Love on the Turquoise Land Recap, Plot, Synopsis, Total Episodes

Love on the Turquoise Land Synopsis

Writer Nie Xi was inspired by an exhibition themed around the Classic of Mountains and Seas and penned an urban fantasy novel rich in Eastern aesthetics.

The story revolves around the secretive folk supernatural organization "Nanshan Hunters". "Feng Dao" Nie Jiuluo, and the righteous, long-suffering Yan Tuo gradually develop trust and affection after several life-and-death collaborations while fighting against the underground menace. Together, they embark on an adventure to protect love and peace, ultimately finding their happy ending.

Love on the Turquoise Land Recap

Episode 1 Recap

A radio program called "Midnight Story Hour" began playing, narrating the fantasy adventure of "Turquoise Land." The story described a mysterious land where bloodthirsty Earth Fiends once lurked. An ancient group, the South Mountain Hunters, had sealed these fiends beneath dark iron gates. Generations of these three clans—Blade, Hound, and Whip—had monitored supernatural threats, dutifully patrolling the mountains every four years to protect humanity.

While many now believed the fiends were vanquished, the broadcast warned that Earth Fiends might have infiltrated humankind, waiting to shatter the peace. Nie Jiuluo arrived in South Mountain by taxi. Her driver, Mr. Sun, recounted local legends, including tales of "child-eating mountain fiends" from the desolate Nanba Weald. He spoke of a deranged old woman who adopted orphans but was, in fact, a man-eating fiend.

Villagers later built a Temple of the Righteous Lord, also known as the Temple of Zhong Kui, to ward off such evils. Nie Jiuluo pressed Mr. Sun on the specifics of the deity's image, pointing out that as a "renowned artist," she was seeking something truly unique, not typical attractions. Meanwhile, at the Roadsound Welfare Home, General Manager Yan Tuo of Roadsound Pharmaceuticals, accompanied by Xiong, was welcomed by Director Zheng. Yan Tuo introduced Gou Yan as a new teacher.

During Gou Yan's brief and tense introduction, a voice whispered to him to "keep close watch" on a child in a green outfit, referring to the child as "your blood bag." Yan Tuo explained that his visit was primarily to bring Gou Yan and offer Roadsound Group's support to the community. He politely declined Director Zheng's invitation for dinner, stating they had other commitments. Director Zheng then asked Ms. Wang, who had a bandaged hand, to show Gou Yan around.

Later, at the abandoned Temple of Zhong Kui, Nie Jiuluo was cleaning a statue while on a phone call with Mr. Lu. He chastised her about the 40% drop in sales for her "Ninja Duck" toys, demanding three new designs by the end of the month. Mr. Lu argued that the character, though her creation, now belonged to the customers and fans, drawing parallels to popular cultural icons.

Nie Jiuluo corrected him, emphasizing that the character's name was "Hermit Duck," not "Ninja Duck." She expressed her desire to create genuine sculptural art instead of mass-produced toys, leading Mr. Lu to accuse her of "burning the bridge she crossed" after having gained wealth and recognition from those very toys. As the sun set and children were called for dinner at the welfare home, Yan Tuo was discreetly exploring the back garden, narrowly avoiding detection by the director.

Nearby, Mr. Sun, Nie Jiuluo's driver, went to the restroom and heard unsettling sounds. Investigating, he found women's clothing hanging from a tree. He began recording with his phone but was suddenly attacked by an unseen entity. Nie Jiuluo, still at the temple, heard Mr. Sun's terrified screams. She then witnessed Gou Yan transform into a monstrous creature, furiously chasing and biting Mr. Sun. Mr. Sun managed to flee the forest, stumbling into a field, which triggered an alarm.

The loud noise caused Gou Ya, who had been pursuing him, to stop short. Nie Jiuluo searched for Mr. Sun and found his car empty. As she reached for her phone to contact him, Mr. Sun suddenly appeared, jumped into the car, and frantically drove away, abandoning Nie Jiuluo. Simultaneously, in a room, Yan Tuo was searching for documents when Gou Ya fiercely attacked him.

Yan Tuo fought back, pushing Gou Ya down a flight of stairs, and mistakenly believed he had killed him. Nie Jiuluo eventually arrived at the welfare home, finding the front gate locked. She walked towards the back, seeking assistance. There, she saw Yan Tuo stealthily placing a body into a car trunk, though she couldn't discern the details. She approached Yan Tuo for help, but he coldly ignored her. She then continued towards the back of the yard.

Soon after, Xiong arrived and injected Gou Ya, observing blood on Gou Ya's mouth, which confirmed his greatest fears. Yan Tuo explained to Xiong that Gou Ya had lunged at him "covered in blood." Xiong, seeing Yan Tuo unharmed, questioned where the blood originated. In the back mountain, Xiong then discovered a dead woman, clearly bitten by Gou Ya, and found Mr. Sun's phone lying next to her body. Later, Nie Jiuluo and Mr. Sun were at a hotel.

Nie Jiuluo noticed Mr. Sun was injured and disoriented, repeatedly muttering about a "mountain fiend." Suddenly, the hotel experienced a power outage, plunging them into darkness. Taking advantage of the blackout, Xiong silently entered Mr. Sun's room and knocked him unconscious. Highly alert, Nie Jiuluo quickly hid. She then grabbed a pencil and engaged Xiong in a brief struggle in the dark before successfully escaping.

Episode 2 Recap

Yan Tuo sat in his car, scanning his surroundings with a watchful and uneasy expression, the unusual quiet making him nervous. He frequently checked on Gou Ya in the trunk. When he opened the bag, Gou Ya's wide eyes startled him, making his heart race. Just then, the hotel fire alarm blared, and Yan Tuo rushed towards the building amidst the chaos of people evacuating and shouts to stop someone.

In the commotion, he collided with Nie Jiuluo, and they recognized each other immediately. Nie Jiuluo swiftly returned to a room, where she, with great effort, managed to move Sun Zhou's body into her own room, evading Xiong Hei who was still searching. She examined Sun Zhou's injuries, which alarmingly resembled marks from a bear's paw. Meanwhile, at a hidden base, Lin Xirou was consuming raw meat without a care.

Lin Ling sat opposite her, struggling with the sight and smell. She politely offered various excuses for her lack of appetite, explaining she had eaten late and was not yet hungry. Lin Xirou insisted she eat properly, remarking that slim figures were no longer in vogue and that men preferred women with some curves. Despite Lin Ling's further protests, Lin Xirou's piercing gaze compelled her to start eating.

Lin Xirou then received a call from Xiong Hei, who informed her that Gou Ya had "messed up." Xiong Hei explained that a woman with a fresh wound had encountered Gou Ya, who, having recently broken free from his conditioning, couldn't resist the blood scent and became violent. Xiong Hei confirmed that Gou Ya was now under control. Lin Xirou was furious, demanding to know how such an incident could have occurred.

Xiong Hei suggested the woman might be a trained South Mountain Hunter, though it had been too dark to clearly identify her, only that she was definitely a woman. Xiong Hei apologized for his negligence, especially after they had just managed to place Gou Ya's descendant in a welfare house. Lin Xirou ordered him to bring Gou Ya back first. Xiong Hei then revealed that Yan Tuo was present during the incident.

Lin Xirou quickly defended Yan Tuo, stating it was her own carelessness and not his fault, prompting Xiong Hei to vow to apologize in person when he returned. Lin Xirou later commanded Xiong Hei to "clean this up." Separately, Lin Xirou called Yan Tuo, reminding him that the Roushan Group faced many rivals, some fair and some treacherous. She explained that she protected him by withholding certain information. Yan Tuo acknowledged this, but also asserted his maturity.

Lin Xirou then instructed him to return with Gou Ya, as Xiong Hei had other matters to attend to. Yan Tuo agreed, and Lin Xirou advised him to drive safely. Nie Jiuluo sent Yan Tuo's license plate number, "Yan A96331," to the South Mountain Hunters organization. The leader, Jiang, struggled to operate his mobile phone, complaining about the device.

Xiao Gezhi, who introduced himself as "Shorty" and was embarking on his first patrol mission, patiently taught Jiang how to use the phone, playfully teasing him about his memory. Xiao Gezhi also requested to be added to their "Burn After Reading" system, asserting his new status as a hunter. However, Jiang grew irritated with Xiao Gezhi's comments and ordered him to resend the message, expressing frustration with the system's secrecy.

Jiang then mentioned that "Mad Blade," whom he had personally trained, was finally appearing, though only for backup. When asked about "her message," Xiao Gezhi admitted he hadn't seen it and asked for details, but Jiang forgot the topic and suggested they start over. Xiao Gezhi then elaborated on the three main clans of South Mountain Hunters—Blade, Hound, and Whip—and their respective functions, noting the absence of Mad Blade, Mad Dog, and Ghost Whip.

Jiang clarified that Ghost Whip was overseas but would come if needed, and Mad Dog, though residing nearby, was eccentric and would be summoned later. Jiang expressed doubt about the mission, feeling that the team was too disunited to proceed. Another member raised the question of Big Head, the captain of the rescue center, wondering why he wasn't present to greet their "guests." Jiang corrected him, emphasizing that in South Mountain, they considered everyone family.

Meanwhile, Yan Tuo received a phone call from his worried girlfriend, who knew something had happened but lacked details and asked if his cover was compromised. He reassured her that he believed he hadn't been exposed, and she urged him to be careful and keep in touch, a warning he reciprocated. Jiang later took a call, inquiring if the "Mad Blade" message had been seen. He referred to the "Yan A96331" car but the caller couldn't identify the model.

Jiang lamented the unreliability of new recruits, the aging veterans, and the absence of key members, instructing the caller to expedite their task. Separately, Big Head, masquerading as a South Mountain Rescue worker, was busy clearing a road, covertly planning to intercept Yan Tuo. As Yan Tuo's vehicle passed and he briefly lowered his window, Big Head detected a distinctive "Fiend" scent emanating from the car.

Big Head stopped Yan Tuo, falsely claiming that a landslide had closed the road ahead and that conditions worsened further along. Yan Tuo, who was en route to the city, asked if he should turn back. Big Head offered to guide him along a supposedly shorter but rugged internal road, exclusive to the rescue team, which would bypass the closed section and lead to the highway. Yan Tuo, though a hint of doubt lingered, accepted the offer and followed.

Big Head promptly messaged his group, confirming he had smelled the Fiend. Back at the chaotic hotel, Nie Jiuluo disguised herself as a waitress and attempted to discreetly transport Sun Zhou's body in a large suitcase. While navigating the lobby, she was spotted by Xiong Hei, who was violently demanding Room 302's guest information and surveillance footage from the hotel manager, causing a scene.

Simultaneously, on the road, Yan Tuo noticed the unusually light traffic while being led by Big Head. He called the Xicang Traffic Information Center to inquire about the reported landslide and road closure on Jingyun Road in Fenglai District. The operator confirmed that while a landslide had occurred earlier, the debris had been cleared, and the road was currently open and navigable. Realizing Big Head had lied, Yan Tuo instantly decided to escape his escort.

Big Head relentlessly pursued Yan Tuo. During the ensuing high-speed chase, Big Head made a critical error, nearly crashing into an oncoming vehicle, which provided Yan Tuo with the crucial opportunity to skillfully evade him and disappear from sight. A frustrated Big Head sent a message to his group, admitting he had lost Yan Tuo but reaffirming his certainty that the Fiend was indeed in the car that Mad Blade had previously identified.

Just as Nie Jiuluo was distracted by this message on her phone, her car violently collided with Yan Tuo's vehicle, causing her to lose consciousness. Meanwhile, in a dark, damp dungeon, its walls covered in desperate claw marks and old rag dolls strewn in a corner, a person carrying a basin of pungent raw meat opened a cell door. He spoke in a low, mysterious tone to the prisoner, whom he addressed as Locust.

He sternly warned Locust about the pervasive presence of South Mountain Hunters outside and instructed him to remain quiet and behave. He explained that outdoor excursions were only permitted during the quadrennial Turquoise Land patrol, urging Locust to be patient as they would soon be able to climb trees again. Later, among the South Mountain Hunters, Big Head's message about smelling the Fiend was discussed. One of the hunters concluded that given Big Head was on a mission, the Fiend he smelled was definitely not Locust, implying Locust was a known captive Fiend.

Episode 3 Recap

Nie Jiuluo regained consciousness, finding herself bound in a car that had been towed to a beach. Yan Tuo was present and told her not to be afraid, claiming they were both not good people and therefore the same. Nie Jiuluo demanded to know who he was, and Yan Tuo countered by asking her identity or who was in the trunk.

Nie Jiuluo insisted she was a sculptor, on an outing for inspiration, and that her driver, Sun Zhou, was injured and needed urgent medical attention. She warned Yan Tuo he would be responsible if Sun Zhou died. Yan Tuo was skeptical, questioning why she would put an injured driver in a duffel bag in the trunk if she was trying to save him.

Nie Jiuluo offered him money to let her go, but Yan Tuo took her ID, revealing her name as Nie Jiuluo. He mocked her "sculptor's hands" for being rough and suggested she might be a kidnapper or a "crazy killer." Nie Jiuluo then claimed to be a public figure whose disappearance would be noticed.

Yan Tuo, however, took her phone and posted a message on her behalf, stating she was in "retreat for focused creation" and "cutting off contact" to produce better works. Nie Jiuluo warned him that she was "easy to invite, hard to send away," to which Yan Tuo retorted that he was "good at sending people off" and could even send her to her death. He then alluded to the "shady things" he knew were in her own trunk.

Nie Jiuluo feigned an asthma attack, asking for a steroid spray. When Yan Tuo questioned its whereabouts, she claimed it had fallen out during the car crash and asked for water. As he fetched water, Nie Jiuluo subtly slipped out of her bindings. Yan Tuo, returning, found her standing behind him and was quickly knocked unconscious. Yan Tuo later woke up to find himself bound in the back seat, attempting to feign unconsciousness, but Nie Jiuluo saw through his act.

She drove him to a dock where she met Jiang Baichuan, instructing him to inspect the "three types of goods." Nie Jiuluo tried to engage Jiang in pleasantries, asking about his health, but he expressed annoyance at her cold demeanor, suggesting she could have opened with a warmer greeting. Jiang remarked that he didn't need meticulous accounting between them, but Nie Jiuluo insisted on settling her debts with the South Mountain Hunters so she could leave without emotional baggage.

She declared that after delivering these "goods" and completing one more mission, she would quit entirely. Nie Jiuluo identified Yan Tuo as working for the Earth Fiend and her driver, Sun Zhou, as having been bitten by an Earth Fiend. Jiang examined Sun Zhou, noting that the fiend's influence had already "rooted and sprouted" in him. Jiang then sensed the distinct scent of a Fiend on Yan Tuo, questioning how a human could smell like one.

Nie Jiuluo confirmed that Sun Zhou's wound was from human teeth and the smell Yan Tuo carried was what another hunter had detected earlier. Jiang then made the shocking realization that Gou Ya, the third "good," was a human-form Earth Fiend. Nie Jiuluo admitted she had come to the same "extremely unpleasant conclusion" on her way there.

She urgently requested Jiang to save Sun Zhou, an innocent victim, if possible, despite the cloudy weather preventing the use of natural fire for healing. Jiang agreed they couldn't abandon him, leaving the other two, Yan Tuo and Gou Ya, to Nie Jiuluo’s discretion. Jiang also gave Nie Jiuluo throat lozenges, urging caution given her unique constitution and the unprecedented situation. Nie Jiuluo then encountered Xing Shen, who tried to offer her a "Life-Death Blade" for her successful solo mission.

Nie Jiuluo brushed it off as luck, but Xing Shen lauded it as skill. Xing Shen sensed she was truly leaving and questioned her decision, remarking that he had smelled the Fiend on her when her car arrived. Nie Jiuluo acknowledged his "sharp nose." Xing Shen urged her to stay and assist in the interrogation of the "rich boy," Yan Tuo, emphasizing that a human-form Earth Fiend was an unprecedented threat their ancestors never faced.

Nie Jiuluo refused to be lectured, reminding him that she was merely there to deliver goods. Xing Shen appealed to their shared childhood training and mission to eradicate Earth Fiends, asking why she would leave when the opportunity to do so had finally arrived.

Nie Jiuluo offered three reasons: she no longer wanted to endure separation and death, she wished to live as an ordinary girl, and she feared that their ingrained doctrines and skills were obsolete against this new, human-form Earth Fiend. She admitted to being afraid and wanting to escape. She also told Xing Shen that while he might admire the "Mad Blade" that symbolizes chaotic times and the heroes they produce, she did not.

Nie Jiuluo's thoughts drifted back to her childhood. Her mother and father argued over her mother's "patrol" duties. Her father questioned if their family or the patrol was more important, even suggesting that her mother send young Nie Jiuluo to her uncle's if she was a burden or find a more family-oriented partner.

Her mother defended her duty as a South Mountain Hunter, stating it was to protect their family, and despite her father’s anger, she left, telling young Nie Jiuluo she would return soon. Young Nie Jiuluo tried to give her mother dumplings, but her mother declined, reiterating her commitment and lack of regret. After her father's death, Nie Jiuluo was fostered by her aunt and uncle.

Her aunt often complained about her burning incense and eating cold dumplings, threatening to send her to an orphanage. However, her uncle was kind, assuring her she could stay as long as she wished. Later, Jiang Baichuan took young Nie Jiuluo to the South Mountain Education Center, promising her uncle he would care for her. During her training, young Xing Shen, from the Hound Clan, and young Nie Jiuluo, from the Blade Clan, trained together.

Xing Shen practiced his scent detection, distinguishing various smells, while Nie Jiuluo refined her combat skills. Jiang Baichuan once scolded Xing Shen for failing to detect Fiend bones. Ling, a friend of Nie Jiuluo's mother, welcomed Nie Jiuluo to the center, noting her resemblance to her mother, and offered support beyond training. Jiang Baichuan revealed to Nie Jiuluo that Ling and her mother were at the forefront of the Golden Gate repair mission, saving many hunters.

Ling reiterated her promise to always be there for Nie Jiuluo. Jiang later told Nie Jiuluo that Ling had been gravely injured during her mother's final mission, and although natural fire saved her life, she suffered kidney failure and never fully recovered, eventually passing away. Other South Mountain Hunters mourned Ling's death, questioning the purpose of their patrol duties when they couldn't even be present for her final moments.

Returning to the present, Nie Jiuluo was in her art museum, folding a paper star, feeling "a step closer to freedom." For every Fiend she had captured, she folded such a star as a memento, and a cabinet in her museum was filled with them. Meanwhile, Yan Tuo was brought to an ice cellar for interrogation.

He was told he would have to endure the cold until a fishing boat arrived in two days, as there was only one coat available. Qiang advised the interrogator to stop provoking Yan Tuo, while Mrs. Hua offered Yan Tuo some soup. Yan Tuo challenged the interrogator's authority and decision-making power, asserting that he had more questions than them. He demanded to know, "What is the Earth Fiend?" The interrogator replied they were "sworn enemies."

Yan Tuo then asked what their organization was. The interrogator questioned his relationship with Gou Ya, to which Yan Tuo responded that Gou Ya was an acquaintance he had only met yesterday. Noticing their intense interest, Yan Tuo probed what was so special about Gou Ya. The interrogator warned him against tricks if he desired release.

Yan Tuo deduced that Gou Ya was an Earth Fiend and their organization was against them, asking about the number and origin of such beings. He realized they suspected him of being an Earth Fiend because of his association with Gou Ya, but the interrogator clarified that while Yan Tuo was not a Fiend, he was definitely working with one.

The interrogator then revealed their extensive knowledge of Yan Tuo's identity: Yan Tuo, General Manager of Roushan Group, and even his specific address. Yan Tuo criticized their organization as "despicable" and disunited, concluding that Nie Jiuluo's decision to leave them was an escape from misery. He then asked the interrogator the name of the woman who had brought him in: Nie Jiuluo. Elsewhere, Xiong Hei was undergoing a harsh punishment from Lin Xirou.

Despite the pain, he defiantly promised Lin Xirou that he would find Yan Tuo. He explained that he had located Yan Tuo's car and was diligently searching all potential hiding spots near the highway's toll stations, assuring her he would find him soon.

Episode 4 Recap

In a cold dungeon, Gou Ya was found securely bound before being suddenly attacked by an assailant. Simultaneously, Yan Tuo was held captive in an icy cellar, where he vaguely heard Xiong Hei's voice and urgently called out for help. South Mountain Hunters quickly arrived, intercepting Xiong Hei. Meanwhile, Lin Xirou and her people seized the opportunity amid the chaos to rescue Gou Ya.

During the fierce struggle between the two factions, Yan Tuo exerted all his strength to break free from his restraints. Just then, the South Mountain Hunters returned, discovered Yan Tuo trying to escape, and a battle ensued. Yan Tuo seized his chance and managed to knock out two of them. Nie Jiuluo received a call from Jiang Baichuan, who seriously informed her that the fiend she had sent was no ordinary individual.

He also noted that Mrs. Hua's Whistle Whip caused a special reaction in the fiend. However, this humanoid Earth Fiend proved to be extremely troublesome and had already been rescued by other Earth Fiends. Jiang Baichuan made a solemn promise: if Nie Jiuluo successfully captured this humanoid fiend, he would fulfill his earlier pledge to let her leave the organization and live a normal life. After Yan Tuo's rescue, his friend, Dr. Lv Xian, meticulously treated his wounds.

Lin Ling rushed over, her face filled with anxiety, asking about Yan Tuo's condition. Afterward, Yan Tuo recounted his recent experiences to Lin Xirou. However, he deliberately withheld crucial information about the Earth Fiend, only mentioning that while confined, he heard his captors express particular interest in Gou Ya. He then questioned Lin Xirou about her reasons for capturing Gou Ya. Lin Xirou evasively claimed to be developing special medicine and that his captors were rival companies.

In reality, both were secretly wary of each other, harboring their own hidden agendas. Yan Tuo asserted that he was no longer a child and was ready to face any challenges that Roadsound might encounter, but Lin Xirou replied that no matter his age, he would always be her child. The next day, Lin Xirou admitted she had severely underestimated the capabilities of the South Mountain Hunters.

She noted that initially, they were like scattered sand, but now they had precisely located Gou Ya, a display of strength that could not be ignored. Her subordinate reported on a skilled female opponent from their ranks, Mrs. Hua, who used a Whistle Whip and had been seriously injured in the fight. He was now checking all hospitals in Xicang for her, hoping to find a lead.

Lin Xirou emphasized the need for a swift resolution to prevent further complications and urged her subordinate to keep Yan Tuo out of their affairs. That night, Nie Jiuluo was startled awake and was surprised to see Yan Tuo in her house. She instinctively drew her carving knife. Yan Tuo tried to explain that he believed she held the answers as to why he was kidnapped, but Nie Jiuluo attacked him.

During their intense fight, a valuable "Legacy Seat" chair was almost damaged, and a statue was shattered. The loud noise woke Sister Lu, Nie Jiuluo's housekeeper. Nie Jiuluo quickly dismissed the commotion, allowing Yan Tuo to seize the opportunity and escape. The following morning, Nie Jiuluo was visited by her friend, Lu, who playfully chided her about her destructive artistic habits.

Lu handed her two tickets to an exhibition by sculptor Li Sheng'er, encouraging her to go out and critique the work. Nie Jiuluo headed out and hailed a taxi, only to find the driver was Yan Tuo. He angrily complained that his sincere request for answers had resulted in her throwing him from the second floor. He drove her towards the sea, demanding answers about the Earth Fiends. When she refused, he deliberately drove the car into the ocean.

Nie Jiuluo, who suffered from severe hydrophobia, panicked as the water filled the vehicle. Yan Tuo instructed her on how to escape, but she lost consciousness. She later awoke in her own home, where her housekeeper, Sister Lu, explained she had found her soaked at the door after a white jeep sped away. After Nie Jiuluo recovered, her housekeeper pulled a note from her coat pocket. It was from Yan Tuo, playfully mocking her fear of water.

Nie Jiuluo chuckled, then went to a hidden room where she revealed a beautiful statue of a woman cradling a pipa. She played a melody on it, and a sword slowly emerged from within the instrument. That same night, Yan Tuo stealthily entered Nie Jiuluo's backyard, uncovered a hidden safe, and retrieved a notebook. The handwriting belonged to Lin Xirou, and the book seemed to hold countless secrets. Meanwhile, Lin Xirou's team, still tracking their injured opponent, grew concerned about Mrs. Hua's critical condition, recognizing that her continued hospitalization put them at greater risk of exposure.

Episode 5 Recap

Nie Jiuluo was informed by her agent, Mr. Lu, that her latest, previously deemed "unmarketable," artworks had caught the eye of a mysterious buyer who prepaid for three pieces and wished to meet in person to discuss art. Nie Jiuluo was skeptical about the unusual meeting location – a cemetery – but Mr. Lu defended it as a profound setting. Upon arrival, Nie Jiuluo realized the buyer was Yan Tuo, who joked about her customer service.

Yan Tuo expressed that he saw rebirth in her work, contrary to prevailing critiques of suffocation and confinement. Nie Jiuluo challenged his interpretation, suggesting that if he truly understood her art, he would feel the negative emotions that mirrored his own hidden struggles beneath his carefree facade. Yan Tuo conceded her insight and apologized for his past rash actions, hoping for an honest conversation. He promised to leave her alone if she still perceived him as mad.

Feeling uneasy in the cemetery, Nie Jiuluo urged him to state his purpose. Yan Tuo then revealed that he brought her there to show her a "piece of work" – his mother's tombstone. He explained that his biological mother, Lin Xirou, shared the same name as the current, powerful head of Roushan Group, whom he believed was responsible for his family's ruin and his mother's death.

He recalled a traumatic childhood memory: his father returning with a woman named Li Shuangxiu while his mother was pregnant. After his mother's death, Li Shuangxiu, now known as Ms. Lin, became the lady of their household. He had considered her family until he discovered his mother's diary, which exposed the truth. Yan Tuo explained that Gou Ya, a figure they both knew, was placed in a welfare home by Lin Xirou.

He suspected Lin Xirou possessed the key to transforming Earth Fiends into human form and sought Nie Jiuluo's help to avenge his mother. Nie Jiuluo suggested they first needed to understand Lin Xirou's true nature. Yan Tuo emphasized Lin Xirou's unusual connection to Earth Fiends, proposing their cooperation as a crucial opportunity. Nie Jiuluo, wary of his motives, compared him to a snake, but Yan Tuo countered by mentioning her aquaphobia, subtly threatening to repeat their previous incident.

Despite her disgust, Nie Jiuluo recognized his exceptional nature. Yan Tuo sarcastically praised her artistic integrity, and Nie Jiuluo agreed to accompany him to see another "sculpture." Nie Jiuluo led Yan Tuo to an abandoned temple in South Mountain, where wall paintings depicted the ancient lore of Earth Fiends. She explained how a meteor strike in South Mountain transformed the land and gave rise to light-fearing, carnivorous beasts.

Imperial troops drove them underground, and the remaining soldiers became the South Mountain Hunters, sworn enemies of the Earth Fiends. She revealed that those injured by beast-like Earth Fiends would develop a filmy tissue over their wounds, likening it to "rooting and sprouting." Nie Jiuluo admitted sharing this knowledge broke their rules, but she anticipated becoming an outsider soon. She clarified that humanoid Earth Fiends might exhibit different characteristics.

Yan Tuo questioned if she was one of the South Mountain Hunters, like his kidnappers, but Nie Jiuluo avoided a direct answer before dismissing him. Meanwhile, Sun Shifu awoke to find himself confined in a small room. A man named Xing Shen appeared, telling him he had contracted a contagious disease requiring isolation and that his condition required sunlight for treatment.

Sun Shifu, terrified, recognized the symptoms described in the South Mountain lore: Earth Fiends fear fire and light; wounds must be cauterized within three days, or "red threads pierce pupils," sealing one's fate. He saw another patient, whom he called Ma Hanzi, seemingly in a worse condition. Sun Shifu demanded to be released to a proper hospital, but Xing Shen insisted he must remain.

His condition later worsened drastically, causing him to become manic with bloodshot eyes, resembling an enraged beast. At the hospital, Big Head, desperate to see Mrs. Hua, tried to push past guards. His comrades urged caution, reminding him that their "ice factory base" was compromised and they were exposed. Big Head bemoaned leaving Mrs. Hua alone. A nurse admonished them for the disturbance.

Big Head, with a broken leg, could only watch helplessly as a captured South Mountain Hunter was taken away. Lin Ling visited Yan Tuo, bringing him food and secretly informing him that Gou Ya's identity was fabricated. Yan Tuo recounted Xiong Hei and Gou Ya's incredibly fast healing from severe injuries. He then shared his theory about Earth Fiends – ancient creatures that acquired the ability to mimic human form, remaining beasts beneath the surface.

Lin Ling played a recording she made during Yan Tuo's abduction, where Ms. Lin spoke of a "blood bag descendant." Upon replaying it, they detected a peculiar, non-human frequency. Lin Ling speculated that if Xiong Hei and Gou Ya were not human, then Ms. Lin might also be an Earth Fiend. Lin Ling later secretly discovered and photographed documents hidden in a compartment by Ms. Lin.

She showed the photos to Yan Tuo and recounted their childhood discovery of a mysterious underground cave at the farm, filled with what appeared to be experimental subjects. They now suspected it was Lin Xirou's secret base for transforming Earth Fiends into humans. Lin Ling expressed fear and suggested stopping their investigation, but Yan Tuo refused, convinced that retreating from evil would only allow it to grow stronger.

He assured her he had met someone who could help them uncover the truth. Nie Jiuluo was on a call with Mr. Lu, discussing her "Forgiveness Duck" artwork when he mentioned a recent call from Jiang Baichuan. Following this, Nie Jiuluo instructed Mr. Lu to contact Yan Tuo again, expressing her desire to meet him. Yan Tuo, having received the invitation for a meeting at the Baogeland Hotel, dressed formally.

To his surprise, Nie Jiuluo was waiting for him at a simple fast-food restaurant across the street. She opened the conversation by stating she had a companion (Sun Shifu) held by his organization and demanded to know his whereabouts and ensure his safety. As they ordered, Nie Jiuluo used the lengthy preparation of a simple braised dish to metaphorically convey the challenging and transient nature of their proposed cooperation. Yan Tuo pressed her for direct terms.

Nie Jiuluo's first demand for their collaboration was for Yan Tuo to add her on WeChat. She insisted on a "pay-as-you-go" arrangement for their interactions, explaining that she wished to limit her entanglement with him. Yan Tuo agreed to her terms. At a secret location, Xiong Hei interrogated the captured South Mountain Hunter, demanding information about their base, numbers, and plans. The Hunter defiantly gave evasive and mythical answers, speaking of the "South Heavenly Gate" and a "celestial army."

Xiong Hei offered him gruesome choices for death, but the Hunter only joked about wanting to be buried with Mrs. Hua, implying her dire condition. Lin Xirou arrived and revealed to the Hunter that she was the one who had broken his leg twenty years ago. She then privately commented that Yan Tuo, despite his carefree demeanor, harbored deep thoughts.

Lin Xirou reiterated that Yan Tuo was her son and ordered the interrogation of the old Hunter to continue to extract information about the "Mad Blade." Later, Yan Tuo followed Lin Xirou to the farm. Guided by his childhood memories, he located the entrance to the mysterious underground cave, where he and Lin Ling had once stumbled upon experimental subjects. He suspected this was Lin Xirou's secret facility for transforming Earth Fiends.

Episode 6 Recap

Yan Tuo cautiously entered the underground base he discovered at the farm, where unsettling bloodstains lined the passage. Inside, a captive South Mountain Hunter spoke cryptically about "Mad Blade" and the unified forces of "The Golden Gate" against the invaders, questioning if Yan Tuo was one of them. Though initially distrustful, the hunter accepted Yan Tuo's offer of water after Yan Tuo pointed out the needle mark on his own neck.

Suddenly, an alarm blared, prompting Yan Tuo to flee the underground area. He was stopped by Xiong Hei, who explained the alarm was triggered by a toxic catalytic spray in the greenhouse and demanded an explanation for Yan Tuo's presence. Angered, Yan Tuo confronted Xiong Hei, asking why he, the General Manager of Roadsound Group, was treated as an outsider, knowing less about core operations than Xiong Hei himself.

He pointed to Lin Xirou's unchanging appearance and Xiong Hei's miraculous recoveries from injuries as proof of their hidden secrets. Yan Tuo declared he was neither a child nor a fool and, as part of the family, refused to be a mere "mascot." He demanded full disclosure, stating that if he couldn't truly become one of them, he wished to end his involvement and be free.

Xiong Hei later reported to Lin Xirou that her "invite-the-enemy-into-the-jar" trick had successfully enticed Yan Tuo, whose reaction showed curiosity and a desire to belong. Xiong Hei warned Lin Xirou that continued deception might lead Yan Tuo to uncover the truth and confront her. He suggested Yan Tuo would ultimately face two choices: either fully assimilate, requiring complete disclosure from her, or leave, which would necessitate his elimination as he was not a "blood bag."

Xiong Hei urged her to make a decision, to which Lin Xirou responded that it was time to "lure the snake out of its hole." Meanwhile, the South Mountain Hunters convened to strategize their urgent mission. With Hua Zi still unconscious and Mr. Crip captured, their situation was critical. They discussed the limited medical facilities at their base but ensured Mrs. Hua's condition was stable, arranging continuous shifts for her care.

Their immediate priority was to gather intelligence on Mr. Crip. Jiang Baichuan received a call from the hospital about a letter addressed to the "South Mountain Hunters" from "an old friend at The Golden Gate" for Mrs. Hua. The letter's message, "All of you are indispensable," was interpreted by the hunters as a challenge to eliminate them all.

While some advocated for a direct confrontation, others recalled Mrs. Hua's injury from a previous ambush, highlighting the enemy's preference for underhanded tactics. Despite the dire circumstances, they unanimously decided to proceed with the mission. Nie Jiuluo received a text from Yan Tuo arranging a meeting at their usual restaurant. Upon her arrival, she found he had already ordered her favorite chicken feet.

Yan Tuo playfully revealed he had described her to the owner as an "exceptionally beautiful lady with sharp-tongued remarks and an artistic appearance, but hiding countless secrets," and the owner instantly recognized her. Nie Jiuluo then inquired about the term "Mad Blade," to which Yan Tuo explained it signified retirement from combat. He disclosed that their adversaries were deeply concerned about "Mad Blade," offering this intel freely.

Shifting to their immediate concerns, Yan Tuo confirmed he had located the captive South Mountain Hunter. He described the man as heavily guarded, likely tortured and disoriented, but still unyielding, and confirmed his identifying feature: a disabled left calf. Nie Jiuluo deduced that "Mad Blade" must be a person, their ultimate weapon against the Earth Fiends, as the captive hunter had mentioned "Mad Blade" could pierce their protective membrane. Yan Tuo, however, emphasized his priority was the captive's rescue.

He relayed that the man was currently valuable to Lin Xirou, making his life safe for now, but warned that Xiong Hei's involvement made his long-term survival uncertain, urging her to act swiftly. Yan Tuo then declared his part of the mission accomplished, as Xiong Hei was now suspicious of him. For his compensation, he demanded that Nie Jiuluo agree to meet him anytime he requested, for any reason, without refusal.

Xing Shen sought out Nie Jiuluo, urging her to join the mission due to Mr. Crip's capture. Nie Jiuluo reiterated that she had already informed Jiang Baichuan of her decision to withdraw from the organization entirely after this mission. Xing Shen insisted the South Mountain Hunters needed "Mad Blade" against their new enemies, but Nie Jiuluo stood firm, asking him to respect her choice as she respected his, promising to be there if he sent her the details.

Later, Xing Shen confided in the monster held in the dungeon, expressing the pain of a close friend growing distant, but affirming that true companions would always fight side-by-side in shared adversity. He told the monster he was leaving for a mission and promised to bring back its favorite wild boar. A flashback revealed Xing Shen's earlier decision to take Huoquan Pills, an ancient South Mountain Hunter formula meant to enhance smell at the cost of daylight vision.

Despite Nie Jiuluo's skepticism, viewing the choice as foolish, Xing Shen believed sacrificing one sense to sharpen another was worthwhile for a "Mad Dog" candidate, aiming to become a stronger hunter to protect everyone. Jiang Baichuan spoke with Nie Jiuluo, acknowledging her decision to join the mission. He warned her about the unprecedented nature of the Earth Fiends they would face, emphasizing the need for thorough preparation and the hunters' philosophy to "stay ever-ready."

He expressed unwavering confidence in her "Mad Blade" skills, believing her abilities remained sharp. Lin Xirou attempted to set up a dinner between Lin Ling and Lv Xian, a prospect Lin Ling found deeply unsettling. Lin Ling called Yan Tuo while covertly following Xiong Hei, expressing her reluctance. Yan Tuo, sensing her discomfort, advised her to let things unfold naturally and assured her he had a plan. Lin Ling abruptly ended the call, worried about losing track of Xiong Hei.

Meanwhile, Jiang Baichuan and the South Mountain Hunters performed an ancestral ceremony in a dark room, reciting ancient lore about their purpose to hunt fiends and the roles of Hounds, Whips, and Blades. They prayed to their ancestors, invoking the Hunter King Cauldron for protection, and chanted, "No fiends in the South Mountain, peace for all."

Jiang Baichuan introduced Quecha, a loyal companion of over a decade, who would remain at the base to care for Mrs. Hua and Ma Hanzi. He confirmed that Nie Jiuluo, "Mad Blade," would join them, and they commenced their mission with a final chant. Nie Jiuluo, with a resolute expression, took up her mother's ancestral sword and embarked on the journey.

As part of the enemy's strategy, Mr. Crip was found suspended from a tree, serving as bait to draw out other South Mountain Hunters. Despite his dire situation, Mr. Crip defiantly taunted his captors, asserting that South Mountain Hunters were formidable and their weapons, like Mad Blade and the Hound Clan's hammer strikes, were more potent than guns, promising that none of the invaders would return alive. Xiong Hei, observing, remarked that "sweet bait catches big fish."

The South Mountain Hunters advanced, with some, including Dashuang, Xiaoshuang, Wu San, and Pazi, staying behind with Jiang Baichuan for support, while the main force moved forward. Nie Jiuluo, moving with agility through the forest, detected the Earth Fiends' trap. With a swift, precise motion, she threw a blade and severed the rope holding Mr. Crip. A hunter shouted "Old Blade!" in recognition.

As the South Mountain Hunters launched their attack, a grotesque monster emerged, revealing itself to be Gou Ya's true form. The hunters quickly adapted, preparing their "Hammer formation" and calling for the "Whips" to engage.

Episode 7 Recap

The Earth Fiend, revealed to be the transformed Gou Ya, appeared in its true form, and the South Mountain Hunters quickly moved to capture it. The creature was agile and powerful, making the pursuit dangerous, and only Nie Jiuluo could match its strength. During the chase, Nie Jiuluo narrowly avoided injury but was startled when she spotted a necklace on the Earth Fiend's neck.

Distracted, she was almost attacked, but Yan Tuo intervened and saved her, suffering severe injuries in the process. The Earth Fiend escaped. Nie Jiuluo quickly bandaged Yan Tuo, then rushed him to Milan Mountain, the highest peak in Xicang. She explained that Earth Fiend wounds must be cauterized with "natural fire," which is sunlight, otherwise they will fester and become fatal.

She told him that she would do what she could, but his full recovery depended on the sun appearing, adding that "if heaven doesn't help," she couldn't save him. During his ordeal, Yan Tuo had a brief flashback of his sister, Xinxin. Meanwhile, Lin Xirou learned from Xiong Hei that the creature wasn't Gou Ya but a primal Earth Fiend showing signs of domestication. She immediately tasked Xiong Hei with an urgent matter.

In the forest, Xing Shen hurried deep inside, using a unique whistle to summon the Earth Fiend, which responded to his call. Xiong Hei, along with his team, was already searching for traces of the creature in the pouring rain. Xing Shen then returned to his group and confessed that he had captured and tamed this Earth Fiend many years ago, and it had somehow escaped the base today.

He revealed that he had been trying to research and tame it for their own use. His companions were shocked, but Jiang Baichuan intervened, explaining that the Earth Fiend, named Locust, was captured 20 years ago. It was a collective decision by all South Mountain Hunters at the time, including Mr. Crip and Mrs. Hua, to leave it with Xing Shen for study, despite the risks.

A somber Xing Shen explained that Locust had escaped only to protect him, not to intentionally attack them, as it had sensed he was in danger. He now only wished for Nie Jiuluo to end its suffering quickly to spare it further torment. At this moment, the clear sound of bells echoed through the forest, confirming Xiong Hei's search party was closing in. Xing Shen also mentioned he had temporarily placed Locust in a cave on the west slope.

The situation was critical. Jiang Baichuan, with a resolute expression, ordered Xing Shen to take Mr. Crip, the still-recovering Old Blade, and the other wounded, and retreat immediately. He, along with a few others, would stay behind to desperately block Xiong Hei's men, buying time for Xing Shen's group to escape. Jiang Baichuan emphasized that it was an order, entrusting the future of South Mountain to Xing Shen. Soon after, Xiong Hei swiftly dealt with several South Mountain Hunters.

When he tried to forcibly take Jiang Baichuan, he found his subordinates were no match for him. Realizing Jiang Baichuan's strength, Xiong Hei stepped in personally and, after a fierce battle, finally subdued him. On the phone, Xiong Hei informed Lin Xirou that while he hadn't found the Earth Fiend, he had captured Jiang Baichuan, the leader of South Mountain, to which Lin Xirou instructed him to "treat him properly."

As the sun gradually rose, its warm rays fell upon Nie Jiuluo's face, captivating Yan Tuo. Nie Jiuluo explained that while his external wounds were not severe, the infection was causing his discomfort. She placed a scorching hot iron plate, heated by the sunlight, onto Yan Tuo's wound, causing him to wince in pain. He joked about whether she was treating or torturing him, but she insisted he wouldn't recover otherwise.

She clarified that her actions were out of duty as a South Mountain Hunter, not personal trust, as he was simply another innocent person harmed by an Earth Fiend. Yan Tuo confidently responded that he would earn her trust. Noticing the significant healing effect of the light therapy and appreciating the pleasant surroundings, Yan Tuo decided to cook instant noodles for Nie Jiuluo as a gesture of gratitude.

He prepared "Xicang Instant Noodles" and offered it as his "most precious thanks," sharing a memory from his impoverished childhood when he and his sister, Xinxin, always longed to eat a pack of these noodles. He revealed that Xinxin had gone missing a long time ago, and Nie Jiuluo asked if her disappearance was also connected to Lin Xirou.

Later, Nie Jiuluo advised him to take antibiotics and get a tetanus shot but to avoid hospitals to prevent leaving any evidence, to which Yan Tuo confirmed he had a trustworthy doctor friend who could help. Jiang Baichuan was brought before Lin Xirou. She greeted him courteously, assuring him that his people were safe for the time being.

Lin Xirou then revealed her true identity: they had met twenty years ago at the Golden Gate incident, during which Mr. Crip lost his leg. She was the cunning, adult Earth Fiend that had escaped back then, while they only managed to capture a younger one. She then confirmed that the Earth Fiend seen in the woods was indeed the one they had captured years ago.

On the way back to the city, Nie Jiuluo and Yan Tuo engaged in a long conversation. Nie Jiuluo observed that the "Hermit Duck" pendant and the Five Emperor Coins hanging in his car seemed out of place with his image. Yan Tuo explained the coins were for warding off evil and that the "Hermit Duck," representing a tranquil recluse, combined with the duck's symbolism of warmth, made a perfect combination.

Nie Jiuluo playfully accused him of pretending to be knowledgeable. Yan Tuo then grew serious and revealed that his missing sister, Xinxin, adored ducks, so they always reminded him of her. He also found the duck's "restrained and disciplined" image reflective of himself. He admitted he had "snatched it right off" a client's car because he liked it so much. Yan Tuo reiterated his determination to find Xinxin and give her the duck.

Moved, Nie Jiuluo promised to personally craft a unique, limited-edition duck for Xinxin, assuring him it would be far more exquisite. Yan Tuo jokingly asked her to repeat her promise so he could record it, but Nie Jiuluo simply told him to focus on driving.

Episode 8 Recap

After Nie Jiuluo saved Yan Tuo, he was filled with gratitude and hoped to see her again. However, Nie Jiuluo made it clear she didn't want to meet him further. She presented two conditions: first, he must never mention her to anyone, as she wished to have no ties to the South Mountain Hunters or Earth Fiends.

Second, she encouraged him to continue cooperating with the South Mountain Hunters, as it would offer him a chance to avenge his mother and find his missing sister. She even offered to arrange the contact if he agreed. Yan Tuo readily accepted, noting that Nie Jiuluo surprisingly had some redeeming qualities, a rare compliment from him. Nie Jiuluo then returned home, where Lu, her housekeeper, greeted her warmly and offered to help with her luggage, which Nie Jiuluo politely declined.

As she put down her sword, she was lost in thought, recalling Jiang Baichuan's mentorship and his words about wielding the Life-Death Blade. Later, in the kitchen, as she tried to help Lu make soup dumplings, she had a fleeting, joyful vision of her parents. Her pleasant reverie was shattered when Xing Shen arrived abruptly with grave news: Jiang Baichuan had been captured by an Earth Fiend. Meanwhile, Yan Tuo went to Lv Xian’s clinic.

He noticed Lv Xian’s guarded demeanor and revealed a wound on his arm, explaining it was from a "hiking fall" and implying he was part of their "family" to dispel Lv Xian's suspicion. Lv Xian then accepted him, despite Yan Tuo questioning the clinic's legitimate operations and its connection to Lin Xirou's funding. Separately, Xing Shen led Nie Jiuluo to the site where Jiang Baichuan was taken. The scene suggested Jiang had been injured before his capture.

Nie Jiuluo expressed deep concern and blamed Xing Shen for failing to protect Jiang, making Xing Shen wonder if she would show the same worry if he were the one captured. Held captive, Jiang Baichuan was brought before Lin Xirou, who offered him tea. Lin Xirou mockingly questioned the South Mountain Hunters' decline, attributing their current predicament to underestimation, complacency, or a fractured organization.

She observed that only Mad Dog (Xing Shen) had put up a serious fight, asking when she might witness the prowess of the Blade and Whip clans. Jiang Baichuan responded that she should be grateful she hadn't faced the combined strength of Ghost Whip, Mad Dog, and Mad Blade, or she wouldn't have lived to see the sun. Lin Xirou then demanded to know Mad Blade's identity.

Jiang revealed that their generation's Mad Blade was Old Blade, who had already been severely wounded by Xiong Hei in a previous encounter. Jiang later admitted that his candor stemmed from the truth of the Hunters' recent shortcomings and his desire to secure the freedom of his companions, for whom being a Hunter was merely a job, not a calling. Back at the South Mountain Hunters' gathering, some expressed despair over their recent losses.

Mr. Crip, the most senior member, urged everyone to unite and rescue Jiang Baichuan. He wisely recognized his own limitations in leadership and proposed Xing Shen as the temporary leader, citing Xing Shen's deep knowledge of South Mountain and his unwavering dedication to the Hunters' interests. Despite some initial objections regarding Xing Shen's past association with an Earth Fiend, Mr. Crip called for a vote, and the majority elected Xing Shen as their interim leader.

Xing Shen accepted, assuring everyone that he had already contacted Ghost Whip and Mad Blade, who confirmed their participation in the rescue mission. However, Xiong Hei, in a separate phone call, downplayed any potential threats and instructed his team to rest, showing a disconnect from the growing unrest. Simultaneously, some Hunters discussed Sun Zhou's worsening condition, realizing he was starving himself and showing signs of a fiend transformation.

That night, Nie Jiuluo apologized to Xing Shen for her earlier harsh words, acknowledging the unpredictable nature of the situation. She then revealed she had a friend, Yan Tuo, who might be able to help rescue Jiang Baichuan, albeit with significant risk. Their conversation was interrupted by urgent news: Sun Zhou had escaped.

Xing Shen explained that Sun Zhou, whom Jiang Baichuan had protected despite his increasingly fiendish state, had stolen a rescue team member's phone with a dedicated GPS tracking system. Nie Jiuluo suggested equipping everyone with similar tracking devices for future safety. They swiftly tracked Sun Zhou to his uncle's remote mountain home. They arrived just as Sun Zhou, afflicted by a relapse of fiend poison, almost attacked his aunt. Xing Shen quickly subdued him while Nie Jiuluo provided assistance.

Xing Shen took the injured aunt to the hospital, and Nie Jiuluo agreed to take Sun Zhou back, advocating for him as an innocent party. The next morning, Nie Jiuluo arranged to meet Yan Tuo at Spring Return Road. As Yan Tuo left, Lin Xirou observed him, sensing he was concealing something, but she feigned indifference while secretly formulating her own plans.

When Nie Jiuluo and Yan Tuo met, she cut to the chase, telling him about Jiang Baichuan's capture by Lin Xirou and asking for his help, acknowledging the inherent risks. Yan Tuo promptly agreed, explaining that helping her in such a critical situation was his best strategic option, as it would either grant him the right to ask for a future favor or put her significantly in his debt.

Nie Jiuluo, however, insisted on a per-task payment instead of owing a favor. She then presented him with an intricate bracelet containing hidden needles as a token of their cooperation. Yan Tuo initially seemed unimpressed, but soon realized her true thoughtful intentions behind the gift.

Episode 9 Recap

Nie Jiuluo presented Yan Tuo with a bracelet, which he initially found underwhelming. However, Nie Jiuluo explained that it was a unique magic weapon of the South Mountain Hunters, designed for easy concealment and highly effective against Earth Fiends, unlike ordinary weapons. She clarified that it was not meant for initiating attacks but for escaping critical situations, and emphasized that Jiang Baichuan would recognize it. Curious, Yan Tuo asked about Jiang Baichuan's relationship with Nie Jiuluo.

She revealed that Jiang Baichuan was the leader of the South Mountain Hunters and had raised her like a mentor and father. Yan Tuo then inquired if her plan to completely withdraw from the South Mountain Hunters would be delayed, to which Nie Jiuluo mused on the difficulty of achieving such freedom. Seeing her exhaustion, Yan Tuo offered to get breakfast for Nie Jiuluo. He went out and bought a variety of food from a street vendor.

Upon his return, he found Nie Jiuluo asleep in the car and didn't want to disturb her, but passersby accidentally woke her. He offered her the still-warm breakfast, but she declined, stating she had no appetite and hadn't slept all night. Nie Jiuluo expressed her worry about rescuing Jiang Baichuan, emphasizing that Roadsound Group's influence in Xicang was immense.

She noted that even with solid evidence, Lin Xirou could use her connections to stall, and a rash move might endanger Jiang Baichuan further. She described Lin Xirou as unchanging, with the long lifespan of an Earth Fiend, always cautious, patient, and prone to waiting for opponents to make mistakes. Yan Tuo, however, insisted that while caution was important, they couldn't remain passive and suggested they "make her hurt."

Yan Tuo, with a hint of sarcasm, then questioned if South Mountain Hunters relied on sheer willpower to fight Earth Fiends, pointing out that despite all their efforts, Jiang Baichuan was still captured. Meanwhile, a young driver nervously approached Zheng, asking for two days off after his current delivery, explaining his mother was hospitalized and needed surgery. Zheng, suspicious, nonetheless told him to prioritize his family and leave immediately, offering to let him skip the delivery.

The young man hesitated, claiming his mother's condition was not urgent, and insisted on finishing his work. As he left, Zheng and other individuals received identical cryptic text messages on their phones. Shortly after, Sis, on behalf of Lin Xirou, brought Lin Ling to Yan Tuo’s home. Sis inquired where Yan Tuo had gone that morning. Yan Tuo, flustered, fabricated a story about craving fried breadsticks from a childhood store he saw online.

He claimed he stayed up all night, rushed out to buy a large quantity, but barely ate any, gesturing towards the leftover breakfast on the table. He then complimented Lin Ling's pastries as tasty and healthy. Sis noticed the uneaten breakfast but didn't press the issue, simply commenting that things often don't taste the same as they did in childhood. After Sis departed, Lin Ling asked Yan Tuo if he had met Nie Jiuluo and if there was any progress.

Yan Tuo confirmed the meeting, but only had bad news: Lin Xirou had captured someone important to Nie Jiuluo, meaning he now had to help Nie Jiuluo. Lin Ling then shared her own bad news, revealing she had discovered that a group of unregistered humanoid Earth Fiends were being secretly summoned to Xicang, indicating a major operation was underway.

Yan Tuo instructed her to send him the photos and then delete everything, emphasizing the danger she was in under Lin Xirou's watch. Yan Tuo relayed the information to Nie Jiuluo, highlighting that two of the Earth Fiends were driving separately and planned to stop at a hotel in Shihe, suggesting they target this pair. Agreeing with the strategy, Nie Jiuluo coordinated an operation with her partner, Xing Shen.

The plan was for her to track the targets while Xing Shen would lie in wait at their destination hotel. Nie Jiuluo set off in a rented blue car, trailing the target vehicle. The two Earth Fiends inside discussed the unusual urgency of their summons to Xicang.

The driver was highly alert and soon complained about the lack of breaks, prompting his passenger to joke about how, in their human form granted by Lin Xirou, they were scentless to the South Mountain Hunters' "Hound Clan." The driver, annoyed, then noticed the blue car that had been following them for a while. Nie Jiuluo, realizing she had been spotted, immediately called Yan Tuo.

She informed him she was at a service area, still some distance from the hotel, and that the Earth Fiends had become aware of her presence. Yan Tuo offered to come and reinforce her, but Nie Jiuluo insisted he stay put, arguing that his involvement would disrupt the plan. She suggested that if the Earth Fiends acted rashly on the road, it would be an ideal opportunity to deal with them there.

After the call, the Earth Fiends decided to lure their follower to a quieter location. Nie Jiuluo attempted to contact her allies but couldn't get through. Meanwhile, Xing Shen, stationed at the hotel, frantically tried to reach Nie Jiuluo, but her phone was unreachable. Worried, he ordered his team to search along the highway, backtracking from their position. Yan Tuo also found Nie Jiuluo's phone unreachable and, despite her earlier instructions, decided to go find her.

The Earth Fiends led Nie Jiuluo away from the hotel, eventually guiding her to a deserted dock. Nie Jiuluo exited her car, sword in hand, as the two Earth Fiends concealed themselves nearby. Yan Tuo, unable to reach her, drove frantically, using his intuition to surmise she had been led to the dock. The two Earth Fiends launched a coordinated attack on Nie Jiuluo. She expertly subdued one of them, Han Guan, but the other fought fiercely, gravely wounding her.

As Nie Jiuluo struggled, the subdued Earth Fiend, Han Guan, seized the opportunity to stab her from behind, immobilizing her. Just as she was in dire peril, Yan Tuo arrived. He killed the attacking Earth Fiend and rushed to Nie Jiuluo's side, desperately trying to keep her conscious as she slipped into a daze. She had a flashback to her childhood, asking her mother where they were going, and her father promising a boat ride, before murmuring, "I won't go." Yan Tuo continued to try and keep her awake, telling her they were almost there.

Episode 10 Recap

Yan Tuo swiftly intervened, pulling Nie Jiuluo to safety from the attacking Earth Fiend. Severely injured and barely conscious, Nie Jiuluo heard faint calls of "Luo" from her deceased parents, and she struggled to stay awake. Yan Tuo urged her to wake up, repeatedly calling her name until she finally regained full consciousness. Despite Yan Tuo offering to help her, Nie Jiuluo insisted she could walk on her own.

With Nie Jiuluo’s life hanging by a thread, Yan Tuo rushed her to Lv Xian’s clinic. Lv Xian was shocked by the penetrating wound, amazed that Nie Jiuluo had endured such a severe injury for so long. Yan Tuo hesitated to cut her clothes, so Nie Jiuluo took matters into her own hands, revealing a blood-soaked upper body that Yan Tuo found difficult to witness.

While Lv Xian prepared for and performed the surgery, Yan Tuo diligently prepared a nourishing tonic soup. After the successful surgery, Lv Xian informed Yan Tuo that Nie Jiuluo was stable and, luckily, her vital organs were undamaged. Yan Tuo thanked him, then sternly reminded Lv Xian of their long-standing friendship and their shared respect for Lin Xirou, who was "more than a mother" to them.

Yan Tuo warned Lv Xian that if he dared to disclose Nie Jiuluo's presence to anyone, especially Lin Xirou, he would not be able to remain in Xicang. Lv Xian, undeterred, noted that Yan Tuo must have been desperate to seek his help and assured him he would keep silent, even jokingly asking for a bowl of Yan Tuo's soup to "test for poison."

Meanwhile, Xing Shen and his team were anxiously waiting at their hotel base, disheartened by the continued absence of the Earth Fiends and Nie Jiuluo. They discussed their search efforts for Chen Fu and Han Guan and acknowledged the challenge of finding humanoid Earth Fiends, who left no scent, emphasizing the need for Hounds in each team. They also expressed concern for Nie Jiuluo, whom they referred to as "Mad Blade," noting that she was now missing.

During this time, Nie Jiuluo’s phone lay lost at the dock, unreachable despite repeated calls. Concurrently, Sis brought Lin Ling her customary glass of milk, unaware that Lin Ling had already discerned the sedative mixed into it. Soon after, Lin Ling drifted into a drugged sleep. Later that night, she was abruptly roused by a nightmare. As she prepared to wash up, she discovered a fresh needle mark on her arm, causing her great alarm.

Yan Tuo relocated Nie Jiuluo to Mr. Changxi's dumpling shop, explaining that Lv Xian's clinic was not a safe place for recovery. He introduced Nie Jiuluo to Mr. Changxi as a kind and excellent cook, praising him as being "more than a father." Mr. Changxi warmly welcomed Nie Jiuluo, offering her light and nutritious dumplings and even personally wiping her hands. He observed Yan Tuo’s unusual display of care, noting it was a rare sight.

Though Nie Jiuluo found the dumplings delicious, her discomfort limited her appetite. Mr. Changxi promptly prepared a room for her, offering his own and taking the back room, stressing that rest and good food were crucial for her recovery. Yan Tuo then gave Mr. Changxi precise instructions for preparing a special tonic soup, including codonopsis, astragalus, pseudoginseng, and pigeon, emphasizing that Nie Jiuluo should drink it as soon as she woke.

Mr. Changxi playfully questioned if Nie Jiuluo's injury was related to a C-section, a notion Yan Tuo quickly dismissed as a mere external wound. Mr. Changxi expressed concern about Yan Tuo's involvement, reminding him of his promise to his parents to stay on the right path and to take full responsibility for Nie Jiuluo's well-being.

Yan Tuo reassured him that Nie Jiuluo was trustworthy and vital to him, promising to explain everything upon his return, then departed to handle pressing matters. The next morning, Mr. Changxi offered Nie Jiuluo a new phone that Yan Tuo had recently given him, along with the shop's landline number. Nie Jiuluo tried to decline, but Mr. Changxi insisted, explaining Yan Tuo’s earnest request to ensure her care.

He even half-jokingly offered to "lecture" Yan Tuo if he ever mistreated her. Nie Jiuluo clarified that she and Yan Tuo were not in a romantic relationship, to which Mr. Changxi playfully replied that it wouldn't stop him from holding Yan Tuo accountable. Meanwhile, Yan Tuo returned to the dock to dispose of the Earth Fiend bodies. As he worked, one of the Earth Fiends, miraculously still clinging to life, recognized him.

In its dying breaths, it identified Yan Tuo as "Ms. Lin's son" and questioned his alliance with the South Mountain Hunters, ominously proclaiming that Nie Jiuluo (Mad Blade) and the rest of the hunters would not live much longer. Yan Tuo swiftly silenced the Earth Fiend, meticulously cleaning up all traces of blood and evidence, then pushed the car and the bodies into the depths of the sea. Later, Mr. Changxi brought Nie Jiuluo the pigeon soup.

Nie Jiuluo gratefully thanked him, only to learn that Yan Tuo had meticulously arranged the herbal recipe for her. This revelation filled her with warmth and appreciation. At Lin Xirou's residence, Yan Tuo overheard a discussion about Lin Ling's health report, which noted that all her indicators were "perfect" and her age and physical condition were ideal.

Lin Xirou then informed Lin Ling that she was to have dinner with Lv Xian that weekend, stating that people should do what is expected of their age and that Lv Xian was a good choice for someone with "not much room to be picky." Lin Ling defiantly refused, asking why Lin Xirou always forced her into things she hated and if she had ever cared about her daughter's desires.

Lin Xirou responded by slapping Lin Ling and demanding an apology. Through tears, Lin Ling uttered, "I'm sorry, Auntie Lin." Yan Tuo soon arrived and spoke with Lin Xirou, claiming an urgent issue with customs seizing medicine had delayed him. When Lin Xirou asked if he and Lin Ling had quarreled, he offered to speak with Lin Ling. Later, a woman named Yueying arrived to see Lin Xirou.

During their conversation, Lin Xirou commented that Han Guan and Chen Fu were late. She then asked about Xiong Hei's absence and was informed that Gou Ya had escaped, and Xiong Hei was leading a search party for him.

Episode 11 Recap

A group led by Xiong Hei forcefully dragged a heavily injured Gou Ya to Lv Xian's clinic, having struggled to capture him. Lv Xian, relieved that Nie Jiuluo had been moved earlier, observed Gou Ya's serious wounds and the ongoing abuse from Xiong Hei's men, who demanded Gou Ya be revived immediately. Meanwhile, Lin Ling showed Yan Tuo a needle mark on her arm, explaining she found it the day before.

She recalled a strange, hazy sensation the previous night, as if she had passed out, and felt someone gently touching her. Yan Tuo, suspecting his mother Lin Xirou's involvement, calmly reassured Lin Ling that she might be exhausted and dreaming, but Lin Ling insisted it felt real. He apologized for being unavailable when she tried to call him and urged her not to confront Lin Xirou or reveal her suspicions, promising to resolve the situation.

After leaving Lin Ling, Yan Tuo visited Lin Xirou's home, where she was meeting with fellow Earth Fiends Yang Zheng, Feng Mi, and Li Yueying. Yan Tuo deliberately greeted them, prompting Feng Mi, who was taken with his appearance, to introduce everyone. She then noticed the bracelet on his wrist, a gift from Nie Jiuluo, and reached for it with interest. Yan Tuo quickly pulled his hand away and made an excuse to leave.

As soon as he was gone, Feng Mi enthusiastically told Lin Xirou she had fallen for him at first sight. Later, Yan Tuo called Lv Xian, who reported that Xiong Hei's men were preparing something at a farm. Yan Tuo urgently asked Lv Xian to keep Gou Ya at the clinic longer, suggesting he keep Gou Ya sedated. Lv Xian, after some playful negotiation about payment, agreed to find a way.

In the operating room, Lv Xian informed Xiong Hei that Gou Ya's wounds were superficial but his wrist required extensive recovery. He tried to persuade Xiong Hei to leave for a meal, but Xiong Hei insisted on waiting to take Gou Ya immediately upon waking. Lv Xian then attempted to give Gou Ya a stronger IV fluid, leading to Xiong Hei’s suspicion. Lv Xian feigned anger, defending his loyalty to Lin Xirou and the Roadsound Group, which had raised him.

He argued that he often treated Xiong Hei’s men for free, despite the risks to his own business, Wanbao Tower. He explained the stronger medicine, which could damage the brain, was to quicken Gou Ya's departure. Convinced that Gou Ya was "brainless," Xiong Hei approved the stronger medicine and asked Lv Xian to order him some food. Yan Tuo, wearing a gas mask, infiltrated the farm by joining a cleaning crew.

He eagerly took over tasks when two workers tried to pass them off, causing them to leave. Lv Xian then sent a text to Yan Tuo, informing him that Gou Ya, despite the strong medication, had woken up and was taken away by Xiong Hei. Yan Tuo inquired if Lin Xirou would spare Gou Ya, to which Lv Xian replied that sparing him would only lead to trouble later.

Yan Tuo successfully located the farm base, where he saw people lying in molds, indicating mysterious experiments were underway. He hid as Feng Mi and Yang Zheng arrived. Gou Ya was brought before Lin Xirou, Xiong Hei, Feng Mi, Yang Zheng, and Li Yueying. He tearfully apologized to Lin Xirou for his unauthorized escape. Xiong Hei suggested keeping Gou Ya as experimental material due to their current manpower shortage.

However, Lin Xirou dismissed the idea, stating that while minor infractions might be tolerated, Gou Ya's reckless escape and near exposure of their operations endangered everyone, violating her absolute bottom line: no interference from humans and no defiance from their own kin. As Gou Ya defiantly bared his fangs at Lin Xirou, Feng Mi swiftly stabbed him in the throat, declaring such an act intolerable. Lin Xirou then commanded everyone to prepare.

Hidden, Yan Tuo recorded the gruesome event as Lin Xirou plunged a knife into Gou Ya's head. After the execution, Lin Xirou expressed hope that this first execution of a kin would be their last, before turning her attention to external threats. She then inquired about Jiang Baichuan's status, learning from a subordinate that Xiong Hei was taking good care of him at the Rare Stone Garden.

Meanwhile, at the South Mountain Hunters' base, several members expressed their desire to leave, citing fear after encountering humanoid Earth Fiends and learning that their leader, Xing Shen, secretly kept a live Earth Fiend at the base. One member tearfully stated his fear of death and leaving his family behind. Xing Shen set up a cauldron and instructed anyone wishing to leave to place their bone plaque inside, and a few members complied.

Just then, Yu Rong, the successor of the Ghost Whip, arrived. Seeing her, a hunter excitedly told Xing Shen they had a new hope, but Yu Rong dismissed him, stating they could introduce themselves later. Yu Rong then directly challenged Xing Shen, accusing him of stealing the Whip Clan's duties by secretly taming an Earth Fiend. Xing Shen explained he had replicated 70% to 80% of the Earth Fiends' communication frequency, believing it could be a powerful weapon.

Yu Rong, however, was skeptical, noting the significant difference between driving away marine animals and fully controlling Earth Fiends. After another member voted to keep the creature, arguing it was safest there, Xing Shen stated their immediate priority was rescuing Jiang Baichuan and he had no time to deal with the captive Earth Fiend. Yan Tuo went to Lv Xian's clinic to "repay a debt," bringing him an expensive suit.

Although Lv Xian suspected Yan Tuo was "up to no good," he kept it. Claiming to worry about Lv Xian's gloomy life, Yan Tuo invited him on an outing. He then dressed Lv Xian in an old scholar's robe and hat, introducing him as "Master Wang" at the entrance of the Rare Stone Garden.

Despite the gatekeeper's insistence that the garden was closed, Yan Tuo, leveraging his position as General Manager and "Master Wang's" supposed influence on city planning, pressured the gatekeeper to allow them entry. Inside, Lv Xian, as Master Wang, advised Yan Tuo on his "mother" by suggesting she avoid eating anything with "wings." When Yan Tuo mentioned his mother was a vegetarian, Lv Xian quickly pivoted, claiming he was testing him.

He then pretended to feel faint, babbling about omens and his ancestors calling him. Yan Tuo seized the opportunity, loudly calling for help and creating a distraction that allowed him to slip away to the backyard. There, he discovered Jiang Baichuan, who was complaining that his steamed buns were being made with unleavened dough.

Episode 12 Recap

Taking advantage of Lv Xian distracting Lin Xirou's subordinates, Yan Tuo stealthily entered the backyard and found Jiang Baichuan. Initially complaining about the quality of the buns he was given, Jiang Baichuan recognized Nie Jiuluo's bracelet, which Yan Tuo showed to prove his identity. After Yan Tuo revealed that the South Mountain Hunters were planning a rescue, Jiang Baichuan firmly refused. He explained that he still held value to his captors and could extract information.

He believed that as long as he remained a captive, Lin Xirou's group would feel they had the upper hand and wouldn't act recklessly, thus keeping Nie Jiuluo and the others relatively safe. He repeatedly urged Yan Tuo to tell the Hunters to keep a close watch on Locust, emphasizing that it was "not just a combat tool, but also a hostage."

Lastly, he told Yan Tuo to tell Nie Jiuluo not to worry about him and to focus on taking care of herself. Seeing Quecha upset about Jiang Baichuan's capture, Yu Rong approached to comfort her. Quecha, who had often heard Jiang Baichuan speak of Yu Rong, knew she cherished her freedom and worked as a beast tamer abroad, returning only when the South Mountain Hunters faced grave danger.

Regretting her late arrival, Yu Rong shared a story about successfully herding over ninety wild elephants back into a national park overseas, a feat she accomplished while preventing military intervention. Impressed, Quecha recalled Jiang Baichuan describing Yu Rong as "unruly" but also the only one "worthy of Ghost Whip," a claim Yu Rong playfully disputed. Quecha then expressed a desire to learn some of Yu Rong's taming skills to help the Hunters.

As Xing Shen carefully returned the cauldron, he discovered a hidden compartment. Before he could investigate, Yu Rong arrived and asked to see Locust, the Earth Fiend he was keeping. Xing Shen admitted that summoning the cauldron for the first time was "heavier than I expected," acknowledging the weight of his new leadership. Yu Rong clarified that her support for keeping Locust was not an endorsement but a temporary measure, as she intended to observe it herself.

Xing Shen then led her to Locust's enclosure, explaining it was captured twenty years ago when they had no Mad Blade to kill it. He shared his personal story: as a child, he stumbled upon Locust after getting lost while escaping punishment from "Mr. Crip." After the other Hunters left, Jiang Baichuan entrusted Locust to his care.

Yu Rong cautioned Xing Shen that while Locust might be an old friend to him, it was an enemy to the others, and as leader, he must clearly distinguish between them. Xing Shen then proposed they visit another person whose loyalty was questionable. He led her to a hidden cell containing the fully transformed Master Sun, evidenced by the "Red threads piercing his pupils."

Yu Rong immediately deemed him untamable, explaining that while beast minds are simple, human minds are unfathomable, and Master Sun blurred that line. Meanwhile, Yan Tuo visited the recovering Nie Jiuluo. In a tender moment, he gently washed her hair for her. He relayed Jiang Baichuan's message not to attempt a rescue and to instead focus on watching Locust.

After returning Mr. Changxi's repaired phone, Yan Tuo also brought Nie Jiuluo clay, sculpting tools, and books to help pass the time. Nie Jiuluo playfully remarked that he was acting "like my agent." Yan Tuo then cleaned and returned her bracelet, remarking that he felt "most secure" while holding it. Lv Xian and Lin Ling were on a date, during which Lv Xian felt they were being followed and spotted Sis.

They opened up about their pasts: Lin Ling was adopted by Lin Xirou, who has no biological children, while Lv Xian was an orphan whose education was sponsored by Lin Xirou's company, Roadsound. Later, while at a pastry shop, Lv Xian briefly explained how qingtuan rice balls are made with mugwort. Later, Nie Jiuluo and Yan Tuo discussed the Earth Fiends.

Nie Jiuluo explained that while critical hits could induce a long hibernation, only a Mad Blade could truly kill them. Yan Tuo countered that Lin Xirou had executed Gou Ya, suggesting Earth Fiends could kill their own, though with great difficulty. Nie Jiuluo revealed Gou Ya was executed for "omnivory"—eating humans—a taboo that creates a scent betraying their human disguise. They theorized that eating humans, instead of making them more human-like, actually exposed them.

Using the analogy of making a dumpling, Nie Jiuluo described how a primal Earth Fiend needs a human "wrapper" to take human form. Yan Tuo recalled a list Lin Ling had given him from Lin Xirou's hidden compartment, which included a "roommate" named Xu Anni for an Earth Fiend named Chen Fu. This made him realize Earth Fiends always live with humans, not in isolation. Nie Jiuluo confirmed Lin Xirou lived with her and Lin Ling.

She also revealed that Lin Xirou was unusually strict with the adopted Lin Ling, constantly urging her to marry and have "many descendants," while never pressuring the older Yan Tuo. This, combined with the "roommate" concept and an overheard phone call by Mr. Changxi about lineage, led them to a breakthrough: these roommates were "circle-raised blood bags"—humans with specific bloodlines, essential for Earth Fiend reproduction.

While Nie Jiuluo found great joy in Mr. Changxi's medicinal beef dumplings, Yan Tuo felt they were still in a perplexing situation despite their insights. As their date concluded, Lv Xian, still feeling they were followed, assured Lin Ling that while the outing was arranged, his desire to be her friend was genuine, and he handed her the qingtuan rice balls.

Episode 13 Recap

Yan Tuo carefully carried an injured Nie Jiuluo upstairs. Her cheeks were flushed as she rested on his back. Mr. Changxi, witnessing this, deliberately ascended the stairs slowly with a movable bed, claiming he was too tired to care for a patient at night and subtly suggesting Yan Tuo stay. The couple found themselves in an awkward and delicate situation, ultimately leading Yan Tuo to reluctantly stay and attend to Nie Jiuluo.

Meanwhile, Xing Shen intently manipulated a hidden compartment on a cauldron and triggered an intricate mechanism, revealing detailed records of Nanshan. Afterward, he and Ma Fengzi, who seemed to be in a dazed state, meticulously reviewed the documents, hoping to uncover more clues. After his shower, Yan Tuo considerately carried Nie Jiuluo to the bathroom. Nie Jiuluo's heart pounded nervously as she tried to mask her unease. Throughout the night, they both avoided eye contact.

Yan Tuo tossed and turned, unable to sleep. When he shifted, the movable bed creaked loudly, making Nie Jiuluo burst into laughter. The next morning, Mr. Changxi grumbled unhappily about his beef dumplings being stolen after he had worked hard to prepare them the previous night. He was unaware that the thief was Chen Fu, the Earth Fiend they had captured.

Mr. Changxi then went to Nie Jiuluo's home to deliver dumplings to Lu, only to find she had stepped out to take out the trash. Nie Jiuluo promptly contacted Xing Shen, informing him that Yan Tuo had saved her after her injury and successfully captured Chen Fu. Xing Shen, however, was skeptical of Yan Tuo, recalling how Earth Fiends had rescued Yan Tuo from the ice factory, injuring Mrs. Hua in the process.

Nie Jiuluo clarified that Yan Tuo's biological parents were killed by Earth Fiends and that he had been secretly working to bring them down. She asserted that Yan Tuo was trustworthy, having already helped capture Chen Fu and Han Guan. She advised Xing Shen not to rush the rescue of Jiang and assured him she would keep him updated after interrogating Chen Fu.

Nie Jiuluo then began her interrogation of Chen Fu, pressing him about the "blood bag" and how Earth Fiends transformed into human form. Chen Fu scoffed, ridiculing her for using her looks to sway Yan Tuo. He defiantly stated that he would bite off his tongue before revealing any Earth Fiend secrets. Undeterred, Nie Jiuluo calmly threatened to study the physical structure of a humanoid Earth Fiend, even joking about making "fiend meat dumplings."

While Nie Jiuluo questioned him, Chen Fu was secretly trying to loosen his restraints, but she remained engrossed in her interrogation, unaware of his attempts. Meanwhile, Yan Tuo, holding snacks, went to find Lin Ling but couldn't locate her. He eventually found Xiong Hei in the surveillance room, who was searching for the missing Chen Fu under Lin Xirou's orders. Feng Mi then presented a surveillance image showing a blue car trailing Chen Fu's vehicle.

Yan Tuo remained unfazed, explaining that the blue car had already been destroyed at sea and posed no threat. On another front, Feng Mi arrived at Jian'an Car Rental, pretending to be a distraught wife whose husband had rented a car with another woman. She demanded to see the surveillance footage to confirm her suspicions. Yan Tuo and Nie Jiuluo, alerted by Feng Mi, rushed to the scene.

They arrived just as Feng Mi, who introduced herself as Wang Mimi, was pressuring the staff to show her the September 13th footage. Peering in from a back window, they saw that Feng Mi was about to see Nie Jiuluo on screen. In a critical moment, Yan Tuo swiftly pulled the main power switch, causing a blackout. As Feng Mi angrily stormed out, Yan Tuo seized the opportunity to sneak in and retrieve the surveillance memory card.

On the way back, Yan Tuo revealed to Nie Jiuluo that Chen Fu had made good on his threat and bitten off his own tongue. They discussed his cryptic last words, "Once entering the Twilight Chasm, humans become fiendish wraiths, and fiends become human demons"—a saying neither had heard before. Checking Chen Fu's phone, they found a note marking "the day after tomorrow" as an important date and saw frequent calls from a woman named Xu Anni.

Feeling something was amiss, they decided to investigate Xu Anni, discovering she lived in a town called Heyang. To create a cover for their trip, Yan Tuo called Lin Xirou, fabricating a story about needing to go to Heyang to meet a business partner named Meng Zheyuan to discuss new technology. Back at their hideout, Nie Jiuluo securely tied the injured Chen Fu in the upstairs attic.

She then told Mr. Changxi that Yan Tuo had accidentally shipped sculpting clay with chemical dyes to their address and asked him not to go into the attic for his health. Mr. Changxi, unsuspecting, agreed. With all arrangements made, Nie Jiuluo and Yan Tuo quickly set off for Heyang.

Episode 14 Recap

Nie Jiuluo decided to approach Xu Anni alone, believing some matters are better discussed between women. She and Yan Tuo arrived in Heyang where Xu Anni was performing at the Mengjiu Grand Stage, wishing the audience success and lasting love. Meanwhile, Yan Tuo called Mr. Meng to confirm his arrival in Heyang, politely declining an evening meal and suggesting they have lunch together the next day instead.

Later, Nie Jiuluo, posing as an event organizer, tried to book Xu Anni for an opening event at Fengyun Plaza. Xu Anni initially mistook Nie Jiuluo for someone with dubious intentions, as she had been bothered by "shady people" before. After Nie Jiuluo clarified her purpose, Xu Anni apologized but explained that she was already booked for ten shows and couldn't leave for another week. During their conversation, Xu Anni noticed Nie Jiuluo's injured arm.

Nie Jiuluo falsely claimed her "boyfriend had a few drinks and got rough," prompting Xu Anni to advise her to leave him, emphasizing that such violence often repeats. Xu Anni then shared her own past experiences with a violent ex-boyfriend and spoke warmly of her current partner, a "simple man" who "drives for hire around town" and treats her with genuine affection. She encouraged Nie Jiuluo to find someone better and to "dump him quickly."

After Xu Anni left, Nie Jiuluo discussed with Yan Tuo that Xu Anni seemed blissfully unaware of the true situation, living "in her own world." Nie Jiuluo revealed she had sent Xu Anni messages pretending to be Chen Fu to keep her calm for now, acknowledging that their deception wouldn't last long before Xu Anni suspected something or someone else got involved. Upon checking into a hotel, Yan Tuo and Nie Jiuluo discovered only one deluxe king suite was available.

Yan Tuo offered to sleep in his car, but upon learning the room also had a sofa and a chaise lounge, they decided to share. Yan Tuo agreed to sleep on the chaise lounge, though he found the idea awkward, questioning how they could sleep "without a partition." Nie Jiuluo playfully dismissed his concerns by asking if he was "shy" and reminding him, "You can't beat me anyway." For dinner, they went to a local restaurant specializing in braised delicacies.

Seeing a young boy serving with his sister stirred emotions in Yan Tuo, reminding him of his own missing sister. Nie Jiuluo ordered several local specialties with quirky names. She encouraged Yan Tuo to drink to relax, but he quickly became inebriated, attributing his rapid intoxication to the "wine wasn't right."

Nie Jiuluo countered that it was his "heart that's burdened," likening his emotional pain to "a nail embedded in your flesh" that still hurts when poked, even after thinking it had healed. He eventually passed out, snoring loudly. Nie Jiuluo watched him sleep, a faint smile touching her lips as she recalled her friend Lu's advice about finding a boyfriend.

The next morning, Mr. Meng left Yan Tuo a voicemail, explaining his child had been hospitalized in Xicang and he needed to reschedule their meeting. He suggested Yan Tuo extend his stay in Heyang or meet in Xicang later. Meanwhile, Lin Xirou, having failed to reach Yan Tuo after Mr. Meng's call to Xiong Hei, contacted Yan Tuo directly. Yan Tuo tried to lie, claiming his meeting with Mr. Meng went well and they were close to a deal.

Lin Xirou immediately exposed his lie, stating Mr. Meng couldn't reach him. Cornered, Yan Tuo admitted he "drank too much with an online friend yesterday" and missed the calls. Lin Xirou sternly reminded him that he is "Roadsound's future," not merely an individual, and that all decisions must prioritize "the group and our family." Yan Tuo apologized, promising to arrange a meeting with Mr. Meng as soon as possible.

Later, waking up with a hangover, Yan Tuo asked Nie Jiuluo if he had done anything "embarrassing" while drunk. She playfully reminded him of his "promises" to support her art career and even book the Yanguan Art Museum for a month for her solo exhibition. She teased him about his low alcohol tolerance, noting he would have lost his kidneys if he had consumed hard liquor, to which he jokingly thanked her for "keeping his kidneys."

Nie Jiuluo spotted a man at the pier who seemed to be pretending to be a tourist, taking photos of the water and boats, but was actually intently watching Xu Anni. Yan Tuo, now alert, approached the man, feigning to be a tourist himself and asking the man to take photos of him for his "wife." He cleverly maneuvered the man to different spots, eventually getting close enough to smell ether emanating from the man's bag.

He then "accidentally" bumped into the man, causing his bag to fall and a broken bottle to be revealed. Yan Tuo explained to Nie Jiuluo that the man was "up to no good," having confirmed the presence of ether by its smell, a skill he acquired from his time in the lab preparing to take over Roadsound, Yanguan's largest pharmaceutical group. Nie Jiuluo suggested they move their surveillance spot since Xu Anni might recognize her.

Yan Tuo agreed to get takeout, ensuring to order bland food, as South Mountain Hunters, especially the Hound Clan, avoid pungent seasonings like chili, ginger, or garlic, which interfere with their acute sense of smell. Yan Tuo also reminisced about his mentor Jiang's fondness for ginger and reaffirmed his resolve to rescue Jiang and find his sister.

While they were discussing their plans, two of Xiong Hei's men were also in the area, grumbling about their fruitless search, and Lv Xian was seen nearby inquiring about road conditions. After her performance, Xu Anni walked home alone, sensing she was being followed. She quickened her pace and rushed into her house. Just as the suspicious man was about to act, Yan Tuo and Nie Jiuluo intervened.

After Yan Tuo revealed the ether in his bag and threatened him, the man confessed. He admitted Xu Anni's boyfriend had hired him to drug her and then sleep with her, specifically timing the act during her "ovulation" with "extra payment if she got pregnant." If the attempt failed, he was to try again the next month. Yan Tuo warned him with photos and knowledge of his employer, telling him he would lose an arm if he was seen again.

Elsewhere, Lin Xirou instructed Lin Ling to have supper with Lv Xian, who had just finished providing moxibustion treatment for her. During their meal, Lv Xian subtly expressed his unsuitability for Lin Ling to Lin Xirou, humbly referring to his Wanbao Tower as a "small workshop" and Roadsound as an "unreachable summit," implying that Lin Ling was beyond his reach. Lin Xirou, however, countered that "great achievements require risks and struggles" and urged him to "walk faster" in his endeavors.

Afterward, learning of the disturbing incident with Xu Anni, Lin Xirou was furious and immediately ordered Xiong Hei to investigate and find the mastermind "by tomorrow." Nie Jiuluo and Yan Tuo discussed Chen Fu's motive, realizing his actions aligned with an old legend from Xingbazi Town about a "great swamp" that claimed the lives of "direct lineage" or "close kin." They deduced that Chen Fu wanted Xu Anni pregnant to turn her into a "blood bag" for a ritual.

Nie Jiuluo also connected this to Lin Xirou's control over Lin Ling and her insistent efforts to marry her off, recognizing that Lin Ling was Lin Xirou's "blood bag" and would lose her value and potentially face danger once she had a child. When Yan Tuo confirmed that Lin Ling was adopted, Nie Jiuluo deduced that Lin Xirou must have used another direct relative as a blood bag before her.

Episode 15 Recap

Nie Jiuluo, concerned about Xu Anni and the implications of Chen Fu's disappearance, questioned Yan Tuo about his past encounter with Lin Xirou. Yan Tuo recounted a childhood memory: his mother took him to his father’s mine, where a worker named Li Ergou caused trouble before disappearing into a kiln. His father’s subsequent search was fruitless. Not long after, Lin Xirou arrived at their home, introduced by his father as Li Ergou's cousin.

Nie Jiuluo surmised that Li Ergou was likely Lin Xirou’s first "blood bag," making him a close relative of Lin Ling, whom Lin Xirou later adopted. Although Li Ergou was too young to be Lin Ling’s father, the connection meant Lin Ling was, like Yan Tuo, a victim of Lin Xirou. Yan Tuo expressed his sorrow, noting that while Lin Ling was at least alive, there was still no news of his sister, Yan Xin.

Continuing their discussion about Chen Fu, Nie Jiuluo noted that the man who attacked Xu Anni should have stopped following her. Yan Tuo mused about how to impersonate Chen Fu to break up with Xu Anni. Nie Jiuluo, having seen Xu Anni's messages, was worried about how reliant Xu Anni was on Chen Fu and felt they needed to fabricate a believable lie for her to move on.

Yan Tuo questioned if humans injured by humanoid Earth Fiends would get infected due to their close relations. Nie Jiuluo explained that she had fought and been injured by Xiong Hei, Han Guan, and Chen Fu without succumbing to infection, suggesting that humanoid Earth Fiends, by masking their scent, might have also weakened their ability to infect humans. When Nie Jiuluo asked Yan Tuo to draft the breakup message, he teased her about her perceived experience in casually ending relationships.

She playfully retorted, accusing him of prejudice, then asked him for ideas. Yan Tuo dictated a message for Chen Fu to send Xu Anni, stating he had calmly reassessed his life and new plans during a business trip, and she was no longer part of them, deserving better opportunities and broader horizons. Later, Yan Tuo accompanied Nie Jiuluo to her home.

Yan Tuo remarked on how well-maintained her courtyard was, teasing her that he hadn’t noticed it during his previous hurried visit, which involved a fight. Lu, their housekeeper, greeted Nie Jiuluo warmly, expressing concern about her injury. Nie Jiuluo explained she fell while photographing cliff carvings on Tuofeng Mountain and that Yan Tuo had rushed her to the hospital. Lu thanked Yan Tuo for his kindness and complimented his appearance before offering to make them some food.

While eating the noodles Lu prepared, Yan Tuo playfully brought up their last encounter, which resulted in his destruction of her artwork. Nie Jiuluo, in turn, joked about compensation for Lu’s culinary mastery. Their banter continued as Yan Tuo then demanded compensation for his kidnapping and trafficking, to which Nie Jiuluo retorted by asking how much he would pay for driving them into the river. They decided to just eat.

Yan Tuo praised Lu’s cooking and asked about her relationship with Nie Jiuluo. Nie Jiuluo explained that Lu was like family, having cared for her since she was young, but insisted on maintaining professional boundaries by calling her "Miss Nie." Yan Tuo then tentatively asked if he could call her "Luo," to which she softly agreed. Nie Jiuluo showed Yan Tuo jars filled with folded paper stars, which she called her diaries, and allowed him to pick one to read.

He chose a star recounting how she won an award for a clay figurine and felt even happier after keying a "dirty old man's car." Nie Jiuluo revealed the man was an art teacher who groped female students, and she used her house keys to scratch his car, daring him to call the police so she could expose his misconduct.

Yan Tuo commented on her righteousness, to which Nie Jiuluo replied that without anyone to care for her, she had to appear formidable, contrasting it with those who are pampered and can afford to be gracious. Yan Tuo then suggested he wanted to be someone who could protect and pamper her, making her more tolerant. Nie Jiuluo did not directly respond but instead invited him to fold a new star for the day, teaching him how to make one.

As they folded stars, Lu discreetly prepared a guest room for Yan Tuo. Yan Tuo reflected that if he could not be someone’s support, he should at least not drag them into his troubles. Meanwhile, at the experimental base, Lin Xirou looked at Qin Chi’s decomposing body, regretting that her oversight had led to his demise.

A subordinate informed her that Li Yueying was at the mine, and Lin Xirou decided to go there, instructing others to clean up the lab. At the mine’s mountaintop, Li Yueying, who was gazing sadly into the distance, was approached by Lin Xirou. Lin Xirou confessed that she was the first to emerge from the underground, initially filled with fear despite consuming her first blood bag – a miner – and learning to blend into human society.

Her fear only subsided when Li Yueying also successfully transformed, making her feel less isolated. However, Li Yueying vehemently disagreed, calling her own transformation a failure. She described how Lin Xirou had hastily made her consume an unhealthy blood bag, leaving her weak and disoriented, unlike their later companions who, through joint efforts, transformed robustly and agelessly.

Li Yueying expressed her despair, feeling like a "half-finished monster" and resentful that Lin Xirou had executed Gou Ya under the guise of "rules." She declared that her days were numbered and hoped future companions would never come to this "purgatory," as she now saw the human world. Lin Xirou then told Li Yueying that the sun was about to rise and she should leave.

In another location, Yu Rong continued her rigorous training of Master Sun, easily subduing him with her powerful whip. The next morning, Yan Tuo had already left Nie Jiuluo’s home, but not before ordering rehabilitation equipment for her, which Lu had already set up. Lu told Nie Jiuluo that Yan Tuo had also wanted to pick an osmanthus branch but she suggested he visit more often to enjoy the blooms instead, implying a desire for him to return regularly.

Soon after, Nie Jiuluo received a call from Changxi, who was concerned about creaking noises from the attic and offered to move her materials, fearing they might get damp in the rainy season. Nie Jiuluo quickly told him not to touch them and said she would retrieve them herself. Nie Jiuluo then read from an ancient text describing "Yuwang Meat," a substance found in Turquoise Land that could merge two species and grant longevity.

The text detailed how ancient emperors sought it for immortality, leading Qin troops to South Mountain. This research connected to her recent discoveries about Earth Fiends. She then carefully moved Chen Fu’s body to Xing Shen at the base. Nie Jiuluo informed Xing Shen that the box contained the Earth Fiend Chen Fu and shared her findings: humanoid Earth Fiends maintain their form by consuming human nutrients from "blood bags."

She explained that these blood bags must be direct blood relatives; otherwise, consuming non-relatives ("omnivory") would allow Hound Clan members to detect their scent, as happened with Gou Ya in Yan Tuo's car. To secure a continuous supply, Earth Fiends live as family members with their blood bags, like Chen Fu with Xu Anni.

When Xing Shen offered to interrogate Chen Fu, Nie Jiuluo revealed that she had already attempted, but Chen Fu bit his own tongue, demonstrating that these Earth Fiends now possess human intelligence, consciousness, emotions, and even integrity, making them far different from mere beasts. Xing Shen asked why she hadn't shared this information sooner. Nie Jiuluo explained she had been delayed but credited Yan Tuo for his help in the process.

Xing Shen, concerned, reminded Nie Jiuluo that as "Mad Blade," she was mingling with someone from the "fiends' den" and questioned Yan Tuo's motives. Nie Jiuluo confidently stated that she had her own judgment and he shouldn't worry. Xing Shen asked her to keep watch on Chen Fu and contact him if anything happened.

He also offered her a traditional South Mountain ointment for her injury, which she politely declined, saying she was recovering and the medicine should be saved for other Hunters, though she hoped they would never need it.

Episode 16 Recap

Lin Xirou's operatives, searching for Chen Fu's car at the docks, were startled to find it floating in the sea nearby. Meanwhile, Mr. Meng's child unexpectedly fell ill, and Yan Tuo, having already arranged for a specialist at the International Children's Hospital, earned his heartfelt gratitude. Mr. Meng confirmed that his son could transfer to an available bed at the hospital. Yan Tuo seized the opportunity to discuss a traditional Chinese medicine extraction technology, nine years in development.

He presented a contract, highlighting his authoritative position within the Roushan Group, and proposed a direct partnership. Impressed by the favorable terms, Mr. Meng agreed to the collaboration, acknowledging that he was "the fish that took the bait." Back at the docks, Lin Xirou’s Fourth Brother managed to pry open the car’s trunk, only to recoil in horror at the sight of a companion’s lifeless body.

The waterlogged car offered no forensic clues, but the skull wound clearly indicated the work of the Mad Blade. Enraged, Lin Xirou subjected Jiang Baichuan to brutal torture, demanding an explanation for his earlier claim that the Mad Blade skill had died out, yet one of her comrades had fallen victim to it. Despite the excruciating pain, Jiang Baichuan maintained that the Mad Blade skill was extinct, though he conceded the blade itself was in someone else's hands.

He then provocatively labeled Lin Xirou's group "Earth Fiends," referencing ancient tales of an evil bird that devours its mother, emphasizing their historical reputation as universally despised and heartless scum. Overwhelmed by the torment, Jiang Baichuan eventually lost consciousness. A video of Jiang Baichuan’s torture circulated among the South Mountain Hunters, sparking outrage and a collective resolve to formulate a rescue plan immediately. Quecha, witnessing Jiang's suffering, despaired over her perceived inadequacy, unable to even draw a bow.

Yu Rong approached her, demonstrating the proper technique for drawing a bow and patiently guiding her on how to generate power and aim. Nie Jiuluo watched the video with profound regret, blaming herself for not properly disposing of the Earth Fiend's body, which had brought such grave danger upon their organization. She promptly decided to advance their rescue timeline.

That evening, Lin Xirou’s forces were on high alert at the Rare Stone Garden, unaware that Nie Jiuluo and Xing Shen were stealthily making their way inside. Working in perfect synchronization, they swiftly incapacitated the guards. However, their search of the backyard yielded nothing; Jiang Baichuan had already been moved. Upon learning that the South Mountain organization had targeted the Rare Stone Garden, Lin Xirou suspected an internal mole. Shortly after, Yan Tuo returned home.

Lin Xirou pointedly asked him about his recent trip to Heyang and whom he met. Seeing himself on the surveillance footage, Yan Tuo candidly admitted to meeting a young woman he'd connected with on a dating app. Rather than reprimanding him, Lin Xirou encouraged him to take Feng Mi, who was currently cooped up in Xicang, out more often. Yan Tuo was initially reluctant but then received a text message from Nie Jiuluo, informing him of Jiang Baichuan's capture.

Later, Yan Tuo intentionally shared his dinner plans with Feng Mi at Miya Kitchen's Mucheng branch, specifically mentioning table 4C, a detail meant for Nie Jiuluo. Nie Jiuluo, already dining with a friend, engaged in an animated discussion about artistic creation, skillfully weaving coded messages into her conversation for Yan Tuo's benefit, without alarming Feng Mi or her own friend.

Nie Jiuluo conveyed her visit to the "Rare Stone Garden", which was a "dead end", suggesting they needed to "take initiative" and referring to a "list". Yan Tuo, in turn, subtly communicated his predicament, indicating he was being closely watched by Feng Mi and that he needed help. Nie Jiuluo's friend mistook their cryptic exchange for a discussion about their business and artistic endeavors. Through this coded interaction, Nie Jiuluo successfully obtained background information on the other four Earth Fiends.

She promptly forwarded this intelligence to Xing Shen, instructing him to initiate investigations into these individuals. However, Xing Shen remained deeply suspicious of Yan Tuo and requested a direct meeting. Nie Jiuluo firmly declined, understanding Yan Tuo’s delicate position. She explained that his special status meant a direct confrontation with Xing Shen was ill-advised at this juncture and that they needed to strategize for the long term to proceed with Jiang Baichuan's rescue.

Later that night, Yan Tuo managed to contact Xing Shen by phone but was unable to meet in person due to his restricted situation. To prove his loyalty, he explained that his sister, Lin Ling, was being held as Lin Xirou’s "blood bag," and he needed their help to rescue her. Xing Shen then provided him with a new location, Hanlin, and instructed him to find a way to get there.

Meanwhile, Jiang Baichuan had been relocated to a secluded compound, where he discovered other South Mountain organization members, surprisingly unharmed, also being held captive. Jiang, defiant as ever, questioned his captors, likening them to animals and arguing that the difference between animals and humans was not as great as they imagined, suggesting that Roushan Pharmaceuticals could significantly reduce its animal testing budget. Yet, despite his words, his fellow captives could only reassure each other, repeating, "Just staying alive."

Episode 17 Recap

Lin Ling arrived at Lv Xian’s place to pick up medicine. Lv Xian teased her, asking if she came to chat rather than just for Ms. Lin’s instructions, and playfully suggested his surname should be "Pin" (savor) as he's someone worth appreciating, like an addictive food or potent traditional medicine. However, Lin Ling expressed her discontent, describing her life as "flavorless" and feeling like "caged livestock" with no future or escape.

Lv Xian offered her some soup, noting it had no medicinal effect and advising her to "go wander around more" to cure her emotional woes. Later at home, Yan Tuo discreetly told Lin Ling to play along with his plan during dinner.

During the meal, Yan Tuo loudly broached the topic of Lin Ling and Lv Xian's budding romance, suggesting they take a trip to a scenic place like Hanlin to spend a few days together and truly get to know each other. He even offered to accompany them, claiming he would help Lin Ling navigate conversations. Lin Xirou, sensing something amiss, instructed Feng Mi to join the trip, ostensibly for her own relaxation.

After dinner, Lin Xirou reminded Feng Mi that this was not a real vacation and sternly emphasized the importance of monitoring Yan Tuo, citing recent losses and mounting problems. Feng Mi playfully assured Lin Xirou that she would prioritize her mission over any personal feelings for Yan Tuo. The next day, the four embarked on their journey.

Yan Tuo secretly informed Lv Xian that he needed to go to Hanlin for an important matter and asked him to help create a distraction. Unbeknownst to them, Lin Xirou had dispatched Xiong Hei and another person to follow their car. Yan Tuo then faked a severe stomach ache, blaming the buns Lv Xian had bought, forcing them to stop at a service station.

At the service station, Xing Shen, who was monitoring the situation, received reports that Yan Tuo was in the restroom, Lv Xian was at a nearby stall, and Feng Mi, an Earth Fiend, was closely guarding the restroom door. Xing Shen then contacted Yan Tuo, changing their meeting location from Hanlin to Licheng due to the heightened surveillance, and urged Yan Tuo to act fast.

Lv Xian spotted Xiong Hei and his companion and discreetly informed Yan Tuo in the restroom that they were being followed. With Xing Shen having already changed the meeting point, Yan Tuo capitalized on the situation. He emerged from the restroom and suggested they divert their route to Licheng, claiming he’d just heard about a hotpot festival there, an idea that excited Lin Ling and Feng Mi. Yan Tuo volunteered to drive.

Meanwhile, Nie Jiuluo, informed of Xing Shen's change of plans, questioned his lack of trust in Yan Tuo. Xing Shen explained that given the complex situation and Yan Tuo being closely monitored, he needed to verify trustworthiness himself to avoid any traps. Nie Jiuluo then secretly sent Yan Tuo a text message, warning him that Xing Shen was also tailing them.

As the journey continued, Yan Tuo engineered another stop, feigning thirst and asking Feng Mi to go with Lv Xian to buy drinks. While Feng Mi was away from the car, Yan Tuo instructed Lv Xian to discreetly check their surroundings. Lv Xian confirmed that Xiong Hei's car and a white SUV, which had been following them, had both stopped. Yan Tuo contacted Xing Shen again, who remained evasive before finally agreeing to meet "on the way."

Simultaneously, Nie Jiuluo infiltrated Lin Xirou's farm and entered an experimental base. Inside, she discovered human corpses and the chained Earth Fiend, Li Yueying. Nie Jiuluo explained she was there to uncover "shady" things. Li Yueying cryptically described the facility as "both the beginning and the end," "both heaven and hell," but "definitely not the mortal realm." Lin Xirou then ambushed Nie Jiuluo.

During their fierce struggle, Li Yueying seized the moment to rip out electrical wires, igniting a fire that rapidly spread and consumed the experimental bodies, allowing Nie Jiuluo to narrowly escape. Following the fire at her base, Lin Xirou urgently ordered Xiong Hei and his companion to return. Feng Mi also received the urgent call and demanded the driver immediately turn around.

Seeing this as his last opportunity to meet Xing Shen, Yan Tuo suddenly slammed on his brakes, causing a car behind them to rear-end their vehicle. Amidst the heated argument with the other driver, Yan Tuo covertly approached Xing Shen's white SUV. Xing Shen admitted his lingering distrust, prompting Yan Tuo to sarcastically claim he was an Earth Fiend sent to deceive Nie Jiuluo and trap the South Mountain Hunters.

Xing Shen remained unconvinced, and Yan Tuo stated he expected similar openness from Xing Shen. When asked about his closeness with Nie Jiuluo, Yan Tuo cryptically responded, "Ask her. Her answer is final." Yan Tuo then quickly diffused the staged argument, agreeing to resolve the accident through insurance, before leaving the scene. Xing Shen later told Nie Jiuluo he assessed Yan Tuo as "barely qualified as a collaborator."

Meanwhile, Xiong Hei and Feng Mi discussed the suspicious timing of the farm incident and the car crash. Xiong Hei suggested Yan Tuo was the mastermind, dismissing Lv Xian and Lin Ling as incapable. Lin Xirou, though reluctant to believe it, acknowledged her own suspicions. Nie Jiuluo briefed Xing Shen on her confrontation with Lin Xirou, assuring him her identity remained concealed.

She emphasized that collaborating with Yan Tuo was their only viable strategy and provided Xing Shen with a mysterious soil sample from the base that would ignite upon contact with fire. Later, during a meeting of the South Mountain Hunters, the possibility of exchanging Mad Blade for Jiang's freedom was debated. Mad Blade, present at the discussion, declared her willingness to make the sacrifice. Xing Shen then unveiled a list of Lin Xirou's humanoid Earth Fiend allies hidden throughout Yanguan.

He proposed using this list to capture them all, thereby gaining leverage to negotiate the release of Jiang and other captured Hunters without exposing Mad Blade, assuring the team he had thoroughly verified the list's reliability.

Episode 18 Recap

Yan Tuo was busy when he received a call from Xing Shen. Xing Shen informed him that the Earth Fiend information Yan Tuo provided had been verified, and they could now cooperate. He also instructed Yan Tuo to wait, cooperate, and avoid causing further trouble, adding that a new phone number would be provided after each call, and he should be notified immediately of any emergencies.

Yan Tuo excitedly called Nie Jiuluo to share the good news, explaining that Xing Shen had agreed and thanking her, as he believed they wouldn't have trusted him without her help. Nie Jiuluo asked what he would do if all the issues were resolved. Yan Tuo confessed he had never dared to think about it but now imagined a peaceful life like hers, with a small world, growing plants, and petting cats.

Nie Jiuluo playfully suggested he was coveting her small courtyard, to which Yan Tuo offered to get her one. She then joked about molding him a clay version instead. As Yan Tuo ended the call, Lin Xirou appeared behind him, startling him. She probed about the "net friend" he was talking to, noting that she had never realized he was so attractive to girls.

She then revealed she knew details about Nie Jiuluo, an independent artist, calling her perfect in every way except for her "background." Lin Xirou announced that her company, Roushan Group, had specifically requested Nie Jiuluo to create large sculptures for their compound. Yan Tuo, trying to maintain a cover, lied that he had a drunken night with Nie Jiuluo, after which she blocked him, playing "hard-to-get."

Feigning concern for Yan Tuo, Lin Xirou declared she wouldn't let him be wronged and had already "arranged" a family dinner for Nie Jiuluo at her home, stating her intention to "personally meet the Mad Hound." Yan Tuo, catching on, expressed excitement, eager to see if Nie Jiuluo could "seal the deal" for him without his direct involvement.

Meanwhile, Nie Jiuluo's housekeeper, Lu, meticulously prepared meals and gave detailed instructions on food preparation and household chores before leaving for the New Year, wishing Nie Jiuluo well and urging her to spend time with her family. Nie Jiuluo later confided in Yan Tuo about Lin Xirou's invitation, explaining that Lin Xirou had obtained their hotel surveillance footage from Heyang and then her personal information, leading to the dinner invitation. Nie Jiuluo apologized for her carelessness.

They discussed Lin Xirou's intentions, agreeing they needed to determine what she knew and suspected. Yan Tuo suggested Nie Jiuluo go into hiding with the South Mountain Hunters, but she countered that refusing the invitation would only make them appear guilty and negate all their past efforts. She reasoned that attending the dinner, though risky, offered a slim chance to understand Lin Xirou’s position, while Lin Xirou herself was also taking a risk.

Yan Tuo reluctantly agreed, promising to instruct Xing Shen to initiate the capture of the four Earth Fiends if anything happened to them. Nie Jiuluo accepted, and both acknowledged they would once again face danger together after a period of separate actions. Nie Jiuluo then asked Yan Tuo how he had explained their relationship to Lin Xirou. He said he claimed they were "lovers," but he had "hurt" her, causing her to "ignore" him.

He added that he told a lie with "room for any excuses." Nie Jiuluo clarified, "So we aren't lovers?" Yan Tuo confirmed, "Right." After a pause, Nie Jiuluo expressed a heartfelt desire for it to be true. The next day, Nie Jiuluo arrived at Lin Xirou’s house. Fourth Sister greeted her and took her bag. Just inside, Yan Tuo asked if she was okay, offering to leave if his presence would ruin her appetite or interfere with their business cooperation.

Lin Xirou ushered them in, where Feng Mi, a toxicology researcher, and Xiong Hei, the quality control manager, introduced themselves as company staff eager to meet the esteemed artist. Feng Mi complimented Nie Jiuluo's beauty, suggesting her art must sell well. Nie Jiuluo subtly retorted, implying that Roushan Group's success was similarly due to Lin Xirou's beauty. Xiong Hei inquired if they had met before, but Nie Jiuluo denied it, stating she rarely socialized with "medical big shots."

During the meal, Nie Jiuluo, despite claiming no expertise, correctly identified a rose note in the aged wine, impressing Lin Xirou. Nie Jiuluo spoke of the arduous nature of sculpting, listing various tools from knives to chainsaws and comparing it to "construction work." At one point, Lin Xirou deliberately pressed on the unhealed wound on Nie Jiuluo's arm to test her reaction; Nie Jiuluo winced in pain but quickly composed herself.

When Lin Xirou offered her giant grouper soup, Yan Tuo interjected that Nie Jiuluo "doesn't eat cilantro." Lin Xirou, undeterred, philosophized about how some ingredients, if forced together, could ruin a soup. She then openly admitted her invitation was indeed related to Yan Tuo. Nie Jiuluo firmly stated her only purpose for being there, now and in the future, was to discuss art collaboration.

When Lin Xirou persisted in trying to make her drink a toast, Nie Jiuluo politely declined and toasted everyone, then tried to leave. Lin Xirou stopped her, apologizing for her "sudden" invitation and agreeing to focus solely on collaboration. To remove Yan Tuo, Lin Xirou then instructed him, Feng Mi, and Xiong Hei to finalize the Shanjiang Institute project, sending them off with a takeaway container for Yan Tuo, who protested he hadn't eaten.

Alone with Nie Jiuluo, Lin Xirou praised her as an independent female artist but suggested Nie Jiuluo's self-imposed limitations and Yan Tuo's "affection" were holding her back. Meanwhile, Yan Tuo, Feng Mi, and Xiong Hei went to another room, where Yan Tuo recounted a cleverly veiled story of his past "relationship" with Nie Jiuluo, describing initial timidity, violent clashes, a sense of betrayal, anger, and eventual efforts to reinvent himself for her, even considering running away.

He spoke of shared meals, dates, and sacrifices, but concluded that the "pain we endured" was too deep to ignore, and they "can't truly go back," hoping his memory of her would eventually fade. This narrative was intended to mislead Feng Mi and Xiong Hei about his true identity and his connection to Nie Jiuluo.

Nie Jiuluo, in her conversation with Lin Xirou, reiterated that despite understanding Lin Xirou's intentions, she and Yan Tuo "can't truly go back," echoing Yan Tuo's words. As Nie Jiuluo prepared to leave, Lin Xirou told Xiong Hei to see her out. Lin Xirou stated that while the past was set and the future was open for their collaboration, she insisted Yan Tuo escort Nie Jiuluo home for her safety. Nie Jiuluo agreed.

Feng Mi later expressed doubts to Lin Xirou, noting Nie Jiuluo's silhouette resembled the person who burned the farm. Lin Xirou dismissed the concern, saying she let Nie Jiuluo leave for the New Year, but then instructed Feng Mi to summon Xiong Hei and Yang Zheng to "do something for me." Concurrently, Lv Xian visited Lin Ling, bringing gifts and wishing Lin Xirou a Happy New Year.

He asked for permission to take Lin Ling out for the New Year's countdown, emphasizing his desire to speak with her privately and promising to share his location and return her safely before dawn. Lin Xirou consented. Lv Xian and Lin Ling went to a beach, where they joyfully set off fireworks. Yan Tuo drove Nie Jiuluo home.

In the car, Nie Jiuluo observed that while they might have "fooled Xiong Hei and Feng Mi," she didn't believe Lin Xirou was deceived. Yan Tuo confirmed no one was following them, but Nie Jiuluo worried it might be "the calm before the storm." Upon reaching Nie Jiuluo's house, they struggled with the door, noting it wasn't as smooth as in dramas. Inside, a water pipe suddenly burst, soaking them both.

Nie Jiuluo, unfamiliar with the main valve, relied on Yan Tuo, who eventually managed to stop the leak. Yan Tuo noticed Nie Jiuluo's arm wound was wet and needed redressing, but she insisted she would handle it and urged him to shower to avoid a cold. Yan Tuo, wearing Nie Jiuluo's too-small pajamas, then made noodles and eggs.

Nie Jiuluo commented on the lack of fireworks, so Yan Tuo used her lighter to ignite small, sparkling fireworks, wishing her a Happy New Year. Nie Jiuluo mused about people making wishes before fleeting things like fireworks, wondering if such wishes, if granted, would also be fleeting. Yan Tuo reassured her, saying that just as Taoist statues patiently await wishes, he would "be here for you." As distant fireworks lit up the sky, they shared an embrace and a kiss.

Meanwhile, Xiong Hei and Feng Mi, following Lin Xirou's instructions, secretly searched Yan Tuo's house but found nothing substantial. Feng Mi complained about the lack of "violent comics or dirty movies," finding the search "boring." Before leaving, Xiong Hei noticed and retrieved a mysterious password box hidden under a pile of stones near the entrance.

Episode 19 Recap

Nie Jiuluo and Yan Tuo woke up to a peaceful morning. Yan Tuo offered to take Nie Jiuluo for breakfast, suggesting the delicious rice noodles from a local shop. As they prepared to leave, Lin Xirou called Yan Tuo. He wished her a Happy New Year and lied that he had been celebrating with friends all night and was heading home. Lin Xirou told him she was waiting for him for breakfast.

Yan Tuo apologized to Nie Jiuluo, explaining he had to go. Nie Jiuluo urged him to be careful, and a moved Yan Tuo gave her a deep hug before departing. As Yan Tuo arrived home, he saw several people waiting, his expression turning serious. He deliberately turned off his phone and discreetly dropped it into a sewer before entering the house.

Inside, Xiong Hei immediately searched him for his phone, but Yan Tuo feigned ignorance, claiming he must have left it in his car. Lin Xirou then confronted Yan Tuo, holding his hidden diary. She accused him of lying and dismissed his attempts to explain. Feng Mi remarked that Lin Xirou had given him many chances, but he had thrown away a good life. Yan Tuo was then forcefully taken away and confined.

Meanwhile, Xing Shen meticulously examined a soil sample he had retrieved from Lin Xirou's hideout. He noted the absence of common microorganisms like bacteria, fungi, and algae, finding the soil unusually sterile. He concluded it contained a unique substance he had never seen before, which appeared to have consumed or merged with all other organisms. He also identified Yuwang Meat mixed into the soil, confirming it was Turquoise Land.

Later, Xiong Hei privately pressed Yan Tuo for an explanation, stating that Lin Xirou wouldn't listen, but he would. Yan Tuo questioned Xiong Hei's sincerity, asking if his interest in Vi-Yu Girls was merely a "skin" he was wearing, suggesting it was a clever but difficult pretense. Xiong Hei retorted, calling humans simple for not distinguishing enemies from family. Yan Tuo countered that humans could discern real enemies from fake family and advised him to drop any false compassion.

Xiong Hei left in anger. Afterward, Feng Mi downplayed the situation to Lin Xirou, but Lin Xirou noted that while the diary writer might be mad, Yan Tuo was not, and his secrecy suggested ulterior motives. She then told Feng Mi it was time for them to return to handle some pressing matters. Nie Jiuluo grew increasingly worried as Yan Tuo remained silent, her calls and texts unanswered as his phone was off.

At the same time, Xing Shen briefed the South Mountain Hunters on their plan to capture four humanoid Earth Fiends. He had identified Shen Lizhu, a snack shop owner in Yudong City with her foster sister Yu Caiyan (her second-gen blood bag) and Yu Caiyan's daughter Qianqian (her third-gen blood bag). Given Shen Lizhu's physical strength, Xing Shen decided to capture her personally.

Zheng Liang, a vegetable logistics worker in Guigu City living with Zhou Cheng (his second-gen blood bag), would be apprehended by Big Head. Wei Jiao, an art teacher in Jinyu City who showed excessive care for her student Meng Tong, was believed to have lost her first-gen blood bag and was preparing Meng Tong as her second-gen. Shan Qiang was assigned to capture Wei Jiao carefully to avoid harming children.

Lastly, Zhu Changyi, a cunning taxi driver in Huihu City who had adopted Xiao Cheng as his foster son (his second-gen blood bag), would be approached by Yu Rong and Quecha to lower his guard. Xing Shen stressed the importance of simultaneous, covert, and swift operations to avoid alerting the other Earth Fiends. He also confirmed he would oversee Lin Ling's rescue. Xing Shen then called Nie Jiuluo, informing her of Yan Tuo's disappearance.

He expressed concern that this could jeopardize their plan, even suggesting Yan Tuo might have betrayed them. Nie Jiuluo quickly dismissed the idea of betrayal, asserting her trust in Yan Tuo. She admitted she feared he had been exposed and discovered by Lin Xirou and insisted the plan should proceed as scheduled.

Desperate for news, Nie Jiuluo went to see Lv Xian, explaining that Yan Tuo had told her to seek his help if she couldn't reach him, as Lv Xian was closest to the Roushan Group. She asked him to investigate Yan Tuo's whereabouts while also helping rescue Lin Ling. Lv Xian initially pushed back, questioning her authoritative tone and how she could be sure they were allies.

Nie Jiuluo simply stated that she trusted him because Yan Tuo did, urging him to act quickly. Grumbling about being ordered around by both of them, Lv Xian took her contact information and promised to stay in touch. Two days passed with Yan Tuo quietly confined at home, refusing food and drink. Lin Ling approached Lin Xirou, expressing concern for her brother. Lin Xirou lied, claiming Yan Tuo had a contagious disease and was isolating at home.

She instructed Lin Ling not to leave or visit him until she returned from an upcoming business trip, emphasizing that it was a disease Lin Ling "absolutely mustn't catch." Later, Lv Xian visited Lin Ling, bringing a premium blood-red bird's nest. Lin Xirou, feigning indifference, told them to chat while subtly signaling an aide to eavesdrop. Lv Xian and Lin Ling conversed casually while secretly exchanging messages on their phones.

Lin Ling typed that she couldn't reach Yan Tuo and that Lin Xirou claimed he had an infectious disease. Lv Xian typed back, dismissing it as "pure nonsense" and reassuring Lin Ling that Yan Tuo was likely safe as long as he was home, advising her to stay calm and prepare for him to take her away soon. Lin Ling then revealed that Lin Xirou planned to go on a business trip next week and had grounded her.

Lv Xian promised he would bring her medicine then and that Yan Tuo would be taken care of. Lv Xian immediately called Nie Jiuluo, informing her that Lin Ling confirmed Yan Tuo was confined at home. Nie Jiuluo noted that Lin Xirou's stable personality suggested there might still be room to maneuver. Lv Xian relayed Lin Ling's information about the upcoming business trip, suggesting it could be their opportunity.

Meanwhile, Xing Shen, listening to a man recite from the "Turquoise Land Chronicles," learned that "Earth Fiends fear light. . . On moonless new moon nights, Earth Fiends conduct crucial matters." He realized that the next new moon would fall on the following Wednesday, the same week Lin Xirou was expected to travel. The next day, Nie Jiuluo and Lv Xian met again.

Nie Jiuluo had already told Xing Shen that Lin Xirou’s trip was critical and that she would attempt to rescue Yan Tuo while the Hunters captured the four Earth Fiends. She now informed Lv Xian that Lin Xirou would likely leave next Wednesday. Lv Xian agreed to try and confirm the exact timing with Lin Ling to coordinate her rescue.

With a mix of exasperation and affection, Lv Xian remarked that he understood her and Yan Tuo's methods of asking for more help after thanking him, playfully asking if they were a "couple." Nie Jiuluo simply declined his offer of tea and departed, ready for the crucial operation. Elsewhere, the South Mountain Hunters reiterated their oath: "No fiends in South Mountain, peace for all living things."

Episode 20 Recap

Yan Tuo, confined to his room, had been on a hunger strike for days, accumulating untouched meal boxes. His suppressed anger finally erupted as he violently smashed the glass with his bare hands, startling everyone. His subordinates, terrified, rushed to report the incident to Lin Xirou. At the same time, Lin Xirou was preparing to leave for her own affairs, which provided Lin Ling with the perfect opportunity to discreetly relay information to Lv Xian.

Xiong Hei informed Lin Xirou about Yan Tuo's self-harm, but she responded coldly, stating that as long as he was alive, nothing else mattered. Meanwhile, Lv Xian arrived, ostensibly to deliver tonic herbs to Lin Xirou, but in reality, to visit Lin Ling. Lin Ling, feigning boredom, persuaded her caretaker, Sis, to let Lv Xian stay for dinner, remarking that she found eating alone quite dull.

Lv Xian ate heartily while recounting his failed attempts at making pour-over coffee, finding the process too complicated. Lin Ling, however, enthusiastically shared her newfound passion for mixology and offered to make a special drink for him. As Lin Ling went to retrieve ingredients, a concerned Sis followed her. Lin Ling seized the opportunity to ask Sis her opinion of Lv Xian, admitting she initially disliked him but had come to find him approachable.

To create a distraction, Lin Ling then deliberately cut her hand while preparing ice and feigned a dizzy spell. Concurrently, the South Mountain Hunters were executing their plan. Disguised in various roles, they closed in on the Earth Fiends. One team posed as birdwatchers, taking a taxi to Beishan Park and confirming their target when they heard the fiends' distinctive cries.

Xing Shen and Big Head infiltrated a noodle shop, questioning the proprietor about the "meat" in their noodles, hinting at cannibalism. Another hunter used an art class as a cover to confront an Earth Fiend disguised as a teacher. Elsewhere, Lin Xirou, accompanied by Xiong Hei, arrived at a secluded mountain cave where a mysterious substance, Yuwang Meat, was raised from the depths.

Xing Shen and Big Head successfully apprehended one Earth Fiend, while Quecha and Yu Rong subdued another in a fierce battle. Lin Xirou eagerly collected the scattered Yuwang Meat, noting its power to consume other substances. She planned to use it to revive another Earth Fiend and enhance its strength. Lin Ling’s feigned fainting threw the household into chaos. Thinking quickly, Lv Xian sent Sis to a back room for medical supplies.

As Sis entered, Nie Jiuluo, who had been lying in wait, swiftly knocked her unconscious. To clear himself of suspicion, Lv Xian gave his car keys to Nie Jiuluo, telling her the vehicle had been checked for tracking devices. Nie Jiuluo then knocked Lv Xian out as well, allowing Lin Ling to leave her necklace behind to simulate a kidnapping. Nie Jiuluo and Lin Ling quickly fled.

On their way, Lin Ling guessed Nie Jiuluo was special to Yan Tuo, as he would only entrust her to someone he trusted deeply. She revealed that Yan Tuo was confined at home because Lin Xirou had likely discovered something. Nie Jiuluo promised to rescue Yan Tuo after getting Lin Ling to safety. Their relief grew when they received a message from Xing Shen confirming the successful capture of four Earth Fiends.

After regaining consciousness, Sis immediately contacted Lin Xirou to report Lin Ling's abduction. Upon returning home, Lin Xirou found Lv Xian unconscious and seriously injured. She grew suspicious, recalling that Sis had told her Lv Xian had insisted on taking Lin Ling to Wanbao Tower for treatment. Now believing he may have orchestrated the event, she instructed her men to watch him closely.

Nie Jiuluo entrusted the injured Lin Ling to Mr. Changxi, who playfully remarked that every girl connected to Yan Tuo seems to end up at his place for recovery. Lin Ling confided in Nie Jiuluo that after wanting to escape for so long, she now felt lost. Nie Jiuluo encouraged her to embrace her new freedom. At the South Mountain Hunter base, the four captured Earth Fiends were securely held as the hunters awaited Lin Xirou's next move.

Episode 21 Recap

The meticulously planned operation concluded successfully, meeting all its objectives. To celebrate their hard-won victory, Quecha joyfully prepared soul-reviving noodles for everyone. As they enjoyed the meal with some lighthearted banter, Lin Xirou, using Jiang Baichuan's phone, contacted Xing Shen. She inquired about her captured companions, to which Xing Shen replied that while the Earth Fiends were resilient, his impatient hunters might lose control if the situation dragged on.

Lin Xirou, in turn, highlighted that Jiang Baichuan was not as tough as the Earth Fiends and proposed a direct exchange: Jiang Baichuan and four hunters she held captive for her four companions. She also asked for Lin Ling, but Xing Shen denied knowing her whereabouts. Xing Shen then countered, offering not only the four Earth Fiends but also an old acquaintance of hers, Chen Fu, as additional bargaining chips.

He then introduced a crucial demand: Yan Tuo must also be part of the exchange. Lin Xirou was visibly enraged by this condition, her barely contained fury causing nearby objects to tremble slightly. Meanwhile, Feng Mi visited Yan Tuo, bringing him food and expressing her deep concern, as he had refused meals earlier. Yan Tuo, looking gaunt and disheveled, asked for a mirror to see if he still looked human.

Feng Mi, deeply saddened, questioned if throwing away his life was truly worth it. Yan Tuo confided that he had believed she would be the one person to trust him, but Feng Mi asked how she could after everything that had happened. Lin Xirou then burst in, furious, and confronted Yan Tuo. She demanded to know when he started colluding with the South Mountain Hunters and revealed that they were proposing an exchange that specifically requested him.

Yan Tuo was stunned. Lin Xirou recounted a childhood anecdote about him lying over money for a CD, highlighting his past deceit and her philosophy of openly pursuing desires, but now declared she was done giving him chances. Yan Tuo, in turn, apologized, asserting he had always considered her family and genuinely wanted to live peacefully with her. However, he disclosed that reading a diary had exposed her as his parents' killer.

He vehemently stated she was unworthy of the name Lin Xirou or even a human name. Seizing an opportunity, Yan Tuo quickly pulled a needle from his bracelet and, catching Lin Xirou off guard, slashed her face. Lin Xirou's expression immediately darkened with terrifying rage. Separately, Xing Shen called Nie Jiuluo to inform her about the hostage exchange. He explained that Lin Xirou, using Jiang Baichuan's phone, had called to negotiate.

He also mentioned that he had already secured Lin Ling in a safe location and could use her as leverage. Nie Jiuluo was surprised to hear Lin Xirou mention Lin Ling, as she hadn't known of her rescue. Xing Shen then revealed he had added Yan Tuo to the exchange terms, believing this was a way to rescue him from Lin Xirou's confinement.

Nie Jiuluo was enraged, arguing that Lin Xirou already suspected Yan Tuo, and this move would only confirm his betrayal, putting his life in grave danger. Xing Shen defended his action by saying it would create confusion for the enemy, but Nie Jiuluo accused him of acting solely out of self-interest. That night, Nie Jiuluo stealthily entered Yan Tuo's home, finding it empty.

A stark bloodstain on the floor made her heart sink, confirming her suspicion that Yan Tuo had been severely wounded and taken away. The following day, she awoke from a nightmare, deeply worried about Yan Tuo's safety. Gazing at a sculpture she created, her resolve hardened. She decided to investigate every asset of Roushan Group to uncover Yan Tuo's whereabouts, determined to find him.

She then instructed Big Head to thoroughly investigate Roushan Group's assets, emphasizing the need for detailed information. Yan Tuo was taken to a deep, dark cave, Lin Xirou's former dwelling, perpetually devoid of sunlight and filled with an eerie atmosphere. There, Lin Xirou conversed with Yan Tuo about humanity's fear of the unknown.

Yan Tuo questioned her desire to be human given her disdain for them, to which she explained her kind also feared the dark and would do anything for their kin's peace. Yan Tuo challenged this, pointing out humans earned their rights through effort, not bloodshed. Lin Xirou countered by criticizing humanity's destructive tendencies, lamenting that her simple wish for a sunlit home was condemned as evil.

She then informed him that this dark place, her origin, would now be his home. Yan Tuo, however, felt he had no home left. Lin Xirou admitted he was the only reason she could maintain her human pretense and that without him, she too lost her home. She absolved him of blame for his deceptions, attributing them to her own self-deception.

From this point, she declared an end to such illusions, dismissing the concept of "home" and affirming her primary allegiance to her own kind and clan, thereby drawing an unequivocal line between humans and fiends. Meanwhile, the wound on Lin Xirou's face worsened. Xiong Hei observed her injury, and she explained that it served as a constant reminder never to trust humans again. She had also put her snake necklace back on.

Lin Xirou then informed Xiong Hei that she had deployed all her available personnel to search for Lin Ling. Xiong Hei pledged to find Lin Ling, but Lin Xirou replied somberly, "I hope it's not too late." Elsewhere, Xing Shen made a startling discovery during his research. Prompted by a colleague's question, Xing Shen theorized that Earth Fiends originated from the genetic fusion of humans and other species.

He deduced that Lin Xirou intended to use Yuwang Meat, which possessed the dual capability of both fusing and stripping genes, to reverse the process and revert to being fully human. Xing Shen realized the profound implications of Yuwang Meat's dual nature, capable of both immense good and terrible evil. As the New Year approached, Quecha distributed festive gifts, bringing cheer to the gathering. Amidst the celebrations, Nie Jiuluo arrived.

Unrecognized by many newcomers, she drew her Mad Blade and formally introduced herself as the current Mad Blade. She explained her complicated history, including the loss of her parents and mentor, her initial desire to leave the Hunter life, and how she secretly inherited the Mad Blade mantle, keeping her identity hidden as per tradition, with only Jiang Baichuan and Xing Shen knowing. She admitted to once believing Earth Fiends were a relic of the past.

However, she now revealed that all critical intelligence and progress against the humanoid Earth Fiends had come from Yan Tuo, who had risked his life to assist them. With Yan Tuo now missing, and their collaboration potentially exposed, maintaining her hidden identity was futile. Therefore, she chose to return, reveal herself, and unite with the South Mountain Hunters, noting their current possession of four Earth Fiends offered a strategic advantage.

Xing Shen privately confronted Nie Jiuluo, accusing her of returning out of personal feelings for Yan Tuo, rather than for the collective good. He questioned Yan Tuo's innocence, suggesting his only motive was revenge, with no regard for the lives of the hunters. Nie Jiuluo retorted sharply, asking if his deliberate betrayal of Yan Tuo had achieved any positive outcomes.

Their heated argument was cut short by Yu Rong, who intervened, reminding them that such internal discord, especially with Mad Dog, Mad Blade, and Ghost Whip finally united, would lead to certain defeat. Yu Rong emphasized that despite differing goals, they must find a common path: confronting Lin Xirou to rescue both Jiang Baichuan and Yan Tuo. Xing Shen then announced they could not wait for Lin Xirou's response and must take decisive action.

Yu Rong elaborated on the first part of the plan: since Lin Ling was vital to Lin Xirou, her capture would prompt a frantic search, and Nie Jiuluo would try to convince Lin Ling to move to their base for better protection.

Xing Shen then assigned Yu Rong to further interrogate the five captured Earth Fiends for more intelligence, while Big Head and Shan Qiang were tasked with a comprehensive search of Roushan Group's assets to pinpoint Yan Tuo's location and launch an immediate rescue. Xing Shen apologized to everyone, acknowledging that their New Year would not be peaceful.

Shortly after, Nie Er, an old acquaintance, approached Nie Jiuluo with candy, welcoming her back and chanting an old South Mountain rhyme, signifying the full assembly of the South Mountain Hunters.

Episode 22 Recap

Yan Tuo, held captive for days in the desolate old Roadsound Mining site, was running out of water when Feng Mi arrived with food. She expressed concern for his deteriorating condition, urging him to reveal information about his cooperation with the South Mountain Hunters and Lin Ling's whereabouts, believing Lin Xirou might show him mercy. However, Yan Tuo remained steadfast, refusing to betray Nie Jiuluo, and asked if Lin Xirou had sent her to persuade him.

He noted he had lost track of days and nights in captivity, unaware it was just over ten days until Chinese New Year. Feng Mi offered him a tangerine, wishing him good fortune. Meanwhile, Lin Xirou's facial injury continued to worsen, defying all attempts at treatment and intensifying her rage. Elsewhere, Yu Rong, while training Sun Shifu, noticed the name "Qiao Ya" carved into a wall.

This led her to believe that despite his altered state, Sun Shifu still retained a trace of his former humanity, as Qiao Ya was his girlfriend. Lin Ling had grown fond of Mr. Changxi's bustling dumpling shop, happily helping with daily tasks. When Nie Jiuluo suggested moving her to a safer location, Lin Ling was visibly reluctant, having grown accustomed to her new life.

Nie Jiuluo, understanding Lin Ling's feelings, decided to stay at the dumpling shop with her for a while, reassuring her of safety, and requested Mr. Changxi's continued hospitality. He happily agreed, noting how much he enjoyed having company in his shop. Trapped in the damp, dark underground cave, Yan Tuo drifted into a dream where a warm sunbeam touched his face and Nie Jiuluo appeared, smiling, whom he embraced tightly.

He awoke to find Lin Xirou standing before him with dumplings, informing him that it was Chinese New Year's Eve. Yan Tuo sarcastically remarked on what an eventful year it had been, recalling the legend of the Nian monster that preyed on people on New Year's Eve but feared fire, red, and firecrackers. He expressed a desire to set off firecrackers to drive away "monsters" like her, suggesting that even without wearing red, her own eyes would soon run red.

Lin Xirou, undeterred, told him this might be his last New Year's Eve dinner and offered him "farewell dumplings." Yan Tuo declared he didn't need her to see him off, to which Lin Xirou chillingly responded that he wouldn't be alone. She threatened to ensure all South Mountain Hunters, including Mad Blade who gave him the needle, would accompany him on his final journey.

In their ongoing experiments, Crazy and Xing Shen discovered that Yuwang Meat possessed the unique ability to engulf and fuse genes. Citing an incident where a hunter's dogs transformed into hybrid creatures after consuming Yuwang Meat and preying on hares, they concluded that Yuwang Meat contains microorganisms enabling stable genetic fusion. Observing cellular changes in a spider that consumed a bug, they theorized that Earth Fiends are products of cross-species gene fusion, created by Roadsound Group for their illicit experiments.

They inferred that Roadsound Pharmaceuticals was merely a front for Lin Xirou's true objective: exploiting Yuwang Meat to transform Earth Fiends into humans. Lin Xirou confronted Lv Xian at his clinic, questioning the circumstances of Lin Ling's abduction from his establishment. Lv Xian defended himself, explaining that Sis was with Lin Ling at the time, and due to the urgent nature of Lin Ling's injury, he hadn't thought twice about bringing her there.

He recounted being knocked out during the abduction, claiming his arm was severely twisted and he was still in pain. Lin Xirou remained skeptical, accusing him of prioritizing his career over loyalty. Under pressure, Lv Xian confessed his feelings for Lin Ling were not pure, admitting he saw marriage to her as a way to secure his position within the Roadsound Group and advance his career. He boldly stated that while love might be fleeting, the Roadsound Group would endure.

Lin Xirou seemed to provisionally accept his explanation, and her subordinate assured her they would keep Lv Xian under constant surveillance and maintain contact regarding Lin Ling. Lv Xian agreed to cooperate, stating he would close his clinic to focus on finding Lin Ling. As Chinese New Year approached, Mr. Changxi's dumpling shop was bustling with customers. Yu Rong arrived, discreetly informing Nie Jiuluo that several long-abandoned Roadsound mining sites showed recent activity, indicating something suspicious was happening.

She mentioned that Xing Shen had sent her to check on Nie Jiuluo and Lin Ling, adding that Shan Qiang was already investigating these suspicious locations. Nie Jiuluo questioned if these sites could be where Yan Tuo and Jiang were hidden, but Yu Rong confirmed they were still investigating. On the same night, a suspicious individual was seen loitering outside Mr. Changxi's shop, secretly taking photos of Lin Ling.

The next day, Mr. Changxi gave Nie Jiuluo and Lin Ling red envelopes for Chinese New Year, telling Nie Jiuluo to hold one for Yan Tuo. Lin Ling was deeply moved, receiving lucky money for the very first time. While searching for a snack tray, they found old photographs, including one of Mr. Changxi with former mining coworkers. Mr. Changxi identified one man as Li Ergou, a former colleague with sticky fingers who stole from the mine and fled.

Yan Tuo's kind father, out of compassion for Li Ergou's struggling family, not only chose not to pursue him but also hired Li Ergou's sister as a housekeeper. Nie Jiuluo quickly realized that this sister, Li Shuangxiu, was the woman who later became a nanny in Yan Tuo's home, and whose poor character ultimately led to the tragic ruin of Yan Tuo's family. Yan Tuo had previously revealed that this woman had stolen his mother's name and was now Lin Xirou, the head of the Roadsound Group.

Episode 23 Recap

Changxi recounted to Nie Jiuluo and Lin Ling the unsettling events surrounding Li Ergou. Li Ergou had stolen money from the mine and disappeared without a trace, despite extensive searches by the workers. Yan Tuo's father, Yan Dashan, a kind-hearted man, chose not to press charges and, out of pity for Li Ergou's family, hired Li Ergou's cousin, Li Shuangxiu, as a nanny.

Rumors soon began to circulate about Yan Dashan and Li Shuangxiu, prompting a suspicious Lin Xirou to question Changxi about their relationship, though he reassured her there was nothing amiss. One day, a panicked Lin Xirou called Changxi, confessing that she had argued with Li Shuangxiu and pushed her into a bathtub, believing she had died. Yan Dashan decided to conceal the incident, instructing Changxi and his wife to claim they were at the mine with their children if questioned.

Yan Dashan and Lin Xirou then buried Li Shuangxiu in the mountains. Lin Xirou later turned herself in, but the police, unable to find a body, dismissed her report and suggested she might be mentally unstable. To their horror, Li Shuangxiu later reappeared alive. Convinced that Li Shuangxiu was not human and had "latched onto their family," Lin Xirou became terrified for her children's safety and desperately wanted to leave Youtang.

Changxi tried to persuade her that Li Shuangxiu might have only been in an electric shock-induced coma and advised them to apologize and offer compensation. However, Lin Xirou remained resolute, believing the woman to be a malevolent entity. After this, Yan Tuo's mother stopped Changxi from visiting. Some time later, Changxi encountered an emaciated Lin Xirou at the hospital.

She revealed that Li Shuangxiu was coercing Yan Dashan to draft a will, leaving all his family assets and the mine to her, using Yan Tuo as leverage. Shortly after this revelation, Yan Dashan passed away. Changxi reflected on the unsettling fact that a will only takes effect after death.

Yan Tuo's mother, as if foreseeing her own fate, had entrusted Changxi with her diary, instructing him to give it to Yan Tuo once he was old enough to handle such weighty matters. Changxi eventually gave the diary to Yan Tuo when he went to university, believing he was mature enough. Changxi expressed his trust in Nie Jiuluo and Yu Rong, acknowledging Yan Tuo's struggles and considering them family.

Suddenly, Xiong Hei and his gang stormed into Changxi Dumplings, vandalizing the establishment. Yu Rong, who was downstairs, immediately engaged them. Seeing the imminent danger, Nie Jiuluo quickly urged Changxi to take Lin Ling upstairs to safety, then rushed down to assist Yu Rong. Xiong Hei had prepared by blocking his ears, making Yu Rong's whip attacks less effective until she managed to dislodge his earplugs. Meanwhile, Nie Jiuluo fought off the other Earth Fiends.

As the Earth Fiends began to falter, Xing Shen unexpectedly arrived, causing Xiong Hei and his entire group to flee in terror. After the attackers fled, Changxi slowly came downstairs, surveying the wrecked dumpling shop. Without needing an explanation, he understood the gravity of the situation. Nie Jiuluo concluded that the dumpling shop was no longer safe and insisted that Changxi and Lin Ling come stay at her home.

Changxi readily agreed, stating he would go anywhere that helped Nie Jiuluo and Yan Tuo, and he trusted them completely, not needing an explanation. He even made light of the damage, saying "broken things symbolize safety and peace" for the new year, and that Yan Tuo could buy new furniture when he returned. At Nie Jiuluo's residence, Lu greeted them, once again jokingly mistaking Changxi for a delivery person.

Lin Ling introduced herself, and Lu praised Changxi's delicious dumplings, which Changxi humorously corrected, clarifying he had no daughter. Nie Jiuluo then asked Lu to take good care of Changxi and Lin Ling as she would be away for a few days. Meanwhile, Lin Xirou, angered by the failed mission, was reviewing photos of potential "blood bags" for You Peng. After selecting a large man, she was informed that the mine operations were proceeding normally.

Later, Yu Rong and Nie Jiuluo discussed the situation. Yu Rong theorized that if Li Ergou was Lin Xirou's initial blood bag, then Lin Ling was likely his blood relative. Nie Jiuluo then remembered Lin Ling's peculiar reaction to Li Ergou's photograph. Xing Shen's investigation confirmed that Li Ergou was indeed Lin Ling's biological brother.

Xing Shen further revealed the grim truth: after establishing herself, Lin Xirou had located Li Ergou's divorced parents and offered them a substantial sum to conceive more children, promising to take any offspring, male or female, to ensure her blood bag supply. They only had Lin Ling before perishing in a car accident, a consequence of their disputes over the money. Lin Ling's very existence, therefore, was a mere transaction, a "tool" for Lin Xirou to cultivate future blood bags.

Yu Rong pondered whether this was a stroke of luck or a tragedy, but Nie Jiuluo concluded that, as Yan Tuo once said, sometimes being oblivious brings a more carefree life, and resolved to keep this painful truth hidden from Lin Ling. Meanwhile, Big Head and a companion, disguised as safety inspectors from the "Xicang Mining Safety Administration" under the name Liu Zhengming, arrived at Roadsound Mining Bureau.

Although the staff member on duty grew suspicious and requested their identification, Big Head swiftly incapacitated him. Before heading to the mine, Nie Jiuluo and Yu Rong discussed their next steps. Yu Rong expressed concern about Nie Jiuluo taking unnecessary risks, but Nie Jiuluo clarified that her commitment was not only to Jiang and South Mountain but also to Yan Tuo, whom she considered family. Yu Rong conceded, promising to show Yan Tuo respect.

They proceeded to investigate the Youtang mine together, a location that Big Head and Shan Qiang had discovered showed signs of recent activity and was regularly visited by Lin Xirou and her followers. Upon entering the Youtang mine premises, Nie Jiuluo and Yu Rong found an abandoned house. Inside, they discovered a faded photograph of a young Yan Tuo with his parents. Noticing a clean keyhole, Yu Rong skillfully pried open the lock to a nearby cave entrance.

As they prepared to descend into the deep and potentially dangerous mine via an elevator, Yu Rong, sensing the unknown dangers ahead, asked Nie Jiuluo if she was truly prepared, offering to face it alone if needed. Nie Jiuluo, holding her Mad Blade and Yu Rong gripping her whip, affirmed their readiness, aware of the mysterious and perilous atmosphere that permeated the depths of the cave.

Episode 24 Recap

Nie Jiuluo and Yu Rong cautiously navigated the deep, silent Joushan mine, staying vigilant. Despite their careful steps, a mysterious figure followed them unnoticed. Deep within the mine, Nie Jiuluo discovered Yan Tuo in an iron cage, barely alive and hallucinating, mistaking her for a vision. As Nie Jiuluo tried to rouse him, a cunning Earth Fiend ambushed an unsuspecting Yu Rong. Telling Yan Tuo to wait for her to return, Nie Jiuluo joined the fray.

Yu Rong quickly drew her whip, and though its sound startled the Earth Fiend, the creature was formidable. After a fierce struggle, Nie Jiuluo and Yu Rong managed to defeat it. After Yan Tuo was rescued, he was extremely weak and rested in the car, silent and melancholic. Yu Rong suggested a hospital visit, but Yan Tuo declined. He tried to speak about Sun Zhou, but Yu Rong reassured him that no explanation was needed, assuming the decision wasn't his.

She decided to take him home first. Meanwhile, Xing Shen's assistant offered him dinner, but he refused to go inside, preferring to have it brought to him. In the car, noticing Yan Tuo's withdrawn state, Nie Jiuluo deliberately engaged Yu Rong in a discussion about Lin Xirou's transformation. Nie Jiuluo speculated that Lin Xirou's ability to maintain human form for two decades might depend on more than just blood bags, suggesting a deeper reason.

Yu Rong agreed, noting the transformation couldn't be simple and that the recorded number of humanoid Earth Fiends might not be the complete count. As they parted ways with Xing Shen's group, Yu Rong advised Nie Jiuluo not to blame Xing Shen for his choices, explaining that his actions, while not ideal, were for the good of South Mountain. Back at the house, they helped the weak Yan Tuo inside. Lu expressed shock at his condition.

Nie Jiuluo fabricated a story, claiming Yan Tuo had been kidnapped by business rivals and imprisoned in a coal mine. She discreetly asked Lu to keep this a secret from Lin Ling and Mr. Changxi—who were now staying there for safety—and to take good care of Yan Tuo to help him recover. Yan Tuo later saw his haggard reflection in the bathroom mirror, filling him with self-reproach for the worry he had caused Nie Jiuluo.

Meanwhile, Nie Jiuluo skillfully prepared a meal for him in the kitchen. Lu, noting she'd never seen Nie Jiuluo cook, offered to help, but Nie Jiuluo insisted, worried he was starving. She brought a steaming bowl of noodles to his room and knocked. Startled, Yan Tuo opened the door cautiously, his expression tense and vigilant, but remained silent.

As he ate, Nie Jiuluo gently straightened his clothes and discovered the lucky star she had once given him, suspecting he had held onto it for strength. He looked at her, and she returned the star to him. He thanked her in a low voice before retreating back into his room. Nie Jiuluo silently reflected that she had always been his greatest help, and now, with the line between human and fiend clearly drawn, that would not happen again.

Separately, Yu Rong recounted their experience to Xing Shen, describing the strange mine and speculating that it serves as a transitional hub for newly transformed Earth Fiends to adapt to the surface. She explained that the urgent situation with Yan Tuo forced them to leave before investigating further. Xing Shen understood the mine's critical importance to Lin Xirou and saw it as a location to strategically exploit.

Yu Rong also informed him that she had seen Sun Zhou in the mine and that he was now dead. A tense conversation followed about Xing Shen's original plan for Sun Zhou. Yu Rong clarified that Sun Zhou had retained some humanity and helped them fight a large, partially transformed Earth Fiend—a creature in an intermediate state between humanoid and primal—before he died. Without his help, they wouldn't have defeated the creature or rescued Yan Tuo.

Xing Shen concluded that the mine was vital to the Earth Fiends and must be used to their advantage, then dismissed Yu Rong. Later, having found Yan Tuo's family photo during the rescue, a curious and emotional Nie Jiuluo went to his room. She found him awake, his clothes soaked in sweat from a nightmare. He stared vacantly out the window, lost in painful memories. When she asked why he wasn't sleeping, he replied that he was exhausted but couldn't.

Episode 25 Recap

Nie Jiuluo gently lit an Azure Scale Incense for Yan Tuo, explaining that South Mountain Hunters used it to aid sleep in rough terrain. Yan Tuo inhaled deeply, noting its nostalgic scent from his childhood. He commented that if he had this incense in the mine, his ordeal would have been more bearable. Nie Jiuluo apologized for not rescuing him sooner, acknowledging his suffering.

Yan Tuo replied that physical pain was tolerable, but the crushing hopelessness was what truly consumed him, a feeling of being trapped just as his mother had been years ago. He then recounted a painful memory: his mother taking him and his sister, Xinxin, to the train station to flee their home. His father had instructed them to take the earliest train, but his mother chose a later one, hoping their father would join them.

While waiting, he and Xinxin wandered off after seeing ducklings, and in the chaos, his sister disappeared. He only learned the full truth years later when Mr. Changxi gave him his mother’s diary. He recalled a heartbreaking scene where his mother knelt before Li Shuangxiu, begging for Xinxin's return. Li Shuangxiu, however, demanded their family properties, including Yan Huanshan and Roadsound Mine, and maliciously ordered his mother to disappear.

Hearing this, Yan Tuo noted that Mr. Changxi trusted him with the full story, and Nie Jiuluo added that Lu trusted her just as much, leading Yan Tuo to conclude they were both trustworthy people. Nie Jiuluo then shared her own childhood trauma, explaining her fear of water. She revealed that her mother, a South Mountain Hunter, never returned from a patrol twenty years ago after an encounter with an Earth Fiend.

Her father, consumed by grief, often spoke of finding her, which terrified young Nie Jiuluo, who feared he would leave her too. She vividly recalled a day by the lake with her father, where he sent her to buy ice pops, his final kiss a silent farewell. Upon her return, his boat was empty. Though her father was eventually rescued, he became a different person, shutting himself in and refusing to eat, eventually diagnosed with severe depression.

Nie Jiuluo lamented that, in the end, she couldn't keep him from succumbing to his grief. Seeing Nie Jiuluo distressed, Yan Tuo gently massaged her Laogong acupoint, a method his mother had taught him to use when he was nervous before a school presentation. Nie Jiuluo admitted it felt effective, jokingly calling him "Dr. Yan."

Yan Tuo dismissed the title, acknowledging they were "kindred spirits" who lost their parents young, but Nie Jiuluo quickly corrected him, finding the term "therapy buddies" ill-omened. Meanwhile, Xing Shen ventured alone into Roadsound Mine. He cautiously navigated the tunnels and discovered the corpse of a humanoid Earth Fiend, along with Sun Zhou’s body. He confirmed with a subordinate via phone that the Earth Fiend was likely You Peng from their files.

Xing Shen noted that Lin Xirou was probably unaware of the situation, as Shan Qiang was using a confiscated phone to send fake updates, but it wouldn't last. He dismissed the idea of cleaning up the scene, implying a new plan was in motion. Deeper inside, he forced open a locked area and found Yuwang Meat in the water.

Back at base, Xing Shen read from the "South Mountain Hunters' Miscellany" about the "South Mountain Ocarina," an instrument crafted from Turquoise Land soil and tempered by natural fire. He read that its profound sound could summon fiends from the underworld, symbolizing "Humans and fiends sharing paths, merging into South Mountain." When asked, he revealed the book indicated the ocarina was located in Village Four.

At the same time, Lv Xian sat contemplating Lin Ling, repeatedly typing and deleting messages to her on his phone, unable to bring himself to send them. Yan Tuo slowly opened a gift from Nie Jiuluo: a box containing a heartwarming family photo and his favorite fruits. Later, he began exercising secretly, determined to recover. Meanwhile, Feng Mi and Xiong Hei arrived menacingly at Roadsound Mine.

Discovering the dead Earth Fiend and realizing Yan Tuo had been rescued, they were enraged. Xing Shen, after his discoveries, proceeded to Village Four in the desert, finding it desolate. That evening, Lu prepared a hot pot for everyone. Lin Ling and Mr. Changxi arrived. Yan Tuo, after a moment of hesitation, emerged from his room. He asked for a haircut, and Lu agreed but insisted he eat first.

Nie Jiuluo then cut his hair, remarking that haircutting was a form of sculpture as she carefully shaped it. He thanked her and shaved his beard himself, then joined everyone for the meal. During the hot pot, they watched a meteor shower, and Lin Ling exchanged text messages with Lv Xian, wishing him well. As shooting stars filled the sky, someone reminded them to make a wish. Yan Tuo looked at Nie Jiuluo with gratitude and thanked her, to which she simply replied, "You're welcome."

Episode 26 Recap

Yan Tuo meticulously repaired the delicate bracelet Nie Jiuluo had given him, weaving his heartfelt sentiments into every pattern. He also thoughtfully wrote his true feelings inside a lucky star. Meanwhile, Nie Jiuluo, with tenderness, folded a star of her own, silently conveying her emotions. The two made a shared wish, a beacon illuminating their hearts. The next day, Nie Jiuluo overheard Xing Shen's urgent call after he received a secret signal and met with him privately.

Xing Shen expressed his unease, noting that despite Yan Tuo's rescue, Lin Xirou had remained silent, which he found unsettling. Nie Jiuluo assured him she would be careful. Concerned about Lin Xirou, who had lost her leverage, Xing Shen offered to move Lin Ling and Mr. Changxi to the South Mountain base to alleviate Nie Jiuluo's pressure. However, Nie Jiuluo declined, stating that the base was unsuitable for them and that she could handle the situation for now.

Xing Shen warned that with Lin Xirou having no more cards to play, there was no telling what she might do. Nie Jiuluo acknowledged this, asking him to keep her updated. Xing Shen then suggested that Nie Jiuluo join the Hunters' upcoming operation, dismissing her question about pity and clarifying it was an invitation.

Nie Jiuluo admitted she found it difficult to fully integrate with them, but Xing Shen reassured her by explaining how different species, like badgers and coyotes, collaborate for better outcomes. Inspired, Nie Jiuluo reflected on how her life had revolved around Jiang Baichuan, and how she once thought she would fall apart without him. Now, she realized that even a "badger hiding underground" could find good "coyote friends," referring to her newfound allies.

Later that day, the kitchen was filled with warmth as Yan Tuo, Lin Ling, and Mr. Changxi bustled about, joined by Ms. Lu. Mr. Changxi joked about the fridge being full, prompting Yan Tuo to mention he was making wontons this time. Lin Ling asked Yan Tuo for help with chopping scallions, while Mr. Changxi playfully commented on the lively atmosphere, a stark contrast to his past complaints of loneliness.

Yan Tuo reminisced about making various types of instant noodles for Lin Ling when they were younger, as their parents were often absent. Nie Jiuluo watched this harmonious scene unfold, feeling a sense of comfort. During dinner, a friend, Mr. Lu, called Nie Jiuluo, inquiring about her preparations for an upcoming sculpture showcase exhibition at the Lawrence Art Gallery.

Lin Ling, unfamiliar with the term, asked about it, and Yan Tuo explained it was a joint exhibition featuring promising new sculptors. Nie Jiuluo expressed her doubts, feeling she had no exceptional pieces for the exhibition and that a joint show meant she still needed to work harder. Mr. Lu, on the phone, urged her not to be modest, emphasizing that it was a rare opportunity among rising stars.

He offered to submit her "Hermit Duck" piece if she couldn't decide, cautioning her that indulging her whims might lead to missed opportunities, especially given their perceived limited talent. The call ended before he finished. Later, Mr. Changxi attempted to teach Lin Ling the Baduanjin exercises for internal wellness. Yan Tuo teasingly dismissed the traditional exercises as only suitable for Mr. Changxi and Ms. Lu, suggesting strength training instead.

Mr. Changxi retorted that Yan Tuo's muscles were just for show, and true conditioning came from within, criticizing Yan Tuo for not understanding these "ancestral treasures." He then encouraged Lin Ling to follow his lead. Nie Jiuluo, lost in thought, confessed to Yan Tuo her self-doubt about her sculpting talent, especially after the conversation about the exhibition.

Yan Tuo gently consoled her, suggesting she shouldn't force herself to participate and playfully flattered her, saying she was beautiful, skilled, intelligent, compassionate, and an excellent judge of character. Nie Jiuluo dismissed his compliments, saying she knew her limitations. Yan Tuo then encouraged her, stating that hard work always pays off. He proudly noted his own rapid recovery from daily exercise, even feeling bodyweight workouts were no longer enough, and jokingly asked if there were any gyms nearby.

Nie Jiuluo warned him not to overexert himself so soon after recovery. She reminisced about their childhood training, where they used makeshift equipment like buckets, logs, stones, tires, and even each other as "training partners." In a moment of playful intimacy, Nie Jiuluo hopped onto Yan Tuo's back as he attempted push-ups, leading to a humorous exchange about counting reps and keeping balance. Meanwhile, Lin Xirou sent a message to the Earth Fiends, which Nie Jiuluo and Xing Shen intercepted.

In her message, Lin Xirou claimed she had tried to coexist peacefully with the South Mountain Hunters but found it to be wishful thinking. She declared her intention to force a confrontation, inviting them to Twilight Chasm, their first meeting place under the Golden Gate, in ten days. She vowed to bring everyone she had captured, including Jiang Baichuan and other South Mountain Hunters, and demanded they bring their own captives for a face-to-face meeting.

Lin Xirou chillingly declared she had plenty of time and would "care for" the Hunters' families and descendants in their stead, mocking their duties. She then addressed Yan Tuo directly, claiming he had heard her sincere words and twisting history by saying his father would be happy about his mine becoming Roadsound Group.

She accused Yan Tuo's mother of attempting to kill her and claimed she had raised Yan Tuo, who now, like a "little snake," was biting the hand that fed him. Lin Xirou then delivered a cruel blow, stating that since Yan Tuo was so heartless, he must not care about Yan Xin, and threatened to bring Yan Xin, Jiang Baichuan, and the other Hunters to Twilight Chasm to be "feasted upon" by her long-imprisoned kin.

She concluded by hoping to see Yan Tuo and her "old friends" from South Mountain again, but if not, this would be their farewell. Nie Jiuluo immediately sent a voice message, accepting the invitation and stating that both she and Yan Tuo would attend. Privately, Nie Jiuluo discussed with Yan Tuo that Lin Xirou's sudden mention of Yan Xin was merely a test, as there had been no prior evidence of Yan Xin being in her custody.

She pointed out that Jiang Baichuan and the other Hunters had always been bait. Nie Jiuluo told Yan Tuo that this was more than a simple hostage exchange; it was time for a definitive end, not just for them but for Yan Tuo as well. At the South Mountain base, the Hunters reacted to Lin Xirou's message. Some believed it was a trap, while others thought it was an act of desperation, an opportunity to wipe them all out.

However, one cautioned that a wounded beast, especially a female carnivore who had lost her cub, was most dangerous. Nie Jiuluo confirmed that Mad Blade had already committed to going to Twilight Chasm. Xing Shen, eager to confront the enemy, decided it was time to rendezvous with Mad Blade and proceed. A Hunter volunteered to rescue Jiang Baichuan. During the strategic planning, Xing Shen emphasized that their primary goal was to rescue their people first, then eliminate the fiends.

He originally assigned Yu Rong to lead the mine-sealing operation, noting her familiarity with the route. He stressed the need to completely seal off the Youtang Mine, their escape route. He noted that while the fiends had a terrain advantage, their numbers were limited, and the Hunters were familiar with the Golden Gate area, giving them a potential advantage. He also hinted at other potential allies besides Mad Blade.

The Hunters then held a vote by raising hands, unanimously deciding to accept Lin Xirou's invitation, open the Golden Gate, and descend into Twilight Chasm. Quecha then expressed his concern about splitting their forces to seal the Youtang Mine, fearing a repeat of previous overstretched operations. He passionately volunteered to lead the mine-sealing operation himself, citing his family's generations of South Mountain Hunters and his father's teaching to never "chicken out at the key moment."

Xing Shen praised his spirit, reaffirming their mission: "Once entering the Twilight Chasm, fiends hunt human monsters. Blades and hounds walk the Turquoise Land, and Ghost Whip cracks his glowing whip. Seven hounds, two whips, and one blade. The Golden Gate is fortified beyond defeat." He assigned two experienced team members to accompany Quecha.

Back home, as Yan Tuo, Nie Jiuluo, Lin Ling, Mr. Changxi, and Ms. Lu shared a meal, Yan Tuo announced that he and Nie Jiuluo were going on a long "artistic inspiration" trip, a cover for their mission. He humorously challenged Mr. Changxi and Ms. Lu to hone their cooking skills in their absence and ensure Lin Ling gained weight. Later, Lin Ling confronted Yan Tuo, knowing their "trip" was a lie.

Yan Tuo admitted it was time to end the conflict, for Nie Jiuluo, for him, and for her. Lin Ling, though worried about them, understood that their current peace was temporary and that they couldn't live in constant fear. Yan Tuo promised to return safely. Nie Jiuluo also reassured Lin Ling, explaining that many South Mountain Hunters would accompany them on familiar paths. Lin Ling, while still anxious, expressed her envy for their clear purpose and unwavering determination.

She made Nie Jiuluo promise to return safely, which Nie Jiuluo affirmed, pointing to a "good omen." Lin Ling then walked them out. At the South Mountain Hunters' base, the team, including Nie Jiuluo and Yan Tuo, prepared for their departure. They gathered for a solemn blade-offering ritual, invoking their ancestors who battled the Earth Fiends and the ancient king who founded the Hunters. They chanted, "May South Mountain purge the fiends and bring peace to the people."

With weapons in hand, they recited their battle vows: "Mad Dog bays, thunderous roar! Iron hammers shatter fiend teeth! Ghost Whip cracks, swifter than wind! Copper coils bind fiendish hearts! Unsheathe Mad Blade, sharp as chilling light! Silver blade beheads the fiend! South Mountain Hunters vow for eternal peace! The golden men guard all directions!" Meanwhile, Lin Xirou confronted Jiang Baichuan, who was bound in a dark place, demanding the location of Mad Blade (Nie Jiuluo).

Jiang Baichuan defiantly refused, stating he would have revealed it long ago if he intended to, rather than enduring the torture. Lin Xirou, undeterred, declared there was no need for him to speak anymore, implying further torment. An Earth Fiend suggested that killing Jiang Baichuan would mean losing a valuable bargaining chip, to which Lin Xirou replied, "Do you think I would let him off that easily?" clearly indicating her intention for prolonged suffering rather than a swift death, to both extract information and exert control.

Episode 27 Recap

At the South Mountain Hunters' base, everyone was diligently preparing for the capture of the Earth Fiends. Yan Tuo felt bewildered, unsure how to help, and stood by idly. Xing Shen noticed this and instructed Yu Rong to hand him a tranquilizer gun, encouraging him to contribute. Yu Rong warned Yan Tuo not to misfire, explaining that even a tranquilizer dart could incapacitate someone for at least two days. Yan Tuo acknowledged this, assuring them he wouldn't hold anyone back.

Yu Rong added that this was all the help she could offer, as it would be every man for himself once they reached the Golden Gate. Xing Shen then called out to Nie Jiuluo. After preparations, the group, disguised as a patrol team, swiftly made their way to the outskirts of Twilight Chasm to search for Earth Fiend traces. Before departing, Nie Jiuluo mentioned an item of hers was a "treasure."

Xing Shen had a phone conversation, confirming their arrival and the three-day mine closure plan, while reminding the other party to keep an eye on the Earth Fiends. He then instructed his own team to watch their step as the path was rough. Unexpectedly, their path was blocked by a landslide. One team member questioned if there was another route, but another pointed out that the established patrol routes were centuries-old and hadn't been updated in a long time.

They considered taking Village Four, but no one was sure if it even existed or if previous generations had traversed it. Splitting up to search was deemed too risky by Xing Shen, as they had Earth Fiends with them. Nie Jiuluo then confidently stated that she believed she could find the way to Village Four, prompting a surprised inquiry about how she knew. She simply told them to follow her.

The group followed Nie Jiuluo, who explained that the South Mountain Hunters had relocated eight times, with Qin Village being the first, located directly above the Golden Gate where they intended to camp. Village Four was another outpost established about 400 years after Qin Village. As evening approached, Xing Shen observed signs of recent human activity, noting that someone had been there lately.

He ordered his team to check the perimeter, expressing concern that this wasn't a regular patrol route and they shouldn't linger. He decided they must push through to Qin Village that night. The team then stopped for a rest. During the break, Yan Tuo offered Nie Jiuluo a snack, promising a hot meal once they reached Qin Village.

He pointed out a nearby statue, asking if it was identical to one she had shown him at the Temple of the Righteous Lord. Nie Jiuluo confirmed the similarity, explaining it wasn't surprising as the entire area was South Mountain Hunters' territory. Yan Tuo then teased her about her past ice-cold demeanor, to which she playfully told him to keep his voice down. Xing Shen instructed Guo to keep watch over the others.

Xing Shen decided it was time to move on and offered to scout ahead with a few men since the area was unfamiliar. Nie Jiuluo volunteered to leave markers for the main group to follow. Big Head, Yan Tuo, and Nie Jiuluo took the lead to explore the path. They walked carefully, making meticulous marks along the way. Nie Jiuluo felt an unsettling atmosphere, as if unseen eyes were constantly watching them.

At one point, Yan Tuo asked Nie Jiuluo if she was scared, which she denied, telling him not to treat her like a child. She warned him that something felt "fishy" and urged caution. Yan Tuo, seeing an unexplained fire ahead, wondered who would make one out there, but Nie Jiuluo dismissed his startled reaction.

After walking in circles, the advance team was astonished to find themselves back at their starting point, where they encountered the main group who were confused about their return. Nie Jiuluo realized they had fallen victim to a "Ghost Wall." Some speculated it might be a trap set by the South Mountain Hunter ancestors to prevent outsiders or Earth Fiends from entering their territory, though they wondered why it would affect their own people.

During this time, Nie Jiuluo had a philosophical conversation with Yan Tuo about Earth Fiends, acknowledging that understanding them isn't difficult but that other problems in the world are far more complex. Yan Tuo suggested they solve those first, to which Nie Jiuluo agreed, embracing the idea of overcoming each challenge as it comes. Yan Tuo also shared a thought about solitary animals and the Earth's magnetic field.

Nie Jiuluo then observed that this wasn't Yan Tuo's first time in such a situation. Nie Jiuluo recalled ancient texts mentioning an intricate mechanism set up by ancestors to deter Earth Fiend incursions. This "Ghost Wall" now made it difficult for even their own people to enter. She recited a passage about the South Mountain Hunters' formation: "Mad Dog leads the charge, Mad Blade sits in the central tent, and Ghost Whip cracks his glowing whip."

Applying this, she explained that a nearby hillside represented Mad Dog, a moonlit tree stood for Ghost Whip, and the statue was Mad Blade. With sharp insight, she began searching, finding bronze mirrors on the ground and in a tree, with Yan Tuo also discovering one. She confidently concluded her theory was correct. Yan Tuo, initially doubting if the mechanism was on the statue, was surprised when Nie Jiuluo decisively inserted the Mad Blade into the statue.

Instantly, the moonlight reflected off the mirrors, clearly revealing the correct path into the village. Nie Jiuluo confirmed this was the way forward. As "Mad Dog," Xing Shen resolutely led the way, clearing a path for the team. During this time, Yan Tuo admired the beautiful full moon to Nie Jiuluo, who lamented they couldn't stay due to the urgency of their mission. Yet again, their progress was halted by another landslide, with massive rocks blocking the route.

With no other option, they took another detour, eventually arriving at a cave for a brief rest. Inside the cave, Yu Rong, curious about the effects of Mad Blade's blood on an Earth Fiend, pulled Nie Jiuluo towards the captured Earth Fiends. These Earth Fiends, already in chains, looked terrified, especially at the mention of being injected with the blood.

Yu Rong told them to put on the chains for their own good, and warned them that if they misbehaved, they would be injected with Mad Blade's blood to reduce their problems. One of the Earth Fiends responded, "Lin Xirou is here." Xing Shen then ordered his team to closely monitor the Earth Fiends now that they were near their "home," threatening severe consequences if they caused trouble in Twilight Chasm.

Nie Jiuluo and Yu Rong discussed the next day's descent into the Golden Gate. Nie Jiuluo explained that she and Xing Shen would lead separate teams down in sequence for mutual support, with Xing Shen's "Hound Clan" leading the charge and Nie Jiuluo's "Mad Blade" team acting as rear guard. Yu Rong, remarking on Nie Jiuluo's dual roles as a Hunter upholding her family's mission and finding time for romance, called her a genius, adding that Ghost Whip was impressed.

Nie Jiuluo expressed a touch of cynicism, wondering if they would even make it back up once they descended. Yu Rong acknowledged Nie Jiuluo's possible nervousness and then shifted to a serious topic, suggesting that Xing Shen had been to Village Four before and only Nie Jiuluo could find out why. Nie Jiuluo dismissed the question, stating she didn't want to know.

When Yu Rong pressed about her trust in Xing Shen, Nie Jiuluo admitted that his faith and loyalty to the South Mountain Hunters surpassed theirs, making him the most trusted leader. Doubting him would mean opposing the entire group. Yu Rong sensed Nie Jiuluo's reluctance but insisted she needed something from her.

That evening, while Nie Jiuluo and Yan Tuo shared a meal, discussing the plans for entering the Golden Gate, Nie Jiuluo expressed a surprising lack of nervousness despite being at the entrance. Yan Tuo reassured her, attributing it to her strong mental fortitude, the collective preparedness of the Hunters, and most importantly, his constant presence by her side. They toasted to good things ahead.

Later, Nie Jiuluo was plagued by a recurring nightmare, dreaming of being trapped in a car plunging into the sea, her cries for help unheard. Yan Tuo woke to her distressed shouts and gently comforted her, assuring her of his presence. Gazing into the deep chasm with carvings on its walls, Yan Tuo wondered what they were.

Nie Jiuluo explained that it was a star chart intricately carved by the South Mountain Hunters a thousand years ago, each mark embodying their ancestors' wisdom. Yan Tuo elaborated that while the oldest "recognized" star chart was 1200 years old and now in an overseas museum, the South Mountain Hunters' stone star charts dated back over two millennia. He then asked how they would descend.

Nie Jiuluo, after a slight hesitation and a playful jab at Yan Tuo, pointed to a spot, mentioning that historically they would have to climb down using the chart. She then skillfully took the lifting rope, and with a firm and resolute gaze, descended without hesitation.

Episode 28 Recap

Nie Jiuluo and Yan Tuo ventured deep into the dark cave beneath the cliff, swiftly locating The Golden Gate. Upon inspection, Nie Jiuluo pointed out the distinct emblems of the Blade Clan and Whip Clan, noting they were identical to those Yan Tuo had previously seen at the Temple of the Righteous Lord. She also identified the Hound Clan's statues situated nearby.

As everyone gathered before the gate, Nie Jiuluo, also known as Mad Blade, and Yu Rong from the Whip Clan, intuitively worked together to initiate the opening mechanism. A thunderous roar accompanied by violent tremors shook the mountain, and unexpectedly, a hidden entrance on the mountainside slowly opened, revealing a new path forward. Meanwhile, at Roushan Mining, Xiao Gezhi and two companions maintained a vigilant watch. They soon discovered Lin Xirou's group, who had taken Jiang Baichuan hostage.

Realizing there was no time to contact Xing Shen, Xiao Gezhi, seeing Jiang Baichuan being forced to move, acted decisively. He confronted Lin Xirou’s subordinates, who questioned his presence, then offered an ultimatum: either release the hostages and part ways, or no one would leave. When mocked for trying to scare them, Xiao Gezhi brandished a demolition bomb, explaining it was used for blasting mountains, and suggested its effect on the hollow mine would be significant.

Lin Xirou’s subordinate quickly urged her to leave. Lin Xirou's agile group managed to escape just as the bomb was about to detonate. In the aftermath, Xiao Gezhi was the sole survivor among his companions. Jiang Baichuan was seen being helped away by Lin Xirou's group. Separately, another team prepared for entry into the new passage within The Golden Gate. Their equipment was checked, and Mr. Xiong confirmed the waterway was clear and oxygen tanks were full.

He mentioned that the gate had been found open and its lock broken, but the gear inside was untouched, indicating no one had gone down yet. They then prepared to depart. Lin Xirou, however, was also present, mocking Mr. Xiong (Xiong Hei), stating her previous worry that the South Mountain Hunters had lost cohesion over time and had no successors.

She found it amusing that even a young person like Xiao Gezhi proved so brave, dismissing the Hunters as "wicked birds" who couldn't overturn anything. She reiterated that young people shoulder heavy responsibilities, and veterans face death unflinchingly, promising to send them all to "death peacefully" once they reached Twilight Chasm. Inside The Golden Gate, Xing Shen, leading a small contingent of South Mountain Hunters, advanced cautiously. They soon discovered Jiang Baichuan and other Hunters suspended.

It was an ambush orchestrated by Lin Xirou, who had used a secret passage to set a trap. Xing Shen swiftly commanded Big Head and Shan Qiang to help lower Jiang Baichuan while others stayed alert. An ambush was sprung, and chaos erupted. Xing Shen ordered the Hound Clan to follow him, Third to guard the Earth Fiends, and Shan Qiang to engage the attackers.

Concurrently, in another part of the cave, Nie Jiuluo’s group detected slime on the walls and a strong, growing scent of Earth Fiends. They discovered fallen comrades, and the captive Earth Fiends took advantage of the chaos to escape. Suddenly, a white-haired, half-human, half-fiend figure emerged, attacking Nie Jiuluo and her team with moves reminiscent of the Whip Clan. As more team members were dragged into the darkness by other Earth Fiends, Nie Jiuluo and Yan Tuo gave chase.

Yan Tuo found a severely wounded Feng Mi, who revealed that the white-haired attacker was an infected South Mountain Hunter who had transformed into an Earth Demon, indiscriminately slaughtering even Earth Fiends. Nie Jiuluo questioned how Earth Demons could simply appear and cause a massacre, suspecting Lin Xirou’s involvement. Nie Jiuluo later told Yan Tuo to stop chasing. Meanwhile, Yu Rong and Quecha accidentally stumbled into an Earth Fiend nest.

Yu Rong commented on the unsettling feeling that the deeper they went into Twilight Chasm, the more the place felt like a giant living creature, pulsating occasionally. There, they discovered Jiang Baichuan, who urgently warned them to stay back and not approach. He insisted they not waste their time, as the Earth Demons had long lost consciousness and even other Earth Fiends couldn't control them, let alone "a rookie" like Yu Rong.

Jiang reminded her of past favors, such as bringing him a razor when he was confined and tangerines when he was trapped in the mine, suggesting she leave quickly before he might "kill" her. Despite Yu Rong’s insistence that they could find a way back to South Mountain, Jiang Baichuan continued to push them away. Soon, various South Mountain Hunter teams converged at the cave's center, where they finally found Jiang Baichuan.

He confessed his guilt, acknowledging that their mission to rescue him and the four others was now effectively over, as his companions were likely gone and he himself was afflicted with "red thread piercing pupils," meaning he couldn't leave. He explained that the white-haired creatures were former South Mountain Hunters who had exiled themselves within The Golden Gate after their pupils were pierced by the red thread, and now they had transformed into monsters.

Jiang Baichuan viewed his presence there as fate, allowing him to uphold South Mountain's rules and join his predecessors. He found contentment in seeing them one last time, even if he couldn't return. He then solemnly called out the names of the clan leaders: Mad Dog, Ghost Whip, and Mad Blade, before firmly ordering everyone to take a headcount and evacuate immediately, asserting that this time, there would be no negotiations.

A strange sound echoed through the cave, accompanied by a strong fiend stench. This was caused by Lin Xirou, who began to cast an evil spell, chanting incantations to summon all the Earth Fiends. Jiang Baichuan, overcome with excruciating pain, clutched his head as countless Earth Fiends surged like a tide along the iron chains. Amidst the escalating chaos, Yan Tuo and Nie Jiuluo checked on each other.

Xing Shen commanded his team to push over statues to create a barrier, urging them to hurry as more Earth Fiends were approaching. He then instructed Third to cut through a membrane. Yan Tuo called out to Nie Jiuluo, while other Hunters shouted for their comrades, amidst a desperate fight for survival.

Episode 29 Recap

The South Mountain Hunters were being frantically besieged by Earth Fiends, and the situation was precarious. Quecha was injured, blood soaking her clothes. Although everyone resisted with all their might, the Earth Fiends were agile and moved like wind. Everyone gradually became overwhelmed and could only hide in a narrow cave to temporarily avoid the brunt of the attack. Due to their large size, the Earth Fiends could not squeeze in.

Taking advantage of this lull, everyone sat around to discuss countermeasures, but they were short-handed. Nie Jiuluo, disregarding Xing Shen's objections, resolutely took the medicine. Her eyes instantly turned blood-red, as if controlled by a mysterious force, and she frantically charged towards the Earth Fiends to fight. Seeing this, Xing Shen and Yu Rong also joined the battle without hesitation. The three worked together, and in an instant, they slew several Earth Fiends. Xing Shen and Xiong Hei fought fiercely.

Their strengths were evenly matched, and the battle was deadlocked, making it difficult to determine who was superior. After a prolonged battle, Xing Shen's strength gradually depleted. Feeling that he could not win, he steeled himself, resolved to perish with Xiong Hei, and with a leap, the two fell together off the cliff, their fates unknown. At this time, Nie Jiuluo's medicine was about to wear off, but she still recklessly swung her blade towards Lin Xirou.

After Xing Shen fell off the cliff, Nie Jiuluo was distracted and was wounded in the abdomen by Lin Xirou. But this injury was nothing to Lin Xirou. Just as Nie Jiuluo was unconscious, the White-haired Demoness Earth Demon suddenly appeared to save her. She moved like lightning, instantly flashing behind Lin Xirou and slicing off her head with a single strike. Blood splattered, making for a shocking scene.

Yan Tuo, after being severely injured and unconscious for a long time, suddenly awoke. In a daze, he seemed to see his younger sister Xinxin, who gently pointed out a way for him. He woke up again, only to realize it was a dream within a dream. At this moment, everyone was sadly tidying up the bodies of the South Mountain Hunters. The atmosphere at the scene was so oppressive that it was suffocating.

Suddenly, Nie Jiuluo was violently dragged away by the White-haired Demoness Earth Demon. By the time everyone reacted, it was too late to pursue them, and they vanished in the blink of an eye. Not only that, Xing Shen was also nowhere to be seen, only his gourd stood lonely at the scene, as if narrating the endless sorrow and uncertainty after this tragic battle. A week later, Yan Tuo slowly woke up from his coma.

Throughout that week, Lv Xian had been by his side, meticulously caring for him, using every available medicine, and constantly urging him to rest well and recover his health. But Yan Tuo's heart was filled with concern for Nie Jiuluo's safety, making it impossible for him to rest peacefully. Although the South Mountain Hunters searched everywhere, there was still no news of Nie Jiuluo. Yan Tuo truly didn't understand why Lv Xian would remain in the Roadsound Group.

Lv Xian fell into memories and slowly recounted that he once had a happy and complete family, but his father suddenly fell ill and urgently needed an organ transplant. Fortunately, a patient was willing to donate, but on the day of the surgery, the donor mysteriously went missing. Later, it was discovered that he had been cruelly murdered by Lin Xirou and others, used as a blood bag.

After his father passed away, his mother also became ill with depression and soon passed away. Orphaned, he was raised and sponsored through school by the Roadsound Group from a young age, until he opened his own clinic today. He was both grateful for the Roadsound Group's help and hated them to the core. He could only rely on helping Yan Tuo to complete the resistance that he dared not undertake himself.

Yan Tuo returned to Nie Jiuluo's home, pondering how to conceal the news of what had happened to Nie Jiuluo. He lied to Lu and Mr. Changxi, claiming that Nie Jiuluo had important matters to attend to outside, so he had returned first. That night, Yan Tuo entered Nie Jiuluo's room and, bored, was flipping through things when he inadvertently saw a necklace on a woman's neck. He learned from Lu that this woman was Nie Jiuluo's mother.

He had seen this necklace on the White-haired Demoness Earth Demon before, and an inexplicable doubt immediately arose in his heart. After the South Mountain Hunters died, according to organizational rules, the names of the deceased comrades had to be solemnly written on plaques as a memorial. Yu Rong heartbrokenly wrote down Jiang Baichuan's name, her mind filled with scenes of training with him; days of fighting side-by-side and joyful laughter seemed to be right before her eyes. This operation incurred heavy losses; most comrades had departed forever, leaving only endless sorrow and memories lingering in the air.

Episode 30 Recap

In the quiet room, Yan Tuo sat alone, gently holding Nie Jiuluo's childhood photos in his hands. The images on those yellowed pages seemed to hold the tenderness of the past. He came to the courtyard, his gaze cast afar, his expression melancholic, his heart filled with worry and longing surging like a tide. The keen Lin Ling noticed his troubles and walked gracefully to his side, softly asking about Nie Jiuluo's whereabouts.

Learning that Nie Jiuluo was in trouble, Lin Ling pondered to herself that Lin Xirou was dead, and Nie Jiuluo should have regained her freedom, but now she didn't know where she had ended up. She looked at Yan Tuo's lonely back and secretly decided that she would search for Nie Jiuluo with him, to bring a complete end to this concern. The next day, a heavy atmosphere enveloped Yan Tuo like a dark cloud.

After much consideration, he told Yu Rong the crucial information about Nie Jiuluo's mother. His expression was solemn as he slowly revealed the shocking scene he had witnessed in the Twilight Chasm—the white-haired witch, Earth Demons, was actually Nie Jiuluo's mother. Yan Tuo firmly believed that although she looked terrifying, she still had consciousness and would definitely not harm her daughter. She might even be hiding the injured Nie Jiuluo somewhere and carefully looking after her.

Carrying this conviction, the next day, Yan Tuo, Yu Rong, and Quecha, filled with firm belief, once again stepped into the Twilight Chasm. Their eyes were like torches, not missing a single corner, searching tirelessly for Nie Jiuluo's whereabouts, hoping to reunite with her soon. Yan Tuo tightly gripped Nie Jiuluo's Mad Blade, and with Yu Rong, their expressions solemn, they cautiously pushed open the cave door and once again entered that mysterious and dangerous cliff area.

He took a deep breath, gathered his strength, and blew Xing Shen's gourd. The sound of the gourd was long and resonated continuously in the deep valley. Before long, the Earth Fiend and the Earth Demons were summoned out, and the white-haired witch Pei Ke also slowly emerged from the darkness. Yan Tuo's eyes were like torches, and he loudly called out Pei Ke's name. He knew that the person before him was Nie Jiuluo's mother.

He was full of expectation, hoping that Pei Ke would return Nie Jiuluo. However, Pei Ke seemed not to have heard at all, with no ripple of emotion on her face. She merely turned silently and walked step by step towards the depths of the darkness, leaving Yan Tuo and Yu Rong stunned in place. That night, Yan Tuo, dragging his exhausted body, returned home.

As he looked up, he saw a light on in an upstairs room, and a sudden surge of ecstasy welled up in his heart, fully believing that Nie Jiuluo had returned. He rushed upstairs, only to see Lin Ling meticulously tidying up the room. The next day, Yan Tuo and Yu Rong arrived at the opposite bank of the cliff and began meticulously making the ropes needed for the crossing.

After everything was ready, the two submerged underwater, planning to travel to the opposite bank from beneath the surface. Quecha was intently watching the monitoring equipment from above. Through the underwater footage, she keenly noticed the water temperature rising continuously and quickly signaled for the two to come ashore as soon as possible. But at this critical moment, she lost contact with Yan Tuo underwater. Although the two detected something abnormal, it was too late to escape.

Yu Rong was quickly grabbed by an unknown object. Yan Tuo was consumed by anxiety, hurriedly untied the ropes, and vigorously pursued in the direction Yu Rong had been taken. He entered a lake bottom resembling a heavenly eye. Due to oxygen depletion, he soon fell into a coma. In his coma, he dreamed of the first time he saw Nie Jiuluo outside the orphanage. He held her tightly in his arms, afraid she would disappear again.

Afterwards, they fell into a place described as a sea within a sea. Looking up, there was a strange mass of water above their heads. He felt as if he was tightly enveloped by a thick, viscous membrane, unable to move. When he struggled to pull it open, his hand felt a stinging pain, as if being corroded.

Struggling to open his eyes, he found Nie Jiuluo inside a membrane not far away, lying quietly in the center of the water like a fetus. Perhaps the Yuwang Meat had sensed Nie Jiuluo's blood and enveloped her. A strong impulse surged in his heart, and he tried with all his might to pierce that membrane to save her. In his mind, every moment he spent with her continuously surfaced like a movie. He slowly reached out his hand and finally touched her. At that moment, he lovingly held her tightly in his arms, as if he possessed the whole world.

Episode 31 Recap

Nie Jiuluo suddenly awoke from a deep sleep, finding herself once again standing outside the orphanage gates. The familiar bricks and tiles, every blade of grass and tree before her, all carried countless memories from her past. She saw Jiang Baichuan, her close friend Lu Zong, and her companions from the South Mountain Hunters who had faced life and death alongside her, fighting side by side.

The joyful scenes of talking and laughing with them played out like a movie before her eyes, each moment filled with warmth, making her deeply immersed in this happy atmosphere. Strangely, everyone seemed completely unaware of her presence, ignoring her. A thought suddenly flashed through Nie Jiuluo's mind: could this be a special ceremony to bid farewell to the past? Before she could ponder further, a warm scene of her parents celebrating her birthday appeared before her.

While busy in the kitchen, her mother saw her, her face filled with heartache, and asked with concern if she had suffered a lot over the years. Nie Jiuluo could no longer control her deep longing for her mother and buried herself in her mother's arms, tears streaming down, weeping uncontrollably. Nie Jiuluo suddenly awoke from the depths of a nightmare, still unsettled and alarmed. Yan Tuo, who was nearby, saw her wake up and instantly brightened.

He quickly leaned forward, embraced her tightly, his eyes full of worry and concern, and softly asked about her condition. But fate played a trick. In Nie Jiuluo's memory, Yan Tuo's figure had vanished without a trace, as if he had never existed. Yan Tuo was anxious, like an ant on a hot pan, and immediately rushed Nie Jiuluo to the hospital.

However, after a series of examinations, all indicators showed normal, and no reason for her amnesia could be found. Helpless, Yan Tuo had no choice but to seek help from Yu Rong, hoping to find a cure for Nie Jiuluo's amnesia. Yu Rong pondered for a moment and suggested: why not pursue Nie Jiuluo again, treating it as the start of a brand new romantic relationship.

Yan Tuo acted on her advice, starting to “act out” scenes, mimicking their first meeting in an attempt to awaken her dormant memories. But Nie Jiuluo showed no reaction; she even coldly drove him out. Even when Lu Zong came to mediate, he couldn't change Nie Jiuluo's attitude and was also mercilessly rejected by her.

Days flew by, and Yan Tuo stayed by Nie Jiuluo's side like a shadow, caring for her with utmost devotion, as if guarding the most precious treasure. Under his meticulous care, Nie Jiuluo's attitude towards him gradually softened, no longer filled with resistance. One day, Nie Jiuluo actually threw away a sculpture she had worked on for days – a warm little house for two that she had joyfully built before her amnesia. Yan Tuo's heart ached.

He quickly picked it up, planning to repair and keep it as a memento. Meanwhile, Lin Ling regained her freedom. After meticulously dressing up, she exuded unique charm, making Lv Xian's eyes light up. She gave Lv Xian a vibrant green plant as a welcome gift, and Lv Xian happily reciprocated with a cute rabbit that she had long admired. Their time together was filled with warmth. Yan Tuo's mood was complex. Holding the sculpture, he silently turned and left.

But as Nie Jiuluo watched his receding back, her heart felt inexplicably empty, as if something precious was slipping away from her, and a sense of loss overwhelmed her like a tide. At the same time, everyone's lives had started new chapters. Yu Rong, following her own preferences, opened a cozy and charming pet store, filled with furry little creatures, making it lively and therapeutic. Quecha, utilizing her skills, opened a vibrant archery range, attracting many enthusiasts to experience it.

Everyone was shining brightly in their respective fields, and life was gradually getting back on track. Quecha saw Yan Tuo's dejected look and quickly went to comfort him: “Don't lose heart. Perhaps it's precisely because you are too important in Nie Jiuluo's heart that her reborn self chose to selectively forget you.” After hearing this, Yan Tuo mustered his courage once again and returned to Nie Jiuluo's home.

His gaze firm, he unhesitatingly agreed to all the conditions Nie Jiuluo proposed, just to be able to stay by her side. In the following days, to help Nie Jiuluo recover her memory, Yan Tuo tirelessly took her back to places they had once visited together. Sitting on the mountaintop, Nie Jiuluo quietly ate noodles, the scene before her feeling strangely familiar, a sense of recognition lingering in her heart.

Seeing this, Yan Tuo quickly brought up the past incident where he was injured and Nie Jiuluo saved him using natural fire, his eyes full of anticipation, hoping this would help her recall bits and pieces of their past.

Episode 32 (Ending) Recap

Yan Tuo, full of anticipation, took Nie Jiuluo to the mountain top, hoping to help her recover her lost memories. But the next morning, Nie Jiuluo quietly packed her bags and silently took a train to leave. She returned to her hometown after many years, standing on the familiar yet strange road, the painful image of her mother resolutely jumping from a building surged in her mind like a tide, and the sorrow in her heart was irrepressible.

Upon learning this, Yan Tuo was consumed by anxiety and rushed to find her without stopping. Nie Jiuluo took Yan Tuo to the place where he lived as a child. She recounted that after her parents' deaths, her paternal uncle, out of compassion, took her in and secretly bought her favorite ice cream. Later, Jiang Baichuan also took her in. However, when the two arrived at her uncle's old residence, they discovered that they had already moved out.

That night, Lu specially put in a lot of effort, meticulously preparing Nie Jiuluo's favorite dishes. The table was filled with fragrant and mouth-watering food. The defense in Nie Jiuluo's heart gradually lowered in this warm atmosphere, and she accepted Yan Tuo's invitation to dine together. After the meal, Nie Jiuluo opened the lucky stars with mixed feelings. Inside, they were filled with records of her past with Yan Tuo.

Those memories rushed in like a surging tide, disturbing her, and she eventually threw all the lucky stars into the trash can. The next day, General Manager Lu came again to urge Nie Jiuluo to submit her new work. To his surprise, she had worked through the night to create a bizarre "Si Bu Xiang." General Manager Lu was full of surprise and asked where the inspiration came from.

Nie Jiuluo herself was full of doubts, only saying that when she suffered from insomnia last night, an inexplicable feeling had lingered in her mind, which led to this creation. That night, the strong wind roared and heavy rain poured down as if to swallow the world. Yan Tuo was worried about Nie Jiuluo, so he hurried to her room and quietly closed the doors and windows.

Looking at her serene face in sleep, he felt full of pity and gently covered her with a blanket. Suddenly, Nie Jiuluo woke up with a start and reflexively lashed out at Yan Tuo, shouting "Luo." Immediately afterward, the sound of a sculpture shattering was heard. This scene was exactly the same as when she first met and fought with Yan Tuo. In an instant, Nie Jiuluo's memories flooded back like a tide.

Looking at her long-missed lover in front of her, tears gushed from her eyes, and she finally recognized Yan Tuo. Nie Jiuluo, who had recovered her memories, walked hand in hand with Yan Tuo to the Twilight Chasm again. She had a strong obsession in her heart – to see her mother once more. Yan Tuo used the power of the gourd to summon the Earth Demon, Pei Ke.

Although Pei Ke was already white-haired, Nie Jiuluo recognized her as her mother at first glance. Pei Ke stood silently on the opposite side of the cliff, staring blankly at Nie Jiuluo. Even though she had transformed into an Earth Demon, her deep eyes still held a trace of maternal love that was hard to conceal. Nie Jiuluo cried out "Mama" with all her might.

This cry, full of years of longing and affection, was also a final farewell to her mother. Upon hearing this, Pei Ke slowly turned around and returned to the depths of the cave, leaving behind only a lonely and desolate figure. Nie Jiuluo, filled with longing, personally carved a spirit tablet with her mother's name on it and solemnly hung it on the hunter's memorial tablet, as if her mother had never left.

That night, she sat at her desk, repeatedly pondering her work, and finally settled on the name – "Bo". This name implies rebirth, symbolizing her breaking free from the confusion of memory loss and rediscovering her true self. The next day, Mr. Changxi returned to the small restaurant, looking somewhat dejected as he saw the books scattered on the floor. At this moment, Yan Tuo and Nie Jiuluo rushed over with others.

They decided to renovate the small restaurant to revitalize it and reopen for business. Nie Jiuluo's exhibition arrived as scheduled, and the venue was exceptionally lively. The South Mountain Hunters rushed to congratulate her, overjoyed by her success. When the curtain was unveiled for the work "Bo", everyone was instantly stunned. The artwork seemed to have been infused with a soul, truly like experiencing a rebirth, exuding a unique and charming appeal. At the exhibition, a mysterious man suddenly appeared.

He walked with a determined gaze towards General Manager Lu, proposing to buy all the works without bargaining, allowing General Manager Lu to name any price, as if these works held an unspeakable extraordinary significance for him. That night, the mysterious man reported eagerly to his foster grandfather, saying that all the exhibits would be transported back as planned. However, the foster grandfather had a special fondness only for the work named "Bo".

This piece, "Bo", stirred his memories of a distant hometown. In a trance, he seemed to see the image of "Bo" once appearing in an old room, where an unknown secret seemed to be hidden, quietly waiting for the destined person to explore and uncover it.