Moonlit Reunion Episode 25 Recap
> Moonlit Reunion Recap
Wu Zhen, understanding that the Dream Demon would be drawn to the vivid and bizarre dreams of a powerful, experienced being, sought out Ling Xiao. She skillfully flattered him, declaring him the most charming, mysterious, revered, and well-traveled great demon in Chang'an, whose desires and secrets would surely enthrall the Dream Demon, unlike the more mundane dreams of a human like Mei Zhuyu or even her own half-human state.
Though Ling Xiao was initially hesitant about being used as bait, he eventually conceded. Wu Zhen then cast a spell to induce a deep sleep. Meanwhile, after ensuring Wu Zhen was safe, Mei Zhuyu ventured alone into the city to investigate the strange occurrences. He encountered Shuang Jiang, who had just arrived in Chang'an.
After a brief discussion, Shuang Jiang suggested going home, but Mei Zhuyu pointed out that the pleasure district, a place of indulgence and rampant desires, would be an irresistible lure for the Dream Demon. They decided to search the pleasure district for any traces of the demon. As night deepened, a faint, ethereal glow emerged from the end of an alley, drawing Mei Zhuyu and Shuang Jiang's attention as it drifted towards Ruyi Pavilion.
Shuang Jiang grew anxious, fearing for Hu Zhu's safety. Inside the pavilion, the Dream Demon, having just entered Ling Xiao's dream, was swiftly apprehended by Wu Zhen. It revealed its true form as a plump, fat-headed fish-like demon. The Dream Demon tried to justify its actions, claiming it merely entered people's dreams to release their inhibitions, help them fulfill wishes, and experience their true desires, considering it a mutually beneficial act of goodwill.
It spoke of dreams having various flavors—sweet for joy, sour for jealousy, and bitter for hidden secrets. Wu Zhen, however, dismissed its claims, asserting that freedom in dreams was meaningless if it led to chaos in the waking world. She condemned its interference and the unrest it caused, declaring that as the Cat Master, she would take it back to the Beast Market for punishment. The Dream Demon defiantly refused, even suggesting it would keep people in perpetual slumber.
Just as Wu Zhen prepared to act, she noticed her surroundings shifting, realizing she had been subtly drawn into the Dream Demon's own "dream within a dream," a realm it controlled. At that very moment, Mei Zhuyu, having entered Ruyi Pavilion, shattered the dream spell. Wu Zhen, seizing the opportunity, transformed into a tabby cat and swiftly departed. From his hidden vantage point, Shuang Jiang witnessed Hu Zhu carrying the tabby cat and disappearing into the night.
Wu Zhen transported the Dream Demon back to the Beast Market. The defiant fat-headed fish-like demon continued to assert its innocence, reiterating its belief in helping people experience their desires. It then defiantly revealed it had glimpsed Wu Zhen's dream of becoming a full demon and being with Mei Zhuyu, a revelation that clearly annoyed Wu Zhen.
Wu Zhen, growing impatient with its impudence, decreed that it would begin studying at the Demon Academy the next day to mend its ways. The Dream Demon vehemently protested, declaring it would rather endure Demon Prison than attend school, but Wu Zhen remained resolute. Hu Zhu, who had overheard the Dream Demon's revelation about Wu Zhen's dream, cast a curious glance. Meanwhile, Mei Zhuyu, having deliberately allowed the tabby cat to escape, followed its demonic aura to a desolate area.
There, he used his magic to probe for the Beast Market's entrance. He made a profound discovery: the Beast Market wasn't concealed within a single location in Chang'an, but rather was an entire parallel dimension, a world of shadows mirroring the human streets and markets, intricately interwoven with the city itself. Late that night, Elder Hui, acting on Wu Zishu's orders, covertly released the Dream Demon back into Chang'an.
Wu Zishu's intention was to leverage the ensuing chaos to compel the Changxi Palace disciples to descend from the mountains. Mei Zhuyu, sensing the renewed demonic activity, resolved to investigate further on his own. Concurrently, Shuang Jiang, whose suspicions about Hu Zhu's true nature had deepened, decided to return to Ruyi Pavilion to test her. Hu Zhu skillfully feigned ignorance, making Shuang Jiang question his own perceptions. Mei Zhuyu eventually returned to his residence.
His maid complained that his prolonged absence on their wedding day had displeased Wu Zhen's household, leading to the maid being scolded by Mingzhuang, Wu Zhen's attendant. As he hurried to find his wife, he couldn't locate her. He then checked the bath, but she wasn't there either.
Unbeknownst to him, Wu Zhen had just returned from the Beast Market and, seeing Mei Zhuyu and the maid searching for her, discreetly slipped into the tub, claiming she had just been bathing. Mei Zhuyu, entering and seeing her, felt a flicker of suspicion, wondering how she could have appeared so suddenly. He apologized and turned to leave, but Wu Zhen playfully called out, teasingly revealing his bashfulness.
After a moment of hesitation, Mei Zhuyu stepped back into the bath, leaned in, and kissed her passionately before lifting her out. He apologized for putting her in harm's way earlier on their wedding day, vowing to protect her and never let her face danger again. They embraced and shared a tender kiss. Under the warm glow of red candles, their marriage was consummated. The following day, Chang Ming led his Changxi Palace disciples down to Chang'an.
Shuang Jiang, encountering his Second Senior Brother and the others, inadvertently disclosed Mei Zhuyu's discovery of the Beast Market. Later, Mei Zhuyu and Wu Zhen arrived belatedly at the Duke of Yu’s manor. The Duke, with a knowing smile, subtly advised the young couple to exercise moderation in their marital bliss. Wu Zhen's face was noticeably pale, which she attributed to hunger. The following day, Liu Taizhen, based on Wu Zhen's described symptoms, ordered Zhu Po to prepare herbal medicine.
After taking the medicine, Wu Zhen pulled Mei Zhuyu to enjoy a stroll through the market. Chang Ming and his junior brother, Lian Fu, found temporary shelter in a dilapidated temple on the city's outskirts. They discussed Mei Zhuyu's discovery of the Beast Market and Chang Ming's frustrating inability to make the Changxi Mace acknowledge him as its master, despite having retrieved it.
Unbeknownst to them, Wu Zishu, hidden nearby, overheard their conversation, finally realizing that Mei Zhuyu was a former Changxi Palace disciple. When Chang Ming's disciples eventually located Mei Zhuyu, they informed him of their intention to collaborate with him to eliminate the Beast Market. Mei Zhuyu, though having his own methods, shared their ultimate goal and agreed to assist, but stressed the importance of meticulous planning for a decisive and successful strike.
While Mei Zhuyu and Wu Zhen enjoyed a stroll through the market, Wu Zishu subtly approached Mei Zhuyu at an archery stall. He spoke ambiguously about his past with Wu Zhen, hinting at a deep, longstanding connection and suggesting that Wu Zhen might sneak out in the middle of the night to meet him. Mei Zhuyu, sensing the underlying provocation, engaged in a veiled verbal exchange. That night, Wu Zhen was suddenly afflicted with a sharp chest pain and quietly left the room. Mei Zhuyu, who had only been pretending to sleep, immediately opened his eyes.
