Love in the Clouds Episode 15 Recap
> Love in the Clouds Recap
While Ji Bozai and Ming Yi staged a diversion, Mu Qibai was already aware of the trick. He continued to feed the netherbeasts under his command with the primordial spirits of living beings, turning all prisoners in the Sunken Abyss into sacrifices. Even Ruo Shui, who had once managed to escape Jixing Abyss, was recaptured by his forces.
Mu Qibai’s subordinates had recaptured the prisoners, claiming Lord Hanfeng wanted them fattened up to be offered to the netherbeasts to quickly grow an army, especially since Ji Bozai was proving difficult to control. The desperate prisoners pleaded for mercy, but their pleas were ignored. Meanwhile, Twenty-Seven stealthily infiltrated the Dragon Carp Terrace to investigate. He was on a mission for Ji Bozai, understanding that their unpredictable actions were meant to disrupt Mu Qibai’s plans.
He recalled Ming Yi's words that Ji Bozai's sudden appearance would surely put Mu Qibai on high alert, causing him to send most, if not all, of his men to Moonlit Blossoms, thus weakening the defenses of Dragon Carp Terrace. This would give Twenty-Seven a chance to find the method for breeding netherbeasts, as Xinliu had mentioned.
Ming Yi had also reminded him to look for the ledger recording Heavenly Grief’s dealings, which was likely also at the Dragon Carp Terrace. As Twenty-Seven searched the deep recesses of the Terrace, he felt the room was unusually hot and wondered where Mu Qibai kept his secrets. He then spotted a peculiar ancient tree and began to ponder its mysteries when Sun Liao ambushed him.
Sun Liao, calling Twenty-Seven "Kitten," mocked him for never learning and declared he would simply kill him this time, without any pretense of letting him escape. Just as Sun Liao was about to deliver a killing blow, Buxiu arrived as ordered, intercepting Sun Liao. Buxiu returned Sun Liao's taunts, saying it was quite fun to mess with him too.
The two exchanged blows for only a few rounds before Buxiu severely injured Sun Liao, then swiftly withdrew from Dragon Carp Terrace with Twenty-Seven. After their escape, Buxiu and Twenty-Seven sought temporary refuge in a scallion pancake shop. Buxiu expressed no surprise that Twenty-Seven wasn't shocked by his human form, guessing that Twenty-Seven and his master, Ji Bozai, were well-informed.
Twenty-Seven explained that Ji Bozai, having reached the Transcendent Stage, was capable of having a shapeshifting companion beast, so it was not difficult to deduce Buxiu’s identity. He added that Ji Bozai still didn't fully trust him or Ming Yi, so he had anticipated Buxiu being sent to watch him. Twenty-Seven then offered Buxiu some fish, asking if dragons typically ate it, to which Buxiu curtly replied he had a name.
When Twenty-Seven pressed him for his name, Buxiu revealed it. Twenty-Seven, introducing himself, then openly admired Buxiu's dragon form, complimenting his majestic size and well-built physique in human form, which made Buxiu visibly embarrassed. Buxiu assured Twenty-Seven that since Ji Bozai was now openly confronting their enemies, there was no need for him to remain hidden. Mu Qibai, meanwhile, stood by his brother Yuanfeng's sickbed, quietly updating him.
He spoke of his relentless efforts to ensure Jixing Abyss's dominance and his decision to raise netherbeasts into an army. He firmly believed that only through such formidable power could Jixing Abyss shed its fear of the world. He acknowledged that sacrifices were unavoidable if Jixing Abyss was to ascend to the ranks of the upper realms.
When Sun Liao returned injured, reporting that the intruder had escaped, Mu Qibai listened intently as Sun Liao blamed Ji Bozai's cunning and a shapeshifting companion beast for the escape, even suggesting Ji Bozai had hidden his true cultivation. Sun Liao reassured Mu Qibai that the "Soul-Consuming Tree" had not been discovered. Mu Qibai then turned his attention to Yan Xiao, who also reported his failure.
Mu Qibai questioned Yan Xiao's loyalty, suggesting his close cooperation with Ji Bozai during the training raised suspicions. Yan Xiao vehemently denied any ulterior motives, pledging his unwavering loyalty. Mu Qibai, speaking metaphorically about a stunted plant, suggested uprooting it. Yan Xiao offered a folk remedy involving "teeth, ground into powder." As a punishment for Sun Liao and a warning to Yan Xiao, Mu Qibai made a chilling clarification: he hadn't asked for Yan Xiao's own teeth.
Forced to comply, Yan Xiao performed the gruesome task on Sun Liao. Mu Qibai then sarcastically remarked on Yan Xiao's "curing" Sun Liao's "foul mouth," a clear warning. He then asked Yan Xiao if caring for his brother would be done without error, and Yan Xiao pledged his utmost. Twenty-Seven recounted his night's findings, concluding that the mysterious tree was indeed suspicious, as it was the only one flourishing in Mu Qibai’s courtyard, seemingly siphoning life from others.
Ji Bozai instantly recalled seeing a similar strange ancient tree in Hou Zhao’s memories, one that could drain spiritual essence from surrounding plants, implying it could also consume primordial spirits. Ming Yi, realizing the grave implications, described an ancient technique from the Mangfu Swamp that binds primordial spirits to colossal trees, turning them into Soul-Consuming Trees.
She noted the pervasive stench of blood around the tree and questioned if this was indeed the unique method Xinliu had mentioned for breeding netherbeasts, as primordial spirits were the best nourishment for them. Ming Yi warned that if Mu Qibai succeeded in assembling an army of netherbeasts, it would lead to unimaginable catastrophe, recalling how a century ago, such beasts devoured everything in their path.
She suggested reporting the matter to the Emperor of Jixing, but Ji Bozai revealed the Emperor was a mere puppet, long controlled by Mu Qibai and trapped in a permanent slumber. Ming Yi then proposed alerting the other five realms. However, Ji Bozai dismissed the idea, stating that those in power were all of the same ilk.
He believed that if they learned of a netherbeast army, they would only seek to claim its power for themselves and dominate the Six Realms. Ming Yi countered, arguing that not all leaders were slaves to power, and some would surely consider the well-being of other beings. She urged them to unite as many allies as possible. Ji Bozai remained unconvinced, highlighting their limited strength.
He retorted that growing up safely in Yaoguang Palace, Ming Yi naturally believed in righteous figures. He claimed that if she had spent even a single day in the Sunken Abyss, she would truly understand human greed and malice. He warned that if the netherbeast army was publicly revealed, the Six Realms, including Yaoguang Mountain, would descend into chaos fighting over that power.
He then made a biting comment about Ming Yi's rare lack of pride in her upper realm background, to which she responded with sarcasm. Although Ming Yi didn't fully agree with his cynical view, she then recalled Xinliu’s testimony about Mu Qibai’s collusion with the upper realms, realizing the situation was far more complex and entangled than she had initially thought. Meanwhile, in Zhushui Lingzhou, the succession of God-Lord Chao Heng remained undecided among his many sons.
Rumors spread that the eldest prince, Chao Yu, would be named Crown Prince for his success in pacifying the Cangwu Hill rebellion. However, Chao Heng, aware of his son’s ambition, instead clipped his wings by executing some of his supporters. As a mix of reward and warning, he granted Chao Yu the title of Lord Jingxi. Seizing the opportunity, the second prince, Chao Xuan, stoked Chao Yu’s paranoia.
He revealed that their youngest brother, Chao Yuan, had gone to Jixing Abyss to find the Golden Millet Dream. Chao Xuan suggested that if Chao Yuan succeeded, he might be allowed to cultivate his spiritual veins, making him a powerful new contender for the throne. The warning hit its mark, and Chao Yu grew wary of his previously overlooked younger brother. As the Douzhe training concluded, Tianji Princess announced the end of the sessions at Shouhua Academy.
Ji Bozai decided it was time to investigate the netherbeast army directly. A subordinate confirmed that Mu Qibai had finally left Dragon Carp Terrace on a long journey, and the Tracking Seal, made by Ming Yi, was successfully placed on his carriage to monitor his movements for the next twelve hours. Ji Bozai acknowledged Ming Yi's ingenuity. He also inferred that Twenty-Seven's obedience to Ming Yi stemmed from her strong bond with Ming Xian, whose companion beast Twenty-Seven was.
As Ji Bozai was about to leave, Ming Yi approached him. Granny Xun, tasked by Ji Bozai to watch Ming Yi, urged her in a whisper to see him off so she could then proceed to his Spirit Well. Ji Bozai, testing Ming Yi, asked if she distrusted him to go alone, offering to let her accompany him. Ming Yi, feigning trust, asserted her belief that he would not be swayed by the dangerous power of the netherbeasts.
She then gently placed an outer garment around his shoulders, reminding him of the cold night and the perils of his journey, urging him to prioritize his safety. Her genuine concern touched Ji Bozai deeply. After Ji Bozai departed, Ming Yi turned to face Granny Xun, stating that she only trusted Ji Bozai and herself. To deal with Granny Xun, Ming Yi offered her "Blessing Cakes" and claimed she would stay put.
Granny Xun refused and pressed Ming Yi about her relationship with Ming Xian. Ming Yi confessed to being engaged to Ming Xian, which shocked Granny Xun. Misunderstanding the situation, Granny Xun questioned if Ming Xian was as "shameless" as her own abusive old man, forcing Ming Yi into such circumstances. Ming Yi admitted it was "his fault," leading Granny Xun to openly disparage Ming Xian.
After a brief attempt at comforting Ming Yi, Granny Xun gradually succumbed to slumber, subtly induced by Ming Yi. She then proceeded to the depths of Ji Bozai's Spirit Well, musing on its striking resemblance to the Sunken Abyss. She reflected on how Ji Bozai, though no longer a prisoner, seemed trapped within his own creation. There, before Bo Yulan's memorial tablet, she found the Golden Millet Dream.
But as she reached for it, a potent restriction violently repelled her, and she instantly realized that Ji Bozai, having formed a heart imprint with her, had specifically set this blood seal to guard against her. At the same time, Ji Bozai followed the trail, discovering countless wailing souls imprisoned within a large ancient tree. These were the very souls who had escaped the Sunken Abyss, only to be secretly recaptured by Mu Qibai.
Through this tree, their essence was continuously absorbed to nourish his netherbeast army. Ji Bozai witnessed harrowing flashbacks, including the tragic fate of Ruo Shui. He saw her, as a fragile plant spirit, insisting she wasn't weak and vowing to live and grow into a towering tree. Mu Qibai, in these flashbacks, had cynically offered to help by having her become "part of someone stronger."
Ji Bozai also witnessed Ruo Shui, before her consumption, attempting to give him a Jianye Grass as a gift. Overwhelmed with grief, Ji Bozai realized that these innocent beings were doomed to an eternal, rebirth-less death. Mu Qibai's voice echoed in the flashback, telling the prisoners they were now "feed" and blaming Ji Bozai for exposing the Sunken Abyss, which led to their recapture.
Ming Yi, connected to Ji Bozai by their heart imprint, shared his profound sorrow and wept, finally understanding that their bond allowed them to feel each other's deepest joys and sorrows. When Ji Bozai returned, utterly distraught, Ming Yi embraced him tightly, offering silent comfort.
