Miss The Dragon Recap, Plot, Synopsis
Miss The Dragon Synopsis
Liu Ying is a maid beside Xiahou Xue, inadvertently encountered a snake and was scared, Liu Ying rushed to catch the snake. She didn’t know that this snake is a dragon cultivated for thousands of years, named Yuchi Longyan.
In order to return the favor, Yuchi Longyan took Liu Ying away. Xiahou Xue, who was concerned about Liu Ying, mistakenly thought that Liu Ying was missing and encountered a wolf demon on her way to find her, and was accidentally killed by Yuchi Longyan.
Yuchi Longyan fulfilled Liu Ying’s wish to save Xiahou Xue and guard her for three lifetimes. Yuchi Longyan privately protected Liu Ying from one life to the next until the fourth life, Gu Qingyan, was aware of Yuchi Longyan’s existence.
In order to save Yuchi Longyan, who was punished by the Heavenly Rule, Gu Qingyan’s soul was absorbed by the Ming Ge Star Load, and finally the other half of her soul merged with Yuchi Longyan, helping Yuchi Longyan to defeat the Ming Ge Star Load.
Miss The Dragon Recap
Episode 1 Recap
Xiahou Xue and her maid, Liuying, traveled in a carriage towards the Flower-wearing Banquet. Xiahou Xue fretted about being late, but she playfully teased Liuying for being even more anxious. Liuying was engrossed in a book titled "Love with a Dragon," a tale of a Dragon King and a human girl who found happiness after enduring countless hardships. Xiahou Xue, however, dismissed such stories, declaring she didn't believe dragons existed.
Liuying, holding onto her romantic notions, maintained her belief that one day she might truly see a dragon. Suddenly, their path was blocked by a group of hungry refugees. In the ensuing chaos, Xiahou Xue twisted her ankle. Liuying bravely protected her mistress and offered their food to the desperate people. To treat the injury, Liuying proposed a unique remedy passed down from her father: a poultice made from gardenia fruits, eggs, flour, and liquor.
Though initially skeptical, Xiahou Xue found great relief from the pain after the application. As they prepared to depart, Liuying gazed skyward and gasped, pointing out a massive white dragon soaring through the clouds, but Xiahou Xue dismissed it as her overactive imagination. Meanwhile, in the ethereal Dragon Pool, the silver-haired Yuchi Longyan emerged, having just endured the nine thunder strikes of his second heavenly tribulation.
His friend, the Immortal of Fate, congratulated him but also chided him for his habit of appearing in human form unclothed. The Immortal of Fate then revealed a critical concern: a seemingly minor heart injury Yuchi Longyan sustained during the tribulation could prevent him from surviving the upcoming third and final heavenly tribulation, which was crucial for his ascension to a true Dragon Immortal.
To aid him, the Immortal of Fate suggested retrieving the Ancient Golden Armor, a powerful artifact stolen from the Heavenly Palace, now in the possession of the formidable Double Demons. As the sky unexpectedly darkened, Liuying was tending to a small, injured Blue Bird she had taken in. The bird, which was secretly cultivating, was drawn to Liuying's unique, cool fragrance and refused to leave. Simultaneously, Yuchi Longyan confronted the Double Demons in their lair.
Despite his injury, he was ambushed and nearly ensnared by their magic. Later, Xiahou Xue and Liuying explored the beautiful Fallen-flower Valley behind the mansion, where they discovered an injured, immobile snake. Xiahou Xue, who feared snakes, recoiled, and Liuying admitted her own childhood trauma of being bitten. Still, Xiahou Xue found the silvery-white snake pretty and precious, urging Liuying to rescue it. She gave Liuying her father’s Anti-Poison Ointment from the South for protection.
Reluctantly, Liuying approached the snake, which was Yuchi Longyan in disguise, and noted its surprisingly cold body and pleasant scent. Back in her room, Liuying placed the snake in a cage, prompting an indignant internal protest from Yuchi Longyan, who was unaccustomed to such treatment. Seeing its distress, Liuying released him. To her surprise, the snake, which she named Xiaobai, ignored its cage and settled on her quilt and pillow.
Liuying resigned herself to sleeping on the floor and carefully applied her late father's special ointment to Xiaobai's wounds, reflecting on her father's skill as a master of healing. At lunchtime, Liuying discovered Xiaobai refused to eat raw quail eggs, instead preferring her own cooked steamed egg custard. From then on, she fed him warm dishes and pastries. Xiahou Xue found the snake's diet peculiar and, while still wary, gave Liuying some durian candy for it.
That evening, Liuying brought Xiaobai a selection of cakes and steamed egg from Xiahou Xue's dinner. To avoid eating in front of her, Yuchi Longyan waited for her to turn away to get tea, then devoured everything. When offered the durian candy, he found its taste repulsive but couldn't spit it out under her watchful eye. As night fell, unsure of Xiaobai's gender, Liuying decided to sleep on the floor, citing the principle that men and women should maintain distance.
Yuchi Longyan, in his snake form, comically misinterpreted her words as an invitation to kiss her. Later, he transformed into his human form in the bed. The next morning, he awoke to the perplexing sight of Liuying embracing him in her sleep. Unfamiliar with such human affection, he frowned and tugged at her clothes, trying to create some distance.
Episode 2 Recap
Upon waking, Liuying found herself sharing a bed with Xiaobai, the white snake she had rescued. Despite the snake's surprising weight, she felt fortunate it hadn't bitten her and realized she had slept better than usual. The Dragon King, still in his snake form, internally grumbled about his poor sleep. Liuying playfully admonished "Xiaobai" for his gluttony, lamenting that her increased appetite for his sake had led to town gossip about her being possessed by a pig demon.
She presented him with two plates of durian, a rare and expensive fruit. The Dragon King, mistaking it for Liuying's favorite offering, reluctantly consumed one plate, finding its taste awful and strange for a human delicacy. After checking Xiaobai's quickly healing wound, Liuying expressed hope for his full recovery. Suddenly, a Blue Bird appeared, drawn by the osmanthus cakes Liuying had prepared. However, upon seeing "Xiaobai," the bird became terrified and flew away without touching its favorite treat.
The bird then transformed into a young woman named Qingqing. In a panic, she recounted encountering a "dragon demon" in the Xiahou Mansion. Fearing for Liuying's safety, she worried the demon might be attracted to Liuying's pleasant scent and intended to devour her. Qingqing expressed her relief at not becoming "bird cake" herself and fretted over potentially losing her "savior" and her beloved cakes.
That evening, Liuying saw that Xiaobai's wound had fully healed and cheerfully informed him that she would release him back to the mountains the next day, wondering if he would miss her. Later that night, the Dragon King, in his human form, lay beside the sleeping Liuying. When she turned over, her lips brushed against his, a sensation he found unexpectedly soft and unfamiliar. The following morning, Liuying awoke to find a bag of fragrant roasted chestnuts on her table.
Delighted, she initially wondered if a kind-hearted deity had granted her wish, as she had dreamt of them the night before. However, she quickly concluded that only Miss Xiahou knew her favorite snack and must have been the one to leave them. She went to offer some to "Xiaobai," but found he had vanished. Panicked, Liuying searched frantically throughout the mansion and garden, fearing he had been captured and made into snake soup.
She finally found him in the back mountains, where he appeared in his human form, startling her as he had forgotten to wear clothes. He introduced himself as the Dragon King, clarifying he was not merely the small white snake she had rescued. He acknowledged her kindness in saving his life and caring for him, recalling the steamed eggs, durian, and even the roasted chestnuts.
The Dragon King declared his intention to fully repay her, not wishing to owe any favors. Liuying, stunned, insisted she sought no reward for her actions as a healer. However, when pressed, she humorously requested that he take the durian she had bought for him with her monthly salary, confessing her dislike for its smell. The Dragon King was confused, as he had believed it was her favorite.
As Miss Xiahou called for her, Liuying departed, reminding him to remove the durian. Back at the Dragon Pool, the Dragon King informed the Immortal of Fate of his plan to visit the human world for a few days. The Immortal of Fate expressed concern, noting that the Dragon King was neglecting his cultivation for an upcoming tribulation and sensed an unusual new aura about him.
He questioned why the typically arrogant Dragon King, who disdained mortal pursuits, would suddenly desire to amuse himself in the human realm. The Dragon King simply dismissed it as boredom with Heaven. Upon his return to the human world, the Dragon King found Qingqing anxiously searching for Liuying. Her fears eased when she found hot osmanthus cakes, confirming Liuying was safe. However, her relief was short-lived as the Dragon King appeared.
Terrified, Qingqing pleaded with him not to eat her, comically arguing she was too skinny and would get stuck in his teeth. The Dragon King, finding her forced smile unsettling, demanded to know why she was so close to Liuying. Qingqing confessed she was repaying a debt of gratitude, as Liuying had diligently nursed her injured leg back to health.
The Dragon King commanded her to obey his orders henceforth, instructing her to continue treating Liuying as she always had but to speak only in single sentences when answering him. The Dragon King then followed Liuying, intent on finding the perfect way to repay her. He observed her happily purchasing sugar-coated haws, yarn, and a storybook.
Concluding that simply buying cakes would be an inadequate repayment and would invite mockery from the heavenly realm, he sought a more "rare" and "delicate" method. He acquired a book titled "An Evilly Charming Emperor’s Requite" from a vendor, believing it contained the true secret to how a king should repay a savior. The book detailed an emperor's gratitude to his empress, culminating in him offering her a "lifelong commitment."
The Dragon King, misinterpreting this as the ultimate form of repayment, concluded this was what Liuying secretly desired, attributing her previous reluctance to shyness. Armed with this new "knowledge," the Dragon King appeared before Liuying as she returned to her room, boldly stating he understood she desired a "lifelong commitment" as repayment. He swiftly picked her up, intending to take her to his Dragon Pool to "sleep in the same bed" as the book implied.
Liuying was horrified, screaming at him to let her go and denying any such wish, reiterating her fear of heights as he flew through the sky. He dropped her in an unfamiliar field, where she again insisted on walking home herself, only to immediately walk in the wrong direction. The Dragon King was utterly bewildered by this outcome, muttering, "I did what the book says. What went wrong?"
Back at the Dragon Pool, the Immortal of Fate found the Dragon King in deep frustration. Seeking advice, the Dragon King hypothetically asked the Immortal if he would refuse an offer of "lifelong commitment" from him. The Immortal of Fate immediately suspected the Dragon King had developed a "crush." The Dragon King struggled to grasp the meaning of the term, only aware that Liuying's image constantly appeared in his mind, unable to understand why her presence preoccupied his thoughts.
Haunted, he replayed his interactions with her, recalling her kindness in caring for his injuries and affectionately naming him "Xiaobai." Meanwhile, Qingqing was frustrated by a stubborn meteor scar on her forehead that no magic could remove. Admiring a headband she bought, she lamented her inability to conceal the blemish.
Having heard that the Immortal of Fate's library contained answers to all questions, she resolved to seek out his vast collection of books, hoping to discover a way to finally remove her persistent scar. She then arrived at the Immortal of Fate's dwelling and knocked on the door.
Episode 3 Recap
Continuing his quest to repay Liuying, Yuchi Longyan observes her in a forest as she searches for herbs to treat an injured kitten. He appears after she stumbles, questioning why she would go to such lengths for a wild cat. Liuying urges him to stay away, explaining that while a doctor cannot heal everyone, she must heal those she encounters. She refuses his offer of help and continues her search for the golden-leaf chrysanthemum, the final herb needed.
Just as she finds it, she is startled to hear the kitten speak, asking if she was worried for it. As Liuying marvels at the talking kitten, she is ambushed by demonic figures clad in black. Yuchi Longyan swiftly intervenes, dispatching the assailants and saving her. Bingxing from Luofeng Pavilion appears, thanking the Dragon King for his assistance and acknowledging that Luofeng Pavilion now owes him a favor.
After Bingxing departs, Liuying notices Yuchi Longyan sustained a minor injury during the fight and insists on treating it. Meanwhile, the bird spirit Qingqing arrives at a grand library, where she is stopped by the Immortal of Fate. She is astonished by his youthful and handsome appearance, having always imagined him to be an old man. Though he initially tries to dismiss her, Qingqing's persistence pays off when he notices a meteor mark on her forehead.
Qingqing explains the scar mars her beauty and remains no matter her form. The Immortal of Fate reveals that the mark is a symbol tied to her soul and can only be removed at Luofeng Pavilion. Thrilled, Qingqing profusely thanks him before leaving. Back at a nearby dwelling, Liuying carefully applies medicine to Yuchi Longyan’s wound. He feels an unaccustomed warmth on his face from her proximity. Liuying mentions that she only names animals that are special to her.
When Yuchi Longyan asks her who is the most special, she hesitates, so he suggests naming the kitten "Spot," a name she accepts. Later, he picks up a book Liuying dropped, "The Legend of the White Snake," noting it is also a story of repaying kindness. When rain suddenly begins to fall, he emulates a scene from the book, sharing his umbrella with her.
After the rain stops, Liuying sees his wound got wet and insists on re-bandaging it, which convinces Yuchi Longyan that the methods in this book are the correct way to repay her. Later, as they walk through the streets, Yuchi Longyan’s striking appearance draws the attention of many women, some even feigning falls to get his attention. Observing his cold indifference, Liuying subtly takes his arm to deter the admirers.
She then tells him he no longer needs to repay her. He produces a book titled "An Emperor's Requite," confessing that his misguided previous attempts at repayment, like trying to offer himself to her, came from it. Liuying declares it a "bad book" that makes him look like a scoundrel. Yuchi Longyan promptly destroys it, secretly resolving to study "The Legend of the White Snake" more closely to understand how to properly repay his debt.
Qingqing finds Luofeng Pavilion and the Fleeting Pipa within. Recalling the Immortal of Fate's words, she prepares to take a string to remove her meteor mark but is apprehended by Bingxing and brought before the pavilion master, Xue Qianxun. Without looking up, Xue Qianxun coldly orders her execution. Qingqing pleads for her life, explaining she only wanted to borrow a string. When he finally looks at her and sees the meteor mark, he is struck by a splitting headache.
Finding her presence strange and suspicious, he strips Qingqing of her powers and sentences her to one hundred years of servitude as his maid so he can investigate her origins. Having finished studying, Yuchi Longyan returns to Liuying and declares that he finally understands the proper method of repayment. Citing how the White Snake married her savior, he offers to marry himself to Liuying. A flustered Liuying insists she cannot afford to take a dragon as a husband.
Yuchi Longyan dismisses her financial concerns, offering his Dragon Pool and a thousand years of spiritual power as a dowry. When Liuying claims it was her lady, Xiahou Xue, who saved him, he leans in, inhales her scent, and affirms his intuition is never wrong—it was her. He then asks if she is refusing because he isn't human or handsome enough, offering to change his appearance to a scholar, a general, or a wealthy man. Overwhelmed, Liuying says she is simply tired and wants to rest. Yuchi Longyan agrees, but instead of leaving, he implies they will be resting together.
Episode 4 Recap
Continuing his attempts to repay Liu Ying by following the customs of mortals, Long Yan suggests they rest together for the night. Liu Ying firmly rejects him, explaining that in the mortal world, only married couples can share a bed and that marriage must stem from mutual affection, not a sense of obligation.
After Liu Ying pushes him out of the room, a perplexed Long Yan sits on the roof, reasoning that since they have already shared a bed once, they must already be married by mortal standards. Unable to understand her rejection, he quietly returns to her room after she has fallen asleep and lies down beside her.
The next morning, Long Yan teases Liu Ying, claiming a "silly little pig" lay on him all night, while she sleeps soundly, unaware they shared the bed again. Meanwhile, at Xue Qianxun's residence, Qing Qing's clumsy attempts at being a maid continue to cause chaos. She ruins a silk handkerchief gifted by a Fox Immortal and later accidentally sets fire to his clothes.
When Xue Qianxun asks why she didn't use a spell to put out the fire, Qing Qing reminds him that he sealed her powers. As punishment, he forbids her from eating for three days, earning him the title of "the cruelest man in the world" from Qing Qing. Despite his stern demeanor, Xue Qianxun finds himself smiling at her antics, a reaction that puzzles him.
To cheer Liu Ying up, Long Yan makes a special trip to the capital to buy her favorite roasted chestnuts. As she enjoys them, he feels an unfamiliar heat and a racing heartbeat. Liu Ying notices his flushed face and erratic pulse, worrying that an old injury has flared up. Denying any illness, Long Yan rushes outside, confused by his body's reaction.
He wanders into an establishment called The Garden to watch a play about the White Snake, where he learns that love involves a racing heart, constant thoughts of another, and the exchange of love tokens. Believing this is the key to winning Liu Ying's affection, he notices the delicious chestnut cakes and decides to bring her there.
He finds Liu Ying, who explains she has booked two separate rooms, teasingly suggesting his heart might be unwell from the "little pig" incident the previous night. Misinterpreting her concern as the secret affection mentioned in the play, he eagerly takes her to The Garden for the cakes. As Liu Ying enjoys the pastries, a courtesan named Peony approaches to thank Long Yan for a precious pearl he gave her as payment earlier.
Liu Ying, scandalized, tells the woman to have some self-respect, only for Peony to mock her, revealing that The Garden is a pleasure house. Horrified and angry, Liu Ying confronts Long Yan for bringing her to such a place. Seeing her distress, Long Yan chases after her and earnestly explains he was only there to watch the play and discovered the tasty cakes, completely unaware of the establishment's true nature.
Realizing it was an innocent mistake, Liu Ying calms down but sternly forbids him from ever visiting a pleasure house again. Later, Liu Ying pricks her finger while sewing. Long Yan instantly appears and observes that humans, like cats, lick their wounds to soothe the pain. When she complains she can't sleep because she's not used to the bed, Long Yan immediately travels back to the capital to fetch her familiar quilt.
That night, he watches as she kicks away the quilt he brought and instinctively cuddles closer to him in her sleep. He chuckles softly, realizing she doesn't just need her own bed—she is growing used to him. The next day, they stop to watch an opera, "Raccoon for a Prince." Liu Ying praises the tale's theme of justice, but Long Yan scoffs, claiming that true fairness doesn't even exist in Heaven.
Prompted by Liu Ying's gentle encouragement, he recounts the great injustice he suffered. He explains that he once fell, severely injured, onto the Terrace of Nuwa. The sacred stone's radiance healed him, but a heavenly official appeared and accused him of trying to steal it, as the guards had irresponsibly left their posts.
Despite his protests, the Heavenly Emperor refused to listen and sentenced him to a thousand years of thunder strikes before casting him down to the mortal realm to re-cultivate his powers. Liu Ying is heartbroken, finally understanding that she found him near death because he had just endured this horrific punishment.
As she looks at his old wounds with deep sympathy, Long Yan is touched, noting that in her moment of genuine concern, she has completely forgotten her own rules about keeping a distance between them.
Episode 5 Recap
In Luofeng Pavilion, Qing Qing approached a feigning Xue Qianxun. As she got close, he mused to himself that when she was focused on his injuries from a recent thunder strike, she tended to forget the proprieties between men and women. Unaware he was awake, Qing Qing closely observed his face, admiring his perfect features—a blend of masculinity and gentle grace. However, her admiration quickly soured as she thought of his "ugly heart," calling him petty and vengeful.
Realizing she'd been caught, she hastily apologized and fled. Left alone, Xue Qianxun wondered about the identity of a mysterious green figure that appeared in his mind whenever she was near. Meanwhile, during a moment of closeness, Liuying was startled by Longyan's racing heart. He explained that according to plays, this feeling is called "love." When he pointed out her own heart was beating just as fast, a flustered Liuying denied it and hurried away.
Later, at an inn, they were offered complimentary durian puffs and plum cakes. Though both disliked durian, Longyan ate the entire plate of puffs after learning it would earn them a delicate papercraft made by a master. Seeing Liuying's fascination with the gift, he then personally folded a magical paper dragon for her, one that could move and was utterly unique.
As Liuying promised to cherish it, they shared a tender moment, with her noting that whenever she said his name, his hand seemed to instinctively reach out to pat her head. That night, while camping in a forest, Liuying found her recovered kitten but chose to let it go, respecting its freedom. Seeing this, Longyan approached and vowed he would never leave her, reiterating his promise to offer himself in marriage.
Wary of his actions being merely a "repayment of a favor," Liuying was hesitant. Insisting she was the only one he had ever wanted to repay, Longyan led her to the dream-like Fallen-flower Valley to exchange love tokens. When she couldn't choose one, he used the meaning of her name, Liuying, to create a breathtaking shower of fireflies just for her.
Deeply touched by the romantic gesture, she grew flustered and mentioned proprieties, but her affection for him had clearly deepened. Still, she privately told herself this beautiful moment could only be a sweet dream. Back at Luofeng Pavilion, Bingxing was preparing for the Peach Feast, her forehead adorned with a beautiful floral adornment.
Qing Qing, captivated by its beauty and wishing to conceal her own "meteor scar," decided she wanted a similar adornment and entered Bingxing's room to use her dressing case. Unexpectedly, Xue Qianxun appeared and offered to do her makeup. Qing Qing was delighted, but to her dismay, he drew a magnified version of her dreaded meteor scar.
Heartbroken and insulted, she lashed out, revealing how the scar had been a source of mockery and pain, and angrily banished him from the room. Understanding her deep-seated insecurity, Xue Qianxun returned and skillfully transformed the scar into a beautiful adornment. As he worked, both felt a strange sense of familiarity, and he was puzzled as to why such an indelible mark would be branded onto the soul of a mere demon.
Meanwhile, both Liuying and Longyan found themselves restless, their hearts agitated at the thought of each other and their impending marriage. After Longyan dropped Liuying’s favorite storybook, she gushed about the heroic Dragon King within its pages. Playfully jealous, Longyan asked if the fictional king was more handsome than him before revealing his own true identity: a descendant of the Candle Dragon and a true King.
To prove his words and emulate the hero from her book, he transformed into his dragon form and took Liuying on an awe-inspiring flight through the sky. He reaffirmed his promise to protect her forever, just as the Dragon King protected his love. Although Liuying was still internally conflicted, wondering if this was genuine love or merely a "return of a favor," she found comfort in his powerful presence.
Later, Qing Qing attempted to escape from Luofeng Pavilion, but Xue Qianxun intercepted her. She first denied trying to flee, then launched into a passionate tirade about her grievances as a forced maid: the endless chores, the loss of her powers which prevented her from transforming back into her true form, and the humiliation of her drab clothes, which ruined her status as the "prettiest bird" in her realm. Unmoved, Xue Qianxun simply commanded her to return, stating he would decide her punishment later. Just then, a subordinate arrived to report that Bingxing had successfully located the Yin Soul.
Episode 6 Recap
Millions of years ago, at the dawn of chaos, a fierce war between immortals and devils unleashed turmoil across the three worlds. The ancient goddess Nuwa intervened, harnessing the combined power of immortals and devils to weave a Sky Net of Yin Spirit Power, which successfully sealed away the malevolent Evil Spirit. However, with the passage of time, the Sky Net gradually loosened and developed cracks, requiring constant repair with potent Yin Spirit Power.
To address this, Luofeng Pavilion diligently collected the scattered Yin Spirit Power released when an immortal fell and their soul dissipated, storing it within a Lotus Box for future needs. This collected power, imbued with the celestial essence bestowed by Nuwa, possessed immense energy. Unbeknownst to anyone, the once unconscious Yin Spirit Power mysteriously developed a divine consciousness and spontaneously transformed into a new soul.
This new soul then mimicked an immortal’s celestial trials and secretly descended to the human world. Luofeng Pavilion faced a grave dilemma: if this Yin Soul were to die a natural death, they would be unable to seal her soul back into the Sky Net. The only ways to retrieve her soul were if she died by accident, committed suicide, or if they forcibly seized her.
Bingxing offered to undertake the responsibility of forcibly seizing this Yin Soul in the human world, but Xue Qianxun, the Lord of Luofeng Pavilion, noted that the Yin Soul had its own protection and could not be seized while still residing within its body. He then recalled that Liuying, the girl with the Yin Soul, had previously made a blood oath with Xiahou Xue to die on the same day.
Xue Qianxun instructed that the oath between them be copied and placed into the Heavenly Oath Tower, ensuring its fulfillment. As Xiahou Xue was a mortal, a subordinate suggested that their plan could be initiated by acting through her. Qing Qing, who had been confined at Luofeng Pavilion by Xue Qianxun, overheard this critical information. She realized that Liuying, her great benefactor, was now in grave danger and resolved to warn her.
Though Xue Qianxun forced her to drink a large bowl of bitter tea as punishment, Qing Qing discovered her magic had been secretly restored and planned to inform Liuying immediately. Meanwhile, Longyan and Liuying's bond deepened as he taught her to paint. He confessed that his feelings for her went beyond mere gratitude, admitting his love. Liuying, in turn, confessed her reciprocal feelings, proposing they marry since their love was mutual.
Just as they affirmed their feelings, a beautiful Star Halo appeared in the sky, a sight Longyan declared a good omen. He presented Liuying with a betrothal gift and proposed a bet: if the Star Halo reappeared within three days, Liuying would give him a token of her love in return. If it didn’t, they would together learn about human customs like kissing. Tragedy soon struck when Xiahou Xue was attacked by a wolf demon on her way home.
She was gravely wounded, and physicians declared her beyond help. Unwilling to see Liuying cry, Longyan sought out the Immortal of Fate at Dragon Pool to obtain a powerful elixir. The Immortal of Fate reluctantly provided the medicine after teasing Longyan about his sudden need for it. However, upon returning, Longyan discovered that the wolf demon’s venom had already infiltrated Xiahou Xue's bones, and the elixir, while able to heal wounds, could not detoxify the poison.
Xiahou Xue died, and her soul departed her body. Longyan immediately pursued the fleeting soul, which led him directly to Luofeng Pavilion. There, he found Qing Qing, who urgently warned him about the blood oath, revealing that if Xiahou Xue died, Liuying would also perish. She explained that with Xiahou Xue’s accidental death, her soul had already arrived at Luofeng Pavilion, and the oath was now recorded in the Oath Tower, sealing Liuying’s fate to die within seven days.
Enraged, Longyan stormed into Luofeng Pavilion, demanding Xiahou Xue’s soul. Xue Qianxun confronted him, questioning why the Dragon King, who was destined to undergo his tribulation and ascend, would trespass for a mortal's soul. Longyan vowed to destroy Luofeng Pavilion if her soul was not surrendered. Xue Qianxun then proposed a deal based on heavenly law: Longyan could take Xiahou Xue’s soul, but only if he agreed to marry her and guard her through three tribulations.
Longyan initially refused, unwilling to marry Xiahou Xue or abandon his thousand-year tribulation. However, Xue Qianxun revealed that the Oath Tower was built by Nuwa and its oaths were unchangeable, even by the Heavenly Emperor. He further explained that Xiahou Xue’s soul had transformed into an ant and hidden itself, making it impossible to find unless Longyan agreed to the terms. Realizing Liuying’s life depended on it, Longyan reluctantly accepted the deal, sacrificing his imminent ascension.
Longyan returned with Xiahou Xue’s restored soul. Liuying, overjoyed that her friend was alive, embraced Longyan and expressed her desire to marry him, especially since the Star Halo had reappeared, fulfilling their bet. However, Longyan’s demeanor was somber. He told Liuying to forget him, explaining that he could not marry her. When Liuying questioned why, he revealed he was to marry Xiahou Xue.
Longyan could not explain the truth of his deal with Luofeng Pavilion, as Xue Qianxun had warned that any mortal or immortal who knew of it would face severe punishment. With a heavy heart, Longyan dismissed his previous declarations of love as a misunderstanding, leaving Liuying heartbroken and confused.
Episode 7 Recap
Dragon King revealed to Liuying that he could not marry her because he was bound to marry Xiahou Xue, dismissing their prior connection as a misunderstanding. Though heartbroken, Liuying accepted his words, acknowledging her mortal status compared to his as the Dragon King. She later buried the love token he had given her in Fallen-flower Valley, resolving to forget their memories.
Qingqing, observing Dragon King’s visible pain, understood the unspoken love between him and Liuying, and the unfortunate impossibility of their union. While gathering fallen blossoms to decorate Xiahou Xue’s wedding room, Liuying encountered Dragon King, who appeared before her in a vibrant red wedding robe. He explained that in the mortal world, red symbolizes beauty and joy, and newlyweds wear it for good fortune.
Dragon King then reflected on how some moments, though fleeting, can represent eternity, stating that he would eternally cherish the brief, profound moment they shared. Despite his feelings, he regretfully reiterated that his heart and soul were already promised to Xiahou Xue. Xiahou’s Mansion soon buzzed with preparations for the grand wedding. Liuying, despite her profound sadness, dutifully helped Xiahou Xue don her red wedding gown.
During the ceremony, Dragon King, unable to truly commit himself to another, used a magical leaf to create an illusion of himself, which then proceeded with the marriage rites alongside Xiahou Xue. Meanwhile, at Luofeng Pavilion, Immortal Ziyang playfully bickered with Bingxing, revealing a long history of losing games to her. Xue Qianxun then arrived, and Immortal Ziyang presented him with Zisui Yangyan, an artifact he jokingly referred to as a "love token."
Immortal Ziyang explained that this item, forged from his own power and as potent as dragon fire, could be used to forcefully capture a Yin Soul to mend the breaches in the Sky Net. He gave Xue Qianxun a strict three-day deadline to use it, after which he would reclaim it. Back at Xiahou’s Mansion, Xiahou Xue’s cousin, Xu Zhiyuan, arrived to recover from a riding accident, and Liuying was assigned to nurse him due to her meticulous nature.
Dragon King observed Liuying tending to Xu Zhiyuan, displaying clear signs of jealousy which Qingqing, astute in matters of the heart, quickly identified and elaborated upon. Later, Dragon King was found drinking alone at Dragon Pool to drown his sorrows.
The Immortal of Fate appeared, offering a special wine and delivering a grim prophecy: Xiahou’s Mansion would be embroiled in a major rebellion by the end of the year, leading to their downfall, with the men enslaved and the women forced into prostitution. Concurrently, Xiahou Xue's father proposed to marry Liuying to Xu Zhiyuan, viewing it as a significant opportunity for a maid and instructing Xiahou Xue to persuade her.
At the same time, Xue Qianxun arrived at Xiahou’s Mansion, intending to capture Liuying’s Yin Soul. Qingqing encountered him and, sensing the ominous power emanating from Zisui Yangyan, deduced its malevolent purpose. Seeing Xue Qianxun as a "bad-hearted person in human form" for targeting Liuying, she cunningly stole the artifact and delivered it to Dragon King, revealing Xue Qianxun’s true intentions. A confrontation ensued between Dragon King and Xue Qianxun.
Xue Qianxun asserted that his actions were a necessary duty to protect the mortal realm but questioned why Dragon King would oppose him so fiercely for a mere "maid." Qingqing immediately jumped into the fray, chastising Xue Qianxun for his condescending view of maids and reminding him of his past mistreatment of her, including forcing her to sing in the River of Tears and ruining her makeup.
This led to an uncharacteristically lengthy argument from the usually stoic Xue Qianxun, much to Dragon King’s amusement. To assert his will, Dragon King boldly declared Liuying his to protect and, in a defiant act, destroyed Zisui Yangyan before Xue Qianxun. He then revealed that his previous actions, including his marriage to Xiahou Xue and the preservation of her soul, were all calculated moves to shield Liuying from being used to seal the Sky Net.
Emphatically stating that Liuying was the most important person to him, Dragon King vowed to defend her against Luofeng Pavilion, or even the entire Heaven if necessary, advising Xue Qianxun to seek alternative methods for mending the Sky Net. Qingqing enthusiastically echoed Dragon King’s strong stance, while Xue Qianxun, surprisingly, found himself not angered by Qingqing’s audacious remarks.
Episode 8 Recap
In the Luofeng Pavilion, Xue Qianxun informed a visiting Ziyang that the Zisui Yangyan had been destroyed by Yuchi Longyan. Seeking answers about his own past, Xue Qianxun questioned Ziyang about events from two thousand years ago. His memory was limited to being the Lonely Star, who, as punishment, had a rib removed to forge the Fleeting Pipa and was then tasked with guarding the Luofeng Pavilion for three millennia.
Ziyang was surprised by the brevity of Xue Qianxun's memories, suspecting he might have consumed the Eight Tears Drink, and suggested he consult the Immortal of Fate to learn more. When Xue Qianxun also mentioned often seeing a green figure, Ziyang playfully suggested he was simply lovesick. At the Xiahou Mansion, Xiahou Xue tried to persuade her maid, Liu Ying, to marry her cousin, Xu Zhiyuan. Liu Ying initially refused, feeling unworthy due to her status.
Xiahou Xue reassured her, explaining that her father intended to adopt Liu Ying as a foster daughter, allowing her to marry Xu Zhiyuan as the family's second miss and legal wife. Liu Ying tearfully expressed her desire to remain with Xiahou Xue, but Longyan appeared, insisting the marriage would make everyone happy. He promised a lavish wedding and assigned a girl named Qing Qing as her dowry maid.
Secretly, Longyan knew the Xiahou family faced a catastrophic fate and saw this marriage as the only way for Liu Ying to escape the tragedy and live a long life. Liu Ying later confronted Longyan, who confirmed he wanted her to marry Xu Zhiyuan for her own good. She refused, declaring her heart already belonged to someone else and that she would cherish her memories alone. Longyan countered that he only wanted a carefree life for her.
He then used the appearance of the Star Halo in the sky to perform a final act, erasing Liu Ying's memories of their love. He implanted the belief that all her happy recollections were experiences she had shared with Xu Zhiyuan.
To ensure her well-being, Longyan later secretly approached Xu Zhiyuan and instructed him on Liu Ying's specific preferences, such as her love for certain chestnuts, her fascination with fallen petals, and her inability to sleep without her own quilt and pillow. On the wedding day, Longyan’s spiritual form stayed by Liu Ying's side, watching her marry another.
As a silent offering, he conjured a shower of red petals, lamenting that the pain of losing her felt worse than a heavenly thunder tribulation. As Liu Ying was about to leave the mansion, the Star Halo appeared again, triggering a faint memory of a promise involving a love token. To stop her from remembering, Longyan instantly froze time.
He appeared before her, wiped away her tears, and kissed her forehead as a tear of his own fell, reinforcing the mental block to ensure their past remained buried. Later, Longyan stood in Liu Ying's empty room, lost in thought. Qing Qing entered to retrieve Liu Ying's old quilt and pillow, explaining that Liu Ying couldn't sleep in her new bridal chamber without them.
Longyan asked about a painting he had given Liu Ying as a love token, but Qing Qing, unaware of its significance, hadn't seen it. Heartbroken, Longyan thought to himself that it was fitting for the painting to be lost, as he had lost Liu Ying herself. Meanwhile, Liu Ying felt a persistent unease despite her implanted memories of being in love with Xu Zhiyuan.
She found details to be inconsistent, questioning Qing Qing why her husband now claimed to like durian when she recalled that neither of them did. Longyan, invisibly present, expressed his own pained confusion to Qing Qing, wondering how Liu Ying could have fallen for someone else so quickly. Qing Qing bluntly reminded him that he was the one who had altered Liu Ying's memories, making Xu Zhiyuan the hero of her love story.
Longyan admitted he had only intended it as a necessary measure but never anticipated she would genuinely fall in love with his replacement. Qing Qing retorted that the entire situation was of his own making.
Episode 9 Recap
Following the Immortal of Fate's advice, Xue Qianxun visited the grand library, seeking knowledge of his past. The Chronology there only recorded that the Lonely Star, his past self, had left his post without permission, resulting in his dismissal as a Heavenly General. His punishment included having one of his ribs made into a pipa to accompany him, drinking the Eight Tears Drink to forget his past, and guarding Luofeng Pavilion for three thousand years.
To Xue Qianxun's surprise, the crucial details of why he left his post were entirely missing from the records. The Immortal of Fate, who oversaw the Chronology, also found this odd and suggested that given Xue Qianxun's character, the original incident must have been suspicious. In a dream, Liuying found herself alone in Fallen-flower Valley, recalling a beautiful rain of fireflies. A blurred figure of Longyan appeared before her.
She desperately tried to hold onto him, but he vanished, causing her to wake up in a sweat. Qing Qing, noticing Liuying's distress, brought her a unique paper dragon, which immediately struck Liuying as familiar. She instinctively returned to Xiahou Mansion. Unbeknownst to her, Longyan, in his spirit form, was already in her room. Liuying then remembered burying something important in Fallen-flower Valley and hurried back to search for it, but she could not find the old item.
Longyan reappeared in the valley, explaining that it was merely a dream and everything would change once she woke up. However, Liuying felt a familiar sense of love and comfort with Longyan that she could not find with her current husband, Xu Zhiyuan. She yearned to remain in the dream forever. Longyan embraced her tightly, offering to use his thousand years of spiritual power to keep the dream from ending.
Meanwhile, Xu Zhiyuan successfully passed the imperial examinations, becoming the No.1 scholar and earning a position as a fifth-rank compiler in the Hanlin Academy, bringing great honor to the Xu family. He also successfully petitioned for an imperial title for Liuying, elevating her status. Despite his good treatment of Liuying, their relationship had become formal and distant, merely "courteous to each other," a change that left Liuying feeling unfulfilled.
Soon after, Xiahou Mansion was confiscated by imperial order following accusations of close ties with the rebellious Duke of the South. In the chaos, only Xiahou Xue was saved by Longyan. Distraught, Xiahou Xue angrily confronted Longyan, blaming him for not saving her parents and accusing him of bringing misfortune to her family, echoing past warnings that he was a monster.
Xu Zhiyuan explained to Liuying that the Xiahou family's involvement in a rebellion case made it nearly impossible to intervene. He also voiced his concern, having heard rumors that Xiahou Xue's husband was a "Dragon Demon" and feared his cousin had been harmed. While the world condemned Longyan, Liuying remained steadfast in her belief in his goodness.
Deeply touched by her unwavering trust, Longyan had Qing Qing deliver a letter to Xu Zhiyuan, which ultimately helped vindicate Lord Xiahou and save the family from execution. In the Hidden Dragon Pool, the Immortal of Fate observed Longyan's deep emotional entanglement, expressing concern that he might not overcome his formidable "love tribulation." Longyan, however, declared his willingness to face any ordeal to protect Liuying.
At that moment, Qing Qing arrived with news: Liuying had been feeling unwell and was now confirmed to be two months pregnant. Alarmed, Longyan immediately rushed to Xu Mansion. The Immortal of Fate, surprised by Qing Qing's familiarity with Longyan, was even more astonished to learn that she had ventured to Luofeng Pavilion to steal the Fleeting Pipa and had met Xue Qianxun, whom Qing Qing bitterly described as a "big bad guy."
Upon arriving at Xu Mansion, Longyan witnessed Liuying living a domestic life with Xu Zhiyuan, pregnant with his child. His heart ached with a pain more profound and agonizing than any thousand-year thunder tribulation he had endured. He had anticipated this scene when he allowed her to marry another, but he never imagined the torment would be so unbearable. Meanwhile, in Luofeng Pavilion, Bingxing informed Xue Qianxun of Liuying’s pregnancy.
Noting that her husband was away on official duty, her protective fate was nullified. Bingxing proposed a plan: if Liuying were to die in childbirth, they could seize her soul to repair the Sky Net. Xue Qianxun, focused on mending the Sky Net, agreed to the plan. During Liuying’s difficult labor, people from Luofeng Pavilion interfered by detaining the baby’s soul, preventing its descent and causing Liuying extreme pain that risked both her and the child's life.
Seeing her agony, Longyan disregarded his own safety. He forcibly conjured his inner core to create a doppelganger and rushed to Luofeng Pavilion. There, Bingxing, under Xue Qianxun's orders, had sealed the baby’s soul within a Lotus Box, intending to wait until Liuying had bled out. Longyan's doppelganger, though no match for Xue Qianxun, fought his way through, snatched the Lotus Box, and released the baby’s soul, allowing Liuying to give birth safely.
Observing Longyan’s selfless struggle, Xue Qianxun was perplexed, questioning the value of such powerful affection. Longyan retorted that if Xue Qianxun were to forever sever his ties with love, it would be both his fortune and his profound loss. As Longyan departed, Xue Qianxun seemed to contemplate his words. When Bingxing suggested killing Qing Qing for her interference, Xue Qianxun forbade it, ordering that she was not to be harmed without his command.
Longyan entrusted Qing Qing with Liuying's care, leaving her with an abundance of precious tonics, fine clothes, and various treats for Liuying. Qing Qing was deeply moved by the profound love Longyan harbored for Liuying, lamenting the cruel fate that kept the two apart. As Qing Qing marveled at Longyan’s thoughtfulness, Xue Qianxun suddenly appeared. Witnessing the gifts and Qing Qing's admiration for Longyan, he mistakenly assumed a romantic relationship between them. Consumed by jealousy, he roughly grabbed Qing Qing, asserting that since she was his maid from Luofeng Pavilion, her belongings were also his.
Episode 10 Recap
Following his previous encounter with Qing Qing, Xue Qianxun brought the gifts Yuchi Longyan had prepared for Liuying to Luofeng Pavilion. When Qing Qing arrived to find the silk torn and cakes eaten, she was incensed. She confronted him, declaring she was no longer his maid and criticizing his coldness compared to her "real friends." Realizing the items were for Liuying, Xue Qianxun’s jealousy subsided.
He reasserted their hundred-year agreement and tried to appease her with osmanthus cakes and the promise of "real treasures." Feigning reconciliation, Qing Qing offered him tea, which she had secretly laced with a laxative. After drinking it, Xue Qianxun felt his mood shifting erratically, unaware of the cause. Meanwhile, Liuying discovered a painting in a shop that struck her as profoundly familiar.
The woman in the painting resembled her, and the vivid dragon with its tender gaze towards the woman resonated deeply within her. She purchased the artwork, realizing it depicted the man from her dreams, whom she now understood to be Yuchi Longyan. After peacefully passing away in this lifetime, Liuying proceeded to the River of Tears to drink the Lethe Tea. Yuchi Longyan awaited her there, calling out "Little Liuying," a familiar endearment that fully restored her memories.
She realized that while everything else from her past life had faded like a beautiful dream, Yuchi Longyan remained vividly clear. He was the one who watched fireflies with her and took her soaring above the clouds. As an attendant urged her to drink the tea to erase her past, Liuying initially resisted, unwilling to forget Yuchi Longyan. He gently persuaded her, explaining that returning to the mortal world was for her own good.
He promised that if she ever saw fireflies again, it would signify his presence by her side, and perhaps then she would remember him. As she drank the tea, he quietly whispered, "I love you." Her memories instantly vanished, and she no longer recognized Yuchi Longyan, though she allowed him to guide her onto the Luofeng Bridge. Seeing her apprehension, Yuchi Longyan held her hand as she crossed, vowing that one day he would bring her to his Dragon Pool.
Yuchi Longyan and Qing Qing arrived at Luofeng Pavilion, bursting in. Displeased by their closeness, Xue Qianxun magically drew Qing Qing to his side, calling her his "personal maid." Yuchi Longyan explained his urgent purpose: he sought Xue Qianxun's counsel on how to break the three-tribulation vow he shared with Xiahou Xue. He humbly apologized for any past disrespect, offering to fulfill any task for Xue Qianxun in return.
Xue Qianxun initially refused, stating that there was no precedent and rules could not be broken. However, witnessing the Dragon King, who had never bowed to anyone, make such a profound exception for Liuying, Xue Qianxun agreed to speak with him privately, eventually disclosing the method to release Yuchi Longyan from the vow. Upon learning the method, Yuchi Longyan returned to his Dragon Pool.
Enduring agonizing pain, he tore out the reverse scale from his neck and transformed it into a doppelganger. This doppelganger would then attach itself to a man destined for Xiahou Xue who lacked a part of his soul, thereby deceiving the heavens about the vow’s fulfillment. The Immortal of Fate was aghast, exclaiming that Yuchi Longyan was insane, as removing a reverse scale was exceedingly dangerous.
Yuchi Longyan, willing to do anything for Liuying, asked the Immortal of Fate to find a suitable individual for the doppelganger to inhabit. The Immortal of Fate initially refused, only agreeing if Yuchi Longyan gave him the Golden Armor. Without hesitation, Yuchi Longyan handed over the armor, which he had nearly died to obtain for a thunder tribulation. The Immortal of Fate warned him not to regret his choice, but Yuchi Longyan firmly stated he would never regret it.
Later, Qing Qing returned to Luofeng Pavilion with osmanthus cakes for Xue Qianxun, only to find him gravely wounded and bleeding. From Bingxing, she learned that Xue Qianxun had made an exception for Yuchi Longyan and, as self-punishment for showing partiality, had endured the "broken bones" punishment. Witnessing Xue Qianxun’s weakened state, Qing Qing grew anxious. She apologized for her past remarks, promising not to leave him again and affirming that he was not cold-hearted.
However, upon hearing Xue Qianxun state his intention to still use Liuying's soul to patch the sky net, Qing Qing instantly transformed into a bird and flew away to warn Yuchi Longyan. Xue Qianxun was left in despair, as Qing Qing, who had just promised to stay forever, had left without a second thought. Meanwhile, Yuchi Longyan learned a devastating truth from the Immortal of Fate: despite the doppelganger deceiving the heavens, he still could not marry Liuying.
Nevertheless, he resolved to stay by her side, wherever she might be in the mortal world. Finally, Liuying was reborn. Qing Qing, overjoyed to see her, questioned why Liuying would choose a place called Yuchi Town for her rebirth. Yuchi Longyan pointed out the similarity between the town's name and his own, suggesting it was a destined choice. He affectionately greeted the newborn Liuying, affirming that in the end, she had chosen him.
Episode 11 Recap
Liuying's second incarnation is born in Yuchi Town. Longyan, whose surname is Weichi, takes it as a sign of fate that she was born there, as "Yuchi" sounds like his own name. Despite a lingering injury, Longyan insists on staying close to her. To protect Liuying in this new life, Qing Qing suggests they disguise themselves as siblings and live in the village.
Longyan jokingly calls Qing Qing his "maid for a century," and when she suggests they live as a family, he mistakenly assumes she means marriage, an idea Qing Qing quickly corrects to "siblings." Eighteen years later, Xue Qianxun arrives in Yuchi Town. Qing Qing, seeing him, immediately assumes he intends to harm Ruan Ayu, Liuying's current incarnation. In her panic, she hastily uses the Three-Call Spell to summon Longyan.
Xue Qianxun is visibly annoyed by Qing Qing's casual use of the spell and their apparent closeness. He asserts his authority over her, calling her his "fugitive maid," and dismissively orders her to make him Silver Needle tea to get her out of the way. Longyan then confronts Xue Qianxun, questioning why he didn't tell Qing Qing that their combined efforts had mended the Sky Net, a repair that would hold for a century, making Ayu's soul unnecessary for now.
Xue Qianxun coolly replies that a century is fleeting, he never promised to give up on taking Ayu's soul, and he doesn't need to explain his actions to a maid. Observing his behavior, Longyan speculates that Xue Qianxun secretly harbors feelings for Qing Qing and came just to see her. Xue Qianxun denies this, claiming he only came to warn the "bird demon" to keep a low profile, as Heavenly Soldiers are hunting the Blood Devil.
When Longyan teases him about being jealous, Xue Qianxun dismisses the notion, stating he doesn't understand such emotions. The current incarnation of Liuying is Ruan Ayu, a kind, filial young woman who supports herself and her father, Ruan Yueshan, by selling fish. The town is abuzz with a royal decree concerning a severe drought: the Emperor dreamt of a goddess who brought rain and is now seeking her in the southeast to be conferred as a consort.
A haughty woman named Liu Yuxiang believes she is the prophesied goddess. Liu Yuxiang often clashes with Ruan Ayu and confronts her at the market, spreading malicious rumors that Ayu is a "jinx" who caused her mother's death, driving away customers. Ayu retaliates by splashing water on her, and as the situation escalates, a man named Zhiyong steps in to protect Ayu. Liu Yuxiang is instantly captivated by Zhiyong, but he only shows concern for Ayu.
That evening, after sharing a meal with her father, Ayu tends to a hand injury and falls asleep. Longyan then secretly appears by her bedside, gently covers her with a blanket, and watches over her. Yuchi Town is gripped by fear due to a series of gruesome murders where young girls' hearts are extracted. One day, Ruan Ayu and Qing Qing venture into a secluded area to pick flowers. A wolf demon suddenly appears and targets Ayu.
Qing Qing tries to use the Three-Call Spell, but a panicked Ayu pulls her away to flee. As the wolf demon pursues them, Qing Qing finally summons Longyan, whose spiritual form appears and repels the demon just as Zhiyong arrives and shoots it with an arrow. He rushes to Ayu's aid, and she, believing Zhiyong defeated the demon, expresses her gratitude. Witnessing their interaction, Longyan darkens with jealousy.
Qing Qing quickly steps in, claiming she was the one who stunned the demon to protect Longyan's secret. Despite Qing Qing's protests, Zhiyong insists on carrying the injured Ruan Ayu home. After giving Ayu a soothing pill, Qing Qing reports to Longyan, asking why he cannot openly protect Ayu. Longyan explains that Xue Qianxun had warned him against getting too close to her.
Qing Qing dismisses this as immortal prejudice and suggests that if Longyan cannot care for Ayu, perhaps Zhiyong should be allowed to, an idea Longyan vehemently rejects. Later, Ayu goes with Zhiyong to see a small wolf cub he caught, much to her father's mild disapproval and Longyan's clear frustration. While feeding animals in the mountains, Ruan Ayu stumbles upon a cave where the notorious Blood Devil has been hiding.
The Blood Devil knocks her unconscious, intending to extract her heart. Just then, an immortal named Ziyang arrives with Heavenly Soldiers, on a mission from the Heavenly Emperor to destroy the Blood Devil. Ziyang seals the cave with a powerful double barrier created by eighty-one Heavenly Soldiers and prepares to incinerate the demon inside. Qing Qing frantically realizes Ayu is trapped and pleads with Xue Qianxun to break the barrier.
Xue Qianxun explains that the barrier is unbreakable even for him and that Heaven would merely offer blessings as compensation for any mortal sacrifices. He also reveals a critical detail: Ruan Ayu's soul is unique and would be consumed along with the Blood Devil's in the fire. Determined to save her, Longyan declares he will break the barrier himself.
As the cave fills with fire, Longyan, unable to break the barrier, trespasses into the Flame Palace, the domain of the Fire King, and forcefully takes the sacred fire shield. He sends the shield into the inferno, protecting Ruan Ayu from the flames. This act enrages Ziyang, who sees it as obstructing a Heavenly mission. Ziyang strikes Longyan, severely wounding him. Despite his injury, Longyan steadfastly maintains the shield, while Qing Qing furiously berates Ziyang for the underhanded attack.
Once the Blood Devil is slain, Xue Qianxun intervenes, persuading Ziyang to stand down for his sake. Ziyang agrees, and the immortals depart. Longyan then carries the unconscious Ruan Ayu out of the burning cave. Afterward, a shaken Qing Qing apologizes to Xue Qianxun for her earlier rudeness, admitting she was just worried about Ayu. In a rare moment of understanding, Xue Qianxun acknowledges her concern.
Episode 12 Recap
Having rescued Ayu from the fire, Long Yan decided to openly protect her. Appearing before a drowsy Ayu, he introduced himself under the alias Long Yuchi, explaining he was Qing Qing's brother. Ayu, still dazed, acknowledged him and noticed his injuries before falling back asleep. Later, Xue Qianxun and Qing Qing visited Osmanthus House, a pastry shop. Qing Qing took on a challenge to eat ten different pastries in the time it takes to brew tea, for a free meal.
She declared that if she failed, she would write her name, "Long Qingqing," backwards. Hearing her use the surname "Long," Xue Qianxun became annoyed, questioning why she, as his personal maid, hadn't simply used his surname, "Xue." This distraction caused Qing Qing to fail the challenge, leaving her with a bill of 180 pennies. With no money, she sheepishly turned to Xue Qianxun, who paid with a silver ingot.
Delighted, Qing Qing immediately declared her new name would be Xue Qingqing and had the owner pack up all the pastries. That evening, Qing Qing accidentally spilled tea on Xue Qianxun's prized robe, woven from ten thousand snow silkworms. Panicked, she frantically apologized, fearing he would send her back to Luofeng Pavilion. Seeing her strong reluctance, Xue Qianxun relented and instead told her to go find Ayu.
Overjoyed, Qing Qing embraced his arm, calling him a "good person" and "living bodhisattva" before rushing off. Soon after, Long Yan appeared and teased Xue Qianxun about his apparent feelings for Qing Qing. Xue Qianxun vehemently denied it, but then noted Long Yan's lingering internal injuries. He insisted on transferring his energy to stabilize him, explaining that their spiritual qi was connected and Long Yan was too weak to protect Ayu.
Qing Qing, having returned for her pastries, stumbled upon the two men in a close position. Startled, she mumbled that she saw nothing and quickly departed. Qing Qing found Ayu, who had just awakened and shared a vivid dream about Qing Qing having a brother. Qing Qing confirmed the dream was real, and Ayu revealed that her brother, Long Yuchi, had already introduced himself.
Qing Qing then explained how Long Yuchi had saved Ayu from a fire in the Hunter Cave, where she and Zhiyong had gone to see a small wolf cub. Tragically, Zhiyong had died in the blaze. This news deeply saddened Ayu. Meanwhile, Liu Yuxiang, distraught over Zhiyong's death, publicly confronted Ayu at the market, accusing her of being a demon who killed Zhiyong and calling her a jinx responsible for her own mother's death.
Vowing revenge, she later instructed a loyal admirer to help her deal with Ayu. That night, Long Yan visited Ayu and lay beside her as she slept. When she stirred and wondered aloud if his presence was a dream, he gently reassured her it was real, pleased that she still recognized him. Back at Luofeng Pavilion, Xue Qianxun pondered Long Yan's implications about his feelings for Qing Qing. Confused by human affection, he sought the Immortal of Fate for guidance.
The Immortal of Fate explained that love involved pursuing the person, and if the pursuit brought happiness greater than being an immortal, it was genuine. Xue Qianxun concluded that "pursuing" meant giving gifts and decided to find a suitable present for Qing Qing. Xue Qianxun presented Qing Qing with a sachet, claiming he had simply bought it "by the way." However, Qing Qing had recently overheard a street vendor advertising sachets to "ward off evil spirits," specifically naming "bird demons."
As a bird demon herself, she mistakenly believed the gift was a deliberate mockery of her lower status. Resentfully, she accepted the "rare" gift and proposed a drinking contest. She challenged him to see who could get drunk first, secretly drinking osmanthus water while encouraging him to consume strong wine. Eventually, Xue Qianxun passed out on the table. Seizing her chance for revenge, Qing Qing drew a bird on Xue Qianxun's face.
When he woke up, he cheerfully suggested they go watch the dragon boat race. Panicked that he would be ridiculed and then blame her, Qing Qing tried to stall him by suggesting he wear a hat. Instead, Xue Qianxun conjured a mirror, revealing the Bird King symbol she had drawn. Seeing his own reflection, Qing Qing profusely apologized. Unperturbed, Xue Qianxun calmly cleaned his face and then declared it was his turn to "draw" on her. Resigning herself to a prank, Qing Qing reluctantly sat down, wondering what kind of outrageous drawing he would inflict upon her.
Episode 13 Recap
Following up on his promise from the previous night, Xue Qianxun meticulously applies a beautiful makeup for Qing Qing, who is delighted. They then go out to the street together to watch the dragon boat races. On the bustling street, Ayu is selling flowers when Baldhead approaches, intending to cause trouble. Ayu, quick-witted, throws caterpillars—Baldhead's greatest fear—onto him to drive him away. Just then, Yuchi, passing by, intervenes and offers to buy all of Ayu's flowers.
Ayu immediately recognizes him as Yuchi, the one who had saved her, despite not having seen him clearly that day. Yuchi acknowledges her recognition and invites her to a special place. He takes her to the city wall, where they watch beautiful fireworks. Ayu's joy is evident, and Yuchi finds himself wishing he could embrace her.
Ayu then shares a childhood memory, pointing out names she and Zhiyong had carved on the wall: "Beauty Jun" for herself and "Brave Wise Man" for Zhiyong. Yuchi, clearly displeased, subtly erases Zhiyong's carving and declares that from now on, she can only come to the city wall with him. When Ayu points out that he is also a man, he replies that as Qing Qing's brother, he is hers as well.
He then advises her not to stay too long as it is cold, a phrase Ayu feels she has heard somewhere before. As Yuchi walks Ayu home, she asserts that she is not afraid of Baldhead and isn't so fragile as to need constant protection. Yuchi then gifts her a jar of trained fireflies, explaining that if she releases one, it will immediately lead him to her. Ayu is overjoyed, realizing she can now see Yuchi anytime she wishes.
Later that night, Ayu finds herself unable to sleep, her thoughts consumed by Yuchi. Meanwhile, Yuchi is also restless, preparing for Ayu's potential summons. He tries on various outfits, from a scholarly look to full armor, wondering what image would be best. Xue Qianxun suddenly appears, revealing he has been watching Yuchi's antics for a while.
Though Xue Qianxun had come looking for Qing Qing, he offers Yuchi advice: attire isn't the most important thing, as human women love gifts above all else. Inspired, Yuchi prepares a stack of gifts for Ayu, but Xue Qianxun dismisses each one as unsuitable or even dangerous. Yuchi, pouting, accuses Xue Qianxun of jealousy. Xue Qianxun retorts that Qing Qing has already taken his surname, becoming Xue Qingqing, while Ayu has not yet summoned Yuchi at all.
Yuchi then spitefully offers the Night Pearl he had intended for Ayu to Xue Qianxun. Unbeknownst to Ayu, Yuchi has been secretly watching over her. He observes anxiously as Ayu is publicly accosted by Yuxiang and Baldhead, who accuse her of selling stale fish that caused Mrs. Sun's grandson, Fuwang, to suffer from severe diarrhea. They rally the crowd, demanding Ayu report to the authorities or pay compensation. Ayu, however, remains calm.
When Fuwang's symptoms are described as diarrhea, a sore throat, and slobbering, Ayu recognizes they are not typical of food poisoning. She offers to treat Fuwang herself, dismissing the need for the county magistrate. Physician Jia, who is with the accusers, boasts about his medical expertise. Ayu astutely points out that stale fish poisoning usually causes red rashes, which Fuwang does not have. As Physician Jia makes an excuse to leave, Baldhead suddenly starts showing identical symptoms, including slobbering.
Ayu deduces that he and Physician Jia are experiencing the same ailment as Fuwang, despite not having eaten her fish. She exposes their scheme, revealing they have consumed croton seeds, which they likely put in their own tea, and conspired with Physician Jia to frame her. Baldhead inadvertently confirms this when he drops the money Physician Jia paid him.
Ayu explains that she knows the difference because as a motherless child, she once inadvertently consumed both stale fish and croton seeds. She provides Mrs. Sun a remedy—a decoction of goldthread root and golden cypress—to detoxify her grandson. Mrs. Sun gratefully accepts, apologizing profusely. The crowd praises Ayu for her kindness and sharp wit, while Yuxiang, Baldhead, and Physician Jia flee in shame.
Later, Ayu seeks out Qing Qing, eager to learn the art of embroidery, specifically how to embroider a lifelike dragon. Qing Qing is thrilled, teasing that Ayu must have the Dragon King on her mind. Ayu confirms her desire to complete the half-dragon design on Yuchi's handkerchief, believing he would love it. Ayu then notices a sachet on Qing Qing's person. Curious, Qing Qing asks what it signifies when a man gives a sachet to a woman.
Ayu candidly replies that it naturally means "love," prompting a shocked reaction from Qing Qing, who vehemently denies the possibility. The Dragon King returns to his home, deeply disheartened that Ayu, despite facing difficulties, had never summoned him. He feels unneeded. Xue Qianxun, who has been waiting all day for Qing Qing but has not seen a trace of her, is also present and expresses his own disappointment.
The two men find solace in drinking wine, commiserating over their respective romantic predicaments. In the Dragon Pool, the Dragon King continues to drink, tormented by Ayu's failure to summon him and speculating that she might have lost the firefly jar. Believing he is having an alcohol-induced illusion, a figure resembling Ayu suddenly appears before him. As he grapples with this surprise, another figure, also looking exactly like Ayu, emerges. Both claim to be the real Ayu and vehemently accuse the other of being an imposter, leaving the Dragon King bewildered and caught between them.
Episode 14 Recap
Two versions of Ayu appeared before Long Yan in the Dragon Pool, each claiming to be the real one. Puzzled, Long Yan questioned how Ayu could have found this place. The two were forced to reveal their true forms: the Immortal of Fate and Xue Qianxun. They confessed that they were worried about Long Yan's constant drinking and had independently decided to transform into Ayu to comfort him, leading to the chaotic situation.
Annoyed by their bickering, Long Yan watched them fight. Later, Ayu discovered a beautiful celestial phenomenon, the Star Halo, on a mountain. Wanting to share the sight with Long Yan, she released the fireflies he had given her to summon him. Long Yan, thinking she was in danger, rushed to her side, only to be relieved that she merely wanted to watch the Star Halo with him.
Ayu offered him a sugar-roasted chestnut, which reminded Long Yan of when Liu Ying had done the same. Noticing a tear in his sleeve, Ayu offered to mend it for him, and Long Yan accepted. He granted her permission to summon him with the fireflies whenever she wished, deepening their bond. While stargazing, Long Yan took Ayu's hand, and she leaned affectionately on his shoulder.
Ayu decided to embroider a dragon for Long Yan, but pricked her finger due to her lack of skill. Sensing this, Long Yan secretly appeared and froze time. With a gentle touch and a bit of magic, he healed her finger and instantly embroidered a perfect dragon onto the handkerchief. Upon waking, Ayu mistakenly believed she had embroidered it herself in a moment of inspiration and was overjoyed.
Meanwhile, Xue Qianxun's continued presence in the mortal realm irked Qing Qing, who was frustrated that he had sealed her magic and kept her around just to make tea. Xue Qianxun agreed to her request and attempted to undo the seal, but discovered it had been altered by someone else, making it impossible for him to remove. Qing Qing was disheartened. When Long Yan returned that night, Xue Qianxun learned the truth: Long Yan had modified the seal.
Because Xue Qianxun’s attempt to break the modified seal had failed, it triggered a reset, meaning Qing Qing's magic would be sealed for another ninety-nine years. Angered, and further provoked by Long Yan's offer to protect Qing Qing himself for that time, a jealous Xue Qianxun attacked Long Yan, leading to a heated fight in the house.
Qing Qing came looking for Long Yan but was embarrassed to find the two men in a physically close and awkward position after their fight. She quickly closed the door and left them. Both injured and unable to reach the wounds on their backs, Long Yan suggested they apply medicine to each other. Xue Qianxun reluctantly agreed and treated Long Yan's injuries.
However, once his own wounds were tended to, Long Yan immediately left for the healing waters of the Dragon Pool to bathe, leaving Xue Qianxun to fend for himself. Annoyed, Xue Qianxun followed him into the pool. There, Long Yan gave Xue Qianxun advice on wooing Qing Qing, telling him to stop acting like a master and instead treat her as an equal, as a man pursuing a woman he cares for.
Consumed by hatred, Liu Yuxiang sent Baldhead to kill Ayu. While Ayu was gathering flowers in the forest, she felt a familiar headache just as Baldhead ambushed and kidnapped her, throwing her onto a horse carriage. When she awoke, Ayu tried to use the firefly jar to summon Long Yan, but Baldhead knocked her unconscious again. Curious about the jar, he opened it, releasing the fireflies. Long Yan immediately received the summons and appeared.
After healing Ayu, he furiously punished Baldhead for harming her. Long Yan then carried the unconscious Ayu back to her room. Upon waking and learning Long Yan had rescued her, Ayu was happy, though she remained concerned about the mysterious weakness that had been affecting her lately.
Episode 15 Recap
Following his confrontation with Baldhead Xu, Yuchi ties both him and Liu Yuxiang together in the street under a sign declaring them human traffickers. When officials arrive, Yuxiang feigns innocence, claiming she was the victim Baldhead Xu intended to kidnap. Baldhead Xu desperately cries out that his actions were for Yuxiang's sake, but he is arrested. Before being taken away, he tells Yuxiang that Qingqing’s brother was the one who tied them up.
This leads Yuxiang to suspect that Qingqing is also a demon, and she resolves to have her captured. Meanwhile, Qingqing senses a killing aura approaching, making her feathers bristle. Though she has no powers, she plans to flee but delays her escape to retrieve a sachet from Xue Qianxun. This hesitation allows a powerful demon hunter to corner her and trap her with a Demon-Binding Rope.
Desperate, Qingqing uses the Three-call Spell to call for Yuchi, but Xue Qianxun appears instead and rescues her. Back at Luofeng Pavilion, while tending to her arm, he explains that he secretly altered the spell to summon himself when he unsealed her powers. Annoyed that he acted without her consent, Qingqing’s attitude exasperates him, and he declares she is no longer his maid.
Delighted to be free, Qingqing cheerfully grabs the osmanthus cakes on the table, assuming they are for her, and leaves a frustrated Xue Qianxun alone. Ayu, after finishing the embroidery on Yuchi's handkerchief, summons him with the fireflies. She presents him with the handkerchief, a small dragon now complete, fulfilling their promise to exchange love tokens after the Star Halo's appearance. Overjoyed, Yuchi gives her a folded paper dragon in return.
He then leads her to a magical place he created—the Fallen-flower Valley, filled with butterflies. Ayu feels a strange sense of familiarity with the valley. She confesses that every moment with him makes the world more beautiful, then embraces and kisses him. Yuchi returns the embrace, but immediately after, she is struck by another dizzy spell and faints in his arms. Worried about Ayu's recurring dizziness, Yuchi is visited by the Immortal of Fate.
The Immortal explains that the fireflies Yuchi created for Ayu are draining his spiritual energy. Because Yuchi's own energy is now depleted, he is unconsciously absorbing Ayu's mortal essence to compensate. The Immortal gravely warns that their relationship is a dead end—"Human and demon are different"—and his continued presence will ultimately kill her. When Yuchi asks why this wasn't an issue with Liuying, the Immortal clarifies that Yuchi's power was abundant then, and their time together was brief.
Convinced he is the cause of her fainting spells, Yuchi understands he must leave her. Having heard rumors that a demon hunter captured Qingqing, a terrified Ayu uses the fireflies to call for Yuchi. Relieved when he appears unharmed in the Fallen-flower Valley, she asks if he is a demon. He confirms it. Far from being afraid, Ayu urges him to flee, explaining that a powerful hunter is after him.
She notes that he and Qingqing are far kinder than the humans who have bullied her. Affirming he is a dragon demon, Yuchi sorrowfully explains the harsh reality: he must leave her for her own safety. He tells her that because they are human and demon, they can never be together and that he will no longer answer her call. With a heavy heart, he asks her to pretend they never met.
Though heartbroken, Ayu agrees, promising not to miss him. Yuchi tells her not to look back as he leaves, and she stands her ground, determined to endure the pain. In Luofeng Pavilion, Qingqing is frustrated with her makeup and wishes she had something to cover her meteor mark. Observing her distress, Xue Qianxun presents her with a lavish assortment of headwear.
Qingqing is initially delighted, but her joy sours as she misinterprets the gift as a sign that he finds her mark ugly. She rejects the accessories and retreats to her room, leaving Xue Qianxun puzzled. He knows that what she truly desires is not to cover the mark, but to have it removed entirely—a feat he has already tried and failed to accomplish.
Episode 16 Recap
Following up on Long Yan's punishment of Liu Yuxiang, Liu Yuxiang publicly spreads rumors that Qing Qing is a demon and, by association, so is Ayu. She claims Ayu's birth caused her mother's death and that Ayu was responsible for Zhiyong's death in a fire, from which Ayu herself escaped unharmed. Enraged, Ayu’s father defends his daughter, proclaiming that she is not a demon but the Divine Lady mentioned in an imperial notice.
His outburst attracts the attention of officials, who prepare to arrest him for making light of an imperial decree. To save her father, Ayu steps forward, affirming his claim and stating she is the Divine Lady who can summon rain to end the kingdom's drought. The officials set up an altar for Ayu. Before the ritual, Ayu gives her father all their money, instructing him to take a boat downriver and wait for her.
She plans to stall at the altar, then fake a fall into the river to escape and meet him. Meanwhile, Long Yan travels to Thunderstorm Terrace to get the Rain Wand, prepared to use force if necessary. Learning of Ayu’s dangerous situation, Qing Qing begs Xue Qianxun to help, but he sternly refuses, explaining that an immortal interfering in human affairs faces a thunder punishment that a small demon like her could not survive.
For her own safety, he forcibly takes her back to Luofeng Pavilion and restrains her with his magic, despite her desperate pleas. At Thunderstorm Terrace, Long Yan confronts Xuanming, the Immortal of Rain, to borrow the Rain Wand. Xuanming refuses, insisting he has already followed the Heavenly Emperor’s command to make it rain. Purple Yang arrives, clarifying that while an order for rain was given, Yuchi Town remains completely dry.
They travel to the town and discover a massive, invisible barrier preventing any rain from reaching the ground. Long Yan deduces the barrier is formed from the Blood Devil's finalgrievance, a dying curse to turn Yuchi Town into a barren wasteland to accompany him in death. Realizing they are powerless to break it, Purple Yang and Xuanming leave to report the matter to the Heavenly Court.
Back at the altar, Ayu stalls as long as she can, hoping her father has escaped. The lead official, Mr. Shen, warns her that failure to produce rain is a crime of deceiving the Emperor. With no other choice, Ayu kneels and confesses to the crowd, apologizing for falsely claiming to be the Divine Lady and giving them false hope. The officials immediately sentence her to execution. As she awaits her fate, a kind villager offers her a final meal.
Meanwhile, Long Yan pours his spiritual energy into the barrier to no avail. He realizes the demonic barrier can only be broken by invoking the Blood Devil's true name. Remembering the devil's mortal name was Zhiyong, Long Yan powerfully commands the barrier to break. The barrier shatters, and rain pours down on Yuchi Town, saving Ayu just as the executioner's sword is about to fall.
The officials and townspeople, witnessing the miracle, prostrate themselves before Ayu, hailing her as the true Divine Lady. The effort, however, leaves Long Yan severely weakened. With the town saved, Ayu is hailed as a hero. She confronts Liu Yuxiang, reminding her of years of bullying. Rejecting an official's suggestion to have Liu Yuxiang flogged to death, Ayu decrees a different punishment: Liu Yuxiang must wear "turtle makeup" and be paraded through the streets for sixteen days.
Ayu explains this is so Liu Yuxiang will experience the same public humiliation she inflicted on others, hopefully learning compassion. When Ayu expresses a desire to go home, Mr. Shen informs her that her father is safe and being cared for in the palace. He then delivers the shocking news that the King, as a reward, intends to grant her riches and make her his royal concubine.
Later, Long Yan explains to Xue Qianxun that he is content with this outcome. Ayu's life force had been damaged by her connection to him, and entering the palace will allow her to live a long, peaceful life, nourished by the noble aura of the court. He is willing to endure the pain of separation for her well-being. They return to Luofeng Pavilion to find Qing Qing still magically bound to a chair.
Xue Qianxun releases her, sending her to get medicine for Long Yan. Soon after, the Immortal of Fate arrives personally and takes Long Yan away for treatment. Before leaving, he advises Xue Qianxun to treat Qing Qing as an equal—as a man would a woman—rather than as a subordinate. Left alone with Qing Qing, Xue Qianxun attempts to follow the advice.
He invites her to sit for tea and conversation, but his uncharacteristically gentle demeanor makes Qing Qing flustered and her heart race. Overwhelmed by the awkwardness, she makes an excuse to use the toilet and flees. Later, Long Yan asks Xue Qianxun to allow Qing Qing to accompany Ayu in the palace.
Xue Qianxun is reluctant to part with her, but Long Yan explains that while Qing Qing and Xue Qianxun can enter the palace freely, he, as the Dragon King, would have to fight Heavenly Generals to even see Ayu. Having Qing Qing there would be his only connection to her. Understanding his friend's plight, Xue Qianxun agrees and grants Long Yan one last chance to see Ayu before she enters the palace.
Episode 17 Recap
Tasked with learning imperial courtesy before entering the palace, Ayu found the process challenging, struggling with the formal kneeling and having to practice extensively. She privately lamented that a life as the emperor's concubine, confined within the palace walls, was not what she desired, despite others perhaps seeing it as a blessing. Longing for Yuchi, she released fireflies to summon him.
Yuchi appeared but kept his distance, declaring he would no longer come to her when she called for him this way. When Ayu pleaded with him to reconsider, he refused. Ayu then begged Yuchi to take her to the city wall for one last fireworks display, and he eventually agreed.
As they watched the dazzling show, Ayu bravely confessed her feelings, asking why he had always been so kind to her, showing her wonders like fireworks, shooting stars, and the dance of countless butterflies. Yuchi coldly dismissed her confession, stating that humans and demons follow different paths and that she had misunderstood his intentions.
He revealed that he had been good to her and given her the fireflies only because she bore a striking resemblance to Liuying, the woman he truly loved. Heartbroken, Ayu watched the fireworks end. She asked for another jar of fireflies, admitting she was scared of the vast imperial palace. Yuchi refused, assuring her that as the Lady Divine, she would receive every luxury and be safe, with Qing Qing there to protect her.
Ayu then softened her request, begging him to visit her just once a year, on her birthday. Yuchi vaguely promised to do so if he had time, and Ayu, clinging to that faint hope, told him she would wait. Ayu formally entered the palace as the Lady Divine, dressed in grand crimson robes, with Qing Qing by her side.
Far away at Dragon Pool, Yuchi was filled with a deep sadness, knowing he could not stop her and could only hope she would live a peaceful life. Meanwhile, in the palace, Qing Qing reminisced about the beautiful peach makeup Xue Qianxun had once done for her. To her surprise, Xue Qianxun appeared, sporting intentionally drawn "turtle makeup."
He asked if she was happy in the palace, and Qing Qing admitted that while she enjoyed fine clothes and delicious food, she felt like a caged canary, having lost her freedom. Xue Qianxun then asked for Qing Qing's honest opinion of him. She candidly described him as an "ice-cold face," rigid, intolerant, easily offended, and unsympathetic in his punishments.
However, she also conceded that his face was quite handsome despite his seriousness, and that as the lord of Luofeng Pavilion, his strictness was necessary. She pointed out that while he often threatened punishment, he never truly followed through and had always been kind to her, giving her gifts and even applying her makeup. She concluded that anyone unaware would think he was pursuing her.
Xue Qianxun immediately confirmed her suspicion, admitting he was indeed pursuing her because he liked her and believed she liked him in return. As Qing Qing tried to process this, she stumbled, and Xue Qianxun caught her, resulting in an accidental kiss. Just then, Ayu called for Qing Qing, prompting Xue Qianxun to swiftly disappear, leaving them both with racing hearts. On her birthday, Ayu dressed elaborately, eagerly awaiting Yuchi's arrival.
As dusk settled with no sign of him, her spirits plummeted. Qing Qing tried to comfort her, speculating that the Dragon King was likely fighting the heavenly guards who barred non-mortals from the palace. Just then, a butterfly flew into Ayu's chambers, confirming Yuchi's presence. She followed it to the palace wall, where she and Yuchi were separated by a mere barrier but felt miles apart.
Ayu asked the butterfly to tell Yuchi that she would wait for him every birthday. From the other side of the wall, Yuchi's voice softly told her not to wait for him any longer. Decades passed. Ayu, now known as Consort Dowager Yu, watched as the emperor's favor shifted to new consorts, leaving her to spend her days in lonely chambers.
Year after year, her only solace was the annual ritual of waiting by the palace wall on her birthday for a sign from Yuchi—a butterfly that confirmed he was just on the other side. From Dragon Pool, Yuchi watched her solitary life unfold, overcome with guilt. He confessed to a companion that he had hoped sending Ayu to the palace would free her from hardship, but he now saw how heartless the mortal emperor was.
He admitted to repeatedly breaking into the palace to see her, fighting heavenly guards and stealing forbidden items for her sake, describing the long wait as torture. His companion urged him to be patient a little longer. Later, as Consort Dowager Yu, Ayu watched fireworks light up the night sky, recalling the most beautiful display she had ever seen when, as a young fisherman's daughter, she confessed her feelings to Yuchi.
That brief, cherished memory had sustained her for sixty years. She reflected that Yuchi had never truly left her heart, while Yuchi, aware of her enduring affection, resolved that if they ever met again, he would never let her go.
Episode 18 Recap
After completing her third life in the imperial palace, Miss Ayu arrived at the River of Tears. There, she met Yuchi Longyan, who revealed that she was, in fact, Liuying, the girl he had always loved. He explained they were the same person—she had been Liuying long ago, then Ayu, and he was the Dragon King she had known.
Just as she learned the truth of her past, Ayu was urged to drink the Eight Tears Drink to erase her memories. Unwilling to forget Longyan, she recalled her fear of the palace and her wish to be with him. Feigning nervousness, she asked them not to watch her and pretended to drink the potion, secretly pouring it out.
In her heart, she vowed to Longyan that she would not forget him and would now be the master of her own fate. Liuying was reborn into a general’s household and named Feng Chenyue. Her father was overjoyed at her birth, playfully correcting his deputy, Uncle Zhao, who had called her an "heir" and instead affirmed her potential as a heroine.
Chenyue grew up to be the opposite of a refined lady, preferring swords and spears and becoming even more martial than the men around her. Following her late father’s wishes, she took command as general, defending the border against the Dongluo invaders. During a martial arts tournament, Chenyue promoted the skilled Gao Yang to Chiliarch and, while punishing another contestant for his lack of restraint, she also recognized his tenacity by making him a Deputy Chiliarch.
Afterward, she stood before her father’s memorial, vowing to repel the Dongluo and bring peace. Unseen, Longyan watched over her, silently pledging to help her achieve her goals, reaffirming his promise to always remember and find her. While sharing a meal with her soldiers, Chenyue was chastised by Uncle Zhao for her informal behavior. She retorted that in the Feng Army, there were only soldiers, not a "Lady Feng," especially while the Dongluo threat remained.
She then caught several soldiers reading a contraband book, "An Evilly Charming Dragon King's Requital." Citing her father’s rule that such books undermined morale, she confiscated it but pardoned the soldiers after they admitted their mistake. Later, Qing Qing tried to convince Chenyue to use hand cream, arguing that women should groom themselves to attract a husband.
Chenyue rejected this, asserting that women dress up for their own happiness and that with her father’s wish unfulfilled, she had no time for romance. She added that any man who truly loved her would accept her as she is. After Qing Qing left, Chenyue secretly began reading the confiscated novel herself. In her room, Qing Qing struggled with her makeup, poking her forehead in frustration.
This caused Xue Qianxun, who had linked them with a Body-Sharing Spell, to feel her pain and instantly appear. Startled, and forgetting for a moment that she was a spirit herself, Qing Qing mistook him for a ghost. Xue Qianxun explained the spell, confessing that he was pursuing her. Seeing her shock, he quickly backtracked, claiming their closeness was due to her being his former personal maid.
Qing Qing dismissed his confession as a joke but agreed to his request to call him by his name, Xue Qianxun, and asked for his help with her makeup. Chenyue prepared to meet the new Military Supervisor, Lu Zheng. Upon his arrival, she was initially annoyed by his intense gaze, but was surprised when he revealed himself to be her childhood friend, "Brother Zheng." As they reconnected, Lu Zheng noticed the scandalous novel on her desk.
Chenyue claimed she had confiscated it from her soldiers and stopped him from burning it. After he left, she began to read it, curious as to how it could undermine morale. In his quarters, Lu Zheng reminisced about their first meeting ten years prior, when a young Chenyue climbed a tree to give him fruit and then a flower.
He had corrected her, telling her to call him "Brother Zheng," and he still treasured the preserved flower, glad their bond remained. Worried by reports that Dongluo soldiers were massacring civilians, Chenyue discussed the situation with Uncle Zhao. They learned of strange behavior in the enemy camp: the Dongluo Crown Prince, a man known for his love of luxury, had suddenly stopped his daily habit of eating roast deer.
Suspecting he had secretly left the camp, Chenyue ordered a full alert and dispatched scouts to find him. As they strategized, Lu Zheng noticed a labyrinth casket in Chenyue’s hand. She explained it was a gift from an old friend that helped her think clearly. That night, holding the casket, Chenyue dreamed of Longyan, murmuring the name "Yuchi" as she searched for him among countless soldiers but could not find him.
Episode 19 Recap
Chenyue frequently dreams of the Dragon King, Yuchi, though his face always remains indistinct, leaving her with a persistent feeling that she must seek him out. Upon awakening, she receives grave news: Dongluo forces, led by Crown Prince Han Xiyun, are launching a surprise attack. A scout reports their brutal path, having destroyed five villages and left no survivors, even killing border patrolman Zhong Sheng.
Despite Lu Zheng's pleas for her to remain safe at camp, emphasizing that an army cannot be without its commander, Chenyue resolves to lead the counter-attack herself, entrusting the camp to Uncle Zhao and passionately rallying her troops. Meanwhile, Crown Prince Han Xiyun is informed of the Feng Army's raid. Recognizing Feng Chenyue's characteristic boldness, he declares his intent to personally claim her head. On the battlefield, Feng Chenyue engages Han Xiyun in a fierce duel.
When she is in danger, an ordinary-looking soldier with extraordinary skill intervenes to protect her, drawing her attention. As the Feng army withdraws after a successful raid, Han Xiyun orders his archers to fire. The skilled soldier, Longyan in disguise, discreetly creates a magical barrier, ensuring Chenyue retreats unharmed. After the battle, Chenyue is consumed by thoughts of the mysterious soldier, suspecting that the Dragon King from her dreams secretly protected her.
Elsewhere, Qing Qing, learning of Chenyue's miraculous escape, deduces Longyan's involvement. She is astonished to find the majestic Dragon King disguised as a lowly soldier, performing menial tasks. Longyan explains his sole purpose is to protect Chenyue. He recounts how his past intervention led to her previous incarnation living a life of sorrow due to her unrequited love for him.
He now believes true love is selfless protection, not selfish possession, and is determined to let Chenyue fulfill her own aspirations in this life, even if it means she loves someone else. For his interference, Longyan endures painful thunder punishments from the heavens. The Immortal of Fate confronts him, providing a restorative elixir but sternly warning that using his magic again within the next forty-nine days will result in a severe backlash, especially if his spiritual energy is low.
Reassured that Chenyue is protected by the "Soul of the General," Longyan accepts the risk. Inspired by the success, Chenyue proposes a dawn counter-attack to burn Dongluo's supplies, a plan Lu Zheng supports. She leads her troops to confront Han Xiyun, captures him, and demands his forces surrender. Feigning remorse, Han Xiyun claims to hate war and offers to negotiate a century of peace. Though skeptical, Chenyue agrees to discuss the terms in her camp.
As she leads the way, Han Xiyun betrays her, launching a hidden dart. Chenyue dodges, and the projectile strikes Han Xiyun in his own eye, blinding him. Enraged, he orders his men to kill her. As arrows rain down on the retreating Feng army, Longyan, despite the Immortal of Fate's warning, shields Chenyue and takes an arrow meant for her. Longyan feigns unconsciousness as Chenyue and Lu Zheng tend to him.
Chenyue explains to Lu Zheng that this is the same soldier who saved her before. Lu Zheng commends his valor, and it is revealed that Chenyue has already promoted him to Brave Sergeant for his previous heroism. When Chenyue affectionately calls Lu Zheng "Brother Zheng," the pretending-to-be-asleep Longyan bristles with jealousy. Meanwhile, a furious Han Xiyun learns his eye injury is incurable. His rage is interrupted by the Imperial Advisor, who delivers the King of Dongluo's order to retreat.
The Advisor explains their army's morale is shattered and supplies are destroyed, leaving no hope of victory. Reluctantly, Han Xiyun concedes. Back in her camp, as she discusses pursuing the enemy, Chenyue receives a letter that appears to affirm her strategy.
Episode 20 Recap
With the arrival of the Dongluo Imperial Advisor to sue for peace, the war finally ended. Before her deceased father's memorial tablet, General Feng Chenyue announced that she had fulfilled his wish by repelling the invading forces. She then thanked her soldiers for their sacrifices, without which the border would not be at peace.
In the Dongluo camp, Prince Han Xiyun, now blind in one eye, was enraged that his father had forced peace talks, feeling his dignity had been trampled. Brushing aside his subordinate Jin's counsel to wait until he ascended the throne, Han Xiyun declared that his fate was in his own hands. Consumed by a desire for revenge, he ordered Jin not to kill Chenyue, but to capture her and make her experience his pain and wish for death.
Meanwhile, the Military Supervisor, Lu Zheng, sought out Long Yan. He presented a box of ginseng, expressing gratitude not as an official, but as a man thankful for the rescue of the most important person in his life. He confessed his deep affection for Chenyue, revealing they were childhood sweethearts and that he had volunteered for his post after becoming Top Scholar just to be near her, with the intention of one day marrying her.
At the subsequent celebration banquet, Chenyue toasted her troops. Seeing her drink heavily, Lu Zheng stepped in to take the drinks on her behalf. Soldiers nearby gossiped about the pair, noting Lu Zheng's obvious affection. While some questioned the suitability of a "male scholar, female warrior" dynamic, others deemed them a perfect match and speculated about an impending wedding. Overhearing this, Long Yan felt a deep sense of unease.
The next day, Lu Zheng presented Chenyue with a wild horse he had personally tamed. Chenyue politely declined, stating her current mount was fine, and suggested giving the fine horse to Uncle Zhao, whose own horse was aging. Later, Lu Zheng discovered a drawing of a dragon among Chenyue's belongings. He lamented to Long Yan that while he had tried to gift her a fine horse and bow, she liked none of them.
Now, knowing her fondness for dragons, he felt at a loss, as one could not simply capture a dragon from the heavens. After their conversation, Lu Zheng suddenly had an idea. Lu Zheng later surprised Chenyue with a dragon kite, speaking of a "connection of minds" between them. His words reminded Chenyue of a promise from Long Yuchi, Qingqing's brother, that he could always find her.
This led her to wonder if Lu Zheng was hinting that he was the Dragon King, though something felt amiss. As they flew the kite, a real white dragon—Long Yan in his true form—appeared in the sky. Jealous of the scene, he created a strong wind that snapped the kite string. Lu Zheng then departed, citing urgent business. Convinced the Dragon King was near, Chenyue chased after the disappearing dragon, wondering why he was being so shy.
Elsewhere, Qingqing observed the spectacle and mocked Long Yan for being jealous of a "fake dragon," calling him a "vinegar jar." The sound of her laughter reached Xue Qianxun, who found it both familiar and strange, stirring a deep curiosity. Chenyue found Lu Zheng and hopefully called him "Yuchi Gege." Lu Zheng, misunderstanding, thought she was referring to the rebellious Duke Long and warned her against such dangerous talk.
Realizing her mistake, Chenyue was disappointed but remained convinced the Dragon King was nearby, pondering who he could be if not Lu Zheng. Determined to undermine Chenyue, Han Xiyun concluded that the best way to bypass the heavily guarded Feng Army was to bribe officials in Wind City and lure her back to the capital. He noted that his father was sending Princess Arhui for a marriage alliance and instructed Jin to accompany her.
Jin's mission was to ensure Chenyue's return to Wind City and then assassinate her. In Wind City, the King prepared to reward the Feng Army. However, a minister raised concerns that Chenyue's early success might make her arrogant, suggesting a recall to the capital would test her loyalty. An imperial edict was issued, commanding General Feng Chenyue to return to Wind City within a strict ten-day deadline to be rewarded.
At court, the newly arrived Princess Arhui, now Consort Rui, was instructed by Jin to foster ties with the Queen. Jin assured her that Chenyue would return if they willed it. Meanwhile, court officials discussed Chenyue's influence, with one remarking that as a female official in the capital, she would need to be taught the proper rules of conduct. Back at the camp, Chenyue practiced her Xuantian Swordsmanship.
Impressed by Long Yan's skill, she challenged him to a match and afterward asked him to become her Chief Guard and accompany her to Wind City. Long Yan hesitated, but Chenyue told him to give her an answer the next day. Just then, Lu Zheng arrived.
Long Yan excused himself, and Lu Zheng revealed to Chenyue that he had received a secret letter from his father, warning him that some ministers were displeased with her achievements and advising him to distance himself. Though Lu Zheng professed not to fear gossip, he warned Chenyue that her return to Wind City would be more dangerous than any battle and, as he could not accompany her, she must be extremely cautious.
Episode 21 Recap
As Feng Chenyue prepared to return to Wind City, Long Yan decided to accompany her as her Chief Guard, a proposal Chenyue asked him to consider by the next day. Before their departure, Military Supervisor Lu Zheng discreetly warned Chenyue that some ministers in Wind City were discontent with her achievements and advised her to be cautious, as returning to the city could be more perilous than war. Chenyue assured him she understood.
The next day, Long Yan confirmed he would go with her. Seeing the profound familiarity in his gaze, Chenyue dreamed that night of the Dragon King, finally recognizing his face in a crowd of soldiers as her long-lost Yuchi. Meanwhile, Consort Rui obtained the Five Horses Painting from the Emperor for Xiao Jin. To repay the favor, Xiao Jin helped the consort assemble a complex Magic Cube Lock.
The lock triggered a memory for Xiao Jin of her childhood, when she crafted a similar Luban Lock, renamed it the Magic Cube Lock, and gave it as a birthday gift to her friend, Xiao Yue. The lock had "Jin" carved on it, and the memory made Xiao Jin wonder where Xiao Yue was now. The journey to Wind City could have taken nine days, but Feng Chenyue intentionally delayed their arrival until the tenth day.
Qing Qing grew impatient, but Long Yan supported Chenyue’s strategy, explaining that if the Emperor knew they could arrive in nine days, he might demand an even shorter travel time in the future. Upon their arrival, the Emperor granted Feng Chenyue the title of Great Lady General. During the ceremony, she deliberately showed humility to temper perceptions of her power.
Afterwards, the Empress summoned Chenyue to Fengxi Palace, where, in a show of dominance, she ordered the newly appointed general to guard the palace door during her afternoon nap, citing Chenyue's "fierce aura" as a reason. Outside the palace, Long Yan grew anxious as Chenyue did not return and attempted to enter. The Heavenly Generals guarding the gate stopped him, but after he explained he wanted to see Feng Chenyue, one of them went to check on her.
The guard then revealed that Xue Qianxun, the Lord of Luofeng Pavilion, had recently sent a message: any Heavenly General who persuades the Dragon King not to enter the palace will be exempt from drinking Lethe Tea if they undergo a trial in the mortal realm. This made Long Yan realize Xue Qianxun was secretly helping him. As a heavy rain began to fall, Chenyue was left to stand guard in the downpour.
When Xiao Jin heard of this, she felt a strong sense of injustice. Though she considered Chenyue an enemy, she believed a war hero deserved respect and that Wind City's own royalty should not be so cruel. Long Yan, weakened by a medicinal restraint on his powers, was unable to stop the rain by normal means. Concerned, he ignored the risks and transformed into his dragon form, hovering unseen above Chenyue to shield her.
At the same time, the Immortal of Fate was having tea with the Immortal of Rain, who wanted to strike Long Yan with lightning for interfering. The Immortal of Fate dissuaded him, claiming mortal thunder wouldn't harm the Dragon King, while secretly worrying that Long Yan's weakened state made him vulnerable even to that.
When Chenyue finally left the palace, she noticed a Star Halo in the sky, remembering a past conversation, and wondered if Long Yan had been the one protecting her. Meanwhile, Long Yan suffered a painful backlash from overusing his spiritual power. Qing Qing found him in agony and frantically urged him to stop, promising she would watch over Chenyue.
Elsewhere, Xiao Jin gifted the Five Horses Painting to Mr. Guo, a court official who held a deep grudge against the Feng family. Chenyue's father, Feng Se, had expelled Mr. Guo's son from the army for embezzling funds; the disgraced son subsequently fell into a life of indulgence, was crippled in an accident, and ruined his life. Exploiting this animosity, Xiao Jin asked Mr. Guo to help her take Feng Chenyue's eyes.
Mr. Guo hesitated, noting Chenyue was innocent of any crime, but Xiao Jin was insistent. Accustomed to the freedom of the border, Chenyue found life in Wind City constrained and dull. To cheer her up, Long Yan bought her warm, sugar-roasted chestnuts. As they peeled them, Chenyue fed one to Long Yan, then playfully opened her mouth for him to feed her, which he did.
The familiar interaction made Long Yan wonder how Chenyue's behavior could so closely resemble A'yu's, since she had supposedly drunk the Lethe Tea. On the night of the full moon, a poison in Xiao Jin’s body flared up, causing her extreme pain. The First Prince, Han Xiyun, arrived and gave her a Life-saving Pill. He then sternly ordered her to take Feng Chenyue's eyes but to keep her alive, wanting to prolong her suffering.
The pain and the prince's command sent Xiao Jin's mind back to her childhood: her father ambushed and killed, the shock causing a painful illness that wracked her body. It was Han Xiyun who had saved her with the same pill and taken her in, nurturing her desire for revenge against her enemies.
Episode 22 Recap
Chenyue prepared for the Empress's tea feast. Long Yan arrived, seeing Chenyue in her red attire. He seemed to recall Ayu running towards him, mesmerized as Chenyue walked closer. Chenyue found the elaborate female attire restrictive and walking in it difficult. Qing Qing, delighted by Chenyue's appearance, insisted she continue practicing the proper palace etiquette, repeatedly reminding her to be gentle and smile like a lady. Before Chenyue could speak, assassins suddenly attacked.
Chenyue observed that the attackers were not aiming for vital points but specifically targeted her face, making her wonder if their goal was to disfigure or blind her. Chenyue and Long Yan fended off the assassins, who eventually retreated. After the encounter, Chenyue discovered her dress, made by Wind City's finest embroidery shop, was ruined.
Worried about attending the afternoon tea feast, Qing Qing, seeing the torn dress, feigned a twisted wrist, giving Long Yan the opportunity to help Chenyue by finding a waistband. Long Yan chose a striking red waistband, and as he fastened it around Chenyue's waist, their proximity reminded him of Ayu mending his clothes, a scene from the past where they were equally close. Now, it was Chenyue, his love in this life, standing before him. Chenyue teased him for blushing.
Later, Chenyue reflected on the assassins' methods, realizing they had indeed aimed to stab her eyes, but she could not fathom who would wish to disfigure a general, momentarily not associating it with Han Xiyun. Meanwhile, rumors had spread throughout the palace that the Emperor intended to make General Feng Chenyue his consort to secure the army's loyalty. At the Empress's tea feast, the concubines gave Chenyue cold looks, and the Empress herself was openly hostile.
When the Emperor arrived, he expressed surprise at Chenyue's beauty in female attire, claiming he barely recognized her. He invited her to sit beside him, a gesture that signaled his favor and sparked internal worry in Chenyue about becoming his consort. Determined to avoid this fate, Chenyue deliberately acted boorishly, drinking directly from a wine pot and offering it to the Emperor.
Consort Rui remarked on Chenyue's lack of manners, attributing it to her upbringing among "unrefined rustic women" on the frontier. The Emperor, however, pardoned her, acknowledging her unfamiliarity with Wind City's courtesies while still advising her to learn them, thereby dispelling his intention to make her his consort. Chenyue feigned confusion, asking if she had misbehaved again. Shortly after, the Emperor departed. The Empress admonished Chenyue, telling her that her survival was solely due to her Feng family ancestors' grace.
Chenyue cunningly agreed, admitting her father always called her a "wild girl" and feared her behavior would lead to her demise, which was why he kept her at the frontier. She humbly added that she now needed to learn from the ladies in Wind City. Consort Rui, observing Chenyue, recognized her as different from the rumors, comparing her to "Dongluo’s mountains and rivers, so pure and fresh."
Chenyue internally noted this was likely Consort Rui and interpreted it as a compliment to her beauty. Left alone, Chenyue pondered who had sent the assassins, recalling that the attackers had mentioned the chief manager of Guo Mansion paid them, and wondered if the Guo family harbored a grudge against hers.
Back at the General's Mansion, a guard informed Chenyue that the underworld assassins who had attacked her were still in Wind City and that the chief manager of Minister Guo of the Ministry of Justice's Mansion was indeed identified as their payer. Chenyue wanted to apprehend him immediately, but the guard explained that the Ministry of Justice handled criminal cases and they could not simply arrest him based on a few words from assassins.
Chenyue concluded that they should "stay still before the enemies make a move." Sometime later, Xue Qianxun appeared, bringing Qing Qing "rabbit-shaped desserts handmade by the Goddess of Moon." Qing Qing was delighted by the treats and playfully asked if the Goddess of Moon harbored feelings for him. Xue Qianxun replied that he did not care what she thought, as his affection was solely for Qing Qing. As they drew close, Qing Qing teasingly declared, "I’m not an easy bird."
This phrase triggered a fragmented memory in Xue Qianxun's mind: a blurry vision of himself undergoing torture in the Heavenly Realm, screaming out for someone, but unable to see her face, while a female voice echoed, "I’m not an easy bird." Disturbed, Xue Qianxun looked at Qing Qing's meteor mark, trying to understand the connection. Overwhelmed, he abruptly announced he had business to attend to and left.
Qing Qing, dejected, lamented that her meteor mark must have repulsed him, despite his earlier claims of pursuing and liking her. Later, at Luofeng Pavilion, Xue Qianxun stood by the Fleeting Pipa, deeply troubled by his recurring lost memories, obsessing over the identity of the mysterious figure and her connection to Qing Qing.
That evening, Chenyue, deciding not to return to the mansion immediately, took Long Yan to the city wall, mentioning that the Prime Minister's wife had said there would be fireworks. At the city wall, Chenyue reminisced, saying she had seen the most beautiful fireworks there and then, addressing Long Yan as "Yuchi brother," asked if he had too. Long Yan responded that he had never been to that spot and disliked fireworks.
Chenyue's heart sank, and she internally chided herself, realizing he was not her Dragon King. She rationalized that she only watched fireworks as a child and no longer liked them as an adult. Still, she harshly criticized herself for being "so stupid" and "getting the wrong person again," mortified that she had been "flirting with my chief guard."
Upon returning to the mansion, she ordered Long Yan to move out of the main courtyard and forbade him from entering without her permission. A staff member, witnessing Long Yan's departure, quietly asked him why Chenyue was being so unkind, but Long Yan remained silent. Later that night, Chenyue dreamed of her "Dragon King brother," embracing him, kissing him, and soaring through the sky on his back, only to fall. She yearned to know his true identity.
Simultaneously, Long Yan was consumed by sorrow, reflecting on the painful cycle of Chenyue forgetting him, despite his deep love for her. The next day, while Xiao Jin was buying authentic Dongluo desserts in the market, she was accosted by the son of Marquis Guangping, who attempted to flirt with her. Xiao Jin fiercely retaliated, striking him.
Chenyue intervened, pulling Xiao Jin away and explaining that due to the Marquis's son's special status, harming him would lead to severe consequences, suggesting there would be other opportunities for revenge. As they spoke, they recognized each other as childhood friends, addressing each other as "Jin" and "Chenyue."
They playfully sparred, with Chenyue teasing Xiao Jin that her "aim is still so bad" after all these years, to which Xiao Jin retorted that only Chenyue would dare to criticize her aim across the four nations.
Episode 23 Recap
Xiao Jin and Feng Chenyue, childhood friends who recently recognized each other during an unexpected encounter on the street, met at an inn to reminisce about their past skills, like Feng Chenyue's precise archery and Xiao Jin's struggle with a labyrinth casket. While their current public roles remained unstated, they acknowledged how much they had changed over the years, agreeing to meet again the next day at noon at the same place.
Meanwhile, Han Xiyun, the Crown Prince of Dongluo, arrived in Wind City to celebrate the Emperor's birthday. He presented a magnificent gift, a Seven-Gem Cutlass, said to be a treasure from a previous dynasty that could mark sovereignty over the world. The Emperor was highly pleased and ordered a grand welcoming banquet, inviting all high-ranking officials. However, Feng Chenyue requested to be excused, explaining that she had previously injured Han Xiyun's eye, and her presence might cause him discomfort.
The Emperor, understanding, granted her exemption. Later, Feng Chenyue visited Consort Rui and was surprised to see a familiar labyrinth casket, which Consort Rui revealed her maid, Xiao Jin, had made. Just then, Xiao Jin returned from Xingyuan Pastry. Upon seeing Feng Chenyue's attire, Xiao Jin realized she was the renowned general who had defeated Dongluo.
Feng Chenyue expressed joy, believing their childhood friendship remained unchanged, despite her past secrecy about her general status, which she attributed to her father’s orders. Xiao Jin, however, adopted a formal demeanor, bowing and addressing her as "Lady General," stating that while Feng Chenyue might not have changed, she herself had, and their former closeness was gone. Back in her room, Xiao Jin, distressed by the encounter, experienced an early onset of her illness.
Han Xiyun appeared, noting her early suffering and hinting at her guilt over not fulfilling her mission to blind Feng Chenyue. He reminded Xiao Jin that the Feng family was responsible for her father's death and his own eye injury. He then provided her with an antidote and instructed her to cooperate with him during his extended stay for the birthday banquet. His goal was to acquire the Fengs’ commanding badge.
Xiao Jin expressed hesitation, pointing out that framing Feng Chenyue with the badge might be seen through, especially since Han Xiyun's animosity towards Feng Chenyue was widely known. Han Xiyun sternly warned her against questioning his orders again, clarifying that he only needed Feng Chenyue to be investigated by the Ministry of Justice, where he had influence. Resigned, Xiao Jin agreed to his plan, resolved to avenge her family.
She then burned the labyrinth casket, a symbol of her past friendship. Following Han Xiyun's instructions, Xiao Jin arranged for Consort Rui to invite Feng Chenyue to the palace, intending to delay her there. As Feng Chenyue prepared to leave, a maid, as arranged by Xiao Jin, accidentally spilled hot tea on her. Xiao Jin insisted on personally applying balm to Feng Chenyue's hand.
During this, Feng Chenyue expressed her discomfort with Xiao Jin's newfound distance, wishing their friendship could remain. Xiao Jin, however, maintained her formal stance, emphasizing their differing statuses and her Dongluo origins. Feng Chenyue pressed, recalling Xiao Jin's father was a Dongluo general and asking why she became a maid. Xiao Jin revealed her father had died in the war, leaving her without a home.
After applying the balm and helping Feng Chenyue change, Feng Chenyue offered Xiao Jin a jade badge, explaining it granted her free access to the General’s Mansion. Xiao Jin, however, declined, asserting a mere maid had no right to enter such a place, and quickly left. Later, Feng Chenyue brought Qingqing her favorite pastries. Qingqing was visibly upset and asked for advice on how to deal with something detestable that she could not escape.
Feng Chenyue, drawing from her experience in combat, explained that sometimes, like using a thunder cannon in battle that causes casualties on both sides but ensures victory, it is "better a short pain than a long one" to cut off painful ties swiftly. Meanwhile, Han Xiyun successfully acquired the Fengs’ commanding badge.
He then orchestrated a scene at Dongluo Hall: he reported to the Emperor that the Dongluo Crown Prince was slightly wounded, many of his personal guards were killed, and the Seven-Gem Cutlass had been stolen. The Emperor, infuriated, ordered a thorough investigation, and personally went to the hall, accompanied by Feng Chenyue, where Mr. Guo from the Ministry of Justice was already investigating. Mr. Guo presented a Fengs’ commanding badge found on a dead guard, implicating the Feng family.
Han Xiyun and Mr. Guo accused Feng Chenyue directly. Feng Chenyue, however, calmly clarified that while the jade badge belonged to her family, it was not the actual military commanding badge. She asserted that someone had stolen it to frame her and her family. To prove her innocence, she invited everyone to her General’s Mansion.
There, she revealed a collection of identical fake jade badges, explaining her father had ordered them made to deter thieves who frequently tried to steal their badges. These fakes were worthless, proving the one found on the guard was not the true commanding badge and that she was indeed framed.
Feng Chenyue further stated she had already surveyed Dongluo Hall and observed no footprints leading outside over the wall, concluding that the stolen Seven-Gem Cutlass must still be hidden within the hall itself. The Emperor then ordered an immediate search. In the General’s Mansion, Qingqing, reflecting on Feng Chenyue’s advice to choose "better a short pain than a long one," attempted to remove her meteor scar, declaring she had to get rid of it.
From Luofeng Pavilion, Xue Qianxun sensed Qingqing’s distress and immediately rushed to her, instructing Bingxing to thoroughly investigate anyone who might have harmed her within a vast area. Xue Qianxun then carried Qingqing into a room. Just as he brought her in, Feng Chenyue arrived and angrily confronted him. Long Yan intervened, explaining that Xue Qianxun and Qingqing had recently met, developed feelings for each other, and that Xue Qianxun, a traveling physician, was tending to Qingqing's injury.
Qingqing, now awake, asked Xue Qianxun to leave, assuring him that Feng Chenyue would take care of her. As Xue Qianxun departed, he instructed Feng Chenyue to take good care of Qingqing. Feng Chenyue, protective, retorted that she did not need his instruction and warned him not to take advantage of Qingqing.
Episode 24 Recap
Xue Qianxun arrived at Qing Qing’s residence, where she was being cared for by General Feng Chenyue and Long Yan after suffering an injury. Qing Qing was delighted to see Xue Qianxun, believing his visit was prompted by the disappearance of the meteor mark on her forehead. She confessed that she had deliberately inflicted the wound on herself, explaining that the mark was ugly, scared people away, and couldn't be hidden by spells.
She expressed her desire to preserve her beauty, fearing that otherwise, people would dislike her. Xue Qianxun was angered by her reckless self-harm, pointing out that her forehead was the location of their kind's third eye and that her actions would only weaken her spiritual power. Qing Qing, however, insisted she didn't care about spiritual power, only beauty. Emotionally, she urged Xue Qianxun to leave her alone if he found her so displeasing.
Despite her outburst, Xue Qianxun refused to abandon her. He informed Bingxing to cease the search for her attacker and then gently offered Qing Qing some candy, asking her if she was still upset. He calmly stated that anger was useless and instead focused on preventing a scar on her forehead.
Meanwhile, Han Xiyun was informed that the Seven-Gem Cutlass, which he had tried to frame Feng Chenyue for stealing, had been recovered by Fengdu and was now in the Emperor's possession. Enraged, he threatened to dismember Feng Chenyue. Xiao Jin attempted to pacify him, suggesting that Feng Chenyue and Long Yan, the General’s Chief Guard, were formidable opponents and that a long-term strategy was necessary.
Han Xiyun, who loathed being questioned, reminded Xiao Jin of her promise never to doubt him. He then accused her of having a soft heart and seeking reconciliation due to her childhood friendship with Feng Chenyue. Xiao Jin denied this, affirming her loyalty to Han Xiyun as her savior. As punishment for her questioning and presumed wavering loyalty, Han Xiyun declared that, despite it being a full moon night, he would withhold her Life-saving Pill until the following day.
Later, Xiao Jin, suffering from the effects of the poison, stumbled through the streets. She was discovered by Feng Chenyue and Long Yan. Though Xiao Jin initially tried to push them away, she collapsed from the pain. Feng Chenyue and Long Yan brought her back to the General’s Mansion. Physician Lin examined her but could not identify her affliction, only offering a pain-numbing soup.
However, Feng Chenyue and Long Yan recognized her symptoms as Manluoxiang (Mandrake), a rare poison from Dongluo that required continuous intake of the toxin to alleviate suffering. Feng Chenyue expressed her confusion as to how Xiao Jin could have been exposed to such a rare poison. Feng Chenyue meticulously cared for Xiao Jin, staying by her side when she endured another agonizing episode in the middle of the night. Upon waking, Xiao Jin tried to distance herself from Feng Chenyue.
Feng Chenyue revealed that she had kept the Feng family commanding badge, which Xiao Jin had given her, hidden within a labyrinth casket all these years, emphasizing that she had never forgotten Xiao Jin. Xiao Jin was astonished, noting that this badge differed from the one she had seen with Han Xiyun. She questioned Feng Chenyue about the seven-year conflict during which her father was killed by the Feng Army in Tiger’s Howl Valley.
Feng Chenyue stated that there had been no war between their nations seven years ago, which left her unable to explain why Xiao Jin's father had died at the hands of Feng Chenyue's own father. Xiao Jin, still distant, departed the General’s Mansion after her wounds had healed. Feng Chenyue urged her not to take Manluoxiang again, warning that it would only offer temporary relief before causing greater suffering.
Xiao Jin then returned to Han Xiyun, who presented her with a Life-saving Pill, reminding her that he was the sole source of the medicine and that she must remember her obedience. After receiving the pill, Xiao Jin excused herself. As she left, she overheard Han Xiyun conversing with Mr. Guo. They discussed the danger of killing a general within the capital, which would alert His Majesty, and instead strategized to have Feng Chenyue die on the battlefield.
They suggested that the Nanzhao State's impending invasion, particularly against the Southern Army which they considered less formidable than the Feng Army, could provide an opportunity. Back in her room, Xiao Jin pondered Feng Chenyue’s assertion that the Feng family badge had never left her possession, conflicting with her own memory of seeing a similar badge with Han Xiyun. This sparked doubts about whether her father’s death was truly at the hands of the Feng family.
She then examined the Life-saving Pill, noting it was meant to be taken with liquor and not water. Curious, she dropped it into water, and to her astonishment, it dissolved, emitting a distinct fragrance, confirming her suspicion that the "Life-saving Pill" was, in fact, Manluoxiang itself. In the royal court, an urgent report arrived: the Nanzhao State had invaded, and General Lin had been killed in action. Feng Chenyue volunteered to lead the troops to the south.
Concerned for her safety, Lu Zheng requested the position of Military Supervisor to accompany her, a request granted by His Majesty. Deputy Zhao was also authorized to lead reinforcements. Before their departure, Xiao Jin sought out Feng Chenyue, subtly warning her to be cautious in Nanzhao, emphasizing that her words were a warning rather than a show of concern. Upon reaching the border, Feng Chenyue briefed her troops on the perilous nature of the Nanzhao campaign.
She proposed a swift surprise attack to destroy the enemy's provisions, confident it would catch them off guard. Deputy Zhao enthusiastically supported the aggressive plan. Feng Chenyue revealed her intention to poison the surrounding woods, causing the wild plants and fruits to wither within three days and become inedible, further debilitating the Nanzhao forces. The plan was put into action, and the enemy's provisions quickly went up in flames. However, the Nanzhao forces were prepared.
They first feigned weakness towards the Feng Army, then, as the Feng Army began their withdrawal after destroying the provisions, they ambushed them, catching them off guard. Feng Chenyue commanded Long Yan to carve a path for their brothers to escape. Amidst the fierce fighting, Gao Yang sacrificed himself, urging Feng Chenyue to flee. Wounded by a blade, Feng Chenyue plummeted down a cliff. Long Yan, seeing her fall, jumped after her.
As Feng Chenyue drifted in and out of consciousness, she saw Long Yan descending with her and recognized him, questioning if he was truly the Dragon King. Long Yan, to protect her, forcibly unleashed his spiritual power, transforming into a magnificent dragon, and saved her from the fall.
Episode 25 Recap
Qing Qing expressed her surprise at Lu Zheng's calm demeanor, wondering why he wasn't worried despite the late hour for the raid's return. Lu Zheng assured her that Chenyue, being valiant and skilled, would be fine. However, upon Lu Zheng's return, he delivered the distressing news that General Feng Chenyue had accidentally fallen into a cliff during their retreat, having been surrounded and intercepted by the Nanzhao army.
Lu Zheng revealed that he had intercepted several attacks but failed to beat them, and immediately wanted to lead a search and rescue mission. Qing Qing, concerned, quickly asked about Long Yan. Lu Zheng informed her that Long Yan had followed Chenyue and jumped off the cliff with her. This brought a sense of relief to Qing Qing, who believed that with Long Yan, Chenyue would be safe.
Lu Zheng then ordered General Zhao to immediately lead a counterattack to save Chenyue. Chenyue regained consciousness in an unfamiliar cave, surprised to find that the injuries on her arm had completely healed. Long Yan then appeared, explaining that he too had been forced to jump off the cliff by the enemy, but had been fortunate enough to be caught by a protruding branch, saving his life.
He offered her some fruit, which she accepted with a slight smile, and ate it. The Immortal of Fate inquired of Xue Qianxun why the Dragon King had not returned to the Dragon Pool. Xue Qianxun explained that the Dragon King remained in the human world, longing to see Liuying one more time. The Immortal of Fate, observing Xue Qianxun's changed perspective on love, warned him against following the Dragon King's path.
He cautioned that Qing Qing, being lazy, would likely struggle to achieve immortality. He reminded Xue Qianxun that immortals like them possess eternal lives, while bird demons like Qing Qing only live for five or six centuries, making it impossible for them to be together forever.
The Immortal of Fate advised Xue Qianxun to not take the relationship seriously to avoid future pain of separation, but Xue Qianxun challenged this view, asking if all the love stories written by the Immortal of Fate were merely "not serious." After the Immortal of Fate left, Xue Qianxun resolved to help Qing Qing overcome her tribulation and become immortal in the future, asserting that her Meteor Mark was insignificant and he didn't find it ugly.
Long Yan, unable to use his magic, remained with Chenyue at the cliff bottom. Chenyue, concerned about the army's morale after their commander went missing, worried about Uncle Zhao and Brother Zheng. Long Yan reassured her that despite their predicament, their sneak attack plan had succeeded, with the Nanzhao army's provisions destroyed and plants poisoned, assuring her their soldiers would drive the enemy away.
Chenyue then questioned Long Yan about their fall, recalling he was far from the edge and asking if he jumped to save her. Long Yan confirmed it was his duty to protect her, but then, seemingly flustered, claimed he had been lost in thought and mistook her for his cousin. Chenyue, curious, asked if he had a cousin, then shared that she too once had a brother who protected her.
Long Yan, misunderstanding that Chenyue was referring to Lu Zheng, felt a pang of jealousy. He then said he was Qingqing's brother, and thus, also Chenyue's brother. Chenyue then asked if that meant she could see him anytime. Chenyue then speculated on a larger conspiracy, connecting Mr. Guo’s assassins, the stolen Fengs’ Commanding Badge, the soldier on the cliff, and Xiao Jin’s attempt to warn her. However, her immediate concern was finding a way to climb up the high cliff.
Qing Qing was distressed that the Meteor Mark on her forehead remained despite the suffering she endured. Xue Qianxun offered to apply peach blossom makeup for her daily, attempting to soothe her. Qing Qing, however, recalled his past negative reaction to the mark, feeling he was just fooling her. Xue Qianxun then tried to assure her the mark was "special," which Qing Qing retorted meant "ugly."
He complimented her beauty, then urged her to cultivate diligently to achieve immortality so she could remain with him forever. He handed her the Heavenly Secret Guidebook, instructing her to practice consistently and warning her against laziness, promising to check on her progress and punish her if she slacked off. Qing Qing, overwhelmed by the volume of text and reluctant to become his "maid" even as an immortal, tossed the book aside, showing no intention of practicing.
Han Xiyun visited Consort Rui in Wind City, who playfully chided him for his late arrival. He informed her with a grim satisfaction that Feng Chenyue had fallen off the cliff and disappeared, hoping she was dead. He then asked Consort Rui to persuade the King to send a special envoy to investigate Chenyue's disappearance.
When Consort Rui feigned ignorance, Han Xiyun grabbed her, reminding her how his eye was blinded and questioning if she sought revenge, implying his love for her was conditional on her cooperation. He declared his intention not only to ensure Chenyue's death but also to have her charged with treason, desiring to personally scatter her ashes. Unbeknownst to them, Xiao Jin overheard their sinister plot from outside the door, immediately growing concerned for Chenyue's safety and wondering where she was.
Chenyue and Long Yan decided to split up to search for a way to climb out of the cliff, agreeing to meet back at the cave at noon. As Chenyue searched, she grew suspicious. She recalled Long Yan's earlier claim of being caught by a protruding branch when he fell, yet she observed the cliff face was remarkably smooth, devoid of trees or even many weeds.
She also remembered that during their sneak attack on the Dongluo Army, none of the arrows aimed at her had found their mark. These inconsistencies led her to believe that Long Yan was indeed the Dragon King from her dreams, and she wondered why he continued to deny it. Meanwhile, Long Yan attempted to conjure tree branches to aid their ascent, but his magical abilities had been completely lost, preventing him from manifesting anything.
While Chenyue and Long Yan were trapped, the Feng Army had achieved success in their raid, leaving the Nanzhao army's morale shattered and provisions decimated. To maintain the pretense of Chenyue's presence and quickly defeat the Nanzhao forces, Lu Zheng and Uncle Zhao had Qing Qing don armor and impersonate General Feng.
Qing Qing complained about the heavy armor and the exhausting task of merely posing, but acknowledged the necessity to prevent the enemy from knowing Chenyue's true whereabouts, as it would be dangerous if they knew their General was in their territory. Lu Zheng then orchestrated a full-scale offensive, strategizing to deprive the Nanzhao army of even the smallest food sources by laying fish nets upstream, preparing for a decisive attack. Meanwhile, after forty-nine days, Long Yan's magical powers fully recovered.
One night, Chenyue was visibly distressed, haunted by dreams of her fallen comrades and feeling the oppressive darkness of the cliff bottom. Long Yan, seeking to comfort her, secretly conjured a multitude of fireflies, creating a breathtaking, luminous display. He drew her attention to the fireflies' short but brilliant lives, comparing them to the soldiers who shone brightly in their own lives, dying without regret. Chenyue, mesmerized, felt as if she had experienced this scene before, perhaps in a dream.
The sight of the fireflies also made Chenyue remember Long Yan's earlier offer to be her brother and her question if she could see him anytime, though Long Yan feigned ignorance about the source of the sudden appearance of fireflies. Word reached the camp that His Majesty had dispatched a secret envoy, Mr. Guo, whose arrival Lu Zheng and Uncle Zhao immediately recognized as ill-intentioned.
Mr. Guo wasted no time in demanding to see General Feng, asserting she had deserted the battlefield. Qing Qing fiercely defended Chenyue, vehemently denying the accusation and stating that their general would never flee. Despite Lu Zheng's calm attempt to convey Chenyue's disappearance and their ongoing search, Mr. Guo remained adamant, threatening to report to the King that Chenyue had escaped. Exasperated, Qing Qing physically intervened, knocking Mr. Guo unconscious.
Concerned about leaving evidence, Uncle Zhao proposed using his ancestral Seven Days Forgetting Medicine, which would ensure Mr. Guo would remember nothing upon waking. With Mr. Guo's immediate problem resolved and the Nanzhao army cornered, Lu Zheng declared their primary concern was Chenyue's unknown fate. He immediately ordered a full-scale attack to find General Feng. With his magic restored, Long Yan conjured two strong vines for himself and Chenyue to climb the cliff.
Though Chenyue still harbored some doubts about his previous deceit, Long Yan's ability to create the vines confirmed her suspicion that he was indeed the Dragon King from her dreams. As they ascended, Long Yan quickly rescued Chenyue when her vine snapped, strengthening her conviction. Upon reaching the top, they were greeted by Lu Zheng and Uncle Zhao, who were immensely relieved to find Chenyue safe and sound. They attributed her survival to divine protection and thanked Long Yan.
Lu Zheng expressed his intention to petition His Majesty to summon Chenyue back to Wind City immediately, vowing never to let her face such danger again. Chenyue learned that the Nanzhao army had retreated after their provisions were destroyed and their morale broken, leading their envoy to seek peace. A grand celebration banquet was held to honor the victory and the soldiers.
During the festivities, a confused Mr. Guo, who had no recollection of being knocked out, wondered why he had fallen into a coma. Lu Zheng smoothly lied, attributing it to the southern dampness and encouraging him to drink. Later at the celebration, Chenyue, heavily intoxicated, stumbled through the crowd, frantically searching for Long Yan. When she finally succumbed to sleep, Long Yan gently supported her and carried her back to her room. As she rested, she held onto his hand and murmured in her sleep, calling out for "Yuchi" and pleading with him not to leave her.
Episode 26 Recap
Long Yan, hearing Chenyue's soft murmur in her sleep, secretly vowed that after the three tribulations, he would never let her be taken by anyone else. Meanwhile, Xue Qianxun visited Qing Qing, inquiring about her cultivation. However, Qing Qing remained unwilling to practice, her sole desire being to remove the Meteor Mark from her forehead, fearing Xue Qianxun would dislike her because of it.
Xue Qianxun, noting her concern, decided to assist her, believing that only by removing the mark would she seriously study the Heavenly Secret Guidebook and pursue immortality. He attempted to extract a string from his Fleeting Pipa, a process akin to tearing out his own tendons and meridians, which would be fatal if completed. Though he failed to fully extract it, the painful attempt caused him to collapse.
Shortly after, Qing Qing arrived with a book to find Xue Qianxun unconscious. Shocked, she sought out the Immortal of Fate and learned the severe consequences of his actions. Overwhelmed by guilt, Qing Qing pleaded with the Immortal of Fate for medicine to alleviate Xue Qianxun's pain.
Despite the Immortal of Fate's warning that extracting a Blue Bird's feather was a process of agonizing, sharp pain comparable to tearing out tendons, Qing Qing bravely endured the torment and pulled out her precious feather. Impressed by her sacrifice, the Immortal of Fate provided her with the Three Pearl Leaf Tea, a special remedy made by God Gou Mang, known for its miraculous effect on meridian injuries.
Qing Qing immediately brought the tea to Xue Qianxun, urging him to drink it and hoping he would feel better. As she tearfully apologized for causing his suffering, Xue Qianxun gently comforted her, assuring her that his actions were voluntary and he would never punish her. He then openly confessed his genuine affection, assuring her that his feelings were sincere and not mere teasing.
This heartfelt confession deeply moved Qing Qing, who became angry with herself for having doubted and ignored his kindness, feeling unworthy of his affection. Following a victorious campaign, Chenyue and the Feng Army returned to the capital. Her relationship with Long Yan had grown significantly. With Qing Qing absent, Chenyue summoned Long Yan to help her wipe her feet, teasing him as he reluctantly complied.
She noted how Qing Qing diligently cared for her feet, ensuring they looked feminine despite her general's duties. Long Yan carefully attended to her, acknowledging the intimacy of the act as Chenyue revealed that only he and Qing Qing had ever touched her feet. The next day, Chenyue was practicing her sword in the courtyard when she noticed the appearance of a Star Halo, which she considered an auspicious sign.
She invited Long Yan to watch it with her, remarking that it was identical to one they had seen together before. Long Yan, however, denied ever seeing a Star Halo, claiming she must have misremembered, and quickly made an excuse to leave. Suspicious of his evasiveness whenever she alluded to their shared past, Chenyue later discussed the ongoing investigation into the events in Tiger's Howl Valley seven years prior with Uncle Zhao.
His findings indicated discrepancies, strengthening Chenyue's resolve to uncover who was truly responsible for Xiao Jin's father's death. Concurrently, Xiao Jin realized that the scent of the pills given to her by Han Xiyun was identical to the one that caused her to faint when they first met.
After Chenyue revealed that she had been unknowingly consuming Manluo Fragrance, a poison that offered temporary relief but inflicted greater long-term suffering, Xiao Jin's suspicions of Han Xiyun solidified, realizing her father's death was tied to this deceit. Meanwhile, Han Xiyun was furious upon learning of Chenyue's unharmed return to Wind City. When Xiao Jin arrived to see him, he ordered her to lead other dark guards to assassinate Chenyue, believing her now weakened.
Xiao Jin, however, strategically argued that a large group would only attract more of the Feng Army. She asserted that, as Chenyue's friend, her covert attack would be the hardest to defend against, and she alone would suffice. Convinced, Han Xiyun urged her to leave immediately. Before departing, Xiao Jin requested one last drink with him, acknowledging the perilous nature of her mission and the uncertainty of her return.
Han Xiyun accepted the drink, unaware that Xiao Jin had placed a Life-saving Pill into his cup, intending to use his own treachery against him. Xiao Jin then confronted Chenyue, and their fight escalated from the room to the courtyard. Chenyue instructed Long Yan not to intervene in their duel.
Xiao Jin proved no match for Chenyue's skill and, admitting she had served as Han Xiyun's secret guard for seven years, expressed her desire to die by Chenyue's sword, believing it was the only way to atone for her sins. Chenyue, unwilling to kill her, merely cut a lock of her hair, subtly implying she had deliberately missed. At that moment, Xiao Jin suddenly collapsed, overcome by the effects of the poison she had unknowingly consumed. Deeply concerned for Xiao Jin's life, Chenyue urgently implored Long Yan to save her. He agreed, but stipulated that he required complete privacy for the treatment.
Episode 27 Recap
Upon hearing sounds of fighting in the courtyard, Qing Qing hurried over, observing from outside the room as Long Yan helped Jin remove poison. She noted that the Dragon King truly only showed gentleness towards Chenyue. After the Mandrake poison was successfully removed, Jin confessed to Chenyue her deep guilt, having mistakenly regarded Han Xiyun as her benefactor and committing countless wrongs for him. Chenyue simply comforted her, assuring Jin that she was not alone and still had her.
Later, Long Yan attended to an injury Chenyue sustained during her fight with Jin. Chenyue, sensing his constant presence, playfully questioned if he was watching her every minute. When he insisted it was his duty, she pressed for other reasons, feeling he had made her wound hurt and needed to alleviate the pain. Chenyue then asked Long Yan to take her to the city wall to watch fireworks again.
He gently declined, noting the late hour and her need for rest, but promised to stay by her side until she fell asleep. As she drifted off, Chenyue hoped to dream of fireworks. In her dream, she found herself on the city wall with Long Yan, admiring the beautiful fireworks. She expressed her fondness for fallen flowers, fireflies, and the fireworks themselves.
She then wondered if he would leave her upon waking, to which Long Yan replied that it was just a dream and she would forget it. Deciding to embrace the transient nature of the dream, she boldly kissed him. Long Yan, savoring the warmth of the moment, embraced her tightly and returned her kiss. The next morning, Chenyue woke with a vague sense of having had a wonderful dream, though she could not recall any specific details.
Meanwhile, Han Xiyun experienced severe pain, his symptoms indicating an addiction to Mandrake, which he had contracted after consuming a Life-saving Pill. He was advised to return to Dongluo immediately to take new Life-saving Pills to stop his suffering, vowing to thoroughly investigate how he had taken the pill once he recovered. Concurrently, Jin, having obtained a map from Chenyue, headed to Tiger’s Howl Valley.
She had already investigated the valley's history, learning that seven years prior, it had been a disputed territory on the border of four countries. Rumors of hidden secret treasures of the former dynasty had sparked a conflict, though the Feng Army, then guarding the border, had not been involved in the initial struggle. Chenyue encouraged Jin to seek the truth for herself. Upon reaching Tiger’s Howl Valley, Jin found evidence of a fierce battle and located her father's skeletal remains.
Next to them was a blood-written letter, Jin Ge’s last words. The letter revealed that Jin Ge, a guard of the King of Dongluo, had been sent to find the secret treasures. Just as he located them and prepared to leave, his group was ambushed by the Feng Army, who were disguised by Han Xiyun. Outnumbered, Jin Ge was stabbed through the chest.
Unbeknownst to his attacker, his heart was naturally on his right side, and the wound did not kill him. When he regained consciousness, he discovered all his comrades dead and the Feng Army packing up the treasures. He overheard their leader, the Eldest Prince, discussing bribing ministers to secure the Crown Prince's throne with the gold. The Eldest Prince then ordered the bodies burned, but a missing body count revealed Jin Ge’s escape.
Knowing Jin Ge had an only daughter, Jin, the Eldest Prince planned to control Jin Ge through her. Jin Ge, severely wounded and knowing he would not survive, wrote the letter to reveal the truth and protect Jin, hoping she would see it one day. Jin Ge explained that he chose not to fight to the death to ensure his daughter's safety, believing that if his fate remained unknown, they would not dare harm Jin.
Jin, upon reading her father’s tragic account, vowed to repay Han Xiyun for all he had done. Meanwhile, Qing Qing diligently cared for Xue Qianxun. She found herself shy and flustered around him, a stark contrast to her previous demeanor, ever since his profound declaration of affection. Observing his improving complexion, she felt relieved, but noticed his supply of Three Pearl Leaf Tea was running low.
Knowing the Star Lord who provided the tea required a feather in exchange, Qing Qing discreetly prepared to pluck one of her own, an act that caused her immense pain. Xue Qianxun, arriving unexpectedly, sensed her distress and demanded to know the cause. When she confessed to harming herself by pulling out her feathers to obtain the tea for him, he was deeply pained and angered by her sacrifice.
He pulled her into a warm embrace, forbidding her from ever hurting herself again in such a manner. Qing Qing, moved by his concern, returned his embrace. Later, Han Xiyun, still suffering from the Mandrake addiction, was confronted by Jin. He berated her as a "good-for-nothing" and ordered her to leave. Jin, however, calmly stated that she knew a way to stop his pain.
As Han Xiyun desperately pleaded for help, Jin delivered a fatal stab, fulfilling her promise to avenge her father. Just as she achieved her revenge, Han Xiyun's subordinate stabbed Jin. Jin fought with all her might to die with him, finally feeling no regret, though she knew she would never be able to see Chenyue again.
At the General’s Mansion, Chenyue received news that the Crown Prince of Dongluo had been assassinated by his own guard while leaving Wind City, and the assassin’s body had been torn into pieces, making identification impossible. Chenyue immediately rushed to the scene where the Crown Prince had been attacked. The area was empty, but she found a small smiley face drawing left behind in a corner.
Recognizing it as Jin’s mark, Chenyue understood that Jin had indeed carried out the assassination. A flashback showed a past encounter where Jin introduced herself to Chenyue as “Jin,” and Chenyue introduced herself as “Feng Chenyue,” agreeing to go hunting together the next day. Though saddened by Jin’s apparent fate, Chenyue found comfort in the realization that Jin was finally free from the control of others.
Episode 28 Recap
Xue Qianxun brought the Fleeting Pipa to Yuchi Longyan, the Dragon King, seeking his help. He explained that Qing Qing's greatest wish was to remove the meteor scar from her forehead, and he believed pulling a string from the pipa would achieve this. Yuchi Longyan warned that extracting the string was akin to pulling out tendons and expressed reluctance, suggesting Xue Qianxun do it himself if he could.
Xue Qianxun insisted he had already tried, confirming it required Yuchi Longyan's spiritual power. As Yuchi Longyan began the painful process, Qing Qing arrived, deeply distressed. She immediately commanded Yuchi Longyan to stop, fearing for Xue Qianxun's life and soul. She tearfully declared that a mere meteor mark was insignificant compared to Xue Qianxun, and seeing him suffer broke her heart.
Xue Qianxun, in turn, comforted her, urging her not to cry and encouraging her to smile because he liked her smile. Qing Qing then asked him how to achieve a natural smile, which he had taught her before, and he playfully demonstrated, expressing his desire to see her happy and not an "emotionless block of ice." Later, he ensured she drank a special tea and ate its leaves for a quick recovery, which she found amusing.
Qing Qing then lightheartedly confessed to being "unfaithful" in love, clarifying that she simply loved every aspect of Xue Qianxun, a sentiment he fully reciprocated, highlighting their strong emotional bond. Yuchi Longyan then disappeared, leaving the two to embrace their growing affection and mutual care. Meanwhile, an official reported to the Emperor that the King of Dongluo had died, and the Second Prince, having ascended the throne, was preparing to violate their treaty and resume hostilities.
Feng Chenyue, the Great Lady General, bravely volunteered to lead the Feng Army to defend the nation's borders. The Emperor praised her as his "Great Lady General." Subsequently, Minister Xu presented evidence of secret meetings between Mr. Guo and Han Xiyun.
Despite Mr. Guo's fervent protests of being slandered, the Emperor, having been informed by Consort Rui, ordered Mr. Guo to be punished with a hundred strokes of the plank, dismissed from his position, exiled to the border, and permanently barred from holding office. Feng Chenyue's forces achieved numerous victories, and a soldier commended her improved martial prowess, to which she humbly replied that their success was a collective effort. During this period, she also spent more time with Yuchi Longyan.
Although he continued to deny being the Dragon King she sought, Chenyue remained convinced he was the one and believed he would eventually admit it to her. Later, in the military camp, Uncle Zhao, a soldier, expressed his concern for Chenyue, reminding her that despite her great military achievements, it was time for her to find a beloved companion and start a family.
Chenyue acknowledged his words, admitting that having someone to share life with would be comforting after the hardships of battle. Soon after, Lu Zheng arrived as the Military Supervisor. He informed Chenyue that he had personally requested this remote and challenging posting, hinting at his unspoken feelings for her. However, Chenyue gently but firmly rejected him, revealing that she had already given her heart to someone else.
She explained that this was not an excuse, but a genuine and increasingly intense feeling she had felt since their first encounter. Lu Zheng accepted her decision, stating his affection for her was his own concern, and Chenyue assured him he would eventually find his true happiness while maintaining their friendly bond. At night, Chenyue stood by a cliff, calling out to Dragon King, convinced he was nearby.
She questioned why he would not show himself and hoped he would eventually come to her. Unseen, Yuchi Longyan heard her, wishing he could reveal the truth but knowing he could only watch over her in secret, desiring her eternal peace. During a direct encounter, Chenyue observed Yuchi Longyan's rapid recovery from his wounds. She asked him how long he would protect her, to which he pledged "forever," jokingly threatening military punishment if he broke his word.
Chenyue told him she understood he had difficulties preventing him from revealing his true identity. She assured him that as long as he remained by her side, she would not care about anything else or ask further questions, and promised to never forget him, addressing him by the name "Yuchi." Eventually, Yuchi Longyan accompanied Chenyue throughout her current life, providing unwavering protection and support. After her life concluded, her memories of past existences returned.
It was then that Yuchi Longyan finally admitted his true identity as the Dragon King. Overjoyed, Chenyue embraced him, finally able to be truly united. Yuchi Longyan then took Chenyue to Luofeng Pavilion, where they met Qing Qing and Xue Qianxun. Chenyue was surprised to learn that Qing Qing was actually a Blue Bird and Xue Qianxun was the Lord of Luofeng Pavilion, revealing their non-mortal nature.
Qing Qing confirmed she was a bird demon but desired Chenyue's friendship, which Chenyue readily accepted. Chenyue then asked Qing Qing if she had always known Yuchi Longyan's true identity, and Qing Qing admitted she had known everything but was forbidden from speaking, expressing her relief at finally being able to share the long-held secret. Xue Qianxun then cautioned Chenyue against pouring out the Lethe Tea again, explaining it would violate heavenly rules.
Chenyue, understanding that drinking it would make her forget her past and Yuchi Longyan, adamantly refused. Yuchi Longyan reassured her that even if she forgot, he would find her and marry her in the human world. However, Chenyue, now fully recalling their shared history, refused to wait another lifetime. Seizing Yuchi Longyan's hand, she declared her intention to marry him immediately and pulled him away, leaving Qing Qing to excitedly realize their intentions.
Chenyue led Yuchi Longyan, declaring they were going to get married. She playfully suggested his underwater palace, but he led her high into the sky, flying her through the clouds—a dream she had long held, reminiscent of their past horseback rides through the woods. They arrived at his ancestral Dragon Pool. Chenyue then asked him to finally recount every detail of her past lives as Liuying and Ayu.
Yuchi Longyan showed her a painting they had drawn together and a handkerchief with a half-embroidered dragon that he had completed, symbols from her previous incarnations. He emphasized that regardless of her name—Liuying, Ayu, or Chenyue—she had always been by his side. Chenyue, deeply moved, reaffirmed her commitment, pledging to be with him always, no matter who he was. Meanwhile, Qing Qing, realizing their intention to marry, decided to prepare a dowry.
Although she noted that immortal marriages lacked the elaborate human customs, she insisted on the importance of a red wedding dress and a love token. Knowing they already had a token, she resolved to ensure Chenyue received a red wedding dress. At the Dragon Pool, with a grand star halo as a witness and the Dragon Pool itself as the betrothal gift, Yuchi Longyan formally proposed to Chenyue, asking if she would marry him.
Episode 29 Recap
Following Qing Qing's refusal to let him suffer to remove her meteor scar, Xue Qianxun sought a different way to show his devotion. He visited the Immortal of Fate to find a precious item as a love token for her. The Immortal of Fate, surprised by Xue Qianxun's visit, initially believed he was just looking around. However, after being pressed, Xue Qianxun admitted he was indeed seeking a treasure.
The Immortal of Fate presented a treasure brochure featuring ancient weapons like the Supreme Sword and Garuda’s Bone, which Xue Qianxun dismissed as too destructive. He also rejected the Eternity Jade Brush, reasoning that Qing Qing would not like it as she only used an eyebrow pencil. Teasing Xue Qianxun about looking for a gift for a girl, the Immortal of Fate then unveiled a newly found treasure: the Datura Weaver Ribbon.
He described it as a magnificent item woven by the Weaver Fairy herself, soft and delicate, capable of concealing any scar, and possessing a calming fragrance. Despite the Immortal of Fate claiming it was useless to Xue Qianxun, Xue Qianxun insisted on exchanging for it, acknowledging the "exchange one treasure for another" rule. Shortly after, Qing Qing arrived at Luofeng Pavilion looking for Xue Qianxun to discuss a gift for Chenyue.
Finding him absent, she noticed a beautifully packaged box on his table. Initially, she found the ribbon inside, with its patterns and yellow color, quite old-fashioned and ugly, questioning why the elegantly dressed Xue Qianxun would choose such an unattractive item for a girl. However, realizing she was the only girl close to him, she wondered if it was for her.
Xue Qianxun then appeared, not intending to reveal the gift so soon, but seeing her interest, he presented it, declaring it his love token for her. Qing Qing was overjoyed, expressing surprise that he would think to give her such a gift, jokingly lamenting its color but quickly adding that she was the prettiest bird in the three realms. He asked her to close her eyes, and upon opening them, her meteor scar had vanished.
Amazed by the ribbon’s magical properties, she asked if it was valuable. Xue Qianxun simply replied it was "accidentally obtained." However, the Immortal of Fate, who seemed to have followed Xue Qianxun, revealed that Xue Qianxun had exchanged the Ribbon for an Immortal-trapping Net, an item he had personally crafted over three hundred years, extremely taxing on his spiritual power. The Immortal of Fate even offered Xue Qianxun jars of Three Pearl Leaf Tea to compensate for his great loss.
Qing Qing, undeterred by the cost or the "accidental" claim, thanked Xue Qianxun, affirming she loved anything he gave her. Overjoyed, she then kissed him and, before he could react, playfully hurried off to help Chenyue prepare for her wedding, leaving Xue Qianxun momentarily stunned. To formalize their union, Chenyue cut a lock of her hair and presented it to Longyan as a betrothal token. Longyan and Chenyue then prepared for their wedding at the Dragon Pool.
With the Star Halo as proof and the Dragon Pool as a dowry, Longyan asked Chenyue to marry him and never leave him, to which she tearfully agreed, stating she had nothing to give but herself, which was all Longyan desired. She pledged to be with him now and forever. Soon, Qing Qing arrived with the Immortal of Rain and the palace guards to offer their congratulations.
The Immortal of Rain inquired if the Star Halo had satisfied them, and the guards jokingly remarked that Longyan would no longer need to break into the palace. Qing Qing enthusiastically suggested they follow human wedding customs, complete with a red wedding dress, cross-cupped wine, and bowing to heaven and earth, to make the ceremony more meaningful. Longyan revealed he had prepared a splendid, multi-layered wedding robe a century ago.
Chenyue confirmed her identity as Liuying, and Longyan explained that while she was indeed Liuying, her current life of a military general meant she might prefer this specific style of dress. As a wedding gift, the Immortal of Rain presented a small Karma Stone.
He clarified it wasn't the original Karma Stone but a popular replica crafted from the spiritual energy around the real stone, combined with Lethe Ice and pottery clay, meant to allow couples to carve their names for an eternal and unforgettable bond. Longyan and Chenyue carved their names, and the stone transformed into two beautiful bracelets, symbolizing their eternal union. As they prepared to drink the cross-cupped wine, Xue Qianxun and the Immortal of Fate intervened.
The Immortal of Fate stopped Longyan, asserting that their true wedding day lay in the future. He explained that Chenyue, being a Yin Soul born from the world, would not endure without human experience. While Longyan intended to protect her soul indefinitely with his power, the Immortal of Fate warned that as a Yin Soul, she remained vulnerable to demonic coveting, and Longyan could not protect her every second.
He proposed that Chenyue reincarnate into the human world to learn the arts of immortality. With Longyan's assistance, she could ascend to immortality in a human body, enabling them to be together openly and eternally. Despite Longyan's reluctance to part, Chenyue agreed to the Immortal of Fate's suggestion. She firmly stated her desire not to be eternally reliant on Longyan or become a burden to him.
Instead, she wished to face all challenges with him and, once fully capable, marry him openly. As she prepared for reincarnation, she asked if she would completely forget him. Longyan promised to find her immediately and protect her, assuring her that he would personally oversee her drinking of the Lethe Tea this time, a promise Xue Qianxun also affirmed he would ensure.
Chenyue then asked Longyan to remind her of their promise should she forget in her next life, to which he vowed to firmly keep her by his side. In her next life, Chenyue reincarnated as Qingyan, a child apprentice at Kunlun Mountain. Priest Xuanyang was instructing his new disciples on Kunlun's sect rules, emphasizing the importance of respecting masters, punishing evil, praising good, enforcing justice, and killing demons.
However, Qingyan, still a child, questioned his absolute stance, asking about kind demons and the possibility of peaceful coexistence. She even cited the example of the domesticated dark swallows who deliver messages to the Queen Mother of the West. Priest Xuanyang sternly maintained that all demons were inherently evil and sought to exploit the human realm, insisting that all Kunlun disciples must eradicate any demon they encounter.
When Qingyan confessed she still didn't understand, Priest Xuanyang sent her to stand as punishment at the mountain gate. Longyan, who had been secretly watching over her, wished to approach, but Qing Qing stopped him, explaining that any closer interaction would result in stricter surveillance over Qingyan, making future clandestine visits impossible. Qing Qing also pointed out that Qingyan seemed to be enjoying her punishment, playing happily alone. Priest Xuanyang later detected the dragon demon's aura approaching Kunlun Mountain.
He sent disciples to reinforce the protective barrier he had established, expressing concern that the Yin Soul, if exploited by demons, could grant them an additional hundred thousand years of spiritual power. This was his reason for bringing Qingyan to Kunlun – to prevent her Yin Soul from falling into the wrong hands. Though unsure if the dragon demon was specifically after Qingyan, he acknowledged the increasing proximity of its aura.
He explained that while the Yin Soul could easily dissipate, it was difficult to extract, requiring extensive cultivation to purify it. Since Qingyan was still young, he believed there was no immediate threat, but he warned that he would not hesitate to use his Dragon-slaying Sword if the dragon demon made any rash moves. Meanwhile, the Immortal of Fate sought to comfort a disheartened Longyan.
He acknowledged the difficulty of waiting when the end seemed distant but urged patience for "another dozen years." He explained that Longyan's potent dragon breath would impede Qingyan's soul development, which currently required the spiritual energy of Kunlun Mountain for nourishment. Once Qingyan reached the Foundation Phase at eighteen, she would be unaffected by his dragon breath, and with the aid of elixir, she could achieve immortality.
Later, Qingyan, who had secretly followed her senior sister down the mountain, eagerly expressed a desire to visit the city market. Her sister clarified her mission was to investigate recent demonic activities. The senior sister instructed Qingyan to wait patiently outside the inn while she gathered information, warning her not to wander off. Despite her sister's command, Qingyan was irresistibly drawn to the enticing aroma of roasted chestnuts.
The street vendor, a demon in disguise, lured her closer with a small dragon tassel, asking if she wanted it. As Qingyan approached, the demon revealed his sinister intent, stating that her unique soul, if consumed, would greatly enhance his powers. Just as the demon lunged for her, Longyan swiftly intervened, saving young Qingyan from danger.
Episode 30 Recap
Yuchi Longyan brought Qingyan back to Kunlun Mountains. Qingyan felt a peculiar sense of familiarity, asking Yuchi Longyan if they had met before. He confirmed that they had met a long time ago, though Qingyan couldn't remember it. As a parting gift, Yuchi Longyan gave her a lovely item. They then made a promise: when Qingyan turned eighteen, he would return to tell her their old story. Qingyan was thrilled by the prospect.
Upon her return, Priest Xuanyang sternly reprimanded Qingyan for leaving the mountain alone and causing concern among the disciples who had to search for her. Qingyan explained that she had encountered a demon but was saved by Yuchi Longyan. Priest Xuanyang, wary of strangers, questioned Yuchi Longyan's identity and warned Qingyan against associating with unknown individuals.
Recognizing Qingyan's restless spirit, Priest Xuanyang decreed that she must play the Mind-clearing Song for two hours daily until she could dispel distracting thoughts and abandon her playful ways. Eighteen years later, Qingyan had grown into a young woman, dedicated to exterminating demons alongside her fellow Kunlun disciples. One day, they encountered a cat demon and a human man, Mr. Xu, who were deeply in love.
The cat demon pleaded for their lives, asserting the sincerity of their bond, but a Kunlun disciple insisted that humans and demons were of different races and could not marry. Despite Qingyan's hesitation, observing their genuine affection, the disciples attacked. Mr. Xu bravely shielded the cat demon, declaring that he cared only that she was his wife, regardless of her nature. He was tragically killed.
Overcome with grief and rage, the cat demon vowed revenge, injuring a junior disciple (Qingwu) before exploding her own inner core, dying for love, and pleading to be buried alongside her husband. The disciples were astonished by her sacrifice. The Kunlun disciples, however, dismissed the cat demon's dying wish, asserting that a demon could not be buried with a human. That night, Qingyan found herself unable to sleep, disturbed by the thought of the cat demon's unfulfilled last wish.
She decided to return to the forest and bury the couple together. As she approached the tomb, the cat demon's sister appeared, intent on avenging her sister's death, and confronted Qingyan. Just then, Qingqing, a beautiful bird demon, intervened. Qingqing protected Qingyan, warning the enraged sister that harming a Kunlun disciple would bring severe retribution from the entire Kunlun Sect.
The cat demon's sister, upon seeing Qingyan up close, recognized her, remembering that Qingyan had helped her in her first life by healing her paw. Realizing Qingqing was preventing her from a fatal mistake, the sister eventually left. Qingyan thanked Qingqing, expressing her initial belief that all demons were malevolent, but admitting Qingqing had surprised her. Qingqing agreed, noting that like humans, all creatures possessed both good and evil aspects.
They decided to become secret good friends, understanding that Priest Xuanyang's teachings strictly condemned all demons. Together, they honored the cat demon's last wish, burying her beside Mr. Xu. To facilitate their secret friendship, Qingqing taught Qingyan the Three-call Spell, a simple invocation involving a hand gesture and calling Qingqing's name three times. Qingyan eagerly learned it, promising to summon Qingqing often. Later, Qingyan used the spell to find Qingqing, bringing her favorite osmanthus cakes to share.
As they enjoyed the cakes, unseen by them, Yuchi Longyan watched Qingyan from a distance, a smile playing on his lips. Qingqing quickly hid upon sensing Priest Xuanyang's approach. Soon after, Priest Xuanyang appeared, sensing a nearby dragon demon's presence, which was so strong that even his Dragon-slaying Sword reacted. He sternly warned Qingyan that her special soul made her a target for demons, especially dragon demons. He emphasized that dragons who remained in the human realm were inherently evil.
Each time Priest Xuanyang mentioned dragons, Qingyan felt a peculiar pain in her chest, a sensation she couldn't explain. Later, Qingyan shared osmanthus cakes with her Senior Brother Qingfeng, initiating a discussion about the nature of demons. She expressed her belief that like humans, demons also possess both good and evil aspects, a notion Qingfeng acknowledged as having some truth, though he still prioritized their master's teachings.
As Qingyan's eighteenth birthday approached, her Senior Sister thoughtfully prepared a peach-shaped cake for her. Qingyan, focused on her upcoming reunion with Yuchi Longyan, shared the cake with Qingqing. She also showed Qingqing a beautifully embroidered sachet she had made, asking if it was suitable for a man and if she should add small flowers. Qingqing immediately recognized it as a love token, teasing Qingyan about her intentions to give it to Yuchi.
Qingyan then brought up Priest Xuanyang's pronouncements about dragon demons, how those who didn't ascend were considered evil. She mentioned the recurring chest pain she experienced whenever dragons were discussed. Qingqing gently reassured her, countering Priest Xuanyang's strict views by asserting that not all dragons were cruel and that many were, in fact, good, which alleviated Qingyan's discomfort.
Meanwhile, Qingqing presented Xue Qianxun with her feather as a betrothal gift, explaining that while his Datura Weaver Ribbon was precious, her feather held even more value as it came directly from her body. Xue Qianxun, however, swiftly shifted the conversation to her cultivation progress, inquiring about her Heaven Secret Art practice. Qingqing internally lamented his timing, thinking him an unromantic "iron immortal," and briefly tried to distract him with sweetmeats.
Xue Qianxun, serious, explained that he insisted on her rigorous practice because bird demons had short lifespans, and he desired to be with her for thousands of years. He then earnestly proposed that she marry him once she achieved immortality. Overwhelmed and shy, Qingqing quickly fled. Xue Qianxun reflected that his memories of Qingqing felt different from their current interactions. Elsewhere, it was noted that Qingyan's eighteenth birthday was fast approaching, a highly anticipated event not only for the Dragon King but for others as well.
Episode 31 Recap
Qing Qing approached the Immortal of Fate, asking which of his many books could accelerate her cultivation. The Immortal of Fate admitted he couldn't recall every book among the thousands, but suggested a "Supreme Ancient Scripture" might hold the answer. He then eagerly brought up Qingyan's upcoming eighteenth birthday, expressing his anticipation alongside the Dragon King. When Qing Qing questioned his excitement, he quickly explained it was simply out of happiness for his good friend, the Dragon King.
Observing Qing Qing's Datura Weaver Ribbon appeared to be weakening, the Immortal of Fate offered to infuse it with spiritual power. Qing Qing gratefully removed it, and while he appeared to infuse it with spiritual power, he covertly swapped her Datura Weaver Ribbon with another before returning it to her, receiving her thanks. Meanwhile, as Priest Xuanyang's birthday approached, his disciples discussed what gift to offer.
Qingyan suggested the precious Garuda Flower from Sorong Volcano, a sacred flower of the immortal world, which she learned about from an ancient book while tidying her master's study. She explained that the volcano is constantly shrouded in clouds, deterring demons, and that the flower could be found via one of three paths leading to its peaks. Qingyan, along with her Senior and Qingfeng, set out, agreeing to return to the hall by morning.
Qingyan chose the leftmost path, using her knowledge that Garuda, an ancient dragon-eating golden eagle, liked cliffs, meaning its flower would too. She successfully found the Garuda Flower on a steep cliffside, but falling rocks suddenly loosened her rope, causing her to plummet. Fortunately, she was cushioned by tree leaves and landed safely at the cliff bottom. Unbeknownst to her, her successful acquisition of the flower was due to the Dragon King's subtle intervention.
The Dragon King, observing her, discussed with Xue Qianxun that Qingyan could now sense his Dragon Breath. Xue Qianxun lent him the Soul-devouring Fan, one of Luofeng Pavilion's tokens, which could temporarily shield his aura, allowing him to protect her without startling her. The Dragon King expressed his desire for their next meeting to be a beautiful one, not one of fear. At the bottom of the mountain, Qingyan wandered, unable to find her way back.
Suddenly, fireflies appeared, guiding her out of Sorong Volcano. As she rested in a cave, the Dragon King entered her dream. In the dream, Qingyan immediately recognized him as "Yuchi." He gently acknowledged her past identity, stating that her current name was "Qingyan," not "Liuying." Overjoyed that Yuchi had finally come for her, even if only in a dream, she made a whimsical request: for him to carry her home.
The Dragon King readily complied, carrying her through a beautiful expanse of glowing fireflies. Resting on his shoulder, Qingyan felt a profound sense of peace and security. She leaned into his embrace, unwilling to let go of the moment, and affectionately kissed him. The following morning, Qingyan awoke at the mountain gate, recalling her vivid dream. She wondered if Yuchi had indeed brought her back and remembered his promise to see her for her upcoming eighteenth birthday.
She presented the Garuda Flower to Priest Xuanyang as his birthday gift. Priest Xuanyang was greatly pleased, revealing he needed the flower to refine a weapon against the dragon demon that had long been a threat around Kunlun Mountain. He observed that the recent increase in demonic activity around Kunlun might be due to Qingyan's unique soul, which, like a ripe fruit, emitted an irresistible allure to demons.
While minor demons like cat or fox demons were manageable, he was particularly concerned about the long-standing dragon demon. He informed Qingyan that he had already refined the Garuda Flower into a Golden Eagle Dagger. Priest Xuanyang then announced his plan to take her senior disciples down the mountain to apprehend the cat demon that had injured Qinglu, but forbade Qingyan from joining them.
Instead, he instructed her to keep the Golden Eagle Dagger with her at all times for self-defense. Soon after, Qingyan summoned Qing Qing using the Three-call Spell, a seldom-used magic that Qing Qing initially mistook for an emergency. Qingyan explained she just missed her, as her master and senior disciples were away. She shared apricot and peach preserves made by her senior. Then, eager to show Qing Qing her master's gift, Qingyan revealed the Golden Eagle Dagger.
The moment she opened it, Qing Qing recoiled in pain, suffering an immediate headache. Qing Qing explained that the dagger, imbued with the Garuda Flower's essence, could absorb demonic spiritual energy, making it highly dangerous for demons. Qingyan understood that this was why her master had insisted she carry it for protection. Qing Qing cautioned Qingyan to distinguish between good and bad demons.
Qingyan then excitedly demonstrated a new, beautiful spell she had created, a cascade of glowing fireflies, admitting it was a way for her to express her longing for the "Yuchi" from her dream. Qing Qing remarked on its beauty but joked it seemed more suited for flirting. Meanwhile, Priest Xuanyang and his disciples successfully captured the cat demon responsible for hurting people.
She was brought before them and subjected to the True Fire, a searing punishment designed to burn away her spiritual power. The cat demon, identified as Marble, defiantly stated she was avenging her sister, Chengcheng, whom the Kunlun disciples had killed. Priest Xuanyang offered her a chance to reveal the fox demon's whereabouts in exchange for her life, but Marble refused to cooperate. Her pain intensified under the True Fire.
She desperately called out to Qingyan, addressing her as "Liuying," claiming Qingyan had saved her two hundred years ago and even given her the name Marble. As Marble cried out in agony, begging for a moment's reprieve from the True Fire, Qingyan noted her spiritual power was genuinely weak and her pain seemed real.
Despite her initial resolve not to be soft-hearted towards demons who harmed humans, Qingyan was intrigued when Marble asked about the "dragon demon" who had been with "Liuying," implying Qingyan had forgotten him. Marble promised to reveal his name if Qingyan allowed her to take a breath. As Qingyan leaned closer, Marble seized the opportunity, using a human knockout drug on her, remarking that humans could be more vicious than demons. Qingyan fell unconscious, and the cat demon escaped.
Upon regaining consciousness, Qingyan apologized to Priest Xuanyang and her senior disciple for her lapse in judgment, admitting she had trusted the cat demon and inadvertently allowed her escape. Priest Xuanyang sternly reprimanded her for the mistake and the harm caused, punishing her to reflect for ten days at the Introspection Wall in the back mountain. Qingyan, however, insisted on finding the cat demon, claiming she had cast a "tracing spell" on her using fireflies.
Her senior disciple dismissed this as nonsense and urged her to comply with the master's decree. Undeterred, Qingyan resolved to track down the cat demon herself. Unbeknownst to her, Marble had been saved by a mysterious individual. Marble thanked her rescuer, who stated their shared enmity was the reason for his aid. He pledged to help her avenge Chengcheng but demanded she assist him in approaching Gu Qingyan.
Marble hesitated, admitting Qingyan had saved her hundreds of years ago and she could not betray her benefactor. The mysterious individual reassured her he had no intention of harming Qingyan, only to retrieve an item from her. Convinced that Qingyan would not be harmed and that her sister's revenge was within reach, Marble agreed to his terms. Simultaneously, a "bold wolf demon" sensed the "Yin Soul" and "Garuda Flower," declaring his intent to capture the "deceitful cat demon."
Episode 32 Recap
Qingyan discovered Marble, injured by a wolf demon who coveted Qingyan's Yin Soul. Just as Qingyan attempted to bring Marble back to Kunlun Mountain, the wolf demon reappeared. Fortunately, Yuchi arrived in time. He instructed Qingyan to leave the demon to him, and together, they managed to drive it away. However, Yuchi sustained an injury and was poisoned by the wolf.
Qingyan insisted on escorting him back to a room to rest and prepare her herbal remedies, despite his claims of being fine. While Qingyan tended to Yuchi’s wolf poison, applying her herbal remedies that caused him pain, Marble expressed surprise that Qingyan and Yuchi were still together after two hundred years. Yuchi recognized Marble as the small cat Liuying had saved, and realizing Marble lacked an inner core, questioned how she could still be with a mortal.
Qingyan corrected Yuchi, stating she was Qingyan, not Liuying. Yuchi, asserting his authority as the Dragon King, instructed Marble to collect the herbs instead of Qingyan, implying it was too strenuous for Qingyan. Although Marble initially wanted to refuse, Yuchi sealed her spiritual power, warning her not to escape. Marble then revealed that her sister, Chengcheng, had lost her mother when she was a kitten and was later killed by Kunlun disciples.
She then pleaded with Qingyan to allow her time to find new mothers for a group of newborn kittens they encountered, explaining the kittens would die if left alone. Qingyan, seeing the kittens' plight and Marble's compassionate nature, agreed to return to the wooden hut first, leaving Marble to care for them. Meanwhile, Xue Qianxun and Qingqing arrived to help Yuchi.
Xue Qianxun noted Yuchi's spiritual power was unusually weak for a mere wolf demon to cause such injury, speculating if Qingyan had used the Golden Eagle Dagger. He also worried about Xuanyang using the Dragon-slaying Sword if Yuchi's Dragon Breath wasn't covered, and borrowed the Soul-devouring Fan for this purpose. Xue Qianxun then urged Qingqing to return to Luofeng Pavilion, concerned the Golden Eagle Dagger could also harm her.
Qingqing, however, playfully refused, insisting she was there to see Qingyan and reasoning that Qingyan wouldn't harm her because Qingyan already knew she was a bird demon and they were good friends. As Qingqing refused, Xue Qianxun seemed lost in a millennium-old memory before solemnly departing. He then sought out the Immortal of Fate to inquire about the "Punishment of the Lonely Star" and why he had left the Terrace of Goddess Nuwa so long ago.
The Immortal of Fate claimed ignorance but, after Xue Qianxun left, secretly retrieved a hidden chronicle detailing Xue Qianxun's thousand-year past with Qingxuan bird Qingqing. Back at the hut, Qingyan joyfully greeted Qingqing, who had sensed Qingyan's presence. Qingyan introduced Qingqing as her secret friend, a bird demon, to Yuchi. Qingyan then prepared the herbal medicine for Yuchi, which Qingqing found incredibly bitter. Yuchi, however, drank the entire bowl without complaint.
Shortly after, Marble rushed back to the hut, warning them that a group of demons were at the entrance, intending to consume Qingyan. Yuchi, protective of Qingyan, declared that with him present, no one dared to harm her. Marble, identifying herself as the world's prettiest bird demon, joined them. Yuchi then unleashed his Dragon Fire, incinerating all the wolf demons into ashes, leaving none alive, ensuring Qingyan's safety.
Upon returning to the hut, Qingyan found Yuchi's forehead still burning with fever. Remembering her senior's advice, she attempted skin scraping to bring down the fever, which Yuchi found surprisingly painful. When his temperature still didn't drop, she tried another of her senior's methods: adding several more quilts to make him sweat. Yuchi grew uncomfortably hot and complained, but Qingyan insisted it would help him recover.
Later that night, Qingqing and Marble shared drinks in the forest, finding solace from their worries. Marble reiterated her unwavering loyalty to her benefactor, Liuying. When Qingqing returned to the hut, she was met by Xue Qianxun, who expressed frustration at finding her so drunk. He led her inside, reminding her to always wear the sachet he had given her, which he revealed contained a Tracing Spell, allowing him to locate her instantly.
He explained his concern for her safety, given her active and nosy nature. A drunken Qingqing, seemingly emboldened, joked that birds were not as bound by human formalities and could hug or even kiss if they wished, then embraced Xue Qianxun and attempted to kiss him before succumbing to sleep. In the quiet of the night, Yuchi awoke to find Qingyan asleep on him, holding him close.
He was filled with contentment, observing that despite the passage of lifetimes, she remained unchanged, still the Liuying who only recognized him. The next morning, Qingqing woke up flustered to find herself in bed with Xue Qianxun, her cheeks flushed. To deflect the situation, she quickly attributed her blushes to a mosquito bite and suggested they move outside.
Meanwhile, Qingyan decided to truly release Marble, acknowledging Marble's act of returning to warn them as proof of her inherent kindness, and urged her to live a virtuous life. Marble thanked Qingyan, but as she departed, a male voice from an unknown benefactor prompted her, asking if she truly wished to avenge her sister Chengcheng, and Marble agreed, stating she would do whatever it took, provided Qingyan was not harmed.
Soon after, Yuchi went to wake Qingyan but found her unusually unresponsive. Xue Qianxun and Qingqing arrived shortly after, and Xue Qianxun immediately diagnosed Qingyan's condition: she had fallen victim to an ancient art, the Nightmare Spell. He explained its dangerous nature: one year within the dream equates to one day in the real world, and after seven days, the caster would slowly absorb Qingyan's soul.
Xue Qianxun deduced that the caster must possess intimate knowledge of Qingyan's past, as Qingyan was peacefully lost in a dream that felt indistinguishable from reality, possibly created using hair or skin from someone familiar with Liuying's previous life in Xiahou’s Mansion. To save Qingyan, they needed to find and kill the spell caster within seven days.
Yuchi could enter Qingyan's dreamscape using his spiritual awareness, as the caster's seemingly real dream would inevitably contain flaws that could reveal their identity. However, Yuchi would be unable to awaken from the dream himself. He would have to communicate clues through movements to those in the real world, who would in turn hear his responses. If the caster was not killed within seven days, Yuchi's soul would remain trapped in Qingyan's dream, falling into a permanent nightmare.
Despite the immense danger, Yuchi, resolute in saving Qingyan, asked Xue Qianxun to cast the spell to send him into her dream, which appeared to be a recreation of Liuying's old room.
Episode 33 Recap
Yuchi Longyan's spiritual awareness entered Qingyan's dream, a perilous ancient spell known as the Nightmare Spell. This spell would cause Qingyan's soul to be slowly absorbed by the caster, with one year in the dream equating to one day in the real world. Xue Qianxun warned Yuchi Longyan that they had only seven days to find and eliminate the caster, or Yuchi Longyan's own soul would be trapped in the nightmare.
The dream's realism suggested the caster had used hair or skin from someone intimately familiar with Xiahou's Mansion, Liuying's past home. Inside, Yuchi Longyan encountered a fake version of himself with Qingyan. He swiftly dealt with the imposter and took Qingyan to significant places from their past. The fake's ignorance of their shared memory in a cave under Kunlun Mountain exposed its true nature, allowing Qingyan to recognize the real Yuchi Longyan.
They later visited Fallen-flower Valley, where Yuchi Longyan was astonished to see a sky full of fireflies, bewildered by how the caster could know such a personal detail, a place he had visited with every incarnation of Liuying. As Yuchi Longyan became increasingly immersed in the vivid dream, Xue Qianxun and Qing Qing grew concerned, sensing the dream was a trap aimed at both Yuchi Longyan and Qingyan.
Yuchi Longyan, keenly observing his surroundings, noticed a crucial flaw: the durian cake in the dream tasted good, despite Liuying and him secretly disliking durian, a detail only they knew. This realization, coupled with the presence of a small kitten during that past moment, led him to deduce the caster was Marble, the cat demon, whom Liuying had saved and kept by her side two hundred years ago.
He surmised that Marble must have learned details about Xiahou’s Mansion from Qing Qing two hundred years ago. Unable to wake, Yuchi Longyan communicated his discovery through his true body using gestures like scratching and mimicking cat-like movements, allowing Xue Qianxun and Qing Qing to understand it was indeed the cat demon. Qing Qing then realized Marble had combed her hair to obtain it for casting the dream. Xue Qianxun used Qing Qing's hair to trace Marble.
Marble, when confronted, claimed she had not intended to absorb Qingyan's soul, only to induce a few days of sleep, wishing to avenge her sister. She insisted she was unaware the Nightmare Spell could scatter a soul. Before she could reveal who taught her the spell, an unknown assailant used Qianji Heart Thunder, instantly scattering Marble's soul and eliminating their only lead. Upon waking, Qingyan was overjoyed to see Yuchi Longyan, remembering the sweet, vivid dreams.
However, her joy turned to dismay when she learned she had been in a coma for six days, fearing her master's wrath. Yuchi Longyan accompanied her back to Kunlun Mountain. Before parting ways, Qingyan created a beautiful display of a sky full of fireflies, a personal spell she had created, as a heartfelt thank-you for the Dragon Pendant Yuchi Longyan had given her.
Yuchi Longyan, deeply moved, resolved to wait until Qingyan's birthday to reveal everything to her, having patiently waited for three lifetimes for this moment. Back at Kunlun Mountain, Qingyan faced her master's discipline for leaving without permission. As a lenient punishment given her seemingly good attitude, she was sent to the Introspection Wall in the back mountain for twenty days of reflection, with no one permitted to intercede for her.
Qingyan, undeterred, noted that the back mountain had no barrier, planning to invite Qing Qing to play with her. She entrusted a heavy, seemingly useless Golden Eagle Dagger to her senior brother, Qingfeng, expressing concern that it might somehow harm Qing Qing. Meanwhile, the Immortal of Fate visited Yuchi Longyan with a significant revelation.
He informed Yuchi Longyan that Xue Qianxun and Qing Qing were destined to meet but not to be together, explaining that Xue Qianxun's Punishment of the Lonely Star was directly related to Qing Qing's identity as the Blue Swallow. It was unveiled that Xue Qianxun was indeed the Lonely Star and Qing Qing was the Blue Swallow.
The Immortal of Fate, deeming it inappropriate to convey such news himself due to its sensitive nature and Yuchi Longyan's friendship with Xue Qianxun, passed the responsibility to Yuchi Longyan. Soon after, Qing Qing arrived at the Kunlun back mountain, seeking Qingyan, only to be immediately apprehended by Kunlun disciples. They moved to eliminate her without hesitation, branding her a demon.
Qing Qing desperately called for Xue Qianxun, who quickly appeared and shielded her, pleading with the disciples to spare his friend, who he insisted was a good demon. The Kunlun disciples stood firm, asserting their duty to eradicate demons as righteous acts in accordance with heavenly law, warning Xue Qianxun that interfering would be a breach of celestial rules.
Xue Qianxun, refusing to use his powers to avoid violating heavenly laws, declared his resolve to take Qing Qing away by force if necessary. However, as he protected her, Qing Qing was pierced by the Golden Eagle Dagger. Seeing her injured, Xue Qianxun instinctively used his magic. The dagger, far from ordinary, triggered fragmented memories for both Xue Qianxun and Qing Qing.
Qing Qing's meteor scar, revealed to be from a heavenly thunder strike, along with the flashes of memory, confirmed they had known and loved each other a thousand years ago. In the midst of their emotional reunion, a bolt of heavenly thunder struck Xue Qianxun, accompanied by a voice accusing both him and Qing Qing of a grave offense: the Blue Swallow luring the Lonely Star to leave his position.
Episode 34 Recap
A millennium ago, Lonely Star, one of the thirty-six Heavenly Generals known for his cold and aloof demeanor, was tasked with apprehending an Evil Spirit that had infiltrated the celestial realm. During his pursuit, he inadvertently knocked out a Blue Swallow from a branch. Seeing her fall into mud, Lonely Star, with good intentions, helped clean her. However, the Blue Swallow, believing he had molested her, furiously accused him of being a "darn lothario."
He apologized for his carelessness and allowed her to vent her anger by standing still. She began to tickle him with her feathers, and for the first time in three thousand years, Lonely Star genuinely smiled. Despite his inherently lonely destiny, the Blue Swallow touched Lonely Star's heart. To protect her, he formed a Three-call Spell with her. One day, the Blue Swallow encountered an Ugly Evil Spirit, which should have been contained in the Sky Net of Luofeng Pavilion.
In a moment of danger, she used the Three-call Spell to summon Lonely Star. Although he was stationed at the Terrace of Goddess Nuwa, he left his post without permission to rush to her aid. After saving her and seeing her near death, Lonely Star selflessly gave her his Inner Star, ensuring her survival and recovery. He told her not to cry, saying he couldn't bear the thought of losing her.
He insisted she keep his Inner Star for future protection. Upon their return to the Terrace of Goddess Nuwa, they discovered that the Stone of Goddess Nuwa had vanished. Ziyang, leading heavenly soldiers, arrived to apprehend Lonely Star, accusing him of dereliction of duty which allegedly allowed the dragon demon Yuchi Longyan to steal the sacred stone. Despite Lonely Star taking full responsibility, Ziyang also took the Blue Swallow into custody under the Emperor’s orders.
According to Heavenly Rules, Lonely Star was condemned to suffer the Heavenly Thunders, and the Blue Swallow was charged with seducing a Heavenly General. She asserted that their love was genuine, but they were still forbidden from ever being together again. As Lonely Star endured eight of the Heavenly Thunders, Qing Qing, heartbroken, attempted to shield him from the final bolt.
Though he begged her to leave, she selflessly took the blow, sustaining a meteor scar that now marks her body. However, a lower-ranked half-immortal like her could not withstand the Heavenly Thunders, and her spirit, severely damaged, attached itself to Lonely Star's Inner Star. The Emperor then commanded the opening of the Evil Spirit Portal, intending to trap her there forever. Using his last reserves of spiritual power, Lonely Star sent the Blue Swallow to the mortal world.
His own memory was subsequently erased, and he was renamed Xue Qianxun, condemned to serve as the Lord of Luofeng Pavilion for three thousand years, overseeing souls undergoing tribulation. The Blue Swallow, after a millennium of cultivation in the mortal realm, eventually became his Qing Qing. Upon learning the truth about his past, Xue Qianxun confronted Yuchi Longyan.
Longyan, who had reviewed a book from the Immortal of Fate detailing their intertwined destiny, was surprised by the depth of Xue Qianxun and Qing Qing's feelings. Seeing Longyan's calm demeanor regarding their past, Xue Qianxun grew angry, suspecting Longyan had concealed crucial details. He demanded to know what Longyan had been hiding.
Longyan then handed Xue Qianxun the book, explaining that even he had only just learned Xue Qianxun was the Lonely Star who had guarded the Terrace of Goddess Nuwa. The book contained a dire prophecy: "Deep love will be broken. Fate can’t be decided by himself. The Star against the Heaven will be lonely with a cursed kiss."
Longyan clarified that if Xue Qianxun and Qing Qing were deeply in love, Qing Qing's soul would be broken, and a kiss between them would fulfill a blood curse. Xue Qianxun, still believing Longyan had hidden this truth from him, was enraged by the devastating prophecy and Longyan’s perceived deception, and prepared to fight him. Back at Luofeng Pavilion, the Immortal of Fate awaited Xue Qianxun’s arrival.
The Immortal of Fate revealed that he had been manipulating Xue Qianxun all along. He confessed to having exchanged Qing Qing's Datura Weaver Ribbon for the Sorrow of Hell Maid and Xue Qianxun's regular Three Pearl Leaf Tea for Heavenly Break. He explained that these two poisons, when consumed daily, rendered one's body and mind no longer their own. To complete an ancient puppet spell, two potent emotional triggers were required: great joy and great anger.
The Immortal of Fate revealed that Xue Qianxun's "great joy" came from remembering the Blue Swallow, and his "great anger" was triggered by the false belief that Yuchi Longyan had lied to him. With these emotions as catalysts, the ancient puppet spell was now complete, and the Immortal of Fate commanded Xue Qianxun to obey him.
Soon after, the Immortal of Fate reported to the Emperor that Yuchi Longyan, the last dragon demon of the Candle Dragon Clan, had stolen the Fire Protection Shield and the Rain Wand. The Emperor ordered Ziyang to capture him. The Immortal of Fate, citing Longyan's cunning, suggested that Xue Qianxun accompany Ziyang to assist in the apprehension. The Emperor agreed. When Xue Qianxun confronted Yuchi Longyan, he attacked with ruthless precision, showing no mercy or past sentiment.
Longyan, sensing Xue Qianxun's abnormal behavior, questioned what was wrong. Under the puppet spell's control, Xue Qianxun not only overpowered Longyan but also inflicted the Seven Deadly Spell upon him, intending to annihilate his soul. Severely wounded, Longyan transformed into his dragon form and plummeted from the sky.
Episode 35 Recap
Gu Qingyan awoke from a disturbing dream where she saw Yuchi injured, leaving her filled with an unsettling premonition. Meanwhile, the Immortal of Fate, speaking with Xue Qianxun, revealed his true indifference to Yuchi's well-being. He confirmed that he had orchestrated Yuchi being afflicted with the Seven Deadly Spell and dismissed Yuchi’s disappearance, stating his true objective was to finally obtain Gu Qingyan's Yin Soul, convinced that no one could now stand in his way.
On her 18th birthday, Gu Qingyan was restless and distracted, her thoughts solely on Yuchi. Despite her fellow disciples' attempts to engage her, she remained preoccupied by Yuchi’s absence, remembering his promise to tell her stories on this very day. Worried, she ventured out late into the stormy night to search for him and eventually found him severely injured in a cave. He was disoriented and aggressive, failing to recognize her and questioning why a mortal had trespassed.
It was only when she identified herself as Gu Qingyan that a flicker of recognition appeared, briefly prompting him to express how much he missed her. However, he quickly recoiled, claiming she had mistaken him for someone else. He coldly stated their fundamental difference as human and demon and urged her to leave, callously dismissing their connection as an "unimportant thing." Despite her desperate pleas to heal him and the continuing thunder outside, he remained resolute, insisting she depart.
As Gu Qingyan began to reluctantly walk away, Yuchi, despite his critical condition from the Seven Deadly Spell, could not bear to let her go alone into the dark, thundering night. He offered to escort her back to the valley, revealing his inner conflict.
He admitted he had to break his ancient promise never to entrust her care to another, explaining that he distanced himself not out of a lack of desire, but to spare her the profound pain of loss he knew she would soon endure. He could only accompany her to the valley's edge.
When Gu Qingyan expressed her fear of the dark and begged him to stay longer, he refused, citing propriety and dismissing her feelings of a past connection as overthinking. He offered to illuminate the valley with a sky full of fireflies but sternly reiterated that from now on, she must learn to walk bravely on her own, stating that parting was inevitable and she should face it lightly.
As she tearfully departed, Yuchi, consumed by silent longing and regret, watched her go, reflecting on his unspoken love and centuries of devoted observation. Still weeping as she walked away, Gu Qingyan turned back just before losing sight of Yuchi and began to play the Mind-clearing Song on a Xiao, hoping its healing melody would help his internal injuries. Yuchi listened, understanding the futility of her efforts.
The Seven Deadly Spell had already penetrated too deeply, leaving him with little time left and unable to protect her any longer. Despite the centuries of longing and guarding her, he expressed profound gratitude for her presence in his life, cherishing every moment from her youth to her sorrows. He confessed that while he had yearned to accompany her much further, their journey together had reached its end.
With a heavy heart, he resigned himself to holding their precious memories deep within his heart. Gu Qingyan returned to Kunlun Mountain and immediately sought answers in the grand library. There, she discovered the devastating truth about the Seven Deadly Spell: it progressively destroys the victim’s internal organs, blocks their senses, and leads to slow suffocation. Realizing Yuchi was facing a fatal end, she rushed back to him.
Despite his renewed insistence that she leave and his claims of being a mere passerby, Gu Qingyan firmly refused, declaring her intention to stay by his side for his remaining days. She passionately articulated that while separation was painful, the greater agony would be to not share his final moments. For her, even a fleeting instant with him was precious and eternal, a lifetime in a moment.
Moved by her unwavering devotion, Yuchi finally pulled her into a tight embrace, expressing his profound gratitude for her presence. Elsewhere, Bingxing was using her spiritual power to heal Qing Qing. Upon Qing Qing's awakening, Bingxing informed her that Xue Qianxun had departed with the Immortal of Fate, noting Xue Qianxun's unusually strange demeanor.
Qing Qing immediately attempted to locate him using the Three-call Spell, but to her alarm, it failed, confirming her suspicion that Xue Qianxun was in grave danger. Seeing a feather she had once gifted to him, Qing Qing resolved to activate her inner core to reclaim it, a process that would grant her the necessary strength to pursue Xue Qianxun, despite Bingxing's warning that such rapid spiritual absorption would temporarily aid her but ultimately diminish her longevity.
Recognizing the urgency, Bingxing selflessly agreed to assist Qing Qing. Yuchi brought Gu Qingyan to the Dragon Pool, expressing his desire to spend his remaining time with her. Gu Qingyan, now aware of his demon identity and having seen his Dragon Horn, playfully questioned if he would "be responsible" for her. Yuchi then transformed into his dragon form, carrying her to the Fallen-flower Valley, a place Gu Qingyan found eerily familiar.
Yuchi confirmed her intuition, revealing that they had indeed pledged their love there in a previous life, but were then only "passersby" to each other, unlike now. As they shared this profound moment, Gu Qingyan suddenly felt a tearing sensation within her, causing her to collapse. Yuchi immediately realized her soul was under attack. The Immortal of Fate then appeared with Xue Qianxun, confirming Yuchi’s suspicion.
The Immortal of Fate chillingly revealed his elaborate, centuries-long scheme: he had deliberately lied about not possessing the Book of Fate for Gu Qingyan's past incarnation, Liuying, to prevent Yuchi from interfering. He had then manipulated Yuchi into helping Liuying become a princess, using the royal family's noble essence to nourish her soul.
Subsequently, he arranged her rebirth into a general’s family to further strengthen her vital essence, and finally, her cultivation at Kunlun Mountain to nurture her soul with its spiritual energy. His ultimate goal was to harvest her pure Yin Soul, which, once mature, would grant him immense power, allowing him to transcend his status as Immortal of Fate and become the supreme ruler of all realms.
He confidently stated that Yuchi’s infatuation had ironically served his purpose by keeping Gu Qingyan protected until her soul ripened. Driven by his ambition, the Immortal of Fate prepared to seize Gu Qingyan's Yin Soul, confident that the Seven Deadly Spell had left Yuchi powerless. However, Yuchi, anticipating the attack, had been stalling for time and swiftly employed an illusion spell to transport Gu Qingyan away.
He reappeared at Kunlun Mountain, entrusting Gu Qingyan to Priest Xuanyang, explaining the Immortal of Fate's true intentions to take her soul and affirming that Kunlun Mountain was the safest place. Priest Xuanyang initially reacted with disbelief and anger, challenging Yuchi's accusations against an immortal. Yet, Yuchi firmly reiterated his plea for Gu Qingyan's protection. Acknowledging Gu Qingyan as his apprentice, Priest Xuanyang accepted the responsibility, immediately ordering the gathering of all disciples to erect a powerful barrier.
Before the barrier could be fully established, Yuchi, despite his critical injuries, volunteered to hold back the Immortal of Fate and Xue Qianxun. He defied the Immortal of Fate's attempt to entice him to rule the three realms together, leveraging their "thousand-year friendship," and vowed to annihilate him if he dared to harm Gu Qingyan.
Episode 36 (Ending) Recap
Following the events of the previous episode, Yuchi Longyan had brought Qingyan to Kunlun Mountain, believing it to be the safest place. There, Priest Xuanyang, fulfilling Yuchi Longyan's request to protect her, began preparations to set up a powerful barrier with the help of Qingyun and other disciples to shield her from any immortal or demon. While Priest Xuanyang prepared the barrier, Yuchi Longyan confronted the arriving Immortal of Fate and Xue Qianxun, offering to hold back their pursuers.
Immortal of Fate, recalling their millennium-long friendship, attempted to sway Yuchi Longyan by proposing they rule the three worlds together if Yuchi Longyan helped him obtain Qingyan's Yin Soul. Yuchi Longyan vehemently refused, threatening to destroy Immortal of Fate if he dared harm Qingyan. Disgusted by Yuchi Longyan's defiance, Immortal of Fate commanded the controlled Xue Qianxun to attack Yuchi Longyan.
As they fought evenly, Yuchi Longyan urged Xue Qianxun to regain his senses, but Immortal of Fate mocked him, revealing Xue Qianxun would neither wake nor forgive Yuchi Longyan, as his current state was Yuchi Longyan’s doing. Qingyan awoke, disoriented, and pressed Priest Xuanyang about the person who brought her back.
Priest Xuanyang, following Yuchi Longyan’s earlier instructions, hardened his heart and falsely told her that Yuchi Longyan was a dragon demon who only approached her for her Yin Soul and had no genuine feelings. Qingyan, recalling Yuchi Longyan's centuries of protection and their sincere love, refused to believe this, asserting he had been injured by the Seven Deadly Spell and she needed to help him.
Priest Xuanyang, fearing for her life as she too was affected by the spell and would risk self-destruction if she used her powers, confined her to her room with a barrier, urging her to calm down. He remembered Yuchi Longyan’s selfless act: Yuchi Longyan had entrusted his inner core to Priest Xuanyang to embed within the barrier, explicitly instructing him to tell Qingyan, if she woke, that he had approached her only for her soul.
Yuchi Longyan had hoped she would forget him to spare herself pain, even if it meant misunderstanding him. Witnessing Yuchi Longyan’s sacrifice, Priest Xuanyang felt deep remorse for his past prejudices and vowed to protect Qingyan, fulfilling Yuchi Longyan’s trust. Trapped, Qingyan desperately cried out for her master to release her, determined to go to Yuchi Longyan. As Yuchi Longyan continued his battle with Xue Qianxun, Immortal of Fate attempted to breach the Kunlun barrier.
Discovering Yuchi Longyan's inner core woven into its defenses, Immortal of Fate became enraged, viewing it as a suicidal act, and commanded Xue Qianxun to redouble his assault, relishing the sight of former friends destroying each other. Simultaneously, Qingyan, refusing to accept Yuchi Longyan’s fabricated reason for abandoning her, forcefully broke free from her confinement.
She confronted Yuchi Longyan during the chaotic battle, expressing her anger not at his supposed deceit, but at his persistent attempt to face dangers alone, reminding him of their promise to share all burdens. Just as Immortal of Fate launched a fatal strike towards Yuchi Longyan, Qingyan selflessly leapt in front of him, taking the full impact of the attack. Upon seeing Qingyan fall, Immortal of Fate activated the Immortal-trapping Net, which began to draw away her soul.
Yuchi Longyan frantically tried to reach her, but Immortal of Fate mercilessly beat him down with every step until he lay incapacitated. Immortal of Fate gloated, declaring his imminent rise as the supreme King of the three worlds. Despite Yuchi Longyan's desperate struggle until his last breath, Qingyan looked at him, and in that moment, her soul regained all its memories from three lifetimes.
With her dying breath, she infused her own soul into Yuchi Longyan's body, bringing him back to life and empowering him with new strength. In her final moments, she recalled their past lives and their promise to marry, expressing regret that she could not fulfill it in this lifetime, but pledging her eternal devotion and promising to always be by his side.
Yuchi Longyan, now imbued with divine power and Qingyan’s soul, cradled her lifeless body, his eyes burning with intense hatred for Immortal of Fate. He declared Qingyan entirely his, from her soul to her very hair, condemning Immortal of Fate for taking her life so easily after he had painstakingly guarded her through three lifetimes. When Immortal of Fate demanded her soul back, Yuchi Longyan retorted that he was now immortal and his power surpassed all in the three realms.
He proclaimed that the pain of her loss would torment him forever, a constant reminder of Immortal of Fate’s ambition, for which he would exact vengeance. Xue Qianxun, still under the puppet spell, relentlessly shielded Immortal of Fate, forcing Yuchi Longyan to fight him. Just then, Qingqing arrived, interposing herself between Yuchi Longyan and Xue Qianxun, pleading with Yuchi Longyan not to kill him and urging Xue Qianxun to wake up.
Yuchi Longyan, driven by vengeance, ignored them and continued his pursuit of Immortal of Fate. Qingqing embraced Xue Qianxun, who, upon hearing her pleas, fought through the control. He nearly struck her but managed to redirect the force, hurting only himself, and fully regained consciousness, expressing relief at seeing Qingqing and assuring her he would not die.
Yuchi Longyan cornered Immortal of Fate, who, realizing his imminent demise, desperately called upon the Emperor for salvation, accusing Yuchi Longyan of rebelling after absorbing the Yin Soul. The Emperor, however, offered no aid. Yuchi Longyan unleashed his True Fire, making Immortal of Fate suffer the pain he caused a hundredfold, a thousandfold. Meanwhile, Qingqing cradled the gravely weakened Xue Qianxun, who struggled to stay conscious, telling her not to cry and recalling her comment about his smile.
As he seemed to fade, an ancient prophecy regarding their fate became clear: "Deep love will be broken. Fate can’t be decided by himself. The Star against the Heaven will be lonely with a cursed kiss. But if you’re willing to die for each other, this curse can be reversed." Through their profound love and willingness to sacrifice for each other, the blood curse placed upon them was indeed reversed, saving Xue Qianxun's life.
He then fully awoke, sharing heartfelt regrets about their past missed opportunities for marriage and making a new promise for their future, ensuring they would always remind each other of their bond and remain together for life. Standing by Qingyan's lifeless body, Yuchi Longyan lamented her sacrifice, questioning the value of his newfound immortality without her. He expressed that if he couldn't be with Qingyan, he would rather follow her into death.
A heavenly voice boomed, condemning Yuchi Longyan for absorbing the Yin Soul and defying the heavens, declaring that the devastating Supreme Thunder, capable of pulverizing all things, would be unleashed upon him. Yuchi Longyan, heartbroken by the heaven's intervention that shattered their potential eternal bond, vowed to seek justice. He proclaimed that for the loss he endured, heaven would pay double.
Using the power of the Yin Soul, he summoned the collective resentment of a thousand demons and ghosts, compelling them to serve him, and then bravely faced the onslaught of the Supreme Thunder head-on. As the Supreme Thunder ravaged, leaving everything in its wake as ashes, Qingqing, witnessing the devastation, wept, believing Yuchi Longyan and Qingyan's souls had been utterly destroyed. Xue Qianxun, however, comforted her, revealing that he had secretly used the Immortal-trapping Net to collect their souls.
He explained that within the net, Yuchi Longyan and Qingyan could finally be together forever, free from the constraints of heavenly rules and the agony of separation, thus achieving their best possible outcome.
