Love of Thousand Years Recap, Plot, Synopsis
Love of Thousand Years Synopsis
After the fall of the Li Kingdom, the former imperial princess, in her quest to find the Spirit Lamp, disguised herself and assumed the identity of Qin Chuan, embarking on the long and arduous path of a fallen princess seeking to restore her nation. On Xiangqu Mountain, she encountered the immortal Fu Jiuyun, who had silently guarded her for millennia. Jiuyun, burdened with his own secrets, wished only for Qin Chuan to let go of her hatred and live a simple, happy life as an ordinary person.
Yet he did not know that in Qin Chuan’s heart, her mission was not merely to avenge her country—it was also to purge the world of demons and bring peace to the people, regardless of which kingdom they belonged to. As their affection for each other grew, Qin Chuan remained unaware that igniting the Spirit Lamp would not only harm her, as she was willing to sacrifice her soul to power the lamp, but also Fu Jiuyun, who was intricately tied to the lamp by fate. Bound by duty and torn by love, both faced an agonizing choice.
Love of Thousand Years Recap
Episode 1 Recap
Amidst the mystical ambiance of Xiangqu Mountain, two immortals discussed an ancient scroll suspended in the air. The painting on it depicted a chilling vision: a snowy mountain shrouded in mist, where Princess Yanyan, clad in crimson, was ultimately overcome by the army of Tianyuan. The aftermath was grim, with corpses strewn across the fields. One of the superior immortals, having witnessed this tragic prophecy, enhanced the painting with his brush and gifted it to his disciple, Fu Jiuyun.
Fu Jiuyun, though appearing as a divine disciple, was in truth a lonely spirit born from an ancient lamp. He had been enamored with the princess since his first glimpse of her in the painting and had wandered the mortal realm for a thousand years in search of her, finally encountering her in the present day. In Li State, a kingdom renowned for its mastery of immortal arts, Princess Yanyan showed little interest in learning magic.
A year had passed, and she still hadn't grasped the essence of the White Paper Theurgy, a confidential magic art from the Li State Palace. Her frustrated master demanded she conjure ten cranes before being allowed to leave the house. After struggling and giving up, Yanyan was helped by her maid, A Man, who managed to conjure a single crane. Tired of her studies, Yanyan decided to go for a walk with A Man.
Separately, Yanyan’s brother showed her a valuable painting he had acquired, praising the artist, Gongziqi. Yanyan, however, was unimpressed with the artist's character, describing him as an arrogant genius known for his music, romance, painting, and theurgy, who boasted that no woman could resist him. She learned that Gongziqi had composed only half of a musical piece, "Eastwind Peach Blossom Melody," claiming no one was worthy of dancing to the complete version.
Seeing this as excessive pride, Yanyan challenged her brother to persuade Gongziqi to finish the piece, asserting she could master the dance. Her brother agreed on the condition that she owe him a favor. Soon after, Mrs. Qiuhua, the Queen's aunt, and her daughter Xuanzhu arrived at the palace. While their greetings appeared cordial, an underlying tension quickly surfaced. Their rivalry stemmed from the fact that Xuanzhu was in love with Zuo Zichen, who shared a mutual affection with Yanyan.
Xuanzhu tried to flaunt her progress in magic, subtly implying Yanyan's lack of discipline. Annoyed, Yanyan sarcastically referenced her own struggles with conjuring cranes. As Zuo Zichen appeared, Yanyan warmly thanked him for his consideration, which prompted a jealous glance from Xuanzhu. Zuo Zichen, however, clarified he was merely obeying his father's order to visit Mrs. Qiuhua. Meanwhile, Tianyuan State, having conquered three surrounding states, deployed its forces, signaling an imminent attack on Li State.
The Li Emperor was deeply concerned, especially after his trusted Prime Minister Zuo suddenly claimed illness and sought to resign. Suspecting Zuo's true intentions, the Emperor decided to visit him. At the same time, Gongziqi had completed the "Eastwind Peach Blossom Melody." Yanyan, finding the music incredibly complex, accompanied the Emperor to Premier Zuo's mansion and took the opportunity to show the score to Zuo Zichen.
Observing the music's underlying murderous tone despite its grandeur, Zuo Zichen suggested playing it in reverse to transform it into a joyful tune suitable for a birthday celebration, thus helping Yanyan master the melody. The Emperor's visit to Premier Zuo failed. Despite the state's crisis, Premier Zuo maintained his decision to resign, citing his age and poor health. Zuo Zichen's attempt to persuade his father to reconsider was met with a sharp rebuke for interfering.
Before leaving, Yanyan gifted Zuo Zichen a precious white jade hair clasp she had specially crafted, which he received with great delight. Unaware of the full gravity of the state's turmoil, Princess Yanyan remained immersed in the joys of young love. She confided in A Man, fantasizing about her future with Zuo Zichen. That night, as if summoned by her thoughts, Gongziqi secretly appeared in Yanyan’s private chambers.
He left a magically materialized note that mocked her while reminding her of their dance agreement, then vanished as she vaguely perceived his presence behind a curtain. The day of the Queen's birthday celebration arrived. As guests filled the hall, Gongziqi arrived with his friend Meishan. As the feast commenced, Yanyan stepped onto the stage with her pipa.
As the altered "Eastwind Peach Blossom Melody" swelled, her dance began, creating a magical spectacle where peach trees blossomed and petals rained down. The audience watched in awe, but Gongziqi, with a subtle smirk, recognized the change to his melody. He started to rise in indignation but was restrained by Meishan. Unable to bear the alteration, Gongziqi angrily departed the celebration.
Leaving the palace, a vexed Fu Jiuyun was confronted by his Master, the Grand Preceptor, who had seen through his mortal alias of Gongziqi. The Preceptor admonished him for interfering with Princess Yanyan's predetermined fate, warning him that meddling in the mortal realm was forbidden. Fu Jiuyun conceded and instructed the Grand Preceptor to deliver the peach blossom painting he had created for Yanyan as part of their wager, promising not to bother her further.
However, he later confessed his inner turmoil to Meishan, admitting that Yanyan was the one who completed his soul and that he felt destined to protect her, regardless of the boundaries between realms. Simultaneously, Premier Zuo, having secretly aligned with Tianyuan State, presented their general, Li Yuan, with critical border defense maps of Li State. Under the cover of night, Li Yuan led his forces in a swift assault, easily overwhelming Li State's defenses and advancing to encircle the capital.
The next day, Yanyan, having received the peach blossom painting from Gongziqi, decided to personally deliver it to Zuo Zichen to share her joy. However, Zichen had been sent by his father to a temple to pray for his health. Unaware of his absence and not wanting to disturb the household, Yanyan decided to scale the wall of the Zuo mansion.
As she cautiously climbed, she was horrified to see Premier Zuo emerging from a room below with Tianyuan assassins, as the sounds of frantic servants locking doors echoed from within, revealing the unfolding betrayal.
Episode 2 Recap
A massive attack by Tianyuan State demon soldiers, orchestrated in collusion with the Left Prime Minister, plunged the capital into a bloodbath. As Princess Yanyan desperately tried to escape the massacre, Fu Jiuyun, knowingly defying fate, intervened to save her. The Left Prime Minister's treachery was absolute; despite beacon towers meant for defense, none were lit, and he insisted the royal carriage proceed to the Great Temple, a move that proved fatal.
Li Yuan, leading the demon forces, confronted Fu Jiuyun, engaging him in a fierce battle. With the city gates opened on the Prime Minister's orders, Li Yuan's army poured in. The Second Prince fought valiantly but was ultimately slain, a horrific sight witnessed by the Emperor and Empress, who were killed soon after. Amidst the devastation of the imperial city, Yanyan stumbled through the corpses and found her maid, A Man, miraculously still alive.
Zuo Zichen, who had been on his way to the Great Temple, felt a growing unease and rushed back, only to find he was too late. Devastated by the loss of her family to the Left Prime Minister's betrayal, Yanyan was consumed by a desire for vengeance and lashed out with a sword. Zuo Zichen shielded his face with his hand, and blood poured from between his fingers. Despite his injury, he stopped his subordinates from retaliating.
Seizing the moment, the Imperial Tutor appeared on a crane, whisking Yanyan and A Man away to safety. As the crane soared into the sky, Yanyan looked back at her burning city, while below, Zuo Zichen knelt and wept, feeling profoundly alone. Fleeing through thorny mountain paths, the trio was pursued by demon soldiers.
A Man, loyal to the end, sacrificed herself to protect Yanyan, falling to a demon's blade and urging the princess to live on with her last breath. With her home destroyed and her loved ones gone, Yanyan fell into despair. To rekindle her spirit, the Imperial Tutor revealed the existence of the Spirit Lamp, an ancient divine artifact capable of absorbing the spiritual energy of all demons.
If its wielder were to ignite it, all demons in the world could be vanquished. However, the price was immense: the wielder must forge a blood bond with the lamp and ultimately sacrifice their own spirit to power it. With nothing left to lose, Yanyan pledged to find the lamp and exact her revenge, embracing the risk of annihilation.
She pleaded with the Imperial Tutor to teach her the necessary arts, and under his guidance, she adopted a new face and name, disappearing from the world. Years later, with the Da Li royal lineage having faded into memory, the world moved on. Among the cultivation sacred lands, Xiangqu Mountain was paramount, divided into an outer area for laborers and an inner sanctum for the Suzerain and disciples.
Rumors of the disciples' beauty and skill drew many hopefuls, but few were ever chosen to serve in the inner sanctum. It was in early winter that Tan Chuan, now bearing A Man's appearance, resided in the outer grounds. Though initially an outcast, her kindness, efficiency, and feigned innocence soon won over others, including a fellow servant named Cuiya and the childless Steward Zhao. The steward was responsible for his clumsy nephew, Ermeng.
With the Dragon King of White River's impending visit, the inner mountain needed more hands. Fearing Ermeng would cause trouble, Steward Zhao proposed that Tan Chuan marry his nephew, which would allow her to accompany Ermeng to the inner mountain and look after him. Tan Chuan, seeing this as the perfect opportunity to get inside, immediately agreed.
Her quick acceptance pleased Steward Zhao, who ensured her name, along with Cuiya's, appeared on the list of servants selected to go to the inner mountain. Upon entering, the new servants marveled at the vibrant, spring-like scenery within. They were met by Ma'am Qingqing, who assigned their duties. As they journeyed through a mountain stream, Tan Chuan spotted a handsome man in green robes playing a flute on a distant mountaintop.
The man was Fu Jiuyun, who immediately recognized Tan Chuan. He stopped playing and adopted a flirtatious manner, teasing her with his gaze. Tan Chuan found his behavior lewd and distasteful. Cuiya, however, was so captivated by his appearance that she fainted on the spot. Tan Chuan was assigned to care for the flowers at Qionghua Sea, while Cuiya was tasked with tending to the cranes, a messy job she found difficult.
Later, in a conversation with his companion, it was revealed why Fu Jiuyun had a "bad reputation." Three years prior, he had broken the centuries-long peace between the immortal, human, and demon realms by killing Tianyuan demon soldiers to save Yanyan. His companion questioned if Yanyan appreciated the sacrifice and wondered about her true motives for coming to Xiangqu Mountain.
Fu Jiuyun simply noted that the girl was getting smarter and that he had plenty of time to deal with her, attributing her arrival to love—a matter of destiny, or perhaps doom. Tan Chuan, meanwhile, meticulously learned her new job, which involved carefully watering the magical plants with water from Heaven Pool. Despite the hardships, a deep resolve burned within her heart. She was determined to pursue her mission, and while she would find joy in this new, ordinary life, she vowed that nothing would deter her from her ultimate goal.
Episode 3 Recap
Following the ancient sacrifice of the Divine Dragon of Yinshan, a lone soul emerged from its spiritual lamp, eventually becoming the immortal Fu Jiuyun. His master's disappearance after a cultivation deviation left Fu Jiuyun with a persistent worry, prompting him to guard his Suzerain during spiritual practices.
Though the Suzerain found this unnecessary, he shared his own concerns about the impending visit from the White River Dragon King, suspecting the King harbored sinister intentions beyond coveting the mountain's treasures and might be aiming to take over Xiangqu Mountain itself. Meanwhile, a flashback reveals how Princess Yanyan, her country destroyed, accepted her new identity as Qin Chuan.
Her mission is to find the spiritual lamp to avenge her people, a quest she is willing to sacrifice her own life for. Now on Xiangqu Mountain, Qin Chuan uses paper theurgy to create a cat and bypass a barrier to a secluded cave. Inside, Fu Jiuyun suddenly appears and embraces her, playfully teasing her about her scent. Annoyed, Qin Chuan pricks him with an anesthetic needle. Amused rather than angered, Fu Jiuyun simply smiles before feigning unconsciousness.
Renowned for his musical talent and charming nature, Fu Jiuyun continues to playfully pursue Qin Chuan, much to her dismay. Finding him inescapable, she tries to repel him by applying a large amount of Osmanthus oil, a scent she believes immortals detest. When the oil fails to deter him, Qin Chuan invents a story about a childhood sweetheart named Doudou, claiming she came to the mountain to find him.
Her story is comically interrupted by Ermeng, one of Fu Jiuyun's disciples, who loudly proclaims he is not Doudou. Fu Jiuyun, aware of her deceit, plays along before confronting her privately. He questions her about both the "Doudou" lie and the needle attack, easily seeing through her fabricated excuses of self-defense. Overhearing disciples discussing the need for new barricades in the rear mountain due to the Dragon King's visit, Qin Chuan secretly follows them.
There, she encounters another woman, who reveals herself to be a disciple of the Dragon King. When the White Moon Nebula Mirror exposes the woman's true form as a hippocampus spirit, Qin Chuan, fearing her own identity will be revealed, cooperates with the spirit to shatter the mirror. Immediately after, she betrays and kills the spirit, then feigns terror, blaming the dead hippocampus for everything.
Fu Jiuyun arrives and instantly sees through her act, deducing that she collaborated with the spirit before attacking her from behind. He protects her from suspicion publicly but later confronts her in private, discovering a folded paper charm on her, confirming her use of paper theurgy. Qin Chuan stubbornly insists the charm was just a paper rabbit from her mother, but Fu Jiuyun dismisses her "lame acting."
Later, he places the mirror fragments into a tub of water, from which a handsome, innocent young man emerges. Qingqing, another of Fu Jiuyun's admirers, becomes jealous of his attention to Qin Chuan and warns her to behave, threatening that she could end up like the hippocampus spirit. Despite Qin Chuan's attempts to avoid him, Fu Jiuyun persists. While she is trimming branches, she falls from a ladder, and he swiftly catches her.
He takes a small mirror from her, which she, once again, claims is a gift from her mother. After the fall, Qin Chuan has a scratch on her face. Fu Jiuyun gives her a pot of healing Zhicao dewdrop cream, but she defiantly refuses to use it. The next morning, she awakens to find that Fu Jiuyun has prankishly drawn a turtle on her cheek.
Episode 4 Recap
The Suzerain commented on a loud incident from the previous day, revealing that someone had been caught and killed by the Whitemoon Nebula Mirror, an item he had placed at the only entrance to Wanbo Garret. The Department of Tongjian identified the intruder as a "hippocampus" sent by the Dragon King. The Suzerain suspected this was just the beginning, warning that Xiangqu Mountain was not as peaceful as it seemed, especially concerning matters of spiritual power.
To honor his two recently arrived distinguished guests, the Suzerain announced a grand banquet and a mountain meeting for the following day. On the day of the banquet, Tan Chuan and other maids waited in the cold for the immortals. When Zuo Zichen and Xuanzhu finally appeared, Tan Chuan was overwhelmed with emotion, the sight triggering painful memories of their past.
Xuanzhu led the blind Zuo Zichen to a room she had chosen, explaining they were there to heal his eyes. Zuo Zichen, however, was resistant, suspecting the greedy Suzerain had been bribed with treasures. He adamantly refused the treatment, not wanting Xuanzhu or his father to beg on his behalf. Xuanzhu tried to comfort Zuo Zichen, urging him to forget Yanyan, whom she described as his enemy.
Zuo Zichen was consumed by guilt, blaming himself for not realizing his father's dealings with demons sooner. Watching from afar, Tan Chuan internally acknowledged that the rebellion wasn't his fault and that he was also a victim. Later, Xuanzhu confronted Tan Chuan directly, chiding her for appearing. Though Tan Chuan admitted her regrets, she stood firm, asserting that while she may not hate Zuo Zichen, the memory of her people's massacre meant they could never be together.
She declared she had only come to see him one last time. Accepting this, Xuanzhu told Tan Chuan that from now on, Zuo Zichen's life belonged to her and vowed to make him forget his past love. To secure the Suzerain's help, Xuanzhu presented him with a precious painting, a gift he greatly admired.
Delighted, the Suzerain promised to write to Zuo Zichen's father and offered to take Xuanzhu as his official disciple, explaining that he only expended his power for his own students. Xuanzhu gratefully accepted. Fearing that Zuo Zichen might recognize her by her scent, Tan Chuan had applied strong cassia oil to herself. As Xuanzhu later led Zuo Zichen through the palace, this very scent was noticed, and Qingqing quickly dismissed the maids to avoid any disturbance.
Fu Jiuyun found Tan Chuan and playfully called her a "liar" before returning her bronze mirror. He noted its "Swallow & Kylin" texture, a pattern of the royal Li family, but Tan Chuan insisted it was a fake. Later, while gardening, Tan Chuan ran into Zuo Zichen. After she broke a jade bottle, he used it as an opportunity to speak with her.
Claiming he had an identical one, he offered it as a replacement if she would escort him back to his room. Tan Chuan reluctantly agreed. Inside his room, Zuo Zichen explained that a musical instrument was a gift from a friend in Li that he could not bear to move. He remarked that Tan Chuan's voice sounded familiar and asked if they had met, which she denied.
As she tried to leave, he stopped her and insisted on seeing her face. After touching her face, he murmured that she was pretty, just as Qingqing and Xuanzhu entered. Enraged, Qingqing berated Tan Chuan, calling her filthy and ill-bred, but Zuo Zichen immediately defended her, stating he had brought her there.
When Xuanzhu asked about a jade bottle she had given him, he casually replied that he gave it to Tan Chuan for watering the plants and curtly dismissed Xuanzhu. Afterward, Xuanzhu apologized to Qingqing for Zuo Zichen's temper, but Qingqing seemed pleased that he had found someone to talk to. Later, Zuo Zichen apologized to Xuanzhu for his harshness. Unbeknownst to them, he secretly harbored a desire to learn witchcraft, find the Spiritual Lamp, and avenge his fallen kingdom.
Meanwhile, Qingqing ordered her servants to search for the missing jade bottle. Believing Tan Chuan had stolen it, she had her arrested and thrown in jail despite Tan Chuan's insistence that Zuo Zichen had given it to her. A frantic Ermeng fetched Fu Jiuyun, begging him to save his "wife." Fu Jiuyun playfully teased Tan Chuan, asking what he would get in return. After she desperately offered him all her money and even herself, he agreed to help.
He opened the cell, declaring she was now his "housemaid." When the guards tried to stop him, stating they couldn't release someone who had offended Qingqing, the Suzerain's favorite, Fu Jiuyun simply pulled Tan Chuan out of the cell and walked away.
Episode 5 Recap
Fu Jiuyun announced his intention to take Tan Chuan as his personal housemaid. Tan Chuan was surprised, questioning his choice, to which he simply replied that she was "unique." He also warned her to be careful, as her reckless nature could inadvertently expose her as the spy from the White River, revealing he knew her secret. Despite her initial protestations, Tan Chuan was soon whisked away in a grand red sedan chair.
The other maids were abuzz with gossip; some were envious, as serving one of the Four Disciples could potentially lead to becoming an immortal disciple of Xiangqu Mountain. Others feared for her, spreading rumors that Fu Jiuyun was a "demon" who had tormented his own master to death, believing Tan Chuan was doomed. Upon arrival at Fu Jiuyun's residence, he declared that from then on, she belonged to him.
He instructed her to prepare a night snack and then stay with him through the night. Tan Chuan, misinterpreting his words, became flustered and told him not to approach. Fu Jiuyun, amused by her reaction, clarified that he merely meant for her to warm his quilt. He then pressed her about "Brother Doudou," growing annoyed when her promise of loyalty still made an exception for her former love.
He accused her of being fickle and a little liar, ultimately banishing her to a couch beneath his bed as punishment. He further decreed that for the entire next day, she was forbidden to eat or come within a set distance of him. The following morning, Tan Chuan encountered a peculiar young man, Young Master Bai, in Fu Jiuyun's room. He immediately criticized her appearance and her "poor taste" in clothes.
However, he was prone to sudden, debilitating headaches that caused him to forget who she was or what he had just said. Despite his erratic behavior, Young Master Bai, in collusion with Fu Jiuyun, assigned Tan Chuan a daunting task: to meticulously wash a large pile of dirty clothes before they departed for a party. Determined to provoke Fu Jiuyun into dismissing her, Tan Chuan deliberately ruined all the clothes and even smashed a vase.
When Fu Jiuyun and Young Master Bai returned, they were dismayed by the damage. Tan Chuan feigned clumsiness, claiming the precious fabrics simply fell apart under her unskilled hands. However, Fu Jiuyun saw through her ruse. Instead of reprimanding her, he displayed a surprising leniency, stating that newcomers were often clumsy. Since she had no money to compensate for the damages, he decreed that she would continue to serve as his maid, promising to personally train her to be obedient.
Later, Tan Chuan confided in Cuiya about her grueling work under Fu Jiuyun. Cuiya, misinterpreting Tan Chuan’s complaints about being "exhausted" from "working," gossiped with other maids, leading to the widespread rumor that Fu Jiuyun possessed "amazing" and "talented" physical abilities that left Tan Chuan utterly drained. Fu Jiuyun, seemingly unbothered, instructed Tan Chuan to prepare bath water for Young Master Bai.
In the bathroom, Tan Chuan found only a broken mirror but heard Young Master Bai's voice emanating from it. She quickly realized that he was, in fact, the Whitemoon Nebula Mirror. Intent on destroying the mirror to protect her identity, she prepared to strike it that night. However, as she looked upon the innocent spirit mirror, she was flooded with painful memories of her past and her family, causing her to hesitate and abandon her plan.
Zuo Zichen, still preoccupied with thoughts of Tan Chuan, arrived at Fu Jiuyun's residence to request her transfer to his manor. Fu Jiuyun, maintaining a polite facade, declared he would part with anything for the talented Zuo Zichen, even a small maid. However, he cunningly shifted the decision to Tan Chuan, asking her directly while sending a subtle, warning glance.
Unwilling to be further entangled with Zuo Zichen, Tan Chuan firmly refused, stating she was not a plaything to be passed around and was committed to serving Fu Jiuyun. Inwardly pleased, Fu Jiuyun feigned indifference, suggesting she should reconsider as no one was forcing her. Zuo Zichen, taken aback by Tan Chuan’s strong reaction, apologized and departed. Later, Meishan Jun arrived to share a drink with Fu Jiuyun.
He saw Tan Chuan watering flowers and, recalling the personal cost Fu Jiuyun had paid for her, made veiled comments about her significance. He instructed Tan Chuan to warm their special wine, making symbolic remarks about its intense nature and its potential to "kill Jiuyun," hinting at the dangerous path Fu Jiuyun was on because of her. Annoyed by the insinuation, Tan Chuan borrowed Ermeng’s unwashed chamber pot to warm the potent immortal brew.
Meishan Jun, oblivious and thoroughly inebriated, praised her excellent wine-warming skills. Concerned for his friend, Meishan Jun produced a rare Guiyuan Huxin pill, claiming it would protect Fu Jiuyun's spiritual power from severe injury, even from the "thing inside your body." Fu Jiuyun took the pill but immediately detected a strange taste in the wine.
Meishan Jun attributed it to the wine's unique fragrance, but Fu Jiuyun, realizing it was Tan Chuan's petty revenge, smiled to himself, musing that she was, as he always knew, a vengeful person.
Episode 6 Recap
Following Tan Chuan's rejection of Zuo Zichen, Fu Jiuyun tests her resolve again by praising Zuo's writing. When Tan Chuan reaffirms her unwavering loyalty, a pleased Fu Jiuyun pulls her into his embrace and personally feeds her tea. The intimate moment is awkwardly witnessed by Young Master Bai. Annoyed by the intensity, Tan Chuan changes the subject by asking about a long-promised painting, irritating Fu Jiuyun, who dismisses her and says he is not in the mood to paint.
Meanwhile, the Suzerain of Xiangqu Mountain discusses the realm's treasures with Ma'am Qingqing. He reveals the most precious item is a painting by Gongziqi, a recent gift from Xuanzhu. Qingqing becomes momentarily jealous, but the Suzerain clarifies the gift was for Xuanzhu's "surly love," Zuo Zichen, highlighting her deep feelings for him.
Later, Young Master Bai and Fu Jiuyun are drinking when Ma'am Qingqing joins them, complaining that Fu Jiuyun has been ignoring her and has been ill-tempered since Tan Chuan's arrival. Bai brings up Zuo Zichen's request to have Tan Chuan as his maid, but Fu Jiuyun deflects the question. Afterward, Fu Jiuyun tells Tan Chuan she is free to go to Zuo Zichen's side, as he doesn't need her, but she refuses, insisting she only wants to serve him.
Troubled, Fu Jiuyun drinks alone and is found by Meishan. Meishan correctly intuits that his friend's sorrow is because of a woman. Fu Jiuyun admits Meishan knows him well, and privately vows that now that he has found "her," he will never let her suffer again. Elsewhere, Tan Chuan talks with a fellow servant, Er Meng, who believes that simple goals are the key to success.
His words cause Tan Chuan to silently recommit to her own complex mission: to master sorcery, find the Spiritual Lamp, and avenge her fallen kingdom. Driven by her goal, Tan Chuan uses a map to find the secret Wanbao Garret. Inside the cavern, she attempts to open a large stone door, activating two fearsome copper statues. Despite fighting valiantly with twin daggers, she is quickly overpowered, chained, and thrown, leaving her severely wounded.
Just as the statues drag her away, Fu Jiuyun, sensing her peril, arrives and instantly neutralizes the guardians. He picks up the unconscious Tan Chuan, but the arrival of the Suzerain and Ma'am Qingqing forces him to hide them both inside a magical Qiankun bag. Inside the bag, Tan Chuan awakens, confused. In the cavern, Qingqing finds a bottle of osmanthus oil Tan Chuan dropped and secretly pockets it.
She then notices a faint light from the Qiankun bag, but the Suzerain diverts her attention to other treasures. Once they leave, Fu Jiuyun carries Tan Chuan back to his hall, ordering Bai to keep everyone out. However, Zuo Zichen and Xuanzhu arrive, demanding an answer to his request. Fu Jiuyun reluctantly lets them in, where they see the gravely injured Tan Chuan.
Zuo Zichen, skilled in medicine, offers to help, but Fu Jiuyun blocks him, lying that he harshly punished her for ruining his clothes. Enraged by this cruelty and hypocrisy, Zuo Zichen denounces Fu Jiuyun as a "teacher-killer" and storms out with a disillusioned Xuanzhu. Back in their quarters, Zuo Zichen is determined to leave the mountain. His resolve hardens when he learns that Xuanzhu, in a desperate bid to heal his eyes, has become a disciple of the Suzerain.
As they argue, Qingqing arrives to invite Xuanzhu to view the evening blossoms. Zuo Zichen coldly dismisses them, saying he wants to be alone. Before Tan Chuan awakens, Fu Jiuyun confers with the magic mirror, who is also Young Master Bai. The mirror, its memory now restored, reveals that Tan Chuan is the missing princess of Li, the very person who broke its head, and that she infiltrated the forbidden Wanbao Garret.
The mirror demands vengeance, but Fu Jiuyun states that while he will wake her, it is not yet time for interrogation, as he needs her for a larger plan. Several days later, Tan Chuan awakens. Fu Jiuyun feeds her medicine and tells her a cover story: she was injured after falling off a cliff while picking fruit on his orders. She confronts him, revealing she remembers being in Wanbao Garret and that he rescued her. Pressed for the real reason he saved her and covered for her, Fu Jiuyun's demeanor softens, and he confesses it was because she is his favorite little maid.
Episode 7 Recap
The Suzerain was cultivating by absorbing a thousand-year-old evil demon when Fu Jiuyun advised him against rushing, warning that his soul could be destroyed. Just then, Xuanzhu arrived with freshly brewed Zihong Huaying wine. Hearing that the Suzerain and Fu Jiuyun were in a meeting, she pretended to leave the wine in a side hall but instead eavesdropped at the door.
Inside, the Suzerain noted the mysterious appearance of common grass on Xiangqu Mountain, confirming his suspicion that the White River Dragon King had other schemes. He urged Fu Jiuyun, who was in charge of the mountain's defense, to find the spy quickly, suspecting they were using dandelions imbued with witchcraft to send messages. He reminded Fu Jiuyun that their destinies were intertwined and that while he trusted him completely, any carelessness could ruin their immortal mountain and cultivation.
Fu Jiuyun affirmed his understanding. Xuanzhu then entered with the wine, but the Suzerain dismissed her, stating he still had matters to discuss with Fu Jiuyun. Believing Fu Jiuyun had harmed Tan Chuan based on their last encounter, Zuo Zichen arrived to challenge him to a duel. Bai tried to dissuade Fu Jiuyun from fighting a "blind mortal," but to no avail. Fu Jiuyun, referencing his notorious reputation as a "master-slayer," warned Zuo Zichen not to seek death.
Before the fight could escalate, Tan Chuan intervened. She clarified that her injuries were from an accidental fall and that Fu Jiuyun had actually healed her. With the misunderstanding cleared, Zuo Zichen apologized and departed. Later, Ermeng mentioned hearing rumors that Fu Jiuyun was abusive towards servants, suggesting Zuo Zichen was a better man. Tan Chuan defended Fu Jiuyun, saying he treated her well and even called her his "favorite little maid."
As Tan Chuan accompanied Fu Jiuyun towards the Wanbao Pavilion, she admired a unique, faceless snowman holding an umbrella. Fu Jiuyun revealed he had made it, explaining that the beauty it represented was illusory and wished to hide from the world, which is why it had no face. Inside the Wanbao Pavilion, Fu Jiuyun told Tan Chuan to choose any treasure. Finding no Spiritual Lamp, she picked a piece of ambergris.
Fu Jiuyun then revealed he knew her true identity as the princess of Dali. Admitting who she was, Tan Chuan explained her mission: to find the Spiritual Lamp. She recounted that since Tianyuan's conquest, her people were sacrificed annually as "human dishes"—living people made into delicacies for their demonic rulers. She sought the lamp to vanquish all demons.
Fu Jiuyun retorted that she was ignorant of the lamp's true consequences and warned her the Suzerain was already hunting for a spy on the mountain. He then ordered her to report to Zuo Zichen the next day, signaling he would not expose her. Feeling she had been toyed with, Tan Chuan gave the ambergris to Ermeng, who was ecstatic to receive his first gift from her. Tan Chuan bitterly told Ermeng never to mention Fu Jiuyun's name again.
That evening, Fu Jiuyun invited her for a drink, and after a tense, quiet moment, they both drank heavily before he departed, leaving her to watch him go. The next morning, Zuo Zichen was waiting patiently for Tan Chuan. He welcomed her warmly, and she asked him to call her "Xiaochuan." Zuo Zichen then played the "East Wind Peach Blossom Song" on his zither. As the familiar melody played, memories flooded Tan Chuan's mind, and she began to cry.
Noticing the jade hairpin she had once carved for him in his hair, she asked why he hadn't sought a cure for his blindness. Zuo Zichen explained that regaining his sight was meaningless since the past was gone; being blind made memories more vivid, and he preferred to remain as he was, playing music to remember someone important to him. Meanwhile, Meishan Jun was celebrating with Fu Jiuyun, mistakenly thinking Tan Chuan's departure meant his friend was finally moving on.
But when Fu Jiuyun revealed she was after the Spiritual Lamp, Meishan Jun became enraged, reminding him that she didn't want a lamp—she wanted his life. Later, a downcast Fu Jiuyun was painting Tan Chuan's portrait when Steward Zhao reported that Qingqing had been asking detailed questions about Tan Chuan's background. Fu Jiuyun assured the steward he would protect her. Moments later, Fu Jiuyun saw Ermeng wearing the ambergris and sighed inwardly, realizing how little she valued his gift.
Episode 8 Recap
Zuo Zichen and Tan Chuan walked through the beautiful Qionghaihua Sea. Zuo Zichen, unable to see, expressed his happiness at being there, remarking that he hadn't felt such leisure in a long time. He asked Tan Chuan to describe the scenery, mentioning Xuanzhu hadn't done so despite their many days on the mountain.
He explained that Xuanzhu was his benefactor, whom he deeply appreciated for her constant care, and requested Tan Chuan not to refer to her as his lover again. As they continued, Tan Chuan spotted Fu Jiuyun and Qingqing nearby and suggested they return to avoid interrupting. However, Zuo Zichen insisted on approaching Fu Jiuyun to thank him.
When they greeted him, Fu Jiuyun made a subtle comment about Tan Chuan's changed, more elegant appearance, noting she no longer used osmanthus oil. He then casually stated that he had plenty of maids, so one more or one less was insignificant, a remark that left Tan Chuan feeling dispirited. Later, Zuo Zichen noticed Tan Chuan seemed preoccupied and asked if Xuanzhu had upset her. Tan Chuan denied it, asserting that Xuanzhu was good to her.
Zuo Zichen apologized on Xuanzhu's behalf, explaining that her personality was shaped by the traumatic destruction of her country, urging Tan Chuan to be understanding. Perceiving Tan Chuan's unhappiness, he offered to send her back, describing himself as a "disabled man" and "blind" who could offer her nothing, expressing gratitude for her companionship. Tan Chuan insisted she didn't want to leave, and as old memories flooded her mind, she instinctively reached out to touch Zuo Zichen's face.
This gesture immediately triggered a vivid flashback in Zuo Zichen's mind, recalling a woman named Yanyan. At that moment, Xuanzhu entered and was about to dismiss Tan Chuan when Zuo Zichen, seemingly prompted by her presence, declared three times that he was willing to undergo eye treatment. A few days later, the Suzerain informed Fu Jiuyun of his intention to enter seclusion to perform a healing ritual for Zuo Zichen’s eyes.
He instructed Fu Jiuyun to oversee all mountain affairs during his absence. Fu Jiuyun expressed concern for the Suzerain's health, but the Suzerain clarified the purpose of his seclusion. He found Zuo Zichen's sudden decision to seek treatment "interesting" and "strange." During their conversation, Qingqing arrived, claiming an urgent matter. Upon seeing Fu Jiuyun, she quickly made an excuse to leave, stating she would return another day.
Meanwhile, as Tan Chuan helped Zuo Zichen comb his hair, he expressed his eagerness to see her appearance once his vision was restored. He implied that if she remained silent, he would take it as an agreement. At the same time, Xuanzhu, having heard their conversation, entered the room, her expression growing increasingly grave. After leaving the Suzerain's room, Fu Jiuyun intercepted Qingqing, revealing that he knew what she had discovered and what she intended to tell the Suzerain.
He advised her not to waste her youth being preoccupied with certain matters. Following this, Qingqing sought out Xuanzhu, commenting on her beauty and remarking that even dandelions seemed attracted to her. She then mused about the unusual presence of dandelions, typically common plants, in such a sacred place, speculating they might have floated up from the servant's yard. Qingqing then asked Xuanzhu if it was true that Zuo Zichen now required Tan Chuan to serve him.
Xuanzhu confirmed it, suggesting that Tan Chuan was not as simple as she appeared, possibly harboring ulterior motives for coming to the mountain, and implied that even Fu Jiuyun was entangled with her. Qingqing encouraged Xuanzhu to share any findings with her. Later, Xuanzhu, having collected dandelions, entered Tan Chuan’s room. Tan Chuan soon walked in and confronted Xuanzhu directly, revealing her true identity as the Princess, referencing her current "Aman's face" and their four-year separation.
Xuanzhu was shocked, accusing the Princess of disguising herself to seek revenge or rekindle an old flame with Zuo Zichen. The Princess denied wanting Zuo Zichen, conceding that Xuanzhu had always been better at caring for him. She then declared that Xuanzhu owed her for allowing her to have Zuo Zichen. Her attention then shifted to the dandelions, and she accused Xuanzhu of intending to frame her.
The Princess confirmed that she was not on the mountain for Zuo Zichen and would leave once her mission was complete, warning Xuanzhu not to provoke her. Xuanzhu countered by threatening to expose the Princess's identity to the Suzerain, reminding her that Tianyuan was still searching for her.
However, the Princess revealed her own knowledge that Xuanzhu was the true spy on Xiangqu Mountain, citing details like Xuanzhu's boast about her teacher's superior paper crane magic and the ease of tracing immortals connected to Zhongshanfan. Panic flashed across Xuanzhu's face, but she bluffed that no one would believe the Princess. The Princess challenged her to try, while Xuanzhu, frustrated, warned that if the Princess harbored ill intentions, they would both face destruction.
The Princess reiterated her promise to leave the mountain after her affairs were settled and urged Xuanzhu to keep Zuo Zichen and leave her alone for their mutual benefit. Meanwhile, the Suzerain was in his hall, proudly showcasing a unique painting to two disciples. Upon Xuanzhu's arrival, he dismissed them. Xuanzhu expressed gratitude for the Suzerain's decision to treat Zuo Zichen's eyes before revealing her true purpose.
She presented the dandelion, identifying it as the medium used by the spy to communicate externally, and claimed to have found it in Tan Chuan's room. She further insinuated that Zuo Zichen had fallen for Tan Chuan. The Suzerain then recalled his belief that Xuanzhu and Zuo Zichen were a couple. Xuanzhu then dramatically "confessed" that the dandelion didn't truly belong to Tan Chuan, but that she had witnessed Qingqing plant it in the maid's room.
The Suzerain, initially enraged by what he perceived as discord-sowing, vehemently denied Qingqing's involvement, citing her long loyalty and claiming no one could withstand his "Life-and-Death Talisman" to deceive him. Despite his initial disbelief, Xuanzhu's insistence led him to order a search of Qingqing's steward hall for dandelions. The search confirmed their presence, and Qingqing was immediately summoned.
Qingqing, upon arrival, attempted to defend herself by claiming she was investigating the spy and had found the dandelion in Wanbao Garret, which she believed belonged to Tan Chuan. The Suzerain then demanded an explanation for the dandelion found in Qingqing's own hall. Qingqing, asserting her innocence, claimed she had never seen it before and that the dandelions she had were from the garden, with Xuanzhu as a witness.
The Suzerain, after expressing his long-standing trust and high regard for Qingqing as his most valued disciple, abruptly accused her of colluding with the enemy and destroying his sacred mountain, then summarily executed her. He then turned to Xuanzhu, consoling her by saying, "You have suffered. Don't blame me." He then instructed her to have Zichen come early the next day. During Zuo Zichen's eye treatment, both Xuanzhu and Tan Chuan were present.
The Suzerain even remarked that he had intentionally brought Tan Chuan so Zichen could see her. As Zuo Zichen slowly opened his eyes, his first words were to Xuanzhu, thanking her for her years of dedicated care. He then turned to Tan Chuan, acknowledged that she was not ugly, and thanked her for her recent care.
Xuanzhu interjected, trying to manipulate the situation by claiming a "fool" from the servant's yard was Tan Chuan's fiancé, and encouraged Tan Chuan to follow her heart. Tan Chuan was deeply distraught, questioning why Zuo Zichen seemed like a completely different person. Privately, Xuanzhu explained to Tan Chuan that she had requested the Suzerain to use a "forgetting technique" on Zuo Zichen to make him forget "someone."
Xuanzhu clarified that Zuo Zichen still remembered his identity as Zuo Xiang's second son, his "considerate and devoted" Xuanzhu, and the "vulgar and inferior maid Tan Chuan." However, he had no recollection of the "arrogant and spoilt princess" or Aman. Xuanzhu issued a chilling warning to Tan Chuan that if anyone else dared to get close to Zuo Zichen, she would make them disappear.
Tan Chuan reminded Xuanzhu of her promise to leave the mountain, but Xuanzhu retorted that Tan Chuan would never have truly gained Zuo Zichen otherwise, claiming she had "helped" her. Tan Chuan called Xuanzhu despicable for inflicting such pain on Zuo Zichen. Xuanzhu, however, dismissed it, stating that forgetting was a blessing and advised Tan Chuan to leave Xiangqu Mountain soon, as it would soon be plunged into misery.
Later, Xuanzhu attempted to replace Zuo Zichen's old jade hairpin with a new one, but Zuo Zichen gently refused, stating his old one was fine and well-used. Days later, news of Qingqing's tragic death spread among the servants. During a formal assembly, the Suzerain publicly announced Xuanzhu's significant contribution in punishing the spy.
Citing the impending visit of the White River Dragon King and the necessity of filling the chief manager position, he appointed Xuanzhu as the new chief female disciple, tasking her with overseeing all mountain affairs in Qingqing's stead. He cautioned her to act with prudence and not betray his trust. The Suzerain then issued a stern warning to all disciples, using Qingqing as a cautionary example, stating that anyone found to be disloyal would be summarily killed.
With her newfound authority, Xuanzhu's demeanor became increasingly overbearing. Upon seeing flowers from the Qionghaihua Sea still needing to be tended, she inquired who was responsible. Learning it was Cuiya, recently transferred from the crane garden, Xuanzhu deliberately made an unreasonable demand, ordering Cuiya to move all the flower pots to Ningbi Palace alone. Deep in thought and visibly distressed in her room, Tan Chuan was startled when Fu Jiuyun suddenly entered.
He told her not to hold back her tears. Tan Chuan, frustrated, called him "the most annoying immortal." Fu Jiuyun playfully teased her, asking if she was upset about someone else and taking it out on him. He then urged her to pack up and return "home" with him, explaining that he had "claimed her back." Confused and offended by being treated like an object, Tan Chuan protested.
Fu Jiuyun simply reiterated that she was his "favorite little maid" and threw her clothes to her. As they left, a sudden heavy rain began to fall. Fu Jiuyun complained about the weather but quickly shielded Tan Chuan with his umbrella, urging her to quicken her pace. However, Tan Chuan abruptly stopped, her voice filled with apprehension, and asked if Qingqing's death was in any way related to him. Fu Jiuyun paused, silent, before suggesting they discuss it indoors.
Episode 9 Recap
As Fu Jiuyun leads Tan Chuan back to his residence, a sudden downpour begins. Tan Chuan stops and confronts him, asking if he was involved in Qingqing's death. Fu Jiuyun confirms her death was a necessary sacrifice to expose a spy on the mountain, chiding Tan Chuan for her naivete and reminding her that as a mere attendant, she is in no position to question the Suzerain's judgment.
The next day, Xiangqu Mountain is bustling with activity as attendants prepare for a visit from the Dragon King of White River. Cuiya rouses a sleepy Tan Chuan, insisting she join the welcoming party as per the Suzerain's orders. Tan Chuan reluctantly prepares herself and accompanies Fu Jiuyun to the main hall. The Dragon King arrives, appearing more like a flamboyant youth than a dignified immortal.
He dismisses the Suzerain's treasures as ordinary and showcases his own prized fan, crafted by the wizard Gongziqi, which conjures a lifelike snowstorm. Unimpressed, the Suzerain displays his own Gongziqi painting, which fills the hall with a shower of blossoms. To verify the painting's authenticity, the Dragon King enters the artwork, and Fu Jiuyun follows.
Enraged by what he sees as Fu Jiuyun's betrayal of his former master, the Dragon King magically seizes a pipa within the painting and attacks him. Fu Jiuyun is overpowered and injured, and the pipa's strings snap. Emerging from the painting, the Dragon King publicly mocks Fu Jiuyun. The Suzerain, feigning anger as part of a larger plan, reprimands Fu Jiuyun for disturbing his guest and orders him to leave and reflect on his actions.
Concerned, Tan Chuan follows Fu Jiuyun to a secluded pond to comfort him. He speaks earnestly of his genuine desire to keep her by his side, wishing for her to forget her heavy burdens and live a joyful life. When Tan Chuan dismisses his sincerity as a joke, he gives her the magical painting, telling her it is hers and that it reflects her true former self. Later, a grand banquet is held.
The Dragon King and the Suzerain exchange veiled taunts before the Dragon King requests entertainment. Xuanzhu, introduced as his new disciple and the former princess of Li, performs a pipa dance. The music is unsettlingly familiar to both Zuo Zichen and Tan Chuan. After the performance, Xuanzhu slips away to a hidden chamber to poison the spiritual lamp.
Tan Chuan follows, trying to persuade her to abandon her mission for the sake of their people, but Xuanzhu, focused on her mother's safety and her duty to the Dragon King, rebuffs her. Just as Xuanzhu is about to act, Fu Jiuyun and a very-much-alive Qingqing appear. Qingqing reveals the entire situation was a trap orchestrated by the Suzerain and Fu Jiuyun to expose Xuanzhu as the Dragon King's spy.
As Tan Chuan tries to take the spiritual lamp, Qingqing stops her. Fu Jiuyun urges Tan Chuan to rescue Zuo Zichen, promising he will ensure Xuanzhu is not harmed. Realizing her mission has failed, Xuanzhu also tells Tan Chuan to get Zuo Zichen to safety. Tan Chuan finds Zuo Zichen and explains the danger, assuring him that Xuanzhu is safe and will wait for him.
After he reluctantly agrees to leave without her, she summons a magical white tiger to guide him off the mountain. Back at the main hall, the Dragon King recognizes his plot has been exposed and orders his followers to destroy all of Fu Jiuyun’s artifacts. As Fu Jiuyun's forces decimate the intruders, the Suzerain easily overpowers the Dragon King in a direct confrontation.
Unwilling to accept defeat, the Dragon King defiantly consumes a Milong pellet, proclaiming that the potent elixir will grant him the power to defeat them all, seize the spiritual lamp, and claim Xiangqu Mountain for himself.
Episode 10 Recap
The White River Dragon King, having consumed a Milong pellet, dramatically increased his power and transformed into a dragon. He easily overpowered the Suzerain, who reverted to his black snake form and fled. Fu Jiuyun arrived to find the disciples at the mountain gate and main hall all massacred. The Dragon King, believing himself invincible, tried to persuade Fu Jiuyun to surrender the Spiritual Lamp and join him, taunting his loyalty to the Suzerain.
As disciples scattered in fear, Fu Jiuyun fought fiercely but began to falter. He was moved by the memory of wanting to protect Qin Chuan and give her a simple life, a sentiment she always mistook for a joke. Just as his strength waned, Qin Chuan, clad in red, appeared on a rooftop and launched a surprise attack on the Dragon King.
Though he had forbidden her from returning, Fu Jiuyun was resolute, declaring that no one, not even an immortal, would be allowed to harm her. Qin Chuan's momentary carelessness resulted in her being attacked by the White River Dragon King. Fu Jiuyun immediately intervened, taking the full force of the blow to shield her, suffering grievous internal injuries that shattered his heart meridian.
He then cast a spell to put Qin Chuan into a deep sleep before breaking the seal on his own power. Using his full strength, he unleashed a devastating attack that killed the White River Dragon King, but the effort left him utterly depleted. He collapsed onto the snow-covered ground, and in his final moments, slowly retrieved a painting, allowing his spirit to enter it.
The next morning, Qin Chuan awoke, disoriented, and frantically searched for Fu Jiuyun, unknowingly stepping over the very painting that held his spirit. Driven by urgency, she retrieved the Spiritual Lamp, inadvertently triggering a defensive array that caused large boulders to fall, imperiling her life. Just in time, Ermeng appeared, seemingly having stumbled upon her by chance.
He swiftly used what he claimed was "witchcraft taught by Lord Qiu for chopping firewood" to clear the falling rocks, rescuing her from certain death. Ermeng, professing his love and desire to marry her, suggested they leave the dangerous Xiangqu Mountain, find a quiet village, and live a simple life together. However, Qin Chuan, still distraught and with a mission in mind, firmly stated she couldn't leave yet as she had someone else to save.
Recalling that Xuanzhu was still imprisoned, Qin Chuan insisted on rescuing her. Ermeng reluctantly accompanied her to the prison, where they found Xuanzhu, who bitterly questioned Qin Chuan's motives, believing her to be hypocritical. Qin Chuan clarified that she had already sent Zuo Zichen to a safe place and had told him that Xuanzhu would seek him out later. Acknowledging Xuanzhu's suffering over the years, Qin Chuan insisted on helping her.
Ermeng, noting Xuanzhu's unexpected weight as he carried her, humorously questioned if she was truly a princess. After rescuing Xuanzhu, they proceeded to Steward Zhao's house at the foot of the mountain, where Zuo Zichen was already waiting, having regained his memories and realizing Qin Chuan was Yanyan. Steward Zhao welcomed them, relieved they hadn't used the main entrance, which was now filled with the burnt bodies of disciples.
She shared the grim news that while the Suzerain and Fu Jiuyun had won the battle, the Suzerain had vanished, and Fu Jiuyun was rumored to have been killed by the Dragon King's sword. Steward Zhao urged Qin Chuan to abandon her loyalty and leave the mountain with her. Upon hearing the devastating news of Fu Jiuyun's death, Qin Chuan was overwhelmed with grief and fled into the nearby forest, weeping uncontrollably. Zuo Zichen followed, offering her a handkerchief.
He spoke of their past, his confusion over her transformation into Aman, and her time as a maid on Xiangqu Mountain, lamenting his lost memories and inability to reconcile their shared history. He recalled their time in the imperial garden, then suggested they could travel together to places like Lingyu city, Qingyun city for crab, or the Yun-meng lakes.
He reminded her of her former noble ideals and her heart full of righteousness and care for the world, contrasting it with his singular devotion to her. Qin Chuan, however, firmly declared that they could not go back to their past. She declined his advances, stating that he was a man of integrity with a heart dedicated to the world, and for that very reason, he should not become entangled with her again.
She implied that Xuanzhu was the one who deserved him now. Without bidding farewell, Qin Chuan departed. Before leaving, Qin Chuan instructed Steward Zhao to arrange a carriage for Zuo Zichen and Xuanzhu. After a night of reflection, Zuo Zichen, realizing his debt to Xuanzhu, decided to accompany her, stating he had forgiven her. He confirmed Qin Chuan’s message, conveyed by Steward Zhao, that he was a righteous man and it was his turn to take care of Xuanzhu.
He agreed to take Xuanzhu to the ice field of White River to retrieve her mother, leaving behind Xiangqu Mountain and his entangled past. Meanwhile, as Ermeng and Qin Chuan continued their descent, Ermeng abruptly stopped and used a talisman to immobilize Qin Chuan, which he stated would wear off in six hours. Startled, Qin Chuan watched as Ermeng's demeanor shifted, his previous foolishness replaced by a serious expression.
He revealed that he had orchestrated her selection for the servant's courtyard because he admired her intelligence. He confessed that they were both after the Spiritual Lamp and expressed deep regret, admitting he genuinely wished to marry her, but the chaotic times prevented him from pursuing personal desires. He revealed his true identity as Ting Yuan, the Second Prince of Tianyuan, apologized for their unavoidable parting, and left her bound by the spell.
Qin Chuan remained motionless until a bruised and grumbling young master Bai stumbled upon her, and his arrival coincided with the spell lifting. Young master Bai, after initially mocking her helpless state, sensed Fu Jiuyun's lingering aura. He claimed Fu Jiuyun was still alive but likely severely wounded or ambushed, and that he could feel Fu Jiuyun thinking of him.
Convinced of Fu Jiuyun's survival, Qin Chuan returned with young master Bai to Steward Zhao’s house, only to find it deserted. Young master Bai explained his injuries, saying the Dragon King's men had tried to smash his mirror form and he had to manifest his human body to fight them off. Remembering Steward Zhao’s fondness for snacks from her hometown, Lingyu City, which was nearby, Qin Chuan deduced that everyone must have gone there.
Young master Bai, recalling Fu Jiuyun’s promise to always find her, proposed they travel together to Lingyu City to wait for his return. In Lingyu City, Ting Yuan received an unexpected visit from his elder brother, Li Yuan, the Crown Prince of Tianyuan. Li Yuan stated he was on his father’s orders to inspect the drought-stricken southwestern region, which was once the Li homeland, and prevent civil unrest.
He feigned concern for Ting Yuan's health, mentioning his absence from imperial sacrifices and hinting at forcing him to the capital, Gaodu, for treatment. Ting Yuan maintained his facade of a carefree, indifferent prince, claiming full recovery and a desire to remain an "unworried prince" in scenic Lingyu City. Li Yuan pressed further, questioning Ting Yuan's purported interest in theurgy, his association with "strange wizards," his rumored presence near Xiangqu Mountain, and his relocation to the southwest three years prior.
Ting Yuan expertly parried these suspicions, dismissing them as nonsense and feigning ignorance about the recent instability at Xiangqu Mountain. Seemingly satisfied, Li Yuan advised him to continue his carefree act, reminding him that he cared for him most. Li Yuan announced he would camp outside the city for one night and expected to see Ting Yuan at the upcoming Ghost Festival, to which Ting Yuan agreed.
Episode 11 Recap
In Lingyu City, Young Master Bai and Tan Chuan found themselves targeted by a young boy who pilfered their money pouch. Their pursuit led them to a desolate group of Li’s people. These refugees, once hardworking individuals, had seen their village consumed by fire at the hands of Tianyuan’s demons after the fall of their country. Though they had spent years trying to rebuild, a string of natural disasters left them adrift.
Upon reaching Lingyu City, the local prefecture chief seized all their belongings, claiming it as a levy. They had been surviving solely on food stolen by children. Witnessing her people's destitution and abuse, Tan Chuan, a former princess of Li, was incensed. She immediately pulled Young Master Bai into a stealthy infiltration of the prefecture chief’s opulent mansion. As they explored the chief's overly elaborate decor, Steward Zhao emerged, clad in an official uniform and oblivious to their presence.
Young Master Bai quickly incapacitated her. Tan Chuan then pressed Steward Zhao, accusing her of arranging a malicious husband for her in the past and demanding to know the true identity of Ermeng. Meanwhile, Xuanzhu and Zuo Zichen traveled by carriage through a snowy mountain. Despite their strained relationship, Zuo Zichen, noticing Xuanzhu's weakened state, instructed her to remain in the carriage while he ventured to a nearby village to buy warm clothing.
Finding himself short on funds, he was compelled to use a precious jade hairpin, a keepsake from Yanyan, as collateral, an act that symbolized the irreparable state of their past affections. Soon after, Left Premier's men located them. Left Premier himself arrived, warning of a strong monster presence before escorting them to a secluded cave where Madam Qiuhua, Xuanzhu’s mother, was waiting.
While mother and daughter joyfully reunited, Zuo Zichen remained estranged from his father, resentful over the events concerning Li's downfall and refusing to engage with him. Left Premier explained his duty was to protect Xuanzhu, the last of Li's royal bloodline, now that the Dragon King of White River, their former protector, was dead. He then advised them to pack, as he had arranged their departure to Fengcheng.
At the same time, Ting Yuan made a grand entrance at a casino, feigning absorption in cockfighting while secretly observing his surroundings before slipping into a hidden room. Elsewhere, Li Yuan rested in his camp, where an aide reported the supposed deaths of Fu Jiuyun and the Suzerain. Li Yuan expressed skepticism about Fu Jiuyun's demise, believing he would not have been defeated so easily.
He then questioned his "second brother" Ting Yuan’s feigned illness and frequent visits to brothels and casinos, suspecting his ulterior motives and acknowledging his cunning. Back at the casino's hidden chamber, Ting Yuan prepared to test the spiritual lamp. A formidable monster was brought in, and despite warnings about the lamp's power, Ting Yuan insisted on testing it himself. With a powerful incantation, he activated the lamp, which successfully subdued the monster.
The masters hailed his success, some prematurely calling him "Crown Prince," but Ting Yuan corrected them, stating it was "not the time" yet. Alone, his thoughts drifted to Tan Chuan and their memories on Xiangqu mountain, including a time he had playfully asked her to marry him, revealing his deeper aspirations. Aware that the spiritual lamp was in Ting Yuan's possession, Tan Chuan instructed Young Master Bai to transform into Steward Zhao.
Though the transformation was credible, Tan Chuan fixated on his eyebrows, insisting on reshaping them for a perfect resemblance. Young Master Bai, speaking to Fu Jiuyun who was hidden within a mirror, playfully complained about the discomfort, while the weakened Fu Jiuyun was amused by the scene. To complete the disguise, Tan Chuan offered him some fish-skin sunflower seeds, Steward Zhao’s favorite snack.
However, Young Master Bai, getting into character, pointed out that the real steward would never breach etiquette by eating seeds in front of the prince. He playfully accused Tan Chuan of trying to expose their ruse, to which she responded with mock anger. Young Master Bai, convincingly disguised as Steward Zhao, confidently entered Ting Yuan's residence. However, Ting Yuan, who had just returned, immediately discerned the impostor.
Feigning ignorance, he engaged "Steward Zhao" in conversation, probing for inconsistencies by mentioning the rare Yunfeng tea from Xiangqu Mountain. The disguised Young Master Bai unwittingly revealed that Tan Chuan had taken it from Fu Jiuyun's room. Ting Yuan then pressed "Steward Zhao" to recall the "sissy and fragile" man around Fu Jiuyun, leading to the mention of Young Master Bai.
As a final trap, Ting Yuan asked "Steward Zhao" to safeguard the spiritual lamp at her residence, feigning concern that it was drawing too much attention to his palace. When Young Master Bai asked for its location, Ting Yuan pointed the way, leading him directly into the snare.
Episode 12 Recap
Ting Yuan's ruse succeeded, as he tricked the naive Young Master Bai into trying to retrieve the spiritual lamp from an ornate wooden box. Instead of the lamp, a Bundling Immortal Rope emerged and quickly bound him. Observing this remotely through his spiritual mirror, Fu Jiuyun could only sigh at Young Master Bai's foolishness.
Ting Yuan then confronted his captive, explaining how the deception worked: while he casually addressed Steward Zhao by her title, she, aware of the hierarchy, always referred to herself as a subject. Young Master Bai’s clumsy imitation had given him away. Ting Yuan scolded him for being ungrateful for Tan Chuan's past kindness. After initially refusing to talk, Young Master Bai relented under Ting Yuan’s threat of disfigurement and admitted he knew Tan Chuan's location.
Just as Ting Yuan extracted this information, the Crown Prince, Li Yuan, unexpectedly arrived, forcing him to put his plans on hold. Li Yuan, a cunning and suspicious man, believed the rumors that Ting Yuan was secretly harboring martial artists and used the pretense of a banquet to test him. During the event, an "assassin" appeared. After a brief chase, Ting Yuan claimed to have lost the attacker, speculating that the man was after him for gambling debts.
Li Yuan dismissed this theory, asserting the attack was connected to remnants of the Li Kingdom, whom he vowed to eradicate. Noting Ting Yuan's fighting skills, Li Yuan suggested a future sparring match, an offer Ting Yuan modestly deflected by attributing his skills to learning from warlocks. As dusk settled, a worried Tan Chuan, seeing that Young Master Bai had not returned, stealthily made her way to the roof of the mansion.
Peeking through a tile, she saw a man inside who chillingly resembled the one who had massacred her family years ago. A small, involuntary sound escaped her lips, and though barely audible, it was detected by Li Yuan, who swiftly hurled a wine pot in her direction. Tan Chuan dodged and fled, but Li Yuan pursued her relentlessly. Just as she was about to be killed, Ting Yuan intervened, saving her life.
To help her escape Li Yuan's pursuit, Ting Yuan first hid Tan Chuan in a secret compartment in his study. He then staged a convincing act with one of his deadpool soldiers, claiming the assassin had died. Though Li Yuan did not press the issue further, Tan Chuan remained angry and distrustful of Ting Yuan, accusing him of deceiving her and stealing the spiritual lamp.
Her animosity intensified upon learning that Ting Yuan was the Second Prince of Tianyuan, the enemy country. Ting Yuan tried to explain, admitting the situation was dangerous and the ruse had to look real to deceive his brother. He then questioned her intense interest in the spiritual lamp, to which she retorted that it was none of his concern. He countered that he understood her reasons, implying their shared interest might make them allies.
He told her she couldn't take the spiritual lamp back yet, as keeping it would put her in extreme danger from his cunning brother. He proposed she hide in his residence for a few days, promising to find a way to get her out during an upcoming party. He formally introduced himself as Ting Yuan, the Second Prince of Tianyuan, but added she could still call him "Ermeng." Tan Chuan, still wary, declared he wouldn't trick her a second time.
Realizing the depth of the misunderstanding, Ting Yuan ceased further explanations. Instead, he simply instructed Tan Chuan to temporarily disguise herself as a palace dancer, planning to blend her into a group leaving the mansion. Meanwhile, Young Master Bai awoke, visibly terrified and repeatedly muttering, "So frightening!" Tan Chuan initially assumed he was simply scared by the Bundling Immortal Rope.
However, Young Master Bai's terror stemmed from something deeper: during his unconscious state, he had glimpsed Fu Jiuyun and learned of the grave injury he had sustained. Feeling guilty for his predicament, Tan Chuan insisted that he take the bed, but he charmingly refused, opting to transform back into a mirror for the night.
The following day, during a rehearsal, Tan Chuan discovered that all the dancers were not only from the Li Kingdom but also performed the "East Wind Peach Blossom Dance." In a conversation with one of the dancers, Tan Chuan learned that Ting Yuan was genuinely kind-hearted, frequently assisting the poor and offering refuge to Li's people after their kingdom's fall. This revelation softened Tan Chuan's animosity towards him.
Posing as siblings, Tan Chuan and Young Master Bai settled into the dancers' quarters. That night, as Tan Chuan slept, Young Master Bai, now reverted to his mirror form, lay beside her pillow, while Fu Jiuyun watched over her peaceful slumber through his own spiritual mirror. Tan Chuan and Young Master Bai successfully left the mansion. As they wandered through the streets, they were horrified to witness Tianyuan soldiers apprehending the very Li refugees they had previously helped.
From a vendor, they learned the truth: Li Yuan, the Crown Prince, intended to turn all the refugees into "human dishes." Despite Young Master Bai's frantic pleas for caution, Tan Chuan resolved to infiltrate Li Yuan's military camp that night. She went alone, but Young Master Bai, transforming into his mirror form, secretly followed to assist her. Together, they seized the opportunity to release all the imprisoned refugees.
Fu Jiuyun, who had been suppressing a seal within his mirror, sensed Tan Chuan's mortal peril and promptly materialized, swiftly striking down Li Yuan. Tan Chuan collapsed, gravely wounded, but in her blurry vision, she perceived Fu Jiuyun's fond smile, a mix of surprise and joy filling her heart before he gently swept her into his arms and carried her away.
Ting Yuan, who had been observing the entire scene from the cover of the forest, emerged with his subordinate after everyone had departed. He approached the unconscious Li Yuan, intending to use the spiritual lamp on him. However, the lamp suddenly exploded into fragments. Upon inspecting the debris, Ting Yuan discovered that Tan Chuan had long ago replaced the authentic lamp with a fake one. At that moment, an unharmed Li Yuan began to stir.
Once conscious, he pressed Ting Yuan about an immortal who had taken the prisoners, implying Ting Yuan might have been distracted. Ting Yuan feigned ignorance, but Li Yuan scoffed, asserting that no one could truly harm him. He then revealed the lamp was a fake, suspecting the real one was now with the mysterious immortal. Days later, in the bustling Peach Blossom Town, a still-bewildered Tan Chuan followed behind Fu Jiuyun, watching him enthusiastically browse and select various fruits and novelties.
Episode 13 Recap
Following their escape, Fu Jiuyun and Tan Chuan arrive in the lively Taoyuan Town. While Fu Jiuyun seems to enjoy the bustling atmosphere, Tan Chuan is focused only on finding the spiritual lamp. Fu Jiuyun explains that after the battle of Xiangqu, he had been recuperating inside a magical painting, his last sanctuary. However, to save Tan Chuan, he used the painting to trap Li Yuan, destroying it in the process.
Now without a place to stay, he grandly books the entire inn with a large pearl, deciding they will temporarily reside in the town. The innkeeper treats Fu Jiuyun with utmost deference. Enjoying the attention, Fu Jiuyun becomes increasingly playful and affectionate toward Tan Chuan, who finds herself unable to stay mad at him. During a discussion, she voices her suspicion that he is using his injury as an excuse to delay their search for the spiritual lamp.
Fu Jiuyun reassures her that the lamp is an extension of himself and he is more anxious than anyone to retrieve it. He reveals that the lamp is no longer in Lingyu City and, given his injuries, he cannot risk retrieving it without certainty. He promises to get it back once he has recovered. Tan Chuan agrees to wait in Taoyuan, on the condition that Fu Jiuyun refrains from using his celestial powers or teasing her.
He readily accepts, then feigns hunger and pain to elicit her care. Elsewhere, at a roadside tea stall, Premier Zuo pulls his son, Zuo Zichen, aside. Acknowledging their years of estrangement, the Premier expresses regret for imposing his political ideals on his son. He reveals that he spent two years collecting two rare remnant volumes, "Sihai Annals" and "Lanzhou Annals," for Zichen to read once he returns home, hoping he will live as he pleases. Zuo Zichen is visibly moved.
Meanwhile, Mrs. Qiuhua urges Xuanzhu to marry Zuo Zichen soon, stressing that such a powerful alliance is necessary to secure their position. Xuanzhu insists she genuinely loves Zuo Zichen, but Mrs. Qiuhua warns that without a strong connection, their lives in Tianyuan are precarious. With their agreement in place, Fu Jiuyun frequently takes Tan Chuan to explore the market.
Believing him to be unfamiliar with mortal life, she buys him a cheap crisp fried cake, a snack she considers a delicacy. Fu Jiuyun, however, finds it too oily for his celestial palate and refuses to eat it. Tan Chuan reminisces about her struggles after leaving the palace, like forgetting to pay for things and being unable to comb her own hair, but also how she adapted and found a new sense of purpose.
She believes her family would be proud that she can now care for more than just herself. They are drawn to a crowd gathered around a storyteller, who recounts a tale of a Celestial Being who fell in love with a mortal, King Yang. To protect him and their unborn child from divine wrath, she ascended to Heaven to plead for mercy, but first endured a terrible punishment.
When she returned nine years later, she found a gray-haired King Yang and urged him to join her in Heaven. To the crowd's shock, the king refused. While the audience is bewildered, Tan Chuan understands, arguing that a true king could not abandon his people. She explains that even in paradise, he would be tormented by guilt, making it a living hell. If it were her, she would also choose to remain.
Her words incense the onlookers, who call her "cold-hearted" and chase her away, throwing vegetables at her. Fu Jiuyun pulls Tan Chuan to safety. As they hide, the intimacy of their close proximity makes the atmosphere tense. Overcome with emotion, Fu Jiuyun leans in to kiss her, but Tan Chuan breaks the spell by abruptly declaring she is hungry. At a noodle stall, Tan Chuan fondly recalls the distinct flavors of her former country, Li.
Fu Jiuyun asks if she ever has a moment where she isn't thinking of her country or the lamp, but just the present. She admits she does but won't say when. An elderly beggar, a refugee from Li, approaches their table. Fu Jiuyun gives the man his last pearl, discreetly warning him not to speak of Li in front of Tan Chuan to spare her the pain. Feeling indebted, Tan Chuan promises to repay him.
Fu Jiuyun, however, uses their lack of travel funds as a pretext to stay in Taoyuan for a few more months, cheekily framing it as an opportunity to help more of her people. Meanwhile, after a game of chess, Ting Yuan invites Li Yuan to an upcoming Ghost Festival event. Later, Li Yuan meets with the Nanman Demon King, who suffers from a paralyzing affliction.
Li Yuan promises to find Fu Jiuyun and his spiritual power to cure the Demon King. He also voices his suspicion about the zither-playing immortal he encountered at the battle in Li's palace, noting that while powerful, the immortal lacked Fu Jiuyun's distinctive tear mole. Intrigued, the Nanman Demon King decides to investigate and secretly casts a dark spell. Miles away, Fu Jiuyun, resting in his room, feels the seal on his neck begin to rupture. Alarmed, he rushes out, and Tan Chuan, sensing something is wrong, follows him into a desolate forest.
Episode 14 Recap
Sensing Tan Chuan following him, Fu Jiuyun quickly suppresses the dark energy within himself before appearing before her. Believing he is feigning his injuries to stall her, Tan Chuan insists on finding the spiritual lamp alone. Fu Jiuyun confesses his desire to keep her by his side as a carefree, ordinary girl, so she can enjoy the simple happiness of the world.
However, Tan Chuan firmly states her identity as a princess of Li, asserting that he has no right to dictate her actions. Seeing her resolve, Fu Jiuyun concedes, agreeing to depart the following morning. Premier Zuo and his entourage arrive at his grand mansion. He warmly welcomes Madam and her daughter, Xuanzhu, inviting them to treat his home as their own. Citing her declining health, Madam formally entrusts Xuanzhu to Zuo Zichen's care, hoping to facilitate a union between them.
Publicly, Premier Zuo acts the part of a doting father, ordering that the statues of the demon god Zichen dislikes be replaced with those of a famous poet. Privately, however, he instructs Steward Wang to secretly monitor Zichen's every move and conversation, particularly his interactions with Xuanzhu, in order to gather information about Princess Yanyan. As Tan Chuan and Fu Jiuyun journey through the mountains, she grows weary and suggests they find another path.
Fu Jiuyun playfully teases her, and their banter lightens the mood. He scares her by pointing out a caterpillar on her shoulder, leading to a playful chase. As they near the summit at dusk, he reassures her that the path down will be much easier. From the mountain peak, Fu Jiuyun gazes at the stars, remarking that this was his original place of solitary cultivation.
He reflects on his past, living alone with a chaotic consciousness, unaware of loneliness or joy until he studied his master's paintings, which offered a glimpse into the human world. He reveals to Tan Chuan that he once observed a particular mortal woman—at first finding her struggles against a terrible fate amusing, but later becoming captivated by her stubborn refusal to give up. He confesses that watching her defiance was what made him experience true loneliness for the first time.
Tan Chuan retorts that he sounds indifferent to mortal suffering from his elevated immortal perspective. Fu Jiuyun corrects her, explaining that because he knows all things eventually end, it is more prudent to embrace present happiness than to resist fate. He expresses his wish for her to experience the simple joys of an ordinary life. Bewildered, Tan Chuan questions his motives, suggesting he is either idle or has fallen in love with her.
Fu Jiuyun unequivocally declares, "I am in love with you." Startled, Tan Chuan tries to flee, but Fu Jiuyun stops her, revealing he has the real spiritual lamp, having swapped it on Xiangqu Mountain. Enraged by his deception, she attacks him, and he deliberately allows himself to be struck. He explains that Li's destruction was destiny and he never wanted her to abandon her hatred, but merely wished for her to live with fewer burdens.
Tan Chuan retorts that she does not love him, but he dismisses this as irrelevant, stating his actions are his own choice. He refuses to surrender the lamp, telling her she can hate him or even kill him, but he will not give it to her. Cradling the unconscious Fu Jiuyun, a conflicted Tan Chuan speaks her thoughts aloud. She acknowledges that for an ordinary girl like "Tan Chuan," sacrificing herself for the lamp would not be worth it.
However, for the Princess of Li, it is a worthy cause, and she cannot let the princess suffer. Yet, reflecting on how many times Fu Jiuyun has saved her, she realizes she cannot be heartless. She resolves to wait until he has fully recovered before deciding what to do about the lamp. Reassured by Tan Chuan’s promise to stay and help him heal, Fu Jiuyun playfully tests her patience with a series of demands.
Meanwhile, Zuo Zichen confides in Xuanzhu, expressing suspicion over his father's sudden kindness and his questions about Princess Yanyan. He warns Xuanzhu to be discreet, which she takes as a sign of his distrust. Back with Fu Jiuyun, he continues to feign injury and playfully calls Tan Chuan his "wife," which she denies despite her inner delight. Later, he calls for her while bathing and, when she enters, pulls her into a surprise kiss.
Their relationship deepens, and Tan Chuan cooks elaborate meals for Fu Jiuyun daily. During one meal, she muses that seeing him so easily satisfied makes her feel the mortal world isn't so bad. Sensing a shift, he asks if she will stay. She tells him not to mind her previous harsh words but expresses doubt that an inscrutable immortal could genuinely fall in love.
He insists his love is true, telling her that simply sharing a meal with her brings him profound contentment. Meanwhile, Premier Zuo returns the jade hairpin Zichen had pawned, confirming it was a gift from Princess Yanyan. He then probes Zichen for information about her, but Zichen warily denies having seen her since losing his sight. Later, Zichen confesses to Xuanzhu that he is uneasy staying in the mansion and wants to leave, implying he wishes to find Yanyan.
A jealous Xuanzhu challenges him, but he clarifies his fear is not of losing her to another man, but that her impulsive nature will lead her to do something reckless for Li's sake. Xuanzhu sadly reminds him of his powerlessness to help the princess, contrasting it with the past when she tirelessly cared for him while he was blind.
Episode 15 Recap
During a meal, Tan Chuan privately dismissed Fu Jiuyun's emotional confessions, believing them to be an insincere attempt to make her stay. Fu Jiuyun, unaware of her thoughts, expressed his deep wish for her to live a happy, carefree life, free from sadness. In response, Tan Chuan drugged his food with a powerful sleeping draught, ensuring he would sleep for several days to recuperate.
Before leaving, she placed a paper figure to guard him, lightly kissed his forehead, and then proceeded to her master's tomb where she activated the spiritual lamp. She declared her readiness to sign the blood bond, a pact that would require her to collect the spiritual power of her three sworn enemies—Zuo Xiang, Li Yuan, and the emperor of Tianyuan—before ultimately sacrificing her own soul to the lamp.
As Tan Chuan was retrieving an immortal bow, she was surprised by Peach Xiaoling, a peach tree spirit cultivated by her master. Peach Xiaoling explained that after Tan Chuan had left Fengcheng, Zuo Xiang had occupied their purple bamboo forest, forcing her spirit friends to bloom continuously. Concerned, Tan Chuan asked Peach Xiaoling to visit an injured friend staying at the Taoyuan Inn, noting that he didn't have many people to look after him. Peach Xiaoling eagerly agreed to help.
Later, Meishan woke Fu Jiuyun, who had been asleep for three days. Meishan explained that Tan Chuan had drugged him and left, leaving only a paper figure and a cryptic note: "Wherever you go, I will appear." Meishan also revealed that Tan Chuan had formed a covenant with the spiritual lamp, prompting a panicked Fu Jiuyun to try and find her. Meishan stopped him, explaining the immense difficulty of her quest to gather spiritual power from her formidable enemies.
He argued that Tan Chuan's path of revenge was a lonely one and that while she might not want him to find her, she likely secretly hoped he would, as he was the only one who truly cared for her. Fu Jiuyun reluctantly agreed to wait. Meishan then noted that the recent migration of demons was due to two unstable forces within Fu Jiuyun, which his master had sealed away at the cost of his own life.
He offered to perform a secret technique to temporarily suppress these forces and help him recuperate. Meanwhile, unseen observers noted that Fu Jiuyun's powers had been concealed, causing them concern about the spiritual lamp. In Fengcheng, Zuo Zichen, troubled by memories of Princess Yanyan, found himself in deepening conflict with his father. Zuo Xiang praised his son's poetic talent, but Zuo Zichen saw through the flattery, recognizing his father's true aim was to curry favor with the Tianyuan court.
Zuo Zichen criticized his father's poem, which lauded the demon god of Tianyuan, pointing out the hypocrisy. He reminded his father of a line he had once been taught—"An unwavering heart cannot be turned"—contrasting his father's former principles of loyalty with his current self-serving ambition. Nearby, Qiu Hua was instructing her daughter Xuanzhu on how to win Zuo Zichen's affection, advising a "hot and cold" strategy.
Xuanzhu immediately put this into practice, approaching Zuo Zichen after his argument with his father. She offered comfort but then feigned aloofness, claiming a "Censor Quan's son" had invited her out. Zuo Zichen, however, remained unfazed and offered to arrange a carriage for her, leaving Xuanzhu to realize her ploy had failed. Zuo Xiang later approached Xuanzhu, subtly expressing his desire for her to become his daughter-in-law and cautiously inquiring about her time on Xiangqu Mountain.
Xuanzhu gave vague answers, carefully avoiding any mention of the princess. Later, Qiu Hua also pressed Zuo Zichen about his feelings for Xuanzhu, fabricating a story that a suitor, "Assistant Minister Wang of Gaodu," was interested in her to urge him to act. That night, as Zuo Zichen reflected on these conversations, he began to see through their manipulative words. Xuanzhu, meanwhile, gloated to herself over Zuo Zichen's gullibility, calling him a "bookworm" for believing such stories.
Peach Xiaoling returned to Tan Chuan, reporting that Fu Jiuyun was gone, leaving only the note. Peach Xiaoling wondered if it meant Fu Jiuyun would follow her to the ends of the earth, but Tan Chuan dismissed the idea as a joke, asserting that no one would truly do such a thing. Simultaneously, Fu Jiuyun lamented that his simple wish—to see Tan Chuan happy and smiling—seemed impossible.
Tan Chuan, in turn, mused on her path, accepting that her kingdom's destruction was fated and resolving that anyone who wished to stop her would have to kill her. She sensed Fu Jiuyun's persistent concern, acknowledging that he continued to follow her even now. Later, Lord Li arrived at Zuo Xiang's residence on behalf of the Crown Prince, praising Zuo Zichen as a virtuous and knowledgeable scholar.
Delighted, Zuo Xiang presented Lord Li with a framed poem, falsely claiming Zuo Zichen had personally written it to celebrate Tianyuan's prosperity under its demon god. Zuo Zichen was then summoned to the reception hall, completely unaware of his father's latest scheme.
Episode 16 Recap
Following her acquisition of the Spirit Lamp, Tan Chuan sets her sights on her first target, Premier Zuo. The Premier hosts the Lanting Spring Banquet in a purple bamboo forest, inviting local dignitaries, including Minister Li of Rites. Zuo Zichen, initially unwilling to attend, is pressed by Madam Qiuhua, who insists that he play the zither to accompany her daughter Xuanzhu's dance.
During the banquet, as Zichen plays, Minister Li's lecherous gaze upon Xuanzhu infuriates Zichen, causing him to abruptly leave. Madam Qiuhua tries to excuse her son's behavior, but Xuanzhu gracefully defends him, stating he had urgent matters and made time specifically for her. Unbeknownst to the guests, Tan Chuan stealthily approaches through the forest. Taking aim with a divine bow, she strikes Premier Zuo down.
As Zichen rushes back on horseback, he witnesses his father’s spiritual energy being drawn into the Spirit Lamp, where it is destined for eternal suffering. He denounces his dead father as a traitor to the Li Kingdom, declaring this his atonement. Elsewhere, Fu Jiuyun is roused from his slumber by these events. He cryptically tells Meishan that success depends not on heaven or man, but on "you," before departing, leaving a concerned Meishan to worry about his sealed spiritual forces.
That night, a grieving Zichen reflects on his father's life, recalling his father's kindness in retrieving a significant hairpin for him and realizing the futility of serving a state that leads to such a fate. He orders the demolition of the demon god statues in his home. After his father's death, Zuo Zichen accepts a position as the Crown Prince's attendant in the East Palace.
He immediately impresses Crown Prince Li Yuan by completing months of accumulated paperwork on his first day. Zichen explains that serving the country was his late father's final wish. Li Yuan inquires about Fu Jiuyun, the chief disciple from Xiangqu mountain where Zichen had his eyes treated. Zichen describes Fu Jiuyun as seemingly indolent but possessing immense power, yet also elusive and untrustworthy, admitting he only truly met him once.
When asked how he survived the massacre on the mountain, Zichen reveals that Xuanzhu, a daughter of a perished Li noble, guided him to safety. Acknowledging he knows of Xuanzhu and her socialite mother, Li Yuan invites them, along with Zichen, to tour the East Garden. Zichen relays the invitation to an overjoyed Madam Qiuhua, and reaffirms his commitment to serving the nation in his father's memory, putting the past behind him.
Meanwhile, Tan Chuan has established a new identity in Gaodu, working as a chef in an eatery. To get closer to the Crown Prince, her next target, she secures a job delivering food to the main venue of the upcoming Huachuang pageant, which is still under construction. This allows her to scout the layout for her assassination attempt. While there, she observes Crown Prince Li Yuan dismissing the presented portraits of candidates as monotonous.
Back at the eatery, her colleagues suggest she try out for the pageant. Tan Chuan deflects, claiming to have a sweetheart, a painter named Brother Doudou. The conversation then turns to Gongziqi, a renowned painter immortal whose works are rumored to guarantee selection. Her interest piqued, Tan Chuan decides to seek him out. The Second Prince arrives in the capital as Madam Qiuhua and Xuanzhu are shopping. Xuanzhu feels a brief, inexplicable sense of familiarity upon seeing him.
Later, at the East Garden, Crown Prince Li Yuan meets Xuanzhu and is amused by her resolute demeanor and lack of fear towards him. After reviewing more uninspired portraits, he is shown a breathtaking piece by Gongziqi. Li Yuan recalls hearing of the artist, describing him as a reclusive, pleasure-seeking immortal who wears a wooden mask. Operating under the guise of Gongziqi, Fu Jiuyun is inundated with requests for portraits from women hoping to be selected for the pageant.
A hopeful lady of foreign descent receives a painting from him, marveling at his skill. Tan Chuan arrives at his residence just in time to see the woman leave with her exquisite portrait. As Tan Chuan prepares to approach, she is forced to hide as Crown Prince Li Yuan and Zuo Zichen arrive, also seeking the famed artist.
Episode 17 Recap
Sensing a potent demonic energy from Gongziqi's residence, Fu Jiuyun decided to confront its source. Crown Prince Li Yuan, impressed by the paintings, arrived eagerly to meet the artist. Meishan Jun, disguised as Gongziqi, humbly introduced himself as a carefree immortal, expressing surprise at the Crown Prince's visit. When Li Yuan asked to see his true face, claiming he resembled an old friend, Meishan feigned pain before removing the mask to reveal an unfamiliar face with a mustache.
Realizing his mistake, Li Yuan apologized and, as a gesture of goodwill, offered "Gongziqi" a spacious residence in Gaodu and an invitation to the upcoming Huachuang pageant as a distinguished guest, both of which Meishan readily accepted. Shortly after Li Yuan's departure, Tan Chuan, who had been hiding nearby, prepared to assassinate the prince. However, a young attendant named San'er intercepted her, preventing the attack.
Once Tan Chuan left, San'er returned to the residence and dispelled his illusion, revealing himself to be Fu Jiuyun. Meishan immediately teased him, pointing out that despite his claims of indifference, he had still followed Tan Chuan to Gaodu. He accused Fu Jiuyun of self-deception, suggesting he was using the Gongziqi persona because he was afraid to face her as Fu Jiuyun. Fu Jiuyun angrily denied this, asserting he no longer cared about her quest for revenge.
Pressured by Meishan to reveal his true purpose, Fu Jiuyun admitted his concern: the Crown Prince's demonic energy was identical to the two powers sealed within him. Meishan grew worried, reminding Fu Jiuyun that he had only managed to learn a fraction of the Suzerain's sealing art to suppress those powers, and any carelessness could cause the seal to break. Elsewhere, Li Yuan reported to his master, the State Preceptor, confirming that the painter was not Fu Jiuyun.
They discussed their plan to use the pageant to lure out the true killer of Zuo Zichen’s father—who they know received the spiritual lamp from Fu Jiuyun and now targets Li Yuan—by manipulating Tan Chuan, which in turn would draw out Fu Jiuyun himself. Meanwhile, Li Yuan arranged for a grand residence for Xuanzhu and her mother.
While her mother was overjoyed, Xuanzhu confronted Zuo Zichen, questioning why a man of his principles would abandon his ambitions to serve Li Yuan by evaluating beauties. A disheartened Zuo Zichen simply stated he was following orders. Later, he reported to Li Yuan on the pageant preparations. Li Yuan, dissatisfied with the candidates, asked for Zuo's opinion on making Xuanzhu the Crown Princess. After Zuo gave a detached assessment, Li Yuan probed him about his father's unsolved murder.
Expressing profound grief and regret for his past arrogance, Zuo Zichen swore to fulfill his father's final wish by serving the "demon god" (Li Yuan), which he now saw as his ultimate act of filial piety. Relieved by his loyalty, Li Yuan expressed concern that the killer might disrupt the pageant, but Zuo Zichen assured him all was secure. When Gongziqi's arrival in the capital was announced, citizens flocked to see him.
Tan Chuan was reluctantly persuaded by her boss and Aunt Guo, both avid fans, to join the crowd. Though he was masked, she recognized his familiar demeanor, triggering fragmented memories. Since Gongziqi had moved into the mansion granted by the Crown Prince, a daily stream of women delivered him food. Compelled by her boss, Tan Chuan was sent to deliver a meal.
Seeing the throngs of women at the main gate, she sat on the back steps to eat the sweet and sour crispy pork herself. To her shock, Gongziqi appeared behind her. He asked how she knew his favorite dish and invited her to eat with him, remarking that it reminded him of his "beloved woman."
During their meal, he revealed his identity as Fu Jiuyun, admitting he was the same Gongziqi who had teased her in the former state of Li. He confessed he knew of her plans to infiltrate the pageant. Tan Chuan warned him not to interfere.
Fu Jiuyun proposed they stay out of each other’s way, but then provocatively confessed he was truly there to watch her, curious to see what chaos her "ant-like strength" could cause and whether she would call for him when she inevitably failed. Defiantly, Tan Chuan retorted that she could thrive even in the deepest abyss. After leaving him, she burned a paper doll she had long kept, resolving to cut all ties with her past.
Fu Jiuyun, watching her go, silently vowed that while he couldn't be with her last time, he would "catch" her this time. Later, Meishan confronted Fu Jiuyun for deliberately revealing himself to Tan Chuan. Fu Jiuyun explained that being "Fu Jiuyun" carried too much weight, and he preferred the carefree identity of "Gongziqi" to simply watch events unfold, believing it was easier for Tan Chuan as well.
Meishan mocked him for hiding behind a mask for a woman and reminded him that Tan Chuan would surely act during the pageant in three days. Fu Jiuyun reiterated that he would only observe, wanting to see what she could accomplish on her own. On the day of the pageant, Tan Chuan disguised herself as a Persian contestant after rendering the original dancer unconscious.
Crown Prince Li Yuan arrived with the Second Prince, casually apologizing for being late and remarking to his brother that the dancers were inferior to those from Li. He then asked Zuo Zichen if any of the beauties were exceptional. Zuo Zichen dismissively called them "clowns" and noted their dancing skills were poor. Throughout the selection, Li Yuan paid little attention to the stage, his gaze fixed instead on Xuanzhu, an observation Zuo Zichen noted with forced composure.
Episode 18 Recap
During the Huachuang imperial pageant in Gaodu, Xuanzhu recognized Ting Yuan, who had also arrived in the city. Meishan, disguised as an attendant, subtly tried to rein in Fu Jiuyun's carefree demeanor. However, Fu Jiuyun, going by the name Mr. Gongziqi, ignored Meishan's warnings. He openly approached Zuo Zichen, complimenting his talents while playfully chiding him for altering the "East Wind Blows the Peach Blossom" tune years ago.
Zuo Zichen, as the pageant's lead, replied that he was simply being meticulous in his duties. Meishan then privately questioned Fu Jiuyun about provoking Zuo Zichen, whom he called Fu Jiuyun's rival in love, but Fu Jiuyun simply dismissed the idea. As Fu Jiuyun scanned the participants, finding them mediocre, the music abruptly changed. Tan Chuan, disguised as the exotic woman Hu Ji, emerged from behind a screen and stepped onto the stage, her captivating dance drawing all eyes.
Fu Jiuyun recognized her immediately, exclaiming, "This is her!" Li Yuan, the Crown Prince, was so enthralled that he declared her the winner and took her to his residence without her even removing her veil. Fu Jiuyun expressed disappointment that the veil was not lifted, while Zuo Zichen, also mesmerized by Hu Ji's dance, lingered. As Ting Yuan prepared to leave, he quietly reminded Xuanzhu that for her safety in the palace, they must keep his identity a secret.
Back at the palace, Li Yuan, who is Ting Yuan's brother, boasted about Hu Ji's beauty. Ting Yuan cleverly deflected Li Yuan’s probing about Xuanzhu by claiming his brother preferred plumper women. Later, in Li Yuan's chambers, Tan Chuan offered him an "intoxication for the immortals" wine. Once Li Yuan drank it, Tan Chuan removed her veil and revealed her true purpose, asking if he was the one who killed Zuo Xiang.
Despite the potent wine, Li Yuan proved formidable, easily deflecting her attacks. Her spiritual weapon was useless, and she was quickly knocked to the ground. Just as she faced imminent death, a flock of birds suddenly appeared, creating a diversion that allowed her to escape. Zuo Zichen, who had been alerted by Meishan, pursued her under the pretext of capturing the "demoness." When he confronted her on a hillside, Tan Chuan admitted that she had killed his father, Zuo Xiang.
Though deeply saddened by her confession, Zuo Zichen allowed her to leave, severing all ties between them. The next day, wanted posters of Hu Ji were plastered all over Gaodu, but they failed to capture Tan Chuan’s true appearance.
Meishan wryly commented on Fu Jiuyun’s contradictory actions, noting that despite claiming he wouldn't care for Tan Chuan, he had secretly rallied spiritual birds to her aid, instructed Meishan to get Zuo Zichen’s help, and even arranged for the real Hu Ji to be safely escorted out of the city. Unfazed by Meishan’s remarks, Fu Jiuyun made his way to Tan Chuan’s inn.
The innkeeper and other staff were frantic over Tan Chuan’s disappearance, but she soon returned, claiming she had run an errand outside the city. Fu Jiuyun, still posing as Mr. Gongziqi, ordered a meal from her. He feigned surprise at her unkempt appearance, much to the innkeeper's annoyance. After tasting her food, which he found to his liking, Fu Jiuyun offered a golden flower to the innkeeper in exchange for taking Tan Chuan with him.
The innkeeper tried to refuse, citing Tan Chuan’s supposed affections for a painter named Brother Doudou. But Fu Jiuyun, undeterred, announced he would take Tan Chuan with him, despite her fierce protests and her revealing his true name, Fu Jiuyun. He silenced her by pointing out the guards searching the city for Hu Ji, implying her safety lay with him. Seeing the danger outside, Tan Chuan reluctantly accompanied him.
At Fu Jiuyun’s residence, Tan Chuan defiantly lay on the bed, pretending to sleep. Fu Jiuyun playfully told her he brought her there to cook, not to sleep. He then revealed a painting of the Li Kingdom palace, explaining it was an old item his "stupid servant boy" had accidentally brought. Tan Chuan was deeply moved by the sight of her former home and family depicted in the painting, despite trying to maintain her cool.
She acknowledged the painting but then reverted to her demand for him to prepare dinner. Fu Jiuyun responded by boasting that her successful infiltration of the Crown Prince's chambers was due to his painting of Hu Ji. He also revealed that he had helped send the original Hu Ji out of the city, back to the Western Regions. Fu Jiuyun observed that Tan Chuan remained stubbornly focused on her revenge.
He acknowledged her intelligence in changing her appearance for the assassination attempt. Tan Chuan asserted that her choices were her own and not his concern, stating she would persist in her attempts to kill Li Yuan, as long as he did not interfere with the Spiritual Lamp or try to soften her resolve with art. Fu Jiuyun, however, stated his disinterest in her "troubles" since he was now living a carefree life as a distinguished guest in Tianyuan.
But, out of "repayment" for her past service, he offered a piece of advice: many people desired to kill Li Yuan, so she might as well stay by his side as his cook, and perhaps someone else would eventually eliminate Li Yuan for her. Spurred by Fu Jiuyun’s words, Tan Chuan secretly met Ting Yuan in a secluded palace that night. Her purpose was clear: to forge an alliance with him to collectively assassinate Li Yuan.
She showed him Zuo Xiang's spiritual power to prove the authenticity of the Spiritual Lamp. Ting Yuan, cautious due to a past deception involving a "fake lamp," questioned her intentions, asking if she truly believed the Spiritual Lamp could absorb all powerful spiritual energy, especially from demons. Tan Chuan affirmed its power, claiming her past interest in the lamp was mere curiosity.
Ting Yuan scoffed at this, reminding her of his time as a servant on Xiangqu Mountain to find it. Tan Chuan then directly stated her intention to kill Li Yuan and take his spiritual power. When Ting Yuan expressed skepticism about trusting her without access to the lamp, Tan Chuan revealed that she had formed a blood bond with it, reassuring him that she could fulfill their shared goal.
Unfazed by the assassination attempt, Li Yuan later holds a banquet at the East Palace. He summons Xuanzhu and, in front of his officials, declares his affection for her, saying he has been unable to eat or sleep since meeting her. He then acts intimately and attempts to force her to drink wine. Zuo Zichen, who is also present, watches the exchange with a grave expression.
Episode 19 Recap
Tan Chuan met with Ting Yuan, making it clear her intention was to kill Li Yuan and seize his spiritual power. She revealed that she had formed a blood bond with the spiritual lamp, intending to carry out the task herself.
Ting Yuan was astonished to learn that this precious artifact had functions beyond merely capturing demons, but he also expressed concern about the life-threatening cost of the blood bond, which would condemn her to eternal suffering if the lamp remained unextinguished. Tan Chuan questioned why no weapons or spells could harm Li Yuan. Ting Yuan explained that Li Yuan was born with a "unique birth chart," which naturally repelled demons, making him invulnerable and spellproof.
This phenomenon was considered an auspicious sign, signifying the descent of a demon god. Ting Yuan revealed that Li Yuan did have a "soft spot" – on his fifteenth birthday, a sword from the Western Region made him bleed, indicating a vulnerability. From then on, Li Yuan would mysteriously disappear during the Ghost Festival. While he claimed to pray for the world, Ting Yuan suspected he became an ordinary man on that day.
He also mentioned his former sister-in-law, who died mysteriously on July 16, suggesting she may have discovered this secret. This vulnerability, he concluded, was their opportunity. Ting Yuan admitted his previous attempt to obtain a spiritual lamp was for this very purpose, but the one he borrowed, made by Fu Jiuyun, was fake and almost cost him his life.
He asserted that his goal was to eliminate all demons for the sake of the people and promised to find a way to save Tan Chuan after Li Yuan was defeated. However, Tan Chuan was unmoved, declaring that she sought only revenge and needed no rescue. Accepting he could not dissuade her, Ting Yuan shifted their discussion to planning Li Yuan’s demise, acknowledging that they first needed to locate him, as ordinary spells couldn’t get close.
Meanwhile, a sorrowful Fu Jiuyun sought solace in drinking with Meishan. Bai joined their conversation, complaining about his role as Fu Jiuyun's spy and feeling unappreciated. Meishan sided with Bai, chastising Fu Jiuyun for using him in such a manner, which was contrary to immortal rules. Fu Jiuyun, however, playfully bribed Bai with the promise of a painting, and Bai dutifully reported on Tan Chuan’s situation.
He relayed that Ting Yuan had promised to protect and spoil Tan Chuan after ascending the throne, but Tan Chuan maintained they were not like-minded. Fu Jiuyun and Meishan continued to discuss the dangers of the palace and Li Yuan's unique birth chart, with Fu Jiuyun expressing growing concern for Tan Chuan. Tan Chuan later woke Ting Yuan to share her strategy.
She planned to use "paper theurgy" to transform a piece of paper into a paper man, which she would place on Li Yuan. Once Li Yuan used his spiritual power, she would be able to pinpoint his exact location. She would suppress the paper man's spiritual power, making it appear as an ordinary piece of paper until the Ghost Festival, when Li Yuan's unique birth chart would supposedly become ineffective.
Tan Chuan proposed to personally carry out the mission by disguising herself as a palace maid delivering plain clothes. She explained that members of Western royalty would wear plain clothes made from apocynum venetum and straw during the Ghost Festival to worship the heavens. Ting Yuan agreed to arrange her entry, suggesting she pose as his mother's maid hoping to catch Li Yuan’s eye.
Tan Chuan, who claimed to have learned royal etiquette from storytellers, was ready to prepare for the infiltration. Lady Qiuhua prepared Xuanzhu for her potential selection by the Crown Prince, but Xuanzhu remained visibly indifferent. Maids arrived to measure Xuanzhu for plain clothes, explaining it was a custom in Gaodu for the Ghost Festival. Separately, Ting Yuan met with Tan Chuan, assuring her that all arrangements were complete.
He sternly warned her to be extremely cautious inside the palace, describing Li Yuan as ill-tempered and vicious, and emphasizing that no mistakes could be tolerated. Tan Chuan calmly assured him she would improvise. Concerned for Tan Chuan's safety, Fu Jiuyun woke Meishan and invited him to the palace. Meanwhile, Tan Chuan, now disguised as a palace maid, met Ting Yuan to practice Tianyuan royal etiquette.
To further assist Tan Chuan, Fu Jiuyun, under the guise of the renowned painter Gongziqi, entered the palace to paint for the Empress Dowager. The Empress Dowager was greatly impressed by his "amazing" artwork and decided to change into more vibrant clothes for another portrait. As the Empress Dowager left, Fu Jiuyun subtly observed Tan Chuan. Suddenly, a seal within Fu Jiuyun’s body reacted violently.
It was a challenge from the demon king, who taunted that once his own "seven forces" were united, Fu Jiuyun's "revival" would be at hand. Alarmed, Meishan urged him to leave, but Fu Jiuyun refused, asserting that he had come specifically to confront the demon king. He admitted his actions were for Tan Chuan, as he could not idly watch her risk her life for revenge.
Fu Jiuyun then demanded Meishan release two layers of power from his body so he could immediately find the demon king. Tan Chuan confronted Fu Jiuyun, accusing him of tracking her. Fu Jiuyun, struggling to suppress the active seal, warned her against her foolish plan, insisting she could not kill Li Yuan alone.
He revealed his awareness of her plot with Ting Yuan, whom he called "stupid Doudou," questioning if her paper theurgy could truly kill Li Yuan and if Ting Yuan would genuinely care for her and her people after taking the throne. As his physical seal continued to react, Fu Jiuyun told her to stay away from him. Distraught, Tan Chuan threw a mirror to the ground and ran off.
Elsewhere in the palace, Li Yuan was surrounded by his consorts, playfully engaging with them and openly favoring Xuanzhu, whom he called "beauty." He forced her to eat pastries he personally offered. At the consorts' suggestion, he ordered Xuanzhu to dance. Zuo Zichen then arrived, announcing that the state preceptor wished to see Li Yuan. Before leaving, Li Yuan ordered Xuanzhu to perform for the other consorts, instructing Zuo Zichen to remain and watch.
With tears in her eyes, Xuanzhu danced, enduring the derision of the consorts, who mocked her as a "princess of an overthrown country." After they departed, Zuo Zichen urged Xuanzhu to stop being stubborn. Xuanzhu bitterly retorted that she was merely a "lowly," "dignity-less," "overthrown duke's daughter," reduced to providing palace entertainment. Zuo Zichen insisted that she still deserved happiness and must not marry the Crown Prince.
Episode 20 Recap
Following up on their plan to kill Crown Prince Liyuan, Tan Chuan explained to Ting Yuan that she had formed a blood pact with the Spiritual Lamp, using her own life force to power it. Ting Yuan revealed that Liyuan, born with an invulnerable fate, is only susceptible to harm on the Ghost Festival, his weakest day. Meanwhile, Xuanzhu felt degraded and powerless, especially regarding her forced marriage.
She tearfully asked Zuo Zichen if she held any place in his heart. When he hesitated, she declared that her fate was no longer his concern. Zuo Zichen then embraced her, confessing his feelings and promising he wouldn't let her marry Liyuan. He proposed they flee to Icefield Town and live a peaceful life. Xuanzhu agreed but worried about his position as Liyuan's aide and her mother's safety.
Zuo Zichen assured her he would arrange everything and told her to wait for his signal. Elsewhere, a sickly Fu Jiuyun was being tended to by Meishan, who regretted unsealing his power, which resulted in his return from confronting the demon king with a fever. Bai also appeared, complaining of pain and blaming Tan Chuan for breaking a mirror in anger. Fu Jiuyun, however, seemed focused on a challenge he had issued, stating it was time to settle the matter.
As Xuanzhu secretly packed to leave, her mother, Autumn Flower Lady, burst in with exciting news. She announced that Zuo Zichen had brought a message from Liyuan about a planned hunting trip and a specially arranged palace for them, seeing it as proof of the Crown Prince's affection and a sign that Xuanzhu was destined to become the Crown Princess. Feigning delight, Xuanzhu played along, pleasing her mother.
Later, Crown Prince Liyuan summoned Zuo Zichen and informed him that the Emperor had consented to his marriage to Xuanzhu as his legitimate wife. Citing their shared past, Liyuan entrusted Zuo Zichen with delivering the official decree. Visibly conflicted, Zuo Zichen accepted the task. Liyuan then ordered that Xuanzhu be brought to the palace immediately to observe a royal fast for the upcoming Ghost Festival.
On his way, Zuo Zichen was stopped by the Second Royal Highness, Ting Yuan, who privately warned him and Xuanzhu to stay away from Liyuan, adding that he valued Zuo Zichen's talent and wished him no harm. Zuo Zichen arrived with palace staff to formally announce the decree for Xuanzhu’s marriage and her immediate summons to the palace. While Xuanzhu was distraught, Autumn Flower Lady was overjoyed.
Zuo Zichen privately reassured Xuanzhu, urging her to go to the palace to earn Liyuan's trust, promising he would find a way to rescue her later. Soon after, Xuanzhu was escorted into the palace. Disguised as a maid, Tan Chuan infiltrated the palace and was stunned to learn Xuanzhu was the future Crown Princess. When she encountered Zuo Zichen, he saw through her guise and warned her to leave, stressing that she was no match for Liyuan.
Tan Chuan remained resolute in her mission. After she confessed that her past feelings for him were genuine, Zuo Zichen lamented that the "Yanyan" he knew was gone. Tan Chuan then warned him to stay away from Liyuan during the Ghost Festival, cryptically adding that if he sought revenge for his own father's death, his wish might soon be granted.
Liyuan, breaking his tradition of praying alone, announced that Xuanzhu would accompany him for the Ghost Festival prayers and tasked Zuo Zichen with the arrangements. Later, Zuo Zichen met Xuanzhu in private with an escape plan. He gave her a token, instructing her to leave through the south gate around 8 PM, where a carriage would be waiting.
He assured her he would handle one last thing and join her later, urging her to prioritize her own safety and leave without him if he was delayed. Anxiously waiting in a carriage past 9 PM, Xuanzhu felt abandoned. Recalling Zuo Zichen's words but fearing for his safety, she ordered the coachman to return to the palace.
Meanwhile, Tan Chuan, disguised as a clumsy new maid, helped Liyuan change into ceremonial robes, discreetly placing a paper tracking figurine on his back. Liyuan found her face familiar, but she deflected his suspicion. After she was dismissed, Zuo Zichen entered to attend to the prince. Returning to the palace, Xuanzhu found Zuo Zichen and Tan Chuan arguing.
Zuo Zichen was trying to stop Tan Chuan from proceeding with the assassination, offering to do it himself with a paper talisman to repay the debt his family owed hers. Seeing them, and hearing Zuo Zichen still call Tan Chuan "Yanyan," a furious Xuanzhu accused him of deceiving her, using her escape as a distraction to help Tan Chuan. Tan Chuan insisted that she must be the one to kill Liyuan for any of them to find peace.
Overwhelmed and declaring that her current life was worse than death, Xuanzhu snatched the talisman, vowing to go to Liyuan. Just then, an attendant arrived to summon her and Zuo Zichen to the Crown Prince. Liyuan led Xuanzhu to the abandoned Haotian Hall, a former royal library. He revealed that he fasts there alone each year on the Ghost Festival, which is also the anniversary of his mother's "disaster day," and now wished for her to accompany him.
He tested her loyalty, asking what she would do if someone plotted against him. Xuanzhu swore to protect him with her life. Elsewhere, Meishan worried about Xuanzhu's reliability, but Fu Jiuyun was confident she would succeed. Using the tracking figurine, Tan Chuan and Ting Yuan located Liyuan at Haotian Hall and moved to confront him.
Episode 21 Recap
Guided by information from a paper doll, Tan Chuan, Ting Yuan, and Zuo Zichen arrived at Haotian Hall, seeking Li Yuan. The hall appeared deserted, prompting Ting Yuan to question if Li Yuan was truly there. Zuo Zichen, however, detected the faint sound of a zither. Tan Chuan identified it as an illusion formation and, stopping Ting Yuan from acting rashly, touched a specific spot on a wall. This triggered a mechanism, revealing a hidden secret room which they entered.
Meanwhile, Fu Jiuyun, also in Haotian Hall, reflected on his master's sacrifice for the Spiritual Lamp and vowed revenge. Pushing open a large door, he entered a chamber and inadvertently activated a complex mechanism marked with runes. From it, the Demon King emerged, stating he had been waiting. The Demon King then reabsorbed two layers of power he had previously lost, causing Fu Jiuyun to cough blood.
He gloated that Fu Jiuyun could not stop his plan to unify the Three Realms, but Fu Jiuyun defiantly retorted that he was dreaming. In the secret room, the trio found what appeared to be a bound Li Yuan. Ting Yuan declared his intent to kill him, causing the figure to cower. However, Zuo Zichen noticed Xuanzhu nearby, playing a zither with an eerie stillness. When he reached for her, she vanished, revealing it to be an illusion.
Simultaneously, the bound Li Yuan also disappeared, and the true, unbound Li Yuan emerged. Realizing the deception, Tan Chuan warned Ting Yuan to be careful, but thick vines burst from the ground, ensnaring all three of them. The real Xuanzhu then appeared from behind Li Yuan and looked at Zuo Zichen. The Demon King demanded the location of the Spiritual Lamp from Fu Jiuyun, threatening to interrogate Tan Chuan if he refused.
Fu Jiuyun remained silent, looking toward the trapped Tan Chuan with distress. In the other room, Li Yuan mocked Ting Yuan, revealing he had known Ting Yuan was the Crown Prince of Li and Tan Chuan was Princess Yanyan all along, merely feigning ignorance. He then derided Xuanzhu for her devotion to Zuo Zichen, calling her a laughingstock for the risks she had taken. Li Yuan confronted Tan Chuan, identifying her as his previous would-be assassin.
He searched her and found the Spiritual Lamp. As he turned away, she released a small, cat-like magical creature to attack, but Li Yuan effortlessly destroyed it, dismissing it as a useless trick. Simultaneously, the Demon King prepared to deliver a fatal blow to the weakened Fu Jiuyun. However, as he attacked, a brilliant spiritual light erupted from Fu Jiuyun's chest, engulfing the Demon King and forcing him back. Fu Jiuyun stood up, a glowing symbol on his chest.
A flashback revealed his Suzerain had given him a "Lock Spirit Nail," a powerful artifact made from a beast's bone, as a contingency against the Demon King. Back in the secret room, Li Yuan announced his plan to present Princess Yanyan, whom he called a "hominine dish," as a gift to the Demon King. Horrified, Ting Yuan proclaimed his love for Tan Chuan and begged Li Yuan to kill him instead.
Unbeknownst to Li Yuan, a small paper man, which Tan Chuan had previously planted as a contingency, began cutting the vines binding her. As the paper man freed her, Tan Chuan used a magical artifact to release Ting Yuan. While they regrouped, Zuo Zichen, still bound, struggled to check on Xuanzhu. At that moment, Li Yuan found his powers inexplicably draining as the Demon King was still struggling against the spiritual light from Fu Jiuyun.
Seizing the opportunity, Tan Chuan manifested a bow and arrow, declared herself Princess Yanyan of the Li Kingdom, and vowed that no traitor would escape before firing at Li Yuan. In the chaos, Zuo Zichen was injured while shielding Xuanzhu, urging her to run. Witnessing Li Yuan being struck, the Demon King roared his name and broke free from the spiritual light's confinement.
Tan Chuan activated the Spiritual Lamp to absorb Li Yuan's essence, but the Demon King grabbed the injured Li Yuan and teleported them away just in time. Fu Jiuyun appeared at Tan Chuan's side, commending her efforts. Moments later, Grand Commandant Zhang arrived with soldiers. Tan Chuan wept, distraught that her revenge was incomplete. Ting Yuan tried to console her, but Fu Jiuyun gently took her hand and led her away.
After ensuring guards escorted Xuanzhu to safety, Zuo Zichen went to the palace prison. There, he was stunned to find numerous high-ranking officials imprisoned, including his father, Prime Minister Zuo. The Prime Minister revealed that the Grand Preceptor was the true mastermind; he had imprisoned the real Prime Minister Zuo years ago and used an impersonator to collude with the Demon King. Heartbroken, Zuo Zichen helped his father out of the prison.
Later, a troubled Tan Chuan asked Fu Jiuyun about the Demon King's true strength. Fu Jiuyun somberly revealed that even his own powerful master had been unable to defeat the Demon King in battle, a fight which ultimately led to his master's death.
Episode 22 Recap
Tan Chuan remorsefully told Fu Jiuyun she had lost the spiritual lamp, which she now understood was a treasure from his master. Fu Jiuyun reassured her, stating that their journey was not without merit, as he still retained Li Yuan's spiritual power in a container. He planned for them to rest for the night before traveling to a place inhabited by the people of Li. Meanwhile, Lady Qiuhua was being forcefully evicted from Gaodu.
She protested loudly, citing her daughter's status as the Prince's consort, but was informed it was Grand Commandant Zhang's order to clear out spies amidst the chaos. Upon seeing Xuanzhu preparing to depart without her, Lady Qiuhua quickly boarded the carriage. Xuanzhu expressed her own exhaustion with Tianyuan, asserting that after being used as a pawn for Zichen and then Li Yuan, she wanted to leave regardless of her mother.
Fu Jiuyun brought Tan Chuan to a settlement of Li refugees, intending for her to relax. To their surprise, they encountered Xuanzhu and her mother, as well as Zuo Zichen's father, Premier Zuo, who was alive and well. The Premier explained that a demon doppelgänger had replaced him while he was imprisoned. Overjoyed to see the Princess alive, he knelt before Tan Chuan and vowed to dedicate his life to rebuilding the nation of Li, rallying the hopeful refugees.
Later, the Premier approached a pensive Tan Chuan, encouraging her to view all of Li's people as her family and asking about the day their nation was destroyed. Tan Chuan, still hiding her identity, insisted she was merely an ordinary citizen who did not comprehend national hatred or revenge. Zuo Zichen, who had followed her, later confronted her about concealing her identity.
Tan Chuan confessed her guilt, admitting the man she sought revenge on was not his real father and that she had wronged all the people of Li. Zichen returned a hairpin she had given him, urging her to let go of the past. As Tan Chuan walked away in sorrow, a child named Xiaohua tried to cheer her up by giving her a small paper figurine.
Back in her room, Tan Chuan used her spiritual power to manifest her cat, but it dissolved into smoke. She was distraught, realizing it had sacrificed itself to save her during the battle at the palace. Seeing her grief, Fu Jiuyun had Bai bring her a pastry. Tan Chuan cried as she ate, prompting Bai to tease her for being so sentimental, which earned him a playful hit.
Later, Meishan found a distracted Fu Jiuyun and accused him of visiting Tan Chuan again. Fu Jiuyun admitted he had only peeked through her door. Meishan lamented how his mood now mirrored Tan Chuan's, missing his old, emotionless self. Fu Jiuyun countered that the endless emptiness of immortality was worse than the finite suffering of mortals. Worried, Meishan suggested finding the spiritual lamp and lighting it to grant him rest.
Fu Jiuyun explained this was too dangerous, as the Nanman demon king now possessed all seven forces and the Suoling Nail would not contain him for long. If the demon king wanted to destroy the lamp, he would inevitably come for Fu Jiuyun. Fu Jiuyun then sought out Zuo Zichen, who assured him he had moved on from Tan Chuan and only wished for her to recover from her despair.
Fu Jiuyun pointed out that Zichen and the others wanted Tan Chuan to be a goddess who could restore their nation, but this prevented her from being herself. He declared that he now understood true love was not just about protection, but about helping her achieve her own dreams, and he would help her restore Li. At Xiangqu Mountain, the Suzerain returned to find his rare treasures being used by the refugees to pickle vegetables, enraging him.
He demanded Fu Jiuyun restore his power, but Fu Jiuyun feigned a grave injury from fighting the demon king. When the Suzerain asked for the spiritual lamp instead, Fu Jiuyun lied that it was lost. The disbelieving Suzerain accused him of withholding it because of Tan Chuan and vowed to expel the Li people from his mountain once he regained his power. Zuo Zichen found Xuanzhu and presented her with Xiyan flowers, which she used to love.
Xuanzhu sadly dismissed the gesture, stating that with the Premier's return, she was no longer needed and assumed Zichen could now be with Princess Yanyan. Zichen corrected her, insisting that he and Yanyan were in the past and that he wanted Xuanzhu to stay and face their shared destiny tied to Li's fate. Just then, the Premier arrived and formally bowed to Xuanzhu, addressing her as the "Princess," the last of Li's royal bloodline.
In private, the Premier warned Zichen of the Tianyuan State Preceptor's immense power and spoke of his own declining health. Believing Princess Yanyan had died, he advised Zichen not to grieve excessively. Zichen affirmed his sole desire was to help restore Li, which pleased his father, who entrusted him with the heavy responsibility of uniting their people.
Meanwhile, Xuanzhu encountered the Suzerain, who revealed the spiritual lamp's immense power: forged from an ancient dragon, it could absorb all demon souls when lit. When Xuanzhu asked why it hadn't been used, he reluctantly confessed the secret to lighting it involved a blood bond.
Episode 23 Recap
In the early morning, Xuanzhu found a crowd gathered outside, led by the Prime Minister and Zuo Zichen, who knelt before her. They implored her to shoulder the grave responsibility of restoring Dalis, as she was the last surviving royal bloodline. Xuanzhu, initially stunned, expressed that she was merely a woman and did not know how to govern a country.
However, after remembering something Zuo Zichen had said previously, she affirmed her commitment, stating she would not disappoint them and would lead Dalis back to glory, with Zuo Zichen pledging his full support. Tan Chuan observed Xuanzhu receiving the kneeling homage and then walked away alone. Xuanzhu pursued her, mocking her for being foolish and suggesting that Tan Chuan wouldn't have been able to defeat Li Yuan without Xuanzhu's help.
She then taunted Tan Chuan, asking if she was worthy to attempt saving the people with the Spirit Lantern in her current state. Tan Chuan coldly retorted that her actions were none of Xuanzhu's concern. As Tan Chuan turned to leave, Xuanzhu stopped her, asking if Tan Chuan truly intended to abandon her position. Tan Chuan, feeling exhausted, insisted that Xuanzhu was stronger and braver, more suitable for the role, and entrusted the people of Dalis to her.
Xuanzhu then stated she had no interest in restoring the state and found it futile with so few remaining people, but admitted enjoying the feeling of being a princess and being adored by the masses. Fu Jiuyun watched Tan Chuan's distress from afar through his Mirror of Stars. Xiaobai, seeing Tan Chuan’s despondent state, pulled her from her bed, forcing her to look at herself in the mirror and reminded her of her true identity.
Tan Chuan confessed her weariness, feeling she had failed many, having been deceived by Er Meng and the Prime Minister, unable to protect her kittens, or kill Li Yuan, and even hurting Fu Jiuyun. She believed she couldn't do anything right and feared she would hurt more people if she continued down this path, concluding that she was destined for an ordinary life.
Xiaobai comforted her, asserting that she was far from ordinary, being the only one to shatter his White Moon Star Cloud Mirror in thousands of years. He advised her to let go of the past and confront difficulties head-on. Suddenly, Tan Chuan appeared behind Fu Jiuyun, having noticed him watching her through the mirror. She sternly told him not to use such means again. Fu Jiuyun, after some playful banter, promised not to use magic again.
Tan Chuan then lightheartedly demanded he go catch fish, or even a donkey, sending him and Xiaobai off. Afterward, Tan Chuan decided to bury her arrows, symbolizing her desire to forget the past and start a new life. Time passed, and Tan Chuan began living a simple life with the people of Dalis at Xiangqu Mountain, planting vegetables and flowers.
Meishan, observing her, remarked to Fu Jiuyun that Tan Chuan seemed happier than before and appeared content to reside there long-term. He suggested this might be the best outcome, allowing Fu Jiuyun to eventually forget her and continue his immortal life. Fu Jiuyun, however, expressed a deep sense that something was amiss. Meanwhile, the Emperor of Tianyuan regretted his past errors in believing demons that caused chaos in Gaodu and wronged many officials.
He wished to reward Ting Yuan for his help in slaying demons and protecting the capital. Ting Yuan, visibly distressed, began to speak of his brother, Crown Prince Li Yuan, who he believed had died. To everyone's shock, Li Yuan suddenly entered, claiming he had merely been practicing meditation in the East Palace to honor his mother.
Ting Yuan was visibly shaken by Li Yuan's seemingly lifeless demeanor, quickly excusing himself and riding out of the city, attempting to call out to Li Yuan, who responded with a blank stare. Later, Fu Jiuyun embraced Tan Chuan, praising her cooking and stating he had longed for her sweet and sour crispy meat.
As he savored her meal, he declared it a delicacy of the mortal world, superior to even dew from his immortal mountain, and urged her to eat more, noticing her recent weight loss. Tan Chuan then asked Fu Jiuyun if he enjoyed their current peaceful life of "making wine with pine flowers and tea with spring water" and living like ordinary farmers on Xiangqu Mountain. He hesitated, taking a drink, before she interrupted him with more food.
Soon after, a heavy rain began. Tan Chuan ran out into the downpour, crying bitterly and expressing her profound sense of failure, feeling incapable of doing anything right. Fu Jiuyun silently embraced her, offering comfort. Concurrently, while Fu Jiuyun was away, the Suzerain secretly entered his room, searching for the Spirit Lantern. From a sachet, he discovered Li Yuan's spiritual power.
Driven by greed and the promise of immense power—power said to be a hundred times greater than the Spirit Lantern, capable of making all beings in the Three Realms his slaves—the Suzerain consumed it. He suffered greatly before collapsing, and Li Yuan's true form then re-emerged, trapping the real Suzerain within a bottle. Meishan tended to Fu Jiuyun's wounds, caused by deeply embedded Soul-Locking Nails, which he painstakingly removed.
He urged Fu Jiuyun to recuperate and not use his internal energy. Meishan expressed concern that the Demon King of Nanman, now possessing all seven powers, would soon break free from the Soul-Locking Nail's hold, ending their peaceful days. He suggested finding the Qingying Stone to curse and defeat the Demon King, a method he claimed was told to him by Guanren Immortal. Fu Jiuyun, however, was skeptical, noting that even his master had searched for years without success.
Fu Jiuyun then reflected that the Three Realms operate on different paths, yet Tan Chuan now shared his fate and faced the same enemies. He mused that no one could escape the cycle of fate. Meishan countered that it was karma, asserting that Tan Chuan's destiny had changed the moment Fu Jiuyun first saw her, suggesting her conflict with the State Preceptor was a destiny he had given her.
Meanwhile, the possessed Suzerain, now Li Yuan in disguise, reported to the Demon King that Fu Jiuyun was careless. The Demon King asked if his holy power had been harmed. Li Yuan admitted he was using the body of a small snake, which limited his power, but revealed that his original body had been retrieved from Gaodu.
He decided not to return to his original body immediately, as he had gained some trust from Fu Jiuyun in this guise, hinting at unexpected gains, particularly related to the Qingying Stone, which he believed was Fu Jiuyun's only chance. As the Mid-Autumn Festival approached, Tan Chuan watched children play, reflecting on her past life in Dalis.
Fu Jiuyun approached her and asked if she envied the family reunions typical of the festival, even jokingly suggesting they have two children themselves. Together with Xiaobai, they made rabbit lanterns. Fu Jiuyun playfully drew features resembling Tan Chuan on his rabbit lantern, leading to a playful squabble over it. They were then seen making and tasting mooncakes. Later, everyone gathered for the Mid-Autumn Festival celebrations.
Children recited a moral verse, which Xuanzhu clarified, explaining it encouraged correcting mistakes, remembering kindness, avoiding gossip, and not boasting. The children, delighted by Xuanzhu's presence, asked her and Zuo Zichen to help release a large sky lantern. Zuo Zichen initially hesitated due to official duties, but Xuanzhu insisted they shouldn't spoil the children's fun. As they released the sky lantern, a child asked if it should be released with someone they loved.
Zuo Zichen watched Xuanzhu with the children, a new understanding dawning on him. Someone offered Zuo Zichen a snack and questioned how he would feel if Xuanzhu were eating something made by another. Zuo Zichen, reflecting on the verse about not relying on one's own strengths, seemed to understand his feelings. Xuanzhu, later speaking with Zuo Zichen, emphasized that a sky lantern only holds meaning when released with the person one loves.
Episode 24 Recap
Seeking to surprise Tan Chuan, Fu Jiuyun blindfolded her and led her to a riverside. He soared into the sky with her, and despite her initial fear of the height, she soon embraced the sensation of "riding on a cloud," delighting in the bright lights below. Fu Jiuyun remarked that her eyes were the brightest sight in the sky. Meanwhile, Zuo Zichen found Xuanzhu with Premier Qiuhua, who was discussing the upcoming sacrifice ceremony.
The Premier explained that the ceremony was vital for the country's destiny, traditionally hosted by the emperor and empress. Xuanzhu, acknowledging she was only a nominal princess and not of the true royal bloodline, feared she might be unsuitable. Premier Qiuhua assured her that as the sole princess of Li, she was the most noble person on Xiangqu Mountain and the key to settling the people's hearts.
He then suggested Zuo Zichen serve as her aide for the ceremony, in line with old customs for an unmarried princess. Zuo Zichen readily agreed to assist. Their conversation was interrupted by villagers reporting that a demon was causing widespread destruction. Simultaneously, Bai rushed to inform Fu Jiuyun that a child's spiritual power had been drained. Fu Jiuyun, Tan Chuan, and Bai went to the scene, finding a young girl named Xiaohua unconscious.
Fu Jiuyun revived her and, suspecting the Suzerain was responsible, told Tan Chuan to care for the child while he went to confront him. Fu Jiuyun found the Suzerain, who, having lost much of his power, admitted to harming the child in a selfish attempt to advance his cultivation.
Declaring his intent to eliminate the Suzerain, Fu Jiuyun was stopped when the terrified Suzerain begged for his life, revealing the location of the Qingying stone in a volcanic crater in the extreme north. The Suzerain confessed he had kept this secret to keep Fu Jiuyun and the spiritual lamp by his side, and also out of fear that Fu Jiuyun would die there.
He further manipulated Fu Jiuyun, emphasizing that if he didn't find the stone, the Nanman Demon King would eventually find Xiangqu Mountain and Tan Chuan. Recalling his master's dying wish to defeat the demon king, Fu Jiuyun resolved to set off immediately but warned the Suzerain not to harm the people of Li. The Suzerain promised to go into seclusion and leave Xiangqu Mountain for good. Fu Jiuyun returned feeling troubled, his thoughts heavy with his destiny.
He encountered Tan Chuan, who immediately sensed his unusual demeanor. To spare her from worry, he deflected her questions and suggested she rest while he went to drink with Meishan. Later, Fu Jiuyun informed Meishan of the Qingying stone's location. Meishan, though initially suspecting a trap, acknowledged the possibility. He expressed deep concern about the perilous journey, given Fu Jiuyun's previous serious injuries.
Fu Jiuyun, however, was resolute, stating that finding the stone was his inescapable destiny and that Tan Chuan could not afford to wait for the Nanman Demon King to arrive. Overhearing their plan, Bai confronted Fu Jiuyun, asking to accompany him. Fu Jiuyun, with a sorrowful expression, told Bai he had matured and asked him to stay behind to protect Tan Chuan, which would grant him peace of mind.
Determined not to let Fu Jiuyun face the danger alone, Meishan insisted on going with him. Later, Fu Jiuyun watched Tan Chuan from a distance, his eyes filled with reluctance. When she noticed him, he put on a playful smile and approached her, teasing her as was his habit. Meanwhile, Xuanzhu accidentally injured her leg. Zuo Zichen rushed to her aid, carrying her and gently chiding her for hiding her previous injuries.
He reminded her not to pretend to be strong in front of him, as he would always be there to support her. As he carried her, he updated her on the progress of the ceremony preparations. Tan Chuan began learning carpentry from an old master. Xuanzhu arrived and, after teasing Tan Chuan about her new hobby, instructed the master to have Tan Chuan carve the inscription for Princess Yanyan's spirit tablet.
Tan Chuan humbly tried to decline, citing her lack of skill, but Xuanzhu sarcastically insisted she was capable, compelling her to take on the task. Later, Fu Jiuyun found Tan Chuan alone, carving the tablet with tears streaming down her face and an injured hand. He gently began to heal it, but Tan Chuan pulled her hand away, downplaying the injury. Fu Jiuyun then asked to borrow her bronze mirror, claiming his "demon-detector" Bai couldn't properly reflect his handsome face.
Unsuspecting, Tan Chuan handed him the mirror, asking him to keep it safe as it was a treasure of Li. Fu Jiuyun accepted, promising to keep it with him until his last moment. He then playfully followed her into her room and embraced her tightly. After she fell asleep, Fu Jiuyun rose quietly. He gazed at her with profound affection and reluctance before silently departing to meet Meishan, ready to embark on their perilous journey.
Upon waking and finding Fu Jiuyun gone, Tan Chuan searched for him before asking Bai about his whereabouts. Bai vaguely stated that Fu Jiuyun had left on important business and he did not know when he would return, leaving her with no further explanation. As the sacrifice ceremony approached, Zuo Zichen found Tan Chuan carving her own spirit tablet. He confronted her, urging her not to live such a compromising life.
He reminded her that in his heart, she was a living person, not a tablet, and that the true Princess Yanyan would never give up, as she was the only one who could restore Li. Just then, Xuanzhu arrived, misinterpreting the intense conversation as proof that Zuo Zichen still harbored feelings for the former princess.
Episode 25 Recap
At the grand sacrifice ceremony, Xuanzhu, filled with an internal resolve, stepped forward. Believing only she could restore the Great Li kingdom, she dramatically declared herself unworthy to stand at the altar. To the shock of the assembled officials and common people, she grabbed the princess's memorial tablet and revealed the truth: the true princess, Yanyan, known to them as Tan Chuan, was still alive. This revelation ignited an uproar among the crowd.
Zuo Zichen shielded Tan Chuan from the chaos and led her away. He explained that Xuanzhu's harsh words were merely a facade for her pride and vulnerability, a desperate attempt to compel Tan Chuan to accept her destiny. Tan Chuan urged Zuo Zichen to pursue his own path, promising to take responsibility for the situation. Upon returning to find Xuanzhu, Zuo Zichen discovered she had already departed, leaving behind only a silk handkerchief.
Madam Qiu Hua confirmed Xuanzhu's resolute departure, remarking that her daughter no longer seemed to want any grand title, not even to be her own daughter. Zuo Zichen vowed to find her. As Xuanzhu traveled, she was ambushed by Li Yuan, who mockingly revealed he had survived being shot. He recounted his torment while imprisoned in a bottle and promised to exact vengeance, emphasizing that Xuanzhu was important to his plans.
Later, Madam Qiu Hua confronted Zuo Zichen, questioning why he was pursuing Xuanzhu when he knew Yanyan was alive. Zuo Zichen simply reiterated Xuanzhu's importance to him. Separately, Tan Chuan sought out Prime Minister Zuo. Acknowledging a strange sense of familiarity with her, he listened as Tan Chuan knelt and revealed her true identity as Princess Yanyan. She recounted how her master helped her escape the capital and assume a new identity to one day avenge her family and country.
Deeply moved, Prime Minister Zuo honored her status but cautioned her against the extreme danger of seeking the spiritual lamp. Tan Chuan insisted, feeling responsible for its loss and the potential calamities it could cause, and entrusted the care of Li's people to him. Later, while drinking alone in grief, Tan Chuan was found by Bai.
He urged her to be strong, revealing that Fu Jiuyun had gone to a perilous "destination of fate" to acquire the Qingying stone, the only artifact that could kill the State Preceptor. Bai explained that Fu Jiuyun had concealed this dangerous mission to protect her and was now in grave danger. Elsewhere, Fu Jiuyun and Meishan journeyed into an icy region that grew progressively warmer.
Meishan offered powerful protective items, but Fu Jiuyun was suddenly enveloped by dark energy and captured by the Demon King, who named him as the spiritual lamp wick. Through a bronze mirror Fu Jiuyun had left behind, Bai and Tan Chuan watched his struggle. The Demon King boasted that he now wielded seven combined forces, enough to tear glacier enchantments and manipulate the Suzerain, taunting that the Qingying stone was not there.
Learning Fu Jiuyun was trapped in a volcanic crater in the extreme north, Tan Chuan demanded to go to him. Bai transported her to the town below the volcano, but Tan Chuan insisted on venturing into the treacherous alternating zone of ice and fire alone, as Bai, being the immortal of mirror, would shatter in such an environment. Meanwhile, Zuo Zichen's search for Xuanzhu led him to her scattered belongings before he was knocked unconscious by an assassin, Dugu Duotian.
He awoke to find Ting Yuan, who explained that Xuanzhu had been captured by the Suzerain, whose body was now possessed by Li Yuan. Ting Yuan, having tracked the demonic presence from the capital to Xiangqu mountain, offered Zuo Zichen a spatial transference to the extreme north.
At the volcano, the Demon King tormented the trapped Fu Jiuyun, vowing to tell Tan Chuan that Fu Jiuyun was the lamp wick, wanting him to die in despair as the Demon King destroyed the lamp. While searching for Fu Jiuyun, Tan Chuan encountered an imposter disguised as Xuanzhu. After she saw through the disguise, the imposter, Luchuan, and his accomplices ambushed and abducted her.
Ting Yuan and Zuo Zichen cautiously entered the Suzerain's hiding place, which radiated a strong demonic aura. Inside, they found the State Preceptor with Li Yuan's preserved body. The State Preceptor tried to persuade Li Yuan to acknowledge him as his father, promising to reunite his spirit and flesh. Skeptical, Li Yuan only agreed because his body was intact.
However, the State Preceptor then brutally betrayed him, absorbing his spiritual power and declaring he no longer needed to fight for a "carcass." Tan Chuan, who had been brought there and lay on an ice bed, subtly awakened but feigned sleep. The State Preceptor noticed and chillingly revealed the shocking truth: Fu Jiuyun was the spiritual lamp's wick.
If Tan Chuan were to light the lamp, Fu Jiuyun would be incinerated, and she, as the one to light it, would also die. As Xuanzhu cried out for help from nearby, the State Preceptor mocked Tan Chuan, revealing Fu Jiuyun was right there, waiting to be consumed.
Episode 26 Recap
Tan Chuan, worried about Fu Jiuyun, learned from the Demon King that Fu Jiuyun was indeed the spiritual lamp's wick. If the lamp were lit, he would be consumed, leading to both their deaths. The Demon King taunted Tan Chuan, claiming Fu Jiuyun had deliberately deceived her, fearing his own death and deeming her brief personal vendetta insignificant compared to his long life. He depicted Fu Jiuyun as a selfish immortal who had wasted Tan Chuan's sincere feelings.
Despite these accusations, Tan Chuan firmly believed Fu Jiuyun would not betray her. Seeing Fu Jiuyun suffering in flames, she desperately begged the Demon King to spare him. The Demon King, however, remained resolute, urging her to persuade Fu Jiuyun to willingly incinerate himself to lessen his torment, before he cruelly left. Meanwhile, Zuo Zichen managed to locate Xuanzhu, who was imprisoned. Soon after, Ting Yuan also arrived at Tan Chuan's location.
The Demon King, recognizing Ting Yuan as the Second Prince, prepared to kill him. Tan Chuan quickly intervened, stopping the Demon King and agreeing to his demand to persuade Fu Jiuyun. The Demon King then took Tan Chuan to Fu Jiuyun. Upon seeing him in distress, Tan Chuan rushed to comfort him, vowing to rescue him. Fu Jiuyun, though suffering, urged her to stay away and escape.
Tan Chuan confronted Fu Jiuyun, asking if he was indeed the spiritual lamp wick. He confirmed his identity but explained he had hidden it to prevent her from sacrificing herself. He confessed that when he decided to give her the spiritual lamp, he secretly resolved to become the wick himself if she insisted on lighting it, so she would never know his sacrifice. Tan Chuan, heartbroken, embraced him, realizing this meant his death.
She then attempted to rescue him using paper theurgy, transforming into a crane, but the Demon King's power was overwhelming. The Demon King mocked Fu Jiuyun, declaring him useless, but Fu Jiuyun defiantly stated that as long as he breathed, the Demon King could not harm Tan Chuan. As the Demon King prepared to deliver a fatal blow to Fu Jiuyun, Bai, the mirror immortal, suddenly appeared, proclaiming his continued usefulness and attempting to shield Fu Jiuyun.
The Demon King warned Bai that he would be shattered if he continued to interfere. The Demon King then demanded that Fu Jiuyun incinerate himself willingly, threatening to kill everyone present if he refused. Recalling her master's words that paper theurgy's highest realm involved self-sacrifice, Tan Chuan took a knife and pierced her own heart. With her dying strength, she used paper theurgy to create cat-shaped fighting forms, and then collapsed.
Fu Jiuyun immediately rushed to her side, holding her tightly. As the Demon King made another move against Fu Jiuyun, Bai intervened again, sacrificing himself and being ruthlessly destroyed. Fu Jiuyun watched in agony, clutching Bai's fragments. As the chaos subsided, Zuo Zichen, despite the danger, managed to free Xuanzhu from her confinement. Meishan arrived just in time, sealing Tan Chuan's heart to stop the bleeding and assessing her critical condition.
He swiftly helped Fu Jiuyun transport the severely injured Tan Chuan, along with Zuo Zichen and Xuanzhu, away from the perilous scene. They eventually reached Taoyuan. Meishan began treating Tan Chuan, explaining that her extensive power loss meant she would likely suffer a shortened lifespan. Fu Jiuyun, however, found this ironic, stating that Tan Chuan's life was already hanging by a thread as the destined lamp lighter, rendering the idea of "shortened life" almost a joke.
Meishan wondered if Tan Chuan would still light the lamp now that she knew Fu Jiuyun was the wick. Fu Jiuyun, conversely, hoped she would be decisive and light it, fearing that if she abandoned her goal for him, she would live a life of regret and pain. Meishan and Fu Jiuyun both observed that the volcano was behaving unusually, leading them to suspect that the Demon King had not been entirely vanquished and might have further sinister plans.
Fu Jiuyun meticulously cared for Tan Chuan, deeply distressed by her near-fatal sacrifice for him. Meanwhile, Ting Yuan, the Second Prince, led Zuo Zichen and Xuanzhu to a secure place, urging them to rest and emphasizing their bond as comrades who had faced death together. Xuanzhu, recalling Zuo Zichen's desperate efforts to save her, felt a surge of happiness. After dedicated care, Tan Chuan finally regained consciousness.
Fu Jiuyun chose not to reveal the full truth of their escape or Bai's fate. He told her that she had saved everyone by making the "monster" fall into the volcano, allowing them to recover the spiritual lamp. He explained that Bai was merely asleep, having consumed too much power, and needed ample rest. Tan Chuan, unsuspecting, believed his reassuring words. In another room, Zuo Zichen diligently attended to Xuanzhu, bringing more charcoal to warm her.
Seeing her shiver, he quickly added another quilt to her bed. He then lay beside her, offering comfort and warmth, promising to care for her from then on. When Xuanzhu later awoke, she found Zuo Zichen gone and rose to search for him. Fu Jiuyun took Tan Chuan out to eat flaky pastries, which he playfully touted as more effective than any immortal medicine. As they enjoyed the pastries, they discussed their dreams of opening a pastry shop.
Tan Chuan teased Fu Jiuyun about his lack of practical skills, suggesting he could only handle money while she kneaded dough. Fu Jiuyun countered that he could paint their signboard with an oil can, but Tan Chuan preferred he use his calligraphy to write couplets. A vendor in the town mentioned that most demons had recently migrated to Nanman, reportedly because their demon king had returned, assuring them that Taoyuan and Li would be free of demons.
Fu Jiuyun subtly hinted that the absence of demons was due to the spiritual lamp. Meanwhile, a seemingly ordinary old man, having survived the recent catastrophe, knelt in secret, offering gratitude to the Demon King, attributing his survival to the Demon King's guidance.
Episode 27 Recap
A demon king knelt before the demon god, proclaiming his survival and the imminent arrival of a long-awaited century. Meanwhile, Ting Yuan confronted Zuo Zichen, urging him to reveal the truth about Tan Chuan. Ting Yuan confirmed that Tan Chuan was the princess destined to light the spiritual lamp. He shared his past, recalling his engagement to the princess at age twelve before the peace negotiations between Tianyuan and Li.
He expressed his shock at discovering his beloved was the princess, only to learn she was on the verge of death. Tan Chuan, he revealed, had told him she would sacrifice herself for the lamp without any fear, even smiling as if returning home after a long journey. Zuo Zichen confirmed that Tan Chuan's ideal was indeed to sacrifice herself for her country, seeing it as her very purpose in life.
He explained that if she couldn't die for her country, she wouldn't know how to live, highlighting that every happy smile brought her one step closer to death. Unbeknownst to them, Xuanzhu awoke and overheard their conversation, leaving heartbroken. Zuo Zichen, noticing Ting Yuan's concerned look, clarified that he had long since moved on from Tan Chuan and now only cared for Xuanzhu.
Ting Yuan advised Zuo Zichen to be more proactive in his relationship, urging him not to keep Xuanzhu guessing his feelings. Premier Zuo arrived in Lingyu city and met with Zuo Zichen and Xuanzhu to discuss the princess. He lamented her immense sacrifices for Da Li and expressed the fervent hope of the Li people for her swift return to Xiangqu mountain, fearing chaos if the country remained without a clear leader.
Xuanzhu offered to temporarily settle the Li people in the princess's stead, but Premier Zuo quickly rebuffed her, citing her current illness and need for rest. He stressed that the Nanman demon king was their true enemy and that the princess's safety must be ensured given the demon king's century-long power, which even immortals couldn't match. Xuanzhu grew visibly angry at being constantly overshadowed by the princess.
She declared that people should stop calling her "Princess" as long as "the Princess" existed, asserting that she was merely a princess of a vassal state and questioning the meaning of her past endeavors now that Da Li was destroyed. Tan Chuan and Fu Jiuyun had opened a shop, selling crispy pancakes. They encountered refugees from the extreme north who had fled icefield town after a sudden volcanic eruption and a perceived monster attack.
The refugees described the magma paths on the mountain as creepy and resembling a human-beast hybrid. Tan Chuan immediately suspected the Nanman demon king was behind the eruption. Upon returning, Fu Jiuyun told Tan Chuan to rest. Inside, Tan Chuan spoke to Bai, but received no response. She then took out a mirror and realized it was her own, reflecting her original appearance, signaling that Bai was gone. Meanwhile, Fu Jiuyun sat down for tea with the Suzerein.
The Suzerein expressed his gratitude for Fu Jiuyun's repeated acts of salvation. To repay him, the Suzerein revealed the true location of the Qingying stone: the deepest part of the southern sea bed, often hidden within mussels. Fu Jiuyun, wary from past deceptions, meticulously questioned the Suzerein until he was convinced of the truth.
The Suzerein criticized immortal Guanren, his former teacher, for his short-sightedness in only searching for immortal treasures in the immortal realm, never considering demon-infested places like the Southern Sea. He claimed only a true explorer like himself would uncover such a secret. The Suzerein then departed, cautioning Fu Jiuyun against putting himself in danger again. After the Suzerein left, Fu Jiuyun summoned Meishan, confirming his belief in the Suzerein's words.
They traveled to the volcano to investigate, confirming the old monster was not dead and that the power of the demon god was at play, as the mountain wall itself appeared to be the demon god. Upon returning, Fu Jiuyun found Tan Chuan heartbroken. He gently revealed the truth: Bai had sacrificed himself to save them. Tan Chuan wept bitterly in Fu Jiuyun's embrace. Zuo Zichen found Xuanzhu sitting alone, recalling Ting Yuan's advice to be more proactive.
He approached her and asked if he could sit. He then invited her to live with him in a secluded place, mentioning either a self-enclosed cabin or a newly acquired peach orchard. He bravely confessed his feelings, expressing his determination to leave with her and wanting to be with her forever, regardless of how the world might change. Xuanzhu, listening calmly, asked him to play the "eastwind peach tune" for her again.
Fu Jiuyun and Tan Chuan prepared to embark on their quest for the Qingying stone, laying Bai to rest in the water. Tan Chuan assured Fu Jiuyun that she would accompany him wherever the Qingying stone was, be it the Southern Sea or the abyss. Elsewhere, Xuanzhu was practicing a dance but accidentally injured herself.
Filled with a sense of injustice and a burning desire to prove she was not inferior to the princess, she ran off sadly to her room. She reflected on her emotional state, realizing she should have been happy about Zuo Zichen's confession but was instead consumed by the need to outcompete the princess, feeling she couldn't properly love Zuo Zichen if she couldn't surpass her rival. Fu Jiuyun led Tan Chuan to the Southern Sea to find the Qingying stone.
Before they descended into the water, he gave her a tranquilizer pill, assuring her it would allow her to move freely underwater. He explained that two giant whirlpools appeared in the area every twelve hours, which would transport them to the deepest part of the sea, the location of the Qingying stone. When the time came, a massive vortex appeared. Fu Jiuyun clasped Tan Chuan's hand, instructing her to hold on tightly, and together they plunged into the swirling waters.
After passing through the powerful vortex, they arrived at the true southern sea bed, a realm filled with countless pearls. Despite the abundance of pearls, the Qingying stone remained elusive. As they continued their search, Tan Chuan noticed a small seashell seemingly following them. Fu Jiuyun initially dismissed it as a trick of the light, but Tan Chuan insisted it was moving. Upon closer inspection, they realized the small shell was indeed the Qingying stone.
Fu Jiuyun was overjoyed, explaining that the stone had chosen Tan Chuan as its master and urged her to keep it. In the newfound tranquility of the deep sea, they decided to wait for the next vortex to appear, hoping it would never come so they could remain in such peaceful comfort.
Episode 28 Recap
As the next vortex approached, Fu Jiuyun and Tan Chuan found themselves in a rare moment of peace by the sea. Tan Chuan wished the vortex would never come, dreaming of a simple, eternal life with Fu Jiuyun. She admitted that while she once scorned such "naive womanly" desires, they had become her deepest wish. Fu Jiuyun assured her they had plenty of time, promising to be with her even inside the spiritual lamp.
Tan Chuan expressed concern about him becoming the lamp's wick, fearing it would be too crowded with his immense power. Fu Jiuyun affectionately asked when she had fallen in love with him, to which Tan Chuan coyly replied, "Every moment." She told him that time was meaningless as long as they were together and that their happiness would endure as long as death didn't tear them apart.
Following a night of intimacy, Tan Chuan jokingly told Fu Jiuyun she would "be responsible" for him. He revealed he had been watching her long before she even knew him, making the seawater feel pink to him in their newfound closeness. Fu Jiuyun expressed a desire to rid the world of evil so Tan Chuan could live a carefree life in his arms. However, Tan Chuan recognized that fate awaited them.
As dawn broke, they prepared to return to the land. Fu Jiuyun playfully feigned a grave injury, worrying Tan Chuan, only to confess he wanted a kiss. He then promised to fashion the Nanman demon king into a bracelet for her after its defeat. Tan Chuan reflected, realizing she now had vitality in her heart because of him.
She questioned if he truly wouldn't light the spiritual lamp, and Fu Jiuyun affirmed they could become a formidable couple, known for striking fear into demons, capable of protecting Li's people and maintaining peace without lighting the lamp. He even humorously suggested they would need many children to help them with their future endeavors. Upon their return, Meishan immediately rushed to Fu Jiuyun, worried about his condition and pulling him away to heal his injuries.
Ting Yuan approached Tan Chuan, reassuring her that the position of Tianyuan's crown princess would always be reserved for her, and he would deploy his entire army to pursue Fu Jiuyun if he ever mistreated her. As Meishan tended to Fu Jiuyun, he urged him to rest, warning that his body was too weak to even light the lamp. However, Fu Jiuyun's mind remained fixed on confronting the Demon King swiftly to prevent further complications.
Tan Chuan, concerned for Fu Jiuyun's health, offered to be the leader of the Qingying Formation. However, Fu Jiuyun vehemently refused, asserting that his vast immortal power and experience made him the undeniable choice. Tan Chuan countered that she didn't want him to risk himself for her again, especially since she had a blood feud with the Nanman demon king, making her the more suitable candidate.
Despite her pleas, Fu Jiuyun stood firm, refusing to allow her to take on such a perilous role. Meishan then revealed that he had already discussed the formation with Ting Yuan and Zuo Zichen, who had agreed to participate despite the immense danger. Zuo Zichen discussed joining the team with Xuanzhu, who agreed, stating it was her duty as a princess of a state allied with Li.
That night, Tan Chuan found herself unable to stop gazing at Fu Jiuyun, admitting she couldn't get enough of him, leading him to joke about using his magic to make the night last forever. The next morning, in the kitchen, Tan Chuan asked Xuanzhu to help with some chores. Xuanzhu complied, expressing gratitude and explaining that she was repaying a life debt to Tan Chuan for saving her.
Xuanzhu then confessed that as a child, seeing Tan Chuan dance in the phoenix dress, she had believed only Tan Chuan deserved to wear it, feeling others were unworthy. Tan Chuan admitted her past immaturity, acknowledging that she had once been self-absorbed until someone's appearance (Fu Jiuyun) taught her the true meaning of being human, inspiring compassion within her. She sincerely wished Xuanzhu could find similar understanding.
As they prepared for their journey to the extreme north, Tan Chuan made Xuanzhu promise to return alive, while Xuanzhu expressed confidence that with the Qingying stone and spiritual lamp, the demon would be vanquished. Xuanzhu then inquired about seeing the spiritual lamp. It was revealed that once lit, the spiritual lamp subdues all demons, but it also establishes a blood bond with a master.
When someone sacrifices their spirit to fuel the lamp, the lamp becomes inextinguishable, but the blood bond master suffers for eternity. Later, Fu Jiuyun led Tan Chuan to a bamboo forest, where they playfully carved their names into the stalks, imagining their names growing taller with the bamboo, signifying their enduring love.
Fu Jiuyun tenderly embraced Tan Chuan, musing that even if their bodies perished and memories were erased, their existence would be attested to by their names on the bamboo. Tan Chuan pointed out she would eventually be an old woman while he remained eternally youthful, prompting Fu Jiuyun to promise he would find a way to shed his immortality to age gracefully with her. Upon reaching the volcano, they observed the severely worsening conditions.
Inside, Fu Jiuyun created a barrier, purposefully leaving Meishan and the others outside, declaring that this battle was solely between him and Tan Chuan, and that he intended to manipulate the power of the five elements himself, even if it meant sacrificing tens of thousands of years of his cultivation. The Demon King appeared, expressing his delight at their arrival and demanding the spiritual lamp to usher in an era where demons would rule the three realms.
Fu Jiuyun attempted to use illusion magic, but it proved ineffective against the Demon King, who scoffed at "Immortal Mei's" inability to break his enchantment. Recognizing the Qingying stone, the Demon King disparaged its power, claiming it could not harm him. As the Demon King attacked, Fu Jiuyun shielded Tan Chuan, but a black mist engulfed him, trapping him and subsequently Meishan, Zuo Zichen, Ting Yuan, and Xuanzhu in a powerful illusion.
Episode 29 Recap
Tan Chuan desperately called out to Fu Jiuyun, who was trapped within his own heart demon. The Demon King taunted Tan Chuan, explaining that Fu Jiuyun's energy would be depleted in mere moments. He offered a cruel choice: surrender the Qingying stone and the spiritual lamp, and Fu Jiuyun would be spared. Overwhelmed with fear for Fu Jiuyun, Tan Chuan resolved to save him.
Despite Fu Jiuyun's spectral pleas for her to let go, Tan Chuan declared she would never release him. She dropped the Qingying stone and entered his heart demon, determined to awaken him. Within their respective heart demons, others also wrestled with their inner turmoil. Meishan found himself reliving a painful past with Xinmei, begging her to wait and listen. Zuo Zichen was trapped in a nightmare where he repeatedly proclaimed his innocence against accusations of treason.
Xuanzhu, too, was tormented by visions of Xinmei, pleading with her not to leave. Meanwhile, the Demon King continued to pressure Tan Chuan to surrender the lamp, but she defiantly stated they would die together if necessary. Outside the illusions, Ting Yuan, who had remained conscious, broke the barrier Fu Jiuyun had set. As Fu Jiuyun and Tan Chuan successfully overcame their heart demons, they emerged to confront the Demon King.
Just then, Ting Yuan appeared and stabbed the Demon King, revealing himself as the true possessor of the unique Birth Chart, having hidden his identity for years to one day rid Tianyuan of demons. Seizing the opportunity, Fu Jiuyun began to set up a powerful formation, vowing to make the Demon King suffer. The Demon King tried to tempt Tan Chuan, promising her endless demonic power to restore her country, Da Li.
However, Tan Chuan firmly rejected his offer, stating her only desire was a world free from demons. With his defeat imminent, the Demon King warned that his death would not bring peace, as the ancient Demon God was on the verge of resurrection. Tan Chuan and Fu Jiuyun joined forces, successfully killing the Demon King and sealing his spiritual power within the spiritual lamp. As the battle concluded, Fu Jiuyun embraced Tan Chuan, telling her it was over.
Tan Chuan expressed how her life, once consumed by hatred, had been transformed by his presence. He had shown her the simple joys of life, and she confessed her deep desire to spend the rest of her life with him, raising many children. She made him promise to live on so they could have their future. Moments later, Meishan and Zuo Zichen arrived.
They were relieved to confirm the Demon King's demise, but their relief was short-lived as the Demon God suddenly manifested, fully revived. Zuo Zichen, who had recently discovered his own special purpose, despaired that it was all meaningless against such a formidable threat. Fu Jiuyun, realizing the Demon King's true objective had been to resurrect the ancient Demon God, somberly stated that while he had averted the immediate disaster, he could not stop the impending doom.
Fu Jiuyun then gently urged Tan Chuan to light the spiritual lamp, understanding that it was the only way to end the larger threat. Tan Chuan vehemently refused, unable to bear the thought of losing him. Fu Jiuyun explained that his very existence was for this purpose and that being with her was the greatest happiness of his life, but his destiny was inescapable. Tan Chuan, heartbroken, pleaded with him, reminding him of their promises for a future together.
Seeing Zuo Zichen desperately fighting the resurgent Demon God, Xuanzhu made a painful decision. As a princess of Da Li, she shared a bloodline with Tan Chuan, allowing her to make the sacrifice. Declaring that she would be first this time, she revealed that the lamp required a blood bond from a royal relative. Tan Chuan, realizing Xuanzhu's intent, rushed to stop her but was repelled. Xuanzhu, in a final act of resolve, plunged the spiritual lamp into herself.
As the Demon God was sealed once more, Xuanzhu collapsed into Zuo Zichen's arms. In her dying breaths, she revealed her long-held, humble love for him, recalling her joy in their simple moments together on Xiangqu Mountain. She confessed her feelings of being redundant, especially when Tan Chuan was present, and only wished for him to truly see her and remember her.
Overcome with grief, Zuo Zichen confessed that he had loved her for a long time, wishing he could return to their days on the mountain. He blamed his own weakness for never expressing his true feelings. Hearing his confession, Xuanzhu found peace in her final moments. Her essence was absorbed into the spiritual lamp, which then ignited Fu Jiuyun, the lamp's core, signaling his impending demise.
With his body beginning to disappear, Fu Jiuyun calmly carried the grieving Tan Chuan back to their room. He laid her gently on a bed, using his magic to ease her into a deep sleep. As she drifted off, she murmured her desire to always see him, and he softly promised she could look at him forever. With a final, sorrowful kiss and his mind filled with cherished memories of their time together, Fu Jiuyun's form slowly vanished.
Episode 30 (Ending) Recap
After Fu Jiuyun, as the lamp's wick, was ignited and began to disappear, having put Tan Chuan into a deep sleep with a spell, Tan Chuan finally awoke. She desperately searched for Fu Jiuyun, scouring countless places but finding no trace. As she reached a clearing in the forest, she remembered that Fu Jiuyun had already ignited the spiritual lamp's wick, his soul scattering into ashes.
The bamboo where they had carved their promise of growing old together still stood, its inscriptions clear. Yet, the one who had made the promise was gone. Tan Chuan clutched the bamboo, heartbroken. Uncle Meishan, witnessing her pain, sought to break the curse placed on her by the Nanman demon king, a curse that would end her life in a year.
He explained that Fu Jiuyun, as an immortal born from the lamp's wick, would eventually gather his spirit and return. He assured her that before Fu Jiuyun went to sleep, he specifically asked Uncle Meishan to find her, heal her, and tell her to live on because he could not let go of her. Taking his words to heart, Tan Chuan resolved to live, holding onto the faint hope of Fu Jiuyun's return.
For days, Tan Chuan was consumed by longing, often imagining Fu Jiuyun standing in the distance only for his phantom image to vanish when she approached. Uncle Meishan diligently cared for her, often playfully scolding her for not focusing on her recovery. He expressed his belief in his medical skills, confident she would recover. Once the demon's curse was lifted, Uncle Meishan poured himself a drink to celebrate her recovery, though he often drank to cope with his own sadness.
Tan Chuan, however, grew increasingly lucid. She confronted Uncle Meishan, calling him a "liar" for giving her false hope. She questioned how Fu Jiuyun could return when the lamp's wick was gone. She realized Uncle Meishan's true motive: Fu Jiuyun wanted her to continue living and experience the world. But without him, she felt life had lost all meaning. She challenged Uncle Meishan, asking why he constantly drank and cried if Fu Jiuyun was truly coming back.
Cornered, Uncle Meishan broke down, admitting that Fu Jiuyun could not return. Hearing this, Tan Chuan declared that she would no longer wait for him. Years passed. Zuo Zichen, now a refined scholar dedicated to righteousness, had returned to Xiangqu Mountain, where he taught children. He was often seen with Mrs. Qiuhua, who helped him distribute clothes to the children.
Meanwhile, Ting Yuan diligently managed state affairs after ascending the throne, often working late into the night, much to the concern of his attendants. Though his days were outwardly peaceful, his mind often drifted. After recovering her health, Tan Chuan secretly returned to Tianyuan Kingdom to look for the spiritual lamp, missing Fu Jiuyun. Sensing her presence, Ting Yuan quickly followed her. However, just as he opened the gate, Tan Chuan and the spiritual lamp vanished into thin air.
Startled by this, Ting Yuan mused about a simple life in Xiangqu Mountain with someone, imagining them as an enviable couple and even calling out the names "Jiuyun" and "Chuan." At the same time, young Yanyan awoke in a fright, sobbing that she was not Yanyan, but "Chuan." She recounted a dream where an old gentleman told her she was Chuan and needed to start a new life.
Her parents, the Emperor and Empress, comforted her, believing she was simply ill or had a bad dream. Despite their reassurances, Yanyan insisted she was not herself. As Yanyan grew older, her demeanor changed dramatically. She became harmonious with Xuanzhu, her sister, a stark contrast to her previous self. Yanyan even took the initiative to introduce Xuanzhu to Zuo Zichen, whom she described as a talented scholar renowned for his music.
Although Xuanzhu was initially hesitant, Yanyan playfully insisted on them interacting, stating their father wished for Zichen to teach them liberal arts. However, Yanyan herself expressed little interest in such pursuits, stating she simply wanted to be beautiful. Later, Yanyan found herself struggling with her memories. She tried to play the "eastwind peach blossom" tune, only to realize she had forgotten it.
She also found herself mumbling about a "Chinese lute" while looking at a painting, though her maid, Xiao Cui, pointed out there was no lute in the artwork. Confused and crying, Yanyan confided in Xiao Cui about a recurring dream of a man in white. He was not frightening, but he told her she was about to forget him. She confessed she couldn't remember who he was, yet she knew she had seen him before.
On the Empress's birthday, her parents, the Emperor and Empress, announced Yanyan's engagement to Ting Yuan, the Crown Prince of Tianyuan. Ting Yuan arrived with numerous gifts collected by his father from across the lands. Yanyan surveyed the offerings, including several paintings from the Xiangqu Mountain Lord, initially deeming them unremarkable. However, as she looked closer at one particular scroll, she recognized a familiar face.
As the image of a man in white, Fu Jiuyun, became clear, Yanyan was overwhelmed with emotion. A song filled the air as she fixated on the painting, her longing pulling her into the scene. Within the painting, Yanyan found herself transported to a tranquil setting under a peach blossom tree, with a pipa resting nearby. Her beloved, Fu Jiuyun, stood waiting. Overjoyed, they rushed towards each other, embracing warmly, their reunion a culmination of long-lost memories and unwavering devotion.
