My Queen Recap, Plot, Synopsis
My Queen Synopsis
Jiang Xiaomeng, a miserable assistant who endured the oppression of the devil president Qin Han, has always longed for a perfect boyfriend like the hero of the TV series. But she is always single.
After entering the game world, she met Murong Chen, who looks highly similar to Qin Han, and they started to stir up the storm in Jiang Hu together.
After experiencing various crises in Jiang Hu, they fell in love with each other and finally grew up with true love.
My Queen Recap
Episode 1 Recap
Jiang Xiaomeng, who is single and works a 9-9-6 routine, outwardly appears carefree and only interested in money and good looks. However, she secretly longs for a perfect boyfriend, just like the male leads in TV dramas, but remains single. On a Friday, she rushes home from work, eagerly anticipating a week's worth of accumulated TV shows, much to the amusement of her colleagues who tease her about meeting a boyfriend.
On her way out, Jiang Xiaomeng encounters her cold, reserved, and stoic boss, Qin Han, the president of Qin Group and a workaholic. She quickly reports on her completed tasks and her upcoming schedule for Monday before making a swift exit, finding an excuse to escape. Back home, she indulges in snacks while engrossed in a sweet idol drama, deeply moved by the intense romance depicted.
Suddenly, an advertisement for a game beta test called "Destined" pops up on her screen. Initially uninterested, she tries to close it, but the Mr. System prevents her, promising the ultimate love experience through personalized gameplay. Intrigued, Jiang Xiaomeng lists her ideal boyfriend's qualities: cold and reserved, deeply devoted, loyal, ambitious, understanding of her preferences, doting, a little scheming, a little silly, and most importantly, handsome.
The system confirms her settings and assigns her the ancient character "Jiang Mengmeng" in a martial arts fantasy setting, with the game's hint: "No matter how many times I forgot you, I will fall in love with you again." Donning a VR headset, Jiang Mengmeng enters the game world, finding herself dressed in ancient men's clothing beneath a large clock. Confused about her identity, she follows the game's prompt and steps out into a bustling street.
Vendors immediately recognize her as "Childe Meng" and clamor to sell her goods. Bewildered, she buys everything to escape their persistent attention. As she turns to leave, she crashes into a man who looks exactly like Qin Han. In the chaos, someone steals a black box the man was holding. Jiang Mengmeng is startled and breaks into a cold sweat, seeing her boss's face in this ancient setting. The man is Murong Chen, the 5th prince of Cang Yun Kingdom.
Despite his handsome appearance, he is a frail yet sharp-tongued nobleman, a germaphobe, sarcastic, and directionally challenged. As a second-generation royal, he excels at idle pursuits and entertainment but completely lacks ambition. Murong Chen had just acquired a blood night-blooming cereus in a secret exchange. Having an urgent matter to attend to, he dismisses Jiang Mengmeng and leaves.
Jiang Mengmeng quickly realizes she is in a game and, gathering her composure, pursues Murong Chen, demanding 100 Liang in compensation for the goods he supposedly damaged during their collision. Murong Chen, reaching for his money, discovers his wallet and the black box are missing, immediately accusing Jiang Mengmeng of being an accomplice. As they argue and scuffle, Jiang Mengmeng's topknot comes undone, revealing her female identity.
The thief, seeing the commotion, flees and tosses the black box into a nearby brazier. Murong Chen rushes to retrieve it, pulling out a scorched blood night-blooming cereus, confirming to a following Jiang Mengmeng that his story about the stolen item was true. Suddenly, Jiang Mengmeng is chased relentlessly through three streets by Xiao Ai, her personal maid, and A Liang, a guard.
Exhausted, she learns from them that she is Jiang Mengmeng, the 9th Princess of Ruo Shui Kingdom, known as "Childe Meng" for her frequent escapes from the palace in male disguise. Xiao Ai and A Liang escort Jiang Mengmeng back to Ling Xi Palace. Doctor Xu examines her, finding no external injuries but suspecting neurological amnesia from a fall while climbing the palace wall.
Queen Jiang Wan, the beautiful, powerful, and beauty-conscious ruler of Ruo Shui Kingdom, who is also Jiang Mengmeng's eldest sister and dotes on her, expresses deep concern. Seizing the opportunity, Jiang Mengmeng feigns amnesia and meticulously records all information in a small notebook for future reference. She learns that she is 17 years old and resides in Ling Xi Palace. Meanwhile, Murong Chen recounts the day's events to his loyal and highly skilled confidant, Chang Kong.
Discovering the blood night-blooming cereus was fake, he orders Chang Kong to gather all the sellers to find the real one and instructs Tian Ji Pavilion to continue their search for a woman with a pure Yang destiny. He deliberately used a private transaction outside Tian Ji Pavilion's name to avoid exposing the organization's interest in the blood night-blooming cereus prematurely. He suspects the fake flower was a bait, which he intends to use to catch the real culprit.
Jiang Mengmeng, still hoping for her ideal hero to appear, is disappointed when her four older brothers—the 5th, 6th, 7th, and 8th princes (including Jiang Hao, the 8th prince who is closest in age to her)—arrive with clichéd romantic gestures to "help her regain her memory." She also learns from Xiao Ai that her elder sister, the 4th Princess Jiang Sisi, harbors a dislike for her.
Desperate to find her true love, Jiang Mengmeng sneaks into the Imperial Hospital, hoping to entice a male imperial physician, only to find Doctor Xu is a married man with a child, much to her dismay. Jiang Sisi, having heard of Jiang Mengmeng's amnesia, comes to visit. Jiang Mengmeng ignores her patronizing and sarcastic remarks, instead deducing Jiang Sisi's character as a jealous "villainess" who resents her popularity with the Queen and their brothers.
Jiang Mengmeng candidly tells Jiang Sisi that she is focused on finding love and advises her not to waste time on her. Later, Jiang Mengmeng learns that Jiang Sisi's matchmaking event is approaching, with princes and noblemen from neighboring countries, including the handsome Wu Ze Kingdom Prince, expected to attend. Queen Jiang Wan, concerned about Jiang Mengmeng's wild behavior, decides to let her participate as well, hoping to find someone to keep her in check. Excited at the prospect of finding her destined man, Jiang Mengmeng meticulously prepares herself, determined to be the most radiant and dazzling individual at the event.
Episode 2 Recap
Jiang Mengmeng made a grand entrance at the hall, adorned in elaborate girl-group style makeup with sparkling eyelids and shading to achieve a V-shaped face, and a revealing long dress to "try to be cool." Sister Queen Jiang Wan was intrigued by her makeup and asked about it, though she found Mengmeng's explanation of face contouring nonsensical and inquired if she was cold in her attire. Jiang Sisi, observing Mengmeng's striking appearance, scoffed that her makeup was "vulgar."
The marriage competition officially began with the princes entering. Jiang Mengmeng was captivated by the elegant Wu Ze prince, finding him handsome. However, she was startled to see Murong Chen among the contestants, recognizing him from the "game" and internally questioning if he was "Mr. System," though she denied knowing him when asked. The competition was announced to consist of four rounds: beauty, wisdom, talent, and courage. In the first round, "beauty," maids presented flowers to their three favorite princes.
Murong Chen, the Wu Ze prince, and the second son of the Assistant Minister of the Ministry of Revenue received the most support. Princes who received no flowers were eliminated. The second round, "wisdom," challenged the contestants to open an intricate mechanism box. Song Che, the son of the Ruo Shui Kingdom's general, a "fighter's descendant" known for his straightforward nature, opened the box first by forcefully using his sword.
Maidservant Hai confirmed his victory, as the rules only required opening the box, not a specific method. Xiao Ai informed Jiang Mengmeng that Song Che was her childhood sweetheart who had rushed back from settling a rebellion in Nan Cang, having exhausted four horses to reach the competition. Mengmeng was thrilled, envisioning him as her "white horse prince" – powerful, devoted, ambitious, protective, decent, and possessing a "kind of silly" charm.
Jiang Sisi, however, was annoyed, thinking this would prevent Mengmeng from competing for Murong Chen. The third round, "talent," required the princes to paint portraits of Jiang Mengmeng and Jiang Sisi. Jiang Sisi tried to provoke Mengmeng, accusing her of seeking attention with her attire. Mengmeng retorted with a sharp comeback, suggesting Sisi show her own legs if she wanted attention, to which Sisi, disgusted, labeled Mengmeng's behavior as "improper."
During the presentation of paintings, someone slipped, causing a bowl of ink to fly towards Murong Chen. He instinctively used his painting to shield himself, ruining his work, which led to his elimination with zero points. He was secretly relieved his clothes remained clean, a testament to his germophobia. Song Che's painting was notably ugly, disappointing Mengmeng. The Wu Ze prince ultimately won this round.
With the first three rounds concluded, eight princes advanced to the final round, "courage," a "hero shall save the beauty" challenge. The princesses were tied to trees in opposite directions, and princes had to navigate forest traps to rescue them before nightfall. Jiang Sisi, expecting Murong Chen, was surprised when the Wu Ze prince arrived first. He confessed his long-standing admiration for her and proposed a new year travel arrangement for their future married life.
Annoyed by his unclear speech and presumption, Jiang Sisi knocked him unconscious from behind and returned to Jiang Wan, vaguely answering questions about the other princes. Meanwhile, Murong Chen, desiring not to win, deliberately delayed his progress, even taking a tea break, believing he should "lose with dignity." He reflected that although his path had been surprisingly lucky, his own directionless and lazy character ultimately led to his failure.
Jiang Mengmeng, refusing to wait, managed to untie herself but accidentally fell into a pit. She called out for Song Che, lamenting the game's flaws and her determination to secure her true love. Song Che, hearing a faint call, rushed towards Mengmeng's location, but found her gone, concluding he was too late. Murong Chen, passing by, heard Mengmeng's cries from the pit. He initially considered leaving her but relented after she threatened to tell Sister Queen of his abandonment.
He extended a vine to her, but it broke, causing him to fall in as well. They bickered about who was heavier and his lack of apology. Murong Chen eventually used his lightness skill to carry Mengmeng out. She chastised him for not using it earlier, to which he replied she hadn't asked. Discovering she had sprained her leg in the pit, Murong Chen carried her out, the two of them still exchanging sharp words.
Jiang Wan then publicly declared Murong Chen the winner, congratulating him on becoming the "emperor's 9th son-in-law." Back in the palace, Xiao Ai reminded Mengmeng of her past ambition to leave the palace and "wander the martial world," implying Mengmeng had a forgotten history. Mengmeng, experiencing amnesia from a fall while sneaking out of the palace, found herself torn between two potential love interests: Song Che, her childhood sweetheart, and Murong Chen, her presumptive "post-marriage love."
She asked Xiao Ai to list their advantages and disadvantages for comparison. Xiao Ai described Song Che as a devoted warrior often away at war, rarely home, with no hobbies besides fighting and martial arts, old-fashioned, humorless, not understanding romance, and a "straight guy." For Murong Chen, Xiao Ai detailed numerous flaws: neglecting studies and martial arts since age thirteen, being uneducated, militarily inept, indifferent to national affairs, and skilled only in hedonistic pursuits.
She painted him as luxurious, dissipated, narcissistic, germophobic, obsessed with appearance, lacking self-care, having no sense of direction, and possessing a sharp, hurtful tongue that could make anyone cry. His only virtues, according to Xiao Ai, were his handsome appearance and good family background, leaving Mengmeng deeply disappointed. Unbeknownst to Mengmeng, Murong Chen was feigning his dilettantish facade.
His elder brother, Murong Yi, the Crown Prince of Cang Yun Kingdom, was paralyzed after being poisoned by the Jing Yue Sect nine years prior. Murong Yi had written to Murong Chen, expressing happiness at his brother's new position as the 9th son-in-law and advising him to stay in Ruo Shui Kingdom if he found a life he enjoyed.
However, Murong Chen's true goal was to find the "blood night-blooming cereus" and its medical supplement to cure his brother, vowing not to give up and to return to Cang Yun Kingdom as soon as possible. His subordinate, Chang Kong, reported finding the blood night-blooming cereus seller, now named Zhao Qian, at Baiji Tavern on Jin Xiu Street.
Murong Chen instructed Chang Kong to observe carefully without alerting Zhao Qian and reiterated his intention to break off his engagement, regardless of whether he found the cure in Ruo Shui Kingdom. Meanwhile, Song Che, heartbroken by his failure in the competition, furiously practiced sword fighting in his courtyard. He had promised Mengmeng he would win and take her out of the palace to live a free life, and his inability to keep that promise weighed heavily on him.
Jiang Sisi, observing Song Che's despair with her maid Dong Kui, plotted to tell him about Mengmeng's amnesia, believing his deep affection would compel him to sabotage Mengmeng's engagement with Murong Chen. Jiang Mengmeng later visited Song Che. She saw him from the doorway, channeling his frustration into sword practice. Jiang Sisi, noticing Mengmeng's presence, quickly departed with Dong Kui.
Song Che, nearly hitting Mengmeng with his sword, apologized for failing to win the competition and fulfill his promise to take her away. Mengmeng, still suffering from amnesia, did not recall their agreement. However, she affirmed that she had untied herself during the competition to seek him out.
Mengmeng declared her resolve to break off her engagement with Murong Chen and expressed her desire for a carefree life with Song Che, then immediately asked Xiao Ai for ways to annul the marriage.
Episode 3 Recap
Jiang Mengmeng was determined to break off her engagement with Murong Chen. Seeking advice, she consulted Xiao Ai and A Liang. Xiao Ai explained there were two options: either Jiang Mengmeng could appeal directly to Her Majesty, or Murong Chen could ask his own king to annul the marriage. Dismissing the idea of Murong Chen ever voluntarily ending the engagement, Jiang Mengmeng decided to find her own solution.
She learned from Xiao Ai that her sister, Jiang Wan, had a great passion for beauty treatments, and Jiang Mengmeng wanted to win her over to help annul the engagement. Jiang Mengmeng then compiled a list of cosmetic ingredients and sent Xiao Ai and A Liang to procure them for her to experiment with. During the testing phase, one of the concoctions left a palace maid's face feeling dry, while another caused A Liang to develop an itchy, allergic reaction.
Jiang Mengmeng offered him a new mask formulated for sensitive skin, but A Liang promptly refused to try it. Later, while seeking inspiration for her ongoing mask research, Jiang Mengmeng encountered Song Che returning from duty. She learned from him that the palace's previous Deputy Commander had taken leave, and Jiang Wan had since appointed him to the position. An awkward silence ensued as Jiang Mengmeng attempted to engage him in conversation about watching stars.
To fill the silence, she asked about their shared childhood, prompting Song Che to recount their first meeting when she was four and a half, and he was seven, lost in the imperial garden. He then revealed that when she was eight, she had snuck out of the palace, fallen into a river, and lived among commoners for a year before being found, though he couldn't specify where.
Sensing the cold, Jiang Mengmeng hinted she was chilled, but instead of offering his coat, Song Che, in his straightforward manner, suggested they run to warm up, citing army practice. Jiang Mengmeng grudgingly complied, all the while Murong Chen watched their interaction from a distance. Murong Chen, observing Jiang Mengmeng's preoccupation with her masks and her interactions with Song Che, decided it was an opportune moment to secretly pursue his own investigation without her noticing.
Disguised under his formidable alter ego, Yun Ya, Murong Chen confronted Zhao Qian, forcefully demanding to know who ordered him to sell fake blood night-blooming cereus. A terrified Zhao Qian confessed that he was merely a peddler, and the genuine blood night-blooming cereus had been stolen from him by female bandits of Bai Hua Village. Upon hearing this, Murong Chen, as Yun Ya, allowed Zhao Qian to leave.
Still struggling to perfect her mask, Jiang Mengmeng realized she needed a specific, hard-to-find ingredient that Xiao Ai hadn't been able to locate, or perhaps just some inspiration. Deciding she had to get it herself, she disguised herself as a man and attempted to sneak out of the palace to visit a cosmetics shop owner. As she scaled the palace wall, she unexpectedly encountered Murong Chen climbing back in.
She requested his assistance to pull her up, and they mutually agreed to keep each other's secret. However, as she jumped down from the wall, guards immediately apprehended her, mistaking her for a thief. Murong Chen quickly denied any association with her, and Jiang Mengmeng was unceremoniously escorted back into the palace.
Frustrated by her failed escape and lamenting her lack of martial arts skills, Jiang Mengmeng approached Song Che, asking him to teach her Kung Fu so she could easily leave the palace. Song Che initially discouraged her, reminding her that as a princess, she had many protectors, and he would always be there for her. However, Jiang Mengmeng insisted she wanted to learn for her own sake. Song Che agreed but warned her of the arduous training ahead.
Her initial attempt to wield a sword proved futile as she couldn't even lift it. He then demonstrated how to break a brick with his hand, but when Jiang Mengmeng tried, she only injured her own hand, questioning her supposed "heroine aura." Despite her injury, Jiang Mengmeng found a new way to entertain herself and the palace, introducing a game called "Werewolf" to her brothers.
The game quickly gained popularity, attracting numerous palace maids and eunuchs to Ling Xi Palace, much to Jiang Sisi's disdain, who wondered at Mengmeng's ability to create such a stir even while injured. Murong Chen arrived at Ling Xi Palace, mocking Jiang Mengmeng for attracting the entire palace to play such a "stupid game" while she was injured. Jiang Mengmeng angrily accused him of being insensitive.
He retorted that her injury was her own fault, stemming from her attempts to learn martial arts before their wedding. She accused him of being jealous, a notion he scoffed at, listing Song Che's perceived flaws: simple-minded, impulsive, unromantic, and a poor teacher. Jiang Mengmeng retaliated, highlighting Murong Chen's own shortcomings: his royal privilege, idleness, extravagance, self-absorbed confidence, and lack of sympathy.
Their argument escalated, with Jiang Mengmeng emphatically reiterating her intent to break off their engagement, to which Murong Chen coolly replied he would await the good news. Later, Murong Chen was still seething with anger, prompting Chang Kong to observe that his master seemed to be feeling guilty.
Chang Kong suggested that despite Murong Chen's calculated nature and mercilessness towards enemies, he found it impossible to be cruel to Jiang Mengmeng because, deep down, he recognized her as a genuinely good person. Murong Chen conceded that she was good, but sadly, he believed he was not. Driven by her desire to find her "hero" and annul her engagement, Jiang Mengmeng redoubled her efforts in mask research, expanding her testing pool.
She finally perfected her "Perfect Mask," which boasted moisturizing, whitening, anti-wrinkle, and soothing properties, and presented it to Jiang Wan. Impressed with the results and Jiang Mengmeng's talent, Jiang Wan expressed her satisfaction. When asked about her greatest wish, Jiang Wan stated it was for both Jiang Mengmeng and Jiang Sisi to find their true loves.
Her second greatest wish, however, was to acquire the legendary blood night-blooming cereus, a magical flower said to make one instantly ten years younger, far surpassing the three-year rejuvenating effect of Mengmeng's mask. Jiang Wan lamented that the flower had disappeared a decade ago and she feared she would never see it. Motivated by this, Jiang Mengmeng, once again disguised as a man, sought information about the blood night-blooming cereus at a bustling tavern.
There, she heard various conflicting tales about its powers, from resurrection to mind control. Ultimately, an informant revealed that the flower was currently in the possession of Sang Luo in Bai Hua Village. Unbeknownst to her, Murong Chen was also actively seeking the same flower, using his identity as the 5th Prince to conduct his "evil deeds" and protect the reputation of his organization, Tian Ji Pavilion.
Learning that Bai Hua Village was recruiting cooks, Jiang Mengmeng decided to infiltrate the stronghold by posing as one. Upon arrival, she tried to feign an urgent need to relieve herself to avoid entering the kitchen and exposing her lack of cooking skills. Upon entering Bai Hua Village, Jiang Mengmeng discreetly slipped into the master's room to search for the elusive flower.
Hearing footsteps approaching, she hastily concealed herself inside a large cabinet, only to discover Murong Chen was already hiding within. Her stomach let out a loud growl, and to prevent their discovery, Murong Chen quickly silenced her with a kiss. Just then, Jin Hua, the master of Bai Hua Village, opened the cabinet door, catching them both inside. Jiang Mengmeng, flustered, struggled to concoct a believable excuse. Murong Chen, thinking quickly, claimed they were there to "rescue the cooks."
Captivated by Jiang Mengmeng's disguised appearance, Jin Hua was instantly smitten and declared her intention to marry Jiang Mengmeng immediately. As a result, Murong Chen found himself forced into a marriage with Yin Hua, the second master of the village.
Episode 4 Recap
Jin Hua ushered Jiang Mengmeng into the bridal chamber, while Yin Hua led Murong Chen to his. Terrified, Mengmeng suggested to Jin Hua they share some wine to celebrate their wedding night. Jin Hua readily agreed and soon became inebriated. In his own chamber, Murong Chen rendered Yin Hua unconscious when she eagerly invited him to consummate their marriage. Stepping outside, he discovered everyone in the village was completely drunk.
Mengmeng urged Jin Hua to keep drinking, listening as Jin Hua, in her drunken state, confessed that the women of Bai Hua Village were all orphans, bullied since childhood. They resorted to robbery not just for survival, but to regain their pride, desiring respect rather than fear. Despite their fearsome reputation, Jin Hua admitted she wasn't truly happy, longing for love instead. Mengmeng, understanding, encouraged Jin Hua further. Mengmeng then spoke about love being like wine—better when shared.
Jin Hua agreed, enthusiastically offering to share all her "good things," including herself. Mengmeng then subtly guided the conversation, inquiring if Jin Hua had recently acquired any specific "good stuff." Jin Hua, too intoxicated to be discreet, confirmed she had "tons of good stuff" she was willing to share. Mengmeng quickly pointed to a flower, asking if it was the blood night-blooming cereus. Seeing it wasn't, she initially felt disheartened but quickly recovered.
Just then, Murong Chen appeared, playfully wishing her a "Happy wedding" and informing her that Yin Hua was "passed out." Mengmeng, realizing the danger, urged him to leave before the bandits awoke, and they fled the Bai Hua Village under the cover of night. Meanwhile, Jiang Wan was anxious over Jiang Mengmeng and Murong Chen's disappearance, which had stretched to a full day for Mengmeng and two for Murong Chen.
She questioned Xiao Ai and A Liang, who had no new information. Song Che, whom Jiang Wan addressed as her 8th brother, reported finding a jade bracelet at a pawnshop, which he had gifted to Mengmeng. Xiao Ai corroborated that Mengmeng had left disguised as a cook, complete with kitchen tools. Song Che confirmed Mengmeng had traded her bracelet for a cook's attire, aligning with previous accounts.
He also revealed that many cooks had recently gone missing, believed to be taken to Bai Hua Village, leading him to deduce Mengmeng's location. He immediately set off to rescue her. Jin Hua and her bandits, having recovered from their drunken stupor, quickly pursued Mengmeng and Murong Chen. Finding themselves surrounded and outnumbered, Mengmeng resolved to fight, and Murong Chen told her to stay behind him. They bickered playfully during the fight about Mengmeng pulling his clothes.
Just as they were overwhelmed, Song Che arrived with his guards, ordering the bandits to surrender. Mengmeng rushed into Song Che's arms, overwhelmed with relief and thanking him for saving her life. Jiang Wan arrived, informing Mengmeng that the entire operation had been a planned effort to eradicate the long-standing bandit problem in Ruo Shui Kingdom.
She revealed that after Mengmeng and Murong Chen's disappearance, Murong Chen and Song Che had traced it to Bai Hua Village, providing the perfect opportunity to act. Jiang Wan commended Mengmeng and Murong Chen for their "huge contribution." Mengmeng, realizing Jiang Wan believed her and Murong Chen were genuinely there to rescue cooks, decided not to reveal their true motive, as they had not yet found the blood night-blooming cereus.
Jiang Wan, angered by the bandits' actions against her princess, was ready to execute Jin Hua and Yin Hua. However, Mengmeng interceded, pleading for their lives. She argued that the bandits were driven by desperation, only robbed for survival, and hadn't harmed anyone. Mengmeng proposed a merciful alternative: confiscate all their stolen goods to aid the common people, offering the bandits a chance for reform. Jiang Wan agreed to her suggestion.
The bandits handed over their spoils, which the guards meticulously checked against a list. Several items were found missing. Mengmeng then admitted she had taken them and produced a bracelet and necklaces from her person. Among the recovered items, Murong Chen discovered a flower, but after careful examination, he declared it was fake, just like the one found at the lantern festival.
Murong Chen's attendant pointed out the difficulty of continuing the investigation while Murong Chen was tied by his engagement as the prince consort. Murong Chen, contemplating his next move, then realized Mengmeng also sought the blood night-blooming cereus, seeing it as a potential solution. Mengmeng reflected on her feelings for Song Che. She recounted how she felt nothing when she embraced him at Bai Hua Village, a moment that should have been a romantic climax in a typical story.
To confirm her emotional blankness, she even tested it by hugging her brother, the 8th brother, and found the feeling was exactly the same. She confided in Xiao Ai, questioning whether her "destiny" was predetermined by the story and character setting, or by her own heart. She dismissed the idea of Song Che being her fated match. Just then, Murong Chen arrived. Mengmeng, annoyed, accused him of coming to mock her.
Murong Chen clarified he was visiting because she had been injured on his account, and presented her with a unique medicine from Cang Yun Kingdom as a token of gratitude for saving his life. Mengmeng accepted. They both admitted they had not gone to Bai Hua Village to rescue cooks.
Murong Chen then confessed he was "to look for something," revealing the fake blood night-blooming cereus he had found in Yin Hua's room, explaining Yin Hua had taken it without Jin Hua's knowledge. Recognizing their shared goal, Murong Chen proposed they unite their efforts: "Since we have the same objective, rather than making things difficult for each other, it's better to cooperate. When we find the real blood night-blooming cereus, we can each get half of it."
Mengmeng readily agreed to this partnership, sealing their alliance with a high-five. Elsewhere, Yu Qingzhu, the Jing Yue Sect Master, harbored ambitions of mastering the Blood Moon Power through the blood night-blooming cereus to dominate the martial arts world and eventually supersede the imperial court. Her top disciple, Zhe Xiang, reported the emergence of two fake blood night-blooming cereuses and inquired if they should intervene.
Yu Qingzhu advised patience, revealing she had long sown rumors in the martial arts world, creating chaos. She believed it was too soon to act, preferring to let others struggle in the trap she had set. To find clues, Mengmeng purchased three fake jade boxes and several fake blood night-blooming cereuses from the market. She noted the jade boxes varied in material and price but shared similar designs, being "hot sales" in the market—a sign of a cautious counterfeiter.
Murong Chen quickly concluded that the jade boxes offered no leads, and their previous contact, Zhao Qian, was also useless, as he was merely a speculator unaware his flower was fake. Mengmeng deduced that the numerous fake flowers indicated mass production. Murong Chen, despite their playful banter, commended her keen observation. As they discussed their findings, they noticed they were being watched.
To divert suspicion, Murong Chen and Mengmeng publicly displayed affection, Murong Chen presenting her with a bracelet and flowers, showering her with compliments, while Mengmeng feigned embarrassment and batted along. After their observer left, Mengmeng concluded that since both the jade boxes and the fake flowers themselves were dead ends, the only remaining clue was the dye used to color the flowers.
Utilizing her status as a princess, Mengmeng easily obtained a document revealing that Qian Xiu Workshop had acquired half of the total mineral supply over the past six months. She announced her intention to seek Jiang Wan's permission to leave the palace and investigate further. Murong Chen privately explained to his attendant that he had intentionally allowed Mengmeng to believe she was leading the investigation, even if it meant taking some "detours," believing she would eventually reach the correct conclusion.
Jiang Sisi was furious to learn of Jiang Mengmeng and Murong Chen's increasing closeness. Her attendant reported their frequent laughter, gift exchanges, and Mengmeng's recent visit to Murong Chen at Liu Guang Palace. Jiang Sisi speculated that their shared ordeal at Bai Hua Village, including Mengmeng shielding Murong Chen, might have fostered genuine feelings between them. She resolved to prevent their relationship from developing further. Still haunted by Mengmeng's emotional embrace, Song Che found his thoughts drifting to her.
Jiang Sisi confronted him, trying to provoke him by asserting Mengmeng was now with Murong Chen. Song Che dismissed her claims, reiterating Mengmeng's assurance that her engagement was merely an accident. Jiang Sisi insisted the entire palace had witnessed their constant companionship, calling Song Che "self-deceiving." Song Che firmly maintained his trust in Mengmeng and ordered Jiang Sisi not to meddle in their affairs, before excusing himself. Jiang Sisi angrily called him "stupid."
Mengmeng approached Jiang Wan, who observed her recent calm behavior and inquired about her healed hand. Mengmeng seized the opportunity to request permission for herself and Murong Chen to leave the palace. She argued that the palace had become stifling, especially for Murong Chen, who, after traveling far to Ruo Shui Kingdom, hadn't yet seen its beauty and was surely bored.
Jiang Wan, finding some merit in Mengmeng's logic, and acknowledging that married men often feel trapped, reluctantly granted her permission, though cautioning Mengmeng against spoiling Murong Chen. Jiang Sisi, upon learning of Mengmeng's impending departure with Murong Chen, was enraged. Convinced that this would only deepen their bond, and deeming Song Che too "stupid" to intervene, she maliciously plotted to ensure Jiang Mengmeng would never return to the palace.
Episode 5 Recap
Jiang Mengmeng, disguised as a man, left the palace with Murong Chen to search for the dye used to make fake blood night-blooming cereus. They posed as merchants from the Western Regions and arrived at Qian Xiu Workshop, claiming to want to order 1000 catties of dye. The owner, Mr. Rong, initially doubted their sincerity due to their large order and his small shop.
After Murong Chen stressed their strict partner requirements, and with Mr. Rong being described as a prominent North Desert silk merchant, Mr. Rong led them to the back to tour the dyehouse, warehouse, and accountant house. While touring, Murong Chen feigned losing his jade pendant, an heirloom given to him by his father, and sent the shop assistant away to look for it. They then entered the warehouse, where Jiang Mengmeng was astonished by the vast quantity of dyes.
She noted the organized arrangement, similar to a library. As they began searching, they heard the accountant approaching. In a moment of panic, Murong Chen pulled Jiang Mengmeng into a tight embrace to hide. She noticed his heart racing, and he quickly attributed his nervousness to the fear of being discovered. Having found nothing tangible, they quickly left the workshop. As they exited, they were ambushed by masked assailants and, in their struggle to escape, tumbled down a ravine.
Finding themselves trapped, Jiang Mengmeng decided to draw the assailants away, instructing Murong Chen to seek help. She ran towards the river, narrating her predicament as if in a game, lamenting that she might be "game over" after finally meeting her "true male lead." Meanwhile, Murong Chen fired a signal flare for Chang Kong. Just as the masked men closed in on Jiang Mengmeng, a masked hero arrived to rescue her.
Stunned by his prowess, Jiang Mengmeng accidentally fell into the river. The masked hero quickly rescued her. As he did, he saw a distinctive butterfly mark on her arm, which immediately jolted his memory. He remembered being a lost boy, "A Mu," rescued by a kind little girl named Xiaomeng, who bore the same butterfly mark and convinced Yun Qi to let him stay. Murong Chen looked at the unconscious Jiang Mengmeng, overwhelmed with emotions.
Jiang Mengmeng soon woke up, unaware of Murong Chen's true identity. She thanked him profusely, dramatically offering to give herself in return as a wuxia heroine would. Murong Chen, now introducing himself as Yun Ya, probed her memory by asking if she had ever been to Liang City. Jiang Mengmeng denied any knowledge of the city, leading Murong Chen to realize she truly had amnesia.
Sensing a cliché "substitute lover" scenario, Jiang Mengmeng, still believing Yun Ya was a stranger, tried to bid him farewell. Murong Chen called her "Xiaomeng" as she tried to leave, but before she could go, a sudden, fierce thunderstorm erupted, frightening her back into the dilapidated hut. Inside, Murong Chen began to cough blood, his body trembling from cold. Jiang Mengmeng, concerned, tried to help him, asking if his wounds from rescuing her had triggered an old illness.
He downplayed his condition as a "small wound" and urged her to rest. Ignoring his pleas, she covered him with a blanket and warmed his hands with hers until she was so exhausted she fell asleep leaning against him. Murong Chen eventually recovered. He held the sleeping Jiang Mengmeng tightly, vowing in his heart that, whether as Murong Chen or Yun Ya, he would protect her from all harm.
He then gently carried her to the bed, placed a Tian Ji Pavilion jade pendant near her pillow, and quietly left. Murong Chen later met Chang Kong, who reported that the masked attackers were sent by Jiang Sisi. Her goal was not to harm Murong Chen, but to eliminate Jiang Mengmeng, thereby securing Murong Chen for herself. Murong Chen confirmed that Jiang Mengmeng was indeed Xiaomeng, the girl he had been searching for all these years.
He declared his intention to protect her and refused to break off their engagement, despite Chang Kong's warning that using his inner power had exacerbated his cold poison. Murong Chen dismissed the risk, affirming that saving Jiang Mengmeng, driven by love, was entirely worth it. Jiang Mengmeng awoke to find Yun Ya gone. She was annoyed by his unannounced departure.
Initially, she considered escaping the palace altogether to avoid her duties, but then worried about implicating Xiao Ai and Murong Chen. She decided to return, believing her "damn sense of justice" compelled her. She went to the streets to search for Xiao Ai and coincidentally bumped into Song Che. He expressed immense relief and concern for her safety, telling her that the palace had been in chaos during her absence, then escorted her back.
Back at the palace, Jiang Wan prepared to punish Murong Chen for failing to protect Jiang Mengmeng. However, Jiang Mengmeng stepped forward to defend him, taking responsibility for the incident by claiming she had ordered him to flee first. She asserted her role as the Ruo Shui Kingdom's Ninth Princess to protect her country and her man, arguing that if she couldn't protect him, she couldn't protect the nation. Jiang Wan relented, dismissing Murong Chen without punishment.
Later, Jiang Mengmeng approached Murong Chen, expecting praise for saving him from royal wrath. Murong Chen, instead, thanked her and publicly kissed her, declaring he would repay her "by marrying her." The sudden public display, witnessed by Jiang Sisi and Song Che, left Jiang Mengmeng furious. The next day, Murong Chen sent Chang Kong with exquisite pastries, but Jiang Mengmeng refused to see him. Xiao Ai rudely rejected the gifts, even calling Chang Kong a "simp," which confused him.
Despite her resistance, Jiang Mengmeng later enjoyed the pastries. Xiao Ai speculated that Murong Chen's sudden affection was due to Jiang Mengmeng's brave defense of him before Jiang Wan, while Jiang Mengmeng humorously wondered if he had suffered a head injury during the attack. Chang Kong later suggested to Murong Chen that he should reveal his past with Jiang Mengmeng, as she now treated him as a stranger.
Murong Chen declined, explaining that their shared past was not a happy memory, and he carried too many burdens to involve her. He expressed his desire for her to live happily, believing that their fate would allow her to fall in love with him again, even without her memories. He resolved to pursue her, stating, "If she doesn't walk towards me, I will walk towards her."
Chang Kong, recalling Xiao Ai's earlier insult, then teasingly asked Murong Chen if this made him a "simp." Upon hearing that Murong Chen had left the palace with Chang Kong, Jiang Mengmeng, who had been hiding for days to avoid him, ventured out. To her surprise, she found a gold coin on the ground, then another, and another, realizing she was following a trail of gold.
The path led her to a pavilion where Murong Chen was waiting, holding more gold. She realized she had fallen into his trap. She presented him with a transcribed copy of Qian Xiu Workshop's ledger, which she had memorized, despite her handwriting being quite ugly. Murong Chen proposed they continue their partnership to find the blood night-blooming cereus. Jiang Mengmeng clarified her true motive: to find the flower to impress Jiang Wan and secure the annulment of their engagement.
Murong Chen flatly refused, then listed her unique qualities, describing her as "frank, righteous, smart when in danger," despite not fitting the image of a typical princess. He confessed he felt happy and secure with her. Jiang Mengmeng, still hoping to deter him, suggested they watch the sunrise, aiming to make him uncomfortable in the cold. As the night grew colder, she shivered uncontrollably, but Murong Chen seemed unfazed.
Eventually, she succumbed to the cold and fell asleep in his arms. He gently placed a hand warmer in her hand and, looking at her, silently vowed to protect her for the rest of his life.
Episode 6 Recap
Jiang Mengmeng’s attempt to make Murong Chen sick by exposing him to the cold to force him to break off their engagement backfired, leaving her with a cold instead. Undeterred, she concocted another scheme, asking Murong Chen to collect honey for Queen Jiang Wan's facial masks, hoping he would get stung. However, Murong Chen proved cunning; he had consulted beekeepers and arrived fully protected with special gear and tools.
He even offered to help collect the honey, much to Jiang Mengmeng's frustration. In an ironic twist, the agitated bees ended up swarming Jiang Mengmeng and her maid, Xiao Ai, who fled screaming but were both stung multiple times on their faces. Palace maids gossiped about the incident, finding it amusing and concluding that Jiang Mengmeng and Murong Chen were a perfect match.
Hearing the rumors and believing the apparent affection between Jiang Mengmeng and Murong Chen, Queen Jiang Wan was delighted. She immediately penned a letter to Cang Yun Kingdom with the good news. Jiang Sisi, upon learning that the wedding was progressing and messengers had already been dispatched, was furious. Realizing she couldn't directly convince Song Che, she strategically used gossiping palace maids to spread rumors about Jiang Mengmeng and Murong Chen's growing intimacy to upset him.
Song Che, overhearing the maids' chatter about Jiang Mengmeng and Murong Chen, became visibly agitated. Meanwhile, Xiao Ai discovered the Tianji Pavilion jade pendant while doing laundry, which Jiang Mengmeng recognized as a gift from Yun Ya, her benefactor. Clutching the pendant, she felt a strong sense of longing, despite her attempts to move past his storyline. Song Che, driven by the circulating rumors, burst into Jiang Mengmeng's room without permission.
Mistaking his anger for concern over her bee stings, Jiang Mengmeng showed him her swollen face. Song Che, however, pressed her on whether she truly liked Murong Chen and accepted the marriage. He accused her of toying with his emotions, recalling how happy he was when she initially seemed to want to escape with him, the pain of "losing" her when she went missing, and the repeated joy of finding her again, only to "lose" her once more.
Jiang Mengmeng tried to explain that her past feelings were a misunderstanding due to her amnesia, asserting she considered him only a dear friend and brother, like family. Heartbroken, Song Che rejected her explanation, declared their friendship over, and stormed out, leaving Jiang Mengmeng frustrated by his stubbornness and labeling him a "straight man with a love-struck brain."
Soon after, a maid arrived with news that, at Queen Jiang Wan's decree, Cang Yun Kingdom had sent a multitude of betrothal gifts. The wedding was officially set for Jiang Mengmeng's 18th birthday next February. Jiang Mengmeng was stunned, realizing she was being forced by the plot to marry against her will. That night, Yun Ya appeared, returning the jade pendant, which he claimed was sent "by accident."
Jiang Mengmeng pleaded with him to take her away, explaining her powerlessness as a princess and how all her attempts to resist the marriage only backfired, making things worse. Yun Ya, however, explained that his name, "Yun Ya," meant "roaming the world," and he would not take anyone with him, especially not a princess. He bid her good night and left.
Distraught, Jiang Mengmeng questioned why she was drawn to an unattainable man, but then resolved to take control of her destiny as the heroine, rejecting the predetermined plot and its character settings. Later, Xiao Ai informed Jiang Mengmeng that her four brothers were planning a "bachelor party" at Luming Terrace for Murong Chen, ostensibly to celebrate but actually to "test the prospective bridegroom." Realizing that most of the palace men would be occupied, Jiang Mengmeng saw an opportunity to escape.
Jiang Sisi, having deemed Song Che useless in stopping the marriage, decided to take matters into her own hands. Jiang Mengmeng and Xiao Ai tied up A Liang, giving him a soothing fragrance to ensure he slept soundly, with Jiang Mengmeng expressing regret for the punishment he would face but emphasizing her need to escape. Disguised as a eunuch, Jiang Mengmeng slipped out of the palace.
At the same time, Jiang Sisi, also disguised as a eunuch, was also making her way towards Luming Terrace. Both women briefly bumped into each other outside the palace gate, each noting the other's familiar voice but hurrying on without recognizing one another. At Luming Terrace, Murong Chen was engaged in heavy drinking with the princes, who were trying to ply him with more alcohol, including cherry wine made from "wild goose purple sweet cherries" picked in April.
When asked about girls before Jiang Mengmeng, Murong Chen spoke fondly of "Miao Miao," describing her blue eyes, bright fur, and pink paws, leading the princes to realize he was talking about a cat. Chang Kong initially refused to drink, citing his duty to escort Murong Chen, but was persuaded to have one drink by the persistent princes. Chang Kong then ensured the other guards drank excessively.
Jiang Sisi eventually found a heavily inebriated Murong Chen and, with the intention of consummating their marriage to make him her own and prevent his marriage to Jiang Mengmeng, helped him back to his room. However, Murong Chen, who was only feigning drunkenness, knocked Jiang Sisi unconscious. Chang Kong then appeared, confirming Murong Chen's planned deception, and was instructed to deal with Jiang Sisi.
He then brought the unconscious Jiang Mengmeng into the room, revealing that Murong Chen had anticipated her escape attempt. Murong Chen, wondering why Jiang Mengmeng detested him so much that she would rather flee than marry him, kissed her and lay beside her, hoping she wouldn't be too angry when she woke up. The next morning, Jiang Sisi woke up under a tree, unaware of what had transpired. Meanwhile, Jiang Mengmeng woke up in Murong Chen's bed, utterly bewildered.
Murong Chen, feigning shock and confusion, loudly called for help. Palace maids and eunuchs rushed in, quickly spreading rumors throughout the palace that Jiang Mengmeng had "forced herself upon" Murong Chen at Luming Terrace, describing the scene as "intense." Jiang Mengmeng was left completely baffled, questioning whether a "system bug" or "world line convergence" was forcing her back to the original plot.
Upon hearing the scandalous news, Queen Jiang Wan, despite her initial frustration with Jiang Mengmeng's unpredictability, decided to act swiftly. She issued an imperial edict, decreeing that since Murong Chen and Jiang Mengmeng "loved each other and were a perfect couple," their engagement ceremony would be held in just seven days. Devastated, Jiang Mengmeng, holding the edict, sought out Song Che, desperately pleading for his help to escape the palace.
She tried to explain the previous night's events as a "misunderstanding" and an "accident," appealing to their long-standing friendship. However, Song Che coldly refused, accusing her of manipulating his emotions and using him when convenient. He declared himself "straightforward but not stupid" and unwilling to be led around. Jiang Mengmeng vehemently denied his accusations, insisting she had always treated him as her best friend and had come to him genuinely for help.
Angry at his mistrust, she left, resolving to find a solution herself. Jiang Mengmeng then meticulously analyzed her situation, concluding that her real adversaries were not Murong Chen or Jiang Sisi, but the "system" and the "plot" itself. She realized she needed to find a breakthrough within the game's core mechanics. Reflecting on the "ancient world style system," she understood that her focus on the palace had been too narrow.
Key past events like "Stealing flowers in the Lantern Festival," "Finding flowers in Bai Hua Village," "The account book of Qian Xiu Workshop," and "Assassination by the river" all pointed to the "blood night-blooming cereus" as the true, hidden main quest. She then deduced that Yun Ya was the central figure connected to this "ancient world line," and she needed to understand the connection between him and the blood night-blooming cereus.
Just then, a maid arrived with the engagement dress for her to try. Jiang Mengmeng, annoyed, expressed her aversion to the engagement, prompting Xiao Ai to suggest that she seek help from Yun Ya.
Episode 7 Recap
After receiving a crucial hint from Xiao Ai, Jiang Mengmeng summoned Yun Ya to her chambers. She boldly proposed a deal: if he helped her escape her impending marriage and leave the palace, she would in turn help him find the rare blood night-blooming cereus he needed to cure his cold poison.
Despite his typically aloof demeanor, Yun Ya recognized the truth of her words regarding his ailment and, after her confident assurance that she, as the protagonist, would surely succeed, he agreed to meet her at the north palace gate at midnight in three days. Meanwhile, Murong Chen, contemplating Jiang Mengmeng’s knowledge of the blood night-blooming cereus, meticulously re-examined the account books from Qian Xiu Workshop.
He quickly discovered a hidden pattern, realizing the emphasis wasn't on the numbers but the subtle variations in handwriting. He deduced that Egret Villa used a special pen with disappearing ink on one side to cleverly disguise their transactions, making a single buyer appear as three to spread out their purchases and obscure their operations.
Impressed by this deceptive method, he decided he must investigate Egret Villa personally, as ordinary intelligence networks would only uncover what the cunning organization wanted them to know. Three days later, on the eve of her escape, Jiang Mengmeng prepared to leave. She gifted Xiao Ai her treasured beauty recipes, including aloe vera honey and almond facial masks, stressing the importance of early skincare.
To A Liang, she bestowed a set of handmade Werewolf cards, praising him as the palace's most talented player and entrusting him with promoting the game. Xiao Ai, seeing through the farewell gifts, burst into tears, confessing she knew Jiang Mengmeng was leaving. Though sad, she encouraged her mistress to pursue true happiness.
Touched by Xiao Ai's loyalty, Jiang Mengmeng invited her to join the escape, to which Xiao Ai enthusiastically agreed, prompting them to plan acquiring another eunuch disguise from A Liang. That night, disguised as eunuchs, Jiang Mengmeng and Xiao Ai approached the north palace gate.
They were stopped by a patrol, but just in time, an agent sent by Song Che intervened, presenting a general's pass and explaining that the "eunuchs" were permitted to leave due to their father's critical illness. The guards allowed them to pass. Song Che’s agent also provided Jiang Mengmeng with fresh clothes, advising against wearing eunuch attire outside the palace. Jiang Mengmeng realized that despite his earlier refusal, Song Che had indeed helped her.
Unbeknownst to Jiang Mengmeng, Song Che, while patrolling the palace, found himself drawn to her deserted residence. At the same time, the masked Murong Chen arrived, leading to a fierce confrontation between the two. Murong Chen, already weakened by his cold poison, was forced to use his inner strength to combat Song Che’s relentless attacks, sustaining injuries. Avoiding a prolonged fight, Murong Chen disengaged and hurried towards the palace gate to meet Jiang Mengmeng.
However, Song Che arrived on horseback, declaring his intention to join Jiang Mengmeng and Xiao Ai on their journey to explore the world. Seeing Song Che's determination and his own injured state, Murong Chen was forced to conceal himself, missing his chance to meet Jiang Mengmeng. Jiang Mengmeng, after a fruitless wait for Yun Ya, concluded that he would not come and departed with Song Che and Xiao Ai.
Later, Chang Kong found the injured Murong Chen, who explained that Song Che had made him use his inner strength, causing his cold poison to flare up, and that Jiang Mengmeng had left with Song Che. Murong Chen decided to inform Queen Jiang Wan and seek her permission to pursue Jiang Mengmeng. Meanwhile, Jiang Sisi, initially pleased to learn of Jiang Mengmeng’s escape with Song Che, became furious upon realizing that Murong Chen had also left.
She confronted Queen Jiang Wan, who calmly reassured her that Jiang Mengmeng and Murong Chen were simply on a "pre-wedding tour," and that Jiang Mengmeng needed to experience the world before settling down. Jiang Wan then approved Murong Chen’s request to pursue Jiang Mengmeng, seeing his determination and hoping it would help Jiang Sisi come to terms with the situation.
Jiang Wan then subtly reminded Jiang Sisi of her own ambitions and future as a potential heir to the throne, explaining that certain sacrifices are necessary for power. She promised to find Jiang Sisi a suitable husband who would be her equal in wisdom and strength, and help her forge a glorious future for the kingdom. Jiang Mengmeng, Xiao Ai, and Song Che traveled for some time, eventually arriving at Qing Luo Town.
Jiang Mengmeng found the town unusually quiet for daytime, with few pedestrians, all moving with a strange urgency. As Song Che went to inquire about an inn, an elderly woman mistook Jiang Mengmeng for her missing daughter, Xiao Mei, whose disappearance a month prior had driven her to dementia. Her husband explained that fifteen girls had mysteriously vanished from Qing Luo Town in the last month, a crime that even local officials couldn't solve.
Jiang Mengmeng realized the danger, especially for young women, and felt relieved that they were disguised as men. Xiao Ai, however, sensed they were being followed. Suddenly, Murong Chen and Chang Kong appeared, startling Jiang Mengmeng. Murong Chen explained he was returning to Cang Yun Kingdom, claiming he was now an "abandoned husband" and had no other purpose there. Song Che expressed doubt, believing Murong Chen was actually pursuing Jiang Mengmeng.
Murong Chen countered, stating if that were the case, he wouldn't be traveling alone with just Chang Kong. As Song Che suggested they part ways, Murong Chen stopped them, demanding Jiang Mengmeng take responsibility for his predicament. He clarified that he didn't mean their previous encounter, but rather that she should escort him back to Cang Yun Kingdom. He argued that after traveling so far for the marriage, returning alone would bring him ridicule as an "abandoned husband."
He requested she retrieve her engagement papers, stating that only then would their engagement be truly broken, allowing them both to move on. He solemnly declared that he was "giving up" on her. Jiang Mengmeng admitted to feeling a fleeting sadness but quickly dismissed it, agreeing to "do a good deed" and escort him. Song Che vehemently objected, arguing that Murong Chen accompanying Jiang Mengmeng would mean constant proximity. Jiang Mengmeng, however, overruled his protests.
The two men exchanged barbs, with Song Che accusing Murong Chen of using the annulment as a delaying tactic, and Murong Chen accusing Song Che of having ulterior motives under the guise of friendship. Murong Chen reiterated his promise to safely escort Jiang Mengmeng. Upon reaching an inn, Song Che found only one room available, much to everyone's dismay, especially since he had been told earlier that two rooms were open.
Murong Chen blamed Song Che for the delay, causing an argument between the two men over who would share the single room with Jiang Mengmeng. Exasperated by their bickering and the cramped situation, Jiang Mengmeng declared that Murong Chen and Song Che should simply share a bed themselves. The innkeeper, seeing five people, offered to add another bed to the existing room for them, suggesting Chang Kong and Xiao Ai sleep in the communal servants' quarters.
Despite Jiang Mengmeng's complaints about the cramped space, Murong Chen and Song Che grudgingly agreed to share the small added bed, leaving Jiang Mengmeng to sleep on the main bed. During the night, the two men continued to quarrel over the blanket, eventually causing the bed to collapse, much to Jiang Mengmeng’s amusement and frustration. In the communal room, Chang Kong, feeling the discomfort of the cramped space, offered to sleep outside so Xiao Ai could rest properly.
The next morning, as Jiang Mengmeng, Murong Chen, and Song Che were having breakfast, they overheard other guests discussing another girl's disappearance from the very same inn the previous night. The conversation suggested the culprits were targeting outsiders, as local girls had been sent away for safety. Jiang Mengmeng grew alarmed, and their fears were confirmed when Chang Kong burst in, announcing that Xiao Ai had disappeared.
Episode 8 Recap
After Chang Kong spent the night sleeping outside, Murong Chen confronted him, demanding to know how a skilled fighter like him could have failed to notice Xiao Ai's abduction. Chang Kong explained that everyone sleeping nearby claimed no one approached, making the incident puzzling since there were no signs of entry through the roof or door. Jiang Mengmeng then realized a crucial detail: how did the criminal know Xiao Ai was a girl, given her male disguise?
She soon discovered beads from Xiao Ai's purse in the toilet, concluding that Xiao Ai must have been kidnapped there during a late-night visit, with the dropped beads confirming her struggle. Murong Chen was disgusted by the criminal's method of hiding in a latrine to abduct someone. Chang Kong, visibly distressed, vowed to rescue Xiao Ai, prompting Jiang Mengmeng to observe his unusual level of concern, noting he seemed more worried than Xiao Ai's actual partner.
Chang Kong denied this, saying he was simply worried, but Jiang Mengmeng playfully acknowledged his transparent "honest person" persona, redirecting their focus to devising a rescue plan. Jiang Mengmeng declared her intention to act as bait, resuming her female identity to lure the criminal into a trap. Both Murong Chen and Song Che strongly objected, recalling a previous dangerous encounter at Baihua Village where she nearly lost her life.
Jiang Mengmeng insisted she would be fine this time, emphasizing their planned coordination with her luring the enemy and them providing outside support. However, Song Che countered that they lacked information about the enemy, making her plan too risky. Murong Chen agreed, likening it to "a lamb walking into a tiger's mouth." Jiang Mengmeng then suggested that if there were another girl among them, she wouldn't have to go alone, or perhaps two could go together for mutual support.
Murong Chen proposed that if girls could disguise as men, the reverse was also possible, meaning male cross-dressing. Reluctantly, Murong Chen agreed to cross-dress and accompany Jiang Mengmeng. Dressed in elaborate female attire, Jiang Mengmeng and Murong Chen confidently walked through Qing Luo Town. Murong Chen, playing the role of "Rongrong," Jiang Mengmeng's "sister," deliberately acted intimately with Jiang Mengmeng, even applying makeup to her face, to attract attention.
From a distance, Song Che fumed, believing Murong Chen was taking advantage of Jiang Mengmeng, but Chang Kong held him back, warning that any disturbance could alert the criminal. A local vendor cautioned them about the town's recent instability for young girls. Despite their public display, Jiang Mengmeng observed that the criminal hadn't appeared by day's end, predicting he would strike that night.
Back at the inn, Murong Chen and Jiang Mengmeng were in a room together, which infuriated Song Che. He complained to Chang Kong that everyone only cared about Xiao Ai, ignoring his feelings for Jiang Mengmeng. Chang Kong reminded him it was a necessary part of the plan to draw out the criminal and rescue Xiao Ai. Inside their room, Murong Chen teased Jiang Mengmeng about her layers of clothing, to which she pretended to be cold.
They then extinguished the lights, recognizing it was essential to entice the criminal. As they waited, Jiang Mengmeng grew impatient, wondering if Song Che and Chang Kong had already captured the perpetrator. Just then, Murong Chen noticed a toxic sleeping gas being sprayed into the room. He frantically tried to rouse Jiang Mengmeng, but both were quickly overwhelmed and fell unconscious.
Outside, Song Che and Chang Kong, having chased a fleeting shadow that vanished, realized they had been victims of a diversion. Rushing back, they found Murong Chen and Jiang Mengmeng gone. Chang Kong, blaming himself for failing to protect Jiang Mengmeng, immediately sent a signal flare. Jiang Mengmeng and Murong Chen awoke in a peculiar house that seemed like a "Spiders' Cave," surrounded by women bathing in a hot spring.
Among them was Xiao Mei, whom Jiang Mengmeng recognized from a previous encounter. Xiao Mei and the other women urged them to undress and join. Murong Chen, still disguised as "Rongrong," claimed to have sensitive skin that reacted to hot water, thereby avoiding the spring. While Murong Chen rested, Jiang Mengmeng questioned the other women, who couldn't recall how they arrived and were only concerned with maintaining their beauty.
When Jiang Mengmeng pressed about their families, they appeared bewildered, focused solely on appearances. Jiang Mengmeng then experienced a brief moment of memory loss, confirming her suspicion that the hot spring was a tool for memory erasure. Murong Chen explained that the spring could "wash out" memories, and the women, finding attempts to recall their past painful, eventually gave up, embracing the narrative that "girls are supposed to be beautiful."
Murong Chen then spoke with Xiao Mei, learning that 18 girls had been captured, including two newcomers. Xiao Mei mentioned that one new girl had been crying incessantly and was confined to a small room, leading Murong Chen to correctly identify her as Xiao Ai. Jiang Mengmeng and Murong Chen began a room-by-room search, eventually finding Xiao Ai, who was still crying and being harshly scolded by a servant.
After the servant departed, Jiang Mengmeng and Murong Chen entered Xiao Ai's room. Xiao Ai, initially believing Murong Chen's female disguise was a hallucination, was greatly relieved to realize it was truly them. Jiang Mengmeng noted that Xiao Ai's persistent crying had likely helped her resist the memory-wiping effects of the environment. Xiao Ai vaguely recalled the servant mentioning a "Madam," whose name sounded like "Luo Bo, Bo Luo, or Sang Luo."
Xiao Mei then joined them, confirming the name "Sang Luo" and assuring Jiang Mengmeng that her parents were well, though worried. Jiang Mengmeng inquired how Xiao Mei had retained her memories. Xiao Mei revealed that before her memories fully faded, she had carved the words "stay away from the hot spring" into her bed frame. Touching these words daily helped her resist the spring's influence. She also confessed to attempting escape but found the house too heavily guarded.
Xiao Mei then disclosed vital information: she had overheard Sang Luo conversing with two servants the previous night. The servants expressed suspicion about Jiang Mengmeng and Murong Chen being government spies, but Sang Luo dismissed their concerns, stating she urgently needed "the last two" girls for a plan that required the full moon and would be delayed a month if missed.
Sang Luo then instructed one servant to create a diversion outside and the other to capture the two new girls. Murong Chen sarcastically commented on Song Che's and Chang Kong's susceptibility to such a diversion. To uncover more details, Jiang Mengmeng and Murong Chen, with Xiao Mei's assistance, observed Sang Luo. Through a window, they saw Sang Luo, discontented with her skin, demanding honey for a mask.
Seizing the opportunity, Murong Chen incapacitated the servant bringing the honey, donned his uniform, and entered Sang Luo's room to deliver it himself. Meanwhile, a servant conducted a routine room check in Jiang Mengmeng and Murong Chen's room. Xiao Mei and Xiao Ai, having quickly moved to the room and hidden under the covers, successfully feigned sleep, avoiding suspicion. Inside Sang Luo's room, Murong Chen was momentarily stunned to see her holding a blood night-blooming cereus.
Sang Luo, rejecting the honey mask as ineffective, revealed her horrific plan: on the upcoming fifteenth full moon, she would perform the "Blood Moon Tactics," injecting the blood of 18 young girls into the blood night-blooming cereus to achieve eternal youth. Jiang Mengmeng, listening from outside, was aghast at this gruesome revelation. Concurrently, Chang Kong received intelligence confirming that Sang Luo of Qing Luo Town had indeed purchased a fake blood night-blooming cereus the previous month.
Back in their room, Jiang Mengmeng, now aware of Sang Luo's horrifying intentions, comforted a terrified Xiao Ai, reassuring her that they still had one day to find a solution. Murong Chen also offered words of encouragement, affirming Jiang Mengmeng's bravery and his unwavering support. They then realized the immediate threat posed by the incapacitated servant; if he was discovered, their plans would be jeopardized. Xiao Mei then proposed an idea to resolve the situation.
Episode 9 Recap
Xiao Mei suggested a plan to deal with the servant who might report them by making him lose his memory in the hot spring. Murong Chen then threw the servant into the spring. Jiang Mengmeng accidentally touched a mechanism, revealing a secret passage behind a large wall. Murong Chen deduced it was built thirty years ago by the previous owner of the house during a time of chaos and danger, and Sang Luo likely didn't know about it.
Jiang Mengmeng eagerly suggested they use the passage to rescue the captured girls. They devised a detailed plan: the following evening, when most servants would be busy preparing the Blood Moon Tactics, Murong Chen would distract the remaining guards, while Jiang Mengmeng, Xiao Mei, and Xiao Ai led the girls to the passage.
The next day, the servant who had been in the hot spring woke up with no memory of the previous night, and his companions immediately called him away to work. Murong Chen, disguised as a servant, successfully diverted the other guards. Jiang Mengmeng gathered the girls at the hot spring and opened the secret passage. Xiao Mei led the girls through, while Jiang Mengmeng stayed behind to wait for Murong Chen.
After completing his task, Murong Chen returned, and Jiang Mengmeng grabbed his hand, and they escaped through the passage together. As Jiang Mengmeng and Murong Chen emerged from the secret passage, they were immediately apprehended by Sang Luo, who had the rescued girls already captured. Jiang Mengmeng realized she had been tricked.
Sang Luo revealed that Xiao Mei had been her accomplice all along, deliberately leading them into a trap by making them discover the "fake" Blood Moon Tactics and the "secret" passage, all designed to lure them to the true location. Stunned, Jiang Mengmeng desperately revealed that Murong Chen was a man, hoping to disrupt Sang Luo's plans for 18 girls.
However, Sang Luo merely scoffed, stating she had known all along and only needed 17 girls for her ritual, with Jiang Mengmeng being the final one. She praised Jiang Mengmeng's courage and ingenuity in attempting the escape, but declared her struggle was over. Sang Luo then prepared to draw Jiang Mengmeng's blood, claiming her beauty would live on through the ritual, offering a twisted form of immortality. Jiang Mengmeng frantically called out for Mr. System and Yun Ya.
Just as Sang Luo raised her sword, Xi Qing, who had been in seclusion, arrived and stopped her. He harshly rebuked Sang Luo for her heinous actions. Sang Luo tearfully explained that her obsession with eternal youth was to remain worthy of Xi Qing, whose appearance never changed, fearing she would age while he remained young.
Xi Qing, revealing he was forty-six years old and maintained his youthful looks through a unique cultivation technique, insisted that he loved her for who she was, not for her appearance. He expressed his unwavering love, regardless of how she might change. Sang Luo, however, struggled to believe his sincerity and asked for more time, suggesting she could find more girls elsewhere if the full moon ritual was missed in Qing Luo Town.
Unable to convince Sang Luo with words, Xi Qing took drastic action. To prove his eternal love and show that external beauty meant nothing to him, he tragically blinded himself, declaring that in his mind, Sang Luo would forever remain beautiful and never grow old. Sang Luo, horrified and remorseful, broke down in tears, repeatedly blaming him for his foolishness. Jiang Mengmeng and Xiao Ai were deeply moved by Xi Qing's profound sacrifice.
Later, Jiang Mengmeng reflected on the impossibility of finding such a deep, soul-stirring love for herself. Murong Chen, overhearing her, explained that true love transcends external factors like appearance, wealth, or status. He said it's about being drawn to someone's essence, loving them unconditionally, making their concerns your own, and sharing all their joys and sorrows. He remarked that he was unknowingly attracted to Jiang Mengmeng even before knowing her true identity.
Jiang Mengmeng, listening to his words, had a revelation. She realized this was exactly how she felt about Yun Ya, even though she didn't know his appearance. She remembered wanting to cure his illness, defying her royal status, and escaping the palace for him. She held up the jade pendant Yun Ya had given her, affirming her belief that her love for Yun Ya was true.
Murong Chen, seeing her realization, thought to himself about Jiang Mengmeng's continued obliviousness to his own feelings for her. Sang Luo, now reconciled with Xi Qing and filled with remorse, decided to seal the secret passage and retreat from the world with him. Xi Qing expressed regret that his blindness would limit their ability to enjoy a simple life, but Sang Luo vowed to be his eyes.
As a parting gift, Sang Luo offered Jiang Mengmeng the blood night-blooming cereus, hoping it could be used for good. Jiang Mengmeng started to reveal that the flower might be fake, but Murong Chen quickly interrupted and accepted it on her behalf. Afterwards, he explained to her that he did not want to crush Sang Luo's spirit by revealing the truth about the flower after all the emotional turmoil she had just endured.
He emphasized that Sang Luo's gratitude and hopes were genuine, which was more important than the flower's authenticity. The group—Jiang Mengmeng, Song Che, Xiao Ai, Chang Kong, and Murong Chen—resumed their journey towards Cang Yun Kingdom, enduring a rough outdoor life. Along the way, Song Che and Murong Chen frequently bickered, often competing for Jiang Mengmeng's attention and arguing about trivial matters, even their horses.
Tired of their constant squabbling, Jiang Mengmeng decided to sleep under a tree with Xiao Ai. Later that night, Jiang Mengmeng, holding Yun Ya's jade pendant, appealed to Mr. System to allow her to see Yun Ya once more. Suddenly, Yun Ya, wearing his mask, appeared and gracefully carried her up into a tree. They sat together, and Yun Ya apologized for not having come to rescue her the previous night.
Jiang Mengmeng, understanding his busy nature, assured him she wasn't disappointed and promised to send the signal earlier next time she was in danger. She shared her newfound joy in actively helping others, like saving her companions and the girls, and bringing Sang Luo back from her misguided path. This experience, she realized, taught her that there was more to happiness than just being loved.
After a brief, affectionate moment where Jiang Mengmeng tried to kiss him, Yun Ya gently pulled away. He then stated that their "cooperation" to find the blood night-blooming cereus was over, taking responsibility for having broken his promise to help her escape the palace previously. Jiang Mengmeng, frustrated, declared him a "fool" for not understanding a girl's heart.
She passionately confessed that her desire to find the blood night-blooming cereus and their past agreements were mere excuses; her true wish was for him to be healthy, happy, and free from worry, emphasizing that her feelings for him were pure and unconditional love, not a transaction. Without another word, Yun Ya abruptly flew away, leaving Jiang Mengmeng stranded high in the tree, calling out for help.
Episode 10 Recap
Murong Chen confided in Chang Kong, questioning if he was wrong to deceive Jiang Mengmeng. He initially thought her affection for his Yun Ya persona was fleeting, but now realized it was genuine, making him feel guilty for using her to find the blood night-blooming cereus. Chang Kong acknowledged this initial intention but noted that upon discovering her true identity as Xiaomeng, Murong Chen's desire to protect her grew.
Chang Kong then shared a long-held thought: the blood night-blooming cereus, capable of curing the Crown Prince, could also heal Murong Chen's cold poison, yet Murong Chen had never considered it for himself. Murong Chen explained that his life had not been his own for twelve years, dedicated solely to his brother, Murong Yi, to restore what was rightfully his.
However, he admitted that Jiang Mengmeng's sincere wish for his health and happiness sparked a selfish desire within him: to live a healthy life and use his strength to protect the one he loves. Chang Kong reassured him, happy that Murong Chen was finally considering living for himself. Murong Chen expressed his uncertainty about whether his actions were right or wrong.
Chang Kong then presented him with Jiang Mengmeng's birthdate details, which Tian Ji Pavilion had intercepted after her escape from marriage. Upon receiving Jiang Mengmeng's birthdate information, Murong Chen discovered she possesses a "pure Yang destiny." Meanwhile, Zhe Xiang reported to Yu Qingzhu about a previous incident in Qing Luo Town, where a drop of Jiang Mengmeng's blood had been found. When tested with a Xuan Yin Parasite, the creature immediately died.
This confirmed to Yu Qingzhu that Jiang Mengmeng was the "pure Yang destiny" she desperately sought. Yu Qingzhu confessed that she had deliberately spread rumors about the blood night-blooming cereus granting eternal youth, hoping to use Sang Luo to collect maiden's blood for her true objective: finding the blood night-blooming cereus's medical supplement. Jiang Mengmeng had disrupted her original plan, yet unexpectedly turned out to be the very person she needed.
When Zhe Xiang suggested capturing Jiang Mengmeng, Yu Qingzhu ordered her not to act rashly. Believing Murong Chen to be more cunning than he appeared, Yu Qingzhu instructed Zhe Xiang to secretly follow the group, observe Murong Chen, and, crucially, ensure Jiang Mengmeng's safety. Back with Murong Chen, Chang Kong enthusiastically confirmed that Jiang Mengmeng, with her pure Yang destiny, was the key to activating the blood night-blooming cereus, the vital medical supplement for the Crown Prince.
Despite this breakthrough, Murong Chen appeared troubled. While happy about finding the supplement, he lamented that it had to be Jiang Mengmeng, feeling a sense of foreboding about their intertwined destinies. He remembered Jiang Mengmeng's words about true love being selfless, not transactional, and worried she would misunderstand his intentions. Chang Kong suggested telling her the truth, reasoning that her kind nature and affection for his Yun Ya persona would lead her to help the Crown Prince willingly.
However, Murong Chen insisted it was not the right time, fearing she wouldn't accept the truth. He resolved to wait for a more suitable opportunity. Recalling the previous night, Murong Chen suddenly remembered Jiang Mengmeng, who was still perched high in a tree after their encounter as Yun Ya. He rushed to retrieve her, finding her complaining about the cold and wanting to return.
The group of five, including Jiang Mengmeng, Murong Chen, Song Che, Chang Kong, and Xiao Ai, continued their journey, arriving at He Zhao County. They decided to rest there for the night, admiring the lively atmosphere. They discovered it was the annual Mask Festival, with everyone wearing masks. Jiang Mengmeng excitedly received a cute rabbit mask after expressing her liking for it. She then gave Murong Chen a mask identical to Yun Ya's, after some playful banter.
When Murong Chen donned the mask, Jiang Mengmeng was startled by his uncanny resemblance to Yun Ya. She called out "Yun Ya?" but he simply replied that the mask suited him. Song Che then suddenly intervened, distracting Jiang Mengmeng from further thought. She then bought masks for the others: a tiger for Song Che, an owl for Chang Kong, and a kitten for Xiao Ai, before they all joined the festivities, strolling through the streets wearing their masks.
While strolling through the Mask Festival, Murong Chen subtly led Jiang Mengmeng away from the main crowd. She became disoriented, repeatedly questioning if he was truly Murong Chen, perhaps sensing the blurred lines between his real identity and his Yun Ya persona. Suddenly, assassins attacked. Murong Chen bravely fought to protect Jiang Mengmeng, and Zhe Xiang, wearing a mask, also entered the fray, her actions implicitly in line with Yu Qingzhu's earlier directive to ensure Jiang Mengmeng's safety.
During the intense fight, Murong Chen was injured and fell into the lake. Jiang Mengmeng, distraught, cried out both "Murong Chen" and "Yun Ya," and then picked up the discarded mask Murong Chen had worn, dismissing it as just a fake. Their tender moment was abruptly shattered when Song Che burst into the room, urging quick application of medicine for Murong Chen's injury, only to then witness the kiss. Enraged, he threatened to kill Murong Chen.
Chang Kong intervened, pulling Song Che away and revealing that Murong Chen's injuries were merely superficial. Murong Chen, still feigning serious pain, dramatically claimed he had never been so severely wounded and genuinely believed he was dying. Embarrassed and feeling misled by Murong Chen's exaggerated injury, Jiang Mengmeng declared she understood and left, internally trying to dismiss the kiss as merely a dream.
Later, Jiang Mengmeng found herself replaying the kiss in her mind, feeling foolish for her emotions and wishing she could simply forget it. The next morning, as the group continued their journey to Cang Yun Kingdom, they were lively, chatting and laughing along the way. Back at Jing Yue Sect, Yu Qingzhu received intelligence that the masked assailants from the festival were after the blood night-blooming cereus believed to be connected to Jiang Mengmeng.
She decided against direct intervention, reasoning that increased chaos would only hasten the emergence of the blood night-blooming cereus. Further reports confirmed Murong Chen's cold poison and detailed the precise nature of his injuries. This revelation caused Yu Qingzhu to grasp the true extent of Murong Chen's elaborate deception. She had long believed Tian Ji Pavilion to be defunct and Murong Chen to be nothing more than a frivolous, indolent prince.
Now, she understood that his seemingly carefree demeanor was a clever facade, masking nine years of meticulous planning to re-establish Tian Ji Pavilion and acquire the blood night-blooming cereus, all with the ultimate goal of confronting Jing Yue Sect. Enraged by this discovery, Yu Qingzhu declared Murong Chen's death wish and ordered Zhe Xiang to alter her mission. Zhe Xiang was now to find a way to join Murong Chen's group.
Despite Zhe Xiang's concerns about gaining the trust of shrewd individuals like Murong Chen and Song Che, Yu Qingzhu instructed her to simply align herself with Jiang Mengmeng, accompanying them through all their trials and dangers, assuring her that trust would naturally follow. Zhe Xiang acknowledged her new directive. The journey continued, and Murong Chen, being naturally fastidious, suggested they find a place to bathe after their long trek.
Song Che playfully teased him for his fastidiousness, pointing out that even the female companions hadn't voiced such a need. However, he agreed that a bath was in order and proposed they clean up at a nearby creek and camp there for the night. Meanwhile, at the Yun Xiang House, a madam was in a frenzy. Her prized new courtesan, Xie Yumian, meticulously groomed for her imminent debut, had mysteriously vanished.
Her frantic subordinates reported that a diversion caused by a fire in the kitchen had allowed the girl to escape unnoticed. The madam despaired over her lost investment, lamenting that Xie Yumian was supposed to be her next "money tree." At that moment, Zhe Xiang appeared, calmly remarking that "Xie Yumian is just a name. It is the same with someone else." When the madam questioned her identity, Zhe Xiang confidently declared herself "Your savior."
Episode 11 Recap
Jiang Mengmeng, feeling ravenous, longed for meat, and Xiao Ai shared her craving. Chang Kong ventured into the forest and skillfully hunted a pheasant, earning high praise from Xiao Ai. To their surprise, Song Che returned with a freshly caught sheep. The group promptly roasted the meat, devouring it heartily. Murong Chen meticulously sliced some for Jiang Mengmeng, who, still wanting more, expressed a desire for wine.
As if by magic, Murong Chen produced several jars, and the five companions spent the evening feasting and drinking to their hearts' content. Overcome by the alcohol, Jiang Mengmeng quickly became intoxicated. In her drunken state, she first proclaimed her own perfection, then made heartfelt pronouncements, praising each of her friends. She called Xiao Ai kind and cute, and Chang Kong reliable and a source of security.
Turning to Song Che, she described him as occasionally dull and straightforward, prone to impulsive and reckless actions, yet always the first to charge forward, their bravest general. When asked about Murong Chen, however, she suddenly felt nauseous. Murong Chen quickly helped her to a secluded spot. There, in a moment of drunken honesty, she confided in him a secret, urging him not to tell Murong Chen.
She confessed that Murong Chen's sincere declaration of love had moved her deeply, especially after she had mistakenly believed he was dying and agreed to create a "last beautiful memory" with him. Despite her attempts to ignore her feelings and pretend their shared intimate moments were just a dream, she found herself constantly recalling his genuine confession, her own false one, and their kiss.
She acknowledged that she already held Yun Ya in her heart and felt she should not regard Murong Chen as anything more than a friend. Listening to her heartfelt words, Murong Chen was filled with tenderness and almost revealed that he was, in fact, Yun Ya. He silently resolved that perhaps he had pressured her too much and should grant her more time to discern her true feelings.
Murong Chen whispered that he wished to be with her forever, calling her "Xiaomeng." Later that night, Jiang Mengmeng was plagued by a nightmare in which she, Yun Ya, and Yun Qi were pursued by attackers. Yun Qi bravely fought back, but was gravely wounded and collapsed. As a menacing female demon advanced to strike Jiang Mengmeng, Yun Ya swiftly appeared to shield her. Startled awake by the terrifying dream, Jiang Mengmeng found the sun rising and her head throbbing.
Xiao Ai offered comfort, but Jiang Mengmeng, anxious about her drunken behavior, immediately sought out Murong Chen. She questioned him about any inappropriate remarks she might have made the previous night. Murong Chen, to cover up her actual confession, playfully fabricated a story, claiming she had declared him the most handsome man she had ever seen, regretted breaking off their engagement, and wished to marry him on the spot, with Song Che as their matchmaker.
Jiang Mengmeng was not amused by Murong Chen's playful pretense and quickly dismissed him, remarking on his "ugly" headwear. Reflecting on her momentary confusion, she was relieved to have secured Yun Ya’s place as her "beloved one." Unbeknownst to her, Song Che had overheard her pronouncement about the "beloved one" and, mistakenly believing she was referring to him, was overjoyed. The group of five soon arrived in Liang City.
Jiang Mengmeng observed that despite its desolate appearance, the streets were filled with prosperous-looking pedestrians and luxury goods. Song Che explained that Liang City, while geographically challenging, was a crucial trade hub connecting North Desert, Nan Cang, Ruo Shui, and Cang Yun, thus presenting a unique blend of poverty and wealth. Murong Chen, hearing this, was transported back to his childhood memories of begging with Jiang Mengmeng in Liang City.
He recalled how he, as "A Mu," struggled to cry for alms, and Jiang Mengmeng would chide him for their lack of success. In a past event, Jiang Mengmeng discovered a dropped money pouch. Instead of begging, she promptly used the money to buy roasted chicken and wine to share with Yun Qi. Yun Qi, suspicious of the sudden bounty, pressed them about the money's origin.
They confessed to finding it, and Yun Qi insisted they return it to its rightful owner. They discovered a distraught mother lamenting the loss of her hard-earned money, vital for her sick son's treatment. Realizing her mistake, Jiang Mengmeng immediately returned the money and apologized to Uncle Qi, who imparted a lesson about not depriving others of their livelihood to secure one's own.
Back in the present, Jiang Mengmeng noticed the proliferation of beggars in Liang City, remarking that they resembled "professional beggars in tourist spots" and teasing Murong Chen that he would have to spend a fortune. She handed some money to a couple of young beggars, who then deliberately dropped a money pouch and fled. Jiang Mengmeng, keen to return their forgotten item, chased after them, with Song Che close behind.
Meanwhile, Murong Chen and Chang Kong were occupied dispersing a larger crowd of beggars that had encircled them. Upon learning that Jiang Mengmeng and Song Che had pursued the children, Murong Chen immediately sensed trouble. He suspected the beggars were a diversion and feared Jiang Mengmeng and Song Che were in danger. Worrying they might be kidnapped and sold across borders, he and Chang Kong set off to find them, leaving Xiao Ai to wait.
Jiang Mengmeng and Song Che, having lost sight of the elusive children, were suddenly shoved by an unseen force into a bustling establishment: Yun Xiang House. Meanwhile, unbeknownst to Jiang Mengmeng and Song Che, Murong Chen, after leaving Xiao Ai, found an old beggar in a street corner. He relentlessly questioned the beggar about the whereabouts of the young beggars and discovered they had been bribed by a masked woman to lure Jiang Mengmeng to Yun Xiang House.
Inside Yun Xiang House, it was packed, all eyes fixed on the stage where Xie Yumian, the newly debuted popular courtesan, was performing a captivating dance. The audience cheered enthusiastically. Jiang Mengmeng and Song Che, too, found themselves drawn in by her graceful movements. After her performance, the procuress announced a unique challenge: from forty boxes of rouge, patrons must select the exact shade Xie Yumian wore on her lips.
The winner would earn the privilege of spending the night with the courtesan. Jiang Mengmeng, observing Xie Yumian's elaborate purple attire and plum-colored lip makeup, quickly discerned that the solution was not a single shade. She correctly identified that Xie Yumian had achieved her lip color by layering matte No. 32 plum rouge with shiny No. 15 light pink rouge.
The procuress, impressed by her astuteness, congratulated "this childe" (Jiang Mengmeng, still disguised as a man) on becoming Xie Yumian's exclusive guest. Before Song Che could intervene, staff members unceremoniously escorted Jiang Mengmeng into a private room. Inside, Xie Yumian immediately began to approach Jiang Mengmeng with seductive intent, much to Jiang Mengmeng's bewilderment, who had expected a "damsel in distress" scenario.
Jiang Mengmeng dodged her advances, remarking to herself that the storyline was completely off and questioning if the game included a "girls' love line," despite being straight. She inquired about Xie Yumian's predicament, suggesting she might have a story or hardships to share, and offered to listen. Xie Yumian, in response, offered a cup of wine. Jiang Mengmeng hesitated, suspecting a trick, so Xie Yumian drank it herself, then pressed closer.
Just as Jiang Mengmeng felt increasingly uneasy, Song Che and a masked Yun Ya burst into the room. Yun Ya swiftly disarmed Xie Yumian, knocking a dagger from her hand, and came to Jiang Mengmeng's rescue. Jiang Mengmeng, stunned, realized Xie Yumian had intended to harm her. Yun Ya noted a cut on Jiang Mengmeng's arm and tended to it, asking if she was hurt.
Jiang Mengmeng dismissed the pain and jokingly said that this time she wanted him to save Song Che, not her. Song Che immediately engaged Xie Yumian in a fierce struggle. Yun Ya quickly subdued Xie Yumian, demanding to know her identity and the reason for the assassination attempt. Xie Yumian, now revealed to be Zhe Xiang, confessed that she hailed from Nan Cang and sought revenge for her brother, who had died fighting against the Ruo Shui Kingdom.
She recounted how the war had left her an orphan, forcing her into the brothel, and how she intended to take her own life but first wished to avenge her brother by killing the 9th princess of Ruo Shui. Jiang Mengmeng interjected, arguing that she was innocent and that Zhe Xiang's revenge should be directed at Song Che, the general.
Zhe Xiang countered that those in high positions, who wielded the power of life and death, were responsible, and soldiers were mere tools. She declared that since her revenge was thwarted, she was ready to face any punishment. Song Che, enraged, seemed willing to oblige, but Jiang Mengmeng intervened. She untied Zhe Xiang and returned her dagger, imploring her to abandon her path of revenge.
She explained the history of peaceful coexistence and trade between Nan Cang and Ruo Shui, and how Nan Cang's recent ambition had led to invasions and innocent deaths. Jiang Mengmeng reasoned that Zhe Xiang's brother, like countless others, was a victim of those in power, and that a cycle of endless revenge would only lead to more suffering. She urged Zhe Xiang to choose life. Zhe Xiang, stripped of her revenge target, found living unbearable and preferred death.
Jiang Mengmeng, determined to save her, declared she would redeem Zhe Xiang. Song Che, however, questioned how Jiang Mengmeng could afford it, given her stolen belongings and Murong Chen's absence. Jiang Mengmeng insisted she had a solution, eyeing Song Che.
Episode 12 Recap
Jiang Mengmeng made the difficult decision to allow Zhe Xiang to accompany them, acknowledging that Zhe Xiang had nowhere else to go and might try to harm herself again if left alone. She then met with Yun Ya, who had intended to stage a scenario where Jiang Mengmeng would "heroically save the beauty," but his plan went awry.
Jiang Mengmeng expressed her frustration that he didn't use the Tian Ji Token to contact her, to which he playfully replied that he wanted to see her all the time. He inwardly realized he might have flirted too aggressively. Jiang Mengmeng inquired about Yun Ya’s cold poison, and he assured her it hadn't recurred.
She urged him to take care of himself, promising to retrieve the blood night-blooming cereus to cure him, confident in her ability to achieve anything she set her mind to. Yun Ya soon left, stating he had justice to uphold in the martial arts world, which Jiang Mengmeng accepted, noting his habit of appearing and disappearing suddenly. Meanwhile, Murong Chen instructed Chang Kong to investigate Zhe Xiang, concerned about Jiang Mengmeng's trusting nature.
Chang Kong reported that while Zhe Xiang indeed came from Nan Cang two and a half years prior, most records from that region were lost during years of war, making it difficult to verify her past. Murong Chen, worried Zhe Xiang might harbor ill intentions, vowed to retaliate if she attempted to harm Jiang Mengmeng. Soon after, Jiang Mengmeng, Song Che, and Zhe Xiang encountered Xiao Ai, who was crying as she searched for Jiang Mengmeng.
Jiang Mengmeng became enraged upon seeing the "missing person" posters plastered everywhere, featuring a hideously drawn caricature of herself, which she deemed an act of "anti-fan behavior." Following the posters, they found Murong Chen, who feigned ignorance of the crude artwork. He gently held her hand, expressing concern about her well-being, which deeply moved Jiang Mengmeng, despite his disheveled appearance from searching for her.
The group of six, including Jiang Mengmeng, Song Che, Zhe Xiang, Murong Chen, Chang Kong, and Xiao Ai, continued their journey through a desolate area. As they entered a forest, a thick fog descended rapidly. Murong Chen, recalling a past incident where he and his brother got lost in similar conditions, suggested waiting for the fog to clear.
However, Zhe Xiang, drawing on her experience from her homeland of Nan Cang where fog was common, estimated it would take too long and proposed they press on to exit the forest quickly, a suggestion Jiang Mengmeng found sensible. As the fog intensified, Murong Chen suggested they divide into three pairs, walking five steps and then calling out their numbers to stay connected. He chose Zhe Xiang as his partner, hoping to secretly assess her character.
Annoyed by Murong Chen's choice, Jiang Mengmeng partnered with Song Che, leaving Xiao Ai to join Chang Kong. Unbeknownst to them, they had entered the Lost Phantom Formation, meticulously crafted by Yu Qingzhu, who watched their movements from a nearby mountaintop. Yu Qingzhu instructed an unseen accomplice to position themselves within the formation alongside Jiang Mengmeng, ready to share her fate. Zhe Xiang directly confronted Murong Chen, sensing he had paired with her out of suspicion.
Murong Chen smoothly deflected, claiming his choice was for his own safety and to avoid interfering with other pairings, adding that if she truly harbored malicious intent, she wouldn't act now or in this vulnerable location. As the groups ventured deeper, Murong Chen discovered they were in the same forest but occupying different "parallel time and space," what Jiang Mengmeng exclaimed was a "chuunibyo" (excessive self-awareness of teenagers) trap of the game.
He advised everyone to find their way out individually and regroup later. Song Che, trying to sound knowledgeable about navigating such situations, suggested they simply walk in one direction, but Jiang Mengmeng pointed out the risk of getting lost in circles. Song Che then confidently asserted he had a better plan and led her onward. Within the formation, each person experienced their deepest fears or most cherished attachments.
Song Che saw his horse, Da Huang, and, believing it could guide them, chased after it, only to encounter a fierce battle and rush to assist. Jiang Mengmeng found herself in Yun Qi’s old wooden house, witnessing Yun Qi forcefully scolding Yun Ya for stealing money and making him return it. This triggered fragmented memories from when she was eight.
She saw her younger self, whom Yun Qi had called "Xiaomeng" due to a butterfly birthmark, being protected by a young boy named A Mu. In this vision, A Mu shielded her from Yu Qingzhu's devastating blood night-blooming cereus strike. Jiang Mengmeng realized these weren't dreams, but forgotten, painful realities. She saw Yu Qingzhu attempting to kill young Xiaomeng, with Yun Qi bravely intervening.
Yun Qi then decided they should split into two groups: he would take Xiaomeng, and his junior brother would take A Mu, to escape. Overwhelmed, Jiang Mengmeng grieved the forgotten past, realizing that she, Jiang Mengmeng, and Xiaomeng were the same person, and that Murong Chen was A Mu. She embraced both her identities and the complexities of her life, declaring she could handle both "sweet love and heavy life." Reinvigorated, she hurried to find Murong Chen and Song Che.
In his own separate reality within the formation, Murong Chen relived the trauma of his youth, seeing his brother suffering from a snake bite. Despite his desperate efforts to alter the past, his brother still ended up paralyzed. He confronted a phantom voice accusing him of being a "loser" for failing to save his brother or avenge Yun Qi. The voice goaded him to commit suicide to find peace and apologize to Uncle Qi.
As he contemplated taking his own life, his hand brushed against the Tian Ji Token that Yun Qi had given him. He remembered Yun Qi’s dying wish: not to seek revenge, but to protect those they cherished. Murong Chen understood that Yun Qi had entrusted him with Tian Ji Pavilion not for vengeance, but as a means to safeguard innocent lives.
Episode 13 Recap
Yu Qingzhu, the sect leader, began a trial for her disciples, declaring that she would only accept three close disciples. The disciples were forced to fight each other, and eventually, only four remained. One junior disciple, fearing for her life as the weakest among them, pleaded with Zhe Xiang for protection. Zhe Xiang promised to shield her and ensure their survival. However, in a shocking betrayal, the junior disciple stabbed Zhe Xiang from behind, desperate to live.
Heartbroken and disillusioned, Zhe Xiang declared that she would never again believe in sisterhood, and in a fit of despair, she killed the two remaining disciples. Yu Qingzhu then arrived and changed the rules, announcing she would only take one close disciple and ordered Zhe Xiang to kill the junior disciple who had just betrayed her. Zhe Xiang was unable to commit such an act.
Overwhelmed by the painful memory of the brutal trial, she attempted to take her own life, but Yu Qingzhu stopped her. Disoriented by Yu Qingzhu's poisonous fog and reliving the horrific choices she had just faced, Zhe Xiang was in immense pain. Jiang Mengmeng arrived, pulled her out of the illusion, and wrestled the sword from her grasp, sustaining an injury to her hand in the process. Meanwhile, Song Che was also caught in a powerful illusion.
He frantically chopped at a tree, reliving a past defeat in battle where a comrade urged him to flee. He refused to abandon his post and continued his futile struggle. Murong Chen, recognizing Song Che's delusion, tried to rouse him with shouts, also using taunts about his own noble status and wealth compared to Song Che's "poor appearance," daring Song Che to fight.
In his altered state, Song Che then perceived Murong Chen as a rival for Jiang Mengmeng's affection, recalling the happy times with Mengmeng before turning twelve, and became enraged, chasing Murong Chen. Jiang Mengmeng and Zhe Xiang, having heard the commotion, rushed to intervene. Zhe Xiang slapped Song Che, snapping him out of his trance.
Confused, Song Che wondered why his face hurt, and Murong Chen explained that he had lost a fight to Zhe Xiang and then started hitting himself. Still disoriented, Song Che couldn't believe he had been defeated by Zhe Xiang. Murong Chen then noticed Jiang Mengmeng's injured hand and showed concern, only to then realize Chang Kong and Xiao Ai were still missing.
Elsewhere, Chang Kong and Xiao Ai were experiencing their own shared illusion, a serene place where they confessed their mutual affection and secretly pledged their futures to each other. Reluctantly, they decided it was time to find Murong Chen and Jiang Mengmeng. When they finally reunited with the main group, who confirmed they were all unharmed, Yu Qingzhu stood on a mountaintop, observing them. Song Che remained somewhat agitated, still muttering about his disbelief at losing to Zhe Xiang.
As the fog finally dissipated, Murong Chen urged everyone to leave the area. As night fell, the group of six found a humble farmhouse to rest. In the middle of the night, Jiang Mengmeng quietly slipped out to the nearby forest, determined to resolve her lingering questions. Yun Ya, wearing his mask, appeared as if on cue.
Jiang Mengmeng confronted him, asking why he consistently appeared at critical moments, even without her signaling for help, and how he always knew her whereabouts. She questioned his presence in Ruo Shui Kingdom during their first meeting and his continued proximity during her travels. Jiang Mengmeng realized he had been by her side, silently protecting her all along.
She tearfully acknowledged that he was the "old friend" from Liang City he had mentioned, that their encounters were reunions, and heartbreakingly, that his cold poison was her fault. Yun Ya apologized for his deception, but assured her he never blamed her. He shared that after Uncle Qi's death, he took over the Tian Ji Pavilion, moving its activities underground, making it seem as if the organization had vanished a decade ago.
Touched, Jiang Mengmeng vowed to find the blood night-blooming cereus to cure his cold poison, so he could live freely without fear of Yu Qingzhu. As she moved to remove his mask, revealing his true face, Chang Kong's sudden call for her interrupted them. Yun Ya seized the opportunity to slip away unnoticed. Chang Kong then came to Murong Chen, who questioned why Chang Kong had interfered.
Chang Kong explained he had intentionally stopped Yun Ya from revealing more to Jiang Mengmeng because with her recovered memories, her desire to save Yun Ya with the blood night-blooming cereus aligned with Murong Chen's plans. He argued it was better to wait until the "big picture" was decided before revealing the full truth to Jiang Mengmeng, to avoid any complications that might cause her to abandon Murong Chen due to romantic feelings.
Back at the farmhouse, Jiang Mengmeng collided with Murong Chen. She confessed her past crush on him but firmly stated that her heart now belonged to Yun Ya, adding that Yun Ya was the reason she wouldn't choose anyone else. She apologized for any hurt she might have caused by flirting and treating their interactions as part of a game. Murong Chen, though visibly pained, understood her feelings.
Jiang Mengmeng then decided that despite their romantic parting, she would still assist Murong Chen in his quest for the blood night-blooming cereus, as her goal was now also to save Yun Ya. Their next destination, the Egret Villa, conveniently matched Murong Chen's plans. Upon arriving at Egret Villa, the group of six was greeted by the enthusiastic Landlord Lu Feibai. He warmly welcomed them, subtly flattering Jiang Mengmeng and suggesting they might have met before, to Murong Chen's annoyance.
Jiang Mengmeng was impressed by the mansion's opulent display of "treasures" like red corals and gold and silver vessels, but Murong Chen quickly exposed them as fakes: luminous pearls made with pearl powder, corals dyed with red paint, and golden vases plated with copper, with rubies made of glass.
Lu Feibai admitted they were replicas but defended his business, explaining that these "light luxury" items catered to ordinary people who couldn't afford real treasures but still desired beauty and a better quality of life. Murong Chen was dismissive, calling them a means for the poor to satisfy vanity. Song Che retorted, asking if poor people weren't "worthy."
Jiang Mengmeng enthusiastically praised Lu Feibai's business acumen and humanitarian approach, finding him to be a commercial genius and "a little handsome," while Murong Chen grew increasingly agitated. As their conversation continued, and Murong Chen had to be physically restrained by his companions, he abruptly demanded to know why Lu Feibai chose to build his grand villa on the site of the former Cereus Villa, a place known for a family's massacre.
Episode 14 Recap
Murong Chen questioned Lu Feibai about why he built Egret Villa on the ruins of Cereus Villa, a place where a family was brutally slaughtered. Jiang Mengmeng immediately told Murong Chen to stop talking nonsense, calling the story scary. Murong Chen clarified that the account came from the "World of Martial Arts Records", a book Chang Kong frequently reads.
Chang Kong confirmed the book detailed how, eleven years ago, the Jing Yue Sect leader Yu Qingzhu, in her quest to cultivate the Blood Moon Power, demanded the rare blood night-blooming cereus from Cereus Villa. When the villa's owner refused, Yu Qingzhu, in a fit of rage, massacred over a hundred people, stole the flower, and burned the entire villa to ashes. Jiang Mengmeng, however, dismissed this as unreliable "street flimflam," urging Murong Chen to stop reading such "raving books."
When Murong Chen suggested asking Lu Feibai for clarification, Lu Feibai simply stated that as a businessman, he knew little of martial arts history and had only bought the land a year ago because it was cheap, unaware of its grim past. Jiang Mengmeng then theorized that Lu Feibai might have been tricked into buying a haunted property. Lu Feibai, being a courteous host, offered dinner and comfortable rooms, which Song Che happily accepted.
Later that evening, Murong Chen, still convinced of Lu Feibai's guilt, tried to convince Jiang Mengmeng that Lu Feibai was suspicious, but she initially chastised him for speaking ill of their host. She pointed out Lu Feibai's good looks, intelligence, business skills, and generous hospitality. Song Che also defended Lu Feibai, noting his tolerance despite Murong Chen's unsettling comments about the villa's history.
Murong Chen argued that Lu Feibai smiled suspiciously at him and displayed different attitudes toward the men and women in their group. Seeing no one believed him, Jiang Mengmeng suggested everyone go to bed. However, Murong Chen later sought out Jiang Mengmeng in her room, frustrated by her lack of belief. Jiang Mengmeng explained that while Lu Feibai could be involved, the Qian Xiu Workshop's ledger showed "Egret Villa" as the buyer, not Lu Feibai directly.
She cautioned that an overly direct accusation might alert the true mastermind if it wasn't Lu Feibai himself. Misinterpreting her caution as a sign of favoritism towards Lu Feibai due to his charm, Murong Chen became defensive. Jiang Mengmeng assured him she wasn't swayed by looks, telling him to return to his own room. Murong Chen vowed to prove Lu Feibai's guilt, planning a late-night investigation.
True to his word, Murong Chen observed several people emerging from a jewel-filled room in the dead of night, suspecting something amiss. Upon entering, he found the tables and chairs cold, leading him to conclude the room was a mere passageway rather than a gathering spot. His careful search revealed a secret chamber hidden behind a painting. Inside, he discovered a blood night-blooming cereus, confirming it was a forgery workshop for these flowers.
Meanwhile, Zhe Xiang, who had been observing the room, was confronted by Song Che, who found her presence suspicious. A fight ensued, with Song Che boasting about past victories, only to be forcefully defeated and severely injured by Zhe Xiang. While Murong Chen was investigating, Lu Feibai personally delivered quilts to Jiang Mengmeng's room. Spotting her opportunity to stall, Jiang Mengmeng invited him in under the guise of discussing business strategies, hoping to buy Murong Chen more time.
She delved into modern business concepts like "limited editions," "designer collections," "celebrity favorites," "special offers," "clearance sales," "purchase limitations," "Double 11," "Double 12," "monthly renewals," and "VIP memberships," which greatly impressed Lu Feibai. As she ran out of ideas and Murong Chen still hadn't returned, she eventually had to let Lu Feibai leave. Shortly after, Murong Chen emerged from the secret chamber to find Song Che defeated and severely injured by Zhe Xiang.
Murong Chen and Jiang Mengmeng attended to Song Che's wounds. Lu Feibai, showing concern, brought medicinal liquor for Song Che. Jiang Mengmeng subtly chided Murong Chen for putting her in a position where she had to stall Lu Feibai all night. Murong Chen admitted to finding the blood night-blooming cereus in the secret chamber. He led Jiang Mengmeng back to the hidden room, but to their astonishment, all the fake flowers had vanished, replaced by jars of wine.
Murong Chen concluded that Lu Feibai had quickly removed the evidence. At that moment, Lu Feibai appeared with Song Che, Chang Kong, and Zhe Xiang, claiming Murong Chen was jealous of his amicable relationship with Jiang Mengmeng and was trying to frame him. Lu Feibai then made an emotional appeal, expressing his simple desire for friendship with Jiang Mengmeng and the joy he felt when she smiled. Song Che, swayed by Lu Feibai's words, sympathized with him.
Feeling betrayed and misunderstood, Murong Chen stormed out. Jiang Mengmeng followed him, initially upset he hadn't defended himself, but then reassured him that she trusted him due to his frank and honest character, explaining that Lu Feibai was using an "emotional trap" to manipulate public opinion. Murong Chen, accepting her explanation, forgave Song Che and the others, acknowledging they had been unknowingly influenced.
Back in the villa, Jiang Mengmeng and Murong Chen realized that if the items hadn't been transferred out of the villa, they must still be hidden somewhere within. They returned to the chamber. Murong Chen investigated further and discovered another hidden compartment behind a wine cabinet, which contained the fake blood night-blooming cereus. Song Che, upon seeing this, was utterly shocked.
Confronted with the evidence, Lu Feibai confessed to producing fake blood night-blooming cereus for a client he knew only as Mr. Xi, based on a blueprint. He claimed Mr. Xi always wore black clothing and a bamboo hat, never showing his face, but that he had a distinctive scent of sophora flower.
Murong Chen confirmed the scent by producing his own sachet and deduced that Mr. Xi was likely from Hui Zhou in Cang Yun Kingdom, a region famous for sophora flowers. The group then decided to travel to Hui Zhou. The six travelers soon arrived in Hui Zhou. Song Che expressed his immense happiness, believing that Murong Chen would soon return home, secretly anticipating his departure.
As they were observing the lively street, a woman named Ye Fei'er charged through on horseback, recklessly attempting to strike people with her whip. Murong Chen quickly pushed Jiang Mengmeng out of harm's way. Zhe Xiang intervened, grabbing Ye Fei'er's whip and preventing her from hitting anyone. Zhe Xiang confronted Ye Fei'er for her dangerous actions, calling her a "lawless shrew." Jiang Mengmeng urged Zhe Xiang to avoid further conflict and focus on their mission.
Sai Pan'an then arrived and defused the situation, persuading Ye Fei'er to leave. Jiang Mengmeng remarked that the women of Cang Yun Kingdom seemed even more formidable than those in Ruo Shui Kingdom, a comment that Chang Kong tried to lightly refute, claiming Cang Yun women were "like water," though he was jokingly cut off. The group then continued their journey.
Episode 15 Recap
After uncovering Lu Feibai's counterfeiting operation and his involvement in the illicit trade of blood night-blooming cereus, Murong Chen, Jiang Mengmeng, and their companions learned a crucial clue. Lu Feibai confessed to processing fake blood night-blooming cereus for a mysterious individual whose face he had never seen, but who carried the distinctive scent of locust flowers.
Recognizing that Hui County in Cangyun Kingdom was renowned for its abundant locust blossoms, Murong Chen immediately led the group of six – including Jiang Mengmeng, Song Che, Xiao Ai, Zhe Xiang, and Chang Kong – to Hui County to pursue this new lead. Upon their arrival, they noticed a bustling crowd heading towards an auction. Upon inquiring, Jiang Mengmeng learned that the highly anticipated item for bidding was the long-lost blood night-blooming cereus.
Murong Chen observed that the auction was heavily guarded by government soldiers, which made him suspicious, as officials usually do not meddle in martial arts world affairs. He surmised that Governor Ye's involvement meant the event would not be peaceful. Despite his reservations, the group decided to register for the auction. Murong Chen purchased a grand manor for the group's accommodation, insisting on covering all expenses except for Song Che, much to Song Che's annoyance.
Jiang Mengmeng distributed auction tickets to everyone, and Murong Chen handed her a significant amount of money for shopping. Jiang Mengmeng, Xiao Ai, and Zhe Xiang then went to select new outfits. Zhe Xiang initially hesitated to choose a dress, preferring her usual attire, but Jiang Mengmeng persuaded her to try on a beautiful gown. Everyone was struck by Zhe Xiang's transformation, although Zhe Xiang herself worried about the impracticality of fighting in such a dress.
Jiang Mengmeng playfully reminded her that they were attending an auction, not a martial arts competition. Later, Sai Pan'an approached Jiang Mengmeng's group to apologize on behalf of Ye Fei'er for a previous misunderstanding and insisted on treating them to a meal. Jiang Mengmeng politely declined, but Sai Pan'an was persistent. Fortunately, Song Che arrived in time to intervene, driving Sai Pan'an away.
Song Che, still captivated by Zhe Xiang's elegant appearance, tried to hide his admiration by teasing her, claiming the dress was unflattering and unsuitable for combat. Offended, Zhe Xiang walked off in a huff. Jiang Mengmeng, however, saw through Song Che’s facade and playfully accused him of speaking contrarily because he harbored feelings for Zhe Xiang. Song Che vehemently denied this, swearing his unwavering loyalty to Jiang Mengmeng.
Just then, a clap of thunder startled him, sending him fleeing in comical panic. Meanwhile, at Ye's Mansion, Ye Ling'er, Ye Fei'er's half-sister, faced harsh treatment from a maid. Her mother's lack of formal status meant Ye Ling'er endured a life worse than a servant. Yu Qingzhu, the master of Jing Yue Sect, appeared and offered to help Ye Ling'er reclaim her rightful inheritance. At the auction, the group found their seats.
Jiang Mengmeng was surprised to spot her 8th brother, the 8th Prince, who was representing their sister, Princess Jiang Wan, to bid for the blood night-blooming cereus. The 8th Prince had reserved all the VIP seats and, after learning of Jiang Mengmeng's interest, promised to secure the flower for her. Jiang Mengmeng also noticed Lu Feibai, Sang Luo, Xi Qing, Jin Hua, and Yin Hua among the attendees, all having received invitations to witness the genuine blood night-blooming cereus.
Jiang Mengmeng recognized Lu Feibai as the fox-masked assailant who had robbed her previously. Lu Feibai denied it, but Song Che, enraged, drew his sword. Murong Chen quickly stopped him, and Jiang Mengmeng decided to let the matter rest for the moment. The auction officially began with Mr. Xi, the seller, presenting the blood night-blooming cereus. Jiang Mengmeng confirmed its authenticity. Bidding started at 100 Liang, with Murong Chen and the 8th Prince quickly escalating the price.
The competition was fierce, driving the bid to 8,000 Liang. At this point, Murong Chen exposed Mr. Xi, revealing him to be Lu Feibai, and challenged him to unmask. Simultaneously, Chang Kong unmasked a man sitting in the audience who was posing as Lu Feibai, confirming he was a mere decoy. The real Lu Feibai then removed his own veil.
Murong Chen elaborated on his deduction, explaining that Mr. Xi's hands were too delicate for a man of his supposed age. The critical clue, however, was in the invitation list: all other VIP guests had previously been duped by fake blood night-blooming cereus. Yet, Jiang Mengmeng and Murong Chen had not received an invitation from Mr. Xi. Murong Chen realized this was because Lu Feibai had already "invited" them in person while disguised.
This single oversight in his dual role was his fatal flaw. Murong Chen then exposed Lu Feibai's entire scheme: Eleven years prior, Yu Qingzhu had stolen the blood night-blooming cereus from Cereus Villa, only for it to be stolen again. A year ago, Lu Feibai acquired the land of the ruined Cereus Villa and built Egret Villa.
Murong Chen concluded that the real blood night-blooming cereus had been buried beneath the ruins all along, untouched due to its reputation as a haunted site, but unearthed by the pragmatic merchant Lu Feibai during construction. Upon finding the genuine flower, Lu Feibai began flooding the market with fakes to create a frenzy in the martial arts world, all while planning to profit by openly auctioning the real cereus under the disguise of Mr. Xi.
Lu Feibai admitted to the scheme, expressing surprise that Jiang Mengmeng hadn't recognized him earlier. He then shared a business philosophy: "The use value of a product depends on the buyer. The seller cares only about the price." Jiang Mengmeng suddenly realized that Zhao Qian had uttered the exact same words. Before she could react, dense smoke engulfed the auction hall, sending everyone into a panic. When the smoke dissipated, both Lu Feibai and the blood night-blooming cereus were gone.
Murong Chen deduced that the chaos was intentionally caused by someone else to prevent Lu Feibai from selling the flower. He believed Lu Feibai, having already hinted at knowing Murong Chen's true identity, had prepared for his own demise and likely became a scapegoat. The genuine blood night-blooming cereus was now in another's hands. Murong Chen decided their next step was to confront Governor Ye, who was responsible for the auction's security.
As other attendees prepared to leave, Jin Hua and Yin Hua from Bai Hua Village, along with Sang Luo and Xi Qing, bid farewell to Jiang Mengmeng, reiterating their gratitude and offering their assistance should she ever need it. Sang Luo and Xi Qing reaffirmed their decision to retire from the martial arts world. The 8th Prince urged Jiang Mengmeng to return to the palace with him.
Jiang Mengmeng, however, offered excuses, indicating her desire to remain and pursue the investigation. Understanding her independent spirit, the 8th Prince allowed her to stay, promising to cover for her absence with the Queen by claiming he never encountered her in Hui County. He emphasized that her happiness was paramount and that he would always welcome her home should she ever tire. He then instructed Song Che to protect her.
Noticing Murong Chen and Chang Kong were missing, Jiang Mengmeng grew worried, as Song Che confirmed they hadn't been seen since the auction's disruption. Just then, a beggar delivered a note from Murong Chen, stating that he and Chang Kong had found a new clue and instructed Jiang Mengmeng and the others to meet them at a teahouse. Jiang Mengmeng, Xiao Ai, Song Che, and Zhe Xiang hurried to the teahouse, but Murong Chen was not there.
A commotion erupted downstairs as Ye Fei'er and Ye Ling'er entered the teahouse, with Ye Fei'er loudly accusing Jiang Mengmeng of seducing her fiancé, "An'an." Jiang Mengmeng tried to explain, denying any involvement and even feigning ignorance of "An'an's" identity. Ye Fei'er, however, listed past encounters, twisting them into evidence of flirtation, including an incident where Jiang Mengmeng supposedly blocked her path and startled her horse, and another where she was seen "flirting" with Sai Pan'an while shopping.
Jiang Mengmeng countered that Sai Pan'an was merely harassing them to apologize on Ye Fei'er's behalf and that Song Che had intervened. She appealed to Xiao Ai and Zhe Xiang for confirmation, but Ye Fei'er dismissed them as biased witnesses. Frustrated by the unyielding accusations, Jiang Mengmeng attempted to leave, but Ye Fei'er grabbed her, demanding a full explanation. During their struggle, Ye Fei'er tragically fell from the teahouse balcony and died instantly.
Episode 16 Recap
Murong Chen, accompanied by Chang Kong, arrived at Ye's Mansion to meet Governor Ye. A servant informed Governor Ye of Murong Chen's presence and reported that his eldest daughter, Ye Fei'er, had gone out again after returning. Concerned for her safety amidst recent unrest, Governor Ye dispatched the servant to find Ye Fei'er and instruct her to stay indoors.
Murong Chen noticed Governor Ye's troubled demeanor and correctly surmised he was distressed by the stolen blood night-blooming cereus from the auction. Murong Chen offered his assistance, with Chang Kong adding that his master was responsible for exposing Lu Feibai's past scam. Governor Ye admitted he accepted a large sum from Mr. Xi, not out of greed, but to secure a dowry for his headstrong daughter.
Murong Chen understood his paternal concern and requested a detailed account of the auction's security measures to identify weaknesses. Officers then arrived at the scene of Ye Fei'er's death. Ye Ling'er immediately accused Jiang Mengmeng of pushing her lady from the building. As officers moved to apprehend Jiang Mengmeng, Song Che fiercely resisted, leading to his arrest for obstructing their duty. Zhe Xiang was taken hostage, and an officer threatened her life if Song Che did not surrender.
With Zhe Xiang's safety compromised, Jiang Mengmeng and her companions were forced to yield. In the penitentiary, Jiang Mengmeng was bound and subjected to brutal torture, including having salt applied to her wounds. She protested the lack of procedural law, but her pleas were ignored. From his cell, Song Che desperately tried to break down the iron door to rescue Jiang Mengmeng, shouting threats at the officers, but the door remained unyielding.
Meanwhile, Murong Chen and Chang Kong, still analyzing the auction's security system, concluded that the theft of the blood night-blooming cereus was an inside job, as an outsider could not have bypassed the foolproof measures. It was at this moment that a frantic servant burst in to inform Governor Ye that Ye Fei'er was dead. Stunned, Governor Ye was told Jiang Mengmeng was the killer. He immediately rushed to the prison with Murong Chen and Chang Kong.
Inside, Song Che was desperately calling out Murong Chen’s name. Murong Chen arrived to find Jiang Mengmeng badly beaten and ordered the guards to stop. Governor Ye confronted him, demanding justice for his daughter and vowing to kill Jiang Mengmeng. When Governor Ye confronted him, demanding justice for his daughter and vowing to kill Jiang Mengmeng, Chang Kong drew his sword against Governor Ye. Murong Chen then intervened, revealing himself as the Fifth Prince of Cang Yun Kingdom.
Everyone in the prison knelt in reverence. Murong Chen apologized to Jiang Mengmeng for his delayed arrival, assuring her she was now safe. He ordered the immediate release of Jiang Mengmeng, Song Che, and Zhe Xiang, calming Governor Ye by promising not to abuse his power. Instead, Murong Chen pledged to uncover the true killer of Ye Fei'er within three days and deliver justice to Governor Ye.
After securing their release, Murong Chen brought Jiang Mengmeng back home, entrusting Xiao Ai with her care. He questioned Song Che about the events leading to their arrest. Song Che angrily recounted receiving a letter, supposedly from Murong Chen, instructing them to meet at a teahouse, which led to Jiang Mengmeng's wrongful accusation and torture. Murong Chen denied sending any such letter, realizing they had been lured into a trap orchestrated by a cunning mastermind.
He decided to personally investigate to uphold his promise to clear Jiang Mengmeng's name, despite Song Che's warnings about the dangers posed by their well-prepared adversaries. Murong Chen reassured them he had considered the risks. He instructed Song Che and Zhe Xiang to care for Jiang Mengmeng, but specifically assigned Chang Kong to remain and protect her.
He explained that Song Che was too impulsive and easily deceived, and he still harbored doubts about Zhe Xiang's true intentions, believing the threat was specifically directed at Jiang Mengmeng. Chang Kong accepted the instruction and pledged his caution. Jiang Mengmeng eventually regained consciousness. Her immediate concern was Murong Chen, and she learned he had gone alone to investigate Ye Fei'er's murder.
Worried for his safety, she attempted to get up, but Xiao Ai and Zhe Xiang gently restrained her, reminding her of her injuries and urging her to rest. They explained that Murong Chen left without waiting precisely because he wanted her to prioritize her recovery. Meanwhile, at Ye's Mansion, Ye Ling'er's demeanor had drastically changed since Ye Fei'er's death.
She defiantly refused to perform chores and acted imperiously towards the household staff, even slapping an older maid who tried to admonish her. Ye Ling'er boldly declared herself the new mistress of the house. Still recovering, Jiang Mengmeng longed to find Murong Chen, worried about his mission and her dwindling "life points" in the game world. Weak from a constant diet of porridge, she cunningly persuaded Song Che to go find her a Beggar's Chicken.
Once he departed, she secretly slipped away. Zhe Xiang, witnessing Jiang Mengmeng's escape, chose not to intervene, noting how easily Song Che was fooled. Meanwhile, Murong Chen, leveraging the extensive network of Tian Ji Pavilion, received detailed reports on the Ye family's relationships and all information pertaining to Ye Fei'er. He also received a discreet report on Zhe Xiang, which was difficult to obtain directly but was uncovered through old records of the Jing Yue Sect.
Murong Chen emphasized the need to keep this sensitive information absolutely confidential. Soon after, he spotted a weakened Jiang Mengmeng stumbling down a street, expressing relief at finding her. Exhausted from her search, Jiang Mengmeng collapsed in the street, faintly calling out Murong Chen's name. A masked Yun Ya arrived just in time, bringing her to his room at the Tian Ji Pavilion branch. Upon waking, Jiang Mengmeng recognized Yun Ya, who gently informed her she fainted from hunger.
After a hearty meal, where she expressed her disdain for the obligatory porridge diet, Jiang Mengmeng asked Yun Ya for a critical favor: to help her locate Murong Chen. Yun Ya, who revealed he too was investigating Ye Fei'er's case, questioned her priorities, pointing out that she hadn't sought his help despite his long absence and her recent dangers. He noted that in her moment of unconsciousness, she called out for Murong Chen.
Jiang Mengmeng explained her concern for Murong Chen stemmed from their partnership in seeking the blood night-blooming cereus, which she intended to use to cure Yun Ya's cold poison. Yun Ya agreed to assist but presented a choice: he could either help find Murong Chen or help clear her name. Jiang Mengmeng decisively chose to find Murong Chen, asserting that she could handle her own safety and innocence, but she cannot stand by while a teammate is in danger.
Impressed by her growth, courage, and sense of responsibility, Yun Ya praised her for maturing beyond her previous self-centered focus. He then shared a crucial clue: to solve Ye Fei'er's case, Jiang Mengmeng should investigate those closest to the deceased. He also assured her that Murong Chen was safe and would reappear when the time was right. Jiang Mengmeng thanked him, reaffirming her vow to find the blood night-blooming cereus for him.
Yun Ya then asked if, after regaining her memories, her feelings for him were now solely rooted in guilt and remorse. Following Yun Ya's advice, Jiang Mengmeng went to Ye's Mansion to observe those close to Ye Fei'er. She found a mourning hall set up for Ye Fei'er and noticed Ye Ling'er, who affectionately addressed Governor Ye as "Dad." Puzzled, Jiang Mengmeng asked a local woman, who revealed that Ye Ling'er was Governor Ye's illegitimate daughter.
Her mother having died, Ye Ling'er came to Ye's Mansion but was kept as a maid due to her status, only to be officially recognized as the second daughter after Ye Fei'er's death. Jiang Mengmeng then witnessed Ye Ling'er’s brief, triumphant smile after comforting a grief-stricken Governor Ye, cementing her suspicion that Ye Ling'er was involved. Murong Chen found Jiang Mengmeng and brought her back. He asked why she suspected Ye Ling'er.
Jiang Mengmeng deflected, claiming her own intelligence, and recounted how Ye Ling'er immediately accused her without witnesses and exaggerated Ye Fei'er's accusations. Murong Chen then explained his own investigative findings: he suspected Sai Pan'an, Ye Fei'er’s fiancé, due to his conspicuous absence from the funeral on the first day.
Investigating further, Murong Chen went to Sai Pan'an's house and saw Ye Ling'er entering it, leading him to believe the situation involved complex family dynamics and that Sai Pan'an was deeply implicated. He told Jiang Mengmeng they now had a suspect but required evidence. Later that night, Song Che and Zhe Xiang discreetly approached Ye Fei'er's mourning hall. They incapacitated the guards and entered the dark, eerie hall. Inside, Zhe Xiang accidentally bumped into Song Che, and then both felt something pulling at their clothes, indicating an unseen presence.
Episode 17 Recap
Song Che and Zhe Xiang entered Ye Fei'er's mourning hall to perform an autopsy. Song Che, feeling nervous, was reminded by Zhe Xiang of his past as a young general, accustomed to battlefields filled with bodies, but he insisted a single corpse was "completely different." After examining the body, Zhe Xiang noted multiple fractures, three broken ribs with one piercing a lung, and a severe head injury with cerebral hemorrhage. However, she concluded that none of these were fatal wounds.
Zhe Xiang then pointed out black spots on the body, revealing that Ye Fei'er had been poisoned before entering the teahouse. The poison took effect during her argument with Jiang Mengmeng, causing her to lose strength and fall, thus appearing to have died from the fall. This discovery cleared Jiang Mengmeng of suspicion. As they attempted to leave, Song Che accidentally triggered an alarm.
House guards quickly surrounded them, and Governor Ye demanded to know why they were desecrating his daughter's body. Seeing no other option, Song Che revealed their purpose was to perform an autopsy and declared that Ye Fei'er was poisoned, with the true culprit being Ye Ling'er, who stood beside the Governor. He presented the evidence of black fingers and seven black spots behind Ye Fei'er's ear as symptoms of poisoning.
Ye Ling'er immediately feigned distress, accusing Song Che and Zhe Xiang of poisoning the body themselves to frame her and absolve Jiang Mengmeng. She tearfully appealed to her father, threatening suicide to accompany her sister, which would leave him with no living children. Overwhelmed with grief and concern for his last remaining daughter, Governor Ye believed Ye Ling'er and ordered Song Che and Zhe Xiang to be beaten to death.
Just as the guards moved in, Murong Chen, Jiang Mengmeng, Xiao Ai, and Chang Kong arrived. Murong Chen announced his identity as the Fifth Prince and stated that Song Che and Zhe Xiang were acting under his orders to investigate the murder. He then presented Sai Pan'an as a witness. Sai Pan'an, visibly terrified, confessed that the true murderer of Ye Fei'er was Ye Ling'er.
He then produced a blood night-blooming cereus, explaining that Ye Ling'er had given it to him as hush money. A flashback revealed how Jiang Mengmeng, disguised as Ye Fei'er's ghost, confronted a terrified Sai Pan'an in his home, leading him to confess that Ye Ling'er had threatened him to keep quiet about poisoning Ye Fei'er, telling him that if he possessed the "loot," they would be "on the same boat." Governor Ye was deeply pained by Sai Pan'an's testimony.
Ye Ling'er, cornered, confessed her motives. She claimed that she and Sai Pan'an were once a couple, but Ye Fei'er used her status to steal him away and later stole the blood night-blooming cereus from an auction to control Sai Pan'an. Misinterpreting Sai Pan'an's interactions with Jiang Mengmeng, Ye Ling'er decided to use Jiang Mengmeng as a scapegoat, believing she was "doing society a favor" by eliminating Ye Fei'er, whom she described as a local bully.
Horrified by his daughter's depravity, Governor Ye ordered her arrest. However, Ye Ling'er, unwilling to face justice, swiftly stabbed Sai Pan'an, killing him, and then took her own life, declaring that she and Sai Pan'an would be "ghost couples" in the afterlife and never be separated again, even without the blood night-blooming cereus. Governor Ye collapsed in utter devastation. Later, Zhe Xiang accused Yu Qingzhu of orchestrating Ye Ling'er's actions to kill Ye Fei'er and frame Jiang Mengmeng.
Yu Qingzhu acknowledged Zhe Xiang's keen observations. She clarified that she had no intention of harming Jiang Mengmeng, as Jiang Mengmeng's "blood of pure yang" was essential as a "medical supplement to restart the blood night-blooming cereus." Zhe Xiang then reaffirmed her loyalty to Yu Qingzhu, stating that Yu Qingzhu was her only family and Jing Yue Sect her only home. Yu Qingzhu then entrusted Zhe Xiang with one final mission.
Back at their lodging, Jiang Mengmeng confided in Zhe Xiang about her confusing emotions regarding Yun Ya and Murong Chen. She explained that she initially believed Murong Chen was just a friend and Yun Ya her true love. However, Yun Ya's recent question about her feelings for him, post-memory recovery, had left her uncertain, believing she only felt "guilt and responsibility."
She also admitted to feeling a strange sense of loss and discomfort now that Murong Chen was preparing to return home, realizing how much she would miss him. Zhe Xiang thoughtfully advised Jiang Mengmeng that feelings and responsibilities often intertwine and suggested that Jiang Mengmeng arrange a meeting with both Murong Chen and Yun Ya. She explained that by fulfilling her "responsibilities" to both men, Jiang Mengmeng might finally understand her true feelings.
Jiang Mengmeng agreed to arrange the meeting for the following morning. The next day, Jiang Mengmeng prepared a special "DIY Master Jiang's instant noodles" for Murong Chen. She then informed him of her plan to take him to meet Yun Ya at Tian Ji Pavilion. Murong Chen was visibly taken aback, spitting out his noodles. Concerned about his identity being revealed, he suggested waiting for Chang Kong and Xiao Ai to return before going.
However, Jiang Mengmeng eventually convinced him to proceed. Unbeknownst to them, Zhe Xiang had arranged for two children to approach Xiao Ai and Chang Kong, claiming their ball was stuck on a roof and asking for help. This successfully diverted them, preventing them from assisting Murong Chen. At Tian Ji Pavilion, Jiang Mengmeng patiently waited for Yun Ya, but Murong Chen kept excusing himself with repeated claims of stomach aches.
Each time he left, he secretly switched between his Murong Chen and Yun Ya identities, rushing back and forth, becoming utterly exhausted. Jiang Mengmeng grew increasingly suspicious, feeling as though the two men were "playing" with her. While Murong Chen was briefly away, Jiang Mengmeng found a "World Memoir" book, realizing both Murong Chen and Yun Ya read it.
Then, she discovered a Qian Xiu Workshop ledger in Yun Ya's room, which, combined with previous hints and the strange behavior, made her suddenly understand. Connecting the pieces, Jiang Mengmeng finally realized, "It was so obvious. I'm such a fool," that Murong Chen and Yun Ya were one and the same person.
Episode 18 Recap
Jiang Mengmeng, confronting Murong Chen who was disguised as Yun Ya, declared her decision to marry Yun Ya, asserting that she had finally realized who she truly loved. She then launched into a harsh criticism of Murong Chen, describing him as a neat freak, sharp-tongued, and directionless. She claimed he was incapable in both scholarly and martial arts, and utterly useless in governing or trade.
She dismissed him as nothing more than a burden when traveling, calling him a "useless, lousy and worthless wretch." When Yun Ya (Murong Chen) questioned why she had previously worried about Murong Chen, Jiang Mengmeng retorted that her concern was merely pity, akin to what she felt for stray cats and dogs. In stark contrast, she lauded Yun Ya as a powerful and perfect hero and lover.
She pledged to remove Murong Chen from their lives quickly so she and Yun Ya could be together, to which Yun Ya (Murong Chen) responded that they should discuss marriage later and asked her to leave, leaving her to question if he truly wanted her to go. Jiang Mengmeng then dramatically unmasked Yun Ya, revealing him to be Murong Chen. She expressed regret that she hadn't done so the first time they met.
Murong Chen repeatedly apologized, but Jiang Mengmeng rejected his apologies, lamenting that he had countless opportunities to tell her the truth but chose not to. She tearfully admitted that while she believed he had feelings for her, she felt he prioritized the blood night-blooming cereus over her.
Murong Chen tried to explain, but Jiang Mengmeng, asserting that the blood night-blooming cereus had been obtained, handed it to him, declaring their relationship over and that they no longer owed each other anything. She walked away, stating she was not one to cling to former lovers and that they would never meet again, leaving a heartbroken Murong Chen behind.
Meanwhile, Song Che was excitedly demonstrating a new martial arts move to Zhe Xiang, proclaiming that fighting was his most serious pursuit. As they sparred, they lost their balance and fell, their lips accidentally meeting. Zhe Xiang immediately slapped Song Che across the face and stormed off. Before Song Che could react, he saw Jiang Mengmeng running back in tears. He rushed to comfort her, asking if Murong Chen had upset her and offering to confront him.
Jiang Mengmeng, however, simply stated she never wanted to see Murong Chen again and wished to leave immediately. Song Che, secretly thrilled at the prospect of being rid of Murong Chen and traveling alone with Jiang Mengmeng, readily agreed. The next morning, Xiao Ai informed Chang Kong that Princess Jiang Mengmeng and her belongings were gone, as were Murong Chen and Song Che. Chang Kong confirmed that Zhe Xiang was also missing, prompting Zhe Xiang to exclaim, "Oh no!"
On the road, Jiang Mengmeng remained sullen, barely responding to Song Che's attempts at conversation. Suddenly, Murong Chen rode up, calling out to Jiang Mengmeng and begging her to return to the palace with him so he could explain everything. Jiang Mengmeng stubbornly refused, asking him to let her go. Just then, Murong Yi, the Crown Prince of Cang Yun Kingdom and Murong Chen's elder brother, arrived with his entourage. Murong Chen was surprised by his brother's presence.
Murong Yi expressed his relief at finding them, explaining that Governor Ye had reported Murong Chen's whereabouts, and he had personally requested the Emperor's permission to retrieve them due to Murong Chen's journey with his "sister-in-law" on such a difficult path without sufficient servants. Jiang Mengmeng began to protest, stating she could walk on her own.
Murong Yi then spoke of his declining health and how seeing Murong Chen finally settling down with such a wonderful "sister-in-law" would bring him peace, even if it meant his immediate death. Alarmed, Jiang Mengmeng started to reveal the truth about their broken engagement, but Murong Chen quickly pulled her aside. He implored her to pretend they were still engaged for just two more days, not wanting to upset his ailing brother.
Seeing Murong Yi's frail condition, Jiang Mengmeng reluctantly agreed to the charade. They all returned to Cang Yun Kingdom, with Jiang Mengmeng agreeing to go along with them for now. Back in Cang Yun Kingdom, Murong Yi hosted a banquet. During the meal, Song Che ate without restraint, while Murong Chen tried to offer Jiang Mengmeng food, which she refused, maintaining a tense atmosphere.
Later, Chang Kong urgently reported that Xiao Ai had gone into the forest and was now missing. Jiang Mengmeng immediately left to search for her, instructing Chang Kong to gather others to help. She eventually found herself by a river, where Murong Chen had arranged fireflies to spell out the word "Sorry." Jiang Mengmeng was unimpressed, confronting him for using Chang Kong to lure her there, stating it was pointless as they were to part ways in two days anyway.
Murong Chen asked if she truly wouldn't forgive him. She reiterated that she had said all she needed to say. He then insisted she listen to his explanation. Murong Chen recounted how, nine years prior, he and Murong Yi were pursued by Yu Qingzhu. He confessed that on an earlier occasion, before he met Jiang Mengmeng, he had inadvertently entered Yu Qingzhu's poisonous miasmatic forest.
Murong Yi, in an act of sacrifice, saved him but was bitten by a two-headed snake, resulting in systemic poisoning, paralysis, and a prognosis of only ten years to live, meaning his brother would die next year. Jiang Mengmeng was shocked, realizing that Murong Chen's quest for the blood night-blooming cereus was to save his brother. She also inquired about his own cold poison.
Murong Chen noticed her concern, casually dismissing his own condition as non-fatal as long as he avoided using internal force. He acknowledged her anger for his deception, admitting he would not forgive himself either, but insisted that if faced with the same choice, he would still make it due to his responsibilities to his brother and the kingdom, which was constantly challenged by Yu Qingzhu and the Jing Yue Sect.
Jiang Mengmeng now understood his dual identity as the "ridiculous prince" and Yun Ya, the protector of the world. Murong Chen confessed that Jiang Mengmeng was the only person he never wanted to lie to, calling her his sole "selfish desire" in a life burdened with responsibility. He revealed that her genuine wish to cure him ignited a desire in him to live for himself, stating that beyond his duties, she was the only thing he truly wanted.
He passionately declared his love, explaining that as Murong Chen, he would lavish her with love and the best of everything, living happily ever after, or as Yun Ya, he would journey with her across the world to uphold justice. But being both, he faced an inescapable dilemma. He reiterated, "I love you."
He then presented her with the blood night-blooming cereus, reminding her that she had once said the flower was more important, and promised to take her to his brother in a few days, allowing her to make her own choice, which he would respect. Later, Zhe Xiang visited Jiang Mengmeng, who was still deeply troubled. Jiang Mengmeng confided in Zhe Xiang about Murong Chen's true identity and her dilemma, admitting she still liked him despite his deception.
She mentioned Murong Chen had given her the crucial blood night-blooming cereus, which she interpreted as a sign of his sincerity, leading her to consider forgiving him if he promised never to lie again. Zhe Xiang was visibly surprised by this revelation. Jiang Mengmeng felt pressed for time as she had to make a decision when meeting Murong Yi the next day. Zhe Xiang advised her not to rush, suggesting that understanding someone fully could sometimes happen in an instant.
Meanwhile, Song Che, having noticed Zhe Xiang's old shoes during dinner, bought her a new pair and surprised her with them. Zhe Xiang playfully chided him, explaining that gifting shoes symbolized sending someone away. Song Che, however, earnestly clarified that he intended the opposite, wishing for her to stay and emphasizing their bond as "partners" and "friends." Zhe Xiang was touched by his sincerity.
After Song Che left, Zhe Xiang reflected on how these newfound friendships were making her waver in her mission. Remembering Yu Qingzhu's instructions, she steeled herself to complete one final task. Subsequently, Murong Yi discussed with Murong Chen how Jiang Mengmeng's recent reclusiveness might be due to his presence. Murong Chen attributed it to an earlier argument he had with her, but Murong Yi encouraged him to reconcile, stating that quarrels were common among lovers.
As Murong Yi inquired further about the cause of their disagreement, Zhe Xiang, who had paralyzed Jiang Mengmeng, brought her to secretly listen outside Murong Yi's room. They overheard Murong Chen tell his brother that he had found the blood night-blooming cereus and its necessary medical supplement. Murong Yi was astonished. Murong Chen revealed that the blood night-blooming cereus was in Jiang Mengmeng's possession, and to Murong Yi's further shock, that Jiang Mengmeng herself was the medical supplement.
Murong Chen clarified that only a small amount of her blood was required, but he intended to tell her personally at their scheduled meeting and allow her to make her own decision. Murong Yi concurred with this approach. Murong Chen confidently asserted that Jiang Mengmeng, being kind-hearted, would surely help. Murong Yi then apologized for being the cause of the friction between Murong Chen and Jiang Mengmeng.
Murong Chen assured him it was not his fault and left to retrieve Jiang Mengmeng for their meeting. Jiang Mengmeng, heartbroken and in despair from eavesdropping, realized with crushing clarity that Murong Chen had never told her about the medical supplement. All his past kindness, heartfelt words, and efforts, including helping her escape her marriage and accompanying her on their journey, now seemed to be merely ploys because he knew she was the vital component for the blood night-blooming cereus.
She felt foolish for being touched by his gesture of giving her the flower. Concluding that he had manipulated her all along to secure the blood night-blooming cereus and use her blood, she felt like nothing more than a tool, utterly worthless in the eyes of the man who had lied to and exploited her.
When Murong Chen arrived at Jiang Mengmeng's room, Zhe Xiang, who was still with Jiang Mengmeng, quietly urged her to decide whether to face him or flee. Overwhelmed by pain, Jiang Mengmeng chose to leave without a word. Murong Chen entered the empty room, instantly realizing that Jiang Mengmeng was gone and that she must have overheard his conversation with Murong Yi.
Episode 19 Recap
Zhe Xiang and Jiang Mengmeng were ambushed by a group of fox-masked bandits and various martial arts sects, all seeking the blood night-blooming cereus. The bandit leader accused Jiang Mengmeng of finding the flower and keeping it, which Zhe Xiang vehemently denied as nonsense. Zhe Xiang, fighting fiercely, criticized the renowned sects for their thievery.
During the chaotic confrontation, Jiang Mengmeng was wounded in the arm, and her blood dripped onto the blood night-blooming cereus, causing it to glow and activate. Murong Chen, arriving at the scene, tried his best to protect Jiang Mengmeng. Murong Yi, alerted by the commotion, immediately sent his guards to rescue people. Jiang Mengmeng, realizing she was merely a "medical supplement," witnessed the intense greed surrounding the activated blood night-blooming cereus.
Feeling she couldn't change the course of events, she decided to end the conflict on her own terms. Narrating that in the face of greed, lives are destroyed, family ties ruined, justice trampled, and love exploited, she declared her intention to end the "boring game" and consumed the blood night-blooming cereus.
A guard warned Murong Chen that the flower's power was far too immense for an ordinary person like Jiang Mengmeng, who lacked martial arts or inner cultivation, and would consume her entirely, leading to a horrific death as her internal organs burned and neck veins burst. Murong Chen was devastated, blaming himself and vowing to accompany Jiang Mengmeng in death if she perished.
However, Jiang Mengmeng's powerful will allowed her to miraculously control the blood night-blooming cereus, merging with its power. While she joked about having "plot armor" that prevented her from dying, her newfound strength was volatile and destructive. Zhe Xiang, seeing the danger, urged Jiang Mengmeng to leave with her for protection. Murong Chen attempted to intervene, but Jiang Mengmeng, still under the flower's influence, asserted her right to choose.
She effortlessly struck down her attackers, dismissing them as "annoying trash," before a brief moment of clarity allowed her to question her own actions. Zhe Xiang quickly seized the opportunity to take Jiang Mengmeng away. Afterward, Murong Yi blamed himself, believing that his need for the blood night-blooming cereus was the reason Jiang Mengmeng was forced to leave. Murong Chen remained wounded from the struggle.
Song Che confronted Murong Chen about his sudden display of formidable martial arts, accusing him of being Yun Ya. Murong Chen confirmed his identity, leading to an enraged Song Che physically assaulting him, despite Chang Kong's attempt to intervene. Murong Chen allowed the beating, admitting that he had been deceiving and using them since their time in Ruo Shui Kingdom.
He confessed to exploiting Jiang Mengmeng's emotions and trust to find the blood night-blooming cereus and intended to use her blood as a medicinal supplement to treat Murong Yi's illness. He lamented that now both Jiang Mengmeng and the flower were lost, rendering his efforts fruitless. Song Che, perceptive, realized Murong Chen's confession was a deliberate attempt to provoke punishment and ease his own guilt.
He declared that regardless of Murong Chen's identity, he was responsible for Jiang Mengmeng's current predicament and vowed to rescue her and make Murong Chen apologize. Song Che initially believed Zhe Xiang had taken Jiang Mengmeng to Nan Cang.
However, Murong Chen revealed Zhe Xiang also harbored a dual identity; her true role was the senior disciple of Jing Yue Sect, and she had infiltrated their group as an oiran to get close to Jiang Mengmeng and the blood night-blooming cereus. Song Che, feeling completely betrayed, furiously condemned them all as liars. Despite Murong Chen's warning that charging into Jing Yue Sect without knowledge would be suicidal, Song Che was determined.
Murong Chen explained that Jiang Mengmeng, having publicly displayed her volatile power and almost gone on a killing spree, was now seen as a common enemy by the martial world, and returning to society would put her in extreme danger. He argued that she was currently safer within Jing Yue Sect and that a cautious, long-term strategy was needed for her rescue, expressing a measure of trust that Zhe Xiang would protect her.
Song Che, unconvinced and cynical, accused Murong Chen of no longer caring for Jiang Mengmeng now that she had no "utilization value" for him. Murong Chen's silence solidified Song Che's resolve, and he vowed to rescue Jiang Mengmeng himself, even if it cost him his life.
Murong Chen allowed Song Che to depart, knowing he would not be able to find Jing Yue Sect on his own, and instructed Chang Kong to return to Tian Ji Pavilion to prepare for a different plan. Song Che embarked on a solitary and fruitless search, asking strangers for directions to Jing Yue Sect or information about a "fierce girl." Meanwhile, within Jing Yue Sect's medicine storage, Zhe Xiang discovered a missing bottle of Soul-Loss Incense, a mind-altering substance.
Upon learning from Qing He that Yu Qingzhu had taken it that morning and was currently teaching Jiang Mengmeng in the secret chamber, Zhe Xiang was filled with profound guilt and worry for Jiang Mengmeng's safety. At the same time, Murong Chen, with Chang Kong, issued a decisive command to send out the Tian Ji Token, mobilizing all members from their various branches to systematically dismantle Jing Yue Sect by "destroying every Jing Yue Sect branch."
In the secret chamber, Jiang Mengmeng, unable to control her immense new power, caused significant destruction within the sect. Yu Qingzhu, witnessing this, was astonished that Jiang Mengmeng had fully absorbed and been recognized by the blood night-blooming cereus. Declaring Jiang Mengmeng the "Saintess" and a "chosen one," Yu Qingzhu's demeanor shifted from initial anger (when Jiang Mengmeng first consumed the flower) to a fervent desire to mentor her, promising to treat her well.
She instructed Jiang Mengmeng to learn to control the immense, volatile power within her before teaching her the Blood Moon Power. Outside, other disciples, including Qing He, expressed discontent, calling Jiang Mengmeng a "monster" and criticizing Zhe Xiang for bringing her to the sect. Yu Qingzhu quickly silenced them, publicly announcing Jiang Mengmeng as Jing Yue Sect's Saintess and her sole heir, forbidding any disrespect.
Jiang Mengmeng, with her photographic memory, quickly grasped the initial techniques, showing a powerful enhancement from the blood night-blooming cereus. She attempted to flatter Yu Qingzhu, noting her kindness despite her reputation as a "demon." Yu Qingzhu admitted that while she initially considered killing Jiang Mengmeng, the flower's recognition led her to believe it was destiny, and that Jiang Mengmeng was a "god-given buff" to help Jing Yue Sect achieve its goals.
However, when Jiang Mengmeng tentatively asked if she could avoid learning the Blood Moon Power, Yu Qingzhu became menacing, clarifying that her survival was contingent on becoming the sect's Saintess and her heir, promising her dominion over the world. Jiang Mengmeng, after a brief protest about her humble nature, quickly yielded under pressure. Yu Qingzhu then began teaching the Blood Moon Power, explaining its five levels: No Feelings, No Thoughts, No Form, No Self, and Infinite. The first level, "No Feelings," demanded the complete severance of all emotional attachments to achieve fearlessness and transcend mortality.
Episode 20 Recap
Jiang Mengmeng was compelled to continue her training in Blood Moon Power. When a dummy in front of her transformed into Murong Chen, she found herself unable to strike. The Blood Moon Power backfired, indicating her enduring affection for Murong Chen. Yu Qingzhu had used "Soul-Lost Incense" on Jiang Mengmeng, but to her surprise, Jiang Mengmeng’s willpower allowed her to break free from its effects.
Recognizing the depth of Jiang Mengmeng’s feelings, Yu Qingzhu increased the dosage of "Soul-Lost Incense" and shifted her strategy, urging Jiang Mengmeng to remember all of Murong Chen’s deceptions, exploitation, and harm. Though Jiang Mengmeng initially resisted reliving her painful memories, Yu Qingzhu relentlessly recounted Murong Chen's deceptions.
She reminded Jiang Mengmeng that Murong Chen had used a dual identity to gain her love, manipulated her into finding the blood night-blooming cereus, and then used her blood as a medicinal guide to save his brother, Murong Yi. Yu Qingzhu emphasized that Murong Chen only cared for his brother, not for Jiang Mengmeng, and that his supposed decade-long search for her was a lie, only finding her coincidentally when the blood night-blooming cereus reappeared.
She further pointed out that Murong Chen did not seek her when she was missing because she had ruined the medicine meant for his brother. This narrative ignited a deep hatred within Jiang Mengmeng, who vowed to kill Murong Chen. Observing Jiang Mengmeng’s awakened fury, Yu Qingzhu smiled, satisfied that her goal was achieved. She declared that women were not subservient to men and could rule the world.
Meanwhile, Xiao Ai, having learned from Song Che that Murong Chen refused to rescue Jiang Mengmeng, stormed into Murong Chen’s manor. Despite guards attempting to stop her, she pushed through, accusing Murong Chen of being heartless and ignoring Jiang Mengmeng’s plight while living peacefully. Although she had initially disbelieved Song Che's claims, Murong Chen's indifference now confirmed them for her. Chang Kong tried to intervene, urging Xiao Ai to be respectful, but she angrily dismissed him.
When Murong Chen coldly ordered Chang Kong to escort her out, Xiao Ai felt betrayed, denouncing both him and Chang Kong as selfish. She declared her ties with Chang Kong severed, just as Jiang Mengmeng's relationship with Murong Chen was broken. Chang Kong wanted to follow her, but Murong Chen reminded him of his duties. Murong Chen later pondered if Chang Kong blamed him, to which Chang Kong affirmed his unwavering loyalty, viewing Murong Chen as an elder brother.
Murong Chen then reflected on the sorrow of loving someone forbidden and the inability to forget cherished memories, even if time could fade others. Zhe Xiang brought food to Jiang Mengmeng, offering an apology for her past deceptions. Jiang Mengmeng calmly accepted it, expressing gratitude to Zhe Xiang for helping her see Murong Chen's true nature. Zhe Xiang noted a stark change in Jiang Mengmeng, who was now cold and solely focused on mastering Blood Moon Power for revenge.
Disturbed by Jiang Mengmeng’s transformation, Zhe Xiang knelt before Yu Qingzhu, pleading for Jiang Mengmeng’s release so she could return to her former innocent and cheerful self. Yu Qingzhu reprimanded Zhe Xiang, reminding her that she had initially begged for Jiang Mengmeng's life and that all women in Jing Yue Sect must undergo such a trial. Yu Qingzhu then accused Zhe Xiang of potentially betraying the sect by questioning her methods.
Yu Qingzhu ultimately agreed to release Jiang Mengmeng, but only after she had passed a critical test, emphasizing that Jiang Mengmeng’s path would then be her own. Upon mastering the first stage of Blood Moon Power in half the time it took Yu Qingzhu, Jiang Mengmeng was given a mission to test her new abilities: to kill Murong Chen. Jiang Mengmeng found Murong Chen, disguised as Yun Ya, waiting by a river. She immediately attacked him, stabbing him without hesitation.
Murong Chen made no attempt to dodge, stating that he would willingly die to atone for what he owed her. He then taunted her, saying the wound was too shallow to kill him and that she lacked martial talent. As she tried to pull the sword out, Murong Chen held her hand, refusing to let go, asserting that if he did, he would lose her forever.
He pleaded for her to believe him one last time, reminding her that he was Murong Chen, Yun Ya, and her "A Mu," and recalling her past promise of trust. As Murong Chen’s blood stained the snow, Jiang Mengmeng’s mind became confused, and she desperately wrenched the sword free. Murong Chen collapsed from blood loss, realizing Jiang Mengmeng was practicing Blood Moon Power as she fled angrily without looking back.
Back at Jing Yue Sect, Jiang Mengmeng frantically washed her hands, haunted by visions of blood and declaring that she had killed Murong Chen. Zhe Xiang comforted her, assuring her hands were clean, and eventually lulled her to sleep. Inspecting the sword, Zhe Xiang discovered traces of "Seven-Day Soul-Losing Powder" on its tip, confirming her suspicions about Yu Qingzhu's involvement. She confronted Yu Qingzhu, questioning why she made Jiang Mengmeng kill Murong Chen.
Yu Qingzhu explained that it was a necessary test to determine if Jiang Mengmeng had truly severed all emotional ties. She asserted that only by passing this trial could Jiang Mengmeng be fully accepted into Jing Yue Sect and protected from all harm, promising to ensure Jiang Mengmeng's comfort and happiness there. Zhe Xiang was left speechless. Meanwhile, Song Che had rescued the gravely injured Murong Chen and brought him to a small hut, hastily bandaging his wound.
Murong Chen briefly woke, wondering if he was dead. Song Che initially wanted to inform Murong Yi or find a doctor for the poison, but Murong Chen forbade it, fearing his brother's worry and adamant that no one should discover Jiang Mengmeng was practicing Blood Moon Power. Murong Chen's body grew cold, and despite Song Che offering his own clothes, Murong Chen shivered uncontrollably.
Frustrated by Murong Chen's stubbornness and apparent unconcern for his own life, Song Che complained loudly about Murong Chen being a "jinx" who caused trouble and about Chang Kong's absence, even suggesting that Tian Ji Pavilion should be disbanded. When Murong Chen stated there was no one left at Tian Ji Pavilion, Song Che grew even more confused. Despite his exasperation, Song Che remained by Murong Chen's side, retrieving water and medicine for him, and even painstakingly feeding him.
He mused on the strange feeling he experienced when with Murong Chen and his companions. Unbeknownst to Yu Qingzhu, Chang Kong, following Murong Chen's orders, was systematically dismantling Jing Yue Sect’s branches. He had already successfully eliminated eight divisions, while continuing to send fabricated reports to Yu Qingzhu to maintain the illusion that all was operating normally.
Yu Qingzhu began teaching Jiang Mengmeng the second stage of Blood Moon Power, focusing on achieving the state of "no-thought", which required abandoning all desires and thoughts—past, present, and future—to purify the heart. Jiang Mengmeng, still somewhat distracted, understood this as a call to concentrate. During their training, a disciple delivered reports to Yu Qingzhu, who quickly reviewed them while reminding Jiang Mengmeng to stay focused.
Episode 21 Recap
Yu Qingzhu continued to teach Jiang Mengmeng the third level of Blood Moon Power, focusing on the concept of "no form." This level requires detachment from all forms, including color, smell, taste, sound, touch, and even gender. Mengmeng questioned how she could locate her opponent without her senses. Yu Qingzhu instructed her to perceive with her heart.
After Mengmeng successfully demonstrated her progress, Yu Qingzhu, feeling her own cultivation had suffered, decided to go into seclusion for a few days, leaving Mengmeng to practice alone with the help of a secret chamber's mechanisms, specifically an "array of arrows." During Yu Qingzhu's seclusion, Zhe Xiang delivered meals to Mengmeng, leaving them at her door. Meanwhile, Song Che diligently cared for Murong Chen, who remained unconscious and feverish for days.
Murong Chen, shivering and calling out for "Mengmeng," clutched at Song Che's collar. Chang Kong arrived just in time, allowing Song Che to leave. Yu Qingzhu had arranged a grand residence for Mengmeng. Zhe Xiang showed her around, and as Mengmeng surveyed the new home, her eyes fell upon a sword.
She vaguely recalled using it to kill an enemy, and tears began to fall uncontrollably, even as she voiced how "good" it was that her enemy was dead, before questioning why she was crying. Zhe Xiang watched her with concern. Chang Kong reported to Murong Chen the battle results of eradicating Jing Yue Sect, including the successful removal of eight branches.
He urged Murong Chen to seek an antidote for the "seven-day soul-losing poison," as it was already the sixth day, and he would die on the seventh. Murong Chen brushed off his own life, stating his priority was to eliminate the Jing Yue Sect and rescue Jiang Mengmeng. Unexpectedly, Zhe Xiang arrived with the antidote. Chang Kong was suspicious, accusing her of being a "weasel paying a New Year call to a hen," implying ill intent.
Zhe Xiang explained she brought the antidote so that Mengmeng would not live a life of regret. Murong Chen drank the medicine. Zhe Xiang then revealed more to Murong Chen about Yu Qingzhu's past. She recounted how Yu Qingzhu stole the Blood Night-Blooming Cereus from Cereus Villa, massacred its inhabitants, and then sought help from Tian Ji Pavilion to cultivate Blood Moon Power. Murong Chen was initially dismissive, believing it to be a distorted version from common "Jianghu Records."
Zhe Xiang clarified that the first master of Tian Ji Pavilion compiled both public and internal records, and the version she was sharing was the unedited, true account from the internal records. She recounted how Tian Ji Pavilion's master, Yun Qi, refused to aid Yu Qingzhu, leading to the pavilion's destruction. The deputy master, Qu Yeming, feigned surrender to buy Yun Qi time to disperse Tian Ji Pavilion's members across the land.
Qu Yeming then tried to destroy the Blood Night-Blooming Cereus but, unable to, used his life's power to seal it in a cold jade box and entrusted it to the reclusive Uncle Qi, who guarded its secret until his death. Murong Chen acknowledged the truth but remained firm in his current objectives. Upon emerging from seclusion, Yu Qingzhu was angered to find disciples having Mengmeng chop firewood.
When Mengmeng explained she was merely following Yu Qingzhu's earlier teaching about women being capable of anything men could do and becoming their own queens, Yu Qingzhu, seeing her strength, instead tasked her with "sabotaging the world." Mengmeng's ventures into the outside world caused chaos. People fled at the sight of her, calling her a "demoness." When she took some snacks from children, rumors quickly spread from "demoness stole children's things" to "the demoness was eating children."
Murong Chen, hearing these escalating tales, attempted to clear Mengmeng's name by returning a child's toy but failed, as people continued to flee. Her actions only worsened her reputation, culminating in her "kidnapping" not just one, but several grooms-to-be. Yu Qingzhu, aware of Mengmeng's escalating misdeeds, allowed her, reasoning that her goal of isolating Mengmeng was being achieved.
Upon seeing the many men Mengmeng had brought back, Mengmeng declared her intention to build a "harem" and enjoy being surrounded by handsome men. She asserted that her past belief in exclusive love was foolish and naive, and now only happiness mattered. She dismissed concepts of love and justice as hypocritical, stating she wanted to conquer the world and be feared.
Pleased with Mengmeng's transformation, Yu Qingzhu eagerly offered to teach her the "fourth level of Blood Moon Power, no ego," emphasizing that man's greatest enemy is himself and that overcoming ego and self-attachment would make her invincible. Mengmeng readily agreed. Meanwhile, Song Che, desperate and frustrated, wandered aimlessly through the streets, unable to find the Jing Yue Sect or Zhe Xiang, cursing Zhe Xiang's name. Zhe Xiang then appeared and led him to Mengmeng.
Song Che was dismayed to find Mengmeng surrounded by men, jovially playing games. Mengmeng, however, was delighted to see Song Che. She immediately declared him her "main consort" and announced their wedding would take place in three days. Song Che was delighted to accept. Mengmeng sent Jing Yue Sect disciples to forcefully "invite" her friends Xiao Ai, Jin Hua, and Yin Hua to the wedding. They helped decorate the new house with "happiness" characters.
One of the Jing Yue Sect members, Qin He, attempted to stop them from decorating the armory, a restricted area, but Mengmeng's friends defiantly pasted "happiness" characters everywhere. Qin He reported this to Yu Qingzhu, who merely allowed it, showing continued indifference to Mengmeng's antics and chastising Qin He for arguing with guests. During a trip to purchase wedding supplies, Xiao Ai sought out Murong Chen and delivered the wedding invitation.
Murong Chen was so distraught by the news that he vomited blood. Chang Kong pursued Xiao Ai, demanding an explanation. Xiao Ai spoke to him with bitter coldness, returning a comb he had given her and severing their bond. A heartbroken Chang Kong later discovered a hidden note inside the comb. Yu Qingzhu's surveillance team reported Xiao Ai's apparent hatred for Murong Chen and Chang Kong, which further reassured Yu Qingzhu about Mengmeng's loyalty.
Three days later, on the wedding day, Yu Qingzhu herself officiated the ceremony for Mengmeng and Song Che, with many Jing Yue Sect disciples in attendance. Mengmeng, dressed in a vibrant red wedding gown, was led by Xiao Ai to Song Che. As they began the traditional kowtow ceremony, Yu Qingzhu subtly probed Mengmeng, asking if she was secretly hoping for Murong Chen to intervene.
Yu Qingzhu then insinuated that Murong Chen's interest in Mengmeng might be for her blood, implying that her blood, after consuming the Blood Night-Blooming Cereus, held the same power as the flower itself. Just as Mengmeng and Song Che were about to perform the final bow to each other, Murong Chen, accompanied by his men, dramatically burst into the wedding hall. Mengmeng, beneath her veil, smiled secretly.
Episode 22 Recap
As Jiang Mengmeng prepared to leave with Murong Chen, Yu Qingzhu realized she had been deceived. Yu Qingzhu angrily confronted the pair, accusing them of conspiring against her and reminding Jiang Mengmeng that she (Jiang Mengmeng) had initially deceived her (Yu Qingzhu) by entering Jing Yue Sect. Zhe Xiang apologized to Yu Qingzhu for her actions. Earlier, when Zhe Xiang delivered the antidote to Murong Chen, he revealed her true identity as Qu Yao, the daughter of Qu Yeming.
Murong Chen explained that he saw inherent kindness and justice in her, believing she had merely forgotten her true self during her time with Yu Qingzhu. He clarified that he never gambled on human evil, only on goodness. He also revealed that if Zhe Xiang hadn't come to his aid, his contingency plan would have seen Chang Kong appointed as the next Tian Ji Pavilion owner to continue the fight against Jing Yue Sect.
Murong Chen explained that while individuals might fade, their consciousness and purpose would be passed down, just as Tian Ji Pavilion was entrusted to him. Following Murong Chen's instructions, Zhe Xiang woke Jiang Mengmeng and handed her the Tian Ji Pavilion token. Jiang Mengmeng immediately asked about Murong Chen’s well-being, relieved to hear he was safe.
Zhe Xiang then outlined Murong Chen's rescue plan: Jiang Mengmeng was to act like a frivolous woman, gathering male consorts to mislead Yu Qingzhu, and proceed with a fabricated marriage to Song Che. Jiang Mengmeng agreed to this, allowing Murong Chen’s plan to gain time and momentum.
Just as Murong Chen attempted to rescue Jiang Mengmeng and the others, Yu Qingzhu dramatically revealed that she had long been aware of their collaborative scheme, having already taken Murong Yi hostage and lured them into her trap. Murong Chen thanked Jiang Mengmeng for her trust, promising he would never let go of her hand again, but Yu Qingzhu interjected, declaring he could not take Jiang Mengmeng away that day.
Murong Yi urged Murong Chen to take Jiang Mengmeng and leave him behind. Yu Qingzhu questioned Murong Chen's dual identity as the Fifth Prince and Tian Ji Pavilion owner, and taunted Zhe Xiang, revealing she knew Zhe Xiang had stolen the antidote for him. Yu Qingzhu stated she had raised Zhe Xiang for years and saw through her petty tricks, confirming that the entire situation was a trap she had set to lure them in.
Murong Chen offered to remain as a hostage if Yu Qingzhu would release the others, but Yu Qingzhu dismissed this, stating that Jing Yue Sect was too small to contain a figure like him. She then presented Murong Chen with an ultimatum: he could take Murong Yi, but only if he surrendered the Tian Ji Token, and even then, Murong Yi would not survive long without Jiang Mengmeng's virgin blood. Alternatively, he could take Jiang Mengmeng with no conditions attached.
Song Che angrily defied Yu Qingzhu, attempting to rally resistance. Murong Chen’s aide pleaded with him not to surrender the Tian Ji Token, warning of the chaos it would bring to the jianghu and the court. Murong Yi also urged Murong Chen not to sacrifice his ten years of hard work. After agonizing consideration, Murong Chen chose to save Murong Yi, handing over the Tian Ji Token to Yu Qingzhu.
With tears in his eyes, he bid a sorrowful farewell to Jiang Mengmeng, apologizing to her. Yu Qingzhu commanded Chen Yan to proceed with the wedding ceremony and ordered Zhe Xiang to be thrown into the dungeon as a traitor. Song Che tried to intervene, but Yu Qingzhu threatened Zhe Xiang’s life, forcing Song Che to continue with the marriage.
Jiang Mengmeng was heartbroken, lamenting that she, Tian Ji Pavilion, and ten years of effort were all less important to Murong Chen than Murong Yi, concluding that Murong Yi must be Murong Chen's true love. Yu Qingzhu then advised Jiang Mengmeng not to let unimportant people and matters spoil her wedding day. Later, in their chamber, Song Che tried to offer Jiang Mengmeng more comfortable clothes.
Jiang Mengmeng sensed Song Che’s true feelings and told him she knew he liked Zhe Xiang. Song Che apologized to her. Jiang Mengmeng accepted the apology, reflecting on their marriage as fate. She expressed envy for Song Che, who, unlike her, was truly from this world and had found genuine love despite initial adherence to his "destiny." She felt her own efforts to defy predestined paths only led to betrayal and disappointment.
Song Che, though not fully grasping her words, took it as a compliment. Meanwhile, in the dungeon, Qin He tortured Zhe Xiang. Zhe Xiang, defiant, laughed at Qin He, predicting she would one day suffer the same fate. She explained that Jing Yue Sect’s brutal ways meant one could be valued today and discarded tomorrow, emphasizing Yu Qingzhu's ruthlessness towards both men and women. Qin He, enraged by Zhe Xiang's words, intensified her torture.
At a post house, Murong Yi apologized to Murong Chen for being a burden. Murong Chen reassured him, explaining that Uncle Qi’s sacrifice had taught him that all lives are equal, and sacrificing one for many was not true kindness. Murong Chen declared that he had not truly lost, as he held a secret trump card Yu Qingzhu had not discovered. His immediate priority was to retrieve the Tian Ji Token.
He explained that despite his dual identity as the Fifth Prince of Cang Yun Kingdom and Tian Ji Pavilion owner, he had always kept imperial affairs separate from jianghu matters, respecting their father’s principle of non-interference. However, he proposed a dangerous strategy: to provoke Jing Yue Sect into challenging the imperial court directly. Murong Yi warned of the danger, but Murong Chen insisted, stating that "nothing ventured, nothing gained."
He then asked Murong Yi, in his capacity as the Crown Prince of Cang Yun Kingdom, to write a letter to Ruo Shui Kingdom seeking assistance. Elsewhere, Yu Qingzhu found Jiang Mengmeng distracted during her training for the Blood Moon Power. Yu Qingzhu decided to tell her a story, revealing her own tragic past.
More than twenty years ago, she, too, had fallen deeply in love with a noble official (who Jiang Mengmeng later deduced was Emperor Murong Shuo of Cang Yun Kingdom). Despite their disparate social standings, she believed their love could overcome anything. However, the man abandoned her for power and status, marrying into a prominent family. Heartbroken, she left him, only to discover she was pregnant. Her family disowned her, casting her out. Alone and helpless, she wandered the jianghu.
On the very day the man ascended to power, she gave birth to their child, who, due to poor health, tragically died shortly after. She buried her child alone, watching from a distance as her former lover was admired by all, living cheerfully with his new wife and child. Yu Qingzhu confessed that she had never revealed this story to anyone, but she shared it with Jiang Mengmeng to warn her.
She vowed to avenge her dead child by killing Murong Shuo’s children, Murong Yi and Murong Chen. She aimed to disrupt the peace Murong Shuo desired, ensuring his life in the court would be filled with turmoil. She warned Jiang Mengmeng that men would pretend to love her when they had no other options, but would ruthlessly abandon her when better opportunities arose, claiming Murong Shuo and his son were no different.
Moved by Yu Qingzhu’s tragic tale, Jiang Mengmeng agreed to dedicate herself to learning the Blood Moon Power. Meanwhile, Song Che bribed Jiang Mengmeng's male consorts to distract the female guards, allowing him to secretly visit Zhe Xiang in the dungeon. Distraught at seeing Zhe Xiang's badly bruised and wounded body, he asked how she could have endured such suffering since childhood.
He tried to rescue her, but Zhe Xiang refused, explaining she could not leave because of Jiang Mengmeng’s safety. Song Che realized he had acted impulsively without considering Jiang Mengmeng. Zhe Xiang thanked him for his concern, and Song Che gave her a hairpin for any future emergency. They then shared a passionate kiss, with Song Che promising to return and save her. After ensuring Murong Yi was safely away, Murong Chen went alone to Jing Yue Sect.
Despite being gravely injured, he single-handedly fought the sect’s disciples. Overwhelmed by numbers and his severe wounds, he struggled to continue before finally collapsing unconscious. The disciples mocked his "craziness" for attempting such a feat in his condition and vowed to finish him.
Episode 23 Recap
Murong Chen was brutally beaten by Jing Yue Sect disciples and called out for Jiang Mengmeng to emerge. Xiao Ai, witnessing the violence, pleaded with Yu Qingzhu to spare him, but Yu Qingzhu remained steadfast. She explained that Jiang Mengmeng was deeply engrossed in practicing the fourth level of Blood Moon Power, known as "transcendence", and therefore couldn't hear Murong Chen's cries.
Yu Qingzhu also stated that she had already forgiven Murong Chen once, but his deliberate intrusion into Jing Yue Sect and the injuries he inflicted on her disciples meant he brought his current fate upon himself. Just as Qing He prepared to strike Murong Chen, Jiang Mengmeng emerged from the secret chamber, having successfully mastered the fourth level of Blood Moon Power. Yu Qingzhu praised her achievement.
Murong Chen immediately urged Jiang Mengmeng to return with him, but she coldly replied that "late love is not valuable." Murong Chen vowed that no matter how many times she forgot him, he would make her fall in love with him again. Yu Qingzhu ordered Murong Chen to be thrown into the dungeon, but Jiang Mengmeng intervened. She decided instead to keep Murong Chen in Xi Xi House as a slave.
Murong Chen tried to explain his actions, but Jiang Mengmeng dismissed his words, accusing him of repeatedly deceiving, abandoning, and lying to her. She believed his current "suffering" was merely an act to regain her sympathy. Murong Chen insisted that he had only come to see her because he missed her and wanted to remain by her side. Jiang Mengmeng, confirming his desire to stay, warned him not to regret his choice.
To celebrate mastering the fourth level of Blood Moon Power, Jiang Mengmeng hosted a feast with her male companions, forcing Murong Chen to serve them drinks and refreshments. The companions openly mocked Murong Chen, comparing him to a dog. When Murong Chen, weakened and heartbroken from seeing Jiang Mengmeng with other men, reached out to her, she angrily pushed him away.
She called him a "despicable slave" who dared to touch her and ordered him to be locked in the woodshed without food. Yu Qingzhu watched, pleased with Jiang Mengmeng's cruelty, stating that the more Jiang Mengmeng revenged Murong Chen, the happier she would be. Later, Murong Chen's cold poison flared up, causing him immense suffering. In a daze, he saw Jiang Mengmeng before passing out.
He woke up to find his cold poison gone and a trace of blood on his lips, leading him to wonder if Jiang Mengmeng had healed him. Despite his improved condition, he was still weak from lack of food. When serving tea to Jiang Mengmeng, he accidentally spilled it, prompting her to dismiss him as clumsy and order him away.
Jing Yue Sect disciples gossiped about Jiang Mengmeng's erratic temper, especially around Murong Chen, noting the stark contrast to her treatment of her male companions. They speculated Murong Chen was "nasty" for enduring such humiliation and still trying to please her. Jiang Mengmeng's mood swings continued, and she sent her male companions away, calling them "stupid boys." Murong Chen, however, repeatedly returned.
He offered to help clean up the mess she made in her room, expressing concern that she might hurt herself. Jiang Mengmeng then drew him close, stating she was tired of other men and "maybe you are different," before kissing him. Murong Chen returned the kiss. Jiang Mengmeng abruptly became enraged, accusing him of daring to bite her and taking advantage of her. Disciples observed she was growing more like Yu Qingzhu in her temperament.
She ordered him to be confined in the dungeon. Yu Qingzhu questioned if Jiang Mengmeng was tired of her wild behavior, but Jiang Mengmeng declared it wasn't enough. She wanted to hurt Murong Chen more profoundly than just humiliating him. She theorized that Murong Chen had broken into Jing Yue Sect not out of love, but to prevent her from mastering Blood Moon Power, fearing she would become a threat to the world and the royal court.
She vowed to achieve everything he most feared, considering it her ultimate revenge. She apologized to Yu Qingzhu and promised to be obedient. Moved by Jiang Mengmeng's newfound resolve, Yu Qingzhu agreed to teach her the fifth level of Blood Moon Power, called "Infinite". Yu Qingzhu explained that "Infinite" harnesses endless moonlight, leading to a boundless state that triggers a "blood moon" and allows the practitioner to control all creation, bringing about both destruction and rebirth.
Yu Qingzhu admitted she herself had never fully mastered this level but would impart the spells to Jiang Mengmeng, leaving the actual mastery to Jiang Mengmeng's own potential. Jiang Mengmeng announced her intention to hold an 18th birthday party and wanted Murong Chen to attend, reminding Yu Qingzhu that their wedding had originally been scheduled for that day. Yu Qingzhu agreed to organize the event, urging Jiang Mengmeng to focus on her training.
Despite practicing diligently for days, Jiang Mengmeng found herself unable to make progress. Yu Qingzhu delivered the invitations. Jiang Mengmeng decided to personally deliver Murong Chen's invitation to the dungeon. Upon seeing her, Murong Chen asked if she had "changed her mind" about him. Jiang Mengmeng extended the invitation, acknowledging that he remembered the significance of the day. Murong Chen confirmed his understanding. He then asked Jiang Mengmeng to lean closer for a private birthday blessing.
Yu Qingzhu, who had accompanied Jiang Mengmeng, assured her that a shackled prisoner could do no harm. As Jiang Mengmeng leaned in, Murong Chen bit her ear fiercely, causing her to cry out in pain. Murong Chen laughed triumphantly. On Jiang Mengmeng's 18th birthday, Yu Qingzhu hosted a lavish banquet. Jiang Mengmeng delivered a speech, reflecting on her transformation from a spoiled princess to a self-reliant heroine, acknowledging the crucial role one person played in her journey.
She announced that the empty seat beside her was reserved for this person, then dramatically introduced Murong Chen as the 5th Prince of Cang Yun Kingdom and "Yun Ya," the esteemed owner of Tian Ji Pavilion, much to the surprise of the guests. She proclaimed that her current success was all thanks to him and invited everyone to toast the 5th Prince.
She then demanded that Murong Chen dance for them, specifically in his chains, noting that while conventional dances were common, a dance in shackles would be a unique spectacle. Yu Qingzhu suggested not to humiliate him further, but Murong Chen agreed, requesting a sword since he had no other gift. He performed a clumsy sword dance, drawing ridicule from some guests.
Jiang Mengmeng then sprang onto the stage, used her sword to cut Murong Chen's shackles, and together they launched a surprise, coordinated sword attack on Yu Qingzhu. Yu Qingzhu expertly defended herself, repelling both of them. Murong Chen, still suffering from his previous injuries, faltered. Meanwhile, outside Jing Yue Sect, Princess Jiang Sisi of Ruo Shui Kingdom, sent by Queen Jiang Wan in response to Murong Yi's plea, commented on the seemingly unimpressive appearance of the sect.
Her attendant, Dong Kui, questioned why the Fourth Princess Jiang Sisi was personally leading the rescue of the Ninth Princess Jiang Mengmeng. Jiang Sisi explained it was due to a letter and ordered her soldiers to prepare to charge, awaiting the arrival of the Crown Prince of Cang Yun Kingdom. She wondered why Murong Yi, who had requested their aid, was late. Murong Yi soon arrived, seated in a wheelchair, his noble demeanor instantly captivating Princess Jiang Sisi.
News quickly reached Yu Qingzhu that Murong Yi, accompanied by Cang Yun Kingdom soldiers, and Princess Jiang Sisi, leading Ruo Shui Kingdom soldiers, had surrounded Jing Yue Sect. They accused Jing Yue Sect of kidnapping and torturing the 5th Prince and 9th Princess, using this as a pretext for a joint attack.
Yu Qingzhu suddenly understood Murong Chen's scheme: his self-inflicted wounds and imprisonment were a calculated "bitter ploy" to provide a legitimate reason for the allied forces to launch their assault. Yu Qingzhu immediately ordered her disciples to retrieve poisons and weapons. As sounds of cannons echoed from outside, Jiang Mengmeng and Murong Chen seized the opportunity to flee, with Yu Qingzhu and her forces hot on their heels.
During the chaos, Yu Qingzhu confronted Jiang Mengmeng, expressing her dismay that Jiang Mengmeng ultimately chose Murong Chen, despite all the kindness Yu Qingzhu had shown her and Murong Chen's past betrayals. Jiang Mengmeng retorted that Yu Qingzhu herself had also manipulated and lied to her.
Episode 24 (Ending) Recap
Zhe Xiang heard the booming cannon fire and the panicked cries of Jing Yue Sect disciples fleeing. She deduced that Jiang Mengmeng, Song Che, and Xiao Ai were there to rescue her. Believing she needed to get out to help them, she seized the chaos to open her cell door and escape, feeling that her mission was finally accomplished. Yu Qingzhu then confronted Jiang Mengmeng about the commotion.
Jiang Mengmeng initially denied involvement, but Murong Chen then stepped forward to take responsibility. Jiang Mengmeng explained that during the wedding preparations, she had Xiao Ai buy fireworks and firecrackers. She then had Jin Hua and Yin Hua extract the explosives from them and bury them in advance, planning to create an internal disturbance while Murong Chen attacked from the outside to eradicate Jing Yue Sect.
Murong Chen confirmed that her preparations had been effective, expressing concern for her safety and telling her not to undertake such dangerous tasks again. Realizing the seriousness of the situation, Yu Qingzhu ordered her disciples to guard the entrances and hold the line until reinforcements arrived from other Jing Yue Sect branches. However, Murong Chen revealed that it was futile, as all reports she had received recently were fabricated by Chang Kong's subordinates, meaning she had no real support.
He further revealed that Jing Yue Sect's other branches had already been eradicated and that he had blocked all routes for external aid to reach Jing Yue Sect. Yu Qingzhu then noticed two Tian Ji Tokens and questioned if she had been given a fake one. Jiang Mengmeng admitted that the token in Yu Qingzhu's possession was actually hers, confirming the deception. Enraged by the revelation, Yu Qingzhu screamed in disbelief.
Jiang Mengmeng then apologized to Murong Chen, promising to always listen to him. Yu Qingzhu, seething with anger, accused Jiang Mengmeng of faking her mistreatment of Murong Chen. Jiang Mengmeng readily admitted it, explaining that she knew Murong Chen had a new plan after he infiltrated Jing Yue Sect.
Aware that Yu Qingzhu had her under surveillance, Jiang Mengmeng enacted an elaborate charade, pretending to abuse Murong Chen and keep male companions as a diversion, all to gain Yu Qingzhu's trust until her guard was down. She confirmed that she had used her own blood to cure Murong Chen's cold poison, which allowed him to endure the various tortures. Yu Qingzhu expressed her bewilderment at Jiang Mengmeng's loyalty to a man who had once betrayed her.
Jiang Mengmeng likened Murong Chen's past choice to a classic dilemma, arguing that his decision should not be criticized. She emphasized that true meaning in life lies not in succumbing to darkness, but in seeking light even amidst it. Yu Qingzhu dismissed Jiang Mengmeng's words as naive, declaring her resolve to fight to the death with Jing Yue Sect.
As Yu Qingzhu ordered her followers to attack, Zhe Xiang suddenly appeared, holding a knife to Yu Qingzhu and demanding a halt, threatening to kill her if they didn't comply. Zhe Xiang declared her intent to avenge her father. Yu Qingzhu, in turn, questioned Zhe Xiang's motives, reminding her that both her biological father and Yu Qingzhu herself had raised her for ten years.
Zhe Xiang countered that Yu Qingzhu's adoption was purely to cultivate her into a weapon against Tian Ji Pavilion and her father. Yu Qingzhu denied this, claiming she saved Zhe Xiang because her eyes reminded her of her own child who died young, and that she lovingly raised Zhe Xiang as her daughter despite fearing future revenge. She also reminded Zhe Xiang that she had personally taught her martial arts.
Yu Qingzhu then feigned emotional distress, lamenting Zhe Xiang's ingratitude and stating that love can be deadly, a lesson Zhe Xiang had yet to learn. When Zhe Xiang asked if Yu Qingzhu had just been lying, Yu Qingzhu confirmed it. Subsequently, Yu Qingzhu launched an attack on both Zhe Xiang and Song Che. Yu Qingzhu mocked Jiang Mengmeng, asserting that her Blood Moon Power, only at the fourth level, was no match for her.
Jiang Mengmeng confidently retorted that her body housed a century-old blood night-blooming cereus, making her "grandma" in terms of power and experience. Jiang Mengmeng then unleashed her full power, invoking the "Endless moonlight" and "Blood moon in the sky." A crimson energy from the blood night-blooming cereus erupted from her, engulfing Yu Qingzhu. Rushing to the gravely injured Yu Qingzhu, Jiang Mengmeng apologized, explaining she only intended to save everyone, not take a life.
Yu Qingzhu, deeply moved and content, declared her happiness at having witnessed the true manifestation of the blood moon power before her death, stating she had no regrets despite not having mastered it herself. With her last breath, Yu Qingzhu gave Jiang Mengmeng a jade pendant, asking her to return it to Murong Shuo. She then expressed a poignant wish that if they had met earlier, things might have ended differently, before succumbing to her injuries. Jiang Mengmeng was heartbroken.
Song Che and Murong Chen then arrived to comfort Jiang Mengmeng. Jiang Mengmeng immediately offered her blood to heal the injured Murong Yi, with Murong Chen stopping her when he deemed she had given enough, then bandaging her wound himself. He then left to attend to Murong Yi.
Jiang Mengmeng observed Jiang Sisi's obvious affection for Murong Yi and urged Murong Chen to intervene, but he dismissed it as fate and refused to get involved, admitting his own cunning nature which Jiang Mengmeng found endearing. Jiang Mengmeng then expressed her desire to meet Murong Shuo, Murong Chen’s father, for a serious matter, not merely a social visit. Murong Chen agreed to arrange a suitable time for them to visit the palace.
There, Jiang Mengmeng presented Murong Shuo with the jade pendant Yu Qingzhu had entrusted to her, noting it appeared to have been broken and mended. She also revealed that Yu Qingzhu had never fully mastered the "Heartless" first level of the Blood Moon Power, suggesting that Yu Qingzhu's lifetime of causing trouble in the martial world was not a real threat to the imperial court but rather a desperate plea for Murong Shuo to remember her.
Later, Jiang Mengmeng confessed to Murong Chen that she was haunted by recent events and feared losing control of her formidable power, worrying she might become another Yu Qingzhu. She asked him to abolish her martial arts, despite the pity of losing such power. Murong Chen, however, firmly reassured her that she was fundamentally different from Yu Qingzhu and would never follow her path.
He explained that martial arts are inherently neutral; just as she had used the potent blood night-blooming cereus to aid the weak and heal the sick, the Blood Moon Power, too, could be wielded for good as long as her intentions remained benevolent. He reminded her of her lifelong aspiration to be a heroine, encouraging her to embrace her power for justice. Elsewhere, Chang Kong returned a comb to Xiao Ai, signifying their reconciliation.
They decided to share the news with Murong Chen and Jiang Mengmeng, but upon arriving, they found only a letter. In the letter, Murong Chen announced that he and Jiang Mengmeng were embarking on a journey to act heroically and wander the world. He formally entrusted the entire Tian Ji Pavilion to Chang Kong, acknowledging his long-standing dedication and expertise, as well as the trust placed in him by all the branches.
Murong Chen expressed his hope that Chang Kong would lead Tian Ji Pavilion to usher in an era of peace in the martial world. Zhe Xiang, struggling with her past actions, attempted to leave secretly, feeling unable to face everyone. Song Che, however, found her and urged her to stay, assuring her that no one, including Jiang Mengmeng or Murong Chen, would blame her. When Zhe Xiang insisted she couldn't forgive herself and needed to leave, Song Che adamantly refused.
He playfully reminded her of their ongoing "competition," then declared his unwavering devotion by saying he was willing to "lose to her for his whole life," deeply touching her. Jiang Mengmeng later found herself enjoying a bustling night market. The local people affectionately called her "Childe Meng," recognizing her as a heroic figure. When a thief attempted to steal from a vendor, she and Murong Chen apprehended him together.
Jiang Mengmeng then meticulously recorded her heroic deed in a notebook she kept. Murong Chen, curious, asked if he was also mentioned, but Jiang Mengmeng playfully refused to show him, leading to some lighthearted teasing and playful scuffling between them. The narrative then shifted back to the present day, where Jiang Xiaomeng was heading to work.
As she and a colleague resembling Song Che rode the elevator together, Qin Han, resembling Murong Chen, arrived just as the elevator doors were closing, only catching a glimpse of their backs and feeling a pang of disappointment. The elevator soon reopened, and the colleague (resembling Song Che) quickly exited to pursue a beautiful girl who looked exactly like Zhe Xiang. Qin Han then turned to Jiang Xiaomeng, offering her a warm smile.
After experiencing a journey of life and death together in the game world, they now stood in reality, a silent understanding passing between them, filled with a multitude of unspoken emotions and words they wished to share.
