Miss The Dragon Episode 16 Recap
> Miss The Dragon 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.
