a nearby abandoned old house, warning that it’s dilapidated but suggesting she check it if she doesn't mind. She mentions it's less than a li away and easily identifiable by a peach tree in its garden. Following the directions, Lin Mo soon arrived at the Peach Blossom Lodge. Despite being overgrown with weeds and covered in cobwebs, the house surprisingly contained furniture, clothes, and blankets.

She was immediately drawn to the place and, feeling a sense of belonging, spent days diligently cleaning and restoring the lodge. She then carefully buried soil from her hometown under the prominent peach tree in the courtyard. Meanwhile, Baoqing, having evaded her subordinates, searched for Jing Xiu. She unexpectedly encountered Qinyuan, who captured her. Despite Baoqing's protests and attempts to resist, Qinyuan maintained a surprisingly calm demeanor, even offering her food.

When Baoqing defiantly refused to eat, Qinyuan pressed her for Jing Xiu's whereabouts. Baoqing maintained her innocence, claiming she genuinely didn't know and only came to the mortal world out of worry. She asserted that Jing Xiu cares for her deeply and will surely come to save her if he learns of her capture, suggesting Qinyuan simply wait for him.

One day, while Lin Mo was watering the peach tree in her courtyard, she discovered Jing Xiu collapsed outside her gate. She immediately summoned Doctor Sun, who reported Jing Xiu's pulse was stable but his eyes were severely injured. Doctor Sun expressed concern about Lin Mo housing a stranger, especially when Jing Xiu awakened and violently grabbed his wrist. Doctor Sun, alarmed by Jing Xiu's strength, quickly left, advising Lin Mo to send him away.

Lin Mo carefully helped Jing Xiu down the steps. Jing Xiu recognized her voice and asked where he was, and Lin Mo replied it's her house. He dismissed her questions about his eye injury, insisting it's none of her business, and walked out. Moments after his departure, Lin Mo discovered he left his scarf. As rain began to fall heavily, she rushed out with an umbrella. She found Jing Xiu struggling in the downpour, blind and disoriented.

Seeing his plight, Lin Mo offered him shelter, suggesting he return with her until the rain stops. Jing Xiu, despite his usual reserved nature, accepted her offer. Once back inside, Lin Mo provided him with fresh clothes, helped him clean up, and meticulously applied medicine to his injured eyes that she acquired from the doctor.

Zhonghao was infuriated upon learning that Jing Xiu, despite having his vital energy channels destroyed by White Bone Nails, magic gone, and being blind, managed to escape the forbidden land. His subordinate, Heichi, suggested Jing Xiu was now a useless and harmless figure. However, Zhonghao vehemently insisted Jing Xiu must die, viewing his escape as proof that he remains a formidable enemy if given the chance to recover.

When Zhonghao expressed his intention to pursue Jing Xiu personally, Heichi advised him to remain in command of the Shanling Tribe, offering to handle Jing Xiu's capture himself, acknowledging the impending attention from the Heavenly Race due to their grand movements against the Shanling Tribe. Soon after, Qinyuan returned, presenting Baoqing, whom he identified as Ling Yue's adopted daughter, as a "gift."

Qinyuan explained that he "taught her a little lesson" for misbehaving and, despite Jing Xiu's current weakened state, Baoqing represented his critical weakness; once he seeks reinforcements, she can be used to fatally wound him. Zhonghao approved of this plan and instructed Qinyuan to keep a close watch on her.

Jiuchen arrived with his troops at the border of the Shanling Territory, where a guard declared that, as ordered by the State Master of Shanling, Jiuchen was not allowed to enter their territory by even half a step. Jiuchen then instructed Yunfeng to take Kaiyang and Hanzhang to investigate, while he waited outside. He warned them about the cunning nature of the Demon Tribe.

Upon entering, Yunfeng, Kaiyang, and Hanzhang were met by Ling Yue, the State Master of Shanling, who confronted them angrily, accusing Jiuchen of killing her daughter and daring to enter her hall. Yunfeng explained that the Heavenly Race learned of the disturbance incited by Zhonghao, a descendant of their own race, and that the Heavenly Emperor decreed Jiuchen lead a troop to pacify the uprising.

He asked Ling Yue not to involve innocent civilians in her personal grudge, emphasizing that their visit was an act of kind intention and that the Heavenly Race and Shanling Tribe have shared glory and endured humiliation together for tens of thousands of years. Yunfeng pressed her, stating that if they were not allowed to inspect, they cannot report back and will have to remain until Shanling was confirmed safe.

Ling Yue finally agreed to allow everyone from the Heavenly Race to move freely within her territory, but she adamantly reiterated that Jiuchen himself was forbidden to set foot inside. She threatened to use the entire strength of her tribe to execute him and avenge her daughter if he dared to enter. Yunfeng thanked her for her conditional permission. Weeks passed. Jing Xiu's physical injuries healed significantly, but his blindness persisted.

Doctor Sun admitted he could not cure his eye injury, suggesting Lin Mo simply feed him more seafood, hoping it might miraculously improve one day. As Lin Mo saw the doctor out, Jing Xiu attempted to secretly use his magic, which triggered a painful reaction from the White Bone Nails. Lin Mo rushed back, intending to call the doctor again, but Jing Xiu stopped her, assuring her he was fine. She then brought him water, which helped him calm down.

Though he retained his reserved demeanor, he gradually accepted Lin Mo’s kindness. He confirmed her name, Lin Mo, and acknowledged her help, then revealed his own name was Jing Xiu. When Lin Mo tentatively asked if she could call him "Brother Jingxiu," he consented.

Episode 33 Recap

Kaiyang and Hanzhang reported to Yunfeng that they found nothing unusual after inspecting the Shanling Territory. The Shanling State Master, Ling Yue, who was actually Zhonghao in disguise, urged them to leave. However, Yunfeng inquired about the whereabouts of the rebel Zhonghao. The disguised State Master claimed to have personally executed him and fed his corpse to the crows.

When Yunfeng then asked about State Preceptor Jing Xiu, the disguised Zhonghao stated he was imprisoned, dismissively questioning if he needed to inform the Heavenly Palace about punishing his own State Preceptor. Seeing his hostile attitude, Yunfeng left. Once they departed, Zhonghao revealed his true identity to Qinyuan, stating that once the Spirit-Binding Abyss opened and the Demon Tribe's army entered the realm, they would no longer need to hide.

Qinyuan cautiously expressed concern about the potential chaos, suggesting their clan's revenge was complete now that Ling Yue and Princess Baoqing were their prisoners and Jing Xiu was incapacitated. Zhonghao grew furious, questioning where the Six Realms' compassion was when his tribe was annihilated and reminding Qinyuan that some choices are irreversible. After leaving, Yunfeng and Kaiyang discussed Ling Yue's lingering grudge. Kaiyang suggested that 50,000 years might have softened her, but Yunfeng remained skeptical.

Kaiyang offered to monitor the Shanling Tribe for any unusual activity. Lin Mo diligently cared for Jing Xiu, offering him fish soup to help his eyes. Noticing a scrape on her hand, Jing Xiu felt like a burden and gave Lin Mo his thumb ring, suggesting she pawn it for money. Lin Mo refused, revealing that she was deaf and had once been unable to speak.

She confided that her current residence was not her own, and just as he had no family, she had a family she did not wish to return to. Proposing they were in similar plights, she suggested they take care of each other: she would be his eyes, and he would be her ears. Jing Xiu agreed with a rare smile.

Yuan Tong stood before the ancestral tablets of the Yuan Clan, lamenting that her path to protect her family's glory had ended in vain. As she left, she was confronted by Chengyan, who sought revenge for his master and Ling Xi. He attacked, and in his fury, used a self-harming technique to try and defeat her. The clash left Yuan Tong severely wounded and Chengyan gravely injured.

As punishment, the Heavenly Emperor sentenced Chengyan to thirty lashes and confined him to the Peach Forest. A distraught Qingyao, now needing to care for her brother, entrusted Jiuchen with looking after Lin Mo in the mortal realm. Lin Mo visited Doctor Sun, bringing him peaches from her tree. Doctor Sun taught her to make peach wine to preserve them.

He then revealed that he had lost his sense of taste decades ago from tasting medicines and could no longer appreciate any flavor, likening his condition to her hearing loss and Jing Xiu's blindness, explaining that such injuries to the five senses are difficult to fully heal. Despite this, he ate a peach to comfort her. Returning home, Lin Mo began preparing the peaches for wine-making, hoping to sell it and find work to support them.

However, her attempts to find a job were repeatedly met with rejection due to her hearing impairment. Jiuchen, intending to visit Lin Mo, was intercepted by Siming, who urgently informed him that the God of Heavenly Thunder was trying to force his way into the Demon Tower. They rushed there to find Shisan already injured from blocking the way.

The God of Heavenly Thunder challenged Jiuchen, who calmly stated that sealing the tower was the Heavenly Emperor's order and asked if he had a decree to override it. The God of Heavenly Thunder left to confront the Heavenly Emperor directly. The Emperor confirmed it was his order, revealing he had suggested using the Nuwa Stone Heart to save Ling Xi.

Still suspicious and noting Jiuchen seemed weaker than before, the God of Heavenly Thunder ordered his subordinate Ziguang to secretly investigate Jiuchen. Meanwhile, Yuan Tong sought medical treatment from Fairy Yuli at Yaowang Cave. Harboring a grudge, Yuli intentionally healed only half of her injuries, warning her that she would suffer surges of pain at noon, which could only be relieved by vomiting blood at the cost of one hundred years of cultivation per instance.

Yuli coldly advised her to never offend a doctor again. As an apprentice escorted Yuan Tong out, he revealed that one of the Heavenly Soldiers she killed was his clan brother. He then deliberately dropped her wound medicine, scattering the pills, and smiled, stating he looked forward to her eventual downfall.

Episode 34 Recap

Lin Mo, facing rejection from a restaurant due to her hearing impairment, was offered a job at Sun Pharmacy by Aunt Guan. Doctor Sun, overjoyed at recovering his sense of taste, hired Lin Mo, recalling her from when he treated Jing Xiu’s eyes. Lin Mo proved to be a diligent worker, prompting Doctor Sun to inquire about Jing Xiu’s eyes, suspecting a poison injury, though he currently had no solutions.

When Lin Mo asked about his own recovery from taste loss due to poisoning, Doctor Sun attributed it to his medical research and acupuncture trials, though unsure of the specific method. He offered to consult his medical books and consider acupuncture for Jing Xiu. Before Lin Mo left for the day, Doctor Sun insisted she take the money from the peaches she had brought, which he had sold.

Meanwhile, after Jiuchen was summoned back to the Heavenly Palace, Wuwan was left behind. Jing Xiu, sensing its presence, attempted to scare it away. Wuwan then encountered Zhu Zizai, a daoist, and his disciple Bao Suozhu. Zhu Zizai, recognizing Wuwan as a spiritual beast, attempted to persuade it to cultivate with him. However, Bao Suozhu’s attempt to capture Wuwan resulted in a broken arm, and Wuwan fled to Lin Mo.

Mistaking Zhu Zizai and Bao Suozhu’s intentions, Lin Mo believed they meant to harm the "little dog" and took Wuwan home, naming it Xiaobai and intending for it to keep Jing Xiu company. During dinner, Lin Mo remembered Siming's prophecy about meeting a destined benefactor and wondered if Jing Xiu was this person. In the Heavenly Palace, Siming informed Jiuchen about Ziguang's inquiries regarding Jiuchen's medicine dosages.

He cautioned Jiuchen that the God of Heavenly Thunder was growing suspicious, advising him to remain in the Heavenly Palace, avoiding the mortal world. Jiuchen agreed, but his gaze lingered on a passing Zhuri Bird, reminding him of Lingxi. Later, Shisan and Huayan discussed Lingxi’s fate. Shisan wondered if Lingxi had been sent to the mortal world, but Huayan reminded her that Lingxi was killed by Jiuchen on the Purple Cloud Platform, making reincarnation impossible.

Shisan resented Yuan Tong for exposing Lingxi. Yuan Tong, having lost her standing in the Heavenly Palace, was urged by Duyu to return to the Eastern Seas with him. Yuan Tong doubted that the Eastern Seas' Water Monarch would still acknowledge their union. Shisan interrupted their conversation and challenged Yuan Tong to a duel, taunting her and accusing her and her brother Yuanzheng of tarnishing their family's reputation through their evil intentions.

Despite Duyu's attempts to intervene, a fight ensued, resulting in Yuan Tong’s severe injury and the destruction of the Yuan Clan’s ancestral temple. News of the confrontation reached the Heavenly Emperor. The Immortal Lord of Universal Turn informed Jiuchen of Shisan's transgression, stating that her actions demanded punishment. When Jiuchen and Siming arrived at the Purple Cloud Platform, Siming attempted to intercede on Shisan’s behalf, but Shisan openly admitted her desire for further confrontation.

Sentenced to ten lashes, she provocatively demanded more, leading the Immortal Lord of Universal Turn to order an additional twenty lashes. Jiuchen grounded Shisan for reflection, and she requested to be grounded in Siming Hall, where Siming offered to apply medicine to her injuries. At Sun Pharmacy, Lin Mo discovered a junior assistant mistakenly dispensing black ginseng instead of dried rehmannia. She discreetly informed Aunt Guan, who intervened. Doctor Sun later reprimanded his assistant.

Learning that Lin Mo had acquired some medical knowledge from her father, Doctor Sun promoted Lin Mo to dispense medicines at the counter, reassigning the negligent assistant to copy medical scriptures in the back room. Aunt Guan was delighted at Lin Mo's opportunity to learn medicine directly from Doctor Sun. The Heavenly Supreme Lord summoned Jiuchen after learning from the Heavenly Emperor about Jiuchen’s actions to preserve Lingxi’s life.

He reprimanded Jiuchen for acting out of personal bias rather than impartiality. He reminded Jiuchen of his responsibility as his primary disciple, destined to inherit his sect and protect the Six Realms, and stated that he would not permit Jiuchen to sacrifice himself for anyone.

Sensing an impending disaster, the Heavenly Supreme Lord warned Jiuchen that if Lingxi failed her three trials, he would retrieve the Farmer God’s Cauldron and exchange it for the Nuwa Stone Heart, causing Lingxi’s spirit to dissipate, and told Jiuchen not to blame him. Jiuchen promised to ensure Lingxi safely passed her trials. As Jiuchen departed Heavenly Lord Mountain, Yuan Tong followed him to the Immortal Cleansing Pond.

Kneeling before him, she confessed her past mistakes, including hiding her brother’s military report and implicating Jiuchen, and pleaded for his forgiveness. She declared that she no longer desired to be a Heavenly General or to restore her family’s prestige, wishing only to remain by his side. When Yuan Tong expressed disbelief that Jiuchen harbored no affection for her, Jiuchen coldly explained he merely "happened to pass by."

He then revealed he was reflecting on Lingxi's pain after Yuan Tong pushed her into the Immortal Cleansing Pond, and admitted he was restraining his desire to push Yuan Tong into the pond as well. Yuan Tong was devastated. In the Dark Capital Mountain, the Demon Lord summoned Zhonghao, demanding an update on Lingxi’s whereabouts. Zhonghao reported that despite intensifying the search, he had found no news, though he believed she was in the mortal world.

The Demon Lord, furious, reminded Zhonghao that he must find Lingxi before the Blood Moon rises and the gate of the Spirit-Binding Abyss opens, as he intended to personally welcome his army on that day, marking the culmination of his plan.

Episode 35 Recap

After receiving her punishment, Shisan sat dejectedly in the Fuyun Hall courtyard. Huayan advised her to calm down and stop causing trouble for Senior Deity Jiuchen. Shisan protested, recalling that she had just beaten Yuantong. She felt Jiuchen’s treatment of her was vastly different from Lingxi's. When Lingxi made mistakes, Jiuchen either begged for leniency or bore the punishment for her, defending her relentlessly. However, when it came to Shisan, Jiuchen simply observed her punishment.

Shisan grumbled that Jiuchen was too good at hiding his true feelings, even suggesting Huayan should make a mistake to see Jiuchen's reaction. Jiuchen, who had overheard her, scolded Shisan for not only being reckless herself but also inciting others. He then sent someone to get medicine for her injuries. Shortly after, Siming arrived with peaches gifted by the Queen Mother of West.

Meanwhile, in the mortal world, Lin Mo excitedly returned home, telling Jing Xiu that Doctor Sun had accepted her as a disciple and would teach her medical skills, even allowing her to prepare medicines for patients. Jing Xiu expressed his happiness for her, though he appeared troubled. He had been attempting to regain his powers without success and was haunted by memories of his imprisonment. Lin Mo noticed his unhappiness, but he dismissed it.

He tasted the medicine she brought, lamenting that it could never cure his eyes, as such a cure didn't exist in the mortal world. He then asked Lin Mo what she would do if his eyes remained incurable and he could never see her. Lin Mo compared his plight to her own deafness, stating that the most important thing for a person is to maintain a cheerful state of mind.

She shared how her father had doted on her since she was a child, even gifting her a beautiful golden lock. Jing Xiu questioned why, if she was so loved, she had left home. Lin Mo explained that she simply wished to walk her own path and train herself. She aspired to become a better version of herself before returning, perhaps as a famous doctor, or even to have her ears cured so she could hear and speak again.

She confessed that if her ears were cured, the first thing she wished to hear was a song her father used to sing to her. Jing Xiu, feeling both pained and compassionate, promised to find an immortal pill for her, no matter the cost. In the demon realm, Zhonghao pressed Heichi to intensify the search for Ling Xi, convinced that Jiuchen, who cared so deeply for her, must know her whereabouts. He dispatched Heichi to follow Jiuchen.

Zhonghao then inquired about the timing of the Blood Moon. Heichi could only provide a rough estimate, explaining that once Yang energy declined and Yin energy peaked, the Blood Moon would appear. He also reported that many tribal immortals had died due to the rebound effect of the Spirit-Binding Abyss enchantment, leading to escalating grudges.

Zhonghao, uncaring, simply ordered him to capture more people if necessary, stating that anyone who resisted should be killed, as no obstacle should impede the Demon Lord's grand plan. He then inquired about Qinyuan, noting his frequent visits to the underground prison. Indeed, Qinyuan was visiting the forbidden land's dungeon. Princess Baoqing, imprisoned there, defiantly declared that her Brother Jingxiu would surely return to save her and decimate Qinyuan's bones.

Qinyuan retorted that Jing Xiu was likely dead or at least powerless, revealing that his vital energy channels had been sealed by Qinyuan's adoptive father, his immortal magic disabled, his eyes blinded, and he was gravely injured before escaping. Baoqing refused to believe him, calling him a traitor.

Zhonghao, also present, further goaded her, stating that Ling Yue had neglected state affairs for years, and Jing Xiu's absence had left her unable to even handle a minor uprising, proving her unfitness to lead. Zhonghao urged Baoqing to abandon Ling Yue and pledge allegiance to his adoptive father, promising to intercede for her life and reminding her that Ling Yue was not her biological mother. Baoqing remained silent, refusing to be swayed.

After Lin Mo settled into her work at the medicine shop, the ever-enthusiastic Aunt Guan began matchmaking for her, asking for her birth date to find a suitable husband. Lin Mo tried to decline, citing her hearing disorder, but Aunt Guan persisted, saying the final decision would still be hers. Cornered, Lin Mo provided her birth date. Jing Xiu, having finally re-established contact with his Hawk Bodyguards, was desperate to remove the white-bone nails that hindered his recovery.

His attempts to remove them on his own only worsened his injuries, causing him to collapse. Lin Mo, led by Xiaobai's incessant barking, found Jing Xiu unconscious in his room and discovered the gruesome sight of numerous bone nails embedded in his chest. With great care, she painstakingly removed each nail and re-bandaged his wounds, staying by his bedside. Four days later, Jing Xiu awakened, astonished to find the nails gone and his vital energy channels unobstructed.

Lin Mo gently questioned who could have inflicted such a sinister injury. Realizing Lin Mo had removed them, Jing Xiu was shocked. He recalled Zhonghao once saying that only members of the Phoenix Tribe could remove these particular nails, and a deep suspicion about Lin Mo's true identity began to form in his mind. Seeing his reluctance to elaborate, Lin Mo decided not to press further and went to prepare some congee for him.

Early one morning, Siming arrived at Fuyun Hall. Jiuchen, seeing him, immediately knew it couldn't be good. Siming proceeded to gossip about High Immortal Peng being demoted, but Jiuchen warned him to stop. Siming then revealed the real reason for his visit, urgently begging Jiuchen not to return to the mortal world. He explained that Jiuchen had lost his Nuwa Stone Heart and his repeated use of magic had severely depleted his Fire Essence.

Siming recounted being warned by Heavenly Supreme Lord that if anything happened to Jiuchen, Siming himself, as the alleged instigator, would be demoted. Siming pleaded with Jiuchen to be more careful, fearing that he might exhaust his energy and perish before Ling Xi could even complete her three trials. If that happened, Heavenly Supreme Lord would reclaim the Farmer God's Cauldron to save Jiuchen, leaving Ling Xi truly unsalvageable.

Jiuchen, understanding the gravity of the situation, grew agitated and retreated to Polar Abyss for peace and quiet. During a meal, Jing Xiu abruptly questioned Lin Mo about her father. Finding his questions odd, she was disinclined to answer. Jing Xiu discreetly tested her, confirming she possessed no immortal power and was indeed a mortal. He theorized that she might be a descendant of the Phoenix Tribe living in the human realm.

Soon after, the leader of his Hawk Bodyguards, Chibi, arrived. Jing Xiu informed him that his magic had begun to recover. He then inquired about the current situation in the Shanling Territory. Chibi reported that Princess Baoqing was imprisoned in their tribal dungeon, though secretly protected, and State Master Lingyue was under Zhonghao's "Soul Absorption Technique," confined to her palace.

Chibi further revealed that Zhonghao was preparing to activate the Spirit-Binding Abyss enchantment to open the tunnel between the two worlds during the Blood Moon and unleash demons. Jing Xiu remarked that Zhonghao clearly understood his intentions. He declared that they would wait for that day so he could personally kill Yuandu. He instructed Chibi to monitor activities in Tianxi Palace and ensure Princess Baoqing's safety.

In the mortal town, Aunt Guan enlisted Lin Mo's help to carry some ingredients, but cunningly led her to a private school where she intended to introduce Lin Mo to Teacher Shen, a refined and genial man. Lin Mo, realizing Aunt Guan's true intention, felt embarrassed but reluctantly stayed. Teacher Shen was well-mannered and intelligent, showing no disdain for Lin Mo's hearing disorder, which put her at ease.

He shared his life story, explaining that his family had been prosperous until misfortune struck, leaving him orphaned. Having experienced the world's harsh realities, he chose to open a school in the quiet town to find inner peace. Lin Mo, though somewhat impressed, had no romantic inclinations at the moment. Before she left, Teacher Shen offered her some fragrant herbs, which Lin Mo accepted. Upon returning home, her father noticed the herbs and inquired about her day, and Lin Mo explained Teacher Shen had given them to her.

Episode 36 Recap

Jing Xiu had been anxiously waiting for Lin Mo's return, worried and on the verge of going to search for her. When Lin Mo arrived, she explained that Aunt Guan had tricked her into a matchmaking meeting with Teacher Shen. Noticing the scent of herbs on Lin Mo, Jing Xiu learned that Teacher Shen had given them to her.

Lin Mo explained that Teacher Shen had offered the herbs to ward off insects and suggested she sew them into a sachet for him, but she admitted her poor needlework skills and dislike for sewing. Jing Xiu then inquired about Teacher Shen's background, but Lin Mo knew little about him besides that he was a teacher. Jing Xiu cautioned her to carefully consider the matter, as it concerned her lifelong happiness, before Lin Mo went to prepare their meal.

The next morning, Aunt Guan pressed Lin Mo for her opinion of Teacher Shen, urging her to decide quickly since they both lacked parents to make the decision for them. Just then, Jing Xiu arrived, using his cane and claiming he was there to pick Lin Mo up due to the rain, assuring her that he was fine despite his blindness. Before leaving, Jing Xiu sincerely thanked Aunt Guan for taking care of Lin Mo at the shop.

Aunt Guan was left with a very favorable impression of Jing Xiu, noting his good looks despite his eye condition and his gentle and considerate nature. Back at their residence, Lin Mo found a beautifully decorated box containing a poetry collection titled "Questions about the Flower World Answered," signed by Shen Peishu, which she knew was from Teacher Shen. That evening, as Lin Mo read the book by candlelight, her candle suddenly went out.

She went to the kitchen to find flint to relight it, and Jing Xiu followed, advising her not to read so late as it was bad for her eyes and suggesting she read tomorrow instead. Meanwhile, Yuan Tong, feeling bitter after Jiuchen's rejection, went to the Temple of Heavenly Thunder and informed the God of Heavenly Thunder that Jiuchen had returned to Polar Abyss and used the Nuwa Stone Heart to exchange the Farmer God's Cauldron.

God of Heavenly Thunder, already at odds with Jiuchen, saw this as an opportunity to punish him. Despite a subordinate's reminder that the Demon Tower was sealed, preventing them from verifying the authenticity of the Farmer God's Cauldron, God of Heavenly Thunder decided to personally investigate at Polar Abyss. Unwilling to wait passively, Jing Xiu sought out Teacher Shen Peishu at his private academy.

Introducing himself as Lin Mo's older brother, Jing Xiu questioned Shen Peishu's decision to teach instead of pursuing a career, implying he lacked ambition. Shen Peishu, already aware from Aunt Guan that Jing Xiu was not Lin Mo's real brother, understood Jing Xiu's true intentions. He commented on Jing Xiu's unusual manner of speech and directly asked him why he wouldn't personally confess his feelings to Lin Mo if he liked her.

Caught off guard, Jing Xiu left without a clear answer. Returning home, he found Lin Mo and Xiaobai waiting for him to eat, which warmed his heart. The next day, when the peach wine was ready, Lin Mo poured a bowl for Jing Xiu, explaining that she couldn't drink herself, getting drunk with just a single drop. Feeling good, Jing Xiu decided to share his story with Lin Mo.

He revealed that he was from the Shanling Tribe, a distant land where flowers bloomed year-round, lakes were crystal clear, and ancient trees reached the clouds, creating a comfortable and peaceful life. When Lin Mo inquired about his occupation in his hometown, he vaguely replied that he was an official. Lin Mo then asked about the customs of the Shanling Tribe.

Jing Xiu described their unique courtship traditions: on the seventh day of the second month, men would confess their love and propose marriage to women by gifting a bamboo leaf; conversely, on the second day of the seventh month, women would propose to men by offering a mulberry leaf, symbolizing their trust and love. Both men and women, he explained, had the right to pursue their affection.

Lin Mo listened with longing, and Jing Xiu subtly suggested that he lived near a bamboo forest and asked if she would be willing to go there with him in the second month of the coming year. Recognizing this as a veiled confession, Lin Mo remained silent, unsure how to respond. Jing Xiu, seeing her hesitation, nervously drank his wine and suddenly experienced intense eye pain. Moments later, he discovered his vision had miraculously returned.

The instant Jing Xiu saw Lin Mo, he was shocked, recognizing her as Lingxi. He recalled that Lingxi had been personally killed by the God of War on the Purple Cloud Platform, yet here she was, a mortal without any magic. He remembered she had been able to pull out the White Bone Nails from his body, confirming her Phoenix Tribe lineage. She was Lingxi, without a doubt.

He wondered how she had appeared there and why she had no memory of her past. At Polar Abyss, God of Heavenly Thunder arrived, demanding to see the God of War. The guard informed him that his Senior Deity was not there and could not be disturbed, but God of Heavenly Thunder insisted he had received news of the God of War's return.

Dismissing the guard, God of Heavenly Thunder accused Jiuchen of privately hiding the Farmer God's Cauldron, a sacred item that suppressed the Demon Tower, and questioned if Jiuchen still respected the Heavenly Race laws or considered himself the God of War. Jiuchen explained he had a reason for taking the Farmer God's Cauldron and would accept his punishment in the Heavenly Palace after the current matter was resolved.

God of Heavenly Thunder refused to wait and demanded Jiuchen return with him immediately. As they fought, a surge of energy caused Lin Mo, who was sleeping, to writhe in pain in her dream, and her demonic imprint reappeared on her ear. Hearing her distress, Jing Xiu rushed to her side and, upon seeing the mark, confirmed that she was indeed Lingxi.

Jiuchen insisted that he had already informed the Heavenly Emperor about borrowing the Farmer God's Cauldron and would return it immediately once the current matter was concluded. God of Heavenly Thunder remained unconvinced, attempting to seize the cauldron. Jiuchen shielded it, forcing God of Heavenly Thunder out of the inner chamber. Jiuchen then knelt, pleading with God of Heavenly Thunder to be magnanimous and tolerate him this once, promising to repay this great debt of gratitude in the future.

God of Heavenly Thunder was astonished by Jiuchen's unprecedented act of kneeling. He acknowledged Jiuchen's remarkable intelligence and fighting prowess, yet expressed his disdain for Jiuchen's irresoluteness, citing how it led to Yuanzheng's massacre of a hundred thousand Heavenly Soldiers and how Jiuchen had even sheltered Yuanzheng upon returning from the Immortal Sea. He reminded Jiuchen that the Heavenly Race governed the Six Realms through strict laws, even if sometimes unreasonable, and that all deities should uphold them.

He then advised Jiuchen to forever remember the words, "Do not do things excessively" and "one who has great love usually does not act as being one," before leaving. Jing Xiu pondered how Lingxi had escaped her fate on the Purple Cloud Platform and appeared as a mortal.

He used his power to find the Lin family and observed Lin Shaohai, Lin Mo's father, singing the "Thousand Character Classic," recalling how Lin Mo had always loved her father's songs, even though she couldn't hear them. Jing Xiu then saw glimpses of Lin Mo's childhood: being isolated and finding solace only with her father.

He still couldn't comprehend how she had escaped the God of War's fatal blow, why she was in the mortal world, or if the Heavenly Palace and Demon Lord were aware of her continued existence and the lingering demonic imprint, fearing the disaster that would ensue if her presence was discovered. The following morning, Lin Mo awoke to find Jing Xiu seated by her bed. He explained she had been having a nightmare, which had worried him.

Lin Mo, feeling aches all over, then noticed that Jing Xiu could see her. Joyfully, she tested his recovered sight by asking him to identify objects like a tree, a table, and the ocean, and then exclaimed that Doctor Sun's medicine must have cured him, suggesting they thank both the gods and the doctor. Jing Xiu, however, questioned why Doctor Sun's medicines took so long to work, jokingly suggesting it might have been the seafood dishes Lin Mo cooked.

Lin Mo, nonetheless, insisted on expressing their gratitude to everyone. Jing Xiu offered to take her to work. Later, when Jing Xiu went to pick Lin Mo up at Doctor Sun's pharmacy, Doctor Sun, upon learning of Jing Xiu's recovered sight, was immensely proud of his "outstanding" medical skills, checking Jing Xiu's pulse and advising him not to overuse his newly recovered eyes.

Jing Xiu thanked him, then subtly advised him to rely less on talk of gods and more on a doctor's skill. Before Lin Mo finished work, Jing Xiu presented Aunt Guan with a valuable gift, thanking her for taking care of Lin Mo and requesting that Aunt Guan stop arranging matchmaking meetings for Lin Mo in the future. Aunt Guan, understanding his implied meaning, became somewhat embarrassed.

As they walked away, Jing Xiu told Lin Mo he had asked Aunt Guan to stop her matchmaking efforts because the matter concerned him and that Lin Mo would need someone to take care of her in the future.

Episode 37 Recap

On the way home, Jing Xiu informed Lin Mo that he had spoken with Aunt Guan and asked her to stop arranging dates for her. Lin Mo expressed concern that Aunt Guan might find him too meddlesome, but Jing Xiu replied that it was his business, as she would need someone to care for her in the future. Lin Mo confessed she was deaf, to which Jing Xiu countered that he was once blind and she had not minded.

Lin Mo insisted it was different, revealing that she was already engaged. Believing Jing Xiu was merely acting out of gratitude, Lin Mo emphasized that she had only cared for him for a short time and, as he was an official in his hometown, she was not worthy of him. Meanwhile, Zhonghao informed his subordinates that the Demon Lord had sensed Ling Xi's aura about seven hundred "li" to the southeast.

Both Heichi and Jinyuan volunteered to capture her, but Zhonghao, displeased with Jinyuan's excessive care for Princess Baoqing, ordered Heichi to go alone, cautioning him that Jiuchen would likely be protecting her. Later that night, Jing Xiu, troubled by Lin Mo's words, sensed a demonic aura. After a brief fight, he discovered the intruder was Heichi, who immediately ceased his attack upon recognizing Jing Xiu.

It was revealed that Heichi was a spy Jing Xiu had planted by Zhonghao’s side; years ago, Jing Xiu had saved Heichi’s life, and Heichi had sworn his loyalty. Jing Xiu inquired about Princess Baoqing's well-being, instructing Heichi to take good care of her. He then made it clear that Ling Xi could not fall into Zhonghao's hands.

He explained that with Heichi positioned next to Zhonghao, the opening of the Spirit-Binding Abyss remained under their control, but if the Demon Lord returned, the world would be plunged into chaos. Heichi stated he would find Ling Xi first and hide her, awaiting Jing Xiu's orders. Confident he could protect Ling Xi, Jing Xiu sent Heichi back, reminding him to be extremely cautious, especially with the blood moon approaching.

In the Heavenly Palace, the Lord of Heavenly Medicine presented a Constitution-Aiding Pill to the Heavenly Emperor. After his departure, the God of Heavenly Thunder questioned the Emperor about allowing Jiuchen to take the sacred Farmer God's Cauldron. The Heavenly Emperor explained that Jiuchen had exchanged his Nuwa Stone Heart to suppress the Demon Tower, so there was no harm to the Heavenly Palace, and he would return the cauldron when his task was complete.

He warned the God of Heavenly Thunder to keep the matter confidential and pressed him to reveal his source, reminding him that both he and Jiuchen were pillars of the Heavenly Palace and he should not fall for plots designed to sow discord. Meanwhile, Yuan Tong awaited the God of Heavenly Thunder’s report.

However, upon his return, he forbade her from interfering further and, declaring her unsuitable for the Heavenly Palace, demoted her to serve as a guard at Dark Capital Mountain, leaving her resentful but helpless. A ripe peach fell from a tree, which Lin Mo picked up and began to eat while tending to the fire. After a few bites, her silent world was shattered as she suddenly heard the crackling firewood, rustling leaves, and chirping birds.

Overcome with emotion, she rushed out of the kitchen and saw Jiuchen standing outside. When he gently called out "A'Mo," tears streamed down her face. Trembling, she told him she could hear. Jiuchen stepped forward to wipe away her tears, but Lin Mo, flustered by their proximity, quickly stepped back. Just then, Jing Xiu returned. Lin Mo joyfully shared the news, and Jing Xiu, delighted for her, attributed it to her kindness moving the heavens.

Jiuchen interjected, reminding Lin Mo to introduce him. She reluctantly introduced Jiuchen as "Young Lord Song," the son of her father's friend, a skilled scholar and martial artist to whom she was once engaged. Not to be outdone, Jing Xiu introduced himself, stating that though they met later, he and Lin Mo were "fellow sufferers" who supported each other. Sensing the tension, Lin Mo fled to the kitchen.

During dinner, the two men traded veiled insults, with Jing Xiu comparing Jiuchen to a "pig butcher" and Jiuchen likening Jing Xiu to a "swindling conman," leaving Lin Mo caught awkwardly between them. Later that evening, Lin Mo brought a thick blanket to Jiuchen's room. As she arranged the bedding, Jiuchen brushed aside her hair, spotting the demonic mark behind her ear. He questioned her about Jing Xiu and reminded her of their engagement.

Lin Mo replied that since she had left home, their engagement was void. Jiuchen refused to accept this, stating he had come specifically for her. He then gently touched the area behind her ear, using his magic to conceal the demon mark. Lin Mo grew uncomfortable, and at that moment, Jing Xiu entered with a candle. He advised Lin Mo to rest, and she quickly left.

Jing Xiu then told Jiuchen that even if he was her former betrothed, no one could take Lin Mo away against her will. After they left, Jiuchen, having overexerted his power, felt a sharp pain and had to meditate. Soon, the sound of a zither drifted from outside, its music imbued with magic that caused Jiuchen's tea to spill. He immediately retaliated with his own power, terrifying Xiao Bai, who hid under the table.

The next morning, as Lin Mo prepared porridge, Jiuchen used a minor trick to make her spill water on Jing Xiu, who, understanding it was retaliation, went to change his clothes. Alone with Lin Mo, Jiuchen commented that she had become indecisive and that people, like things, should be sorted by their kind. Realizing he was referring to Jing Xiu, Lin Mo insisted he was just a friend.

She confessed her confusion as to why someone of his prominent background would travel so far for her, an adopted daughter who was once deaf. She only wished for a peaceful life. Jiuchen reiterated that he had come for her and that she would one day understand. At breakfast, Jiuchen and Jing Xiu's rivalry scared Xiao Bai away. To avoid involving Lin Mo, their spirits left their bodies to engage in a duel of words and magic.

When Lin Mo returned, they feigned innocence, but as they sat down to eat, the table, damaged by their spiritual battle, split apart, spilling all the food. Jing Xiu offered to walk Lin Mo to work. On the way, he played on her sympathy, suggesting he should move out to not displease "Young Lord Song." He lamented that if his eyesight failed again, he wouldn't want to trouble her, prompting Lin Mo to insist he stay.

Suddenly, a strange rain fell from a clear sky, drenching Jing Xiu while leaving Lin Mo untouched. Jiuchen then appeared with an umbrella, smugly telling Jing Xiu to go home and change. Jiuchen walked Lin Mo to her workplace. Aunt Guan, seeing him, grew curious. Upon learning he was Lin Mo's fiancé, she began to question his background. Doctor Sun intervened, but then realized Lin Mo could hear him.

Lin Mo eagerly shared that her hearing had returned the day before. Doctor Sun and Aunt Guan were overjoyed, attributing it to a miracle, as the doctor admitted he had never treated her for deafness. Meanwhile, Fairy Yuli went to Fuyun Hall looking for Jiuchen, but Shisan blocked her, calling her a "plague goddess" and blaming her for Ling Xi's misfortune. Yuli retorted that Yuan Tong was the one at fault.

Yunfeng emerged and Yuli latched onto him, begging him to take her to Jiuchen, claiming she had a pill for his cold disease. Yunfeng, exasperated, said Jiuchen's cold was already cured. As they argued, passing immortal maids gossiped that the proud Fairy Yuli had fallen for Yunfeng. Annoyed, Yunfeng bluntly asked Yuli if she liked him, leaving her stunned. Later, Jing Xiu confronted Jiuchen, declaring that he and Lin Mo shared mutual feelings.

Jiuchen retorted that he and Lin Mo had a marriage agreement. Jing Xiu scoffed, subtly revealing he knew Jiuchen's true identity by saying, "Doctor Song is not that fortunate to be your father." Jiuchen, in turn, acknowledged he knew Jing Xiu was a spirit who had cultivated a human form and advised him to return to the forest. With their identities exposed to each other, both men agreed to settle their rivalry based on their own capabilities.

Episode 38 Recap

During a confrontation, Jing Xiu exposed Jiuchen’s pretense, asserting that "Young Lord Song" and his arranged marriage to A'Mo were merely a facade, and that Doctor Song was certainly not fortunate enough to have a Heavenly High God as a son-in-law. Jiuchen acknowledged Jing Xiu's perception and advised him to return to the forest, emphasizing the difficulty of cultivating into human form and the futility of clinging to mortal vanity.

Jing Xiu coldly declared they would now rely on their own capabilities. As they exchanged blows in the forest, two mortals, Zhu Zizai and his apprentice, witnessed their battle. Zhu Zizai, eager to cultivate to become an immortal, excitedly prepared to pay respects, but the powerful residual energy from the fight sent him sprawling. Realizing mortals had witnessed their battle, both Jiuchen and Jing Xiu vanished. Meanwhile, Qingyao was preparing new medicinal formulas when High God Yunfeng entered, arguing loudly.

Qingyao stopped Yunfeng, drawing his attention to the "Heavenly Poison Ants" crawling on the floor. She explained that these ants, rumored to be the favored pets of the ancient Poison Queen Mingyu, carried a lethal venom capable of drying blood and dissolving bones within four hours, even in the body of a high god. Seeing Yunfeng's visible discomfort, Qingyao collected the ants into a vial.

When Yunfeng questioned why she possessed such dangerous creatures, Qingyao clarified that the ants contained a unique fluid that could focus the mind and eliminate confusion, making them crucial for refining "mind-arousing pills" essential for the Heavenly Race's War Division. Yunfeng then informed Qingyao that Yuan Tong had been demoted and dispatched to guard Dark Capital Mountain.

Qingyao explained that Yuan Tong's subordinate had visited her for mind-arousing medicine the previous day, because the demonic aura at Dark Capital Mountain was too strong. Qingyao added that Heavenly Poison Ants feared nothing but the sun, which could significantly alter their efficacy. Yunfeng expressed shock that Qingyao had allowed them to be exposed to the sun, fearing Yuan Tong might suffer a qi deviation.

Qingyao remained composed, stating that if Yuan Tong were to be demonized, Yunfeng would fulfill his duty to subdue the monsters and eliminate the demons. Upon returning to Peach Forest, Qingyao found Hualiao tipsily mumbling phrases like "Who fermented a heart?" under a tree, explaining she had been drinking with Chengyan to ensure he got drunk and wouldn't go seeking fights, knowing how much he missed his Teacher Le Bo and Immortal Lingxi.

Qingyao then entered the house, finding Chengyan polishing his sword. Chengyan sarcastically remarked on her composure as a High Immortal from the Heavenly Palace, accusing her of forgetting the deaths of their Teacher and Lingxi, and of returning to their enemies' side to use their Teacher's medical skills to heal them. Chengyan passionately reminded her that without parents, their Teacher had raised them and shared his lifelong skills, questioning Qingyao's heartlessness.

Qingyao silently endured his outburst before calmly responding that vengeance was easy to speak of but difficult to execute, highlighting Chengyan's own failed attempts. She explained that Yuan Tong was a High God commanding a War Division troop, making her an insurmountable foe for Chengyan, even if injured.

Qingyao confessed that her pain and sadness over their Teacher's death were no less than his, stressing that now was not the time for revenge, revealing that Lingxi was still alive, thanks to Jiuchen, who had risked immense danger to use a secret technique to remove the demonic aura from Lingxi's body. She emphasized the critical need to keep this secret from both the Heavenly Race and the Demon Tribe, as exposure would doom Lingxi and implicate Jiuchen.

Qingyao revealed she had withheld this information from Chengyan due to his impulsive nature, reiterating that Lingxi's safe return was currently paramount. Lin Mo, reluctant to return home due to the two men there, inquired with Doctor Sun if she needed help with night shifts. Doctor Sun, sensing her dilemma, advised her to face whatever lay ahead. As Lin Mo stepped out, she found Jing Xiu waiting.

She cautiously asked him if he and Lord Song were getting along well at home. Jing Xiu responded that things were "not bad," reassuring her that he wouldn't suffer. He acknowledged her past hearing disorder and difficult childhood, which had made her cautious and guarded, but expressed his belief that she was intelligent enough to discern true kindness, urging her to shed her past burdens and live each day happily, encouraging her not to belittle herself.

Touched by his words, Lin Mo smiled as Jing Xiu changed the subject and offered to buy her a candy man from a nearby vendor. Jiuchen had also intended to pick up Lin Mo from work but had been deliberately delayed by small tricks set by Jing Xiu. When he finally arrived, he saw Jing Xiu and Lin Mo approaching, chatting and laughing. Jiuchen ignored Jing Xiu, informing Lin Mo that he had planned to fetch her.

He then picked up the candy man Lin Mo held, disparaged its crude craftsmanship and ugly appearance, and "accidentally" dropped and shattered it on the ground, promising to buy her another tomorrow. Lin Mo was left speechless by his behavior. Upon returning home, Lin Mo discovered the house in disarray and the roof severely damaged, a result of Jiuchen and Jing Xiu's earlier magical skirmish.

Jing Xiu promptly offered to fix it by tomorrow, and Jiuchen, not to be outdone, also claimed he knew how to repair it. Unwilling to engage further with their rivalry, Lin Mo took Xiao Bai out for a walk. Lin Mo left, the tension between the two men escalated, and soon, by analyzing each other's combat styles and behavior, they deduced each other's true identities.

Jiuchen recognized Jing Xiu as State Preceptor Jing Xiu of the Shanling Tribe, while Jing Xiu identified Jiuchen as the God of War, Jiuchen. Jiuchen later found Lin Mo by the river, playing with Wuwan, and commented that the "little beast" was acting more and more like a common dog. Lin Mo corrected him, insisting Wuwan was indeed a small dog.

Jiuchen seriously explained that Wuwan was not a dog, but an ancient mythical beast called Bai Ze, a symbol of good luck, capable of understanding human language and knowing all things once it matured. Lin Mo, however, simply dismissed it as a result of him reading too many random books. Seizing the opportunity, Lin Mo confided her decision to Jiuchen, explaining that her life was now incredibly happy, far more so than before.

Her hearing disorder was healed, she could speak, and she had found a job. Learning medicine from her teacher daily, saving lives, and earning her own living made her feel grounded and relaxed for the first time in her life. She loved her current days and had no intention of returning home with Jiuchen.

Jiuchen responded that he hadn't planned to make her return, and stated that since she refused to go back, he would stay to accompany her, as he wasn't at ease leaving her alone. Lin Mo countered that she wasn't alone, which provoked Jiuchen.

He retorted that it was precisely "because" she wasn't alone that he was even more worried, pointing out that she called Jing Xiu "Brother Xiu" but referred to him only as "Lord Song," implying a closer relationship with Jing Xiu. Lin Mo, unsure how to answer, quickly departed as thunder rumbled in the distance. Back at the house, Jing Xiu was waiting for them.

Seeing the renewed tension between Jiuchen and Lin Mo, Lin Mo quickly took Wuwan to her room. Jing Xiu then confronted Jiuchen, asking if the Heavenly Race knew about Lin Mo's presence or if saving her was solely his own doing. Jiuchen demanded to know Jing Xiu's intention. Jing Xiu declared that he had no control over the past, but from that moment forward, he would take responsibility for Lin Mo's future.

Jiuchen narrowed his eyes, asking if Jing Xiu was truly set on competing with him. Jing Xiu acknowledged Jiuchen as the God of War, renowned for his fighting prowess, and proposed they each rely on their own capabilities. Jiuchen agreed, sealing the silent challenge. In a separate turn of events, Qingyao informed Yunfeng that she had revealed Lingxi's survival to Chengyan, hoping to curb his persistent attempts at vengeance.

Yunfeng agreed, acknowledging that the secret could not be kept much longer. As they discussed Jiuchen's whereabouts, Yuli suddenly appeared, having eavesdropped. She cornered Yunfeng, demanding to know where Jiuchen was. Yunfeng accused her of eavesdropping, but Yuli retorted that it was her house, pointing out Yunfeng's frequent presence in their manor with Qingyao, hinting at impropriety. Qingyao excused herself.

The Lord of Heavenly Medicine, Yuli's father, then appeared, and sternly admonished Yuli for visiting Fuyun Hall, where Yunfeng often resided, and for acting like a common mortal woman, insisting that as a High Immortal, she should maintain decorum and allow her parents to arrange her marriage to a suitable partner.

Yuli defiantly declared that her choice in a man was her own, asserting that she had loved him for tens of thousands of years and would secure her own future if her father refused to consent. Her father, enraged by her insolence, called her unruly. However, the Heavenly Emperor had already issued a decree, and Yunfeng was summoned and informed that the Heavenly Emperor had benevolently granted a marriage between him and Yuli.

The next morning, Lin Mo prepared tools and called out to the two men to fix the damaged roof. Jing Xiu feigned a recent eye injury, subtly using a spell to make Jiuchen stumble and fall from the ladder. Jiuchen, feigning clumsiness, refused to continue. Jing Xiu also declined, citing his still blurry vision and the risk of a worse fall. Seeing their antics, Lin Mo decided to climb the ladder herself.

Just then, Aunt Guan arrived, furious to see Lin Mo on the roof while the two robust men stood idly below, rebuking them for being useless, mere decorations. Lin Mo, distracted by Aunt Guan's outburst, nearly lost her footing, but Jiuchen and Jing Xiu subtly used their magic to stabilize her.

Aunt Guan then pulled Lin Mo into the kitchen, shooing the two men away, and questioned Lin Mo about Jing Xiu's family background and assets, but Lin Mo admitted she knew nothing, having only taken him in when he was blind. Aunt Guan then pressed her about Jiuchen, to which Lin Mo explained he was the son of her father's friend, and they had an engagement.

Growing increasingly frustrated, Aunt Guan asked Lin Mo about her true feelings for the two men. Lin Mo asserted that she was perfectly capable of living on her own. Aunt Guan, exasperated, scolded her for such a foolish notion and stormed out, again scolding Jiuchen and Jing Xiu for simply eating without doing any work. As Lin Mo prepared food, Jing Xiu found his golden thumb ring inside a shattered flower vase, which Lin Mo was supposed to have sold.

He used the opportunity to tell Lin Mo that he was an official in his hometown, possessing a house, land, fields, shops, and many servants. Just as he was about to elaborate, Jiuchen intervened by assisting Lin Mo as she nearly burned herself, subtly showcasing his attentiveness and care.

Episode 39 Recap

Yuli, deeply distressed, vehemently refused the marriage arranged for her with High God Yunfeng. When her father, the Lord of Heavenly Medicine, arrived, he questioned why she was throwing a fit about a marriage she seemingly desired. Yuli clarified that she had no interest in the womanizer Yunfeng; the person she truly wished to marry was the God of War, Jiuchen.

Her father, astonished by her ambition, sternly reminded her that no one in the Nine Heavens could be considered worthy of the God of War, and moreover, the Heavenly Emperor had already decreed the marriage, making it unchangeable. Despite this, Yuli defiantly declared that she would rather remain unmarried forever or even be Jiuchen's widow than marry Yunfeng. News of the impending marriage quickly spread throughout the Heavenly Palace.

Doctor Qingyao, who was treating Hanzhang, was so stunned that her hand slipped, causing Hanzhang's entire arm to become immobile. Startled by his cry of pain, Qingyao profusely apologized and, visibly flustered, gave him a large assortment of spiritual medicines. Elsewhere, High God Yunfeng attempted to gain an audience with the Heavenly Emperor to revoke the decree but was repeatedly turned away by the guards.

The Heavenly Emperor, discussing the matter with an attendant, acknowledged Yunfeng's distress but explained that he had bestowed a marriage, not a punishment, noting that with Yunfeng's parents gone and his teacher in seclusion, it was time for him to settle down. Meanwhile, Jiuchen, residing in the mortal world, sensed Yunfeng's approach.

Jing Xiu seized the opportunity to confront him, pointing out that Lin Mo still harbored a demonic aura, making her a target for both the Heavenly and Demon Tribes. He questioned why Jiuchen, the God of War, was neglecting his duties, warning of severe consequences if his presence were discovered. Jiuchen countered that Jing Xiu, a State Preceptor in hiding, was also a source of trouble.

He advised Jing Xiu to leave if he truly cared for Lin Mo's safety, vowing to show no mercy if anyone discovered their location because of him. When Yunfeng arrived, he immediately knelt and pleaded for help, complaining bitterly about the arranged marriage to Yuli. He claimed that Yuli had used Jiuchen as an excuse to get close to him, insisting his heart belonged solely to Qingyao.

Jiuchen, exasperated, told him to either argue with the Heavenly Emperor or seek their Teacher's intervention. At that moment, Yunfeng spotted Jing Xiu and Lin Mo descending the stairs together, appearing close. He instinctively asked if Ling Xi had married in the mortal world. Jiuchen's vehement denial made Yunfeng realize why he refused to leave. Seeing Jiuchen's furious expression, Yunfeng quickly fled. Preoccupied, Lin Mo requested a month's salary advance from Doctor Sun.

With the money, she purchased meat and wine and prepared a farewell meal for Jiuchen and Jing Xiu, stunning them both. Addressing them by their mortal identities, she told "Lord Song" (Jiuchen) that as a scholar with family expectations, he should not be lingering. To "Brother Xiu" (Jing Xiu), she pointed out that his injuries were healed and he should return to his duties as an official.

Humbly stating she was an ordinary person unworthy of their attention, she thanked them for their care and, raising a cup of tea, wished them a safe journey before leaving. Back in the Heavenly Palace, Yunfeng gloated that Jiuchen had been kicked out by Lin Mo. Siming, however, defended her, confident in her devotion to Jiuchen. Yunfeng then unflatteringly described Jing Xiu as "short and robust, with the head of a buck deer and the eyes of a rat."

Annoyed, Jiuchen reprimanded them for their lack of progress in cultivation. Yunfeng admitted he couldn't focus because Qingyao was ignoring him over the marriage decree. Siming offered love advice, suggesting that Lin Mo, timid due to her past hardships, is kind to those weaker than herself. He advised Yunfeng that winning a woman's heart requires being "bold, attentive, and sweet-tongued." In the demon realm, Zhonghao, frustrated with Princess Baoqing's failure to persuade the beast tribes, ordered Heichi to execute her.

Qin Yuan's offer to do it himself was rejected. Heichi later told Qin Yuan the execution was set for that night, hinting that Zhonghao knew of his daily visits to her cell. Unable to defy his adoptive father but unwilling to let her die, Qin Yuan brought Baoqing a final meal. Panicked, she pleaded for her life, reminding him he was a disciple of the Old Man from the South Pole and a good person.

As he left, Qin Yuan deliberately dropped his key. Baoqing seized it and escaped. Heichi, seeing this, ordered his soldiers to capture her alive, calling her Zhonghao's most important pawn. Baoqing was soon overtaken and severely wounded, but Chibi arrived just in time to rescue her. Driven from the residence, Jing Xiu set up a letter-writing stall across from the pharmacy.

Lin Mo saw this and mused that the more decent "Lord Song" would not be so shameless, only to find Jiuchen waiting at her door. She firmly stated she would not return with him and shut the door. Jiuchen remained outside. As night fell, he conjured a downpour and stood in it without an umbrella. Unable to bear the sight, Lin Mo finally went out and pulled him inside. After he changed, Lin Mo gave him ginger soup.

Noticing his wet hair, she hesitantly agreed to dry it for him at his request. Cherishing the moment, Jiuchen took her hand and told her not to drive him away again. Flustered, Lin Mo fled to her room. The next morning, when she suggested he leave, Jiuchen feigned a cough. Seeing through his act, Lin Mo reiterated that she would not go back with him, regardless of whether he pitied her or was acting out of rivalry with Jing Xiu.

On her way to work, Lin Mo saw mooncakes for sale, a reminder of the upcoming Mid-Autumn Festival that made her feel homesick. Jing Xiu bought a pack for her, but she refused. He then revealed he had no family to reunite with. Just then, a cultivator named Zhu Zizai spotted Jing Xiu and knelt, begging the "Immortal Master" to take him as a disciple. Jing Xiu denied knowing him and quietly used magic to freeze him in place.

As they reached the pharmacy, a massive beast burst from the river, wreaking havoc. Jing Xiu pushed Lin Mo inside for safety, while outside, the frozen Zhu Zizai and his teacher believed the monster's rampage was a trial sent by the "Immortal Master."

Episode 40 Recap

A monstrous Taowu beast rampaged through a town, striking fear into the hearts of the villagers. Zhu Zizai, who had been magically paralyzed by Jing Xiu, was unable to move. Just as the beast was about to attack him, Jiuchen appeared, rescuing Zhu Zizai and forcing the Taowu to retreat. Determined not to let it escape, Jiuchen pursued the beast into the outskirts, with Zhu Zizai enthusiastically following behind.

In a forest, Jiuchen cornered the Taowu, but despite his efforts, the beast managed to elude him. Having overexerted his magic, Jiuchen collapsed. Fortunately, Zhu Zizai and his companion Pao Suozhu found him and carried him to Sun Pharmacy. Meanwhile, Jing Xiu was tending to the injured when he received an urgent eagle signal that Princess Baoqing was gravely injured and her internal alchemy had been destroyed. He immediately left to attend to her.

Lin Mo brought the unconscious Jiuchen, whom she referred to as Lord Song, back to Peach Blossom Cottage, where he remained in a deep slumber for three days. Upon his awakening, Lin Mo expressed her relief but also chided him for his recklessness, fearing how she would explain his state to the Song family if something had gone wrong.

Jiuchen pressed her, asking if her concern was merely out of a sense of duty or if she held any genuine care for him. Before Lin Mo could answer, Zhu Zizai and Pao Suozhu arrived to visit. Upon entering, Zhu Zizai immediately knelt before Jiuchen, introducing himself as the thirty-eighth heir of Cool Breeze Temple.

Driven by an intense desire to cultivate immortality, he begged Jiuchen to accept him as a disciple, vowing to remain kneeling until his request was granted. Jiuchen initially dismissed him, but Lin Mo intervened, appealing to Jiuchen's sense of gratitude by reminding him that Zhu Zizai had saved him. Though Zhu Zizai modestly denied his contribution, Lin Mo insisted on their crucial role in his rescue. Reluctantly, Jiuchen allowed them to rise, implicitly accepting them.

Overjoyed, Zhu Zizai bowed repeatedly, and Pao Suozhu also knelt, addressing Jiuchen as "Grand Teacher." Annoyed, Jiuchen quickly ushered them out. Lin Mo then gently chided Jiuchen for his sternness, remarking that it was a good time to start accepting disciples, especially someone as earnest as Zhu Zizai. Elsewhere, Yuli relentlessly pursued Qingyao, urging her to speak to their father, the Medicine King, about annulling Yuli's engagement to Yunfeng.

Seeing through Qingyao's pretense, Yuli openly accused her of having feelings for Yunfeng and asked if she intended to simply watch him marry someone else. Qingyao, flustered, tried to deny it, but Yuli challenged her to admit her feelings and speak to their father, who always listened to her. When Qingyao maintained her refusal, a frustrated Yuli sarcastically wondered if Qingyao would cry when the marriage finally took place.

Jiuchen returned to the Heavenly Palace to report the Taowu beast's rampage to the Heavenly Emperor. He explained that the beast, sealed under the Qiongsang tree by the White Emperor for over a hundred thousand years, had suddenly broken free. Jiuchen suspected this was linked to the Demon Lord's awakening, noting that the pervasive demonic aura was affecting even common beasts and could lead to widespread chaos.

The God of Heavenly Thunder dismissed Taowu as a minor threat, but Jiuchen reiterated the potential for a greater disaster. Convinced, the Heavenly Emperor ordered Kaiyang and Hanzhang to investigate the matter. The Heavenly Emperor then curiously inquired about Jiuchen's new disciple. The God of Heavenly Thunder playfully teased Jiuchen, but he insisted his new disciple was merely a mortal, a claim met with amused skepticism from both deities, who expressed a desire to meet this "cultivating genius."

Meanwhile, Yunfeng convened with Siming, Kaiyang, Hanzhang, and Shisan, desperate for a way to annul his forced marriage. Siming first suggested Yunfeng retreat for tens of thousands of years, but Yunfeng scoffed that his Teacher had already gone into seclusion to avoid him. Siming then proposed a more drastic measure: kneeling outside the Grand Hall and threatening suicide by banging his head against a pillar. Yunfeng rejected the degrading idea.

Just then, Lord Baishan arrived with a decree for Kaiyang and Hanzhang regarding the Taowu beast. Yunfeng immediately volunteered for the mission, but Lord Baishan informed him that the Heavenly Emperor had forbidden him from leaving the Heavenly Palace until after his wedding. Later, Lin Mo informed Jiuchen that Jing Xiu had left, leaving a letter citing urgent family matters and a potted plant for her to care for. Jiuchen, secretly pleased, dismissed it as a "doomed fate."

However, suspecting Jing Xiu's departure was unusual, he projected his primordial spirit to Fuyun Hall to confront Yunfeng. Jiuchen revealed that the man by Lin Mo's side was State Preceptor Jing Xiu, who, despite being supposedly imprisoned, had appeared in the mortal world gravely injured and blind. Recognizing the deception and the potential involvement of the Demon Tribe, Jiuchen instructed Yunfeng to have Hanzhang discreetly send minor immortals to investigate the Shanling Tribe.

As Yunfeng tried to pivot the conversation to his own marriage dilemma, Jiuchen heard Lin Mo calling his name and immediately returned to his body in Peach Blossom Cottage. Lin Mo, finding him unresponsive, grew frantic, believing him to be gravely ill. Jiuchen quickly stopped her from getting a doctor, feigning that he had merely been sleeping soundly. Later, Lin Mo noticed Jiuchen’s clothes were torn and offered to make him new ones, but she couldn't find a ruler.

Recalling Yunfeng’s advice to be "bold and attentive, with a sweet tongue and kind face," Jiuchen playfully pulled Lin Mo’s hands around his waist to measure him. Lin Mo, flustered and shy, forgot the measurement, prompting a clearly amused Jiuchen to insist she measure him again. Determined, Yunfeng sought an audience with the Heavenly Emperor, again pleading for the annulment of his marriage. The Heavenly Emperor dismissed his excuse of loving someone else as an old trick.

Just then, Lord Baishan rushed in to report that the Taowu beast had escaped into Dark Capital Mountain. Seizing the opportunity, Yunfeng volunteered to lead the expedition. Though aware of Yunfeng's ulterior motive to earn a favor, the Heavenly Emperor ultimately agreed after Yunfeng's persistent assurances. Having received the decree, Yunfeng gathered his Heavenly Soldiers.

He described the Taowu beast—a stubborn, violent creature with a tiger’s body, a human face, and huge fangs—and instructed his troops to prioritize their own safety, as he would confront it himself. As he delivered his briefing, Qingyao watched from the palace walls. Yunfeng noticed her, but she vanished when he looked again. Soon after, Yuli found Qingyao and exaggerated the perils of Dark Capital Mountain, deliberately playing on Qingyao's emotions.

Despite recognizing the teasing, Qingyao couldn't hide her concern and quickly retrieved a bottle of her best mind-arousing pills. Upon reaching Dark Capital Mountain, Yunfeng and Lord Baishan met Yuantong, the guarding general, who informed them the Taowu had fled into a narrow gorge. She claimed ignorance of its exact whereabouts, explaining that as a mere scout, frequent entry into the demon-aura-filled mountain could cause her to lose her mind.

Unimpressed, Yunfeng instructed Lord Baishan and the soldiers to remain behind while he ventured into the gorge alone. When Yuantong's subordinate offered to help, Yuantong dismissively stated that a High God like Yunfeng would not require their assistance.

Episode 41 Recap

After the battle with the Taowu beast, Yunfeng lay injured. Qingyao arrived to treat him, but Yunfeng dramatically claimed his qihai acupoint was destroyed and his immortal veins severed, insisting he was dying. He spoke of his gratitude for meeting her and, feigning his last breath, asked if she had ever liked him, even for a moment. Lord Baishanxian arrived, questioning how a mere Taowu beast could inflict such grave injuries and suggesting an old illness might have flared up.

Realizing Yunfeng’s deception, Qingyao angrily struck him. Yunfeng admitted her blow actually made him feel better, further revealing his pretense. As she left in frustration, he pursued her, leaving Lord Baishanxian amused by their antics. In the mortal world, Lin Mo continued to impress Doctor Sun with her growing medical skills, displaying a keen understanding of diagnostics and prescriptions. Doctor Sun praised her cautious approach, noting that human life is invaluable.

Aunt Guan teasingly questioned Lin Mo about some male fabric in her basket, to which Lin Mo responded shyly. Meanwhile, Jiuchen reflected on his weakened state. The recent battle with the Taowu beast had depleted his primordial energy, and having lost his Nuwa Stone Heart, he was now sustained only by the Fire Essence. He knew he had to be extremely careful and avoid using immortal magic until Lingxi successfully completed her mortal trials.

Later, Lin Mo returned home and began sewing in her room, blushing at the memory of measuring Jiuchen for clothes. Jiuchen noticed her sleeping late and inquired about her activities, but she gave a vague answer before rushing off to work. After she left, Jiuchen discovered the half-finished clothing and needlework in her room.

Realizing she was making him clothes filled him with quiet happiness, but his pleasant moment was interrupted when the Ghost Vine, left behind by Jing Xiu, abruptly extended its tendrils, prompting Jiuchen to quickly leave. Back in the Heavenly Palace, Lord Baishanxian exaggerated Yunfeng's heroism and Qingyao's involvement in defeating the Taowu beast to the Heavenly Emperor. The Heavenly Emperor mused that he might have wrongly paired two lovers and ordered Lord Baishanxian to summon Qingyao.

Yunfeng followed Qingyao to her alchemy room to apologize, but she unleashed a powerful roar, sending him flying. Kaiyang and Yuli witnessed his undignified flight and teased him mercilessly. When Lord Baishanxian arrived with the summons, Qingyao warned Yunfeng that if he were still there upon her return, she would break his legs. Qingyao presented herself before the Heavenly Emperor, who commended their efforts and offered a reward.

Qingyao humbly declined, so the Heavenly Emperor subtly shifted the conversation, asking for her opinion on the proposed marriage between Yunfeng and Yuli, citing her close friendships with both. Meanwhile, Princess Baoqing lay gravely injured, her life bead severely damaged. Jing Xiu used his own life bead to stabilize her, but knew this was only a temporary fix. To truly save her, he needed a spirit-replenishing pill from his chamber at Tianxi Palace.

Chibi suggested sending Heichi to retrieve it, but Jing Xiu dismissed the idea due to the numerous dangers within the palace, now occupied by Zhonghao. With Baoqing's time running out, Jing Xiu decided to go himself, despite Chibi's protests. He instructed Chibi to remain and guard the princess. In town, a local thug named Xu Hai, injured from a fight, visited Doctor Sun's pharmacy. He flirted with Lin Mo until Doctor Sun rebuked him. Later, Lin Mo bought a mooncake.

Bao Suozhu briefly saw her but lost sight of her in the crowd. Xu Hai's men, having learned Lin Mo was a lone foreigner, ambushed her in a secluded area, knocked her unconscious, and abducted her, intending to sell her in Nanyang City. Bao Suozhu returned to the Peach Forest with Lin Mo's dropped mooncake and medicine. He recounted seeing her to Zhu Zizai, who immediately suspected foul play and alerted Jiuchen. Overcome with worry, Jiuchen vanished instantly.

Xu Hai and his gang brought Lin Mo to the seaside to wait for a boat. When she awoke bound and terrified, Xu Hai mockingly told her she was going to a "better place." As she struggled, Jiuchen arrived and subdued Xu Hai. In the ensuing scuffle, a thug pushed Lin Mo, causing her head to strike a cart wheel. Enraged, Jiuchen used his immortal magic to freeze the thugs. Lin Mo witnessed this display of power before losing consciousness.

Jiuchen recalled the warnings against interfering in mortal affairs, but in that moment, he disregarded all consequences. Jiuchen carried Lin Mo back to the Peach Forest. When she awoke, she demanded to know who he truly was. Jiuchen didn't answer directly, asking only if he had ever harmed her. As she fell silent, he explained that they had known each other for a long time.

He told her it was the Mid-Autumn Festival and that in his hometown, men gave women gifts and blessings. Apologizing for having no gift, he wished her a life of peace and happiness before gently kissing her lips, leaving Lin Mo in shock. After Qingyao's audience, the Heavenly Emperor formally canceled Yunfeng and Yuli's engagement. Overjoyed, Yunfeng pursued Qingyao to the Peach Forest, relentlessly trying to woo her. Qingyao struck him, sending him sprawling just as Jiuchen arrived.

Jiuchen then sought Qingyao's medical expertise for his own injuries. She gave him a pill and sternly cautioned him against using his magic, especially on mortals, to avoid further backlash, reminding him that Lingxi would not be at ease if he were harmed again. Jiuchen took her advice seriously but uncharacteristically teased her about her increased power, noting that even a high god like Yunfeng could not defeat her. Qingyao then asked about Lingxi.

Jiuchen suggested she visit the mortal world, but Qingyao explained it would be too painful to watch Lingxi suffer without being able to intervene. Before leaving, Jiuchen asked Yunfeng if he had completed his assigned task. Yunfeng confirmed that Hanzhang had sent a group of minor immortals to infiltrate the Shanling Tribe, but noted it would take time for them to gather intelligence due to their low status.

Episode 42 Recap

Jiuchen is questioned by Physician Qingyao about his decision to stay in the mortal world, risking his Fire Essence. Qingyao wonders if he fears Lingxi will not safely complete her mortal trial. Jiuchen expresses his faith in Lingxi. He then reminds Qingyao of her own mortal trial fifty thousand years ago, during which she lost her partner due to Yunfeng, leading to her prolonged melancholy and inability to forgive him.

He emphasizes that if Qingyao, after just one lifetime of love, was so deeply affected, Lingxi's potential suffering could be far more profound. Jiuchen explains that while obsessions are necessary for cultivation, deities must also immerse themselves in the mortal world to experience life's affections and sufferings, which often causes them to become detached from love. He admits to having experienced this himself.

He expresses his hope that no matter what Lingxi encounters or who she meets, if she is ever hurt or abandoned, she will find solace in knowing he was always by her side, offering her a spark of warmth. Qingyao voices concern that Jiuchen will suffer watching her endure the bitterness of the human realm, but he asserts that as long as Lingxi can successfully overcome the trial and return with hope, all the pain will be worthwhile.

Lin Mo wakes up, and finding Jiuchen gone, assumes he has left. Jiuchen clarifies he only went for a walk and, noting she hadn't eaten dinner, offers to cook noodles. He finds the task surprisingly challenging, leaving his face covered in flour. Despite the messy appearance, Lin Mo finds the noodles delicious and finishes the bowl.

She then asks Jiuchen if their engagement is still valid, expressing concern that as a member of a religious sect, he might not be able to marry. She mentions a friend told her that cultivators don't eat, only consuming dew, flowers, and air. Jiuchen dismisses this, explaining that a friend of his once said life would be too dull without food cravings, so he does eat.

When Lin Mo presses him about this mysterious friend, Jiuchen smiles, calling the person "a very important person" before diverting the conversation to washing the dishes. Jiuchen is reminded of Siming's prior warning: he must not intervene in Lingxi's mortal trial, regardless of her suffering. Siming emphasized that this is both a tribulation and a unique opportunity for Lingxi.

If she successfully navigates it, her body and spirit will be reborn—her six bowels will clear, her dantian acupoint will open, her nine acupuncture points will be unimpeded, her muscles and bones will be reformed, her spirit will return, and her demonic aura will naturally dissipate. This process would not only restore Lingxi to her immortal status but also grant her immense good fortune. Siming's warning was clear: any forceful interference would only backfire, rendering all their efforts futile.

Understanding this, Jiuchen rises early the next morning to escort Lin Mo to work. He holds her hand on the way, only reluctantly departing once they reach the clinic entrance. The freezing of Xu Hai and others at the docks for days, despite the summer heat, has caused widespread panic and rumors of evil spirits in the town. Zhuzizai, taking advantage of the fear, is seen selling talismans.

Jiuchen approaches him, presenting him with an invitation and instructing him to seek out Master Qingsong at the Qingsong immortal dwelling on Purple Swallow Mountain in Nanping Prefecture. Jiuchen promises that upon seeing the invitation, Master Qingsong will accept him for cultivation. Zhuzizai expresses a wish to follow Jiuchen directly, but Jiuchen explains he has urgent matters and cannot teach him now, assuring him that once his cultivation progresses, Master Qingsong will lead him to Jiuchen.

Overwhelmed with gratitude, Zhuzizai asks for Jiuchen's name. Jiuchen identifies himself as the God of War Jiuchen from Heavenly Mountain. Despite acknowledging Zhuzizai's mediocre talents, less-than-ideal personality, and lack of a distinguished spiritual foundation, Jiuchen accepts him as his first disciple. He gives a stern warning: Zhuzizai must diligently follow the righteous path and maintain his pure aspirations, for if he ever develops malevolent intentions and causes harm, Jiuchen will not hesitate to strike him down without mercy.

Zhuzizai, having finally found his true path, kneels and deeply bows in acceptance. The Heavenly Emperor, puzzled by Star Monarch Sangnan's absence in the mortal realm for over fifty thousand years, learns from Siming that Sangnan's love trial remains unfinished. The Emperor orders Siming to resolve the matter. Siming travels to the Peach Forest with Shisan, who has donned male attire for convenience.

Upon their arrival, they ask Fairy Hualiao for directions, but her innocent mistake of addressing them both as "older brothers" deeply offends Shisan, sparking a comical argument. The commotion is interrupted by Chengyan, who escorts them to Qingyao after Siming explains their purpose. Siming requests Qingyao's help to save a mortal, Lord Fang of Wei County, who is dying. Qingyao is shocked, as Yunfeng had prophesied a long and prosperous life for him.

Siming explains that after their parting, Lord Fang fell gravely ill with lovesickness, altering his fate—a matter of great concern for Siming. He explains that only a "heart medicine" can cure him and asks for an item to ease his longing. While Siming and Qingyao converse, Shisan pesters Chengyan for a taste of the famed Bixin wine. Hualiao, whose leaves are a key ingredient, initially refuses.

However, Shisan cleverly feigns sadness, claiming it's her birthday, and convinces Hualiao to allow her "just one sip." Shisan then promptly drinks the entire supply, leaving Hualiao furious. Returning to the urgent matter, Qingyao gives Siming a comb. Siming delivers it to Lord Fang's bedside, and when the ailing man sees and touches it, he is immediately flooded with memories of combing Qingyao's hair.

The unexplained incident at the docks continues to unnerve the townsfolk, stirring whispers of evil spirits which deeply unsettle Lin Mo. Meanwhile, the imprisoned Demon Lord correctly surmises that Jiuchen has sent Lingxi to the mortal realm for her trials. He realizes that if Lingxi successfully purges her demonic aura, his own chances of freedom will vanish. Enraged, he vehemently pressures Zhonghao to locate Lingxi.

Zhonghao reports that the Heavenly Palace has become suspicious of the Shanling Tribe, regularly sending spies to monitor them. He proposes that the most effective strategy is to first open the Spirit-Binding Abyss, allowing their vast demon army to enter the mortal realm. With such forces unleashed, they would no longer fear the Heavenly Palace and could easily capture Lingxi.

Zhonghao then returns to the Shanling Tribe, where he berates Heichi for his failure to find Lingxi, issuing a grave warning that she must be apprehended before she completes her mortal trials. The local town remains gripped by anxiety over the perceived presence of evil. Aunt Guan, concerned for Lin Mo's safety, obtains a special "anti-evil wine," instructing her to drink some and sprinkle the rest around her home.

She also informs Lin Mo that the wealthier families have summoned a powerful "Heavenly Master," rumored to be two hundred years old, to perform a ritual to exorcise demons and compel any evil spirits to reveal themselves. Worried for Jiuchen, Lin Mo hastily removes numerous yellow talismans from the streets on her way home, bringing them back to her house and burning them all. Jiuchen, observing her distressed and hurried actions, is left perplexed.

Episode 43 Recap

Concerned about the commotion caused by the frozen men at the docks, Lin Mo goes there intending to melt the ice herself. Jiuchen follows her and, initially misinterpreting her actions, asks if she means to save the culprits. Lin Mo clarifies that she is worried about him, warning that a powerful "Heavenly Teacher," said to be over two hundred years old, has been summoned to town.

Fearing Jiuchen, as a scholar with some magic, would be outmatched, she suggests they return to her hometown, expressing a longing for her parents and hoping her sister has changed. Jiuchen rejects the idea of leaving, but moved by her deep concern for his safety, he swiftly releases the two men from their icy prison. Xu Hai and his brother immediately prostrate themselves, begging for mercy and calling Jiuchen an "Immortal." Jiuchen ignores their pleas and escorts Lin Mo away.

Lin Mo finds herself increasingly drawn to Jiuchen, a feeling that brings both joy and a touch of anxiety. One morning, she approaches his door, hesitating to knock, caught between a desire to see him and a fear of the encounter. Unbeknownst to her, Jiuchen is aware of her presence and smiles to himself after she departs. Later, while Lin Mo is in the kitchen preparing breakfast, Jiuchen unexpectedly appears, gently teasing her about looking for him.

Flustered, she denies it but then invites him to her room. There, she proudly presents him with a new set of clothes she has personally sewn for him, eagerly urging him to try them on and checking the fit. Jiuchen puts on the attire, expressing his approval. Lin Mo, blushing, quickly clarifies that she meant the clothes she made look good. Feeling overwhelmed by their closeness, she makes a hasty excuse about the congee and rushes away.

To acquire a life-prolonging elixir for Baoqing, Jing Xiu bravely risks returning to the Shanling Tribe. He successfully retrieves the elixir from his palace. As he attempts to leave, he is discovered and confronted by a guard who expresses surprise at his survival and return. Jing Xiu confidently asserts his presence, warning the guard to step aside. Soon, Qinyuan arrives on the scene, confirming Jing Xiu's return.

While Jing Xiu manages to evade capture, his presence signals a brief, tense encounter before he escapes again. Lin Mo, ever practical, meticulously plans to improve their finances by raising chickens. She enthusiastically explains her calculations for selling eggs and using the income to buy an embroidery frame, through which she can earn more by making clothes and accessories. Jiuchen quietly asks if she genuinely enjoys her current life, to which she affirms.

His thoughts drift to a previous conversation with Qingyao, who had questioned his resolve to stay by Lingxi's side through her three trials, knowing she was destined to suffer pain, sadness, and even death. Snapping back to reality, Jiuchen dismisses Lin Mo's inquiry about his sudden solemnity and encourages her to pursue her chicken-raising venture.

Later, while browsing the market, Jiuchen attempts to buy a silk flower for Lin Mo, but she declines, humorously stating her preference for edible gifts like eggs and chicken legs. Lin Mo then mentions her upcoming birthday, fondly recalling the longevity noodles her grandmother prepared for her last year. Jiuchen's expression darkens as he remembers her limited lifespan. Concealing his distress, he asks what gift she desires.

Lin Mo, ever thrifty, simply asks him to cook her a bowl of longevity noodles, emphasizing their need to save money for their future chicks. Back home, Lin Mo crafts a chicken coop from straw in the courtyard, only for Xiaobai to settle inside, refusing to budge despite Lin Mo's coaxing. Jiuchen then simply calls out Xiaobai's name, and the dog immediately complies, startling Lin Mo with its obedience.

Jiuchen explains that it's because Lin Mo has too good a temper, so Xiaobai is "usually" not afraid of her. Lin Mo, puzzled by his use of "usually," is about to inquire further when Jiuchen deftly changes the subject, suggesting she bring out the potted flower left by Jing Xiu to sun. Lin Mo initially expresses doubt about the flower's need for sunlight, noting that Jing Xiu didn't say it needed sun.

Jiuchen dismisses her concern, questioning Jing Xiu's botanical knowledge, and Lin Mo agrees to retrieve the flower. In the evening, Lin Mo engrosses herself in medical texts while Jiuchen sits beside her. Noticing her deep concentration, he asks if she intends to become a doctor in the future. Lin Mo expresses her aspiration, believing it's a noble profession that allows her to both earn a living and help others.

Jiuchen then cautiously inquires what she would do if mishaps happen and her aspirations are not fulfilled. Lin Mo, misinterpreting his concern, asks if he dislikes women working or showing themselves in public. Jiuchen clarifies, explaining that life is unpredictable, and unexpected events can suddenly disrupt plans. Lin Mo, remembering the incident where the Emperor's son's illness nearly cost her life and forced her to leave home, optimistically muses that such misfortune surely won't befall her again.

Lin Mo then asks Jiuchen about his own future plans. He takes her hand, stating simply that he just wants to be with her. He then issues a profound warning, telling her that though the years may seem endless, there might come a day when she feels sad and unjust, and will hate and resent.

He urges her to remember not to be devoured by resentment, not to fall into confusion, and not to lose her sanity and do something she will regret. He pledges that no matter what happens or who she becomes, he will always be by her side, protecting her with his life. Startled by his intensity, Lin Mo feigns sleepiness and then realizes they are in her room, and he had followed her there.

Jiuchen calmly reassures her that he will protect her and she shouldn't be afraid. Yuan Tong, deeply engrossed in her cultivation of the Dark Immortal Reference, is abruptly drawn to Dark Capital Mountain, where she confronts the sealed Demon Lord. The Demon Lord, acknowledging her as Yuanzheng's sister and noting a past connection, attempts to tempt her, remarking on her demotion and offering her a place by his side.

Yuan Tong, however, scorns him as a "dog without an owner," sealed away and devoid of power. She defiantly states that she could kill him to gain merit and return to the Heavenly Palace. When the Demon Lord disrespectfully mentions Jiuchen, blaming him for a sneak attack, Yuan Tong fiercely defends Jiuchen's name. Enraged by her refusal, the Demon Lord threatens her, vowing that she will eventually regret her stubbornness and one day kneel before him, crying and begging.

The town is gripped by unease due to recent strange occurrences, leading residents to seek blessings from the Earth God. Aunt Guan, ever devout, procures two portraits of the deity and insists Lin Mo take one for protection. Unbeknownst to them, the local Earth God is none other than High Immortal Peng, who was demoted to the mortal realm and finds contentment in the simple, devout life of the townspeople. Meanwhile, Peng visits his friend Siming, who appears deeply troubled.

Siming confides that he intervened in Star Monarch Sangnan's arduous 50,000-year love trial by using an item belonging to Qingyao, hoping to hasten its conclusion. High Immortal Peng is aghast, worried about the ramifications if Sangnan were to discover the truth, knowing Yunfeng's temperament would make things difficult for Siming. Back in the mortal realm, Jiuchen observes the Earth God portrait that Lin Mo has brought home.

Lin Mo explains its supposed powers and persuades Jiuchen to join her in offering incense. As Jiuchen reluctantly complies, High Immortal Peng, still in the Heavenly Palace, suddenly coughs up blood, shocking Siming. Siming later tells Peng that he has enjoyed blessings that were not his and received auspicious fortunes he should not have, implying his misfortune is tied to Jiuchen's prayer.

Through a connection to Qingyao's wooden comb, Star Monarch Sangnan, in his mortal guise, begins to vividly recall his past life's love trial. He remembers their sacred marriage vows and his devotion to her. His weakened mortal body seeks out Qingyao's "Bai Yu Clinic" in the mortal realm, only to find it long abandoned. With his last hope extinguished, his earthly journey concludes.

His love trial, which spanned an astonishing fifty thousand years, finally comes to an end, and his true form, Star Monarch Sangnan, returns to the Heavenly Palace. It is revealed that Sangnan is a magical mulberry and elm tree from the southern Great Heavenly Forest, capable of manifesting countless mortal avatars while his true body lay dormant in Pixiang Hall for millennia. News of Sangnan Xingjun's return reaches Qingyao. Elsewhere, High God Yunfeng decides to formally propose to Qingyao.

He convenes Kaiyang, Hanzhang, Shisan, and Siming, seeking their advice for a memorable proposal. Siming, still preoccupied with his own anxieties concerning Sangnan, offers only vague endorsements. Yunfeng, emboldened, expresses his desire for a proposal that is novel, shocking, and unforgettable. Kaiyang suggests a blunt approach: directly confronting Qingyao and demanding to know if she dares marry him. Shisan proposes a solemn ceremony at the Spirit of the Brave Departed Hall, where Yunfeng could propose before his ancestors. Overwhelmed by these outlandish ideas, Yunfeng dismisses Shisan and teases that her "good ideas should be saved for when Siming proposes," which Siming swiftly denies.

Episode 44 Recap

Yunfeng plans to meet Qingyao by instructing Shisan to summon her to Fuyun Hall, falsely claiming Jiuchen has returned and wishes to discuss something. Shisan, struggling with the lie, becomes visibly nervous, prompting Qingyao to question the urgency and Jiuchen's unannounced return. Qingyao points out their prior agreement for Jiuchen to seek her out for medicine upon his return, making Shisan's story suspicious. When Qingyao threatens to leave unless Shisan reveals the truth, Star Monarch Sangnan appears.

Yunfeng meticulously prepares a candlelight dinner, rehearsing heartfelt lines to express his deep feelings for Qingyao. He speaks of a "huge flood" fifty thousand years ago that intertwined their fates and how her pain during her mortal trial deeply affected him, confessing that his eyes can only see her. However, only Shisan arrives, interrupting his practice. When Yunfeng asks about Qingyao, Shisan explains that Qingyao encountered an "old friend" en route and departed with them.

Yunfeng desperately asks where they went, but Shisan admits they are gone. Meanwhile, Qingyao and Star Monarch Sangnan converse in the Alchemy Chamber, where Sangnan mentions waiting for Qingyao in the mortal realm for fifty thousand years and expresses concern that he might have been trapped there if she had not remembered him. He recalls how a "great flood" separated them for so long.

Star Monarch Sangnan asks Qingyao why she left him on the day she found him in the mortal world. Qingyao gently explains that she believed him to be an ordinary mortal and that knowing the truth would not have benefited him. Sangnan agrees, stating his mortal self would have preferred not to know. He returns a simple comb Qingyao kept for fifty thousand years, thanking her for helping him pass his trial and expressing his happiness at their reunion.

Yunfeng waits impatiently outside Qingyao's residence, where Jade Pear approaches him, sarcastically asking if he was denied entry. Jade Pear informs him that Star Monarch Sangnan is inside. She taunts Yunfeng with the news circulating in the Heavenly Palace: Qingyao and Star Monarch Sangnan, who were already a couple, met during their separate mortal trials.

She mockingly says that Yunfeng's "great flood" tragically broke them apart, leading to Qingyao's death and successful trial completion, while Sangnan's obsession caused him to create copies of himself to search for her in the mortal world for fifty thousand years. Jade Pear needles Yunfeng, claiming that if not for his actions, Sangnan would have returned to his immortal post much sooner.

She reveals that Yunfeng's attempts to atone for his past mistake inadvertently ensured Sangnan's five-decade mortal life was entirely free of tribulations. She emphasizes that it was only due to the intervention of Siming Palace that Sangnan was finally able to return to the Heavenly Palace. Jade Pear concludes by maliciously suggesting that if Sangnan discovers Yunfeng's role in his prolonged mortal trial and his feelings for Qingyao, a severe conflict will inevitably erupt.

Upon hearing "Siming Palace," Yunfeng becomes enraged. Siming, sensing an impending disaster, had already expressed anxiety about Yunfeng's reaction. Enraged, Yunfeng heads directly to Siming Palace Hall to confront Siming, but finds he has fled. Siming, having anticipated Yunfeng's fury, has sought refuge in Fuyun Hall, where he pretends to be visiting Shisan and begins enthusiastically performing her chores, much to her confusion. Just then, Yunfeng bursts into Fuyun Hall, furious at finding Siming.

Without a word, he rolls up his sleeves, intending to physically assault him. Shisan immediately steps in front of Siming, declaring that she will fight Yunfeng if he dares to bully Siming. Siming seizes the opportunity and flees, with Yunfeng hot on his heels. Their chaotic chase turns Fuyun Hall upside down, as Yunfeng dismisses Siming's pleas and Shisan's interference. When Siming attempts to invoke their "brotherly" bond, Yunfeng retorts that clothes are more important than limbs.

The housekeeper of the Song family, searching for medicine for his ailing master, spots Lin Mo in the town. Recognizing her as the "First Miss Lin" who was engaged to the Young Lord but ran away from home, he attempts to follow her. Later, while at a pharmacy to treat his injury, he overhears the doctor and an assistant discussing "A'Mo" and mentions her bag.

He inquires if "A'Mo" is the deaf-mute girl and is astonished to learn that her hearing disorder has been cured. Surprised, he then asks for her whereabouts. Back at Peach Blossom Cottage, Lin Mo sees the Song family housekeeper arrive. Mistaking his visit as being for "Lord Song" (Jiuchen), she invites him inside.

However, upon entering, the housekeeper looks at Jiuchen with no recognition, then turns to Lin Mo, accusing her of running away from home despite being engaged, causing her grandmother to fall gravely ill, and now cohabiting with a stranger. He expresses his extreme disappointment. Lin Mo, bewildered, asks Jiuchen if he doesn't know the housekeeper, to which Jiuchen falsely replies that he doesn't.

The housekeeper further shames Lin Mo, reminding her of her future in-laws' kindness despite her previous hearing disorder, and demands she return with him to apologize. He threatens to inform Lin Shaohai of her conduct. It is then that Lin Mo realizes Jiuchen has been deceiving her. After the housekeeper departs, Lin Mo confronts Jiuchen, feeling as though he is a complete stranger.

She demands to know his true identity, why he impersonated "Lord Song," and what she possesses that warranted such elaborate deception. Jiuchen admits he lied but insists he never intended to harm or bully her, challenging her to recall any instance of him hurting her during their time together. Seeing tears welling in her eyes, Jiuchen confesses that his actions were solely to protect her, driven by his deep affection, care, and even love for her.

He admits he should never have appeared in her life but was consumed by worry: fearing she would starve or freeze if left unattended, yet also fearing she might forget him if someone else took care of her. Lin Mo, touched by his sincerity, asks when he first started to like her, wondering if it was when they first met. Jiuchen replies that it was "long time ago," even "longer than that," implying a prior connection she doesn't remember.

Despite being moved, Lin Mo persists, relentlessly questioning his true identity, family background, and occupation. Unable to provide a direct answer, Jiuchen silences her with a kiss. That evening, Jiuchen believes the matter is settled, but Lin Mo brings it up again during dinner. She insists on knowing his background, stating that "background and status are the foundation on which a person establishes himself," and expresses concern that he might be a "sea pirate or a con artist."

Jiuchen, left with no other option, truthfully declares, "I am a high god from the Nine Heavens." Lin Mo scoffs, refusing to believe him and demanding he be serious, speculating about his earthly origins. Finding women "troublesome" for repeatedly asking the same questions, Jiuchen renders Lin Mo unconscious with his magic and carries her back to her room.

Meanwhile, High Immortal Peng, who has learned about the true cause of his past injury from Siming, approaches Jiuchen, paying his respects and asking how he might have offended the God of War, referencing an incident where Jiuchen destroyed Witch Mountain and he was punished for interfering. Jiuchen, without explaining further, instructs High Immortal Peng to create a false mortal identity for him.

When Peng asks for specific requirements, Jiuchen states that he needs to appear wealthy, with significant assets like "good fields and shops," a "meritorious reputation," and a "rich" family background, making him a desirable marriage prospect. The next morning, Lin Mo wakes up without memory of falling asleep. Jiuchen tells her she simply fell asleep while they were talking. He then presents her with a thick stack of deeds for fields and shops, claiming they belong to him.

He elaborates on his fabricated identity: he is from Taiping Prefecture, an orphan whose parents are deceased, and has an adult younger brother whom he raised after resigning from military service following a war. He asserts that his family has been in the prosperous tea and salt trading business for generations, possessing considerable wealth, extensive properties, a grand mansion, and numerous servants.

He then explains that he met her "below a hill" while visiting a friend, fell in love at first sight, and followed her there. He adds that he is currently unengaged and a desirable marriage prospect. Lin Mo seems satisfied with this explanation, though she briefly spots a "Female Servants Deed" (concubine deed) among the papers, which Jiuchen quickly tries to hide, claiming it was his uncle's and he picked up the wrong papers.

Siming accompanies Yunfeng to the Yaowang Cave. A short while later, Qingyao sees Star Monarch Sangnan off. Sangnan greets Siming, thanking him for his assistance in helping him pass his mortal trial, subtly hinting that he would have been stuck in the mortal world indefinitely without his aid.

He then pointedly remarks that fifty thousand years ago, he "had an inauspicious year and got killed by an evil man," implying this delayed his ascension, but he has now "turned misfortunes into good fortune" by becoming a High God. Yunfeng understands the veiled accusation and seethes in silence. After Sangnan departs, Yunfeng begins to fawn over Qingyao, simultaneously slandering Sangnan.

He complains that Qingyao never walked him out like she did Sangnan and criticizes Sangnan's seemingly good nature as two-faced, his appearance as common, and his past actions, such as breaking off an engagement with the Eighth Princess of the Eternal Emperor, as illogical, suggesting he might have a "hidden illness" or a brain "full of wood." Qingyao, tired of his incessant chatter, tries to leave.

In his eagerness to stop her, Yunfeng accidentally knocks over several items in her Alchemy Chamber. While scrambling to pick them up, he repeatedly apologizes. Amused by his clumsy antics, Qingyao informs him she is heading to the Peach Forest. Yunfeng eagerly declares he will join her and follows. One day, while at the pharmacy, Lin Mo observes an elderly woman and her grandchild seeking medical attention.

This sight triggers a painful memory of the Song family housekeeper's accusations regarding her grandmother's grave illness after she left home. Overcome with sadness, she asks Sun Doctor for leave to return home. Upon returning to Peach Blossom Cottage, Lin Mo informs Jiuchen of her intention to visit her ailing grandmother and asks if he would be willing to accompany her. Jiuchen readily agrees. The two immediately set out for the Lin family home.

Upon their arrival, Lin Mo's mother, Lin Madam, is overcome with joy, weeping tears of happiness as she embraces her daughter. She expresses astonishment that Lin Mo can now speak, having previously heard from the Song family housekeeper that her hearing disorder was cured, but not fully believing it until now. Lin Mo explains she rushed back specifically to visit her grandmother, who had fallen gravely ill after she left, and is relieved to hear her grandmother is now recovering.

Lin Madam then notices Jiuchen and begins to ask Lin Mo about him. However, before Lin Mo can answer, Lin Zhan arrives and immediately begins to scold her for returning, questioning if her time away had become "unbearable." To protect Lin Mo, Lin Madam quickly escorts Lin Zhan away to see the elderly madam. Meanwhile, someone instructs Jiuchen to wait in the front hall, informing him that Lin Shaohai will arrive shortly. Jiuchen, unfamiliar with such mortal family dynamics, patiently waits.

Episode 45 Recap

Upon Lin Mo's return home with her hearing fully restored, her grandmother is overcome with emotion. Tearfully, her grandmother apologizes for her past unkindness and bias due to Lin Mo's deafness, admitting her role in the separation between Lin Mo and her father. Lin Mo, holding no blame, reassures and embraces her. After checking her pulse, Lin Mo confirms her grandmother's illness is not severe, but rather caused by emotional distress.

Outside, Lin Zhan, usually aloof, questions Lin Mo about the man she returned with. Lin Zhan reveals that the Song Family had caused a public scene, damaging Lin Mo's reputation. Despite an initial pretense of indifference, Lin Zhan criticizes Young Lord Song, describing him as a hypocrite who previously showed no interest in the engagement, never visiting, and not caring when Lin Mo ran away, only to turn hostile now.

Lin Zhan concludes it was fortunate Lin Mo didn't marry him, and her underlying concern for Lin Mo is evident. Lin Shaohai rushes home, and Lin Mo tearfully embraces him. He expresses his profound regret over her departure, revealing he had searched for her for half a year before his mother's grave illness forced his return. Seeing Lin Mo safe and her hearing restored, a huge weight lifts from his heart.

They sit down to talk, and Lin Shaohai dismisses the harsh words spoken by Young Lord Song and his housekeeper, stating his unwavering belief in his daughter's character. He then eagerly asks about the man she has brought home, prompting Lin Mo to share all the details, despite her bashfulness. Lin Shaohai then meets Jiu Chen privately. After some pleasantries, the nervous Jiu Chen suddenly produces a stack of property deeds.

Lin Shaohai gently clarifies that he is not interested in such material possessions and asks to be called "Uncle Lin." He relays what Lin Mo has already shared about Jiu Chen's wealth, reputation, and military experience. Emphasizing that while he is a minor official and his daughter is not a noble lady, in his heart, Lin Mo is the best and kindest.

He then directly asks if Jiu Chen's affection is sincere and if he intends to cherish and protect her for life, or if it is merely a fleeting fascination. Jiu Chen, without hesitation, solemnly swears that he will protect Lin Mo with his life from any future difficulty or hindrance.

He pledges that if he ever breaks this oath, he will be hated by gods and ghosts, destroyed by heaven and earth, his soul annihilated, and condemned to eternal damnation, never to be reincarnated. Witnessing such a profound vow, Lin Shaohai is deeply moved and relieved, repeatedly expressing his approval. Jing Xiu secretly meets Heichi to discuss the Spirit-Binding Abyss.

Heichi confirms that everything is prepared for its opening, which requires Zhonghao's tribe's enchanted formation and the blood of a Phoenix Tribe member as a guide. He notes that Ling Yue is in Zhonghao's hands, and they only await the blood moon. Heichi further reveals that the Demon Lord punished Zhonghao for failing to find the female immortal who could break the seal.

However, Heichi believes Zhonghao is now focused on opening the Spirit-Binding Abyss to unleash the Demon Army for revenge against the Heavenly Race, showing little interest in freeing the Demon Lord. Jing Xiu learns that the Demon Lord deduced Jiu Chen sent that female immortal, Lingxi, to the mortal world for trials. If she succeeds and loses her demonic aura, the Demon Lord will be permanently sealed, making Jing Xiu realize the true peril of Lingxi's situation.

Yunfeng follows Qingyao to the Peach Forest and tells a poorly constructed, fictional tale about a mortal trial to subtly discredit Star Monarch Sangnan, implying his long trial proves a lack of deep affection for Qingyao. Amused but touched by Yunfeng's transparent efforts, Qingyao kisses his cheek before swiftly departing. Yunfeng stands in a daze, then erupts into joyous shouts, which wakes Chengyan.

He emerges and teases his sister about the "sweet things" he overheard, leading to a playful exchange of threats between the siblings. Shortly after, Star Monarch Sangnan arrives with the Heavenly Emperor's decree to lift Chengyan's restriction. He attempts to rekindle old memories, but Qingyao gently interrupts. She explains that she now chooses to respect fate's separations and has truly let go of her past love for him, realizing she was trapped in a fifty-thousand-year obsession.

She now understands the importance of treasuring the people currently in her life. When Sangnan asks if she means Yunfeng, she confirms. Accepting her decision, Sangnan departs, wishing her happiness. After a few days with her family, Lin Mo returns to Peach Blossom Cottage with Jiu Chen. Meanwhile, Chengyan, now free, secretly journeys to the mortal world to see Lingxi. He finds Lin Mo assisting a vendor, but she doesn't recognize him at all.

Startled when he calls her "Lingxi" and uses magic, she warns the "crooked" stranger that she knows someone more powerful, Jiu Chen. Heartbroken, Chengyan apologizes for breaking his promise to his sister not to visit and leaves. He returns to the Peach Forest and recounts to Qingyao how his Senior Sister has completely changed, with no memory of him.

Qingyao explains that trials are an inescapable part of their destiny and they must simply wait patiently for her safe return, sternly warning him not to disturb Lin Mo again. Back at the cottage, Lin Mo asks Jiu Chen if he knows a "Lingxi," recounting her encounter with the strange man. Jiu Chen vaguely dismisses Lingxi as an old friend. Later, while tidying Jiu Chen's bed, Lin Mo discovers an Immortal Knot.

Jiu Chen swiftly retrieves it, claiming it was a gift. Lin Mo begins to piece together Chengyan calling her Lingxi and Jiu Chen's earlier confession of liking her long before they met, and she grows suspicious. One day, as they play chess, Siming arrives. While Lin Mo makes tea, Siming discreetly informs Jiu Chen he must leave soon, as Lingxi's next trial is approaching.

Jiu Chen presses for details, but Siming refuses, explaining that revealing Heaven's will would jeopardize Lingxi's ability to pass the trial and ruin the chance Jiu Chen sacrificed so much to create. After Siming's swift departure, Jiu Chen invites Lin Mo for a walk by the sea. He advises her to never give up, no matter the future challenges, and speaks solemnly of cherishing love, family, and duty. Lin Mo finds his words perplexing but, trusting his promise to always be by her side, embraces him. Jiu Chen holds her, consumed by complex emotions.

Episode 46 Recap

Jiuchen carried Lin Mo home after a walk by the sea. Sensing something amiss, Lin Mo repeatedly sought reassurance from Jiuchen, asking if he would stay by her side forever and if he was not lying. After he confirmed this, she felt relieved. As Lin Mo slept, Jiuchen softly whispered, "Ling Xi, I will wait for you," before gently kissing her forehead and departing.

Meanwhile, Jing Xiu administered a life-extending pill to Princess Baoqing and then expended his own energy to stabilize her condition. After ensuring she was stable, he instructed Heichi to take good care of her. Despite Heichi's concern about Jing Xiu's depleted energy, Jing Xiu insisted he could not delay any longer and departed to find Ling Xi. The next morning, Lin Mo awoke to find Jiuchen gone. She was visibly sad and distraught.

Upon returning home from work, Jiuchen still hadn't appeared, leaving only Xiao Bai for company. Lin Mo had grown accustomed to Jiuchen's presence, habitually setting a place for him at the dinner table and even calling out to him as if he were there. As days passed, her condition worsened, and Doctor Sun advised her to take a few days off to rest.

Meanwhile, Jiuchen, watching her from the Siming Hall through a mystical artifact, was assured by Siming that Ling Xi's return would resolve everything. Despite Siming's advice to rest, Jiuchen remained fixated on Lin Mo. Sensing her growing despair, Lin Mo eventually decided to seek Jiuchen in Taiping Prefecture. She prepared food for Xiao Bai, instructing it to stay home, then left with a small bag.

However, her inquiries along the way yielded no results, as no one seemed to know of a place called Taiping Prefecture, only Taiping Town or Village. Caught in heavy rain, Lin Mo sought refuge at an official guesthouse, which typically did not accommodate commoners. After much pleading, the uncle who managed the guesthouse reluctantly allowed her to temporarily shelter in a storage cabin. Exhausted, Lin Mo soon drifted off to sleep in a corner.

Suddenly, the room lit up with candlelight, and Jiuchen materialized. Startled, Lin Mo awoke and discovered him. Seeing him turn as if to leave again, she confronted him, asking why he had left without a word and why he had returned only to depart again. As she spoke, her initial joy turned into tears.

Jiuchen remained silent, and Lin Mo, tearfully concluding that he loved Ling Xi, who looked just like her, and that his presence by her side had always been for Ling Xi's sake. She questioned whether his time with her had held any sincerity and if his vows were mere lies. Unable to answer, Jiuchen could only pull her into a tight embrace and repeatedly apologize.

Jiuchen then arranged for Lin Mo to stay in a guest room at the guesthouse, promising to return shortly after getting her something to eat. However, as he descended, Siming materialized. Jiuchen reiterated his intention not to interfere with Lin Mo's mortal trial, but Siming expressed doubt, urging Jiuchen to be ruthless, lest his years of suffering be wasted. Jiuchen then pressed Siming for information on how many days Lin Mo had left.

Siming revealed that Lin Mo's birthday was fast approaching, coinciding with the Shanling Tribe's Blood Moon Festival. He explained that the Shanling Tribe were fierce warriors who revered the moon and loved conflict, with the Blood Moon serving as their totem. Given that Ling Xi was a descendant of the Phoenix Tribe, successfully passing her trial on that significant day would greatly aid her cultivation. Siming also mentioned that Lin Mo would fall ill and die on that day.

Jiuchen inquired if Lin Mo would endure severe pain, confirming this was indeed a death trial. Siming elaborated, stating that the life trial involved severing ties with one's biological parents, while the death trial meant cutting off the chance of survival. He explained that a lifetime's worth of illness and pain would strike Lin Mo simultaneously, leading to the loss of her five senses and accelerated aging.

When Jiuchen pressed about a potential final trial, Siming became evasive, simply reiterating that Ling Xi must face all trials alone and that Jiuchen must not interfere for everything to proceed as planned. Suddenly, Lin Mo cried out in pain from her room. Jiuchen rushed in to find her on the floor, groaning. He instinctively reached out to use his powers to alleviate her suffering but stopped himself, remembering Siming's warning.

He instead comforted Lin Mo, telling her she was merely sick from her travels. Though Lin Mo suspected there was more to it, she requested Jiuchen take her back to the Peach Blossom Abode instead of returning to her parents' Lin Family Manor, as she didn't want them to worry while she was unwell. Jiuchen agreed, and they departed for the Peach Blossom Abode.

Back at the Peach Blossom Abode, Lin Mo's volatile emotions and qi fluctuations made her heart's demon difficult to suppress. This instability allowed the Demon Lord to pinpoint her location. Meanwhile, Yuan Tong, who was stationed at Dark Capital Mountain Pass and had been taking Awakening Pills to ward off demonic aura, suddenly vomited blood. She observed that despite her precautions, she was still consistently afflicted by demonic energy, leading her to suspect the very pills she was consuming.

At the Peach Blossom Abode, Jiuchen meticulously cared for Lin Mo, preparing meals and congee, but she had no appetite. He offered to go to town to buy her favorite foods and suggested he also fetch Doctor Sun to examine her. Lin Mo agreed, urging him to return quickly. After Jiuchen left, Lin Mo rose from her bed and was horrified to discover that her appearance had aged significantly.

She rushed to the kitchen and desperately put salt, sugar, and other seasonings into her mouth, only to realize she could no longer taste anything. Overcome with despair, she broke down in tears. When Jiuchen returned, he was heartbroken to witness her distress. Doctor Sun, summoned to examine her, could not determine the cause of her rapid deterioration, promising only to consult his medical texts. Jiuchen could only try to comfort Lin Mo, assuring her she would recover.

Lin Mo, restless from the demonic aura's influence, was startled awake from a fitful sleep. Suddenly, Jing Xiu appeared, determined to take her away. When she resisted, he confronted her, asking if she intended to simply wait for death, a question that shocked her into following him downstairs. In the courtyard, Jiuchen intercepted them. Jing Xiu immediately challenged Jiuchen, questioning whether he was truly trying to save A'Mo or merely save Ling Xi.

Lin Mo listened, utterly bewildered by the exchange. Unwilling to hear Jiuchen's explanation, Jing Xiu lunged forward, initiating a fierce battle. Though both fought with full force, Jing Xiu was no match for Jiuchen and was quickly wounded and brought to the ground. Lin Mo intervened, stopping Jiuchen. She desperately demanded to know why Brother Xiu had said she was dying and what any of this had to do with Ling Xi.

Jiuchen urged her to trust him, assuring her that she just needed to endure, and everything would pass. Jing Xiu, however, interjected, bluntly stating that if A'Mo died, Ling Xi would return, implying this was Jiuchen's true objective for staying. Overwhelmed by this revelation, Lin Mo coughed up a mouthful of blood. She pleaded with Jiuchen for confirmation, and he could only reiterate that it was merely a "process" she needed to endure, after which she would understand everything.

Jing Xiu tenderly supported Lin Mo and declared to Jiuchen that he knew only A'Mo, not Ling Xi, and would take her away, warning Jiuchen not to interfere. Jiuchen, unable to offer a full explanation, firmly stated that no one would take Lin Mo from him. At that moment, Zhonghao suddenly appeared, mocking Jiuchen for defying Heavenly Laws for Ling Xi and expressing his delight at finding Jing Xiu again.

He then attempted to seize Lin Mo, initiating a confrontation with Jiuchen. As Jiuchen battled Zhonghao, Jing Xiu seized the opportunity to escape with Lin Mo. Although Zhonghao was wounded by Jiuchen, Jiuchen himself was significantly weakened from fighting both of them. Zhonghao then pursued Jing Xiu and Lin Mo. Soon after, Siming arrived to find Jiuchen on the verge of collapse.

Mustering his last ounce of strength, Jiuchen repeatedly urged Siming to find Yunfeng and locate Lin Mo, emphasizing that only four days remained. Before he could finish his desperate plea, Jiuchen collapsed to the ground. Lin Mo's physical state rapidly deteriorated. After Jing Xiu brought her to a safe location, she suddenly cried out that she had lost her sight. Desperately, she asked Jing Xiu if she was dying.

Overcome with grief and rage, Jing Xiu screamed at the heavens, accusing them of taking everything from him and now attempting to strip away his only love, vowing he would never allow them to succeed. He then extracted his life bead, transferring it into Lin Mo's body, solemnly vowing that from that moment on, they would share a single life.

He declared that across the Nine Heavens and Ten Earths, and between the dark and light realms, among all gods and demons, no one would be able to harm her as long as he did not permit it. Moments later, Lin Mo's sight was restored. Jing Xiu, tears streaming down his face, held her in a tight embrace.

Episode 47 Recap

After escaping gravely injured, Zhonghao returned to Dark Capital Mountain, where the Demon Lord healed him with demonic energy. Qin Yuan, watching nearby, realized his foster father's power originated from the Demon Lord. Zhonghao then explained to the Demon Lord that he had failed to capture the mortal Lingxi because of Jiuchen's interference, begging for one more chance.

He promised that in three days, on the blood moon night, he would not only capture Lingxi but also open the Spirit-Binding Abyss to welcome the Demon Tribe's army and the Demon Lord himself back into the world. The Demon Lord, though displeased, warned Zhonghao that his life was already forfeit, and if the Demon Lord could not return, Zhonghao would be forced to remain in the demonic realm with him forever.

Zhonghao ordered Qin Yuan to capture Lingxi, but Qin Yuan urged his father to reconsider. He argued that their vengeance was complete, as the Shanling Tribe was now under their control. Releasing the Demon Lord would devastate all living creatures and turn the Six Realms into scorched earth, making any reign meaningless. Zhonghao, however, dismissed the fate of the Six Realms, regretting only that he hadn't become a demon sooner.

He asserted that the Heavenly Palace had exiled them and the Shanling Tribe had harmed them. He told Qin Yuan that as his only remaining loved one, if he followed him sincerely, the entire world would eventually be his, but if he harbored any disloyalty, Zhonghao would show no mercy. Meanwhile, the surging demonic aura from Dark Capital Mountain caused Yuan Tong to cough up blood. Duyu visited her and, noticing her unstable breathing, offered a Constitution-Aiding Pill.

Suspecting her pills were compromised, Yuan Tong refused it but allowed him to help regulate her energy. Duyu cautioned her against training with her secret technique in the demon-infested area. Soon after, her subordinate Shenjiang reported the surge of demonic aura. Yuan Tong immediately resolved to lead a troop to investigate. Duyu tried to dissuade her, but she insisted, giving her own personal, higher-quality Constitution-Aiding Pills to her men for what she claimed would be better protection.

Far away, Yunfeng, having confirmed his affection for Qingyao, stayed by her side. He playfully tried to get her to drink with him, promised to make her the mistress of his Flying Curtain Hall, and carried her when she dozed off. This peaceful interlude was shattered when Siming urgently arrived, informing Yunfeng of Jiuchen's grave injuries. Yunfeng rushed back to Fuyun Hall to help Jiuchen heal.

Jiuchen awakened and immediately tried to leave to find Lingxi, who Jing Xiu had taken. As Yunfeng and Siming tried to stop him, the Heavenly Supreme Lord appeared. He sternly reprimanded Jiuchen for repeatedly risking his life for Lingxi, declaring that if she could not pass her mortal trials and dissipate her demonic aura before her nineteenth birthday in three days, it was her destiny to fail.

Jiuchen pleaded that their efforts would be in vain if her primordial energy, being nourished in the Farmer God's Cauldron, wasn't allowed to develop. The Heavenly Supreme Lord threatened to personally destroy the Cauldron if she failed, effectively killing her. He then ordered Siming to confine Jiuchen to the Heavenly Palace and instructed Yunfeng to proceed to Dark Capital Mountain and guard its gates, ensuring Lingxi did not approach the Demon Lord.

Yuan Tong led her Heavenly Soldiers into Dark Capital Mountain. As the demonic aura intensified, Shenjiang activated the Reflecting Light Mirror as protocol required and urged a retreat. Instead, Yuan Tong made a dramatic, ominous apology to her soldiers for their loyalty and for having to follow her fallen clan. After confirming they had all taken the pills she had provided, she ruthlessly ordered them to continue forward, threatening execution for disobedience. As they proceeded, the demonic aura became overwhelming.

The Heavenly Soldiers, having ingested the faulty Constitution-Aiding Pills, succumbed to the demonic influence, losing their minds and turning on each other. Yuan Tong drew her sword and struck down her own demonized men. When Yunfeng arrived, he found the ground littered with bodies and an exhausted Yuan Tong fighting the last of the demonized soldiers. Feigning distress, Yuan Tong claimed all her soldiers had been bewitched.

Shocked, Yunfeng ordered her to report to the Heavenly Emperor for an investigation and request reinforcements. From the shadows, Zhonghao and Qin Yuan observed the scene. Zhonghao mockingly remarked on the Heavenly Race's so-called "righteousness," leaving Qin Yuan in silent contemplation. Meanwhile, Jing Xiu brought Lin Mo to an inn.

His subordinate, Chibi, questioned why Jing Xiu used his own life bead to extend Lin Mo's life—condemning himself to endure her pain and illness—instead of directly helping her pass her trial. Jing Xiu watched the restless Lin Mo sleep, murmuring that as long as she understood him, no one else mattered. He vowed to always protect her, even as he worried if he could keep his promise once the Spirit-Binding Abyss was opened.

Upon her return to the Heavenly Palace, Yuan Tong accused Qingyao before the Heavenly Emperor, claiming she provided ineffective pills that led to her subordinates' deaths. Yunfeng challenged her, asking why she wasn't demonized. Yuan Tong lied, asserting she had given her higher-grade pills to her men while taking their lesser-grade ones herself. Immortal Lord Puhua examined the pills Yuan Tong presented and confirmed they were problematic. Yuan Tong condemned Qingyao for using her medical skills for a personal vendetta.

The God of Heavenly Thunder demanded severe punishment. Just then, Jiuchen arrived and questioned Yuan Tong's decision to enter Dark Capital Mountain without authorization and her failure to use the Reflecting Light Mirror. Yuan Tong claimed she was trying to redeem herself and that the situation was too urgent for protocol. The Heavenly Emperor then cornered her, asking why she took her men's pills when she still had her own. Faltering, Yuan Tong claimed she was saving them.

The God of Heavenly Thunder accused Jiuchen of defending Qingyao out of personal feelings. To end the argument, Qingyao stepped forward and confessed, accepting responsibility for the faulty pills and the soldiers' deaths. Despite Jiuchen's and Yunfeng's pleas, the Heavenly Emperor ordered Qingyao to be detained at Purple Cloud Platform pending a full investigation. Yunfeng followed Qingyao to the Purple Cloud Platform, distraught. Jiuchen, sensing foul play but acknowledging Qingyao's culpability, realized she faced the destruction of her deity status.

Determined to find the truth, he decided to go to Dark Capital Mountain to search for the Reflecting Light Mirror. At the platform, Qingyao was resigned to her fate, telling a desperate Yunfeng that Yuan Tong had outsmarted her. Refusing to give up, Yunfeng vowed to seek help from Jiuchen, certain his senior brother could save her.

Episode 48 Recap

Jiuchen arrived at Dark Capital Mountain to search for evidence, but Yuantong had already destroyed the Reflecting Light Mirror. She mockingly showed him the broken mirror, explaining that the Water Moon Cauldron, the only item capable of repairing it, recognized Lingxi as its master and was thus useless to anyone else. Yuantong then cruelly reminded Jiuchen that he himself had killed Lingxi before carelessly tossing the broken mirror to the ground.

Obsessed with Jiuchen, Yuantong expressed her bewilderment, stating that in the past, she would have risked her life to fulfill his every desire, but now he sought her life. She questioned why he would betray her sincerity when everything she did was to get closer to him. Unmoved, Jiuchen asked if she was responsible for the deaths of the soldiers. Yuantong retorted that he wouldn't believe her even if she denied it.

She defended herself by stating that she was ordered to guard the demonically infested Dark Capital Mountain, yet Qingyao had provided her with a defective Constitution-Aiding Pill. She accused Jiuchen of never having cared for her safety, lamenting that while Lingxi had destroyed her family's honor, she had also captured Jiuchen's heart, leaving no place for her.

As Yuantong continued, Jiuchen grew angry, asking if she thought her words could absolve her or if she believed he couldn't punish her without evidence. Knowing he wouldn't act without proof, Yuantong taunted him, saying that if the Yuan disciples were to die by his hand, it would be a worthy end, just as her brother, Yuanzheng, had died by Jiuchen’s hand in that very place. With that, she turned and left.

Yunfeng arrived at Dark Capital Mountain, full of hope, only to find the Reflecting Light Mirror destroyed. Jiuchen comforted him, assuring him that the truth would come out once Lingxi returned. However, he warned Yunfeng that Qingyao could not be entirely absolved, as her use of her position for personal revenge had led to the deaths of innocent soldiers—a grave crime. After careful consideration, Yunfeng made a resolute decision.

He sought an audience with the Heavenly Emperor and falsely confessed that he had known about Qingyao giving Yuantong the defective pill but had failed to stop her. He implored the Heavenly Emperor to spare Qingyao's life, citing her eons of service healing the sick and saving countless lives. The Heavenly Emperor questioned Yunfeng, asking if he understood the profound consequences of his confession.

He reminded Yunfeng of his exceptional talent and promising future as a High God, stating that such a confession would undo his tens of thousands of years of cultivation and erase all his achievements. Despite the warning, Yunfeng remained steadfast. Granting his wish, the Heavenly Emperor decreed that Qingyao would receive two hundred strokes of the immortal whip, lose half her cultivation, and be banished to Peach Forest.

Yunfeng, for his supposed indulgence, was sentenced to one thousand years of unpardonable lightning punishment at Self-Reflection Cliff. Upon waking, Lin Mo questioned Jing Xiu about Jiuchen's true identity, her connection to Lingxi, and why it was said that Lingxi would return only if she died. Determined to thwart Jiuchen's plans, Jing Xiu revealed the truth. He explained that Jiuchen was the esteemed God of War and Lingxi was an immortal from the Peach Forest.

He recounted how Lingxi was framed, leading the Heavenly Race to believe she would unleash the Demon Lord, and consequently, Jiuchen personally killed her on the Purple Cloud Platform to fulfill his duty. Jing Xiu then revealed that Lin Mo was Lingxi's mortal trial. After Lingxi’s death, Jiuchen preserved her spirit and used a portion of it to create Lin Mo, sending her to the mortal realm. Only by enduring her trials and ultimately dying could Lingxi be reborn.

Tears welled in Lin Mo’s eyes as she asked if her entire life had been meticulously arranged. Jing Xiu gently nodded. Lin Mo realized that Jiuchen’s presence in her life was merely to await her demise. Witnessing her distress, Jing Xiu reassured her. He admitted to knowing Lingxi but denied any romantic feelings, emphasizing that it was Lin Mo who was special to him, as she had saved him in his time of need.

He declared that he only recognized Lin Mo, regardless of whether she was a god or a demon, and vowed to protect her and keep her alive. After enduring her punishment, Qingyao was told by Tianlei Zhenjun that she was free to go. He explained the Heavenly Emperor's full decree, which considered her emotional state following Le Bo’s death as a mitigating factor. Concerned only for Yunfeng, she asked for his whereabouts.

Tianlei Zhenjun informed her that Yunfeng was at Self-Reflection Cliff and handed her the damaged Reflecting Light Mirror, a token from Yunfeng. Qingyao rushed to the cliff, arriving just as Puhua Zhenjun was enacting the stone-sealing punishment on Yunfeng, turning him into a stone statue. Overwhelmed with grief, she cried out, questioning why he had taken the blame for her, and embraced the hardening statue, sobbing.

Jiuchen and Siming arrived, but they were helpless, as the Heavenly Emperor’s decree was irreversible. As the Blood Moon neared, Qin Yuan grew uneasy. Recalling the teachings of his master, the Old Man of South Pole Immortal Continent, he made a decision. He incapacitated the guards and freed Ling Yue from her magical seals, urgently informing her that Zhonghao intended to use her phoenix blood to open the Spirit-Binding Abyss and unleash the Demon Army.

Ling Yue, initially suspicious, was convinced when Qin Yuan revealed he was also a disciple of the South Pole Immortal and did not wish to see the Six Realms suffer. As demon soldiers approached, Qin Yuan held them back, allowing Ling Yue to flee. However, weakened from her long imprisonment, she was soon cornered by Heichi. To prevent Zhonghao from obtaining her phoenix blood, she threw herself into the Spirit-Binding Abyss.

When Zhonghao learned of this, Heichi grew worried, but Zhonghao revealed that an item of great evil, like Yuanzheng’s Heart-Assembling Nail, could serve the same purpose. The nail, having absorbed demonic energy for fifty thousand years, was now a great evil weapon but was secured in the Yuan Clan’s ancestral altar. Upon receiving news about the Heart-Assembling Nail, Jing Xiu penned a letter and had a divine sparrow deliver it to Huayan in the Heavenly Palace.

In the letter, he posed as her teacher, requesting that she retrieve the Heart-Assembling Nail from the Yuan Clan’s ancestral altar for a matter of great importance. Qingyao knelt outside the Heavenly Palace, hoping for an audience with the Heavenly Emperor. Lord Baishanxian persuaded her to accept reality, reminding her that Yunfeng’s sacrifice would be in vain if she continued to torment herself. He stressed that a thousand years, though long, would eventually pass, and they would be reunited.

Realizing the weight of Yunfeng's sacrifice, Qingyao returned to Self-Reflection Cliff and sat beside his stone statue. She began to recount a story he had once told her in the Peach Forest: of a brave mortal general who fell in love with and abducted an enemy female doctor, eventually winning her heart. Qingyao vowed to wait for him, whether for a thousand or ten thousand years, declaring that nothing would separate them again.

After plummeting into the Spirit-Binding Abyss, Ling Yue was rescued by her father, Yuandu. Their reunion was fraught with conflicted emotions; he had shown her love but had also killed her husband and destroyed her family. Enraged by her defiant attitude, Yuandu attempted to destroy her immortal bones. However, as he moved to strike, a powerful demonic aura erupted from within her, repelling his attack and knocking him to the ground.

Ling Yue watched her father fall, her heart in turmoil. Duyu, having heard about the Heavenly Generals turning demonic, confronted Yuantong in the Yuan Clan’s ancestral hall. Yuantong coolly blamed the incident on Qingyao’s defective pills. Duyu saw through her lies, recalling her past deceptions and horrified that she could heartlessly kill Shenjiang and other subordinates who had served her faithfully for fifty thousand years. Yuantong was unrepentant, arguing their deaths were a worthy sacrifice to aid her.

Duyu looked at the cruel woman before him, finding her unrecognizable. Yuantong bitterly claimed that she was forced down this path from the moment Duyu prevented her from revealing the truth at Fuyun Hall, declaring that they were no longer on the same path. Ling Yue questioned Yuandu about the demonic aura. He grimly explained that the Spirit-Binding Abyss was a place of imprisonment, the closest location to the Demon Tribe's gates, where anyone who lingered would eventually lose their mind.

Episode 49 Recap

In the Spirit-Binding Abyss, Yuandu explained to his daughter, Ling Yue, that the place was a prison with a demonic aura so potent it would eventually drive anyone insane. He was relieved she had arrived before he completely lost his mind and no longer recognized her. Ling Yue revealed that Zhonghao had seized control of the Shanling Tribe and intended to use her blood to open the gates to the Demon Realm, which is why she jumped into the abyss.

Yuandu scolded her for her selflessness, but Ling Yue retorted that his own cruelty and selfishness made him no different from a demon, even when he was lucid. That night, a masked Huayan infiltrated the Yuan Clan's ancestral temple and stole the Heart-Assembling Nail from the altar. As she departed, Yuan Tong discovered the theft and gave chase.

After a guard at the South Gate of Heaven confirmed an immortal maid had just left, Yuan Tong led Heavenly Soldiers in pursuit, reporting the infiltration to the Heavenly Emperor. Meanwhile, Siming reminded Jiuchen that only one day remained until Lin Mo's nineteenth birthday, the day her mortal trial would conclude.

Although Siming had foreseen her death, Jiuchen sensed Ling Xi's primordial spirit was stable within the Farmer God's Cauldron, concluding Jing Xiu must have found a way to keep her alive. Jiuchen knew that if Lin Mo survived her birthday, the trial would fail, and Ling Xi could never return. If Lin Mo lived out her natural life, the demonic energy within her would eventually return to the Demon Lord, unleashing chaos upon the realms.

Siming warned that Jiuchen's own Fire Essence was fading and he would perish if he did not retrieve his Nuwa Stone Heart. Ignoring the warning, Jiuchen rushed to the mortal realm. On her birthday, Jing Xiu cooked a bowl of longevity noodles for Lin Mo. After a taste, she teased that they were too salty, and when he tried them, he agreed.

Lin Mo then revealed that she knew the truth: she was supposed to have died, but he had saved her by giving her his life bead. This bead transferred her injuries and pain to him, which was why he had lost his sense of taste. Jing Xiu reassured her that as a member of the Heavenly Race, he would find a solution.

He confessed that for most of his life, his only purpose was to avenge his family, who had been murdered by a cruel man. Meeting her had given him new hope, and he only wanted her to live happily. He warned her that to the God of War, she was merely a "nightmare" of temporarily losing Ling Xi, but to him, she was everything. He made her promise to never give up on herself.

Following Jing Xiu's plan, Huayan left the Heart-Assembling Nail in a hidden spot at an inn. Chibi retrieved it and delivered it to Heichi. With the nail secured, Jing Xiu cast a protective barrier over Lin Mo's room and departed for the Shanling Tribe to eliminate Yuandu.

He explained to Chibi that Zhonghao's lack of security was not bravery but indifference; Zhonghao believed that once the Demon Tribe's army invaded, no one could stop him, unaware that his trusted subordinate, Heichi, was secretly working for Jing Xiu. As the blood moon rose, Zhonghao used the Heart-Assembling Nail to open the seal on the Spirit-Binding Abyss. He found Ling Yue waiting for him inside.

Gloating, he attacked her, but her severe injuries left her no match for him, and she was quickly defeated. Just as Zhonghao prepared to fully open the demon gates, Yuandu appeared. The two fought to a standstill, both suffering heavy injuries. At that moment, Jing Xiu arrived. Enraged at the sight of Jing Xiu, Zhonghao charged, seeking vengeance for his fallen tribesmen.

However, weakened from his fight with Yuandu and caught off guard by Heichi's sudden betrayal from behind, Zhonghao was killed instantly. Jing Xiu then turned his attention to his true target: Yuandu. Ling Yue tried to intervene but was restrained by Chibi. Yuandu was now no match for Jing Xiu, who, fueled by decades of hatred, mercilessly cut him down. Witnessing her father's death, Ling Yue was overcome with grief and rage, and Chibi knocked her unconscious.

Heichi suggested killing her to prevent future retribution, but Jing Xiu couldn't bring himself to do it, declaring their debts settled. Sounds from above signaled Jiuchen's arrival. Jing Xiu and Heichi quickly departed, leaving Chibi to handle the situation. Chibi told Jiuchen that Zhonghao, who had kidnapped Ling Yue and attempted to unleash the Demon Tribe, had been executed by Jing Xiu to protect the Shanling Tribe.

Jiuchen sent a message back with Chibi for Jing Xiu: "Everyone has their own inner demon. Good and evil are often separated by a single thought. Do not walk the wrong path." Elsewhere, Xiao Bai tracked Lin Mo's scent to her room but was blocked by Jing Xiu's barrier. Lin Mo heard its cries and opened the door. Just then, Yuan Tong, who had followed the scent of a divine beast, arrived.

Consumed by jealousy, she tossed Xiao Bai aside and furiously demanded to know what spell Lin Mo had cast on Jiuchen to make him risk so much for her. Seeing its master threatened, Xiao Bai transformed into its true, massive form, knocking Yuan Tong away and escaping with Lin Mo on its back. Jiuchen brought the unconscious Ling Yue back to Tianxi Palace before setting out to find Lin Mo.

At the same time, the Heavenly Thunder God arrived with his troops, dispatching some to Tianxi Palace while leading the rest toward Youdu Mountain. As Xiao Bai flew over the mountain, Yuan Tong struck them from the sky. They crashed directly in front of the black lotus at the heart of the mountain. Yuan Tong caught up and viciously attacked Xiao Bai. Lin Mo knelt and tearfully begged her to stop.

As Yuan Tong prepared to kill Lin Mo, the Demon Lord intervened, blasting Yuan Tong aside just as the Heavenly Thunder God's forces arrived. Yuan Tong immediately lied, claiming Ling Xi (Lin Mo) was trying to free the Demon Lord and that she had been unable to harm her. She then struck the defenseless Lin Mo twice. The Demon Lord sensed the critical moment and urged Lin Mo to come to his side.

Realizing the Demon Lord was about to break free, the Heavenly Thunder God ordered his men to intervene. Jiuchen then arrived, striking Yuan Tong away as she moved to attack Lin Mo again. The Heavenly Thunder God confronted him, demanding to know why Ling Xi was still alive and accusing him of jeopardizing the realms for one person. Heartbroken, Lin Mo believed Jiuchen had also come to kill her so Ling Xi could return.

Suppressing his own pain, Jiuchen revealed the truth: "You are Lingxi." As the Demon Lord called out again, "They all want you dead! Come to me!" , Jiuchen urgently asked Lin Mo what Jing Xiu had given her to keep her alive, demanding she hand it over. The words crushed Lin Mo, confirming Jing Xiu's warning: to Jiuchen, she was just a nightmare, and he truly wanted her to die.

Episode 50 Recap

Jiuchen desperately urged Lin Mo to give him Jing Xiu's life pearl, telling her that it was the only way to save her in time. He reminded her that she was Lingxi, and her family and friends were waiting in the Heavenly Palace for her. Lin Mo questioned if he too was waiting for Lingxi, to which he affirmed he had always been waiting for "you." However, Lin Mo understood he meant Lingxi, not her.

She firmly stated her identity: she was Lin Mo from Pengshan Prefecture, with a father, mother, grandmother, and younger sister. She emphasized that she was nineteen years old and remembered every single moment of her life, questioning how it could all be fake. Heartbroken, Lin Mo asked Jiuchen if he had ever truly loved her, or if Lingxi had always been the only one in his heart.

With her will to live gone, she accepted her fate and chose to fulfill his wish. She coughed up Jing Xiu's life pearl and, as she handed it over, made him promise to remember that the mortal girl at Peach Blossom Lodge who cooked and sewed for him, and wished to marry him, was named Lin Mo. With her final words, Lin Mo passed away, vanishing into thin air in Jiuchen's arms.

At that moment, Jing Xiu, who was struggling to reach her, collapsed and fell unconscious. The Demon Lord, who had been suppressed by Ziguang and Fangsheng, lost his source of power with Lin Mo's death and was finally vanquished, dissipating into ash. In his final burst of power, he knocked out the surrounding divine generals, and a wisp of demonic aura entered Yuan Tong's body. Jiuchen, oblivious to the chaos, held Lin Mo tightly as she faded away.

Concurrently, in the Polar Abyss, the Farmer God's Cauldron erupted with a brilliant golden light. A fiery phoenix soared out, circled once, and transformed into Lingxi. Upon her landing, the Heavenly Lasting Mythical Sand, which had been stored in Fuyun Hall, automatically flew to her and reformed around her wrist. Lingxi had not only successfully completed her mortal trial but had also, through this profound experience, ascended to the status of a High God.

The divine attendants at the gate bowed respectfully, congratulating her on her rebirth. Lingxi gave a faint smile, explaining that she had been away from home for a long time and missed it, then transformed back into her phoenix form and soared away from the Polar Abyss. Jiuchen was brought back to Fuyun Hall, his Fire Essence completely depleted. Just as Shisan, Kaiyang, and Hanzhang worried about his failing condition, the Heavenly Supreme Lord arrived with Siming.

Having retrieved the Nuwa Stone Heart from the Demon Tower, the Heavenly Supreme Lord carefully reintegrated it into Jiuchen's body. Meanwhile, in the Peach Forest, Hualiao was picking mushrooms to cheer up a despondent Qingyao. Chengyan found this amusing, as Hualiao always assumed what made her happy would work for everyone. As he watched her, Chengyan briefly saw a streak of light in the sky, but it vanished so quickly he dismissed it as his imagination.

The light was Lingxi, who had returned to the Peach Forest. Her first act was to offer incense before the memorial tablet of her father, Le Bo. Chengyan was stunned to see her, only believing it was truly her when she called him "stinky fox" as she always had.

He then recounted the events that had transpired, explaining how Yunfeng took the blame to save Qingyao and was now sealed on Self-Realization Cliff, enduring a thousand years of petrification and lightning strikes. Learning this, Lingxi immediately went to find her sister. Qingyao and Lingxi embraced tightly, overcome with emotion. Later, Qingyao, noticing Lingxi hadn't gone to see Jiuchen, thought she still blamed him.

She recounted all the sacrifices he had made, admitting that even she, as Lingxi's sister, could not have done as much. Lingxi explained that she held no resentment, understanding the debt she owed him, but she still had an emotional hurdle she couldn't overcome. Fueled by her newfound power and a desire for justice, she declared her intention to seek vengeance for the wrongs done to her family. Upon waking, Jiuchen found his Nuwa Stone Heart restored.

He immediately went to Heavenly Lord Mountain and knelt before his master, apologizing for his willfulness and causing his master to be injured retrieving the Stone Heart. The Heavenly Supreme Lord, upon learning Lingxi had not yet visited Fuyun Hall, expressed his displeasure at her perceived ingratitude and advised Jiuchen not to seek her out. Jiuchen quietly agreed.

In the Heavenly Palace, Tianlei Zhenjun vehemently accused Jiuchen before the Heavenly Emperor, charging him with dereliction of duty, abuse of power, and endangering the Six Realms for personal reasons. The Heavenly Emperor, who was secretly aware of the situation, feigned ignorance and patiently listened. Tianlei detailed how Jiuchen faked Lingxi's execution and allowed her to go to Dark Capital Mountain, nearly causing the Demon Lord's return.

He reported that the Demon Lord only vanished when the "minor immortal" died, but insisted Jiuchen's deception warranted severe punishment. As Tianlei spoke, a guard announced that a fairy named Lingxi from the Peach Forest sought an audience. Her arrival stunned the court. Lingxi bowed before the Heavenly Emperor, who welcomed her kindly, stating that her survival was a fortunate turn of fate. Unsatisfied, Tianlei accused her of colluding with Jiuchen to defy Heavenly Law.

Lingxi calmly asked which law she had broken. When Tianlei cited faking her death and possessing demonic aura, she countered eloquently, pointing out that even the smallest creatures fight to survive. She argued that she was born with the aura but never harmed anyone, and only sought help to live. She then challenged him directly: "Is it a crime to want to live? Is it a crime for the God of War to have pitied my innocence and helped me?"

Left speechless, Tianlei could only mutter that she was clever with words. The Heavenly Emperor then intervened, admitting he was aware of the plan. He explained that while Tianlei's caution was his duty, he and Jiuchen had chosen to give her a chance. He then revealed that Lingxi had been blessed by her ordeal, not only cleansing her demonic aura but also passing three trials to become a High God. This news shocked Tianlei and the others.

The Heavenly Emperor declared that wanting to live was no crime, and since the demonic aura was gone, Lingxi was innocent. Furthermore, Jiuchen, for helping her and vanquishing the Demon Lord, had performed a meritorious deed and would be rewarded. With her own case settled, Lingxi announced she had another matter: to accuse Yuan Tong of three major crimes. First, she murdered the guards on the Purple Cloud Platform and framed Qingyao.

Second, she murdered Lingxi's father, the healer Le Bo. Tianlei interrupted, stating these were known and had been punished. Unfazed, Lingxi revealed the third crime: on Dark Capital Mountain, Yuan Tong murdered her own subordinates and then framed Qingyao and Yunfeng for it using the excuse of a faulty pill. Horrified, Yuan Tong denied it and accused Lingxi of slander.

Calling her out for her false bravado, Lingxi produced the Reflection Mirror, which she had repaired, and projected the scene of Yuan Tong murdering her own soldiers. Faced with irrefutable proof, Yuan Tong collapsed in terror. After leaving the main hall, Kaiyang and Hanzhang walked alongside Lingxi, chatting happily with her. Just then, Jiuchen, having been informed by Siming, appeared before them. With tears welling in her eyes, Lingxi walked towards him and softly uttered, "Senior Deity, I'm back."

Episode 51 Recap

Lingxi returned with Jiuchen to Fuyun Hall. Jiuchen affectionately asked if her mortal trial had caused her pain, gently chiding her for being so silly. Outside the hall, Shisan, Hanzhang, and Siming waited. Shisan wondered what Jiuchen and Lingxi could be discussing for so long, prompting Hanzhang to playfully suggest Shisan go inside and find out. Siming quickly interjected, asking Hanzhang why he didn't go himself, to which Hanzhang swiftly replied that he still wished to live.

Nearby, Kaiyang confirmed to a fellow general that State Preceptor Jing Xiu of the Shanling Tribe had indeed given his life's true energy to Lingxi, leaving him severely injured and covered in blood. Huayan overheard and expressed deep concern for Jing Xiu, concluding he must have loved Lingxi immensely given his profound grief and unconsciousness after Lin Mo’s death. However, another aide dismissed this, warning that anyone daring to steal the God of War's woman would be seeking death.

In the Shanling Tribe, a subordinate brought a witch doctor for Jing Xiu, noting his severe wounds. The Spirit-Binding Abyss was closed, and most of Zhonghao's men had been captured. The subordinate, Chibi, reported that State Master Lingyue remained gravely wounded and unconscious in her chambers, awaiting Jing Xiu's instructions. Jing Xiu remained silent until Heichi spoke, reassuring him that the Demon Lord's demise meant Lin Mo had successfully passed her trial and was not dead.

Jing Xiu reacted sharply, demanding to know Lin Mo's whereabouts. Realizing she was not among them, he concluded she must be in the Heavenly Palace and angrily blamed Jiuchen for taking his A'Mo away. Heichi observed that Jing Xiu had resolved his "heart's knot," which was beneficial for him, but emphasized the critical importance of keeping Lingyue from awakening, as her recovery would place them in grave danger.

Later, a servant reported Lingyue had suffered greatly from the Soul Absorption Spell and subsequent injuries from Zhonghao, surviving only due to her Phoenix Tribe bloodline. Lingxi, though back in the Heavenly Palace, felt a growing distance from Jiuchen compared to their time in the mortal world. She was still grappling with her dual identity as Lingxi and Lin Mo, feeling weary and confused after undergoing three mortal trials and needing time to sort her thoughts.

She gently declined Jiuchen's offer of a precious jade marrow to consolidate her cultivation, saying she was tired. Recalling Jiuchen's own words that a person's perspective, perseverance, and responsibility are as important as love, Lingxi expressed regret for not being filial to Le Bo and a desire to spend time with her newly found mother, Lingyue, in the Shanling Realm.

She told Jiuchen that he had also suffered greatly because of her and needed to recuperate, then said goodbye and, transforming into a phoenix, flew away. Jiuchen watched her depart, unable to persuade her otherwise. At the Purple Cloud Platform, Puhua Zhenjun announced Yuan Tong's grave crimes of belittling Heavenly Laws, willfully committing violent acts, and killing comrades, for which she deserved execution.

However, in consideration of the Yuan Clan's long-standing contributions, she would be punished by having her immortal bones removed, her immortal status revoked, and being banished to the mortal world, never to return to the Heavenly Court. Puhua lamented the downfall of the once-wise Yuan Clan at her hands and advised her to live a good life in the mortal world, but Yuan Tong showed only deep-seated hatred.

In the Shanling Tribe, after recovering, Baoqing inquired about her mother Lingyue's condition, learning she was still unconscious and cared for by Grandmother Shi. She then asked about Jing Xiu, learning he was injured while pacifying the rebellion and had remained secluded. Outside Jing Xiu's residence, numerous ministers had gathered, agitated by Heichi's sudden promotion to head of Tianxi Palace's guarding duties despite his past misdeeds.

Chibi tried to deflect their demands to see Jing Xiu, but the ministers refused to leave. Inside, Heichi scoffed at the ministers' hypocrisy and expressed concern that Lingyue's awakening could jeopardize their position. He urged Jing Xiu to seize the opportunity, reminding him that Lin Mo, as the Shanling princess, would eventually return, and questioning if Jing Xiu intended to greet her in his current state.

Heichi’s words spurred Jing Xiu, who, in a powerful surge, broke through his cultivation and ascended to a High God. Outside, the ministers were stunned. Heichi immediately declared Jing Xiu's ascension, prompting the ministers to bow in submission. Jing Xiu then led them towards Lingyue’s chambers, telling Baoqing to wait behind. Grandmother Shi attempted to bar Jing Xiu and the ministers from Lingyue’s chambers, but a servant’s report interrupted them: Fairy Ling Xi from Peach Forest was requesting an audience.

Jing Xiu rushed out, his face lighting up as he saw Lingxi. He called her "A'Mo," overjoyed. Lingxi, however, maintained a deliberate distance, addressing him formally as "State Preceptor Jingxiu." Despite her formality, Jing Xiu was visibly pleased and publicly announced Lingxi as the true Princess of the Shanling Tribe. Chibi was the first to kneel, followed by the other ministers.

Lingxi then went to see her unconscious mother, blaming herself for Lingyue's injuries, but Jing Xiu reassured her that it was not her fault. After the ministers departed, Chibi reminded Jing Xiu that Lingyue, upon waking, would surely realize that Jing Xiu had allowed Zhonghao to occupy the Shanling Tribe and open the Spirit-Binding Abyss to avenge Yuandu, and she would undoubtedly seek retribution.

Jing Xiu, however, stated that since Lingxi had already lost her father, Le Bo, she should not also lose her mother. Therefore, Lingyue must not be killed but instead kept unconscious, and he summoned the witch doctor. Meanwhile, the Heavenly Emperor praised Jiuchen for vanquishing the Demon Lord and lauded Jing Xiu for stopping Zhonghao and resealing the Spirit-Binding Abyss. Despite the praise, Jiuchen remained wary of Jing Xiu's deep schemes and ordered Kaiyang to continue monitoring the Shanling Tribe.

Kaiyang reported that Jing Xiu was actively managing state affairs but also noted Heichi's controversial new role. Kaiyang expressed doubt about Jing Xiu's rapid ascension, but Jiuchen believed it was likely true and ordered continued vigilance. That night, Jing Xiu summoned the witch doctor and recounted a tale of a mortal scholar whose soul traveled beyond the world while in a deep sleep, eventually becoming an immortal.

He suggested that Lingyue’s unconscious state might be a similar "good fortune" and subtly threatened the witch doctor not to ruin her "profound opportunity." Jing Xiu then ordered the witch doctor to change Lingyue's prescription, forbidding strong medicines that would forcibly awaken her. Instead, he demanded the witch doctor help her peacefully sleep and slowly nourish her soul in her dreams. The intimidated witch doctor complied.

In her final days in the Heavenly Palace, Yuan Tong, still unrepentant, sought out Tianlei Zhenjun. She insisted the thief of the Heart Assembling Nail was a Demon Tribe spy within the Heavenly Palace. Tianlei patiently told her he was already investigating. Yuan Tong then argued that the Demon Lord could not have vanished so easily, insinuating a conspiracy involving Lingxi. Enraged by Yuan Tong’s baseless accusations, Tianlei Zhenjun sharply cut her off.

He admitted his disapproval of Jiuchen and Lingxi stemmed from his fear they might jeopardize critical affairs, not from selfish reasons. He condemned Yuan Tong for her relentless hatred, which led her to murder her own subordinates—acts he deemed no different from a demon. He declared that harboring evil thoughts constituted true demonic behavior and that the Heavenly Emperor had been too lenient.

Finally, he delivered a stern warning: if she dared to incite trouble in the mortal world, he would utterly destroy her soul and spirit. He then ordered Ziguang to escort her to the mortal realm immediately.

Episode 52 Recap

Siming approached Jiuchen in deep distress, pleading for help. He begged Jiuchen to either take him to the Shanling Tribe to see Lingxi or to the Self-Realization Cliff to see High God Yunfeng. He also implored Jiuchen to control Shisan, who had been relentlessly pursuing him. Siming explained that when Jiuchen was severely injured, he had emotionally hugged Shisan, who misinterpreted the gesture.

She had since written a marriage proposal and delivered it to Siming Hall, where she was now waiting, leaving Siming too afraid to return home. As they spoke, several Heavenly Soldiers escorted Yuantong past them. Jiuchen acknowledged the soldiers but walked by Yuantong without a glance. Yuantong watched his retreating figure with a heavy heart.

After exiting the South Gate of Heaven, she ignored Duyu who was waiting for her, cast a final, longing look back at the Heavenly Palace with tears in her eyes, and then departed. Lingxi remained by her mother Ling Yue's bedside. Seeing Lingxi's exhaustion, Grandmother Shi persuaded her to get some rest. Shortly after Lingxi returned to her room, Jing Xiu sent attendants with fine clothes and jewelry, also conveying his intention to build a proper palace chamber for her.

When they later met, Lingxi politely declined the offer, but Jing Xiu insisted, stating that as the Shanling Tribe's Princess, such treatment was her rightful due. Lingxi thanked him for protecting her with his life, acknowledging that while she was grateful, a simple "thank you" was insufficient. Jing Xiu dismissed the formality and, seeing her pain, promised to compensate her for all the suffering she had endured. Unbeknownst to them, their conversation was overheard by Baoqing.

Learning that Lingxi was Ling Yue's biological daughter and the object of Jing Xiu's devotion, her resentment and jealousy intensified. At the Self-Realization Cliff, Jiuchen found Qingyao keeping vigil over Yunfeng, who was sealed in stone. He advised her that Yunfeng would not want her to punish herself by wasting away at the cliff.

He reminded her that their punishment was a karmic consequence for their grave mistake, and if she truly wished to atone, she should do so by serving all living beings, not just Yunfeng. As a renowned physician, she could save countless lives, and squandering a thousand years in idleness would betray both Yunfeng's sacrifice and her divine duties. Enlightened by his words, Qingyao thanked him and then asked if he had seen Lingxi.

Jiuchen confessed that Lingxi felt different, and he struggled to distinguish between her and Lin Mo. Qingyao explained that they were the same person, sharing her own disorientation after her mortal trial. She reasoned that mortal life, though brief, is a complete existence, and sincere affection makes any connection real. She urged Jiuchen to be patient, as Lingxi needed time to process the trauma of Lin Mo’s death. Later, Baoqing blocked Lingxi from visiting Ling Yue, mocking her legitimacy.

Lingxi chose not to argue and left. She found companionship with Wuwan, who had grown to an enormous size after breaking the restrictions Jiuchen had placed on it. Seeing Lingxi's melancholy, Jing Xiu brought her a medical book, noting that the Shanling Tribe's practices were unique. Lingxi admitted that while she once disliked medicine, her time in the mortal world had sparked a genuine interest, as learning gave her a sense of security.

Hearing this, Jing Xiu gently took the book, asserting that she was now protected and could live as she pleased. Lingxi smiled and took it back, insisting her interest was now real. Their pleasant conversation in the garden was observed by Baoqing's maid, who reported back that they seemed "made for each other," further infuriating Baoqing. Meanwhile, the imprisoned Qinyuan learned that Jing Xiu had killed Zhonghao and seized power, filling him with regret.

He feigned a qi deviation, and when the guards entered his cell, he killed them and escaped. Jing Xiu, however, was unconcerned by the news, confident that without Zhonghao, Qinyuan was no threat. Cheng Yan, worried about Qingyao, was about to go to the Self-Realization Cliff to bring her back when she returned to the Peach Forest on her own. Heeding Jiuchen's advice, she resumed her medical practice in the mortal world.

She soon encountered an elderly woman and her grandchild being mistreated; noticing the woman's severe leg injury, Qingyao compassionately provided them with food and money and wrote a prescription for treatment. At Lingxi's insistence, her attendant found Qingyao and brought her to the Shanling Tribe. Lingxi, having grown suspicious of her mother's treatment, immediately asked Qingyao to examine the medicine. From the dregs, Qingyao identified the concoction as "Immortal Chasing Powder."

She explained the grave danger: Ling Yue, whose spirit was damaged by a Soul Absorption Technique, needed strong medicine to awaken her. This powder, however, merely nourished her body and induced deeper sleep, which would ultimately cause her spirit to dissipate completely. Meanwhile, Jing Xiu received news of Qingyao’s arrival and immediately dispatched Chixia to handle the witch doctor. Enraged by the discovery, Grandmother Shi also sent General Chongming to arrest the witch doctor.

However, he arrived too late; the witch doctor had already committed suicide by destroying her primordial spirit, and all medical records had vanished, indicating a ruthless, well-placed spy had silenced her. Lingxi pressed Grandmother Shi, who adamantly denied knowing anything more. Qingyao understood Grandmother Shi's predicament in the tribe's volatile political climate. Lingxi lamented her powerlessness, but Qingyao suggested she seek help from Jing Xiu.

Lingxi refused; though she didn't suspect him and was grateful for his sacrifices, she could not return his feelings and did not want to incur more debt. When Qingyao suggested Jiuchen, Lingxi confessed she felt too useless, having brought him and others nothing but harm. She declared her resolve to become strong and capable on her own, someone worthy of standing by his side. Amused by Lingxi's newfound determination, Qingyao teased her, asking just how strong she needed to become.

Lingxi retorted that since Jiuchen always treated her like a child, it was time he experienced being left behind. In Fuyun Hall, Jiuchen suddenly began sneezing. While his attendants joked that someone must be missing him, Siming changed the subject, mentioning an investigation into immortal maids who were absent during the blood moon. Huayan, who was serving tea, grew flustered and spilled it, which Jiuchen noticed with suspicion but did not pursue. Growing impatient with the chatter, he dismissed them. Alone, he paced restlessly, muttering that his master was right—Lingxi was indeed a conscienceless little girl.

Episode 53 Recap

Shisan diligently packed several large bundles of Lingxi's belongings, intending to deliver them to the Shanling Tribe where Lingxi was now living as the princess. Jiuchen, seeking an excuse to accompany her, first inquired if Shisan could manage the large load herself. Shisan confidently boasted that she could carry even ten more bundles. Jiuchen then changed his approach, claiming he had observed an issue with her recent training, suggesting she might have overtrained and injured herself.

He asked if she felt pain in her acupoints when channeling energy. Initially denying it, Shisan soon feigned pain, asking if she was dying. Jiuchen assured her she only needed rest and must not carry heavy objects to recover, then stated he would go another day, implying she should go alone. Shisan, however, proudly revealed a cosmic ring she had acquired from Siming and effortlessly stored all the luggage inside, believing this would allow her to go immediately.

Jiuchen, internally exasperated, remarked that using such an important immortal treasure for miscellaneous items was wasteful and suggested she find someone to accompany her. Shisan misunderstood, thinking he was offering Huayan's company, and insisted it was unnecessary. Jiuchen, at a loss for words, turned and departed. As Jiuchen stepped out, he encountered Siming, who reported that God of Heavenly Thunder was still unable to find the immortal maid who stole the Heart-Assembling Nail.

An order had been issued for all immortal maids to be tested with a secret technique for traces of Thousand Li Motherly Incense. Jiuchen, seemingly uninterested, suddenly asked Siming if his palace held many magical items, puzzling Siming. When Shisan emerged, Jiuchen simply told Siming to leave. Siming then observed that Jiuchen seemed to be in a bad mood, realizing it stemmed from Lingxi's abrupt departure for the Shanling Tribe, as Jiuchen couldn't pursue her without an acceptable reason.

Overhearing this, Shisan finally had an epiphany about Jiuchen's earlier intentions. She rushed back, dramatically claiming Siming had taken back the cosmic ring and that she was now injured and couldn't carry anything, pitifully asking Jiuchen to accompany her. However, Jiuchen's expression hardened. He rose and returned to his room without a word, closing the door and even the window on her.

Realizing she had thoroughly offended him, Shisan dejectedly picked up two large bags and left Fuyun Hall alone, lamenting that she might be sent back to the Eastern Seas, separating her from Siming. However, upon reaching the South Gate of Heaven, Jiuchen unexpectedly appeared, asking what had taken her so long. Relieved, Shisan quickly handed the luggage to him, reiterating her "injury." Meanwhile, Lingxi remained steadfastly by State Master Lingyue's bedside, refusing to leave until her mother awoke.

When informed of Shisan's and Jiuchen's arrival, Lingxi instructed a servant to relay a message: she was busy caring for the State Master and found it inconvenient to welcome them, asking them to depart. Jiuchen, having gone through great lengths to get there, refused to leave. He used Shisan's "injury" as an excuse, claiming she needed several days of rest and couldn't use magic for the journey back.

He then asserted that Tianxi Palace, which owed Lingyue's rescue to him, surely wouldn't lack two guest rooms. The servant had no choice but to comply. Qingyao, back in Peach Forest, was working tirelessly to research Lingyue's condition when Hualiao brought her mushroom soup. Learning that Jiuchen intended to stay, Lingxi decided to return to Peach Forest to avoid him.

When Jiuchen was informed that Lingxi had left due to "urgent matters," he dismissively remarked that she needn't return, but quietly resolved that as long as Lingyue remained, Lingxi would eventually come back. In Peach Forest, Qingyao found it amusing that Lingxi had dared to make the God of War wait, though Lingxi admitted her apprehension. Qingyao then mentioned that the Heavenly Palace was searching for a Demon Tribe spy who had stolen the Heart-Assembling Nail.

Lingxi was astonished, but Qingyao explained that the Demon Lord's death did not end the Demon Tribe, as a single thought could turn an immortal into a demon, highlighting the complexity of one's heart. Though a new Demon Lord could theoretically rise, it was a rare occurrence. Meanwhile, a search of the Heavenly Palace identified Huayan as the only immortal maid who was absent the night the Heart-Assembling Nail was stolen.

God of Heavenly Thunder instructed his subordinates to be courteous to Huayan until the matter was fully investigated to avoid further conflict with Jiuchen. The following morning, Huayan was brought in for questioning and immediately confessed to the theft. In Peach Forest, Qingyao advised Lingxi to be direct with Jiuchen and to fulfill her filial duties by Lingyue's side instead of hiding. Urging her to cherish their time together and not wait for regret, Qingyao's words struck a chord.

Lingxi acknowledged her immature behavior and resolved to return to the Shanling Tribe. Chengyan was disappointed to see her leave again. Discerning his feelings, Qingyao gently advised him that some things cannot be forced and it was better to cherish those currently present, prompting Chengyan to glance at Hualiao. Concurrently, Jiuchen received news of Huayan's situation and returned to the Heavenly Palace. He found her weakened, being interrogated by God of Heavenly Thunder and Immortal Lord of Universal Turn Puhua.

Puhua informed Jiuchen that they had used the Frisking Immortal Method on Huayan, but her spirit was too strong and had resisted it; another attempt could destroy her. Jiuchen ordered them not to use it again. God of Heavenly Thunder clarified that while Huayan confessed, claiming a demon had bewitched her to steal the nail for Zhonghao, the Heart Inquiring Mirror detected no demonic aura, leading him to suspect she was covering for someone.

Jiuchen took Huayan back to Fuyun Hall. She insisted the person who helped her was not evil and pleaded for mercy. Jiuchen informed her of the sentence: exile to the remote, cold lands of the Shanling Tribe for her to reflect. After she was escorted away, Jiuchen sent a letter to Lingxi. Upon receiving it, Lingxi personally went to the barren lands, rescued Huayan, and brought her to Tianxi Palace, telling her to stay by her side.

Lingxi assured Huayan she would protect her as long as she behaved. Later, Lingxi sent a message to Jiuchen, asking who he suspected. Jiuchen replied that they should "slowly watch," admitting he was also unsure. Separately, Star Monarch Sangnan visited Qingyao in Peach Forest, expressing his concern and care. Qingyao politely declined his offer, stating that his concern would make things difficult for her, leaving Sangnan disheartened. Chengyan felt Qingyao was being too heartless, suggesting they could still be friends. Qingyao sighed, explaining that Yunfeng was a very petty person and would not want to see her befriend Sangnan.

Episode 54 Recap

Late one night, Lingxi was drawn from her chambers by the sound of Jing Xiu playing the zither. She inquired about the melody, and Jing Xiu revealed it was "Thousand Character Classic," a song her father, Lin Shaohai, used to compose for her when she was little. Lingxi, surprised he had met her father, learned that Jing Xiu had visited the Lin family out of a desire to understand A'Mo's past.

Though touched by his sincerity, Lingxi firmly told Jing Xiu that A'Mo was a part of her past and she wished to be addressed as Lingxi. Jing Xiu lamented that it had only been a month, but Lingxi somberly replied that for her, those thirty days felt like a world apart. Despite the changes, she assured him that her respect for him remained, whether she was Lingxi or Lin Mo.

As Lingxi departed from Jing Xiu's residence, she heard the call of a Zhuri Bird and noticed Jiuchen's Immortal Knot tied to its claw. Later, Fairy Yuli examined Jiuchen, confirming that his Nuwa Stone Heart had not only recovered but was now more intimately connected with his vital channels, implying a significant increase in his power.

Yuli considered it a blessing in disguise and advised him to diligently take his medicine to permanently merge the Stone Heart with his flesh, which would greatly aid his future cultivation. Despite Yuli's concern, Jiuchen remained distant. Shisan, standing nearby, made her impatience clear with a pointed cough, prompting Yuli to leave. Siming, accompanying Yuli out, gently urged her to release her attachment to Jiuchen, suggesting that letting go would bring freedom.

However, Yuli defiantly stated that her affection was her own business, remarking that she had loved Jiuchen for fifty thousand years—long before Lingxi appeared—and saw no reason to abandon her feelings just because he had chosen someone else. Meanwhile, Hanzhang reported to Jiuchen that Yuan Yi, the current matriarch of the Yuan Clan and Yuanzheng's aunt, had arrived to plead on Yuan Tong's behalf.

Jiuchen, annoyed, declared that Yuan Tong had committed heinous crimes, killed comrades, and shown no remorse despite being repeatedly pardoned. He asserted that her banishment to the wilderness as a mortal, with her immortal bones removed, was already a benevolent act by the Heavenly Emperor. The Yuan Clan's attempt to leverage their ancestors' merits for her forgiveness was audacious, as individuals must bear the consequences of their own choices.

He instructed Hanzhang to refuse any further requests from the Yuan Clan. Afterward, Jiuchen informed Siming and his attendants that he would be entering seclusion at Polar Abyss, telling them they could find him there if anything urgent arose. Since Lingxi had exposed the witch doctor's misdeeds, Grandmother Shi had grown fond of her. One day, Lingxi overheard some young maids gossiping about her relationships with Jing Xiu and Jiuchen, with some even dismissing Jiuchen as "too old."

Lingxi, unbothered, simply warned them to mind their words. Unbeknownst to her, Jiuchen had stealthily entered the Shanling Tribe and overheard the conversation. When Wuwan spotted Jiuchen and alerted Lingxi, she playfully mocked him for eavesdropping. He then stated that he had come to inform her of his impending seclusion in Polar Abyss. Still resentful over him "killing" her twice, Lingxi accused him of abusing his power and trampling on her sincerity. As they argued, Lingxi's maid approached.

In a panic, Lingxi impulsively embraced Jiuchen and crouched down, releasing him only after the maid had passed. Jiuchen seized the opportunity, holding Lingxi tightly and refusing to let go. He leaned in and kissed her. He then pleaded with Lingxi not to push him away, confessing that despite living for tens of thousands of years in solitude, he had never felt lonely until he met her. Now, he found himself incapable of being alone.

Lingxi's eyes welled with tears as a smile blossomed on her face. She playfully warned him that a kiss wouldn't resolve her anger, to which he teasingly offered another. Lingxi then asked if he truly thought himself old, reassuring him that he looked young for his age. Later, Lingxi quietly spoke to her unconscious mother, revealing Jiuchen's unexpected confession and finding comfort in his words. Meanwhile, Yuan Tong, stripped of her immortal bones and banished, collapsed in a desolate wilderness.

In her unconscious state, she found herself in a phantom realm where she saw an apparition of her brother, Yuanzheng, before realizing it was an illusion. The entity then transformed into Wuzhiqi's likeness, explaining that while a Demon Lord can die, the essence of 'demon'—evil thoughts like greed, hatred, and malice—is eternal. It scoffed when Yuan Tong assumed it wanted her to become the new Demon Lord, deriding her for lacking immortal bones and the immense spiritual strength required.

When Yuan Tong asked why it had appeared to her, the demon offered her a "chance": help it find a suitable new Demon Lord, and in return, she could exact her revenge. Elsewhere, Qingyao arrived in the Shanling Territory with the antidote for Ling Yue. After administering it, Qingyao assured Lingxi that her mother would awaken in a few days. Overhearing this, Jing Xiu grew anxious.

Chibi and Heichi secretly pressed him to act swiftly before Ling Yue regained consciousness and exposed their past misdeeds. After much deliberation, Jing Xiu resolved to proceed with their sinister plan. Their conversation was overheard by Baoqing. She returned to her chambers, conflicted. When her maid suggested informing Grandmother Shi, Baoqing stopped her. She harbored both love and resentment for Ling Yue, fearing being cast aside upon her awakening but also cherishing her kindness.

Paralyzed by indecision over Jing Xiu's plot, Baoqing visited the still-unconscious Ling Yue. Grandmother Shi, sensing her distress, urged her to rest. Baoqing remained silent and left. Shortly after she departed, Ling Yue stirred and awakened. Overjoyed, Grandmother Shi immediately told her that her daughter, Lingxi, was alive and had returned. As Baoqing reached the entrance of Tianxi Palace, she encountered Jing Xiu and Chibi. Sensing his intentions, she froze, but Jing Xiu calmly advised her to return to her room and stay there, as a storm was coming.

Episode 55 Recap

Ling Yue awakened in Tianxi Palace, and Grandmother Shi recounted how Ling Xi had tirelessly nursed her back to health after enduring hardships and dispelling the demonic aura. Ling Xi had served her tea, cleaned her, and cooked her medicines, refusing to leave her side. Ling Yue was deeply moved, tears filling her eyes as she expressed her disbelief at such a reunion, a fortune she never expected.

However, she quickly instructed Grandmother Shi not to reveal her awakening, fearing that Jing Xiu would be the first to kill her if he knew. Just as she spoke, Jing Xiu arrived, entering the palace with his men. With their pretenses dropped, Ling Yue questioned why Jing Xiu hadn't killed her while she was unconscious. Jing Xiu explained that the reasons were complex; if it weren't necessary, he would not have taken this step.

He revealed his original intention was for the witch doctor to induce a perpetual slumber for Ling Yue, but Ling Xi had discovered the plot, forcing the current deadly confrontation. Accepting her fate, Ling Yue expressed her only regret: leaving her two daughters. She implored Jing Xiu not to harm them after her death. Jing Xiu promised that with his vengeance complete, he would ensure peace for the Shanling Tribe and care for them.

When Jing Xiu moved to take Ling Yue's life bead, Grandmother Shi, unable to bear the sight, tried to intervene, but Jing Xiu's subordinate, Black Chi, killed her with a single palm strike. Witnessing this, a grieving Ling Yue cursed Jing Xiu, prophesying that he would one day suffer the consequences of his actions, before handing over her life bead. At that moment, Ling Xi returned with freshly brewed medicine, calling for Grandmother Shi.

Hearing her mother's voice reply, Ling Xi rushed inside. After tens of thousands of years, mother and daughter were finally reunited, embracing and weeping. Jing Xiu, feigning concern, warned Ling Xi that her mother was too weak for such excitement. After checking Ling Yue's pulse and finding it disordered, Ling Xi grew worried. Jing Xiu suggested that her Senior Sister, Qingyao, should examine Ling Yue.

Ling Xi agreed, entrusting her mother to Jing Xiu’s care while she went to the Peach Forest. Knowing it was their final farewell, Ling Yue tearfully urged her daughter to be safe. After Ling Xi departed, Jing Xiu reiterated his promise to care for her daughters and bring prosperity to the tribe. He then destroyed Ling Yue's life bead, killing her instantly.

News of the State Master's death spread, and Princess Baoqing, who had confined herself to her room, cried inconsolably. Ling Xi returned to find her mother lifeless. She refused to accept her mother’s death, fiercely preventing anyone from moving the body and insisting Ling Yue was merely in a state of suspended animation.

Jing Xiu arrived and claimed Ling Yue had died from the lingering effects of the Spirit Absorption Technique, which caused her soul to disperse despite his efforts to save her with pills. Ling Xi, however, insisted on waiting for Qingyao to examine the body before any funeral arrangements were made. After Jing Xiu left, Ling Xi, suspecting foul play, dispatched Huayan to find Chengyan, as Qingyao was in the mortal world, and have him urgently summon her.

The Heavenly Palace was notified, and Siming informed Jiu Chen, who immediately left his seclusion at the Polar Abyss and rushed to Tianxi Palace. He found Ling Xi kneeling by her mother’s bed and embraced her, holding her as she wept until she fell asleep from exhaustion. Qingyao then arrived and examined Ling Yue’s body, confirming that there were no signs of poison or external injury and that she had died from the complete dissipation of her spiritual energy.

Jiu Chen remained suspicious, arguing that her energy could have been drained by other means. He asked about Ling Yue's attendant, Grandmother Shi, only to be told she had fallen ill and died shortly after Ling Yue. Upon learning from a guard that Jing Xiu's aide, Chibi, had visited Grandmother Shi, Jiu Chen’s suspicions were confirmed. Jiu Chen immediately confronted Jing Xiu, accusing him of murdering Ling Yue and silencing Grandmother Shi.

Jing Xiu did not deny it, defiantly asking for proof. Enraged, the two fought. Having advanced his cultivation, Jiu Chen easily overpowered Jing Xiu and his men, vowing to make him pay once he found evidence. When Ling Xi awoke, she learned Jiu Chen had gone to confront Jing Xiu. Jiu Chen soon returned and relayed Qingyao’s findings.

Now calmer, Ling Xi agreed with the diagnosis but noted that her mother, though weak, had not seemed on the verge of death. She reasoned that since Jing Xiu was a High God, no one could have harmed Ling Yue under his watch, making him the prime suspect if it was murder.

Jiu Chen then revealed that he had seen Chibi acting suspiciously at the Spirit-Binding Abyss, speculating that his own arrival at that time might have saved Ling Yue from an earlier death. Acknowledging Jing Xiu's cunning, Ling Xi found herself questioning his motive. Jiu Chen advised her to focus on the funeral for now, assuring her the truth would eventually come to light. Ling Yue was laid to rest with full honors.

Ling Xi remained deeply saddened, wondering if her mother was in the netherworld, drinking from the River of Oblivion and forgetting her. Jiu Chen comforted her, and when he asked if she would leave with him, Ling Xi refused. With the State Master's position vacant and the court in turmoil, she felt she had to stay to navigate the impending political storm and uncover the truth behind her mother's death.

Following Ling Yue's death, various clan elders submitted memorials endorsing Jing Xiu as the new State Master, while some recommended Princess Baoqing. When Chibi reported this, an unpleased Jing Xiu asked if anyone had recommended Ling Xi. Chibi explained that Ling Xi's position was too new and unrecognized, and without Jing Xiu's backing, her princess status was meaningless. Black Chi urged Jing Xiu to seize the opportunity and ascend the throne, but Jing Xiu only smiled.

Meanwhile, in the desolate wilderness, the Demon Lord began guiding Yuan Tong in demonic cultivation. Though her immortal skeleton was gone, her vital energy channels remained, providing a foundation. He promised she would gain great power and, once her training was complete, could leave to find the new Demon Lord. With Jiu Chen gone, Qingyao stayed to support Ling Xi. Ling Xi told Qingyao that Jiu Chen suspected Jing Xiu.

Huayan passionately defended Jing Xiu, recalling how he had sacrificed his life bead for Ling Xi. Qingyao, drawing from her experiences in the mortal realm, countered that the pursuit of power is a poison that can drive anyone, even family, to betrayal and murder. Agreeing, Ling Xi decided to observe who would try to seize power. Just then, Baoqing, who had been tormented by guilt and nightmares, emerged.

Seeing Ling Xi, she lashed out, questioning her legitimacy as a princess and accusing her of being a jinx who caused the deaths of both her father and mother. Fed up, Ling Xi asserted her authority as a High God, reminding the Earth Immortal Baoqing of the hierarchy of power. She warned that her patience had run out and that she would not tolerate any more disrespect.

Episode 56 Recap

Upon Lingyue's death, several tribal elders and generals in Shanling, seeing the throne vacant and the nation unstable, began plotting for self-rule, with some recommending Jing Xiu as the next State Master and others supporting Princess Baoqing. Jing Xiu, however, asked if anyone had recommended Princess Lingxi. Jiuchen, after learning from Siming about Lingyue's death, rushed to Tianxi Palace to comfort Lingxi.

Qingyao examined Lingyue's body and determined that she died from the dissipation of her spiritual power, but Jiuchen suspected foul play, especially since Chi Bi of the Xuan Bird Tribe had visited Lingyue. Jiuchen confronted Jing Xiu, accusing him of murdering Lingyue and silencing Granny Shi, but Jing Xiu denied it, challenging him to provide evidence.

Lingxi also suspected Jing Xiu, recalling that her mother, though weak, did not appear to be at her end, and Jing Xiu was present when she passed. Qingyao also pointed out that power struggles often lead to betrayal and violence, even within families. Meanwhile, the Phoenix Tribe's bloodline was believed to be severed.

State Preceptor Jing Xiu, seeking to stabilize the Shanling Tribe, nominated Lingxi, who possessed the true Phoenix Tribe bloodline, as the next State Master, presenting the jade seal to her. Lingxi, initially hesitant, questioned Jing Xiu's choice, but ultimately decided to accept the position to investigate her mother's death and stabilize the kingdom. Jing Xiu assured her that he would protect her, reminding her that, as the State Master's biological daughter, she was the best choice.

This decision angered Baoqing, who confessed her love for Jing Xiu and demanded to know why he would allow Lingxi to take the position. Jing Xiu stated that he only regarded Baoqing as a younger sister. Baoqing, in a fit of rage, threatened to reveal that Jing Xiu was the true murderer of Lingyue, but Jing Xiu warned her not to harm Lingxi and confined her to her quarters.

Jiuchen, upon learning of Lingxi's potential ascension, found her at Fuyun Hall, concerned about her taking on the State Master position, especially given the Shanling Tribe's rule prohibiting marriage with outsiders, which led to her father Mohuan's death. He offered to handle the matter himself, but Lingxi insisted it was her duty. Jiuchen fiercely declared that he would not let anyone take her away from him, but Lingxi reassured him that she would not remain in the position for long.

Jiuchen then declared he would not wait long, stating that if she couldn't swiftly find the true murderer and a suitable successor, he would personally lead his army to attack the Shanling Realm and abolish the rule regarding inter-tribe marriage. Shisan expressed his concerns to Lingxi about Yuli's constant visits to Fuyun Hall to gain Jiuchen's attention, suggesting Lingxi should secure her place in Jiuchen's heart.

Jiuchen overheard this and punished Shisan by sending him to the hall of Lord of the Furnace to "cook rice." Despite Baoqing's resistance, Jing Xiu's efforts culminated in Lingxi's ascension to the throne. The enthronement ceremony was attended by many. However, Baoqing feigned illness to distract her guards and requested a private audience with Lingxi, claiming she would reveal the truth behind their mother's death. As Lingxi's Senior Sister left the room, Baoqing attacked Lingxi with a curved blade.

Jing Xiu intervened, killing Baoqing and stating that he had warned her not to harm Lingxi. Following Baoqing's death, her maidservant, under duress from Jing Xiu, publicly accused Baoqing of murdering the former State Master Lingyue, claiming jealousy and a desire to seize the throne. Lingxi remained skeptical, and the maidservant elaborated, explaining how Baoqing tricked Lingyue into using her life bead for healing, then destroyed it, causing Lingyue's death.

Jing Xiu corroborated parts of the story, claiming he had not informed Lingxi earlier out of fear of causing further animosity between the sisters. Lingxi remained half-convinced. Huayan, Lingxi's senior sister, who had overheard a troubling conversation between Jing Xiu and Baoqing, grew deeply suspicious and sought him out to confirm her fears. Huayan confronted Jing Xiu, directly questioning him about the conversation she overheard, asking if he was afraid of Lingxi knowing the truth and seeking revenge.

Jing Xiu admitted that she had heard correctly and confessed to being Lingyue's killer. Devastated and with her faith shattered, Huayan bowed to Jing Xiu and left. Moments later, Jing Xiu instructed Heichi to eliminate Huayan, and Heichi brutally killed her on her way back. Subsequently, Baoqing's maidservant, accused as an accomplice in the former State Master's murder, had her immortal bones removed and was exiled to the barren lands.

As Heichi escorted her there, he attempted to kill her to silence her permanently. However, Kaiyang, acting under Jiuchen's orders to locate the maid, arrived just in time, killed Heichi, and rescued the maid.

Jiuchen then brought the maid directly to Lingxi, where she fully revealed the truth: Jing Xiu had murdered both Lingyue and Baoqing because she overheard Jing Xiu and General Chibi discussing how the late State Master would never forgive them if she awakened, prompting them to act first to save themselves. Around the same time, Lingxi realized Huayan was missing, adding to her growing unease. Upon hearing the maid's detailed accusation against Jing Xiu, Lingxi's suspicions solidified.

She immediately summoned Jing Xiu to confront him directly. Jing Xiu vehemently denied any knowledge of Heichi's attempt to kill the maid. Jiuchen then proposed using a magical technique that could verify the truth of a person's words, though it would cause significant pain and spiritual damage to the subject. The maid readily agreed to undergo the test.

Jing Xiu, visibly concerned but unable to refuse the investigation, instead turned to Lingxi, questioning why she would believe a criminal over him. Lingxi, struggling with the horrifying realization that the man who had once risked his life for her could be her mother's killer, tearfully demanded to know if he was indeed the murderer.

Episode 57 Recap

When Jiuchen proposed using a frisking technique to verify the maid's account, she bravely agreed. Jing Xiu, knowing his secrets were about to be exposed, admitted to his actions. He confessed to a past grievance with Ling Yue, stemming from Yuandu's tyranny fifty thousand years ago.

He revealed he had helped Ling Yue ascend the throne to serve the Shanling Tribe, but after the great war, he failed to save Lingxi at Dark Capital Mountain, leading Ling Yue to doubt him and strip him of his power. This drove him to empower Zhonghao, intending to use him to kill Ling Yue and avenge his father.

He admitted to tampering with Ling Yue's medicine to induce a deep sleep, planning to reveal the truth to Lingxi later, but Qingyao's intervention disrupted his scheme. Lingxi, now facing the painful truth, suppressed her grief and anger, and asked Jing Xiu if he was also responsible for Huayan’s death. Jing Xiu chillingly admitted, "I was the one who caused her to die."

He blamed Jiuchen for all of Lingxi's suffering, including her separation from her mother, her demonic aura, and Le Bo's death, questioning why she still loved Jiuchen. Lingxi struggled to reconcile the man before her with the "Brother Xiu" she had always known. Jiuchen, tired of listening, ordered Jing Xiu to surrender. Jing Xiu laughed and attacked, fleeing towards the hall door. Kaiyang and his men tried to intercept him, but Jing Xiu escaped with Chibi's help.

Kaiyang reported that Jing Xiu vanished at the border and seemed different from his mortal realm persona. Shisan suggested they never truly knew Jing Xiu, but Lingxi now understood her mother's death. Jing Xiu fled to a desolate land, his heart as cold as the falling snow. Yuan Tong appeared, acknowledging his escape from the God of War and stating that they were both exiles with a common goal. Yuan Tong offered to help him become a demon.

Jing Xiu scornfully rejected her, ordering her to leave. Yuan Tong warned that his hesitation would incite his enemies and questioned if he would watch others find happiness while he remained alone. Lingxi appointed Changting as the new State Preceptor to manage Shanling Tribe's political affairs, while she retreated to Tianxi Palace. The ministers silently disapproved of her infrequent court appearances. Elder Rongying questioned Lingxi's diligence and contrasted Changting's courteousness with his past disrespect towards Jing Xiu.

Changting explained Lingxi was dealing with water monsters and flooding in the mortal realm, using the "leisi", which required a high god's power. Lingxi privately praised Changting and said she was at ease letting him handle affairs. She acknowledged her own laziness and irritation with the ministers. Lingxi revealed her intent to train him as her successor, praising his talent and potential. After Heichi's death, the Hanshan Tribe descended into civil war, which Changting swiftly ended.

Jiuchen heard of Changting’s impressive feat, and wished to meet the new leader of the Hanshan Tribe, but Kaiyang and others stopped him, reminding him of the Shanling Tribe’s rule against intermarriage with outsiders and the Heavenly Emperor's order forbidding Jiuchen from entering the Shanling Realm. To dissuade Jiuchen, Kaiyang and Shisan presented him with food made by Lingxi. Yuan Tong persisted in trying to persuade Jing Xiu.

She presented him with a "demonic seed," the residual energy of Wuzhiqi, a collection of evil thoughts. She claimed it could turn him into the new Demon Lord. When Jing Xiu asked why she didn't use it, she explained that she was unable to wield it. Yuan Tong then revealed her plan to open the gates to the netherworld sealed beneath the Spirit-Binding Abyss, unleashing demons they could command, making an attack on Heavenly Palace trivial.

To earn his trust, she offered to jump into the Spirit-Binding Abyss herself to gather the demon army. She tempted him with power, urging him to abandon heaven and embrace demonhood, to defeat the world and establish a demon realm where their word was law. Jing Xiu finally gave in, acknowledging the need for support, and took the demonic seed.

Yuan Tong secretly entered the Spirit-Binding Abyss and tried to force open the gate to the Demon Realm, causing a surge of demonic aura. Lingxi sensed the anomaly and went to investigate, but was overwhelmed by the aura. Heavenly Supreme Lord appeared, resealed the Abyss, and dispelled the demonic aura from Lingxi. Lingxi did not recognize him but, sensing no malice, accepted his invitation to Heavenly Lord Mountain for healing.

At Heavenly Lord Mountain, Jiuchen arrived to ask Heavenly Supreme Lord for permission to marry Lingxi. Seeing Lingxi, he pulled her to kneel beside him, formally seeking his master’s consent. Jiuchen assured his master that Lingxi would soon step down as State Master, after which he would propose marriage. Seeing their love, Heavenly Supreme Lord agreed, but cautioned them to handle the marriage carefully. As they left Heavenly Lord Mountain, Lingxi confronted Jiuchen for unilaterally deciding their marriage.

Jiuchen reminded her of her promise to marry him once a suitable successor was found and the truth was out. Lingxi, however, was upset that he hadn't asked her first. Back at Fuyun Hall, Jiuchen formally asked Lingxi to marry him. Lingxi agreed, but coyly listed her conditions: he could only like her, never be unfaithful, never change his heart, and never look at another woman. She then said she needed three days to decide.

Jiuchen, impatient, demanded she decide immediately and sealed her lips with a kiss. Thirteen and others interrupted their intimacy, causing Lingxi to hide behind Jiuchen. Siming announced that the Heavenly Emperor had summoned Jiuchen. After Jiuchen left, Thirteen excitedly asked Lingxi if she was getting married. He explained that the Heavenly Emperor had announced their engagement and was preparing the wedding. Everyone in Peach Forest was also delighted.

Qingyao asked if Lingxi didn't want to marry Jiuchen, but Lingxi shook her head. The women celebrated, and Lingxi drank until she was drunk, demanding that Jiuchen carry her. Jiuchen arrived and readily agreed, sweeping his new bride into his arms.

Episode 58 Recap

After returning from Heavenly Lord Mountain, Jiuchen carried a tipsy Lingxi back to Polar Abyss. He offered her a sober-up pill, but Lingxi adamantly refused, explaining that after Hualiao painstakingly grew her hair, Chengyan painstakingly made the wine, and she painstakingly drank it, taking a pill would be a disservice to everyone's hard work. Lingxi, her love for Jiuchen deepened by the alcohol, found him even more handsome than usual. Overcome with emotion, she actively embraced and kissed him.

Jiuchen, affected by her ardor, found himself unable to resist her advances, and they spent the night together. The next morning, Lingxi woke up startled by her situation, but as memories of the previous night flooded back, she became shyly ecstatic. Jiuchen, filled with sweet anticipation, had already risen early and personally penned a marriage contract. He presented it to Lingxi upon her waking, and she eagerly accepted the contract, unable to stop gazing at it.

Back in Tianxi Palace, she continued to hold the marriage contract, smiling foolishly, as the sweet hours slipped away unnoticed. The Heavenly Palace had not seen a joyous event in a long time, and the God of War's impending wedding was set to create a stir throughout the Six Realms. The wedding gifts prepared by the Heavenly Palace alone filled Fuyun Hall. Siming busily managed the preparations while Jiuchen, full of expectation, wished for the wedding day to arrive sooner.

Recalling Lingxi's earlier wish to live in Polar Abyss, Jiuchen decided the wedding procession should go there, and Siming arranged for the entire place to be decorated. An old servant from Polar Abyss, learning of his Senior Deity's happy news, brought two bottles of fine wine to congratulate him. Master and servant toasted and chatted merrily, with the old servant joyfully envisioning a lively Polar Abyss filled with children in the future.

Lingxi submitted a memorial requesting to resign from her position as State Master and recommended Immortal Lord Changting to succeed her. Jiuchen went to the Heavenly Emperor to present the memorial but found his master, Heavenly Supreme Lord, discussing a serious matter with him. They seemed unwilling for Jiuchen to overhear and quickly dismissed him. Jiuchen grew suspicious and privately asked Lord Baishanxian if Heavenly Supreme Lord had been frequently meeting the Heavenly Emperor lately.

Lord Baishanxian confirmed this had been the case for several days and that the Heavenly Emperor would ask everyone to leave during their private discussions. Jiuchen recalled Heavenly Supreme Lord uncharacteristically inviting Lingxi to Heavenly Lord Mountain and suddenly understood that something must have happened at Spirit-Binding Abyss. He immediately went to investigate. At the bottom of Spirit-Binding Abyss, demonic aura permeated the air, and the seals between the realms of gods and demons showed signs of breaking.

Only a powerful deity willing to sacrifice themselves to eternally guard the Abyss could prevent the demon horde from breaking through and harming all living creatures. Jiuchen immediately realized that this was the matter his master and the Heavenly Emperor had been discussing. Among the gods in the Heavenly Palace, only he, his master, and the Heavenly Emperor possessed the power to undertake such a task. Just then, Jing Xiu's primordial spirit, imbued with demonic aura, appeared before Jiuchen.

He mockingly taunted Jiuchen, presenting him with a choice: he could be a filial disciple and loyal subject, sacrificing his life for the greater good, or he could be an ideal husband, cherishing his beautiful lover and living a life of bliss. Jing Xiu warned Jiuchen that if he went down into the Abyss, he would be forever trapped and questioned if Jiuchen could bear to leave Lingxi behind after their three lifetimes of trials.

Heavy-hearted, Jiuchen returned to Fuyun Hall. He recalled his promises to Lingxi to be with her forever, yet he also remembered kneeling before his master as a child, solemnly swearing to dedicate his life to eliminating demons and evil. As a disciple of Heavenly Supreme Lord, Jiuchen had been taught to use wisdom in handling affairs, bravery to establish himself, and benevolence to cultivate his heart.

He understood that in times of crisis, he must step forward to protect all living creatures. Faced with the choice between duty and personal desire, Jiuchen ultimately chose the greater good, reasoning that by protecting all living beings, he would also be protecting Lingxi, fulfilling his inherent responsibility as the God of War. After a night of contemplation, Jiuchen arrived early the next morning to seek an audience with the Heavenly Emperor.

While waiting, he encountered God of Heavenly Thunder and Ziguang. Jiuchen sincerely advised God of Heavenly Thunder that his primordial energy had been injured during his failed trial and that the medicinal pills he was taking were merely suppressing the damage. He suggested that since God of Heavenly Thunder's power was fire-elemental, akin to the heavenly lightning, he should refine the chaotic energy instead, as this would benefit his cultivation.

God of Heavenly Thunder initially thought Jiuchen was mocking him, but seeing Jiuchen's sincerity as he entered the hall, he involuntarily bowed deeply behind him. Jiuchen presented his plan to the Heavenly Emperor and convinced him to agree. He then obtained a pardon decree, releasing Yunfeng from his stone seal punishment. Jiuchen explained the dire situation to Yunfeng and instructed him to impersonate him, feigning decadence and neglect of duties to extinguish Lingxi's hopes.

He also told Yunfeng to hand over the God of War position to God of Heavenly Thunder, allowing Jiuchen to depart and guard Spirit-Binding Abyss without worry. Yunfeng was greatly alarmed, unwilling to see his Senior Brother's hard-won happiness vanish. He offered to go in Jiuchen's stead, but Jiuchen refused, stating Yunfeng's magical power was insufficient.

Jiuchen explained that neither Heavenly Supreme Lord nor the Heavenly Emperor could undertake this task, so it had to be him, the God of War. With no other arguments, Yunfeng tearfully agreed. Afterward, Jiuchen went to the Peach Forest and requested a potent Mind-Confusing Pill from Qingyao, falsely claiming he needed it to train his mind. As Jiuchen was leaving, he encountered Lingxi.

Unaware of his true intentions, she was eagerly anticipating their wedding and shared her plans to officially resign as State Master once the severe flooding and monster havoc in the mortal realm subsided. Jiuchen vaguely agreed and, half-jokingly, told her that if he were to die, she should find someone who would treat her well. Lingxi, not taking him seriously, playfully chided him, declaring that if he dared abandon her, she would forget him for eternity.

She then prattled on, excitedly planning their future life in Polar Abyss: changing the decor, planting peach trees, raising chickens, and building a kitchen so she could cook every day. Jiuchen agreed to all her plans and, with the excuse of wanting a memento for when he missed her, asked for the Longevity Knot back. Lingxi, completely unsuspecting, laughed and readily handed it over.

Returning to the Heavenly Palace, Jiuchen brought a table laden with wine and food to Heavenly Lord Mountain to pay respects to his master. Heavenly Supreme Lord, who had abstained from eating and drinking for many years, assumed Jiuchen had brought the delicacies due to his impending marriage and drank without suspicion. Jiuchen spoke of his perceived shortcomings, stating that while his master's heart held the billions of beings in the world, he himself had become distracted by personal desires.

Heavenly Supreme Lord comforted him, confessing he had been too strict in the past. As they reminisced, Jiuchen expressed his profound gratitude for his master's guidance over the millennia. He then revealed that he knew about the situation at Spirit-Binding Abyss. Heavenly Supreme Lord, filled with sudden dread, realized Jiuchen's intentions and urgently warned him not to do anything foolish. At that moment, the Mind-Confusing Pill took effect. As his master felt dizzy and his movements slowed, Jiuchen seized the opportunity and cast a spell, temporarily trapping him.

Episode 59 Recap

Following his decision to sacrifice himself, Jiuchen subdued his master, the Heavenly Supreme Lord, to prevent any intervention. Jiuchen confessed that Lingxi was the only person he was reluctant to leave and pleaded with his master to watch over her and protect her from harm in his absence. Afterward, Jiuchen met with a distraught Yunfeng, who wept that Jiuchen's fate of eternally guarding the Spirit-Binding Abyss was no different from death.

Feigning a calm demeanor, Jiuchen simply advised Yunfeng to marry Qingyao in a grand ceremony once his identity was restored, urging him not to let her down. Meanwhile, Lingxi was joyfully designing her wedding gown, eventually falling asleep from exhaustion. Jiuchen paid her a quiet, final visit, carrying her to bed and kissing her forehead before departing with profound reluctance.

At the Spirit-Binding Abyss, he transformed into his true form but found he could not completely seal the demonic gate with his power alone. Yuan Tong, now a frenzied demon covered in scars, appeared and gloated that she was responsible for the breach. Jiuchen calmly informed her that her evil deeds had filled her with death aura, and her spirit would soon dissipate into a wisp of resentment.

Uncaring, Yuan Tong madly declared that she would gladly become a resentful spirit if it meant staying with him. Devoid of any remaining affection, Jiuchen watched indifferently as she stumbled towards the gate and disintegrated, her soul scattering. The next morning, an uneasy Lingxi, plagued by nightmares, sent a note to Fuyun Hall to check on Jiuchen. Yunfeng intercepted it and, mimicking his senior brother's handwriting, replied that they were not a good match and she should move on.

As Lingxi stared at the letter in shock, her maid rushed in to report that Yunfeng's stone statue at Self-Realization Cliff had shattered. Lingxi hurried there to find Qingyao weeping over the broken stones, believing Yunfeng had perished from his lightning punishment. Disturbed by Jiuchen's silence after Yunfeng's apparent death, Lingxi rushed to Fuyun Hall but found it sealed by a barrier.

From inside, Yunfeng, mimicking Jiuchen's voice, coldly stated that Lingxi was a trial he had to overcome and that he was severing their ties to enter seclusion. Refusing to believe him, Lingxi insisted they could face any trouble together. The standoff continued for sixteen days, until her duties to the Shanling Tribe forced her to leave. Before departing, she reminded him of their exchanged marriage contract, declaring she would always be his wife.

After she left, the Heavenly Supreme Lord arrived, and a weeping Yunfeng confessed the truth about Jiuchen's sacrifice. When a demon dragon caused chaos in the Western Seas, Yunfeng, acting on Jiuchen's prior instructions and in his name, dispatched Kaiyang and Hanzhang to contain the situation. Subsequently, the God of Heavenly Thunder led the Heavenly Emperor's forces to quell the rebellion. Following this victory, the God of War title was conferred upon the God of Heavenly Thunder.

At the ceremony, High Immortal Peng expressed surprise at the sudden change. Immortal Lord of Universal Turn explained the official story: ever since Yunfeng's "death," Jiuchen had been so devastated that he went into seclusion, neglecting his duties. Fairy Yuli, unable to see Jiuchen, cornered Siming, accusing Jiuchen of having gone to the Shanling Tribe to be with Lingxi. Just then, Lingxi arrived, seeking the truth about the Western Sea battle amid rumors that Jiuchen's inaction had caused a crisis.

Siming clarified that Jiuchen had already dispatched troops before the main army arrived, ensuring the situation was under control. He speculated that Jiuchen had orchestrated events for the God of Heavenly Thunder to receive the war merits, as he no longer wanted the position of God of War. At Self-Realization Cliff, Qingyao painstakingly reassembled the shattered pieces of Yunfeng's statue. She tearfully asked Lingxi if Yunfeng had used his own death to punish her for her past indifference.

Yunfeng, watching from afar, fought the urge to reveal himself. He later followed a heavily intoxicated Qingyao to the Peach Forest and stood over her as she slept, using his sleeve to shield her from the sun. When she awoke, she saw him and believed it was a hallucination born of her longing. He gazed at her intently before vanishing, leaving her to desperately call his name.

Hearing Qingyao insist she truly saw Yunfeng, Lingxi was struck by a sudden, chilling realization. She recalled Jiuchen's ominous words about her finding someone else if he were to die and his strange request to have the Immortal Knot back. The memories connected, and she was overcome with a terrible premonition.

Episode 60 (Ending) Recap

Lingxi, realizing that Yunfeng was impersonating Jiuchen in Fuyun Hall, confronted him, questioning how he could allow Qingyao to suffer the pain of losing her loved one again. Yunfeng admitted that Jiuchen had ordered him to impersonate him across the Six Realms, intending to maintain peace and allow Lingxi to forget him. Returning to the Shanling Tribe, Lingxi went to the Spirit-Binding Abyss, lamenting Jiuchen's decision to leave her without explanation.

After writing a letter to State Preceptor Changting about the Shanling Tribe's affairs, Lingxi plunged into the Spirit-Binding Abyss. Jiuchen was shocked by her arrival, but Lingxi asserted their marriage contract bound them together. Unable to resist, Jiuchen embraced her. Observing from outside the Spirit-Binding Abyss, Jing Xiu, consumed by unrequited love and resentment, vowed to destroy everything Jiuchen and Lingxi sought to protect. Inside the abyss, Lingxi learned that the gates of the netherworld had not been successfully sealed.

Jiuchen reassured her that he would guard the gates indefinitely, but was concerned about her safety. Lingxi declared her intention to marry him there, and then knelt, proclaiming her vows. Jiuchen, touched, embraced her and pledged to join her in the vows. Qingyao, upon learning that Yunfeng was alive, rushed to the Heavenly Palace. She slapped him before demanding to know why he had lied to her and recounted her years of suffering. Yunfeng apologized and embraced her.

Shisan arrived at the Shanling Tribe seeking Lingxi, but was stopped by guards. Jing Xiu appeared, killing the guards and severely wounding Shisan. News of the Shanling Tribe reached the Heavenly Palace, and Yunfeng, Siming, God of Heavenly Thunder, and State Preceptor Changting were dispatched. Siming was distraught to find Shisan wounded. Jing Xiu confronted Jiuchen and Lingxi in the Spirit-Binding Abyss, proclaiming that evil desires are inherent in human hearts.

Jiuchen and Lingxi transformed into their true forms and battled him. During the battle, both Jiuchen and Lingxi were injured. Jing Xiu attempted to open the gates of the netherworld, but Jiuchen forced them both into the gates, commanding Lingxi to seal them. Lingxi, torn, tried to save him, but Jiuchen reminded her of his duty to protect the Six Realms and urged her to fulfill her own duty as State Master of the Shanling Tribe.

Lingxi, with tears, sealed the gates. Three hundred years later, Lingxi arrived at Fuyun Hall with her daughter, Nian'er. Huayan, a newly ascended immortal who didn't recognize Lingxi, questioned their presence. Lingxi explained that she was the wife of the hall's owner. Nian'er, wary of Huayan, was told that she was the head housekeeper of Fuyun Hall and a disciple of Great Daoist Master Bao Suozhu, which Lingxi immediately recognized as Zhu Zizai.

Lingxi instructed Huayan to guard the hall and told her where to find her if needed. It was Shisan's transformation ceremony. She had been gravely wounded in the battle with Jing Xiu and had spent three centuries cultivating in her merfolk pearl after being saved by Qingyao. Yunfeng, Qingyao, Chengyan, and Siming gathered, and Shisan successfully transformed into a female merman, though she had forgotten her past. After the ceremony, Lingxi and Nian'er returned to the Polar Abyss.

Nian'er expressed envy that Shisan had once been a male merfolk and said she wanted to be a boy so she could fight in battles. Lingxi assured her that girls could also fight and emphasized the importance of study and skill. Finding an Immortal knot outside, Lingxi searched for Jiuchen and found him holding Nian'er. Overjoyed, she ran to him and embraced him, their reunion marking the culmination of their love that had endured for three hundred years.