Love Better Than Immortality Episode 40 (Ending) Recap
> Love Better Than Immortality Recap
Chunhua consumed a snow lotus seed, and the Quenchless Love poison, known best by Bu Er, was triggered. Star Deputy Chief Gu had truly won his elaborate scheme, as the snow lotus seed, when combined with either muscle-weakening powder or Snake Incense—which Mr. Bu Er himself had prepared—would rapidly stimulate the poison's attack.
Bu Er admitted there was no antidote, explaining that he had initially planned to detoxify her after a major Wulin battle, but the snow lotus seed had accelerated the process. He elaborated that to remove the poison, one would need superb internal force, either pure yang internal skills or three yin vital qi, which Xiao Bai and Shangguan Qiuyue cultivated respectively. Even a top master would need to exert their internal force for three consecutive days to succeed.
He and Star Deputy Chief Gu had intended for Chunhua to be poisoned during the battle between Thousand Moon Cave and Fengming Manor, ensuring that whoever chose not to fight for her would lose face and power, allowing them to gain fame and wealth. Now, whichever of the two leaders saved her would exhaust their internal force, effectively removing a top master from the martial arts circles. Without detoxification, Chunhua would die within half an hour.
Chunhua, tearfully closing her eyes, begged Brother Qiuyue not to further harm innocent people. She reminded him that Thousand Moon Cave was adept at using poisons, and since this one originated from them, there had to be a way to remove it. Qiuyue then promised Chunhua he would be good to her, taking her hand and beginning to exert his internal force to detoxify her.
Li Yu, seizing the opportunity, suggested that since Shangguan Qiuyue had caused so many homicides with the fabricated immortality fruit, Xiao Bai should kill him and then use his own internal force to save Chunhua. However, Feng Caicai objected, stating that Xiao Bai would never take advantage of someone who was in the act of saving a life.
Xiao Bai, remembering his own affection for Chunhua, recalled his father, Xiao Laozhuangzhu, who, despite hurting Shangguan Hui, maintained his reputation as a great hero in Wulin. He reflected on Chunhua's belief in governing with benevolence and righteousness, acknowledging his deep love for her. He realized this act meant a final farewell to Chunhua. As rain poured, Xiao Bai left, tears streaming down his face.
Chunhua, speaking to him, questioned if he would always be good to her, suggesting it might be better for him to kill her, as she associated with the "devil" of Thousand Moon Cave and considered herself an "evil woman" who colluded with him. Qin Liufeng reminisced about his first meeting with Chunhua, reflecting on how much time had passed and how she was no longer that "tough girl."
He informed Chunhua that the truth of the immortality fruit was now public, and Bu Er had confessed and faced punishment for his crimes. He congratulated her on his own engagement to Leng Ning, fulfilling his long-held wish. He recounted how, in the decisive battle that day, Thousand Moon Cave could have reaped benefits from their manipulative tactics, but Shangguan Qiuyue was suddenly taken away by Ye Yan.
This unexpected turn allowed the Wulin sects to calm down, resulting in a victory without further fighting. Qin Liufeng confirmed that Chunhua's Quenchless Love poison had been completely removed, though she had remained unconscious for two days. They had transported her back to Fengming Manor from the Eight Immortals Mansion. Qin Liufeng then asked if she still blamed Xiao Bai for not choosing to save her then. Chunhua smiled gently, shaking her head.
She explained that she didn't blame him, stating that if he had chosen to save her over his friends, she would have felt guilty for the rest of her life. Qin Liufeng pondered Shangguan Qiuyue's actions, noting that his vital qi was excessively depleted after saving Chunhua. This news had spread, causing the otherwise impending fierce battle between the black and white sects to disband, bringing a period of peace to the martial arts world.
Despite an internal rebellion within Thousand Moon Cave and various forces chasing Shangguan Qiuyue due to his role in the immortality fruit incident, Xiao Bai had issued an order forbidding anyone from taking advantage of his weakened state. Three days prior, Ye Yan had quelled the rebellion and regained control of Thousand Moon Cave. Chunhua inquired about Shangguan Qiuyue's whereabouts, and Qin Liufeng informed her that he had "faded out of the chaos."
Qin Liufeng mused that Shangguan Qiuyue should have been the ultimate winner, given his skill in manipulating people and causing internal strife among the orthodox sects. Yet, he chose to save Chunhua on the eve of the fierce battle, sacrificing over half his vital qi and thus preventing the conflict. Qin Liufeng admitted he had once doubted Qiuyue's true intentions, but now believed that what Qiuyue truly desired was Chunhua.
He concluded that with Chunhua by his side, their worries for him would lessen, and the peace in the Wulin world would be more secure. Later, Chunhua told Xiao Bai she was going to find Shangguan Qiuyue, and specified she would go "right now." As they embraced and prepared to part ways, Xiao Bai finally understood.
He told her that if she stayed with him, she would eventually be the one sacrificed, but if she stayed with Shangguan Qiuyue, she would always be put first. Chunhua reassured him to take good care of himself, telling him he would meet many other girls in the future. She expressed her gratitude for his long-standing care. She reflected on her past beliefs about love, realizing now that true love is unconditional, requires no effort, yet is utterly irresistible.
She wished him well, saying that he, a great hero, would one day encounter the person he couldn't resist. Chunhua eventually found Shangguan Qiuyue, who was cloaked and hooded, and initially urged her to leave, claiming he no longer needed her. Chunhua expressed her disapproval of his past methods but then commanded him to come closer. He complied, and she embraced him, noting how cold his body was and telling him to dress warmer in the future.
She affectionately called him a "dear fool" and asked if he was waiting for her, then hugged him, finding warmth in their embrace. She boldly told him she would "kiss him," to which he readily agreed. Chunhua lovingly removed his cloak and hood, only to find his hair had turned completely white. Her eyes welled with tears, her heart aching.
Shangguan Qiuyue seemed concerned about his appearance, but Chunhua reassured him that her feelings were neither sympathy nor obligation; she simply had to be with him. He confessed that his vital qi had not recovered and his hair might not turn back. She admitted it looked "a bit ugly" but insisted she would get used to it.
Shangguan Qiuyue expressed his fear that he could not provide her with safety, much like the tragic fate of Fu Lou and Lady You Si. Chunhua, however, comforted him, asserting that their situation was different, and they would embark on a new life together, one where they would not suffer the same fate. Shangguan Qiuyue, for the last time, earnestly asked Chunhua if she would regret her choice.
She firmly stated she would not, though she playfully warned him that she might complain during future arguments, asking him not to take it to heart. She then asked if his promise to always treat her well still stood, to which he affirmed that every word he had ever told her was true.
She then made him promise several things: that he must die after her, referencing the fate of Fu Lou and Lady You Si; that he would never like other girls; never threaten her; and never give her the cold shoulder. In turn, he demanded that she never leave him. They sealed their vows with mutual consent, turning to walk away together into their future. The scene then shifted, flashing back to their very first encounter.
Shangguan Qiuyue gazed at Chunhua, adding the name "Chunhua" to the Medical Sage's patient registry, thus giving her the name that would define her journey. In a hazy dream, Chunhua caught a fleeting glimpse of his receding figure.
