My Heart Recap, Plot, Synopsis
My Heart Synopsis
On her journey of self-redemption, Lu Qingqing—a girl deemed "good-for-nothing"—encounters the proud, witty, and stoic Prince Nangong Yixin. Though it was love at first sight for both, Qingqing remains oblivious to her own budding feelings. Believing her goal is solely to "gain spiritual powers," she repeatedly approaches and teasingly flirts with the prince, launching a series of blunt and direct love confessions that leave him utterly defenseless.
Amid their lighthearted and endearing daily life, Nan Gong Yixin finds himself surrendering to love, revealing a gentle and devoted side of himself. And so, surrounded by sweet misunderstandings and delightful chaos, the bond between Lu Qingqing and Nangong Yixin grows ever stronger.
My Heart Recap
Episode 1 Recap
Lu Qingqing, a peculiar young woman, felt out of place on the Qiyuan continent where spiritual power was revered. Despite years of diligent practice, she possessed no spiritual power, leading her to believe she truly belonged in the fabled No Magic Valley, a place where no one had such abilities. She longed for the freedom it would offer, a stark contrast to her current life, confined to her yard since childhood.
On the day of the Crown Prince's capping ceremony, Qingqing yearned to see the festivities. She enlisted Dapang's help to turn herself into a rabbit, quickly escaping her confinement. Her maid, Baihe, frantically tried to stop her, fearing the consequences. As a rabbit, Qingqing was chased by her father's attendants until she narrowly avoided the carriage of Prince Jin, Nangong Yixin, a man renowned for his formidable seven-level spiritual power.
Held in his hands, Qingqing found his aura warm and comforting. Playfully, she bit him, hoping to somehow absorb some of his power. A surprised Nangong Yixin flinched from the bite, placing the rabbit on the ground. Qingqing, realizing her mischief, bolted, leaving Nangong Yixin amused by her hasty retreat. Her escape led her to a secluded room, where she transformed back into her human form. A voice from a sealed bag pleaded for release.
Out of curiosity, Qingqing touched the bag, inadvertently breaking the seal and releasing Taowu, a fierce monster. Grateful for its freedom, Taowu, to Qingqing's dismay, carried her into the sky. Qingqing, fearing for her life due to her lack of spiritual power, pleaded with Taowu to let her down. Taowu, unaccustomed to flying after years of captivity, struggled to control its direction, plummeting with Qingqing directly into the midst of the capping ceremony.
Her father, Grand Preceptor Lu Hongzhu, who was officiating the ceremony, was stunned by her dramatic entrance. He chastised her for leaving the Lu Mansion, inadvertently revealing her identity as his long-unseen second daughter. The Crown Prince, Nangong Mingyang, expressed a newfound curiosity about her. Taowu, regaining its bearings, immediately recognized Lu Hongzhu as its captor and lunged to attack him.
Qingqing, rushing to protect her father, found herself in grave danger when Taowu threatened to kill both father and daughter. At this critical moment, Nangong Yixin arrived. As Taowu launched another attack, Qingqing instinctively shielded Nangong Yixin, suddenly emitting a burst of spiritual power that repelled the monster. Nangong Yixin seized the opportunity, holding a sword to Taowu's neck. Qingqing, soft-hearted, pleaded for Taowu's life.
Nangong Yixin agreed to take custody of the creature, noting that Taowu's love for freedom mirrored his own. The Crown Prince welcomed Nangong Yixin warmly, but the Queen was less pleased, her words laced with thinly veiled barbs, which Nangong Yixin largely ignored. As Qingqing returned home with her father, they once again encountered Nangong Yixin. Lu Hongzhu invited him to the mansion for a drink the next day, an invitation Nangong Yixin readily accepted.
Qingqing secretly mused that her repeated encounters with Nangong Yixin must signify a special destiny between them. Watching her leave, Nangong Yixin mused that Lu Qingqing's troublemaking had, ironically, led to Grand Preceptor Lu being put in charge of the Spiritual Power Second Army. On their way back, Qingqing and Lu Hongzhu witnessed an auspicious sign in the sky—the reappearance of the Spiritual Power Stone.
This development deeply troubled Lu Hongzhu, who had long known that the Spiritual Girl, who disappeared twenty years ago with the Spiritual Power Stone into the No Magic Valley, was still alive. Back home, Lu Hongzhu severely reprimanded Qingqing for her unauthorized outing. Qingqing felt indignant, comparing her confinement to her older sister, Lu Yunxi, who enjoyed complete freedom. Her father explained that Yunxi possessed strong spiritual power, unlike Qingqing, making the outside world too dangerous for her.
Qingqing, sensing a sliver of hope, asked if she could leave if she possessed spiritual power. Lu Hongzhu then asked if she had used spiritual power to stun Taowu, but Qingqing, unaware, attributed the feat to Nangong Yixin, making her father dismiss his own observation. Reflecting on the day, Lu Hongzhu suspected the Spiritual Girl might finally be returning. Qingqing was punished with copying the "Qi Ling Scripture" a hundred times, a task she found unbearable.
She confided in Baihe, believing she had indeed stunned the "ugly cat" Taowu and saved Nangong Yixin. Baihe was skeptical, challenging Qingqing to transform into a rabbit, but Qingqing found she could no longer do so, leading her to doubt her spiritual abilities again.
Meanwhile, in another part of the mansion, Lu Yunxi's maid, Zhenzhu, complained about Qingqing, criticizing her for her lack of spiritual power and frequent mischief, feeling it was unfair to her own excellent mistress, Lu Yunxi, that Qingqing was so pampered. Lu Yunxi, however, admonished Zhenzhu, insisting on respect for Qingqing as her sister. Unwilling to be confined to copying, Qingqing shamelessly asked Baihe to help her copy so she could transform into a rabbit again for one last adventure.
As a rabbit, Qingqing wandered into the kitchen and narrowly escaped being cooked by a chef. Just as the chef's knife approached, her ears glowed, and she burst free, fleeing the kitchen. By chance, she again ran into Nangong Yixin, who shielded her from the pursuing chefs with his robe. Nangong Yixin recognized her as the mischievous rabbit who had bitten him the previous day. He threatened to bite her back if she didn't transform.
Under pressure, Qingqing's ears glowed, and she reverted to her human form, tumbling into Nangong Yixin. They both fell, momentarily captivated by each other's gaze, before Qingqing, embarrassed, transformed back into a rabbit and fled. Lu Hongzhu had intentionally arranged for Lu Yunxi to entertain Nangong Yixin. Qingqing, eavesdropping behind a rockery, was discovered by Nangong Yixin, who subtly used his spiritual power to make her stumble. Subsequently, following her father's reluctant command, Qingqing served wine to Nangong Yixin.
Gazing at his face, she became lost in thought, spilling wine as his own face flushed. Nangong Yixin then gifted Qingqing a charm. Believing it to be a secret spiritual power-boosting talisman, Qingqing immediately returned to her room and tested it, successfully making a flower bloom. Convinced of the charm's power, she eagerly sent Baihe to retrieve more of Nangong Yixin's gifts, which Grand Preceptor Lu had ordered to be distributed.
However, outside their courtyard, Zhenzhu intercepted Baihe, fabricating a story about Baihe dirtying her clothes, and cruelly forced her to wash them with boiling water. Qingqing, noticing Baihe's prolonged absence, went to search for her. She found Baihe being bullied and bravely confronted Zhenzhu, exposing her deceit and warning her to cease her mistreatment of Baihe, or she would report her to their father and sister. Zhenzhu, defiant, then aggressively confronted Qingqing.
Episode 2 Recap
Lu Qingqing discovered that Zhenzhu was intentionally trying to harm Baihe. Furious, Lu Qingqing threatened to report Zhenzhu to her father and elder sister. Fearing exposure, Zhenzhu used her magic power to attack Baihe, but Lu Qingqing intervened, shielding Baihe. As Lu Qingqing was about to fall into a brazier of fire, Lord Jin and Lu Yunxi happened to be passing by and rescued her. Lord Jin made a remark about Lu Qingqing's hearty appetite.
Lu Qingqing proudly agreed, detailing her love for various meats, only for Lu Yunxi to clarify that Lord Jin was subtly calling her fat. Lu Qingqing, determined to lose weight, asked Lord Jin if he preferred thinner women, to which he found her straightforwardness amusing. Lu Qingqing thanked Lord Jin for saving her again, considering it a sign of their destiny.
Lord Jin, however, explained that his true motive was to prevent the boiling water from splashing and harming plants and insects. Lu Yunxi then chided Zhenzhu for her impertinence towards Lu Qingqing. Zhenzhu apologized, claiming she merely wanted to teach Baihe a lesson. Lu Qingqing, however, insisted Zhenzhu wash the poisonous clothes in the boiling water, just as Zhenzhu had made Baihe do, citing the principle "Do not do unto others as you would have them do unto you."
Enraged, Zhenzhu launched a magic attack on Lu Qingqing. Instinctively, Lu Qingqing raised her hand, miraculously deflecting the incoming stones with an unexpected burst of magic. Everyone was astonished, believing Lu Qingqing had awakened her magic power. Lu Hongzhu, witnessing these unusual events, suspected that the magic girl was returning, especially with reports of strange phenomena in the No Magic Valley and a general sense of auspiciousness across the Qiyuan Continent.
He instructed Qi Yi, his subordinate, to investigate the No Magic Valley's strange occurrences, emphasizing the need to find the magic girl and recover the Magic Power Stone at all costs. He also told Qi Yi to discreetly monitor Lu Qingqing to understand the source of her awakened magic and to test her abilities without harming her or alerting anyone. To confirm her magic, Lu Hongzhu took Lu Qingqing to the Magic Testing Platform.
Lord Lin explained the importance of magic levels in Qiyuan Continent and the resources allocated accordingly. He noted the rarity of someone of Lu Qingqing's age testing their magic for the first time. As Lu Qingqing placed her hand on the platform, it spun rapidly, revealing a seven-level magic power. Lu Hongzhu was amazed, as only Lord Jin had ever displayed such a high level of magic talent. Overjoyed, Lu Qingqing felt a sense of parity with Lord Jin.
She eagerly asked where to collect her magic power card, only to learn that such cards are formed naturally through personal cultivation. Lu Qingqing vowed to make her father proud. Back home, Lu Qingqing tried to activate her magic but failed. She initially suspected the testing stone was flawed, but Baihe assured her of its infallibility, suggesting Lu Qingqing simply hadn't learned to cultivate it yet.
Lu Qingqing then wondered if intense anger was the trigger, as her magic appeared when she was angry with Zhenzhu. However, she found herself too content to conjure anger. She attempted to stimulate her heart rate through exercise, recalling her heart racing when she previously used magic, but this also proved ineffective. She finally concluded that her magic only appeared after she bit Lord Jin. Baihe supported this hypothesis and suggested they stage another encounter to bite him again.
Meanwhile, Lu Yunxi visited the Crown Prince, offering him handmade hazelnut pastries. She apologized for Lu Qingqing disrupting his capping ceremony. The Crown Prince dismissed her concerns and inquired about Lu Qingqing’s magic test result. Lu Yunxi informed him of Lu Qingqing's seven-level magic power, a revelation that surprised the Crown Prince. As Lu Yunxi left, the Crown Prince advised her to be careful on her way.
Outside, Zhenzhu excitedly declared that Lu Yunxi was the indisputable choice for Crown Princess, much to Lu Yunxi's secret delight, though she feigned modesty and told Zhenzhu not to speak carelessly. Back at home, Lu Qingqing reviewed the "charm" Lord Jin had given her, believing it held the secret to her magic.
Baihe, however, informed her that a tutor had identified the "dragon-like" writing as merely Lord Jin's signature, making Lu Qingqing realize he must have seen her as a mere fan. Lord Jin, who had been monitoring Lu Hongzhu's movements, was aware of Lu Hongzhu sending people to No Magic Valley, likely in pursuit of the Magic Power Stone. He sent his own reliable men to investigate the reported strange phenomena.
Lu Qingqing and Baihe, attempting their plan, staged a "hero saves the beauty" scenario to get close to Lord Jin. However, Lu Qingqing's terrible acting and frequent need to check her lines exposed their ruse, causing Lord Jin to mock her poor performance. He explicitly stated his disinterest in romantic affairs and left. Soon after Lord Jin departed, real black-clad assailants appeared and attacked Lu Qingqing and Baihe.
Lu Qingqing's frantic cries for help prompted Lord Jin to swiftly return and rescue them. His guards chuckled at his perceived lack of resolve, having just doubted her act, only to immediately rush back to her aid. Feigning dizziness, Lu Qingqing secured an escort from Lord Jin back to her residence on horseback. Realizing they were almost home, and she hadn't managed to get more "magic," Lu Qingqing bit Lord Jin's wrist before dismounting and quickly ran into her courtyard.
Lord Jin, looking at the bite mark, was delighted but then felt a sudden, rapid heartbeat and breathlessness. Filled with joy from her encounter with Lord Jin, Lu Qingqing returned home and, to her delight, successfully used her magic to move a stool. She was convinced that biting Lord Jin was the cause. With her newfound magic, she could finally leave the compound.
She resolved to increase her magic by seeking more contact with Lord Jin, believing it would bolster her power against any black-clad attackers. Unbeknownst to Lu Qingqing, the black-clad assailants were actually men sent by Lu Hongzhu to test her magic. Qi Yi reported the failed attempt, acknowledging his men were lucky to escape Lord Jin's grasp.
Lu Hongzhu instructed Qi Yi to try again, cautioning him not to harm Lu Qingqing or alert Lord Jin, and to keep a close watch on Lord Jin. That night, Lu Qingqing stayed awake, contemplating how to get closer to Lord Jin. Baihe, ever helpful, compiled extensive information about Lord Jin, including his daily routines, hobbies, attire, and even a cartload of names of women who admired him.
Baihe encouraged Lu Qingqing to put in the effort to win Lord Jin's favor. Lu Qingqing learned that Lord Jin frequently visited the No Magic Valley, a place where, despite its harsh environment and the loss of magic power for anyone who enters, he seemed unaffected. This piqued her curiosity. The next morning, Lord Jin went to meet the Crown Prince, but Lu Hongzhu intercepted them in court.
General Murong raised concerns about Lu Hongzhu's prolonged and fruitless search for the Magic Power Stone in No Magic Valley, questioning the need for more troops. Lu Hongzhu defended his actions. Lord Jin interrupted the tense debate, reminding the Crown Prince of their Cuju competition appointment, which only occurs every four years. Lu Hongzhu insisted on the Crown Prince completing his state affairs and demanded to know his itinerary to inform the Empress.
Lord Jin, suggesting a compromise, proposed that General Murong and Lu Hongzhu each send half their troops to search for the Magic Power Stone, dismissing the matter as trivial and not needing the Crown Prince's daily attention. With this, he and the Crown Prince left for the Cuju competition. The Empress, concerned that the Crown Prince might be influenced by Lord Jin's "bad habits," sought solutions from Lu Hongzhu.
He suggested that since the Crown Prince was now of age and had few companions his age other than Lord Jin, finding him a Crown Princess would provide him with other interests. The Empress agreed, and, finding Lu Yunxi to be dignified, courteous, virtuous, and generous, declared her the perfect candidate for Crown Princess. A delighted Lu Hongzhu pledged his full support.
Lu Qingqing and Baihe visited Xiaowu, Lord Jin's attendant, under the guise of repaying a kindness, hoping to learn about Lord Jin's preferences. Xiaowu initially refused to divulge any information, but Baihe's charming persistence eventually led him to reveal that Lord Jin and the Crown Prince were at a Cuju competition, where Lord Jin was eager to win a prize. Excited, Lu Qingqing immediately decided to go. Knowing that women were prohibited from participating, she forcibly took Xiaowu's clothes to disguise herself as a man, citing historical precedents like Hua Mulan and Zhu Yingtai.
Episode 3 Recap
Amidst the fervent cheers for Lord Jin, predominantly from his female admirers, Lu Yunxi, seated on the stands, smiled, hoping for the Crown Prince's victory. The match rules strictly forbade the use of magic, a regulation that usually favored the Crown Prince. Watching the game, Lu Qingqing couldn't help but point out several tactical errors made by Lord Jin's team. Recognizing her disguise, Nangong Yixin requested a substitution, allowing Lu Qingqing to take the field.
The Crown Prince, upon seeing Lu Qingqing, appeared delighted. Shortly after she entered, Lu Qingqing scored a goal, much to the Crown Prince's happiness. During play, an errant ball flew towards Lu Qingqing. Nangong Yixin swiftly moved to block it, resulting in both of them falling to the ground. In that moment, a shift in energy occurred, and Lu Qingqing's ears glowed once more. Concerned she might have sprained her ankle, Nangong Yixin suggested ending the match.
However, Lu Qingqing bounced up, assuring him she was fine. " I want us to win," she declared, "I want to win the prize for you." Assured of her condition, Nangong Yixin allowed the game to continue. Later, in a fast-paced moment, Lu Qingqing accidentally used her newly awakened magic to score a goal. A foul was immediately called, citing magic use by Team Lord Jin. When players denied responsibility, Lu Qingqing realized it might have been her.
Without hesitation, Nangong Yixin claimed he had unintentionally used magic, accepting the penalty and stepping off the field to allow the match to proceed. With Lu Qingqing's continued play, her team ultimately won the competition. This outcome displeased Lu Yunxi, while Zhenzhu, standing nearby, muttered complaints about Lu Qingqing's presumptuousness and suggested the Crown Prince had deliberately gone easy on her. The Crown Prince approached Lu Qingqing to congratulate her.
Realizing he had known about her disguise, Lu Qingqing asked, "So Your Highness knew it was me all along?" The Crown Prince promised, "Next time, I'll allow girls on the field, too. Then, you won't need a disguise anymore." Lu Qingqing, excited, asked for his word, to which he affirmed, "You have my words." Sikong Ying later questioned Nangong Yixin about covering for Lu Qingqing and his apparent interest in her.
Nangong Yixin dismissed his concerns, claiming Lu Qingqing was likely a pawn sent by Lu Hongzhu to spy on him, hence his need to keep an eye on her. He asserted his personal philosophy was to "do as the heart will" and that he did not expose her because "she just wanted to play some Cuju." He defended her accidental use of magic, believing she "suddenly had magic power, and couldn't control it."
Sikong Ying, however, observed that Nangong Yixin's "gaze never left her" during the match and warned him that Lu Qingqing might become the Crown Prince's consort given the Crown Prince's attention. Nangong Yixin scoffed, listing Lu Qingqing's supposed flaws, but Sikong Ying reiterated his positive impression of her, describing her as a "pretty nice person," "frank, direct, and pretty cute," who "worked hard for our victory." Nangong Yixin reiterated his suspicion, calling her "a pawn for Lu Hongzhu."
Lu Qingqing thanked Nangong Yixin for covering for her, admitting she still didn't understand her sudden magic. He retorted, "Seems like Miss dud is not so useless after all," and conceded she wasn't as "aloof and indifferent as people said." Lu Qingqing later learned that the rabbit prize was a treasured dowry item of Nangong Yixin's mother, which he had lost as a child, making her proud to have won it for him.
On her way home, Lu Qingqing and Baihe were ambushed by black-clad assassins, injuring Baihe. Just as a sword lunged towards Lu Qingqing, a powerful magic barrier spontaneously erupted around her, repelling the attacker. Nangong Yixin suddenly appeared, injuring one of the assassins, who then fled. He questioned Lu Qingqing about the repeated assassination attempts, but she genuinely didn't know why they were being targeted. To ensure their safety, Nangong Yixin personally escorted them home.
As he was leaving, he noticed a sword wound on the hand of Qi Yi, a guard of Lu Hongzhu. He immediately deduced, "How good tactics used by Lu Household. They orchestrated the entire scene themselves." Meanwhile, Lu Hongzhu questioned Qi Yi, who confirmed Lu Qingqing's display of magic at the Cuju match and the unbreakable magic barrier that blocked his attempts to test her.
Separately, the Queen confronted the Crown Prince, chastising him for abandoning state affairs to play Cuju with Nangong Yixin. She voiced her deep suspicion of Nangong Yixin, suggesting he might be after the lost magic power stone, which had been missing from No Magic Valley for twenty years. To steer the Crown Prince's focus, she announced plans to select a Crown Princess, informing him that all eligible daughters of ministers had been notified.
Despite the Crown Prince's objections, she insisted that his marriage was a priority. Lu Hongzhu then visited Lu Qingqing, who was feigning illness to avoid punishment for her antics at the Cuju match. She boastfully recounted her exploits, but Lu Hongzhu reminded her that women were forbidden from participating. Feigning severe pain, Lu Qingqing claimed to have been injured by the assassins, prompting Lu Hongzhu to instruct her to stay home and recover, effectively trapping her in the mansion.
Later, Lu Yunxi visited Lu Qingqing, seeing through her pretense. She scolded Lu Qingqing for her impropriety at the match and for feigning illness. Lu Qingqing mentioned the Crown Prince's promise to organize women's Cuju competitions. This news infuriated Lu Yunxi, who criticized Lu Qingqing for bothering the busy Crown Prince with such trivial matters, before storming off.
In a confidential discussion with Sikong Ying, Nangong Yixin revealed his steadfast determination to uncover the truth behind events of twenty years ago, guided by his father's secret edict. He emphasized the urgent need to find the magic power stone before Lu Hongzhu and prevent the collapse of the Nangong royal family. Sikong Ying pledged to mobilize his father, General Murong, and additional forces to monitor Lu Hongzhu and seize the magic stone if located.
He also agreed to consult his father about the events of two decades prior, as his father, being the former leader of No Magic Valley, might possess crucial information. Pondering whether women's Cuju would truly trouble the Crown Prince, Lu Qingqing decided to seek clarification from Nangong Yixin. However, upon arriving at Jin Mansion, she was informed by Xiaowu that Nangong Yixin was not in.
The lie was quickly exposed when another visitor was ushered in to see Nangong Yixin, leading Xiaowu to admit that Nangong Yixin simply refused to see her. Confused and disheartened by his refusal, Lu Qingqing decided on a "different approach." She transformed herself into a delicate teacup, which Baihe then presented to Nangong Yixin as a gift, conveying Lu Qingqing's desire for his constant companionship. Nangong Yixin immediately recognized Lu Qingqing by a distinctive red pendant on the cup.
Feigning indifference, he initially belittled the cup's aesthetics, calling its "taste terrible." Internally, Lu Qingqing protested his harsh assessment of her form. He then playfully tossed the cup into the air, causing Lu Qingqing to gasp internally with fear. Just then, Sikong Ying arrived, commenting on the pleasant aroma of tea. He noticed the new cup and reached for it, but Nangong Yixin swiftly snatched it away, claiming it had already been "used."
Sikong Ying, unconvinced, accused Nangong Yixin of lying, then jokingly demanded Nangong Yixin personally cook him a meal as an apology. Lu Qingqing was surprised to learn that Nangong Yixin could cook. Nangong Yixin eventually agreed to take a walk with Sikong Ying, leaving Lu Qingqing, still a cup, feeling "cold and hungry" and "too miserable" in her immobile state, wondering why he still wouldn't meet her. That night, Lu Qingqing, still trapped as a teacup, observed Nangong Yixin asleep.
She transformed back into her human form, intending to "have her way" with him. She discovered he was in the throes of a nightmare, reliving a traumatic memory of his mother's death and feeling like an unwanted child, his forehead burning with fever. As he called out, "Don't go!" and desperately clutched her hand, Xiaowu rushed into the room, alerted by the commotion. Lu Qingqing quickly reverted to her teacup form. Nangong Yixin, waking confused, noticed the cup's peculiar placement.
He poured himself a drink, and as his lips touched the cup, Lu Qingqing spontaneously transformed back into her human self. Nangong Yixin, startled, demanded an explanation for her presence as a cup. Before she could answer, Lu Qingqing was abruptly teleported back to her own room, utterly exhilarated by the unexpected kiss. Back home, a worried Baihe found her. Lu Qingqing, still glowing from the encounter, joyfully confessed, "He. . . He kissed me!"
She then realized, "I really felt and understood how to use my magic this time. But as soon as I thought about it, I was back." Baihe exclaimed, "You can use magic now, my lady! You are so amazing!" The following morning, Lu Qingqing awoke late, still basking in the joyous dream of kissing Nangong Yixin. Discovering her father and Lu Yunxi had gone out, she decided to visit Nangong Yixin openly.
She sent Baihe ahead to scout, who confirmed Nangong Yixin was indeed in his room. Lu Qingqing, carrying a gift box, burst into the mansion, past a surprised Xiaowu. She found Nangong Yixin in his bath. He, mistaking her for Xiaowu, extended his arms for his clothes. Realizing it was Lu Qingqing, he hastily covered himself. Lu Qingqing, noticing his flushed face, inquired if his fever had returned, causing him to ask, "How did you know I have a fever?"
She then offered to help him with his buttons, subtly attempting to get closer to gain more magic power, but he quickly refused. Nangong Yixin then pointed to some osmanthus cakes on the table, inviting her to try them. A letter addressed to General Han, from Nangong Yixin, lay conspicuously nearby. Lu Qingqing, however, was distracted by a fox figurine, believing it to be a relic of his mother that resembled him, completely missing the letter.
Seeing her disinterest, Nangong Yixin internally questioned if he had misunderstood her. He then noticed her reaching for his "nutrition soup." Stopping her, he directly confronted her, demanding to know her purpose for repeatedly entering his mansion. Lu Qingqing, caught off guard, uttered, "Uh-oh!"
Episode 4 Recap
Nangong Yixin confronted Lu Qingqing, demanding to know her true purpose for repeatedly entering his palace. Lu Qingqing panicked, fearing he had discovered her intention to steal magic power. She considered telling him the truth but worried he would refuse to share his power. Nangong Yixin pressed her to tell the truth.
Lu Qingqing, trying to evade the truth, claimed she was irresistibly drawn to his handsomeness and the fact that many girls like him, which made her want to get close. Nangong Yixin reminded her that a young lady should not be so proactive. Lu Qingqing impulsively leaned in and kissed him. At that exact moment, Xiaowu walked in, witnessed the kiss, and awkwardly retreated, telling them to continue. Nangong Yixin was stunned by the kiss.
Back at Lu Mansion, Lu Hongzhu reprimanded Lu Yunxi because she helped Lu Qingqing to cover her whereabouts, telling her she was going to Nangong Yixin's palace. Lu Hongzhu also reprimanded Qi Yi, Lu Qingqing’s guard, for failing to report her escapades and wanted to punish Qi Yi. Lu Yunxi offered to take Qi Yi's punishment, but Qi Yi, unwilling to see her suffer, wounded himself in self-inflicted discipline.
Lu Hongzhu forbade Lu Qingqing from seeing Nangong Yixin, whom he disparagingly called an "ignorant and incompetent playboy" and confined her to copy scriptures. He also consulted Lord Lin, the magic measuring platform steward, about Lu Qingqing's unusual dormant magic, but Lord Lin could only attribute her recent awakening to an "auspicious sign." Lu Qingqing wondered why her father forbade her from seeing Nangong Yixin. Baihe suggested that if they were a "couple," they could be together openly.
This sparked a determination in Lu Qingqing to become Nangong Yixin's "couple." Baihe then reminded her that marriage in Qiyuan Continent required parental consent, which disheartened Lu Qingqing. Meanwhile, Lu Hongzhu recalled that twenty years ago, the magic girl went alone to No Magic Valley. He sensed he was close to finding her. After waiting fruitlessly for Lu Qingqing, Nangong Yixin ventured to the Lu Mansion.
He instructed Baihe to tell Lu Qingqing to meet him at the Yuejiao Teahouse the following day for an important discussion. Nangong Yixin meticulously chose his attire for the meeting. Lu Qingqing, overjoyed by the invitation, resolved to sneak out of the mansion despite her father's strict orders. The next day, Lu Qingqing arrived at the teahouse wearing an elaborate, heavily made-up face that she believed Zhenzhu and other girls admired.
This startled Nangong Yixin, who used his magic to restore her natural appearance. Eager for her to confess her feelings, Nangong Yixin prompted her to speak freely about anything she had been too shy to mention. Misinterpreting his words, Lu Qingqing feared he had discovered her true motive of stealing magic power and remained silent. She then tried to divert the conversation by offering to celebrate his upcoming birthday.
Disappointed by her lack of romantic confession, Nangong Yixin, who claimed he "never celebrate birthday," abruptly left. Later, Sikong Ying mocked Nangong Yixin. Still puzzled by Nangong Yixin's abrupt departure, Lu Qingqing resolved to meet him again and sent a letter to Nangong Yixin, expressing her longing. Nangong Yixin, though outwardly nonchalant about the "childish" letter, was secretly pleased.
At the palace, the Crown Prince wanted to talk about the Crown Princess selection with Lu Hongzhu, but Lu Hongzhu suggested that he should consult with the Empress. Recalling Nangong Yixin's advice to choose his own spouse, the Crown Prince expressed the desire to take a walk around Lu Mansion. Lu Qingqing waited at Muxin Garden, but as the sky darkened and rain began to fall.
Nangong Yixin told Xiaowu he would not be meeting Lu Qingqing, instead heading to the palace to meet the Crown Prince. As he left the palace, he spotted Lu Qingqing walking in the downpour. Nangong Yixin rushed to her side, shielding her from the rain. Lu Qingqing, distressed, apologized, believing he had been angry with her during their previous encounter. Nangong Yixin reassured her that he hadn't been angry, explaining he had an emergency.
Relieved but weakened by hunger and exposure, Lu Qingqing fainted. Nangong Yixin carried her into his carriage. Nangong Yixin took Lu Qingqing to his mansion, where he helped her dry her clothes and provided a lavish meal. He also gave her medicine and instructed her to take it to prevent illness. Overwhelmed with gratitude, Lu Qingqing kissed Nangong Yixin. As Lu Qingqing returned to her mansion, she encountered the Crown Prince departing.
The Crown Prince presented Lu Qingqing with a jade bead bracelet, calling it a memento of their cuju game and solidifying their friendship. He then extended an invitation to his upcoming Crown Princess selection ceremony, secretly informing her that wearing the bracelet would grant her unrestricted entry.
Episode 5 Recap
As the date for the Crown Princess selection drew near, Lu Yunxi grew increasingly anxious about potential unforeseen complications. Her maid, Pearl, reassured her, highlighting Her Majesty's high regard for Lu Yunxi and the Crown Prince's recent visit as proof of his affection. Feeling a surge of confidence, Lu Yunxi was unaware that Qi Yi, standing just outside the door, had overheard their conversation and quietly departed with a heavy heart.
Meanwhile, Lu Qingqing had once again snuck out and, upon her return, was harshly reprimanded by her father, Lu Hongzhu. He chastised her for not completing her transcription of the "Magic Inspiration Scriptures" and for defying his orders by meeting Nangong Yixin again. Lu Qingqing attempted to defend Nangong Yixin, asserting his good nature, but Lu Hongzhu silenced her, making her kneel and threatening further punishment.
He then instructed Qi Yi to confine her to her room until she finished the scriptures, prohibiting her from stepping outside. Baihe tried to comfort a still-feverish Lu Qingqing, who was resolute in her determination to finish the transcription quickly so she could leave. It was Nangong Yixin's birthday, a day he usually eschewed celebrating due to his father’s passing on that very date ten years prior.
Xiaowu, his attendant, had earlier conveyed this somber detail to Lu Qingqing, emphasizing Nangong Yixin’s loneliness after leaving No Magic Valley. The Crown Prince arrived with a nostalgic gift: hazelnut shortbread, a treat they both loved as children. He invited Nangong Yixin to be an examiner for the Crown Princess selection the following day, explaining that Lu Hongzhu would not participate to avoid partiality, as his daughter Lu Yunxi was a candidate.
Despite knowing Her Majesty’s unspoken disapproval of his involvement, Nangong Yixin accepted the invitation. Nangong Yixin, having overheard Lu Qingqing's earlier conversation about her determination to celebrate his birthday, was also aware of her current plight. Xiaowu updated him that Lu Qingqing was still feverish from being caught in the rain and was confined by her father. Disturbed by this news, Nangong Yixin recalled giving her a Water Panacea, a potent medicine for severe ailments, for her earlier illness.
Xiaowu gently reminded him that it was too strong for a mere fever, prompting Nangong Yixin to realize his excessive worry. He then instructed Xiaowu to discreetly deliver some nourishing supplements to Lu Qingqing the next day, ensuring Lu Hongzhu remained unaware. Later that evening, Nangong Yixin and Xiaowu shared drinks to mark his birthday. A little rabbit suddenly appeared, transforming into Lu Qingqing at Nangong Yixin’s silent wish.
Lu Qingqing explained that she had managed to finish transcribing the scriptures, but had to turn into a rabbit to sneak out past the guards her father had stationed at her door. She expressed her unwavering resolve to celebrate his birthday, an occasion she believed should not be spent alone.
Lu Qingqing presented Nangong Yixin with a rabbit cloth doll, a prize from a past cuju game that Xiaowu had mentioned belonged to his mother and was a pair to a fox figurine in Nangong Yixin’s room. She revealed that she had recorded her voice inside the rabbit so he wouldn't feel lonely. Lu Qingqing, famished from not eating all day, shared Nangong Yixin’s birthday meal.
He questioned her about her recent punishment, and she brushed it off, reiterating that she simply couldn't bear the thought of him being alone on his birthday, much like her own past experiences. She then reminisced about her twenty years of confinement, expressing her deep envy for the freedom of birds and her aspiration to be as uninhibited as he seemed. Nangong Yixin, however, confessed that no one, not even a prince, was truly free, burdened by worries and constraints.
Drunk and heartfelt, Lu Qingqing then passionately confessed that he made her heart race with an excitement she had never felt in two decades, concluding, "I love to be with you," before drifting to sleep in his arms. Nangong Yixin, filled with warmth, carried the unconscious Lu Qingqing back to the Lu Mansion. As their bodies touched, their magic power flowed between them.
At the door, Baihe offered to take Lu Qingqing, but Lu Qingqing clung tightly to Nangong Yixin's neck. He gently carried her into her room, where he noticed numerous cuju balls. Baihe explained that, confined to her courtyard since childhood, these balls were her most prized possessions and that books and drawings, brought from outside, were her only windows to the world beyond, a revelation that stirred pity in Nangong Yixin.
The next morning, Lu Qingqing awoke with a hazy memory of the sweet plum wine and the wonderful feeling of being with Nangong Yixin, though she couldn't recall all she had said. She felt an unexpected restlessness at the thought of not seeing him. Baihe remarked that Lu Qingqing's pursuit of Nangong Yixin had clearly evolved beyond merely "stealing magic power" and that she seemed to have genuinely fallen in love with him.
The day of the Crown Princess selection was bustling with excitement. Lu Qingqing, reminded by Baihe, decided to attend, believing she was only going to watch, as her name wasn't on the candidate list despite the Crown Prince's earlier invitation. At the palace gates, she was initially stopped by guards, but her jade bead bracelet, an imperial accessory, immediately granted her respectful passage.
Inside, a matron, mistaking her for a candidate, assigned her the coveted No. 1 tag, placing her on the selection stage alongside other noble young women. The Crown Prince, seeing Lu Qingqing among the candidates, was visibly delighted, finding her lively and charming, even if her presence as a candidate was unexpected. Nangong Yixin, also observing from the judges' stand, noted her unexpected presence among the candidates.
The first round of selection was "flower arrangement," judged by the Crown Prince, Her Majesty, and Nangong Yixin. Called first as candidate No. 1, Lu Qingqing was bewildered by the task. Misinterpreting it as a speed contest, she quickly placed a couple of flowers into the vase. Her unconventional approach sparked laughter from the spectators, but the Crown Prince found her refreshingly genuine and endearing. She received one "F" grade, one "A," and one "B," totaling 6 points.
The next candidate, Zhao Xiu'er, elegantly showcased a magical flower arrangement, causing flowers to bloom beautifully, which made Lu Qingqing realize her initial blunder. Zhao Xiu'er earned three "B"s, totaling 6 points. Lady Qian, however, only scored 4 points (one "B" and two "F"s) and was eliminated. When Lu Yunxi's turn came, she presented a stunning arrangement, gracefully floating amidst dancing petals, an artistic display that deeply impressed all. Lu Qingqing enthusiastically cheered for her sister.
Lu Yunxi secured three "A" grades, achieving a total of 9 points and clinching the top spot in the first round. The second round, a talent performance, began with candidates performing in reverse order of their previous scores. Lu Yunxi again displayed her exceptional talents (playing zither and singing), garnering widespread admiration and earning two "A"s and one "B," for a total of 8 points.
When Lu Qingqing was called, she captivated the audience with a playful magic trick involving a bunny. She received an "A" from the Crown Prince and a "B" from Her Majesty. Nangong Yixin, acknowledging the rabbit cloth doll she had gifted him earlier, deliberately gave her an "A," stating it was a favor. This brought Lu Qingqing's total to 8 points. Due to ties in scores, Lu Yunxi, Jin Ruchang, and Lu Qingqing were announced as the top three finalists.
Episode 6 Recap
Lu Qingqing, Lu Yunxi, and Jin Ruchang were called to the stage as the top three candidates for Crown Princess. Lu Qingqing was surprised to hear her name announced. The Crown Prince stepped forward to present the embroidered ball, the final step in choosing his consort. While Lu Yunxi smiled shyly, and the Empress and Lord Lu looked on with approval, the Crown Prince unexpectedly presented the embroidered ball to Lu Qingqing.
Lu Qingqing, in turn, immediately tried to hand it to Lu Yunxi, stating it should rightfully go to her elder sister, who had scored the highest. Other candidates remarked on their "wonderful sisterhood," but Lu Yunxi refused, asserting that the Crown Prince had made his choice. The Crown Prince confirmed that the embroidered ball in Lu Qingqing's hand meant she had achieved the highest score.
He then formally announced Lu Qingqing, the second young lady of the Lu Mansion, as the Crown Princess, praising her tender and gentle nature, virtuous and dignified character, kindness, and beauty. Following the announcement, Nangong Yixin, claiming to feel unwell, promptly left the premises. Lu Qingqing, still reeling from the unexpected turn of events, expressed her utter reluctance to become the Crown Princess.
At Changqiu Hall, the Empress angrily confronted the Crown Prince for not adhering to their plan to select Lu Yunxi. The Crown Prince explained that Lu Qingqing was intelligent, lively, and capable of assisting him, and being Lord Lu's daughter, she still represented a valuable alliance. He emphasized that Lu Qingqing held great importance to him, bringing him genuine happiness, comfort, and delight.
The Empress, however, countered that as a future king, his joy should stem from the long-term stability of the country and the prosperity of its people, rather than personal feelings. Lord Lu intervened, pointing out that the selection was public and irreversible. He vowed to rigorously discipline Lu Qingqing to ensure she became a proper Crown Princess. The Empress reluctantly agreed but warned that if Lu Qingqing continued to forget her manners, she would not be lenient.
She also arranged for a nanny to be sent to the Lu Mansion to teach Lu Qingqing palace etiquette. Back at the Lu Mansion, Lu Yunxi wept, convinced that Lu Qingqing had deliberately usurped her position. Her maid, Zhenzhu, voiced concerns about the impact on Lord Lu's career, but Lu Yunxi, feeling powerless, said it was useless to speak to her father about it. Lord Lu later tried to comfort Lu Yunxi, promising to find her an even better husband.
Meanwhile, Lu Qingqing was equally distressed about her new status. Baihe tried to reassure her, suggesting that as the future Empress, Lu Qingqing would no longer be bullied and wouldn't need to steal magic power from Lord Jin. Lu Qingqing, however, still yearned for magic power and desired to be with Lord Jin.
She angrily threw away the embroidered ball, then reminisced about Nangong Yixin's tales of the No Magic Valley, with its distinct seasons, honest and hardworking people, and peaceful coexistence. She declared her preference for magic power. Nangong Yixin, having spent a sleepless night consumed by thoughts of Lu Qingqing, transformed into a bird and flew into her room. His intention was to retrieve the porcelain fox, a cherished legacy from his mother, which Xiaowu had delivered to Lu Mansion previously.
Upon opening the box, he discovered the fox was shattered. Misinterpreting this, he furiously accused Lu Qingqing of exploiting him for wealth and then callously breaking the heirloom to sever their connection, believing she viewed their interactions as a mere game. Lu Qingqing vehemently denied any knowledge of how the fox arrived in her room or how it broke, asserting that she knew it was his mother's legacy and would never intentionally harm it.
Nangong Yixin, refusing to listen to her explanations, wished her "happiness and prosperity" as Crown Princess and abruptly left, bidding her "farewell." Lu Qingqing desperately tried to stop him, pleading for him to listen. Distraught, she confided in Baihe. Baihe soon learned from a guard that the gift had been delivered while Lu Qingqing and Baihe were out. Baihe then sought out Xiaowu to clarify the situation.
Xiaowu, in turn, tried to convince Nangong Yixin that Lu Qingqing might be telling the truth, as she was not home when the gift was delivered. Nangong Yixin, however, dismissed the truth, stating that it no longer mattered since Lu Qingqing was to become the Crown Princess, and her affairs were no longer his concern. Lu Qingqing began her rigorous etiquette training under the strict supervision of the nanny sent by the Empress.
She found the constant rules stifling and reiterated her aversion to becoming Crown Princess, longing instead to see Lord Jin. Her body ached from the training, and Baihe reminded her that as the future Crown Princess, she could no longer see Lord Jin freely. Desperate to speak with him, Lu Qingqing sent a letter via carrier pigeon requesting a meeting. That evening, Nangong Yixin arrived.
Lu Qingqing explained that she hadn't broken the porcelain fox and even offered to find a skilled craftsman to repair it. Nangong Yixin gently replied that broken things, once shattered, could never truly be restored to their original state. He assured her he was no longer angry about the fox but advised her to accept her role and enjoy being the Crown Princess.
Lu Qingqing confessed that her participation in the selection was an accident, driven by a desire to watch a show and a bet with Miss Zhao. Nangong Yixin acknowledged her explanation but again urged her to fulfill her duties.
As Nangong Yixin prepared to leave for No Magic Valley, having been invited by his father, Sikong Ying, to discuss matters from twenty years ago at the Commander's House, Lu Qingqing cried out that she truly didn't want to be Crown Princess. She declared her unwavering desire to be with him, to go wherever he went. Nangong Yixin, however, bid her a final "goodbye" and departed.
The Empress and the Crown Prince soon visited the Lu Mansion to assess Lu Qingqing's progress. They found her still far from satisfactory, which enraged the Empress, who promptly left. However, the Crown Prince kindly advised Lu Qingqing to "just be yourself" and not to change, expressing his appreciation for her authentic self. Encouraged by his words and overwhelmed by the restrictive palace rules, Lu Qingqing resolved to escape the marriage and flee to No Magic Valley.
To protect Baihe and the guards from blame, she gave them sleeping powder. The next day, Lord Lu sent Lu Yunxi to supervise Lu Qingqing. Lu Yunxi discovered Baihe unconscious in Lu Qingqing's room and realized her sister had escaped. The nanny immediately rushed to inform the Empress. Lord Lu, furious, chastised Lu Yunxi for her lack of oversight. Zhenzhu attempted to defend Lu Yunxi, but Lu Yunxi angrily silenced her, venting her frustration.
The Empress was incensed by Lu Qingqing's audacious escape, berating both Lord Lu and the Crown Prince. The Crown Prince defended Lu Qingqing, suggesting she was merely overwhelmed by pressure and sought a temporary escape. Lord Lu also pleaded for a second chance for his daughter, promising to quickly find her and enforce strict discipline. The Empress, however, punished Lord Lu by deducting half a year of his magic crystal salary and ordered the immediate retrieval of Lu Qingqing.
Meanwhile, Lu Qingqing reached the "thin strip of sky," the gateway to No Magic Valley, with pursuers hot on her heels. Nangong Yixin suddenly appeared. To help her evade the guards, he transformed Lu Qingqing into a rabbit, claiming it was his "restless pet" that had broken his water glass and was now being taken to No Magic Valley for punishment. The guards, convinced, allowed him to pass. Once inside No Magic Valley, Lu Qingqing transformed back.
Nangong Yixin explained that the valley was under a magic-nullifying barrier, created by the Magic God to ensure equality, meaning no one could use magic power there. Unlike Qiyuan Continent, everyone in No Magic Valley had to rely on their own efforts. Lu Qingqing found this appealing, declaring it far more lively and fulfilling than the "monotonous" Qiyuan Continent, and expressed her desire to stay. Nangong Yixin tried to leave, stating he had fulfilled his obligation.
Lu Qingqing clung to him, reminding him she knew no one else in this unfamiliar place and begging him to take her with him. Nangong Yixin, appearing unyielding, told her their relationship was over and she would only be a hindrance, then left, repeating "goodbye." Lu Qingqing was left wondering if he was afraid of being implicated by her escape.
Alone in the bustling No Magic Valley market, Lu Qingqing enjoyed a large meal of steamed buns at a restaurant, only to realize, to her dismay, that she had no money to pay the bill.
Episode 7 Recap
Lu Qingqing, having escaped her arranged marriage, was transformed into a rabbit by Nangong Yixin to enter No Magic Valley. She later found herself in the market, where she ate a table full of buns. Realizing she had no money to pay, the shopkeeper insisted she wash dishes to settle her debt. Nangong Yixin appeared and settled the bill for her. Lu Qingqing, feigning helplessness, clung to Nangong Yixin, convinced he was secretly following her.
He denied it, saying he only helped because her commotion had disturbed him. " You think too much. I heard a disturbance from far away, so I went to have a look. As expected, it's you." As they walked through the streets, Lu Qingqing grabbed at various goods, and Nangong Yixin paid for them without complaint. She grabbed two Tanghulu, and when Nangong Yixin chided her for taking too many, she shoved one into his mouth.
He was secretly pleased, unable to hide his smile. Meanwhile, the Crown Prince was frantic, ordering his men to find Lu Qingqing. Lu Yunxi apologized for her sister's behavior, but the Crown Prince insisted that it was his fault for putting too much pressure on her. Nangong Yixin took Lu Qingqing to his home in No Magic Valley. He allowed her to stay for five days only, during which she would work as a servant, taking Xiaowu’s place.
He laid down the rules: keeping the house clean, the bed neat, and herself tidy. " You are my servant girl now. How dare you protest me! ?" That night, Lu Qingqing saw a mouse and screamed, grabbing Nangong Yixin in fright. Startled, they found themselves in close contact, their hearts racing. After a sneeze, Nangong Yixin told her to rest so she wouldn't get him sick, but Lu Qingqing was pleased to hear his concern.
The next morning, Sikong Ying arrived and teased Nangong Yixin, asking if he and Lu Qingqing were together. Nangong Yixin denied it, stating she was just his servant. Lu Qingqing overheard Sikong Ying mention going to the Commander's House and insisted on joining them. Nangong Yixin agreed, letting her explore while he and Sikong Ying spoke with Sikong Ying's father, the Great Commander. Nangong Yixin inquired about the Spirit Girl from twenty years ago.
The Great Commander revealed that the Spirit Girl was dead, but when he saw Lu Qingqing, he was stunned, recognizing a familiar face. " You remind me of an old acquaintance." Later, while Sikong Ying, Lu Qingqing, and Nangong Yixin strolled through the market, Lu Qingqing and Nangong Yixin bickered playfully, making Sikong Ying feel superfluous. " How do I feel so redundant following you two?" They visited the Ciyou Kindergarten, where Xiaoyi ran to Nangong Yixin and hugged him.
Lu Qingqing gifted Xiaoyi a rattan ball. Xiaoyi then boldly guessed that Lu Qingqing was Nangong Yixin's love interest since he had never brought a woman there before. Lu Qingqing was delighted and played with the children. Wan Qing, who managed the orphanage, greeted Nangong Yixin warmly but gave Lu Qingqing a cold reception.
When Nangong Yixin asked if she was adapting to the recently built Ciyou Kindergarten, Wan Qing replied that she was used to being alone and enjoyed being with the children. Wan Qing pointed out that Lu Qingqing's clothes were unsuitable for the rough terrain of No Magic Valley, but Lu Qingqing simply tore her skirt shorter and took off her shoes.
Wan Qing criticized her for being from Qiyuan continent and not caring about her belongings, but Lu Qingqing offered to bring her clothes from home, which Wan Qing declined. " I'm not used to clothes from Qiyuan continent." Eager to help, Lu Qingqing insisted on joining Wan Qing in the kitchen, but Wan Qing didn't assign her any specific work. Sikong Ying brought Wan Qing flowers, but she rejected them.
Lu Qingqing, however, accepted them, saying that the flowers should be appreciated for their beauty and putting them in a vase. Sikong Ying told Wan Qing that Lu Qingqing was just a simple, happy girl. When Xiaoyi's kite got stuck in a tree, Sikong Ying volunteered to get it, only to be stung by bees whose hive was in the tree. Wan Qing helped treat his stings, and he was glad to have seen her smile. "
I finally see your smile. My stings are worthwhile." That evening, Wan Qing saw that Lu Qingqing had fallen asleep, exhausted. Nangong Yixin told Wan Qing that Lu Qingqing wasn't really his servant, and Wan Qing said she already knew. Nangong Yixin then explained to Wan Qing that Lu Qingqing, having never done manual labor, had insisted on washing dishes and cut her hand.
Nangong then carried Lu Qingqing back to his home, applied medicine to her injured hand, tucked her into bed, and watched her sleep. The next morning, Sikong Ying visited Nangong Yixin, showing him a notice about Lu Qingqing's escape and urging him to send her back to avoid trouble, warning, "You can't flirt with your brother's wife."
Nangong Yixin retorted that Lu Qingqing never wanted to be the Crown Princess and they had no real feelings, adding that he had agreed to send her back after five days. Just then, Lu Qingqing woke up, and Nangong Yixin, fearing Sikong Ying would reveal the notice, quickly pulled Sikong Ying out of the room. When Nangong Yixin returned, Lu Qingqing had prepared a meal for him, but she had unknowingly used poisonous mushrooms.
She began to hallucinate, caressing Nangong Yixin's face and pulling on his ears. The poison caused Lu Qingqing to grab Nangong Yixin, while he felt both conflicted and tempted. After Nangong Yixin helped her recover, a storm broke out. He remembered that the orphanage roofs were unsafe and rushed to help, Lu Qingqing insisted on joining him. When Nangong Yixin reminded her that it was dangerous, Lu Qingqing responded, "I want to be with you!"
Episode 8 Recap
After the storm, the orphanage roof was quickly repaired, and thankfully, there was no danger. As Lu Qingqing wiped Nangong Yixin's face, Xiaoyi, still shaken by recent events, came crying to Nangong Yixin, begging him not to leave and insisting on sleeping with him. Nangong Yixin comforted the boy, assuring him, "Don't cry, Xiaoyi. I'm here for you. I'm not going anywhere." Lu Qingqing then suggested they bring Xiaoyi back to Lilu Villa with them.
Wanqing, present at the orphanage, expressed concern, believing Xiaoyi was too naughty and that Lu Qingqing and Nangong Yixin, being young themselves, couldn't properly care for him. However, Lu Qingqing confidently stated, "Don't worry. You can count on me," with Nangong Yixin adding, "We can handle this. Don't worry." Xiaoyi enthusiastically agreed, wanting to share a room with both Lu Qingqing and Nangong Yixin.
Upon arriving at Nangong Yixin's residence, Xiaoyi immediately declared Lu Qingqing the "hostess" of the house, which she playfully accepted, saying, "I'm the hostess here these days." After Lu Qingqing put Xiaoyi to sleep, she learned the tragic story of his past from Nangong Yixin. Xiaoyi's parents had been killed by rampant magic forces, who were seeking the magic girl and the magic power stone. Nangong Yixin had rescued the young boy, who had been hiding in a box.
After the rescue, Xiaoyi suffered from a high fever for three consecutive days and then spent half a year traumatized, unable to speak, and trembling at the slightest encounter. Nangong Yixin explained that Doctor Wu attributed this to witnessing his parents' death, and he also credited Wanqing for greatly assisting with Xiaoyi's recovery by taking over the Ci Kindergarten. Lu Qingqing expressed deep pity for Xiaoyi, lamenting how such a young boy had to endure so much hatred.
She questioned why the magic forces were in No Magic Valley and why they killed indiscriminately, asserting that she would tell her father, Lu Hongzhu, to manage them better upon her return. Nangong Yixin then revealed to a shocked Lu Qingqing that these very magic forces were dispatched by her own father, who was searching for the magic power stone and the magic girl.
He dismissively added that she didn't need to know such details, but Lu Qingqing, undeterred, declared, "There is nothing I can't do by myself," regarding her intention to do something for Xiaoyi. The next morning, Xiaoyi, who had been practicing with Nangong Yixin, was eager to go to the bazaar, and Lu Qingqing agreed to take him, joking that Nangong Yixin's wealth would ensure neither of them would get lost.
At the bazaar, they initiated a race, with the loser promising to buy dinner. A vendor mistakenly assumed Lu Qingqing and Nangong Yixin were Xiaoyi's parents, complimenting their good looks. Xiaoyi playfully told Lu Qingqing that being recognized as his mother was her "blessing" due to his intelligence and cuteness, prompting Lu Qingqing to remark on his narcissism, which she attributed to Nangong Yixin. Xiaoyi then spotted some liquor, desiring to buy it for Wanqing.
The vendor, at Nangong Yixin's subtle signal, refused, stating it was for adults and children were not allowed to drink. Lu Qingqing playfully teased Nangong Yixin about his own past drunken behavior, hinting at unspoken incidents, which sparked Xiaoyi's curiosity about what they were hiding. Nangong Yixin graciously accepted his loss in the race, treating Lu Qingqing and Xiaoyi to a delightful meal. Afterward, the trio enjoyed a peaceful picnic and lay on the grass.
As Lu Qingqing drifted off to sleep, Nangong Yixin playfully tickled her face with a foxtail, an act that secretly amused Xiaoyi, who was only pretending to be asleep. Nangong Yixin later left for an errand, entrusting Lu Qingqing with Xiaoyi's care. Lu Qingqing promised to handle it. Later, when Xiaoyi complained of hunger, Lu Qingqing cooked a meal for him. However, shortly after eating, Xiaoyi developed a severe stomachache and a fever.
Nangong Yixin returned and immediately rushed Xiaoyi to Doctor Wu. Doctor Wu diagnosed it as indigestion, assuring them it was not serious and could be cured with two doses of medicine. Lu Qingqing, distraught, blamed herself, believing her cooking was responsible for Xiaoyi's illness, but Doctor Wu kindly reassured her, "You don't need to blame yourself." He then felt a strange sense of familiarity with Lu Qingqing and asked her name.
Back at Lilu Villa, Xiaoyi, upon waking, found the medicine too bitter to take. Lu Qingqing gently coaxed him, offering him a candy with the promise that it would make the bitterness disappear. Watching her tenderly care for Xiaoyi, Nangong Yixin was deeply touched, his eyes filled with growing affection for her. Later that night, while trying to get Xiaoyi to sleep, Lu Qingqing herself drifted off.
Seeing this, Nangong Yixin gently carried her to her room, tucked her into bed, and watched her with a soft gaze, pondering how someone who struggled to care for herself constantly thought of others. Meanwhile, Xiaoyi, now alone, claimed he wasn't afraid to sleep by himself, but had stayed up to ensure Lu Qingqing wasn't scared. The next day, when Lu Qingqing went to pick up Xiaoyi's medicine, she noticed a patient leaving Doctor Wu's clinic with a distressed expression.
Upon inquiry, Doctor Wu explained that the patient was a farmer bitten by a snake, and he lacked the specific antidote, Chonglou, needed for treatment. As his clinic was constantly busy, he couldn't leave to gather the herb himself. Lu Qingqing, undeterred by the danger, immediately volunteered to retrieve it, assuring Doctor Wu of her agility and asking for the herb's specific location and characteristics on Huanggong Mountain.
When Wanqing heard that Xiaoyi was sick, she rushed to see him, worried that Nangong Yixin and Lu Qingqing were too young to properly care for him. Sikong Ying, seeing her distress, insisted on accompanying her after arranging for the orphanage to be looked after. During their journey, a sudden downpour made the path slippery, causing Wanqing to fall and injure herself. Sikong Ying sustained injuries while protecting her.
As she tended to his wounds, Wanqing inadvertently revealed a hidden scar on her shoulder/neck, which Sikong Ying noticed, though she quickly covered it without explanation. Despite her own injury, Wanqing was insistent on reaching Xiaoyi quickly. Lu Qingqing successfully retrieved the Chonglou and delivered it to Doctor Wu, expressing her joy at being able to help others with her own abilities, despite lacking magic power herself. Doctor Wu thanked her profusely, offering his help in return.
As she departed, Doctor Wu observed that Lu Qingqing's smile bore a striking resemblance to that of the magic girl. Upon arriving at Lilu Villa, Wanqing immediately confronted Lu Qingqing, scolding her for failing to properly care for Xiaoyi and demanding to take him back to the orphanage. However, Xiaoyi clung to Lu Qingqing, defending her by acknowledging her initial clumsiness but highlighting her sincere efforts and daily improvement.
He also mentioned that Lu Qingqing had brought him fruit after his medicine. Nangong Yixin further supported Lu Qingqing, revealing that she had even burned her hand while cooking for Xiaoyi, a detail she hadn't mentioned. Lu Qingqing herself, though apologetic, pleaded for another chance to prove her care. Convinced by their arguments, Wanqing, feeling a little emotional, apologized and reluctantly departed with Sikong Ying.
Sikong Ying then approached Nangong Yixin with urgency, pointing out that Lu Qingqing showed no intention of leaving, despite their agreed-upon deadline. He revealed his suspicion that Nangong Yixin had helped Lu Qingqing escape, which Nangong Yixin implicitly confirmed. Sikong Ying sternly warned that Lu Qingqing's escape from an arranged marriage, especially as the Crown Princess, would severely compromise her standing in Qiyuan Continent.
He further cautioned Nangong Yixin that this situation would worsen his already strained relationship with Lu Hongzhu and the Empress, making his position more precarious. To underscore the gravity, he revealed that Lu Hongzhu had punished Lu Qingqing's servant, Baihe, and her guards for her disappearance. Nangong Yixin, realizing the implications, promised to send Lu Qingqing back "as soon as possible."
Nangong Yixin then gently broached the subject with Lu Qingqing, reminding her that the agreed-upon deadline had passed and it was time for her to return. However, Lu Qingqing expressed a strong desire to stay, cherishing the fun and good food she had experienced, and the friendships she had made with Wanqing and Xiaoyi. She even hoped to bring Baihe to No Magic Valley to live happily together.
Nangong Yixin reminded her of her status as Crown Princess and the repercussions of her escape, but Lu Qingqing asserted she had made arrangements to prevent anyone from being implicated, having even sedated Baihe and told no one of her location. Their conversation was interrupted by Wanqing, who had discovered Lu Qingqing's escape.
Wanqing questioned if Lu Qingqing feared punishment, but Lu Qingqing defiantly stated that her marriage should be her own decision and that one must fight for what they believe in, rather than regretting not trying. That night, Lu Qingqing brought Nangong Yixin some homemade red bean crisp. Despite his initial coldness and claim of disinterest, he tried it and surprisingly praised its taste, which made Lu Qingqing happy.
She then kissed him on the cheek, causing him to feel a strange chill. When Lu Qingqing suggested staying longer, he coldly told her not to bother him as he was reading. Disappointed, Lu Qingqing left, but not before reminding him to eat more. Left alone, Nangong Yixin, though clearly saddened by his own harshness, resolved to "end it all" himself. True to his word, Nangong Yixin secretly penned a letter to Lu Hongzhu, revealing Lu Qingqing's location.
Enraged by the news, Lu Hongzhu immediately gathered his men and set off for No Magic Valley, with Lu Yunxi accompanying him to help persuade her sister. Upon their arrival, Lu Qingqing was defiant, refusing to leave the place she had grown to love. Wanqing stepped forward to plead on Lu Qingqing's behalf, suggesting she be allowed to stay a few more days.
However, Lu Hongzhu harshly rebuked Wanqing, calling her an "uncivilized woman from No Magic Valley" and warning her not to interfere with how he disciplined his daughter. Lu Qingqing, angered by her father's treatment of her friends, confronted him. It was then that Lu Hongzhu revealed Baihe and her other servants had been punished for her disappearance. Distraught by the news that her friends were suffering because of her actions, Lu Qingqing reluctantly agreed to return.
Although Lu Qingqing had agreed to return, she insisted on waiting for Nangong Yixin to say goodbye, pleading with Lu Yunxi to grant her this final request. After waiting for some time, Nangong Yixin finally emerged from hiding. Lu Hongzhu thanked Nangong Yixin for revealing Lu Qingqing's whereabouts, confirming Nangong Yixin's actions. A heartbroken Lu Qingqing confronted Nangong Yixin, accusing him of betrayal. He coldly retorted that her notion of them being friends was "all in your head!"
and declared that he needed no friends other than Sikong Ying, especially not a "troublemaker" like her. He brutally told her not to seek him out again in No Magic Valley, reminding her of her status as the Crown Princess and future Empress, and highlighting the disparity between their worlds. Nangong Yixin's harsh words were intended to sever their connection, leaving Lu Qingqing devastated.
Watching Nangong Yixin's retreating figure, Lu Qingqing was overcome with sorrow, remaining sullen and silent during the journey back. Observing her despondent state, Lu Yunxi quietly wondered about the true nature of the relationship between her sister and Nangong Yixin.
Episode 9 Recap
The Empress was furious over Lu Qingqing's unauthorized escape from the Qiyuan continent, declaring her unruly and a disgrace to royalty. She formally stripped Lu Qingqing of her title as Crown Princess, stating that Lu Qingqing's actions, which included fleeing her marriage, defied all rules and brought shame to the Nangong royal family.
She then decreed that Lu Qingqing be sent to the dangerous Manghuang forest for three months of punishment, and ordered 100 spirit whips for everyone in the Lu Mansion, citing their poor family education. Although the Crown Prince pleaded for more time for Lu Qingqing to adapt, and Lu Hongzhu offered to take her punishment, the Empress was unyielding.
Lu Qingqing herself, accepting the outcome, stated her willingness to be deposed, acknowledging the Crown Prince deserved a lady more versed in rules and etiquette. Following these decrees, and seeking to find grounds to punish Lord Jin, the Empress then asked Lu Qingqing if Lord Jin had instigated her escape and hidden her in No Magic Valley. She offered to drop all charges against the Lu family if Lu Qingqing implicated him.
However, Lu Qingqing steadfastly denied Lord Jin's involvement, insisting she fled on a whim, drawn to the freedom of No Magic Valley, and would bear full responsibility for her actions. Despite her defiance, the Empress, seemingly to appease Lord Lu, offered Lu Qingqing a challenging opportunity: if she could venture into the dangerous Manghuang forest and retrieve three rare treasures—ganoderma, fusang fruit, and monster spirit—all punishments for the Lu family would be lifted, and her past transgressions forgiven.
Lu Qingqing accepted the daunting task. The Crown Prince, still distraught by the severe punishment, tried once more to persuade his mother to retract her decree, but she remained firm, reiterating her disapproval of Lu Qingqing's wild nature. Realizing further appeals were futile, he sought out Lu Qingqing. He expressed his helplessness and regret over her predicament, believing the punishment was unduly harsh.
Lu Qingqing, however, appeared to have matured, stating she realized that running away solved nothing and that she must learn to take responsibility for her choices, even for the perilous journey to Manghuang forest. When the Crown Prince suggested her prolonged stay in No Magic Valley was due to her affection for Lord Jin, Lu Qingqing angrily dismissed the notion, accusing Lord Jin of betraying her whereabouts to her father.
She wished to remain friends with the Crown Prince and encouraged him to find a more suitable Crown Princess. Undeterred by her words, the Crown Prince promised to find a way to bring her back from Manghuang forest as soon as possible and vowed to protect her. Meanwhile, in the Lu Mansion, Lu Yunxi worried that if Lu Qingqing succeeded in retrieving the three treasures, she might still have a chance to reclaim the Crown Princess title.
Her maid, Zhenzhu, scoffed at the idea, confident that Lu Qingqing lacked the ability to survive the treacherous Manghuang forest, let alone gather the treasures. Lu Yunxi, however, cautioned Zhenzhu against such presumptuous talk. Lu Qingqing, before her departure, visited Baihe, who was suffering from the spirit whip punishment. With her magic power, Lu Qingqing healed Baihe's injuries, expressing deep regret for causing her friend such pain. She then informed Baihe of her impending journey to Manghuang forest.
Although fearful for Lu Qingqing's safety, Baihe understood her resolve and promised to await her return. As Lu Qingqing left, she found Lu Hongzhu waiting. Her father implored her to prioritize her safety over the treasures, assuring her that if she returned, they could abandon their current life and he would resign his post. Lu Qingqing comforted him, vowing to return safely and spare her family from further suffering.
Separately, Lord Jin, learning of Lu Qingqing's punishment and feeling responsible for having exposed her location, attempted to get permission from the Empress to visit her in Manghuang forest, but was denied. Undeterred, he resolved to follow her there to secretly assist her, believing he couldn't stand by while she faced danger alone. Back at the palace, the Empress summoned Lu Yunxi under the guise of discussing embroidery, intending to subtly push her closer to the Crown Prince.
Feigning fatigue, she instructed the Crown Prince to escort Lu Yunxi through the royal gardens. The Crown Prince, noticing he was being observed by spies, quickly took Lu Yunxi's wrist and led her to a secluded spot to evade their watchful eyes. Lu Yunxi's heart fluttered as he held her, a blush rising to her cheeks. The Crown Prince confessed his guilt for not adequately protecting Lu Qingqing and expressed his profound concern for her safety in the forest.
Lu Yunxi reassured him, promising to go to Manghuang forest herself to ensure her sister's well-being, which visibly eased his worries. Later, Lu Yunxi overheard Lu Hongzhu and Qi Yi discussing Lu Qingqing, revealing Qi Yi's concern that if Lu Qingqing encountered danger in Manghuang forest, it would jeopardize his "great plan" concerning the whereabouts of a "Spirit Maiden."
Lu Yunxi then reiterated her intention to go to Manghuang forest to her father, who, pleased by her proactive stance, readily granted permission, perhaps seeing her as a valuable asset to his hidden agenda. Deep within the Manghuang forest, Lu Qingqing was startled by two fleeting black mists. Instinctively, she closed her eyes and offered her osmanthus cake, only to find nothing upon reopening them, dismissing it as a hallucination.
Her journey continued, and she soon found a small white fox trapped in tree vines. As she kindly freed it, the vines suddenly coiled around her. Just in time, Nangong Yixin appeared, deftly using a branch to distract the sentient vines and release her.
Their reunion was marked by a brief, playful argument before they decided to travel together, though Lu Qingqing maintained she hadn't forgiven him, and he claimed he was merely passing through to find his master in Youhuang. Unbeknownst to them, Lu Yunxi and Zhenzhu had also arrived in the forest, following Lu Qingqing's trail.
Meanwhile, a report reached Lu Hongzhu's subordinates: the corpse of the fabled Spirit Maiden had been discovered in a secret thousand-year ice cave in No Magic Valley, uncovered by a reversed river flow. The subordinate ordered the discovery to be kept secret and the body buried, promising to report to Lu Hongzhu. Back in the forest, Lu Qingqing spotted a golden, glowing fusang fruit.
Despite Nangong Yixin's warning about the danger, she insisted on picking it herself, as it was part of her assigned task. As she reached for it, she nearly fell from the perilous height, but Lord Jin quickly stabilized her. This moment was witnessed by Lu Yunxi and Zhenzhu, who had just caught up. Lu Yunxi noticed Lord Jin's uncharacteristic protectiveness of Lu Qingqing, suspecting his deepening feelings.
As Lu Qingqing successfully retrieved the fusang fruit, Zhenzhu, in a fit of jealousy, subtly unleashed a burst of spiritual power, trying to push Lu Qingqing over the edge of a cliff. However, Lu Qingqing's ears glowed, and a mysterious lotus-shaped protective aura, a holy symbol of the Qiyuan continent, materialized beneath her, saving her. Both Zhenzhu and Lu Yunxi were astonished by this display of inherent power.
Although Lu Yunxi chided Zhenzhu for her reckless attempt to harm Lu Qingqing, seeing Lord Jin by her sister's side, she felt a strange sense of relief and decided to retreat with Zhenzhu. Lord Jin then scolded Lu Qingqing for her impulsiveness, asserting that if she had fallen, the pain would not have been hers alone. When Lu Qingqing pressed him on who else would suffer, he inadvertently blurted out "I," immediately regretting his words.
Lu Qingqing, still confused by the sudden appearance of her own magic power, wondered if he doubted her, reminding him that she had never lied, unlike him. Growing frustrated, Lu Qingqing stormed off ahead, only to realize she was lost, endlessly circling back to the same spot. Disoriented, she spotted a transparent, gleaming pearl resting on a large stone.
Recalling Lord Jin's earlier words about the monster spirit—the concentrated magic power of the Manghuang forest's king, the liger, a treasure the beast guarded fiercely—she cautiously used a branch to retrieve it. Her brief triumph was cut short as a colossal beast suddenly awakened and lunged at her. Terrified, Lu Qingqing scrambled up a towering tree, with the monstrous creature now roaring below.
Episode 10 Recap
Lu Qingqing cleverly threw a bag, pretending it contained the beast spirit, to distract the giant beast. The beast chased the supposed spirit, and Lu Qingqing took the chance to jump down from the tree and flee. The giant beast, however, pursued her. Fearing the beast spirit would be snatched away, Lu Qingqing hastily swallowed it. Just as the beast lunged, Nangong Yixin appeared, driving it away.
Lu Qingqing fell unconscious after swallowing the powerful monster spirit, which Nangong Yixin knew an ordinary human body couldn't withstand. He quickly took her to Master Rongyun. Together, they used their combined power to force the monster spirit out of Lu Qingqing. Master Rongyun noted a retrograde Qi in her body resisting his efforts. Nangong Yixin, having expended much genuine Qi, asked about Lu Qingqing's condition.
Master Rongyun explained that while most people would be instantly incinerated by a monster spirit, Lu Qingqing's unique constitution allowed her to survive, though she remained unconscious and unharmed. He found it perplexing that someone with such seemingly weak magic could endure it for so long. Nangong Yixin informed his master that Lu Qingqing was Lu Hongzhu's second daughter, Lu Qingqing, and despite having no magic power for twenty years, she recently tested as Magic Level Seven.
Master Rongyun was puzzled, questioning why Lu Hongzhu's daughter would lack magic power for so long. Elsewhere, Lu Hongzhu received news that the magic girl's body had been found in the No Magic Valley, but not the Magic Power Stone. Overwhelmed with grief, Lu Hongzhu wept, lamenting the magic girl's choice to be with the Li An guild leader twenty years ago.
He had waited all this time, hoping she would return and confess her regret, but instead, he found only her deceased body. Upon waking, Lu Qingqing realized Nangong Yixin had saved her yet again. She confronted him, accusing him of tormenting her with his inconsistent behavior, being kind one day and cold the next. She pressed him, asking if it was so difficult to admit he cared for her.
Nangong Yixin curtly replied, "Yes," though Lu Qingqing pretended not to hear. Giving up on forcing an admission, she changed the subject to Master Rongyun, curious about his appearance. Nangong Yixin explained that his master's religious name was Rongyun, and due to his lifelong dedication to cultivation, he looked younger than his actual age, despite his white hair. Nangong Yixin also credited Master Rongyun for teaching him all his skills.
Lu Qingqing expressed her hope that Master Rongyun could teach her, to which Nangong Yixin replied that his master was selective and eccentric. Lu Qingqing, however, confidently declared there was nothing she couldn't achieve. Nangong Yixin asked if her eagerness for the treasures was to become the Crown Princess, but Lu Qingqing clarified her goal was to free Baihe and not implicate her family.
Nangong Yixin secretly resolved to prevent Lu Qingqing from going to Manghuang forest while her injuries were still healing, fearing she might collapse and he'd have to rescue her, which he deemed "troublesome." He sent Sikong Ying to warn Lu Qingqing about the dangers of Manghuang forest, claiming that ganoderma wouldn't appear in rainy weather and that the forest was filled with fierce monsters and venomous creatures. Sikong Ying advised her to wait a few days for clearer weather.
Lu Qingqing suspected Nangong Yixin was behind this advice but agreed to postpone her trip. Master Rongyun, observing Lu Qingqing cultivating her magic, recalled her unique constitution and the powerful, unyielding seal on her magic source. Nangong Yixin confirmed that Lu Qingqing's magic had erupted, splitting a waterfall into a lotus shape when she fell from a cliff, a rare phenomenon.
Master Rongyun concluded that while he couldn't directly break the seal, she could practice there and might eventually break it herself. Lu Qingqing later approached Master Rongyun, asking about the ganoderma and confirming that Sikong Ying and Nangong Yixin had misled her. She then skillfully flattered Master Rongyun, highlighting her Magic Level Seven talent and the two treasures she had already obtained. She proposed that if he taught her, his reputation would grow.
Master Rongyun, amused, suggested it would be his honor to take her as a disciple and said he'd consider it based on her future performance. He also commented on her dissimilarity to her father, Lu Hongzhu, to which Lu Qingqing explained her carefree nature contrasted with her father's seriousness, unlike her sister. Master Rongyun advised her to simply be herself.
Nangong Yixin, still worried, discussed with Sikong Ying about stopping Lu Qingqing, though Sikong Ying pressed him to admit his feelings for her. They then discovered Lu Qingqing had already left for Manghuang forest, leaving a note. Nangong Yixin immediately set off to find her. In the forest, Lu Qingqing encountered animated vines and numerous snakes. While trying to escape, she sprained her ankle. Fortunately, she discovered her magic power had increased significantly, allowing her to heal her leg.
She attributed this rapid progress to being around Nangong Yixin, feeling like she "stole magic power" from him daily. Lu Qingqing quickly located the ganoderma. However, after picking it, she was bitten by a flying insect on her neck. Feeling dizzy, she collapsed just as Nangong Yixin arrived. Lu Qingqing, before losing consciousness, proudly showed him the ganoderma, delighted that Baihe could finally be freed.
Nangong Yixin, as he caught her, felt a sharp pain and a chilling sensation in his chest but couldn't understand its cause. He later informed her she had been bitten and Master Rongyun had given her an antidote. Lu Qingqing, waking up, worried about her ganoderma, and Nangong Yixin reassured her it was safe, acknowledging her skill in acquiring it. Despite not fully recovering, Lu Qingqing was eager to return and save Baihe with the three treasures.
Nangong Yixin stopped her, reminding her that Master Rongyun was about to go into seclusion, and if she left now, she would miss her chance to become his disciple. Lu Qingqing then decided to summon Qi Yi to deliver the treasures to her father, Lu Hongzhu, who would then give them to the Queen to free Baihe. She then formally knelt before Master Rongyun, pleading for him to accept her as his disciple, promising to cultivate diligently.
Master Rongyun, seeing her sincerity, happily agreed. Lu Qingqing, overjoyed, served tea to Master Rongyun and then respectfully offered tea to Nangong Yixin, acknowledging him as her senior disciple. Nangong Yixin encouraged her to study hard, assuring her that with practice, she would one day wield her Magic Level Seven power. Qi Yi delivered the treasures to Lu Hongzhu, who was surprised Lu Qingqing wasn't returning but was staying to become Master Rongyun's disciple. Lu Hongzhu dismissed it as "nonsense."
Meanwhile, Crown Prince Mingyang learned that Lu Qingqing was injured. Despite a retainer's warning that the Queen would be angry if he visited Lu Qingqing, who was sent to Manghuang forest as punishment, Crown Prince Mingyang insisted on going. To avoid suspicion, he ordered a servant to impersonate him in his chambers and cancelled the morning court, claiming illness, so he could sneak out to see Lu Qingqing.
While Lu Qingqing was playing with a rattan ball, Nangong Yixin tried to snatch it, almost causing her to fall. He quickly caught her, a scene witnessed by Crown Prince Mingyang upon his arrival. Crown Prince Mingyang presented Lu Qingqing with special pills from the imperial physician, meant to nourish her body and aid in emergencies. He expressed his concern about her injury and asked why she wasn't returning home after collecting the treasures.
Lu Qingqing explained she intended to stay and continue her cultivation with Master Rongyun, proudly announcing her new apprenticeship and Nangong Yixin as her senior disciple. Crown Prince Mingyang appeared displeased but did not argue further, instead accepting Nangong Yixin's invitation for a drink. During their private drink, Crown Prince Mingyang confessed to Nangong Yixin his struggle to express his feelings for a girl, unsure of her thoughts or his mother's acceptance.
Nangong Yixin advised him that there were "plenty of fish in the sea," but Mingyang insisted on only wanting "this one." When Lu Qingqing joined them, eating osmanthus cake, Crown Prince Mingyang urged her to return to the palace, concerned about the dangers of practicing in the bamboo grove. Lu Qingqing, however, was determined to stay and continue her cultivation, aiming to protect Baihe and herself.
Crown Prince Mingyang offered to stay and protect her or have scholars teach her in the palace, but Lu Qingqing reminded him of his duties as Crown Prince. The two princes then began to physically tug at Lu Qingqing's arms. Nangong Yixin experienced another cold attack in his chest, which Lu Qingqing noticed and worried about, though he dismissed it.
Crown Prince Mingyang proposed a martial arts competition with Nangong Yixin, hoping it would allow Lu Qingqing to understand him better. Lu Qingqing, reiterating her commitment to Master Rongyun and her training, tried to dissuade Crown Prince Mingyang from staying. Nangong Yixin, understanding Crown Prince Mingyang's underlying motive to prove himself to Lu Qingqing, accepted the challenge, stating it had been a long time since they competed.
Episode 11 Recap
Lu Qingqing stood by with concern, unable to prevent the contest between Nangong Yixin and the Crown Prince, especially since she knew Nangong Yixin was unwell. Rongyun explained that Nangong Yixin was determined to win, even if it meant risking his life, but Lu Qingqing felt such a drastic measure was unnecessary for a mere competition. Nangong Yixin, weakened from having used much of his magic power to save Lu Qingqing previously, was defeated in the match.
When he insisted on continuing, Lu Qingqing intervened, telling the Crown Prince that winning against an unwell Nangong Yixin would be an inglorious victory and suggested they reschedule. Although jealous, the Crown Prince agreed, not wanting to damage his image in Lu Qingqing's eyes. Lu Qingqing promised she would return to Qiyuan Continent as soon as she completed her training, and the Crown Prince said he would be waiting for her.
Nangong Yixin, however, questioned why she made such a promise. Upon the Crown Prince's return to the palace, the Empress severely reprimanded him for lying about attending court and for going to the Manghuang forest to visit Lu Qingqing, who was an abolished Crown Princess and sent there for punishment.
The Empress deemed it "ridiculous" that he neglected national affairs for someone "he had nothing to do with," and suggested that Lu Yunxi, being dignified and polite, was a more suitable match. The Crown Prince, feeling remorseful for Lu Qingqing's suffering and his inability to be with her, pleaded with his mother not to bring up the matter of changing the Crown Princess again, especially since he had returned as promised. The Empress, sighing, called him "stubborn, Mingyang."
Meanwhile, Sikong Ying, believing wine was Wan Qing's favorite, brought her a jar. Wan Qing, however, rejected it, claiming he didn't truly know her. When the children of Ciyou Kindergarten clamored for the wine, Wan Qing decided to keep it and invited Sikong Ying to drink with her. She proposed a wager: if he got drunk first, he would lose and must never return to the kindergarten to bother her again.
If he won, he could visit daily, content just to see her. Sikong Ying, confident in his drinking prowess, accepted the challenge, despite Wan Qing warning him that she often drank with Nangong and was a strong drinker. Sikong Ying reassured her that he would not break his word. Sikong Ying, however, lost the drinking contest and passed out.
The next morning, Xiaoyi woke him, informing him that Wan Qing had taken care of him all night, cleaning up and covering him, only going to rest at dawn. Wan Qing appeared displeased, served him breakfast, and reminded him to honor his word, insisting he leave and never return. Sikong Ying, disheartened, found it hard to eat, but Wan Qing pressed him to fulfill his promise.
As he reluctantly departed, Wan Qing unexpectedly handed him a bag of buns, reminding him not to go on an empty stomach after drinking. Sikong Ying’s spirits lifted, and he joyfully promised to eat every last one. Nangong Yixin then informed Sikong Ying that when he and Rongyun treated Lu Qingqing, they discovered a powerful seal within her body. Rongyun suspected it was connected to the magic power stone.
Nangong Yixin expressed his concern, explaining that Lu Hongzhu, after twenty years of searching, would never give up the pursuit of the magic power stone, especially now that he knew the magic girl was dead. If the stone truly resided within Lu Qingqing, her return would be akin to "asking the fox to spare the chicken." Lu Hongzhu soon learned that Lu Yunxi had been searching for books related to the "lotus water base" in his study.
He summoned Lu Yunxi and Zhenzhu for questioning. Lu Yunxi initially tried to conceal her discoveries in the Manghuang forest, but Zhenzhu truthfully revealed that she and Lu Yunxi had witnessed Lu Qingqing summon a powerful magic barrier resembling a lotus water base when in danger.
Lu Yunxi admitted it was true, apologizing for her deception and explaining she wanted to understand the phenomenon before reporting it, especially since the magic seemed to act on its own to protect Lu Qingqing. Lu Hongzhu pondered this, finding it very unusual.
This revelation immediately brought back a twenty-year-old memory for Lu Hongzhu: chasing the magic girl to a cliff, desperately pleading with her to return and offering to grant her every wish, even for the sake of her child. Despite his pleas, the magic girl, holding her newborn daughter, leaped from the cliff. Lu Hongzhu searched below, found no corpse, but heard a baby's cries.
Initially contemplating killing the infant, he couldn't bring himself to do it and brought the child home. He now suspected that the magic power stone, which he had believed was with the magic girl for twenty years, might actually be within Lu Qingqing. Lu Qingqing, having recovered, wanted to continue her magic training. She offered Nangong Yixin the white fungus and lotus seed soup she had personally prepared.
Although he described it as "so-so," he admitted it reminded him of his childhood, when his mother was alive and relations between No Magic Valley and Qiyuan Continent were free and equal. Lu Qingqing wished for that freedom to return, hoping her sister Baihe could see No Magic Valley. Later, Lu Qingqing offered to read Nangong Yixin's palm.
As she held his hand, he felt a familiar chest pain and coldness in his palms, a reaction he had noticed whenever she touched him, though he kept it hidden. Lu Qingqing, noting his cold palms, enthusiastically began her reading, declaring him destined for wealth.
She then predicted a disaster for him this year, but assured him he would be saved by a "great person" who was "twenty years old, with given power and incomparable courage," revealing herself to be that person. Nangong Yixin silently wondered if she was confessing her feelings. Rongyun appeared, asking Lu Qingqing about her training.
Nangong Yixin then had a private conversation with Rongyun, who informed him that he was departing to investigate the magic power stone, which was crucial to the safety of the Qiyuan Continent. Rongyun instructed Nangong Yixin to supervise Lu Qingqing's training and protect her until it was confirmed whether the magic power stone was indeed within her. Nangong Yixin promised to do so.
In the Ciyou Kindergarten, Xiaoyi was seen playing with a mud figure, identifying it as one made by Sikong Ying. Wan Qing quickly told him not to touch it, though Xiaoyi playfully suggested she had kept it because she missed Sikong Ying. Wan Qing denied it, claiming she had merely forgotten to discard it. Nangong Yixin, determined to accelerate Lu Qingqing's training, transformed her into a small bug and let birds chase her, much to her distress.
Then, he transformed her into a shuttlecock, which he and Sikong Ying playfully kicked back and forth. Lu Qingqing, tired and annoyed, complained about the "cliff education." Nangong Yixin praised her improved illusion skills, to which Lu Qingqing responded that her efforts and "pain" were finally paying off. She asked for a reward if she met her training goals, and Nangong Yixin agreed.
Sikong Ying, observing the affectionate banter between them, remarked that he felt like an "oil lamp getting brighter and brighter," implying he was a third wheel, though Nangong Yixin dismissed his comment. Lu Qingqing, attempting to use her magic power, tried to make a withered tree bloom, but the flowers vanished as soon as they appeared. A moment later, Nangong Yixin, using his own magic, made the tree burst into full, luxurious bloom, which left Lu Qingqing astonished.
She expressed her wonder at the "flower like snow, snow like flower" spectacle of the cherry blossoms and wished they could bloom forever. Nangong Yixin then used his magic to ensure the flowers would never fade, but as he did, he felt a sharp pain in his chest, which quickly subsided. He then pulled out a beautiful hairpin, appearing momentarily shy, before casually tossing it to the ground.
He pretended to have simply found it and offered it to Lu Qingqing as a discarded item. Lu Qingqing, delighted by its beauty, happily accepted and adorned her hair with it. They then shared a tender, meaningful glance. Despite their agreement, Sikong Ying found ways to maintain contact with Wan Qing. Xiaoyi delivered a letter from Sikong Ying to Wan Qing. In the letter, Sikong Ying updated her on his well-being and that of Nangong Yixin and Lu Qingqing.
He explained his absence was due to their bet, but promised to return and challenge her again until he won. He confessed to bragging about his drinking skills but reaffirmed his willingness to drink with her "as hard as I can." The letter also included a flashback of Sikong Ying, while drunk, expressing his earnest desire to be with Wan Qing, not wanting to see her cry alone, and promising to stay by her side to make her happy.
Wan Qing, reading his words, felt her heart gradually soften. Late one night, Lu Qingqing was practicing in the bamboo forest. Nangong Yixin playfully threw bamboo leaves on her, leading to a lighthearted chase where he constantly dodged her attempts to catch him. Lu Qingqing, feigning one move, then surprised him with a "tree-don," pinning him against a tree. Their eyes met, and unspoken emotions stirred between them. Sikong Ying visited the Ciyou Kindergarten, bringing Tanghulu for the children.
When Xiaoyi told him Wan Qing was by the river doing laundry, he rushed over. He arrived just as Wan Qing slipped and almost fell into the river, catching her in his arms. Later, while Sikong Ying and Lu Qingqing were fishing, a sudden rain shower soaked both their clothes.
After the rain, as they dried their clothes, Sikong Ying observed Wan Qing sitting nearby, a contented smile on his face, feeling that simply being able to watch her made everything worthwhile. Rongyun returned to assess Lu Qingqing's progress. He was pleasantly surprised to discover her magic power had reached level four, a significant improvement. Lu Qingqing humbly attributed her success to the excellent guidance of both Rongyun and Nangong Yixin.
Rongyun then playfully remarked that she seemed to have "gained some weight" under Nangong Yixin's care. Lu Qingqing immediately and anxiously denied this, fearing Nangong Yixin would tease her if she had indeed gotten fatter. In a private conversation, Nangong Yixin confirmed to Rongyun that Lu Qingqing's condition was normal. Rongyun then revealed that his investigation, including discussions with old acquaintances and insiders, confirmed that the magic power stone was indeed sealed within Lu Qingqing.
He warned Nangong Yixin of the dangers of "carrying a jade as one's only crime," urging him to be extra careful, especially considering what Lu Hongzhu might do if he learned the stone was in his own daughter. Nangong Yixin asked Rongyun to keep this information a secret, to which Rongyun agreed, though he cautioned that the truth would likely not remain hidden for long.
Episode 12 Recap
Lu Qingqing rushed to Nangong Yixin, who was practicing by the river, demanding her reward for passing the assessment. Fearing she would fall into the water, Nangong Yixin quickly pulled her back. Lu Qingqing seized the moment, embracing him and declaring, "I want to embrace you," as her desired reward. However, Nangong Yixin instantly felt a sharp chest pain and intense coldness. Lu Qingqing, noticing his distress, immediately took him to Rongyun for treatment.
After Rongyun's intervention, the frost on Nangong Yixin's eyebrows began to fade. Lu Qingqing hurried to retrieve a medicinal pill given by the Crown Prince, hoping it would help. Nangong Yixin refused it, explaining, "Mingyang gave it to you. If I take it, you will let him down." Annoyed, Lu Qingqing threatened to discard it, stating, "Since you won't take it, it's useless for me to keep it. It would be better to throw it away."
Nangong Yixin hastily took the pill, realizing she was serious. Seeing her genuine anger, he playfully pulled her hand, whining, "If there is a warm embrace now, that will be the best," due to the cold. Lu Qingqing, understanding his fragile health, declined but promised a reward another day. Sikong Ying observed this rare moment of the usually proud prince acting endearingly, and later teased Nangong Yixin, remarking, "It looks like you're fine.
You still have the time to tease the beauty." Nangong Yixin retorted, "Stop. If Master didn't come quickly, I would have been the iceman." Meanwhile, the Crown Prince, worried about Lu Qingqing's well-being in Youhuang, sought advice from Lingyu on how to cheer up a girl. Lingyu suggested "surprising gifts." The Crown Prince then busied himself preparing numerous presents, explaining to Lingyu, "Since I can't go to accompany Qingqing personally, I will send some things she may like there.
Thus, in the day-to-day boring practice, she can live more happily and comfortably." Rongyun confronted Nangong Yixin, revealing that his illness was linked to Lu Qingqing. He explained, "your illness is related to Qingqing. . . But there is actually a trade-off between your spiritual power and Qingqing's." Despite the unprecedented nature of their condition on Qiyuan continent, Rongyun warned that continuous close contact would be fatal for Nangong Yixin, urging him to keep his distance for his own safety.
Lu Qingqing, unaware of this, brought a bouquet of cherry blossoms for Nangong Yixin, who accepted them, appreciating her gesture. Yet, as she approached, he again experienced chest pain, which he concealed from her. Lu Yunxi visited the Crown Prince, only to find him preoccupied with selecting gifts for Lu Qingqing.
Concealing her own gifts for him, Lu Yunxi felt a pang of jealousy that Lu Qingqing, even while absent and entangled with Lord Jin, still commanded the Crown Prince's deep affection. She later lamented, "Even though she is entangled with Lord Jin in Manghuang forest, Crown Prince still cares about her. Qingqing, what actually did you do to make Crown Prince have such a deep affection for you?"
Qi Yi delivered the Crown Prince's gifts and a letter to Lu Qingqing, who happily accepted them, much to Nangong Yixin's chagrin. However, her true intention was to find tonics among the gifts for Nangong Yixin, which secretly delighted him, making him think, "She cares about me very much." Suddenly, Nangong Yixin collapsed from severe chest pain. As Lu Qingqing rushed to his aid, her hand was accidentally cut, but she ignored her own injury, her concern solely on him.
Lu Qingqing anxiously paced outside Nangong Yixin's room, consumed by worry and unable to rest. She desperately awaited news from Rongyun. Sikong Ying found her and, noting her intense anxiety, told her it was a sign of love, recounting his own similar feelings for Wan Qing. He said, "Wan Qing once had a fever, and I was as nervous as you are. I even didn't dare to sit down. . . Because I like her."
Lu Qingqing later mused, "I seem to really like him. . . It turns out that my feeling for Nangong Yixin is this kind of affection." Sikong Ying further elaborated on the difference between friendship and romantic love, explaining that romantic love meant being affected by the other's emotions and always wanting to protect and accompany them. Rongyun, discovering Nangong Yixin's deteriorating condition, placed a "distance bracelet" on him, explaining that he and Lu Qingqing must maintain a three-foot separation.
Nangong Yixin resisted, but Rongyun threatened to reveal the truth to Lu Qingqing. Nangong Yixin relented, pleading, "No. Master. Don't tell Qingqing the truth. I don't want her to think too much." Lu Qingqing, denied entry to see Nangong Yixin, confronted Rongyun, who then placed the other distance bracelet on her wrist. He instructed her to keep her distance from Nangong Yixin, falsely claiming it would aid her cultivation and his recovery.
Distraught, Lu Qingqing realized she could no longer approach him and lost her appetite from worry. Meanwhile, Lu Hongzhu revealed Lu Qingqing's true identity to the Empress, confessing that she was the Spirit Maiden's daughter, whom he adopted after claiming her as his own illegitimate daughter. He explained that the Spirit Maiden had died, but with no spiritual power stone found near her body, they now suspected it was sealed within Lu Qingqing.
The Empress, enraged by Lu Hongzhu's deception and ambition, questioned his motives, to which he clarified his initial intent was to use Lu Qingqing to draw out the Spirit Maiden and retrieve the spiritual power stone. The Empress demanded he investigate further, threatening to strip him of his title if he failed. As she departed, Lu Hongzhu's eyes turned menacing. Lu Hongzhu consulted Qi Yi about the spiritual power stone's location.
Qi Yi recalled a "shining red dot" in Lu Qingqing's ear during a previous examination and suggested it might be the stone. Lu Hongzhu ordered Qi Yi to confirm this immediately. That night, Qi Yi attempted to extract the red dot from a sleeping Lu Qingqing but was repelled by a sudden lotus-shaped barrier that absorbed his spiritual power. The commotion awakened Lu Qingqing, who then fought Qi Yi.
This woke Nangong Yixin, who joined the fray, over-exerting his spiritual power and sustaining further injury. In saving Lu Qingqing, they again came into close contact. Rongyun was forced to treat Nangong Yixin once more. Qi Yi reported to Lu Hongzhu that Lu Qingqing's spiritual power had advanced rapidly, stating, "In just one month, she made such fast progress. Even Nangong Yixin couldn't do that in the past."
He also confirmed the powerful lotus barrier that protected her, strengthening the belief that the spiritual power stone was sealed within her. Lu Qingqing wished to care for Nangong Yixin, but Rongyun, without revealing the real reason, denied her request, assuring her that he and Sikong Ying would attend to him. Lu Qingqing remained anxious, lamenting, "I haven't seen the senior for two days. I don't know whether he has recovered."
Rongyun noticed her distraction during practice, reminding her that "a confused state of mind is a great taboo." Lu Qingqing refocused and successfully performed a sword flight, earning Rongyun's approval. When Nangong Yixin appeared, Lu Qingqing, momentarily distracted, fell from the sword. Nangong Yixin swiftly flew to catch her, using his back to cushion her fall while carefully maintaining their three-foot distance to prevent their bracelets from tightening.
Lu Qingqing tried to tell Nangong Yixin something important, but their distance bracelets touched, causing them both pain and forcing them to separate. Nangong Yixin retreated into his room, and Rongyun prevented Lu Qingqing from following. Lu Hongzhu discovered that the fusang fruit Lu Qingqing had submitted was a disguised stone, a trick he decided to use to his advantage. He conspired with the Empress to compel Lu Qingqing's return.
Lu Hongzhu presented his plan to the Empress, confirming the spiritual power stone was in Lu Qingqing's body but couldn't be removed by force. He suggested that a union of royal blood and Spirit Maiden blood might extract it, hinting at Lu Qingqing marrying the Crown Prince. Initially outraged, the Empress was swayed by Lu Hongzhu's argument that the spiritual power stone was crucial for the Crown Prince's succession, especially with Lord Jin drawing closer to Lu Qingqing.
She agreed to his plan to use the fake fusang fruit as a pretext to recall Lu Qingqing and arrange a secret union. The Empress then issued an imperial edict, condemning Lu Qingqing for deceiving her with a false treasure and ordering her arrest, while placing the entire Lu family under strict surveillance.
Episode 13 Recap
Nangong Yixin’s condition worsened, prompting Sikong Ying to consider calling Master Rongyun, but Nangong Yixin declined. Sikong Ying then relayed news from Xiaowu's letter: the Empress had dispatched troops to besiege Lu Mansion, accusing Lu Qingqing of deception with a fake treasure. Nangong Yixin, despite his ailment, doubted the accusation, insisting the fusang fruit Lu Qingqing picked with him was authentic.
He found the timing suspicious, noting Lu Qingqing's recent assassination attempt, and inferred that the true objective behind the Empress's hasty actions was the magic power stone. Meanwhile, Qi Yi informed Lu Qingqing about the crisis at Lu Mansion, including her father, Lu Hongzhu, being confined and falling ill. Lu Qingqing was distraught, affirming her belief in the authenticity of the fusang fruit and questioning the suspicious circumstances. Feeling responsible, she immediately decided to return to her family.
Before leaving, she sought Master Rongyun to bid farewell. He released her distance bracelet, allowing her to choose whether to see Nangong Yixin one last time, though she expressed hesitation, fearing he didn't wish to see her. As Lu Qingqing approached Nangong Yixin’s door, he emerged, remarking on her previous persistence outside his room and her current attempt to leave. She quickly clarified she was merely passing by.
Nangong Yixin urged her not to return to Lu Mansion, warning of the suspicious nature of the events and almost revealing the magic power stone. He connected the current situation to her recent assassination, suggesting a deliberate plot. Lu Qingqing, however, insisted on facing the consequences herself, reminding him of his own past advice about responsibility and asserting her new Level 5 magic power allowed her to protect herself.
She declined his offer to accompany her, instead urging him to focus on his recovery. Nangong Yixin then went to bid farewell to Master Rongyun, who expressed deep concern for his health, fearing that his continued efforts would cost him his life. Nangong Yixin, unwavering, declared that Lu Qingqing was the only person he would protect with his life, calmly accepting any consequences. Master Rongyun, despite his worries, allowed him to depart.
Upon returning to Lu Mansion, Lu Qingqing was confronted by guards who declared the mansion a forbidden area and attempted to arrest her. Displaying her Level 5 magic power, she easily subdued them, stating she would face judgment once the truth was uncovered.
A servant then informed her about the widespread devastation in the mansion, the staff fleeing, and critically, Baihe's continued confinement in the woodshed, without food for days since Lu Hongzhu’s own imprisonment and punishment of one hundred magic whips. Lu Qingqing rushed to the woodshed, using her magic to open the lock. Seeing a weakened Baihe, who urged her to flee as she was wanted, Lu Qingqing was overcome with guilt.
She apologized for the troubles she had brought upon Baihe, mistakenly believing that delivering the treasures would have ensured Baihe's freedom. Baihe, however, reassured her that she bore no blame and was relieved to see Lu Qingqing safe. Meanwhile, Wan Qing and Xiaoyi witnessed a brutal killing by the Magic Power Army, which triggered painful flashbacks for Wan Qing of her beloved Lin Sheng’s death.
Determined to act, she summoned Sikong Ying, declaring her intention to join the Red Face Army to fight the Magic Power Army and seek revenge. Sikong Ying questioned her motives, tried to dissuade her, emphasizing that the Red Face Army relied on composure and ability, not just passion, and existed for a better life, not mere sacrifice.
He urged her to care for the children at Ciyou Kindergarten while he handled the Magic Power Army, but Wan Qing, resolute, pulled away from his grasp. She then made preparations for the children, instructing Xiaoyi to find Sikong Ying if she didn't return, as he would surely care for them. Lu Hongzhu, still recovering from his punishment, expressed his relief at Lu Qingqing’s return, assuring her he could bear burdens for her.
Lu Qingqing apologized for his suffering and vowed to find a solution. She questioned Qi Yi about the fusang fruit, and he swore by his magic power that he had delivered the treasures intact and knew nothing of the fake fruit. Suddenly, the Great Commander arrived with a royal decree to arrest Lu Qingqing. She attempted to buy time for investigation, but the Great Commander refused.
Lu Hongzhu feigned resistance, trying to protect her, but Lu Qingqing, unwilling to further implicate her family, agreed to go to the palace. At that moment, the Prince intervened. He argued that Lu Qingqing was exhausted from her journey and needed rest before being questioned, promising to explain the situation to the Empress. The Great Commander, fearing royal displeasure, relented. Lu Qingqing expressed her gratitude, concerned the Prince would face repercussions and feeling indebted to him for his repeated assistance.
The Prince, however, dismissed her concerns, assuring her of his unwavering support and trust. Still, Lu Qingqing insisted on confronting the Empress, agreeing to accompany him to the palace for a full explanation. Before they left, Lu Yunxi, who had been prevented from leaving the mansion by guards, cautioned Lu Qingqing to be mindful of the Empress and not act impulsively, implying Lu Qingqing was at fault for the fake fusang fruit.
Lu Qingqing firmly reiterated that her fusang fruit was real and she would not admit to a lie. Lu Yunxi, claiming to believe her, nevertheless pressed her to "keep calm" for their father's sake, who had endured much. The Prince, observing their exchange, praised Lu Yunxi as a devoted sister, recalling that she had even ventured into the perilous Manghuang forest to find Lu Qingqing.
Lu Qingqing was surprised, not remembering seeing her, and anxiously inquired if Lu Yunxi had encountered any dangerous creatures. Lu Yunxi, visibly flustered, quickly claimed she saw nothing, returning after failing to find Lu Qingqing and suggesting she might have been in Youhuang by then. Both the Prince and Nangong Yixin, who was secretly observing from outside, noticed Lu Yunxi’s evasiveness and grew suspicious.
The Prince escorted Lu Qingqing to the Empress, who accused Lu Qingqing of fraud, presenting a stone as the alleged fake fusang fruit. Lu Qingqing was shocked, and the Empress ordered her arrest. The Prince intervened again, suggesting the fruit might have been swapped during transit and pleading for three days for Lu Qingqing to investigate, asserting his trust in her.
The Empress, unwilling to strain her relationship with the Prince, reluctantly granted Lu Qingqing three days to uncover the truth. As Lu Qingqing departed, the Prince pondered Lu Yunxi’s inconsistent accounts of her visit to Manghuang forest, deepening his doubts. Back at Lu Mansion, Lu Hongzhu reiterated that only the Prince could truly protect their family and advised Lu Qingqing to accept his care, especially if she couldn't find the truth within three days.
Lu Qingqing, however, stated her lack of romantic feelings for the Prince, focusing solely on resolving the crisis. She revealed her newfound magic powers and tutelage under Master Rongyun, facilitated by Lord Jin. She asserted that with her abilities, she could protect herself and her family, negating the need for the Prince’s constant intervention.
Lu Hongzhu cautioned her against growing too close to Lord Jin, citing potential rumors and Lord Jin’s ties to the Great Commander of No Magic Valley, which could further endanger the Lu family if a conflict arose between No Magic Valley and Qiyuan Continent. Lu Qingqing defended Lord Jin, highlighting his repeated rescues and claiming he was more than the "playboy" he appeared to be. Lu Hongzhu, feigning fatigue, ended the discussion.
Lu Qingqing and Baihe discussed the missing fusang fruit, considering if Qi Yi might be involved. Lu Qingqing dismissed this, trusting Qi Yi’s character and lack of motive. Baihe confirmed that all the servants maintained Qi Yi had not passed the package to anyone else, leaving Lu Qingqing bewildered. Meanwhile, Xiaoyi, concerned by Wan Qing's withdrawn behavior and finding her staring blankly at a dagger late at night, sent for Sikong Ying.
Upon his arrival, Wan Qing tried to dismiss his concerns, but Xiaoyi revealed she had accidentally pricked her finger while distracted earlier. Sikong Ying pressed Xiaoyi, who confirmed Wan Qing’s unusual behavior, indicating a deep internal struggle. In another part of the mansion, Lu Hongzhu and Qi Yi finalized their scheme, confirming everything was "arranged" to force Lu Qingqing to seek the Prince's help, with the ultimate goal of acquiring the magic power stone.
Lu Yunxi, having secretly overheard their conversation, confronted Qi Yi, demanding to know the real reason for Lu Qingqing's forced visit to the Prince's palace. Qi Yi initially refused to divulge the secret, even threatening death. Lu Yunxi, in turn, threatened suicide, accidentally cutting herself in the ensuing struggle for a dagger.
As Qi Yi treated her wound, Lu Yunxi lamented that she, not Lu Qingqing, deserved to be the Crown Prince's wife, having tirelessly strived for the position and believing she understood the Prince better than her "childish" sister. Moved by her despair, Qi Yi revealed the entire "fusang fruit" incident was a deception orchestrated by Lord Lu and the Empress.
Their true intent was to get the Prince and Lu Qingqing to drink wine laced with Hehuan powder, forcing them to consummate their marriage. This, they believed, would awaken the magic power stone supposedly sealed within Lu Qingqing, which was prophesied to be summoned upon union with royal blood. Lu Yunxi was devastated, realizing she too was an unwitting "pawn" in their elaborate trap.
Episode 14 Recap
Wan Qing was found by Sikong Ying drinking heavily, clearly distressed. Sikong Ying, concerned that she might do something foolish, pressed her to reveal what was bothering her. Wan Qing, with tears in her eyes, explained that Lin Sheng had been her sole companion during her loneliest and most painful years. She had been searching for his killer for a long time, and just days ago, she witnessed the magic power army commit a murder.
The victim's wounds were identical to Lin Sheng's, confirming her agonizing suspicion: the magic power army was responsible for his death, and she vowed to avenge him. Sikong Ying, deeply saddened by her tragic past, tried to reason with her, urging her to consider the children at Ciyou kindergarten, especially Xiaoyi, who had only recently recovered from the trauma of losing his parents.
He now understood why Wan Qing had always kept him at a distance, realizing the immense pain she carried. Sikong Ying promised to help her seek revenge and give her time to heal, imploring her not to torment herself further. Wan Qing, seeing the genuine concern in his eyes, shed tears.
Lu Hongzhu, feigning concern about the impending deadline for the fusang fruit, suggested to Lu Qingqing that she ask the Crown Prince, Mingyang, to intercede with the Empress for an extension. Although Lu Qingqing had been investigating all day without success, she decided to approach Mingyang herself, not wanting her father to take on more burdens.
Zhenzhu, gossiping to Lu Yunxi, expressed her frustration over Lu Qingqing's fortunate fate, noting how Lord Jin, Nangong Yixin, had protected her in Manghuang forest, allowing her to secretly learn magic power. Now, Lu Hongzhu was trying to arrange her marriage to the Crown Prince. Lu Yunxi, already aware of her father and the Empress's scheme to get Lu Qingqing and the Crown Prince together, worried about the implications but felt helpless, fearing her father's wrath if she interfered.
She then considered the possibility of Nangong Yixin knowing about the plot. Unheeding Sikong Ying's warnings, Wan Qing stealthily attacked the magic power army that night. She was severely wounded, but Sikong Ying arrived just in time to save her. After taking her to Doctor Wu, Sikong Ying learned that while her physical injuries were treatable, her primary ailment was a deep-seated emotional distress that needed to be resolved from within.
Wan Qing, overhearing the doctor's words from her room, wept. At Changqiu Hall, Mingyang was preoccupied with worry about Lu Qingqing's inability to find the fusang fruit. Lu Qingqing arrived and requested his help in convincing the Empress to grant her a few more days. Mudan, a maid from the Empress, then delivered a bottle of lotus wine, ostensibly for Mingyang's health, but which was actually an aphrodisiac.
After Lu Qingqing and Mingyang shared the wine, Mudan discreetly dismissed Mingyang's personal guard, Lingyu, on the Empress's orders, leaving the two alone. Worried about Lu Qingqing and Mingyang, Lu Yunxi sent an urgent message to Nangong Yixin, informing him that Lu Qingqing was in danger and had likely consumed the drugged wine. As the effects of the wine took hold, Lu Qingqing and Mingyang became disoriented and stumbled onto a bed.
Mingyang confessed his deep feelings for Lu Qingqing, telling her that despite the numerous beauties on Qiyuan Continent, she was the most special to him. In her intoxicated state, Lu Qingqing mistook Mingyang for Nangong Yixin and reciprocated, expressing her affection for him since their first meeting. As Mingyang leaned in to kiss her, Lu Qingqing's eyes suddenly cleared. Recognizing that the man before her was not Nangong Yixin, she forcefully pushed him away.
Just then, Nangong Yixin burst into the hall. He immediately pulled Lu Qingqing into his embrace, pushed Mingyang, who collapsed unconscious onto the bed, and carried Lu Qingqing out. Lu Yunxi was waiting outside and suggested that Nangong Yixin take Lu Qingqing to Lord Jin's mansion to avoid further scandal at the Lu Mansion, especially with guards posted there. Nangong Yixin agreed. Later, Lu Yunxi entered Mingyang's room and lay down beside him.
Back at Lord Jin's mansion, Lu Qingqing, still disoriented, clung to Nangong Yixin, who gently rendered her unconscious to prevent any complications. The next morning, Mingyang awoke to find Lu Qingqing gone. Upon inquiry, he learned that Nangong Yixin had taken her away. He also discovered that Lingyu had been deliberately locked up and the wine had been drugged. Enraged, Mingyang stormed to the Empress's palace, confronting her about the scheme.
He vehemently stated that he loved Lu Qingqing but would never resort to such despicable means to possess her. He was thankful he hadn't touched her. The Empress then revealed the true motive: Lu Qingqing likely had a magic power stone sealed within her, and according to ancient legends, it could only be awakened through union with a person of royal blood.
This, she claimed, was the reason for her "unwise decision" and was Lu Hongzhu's idea, aiming to secure Mingyang's ascension to the throne. Lu Qingqing woke up in Nangong Yixin's mansion, initially believing her encounter with Nangong Yixin was a dream. Upon seeing Nangong Yixin, she asked what had transpired. Nangong Yixin downplayed the situation, falsely claiming he found her drunk at Mingyang's palace and brought her back to spare her from Lu Hongzhu's scolding.
When Lu Qingqing questioned his return, he again lied, saying his master was in seclusion, and he was bored. Lu Qingqing expressed her concern about the fusang fruit and the potential implication of her family. Nangong Yixin offered to help, noting that their relationship was now inextricably linked, a comment that pleased him.
Upon her return to the Lu Mansion, Lu Qingqing was immediately confronted by Zhenzhu, who began to mock her for her late return and apparent lack of concern amidst the family's predicament. Annoyed, Lu Qingqing used her magic power to silence Zhenzhu, who could only emit dog-like yelps. Nangong Yixin, who was nearby, witnessed this.
He then took Zhenzhu aside and used his magic to force the truth out of her, learning that Lu Yunxi was the one who possessed the fusang fruit. Armed with this information, Nangong Yixin confronted Lu Yunxi. He accused her of having taken the fusang fruit to prevent Lu Qingqing's swift return and allow herself more time with Mingyang.
He urged her to produce the real fusang fruit, warning that she and the entire Lu Mansion would face dire consequences if she refused. Faced with undeniable evidence and the threat of public exposure, Lu Yunxi indirectly admitted her involvement, claiming it was not her desired outcome. As Nangong Yixin left the Lu Mansion, he encountered Mingyang. They found a private spot to talk.
Nangong Yixin urged Mingyang to keep the events of the previous night a secret from Lu Qingqing for her own good and to refrain from using her as a tool for political gain. He emphasized his genuine love for Lu Qingqing and his resolve to protect her from any harm. Mingyang, acknowledging Nangong Yixin's confession of love, declared his own unwavering affection for Lu Qingqing, insisting he would win her heart willingly and would never let her go.
With the three-day deadline expired and no genuine fusang fruit produced, the Empress publicly reprimanded Lu Qingqing in the palace hall. Lu Hongzhu attempted to shield his daughter, offering to take the punishment himself, but the Empress declared that both Lu Qingqing and Lu Hongzhu were to be punished for deception. Lu Qingqing stepped forward, accepting all blame and pleading with the Empress to spare her father and the rest of the Lu Mansion.
The Empress, citing rumors about Lu Qingqing's "improper" behavior in the Crown Prince's palace, offered a solution: if Lu Qingqing married Mingyang as a concubine, she would drop all charges against her and the Lu Mansion. Lu Yunxi, present at the trial, also tried to argue against such a fate, appealing to the Empress to reconsider due to Mingyang's reputation. Lu Qingqing, though, was willing to accept any punishment, even losing her magic or her life, to protect her family.
However, the Empress threatened to exterminate the entire Lu Mansion if Lu Qingqing refused. At this critical moment, Mingyang interjected, vehemently disagreeing with his mother's proposal. He declared that if Lu Qingqing were to marry him, it would be as his rightful Crown Princess, not a concubine, calling such an offer disrespectful. He asserted that he would personally refute all rumors.
The Empress, angered by his defiance, tried to dismiss him, but Mingyang stood firm, stating that a Crown Prince who couldn't protect the woman he loved was worthless and that one must be a man before being a king. Just then, Nangong Yixin arrived unannounced.
He confessed to the Empress that he was responsible for the missing fusang fruit, claiming he had swapped it in Manghuang forest merely as a prank on Lu Qingqing, unaware it would cause such a major stir. Lu Qingqing, startled, tried to deny his confession, reminding him he had been with her, but Nangong Yixin silenced her. Despite the Empress's skepticism and accusations of him harboring ulterior motives, Nangong Yixin presented the genuine fusang fruit.
Seeing the fruit, the Empress had no choice but to drop the charges against Lu Mansion and postpone the marriage talks between Lu Qingqing and Mingyang. However, for "hiding the fusang fruit privately and acting poorly," she sentenced Nangong Yixin to a hundred strikes with a magic whip. Nangong Yixin accepted the punishment with a playful smile, remarking that it would help loosen up his muscles after too much drinking.
That night, Lu Qingqing, concerned, sought out Nangong Yixin despite being told he wasn't seeing visitors. She found him with severe whip marks on his back and wept upon seeing his injuries. Nangong Yixin comforted her, telling her he preferred to see her smile. He then revealed his suspicions: the fusang fruit incident was a set-up orchestrated by Lu Hongzhu.
He pointed out that only she and Qi Yi had handled the fruit, and it must have been swapped in Manghuang forest. He added that with Lu Hongzhu's magic power, her father would have easily detected the fake fruit, yet he presented it to the Empress without questioning Lu Qingqing. Lu Qingqing was shocked, unable to fathom that her father, who had always protected her, would deliberately expose her and their family to such danger.
Nangong Yixin explained that the world was rife with interests, power, and schemes, and her innocence made her vulnerable to becoming a pawn. When Lu Qingqing questioned why her own family would use her, Nangong Yixin firmly told her to remember that only those who genuinely cared for her should be considered true family.
Episode 15 Recap
Baihe was overjoyed that Lu Qingqing had returned safely, believing that Lu Qingqing and Nangong Yixin were a perfect match. She hoped they could be together after Lu Qingqing broke off her engagement with the Crown Prince. Lu Qingqing, however, was troubled by Nangong Yixin's words, questioning why Lu Hongzhu, with his powerful spiritual energy, would knowingly present a fake fusang fruit to the Empress, causing trouble.
Baihe also found it hard to believe Lu Hongzhu was a bad person but couldn't understand his actions. Lu Yunxi arrived, expressing her happiness that Lu Qingqing was safe. Lu Qingqing voiced her concerns about the fusang fruit, wondering who wanted to harm them. Lu Yunxi, flustered, dropped the teacup Baihe offered.
After Lu Yunxi left, Lu Qingqing remembered Lu Yunxi’s trembling hand and recalled that Lu Yunxi claimed to have searched for her in the Manghuang forest but hadn't found her. The Crown Prince pleaded with the Empress not to harm Lu Qingqing. The Empress questioned why he repeatedly defied her for an unknown girl. The Crown Prince declared his love for Lu Qingqing, saying she brought him joy and sorrow, and her happiness was more important than anything.
The Empress conceded, promising not to harm Lu Qingqing if he obtained the magic power stone. However, the Empress's true goal was to secure the magic power stone for her son's future throne, and Lu Qingqing's fate would depend on her own fortune. Lu Qingqing thanked the Crown Prince, explaining that she couldn't reciprocate his feelings. The Crown Prince remained silent, saddened. At Lord Jin's Mansion, Sikong Ying visited Nangong Yixin.
They deduced that Lu Hongzhu was certain Lu Qingqing possessed the magic power stone, which was formed from the essence of the first Spirit Girl and first Emperor of the Qiyuan continent. Lu Hongzhu intended to use the Crown Prince's royal blood to unseal it, using aphrodisiacs on Lu Qingqing and the Crown Prince. Nangong Yixin worried about Lu Hongzhu's potential methods and suggested Lu Qingqing return to Youhuang Hall for training.
Xiaowu reported that Lu Qingqing had gone to see the Crown Prince that morning, angering Nangong Yixin. He declared he wouldn't attend their afternoon appointment, but his jealousy led him to Muxin garden. At Muxin garden, Lu Qingqing teased Nangong Yixin for being jealous and kissed his cheek. He experienced a sharp chest pain, but dismissed it. He gifted her the mended porcelain fox, asking her to protect it.
Lu Hongzhu learned that Lu Qingqing was with Nangong Yixin and worried their plan might be exposed. He consulted the Empress, who revealed that twenty years ago, she had poisoned Nangong Yixin with "glacial poison," triggered by strong emotions and love, weakening his spiritual energy and eventually killing him. Lu Hongzhu proposed informing Lu Qingqing about Nangong Yixin's condition, hoping she would distance herself from him. Nangong Yixin and Lu Qingqing watched shooting stars.
He reminisced about their first meeting and "picked" a star for her, asking her to marry him. She agreed. He then experienced a severe chest pain during a kiss. He reassured her that it was not her fault but urged her to return to Youhuang Hall for her safety. Lu Qingqing returned home, where Lu Hongzhu waited. He scolded her for seeing Nangong Yixin and told her to stay away from him.
Lu Qingqing questioned his decision regarding the fusang fruit. Lu Hongzhu explained that admitting "oversight" would be a lesser crime than being exposed for "deceit." He then revealed that Nangong Yixin’s chest pain stemmed from an incurable illness worsened by her presence. He said that if she truly loved Nangong Yixin, she must leave him. Lu Qingqing tearfully decided to avoid Nangong Yixin, which brought a triumphant smile to Lu Hongzhu's face.
Lu Qingqing and Baihe searched ancient texts for a cure but found nothing. Lu Qingqing pretended to be ill and summoned the imperial physician, describing Nangong Yixin’s symptoms. She resisted a pulse reading, trying to convey symptoms through a drawing. The physician insisted on a pulse check and realized she was lying. Lu Qingqing confessed the symptoms belonged to a friend, explaining the worsening chest pain, chills, and weakening spiritual energy whenever she was near.
The physician advised her to stay away from him, confirming that his illness was extremely rare and incurable. The Crown Prince, hearing of Lu Qingqing's illness, rushed to her side. She revealed her friend's symptoms, and the Crown Prince, recognizing it as Nangong Yixin's condition, pledged to search for remedies in the royal library, even though the library was restricted to royalty, and promised to sneak her in.
The Crown Prince, suspecting poisoning, urged Nangong Yixin to stay away from Lu Qingqing. Nangong Yixin learned that Lu Qingqing knew of his condition. The Crown Prince cautioned Nangong Yixin that she would probably not see him, even if he went to her.
Episode 16 Recap
Lu Qingqing desperately wished to see Nangong Yixin, but knew she couldn't, fearing she would harm him. She wrestled with the thought of simply keeping her distance, but acknowledged her lack of self-control. She suggested at least telling him her decision, but Baihe had already gone to do so. As she longed for him, Nangong Yixin, in his fox form, appeared. Lu Qingqing, initially mistaking him for an ordinary fox, affectionately cradled him.
However, he soon transformed into his human self. He told her she longed to see him and wondered why she didn't seek him out. Lu Qingqing reiterated that she couldn't be with him because she would cause him pain. Nangong Yixin, expressing disbelief at her words, urged her not to trust rumors. He embraced her, but the moment their bodies touched, Lu Qingqing felt his icy coldness and a sharp pain in his chest.
Overwhelmed, she pushed him away, retreated to her room, and resolved that she could no longer hurt him in the name of love. Following the painful encounter, Nangong Yixin consulted with Sikong Ying about his deteriorating health. He deduced that Lu Hongzhu had revealed his condition to Lu Qingqing to drive a wedge between them, inadvertently confirming Nangong Yixin's suspicion that he wasn't suffering from an illness, but from a poison.
Determined to find a cure, Nangong Yixin followed Sikong Ying's suggestion and sought out Doctor Wu. Nangong Yixin described his symptoms to Doctor Wu, detailing constant coldness, overwhelming fatigue, and agonizing heart pains. Doctor Wu, after examining him, confirmed that Nangong Yixin was afflicted with the glacial poison, a rare and potent toxin that had resided in his body for over ten years, only recently manifesting its full effects.
The doctor explained that this poison exclusively targets individuals with magic power. Once affected, any strong emotion, particularly love, would trigger the poison, gradually eroding internal force, spreading throughout the body, and ultimately leading to a painful demise. A childhood memory then surfaced in Nangong Yixin's mind: he recalled studying with the Crown Prince when the Empress offered them pastries.
She allowed him to eat but forbade the Crown Prince, a detail that now strongly suggested she was the one who poisoned him all those years ago. He realized that as a child, only the Empress could have inflicted such harm. Sikong Ying inquired about a cure, to which Doctor Wu explained that while an antidote existed, it originated from No Magic Valley and was currently unobtainable.
Doctor Wu offered a temporary measure: placing silver needles into the Yingchuang acupoint, near Nangong Yixin’s heart, to momentarily halt the poison's advancement. However, this procedure came with a severe caveat: Nangong Yixin would be rendered unable to use his magic power. Any attempt to forcefully wield his power would cause his blood to flow in reverse, shattering the needles, inflicting grave damage to his body, and potentially resulting in a complete loss of his magic or even death.
Despite these dire warnings, Nangong Yixin was resolute, instructing Doctor Wu to proceed. Sikong Ying, alarmed, tried to intervene, reminding Nangong Yixin of the political adversaries in Qiyuan Continent who would seize any opportunity to exploit his vulnerability. Nangong Yixin, however, declared his inability to abandon Lu Qingqing, drawing a parallel to Sikong Ying’s own feelings for Wanqing to emphasize his unwavering commitment.
That night, the Crown Prince took Lu Qingqing to the imperial Library Pavilion, a place filled with ancient texts, even those predating the establishment of Qiyuan Continent. There, Lu Qingqing diligently searched and eventually found a book that described the glacial poison. Her relief was short-lived, as the book offered no methods for detoxification. As she frantically searched for more information, guards entered the pavilion for an inspection.
The two quickly hid, narrowly avoiding discovery as the guards searched and eventually left. Although Lu Qingqing suggested leaving immediately, the Crown Prince advised caution, suggesting they wait a bit longer to ensure the guards were truly gone. The Crown Prince personally escorted Lu Qingqing home. Upon hearing this, Zhenzhu expressed her indignation to Lu Yunxi, accusing Lu Qingqing of clinging to the Crown Prince. Lu Yunxi's mind drifted back to a significant night with the Crown Prince.
He had consumed Hehuan powder and, in his drugged state, had continuously called out Lu Qingqing's name. Despite this, Lu Yunxi had willingly given herself to him, declaring she regretted nothing and would do anything for him. The next morning, the Crown Prince, filled with remorse, apologized to Lu Yunxi, emphasizing that his actions that night were unintentional.
He offered to compensate her in any way possible, but firmly stated he could not go against his true feelings, which lay with someone else, making it clear he could not accept her. Heartbroken, Lu Yunxi rejected any compensation, asserting that only his heart could truly make amends. Later, staring at her reflection, Lu Yunxi despaired, lamenting that despite all her compromises and sacrifices, she had gained nothing. Nangong Yixin arrived at the Lu mansion, determined to see Lu Qingqing.
Baihe, however, informed him that Lu Qingqing was out shopping for the Lantern Festival. Sensing her reluctance, Nangong Yixin expressed his suspicion that she was avoiding him, but Baihe insisted it wasn't true. Unconvinced, Nangong Yixin declared he would wait at the gate until he saw her. Inside, Lu Qingqing, though heartbroken by Nangong Yixin's unwavering presence, feared that seeing him would worsen his condition.
She instructed Baihe not to let him in, hoping he would eventually leave, and resolved to keep her distance until a cure for the glacial poison was discovered. Meanwhile, Zhenzhu informed Lu Yunxi of Nangong Yixin waiting outside, criticizing Lu Qingqing for cruelly toying with his affections and manipulating both the Crown Prince and Lord Jin. Lu Yunxi, comparing herself to Lu Qingqing, felt inadequate and questioned her own worth.
Zhenzhu, ever the instigator, showered Lu Yunxi with praise, dismissing Lu Qingqing as inferior and scheming. Lu Yunxi confessed her recent deceit regarding the fusang fruit and her lie to the Crown Prince, admitting she barely recognized herself anymore. Zhenzhu then blamed Lu Qingqing for snatching away Lu Yunxi's rightful position as Crown Princess, arguing that Lu Qingqing had always exploited Lu Yunxi's kindness since childhood and now felt entitled to the Crown Prince.
Lu Yunxi conceded that she might have been too lenient with Lu Qingqing. Driven by frustration, Zhenzhu suggested a drastic measure: making Lu Qingqing disappear from the Crown Prince's life entirely, believing this would lead him back to Lu Yunxi. This proposition, however, infuriated Lu Yunxi, who ordered Zhenzhu to kneel and vehemently rebuked her for daring to suggest harm to her own sister.
Zhenzhu, bewildered, defended her actions, claiming she only sought to protect Lu Yunxi from Lu Qingqing's perceived selfishness and repeated transgressions. Lu Yunxi, however, refused to entertain such notions, dismissing Zhenzhu's words as nonsense and forbidding her from ever mentioning such a thing again. Seeing Nangong Yixin steadfastly waiting at the gate, Lu Qingqing's heart ached. It was about to rain, and he had been there for three hours without food or drink.
Distressed, Lu Qingqing instructed Baihe to send a message to Nangong Yixin's mansion, requesting Xiaowu to come and take his master away, no matter what. Xiaowu soon arrived with a carriage and tried to persuade Nangong Yixin to leave, highlighting his recent illness and the impending rain. However, Nangong Yixin, despite his fragile state, repeatedly asserted he was fine and stubbornly refused to depart without seeing Lu Qingqing.
Left with no other choice, Xiaowu reluctantly knocked Nangong Yixin unconscious and carried him away in the carriage. Witnessing this heartbreaking scene from afar, Lu Qingqing wept. Baihe offered comfort, expressing sorrow that after finally finding someone she loved, Nangong Yixin was afflicted with such a cruel illness, keeping them apart. Lu Qingqing affirmed that only by discovering a cure for the glacial poison could they ever be together again.
She then asked Baihe to relay instructions to Xiaowu: ensure Nangong Yixin was closely monitored, prevented from leaving alone, and provided with nourishing medicated meals. Through Baihe, Lu Qingqing also conveyed a painful request to Nangong Yixin: never to come looking for her again, even as she secretly confessed her deep love for him. Back at the mansion, Xiaowu brought Nangong Yixin ginger tea. Nangong Yixin, still groggy, was annoyed at being knocked out.
Xiaowu defended his actions, explaining it was necessary given Nangong Yixin's fragile health and exposure to the rain. Noticing his master's unusual weakness, Xiaowu realized he had been able to ambush him with surprising ease. Nangong Yixin then revealed that he had willingly sealed his magic power to halt the glacial poison's progression, believing this was the only way to eventually be with Lu Qingqing.
Xiaowu, alarmed, voiced concerns about the immense danger of being powerless in their turbulent world, but Nangong Yixin brushed off his fears, asserting his continued authority. He then sternly warned Xiaowu to keep this secret absolutely confidential. Realizing that Lu Qingqing might eventually discover the truth anyway, Xiaowu suggested that since Nangong Yixin couldn't meet her in person, he should write a letter to inform her that his glacial poison had been resolved.
Nangong Yixin, seeing the wisdom in this, agreed to the plan. The Crown Prince visited Lu Qingqing, offering a secret medicine book to aid Nangong Yixin's recovery and hoping to contribute. He then invited Lu Qingqing to the upcoming Lantern Festival as a way to ease her worries. She initially hesitated, suggesting he go with Lu Yunxi, but agreed when he proposed they attend to release lanterns and pray for Nangong Yixin, believing in the festival's auspicious power.
Meanwhile, Zhenzhu informed Lu Yunxi that the Crown Prince had sent expensive gifts but had gone directly to Lu Qingqing's courtyard without seeing her, making Lu Yunxi feel deeply hurt and abandoned. She wondered if the Crown Prince no longer wished to see her. At the Lu mansion, Xiaowu arrived with a letter for Baihe. Fu intercepted him, explaining that Lu Qingqing and Baihe were restricted from leaving the premises and volunteered to deliver the letter personally.
Xiaowu, trusting Fu, handed it over. However, Lu Hongzhu intervened, taking the letter from Fu. After confirming with Fu that Nangong Yixin had indeed waited at the mansion gate for Lu Qingqing the previous day, Lu Hongzhu instructed Fu not to inform Lu Qingqing if Nangong Yixin returned, but to report directly to him. Upon reading the letter, Lu Hongzhu was shocked by Nangong Yixin’s claim that the glacial poison had been resolved.
He immediately sought out the Empress to inquire about a possible antidote. The Empress confirmed that while an antidote existed, it required the incredibly rare Chi Yan Qiong flowers, which bloom only once every thousand years in the remote No Magic Valley and had never been seen or obtained by anyone. She assured Lu Hongzhu that Nangong Yixin's poison was incurable, and given his deep affection for Lu Qingqing, his path was one of excruciating pain and inevitable death.
Reassured, Lu Hongzhu finally felt at ease. Determined to understand how Nangong Yixin had acquired the fusang fruit, Lu Qingqing dispatched Baihe to subtly question Xiaowu. From Xiaowu, she learned that Nangong Yixin had visited Lu Yunxi at the Lu mansion. Lu Qingqing immediately confronted Lu Yunxi, directly accusing her of swapping the fusang fruit. Lu Yunxi, after a brief attempt by Zhenzhu to take the blame, admitted her culpability.
She then lashed out, accusing Lu Qingqing of being greedy—entangling herself with the Crown Prince despite their broken engagement, and simultaneously refusing to release Nangong Yixin. Lu Yunxi bitterly recalled how Lu Qingqing had seemingly effortlessly stolen her rightful position as Crown Princess and the Crown Prince’s heart, even after breaking their engagement.
Lu Qingqing clarified that Lu Yunxi had misunderstood her intentions, stating she never sought to compete for the Crown Prince’s affection and had always hoped he would recognize Lu Yunxi’s good qualities. Unrepentant, Lu Yunxi defiantly declared she had no regrets about her actions and challenged Lu Qingqing to reveal the truth to their father and the Crown Prince.
Despite her anger, Lu Qingqing, remembering their long sisterly bond and Lu Yunxi’s past kindness, decided to overlook the transgression as a momentary lapse. She promised not to expose the fusang fruit incident this time but sternly warned Lu Yunxi that there would be no leniency if such a betrayal ever occurred again. She urged Lu Yunxi to pursue the Crown Prince honorably and directly, instead of resorting to underhanded tactics.
With the confrontation concluded, Lu Qingqing ran out of the room, her face streaming with tears. Inside, Lu Yunxi also shed tears, grappling with the weight of their fractured relationship. Later, Sikong Ying visited Wanqing, informing her that the rogue spiritual force that had caused trouble had been apprehended and executed. He then presented her with an ointment for a scar, gently advising her that girls should not have such marks. This thoughtful gesture triggered a memory in Wanqing.
Three years prior, after losing her beloved, she had contemplated ending her own life. However, in an unexpected turn, she found herself saving a badly wounded soldier, an act that diverted her from her suicidal thoughts. Now, driven by a growing suspicion, Wanqing went to see Doctor Wu, asking if he remembered her bringing a soldier with a red face to him three years ago.
Doctor Wu confirmed the memory, recalling how the injured man had a strong will to survive and how he had treated him. He also remembered advising Wanqing to treat her own wound at the time, which she had declined. Doctor Wu then revealed that the man who had recently sought scar ointment for his beloved was indeed the same soldier Wanqing had saved, and that man was Sikong Ying. Wanqing realized the depth of their long-unbeknownst connection.
The Crown Prince's carriage arrived at the Lu mansion gate. Zhenzhu, seeing him, immediately presumed he was there for Lu Yunxi, excitedly rushing to inform her. She told Lu Yunxi that the Crown Prince had surely come to invite her to the Lantern Festival, knowing she had been feeling down. A joyous Lu Yunxi hurried out, only to see Lu Qingqing gracefully stepping into the Crown Prince's carriage and departing.
Zhenzhu, now enraged, lashed out, accusing Lu Qingqing of hypocrisy—professing not to like the Crown Prince but then going to the Lantern Festival with him. Baihe interjected, clarifying that Lu Qingqing and the Crown Prince had arranged their outing two days ago. Nevertheless, this sight left Lu Yunxi deeply distraught and disheartened.
Meanwhile, Nangong Yixin was alone, lost in thought, pondering why Lu Qingqing had not replied to his letter and questioning if she no longer wished to see him or believed in him. His solitude was broken when Xiaowu arrived and casually informed him that Lu Qingqing had gone to the Lantern Festival—with the Crown Prince. The news struck Nangong Yixin with visible shock and dismay.
Episode 17 Recap
Xiaoyi leads Wan Qing to Sikong Ying, who has prepared a Kongming lantern. Sikong Ying suggests they make a wish, believing the lanterns are particularly effective. This, however, brings back painful memories for Wan Qing of her past with Lin Sheng, when they swore to be together through life and death. Now, with Lin Sheng gone, she is left alone and angrily smashes the lantern. Confused by her reaction, Sikong Ying wonders if all women don't appreciate romantic gestures.
While strolling through the Lantern Festival with the Crown Prince, Lu Qingqing is preoccupied, wishing for Nangong Yixin's glacial poison to be cured and for them to be together forever. The Crown Prince tries to keep her attention, but she spots a fox mask and then a man wearing one, seemingly watching her. As others greet the Crown Prince, Lu Qingqing seizes the moment to chase after the mysterious man, leaving the Crown Prince calling her name.
From a distance, Lu Yunxi observes their interaction, growing increasingly upset that the Crown Prince's gaze is solely fixed on Lu Qingqing. Lu Qingqing follows the man in the fox mask, eventually catching up to him on a bridge. When she stumbles, he quickly reaches out to steady her. In that moment, Lu Qingqing recognizes him, pulling off his mask to reveal Nangong Yixin. Fearing she might harm him with her abilities, Lu Qingqing tries to pull away and leave.
But he holds her close, desperate to convey that he is no longer suffering from the glacial poison. Lu Qingqing gently pushes him back, explaining that she has diligently searched through numerous ancient medical texts but found no remedy for his condition. She concludes that for his safety, the only course of action is for her to keep her distance. The Crown Prince soon arrives, having searched for Lu Qingqing, and finds her with Nangong Yixin on the bridge.
Nangong Yixin thanks the Crown Prince for his recent care of Lu Qingqing, to which the Crown Prince states he is happy and willing to look after her. The Crown Prince then urges Nangong Yixin, who is still recovering, to return home and rest. However, Nangong Yixin firmly grips Lu Qingqing's arm, ready to take her with him.
Below the bridge, Lu Yunxi and Zhenzhu also witness the unfolding scene, with Lu Yunxi wondering why Lu Qingqing is showered with so much attention. Annoyed by the two men vying for her, Lu Qingqing pulls free, telling both to release her and that she wishes to leave alone. As they stand on the bridge, a passing vendor's pole accidentally knocks Lu Qingqing into the water.
Without a second thought, Nangong Yixin breaks his magical seal and dives in, using his spiritual power to rescue her. His heroic act, however, causes a severe surge of pain in his chest, making him faint. Lu Yunxi, who had been watching from below, is visibly concerned but visibly relieved when Lu Qingqing is safely pulled from the water. The Crown Prince immediately instructs Lingyu to send Nangong Yixin back to his residence.
Feeling responsible for Nangong Yixin's renewed suffering, Lu Qingqing decides to return home alone, desperate to keep her distance for his sake. Back at her residence, Lu Qingqing explains to Baihe that she had a minor accident, almost falling into the water. She expresses guilt for Nangong Yixin getting hurt again while trying to save her, believing he rushed to her aid knowing she can't swim. Baihe comforts her, remarking on Nangong Yixin's persistent devotion despite the risk to himself.
After Nangong Yixin is safely back, the Crown Prince visits him. Nangong Yixin explains that to control his glacial poison, he had to seal his spiritual power, but he used it to save Lu Qingqing, causing him to faint. The Crown Prince is deeply moved, realizing Nangong Yixin willingly sacrificed his spiritual power for Lu Qingqing.
Despite his admiration, the Crown Prince admits that Lu Qingqing is the first woman he has ever felt such a strong desire to pursue, and he cannot give her up. Nangong Yixin, in turn, states that Lu Qingqing is unique to him and he will also not relinquish his pursuit. Recognizing their mutual conviction, they decide to allow Lu Qingqing to make her own choice.
Nangong Yixin confides in Sikong Ying, lamenting his inability to explain to Lu Qingqing that his glacial poison is cured, especially after he fainted while saving her. Sikong Ying gently scolds him for disobeying the doctor's strict orders against using spiritual power. Nangong Yixin justifies his actions, arguing he had no choice when Lu Qingqing was in danger, although he believes her own enhanced spiritual power could have saved her.
Sikong Ying jokingly remarks that Nangong Yixin has now become as hopelessly smitten as he is, then offers to arrange a meeting for them, promising to put in a good word for him. Nangong Yixin enthusiastically agrees, immediately asking Sikong Ying to write a letter inviting Lu Qingqing to his mansion, where he plans to cook for her personally. However, he quickly reconsiders, suggesting the Yuejiao Teahouse as a more neutral location, fearing she might not come to his residence.
Sikong Ying teases him about his eager impatience but agrees, reminding Nangong Yixin not to use his spiritual power. Later, Nangong Yixin diligently prepares a feast, telling Xiaowu he wants to cook plenty for Lu Qingqing, convinced she has grown thinner, though Xiaowu doesn't quite see it. The Crown Prince successfully arranges for the guards of the Library Pavilion to be dismissed for the evening, planning to take Lu Qingqing there to peruse ancient books undisturbed.
He excitedly sends Lingyu to Lu Qingqing’s mansion to invite her to the palace for dinner and to read. Delighted by the invitation, Lu Qingqing asks Baihe to help her prepare, telling her to send word to Sikong Ying that she must reschedule their earlier arrangement.
Meanwhile, a servant reports to Lu Hongzhu that Lu Qingqing has ceased contact with Nangong Yixin and has been frequently meeting the Crown Prince, who has invited her to the palace for dinner and book research. Lu Hongzhu, seeing this as an opportunity, is thrilled, believing the acquisition of the magic power stone is imminent. Upon learning the Crown Prince’s carriage is at the gate, he eagerly rushes out to greet him.
Lu Hongzhu attempts to curry favor with the Crown Prince, remarking on his earnest pursuit of Lu Qingqing and offering his assistance. However, the Crown Prince sternly rebukes him, stating his disapproval of Lu Hongzhu's manipulative tactics, especially his recent shocking actions towards his own daughter. He explicitly warns Lu Hongzhu to cease interfering in his and Lu Qingqing's affairs. Though Lu Hongzhu feigns compliance and denies any wrongdoing, he secretly fumes.
He perceives the Crown Prince's increasing contempt as a threat, believing he would be the first to be eliminated if the Crown Prince were to ascend the throne. Lu Hongzhu resolves to dispose of the Crown Prince once he obtains the magic power stone, deeming it prudent to strike first. Nangong Yixin eagerly awaits Lu Qingqing's arrival, having personally prepared an elaborate dinner, concerned she looked thinner the last time he saw her.
To his disappointment, only Sikong Ying returns, informing him that the Crown Prince has taken Lu Qingqing to the palace. Distraught, Nangong Yixin abandons the feast and immediately departs with Xiaowu for the Crown Prince's residence. Upon arriving, he unceremoniously barges into the dining hall where the Crown Prince is about to share a meal with Lu Qingqing. Ignoring the other two, Nangong Yixin brazenly sits down and begins to eat.
When the Crown Prince offers food to Lu Qingqing, Nangong Yixin quickly snatches it away, then serves her food himself. Nangong Yixin challenges the Crown Prince to a hunting competition the following day, suggesting the pleasant weather is ideal for an excursion. Lu Qingqing initially expresses concern for Nangong Yixin's health, fearing the physical exertion. However, Nangong Yixin confidently asserts his well-being, boasting that hunting is his forte.
As both men persistently vie for her company and attention, Lu Qingqing, exasperated by their bickering and eager to diffuse the tension, reluctantly agrees to attend the hunting expedition. After the morning court, General Murong approaches the Crown Prince privately, revealing he received an anonymous letter alleging General Han was murdered and that a witness exists. He urges a thorough investigation into General Han's suspicious death, a request the Crown Prince grants, entrusting the task to General Murong.
Unbeknownst to them, Lu Hongzhu stealthily overhears their conversation. Back at his residence, a furious Lu Hongzhu violently slaps Qi Yi, berating him for his incompetence. Qi Yi explains that during the chaos of that dark night, the cunning assassin managed to evade capture and is now believed to be hiding within Lord Jin's mansion.
Convinced that Nangong Yixin is aware of the dark secret surrounding General Han's death, Lu Hongzhu declares that both Nangong Yixin and the assassin hiding in his mansion must be permanently silenced. Qi Yi then conveniently informs Lu Hongzhu of the upcoming hunting trip, which Nangong Yixin, the Crown Prince, and Lu Qingqing are all planning to attend. Seizing this opportunity, Lu Hongzhu immediately begins to plot Nangong Yixin's demise at the hunting grounds.
Lu Qingqing confides in Baihe, expressing her distress over the recent squabbles between the Crown Prince and Nangong Yixin, which she finds childish. She reiterates that she has clearly communicated to the Crown Prince that they can only be friends, a decision he claimed to respect. However, Baihe remains skeptical, doubting the Crown Prince’s sincerity.
Lu Qingqing confesses her enduring love for Nangong Yixin and her inability to reciprocate the Crown Prince's affections, further complicated by her sister's deep feelings for him, necessitating a clear boundary. Concerned about Nangong Yixin's health for the upcoming hunting trip, Lu Qingqing voices her worries. Baihe reassures her, suggesting that as long as she maintains a distance from him, his glacial poison should not flare up, allowing him to participate in the hunt without incident.
Qi Yi, under Lu Hongzhu's orders, secretly arranges for Nangong Yixin's horse to be poisoned, intending for it to run wild during the hunt. At the hunting grounds, Nangong Yixin's chosen black horse seems restless, but he confidently dismisses it, asserting his ability to handle any mount. The hunting competition commences, with Nangong Yixin, hindered by his sealed spiritual power, underperforming, leading to his defeat by the Crown Prince. His horse becomes increasingly agitated, forcing him to dismount.
However, Lu Qingqing, seizing an opportunity to speak with him, insists on riding his unsettled horse. Nangong Yixin asks why she continues to avoid him, claiming his glacial poison has been resolved, a fact he supposedly communicated in a letter. Lu Qingqing reveals she never received such a letter and remains skeptical of his cure. The Crown Prince intervenes, reminding Nangong Yixin of his current physical fragility, including his recent fainting spell, and urges him to return home for rest.
Nangong Yixin attempts to explain that his poison is managed, but the Crown Prince insists that his lack of spiritual power would eventually cause Lu Qingqing more distress. Growing frustrated by their argument, Lu Qingqing rides off on the black horse, which then bolts wildly. Both the Crown Prince and Nangong Yixin immediately give chase. Lu Qingqing’s wild horse charges directly into a trap set by Qi Yi, causing both horse and rider to fall.
Nangong Yixin, who was pursuing closely, also falls into a snare, immediately getting entangled in a magic-restrained net that prevents him from using any of his spiritual power. As Qi Yi prepares to strike, Lu Qingqing rushes to Nangong Yixin's side, shielding him. Just then, the Crown Prince and his guards arrive. Realizing his ambush has failed and with the Crown Prince now present, Qi Yi is forced to abandon his attack and swiftly retreats.
Feigning an internal injury from the trap, Nangong Yixin gently resists the Crown Prince's offer to send him home, instead urging the Crown Prince to prioritize investigating the assassination attempt, emphasizing its importance for the stability of the Qiyuan continent. Lu Qingqing, unwilling to let Nangong Yixin return alone in his supposedly injured state, offers to escort him herself. As they journey back, Nangong Yixin embraces her, reassuring her that his glacial poison is genuinely cured.
He explains that Doctor Wu recently acquired a miraculous antidote, which cured his glacial poison. Witnessing no signs of his glacial poison flaring up, Lu Qingqing is filled with profound joy and returns home, visibly beaming with happiness. Later, she excitedly confides in Baihe that Nangong Yixin's illness is cured, and they can finally be together. Meanwhile, back in his residence, Xiaowu administers medicine to Nangong Yixin, reminding him to be cautious given his lack of spiritual power.
Xiaowu marvels that Lu Qingqing's spiritual power is now so great that she can even protect him, also revealing that Doctor Wu's antidote only cured half the poison, with the other half depending on Lu Qingqing’s belief in him. Nangong Yixin, despite his vulnerability, proudly asserts that even without spiritual power, he remains the indomitable Lord Jin of Qiyuan. Informed of the failed ambush at the hunting ground, Lu Hongzhu acknowledges Nangong Yixin's cunning.
He anticipates that both the Crown Prince and Nangong Yixin will thoroughly investigate the incident. Qi Yi, accepting responsibility for the failure, immediately offers to take full blame if the investigation leads to him, assuring Lu Hongzhu that he will not implicate anyone else. Lu Hongzhu, however, warns Qi Yi not to underestimate Nangong Yixin, reminding him of his formidable resourcefulness.
Sikong Ying informs Nangong Yixin of widespread rumors blaming the Crown Prince for the ambush at the hunting ground, with many accusing him of "a thief crying 'stop thief'." Nangong Yixin reveals that he himself anonymously informed General Murong about General Han's suspicious death, which then led to the Crown Prince's investigation and, consequently, Lu Hongzhu's desperate assassination attempt. He trusts the Crown Prince will uncover the truth and believes in his inherent good nature and impartiality.
To protect the witness to General Han's murder, Nangong Yixin has already dispatched Xiaowu to secretly transport the person to No Magic Valley. Meanwhile, these same rumors reach Lu Yunxi, who vehemently dismisses them, firmly believing the Crown Prince is incapable of such villainy.
Despite Zhenzhu's skepticism regarding her unwavering loyalty given the Crown Prince’s treatment of her, Lu Yunxi remains resolute, declaring that regardless of the Crown Prince's feelings for her, she cannot stand idly by while he faces such danger and intends to help him clear his name.
Episode 18 Recap
Lu Yunxi visited the Crown Prince, expressing her trust and concern for him after hearing rumors about an assassin in the hunting ground. The Crown Prince showed her a tassel found at the scene, which he believed belonged to the assassin. After observing Qi Yi, Lu Yunxi recognized the tassel as his.
She initially hesitated to reveal the assassin's identity, but hearing the widespread public misunderstanding that the Crown Prince intended to harm his brother, she couldn't bear to see him wronged. She then told him that she knew who the culprit was. Nangong Yixin and Xiaowu spent the day creating a romantic setting. When Lu Qingqing arrived, Nangong Yixin led her to the decorated spot to confess his feelings, telling her, "Qingqing, I love you.
I want to be with you forever and ever." She responded, "Me too." Later, they went boating. Lu Qingqing teased Nangong Yixin for being slow at rowing since it was his first time. She wished for time to stop at that moment, saying, "If time stopped at this moment, it would be wonderful." Nangong Yixin held her hand, asking her to agree to leave Qiyuan continent for Youhuang as soon as possible.
Lu Qingqing, concerned, brought up the apparent misunderstanding between Nangong Yixin and Lu Hongzhu, hoping they could resolve their differences since she found herself in a difficult position between them. Knowing Lu Qingqing’s kind nature, Nangong Yixin did not press the issue further. The Crown Prince summoned Qi Yi, confronting him with the tassel and accusing him of assassinating Lord Jin. When Qi Yi remained silent, the Crown Prince ordered him to be whipped to force a confession.
Lu Yunxi, seeing Qi Yi in pain, stepped forward, suggesting she could talk to him. She urged Qi Yi to tell the truth, reminding him of the implications for the Lu family and the "fusang fruit" incident. Qi Yi then claimed he acted "out of love" for Lu Qingqing, wanting to prevent her from being with Lord Jin, and insisted no one else instructed him. The Crown Prince, disbelieving his story, ordered him to be whipped again.
Lu Yunxi realized Qi Yi was lying and suspected he was hiding something important, perhaps related to her father. Later, Xiaowu returned injured, reporting that while transporting General Han's subordinate to No Magic Valley, Lu Hongzhu's men had intercepted them and taken the man. Nangong Yixin confronted Lu Hongzhu, who admitted to capturing a "rebel" he identified as General Han's murderer, implying Xiaowu was closely associated with him. Lu Hongzhu advised Nangong Yixin not to interfere to avoid implicating himself.
At that moment, a messenger arrived, summoning Lu Hongzhu to the Crown Prince. Lu Hongzhu instructed his servant, Fu, to escort Nangong Yixin out and then confidently left for the palace. Nangong Yixin, however, did not leave. He hid and overheard Lu Hongzhu ordering his subordinates to dispose of a body. Nangong Yixin followed the cart transporting the body to the outskirts of the city. After Lu Hongzhu's men set the body ablaze and departed, Nangong Yixin extinguished the fire.
Upon examining the corpse, he discovered a black lotus seal on its palm. This chilling mark triggered a vivid memory from his childhood: the day his father passed away. He recalled finding only Lu Hongzhu in the imperial hall. Lu Hongzhu had blocked him before announcing the Emperor's death. Nangong Yixin had struggled past him to see his father, only to find the same black lotus seal on the Emperor's hand.
At that moment, Nangong Yixin definitively concluded that Lu Hongzhu had murdered his father. At the palace, the Crown Prince confronted Lu Hongzhu, demanding an explanation for Qi Yi's assassination attempt on Lord Jin. Qi Yi, still present, hastily interjected, stating the matter was his alone and unrelated to Lu Hongzhu, reiterating his fabricated love for Lu Qingqing. The Crown Prince, recognizing Qi Yi's attempt to protect someone, threatened him with execution.
Lu Yunxi immediately pleaded for Qi Yi's life, urging her father to intercede, highlighting Qi Yi's long-standing loyalty. Lu Hongzhu then admitted that he had indeed instructed Qi Yi to ambush and assassinate Lord Jin. The Crown Prince was furious, scolding Lu Hongzhu for harming his brother. Lu Hongzhu explained his actions were solely for the Crown Prince's benefit, accusing Lord Jin of having ulterior motives and not treating the Crown Prince as a true brother.
He claimed Lord Jin harbored General Han's assassin in his mansion and falsely stated that the assassin had committed suicide after being discovered. Lu Hongzhu also suggested that Lord Jin's pursuit of Lu Qingqing was driven by his desire for the magic power stone. Considering Lu Hongzhu's apparent loyalty, the Crown Prince decided not to pursue the matter further for the time being, but warned him against acting rashly again.
Afterward, Lu Hongzhu showed no anger toward Qi Yi for his failure or toward Lu Yunxi for informing the Crown Prince. He understood Lu Yunxi's feelings for the Crown Prince, noting that their goals aligned: to ensure the Crown Prince's swift ascension to the throne. Lu Hongzhu then revealed to Lu Yunxi that the previous Emperor had left a secret imperial edict before his death, the contents of which even the Crown Prince was unaware.
He stated that this edict was now in Lord Jin's possession and could potentially harm the Crown Prince's claim to the throne. Lu Yunxi immediately pledged to investigate the matter thoroughly. The Crown Prince later informed Nangong Yixin that Qi Yi had attempted to assassinate him, attributing it to Qi Yi's unrequited love for Lu Qingqing, but he withheld Lu Hongzhu’s confession. Nangong Yixin, unconvinced, questioned if the Crown Prince truly believed this explanation.
The Crown Prince, appearing hesitant, admitted that for now, he had to. Nangong Yixin directly asked if the Crown Prince had adopted Lu Hongzhu's suspicious nature. The Crown Prince, uncomfortable, abruptly left, confirming Nangong Yixin's suspicion that he was being misled by Lu Hongzhu. Nangong Yixin sought out Rongyun to inquire about the magical technique that leaves a black lotus seal on the palm. Rongyun explained that it was a forbidden Qiyuan continent magic.
This technique forcibly imbues magic power into the victim's brain, causing severe headaches and death. Its most insidious aspect was its ability to extract memories from individuals with lower magic power, leaving their minds in disarray. Nangong Yixin then recounted how he had received a secret imperial edict from General Han's subordinate.
He had tried to send this subordinate to No Magic Valley for safety, but the man was ambushed and killed en route, with the same black lotus seal found on his palm—identical to the one on his father's hand when he died. Nangong Yixin realized Lu Hongzhu was responsible for his father's death and feared that Lu Hongzhu had already extracted the subordinate's memories, thus learning about the secret imperial edict.
Rongyun, worried that Lu Hongzhu would show no mercy if he knew, urged Nangong Yixin to proceed with extreme caution. Lu Yunxi confronted Lu Qingqing, urging her to distance herself from Nangong Yixin. She accused Nangong Yixin of seeking to usurp the throne from the Crown Prince and questioned if Lu Qingqing aspired to become Empress. Lu Qingqing denied any such ambition, affirming her trust in Nangong Yixin and her belief that he was not that kind of person.
Lu Yunxi then invoked their father's authority, claiming Lu Hongzhu forbade Lu Qingqing from associating with Nangong Yixin. However, Lu Qingqing refused to listen, asserting she would only trust what she saw, heard, and felt, and that her father's words were not always infallible. Nangong Yixin and Lu Qingqing had arranged to meet, but he arrived two hours late and was uncharacteristically cold towards her, ignoring the hazelnut crisp she had made.
Upset by his behavior, Lu Qingqing left and confided in Baihe, lamenting his sudden indifference. Unbeknownst to them, Lu Yunxi overheard their conversation. Later, Lu Yunxi disguised herself as Lu Qingqing and delivered red bean crisp to Nangong Yixin. Nangong Yixin, knowing Lu Qingqing preferred hazelnut crisp, immediately recognized the deception. He feigned ignorance, subtly mentioning a side room where an object was located, providing Lu Yunxi an opportunity.
While he was "retrieving something," Lu Yunxi found a fake imperial edict and secretly took it. Nangong Yixin observed her actions without intervening, having already switched the real edict with a counterfeit. Nangong Yixin then confronted the disguised Lu Yunxi, accusing Lu Hongzhu of being his father's murderer, citing clear evidence in General Han's letter. Lu Yunxi dismissed his claims as drunken rambling and left, still believing her father was a kind and loyal man.
Nangong Yixin, realizing the urgency, resolved to accelerate his plans and ensure Lu Qingqing's immediate return to the safety of Youhuang. Lu Yunxi returned home and presented the fake imperial edict to Lu Hongzhu, who asked if she had discovered anything else. She shook her head, but her mind replayed Nangong Yixin's accusation that her father was his father's killer. Lu Hongzhu then instructed her to closely monitor Lu Qingqing, ensuring she remained separated from Lord Jin until the magic power stone appeared.
Episode 19 Recap
Worried about Lu Qingqing's safety, Nangong Yixin asked Xiaowu to use his magic to transform him into a fox, enabling him to visit her. He was warned that without his own magic, this form could only be maintained for about one hour. Disguised as a fox, Nangong Yixin delivered Master Rongyun's letter, summoning Lu Qingqing back to Youhuang Hall for cultivation.
Lu Qingqing, recognizing the little fox from Manghuang forest as Nangong Yixin, agreed to return the next day and invited the fox to stay the night. As she drifted off to sleep beside her bed, Nangong Yixin reverted to his human form, gently covered her, and silently departed. Meanwhile, the Crown Prince confronted the Empress, expressing his displeasure with Lu Hongzhu's repeated interference and a recent assassination attempt on Lord Jin.
He argued that such actions reflected poorly on him and went against his own principles. He assured the Empress that, given time, he would win Lu Qingqing's heart and restore the magic power stone to bring peace to Qiyuan continent, requesting that both she and Lu Hongzhu cease their reckless interventions. The Empress outwardly agreed but maintained her suspicion of Lord Jin's intentions. Lu Hongzhu, however, urged the Crown Prince to act more swiftly.
After the Crown Prince left, Lu Hongzhu presented the Empress with a secret imperial edict written by the late Emperor, which named Nangong Yixin as the successor to the throne. The Empress was enraged, lamenting that despite her decades of sacrifice and giving birth to the Crown Prince, she had never truly earned the late Emperor's trust or affection, always being overshadowed by Nangong Yixin's mother.
She vowed that Nangong Yixin would never claim her son's rightful place on the throne. Lu Hongzhu reassured her that Lord Jin's primary leverage was now neutralized and promised to accelerate plans for his elimination. Nangong Yixin, Commander Sikong, and their allies discussed Lu Hongzhu's escalating atrocities in No Magic Valley as he relentlessly pursued Li An Guild Leader. Sikong Ying questioned his father, Commander Sikong, about the deep-seated animosity between Lu Hongzhu and Li An Guild Leader.
Commander Sikong revealed that Lu Hongzhu had once been infatuated with the magic girl, but she fell in love with Li An Guild Leader. Enraged, Lu Hongzhu sought to seize the magic power stone and invade No Magic Valley. Learning of his malevolent intentions, the magic girl fled to No Magic Valley with the magic power stone to warn Li An Guild Leader. Lu Hongzhu pursued her, leading to her tragic death, and Li An Guild Leader subsequently vanished.
Nangong Yixin remarked on Lu Hongzhu's decades-long, obsessive, and cruel vendetta. Lu Qingqing had followed Nangong Yixin to No Magic Valley. Outside the Commander's House, she overheard Commander Sikong's soldiers discussing the magic power army's ruthless killings of innocent civilians. She vehemently denied these accusations, asserting that her father's army was disciplined and only sought the magic power stone. When a soldier accused her of being a spy, Nangong Yixin, who had spotted her, intervened, pulling her away.
Lu Qingqing admitted she had followed him, suspecting he was concealing information about her father's army and their conflict. She refused to leave, convinced there was a misunderstanding, and insisted her father wouldn't harm innocent people. Nangong Yixin, seeing her resolve, agreed to show her the truth, stating, "Seeing is believing." Nangong Yixin then took Lu Qingqing through the bustling streets of No Magic Valley, celebrating Li An Festival.
He explained the festival commemorated Li An Guild Leader, who, after disappearing twenty years prior, had brought peace to No Magic Valley by establishing a peace treaty with Qiyuan continent. Lu Qingqing admired Li An Guild Leader and the magic girl, deducing that the magic girl had, in fact, taken the magic power stone to Li An Guild Leader for protection, rather than eloping, when someone attempted to steal it after the late Emperor's death.
She praised the magic girl's courage to follow her heart, though Nangong Yixin sadly noted their love was never accepted and ended tragically. Their somber conversation was interrupted by the magic power army brutalizing children for accidentally obstructing their path. When a woman, Wan Qing, bravely stepped in to protect the children, she was nearly injured. Nangong Yixin quickly intervened, repelling the magic power soldiers.
Overwhelmed by the magic army's cruelty, Lu Qingqing was distraught, torn between her affection for Nangong Yixin and her loyalty to her father, realizing a major conflict was brewing. She vowed to confront her father about the soldiers' actions. Nangong Yixin instructed Wan Qing to take the orphaned children to Ciyou Kindergarten, leaving Lu Qingqing pondering her difficult position. Nangong Yixin then escorted Lu Qingqing to Youhuang Hall for her cultivation.
She offered to help him with his mission, but he gently declined, emphasizing her safety and the importance of her training. Meanwhile, to set a trap for Lu Hongzhu, Sikong Ying discussed with his father, Commander Sikong, the need for a convincing bait.
Commander Sikong provided a distinct red painted mask, stating it was Li An Guild Leader's, and that it bore a scar he personally sustained during a past battle with Lu Hongzhu, confident that Lu Hongzhu would recognize it. This revelation made Nangong Yixin grow increasingly suspicious of a hidden connection between Commander Sikong and Li An Guild Leader. While Lu Qingqing was cultivating, Lu Hongzhu stormed into Youhuang Hall, demanding her immediate return to the mansion.
Lu Qingqing refused, citing her unfinished training. Master Rongyun intervened, criticizing Lu Hongzhu's domineering nature and asserting Lu Qingqing's right to decide her own path as his disciple. Lu Hongzhu dismissed it as a family matter and attacked Master Rongyun when he continued to protect Lu Qingqing. To prevent further harm, Lu Qingqing agreed to return home, but she informed Rongyun that her magic power had reached level six and she would continue his teachings.
She also expressed her intention to seek clarification from her father. Rongyun accepted her decision, advising her to continue diligent practice and seek his help if she ever faced hardship. Lu Hongzhu retorted by warning Rongyun to mind his own business. Upon their return, Lu Hongzhu confined Lu Qingqing to her courtyard with a magic barrier.
Lu Qingqing attempted to break free using her magic, but as Qi Yi and his men struggled to contain her, Lu Hongzhu arrived to reinforce the barrier, making escape impossible. Distressed, Lu Qingqing pondered her father's actions – allowing the magic power army's atrocities and confining her. She recalled a past conversation where Lu Hongzhu disparaged the people of No Magic Valley as "menial and vulgar" and forbade her from associating with them.
She questioned why her father, who had always treated her well despite her lacking magic for many years, married her mother, who was seemingly from No Magic Valley, and why he never spoke of her mother. Baihe tried to reassure her, reminding her of Lord Jin's sincerity, but Lu Qingqing confessed she understood Lord Jin less and less. Learning of Lu Qingqing's confinement, Nangong Yixin became agitated, blaming himself for her predicament due to his current lack of magic.
Sikong Ying calmed him, reminding him that Lu Hongzhu wouldn't harm Lu Qingqing without first acquiring the magic power stone, and that their plan to lure Lu Hongzhu to No Magic Valley depended on Nangong Yixin maintaining his composure. Nangong Yixin, however, expressed his fear that killing Lu Hongzhu would make Lu Qingqing hate him forever, severing their bond. He sadly concluded it would be better for her to forget him.
Meanwhile, Lu Qingqing, hearing news of her father dispatching forces to Lilu Villa in No Magic Valley, correctly deduced his target was Nangong Yixin and frantically sought a way to escape. Her sister, Lu Yunxi, arrived, but instead of helping, admonished Lu Qingqing to reflect on her actions and not cause their father further distress, refusing to open the barrier. At Lilu Villa, the mask intended to lure Lu Hongzhu was discovered to be gone.
Sikong Ying realized Wan Qing must have taken it, recalling her previous desire to impersonate Li An Guild Leader. He immediately rushed to rescue her. Wan Qing, wearing the mask, was publicly confronting Qi Yi and his soldiers who were harassing civilians. Overpowered by Qi Yi, she faced grave danger until Sikong Ying appeared and saved her. Fearing an ambush, Qi Yi retreated, taking the mask with him.
Sikong Ying, tending to Wan Qing, implored her to stop engaging in dangerous acts, professing his unwavering care and willingness to wait for her, asking to protect her until her last breath. Moved by his words, Wan Qing embraced him. Qi Yi presented the retrieved mask to Lu Hongzhu, explaining it was found on a woman in No Magic Valley, not Li An Guild Leader, and that they let her go after a masked individual intervened, fearing a trap.
Lu Hongzhu recognized the distinct scar on the mask as his own, confirming its authenticity. He understood it as a deliberate declaration of war against him. Declaring he would not refuse the challenge, Lu Hongzhu ordered Qi Yi to assemble an elite magic power army and prepare to march to No Magic Valley, stating that the confrontation was finally at hand.
Episode 20 Recap
Lu Yunxi, concerned by the Magic Power Army gathering outside the mansion, sought out Qi Yi for information. She inquired if he still resented her for exposing his past attempt to assassinate Lord Jin, but Qi Yi assured her he harbored no ill will. Lu Yunxi expressed her anxiety about not being privy to her father's affairs, saying that her ignorance only led to more worrying.
She then inquired about the large assembly of soldiers, fearing something significant was about to happen. Qi Yi revealed that Li An guild leader had been sighted at Lord Jin's Lilu Villa in No Magic Valley, and Lu Hongzhu was dispatching soldiers to arrest him. He explained that Li An was the same person who had tricked the magic girl into taking the magic power stone to No Magic Valley two decades ago.
When Lu Yunxi questioned why Li An was with Lord Jin, Qi Yi disclosed that intelligence suggested Li An guild leader had allied with Lord Jin, who was planning a coup. Lu Yunxi immediately believed this, internalizing that Lord Jin, possessing the secret imperial edict and allied with Li An, was indeed plotting rebellion.
Meanwhile, Lu Hongzhu addressed his troops, reiterating the narrative that Li An guild leader, who stole the magic power stone twenty years ago, was now colluding with Lord Jin in a rebellion. He commanded the Magic Power Army to march to No Magic Valley to arrest both of them.
Baihe informed Lu Qingqing that Lu Hongzhu had taken the elite Magic Power Army to Lilu Villa in No Magic Valley to arrest Li An guild leader, accusing him and Lord Jin of conspiring to rebel. Trapped by the barrier Lu Hongzhu had placed around her courtyard, Lu Qingqing exclaimed that she couldn't stand by and do nothing; she had to stop them.
A plan quickly formed: she would pretend to be gravely ill with a high fever, knowing that with her father and Qi Yi away, the Crown Prince would surely come to her aid. Baihe promptly relayed the false news, which reached the Crown Prince. Upon hearing of Lu Qingqing's supposed illness and confinement, the Crown Prince rushed to her.
Lu Qingqing apologized for misleading him but explained her urgent need to go to No Magic Valley and begged him to open the barrier. The Crown Prince, without further questions, complied. As Lu Qingqing and Baihe quickly departed, Lu Qingqing told the worried servants to blame her, not them, for her defiant exit.
It was only after her departure that the Crown Prince learned from a servant that Lu Hongzhu himself had also gone to No Magic Valley earlier that morning. Lu Hongzhu's Magic Power Army marched towards Lilu Villa in No Magic Valley, believing they were pursuing Li An guild leader and Lord Jin, who they thought were plotting rebellion. Lu Hongzhu even called out for Li An to reveal himself.
However, their path was a carefully laid ambush by Nangong Yixin's Red Face Army. Arrows rained down, and soon Nangong Yixin and Sikong Ying appeared. Lu Hongzhu demanded to know the meaning of the ambush, to which Nangong Yixin declared that Lu Hongzhu knew well the reason. Nangong Yixin directly accused Lu Hongzhu of being a merciless villain who murdered his father, the former King, General Han, and all of General Han's subordinates.
He presented the evidence: black marks, indicative of the forbidden Dark Lotus Seal, found on the victims' bodies. These accusations caused immediate disquiet and doubt among Lu Hongzhu's own Magic Power Army. Lu Hongzhu furiously denied the claims, calling them nonsense and accusing Nangong Yixin of colluding with the Red Face Army to stage a rebellion against the Qiyuan continent. Nangong Yixin, unwavering, vowed that Lu Hongzhu would pay for his sins with his life.
A Red Face Army soldier also chimed in, reminding Lu Hongzhu of his past invasions and massacres in No Magic Valley. With old and new grudges on the line, the two sides plunged into a fierce battle. During the chaotic battle, Sikong Ying was injured, prompting Nangong Yixin to tell him to retreat with their men while Nangong Yixin personally pursued the fleeing Lu Hongzhu to Thin Strip of Sky.
Confronting him there, Nangong Yixin scorned Lu Hongzhu for abandoning his troops, while Lu Hongzhu retorted that Nangong Yixin's ambush was equally dishonorable. Nangong Yixin declared that for a despicable person like Lu Hongzhu, any means were justified. He vehemently reminded Lu Hongzhu of his disregard for human life and the murder of Nangong Yixin's father, vowing to end him that day.
Just as Nangong Yixin was about to deliver the fatal blow, Lu Qingqing suddenly appeared, interposing herself between them. She pleaded with Nangong Yixin, admitting her father had done many wrong things but begging him not to kill him. Nangong Yixin insisted that not all wrongdoings could be corrected and urged her to step aside, reminding her of Lu Hongzhu's heinous acts.
Lu Qingqing, however, stood firm, declaring that regardless, Lu Hongzhu was her father, and if Nangong Yixin wished to kill him, he would have to kill her first. Faced with Lu Qingqing's desperate plea and self-sacrifice, Nangong Yixin hesitated, allowing Lu Qingqing to lead a bloodied and defeated Lu Hongzhu away. No sooner had Lu Hongzhu escaped Nangong Yixin's blade than he seized Lu Qingqing, holding her hostage.
He demanded that Nangong Yixin throw down his sword and reveal Li An guild leader's whereabouts, pointing out that Nangong Yixin's red mask was indeed Li An's. Nangong Yixin refused, condemning Lu Hongzhu as a heartless monster willing to sacrifice his own daughter for revenge.
Lu Hongzhu, in turn, threatened to kill Lu Qingqing if Nangong Yixin did not cooperate, explicitly stating that he had only adopted her for the magic power stone within her, and if she stood in his way, he wouldn't hesitate to be cruel. A heartbroken Lu Qingqing questioned how her father could have changed so drastically.
Seeing Lu Qingqing's life in imminent danger, Nangong Yixin, who did not know Li An's whereabouts, offered a different exchange: the true imperial edict, which he revealed was in his possession, proving Lu Yunxi's copy was fake. He declared that to him, Lu Qingqing's life was more important than the throne. As Lu Hongzhu reached for the edict, Nangong Yixin seized the moment, throwing the edict towards him and simultaneously striking him.
As Nangong Yixin struck Lu Hongzhu, Lu Hongzhu simultaneously retaliated, injuring Nangong Yixin. Lu Qingqing rushed to Nangong Yixin's side, distraught and crying over his new wounds. She bitterly confronted Lu Hongzhu, heartbroken that he would use his daughter's life as a bargaining chip for Li An guild leader, showing no regard for their years of kinship. She condemned his cruel deeds in No Magic Valley, contrasting them with Nangong Yixin's kindness and repeated self-sacrifice for her.
With a clear understanding of good and evil, Lu Qingqing declared that by saving Lu Hongzhu this one last time, she was repaying his years of raising her, effectively severing their relationship forever. Lu Hongzhu and Qi Yi encountered the Crown Prince after fleeing No Magic Valley. The Crown Prince, noting Lu Hongzhu's injuries, questioned why he had deployed the army without royal consent.
Lu Hongzhu, seizing the opportunity to sow discord, claimed he had acted urgently upon intelligence that Lord Jin was colluding with Li An guild leader to rebel. He accused Lord Jin of setting up an ambush with the Red Face Army in No Magic Valley.
When the Crown Prince expressed disbelief about his brother's involvement with the Red Face Army, Lu Hongzhu intensified his deception, asking if the Crown Prince still believed Lord Jin was an honorable sibling with no ambition for power. He asserted that Lord Jin had even revealed an imperial edict that day, explicitly naming him as the successor.
Lu Hongzhu further accused Lord Jin of having long plotted for the throne and of having approached Lu Qingqing solely to obtain the magic power stone. With both the edict and the magic power stone supposedly in Lord Jin's possession, Lu Hongzhu urged the Crown Prince to reconsider his trust. Doctor Wu confronted Nangong Yixin, scolding him for forcibly using magic despite repeated warnings, which led to his silver needles snapping and direct damage to his heart.
Nangong Yixin admitted his days were numbered but insisted there were still things he needed to accomplish. When asked how much time he had left, Doctor Wu could only respond that he had done all he could, and the rest depended on Nangong Yixin's fate.
Nangong Yixin then implored Doctor Wu to keep the true severity of his condition, including the relapse of his glacial poison and his limited time, a secret from Lu Qingqing, as he did not want her to suffer or be sad with him. Doctor Wu reluctantly agreed.
When Lu Qingqing later came to check on Nangong Yixin, Doctor Wu, honoring his promise, simply told her that Nangong Yixin had lost a lot of blood and needed rest, falsely adding that he was probably asleep. Relieved, Lu Qingqing decided to prepare food for him. Back at the Lu Mansion, Lu Yunxi, speaking with her servant, reflected on her father's growing obsession, feeling that everyone, including his own daughters, had become mere pawns to him.
She mentioned Qi Yi's revelation about her father's ruthless use of Lu Qingqing's life to threaten Lord Jin. When Lu Hongzhu returned, he further manipulated Lu Yunxi, claiming Lord Jin had ambushed him in No Magic Valley, and theorizing that Lord Jin must have sealed his magic, as a level seven magic user wouldn't need to lure him into an ambush otherwise.
Lu Hongzhu insisted that Lord Jin had manipulated Lu Qingqing to gain her trust and sealed his magic to stay close to her. Lu Yunxi was distraught, realizing she had been tricked regarding the true edict and fearing for the Crown Prince's throne if Lord Jin was not stopped. Separately, Nangong Yixin, while at Doctor Wu's, discovered a letter from Commander Sikong to "Brother Li An."
Reading it, Nangong Yixin deduced that Doctor Wu was in fact Li An guild leader, and that Lu Qingqing was his biological daughter, taken by Lu Hongzhu years ago. Nangong Yixin immediately confronted Doctor Wu, asking for the full story and the whereabouts of the magic power stone. Doctor Wu, confirming his identity as Li An, revealed that the magic power stone had been sealed within their daughter, Lu Qingqing, by her mother, the magic girl, right before she died.
He explained that Lu Hongzhu's relentless pursuit of him meant that revealing his true identity to Lu Qingqing now would put her in grave danger. He implored Nangong Yixin to keep this secret for the time being, which Nangong Yixin, understanding his paternal concern, agreed to do. Knowing his own impending death and wanting to ensure Lu Qingqing's safety by sending her back to Rong Yun, Nangong Yixin decided to push her away.
When Lu Qingqing came to check on his recovery, he initiated a harsh conversation, accusing her of conspiring with Lu Hongzhu at Thin Strip of Sky. Lu Qingqing was baffled by his sudden coldness and his attempts to send her back to her master. Nangong Yixin then stated his intention to kill her father, claiming Lu Hongzhu had murdered his father, the late Emperor, and had also used the forbidden Dark Lotus Seal on his victims.
Despite Lu Qingqing's emotional pleas and disbelief, Nangong Yixin remained resolute, concluding that they could not be together due to the past generation's grievances. When Lu Qingqing desperately tried to remind him of their past love, Nangong Yixin coldly confessed that he had never loved her. He revealed his true motive was to acquire the magic power stone within her, which he had discovered in Manghuang Forest.
He admitted to manipulating her feelings, letting her fall for him so she would willingly give up the stone, thus allowing him to avenge his father and claim the throne. Heartbroken and overwhelmed by his cruel words, Lu Qingqing ran away in tears. The Crown Prince, having overheard Nangong Yixin's cruel dismissal of Lu Qingqing, burst in and angrily confronted him, condemning him for betraying Lu Qingqing's genuine affection.
Meanwhile, Lu Qingqing, weeping outside, confided in Doctor Wu, who offered solace, advising her that what she saw and heard might not be the whole truth, and only her heart could discern it. Later, Nangong Yixin, now alone with the Crown Prince, explained his true motivations and dire condition.
He revealed that he had sealed his magic to control his glacial poison, but recent forced use during the battle had shattered the silver needles in his body, causing a fatal relapse. He admitted his days were numbered and entrusted the Crown Prince with the true imperial edict, which confirmed Lu Hongzhu as the traitor who murdered their father, the former King.
Nangong Yixin reiterated that he never coveted the throne and, since his own attempt to kill Lu Hongzhu had failed, he was now passing that unfinished task to the Crown Prince. He clarified that his harsh words to Lu Qingqing were a desperate attempt to protect her from his impending death and ensure her safety by sending her back to her master.
He also revealed the recently discovered truth that Lu Qingqing was not Lu Hongzhu's biological daughter but the child of the magic girl and Li An guild leader, making Lu Hongzhu's obsession with her solely about the magic power stone sealed within her. The Crown Prince, now armed with the truth, vowed to protect Lu Qingqing. As Nangong Yixin finished, Lu Qingqing, still seeking answers, approached his room, but he coldly closed the door on her.
The Crown Prince intervened, urging Lu Qingqing to let Nangong Yixin rest. Sikong Ying eventually awoke from his injuries to find Wan Qing by his side, overjoyed and relieved. She gently chided him for putting himself in such danger, expressing how worried she had been during his days of unconsciousness. Sikong Ying then recounted a vivid dream: his soul had left his body, and an elder told him it was time to move on.
He had begged the elder to allow him a final farewell to his most important person. The elder agreed, and upon seeing Wan Qing's heartfelt bedside vigil and her whispered declarations of love, was so moved that Sikong Ying was granted more time to be with her, with the condition that if she would marry him, he could stay forever. He added that he woke up immediately after this.
Deeply touched, Wan Qing assured him that her declarations of love were real. Nangong Yixin, whose health was rapidly declining, confided in Doctor Wu that he wished to spend his remaining limited time visiting the children at the Ciyou Kindergarten and then returning to Lilu Villa to live out his last days, unwilling to simply lie in bed. Doctor Wu, heartbroken, expressed concern about Lu Qingqing's future grief if she were to learn of Nangong Yixin's secret.
Nangong Yixin, however, wished for Lu Qingqing to live a lighthearted life, free from the burdens and sadness, and hoped she would regain her past happiness. Doctor Wu, seeing Nangong Yixin's resolve, could only reluctantly agree. Meanwhile, Sikong Ying, learning from Doctor Wu about Nangong Yixin's terminal illness and his act of driving Lu Qingqing away to spare her pain, was deeply distraught.
He confronted Nangong Yixin, reminding him of his promise not to use magic and questioning his will to live. Nangong Yixin explained his unavoidable use of magic to save Lu Qingqing, leading to his fatal condition, and apologized for failing their mission against Lu Hongzhu. Sikong Ying, rejecting the apology, furiously demanded if Nangong Yixin was truly content with his revenge, if Lu Hongzhu was dead, and why he was giving up.
Nangong Yixin weakly reiterated that the Crown Prince now knew the truth about Lu Hongzhu killing his father and would complete his unfinished task. Sikong Ying, tears in his eyes, refused to accept this, begging Nangong Yixin to affirm his desire to live and not to dwell on leaving this world. Nangong Yixin, trying to convey his acceptance to his old friend, suddenly collapsed, unconscious.
Lu Yunxi, who had been reflecting on her father's cruel actions and her fear that Lu Qingqing might be turning against their family by staying with Lord Jin, eventually went to No Magic Valley to bring Lu Qingqing home. She expressed her worry about Lu Qingqing's recent ordeal at Thin Strip of Sky. However, Lu Qingqing, heartbroken by Nangong Yixin's earlier rejection, refused to return to her father's mansion.
The Crown Prince, who was with Lu Qingqing, intervened, stating that she had important matters to discuss with him and would stay in the palace for a few days. As the Crown Prince led Lu Qingqing away, promising to take good care of her as Nangong Yixin had entrusted her to him, Lu Yunxi watched with profound sadness.
She lamented in her heart that Lu Qingqing's affections were still for Lord Jin, even as the Crown Prince remained deeply devoted to her, constantly ignoring Lu Yunxi's own unwavering care and concern for his safety and the throne.
Episode 21 Recap
Lu Qingqing returned to the palace with the Crown Prince, where he arranged for her to stay in the side hall of his sleeping chambers for better care and protection. Despite the Crown Prince's kindness, Lu Qingqing felt deep remorse, believing herself responsible for any conflict between the Crown Prince and the Empress, especially since her father, Lu Hongzhu, was the one who killed the previous Emperor.
The Crown Prince, however, assured her that Lu Hongzhu's actions were unrelated to her, and Nangong Yixin's current distance was merely temporary, urging her to rest and promising his unwavering protection. Meanwhile, Lu Hongzhu was informed of Lu Qingqing's presence in the palace and reacted with fury, seeing it as a direct defiance.
He immediately instructed Qi Yi to prepare the magic power army for a massive assault on No Magic Valley, determined to eliminate Nangong Yixin and Li An guild leader. When Lu Yunxi visited her father, Lu Hongzhu deceitfully claimed that Lu Qingqing had recklessly protected Nangong Yixin in No Magic Valley, leading to a devastating defeat for the magic power army.
Feigning regret for spoiling Lu Qingqing, he painted a grim picture of Nangong Yixin manipulating Lu Qingqing to seize the magic power stone, thereby jeopardizing the Crown Prince's claim to the throne. Believing her father's lies, Lu Yunxi agreed to persuade Lu Qingqing to return to the mansion. Lu Yunxi went to Lu Qingqing, trying to appeal to their sisterly bond and convince her to return to the Lu Mansion.
However, Lu Qingqing confronted her with the horrific truth about Lu Hongzhu's misdeeds: his ruthless slaughter of innocent people, his assassination of General Han and his men, and most damningly, his murder of the previous Emperor, all carried out with the nefarious Dark Lotus Seal. Lu Qingqing revealed that she had witnessed Lu Hongzhu wielding the Dark Lotus Seal to threaten Nangong Yixin's life, using her as leverage.
Lu Yunxi was horrified by these accusations, dismissing them as fabrications by Nangong Yixin. The Empress summoned the Crown Prince, demanding he act against Lu Qingqing to secure the magic power stone, convinced that Nangong Yixin was plotting rebellion. The Crown Prince defended Nangong Yixin, further infuriating the Empress.
She then shockingly revealed that she had poisoned Nangong Yixin with a glacial poison years ago to ensure the Crown Prince's succession, lamenting that his newfound love for Lu Qingqing had likely activated the poison and made his death imminent. The Crown Prince was enraged by his mother's cruelty, even suggesting that Nangong Yixin was more deserving of the throne.
The Empress, distraught, explained her decades of sacrifice, transforming from a gentle woman into a hardened ruler to protect him and the kingdom after his father's death, highlighting the brutal realities of power. The Crown Prince then presented her with the real secret edict, exposing Lu Hongzhu as the true murderer of the previous Emperor and General Han, and revealing his deceitful ambition. The Empress realized her profound error and regretted her long-held resentment towards Nangong Yixin.
Just as the Empress was processing this devastating truth, Lu Hongzhu arrived. The Crown Prince instructed his mother to conceal the real edict and appear unsuspecting. Lu Hongzhu pressed for the magic power stone to facilitate the Crown Prince's immediate ascension. The Empress cautiously questioned his true intentions behind repeatedly attacking No Magic Valley.
Lu Hongzhu, unaware of her newfound knowledge, falsely claimed he sought to apprehend Li An guild leader for deceiving the magic girl, all to uphold the continent's authority. His hollow assurances only solidified the Empress's understanding of his self-serving ambition. The Crown Prince, who had already gathered his generals to expose Lu Hongzhu's ambition and planned his capture, now had a more concrete strategy to deal with Lu Hongzhu.
In No Magic Valley, Nangong Yixin was plagued by dreams of Lu Qingqing and his health continued to decline. Meanwhile, Lu Qingqing, tormented by Nangong Yixin's earlier harsh words, resolved to seek answers from Rongyun in Youhuang Hall about the magic power stone within her body and her true identity. She needed to understand her connection to the magic girl.
The Crown Prince, mistakenly believing Lu Yunxi had leaked information about Nangong Yixin's deteriorating condition, angrily confronted her, accusing her of deliberately endangering Lu Qingqing. Lu Yunxi denied it, and during their heated exchange, the Crown Prince noticed her Green Lotus Seal, a symbol of chastity. This revelation confirmed that she had lied about their supposed intimacy, deeply disappointing him.
He acknowledged her suffering from unrequited love, similar to his own, but sternly warned her to cease all attempts to harm Lu Qingqing. In No Magic Valley, facing a fresh wave of attacks from Lu Hongzhu's forces and dwindling morale, Doctor Wu stepped forward. He revealed his true identity as Li An guild leader to Sikong Ying and his men, stating he could no longer hide.
He recounted his tragic past: his love for the magic girl, which incurred the wrath of the obsessed Lu Hongzhu. The magic girl discovered Lu Hongzhu's plot to kill the previous Emperor and usurp the throne. The Emperor was murdered, and Lu Hongzhu then attempted to seize the magic power stone. To prevent this, the magic girl extracted the magic power stone and fled.
She fled to Doctor Wu, but Lu Hongzhu fabricated a story of her stealing the stone and colluding with Doctor Wu, then launched an attack on No Magic Valley. Doctor Wu and the magic girl separated; he drew Lu Hongzhu's main force away, while Lu Hongzhu pursued the magic girl. Cornered, the magic girl sealed the magic power stone within her baby daughter, Lu Qingqing, and leaped to her death.
Lu Hongzhu found the infant Lu Qingqing and raised her, hoping to uncover the whereabouts of the magic power stone. Doctor Wu, heartbroken by his wife's death and his daughter's disappearance, went into hiding. Lu Qingqing, determined to find the truth, prepared to leave the palace for Youhuang Hall.
The Crown Prince, concerned for her safety, tried to dissuade her, but Lu Qingqing insisted, stating she could no longer endure being protected through deception and needed to uncover the truth herself. Unable to stop her, the Crown Prince chose to accompany her, temporarily abandoning his royal duties. Along the way, they were pursued by Lu Hongzhu's agents, but the Crown Prince expertly used his magic to evade them. At Youhuang Hall, Lu Qingqing requested a private audience with Rongyun.
She confronted him, asking if he took her as a disciple solely because of the magic power stone within her. Rongyun confirmed her suspicion, explaining that Nangong Yixin had requested he train her for self-preservation. Pressing for more, Lu Qingqing demanded to know her relationship with the magic girl. Rongyun finally revealed the full, shocking truth: Lu Qingqing was the daughter of the magic girl and Li An guild leader.
The Emperor had been murdered by Lu Hongzhu, who then attempted to seize the magic power stone. To prevent this, her mother had extracted the magic power stone and sealed it within her before leaping to her death. Lu Qingqing was devastated to learn that her birth mother was murdered by Lu Hongzhu, the man she had believed to be her father for twenty years.
Rongyun, now openly acknowledging his identity as Li An guild leader, further confirmed that Si Kongren also knew the truth. He explained his reasons for hiding: his past trauma and a desire to protect Lu Qingqing. Despite his regrets, he expressed relief that Nangong Yixin was there to bring her happiness, revealing that Nangong Yixin had orchestrated Lu Qingqing's visit to Youhuang Hall to keep her safe from Lu Hongzhu.
Lu Qingqing was deeply hurt by Nangong Yixin's continued secrecy and lies, but Rongyun assured her that Nangong Yixin must have a valid, difficult reason and would never truly abandon her. Desperate, Sikong Ying sent a letter to the Crown Prince, informing him of Nangong Yixin's grave condition and imploring him to send Lu Qingqing to his side.
Breaking his promise to Nangong Yixin, the Crown Prince revealed the truth to Lu Qingqing—that Nangong Yixin was dying—and urged her to go to him immediately to prevent him from dying with regrets. Lu Qingqing rushed to No Magic Valley. However, a feverish and weakened Nangong Yixin, still intent on pushing her away, cruelly rejected her once more, claiming he never loved her and she only brought him trouble.
He even feigned discarding a sentimental keepsake she had given him, though he couldn't actually bring himself to let it go. Sikong Ying tried to intervene, suggesting Lu Qingqing leave for Nangong Yixin's sake. But Lu Qingqing, heartbroken and confused, demanded to know the real reason for his behavior and the meaning of "his days are numbered." When no one would tell her, she left in despair.
On her way, she encountered Wanqing, still crying and confused by Nangong Yixin's inexplicable cruelty. Lu Qingqing, asserting that she was no longer the fragile girl she once was and was ready to face any truth, implored Wanqing to tell her everything. Seeing Lu Qingqing's unwavering resolve and profound pain, Wanqing decided to reveal the full truth.
Episode 22 Recap
Lu Hongzhu angrily confronted the Crown Prince regarding his decision to send Lu Qingqing to the No Magic Valley, accusing him of potentially compromising the acquisition of the magic power stone by sending Lu Qingqing away. The Crown Prince calmly stated that Nangong Yixin and Lu Qingqing together could still obtain the magic power stone, thus not jeopardizing the succession. He expressed skepticism about Lu Hongzhu's accusations of treason against Lord Jin, insisting the matter required a thorough investigation.
Feeling his authority questioned, Lu Hongzhu inwardly resolved to accelerate his plans for rebellion. After Lu Hongzhu's departure, the Crown Prince, now aware of Lu Hongzhu's treachery against the royal family, swore to make him pay for everything, including his father's and brother's trust. Later, Lu Hongzhu received news that his magic power army encountered repeated failures while trying to apprehend Li An Guild Leader in the No Magic Valley, due to resistance from the Red Face Army.
He also learned of the Crown Prince's secret meeting with General Murong, which confirmed his suspicion that the Crown Prince was turning against him. Meanwhile, Sikong Ying found Nangong Yixin tirelessly repairing a porcelain fox, urging him to cease his efforts to push Lu Qingqing away. Nangong Yixin, however, believed that keeping Lu Qingqing away was the last act of protection he could offer her, regardless of her feelings.
Just then, Wan Qing arrived with Lu Qingqing, having revealed Nangong Yixin's true condition to her. Wan Qing could no longer bear to see two people who loved each other so deeply remain apart, urging them to talk. Nangong Yixin initially tried to send Lu Qingqing away, but Wan Qing created space for them. Lu Qingqing tearfully confronted Nangong Yixin, calling him foolish. Nangong Yixin confessed his impending death and expressed his desire for her to live freely and happily.
Lu Qingqing, however, insisted that her happiness was intertwined with him and that she cherished their relationship, refusing to leave his side. Overcome, Nangong Yixin embraced her, vowing to hold her close for every remaining moment of his life, even if it were only a single day. Lu Hongzhu ordered Qi Yi to capture Wan Qing from the No Magic Valley, using her as bait to lure out Li An Guild Leader.
He suspected Wan Qing's connections to the Ciyou Kindergarten, built by Lord Jin, and her association with Sikong Ying indicated a deeper link to Li An Guild Leader and Lord Jin. Later, while Nangong Yixin rested, Lu Qingqing assisted Doctor Wu in the kitchen. Doctor Wu shared his poignant story of losing his wife and his enduring hope of reuniting with his missing daughter, a hope that sustained him.
Lu Qingqing deeply empathized, but firmly stated her resolve that she wanted Nangong Yixin by her side, not watching her from heaven, affirming her will to fight for their happiness. When she returned to Nangong Yixin's room to give him medicine, she found him gone. She quickly located him sitting alone by the river, chiding him for breaking his promise to stay together. Nangong Yixin explained he wished to spare her from seeing his deteriorating health.
Lu Qingqing revealed her frequent meetings with the Crown Prince were to find a cure for him. As they spoke of their shared future, expanding the Ciyou Kindergarten and living a joyful life, Nangong Yixin suddenly fainted. Doctor Wu examined him and gravely informed Lu Qingqing that Nangong Yixin might not survive the next day, urging her to prepare for his passing.
In the palace, the Crown Prince experienced a sudden chest pain, a premonition of Nangong Yixin's suffering, and urgently sent for news. Nangong Yixin lay in bed, pale and frail. He held Lu Qingqing's hand, too weak to speak much, asking her not to cry and to smile for him, before closing his eyes. Lu Qingqing cried profusely, blaming herself for initially drawing on his spiritual power and despairing at their fate.
Lu Hongzhu instructed Lu Yunxi to go to Lilu Villa to end Lu Qingqing’s relationship with Nangong Yixin and bring her back, especially now that Lord Jin was nearing death. Lu Yunxi, influenced by her father’s words and aiming to help the Crown Prince secure his throne, agreed to seize the opportunity. Meanwhile, the Empress informed the Crown Prince about the Red Flame flower, the sole antidote for glacial poison, found on Taiji Mountain.
She expressed remorse for her past actions against Lord Jin and offered to help. When General Murong arrived for an urgent meeting, the Empress advised the Crown Prince to write to Lu Qingqing about the antidote, trusting her ability to retrieve it. Lu Qingqing received the Crown Prince’s letter with joy. She entrusted the unconscious Nangong Yixin to Doctor Wu’s care and departed for Taiji Mountain, bidding farewell to Nangong Yixin and pleading with him to wait for her.
A tear rolled down Nangong Yixin’s cheek, as if in acknowledgment. Lu Yunxi arrived at Lilu Villa, intending to kill the ailing Nangong Yixin to secure the Crown Prince's throne. However, she found a letter from Lu Qingqing under his pillow, revealing her quest for the Red Flame flower. Doctor Wu's unexpected return forced Lu Yunxi to make a hasty escape through a window. Doctor Wu then noticed the displaced letter, realizing an intruder had been there.
In the No Magic Valley, Qi Yi and the magic power army attempted to abduct Wan Qing, threatening the children of the Ciyou Kindergarten to force her to reveal Li An Guild Leader’s whereabouts. Sikong Ying bravely intervened but was outmatched. Just as Wan Qing and Xiaoyi were about to be captured, Commander Sikong appeared, only to be struck by a poisoned dart.
With his last breaths, Commander Sikong entrusted his son, Sikong Ying, with the duty of protecting the No Magic Valley. Overwhelmed by grief and fury, Sikong Ying fought wildly. Qi Yi, already injured during a confrontation with Commander Sikong and fearing further complications after his sudden death, ordered a retreat. Sikong Ying then collapsed from exhaustion.
Lu Yunxi, regrouping with Qi Yi and learning of Commander Sikong's death, decided to proceed to Taiji Mountain to find Lu Qingqing, with Qi Yi accompanying her. Sikong Ying later sent a letter to the Crown Prince, reporting the magic power army's violations and the death of Commander Sikong, providing a poisoned dart from Lu Hongzhu's mansion as evidence.
In a public assembly, the Empress and the Crown Prince confronted Lu Hongzhu, reminding him of the non-aggression pact between Qiyuan continent and No Magic Valley, and condemning his army’s brutal actions, including the murder of Commander Sikong. Lu Hongzhu defiantly dismissed the evidence, claiming Commander Sikong deserved his fate for obstructing his mission. The Crown Prince publicly shamed Lu Hongzhu for his egregious conduct, and the Empress expressed her profound disappointment.
With overwhelming support from the court, the Crown Prince and Empress stripped Lu Hongzhu of his military command, taking control themselves, much to Lu Hongzhu’s thinly veiled contempt. Nangong Yixin woke from a terrifying dream where Lu Qingqing vanished and he was powerless to save her. He desperately asked Doctor Wu about Lu Qingqing, who handed him her farewell letter.
Nangong Yixin wept, convinced that Lu Qingqing's journey to Taiji Mountain was suicidal, and insisted on going after her despite his severe illness. Doctor Wu, revealing that Lu Qingqing was his daughter, acupunctured Nangong Yixin to induce rest, promising to go find his daughter himself. After an arduous journey, Lu Qingqing found the Red Flame flower clinging to a perilous, icy cliff.
Seeing that it had not yet bloomed, she used her own spiritual blood to nourish it, causing the rare flower to blossom. On her return, she was confronted by Qi Yi and Lu Yunxi, who intended to forcibly take her back to the Lu Mansion. Lu Qingqing pleaded with Lu Yunxi to see the truth, exposing Lu Hongzhu's murderous ambition, his role in the late king's death, and his manipulation of her for the magic power stone.
Lu Yunxi was momentarily stunned by the revelations. As Qi Yi moved to seize Lu Qingqing, Doctor Wu appeared, wearing the mask of Li An Guild Leader. He powerfully shielded his daughter, swiftly overpowering Qi Yi and Lu Yunxi. Li An Guild Leader then instructed Qi Yi to convey a message to Lu Hongzhu: their long-standing scores would now be settled.
Before Lu Qingqing could see the face beneath the mask, she fainted from exhaustion and the depletion of her spiritual blood. Li An Guild Leader anxiously caught her in his arms.
Episode 23 Recap
Lu Hongzhu was furious with Qi Yi and Lu Yunxi because Lu Qingqing had escaped with the Red Flame flowers. He harshly berated Qi Yi for his incompetence, stating that if Lu Qingqing saved Nangong Yixin, it would cause him great trouble. When Lu Yunxi attempted to take the blame and defend Qi Yi, Lu Hongzhu angrily slapped her several times, then told her to shut up and get out, saying he didn't want to see her useless face.
This violent outburst from her father shattered Lu Yunxi's perception of him. She began to believe Lu Qingqing's earlier words that Lu Hongzhu was not Lu Qingqing's biological father and that he intended to seize the throne. Despite the Crown Prince's indifference towards her, Lu Yunxi remained deeply in love with him. She suspected that once Lu Qingqing healed Nangong Yixin, the magic power stone would be unsealed.
Fearing her father would seize it and usurp the throne, Lu Yunxi hastily set out, intending to claim the magic power stone herself the moment it appeared. Meanwhile, Lu Hongzhu also instructed Qi Yi to prepare for this event. He believed that once Lu Qingqing and Nangong Yixin were together, the magic power stone would manifest. He ordered Qi Yi to seize it at all costs, even if it meant killing Lu Qingqing.
Lu Hongzhu declared his intent to lead the magic power army to flatten the No Magic Valley and brutally kill Li An guild leader. When Qi Yi expressed concern about the Crown Prince's disapproval, Lu Hongzhu scoffed, referring to the Crown Prince as an "indecisive, useless piece" and stating that he would be discarded once the magic power stone was in his possession. After Doctor Wu brought Lu Qingqing back, she used the Red Flame flowers to save Nangong Yixin.
However, Nangong Yixin remained unconscious, causing Lu Qingqing great anxiety. Doctor Wu examined Nangong Yixin, confirming that his pulse was stable and the Red Flame flowers had successfully detoxified the glacial poison; he was expected to wake up the next day. Observing Lu Qingqing's pale complexion and injured hand, Doctor Wu inquired about what happened. Lu Qingqing revealed that she had used her own magic blood to make the yet-to-bloom Red Flame flowers blossom, as she couldn't wait.
Doctor Wu commended her as a truly righteous person. Lu Qingqing, however, explained that growing up without a mother, despite living comfortably in the Lu Mansion, no one had taught her about loyalty or affection. It was only after meeting Nangong Yixin that she understood love, companionship, and the importance of protecting the one she loved, stating she would do anything for him to live.
Hearing this, Doctor Wu was deeply moved and sorrowfully remarked on how much Lu Qingqing had suffered over the years. Lu Qingqing, having noticed Doctor Wu's unusual emotional response to her story, became suspicious. Upon entering his room, she discovered an unfamiliar robe, which she recognized as belonging to Li An guild leader, whose Qiankun palm she had previously witnessed. Confronting Doctor Wu, Lu Qingqing asserted that all signs pointed to him being Li An guild leader, her savior.
She demanded to know why he had concealed his identity and why he hadn't sought her out all these years. Seeing that he could no longer hide the truth, Doctor Wu tearfully called her "Qingqing," then "daughter," and expressed his deep regret for not recognizing her and acknowledging their relationship sooner. Doctor Wu then revealed the tragic history. Twenty years ago, the No Magic Valley and Qiyuan continent shared free passage.
He, as Li An guild leader, met and fell in love with a magic girl on a rainy day. They married and lived in seclusion, but Lu Hongzhu discovered their love and, out of jealousy, harbored hatred for the magic girl. Lu Hongzhu then deluded Emperor Nangong into attempting to seize the magic power stone to attack the No Magic Valley. When Emperor Nangong refused, Lu Hongzhu killed him and took the magic power stone.
The magic girl, carrying Lu Qingqing and the magic power stone, fled to the No Magic Valley. When Doctor Wu finally found her, she was dying. With her last breaths, she directed him to save their daughter, who was hidden in a tree hole. Despite searching every tree hole in the vicinity, Doctor Wu was devastated to find no trace of Lu Qingqing.
Doctor Wu continued, explaining that for years he had lived in hiding, even faking his own death, to prevent Lu Hongzhu from discovering he was alive. He knew that if Lu Hongzhu learned his true identity, he would use it as an excuse to destroy the No Magic Valley. His only regret was leaving his child unprotected.
He expressed immense joy at finally finding Lu Qingqing and seeing the kind, clever woman she had become, but also profound guilt for failing to protect her from Lu Hongzhu during her upbringing. Overwhelmed by this shocking revelation, Lu Qingqing found herself unable to accept it and fled, declaring, "It couldn't be like that." Although she understood her father's desperate measures, she found it incredibly difficult to reconcile with the truth.
After Lu Hongzhu's angry outburst and her growing suspicions, Lu Yunxi heard her maid discussing the shocking revelation that Lu Qingqing was the magic girl's daughter, not Lu Hongzhu's. Lu Yunxi confirmed this, realizing her father had kept Lu Qingqing close only for the magic power stone within her. She now fully understood Lu Hongzhu's true ambition to seize the throne, which directly threatened the Crown Prince.
Determined not to let her father succeed, she decided that once Lu Qingqing revived Nangong Yixin and the magic power stone appeared, she would personally seize it before Lu Hongzhu could. Wan Qing consoled a grieving Sikong Ying, who was still reeling from his father's recent death. She urged him to remain calm and focus on living well, reminding him of his own wisdom about facing adversity. Sikong Ying promised not to act impulsively again.
Shortly after, a letter from Doctor Wu arrived, informing Sikong Ying that Lu Qingqing had found the Red Flame flowers and Nangong Yixin could be saved. Eager to see Nangong Yixin, Sikong Ying decided to head to Lilu Villa, instructing his guards to secure Ciyou Kindergarten. Wan Qing, declaring her unwavering support, insisted on accompanying him.
During their journey, Sikong Ying confided in Wan Qing, revealing that Doctor Wu was in fact Li An guild leader and his own biological father. He admitted that while he understood his father's difficult past, he found it hard to accept the truth immediately. Wan Qing empathized deeply, having experienced similar loss, and reaffirmed her commitment to always being by his side, seeing their reunion as a destined opportunity to heal together.
A distraught Lu Qingqing went to Nangong Yixin's side, holding his hand and desperately wishing for him to awaken, yearning for his companionship in her moment of turmoil. She eventually drifted off to sleep beside him. When Nangong Yixin finally awoke, his first sight was Lu Qingqing, which he found "good." He made her promise never to leave him, and in turn, vowed to never leave her, to love and protect her for their entire lives.
As Lu Qingqing fetched him water, he noticed her injured hand and realized she had used her own magic blood to nourish the Red Flame flowers. He thanked her profusely for her unwavering presence and sacrifice in saving him. As their emotions overflowed, Nangong Yixin and Lu Qingqing shared a passionate kiss. In that instant, red magic power emanated around them, flower petals swirled, and the magic power stone unsealed from Lu Qingqing's body, radiating brilliant light into the sky.
Outside, Qi Yi, witnessing the auspicious, colorful clouds, immediately recognized that the magic power stone had appeared. He ordered the magic power army to converge on Lilu Villa. At that moment, Lu Yunxi arrived, claiming her father had sent her to assist him. However, Qi Yi sensed she was lying. Nevertheless, they set off together towards the villa. Inside the No Magic Valley, Nangong Yixin, having learned the full truth, urged Lu Qingqing to forgive Doctor Wu.
He explained that Doctor Wu had not dared to reveal his identity earlier to protect her from the dangers associated with being Li An guild leader's daughter. Nangong Yixin confessed that, when he was near death, the knowledge that Doctor Wu was her father brought him immense comfort and a sense of security, knowing someone would care for her if he were gone.
He praised Doctor Wu as a man of great justice and compassion, encouraging Lu Qingqing to be proud of her father. While Lu Qingqing understood the circumstances, she admitted that the suddenness of all the revelations made it difficult for her to fully process and forgive immediately, asking for more time. Nangong Yixin, understanding her feelings, did not press her further, instead embracing her to offer comfort. Nangong Yixin, Doctor Wu, and Sikong Ying convened to strategize against Lu Hongzhu.
Nangong Yixin, realizing Lu Hongzhu would undoubtedly attack for the magic power stone, advocated for a proactive strike. He proposed that he and Lu Qingqing, both now wielding seventh-level magic power, would return to Qiyuan continent with the magic power stone to aid the Crown Prince in ascending the throne and eliminate Lu Hongzhu, thereby ensuring peace.
Doctor Wu expressed concern about the risks, and Sikong Ying offered to accompany them, but Nangong Yixin insisted that Sikong Ying remain in the No Magic Valley to lead the Red Face Army and manage the defense. Doctor Wu and Sikong Ying were tasked with rallying the people and relocating the children from Ciyou Kindergarten to the heavily guarded Commander's House for their safety. Wan Qing was entrusted with the care of the children.
As they finalized their plans, a poignant moment of reconciliation occurred: Lu Qingqing, facing the imminent dangers, finally addressed Doctor Wu as "Father," bringing a sense of relief and joy to everyone present. Nangong Yixin, before leaving, promised Doctor Wu that he would protect Lu Qingqing with his life and bring her back safely.
Concurrently, Lu Hongzhu, having been alerted to the magic power stone's appearance, dispatched Qi Yi and his magic power army to raid Lilu Villa and Ciyou Kindergarten. Upon searching Lilu Villa, Qi Yi's men found no one, prompting them to move to Ciyou Kindergarten, which was also deserted and ransacked. Qi Yi realized that the residents had been prepared and had evacuated in advance.
Back at the devastated Ciyou Kindergarten, Sikong Ying and Wan Qing observed the damage, relieved that they had successfully moved all the children to the Commander's House before the raid. Sikong Ying reassured Wan Qing, promising to rebuild the kindergarten to its original state. Simultaneously, General Murong discussed Lu Hongzhu's increasingly brazen actions and complex power with the Crown Prince.
The Crown Prince, recognizing Lu Hongzhu's arrogance despite recent punishment, agreed with General Murong that Lu Hongzhu's influence needed to be eradicated completely. They resolved to expose Lu Hongzhu's crimes and arrest him at the imperial court the following day, with General Murong vowing his full support and the Crown Prince ordering the magic power army to surround the court as a precaution.
Unbeknownst to the Crown Prince, a seemingly loyal servant covertly slipped poison into his drink and watched with satisfaction as he consumed it. The next day at court, General Murong bravely impeached Lu Hongzhu for practicing forbidden magic. He presented Mo Han, a guard from Thin strip of sky, who testified to witnessing Lu Hongzhu use the "Dark Lotus Seal" against Lord Jin.
Further evidence, a letter, alleged that this same forbidden technique was used to kill Emperor Nangong and his loyalists. The Crown Prince, enraged, accused Lu Hongzhu of regicide and treason and ordered his arrest. However, no one dared to move. Instead, Lu Hongzhu, with a command, ordered the arrest of General Murong. The Crown Prince, weakened by the poison, struggled to stand, his words becoming incoherent.
Lu Hongzhu took advantage of his condition, dismissing the Crown Prince's accusations as a confused judgment influenced by General Murong, and forcibly escorted him to his bedchamber. There, he declared the Crown Prince unwell and unfit to govern, placing him under house arrest and coercing him into stamping his seal on a forged edict. The Crown Prince fiercely cursed Lu Hongzhu for his treachery and poisoning.
Lu Hongzhu, mocking the Crown Prince for his disobedience, asserted that he would indeed obtain the magic power stone, destroy the No Magic Valley, and unify the two realms. The Crown Prince retaliated by taunting Lu Hongzhu about his past defeat by a magic-less Li An guild leader.
Enraged, Lu Hongzhu nearly struck the Crown Prince but restrained himself, instead warning him that further defiance would lead to the same fate as his late father, whom Lu Hongzhu admitted to killing with the Dark Lotus Seal. He then ordered the guards to keep a close watch on the "turd."
With the Crown Prince imprisoned, Lu Hongzhu, using the forged edict, publicly announced that he would rule in the Crown Prince's stead and ordered the full-scale arrest of Nangong Yixin on charges of treason. He then sent his forces to place the Empress under house arrest in Changqiu Palace and thoroughly seal off Lord Jin's Mansion.
Meanwhile, Lu Yunxi, attempting to visit the Crown Prince, found his chambers protected by a magic barrier and heavily guarded, with strict orders to kill any trespassers. She encountered Lingyu, who confirmed that both the Crown Prince and the Empress were confined, and that Lu Hongzhu had coerced the Crown Prince into signing the arrest warrant for Nangong Yixin.
Arriving in the city and seeing the wanted posters for Nangong Yixin, Nangong Yixin and Lu Qingqing realized Lu Hongzhu had preempted their plans. Xiaowu informed them that Lord Jin Mansion was besieged. Recognizing the gravity of the situation, Nangong Yixin decided their priority was to first rescue the Empress and the Crown Prince.
After securing their release, they would return the magic power stone to its rightful place to help the Crown Prince ascend to power, and then finally defeat Lu Hongzhu. Nangong Yixin also instructed to concentrate forces at Thin strip of sky, on the edge of the No Magic Valley, to use the terrain to trap Lu Hongzhu's army and minimize casualties, while also sending a team to evacuate civilians.
Prioritizing Baihe's safety, Nangong Yixin and Lu Qingqing went to Lu Mansion. They instructed Baihe to head to the Manghuang forest to meet Xiaowu, who would escort her to Lianying Dwelling, a safe retreat, with Nangong Yixin promising to retrieve her once the crisis passed. Later, Lu Yunxi, now fully aware of Lu Hongzhu's coup—that he had imprisoned the Crown Prince and Empress, seized military power, and forged an edict to incriminate Nangong Yixin—came specifically to find Lu Qingqing.
She expressed deep remorse to Nangong Yixin, apologizing for her past misguided suspicions that he coveted the throne, admitting she had been completely deceived by her father. Lu Yunxi then turned to Lu Qingqing, sincerely apologizing for her jealousy and the harm she had almost caused. Driven by a desire to rectify her father's wrongs, she earnestly requested Lu Qingqing and Nangong Yixin's help in rescuing the Crown Prince and Empress.
She offered to retrieve Lu Hongzhu's private seal from his study to aid their plan, stating with confidence that "there is nothing that I cannot do." Armed with Lu Hongzhu's private seal, Lu Yunxi, along with Lu Qingqing and Nangong Yixin disguised as guards, infiltrated the palace. Their first objective was the Empress, whom they located and arranged for Lingyu to escort to safety. Next, they proceeded to the Crown Prince's chambers.
Nangong Yixin administered an antidote to the weakened Crown Prince, and they began to lead him out. However, their escape was swiftly detected and intercepted by Lu Hongzhu's loyal guards. Lu Yunxi attempted to bluff her way through, claiming she was acting on Lu Hongzhu's orders to transfer the Crown Prince to the Lu Mansion, but the vigilant guards had received no such instruction and blocked their path.
Episode 24 (Ending) Recap
A guard reported to Lu Hongzhu that Lu Yunxi had used Lu Hongzhu's personal seal to rescue the Crown Prince and Empress, with the help of Nangong Yixin and Lu Qingqing, who possessed strong magic power. Lu Hongzhu was surprised to learn Nangong Yixin was alive and had regained his abilities. The group was seen heading toward Qiyuan Hall, where they intended to use the magic stone with the Soul-Devouring Circle.
Lu Hongzhu followed, intercepting them and taking control of the magic power stone. There, he activated the soul-devouring circle, declaring his claim over the magic power stone. Lu Qingqing condemned his despicable actions and pleaded with him to stop, but Lu Hongzhu angrily silenced her. The Crown Prince, Nangong Yixin, and Lu Qingqing combined their magic to break free from the soul-devouring circle.
As they attempted to escape, Lu Hongzhu tried to attack the Crown Prince, but Lu Yunxi intervened, blocking him. Enraged, Lu Hongzhu turned his wrath on Lu Yunxi, but Qi Yi shielded her, sustaining a serious injury in the process. Later, Lu Yunxi visited an injured Qi Yi and expressed her gratitude, offering to heal him. Despite his initial protests, she insisted.
Qi Yi confessed his unwavering loyalty and desire to silently protect her without any other motives, which Lu Yunxi called a "blind devotion." The Crown Prince then sought out Lu Yunxi, who returned the reflecting mirror to him, stating she had seen its contents and understood her father's wrongdoing. She pleaded with the Crown Prince to spare Lu Hongzhu's life, offering to take him to Manghuang Forest to atone for his sins.
The Crown Prince, however, replied that the matter was no longer solely in his hands and advised her to rest. Lu Hongzhu, with Qi Yi now appointed as the magic power army commander, led his forces to conquer No Magic Valley, emphasizing that victory was their only option. At Thin strip of sky, Li An Guild Master and his army prepared for battle. Lu Hongzhu confronted Li An Guild Master, engaging in a heated exchange about their two-decade-long feud.
Li An Guild Master accused Lu Hongzhu of killing the spirit maiden out of selfishness and separating him from his daughter, while Lu Hongzhu countered, blaming Li An Guild Master for the spirit maiden's death and disparaging him as a "dud." During the ensuing battle, Li An Guild Master was gravely wounded and fell. Lu Qingqing rushed to him, distraught. Lu Hongzhu gloated over his victory and threatened to kill Lu Qingqing as well.
In his final moments, Li An Guild Master comforted Lu Qingqing, assuring her that he and her mother would watch over her from above. Lu Qingqing cried out in anguish as her father died in her arms. Crown Prince Nangong Mingyang then arrived and confronted Lu Hongzhu, accusing him of treason and ruining Qiyuan's reputation. Lu Hongzhu defiantly asserted that with the magic power stone in his possession, no one would follow the Crown Prince's orders.
Nangong Mingyang then used the reflecting mirror to project Lu Hongzhu's own confession, revealing his past act of using the dark lotus seal to kill the Crown Prince's father and his subsequent threats. The magic power army soldiers, realizing they had been deceived, branded Lu Hongzhu a conspirator. Nangong Mingyang, as the Crown Prince of Qiyuan, ordered the soldiers to lay down their weapons, declaring Lu Hongzhu a heinous criminal unfit to lead them.
Abandoned by his army, Lu Hongzhu fled with the magic power stone. Rongyun intercepted Lu Hongzhu, admonishing him for his wicked deeds. Lu Hongzhu, unrepentant, defied Rongyun, the Crown Prince, and Nangong Yixin, who demanded he surrender the magic power stone. Refusing to let them win, Lu Hongzhu swallowed the magic power stone, sacrificing his life to create an impassable magic barrier at Thin strip of sky, permanently separating No Magic Valley and Qiyuan continent.
Lu Qingqing and Nangong Yixin were thus divided, longing for each other across the invisible barrier, unable to see or hear each other despite their proximity. Nangong Yixin reached out, and Lu Qingqing instinctively mirrored his gesture, but their hands could not touch, leaving Lu Qingqing in tears. Meanwhile, in Lu Mansion, Lu Yunxi acknowledged her father's deserved end, reflecting on her own past misdeeds.
Qi Yi, preventing her from self-harm, urged her to live and atone by rebuilding Lu Mansion and doing good deeds. Later, at Thin strip of sky, Lu Qingqing and Nangong Yixin communicated across the barrier. Lu Qingqing shared that Sikong Ying was leading rebuilding efforts, Wan Qing had settled the homeless, and the magic power army was adapting to life in No Magic Valley.
Nangong Yixin, concerned for her well-being, informed her that Lu Hongzhu's crimes were publicly known and Crown Prince Nangong Mingyang was governing effectively. He expressed concern about the diminishing magic power in Qiyuan continent due to the shattered stone and both wondered when they would reunite, deeply missing each other.
Before the tragic event at Thin strip of sky, Crown Prince Nangong Mingyang had expressed his doubts about being a wise ruler, even suggesting Nangong Yixin should take the throne, citing an imperial edict. Nangong Yixin reassured him, recalling their father's conviction that Nangong Mingyang was always the best candidate to lead the court. Nangong Yixin revealed that the imperial edict naming him as successor was a desperate measure by their father, who feared Lu Hongzhu would manipulate Nangong Mingyang.
To demonstrate his unwavering support, Nangong Yixin burned the imperial edict, trusting Nangong Mingyang would surpass their father as a ruler. Rongyun, having prepared for his sacrifice, left a message for Lu Qingqing. He explained that the magic power stone, shattered by Lu Hongzhu's dark energy, formed the Thin strip of sky barrier, and if the fierce dark energy was released, it would bring disaster.
He stated that only a powerful magic master, by sacrificing their life's magic power, could dissolve the dark energy and restore the stone, and as an old man with no worldly attachments, he was the most suitable candidate. Nangong Yixin rushed to Rongyun, attempting to stop him, but Rongyun proceeded with his sacrifice, weakening the seal. Sensing the change, Lu Qingqing prepared to use her own magic to complete the restoration, unwilling to stand by while others sacrificed themselves.
Nangong Yixin arrived, trying to dissuade her, declaring it was his turn to protect her. Lu Qingqing argued it was her turn to protect everyone. They both vowed not to abandon each other, expressing their deep love and determination to face fate together. They combined their magic, continuing Rongyun's sacrifice to dissolve the dark energy and restore the magic power stone. After the immense effort, the seal was broken, and Lu Qingqing and Nangong Yixin reunited.
After the magic power stone was restored, Nangong Yixin surprised Lu Qingqing with a room full of fresh flowers and her favorite pan-fried buns, which he learned to make for her, promising to cook them daily. Their love grew stronger each day. Crown Prince Nangong Mingyang then ascended to the throne. He held a ceremony at Qiyuan Hall, where he declared that the precious magic power stone, restored by Master Rongyun, Nangong Yixin, and Lu Qingqing, would guard Qiyuan continent.
He also announced a new contract with Sikong Ying, the leader of No Magic Valley: from that day forward, Qiyuan continent and No Magic Valley would be equal, connected, and people could travel freely between the two places without restrictions. In No Magic Valley, a lively celebration took place. Xiaoyi greeted Lu Qingqing and Nangong Yixin, commenting on them holding hands, and asked to play cat's cradle. Sikong Ying and Wan Qing hosted the gathering, having prepared food and wine.
Sikong Ying humorously claimed to have done all the cooking, prompting playful teasing from Lu Qingqing and Nangong Yixin. Qi Yi then jokingly reminded Lu Qingqing of her past disastrous cooking attempts. As couples like Sikong Ying and Wan Qing, and Qi Yi and Lu Yunxi shared food and drinks affectionately, Crown Prince Nangong Mingyang observed them with a touch of melancholy. The group then raised their glasses for a collective toast, with even the children wanting to join in.
Later, Lu Qingqing and Nangong Yixin stood by the river, watching a rainbow. Nangong Yixin complimented Lu Qingqing, saying the rainbow was as beautiful as her. Reflecting on their journey, Nangong Yixin asked Lu Qingqing to hold his hand firmly so they wouldn't get lost, to which she promised to hold his hand forever and never let go, embracing their future together.
