Novoland: The Castle in the Sky 2 Recap, Plot, Synopsis
Novoland: The Castle in the Sky 2 Synopsis
Feng Tianyi, the Emperor of the Feathers, and Yi Fuling, a human girl, broke the fatal reincarnation, and married in the end, which was passed down to posterity.
In the year of his daughter Feng Ruche's birth, a drop of heart blood from Xue Jingkong, the greatest Cabalist in Lanzhou, saved Feng Ruche who was killed by the Flower God, thus starting the destiny of their lives.
The oracle says that "when golden wings emerge, the empress will appear", and all forces are looking for Feng Tianyi's only daughter who has golden wings.
On her 18th birthday, Feng Ruche suddenly grows a pair of golden wings, and her destiny changes forever.
Once a ”little thief" in Jianghu, she is now the empress of the world.
When she enters the palace, Feng Ruche becomes a pawn in the struggle of the powerful ministers. At the time, she has a fateful encounter again with Xue Jingkong...
Novoland: The Castle in the Sky 2 Recap
Episode 1 Recap
Many years ago, the Human and Winged Clans coexisted on the vast lands of Lanzhou. After the great war at Sky City, Feng Tianyi, the Winged Emperor, retreated into seclusion with his wife, Yi Fuling. His uncle, Feng Ren, then ascended the throne as the Winged Clan's regent, extending his rule over the Human Clan. Upon Feng Ren's passing, the Winged Clan's imperial line was severed.
During the ensuing chaos, Yu Guocong, a powerful minister, usurped control of the nation, vying for power with Duke Wei Yuanting. Madam Xuan Ji, the Human Clan's State Instructor, stepped in to mediate the disputes, but various regional warlords carved out their own territories, plunging Lanzhou into widespread conflict.
An ancient oracle proclaimed, "Golden wings emerge, an empress appears," leading all factions to tirelessly search for Feng Tianyi's only daughter, who was prophesied to possess golden wings, hoping to control her to command the realm. In Nanyu City, a spirited young woman named Feng Ruche, exhibiting her street performance skills, was harassed by a man named Wei Zhao.
Unfazed, she used a secret technique to play a trick on him, leaving him in an embarrassing state, and deftly stole his valuable pearls. As Feng Ruche fled, Wei Zhao and his servants pursued her. In the ensuing chase, she accidentally inhaled some of her own medicinal powder, blinding herself. Desperate, she stumbled to the entrance of an academy, begging the scholarly Xue Jingkong, who was dressed in elegant white robes, to save her.
Although initially appearing unwilling to help, Xue Jingkong kindly intervened, subtly using his powers to conceal her from her pursuers. After Wei Zhao and his men left, Feng Ruche, still blind, thanked Xue Jingkong, attempting to leave. However, Xue Jingkong informed her that no ordinary physician could cure her eyes, but he could. He confronted her about the poison powder found under her fingernails, proving she was the one who used it.
Feng Ruche lamented the possibility of going blind at just eighteen years old. Xue Jingkong then demanded that she return the stolen items and agree to stay at his academy to learn proper etiquette and turn over a new leaf, promising to heal her eyes if she complied. Though she reluctantly agreed, privately calling him a "stinking old fellow," she handed over the stolen pearls. Xue Jingkong then administered a single drop of medicine, instantly restoring her sight.
Upon opening her eyes, Feng Ruche was astonished by Xue Jingkong's remarkably handsome features, though she quickly called him "ugly" to his face, explaining that her father had warned her that if she called a man handsome, he might become her husband. Capturing a photo of them with her Cinnabar Mirror, Feng Ruche, still accustomed to her wild and unrestrained life, swiftly scaled the roof and escaped the academy, declaring she didn't need his education.
As Feng Ruche attempted her escape, her lightness skill proved insufficient, and she began to plummet. Just as she was about to hit the ground, a magnificent pair of golden wings burst forth from her back. It was her eighteenth birthday, the age when members of the Winged Clan typically manifest their wings.
Surprised and curious about her newfound ability, she soared through the air and, seeing a child about to be struck by a carriage, swooped down to save him. On the street, Bai Dangdang, a man from the Human Clan, witnessed her golden wings and immediately recognized her as the prophesied Winged Empress. He publicly paid homage to her and escorted her to the Imperial Palace.
Inside the palace, Duke Wei Yuanting presented a woman named Du Xianyin, proclaiming her as the new Winged Empress. Du Xianyin, with some hesitation, displayed her own pair of golden wings. As the assembled officials prepared to bow, Minister Yu Guocong dramatically introduced Feng Ruche, asserting that "she" was the true empress. Feng Ruche immediately recognized Wei Zhao in the palace, who promptly began to insult her, calling her a liar and a thief.
Incensed, Feng Ruche retaliated by unfurling her own golden wings. With two claimants to the throne, and the oracle stating that Feng Tianyi had only one daughter, the court was unable to determine the true empress. Madam Xuan Ji mediated the dispute, proposing that both women remain in the palace. She declared that the following day, a Blood Life Instrument would be brought forth to perform a test, which would conclusively reveal the true empress.
Both Yu Guocong and Wei Yuanting publicly vowed to accept the instrument's judgment. Meanwhile, Feng Ruche, awestruck by the opulence of the imperial palace, was attended by a granny who helped her bathe. She questioned the granny about her father, Feng Tianyi, as she didn't recall that name. The granny explained that Feng Tianyi and his wife had adopted new names during their seclusion and that Feng Ruche's Sky Plant Necklace was a token of their love.
During their conversation, Feng Ruche also confessed to the granny her conflicted feelings about Xue Jingkong, whom she secretly found handsome but had called ugly due to her father's "husband" prophecy. The next morning, as Bai Dangdang escorted Feng Ruche to Linyuan Platform, he noticed that the path was incorrect and the guards were strangers. Soon, the escort halted, revealing themselves to be assassins.
Bai Dangdang bravely attempted to protect Feng Ruche, but she, realizing she was the target, unfurled her golden wings to draw the attackers away, urging him to flee. At the same time, Xue Jingkong sensed her peril, and finding a pendant Feng Ruche had dropped, he rushed to her location, arriving just as she was shot down by an arrow. He saved her, but as he did, his left hand became encased in ice, a sign of his uncontrolled powers. Seeing his struggle, Feng Ruche bravely confronted the assassins, but was ambushed and discreetly stabbed in the back.
Episode 2 Recap
Feng Ruche, severely wounded, lay in Xue Jingkong's embrace, believing she was close to death. She asked him for his name, and he responded, "Xue Jing Kong." She found it a beautiful name and asked if he was a magician, which he denied. Reassuring her not to be afraid because he was there, Xue Jingkong then used his spiritual power to heal her. While she was unconscious during the healing, Feng Ruche murmured about her parents abandoning her.
After her injuries were healed, Xue Jingkong uttered "Ah Che" before erasing all of her memories of the recent events. However, Xue Jingkong's powerful magic drew the attention of a mysterious black-clad man named Xu Yu. Xu Yu, who had killed Xue Jingkong's foster parents and relentlessly pursued him, appeared. Xue Jingkong confronted him, asking why he silently tormented him, but Xu Yu did not speak and immediately attacked.
Unable to defeat Xu Yu in his weakened state, Xue Jingkong cleverly used a smoke bomb that Feng Ruche had dropped earlier to create a diversion and escape. Meanwhile, Feng Ruche woke up, surprised by her perceived ability to effortlessly defeat a new wave of assassins who attacked her. She even noticed petals suspended in the air before falling after she touched them, a subtle sign of Xue Jingkong's hidden intervention.
Soon after, Bai Dangdang arrived, wounded from protecting her earlier. He tried to claim he had "wiped out" the assassins, but Feng Ruche, still astonished by her own perceived prowess, was concerned about his injury. She considered Bai Dangdang her most loyal friend after he took a knife for her. She questioned why they were being attacked if she wasn't an enemy, and Bai Dangdang suggested it was related to the upcoming blood test, implying someone wanted to stop her.
Though she was reluctant to go, Bai Dangdang insisted, stating that His Highness was waiting, and they needed to honor their word. At the palace, officials like Wei Yuanting and Rain Guocong had been waiting for Feng Ruche for a long time. Wei Yuanting expressed suspicion about her absence, hinting at trickery.
When an official suggested postponing the blood test to another day, Wei Yuanting firmly declared that it must be done today, as the next auspicious time wouldn't be until next year. With Feng Ruche still missing, Wei Yuanting instructed Master Kong Sang to proceed with Du Xianyin's blood test. The Life Breath Instrument glowed, affirming Du Xianyin as the descendant of the Winged Clan and the new empress. Wei Yuanting then prepared for her enthronement at Tianhe Altar.
Just as the enthronement music was about to begin, Feng Ruche arrived, startling everyone. Bai Dangdang explained their delay was due to an ambush. Wei Yuanting, feigning concern, declared that any assassination attempt on the Winged Empress was treason punishable by death. Rain Guocong then requested Master Kong Sang to test Feng Ruche's blood, but Wei Yuanting protested, arguing that Du Xianyin was already proven to be the empress.
Feng Ruche, however, insisted on undergoing the test, threatening to leave if they refused. Rain Guocong then urged for her test to proceed, reminding Wei Yuanting that without it, others might not be convinced, especially since Feng Ruche also possessed golden wings. Feng Ruche's blood test yielded no reaction from the Life Breath Instrument, prompting Wei Yuanting to immediately declare her an imposter and order her execution.
Feng Ruche vehemently denied claiming to be the Winged Empress and protested her imminent beheading. Bai Dangdang intervened, calling Wei Yuanting mistaken. Feng Ruche, holding up a Sky Plant Necklace her father had given her, asked if anyone recognized it, but no one did. She then logically argued that if she were truly a fake, no one would bother to assassinate her, suggesting a conspiracy to ensure her failure.
She speculated that since her unexpected arrival foiled their assassination plot, they resorted to rigging the blood test, which must have left a flaw. Feng Ruche then pinpointed a palace maid with blue residue on her finger. The maid claimed it was from trimming blue pine, but Feng Ruche countered that blue pines weren't in bloom.
She accused the maid of placing colorless, odorless ice silk, which turns blue with water, onto the instrument, causing it to fail to detect her blood when her palms began sweating from fright. Pei Jing confirmed the presence of ice silk on the instrument. At that moment, a maid revealed a scale hidden on Du Xianyin's back, near her wing slit. Rain Guocong recognized it as the reason for Du Xianyin's initial positive test.
After the scale was removed, Du Xianyin was re-tested, and the instrument showed no reaction. Du Xianyin then confessed to orchestrating the entire plot, admitting she was a maid from Wuji County who, by chance, developed golden wings and saw an opportunity to rise. She claimed to have used ice silk and bribed the maid to plant the scale. Rain Guocong, however, did not believe she acted alone, suspecting a mastermind behind her.
He ordered Pei Jing to whip Du Xianyin to force her to reveal her accomplice. Unable to bear witnessing Du Xianyin's suffering, and recalling their past friendship, Feng Ruche intervened, declaring that as the newly ascended Winged Empress, she desired no violence on her first day. She commanded Du Xianyin's release, despite Rain Guocong's insistence on finding the true instigator. With the crowd chanting "Long live our empress," Feng Ruche was officially acknowledged as the new Winged Empress.
Meanwhile, Xue Jingkong, suffering severe pain and illness from overusing his spiritual powers to save Feng Ruche, was visited by Xing Shang Li, the Master of Xingchen Pavilion. Xing Shang Li healed him but chastised him for abusing his powers, knowing the repercussions it would bring. Xue Jingkong confessed he acted on impulse to save someone, whom he vaguely described as "very ugly" and an "ugly duckling" when Xing Shang Li questioned if she was pretty.
Xue Jingkong also revealed his illness was worsening, striking more frequently without warning. He then mentioned that Xu Yu, the mute man who killed his foster parents, had also appeared. As the new Empress, Feng Ruche was overwhelmed by the opulence of the palace. She told Bai Dangdang that she thought a drawing of her looked ugly, preferring a photo she had taken with Xue Jingkong.
She had Bai Dangdang make a drawing from that photo, but she kept Xue Jingkong's half for herself, commenting on how handsome he looked. Demonstrating her compassionate nature, Feng Ruche immediately began looking for her friends from her days on the streets, like Xiao You, with whom she shared a warm reunion. She tasked Bai Dangdang with finding all her friends, emphasizing their code of loyalty and sticking together.
She also sought to improve the lives of her people, first asking if she could grant tax exemption. After Bai Dangdang explained that complete exemption was impossible, she ordered a significant reduction in the tax rate, expressing her hope that all her friends outside could live better lives.
On the day of her enthronement, Rain Guocong announced that the restored Castle in the Sky, now a true palace, would ascend to the highest point of Novoland, becoming the unwavering glory of the Winged Clan. Concurrently, Xue Jingkong received a portrait of the new Winged Empress, seeing Feng Ruche's image.
Episode 3 Recap
Feng Ruche officially ascended to the throne as the Winged Empress. During her coronation, officials explained that The Castle in The Sky, once held by the Human Clan, had been restored to its former glory as the Winged Clan’s true palace and would now sit atop Novoland, symbolizing their unwavering power. Feng Ruche, though a new ruler, showed her unaccustomedness by telling her kneeling subjects to "stand up," who then respectfully corrected her to "rise."
She was informed that her parents, Emperor Wende and Empress Wenren, had collected ample meteor dust through their true love, which would allow the Castle in The Sky to float. She was also instructed to address herself as "Empress." When she asked if she would ascend alone, she was told that only the most powerful had the right to reach the highest peak.
Feng Ruche then spread her wings, inserted the Sky Eye into the structure, and watched as The Castle in The Sky majestically ascended into the sky, while the crowd below hailed her as their destined empress, wishing her everlasting benevolence. Later, she wondered if her friends had received the portrait of her as Empress. Meanwhile, Xue Jingkong, upon seeing her portrait, also realized that Feng Ruche had become the Winged Empress.
Soon after, Feng Ruche faced challenges in court when she attempted to implement her decree to reduce taxes. She was confused when she discovered that Yang Duan, a civilian, was being arrested for refusing to pay the increased tax. An official explained that her decree had never been announced publicly, citing the high costs of her enthronement ceremony, palace construction, and military expenses as reasons for the increased taxation.
Feng Ruche insisted on upholding her promise to reduce taxes, because she valued loyalty. Madam Xuan Ji, however, reminded her that her personal promises were minor compared to the nation's welfare, emphasizing her new position as ruler. The other ministers agreed, urging her to study diligently before making judgments. Despite her pleas for them to stay, they all left, leaving Feng Ruche disheartened but resolute not to cry.
Rain Guocong planned to control Feng Ruche by having her indulged in carnal pleasures, and ordered Bai Dangdang, now Supreme Commander, to find handsome and talented young men to attend to Feng Ruche in the palace, threatening to revoke his title if he failed. Bai Dangdang reluctantly accepted the task. Xue Jingkong, having learned that Feng Ruche was seeking a royal teacher, decided to enter the palace for that role.
He confided in Xing Shangli, asking him to care for his pet, Orca. Xue Jingkong explained that he needed to find Feng Ruche because she might know his brother, Yun Muyang's, whereabouts. He recalled how two years prior, Yun Muyang had saved him when he was frozen and had lost his memories. Yun Muyang had told him to pick a new name, and seeing the vast snowy landscape, he named himself Xue Jingkong.
Xue Jingkong recounted that he had always believed his brother was killed in a war, but finding Feng Ruche's jade pendant made him realize that Yun Muyang might still be alive. At the Wuji Arena, Wei Zhao subjected Du Xianyin to a cruel game, binding her before a crowd and auctioning her off. He announced that whoever could shoot down all the swinging bells would win her, but if they failed, the chain around her neck would tighten.
Many men tried and failed, causing Du Xianyin to despair. Yun Muyang, who initially tried to ignore the spectacle, could no longer stand by. He stepped forward and successfully shot down all the bells. However, Wei Zhao and his guards recognized Yun Muyang as a traitor and refused to release Du Xianyin, instead attempting to capture and kill him.
Despite an injury to his arm, Yun Muyang, displaying exceptional combat skills, fought through a volley of arrows and managed to escape with Du Xianyin. He saved Du Xianyin simply out of a sense of justice. Back in the palace, Xue Jingkong began his duties as the royal teacher.
He was bewildered when palace nannies, rather than teaching him academics, instructed him on how to smile, wink, and adopt seductive poses, even having him practice with an object in his mouth to "curl around with your tongue" for a "glib tongue" to "resolve her problems." When Feng Ruche was informed that her new "teacher" had arrived, she was shocked to see Xue Jingkong. She immediately accused him of betraying himself for money.
Xue Jingkong tried to clarify that being a teacher did not belittle him and money was a worldly possession, but Feng Ruche believed he was trying to take advantage of her and furiously ordered her guards to take him away. Outside, the guards, interpreting her anger as an order for execution, prepared to behead Xue Jingkong. Feng Ruche, overhearing the commotion, rushed out, screaming for them to stop, as she only intended for him to be removed, not killed.
As she shielded Xue Jingkong, a guard accidentally stabbed her in the back. As Xue Jingkong held her, the pain triggered a faint memory for Feng Ruche, and she murmured, "You had saved me once. Just like now." Xue Jingkong was deeply surprised, as he had previously erased her memories of that incident. Yun Muyang and Du Xianyin reached a temporary safe haven.
Yun Muyang, noting his injury, told Du Xianyin to leave, as he had other urgent matters and traveling with her would be difficult. Du Xianyin, reluctant to part, asked for his name. He refused, stating, "It's not important. We won't meet each other ever again. Leave now." She thanked him for saving her life, and he gave her some silver for protection before urging her to leave, sensing pursuers.
As Du Xianyin left, guards patrolled the city, holding up Yun Muyang's portrait and checking people at every intersection. Just as Yun Muyang was on the verge of being discovered, a fire erupted in the northern part of the city, creating a diversion.
Episode 4 Recap
After Feng Ruche was injured because of him, Xue Jingkong remained by her side, keeping watch through the night. He noticed her habit of kicking off her blankets, so he tied them down to prevent her from doing so again. The next morning, Feng Ruche awoke, smiling at the sight of Xue Jingkong beside her. She quietly instructed her maid not to disturb him. She then inquired about her clothes and the whereabouts of her bag of holding.
Her maid reluctantly explained that Madam Xuan Ji had taken her clothes for washing and intended to discard her bag of hidden weapons, believing it was inappropriate for an Empress to carry such items. The maid had been instructed to tell Feng Ruche that the bag was lost during the laundry. Unwilling to part with her possessions, Feng Ruche decided to disguise herself as a palace maid and sneak into the laundry area to retrieve her bag.
On her way, Feng Ruche inadvertently overheard a conversation between Rain Guocong and one of his subordinates. Rain Guocong revealed his sinister plan to add a special substance to Feng Ruche's daily lip pot. He assured his subordinate that it wouldn't kill her but would transform her into his obedient puppet, ensuring she would follow his every command and no longer issue orders independently. Shocked by his malicious intent, Feng Ruche accidentally made a noise, drawing Rain Guocong's attention.
Fearing discovery, she quickly fled. During her escape, Feng Ruche collided with Bai Dangdang, who watched her hurried retreat with confusion. He then noticed an earring she had dropped and quickly picked it up, hiding it on his person. Rain Guocong arrived shortly after, asking Bai Dangdang if he had seen anyone. Bai Dangdang denied it, attempting to cover for Feng Ruche.
However, Rain Guocong, knowing they were near Feng Ruche's Qiyang Hall, remained suspicious and led his men directly to her palace, disregarding Bai Dangdang's subtle warnings. Meanwhile, after separating from Yun Muyang earlier, Du Xianyin had set a fire to create a diversion, hoping to draw the guards away from the city and help Yun Muyang, who was being hunted. When the fire began attracting attention, Yun Muyang refused to let Du Xianyin face the danger alone.
He rushed back, pulled her away from the approaching guards, and they fled together. After their perilous escape, Du Xianyin thanked him for saving her once more, questioning why he would help her when she felt so useless. Yun Muyang returned the question, asking why she had saved him. She then asked for his name, and he revealed it was Yun Muyang. Du Xianyin smiled, stating his name was lovely, adding, "Meeting you is like basking in warm sun."
Back in the palace, Feng Ruche hastily changed back into her Empress attire and pleaded with Xue Jingkong for help. Thinking quickly, Xue Jingkong grabbed a book titled "The Art of Romance" and pretended to be intimately engaged with Feng Ruche, using the book to shield their faces in a mock kiss. As Rain Guocong entered, he found Feng Ruche and Xue Jingkong in a seemingly private moment.
Feng Ruche, playing along, greeted Rain Guocong as "Uncle Yu" and explained she was chasing an assassin and feared he might enter Qiyang Hall and harm her. She feigned casualness, asking if there were any others in the room, implying only she and Xue Jingkong. Xue Jingkong, embodying his role as her teacher, boldly stated that he always spoke the truth and wondered if Rain Guocong couldn't see they were enjoying each other's company.
Feng Ruche then elaborated on her "studies," mentioning the "taxing" nature of being Empress and her need to learn various things, including the "Art of Romance," and how her daily training left her body sore. Rain Guocong, seemingly mollified by her seemingly frivolous behavior and the "handsome" teacher, concluded that she was merely indulging in romantic pursuits. He dismissed his men and left, stating he wouldn't disturb her further.
After Rain Guocong departed, Feng Ruche confronted Xue Jingkong about his "molestation" and "lying" about their "enjoyment." Xue Jingkong defended himself, reminding her he had just saved her. He insisted that as a teacher, he never lied, and only learned about "romance" after seeing the book. They playfully wrestled over it as she questioned if it was a martial arts manual, which he denied. Despite his outward composure, Rain Guocong remained wary.
He ordered guards to surround Qiyang Hall under the guise of protecting the Empress from the supposed assassin, effectively placing Feng Ruche under surveillance. Fearing for her safety and unwilling to be entangled in palace politics, Feng Ruche decided to flee. She tried to convince Xue Jingkong to fight off the guards while she packed her bags, asking if he could defeat them all. Xue Jingkong, in turn, asked her about an earring he had found.
Feng Ruche offered to reveal its origin if he agreed to fight for her. She then declared him to be the assassin and attempted to escape, leaving him to deal with the guards. However, as Feng Ruche tried to leave Qiyang Hall, Bai Dangdang intercepted her. He returned her earring and explained the gravity of the situation: Rain Guocong had surrounded the hall to gauge her reaction, and her departure would confirm his suspicions, putting her life in grave danger.
Bai Dangdang emphasized her role as the "legitimate empress born with golden wings" and implored her to stay for the sake of the people of Nanyu City, and even for his own sake, as her leaving would only worsen his circumstances. Persuaded by his reasoning and the realization that escape was impossible, Feng Ruche agreed to remain. Seeing no further unusual behavior from Feng Ruche, Rain Guocong finally dismissed his guards from Qiyang Hall, concluding his suspicions were unfounded.
He also instructed his men to search the laundry room and dispose of all of Feng Ruche's belongings. Once the guards were gone, Xue Jingkong asked Feng Ruche about the jade pendant. Feng Ruche, misinterpreting his persistence, believed the jade pendant belonged to a former lover of his, and a hint of jealousy surfaced. She inquired about his name, which he told her was Xue Jingkong.
She felt a vague familiarity with the name, though he claimed to have erased her memories. She continued to tease him, suggesting the jade pendant belonged to a lover who had either abandoned him or been abandoned. Finally, she offered to reveal the jade pendant's origin if he agreed to stay by her side for three months as her protector. To ensure he wouldn't leave, she locked the doors and windows, instructing her maid Xiao Zhi to prevent his escape.
Meanwhile, Yun Muyang carefully bandaged Du Xianyin's minor wounds. He then prepared to leave, assuring her that the place was safe for her recuperation. Du Xianyin knew he hadn't entered the Wuji Arena just to save her; he had an important mission to retrieve a key from Wei Zhao to free his foster sister from Sky Prison.
She offered to help, suggesting that since Wei Zhao was known for his lewdness and tendency to pick beautiful women to serve him, she could infiltrate his household and steal the key for him. Yun Muyang firmly refused, unwilling to put her back in harm's way after she had just escaped danger. He insisted that he had saved many people before and did not require repayment.
Later, as Xue Jingkong was practicing his magic in Qiyang Hall, Feng Ruche inadvertently drew too close and was pulled into his illusion, which he referred to as "her dream." Within this ethereal space, Feng Ruche marveled at the unreality of it, noting how petals didn't fall to the ground. Xue Jingkong, observing her, experienced fragments of what he believed were his own lost memories, making him question if these were real events from the past.
He also noted how unusually quickly he was recovering from a previous magical backlash. Feng Ruche, still within the illusion, felt pain and realized it wasn't a mere dream, as she retained all her senses. She wondered when she would awaken. When they both emerged from the illusion, Feng Ruche noticed similar wounds on Xue Jingkong to those she had seen in her "dream."
She then recalled being saved by him once before, concluding that the "dream" was actually a forgotten memory. She pressed him, asking if he was a "magician." Xue Jingkong attempted to erase her memories once more but suffered a severe magical repercussion and collapsed unconscious before her. Elsewhere, Wei Zhao returned home to find Du Xianyin waiting. She immediately drew a sword, her intention clear: to kill him.
Episode 5 Recap
Xue Jingkong lay unconscious, burning with fever. A palace maid suggested undressing him to wipe him with cold water, but Feng Ruche intervened, stating that simply covering him with a blanket would help him sweat out the fever. She dismissed the maid but asked her to leave the water. Feng Ruche then awkwardly tended to Xue Jingkong herself, muttering that she was saving his life and not taking advantage.
As she cared for him, she discovered her "Instant Bomb" hidden within his clothes, realizing it was proof that he had saved her previously. When Xue Jingkong eventually stirred awake, both were startled by the situation. Upon waking, Xue Jingkong was surprised when Feng Ruche thanked him and recounted details of him saving her previously, which she initially thought was a dream but now felt real. He denied any intention to save her.
Xue Jingkong revealed that he entered the palace for Yun Muyang and wanted to know Yun Muyang's whereabouts from Feng Ruche. Feng Ruche offered Yun Muyang's information as a condition for Xue Jingkong to stay for three months, until she adapted to her new life as Empress. She explained the dangers of her new life, how some pretended kindness while plotting against her, and how others genuinely believed in her.
She wanted to understand this new world and test if she was truly unfit to be Empress. She then suggested they drink "moon wine" but Xue Jingkong left her alone. Left to herself, Feng Ruche grew melancholic, observing that the "moon wine" didn't taste good anymore. Xue Jingkong, now outside, used his magic to check on Feng Ruche, seeing her asleep by the table. Meanwhile, Du Xianyin, disguised and masked, approached Wei Zhao.
She exacted her revenge for the humiliation she suffered at Wuji Arena, taking Yun Muyang's key from him. Upon returning to Yun Muyang, she proudly presented the key, but he noticed her fresh wound. She quickly claimed she hurt herself accidentally, absolving Wei Zhao of blame. As Yun Muyang carefully applied medicine to her wound, he expressed his concern, telling her that every life is valuable, including hers, and she should cherish it.
Du Xianyin was deeply moved, pledging her loyalty to him, stating that she now belonged to him and was willing to do anything. Yun Muyang asked if she knew he was a "silver wings traitor," and she replied that it didn't matter, as long as he was himself. Feng Ruche approached Xuan Ji to retrieve her bag of holdings, only to find Xuan Ji with Minister Yang Che, who gratefully thanked Feng Ruche for his pardon.
Feng Ruche, confused, denied any involvement, but Xuan Ji explained she had found a way to persuade Rain Guo Cong to release Sir Yang, though he still resisted tax cuts. Xuan Ji revealed that she had already secretly implemented tax reductions in her own prefectures, confirming her support for Feng Ruche as the rightful descendent of the late emperor.
However, she advised Feng Ruche to bide her time and not openly defy Rain Guo Cong, but to act strategically and let him drop his guard. Feng Ruche agreed with this approach but asked for her bag of holdings back. Xuan Ji refused, arguing that such secret weapons in the Empress's hands would give Rain Guo Cong ammunition against her. Feng Ruche reluctantly agreed to let Xuan Ji keep it for her.
At Rain Guo Cong's banquet, Feng Ruche stated she was fully recovered but still experienced headaches at court and needed more rest. She boldly told Rain Guo Cong that a country could survive without its ruler, praising his effective management of Nanyu City. She then declared her intention to temporarily abstain from court and entrusted all state affairs to him, explaining her duty was simply "to eat well, drink well, and be happy."
She also laid out her terms: any dissent against his orders would be seen as dissent against hers, and any harm to her would be seen as harm to him. Rain Guo Cong, pleased, raised a toast to her health and the prosperity of the Winged Clan. Feng Ruche appeared uneasy about the wine, Xue Jingkong suddenly appeared at her side and drank the wine in her place.
Rain Guo Cong shook his head, as he watched Xue Jingkong and Feng Ruche. Xue Jingkong stumbled, clearly affected by the wine. Feng Ruche worried the wine was poisoned. Upon reaching Qiyang Palace, Xue Jingkong collapsed onto a table, deeply intoxicated. Feng Ruche then gently stroked his hair, and also fell asleep. The next day, Feng Ruche looked at the jade pendant in her hand and suddenly recalled its origin.
Her friend, Xiao You, had stolen it from a woman in white wearing a veil. Bai Dangdang then remembered that the Yue Zi Hao Sky Prison housed a woman who wore a white veil, and offered to take Feng Ruche to see her. In the prison, Feng Ruche found the veiled woman. She was Lian Yi, Yun Muyang's sister. Feng Ruche mistakenly thought Lian Yi was Xue Jingkong's love.
Lian Yi demanded to know what Feng Ruche had done to her brother, Yun Muyang. Lian Yi then tried to take her own life to prevent him from being threatened. Feng Ruche stopped her. She clarified that she only wanted to see Lian Yi's face. After leaving the prison, Feng Ruche, still troubled, stayed around Xue Jingkong, feeling insecure about herself compared to Lian Yi.
Episode 6 Recap
Feng Ruche tried to persuade Xue Jingkong to stay, but he showed no inclination to remain by her side. She questioned him about his relationship with the owner of the pendant, her words heavy with jealousy, yet Xue Jingkong remained oblivious. He candidly stated that Yun Muyang was the closest person to him in this world, revealing the depth of his feelings for him.
Feng Ruche's jealousy intensified, as she continued to assume he was speaking of a female lover, and she pressed him for the story between him and the pendant's owner. Xue Jingkong was about to tell her, but she misinterpreted his hesitation as unwillingness, growing angry and telling him to leave. As Xue Jingkong departed, he regretted Feng Ruche's misunderstanding. He had wanted to share his past with Yun Muyang.
He recalled how Yun Muyang had saved him and brought him home. Yun Muyang's foster parents treated Xue Jingkong like their own son, just as they had treated Yun Muyang, whom they had also adopted. The warmth he experienced in their home was the most profound familial affection he had ever known. Yun Muyang, despite being adopted earlier, recognized Xue Jingkong as his elder and asked to call him "older brother," an offer Xue Jingkong accepted.
They shared a heartfelt toast, and Xue Jingkong realized the world was not as cold as he once thought. However, he lamented that he could never return to that time or see them again. Meanwhile, Yun Muyang had obtained the key to the Moon-character prison cell. He was informed that at eleven o'clock the following night, the Mu family's guards, responsible for security, would secretly change shifts, making it the most opportune time for an infiltration.
Despite a general warning that the information about changing guards might be a trap, Yun Muyang dismissed it, stating that the more suspicion surrounding Wei Zhao's disappearance, the greater the danger for Lian Yi. He rallied the Silver Wings Cavalry, who affirmed their loyalty and readiness to risk their lives. However, upon their assault on the prison, they discovered it was heavily ambushed.
An ally named Ling Xi, claiming ignorance of the ambush, helped Yun Muyang escape through a secret passage after the Silver Wings Cavalry suffered heavy losses. Back in Qiyang Palace, Feng Ruche wrestled with the dilemma of whether to inform Xue Jingkong about Lian Yi. Unaware of her internal conflict, Xue Jingkong urged her to practice calligraphy, teaching her to write her own name, "Feng Ru Che." He noticed her absent-mindedness throughout the night.
Feng Ruche, still bothered by the thought of Xue Jingkong's "lover," lamented internally that Lian Yi and Xue Jingkong didn't resemble each other, leading her to assume they must be engaged. However, driven by her kind nature, she eventually decided to tell him her plan. She then requested Xue Jingkong to teach her how to write his name.
After he complied, she asked him why he chose it, and he explained that his name, "Xue Jingkong," was derived from what he saw upon waking up. Feng Ruche then presented him with a device called a milliweb, a communication tool she had invented using a spider and her new mechanism. She gave one half to him and kept the other, explaining it would allow them to communicate if he was ever happy or unhappy.
Xue Jingkong initially dismissed it, but Feng Ruche insisted he take it, reminding him of his promise to protect her. Finally, she revealed that she had found the owner of the pendant and arranged for her to wait at Nanmeng Pavilion. Upon hearing this, Xue Jingkong immediately vanished, heading towards the pavilion. Feng Ruche, left behind, exasperatedly called him a "heartless jerk." Lian Yi waited at Nanmeng Pavilion, expecting Yun Muyang's arrival.
Coincidentally, Yun Muyang, still fleeing from his pursuers after escaping the prison ambush, also arrived at the pavilion. The siblings unexpectedly reunited. Yun Muyang quickly took Lian Yi with him to escape. They fled through the streets and were met by Du Xianyin, who had prepared a boat by the lake. As they reached the waterfront, assassins caught up to them. Yun Muyang and Lian Yi engaged the attackers.
While protecting Du Xianyin, Yun Muyang was struck by a poisoned sword and collapsed. Du Xianyin, no longer concealing her formidable skills, swiftly used her soft whip to dispatch the remaining assassins. She then cut the boat's rope, leaving Lian Yi alone to be overwhelmed by the numerous pursuers on shore, and escaped with the unconscious Yun Muyang. Lian Yi, wounded and outnumbered, fainted and was recaptured. Xue Jingkong arrived at Nanmeng Pavilion but found no one there.
He returned to the palace, where Feng Ruche asked if he had met Lian Yi. Xue Jingkong, now realizing the misunderstanding, asked "Who is she?" and clarified that he was searching for his brother, not Lian Yi. Feng Ruche was overjoyed to hear this, but remained confused about how the pendant belonged to Lian Yi if she wasn't his lover. Xue Jingkong asked her to bring him the clothes Lian Yi had worn.
Using his spiritual powers, he tracked Lian Yi's whereabouts, finding her captured and in grave danger. He immediately rushed to her rescue, saving her from her captors and bringing her back to his residence. He then enlisted Xing Shangli to treat her, who remarked that she would have died if Xue Jingkong had arrived a moment later. Xue Jingkong then compensated Xing Shangli with three coins, "one for saving you, one for looking after Orca, and another one for saving that young lady."
Episode 7 Recap
Yun Muyang, gravely wounded, was saved by Du Xianyin, who used her own blood to attract poisonous insects, a dangerous method to counter the poison in his wound. When Yun Muyang finally regained consciousness, he immediately inquired about Lian Yi. Du Xianyin, feigning weakness and helplessness, told him that Lian Yi had not managed to get onto the boat after Du Xianyin helped Yun Muyang on board.
She claimed the hawser suddenly snapped and, lacking martial arts skills, she was unable to help. Yun Muyang was distraught and blamed himself for Lian Yi's predicament, expressing regret that she ended up like this because of him. Seeing his concern, Du Xianyin revealed her injured hand, explaining the extreme measure she took to save him. She then embraced him, crying and proclaiming that she could not live without him.
Meanwhile, Wei Zhao's body was discovered, swollen and unrecognizable from being in the river. Wei Yunting, his father, was devastated and infuriated to learn from his subordinate that Wei Zhao had been brutally tortured before his death, suffering multiple deep wounds and having the tendons in his limbs severed. Wei Yunting suspected the Silver Wings Cavalry traitors and was presented with a red ruby found on Wei Zhao's body, believed to be left by the killer.
Meanwhile, Madam Xuan Ji visited Feng Ruche, informing her of Wei Zhao's death. When Feng Ruche inquired about Lian Yi, Madam Xuan Ji redirected the conversation, emphasizing the strategic advantage in Wei Zhao's demise. Madam Xuan Ji presented evidence linking Pei Jing, Prince Yu's trusted colonel, to Wei Zhao's murder. She proposed a scheme: Feng Ruche should appoint Pei Jing to Wei Zhao's former official position during the Seven Star Blessing Ceremony.
This, Madam Xuan Ji explained, would ignite a fierce conflict between the long-standing rivals, Duke Wei and Prince Yu, allowing Feng Ruche to reap the benefits. Feng Ruche initially expressed discomfort with the manipulative plan and her general distrust of palace officials. Bai Dangdang tried to cheer her up, accompanying her to watch the stars and offering various comforts.
Bai Dangdang, whom Feng Ruche considers her only trustworthy companion, also suggested that Madam Xuan Ji had proven helpful in the past. Feng Ruche acknowledged Madam Xuan Ji's previous assistance in matters like releasing Yang Duan, helping Lian Yi leave, and lowering taxes, but still found everyone in the palace two-faced except Bai Dangdang.
Later, Feng Ruche, grateful for Bai Dangdang's unwavering support, proposed they become sworn buddies, insisting he call her "boss," a pact they sealed with a pinky promise and an oath on his mother's name. Feng Ruche continued to send numerous messages to Xue Jingkong using their special communication device, asking about his return, his well-being, and seeking his guidance on books, lamenting his lack of replies.
Xue Jingkong, while receiving these messages, couldn't help but smile, though he didn't reply directly. He was teased by Xing Shangli about the sender being "that young lady who's really ugly," which Xue Jingkong immediately denied. Later that night, Xue Jingkong invisibly entered Feng Ruche's palace. He observed her refusing food due to a lack of appetite.
Using his spiritual powers, he subtly influenced her, causing her to suddenly feel hungry and eagerly eat her favorite egg noodles, much to his amusement as he silently commented on her table manners. As Feng Ruche ate, she sent another message, inquiring if he would return for the upcoming Seven Star Blessing Ceremony. The sound of his bamboo tube, hidden within the room, startled her and her maid. They frantically searched the chamber, but Xue Jingkong remained concealed.
Feng Ruche, unable to find him, eventually dismissed the sounds as her imagination. Feng Ruche, drinking heavily, openly expressed her longing for Xue Jingkong, lamenting that despite the palace's luxuries, she was far from happy and only felt calm and joyful in his presence. She accused him of making a tacit promise to return and playfully threatened to draw a tortoise on his face, commenting on his perceived aloofness. She sent another urgent message, pleading "Come save me!"
As she became increasingly intoxicated, she stumbled, and Xue Jingkong, abandoning his invisibility, caught her. Still believing it to be a dream, Feng Ruche affectionately called him "Master" and playfully tried to "get revenge" on him for his past teasing. She clung to him, expressing how much she missed him and even tried to sing loudly, which Xue Jingkong tried to quiet, fearing they would be discovered. He gently carried the now sleeping Feng Ruche back to her room.
The following morning, Xue Jingkong returned to his quarters, where Xing Shangli greeted him, teasingly asking if he had spent the night doing "labor work." Xue Jingkong quickly inquired about Lian Yi and learned she had already woken up and departed, heading south. Without hesitation, he set off to follow her trail. Meanwhile, Feng Ruche awoke, recalling fragments of her "dream" from the night before.
Her maid, Xiao Zhi, assured her that no one had entered her chambers, leading Feng Ruche to conclude it was merely a vivid dream, leaving her disappointed that Xue Jingkong still hadn't replied to her messages. Later, at the Seven Star Blessing Ceremony, Duke Wei Yunting, still reeling from his son Wei Zhao's death, loudly demanded justice.
When Feng Ruche asked if he had found the killer, Wei Yunting immediately accused Pei Jing, Prince Yu's colonel, and presented a ruby found on Wei Zhao's body, claiming it was a missing piece from Pei Jing's sword. Prince Yu vehemently denied the accusation, calling it a deliberate frame-up and arguing that a single ruby was insufficient evidence for a death sentence. Feng Ruche intervened, stopping the heated argument.
Following Madam Xuan Ji's strategic advice, she ordered Pei Jing to be detained until after the ceremony, promising a thorough investigation. Prince Yu, though displeased, reluctantly agreed, assuring Pei Jing he would personally secure his release once the ceremony concluded. Feng Ruche, however, privately expressed frustration that Madam Xuan Ji's plan to curb their arrogance didn't seem to be working as effectively as intended. As Xue Jingkong pursued Lian Yi, he was suddenly afflicted by a severe magical backlash, leaving him vulnerable to another attack.
Episode 8 Recap
The Seven-Star Lamp ceremony began with blessings for the Empress and the nation. However, as Feng Ruche, in her role as the Winged Empress, ignited the seven-star lamps, they suddenly extinguished. A frantic shaman, Kong Sang, burst into the grand hall, prophesying, "When the Golden Wings are spread and the Empress appears, the seven stars will fall and Nanyu will perish. Nanyu City is about to be destroyed! A huge disaster is coming!"
He knelt before Yu Guocong, admitting, "We've made a mistake. We shouldn't have deceived people about the truth. Such an evil act will bring a huge disaster upon us!" He further accused Feng Ruche, declaring, "That Winged Empress is an imposter! We have to face our retribution now!" When Yu Guocong tried to silence him, Wei Yunting interjected, questioning if he was trying to cover up the truth.
Kong Sang then shockingly confessed that Yu Guocong had forced him to forge Feng Ruche's Golden Wings and swap the royal blood in the Blood Tester. Yu Guocong tried to dismiss his words as lies, but Kong Sang, after repeating his dire prophecy, committed suicide. Seizing the moment, Wei Yunting ordered his guards to arrest both Yu Guocong and Feng Ruche.
Yu Guocong realized the depth of Wei Yunting's betrayal, understanding that Pei Huan had been swayed to his side and that the framing of Pei Jing was merely a ruse to remove him. Wei Yunting, admitting he had waited too long for this moment, had Yu Guocong taken away, leaving Feng Ruche a prisoner as well. Confused by the turn of events, Feng Ruche appealed to Madam Xuan Ji and Bai Dangdang to testify for her.
Madam Xuan Ji, however, remained indifferent, while Bai Dangdang, abandoning their past friendship, openly claimed that Feng Ruche's identity was fake and that her wings were deliberately fabricated by Yu Guocong. He falsely stated that Yu Guocong had sent someone to forge a pair of Golden Wings for her beforehand, and then ordered him to stage an act with her on the street, promising him a general's position in return.
Feng Ruche was deeply shocked and devastated by Bai Dangdang's blatant distortion of the truth, realizing he was deliberately framing her. Under arrest, Feng Ruche confronted Madam Xuan Ji, demanding to know what was happening and accusing her of conspiring with Wei Yunting. Madam Xuan Ji scoffed, asking if Feng Ruche truly believed herself to be the cunning fox in their game, when in reality she was merely "the little lamb that was shared among us."
When Feng Ruche defiantly stated she wouldn't let Madam Xuan Ji get away with it, the Madam mocked her, questioning if she intended to use her "moralities" and advised her to "be on my knees kowtowing right now, begging me to spare your life." Feng Ruche retorted, "Go to hell!" Impressed by her courage, Madam Xuan Ji offered a cruel "chance": if Feng Ruche could defeat the strongmen before her, she would be set free.
Despite her fighting spirit, Feng Ruche, severely injured, was no match for the men. After being brutally beaten, she was lifted before Madam Xuan Ji, who then ordered, "Chop them off," referring to Feng Ruche's wings. After her wings were severed, Madam Xuan Ji gloated, "You've lost, Your Majesty. I'll give you another chance to beg me." Feng Ruche, still defiant, was called "a thief from the street who wishes to be the Winged Empress."
Madam Xuan Ji declared her profound hatred for the arrogance of the Winged Clan, stating, "Today I'll let you experience what it's like to lose your wings, and fall to your death." She commanded her guards to throw Feng Ruche off Sky City. As Feng Ruche plummeted, Madam Xuan Ji also tossed away the bamboo tube that Xue Jingkong had given her, which he once explained contained a "milliweb" spider that could transmit messages, happy or unhappy, to him.
Feng Ruche desperately clung to the falling bamboo tube and cried out for Xue Jingkong, her voice resonating through the device, echoing her past words to him, "Master. It's me." Meanwhile, Xue Jingkong was in a bamboo forest searching for Lian Yi, but was relentlessly pursued by Xuyu. The two engaged in a fierce battle, and Xuyu managed to ensnare Xue Jingkong, who was already suffering from a spiritual backlash. However, his attention was drawn to the falling bamboo tube.
Seeing it, Xue Jingkong, with a surge of desperate strength, broke free from Xuyu's hold and rushed to Feng Ruche's side. Xue Jingkong caught her just before she hit the ground and carried her back to Sky City, his gaze icy with fury, intent on punishing Madam Xuan Ji. But Feng Ruche, gravely wounded and fading, whispered, "Master, don't bother her. There's not much time left. Let's just have a chat."
Xue Jingkong, honoring her last wish, spared Madam Xuan Ji. He then carried Feng Ruche to the academy, but upon arrival, Xing Shangli delivered the heartbreaking news: "She's already dead." Xue Jingkong refused to believe it, protesting, "That's impossible. I brought her back to life last time." Xing Shangli confirmed the grim reality, explaining, "Every part of her body is broken. She can't be saved anymore," her meridians completely severed beyond repair.
Despite Xing Shangli's declaration, Xue Jingkong refused to accept Feng Ruche's death. Xing Shangli urged him to stop, pointing out his own depleted state. He questioned Xue Jingkong's unwavering determination, asking, "Do you wish to die? You already know where your brother is. Why do you insist on saving her?" Xue Jingkong replied, filled with guilt, "If I got there earlier, she wouldn't have died."
Xing Shangli, seeing his resolve, asked if he had "fallen in love with this ugly girl." Xue Jingkong denied it, explaining that Feng Ruche was "someone special," as "she still has the memories I've wiped out." He then desperately asked if there was any way to save her. Xing Shangli revealed, "Not me. It's you. Inject her with your magic wood. The magic wood has powers. Perhaps it can help her gather vital energy."
He warned Xue Jingkong that performing such an act would deplete all his spiritual powers and compel him to stay by Feng Ruche's side until she fully recovered, implying potential unforeseen consequences. Xue Jingkong, without hesitation, proceeded with the ritual, using all his spiritual energy to save Feng Ruche. After the ritual, Xing Shangli commented, "You've used up all your powers just to save this ugly girl. What are you going to do if that mute comes?"
Xue Jingkong simply responded, "It doesn't matter," indicating Feng Ruche's importance above all else. Meanwhile, Wei Yunting visited Yu Guocong in prison, offering him wine for "the two of us" to share after "a long time." He reminisced about "20 years" and "this leg of mine," bringing up an old grievance.
Yu Guocong explained that his suggestion to ambush the enemy's camp back then, which led to Wei Yunting's injury, was intended for Wei Yunting to "take credit for it" and get "promoted," reminding him, "We're brothers forever." Yu Guocong acknowledged, "I do feel guilty. . . for what happened to your leg," but Wei Yunting angrily cut him off, "Stop bringing that up!"
Yu Guocong then questioned if Madam Xuan Ji had orchestrated Kong Sang's suicide to validate the Blood Tester deception and if Wei Yunting had purposefully "framed Pei Jing. . . and took away my power over the army!" Wei Yunting insisted Pei Jing was not framed. Yu Guocong, frustrated, exclaimed, "I just don't get it. I've been tolerating you for so many years. Why did you harm my only son? You idiot! You've been used!
You still refuse to admit it." He lamented, "I don't know since when. . . it ended up like this between us. How ridiculous." Yu Guocong then declared, "From now on, you will regret it. You'll regret not adding poison to my cup of wine. You'll regret losing your last chance to kill me." Wei Yunting, undeterred, countered, "It doesn't matter. There are plenty of chances for me to watch you die."
Yu Guocong then revealed his trump card: "My dear brother. This prison. . . was built by me." Before Wei Yunting's eyes, Yu Guocong activated a hidden mechanism and escaped through a secret passage. Wei Yunting furiously realized Yu Guocong was gone, shouting, "You're useless!" at his guards.
Episode 9 Recap
The black-clad man, Xuyu, reported to his master that he had killed Fang Wuyi. However, his master was furious, stating that if Fang Wuyi were truly dead, he wouldn't still be imprisoned. He reminded Xuyu that he was merely a demon formed from his master’s powers, not even human, and warned him to be self-aware. He commanded Xuyu to kill Fang Wuyi promptly, or else his ability to speak would be sealed forever.
Meanwhile, Yun Muyang had nearly recovered from his injuries. He was determined to find Lian Yi, whether she was alive or dead, emphasizing that she wasn't merely "someone else" but a sister who had fought through thick and thin with him and bore a scar on her face from saving his life. Du Xianyin expressed her desire to accompany him, claiming Lian Yi was like a sister to her too.
However, Lian Yi suddenly appeared, accusing Du Xianyin of being a spy who had cut the hawser, leaving her to die. Du Xianyin denied the accusation, feigning weakness, and Yun Muyang, remembering Du Xianyin had saved his life, defended her, causing Lian Yi to storm off in anger. Later that night, Yun Muyang, remembering Lian Yi's upright character, secretly inspected the boat's hawser and confirmed it had indeed been cut by a sword, fueling his suspicions.
Yun Muyang then confronted Du Xianyin, asking for her true identity. He tested her with a sword, noting her unusual calm for someone supposedly untrained in martial arts, which convinced him she was lying. Du Xianyin wept, insisting her feelings for him were sincere and that he had given her this life. She offered for him to take it back if he wished, but expressed sadness that he believed he knew nothing about her after all this time.
Unable to accept her continued deception, Yun Muyang let her leave. Feng Ruche woke from a recurring nightmare. Xue Jingkong was in the courtyard, playing the "Song of the Clear Mind" on his konghou, hoping it would help her sleep better. Feng Ruche thanked him for his repeated rescues but expressed a desire to forget the traumatic events at Lin Yuan Platform, which felt like a nightmare to her.
She playfully suggested he had likely wiped her memories clean, as he always did after saving her, which was why she couldn't recall anything. Elsewhere, Bai Dangdang pleaded with Xuan Ji to release his mother, reminding her he had done everything she asked. Xuan Ji coldly informed him that his mother, old and ill, had passed away the previous day.
Realizing he had been deceived, an enraged Bai Dangdang was met with Xuan Ji's dismissive smile as she stripped him of his general's position and banished him from the palace. Overwhelmed by guilt for having betrayed Feng Ruche, Bai Dangdang recalled their pinky promise and friendship. Believing he no longer deserved to keep that promise, he cut off his own pinky finger. Feng Ruche's physical wounds had healed, but her emotional pain lingered.
Xue Jingkong approached her, encouraging her to express her sadness. She avoided the topic, suggesting they drink instead. She acknowledged his concern for her but admitted she couldn't overcome the hurdle in her heart. She then tricked him with a two-sided wine flagon, getting him drunk, and quietly prepared to leave. However, Xing Shangli intercepted her, urging her to stay.
He argued that relationships inherently involve debts of gratitude and affection, and this was a prime opportunity for her to allow Xue Jingkong to fall in love with her, reassuring her that she needn't worry about burdening him. As Yun Muyang and Lian Yi prepared to depart, Lian Yi mentioned the "superior person" who had saved her, describing how he could freeze everyone with a single gesture.
Yun Muyang was reminded of his own brother, Xue Jingkong, whom he believed to be dead, noting the similarities in their extraordinary abilities. Just then, Du Xianyin's cries for help echoed. Yun Muyang rushed out to find her being abducted by Golden Imperial Guards with distinctive purple wings.
Despite his recent distrust, Yun Muyang was emotionally attached to Du Xianyin and resolved to rescue her, regardless of whether it was a trap, ordering Lian Yi to proceed with their original mission. Du Xianyin was taken to Xuan Ji, who was revealed to be her adoptive mother.
Xuan Ji questioned why Du Xianyin hesitated to continue training her golden wings, reminding her that she had endured significant hardship since childhood to cultivate them, all for the purpose of seizing imperial power in the Feather Capital. Feng Ruche tried to lift her spirits, playfully asking Xue Jingkong to get her some soft and crispy pineapple tarts from Crane Restaurant. Though Xue Jingkong initially refused, he went to the bustling bakery.
Unable to use his weakened spiritual powers, he struggled through the crowd, only to find the pineapple tarts were sold out. Upon returning, he cooked her favorite egg noodles, to which Xing Shangli remarked on Xue Jingkong's changed demeanor and growing tenderness towards Feng Ruche. Later, Feng Ruche expressed a desire for exciting storybooks. Xue Jingkong, though feigning reluctance, borrowed several from Xing Shangli, finding titles such as "Bossy Winged Emperor Falls In Love With Me" and "Prince Regent's Romantic History."
Episode 10 Recap
Xue Jingkong played a tune for Feng Ruche each night, but she wished to hear a story instead. Though he had never read common market novels, Xue Jingkong made an exception, borrowing several from Xing Shangli, who initially dismissed titles like "Bossy Winged Emperor Falls In Love With Me" and "Prince Regent's Romantic History" as nonsense.
When Xue Jingkong began to read a love story to Feng Ruche, he became shy at the part where the protagonists confessed their feelings and left, much to Feng Ruche's amusement when she later read it herself. Despite outwardly criticizing the market novels as "full of grammatical errors, nonsense, made-up stories, and ridiculous," Xue Jingkong found himself unable to stop reading and spent the entire night engrossed in them. Du Xianyin endured the painful process of refining her Golden Wings.
Madam Xuan Ji visited her, expressing sadness at Du Xianyin's suffering but emphasizing that without continuous training, the wings would fade, exposing them, and her skin would fester. Xuan Ji offered an elixir she had specially made to ease the pain. However, she noticed a bite mark on Du Xianyin's wrist from a noxious insect, immediately suspecting it was due to Yun Muyang. Du Xianyin admitted she had done it solely to gain Yun Muyang's trust.
Xuan Ji reminded her of their past instructions to kill Wei Zhao and blame Pei Jing after Yun Muyang saved her, and to follow Yun Muyang to gather more intelligence. When Xuan Ji questioned if she had developed feelings for Yun Muyang, Du Xianyin asserted that she could not, fearing only that his death would jeopardize their plan to use the Silver Wings army.
Xuan Ji wanted to arrange the enthronement ceremony immediately, but Du Xianyin argued that their primary enemy was Wei Yuan Ting, who held military power, and they needed the Silver Wings Cavalry's aid to truly conquer the world. Xuan Ji warned her that men were heartless, reminding Du Xianyin of their own plight. Du Xianyin firmly promised to kill Yun Muyang without hesitation if he discovered her true identity, and Xuan Ji hoped she meant it.
Feng Ruche discovered the pear blossom crisp Xue Jingkong had bought for her, all broken. Xing Shangli revealed that Xue Jingkong, who was unaccustomed to such tasks, had queued for them, hinting at the effort he put in. Feng Ruche realized that Xue Jingkong's spiritual power had likely diminished because he had used it to save her.
Later, in the marketplace, she saw an official announcement from Madam Xuan Ji declaring Feng Ruche a criminal who had impersonated the Winged Empress and had now been executed, notifying the world. People in the crowd, having suffered from increased taxes under the "fake Empress," recognized Feng Ruche's striking resemblance to the portrait on the notice. As they began to attack her, Xue Jingkong swiftly appeared, shielding Feng Ruche.
He sternly warned the mob about the severe legal and martial arts consequences for their actions, condemning their blind judgment. He then escorted Feng Ruche safely back to the academy. Du Xianyin and Madam Xuan Ji orchestrated a scenario, allowing Yun Muyang to "rescue" Du Xianyin, thereby reinforcing his belief in her as the Golden Winged Empress. As Du Xianyin flew away with Yun Muyang, she visibly struggled, her face contorted in pain.
This was because her Golden Wings were unnaturally formed through rigorous training, making flight feel like knives piercing her bones. She quickly fabricated an excuse, telling Yun Muyang that her Golden Wings were destined to bring calamity and that she had always thought of severing them, having even harmed herself in childhood to try and change her fate. Yun Muyang, moved by her story, believed her completely.
A flashback showed a young Du Xianyin trying to cut her own wings, wishing to be human like her mother and not have an "evil father." Xuan Ji had then comforted her, explaining that these wings would enable her to protect them both. Du Xianyin confided in Yun Muyang that she had not lied previously when she appeared willing to die, as she was sick of living and would have considered dying by his hand a fortunate end.
Yun Muyang then decided they would rest while he informed his Lord of their discovery, and Du Xianyin readily agreed to follow his lead. Meanwhile, a historical account narrated the rise of the Silver Wings Cavalry. In the early Qianyuan years, northern Lanzhou suffered severe drought and crop failure for months. The Jinwuwei of Nan Yu City brutally conscripted military provisions, leading to three members of the Qi family in Daze Village committing suicide.
Qi San, returning from his travels, cried over his family's bodies, proclaiming, "the world is dying, Silver Wings should appear," and called for justice against tyranny, rallying his fellow villagers to revolt. Over five years, the Silver Wings Cavalry rapidly emerged as the premier rebel army in northern Lanzhou, becoming a major threat to the Winged Clan emperor.
Qi San, who changed his name to Zhen Xian, was known for his humility and eagerness to recruit talented individuals, earning him the title of Lord Silver Wings. The Silver Wings Cavalry recently faced an ambush, resulting in heavy casualties. Zhen Xian personally visited the front lines, treating each wounded soldier as his own kin, even knowing their personal histories, which solidified their unwavering loyalty. He then received a letter from Yun Muyang, informing him of finding Du Xianyin.
Thrilled, Zhen Xian declared that "Whoever gets Golden Wings can rule the world" and immediately instructed Yun Muyang to bring Ms. Du back to the Silver Wings Cavalry. Upon hearing of Zhen Xian's approval, Yun Muyang informed Du Xianyin that she was to accompany him back to the Silver Wings Cavalry.
Du Xianyin, after some hesitation, declared that if she were to be a pawn, she would rather be his, and they agreed to forego apologies and thanks between them moving forward. Xue Jingkong's body began to exhibit strange symptoms. Xing Shangli noticed the flower on Xue Jingkong's back was nearing full bloom, warning of another onset of cryo sickness. This was due to the divine wood Xue Jingkong had placed within Feng Ruche.
Their conditions were inversely linked: when Feng Ruche laughed, he cried; when she ate, he vomited. Xing Shangli suggested extracting the divine wood and sending Feng Ruche away. However, Xue Jingkong refused, claiming his power restored quicker when she was by his side, and he had even begun to recover some memories. Xing Shangli dismissed this as a lie.
Later, Xue Jingkong found Feng Ruche buying dubious "regeneration pills" from a street charlatan in a desperate attempt to regrow her wings. He exposed the fraud, then led her into a beautiful illusion filled with floating flower petals, hoping to lift her spirits. Yet, Feng Ruche looked at the still petals and expressed her sadness, lamenting that she couldn't catch them even with wings, and now it was even more impossible.
Episode 11 Recap
Xue Jingkong created an illusion for Feng Ruche, conjuring a pair of wings for her so she could experience flying. Landing back on the ground, Feng Ruche expressed her gratitude to Xue Jingkong, acknowledging his efforts to make her happy, even though it was merely a dream. Xue Jingkong hoped she could consider her past as a dream, but Feng Ruche smiled, reminding him that her past contained not only nightmares but also sweet dreams.
Meanwhile, Xing Shangli was preparing to return to Stars Pavilion for the anniversary of his progenitor's death. He recalled his first encounter with Xue Jingkong, who was suffering from cryo sickness. Although he couldn't cure the illness, Xing Shangli offered to alleviate the pain, having foreseen that Xue Jingkong could save the Stars Pavilion.
They made an agreement: for each time Xing Shangli helped him, Xue Jingkong would give him one pearl, and once he collected one hundred pearls, Xue Jingkong would return to the Stars Pavilion with him. Given Xue Jingkong's recent frequent requests for help, Xing Shangli believed the time for him to return was drawing near.
He also advised Xue Jingkong that Sinan Ridge, located thirty miles outside the city and enveloped in miasma, might offer a temporary refuge from "the mute" but stressed the importance of reaching it before his cryo sickness attacked again. Yun Muyang escorted a blindfolded Du Xianyin to the Silver Wings Cavalry, adhering to the rule that their entrance must remain secret. Upon their arrival, Lian Yi, Yun Muyang's foster sister, immediately confronted him for bringing in someone of unknown origin.
Despite Lian Yi's objections, Zhenxian, the Silverwing King, warmly welcomed Du Xianyin, who publicly declared her willingness to stay anywhere as long as she was with Yun Muyang. Zhenxian then proclaimed Du Xianyin as the Golden Wings Queen, boosting the morale of the Silver Wings Cavalry.
However, Lian Yi remained deeply suspicious of Du Xianyin's identity and secretly ordered her subordinates to thoroughly investigate Du Xianyin's background, including her parents and how she came to be sold to Wuji Arena, all while ensuring Zhenxian and Yun Muyang remained unaware. Later, Du Xianyin developed a rash on her face. Her maid, Zi Juan, reported seeing Lian Yi leaving Du Xianyin's room and subsequently discovering "bamboo dust" on Du Xianyin's clothes.
Zhenxian, informed of the incident, ordered Lian Yi to be punished. Lian Yi admitted to entering Du Xianyin's room to investigate her and claimed to have witnessed Du Xianyin's skillful martial arts and golden wings, asserting it was all part of a larger scheme. Zhenxian, however, dismissed her claims as jealousy, accusing her of using dirty tricks.
When he ordered her punishment under military law, Yun Muyang intervened, pleading for Lian Yi's mercy and eventually offering to take the punishment himself. Moved by Yun Muyang's loyalty, Zhenxian relented. Afterward, Lian Yi expressed her deep hurt to Yun Muyang for his lack of trust in her. Disheartened, she revealed that she had requested to lead an expedition to attack Liang City, vowing not to return until it was conquered, disregarding Yun Muyang's attempts to dissuade her.
Back at the academy, Xue Jingkong's cryo sickness resurfaced, and he sensed "the mute" approaching. Determined to protect Feng Ruche, he abruptly announced his departure and canceled classes. Feng Ruche, initially attempting to humorously hint at their emotional connection by calling herself his 'Madam,' was taken aback by his coldness. She reminded him how deeply affected she was by the Linyuan Platform incident and how she had worked hard to find happiness, now considering the academy her home.
Xue Jingkong, hardened by his resolve, told her that her presence would only lead to "the mute's" pursuit, and then forcefully extracted the sacred staff from her body. As Feng Ruche, heartbroken, walked away, she decided to retrieve her lost bag of holding. Xue Jingkong, now free of his direct connection to Feng Ruche and with his cryo sickness escalating, knew he had to reach Sinan Ridge quickly.
Episode 12 Recap
Feng Ruche wandered the streets alone. She sought out a former palace maid, who informed her that all her belongings, including her bag of holding, were likely in Yong Ning Palace. Feng Ruche decided to retrieve them herself, not wanting to involve the maid. After successfully obtaining her bag, she unexpectedly witnessed the old granny who used to care for her being subjected to cruel torture.
The granny was accused of being an accomplice to the "fake empress" for burning joss papers, believing Feng Ruche to be dead. Despite the interrogation, the granny defiantly declared that the Feng family would someday return to punish the traitors. Unable to bear it, Feng Ruche intervened, fighting off the guards and rescuing the granny, thus exposing her own identity. Feng Ruche's identity was exposed, but she was unable to protect the old granny, who died tragically in her arms.
Before her death, the granny implored Feng Ruche not to give up, reminding her that her father, Feng Tianyi, overcame immense difficulties to become the Winged Emperor. She urged Feng Ruche, as a daughter of the Feng family, to regain everything she had lost and to seek out Yang Duan, who had joined the Silver Wings Cavalry, for help. Feng Ruche tearfully promised to fulfill her dying wish. As pursuers closed in, Feng Ruche found a locked gate.
Miraculously, it opened, allowing her to escape. Unseen by Feng Ruche, it was Bai Dangdang, ashamed to face her, who secretly opened the gate, wishing her safety. Meanwhile, Xue Jingkong, suffering from a recurrence of his Frozen Syndrome, sensed Feng Ruche was in danger and endured the pain to rush to her side. However, before he could reach the palace, he learned that Feng Ruche was safe.
It was then that Xu Yu found Xue Jingkong, and the two engaged in a great battle. Believing that Xue Jingkong had helped her in the palace, Feng Ruche returned to the academy to find him. Her pet Orca, visibly distressed, led her to a forest where Xu Yu was attacking Xue Jingkong. Orca bravely shielded Xue Jingkong from a blow.
When Xu Yu turned to attack Feng Ruche, Xue Jingkong protected her, but was struck and fell unconscious into a lake. Feng Ruche immediately jumped in after him and, finding him unresponsive, gave him mouth-to-mouth resuscitation. This act revived Xue Jingkong's powers and restored all his memories, including a past connection with Feng Ruche. His magic recovered, Xue Jingkong drove off Xu Yu.
Feng Ruche expressed her understanding that he had tried to push her away earlier to protect her, and asked him to accompany her to find Yang Duan and the Silver Wings Cavalry. Xue Jingkong refused, stating that their mutual acts of saving each other had made them "even," and that he preferred to live alone, finding affections a burden. Confused and hurt by his words, Feng Ruche tearfully kissed him goodbye, thanking him for the "flash in the pan" experience.
After Feng Ruche departed, Xue Jingkong sorrowfully buried Orca. He then confided that he remembered everything. He revealed his original name was Fang Wuyi. The Flower Goddess Shao Wu, unable to reunite with her lover Pian Yu due to Feng Tianyi and Yi Fuling, had possessed his body, intending for him to kill Feng Ruche as an act of revenge.
Though he had resisted harming her, the Flower Goddess had foretold that Feng Ruche would one day die by his hand. To protect her, he chose to remain distant, unable to bear the pain of potentially killing the one he loved. Feng Ruche, following the granny's advice, sought out Yang Duan using a secret code. Yang Duan informed her that Du Xianyin had already become the Winged Empress within the Silver Wings Cavalry, replacing her.
Feng Ruche noted that with her golden wings severed, her true identity would not be believed. Yang Duan added that Du Xianyin's leadership had greatly boosted the cavalry's morale, and they had recently declared war on Liang City, Xuan Ji's territory. Feng Ruche found refuge with Yang Duan.
Out of concern and longing, Xue Jingkong attempted to find Feng Ruche, but she had been gone too long for him to pinpoint her exact whereabouts, and he could only perceive her presence in a mountain wilderness. He experienced fleeting visions of her, indicating his deep longing. In the mountain wilderness, Xue Jingkong played a tune on his flute. Yun Muyang, passing by, recognized the melody and excitedly rushed to embrace Xue Jingkong, overjoyed to find his long-lost brother.
Yun Muyang shared his experiences serving under Nanyu City and being saved by Qi Zhenxian, the Silver Wings Emperor, after being severely wounded in the war in Jianning. Xue Jingkong apologized, revealing that their parents' death was a consequence of Xu Yu pursuing him to their home. Devastated by this revelation, Yun Muyang regretted ever bringing Xue Jingkong home and swore to find Xu Yu and avenge his parents. Later, Yang Duan was brutally murdered.
Before he died, he entrusted Feng Ruche with a crucial letter, urging her to escape through a secret passage and deliver it to General Lian Yi in Ruo Shui within three days. Despite Feng Ruche's plea to stay with him, Yang Duan pushed her into the passage, sacrificing himself to ensure her escape. Feng Ruche watched as Yang Duan's house went up in flames.
On her journey to Ruo Shui, she was accosted by bandits who attempted to steal her package. Fighting fiercely to protect the letter, Feng Ruche sustained injuries but successfully retrieved the vital document.
Episode 13 Recap
Feng Ruche, injured from protecting a terrain map entrusted to her by the late Sir Yang Duan, was found by Lian Yi. Feng Ruche confirmed that she carried the map Sir Yang had asked her to deliver. Lian Yi revealed that Qingfeng Apothecary had been exposed and Sir Yang had sacrificed himself to protect Feng Ruche. Lian Yi explained that the map detailed a secret provision line for Nanyu City's army, intended for their attack on Liang City.
Feng Ruche expressed her desire to join the Silver Wings Cavalry. Lian Yi, remembering how Feng Ruche had honored her word to let Lian Yi go previously, welcomed her, stating that if Feng Ruche was sincere, she would be accepted, but if she harbored ill intent, Lian Yi would deal with her personally. Feng Ruche readily agreed. Lian Yi led her troops to destroy the enemy’s provisions but quickly realized they had fallen into a trap and ordered a retreat.
During the battle, Xue Jingkong intervened with his powerful secret arts, saving Lian Yi’s forces. Qi Zhen Xian, the lord of the Silver Wings Cavalry, was greatly impressed by Xue Jingkong's abilities and urged him to stay and assist them in ending tyranny. Xue Jingkong, however, declined, stating his lack of interest in political power and wished to leave. As Xue Jingkong departed, he encountered Yun Muyang.
Qi Zhen Xian, noticing their acquaintance, ordered Yun Muyang to persuade Xue Jingkong to stay. Despite their past grievances, Yun Muyang delivered Qi Zhen Xian's command, leaving Xue Jingkong with the choice to stay or leave. Xue Jingkong ultimately decided to remain. Later, Lian Yi took responsibility for the failed attack on Liang City and offered to accept any punishment. Yun Muyang defended her, attributing the failure to incorrect intelligence.
However, Qi Zhen Xian had Feng Ruche brought in, accusing her of providing a fake map and being connected to Nanyu City. Feng Ruche vehemently denied the charges, explaining that Sir Yang had personally given her the map and that she was seeking refuge, not colluding with Nanyu City. Despite her pleas, Qi Zhen Xian ordered her imprisonment and interrogation under torture. Xue Jingkong, observing this from the shadows, invisibly followed Feng Ruche as she was taken to the dungeon.
Inside the prison, Feng Ruche cunningly distracted a guard, offering him a gold bracelet. While he was attempting to unclasp it as she instructed, she used a trick to render him unconscious. With Xue Jingkong's invisible aid, Feng Ruche easily escaped. As she made her way out, Feng Ruche saw Sir Yang Duan's body being carried away. Realizing that fleeing would only confirm her guilt as a spy, she decided to stay and clear her name.
She then encountered Lian Yi and explained that the map had only left her possession once between Sir Yang handing it to her and her giving it to Lian Yi. When Lian Yi questioned why she had previously claimed the map was correct, Feng Ruche admitted she did not understand maps. She convinced Lian Yi to examine the fake map, on which they detected the distinct scent of bluebell flowers.
Lian Yi explained that bluebells grow in the Dark Winged Forest and their petals can be made into a cream that treats various ailments, including a rash caused by bamboo dust. She wondered aloud if anyone in the cavalry had been using such a cream. Lian Yi, believing Feng Ruche, told her to return to her cell to avoid alerting the real culprit, assuring her that she would handle the investigation.
Back in her cell, Feng Ruche attempted to send a message to Xue Jingkong using a bamboo tube but ultimately decided against it, giving up and going to sleep. Unbeknownst to her, Xue Jingkong was invisibly present in her cell. As she slept, he thoughtfully kept the mosquitoes away from her, a gentle smile gracing his lips as he watched over her.
The next day, Lian Yi visited Feng Ruche, revealing that their investigation showed Du Xianyin was the only person who used bluebell cream. Furthermore, on the day Feng Ruche delivered the map, Du Xianyin had pretended to be resting in her room but was actually elsewhere. Feng Ruche pointed out that this evidence alone was insufficient to condemn Du Xianyin and proposed a plan to expose her.
Lian Yi, impressed by Feng Ruche’s dedication, especially after Feng Ruche expressed her desire to avenge Sir Yang and rectify her own mistake in not understanding the map, told her that if she had to choose an Empress, she would choose Feng Ruche. Lian Yi then intentionally spread false news that the Silver Wings Cavalry would attack Liang City in ten days, hoping to flush out the spy. As expected, Du Xianyin secretly left her room that night.
Lian Yi and Feng Ruche followed her, only to encounter Yun Muyang, who was also investigating Lu Ren Bing. Lian Yi revealed to Yun Muyang that she was there to observe Du Xianyin. Suddenly, a scream came from nearby. They rushed into a room to find Lu Ren Bing attempting to attack Du Xianyin. During the struggle, Lu Ren Bing slipped and fatally fell onto his own blade.
Lian Yi questioned Du Xianyin about her pearls and her secretive behavior, as well as her whereabouts on the eighth day, but Du Xianyin gave vague answers. Yun Muyang, protective of Du Xianyin, prevented Lian Yi from pressing further. Lian Yi confronted Yun Muyang about his unwavering protection of Du Xianyin, expressing her disappointment and finding him unreasonable, especially considering the suspicious timing of Lu Ren Bing's death.
As other soldiers arrived, Feng Ruche was once again taken back to prison. Yun Muyang then searched Lu Ren Bing's room and found a letter detailing Du Xianyin's past as a slave who suffered greatly from age 12. He also found evidence of the false intel about attacking Liang City in ten days, confirming Lu Ren Bing was indeed a spy. Yun Muyang, having seen Du Xianyin at a pawn shop on the eighth day, presented the letter to her.
Du Xianyin confessed that Lu Ren Bing had been blackmailing her with her past, demanding money, which led her to sell her jewelry. She claimed that Lu Ren Bing had attempted to force her to spread fake news, and when she refused, he attacked her.
Yun Muyang, moved by her story, burned the letter and promised to protect her from her past, asserting that he did not care about it and that the Silver Wings Cavalry, along with himself, would stand by her. However, Du Xianyin's internal monologue revealed her true manipulative nature; she was not a victim but the architect of Lu Ren Bing's demise.
She had overheard the commotion outside her room and orchestrated the entire event, including placing oily wax on the floor, to eliminate Lu Ren Bing, who was unwittingly her subordinate, and to gain Yun Muyang's sympathy. Yun Muyang, believing he had uncovered the truth about the spy, informed Lian Yi that Lu Ren Bing was the one who had replaced the map and ordered Feng Ruche to be sent to the Dark Winged Forest. Lian Yi, still suspicious, requested him to wait.
Episode 14 Recap
The Silver Wings Cavalry confirmed Lu Renbing as the spy who switched the route map after finding bluebell ointment and letters in his room. With Feng Ruche's name cleared, Lord Qi Zhenxian intended to send her out of the Dark Winged Forest. However, Feng Ruche expressed her desire to join the Silver Wings Cavalry, which Qi Zhenxian initially rejected, deeming her uncultured and of obscure background.
Du Xianyin intervened, reminding Qi Zhenxian that Feng Ruche had saved her life and requesting a chance for Feng Ruche to repay her. Due to Du Xianyin's plea, Qi Zhenxian allowed Feng Ruche to stay but stipulated that she must first undergo training in the Wuxiang Camp and pass the assessment to officially join. Feng Ruche confidently accepted the challenge. Later, Du Xianyin privately acknowledged Feng Ruche as the true Winged Empress, kneeling and expressing guilt for usurping her throne.
She confessed her reasons for maintaining the deception, hinting at her desire to stay by Yun Muyang's side due to her perceived low status. Feng Ruche, however, was indifferent to the title, stating that the Winged Empress was merely a symbol and that capturing wrongdoers in Nanyu City was more important.
She allowed Du Xianyin to hold the position for now but sternly warned her that if she ever discovered Du Xianyin doing anything evil, she would expose her, no matter the cost. Du Xianyin pledged eternal gratitude. Upon arriving at Wuxiang Camp, Feng Ruche witnessed Fang Qimo's extravagant attempt to woo a woman named Wen Wen, presenting her with a flower called "Allure" and declarations of wanting their moment to last forever.
Lin Yuecong, another camp recruit, angrily interrupted the scene, revealing that Fang Qimo had used the same romantic gestures and words with her, even producing a heart-shaped rock he had given her. Feng Ruche, couldn't help but step forward to defend the women from Fang Qimo's deceitful actions. Lin Yuecong halted the brewing fight, pointing out that brawling on the first day was inappropriate.
After Fang Qimo reluctantly departed, Lin Yuecong introduced herself as the top scorer in the camp test. Upon hearing Feng Ruche's name, however, Lin Yuecong scoffed, disdainfully calling her the "fake empress" and refusing to associate with someone she considered a fraud. On the first day of Wuxiang Camp, Qi Zhenxian introduced the new teacher, Xue Jingkong. Dressed in white, Xue Jingkong made a striking appearance, captivating everyone, especially Feng Ruche, who was surprised to see him.
Feng Ruche, addressing him as "Master," expressed her unexpected joy, imagining that he might have come for her. However, Xue Jingkong remained cold and aloof. He informed the recruits that joining the camp did not guarantee entry into the Cavalry and that "servants are not welcomed here." He then asserted his full authority to Qi Zhenxian and declared his refusal to accept Feng Ruche as a student, stating she was "hopeless" and beyond his teaching capabilities, ordering her to leave.
Feng Ruche, undeterred, questioned his motives, insisting she had not come for him and was prepared to start anew as an ordinary student if he wished to ignore their past. Despite his continued coldness, she refused to back down. Xue Jingkong challenged her, vowing to make her leave willingly within ten days, to which Feng Ruche defiantly replied that she would not budge. Later, in the barracks, the recruits were assigned mixed-gender rooms and minimal bedding.
Lian Yi assured Feng Ruche, who was already facing ostracization, to stay strong. Fellow students whispered about Feng Ruche being the "fake empress" responsible for their loss in Liang City, deeming her bad luck and shameless for staying. They implied she used her connections with Lian Yi to remain. She was forced to take a bed near the latrine, where she found a literacy primer, fueling her determination to succeed. Meanwhile, Xue Jingkong meditated in his room, troubled.
Xing Shangli, communicating through a secret art, sensed his unease, correctly attributing it to Feng Ruche. Xue Jingkong did not deny it, acknowledging his feelings for her but recalling a powerful curse: he might have saved her once, but she was destined to die by his hand. He confessed to pushing her away to protect her from this fate.
Xing Shangli tried to reassure him, dismissing the curse and offering to kill Xue Jingkong himself if he ever truly intended to harm Feng Ruche. Xing Shangli also doubted Feng Ruche's resolve, predicting she wouldn't last three days in the rigorous training and would leave voluntarily, though Xue Jingkong admitted she seemed "a little different" this time. During training, Feng Ruche watched Xue Jingkong patiently guide Lin Yuecong in proper combat techniques, advising her against brute force.
Feng Ruche felt a pang of jealousy and, in frustration, resorted to crude, forceful movements in her own training. In a subsequent paired practice, Feng Ruche was assigned to spar with Xue Jingkong. He was unsparing in his criticism, pointing out her "careless attacks," "loose punches," "weak limbs," and lack of "determination." Feng Ruche, enraged, lashed out, accusing him of being a flirt, no different from Fang Qimo, because he "smiled at new company."
Although Xue Jingkong did not severely hurt her, he dismissed her, saying her rage made her irrational and that such a person would never return from a battlefield. The next day, Xue Jingkong organized a challenge against a strong fighter. Feng Ruche bravely volunteered, despite facing considerable strength disparity and taunts from other students calling her "fake empress." After a grueling fight, she managed to win, earning cheers from Fang Qimo and other recruits.
However, Xue Jingkong stepped forward and exposed a small copper coin hidden in her bracelet, declaring her victory invalid due to cheating and ordering her to leave. Feng Ruche protested, reminding him of their ten-day agreement and accusing him of bias. Xue Jingkong, while conceding to the time limit, shortened their agreement to eight days and insisted that since she cheated, she must face punishment. Concurrently, Lian Yi's investigation into Du Xianyin yielded concerning results.
After some of her dispatched subordinates were attacked, one of them returned wounded and reported that he had traced Du Xianyin's former masters and obtained three portraits, none of which resembled Du Xianyin, confirming her lie about her identity. Lian Yi prepared to present this evidence to Qi Zhenxian, but Du Xianyin's maid, having overheard the conversation, secretly accessed the subordinate's belongings and burned the incriminating portraits.
Episode 15 Recap
Feng Ruche, undergoing punishment by squatting, found an unexpected companion in Fang Qimo. He approached her, offering a mask and trying to alleviate her discomfort, a stark contrast to his usual arrogant demeanor. He encouraged her to relax, stating that in his eyes, she was the best, regardless of Xue Jingkong’s opinion. However, Feng Ruche remained distant, coldly telling him to leave, which he eventually did, calling her ungrateful. After her strenuous punishment, Feng Ruche could barely stand.
To her dismay, it was her turn to clean the latrine. While inside, Lin Yuecong and her companions secretly locked the door from the outside, hoping Feng Ruche would be trapped inside for a long time. Feng Ruche, realizing she was locked in, called out for help but received no reply. Just as despair began to set in, Xue Jingkong arrived and opened the door. Feng Ruche thanked him for freeing her, but her relief was short-lived.
Xue Jingkong asked if she truly wished to stay, then advised her that fighting against scorn and sneers alone was difficult, suggesting she leave to resume her former life and happiness. Xue Jingkong insisted she was not suitable to be a warrior, dismissing her hard work as mere conceited tricks. His words left Feng Ruche profoundly disappointed. Reflecting on the insults of being called a "fake empress," Feng Ruche wished for miracles.
Meanwhile, Lian Yi and Tie Ying presented themselves before Qi Zhenxian, who had also summoned Du Xianyin. Lian Yi revealed that the portraits previously destroyed were mere fakes, and she had brought the real ones from Nanyu City. To everyone's astonishment, the three portraits, once unrolled, all depicted Du Xianyin’s face, leaving even Du Xianyin surprised. Du Xianyin feigned distress, claiming she was immoral and incompetent and offered to resign as Empress.
Qi Zhenxian, reluctant to lose her, became enraged with Lian Yi, accusing her of disobeying the Empress and ignoring rules, and promptly stripped her of her Deputy General title as a warning. Lian Yi clarified that her only feelings were gratitude towards Qi Zhenxian and Yun Muyang (Brother Yun) for their training and vowed to investigate the matter thoroughly. Du Xianyin secretly wondered who had replaced the portraits, speculating if her mother was involved or had sent another spy.
Despite the numerous challenges, Feng Ruche was determined to prove her capabilities. She removed the bracelet from her wrist and began training before dawn, resolute in her decision to remain in the Silver Wings Cavalry through her own strength. Over the next few days, Feng Ruche's skills improved, and she found herself growing closer to Fang Qimo. Xue Jingkong observed their developing closeness with jealousy.
One night, while Feng Ruche was training alone and repeatedly falling during her attempts, Lian Yi approached her. Lian Yi acknowledged the difficulty of the upcoming assessment, which traditionally took 20 days of training to prepare for, and Feng Ruche had only eight days. Lian Yi noted that Xue Jingkong, being skilled in magic, would surely increase the test's difficulty.
When Feng Ruche affirmed her determination not to give up, Lian Yi offered to teach her some quick techniques, suggesting simplicity for nimble foes and speed for steady ones, always aiming to disrupt their rhythm. Under Lian Yi's guidance, Feng Ruche made remarkable progress. Feng Ruche continued her rigorous training, repeatedly falling from the rock-climbing wall at its most challenging points. Fang Qimo, moved by her perseverance, approached her with concern.
Initially, Feng Ruche brushed him off, but after a particularly hard fall left her in tears, Fang Qimo returned with water, gently encouraging her by saying people fall only to get back up. Inspired, Feng Ruche declared she wanted to try again, and Fang Qimo joined her, climbing with her. They encouraged each other, finally reaching the summit, cheering loudly in triumph.
Feng Ruche exclaimed that she wasn't the last, and Fang Qimo proudly declared he wasn't "just with a pretty face." As they descended, Fang Qimo helped the injured Feng Ruche. Xue Jingkong, who had prepared a water bag for Feng Ruche, witnessed their camaraderie and, feeling displeasure, casually gave the water bag to Lin Yuecong instead. He then placed a bottle of antifibrinolytic pills by Feng Ruche’s bed.
Later, Lin Yuecong and a friend returned to their room and discovered the pills. Mistakenly believing they were a gift from Xue Jingkong to Lin Yuecong, they praised his thoughtfulness. Feng Ruche, emerging from the latrine where she was changing, overheard their conversation. Lin Yuecong then offered one of the pills to Feng Ruche. Just then, Fang Qimo arrived with hot herbal medicine for Feng Ruche from Physician Jia, while Xue Jingkong approached holding some dried seedless plums.
In a defiant gesture, Feng Ruche chose Fang Qimo’s medicine, declaring her preference for his hot decoction over any bitter pills. She then pulled Fang Qimo away, suggesting they go fishing together. Lin Yuecong, meanwhile, eagerly believed Xue Jingkong's plums were specifically for her due to her dislike of bitter medicine, a notion he weakly confirmed.
Back in his tent, Xue Jingkong, out of jealousy, issued a new rule for Wuxiang Camp: "Male students aren't allowed to catch fish," with violators receiving twenty strokes of the cane, citing "safety of male students" as the reason. Fang Qimo, who had gone fishing with Feng Ruche, received his flogging.
Complaining about the bitter medicine he had to take and the arbitrary rule, he then paid twenty yuzhu to another student to swap beds, moving his own bed to be right beside Feng Ruche's, despite its proximity to the latrine. He continued to grumble about the strange rule.
Episode 16 Recap
Fang Qimo, after enduring a flogging for catching fish, returned to his room complaining about his sore backside. He had exchanged his bed for one closer to Feng Ruche, but as he attempted to lie down, the bed frame unexpectedly collapsed. Feng Ruche, concerned about his injury and her upcoming training, offered him her bed, but Fang Qimo declined, suggesting she needed good rest. He opted to sleep on the floor.
Meanwhile, Xue Jingkong, who was observing them using a secret art, unleashed a disturbance that made Fang Qimo believe an earthquake was occurring, intensifying his discomfort. Later, Fang Qimo offered to help Feng Ruche with her trial, boasting about his ancestor, Fang Wuyi, whom he claimed was the greatest magician in Human Clan history, far superior to Xue Jingkong. This declaration caused Xue Jingkong, still observing, to react.
During a training session, Lin Yuecong, observing Feng Ruche's unique way of addressing Xue Jingkong as "Master", asked if they had known each other for a long time. Feng Ruche confirmed this. Doubting her, Lin Yuecong challenged Feng Ruche to a contest on a rope ladder, wagering that Xue Jingkong never drank wine unless she offered it. During the climb, Lin Yuecong slipped, and Feng Ruche instinctively pulled her back, resulting in both of them falling.
Feng Ruche then conceded the win. To test Feng Ruche's claim, Lin Yuecong, after dressing up, brought a bottle of "Drunken Beauty Wine" to Xue Jingkong as a token of thanks. However, Xue Jingkong curtly dismissed her, stating he did not drink and did not recognize her. Later that evening, Feng Ruche met Xue Jingkong under the full moon, offering him wine and reminding him of their unfinished "moonlight wine" agreement. She challenged him to a farewell drink.
When he hesitated, Feng Ruche playfully mentioned Fang Wuyi, the legendary magician. Xue Jingkong, spurred by jealousy, promptly drank the wine, clearing his debt. Lin Yuecong, witnessing this from a distance, was left with a sense of disappointment, realizing Feng Ruche's words were true. The next day, Feng Ruche's trial commenced. She needed to overcome all obstacles and seize a flag from the summit of a climbing wall before a joss stick completely burned.
Xue Jingkong amplified the trial's difficulty using his mastery of magic, creating illusions on the wooden pillars. Despite these formidable challenges, which rendered even her extensively practiced movements arduous, Feng Ruche held firm to the techniques Lian Yi had imparted, steadily advancing. Reaching the most arduous section, Feng Ruche lost her grip and fell, injuring her leg. The impact triggered a vivid memory of her previous fall from the Abyss Platform.
Xue Jingkong moved to her aid, but Feng Ruche, resolute in completing the trial by her own strength, pushed him away. Despite her severe leg injury, she refused to surrender, inspiring others to cheer her on. As the joss stick neared its end, Feng Ruche poured all her remaining effort into the climb. Even her past detractors found themselves cheering her on. Moved by her indomitable spirit, Xue Jingkong subtly used a secret art to aid her.
Moments later, just as the joss stick burned out, Feng Ruche successfully grasped the flag, even earning applause from Lin Yuecong. Following the trial, Xue Jingkong confronted Lin Yuecong, exposing her tampering with the wooden pillars by applying powder, which led to Feng Ruche's fall. Lin Yuecong confessed her jealousy, citing Xue Jingkong's perceived favoritism towards Feng Ruche, including his strictness with her and his exclusive acceptance of her wine.
Xue Jingkong sternly rebuked her, stating that true warriors overcome their inner demons, and then banished her from Wuxiang Camp. Xue Jingkong uncovered a deadly hidden weapon embedded in the climbing wall by Du Xianyin. He realized that if Lin Yuecong's interference hadn't caused Feng Ruche to fall and deviate, she would have been fatally struck. Enraged, Xue Jingkong confronted Du Xianyin, who feigned ignorance.
As Du Xianyin reached for her soft sword, Yun Muyang appeared, stepping in front of her. Xue Jingkong used his magic to replay the scene, but Yun Muyang remained unconvinced, attributing any fault to Deputy General Qiu Wenyun, who had been executed for using substandard materials in construction.
Sensing that Yun Muyang was under Du Xianyin's charm and therefore blinded to the truth, Xue Jingkong did not press the issue further with Du Xianyin, instead issuing a stark warning: if she ever attempted to harm Feng Ruche again, no one would be able to protect her. Yun Muyang then asserted that no one would be able to touch Du Xianyin as long as he was there.
Although Feng Ruche had successfully retrieved the flag, she recognized that she had failed to complete the trial within the stipulated time. Accepting her defeat, she began to pack her belongings, preparing to depart. Witnessing Feng Ruche's struggle to walk due to her injuries, Xue Jingkong's empathy moved him. He gently lifted her and re-bandaged her wounded leg. Feng Ruche then asked if she could remain until her injuries healed.
Just then, Fang Qimo arrived with medicine and, seeing Xue Jingkong, interceded on Feng Ruche's behalf, pleading for her to stay. Xue Jingkong, however, sternly ordered Fang Qimo to leave, asserting that Feng Ruche's fate rested solely with him.
Episode 17 Recap
Despite having exceeded the time limit during her trial, Xue Jingkong, after dismissing Fang Qimo's persistent pleas, officially informed Feng Ruche that she had successfully passed the assessment and was permitted to remain in the camp. He acknowledged that she would face a difficult journey ahead.
Feng Ruche, relieved and pleased, expressed her desire to stay, sensing that Xue Jingkong’s cold demeanor was not a true reflection of his feelings, though she remained puzzled by his consistent attempts to distance himself from her. He also briefly suggested she might need another place to recuperate, but ultimately left the decision to her.
Meanwhile, Yun Muyang continued his investigation, scrutinizing various receipts and noticing a distinct discrepancy in the handwriting of a supervisor, Qiu Wen Yun, on one particular document. Lian Yi, noticing Yun Muyang’s recent evasiveness, approached him. She feared that Du Xianyin’s words might have caused him to misunderstand her affections, and she earnestly clarified that her feelings for him were purely those of a sibling.
She even offered to return the jade pendant he had given her, suggesting it would be better suited for his future wife. Yun Muyang, however, refused to take back the pendant, affirming their bond as sworn siblings and his unwavering trust in her, noting that his ambitions for the Cavalry currently overshadowed any thoughts of marriage. Lian Yi, still pushing the topic, lamented her scar and advancing age, asking him to help her find a suitable partner.
Later, Yun Muyang confronted Du Xianyin’s maid, Zi Juan, about the suspicious receipts, as Zi Juan had previously managed the documents. Zi Juan denied any knowledge. When Du Xianyin arrived and dismissed Zi Juan, Yun Muyang confronted her directly.
He laid out his accumulating suspicions: her apparent involvement in Wei Zhao’s death, her use of secret skills to save him in front of Lian Yi, her alleged collaboration with Lu Ren Bing—who had identified her as the Golden Winged Empress—and the mysterious emptying of the pawnshop after Lu Ren Bing’s departure. Du Xianyin, visibly distressed, rhetorically questioned if he also believed she sought to harm Feng Ruche.
Yun Muyang confessed his hope that all these connections were mere coincidences and that solid proof would never emerge, as he feared he would be unable to choose between justice and his feelings for her if the truth were revealed. Du Xianyin tearfully dismissed the receipt as insufficient proof and implored him not to force her into such a choice. Alone, Lian Yi gazed at the jade pendant, recalling a painful memory.
She had once saved Yun Muyang during a battle, sustaining a facial injury and accidentally breaking her family’s heirloom jade. Yun Muyang had then given her his parents' jade pendant, promising to care for her forever. Misinterpreting this as a proposal, she began embroidering a gift for him, only for Yun Muyang to later propose they become sworn siblings instead.
With a heavy heart, she had suppressed her romantic feelings and accepted the fraternal bond, receiving a famous sword from him as a gift, along with his promise to come to her aid should she ever present the pendant. At Wuxiang Camp, Fang Qimo continued his attempts to win Feng Ruche's affection, offering her special food to aid her recovery.
Feng Ruche, however, firmly reiterated that she was a stubborn person who had already decided he was merely a brother to her. Fang Qimo, though clearly disappointed, accepted her words and thereafter maintained a professional distance. The camp’s rigorous training and daily ranking announcements created a tense atmosphere, leading to friction among students. During a group run, a student named Wen Wen fell, revealing a nail planted in the sole of her shoe. She immediately accused Qin Fang of sabotage.
Fang Qimo initially spoke up for Wen Wen, but Xue Jingkong, using his secret arts, quickly discerned that Wen Wen had inflicted the injury upon herself. He sternly ordered her to change her shoes and rejoin the training, leaving no room for further theatrics. Later, Xue Jingkong announced a special team battle training, dividing the students into two teams, Sand Fox and Mountain Wolf.
He would use magic to transport them into an enchanted forest for a treasure hunt, with time passing differently within the magical realm. Each team would receive a map guiding them to sachets containing clues to the hidden treasure. Feng Ruche pointed out that the Sand Fox team was short a member due to an injury, making the teams uneven.
When some students suggested she or the asthmatic Qiao Er withdraw, Feng Ruche proposed that Lin Yuecong, who had been banished, could temporarily join the Sand Fox team as a substitute. Xue Jingkong agreed, but reminded Lin Yuecong that her banishment would still stand after the training. Lin Yuecong, hoping for reinstatement, asked if she could remain in the camp if her team won, to which Fang Qimo wryly retorted that she should win first.
As the teams entered the enchanted forest, Feng Ruche and Lin Yuecong quickly located the first sachet. Lin Yuecong aggressively snatched it, declaring her determination to win without mercy. This act caused friction within Feng Ruche’s team, with members blaming her for bringing such a formidable opponent into their ranks. They even suggested Fang Qimo take over as captain, but he declined, opting to simply follow along.
Xue Jingkong’s voice then echoed through the forest, explaining that phantom enemies, though causing pain, would not inflict real injuries, but any student marked with a red symbol would be eliminated from the match. Separately, Qiao Da frantically searched for Physician Jia to help his brother Qiao Er, who was suffering from an asthma attack. Du Xianyin happened upon them, informed them the physician was unavailable, and offered Qiao Er her calming sachet to ease his wheezing.
Later, Du Xianyin secretly transmitted a detailed topography map to a contact. She informed them that Qi Zhen Xian would be journeying to Shan Gui Slope the following night, and she would accompany him. Her intention, she explained, was not to kill Qi Zhen Xian, but to ensure he was injured. This injury, she elaborated, would serve as a diversion to lure Xue Jingkong to Shan Gui Slope, facilitating her broader, undisclosed scheme.
Episode 18 Recap
As Qi Zhenxian led a delivery of provisions, Du Xianyin accompanied him, despite his concern that she didn't need to come for such a task. Du Xianyin spoke of their commitment to serving the country and eventually becoming the Silver Wings Cavalry for everyone. Their journey was suddenly interrupted by an ambush. During the attack, Du Xianyin, who was referred to as Her Majesty, was abducted by the assailants. Qi Zhenxian himself was gravely injured in the skirmish.
Upon learning of Qi Zhenxian's condition, Yun Muyang rushed to find Xue Jingkong, urging him to prioritize treating Qi Zhenxian, emphasizing that the Lord's life was paramount, even while acknowledging Xue Jingkong's concerns for the students still within his enchantment. Meanwhile, inside the enchantment, Qiao Er suffered an asthma attack, prompting Qiao Da to decide they needed to leave the training. Qiao Da expressed that Qiao Er's life was more important than their ranking in the competition.
They used the secret key to exit the enchantment, but as soon as they were outside, they were confronted by black-clad figures. Qiao Er initially mistook them for the "phantom people" of the training, but it soon became clear these were real attackers. The assailants brutally killed both Qiao Da and Qiao Er, taking their secret key before entering the enchantment themselves.
Once inside, the black-clad figures showed their true intentions, with their leader declaring Feng Ruche as their primary target, though they were instructed not to spare anyone else. The students inside the enchantment quickly realized the grave danger. Wang Li, one of the students, was tragically killed by these real killers. Lin Yuecong, searching for Wang Li, found him badly injured, confirming the dire situation.
Feng Ruche and her teammates also encountered the attackers, seeing blood on their weapons and realizing these were not the simulated phantom killers. With the exit now locked, fear spread among the students, wondering why Xue Jingkong hadn't intervened and speculating that something must have happened to him. Feng Ruche asserted that they could only depend on themselves and their immediate priority was to find the treasure with the utmost speed to open the enchantment.
Feng Ruche proposed an alliance between the Wolf and Fox teams, recognizing that neither team could fight the real Phantom Killers alone. Lin Yuecong, despite their past rivalry, agreed, acknowledging Feng Ruche's improvements and leadership. She announced that Feng Ruche would now lead both the Wolf and Fox teams. As they worked together to make traps, Lin Yuecong thanked Feng Ruche for forgiving and saving her, even taking a stab for her, and for teaching her patience.
They resolved their past differences, looking forward to a friendly match after their escape. Feng Ruche asked Lin Yuecong why she joined the Silver Wings Cavalry, to which Lin Yuecong replied her ambition was to pacify the nine States and save the citizens, inspired by her father's teaching that even a girl should care about the country. Fang Qimo, arriving for his shift, was asked the same question.
He explained his desire for Nanyu City to treat the Human Clan with kindness, as his Fang family had declined since pledging allegiance to the Winged Clan. Feng Ruche reminded everyone that their immediate goal was to survive. The combined teams pieced together their clue maps, finally understanding that Xue Jingkong's training was designed to teach them unity and teamwork.
Feng Ruche taught everyone how to make traps and divided them into groups: one to lure and delay the killers, and another, led by Ma Jian and including Fang Qimo, to activate the eight machines in the treasure ground simultaneously. Feng Ruche and Lin Yuecong bravely stayed behind to buy time, leading the attackers into their traps. As Fang Qimo moved to activate the final crystal, it suddenly vanished, leaving them stranded.
The black-clad leader, seeing their efforts, ordered his men to abandon other targets and focus solely on killing Feng Ruche. Though Feng Ruche urged her teammates to leave as she was the target, they refused, reiterating their commitment to righteousness and living or dying together. The students, despite their valiant efforts, were outmatched, and Feng Ruche sustained multiple stab wounds. In their most desperate moment, Xue Jingkong, having just finished treating Qi Zhenxian, arrived.
Descending from the sky, he effortlessly dispatched all the black-clad assailants, saving Feng Ruche and the remaining students. Later, Feng Ruche awoke to Lian Yi's presence. Lian Yi informed her that everyone was safe and the crisis was over. She also revealed that the mastermind had been apprehended: Physician Jia. He was arrested by the Lord himself during an attempt to kill him again.
Physician Jia confessed to being bribed by Nanyu City and colluding with Lu Ren Bing, admitting he switched Qiao Er's asthma medicine to cause an attack and leaked military information leading to Qi Zhenxian's ambush. However, Feng Ruche found it suspicious, as the black-clad assailants had explicitly targeted her. Lian Yi suggested they might have seen her as the student leader. Brushing it aside as chaos, Feng Ruche decided to visit Xue Jingkong.
When Feng Ruche went to see Xue Jingkong, she inadvertently stumbled upon him bathing. Making a small sound, she alerted him, and he quickly dressed, confronting her. He questioned why she hadn't sought refuge and waited for him to save her, accusing her of acting heroically without sufficient skill.
Feng Ruche countered that the situation demanded her intervention to prevent more casualties, emphasizing that she couldn't always rely on him, and that her actions were consistent with the principles of a warrior protecting her comrades, which he himself was training them for. Turning away, Xue Jingkong quietly praised her, "Feng Ruche, well done." Unsure if she heard him correctly, Feng Ruche pressed him to repeat it, delighting in his rare words of commendation.
Elsewhere, Du Xianyin and her subordinates rested. She was frustrated by the mission's failure, attributing it to Feng Ruche's luck and Xue Jingkong's power. Realizing that the investigation would inevitably point to her, Du Xianyin decided to return to Nanyu City to formulate a new plan. She mused on Yun Muyang's growing suspicions, acknowledging he would be the first to seek her demise if he discovered the truth. She forbade her subordinate from asking if they should eliminate Yun Muyang.
Suddenly, their location was attacked, with her subordinate reporting that Yun Muyang was leading the assault. Du Xianyin, with a knowing look, stated that Yun Muyang had finally made his choice.
Episode 19 Recap
Yun Muyang's army launched an attack, causing panic with shouts of "Intruder!" and "Attack! Protect Winged Empress!" . Du Xianyin's subordinate informed her that Yun Muyang was attacking. Du Xianyin initially believed her true identity had been exposed. However, her subordinate observed that Yun Muyang seemed to be there to save her, not harm her. Confused, Du Xianyin wondered if her actions hadn't been discovered. She quickly told her subordinate to leave through the back door.
When Yun Muyang finally reached her, he embraced her, exclaiming that he had finally found her and was afraid he wouldn't see her again, vowing to protect her. Du Xianyin apologized for crossing the line, but Yun Muyang dismissed it, reminding her there was no need for apologies between them. He expressed his certainty that she would come to him, adding that he had been waiting for her.
After Feng Ruche returned from the barrier, she was fully accepted by her teammates. Lin Yuecong also remained in Wuxiang Camp, and things seemed to be improving. The camp was filled with lively interactions, including Fang Qimo playfully recounting a past "epic moment" to a mostly uninterested Feng Ruche. Later, in their room, a student demanded twenty pearls from Lin Yuecong for moving her bed and doing needlework.
When Fang Qimo offered to pay, the price was playfully doubled to forty pearls, teasing him for his wealthy family. Fang Qimo then playfully ran off, leading to a chase. Seeing the group's camaraderie, a reflective Feng Ruche thought it was good to see everyone merry like in the past, believing it lightened the sadness of parting and that life had to keep going. Under the full moon, Feng Ruche waited in a pavilion with moonshine, expecting Xue Jingkong.
When he arrived, he asked what she was doing there in the middle of the night and who she had invited to drink with. Misunderstanding, Xue Jingkong accused her of waiting for Fang Qimo, dismissing anyone else as "fooling around" with her. He drank the moonshine, remarking on its harm to health and ordering her never to drink it again, asserting his authority as her teacher. Feng Ruche then revealed that he was drinking from her cup.
She casually stated that it was nothing, as she didn't bother with such trivial matters, especially after they had "gone through thick and thin." Xue Jingkong, feeling the wine's strong effect, asked her what it was, noting its tastelessness initially. He then realized his spiritual power was recovering rapidly and wondered if it was because of her.
Feng Ruche, observing his reaction, warned him that the wine had a slow but strong effect and urged him to return, threatening punishment if he was late for training. The next day, the Wuxiang Camp rankings were updated, showing Feng Ruche in first place. Lin Yuecong genuinely congratulated her, admitting that she herself had been the one holding her back in the past.
Xue Jingkong addressed the students, emphasizing that while ranking was important, teamwork and unity were paramount for victory. He then prompted Feng Ruche to present the reward she had mentioned. Feng Ruche revealed her creations: flying tools and handheld arrows. She explained that wings were crucial for fighting Nanyu City, and these tools would allow humans without natural wings to fly and attack enemies. Everyone was excited to try them, and they successfully soared through the air.
A student asked who taught her to create such gadgets. Feng Ruche explained that a friend of her father, a traveling man, had given her a book called "Craftmenship of Ocean and Sky" when she was five. She added that he said if anyone asked, her master should be Master Ji Shu, the creator of the Sky Castle.
Despite her enthusiasm, when it was her turn to fly, Feng Ruche hesitated, excusing herself by saying she wasn't feeling well and would try another time. The trauma of the Linyuan Platform incident prevented her from taking flight. Du Xianyin received a note instructing her to meet in the woods at midnight. There, she found Qi Zhenxian, who revealed his true knowledge of her identity.
He revealed that he had known her true identity and had previously covered for her, even arranging Physician Jia's assassination to save her from exposure. He explicitly told her she was to bring Feng Ruche to her death during the training. Du Xianyin, on her knees, pleaded with him to spare her mother and family, claiming she had done nothing wrong. Qi Zhenxian made her stand, assuring her he would protect her family if she followed his instructions.
He acknowledged that Feng Ruche, whom Du Xianyin wanted dead, was the real daughter of Feng Tianyi. Qi Zhenxian then revealed his connection to Madam Xuan Ji, stating that his Silver Wings Cavalry had grown strong thanks to her past support and funding, and his current actions were a repayment of gratitude.
He vowed to obey Madam Xuan Ji's commands and clear all enemy forces for her, assuring Du Xianyin that the world would belong to her as the Winged Empress. Du Xianyin, skeptical, pressed for his conditions. Qi Zhenxian demanded 800,000 Yu Zhu as military expenditure and, after their success, the right to be king of the nineteen northern counties.
Xue Jingkong noticed that Feng Ruche's inner demon had resurfaced, stemming from her inability to let go of the Linyuan Platform incident. He wanted to help her overcome it. While in her room, Feng Ruche was pulled into an illusion by a mysterious mirror. Her reflection taunted her, questioning her right to the name Feng Ruche, pointing out her broken crown, lost golden wings, and inability to fly, asking if she still wished to be Empress.
Feng Ruche awoke distressed, finding Xue Jingkong there. She realized he had been probing her mind. He confirmed her lingering trauma. Feng Ruche mistakenly apologized, attributing her earlier failure to his carelessness in assessment, suggesting her inner evil had resurfaced. Xue Jingkong corrected her, saying it wasn't a misunderstanding but her own hesitation. He asserted that her true enemy was herself, not Lin Yuecong, the Phantom Killers, or even Xuan Ji.
He advised her to bury the unforgettable memories in her heart if she couldn't forget them. Using spiritual magic, Xue Jingkong then transported Feng Ruche back into an illusion of the Linyuan Platform incident. She fought and defeated a group of strong men using skills learned at Wuxiang Camp. However, Xuan Ji appeared in the illusion, taunting her about her lack of qualifications to be Empress and calling her golden wings wasted.
Feng Ruche was again overwhelmed, had her wings severed, and lay severely wounded. Waking from the illusion, Feng Ruche saw actual blood on her hands, indicating the emotional pain from the illusion. She wanted to try again immediately, but Xue Jingkong told her to rest, as she was exhausted. Du Xianyin accompanied Qi Zhenxian on a trip to Yan City to visit frontline generals.
Before they departed, Qi Zhenxian expressed concern for Yun Muyang's recovery and suggested he accompany Du Xianyin. However, Du Xianyin questioned if his concern was for her or for the Winged Empress, and Qi Zhenxian asserted that the Silver Wings Cavalry needed Yun Muyang to oversee it personally. Later, passing through Nanyu City, Du Xianyin reported to Madam Xuan Ji about the Wuxiang Camp incident.
She confessed her failure to kill Feng Ruche, who had been aided by an expert, and asked for punishment. Xuan Ji dismissed it, noting Feng Ruche had already lost her wings. Du Xianyin then underwent another painful Golden Wings Plating Technique. Despite her tears, Xuan Ji slapped her, demanding she smile through the pain and reminding her to never forget what she had been taught. Xuan Ji then ordered Du Xianyin to kill Yun Muyang.
Du Xianyin, who cared deeply for Yun Muyang, argued against it, trying to justify his usefulness, stating he didn't suspect her and could help restrain Wei Yuan Ting. She revealed Qi Zhenxian's demands for 800,000 Yu Zhu as military expenditure and control over the nineteen northern counties after their success, suggesting his avarice made him a useful tool.
Xuan Ji, however, was resolute, explaining that Yun Muyang was Qi Zhenxian's right-hand man, and Qi Zhenxian would never be truly loyal to her. She believed Qi Zhenxian was only using Du Xianyin's status to strengthen his own cavalry and insisted that killing Yun Muyang would cripple Qi Zhenxian. Madam Xuan Ji handed Du Xianyin a bottle of poison, stating her decision was final. She told Du Xianyin to let go of her feelings for Yun Muyang, as the Golden Wings Plating Technique would shorten Du Xianyin's life, making a future with him impossible.
Episode 20 Recap
Xuan Ji, anticipating Du Xianyin's reluctance, secretly ordered her guard, Qing Tian, to assassinate Yun Muyang when Du Xianyin was unprepared. Meanwhile, Xue Jingkong questioned Xing Shang Li about the sudden surge in his spiritual power and why Feng Tianyi and Yi Fuling abandoned their six-year-old daughter. Xing Shang Li revealed that when Xue Jingkong was known as Fang Wuyi, he had sealed the ancient beast Jin Nian.
He crafted four chains, imbued with elemental powers from pure gold essence, flora spirits, quartet fire, and vast wilderness earth. He then used his own blood to draw symbols, channeling the waters of the West Sea to complete Jin Nian's sealing. However, when Feng Ruche was six years old, the submerged Sky Eyes were accidentally reactivated, and their immense power shattered one of Jin Nian's confining chains.
Jin Nian, a creature that feeds on all things and grows stronger with each consumption, threatened to devour everything and plunge the world into an eternal illusion. To avert this catastrophe, Emperor Wulie Feng Ren led three thousand elite soldiers to battle Jin Nian in the West Sea. Feng Tianyi and Yi Fuling, despite having retired, also rushed to the conflict, driven by their concern for the populace.
Together, they managed to re-seal Jin Nian, but Emperor Wulie and the Feng Tianyi couple ultimately sacrificed their lives in the endeavor. Xue Jingkong realized that Feng Ruche's parents had not abandoned her, and he bore an indirect responsibility for their fate. He was determined to tell Feng Ruche the truth, but Xing Shang Li vehemently stopped him.
Xing Shang Li warned that Feng Ruche had already died three times and was only alive due to Xue Jingkong's heart blood, which was infused with the spiritual power of the Flower Goddess. If she were to learn the truth and seek revenge for her parents, her body would not be able to withstand the strain, as her current physical state was already pushed to its limit. He urged Xue Jingkong to let her remain a carefree girl.
Unaware of Feng Ruche's deep-seated trauma, Lin Yuecong and Fang Qimo playfully attempted to make her fly. Feng Ruche, however, was overcome with terror and desperately begged them to put her down. Once on the ground, she huddled, trembling. Fang Qimo apologized, taking responsibility for the idea. Feng Ruche confessed that she believed no one could truly help her with this problem.
She then confided in them, asking if they would believe that she once possessed a pair of golden wings. She expressed feeling unworthy, fearing she would be a "real joke" as the Winged Empress. Lin Yuecong reminded her of her remarkable progress, transforming from an illiterate person to the top student at Wuxiang Camp. Fang Qimo added that she was the best in their hearts, having saved them before.
They affirmed that her past didn't matter, and if she could lead Wuxiang Camp today, she could lead the Silver Wings Cavalry tomorrow and even become empress. Lin Yuecong highlighted that flying ability or noble origin was not essential, citing Emperor Wulie Feng Ren, who rose from prince regent to a sacrificing hero for the country. Her friends steadfastly assured her of their belief in her, regardless of what others might think.
Du Xianyin, alerted by Purple Juan that Yun Muyang had been lured out using her name, immediately sensed danger and suspected Xuan Ji. She rushed to find Yun Muyang ambushed by Qing Tian, his vision obscured by powder. Masked, Du Xianyin swiftly intervened, subduing Qing Tian and then knocking Yun Muyang unconscious to conceal her identity. The next day, Yun Muyang confronted Du Xianyin, observing that his rescuer's nail polish was strikingly similar to hers.
Du Xianyin vehemently denied involvement, claiming she didn't know martial arts and had recently trimmed her nails due to an injury sustained while playing music. She feigned regret that she couldn't have been his savior. Yun Muyang accepted her explanation but requested that she inform him if she uncovered any clues about his mysterious rescuer, to which Du Xianyin maintained her ignorance.
Feng Ruche, having completed the Wuxiang Camp's account book, pleaded with Xue Jingkong to allow her to return to Linyuan Platform, expressing frustration at his continuous assignments of bureaucratic tasks. Xue Jingkong, however, repeatedly refused, instructing her to audit past years' accounts instead. When she pressed him, asking if he was giving up on her, he revealed that her heart was damaged and that her life would be in danger if she continued intense training.
He admitted his fear for her safety. Feng Ruche, asserting that she was no longer the person she used to be and now understood her mission, declared she had no retreat. She also mentioned that she had wanted to be a carefree person in the past, but Xue Jingkong had pushed her away, leading her to her current path.
Moved by her unwavering determination, Xue Jingkong agreed to personally teach her techniques to defeat enemies smartly, aiming to minimize physical harm, but stressed that overcoming her inner demons was a battle she must fight herself. Later, as she approached Linyuan Platform, she again felt the phantom pain of losing her wings but resolved to face it. She made Xue Jingkong promise not to intervene, asserting that she must experience victory or defeat on her own this time.
Feng Ruche then stepped into Linyuan Platform, entering the illusion. Inside, she was confronted and severely wounded by an illusionary Xuan Ji, who taunted her for her inability to overcome her fear of losing her wings and declared the Feng family no longer worthy of the Winged Empress title. Outside, Xue Jingkong, tormented by the thought of losing her, attempted to use his spiritual power to intervene.
However, he discovered Feng Ruche had replaced the tea on his table with a potent wine that tasted like water but had a strong, incapacitating after-effect. She had deliberately made this switch to ensure he wouldn't save her, allowing her to face the trial alone. Within the illusion, enduring brutal attacks, Feng Ruche was called "trash" and deemed a disgrace to her father, Feng Tianyi.
She then encountered an illusionary Feng Ren, who explained that desire lies behind fear and urged her to state what she truly wanted. After initial hesitation, Feng Ruche declared that she wanted to reclaim everything she had lost, to prove herself and the Feng family's capabilities. She asserted that she had changed from the small thief she once was, strengthened by her friends and teacher.
With renewed resolve, she fought back, proclaiming that the past no longer mattered and the future belonged to her. She ultimately triumphed over the illusionary Xuan Ji, conquering her deepest fears and clarifying her mission. Emerging from the platform, she tearfully told Xue Jingkong she was alright and that she had succeeded.
Episode 21 Recap
Feng Ruche, grateful for Xue Jingkong's repeated assistance, wished to help him in return. She made him fried egg noodles, which he initially refused, stating he doesn't eat them. However, she revealed that while he was saving her from her fears, she saw his deepest fear: the death of his foster parents at the hands of Xu Yu. She asserted that it wasn't his fault and urged him to face his own fears, just as he helped her.
Xue Jingkong then ate the noodles, acknowledging them as "okay" and "not bad." Observing from a distance, Fang Qimo realized the wine Feng Ruche had previously requested from him was meant for Xue Jingkong, and he sadly departed. Feng Ruche then presented Xue Jingkong with a Frost Bottle she had invented, explaining it could preserve snowflakes indefinitely. Xue Jingkong, with a simple gesture, conjured a snowy landscape.
Delighted, Feng Ruche filled the bottle with snow and presented it to him as a birthday gift. She reminded him that he once shared that it snowed on the first day he arrived in this world, inspiring his name. She declared this his first birthday present, promising to give him another gift every time it snows, emphasizing that no one is born a jinx.
She also offered him a drink, confirming this time it was just water, unlike a previous occasion. Later, Fang Qimo persuaded Feng Ruche to come out, dismissing her concerns about Xue Jingkong. He attempted to impress her by performing a magic trick, claiming his family has a generations-long history of magicians, boasting that his great-grandfather, Fang Wuyi, could turn stones into gold. His attempt to turn a stone into gold, however, quickly failed, causing a scene with a vendor.
He then tried to distract Feng Ruche with various activities. Feng Ruche reiterated that she only saw him as a good friend. Despite her clear rejection and her admission that she liked someone else—prompting Fang Qimo to correctly infer it was Xue Jingkong—Fang Qimo made an impassioned public confession. He declared his love for her, stating that even if she didn't reciprocate his romantic feelings, he would always be by her side as her best friend, supporting her through everything.
Overwhelmed by the public spectacle, Feng Ruche agreed to be friends. Fang Qimo was overjoyed and immediately began excitedly recounting stories about his esteemed ancestor, Fang Wuyi. Unseen by them, Xue Jingkong stood nearby, holding a pear blossom pastry meant for Feng Ruche, visibly displeased. At Wuxiang Camp, Xue Jingkong summoned Fang Qimo and commanded him to kneel. When Fang Qimo defiantly refused, Xue Jingkong used a secret technique to force him down.
Fang Qimo continued to be disrespectful, questioning Xue Jingkong's authority and disparagingly referring to Fang Wuyi as an "old demon" for living for two centuries. Xue Jingkong responded by slapping him.
Fang Qimo, still defiant, boasted about his great-grandfather, Fang Wuyi, detailing his lineage from a powerful priestess, his adoption into the Fang family, his mastery of magic that preserved his youth, his feat of containing the Four Symbols and Four Perils, and his renowned ability to turn stone into gold. He even dared to compare Fang Wuyi's appearance favorably to Xue Jingkong's. In response, Xue Jingkong himself demonstrated the stone-to-gold trick, leaving Fang Qimo stunned.
Fang Qimo then accused Xue Jingkong of secretly learning his ancestor's technique. Xue Jingkong then recited the Fang family's ancestral teachings verbatim: "Have integrity and be cautious. Stay mindful. Be vigilant to avoid becoming idle. Do not lose your sense of humility. Cast aside your desires and live in contentment." This left Fang Qimo utterly shocked, and he finally realized that Xue Jingkong was indeed his great-grandfather, Fang Wuyi, pleading for release.
As the final day of Wuxiang Camp training arrived, Xue Jingkong addressed the recruits. He acknowledged that all of them had successfully cultivated confidence, courage, and determination. Therefore, he announced the elimination process was canceled; all of them would be inducted into the Silver Winged Cavalry. He declared that from that moment on, they were no longer rivals but closely bonded comrades, emphasizing that true victory lay in surpassing oneself.
The recruits cheered, planning a celebration, though some jokingly suggested Xue Jingkong "the old one" should sit out. After dismissing Fang Qimo with a hundred lines of ancestral teachings, Xue Jingkong led Feng Ruche to a secluded path covered in fallen leaves, a shortcut to the underground palace. Feng Ruche, delighted, playfully danced along the path, expressing her intention to find Xue Jingkong a birthday present, noting his birthday was approaching.
Xue Jingkong cautioned her that shorter paths are often more difficult, to which she replied that her path had never been easy anyway, and she wished to walk it with him. She then asked for a gift for her successful completion of Wuxiang Camp, specifically requesting that he call her "Ah Che," recalling he had used that name before. After a slight hesitation, Xue Jingkong softly murmured "Ah Che."
Feng Ruche confessed her desire to accompany him on his journey, no matter how challenging, wishing their path together would be long and unending, and urging him not to walk alone. As their intimate moment deepened, Xue Jingkong's ice-bound illness suddenly flared, causing his hand to visibly freeze. He abruptly ended their walk, citing impending rain. Yun Muyang later noticed Xue Jingkong's frozen hand, but Xue Jingkong dismissed it as insignificant.
However, Yun Muyang subsequently overheard Xue Jingkong confiding in Xing Shangli. Xue Jingkong confirmed his ice-bound illness symptoms were indeed returning, revealing that Xu Yu, whom he referred to as "the mute," was approaching. He expressed his determination to defeat Xu Yu this time, before his "cryo sickness completely takes over," acknowledging Xing Shangli's concern about his ability to avenge his foster parents and protect Feng Ruche in his current weakened state.
Xue Jingkong devised a formation to trap Xu Yu, initiating a battle. However, his ice-bound illness worsened, putting him at a disadvantage. During the intense fight, Yun Muyang impulsively charged forward, confronting Xu Yu and exclaiming, "You're the one who killed my parents!" Despite being no match for Xu Yu, Yun Muyang recklessly sought revenge. Xue Jingkong bravely intervened, shielding Yun Muyang from an attack. Ultimately, Xue Jingkong, weakened by his illness, was severely injured and overcome by Xu Yu.
Fortunately, Xing Shangli arrived in the nick of time, rescuing both Xue Jingkong and Yun Muyang from Xu Yu's grasp. Back at their quarters, Feng Ruche tearfully questioned Xing Shangli about Xue Jingkong's critical condition, desperately pleading with him to save him. However, Xing Shangli gravely informed her that Xue Jingkong's injuries were too severe, and he "can't be saved," attempting to console her by remarking on Xue Jingkong's long life.
Feng Ruche was heartbroken and refused to accept this prognosis. Meanwhile, Yun Muyang regained consciousness and immediately inquired about Xue Jingkong, insisting on seeing his "brother" and expressing his deep concern and desire to stay by his side. Feng Ruche remained steadfastly by Xue Jingkong's bedside, weeping uncontrollably, while Xing Shangli tirelessly searched through books for a potential cure.
Episode 22 Recap
Feng Ruche diligently stayed by Xue Jingkong’s bedside as he lay unconscious, refusing Fang Qimo's pleas to rest or eat. Fang Qimo tried to comfort her, even claiming Xue Jingkong was "family" and offering to stay, but Feng Ruche insisted on being alone with him, saying she wouldn't leave until he recovered.
She confided to the sleeping Xue Jingkong her long-held feelings, reminiscing about their first meeting and how she initially thought him handsome, but her father had warned her that such words might mean he would become her husband. Regretting her past reserve, she now openly confessed, "I like you. I want to always be with you." She even playfully noted her improved handwriting, something he used to criticize, wishing he would wake to see it.
Feng Ruche then tenderly kissed Xue Jingkong. To her immense joy and surprise, Xue Jingkong stirred awake, weakly remarking on the noise. Feng Ruche was overjoyed and cried, tightly hugging Xue Jingkong. When she asked if he heard her confessions, he claimed he hadn't, and advised her to rest. As Feng Ruche started to leave, she abruptly turned back, convinced he had heard everything, as he always coughed to cover up awkwardness.
She declared her feelings more directly: "Xue Jingkong, I like you." She clarified it wasn't the affection between teacher and pupil or even friends, but "the kind that you know." Xue Jingkong tried to discourage her, reminding her that such words were "against proper relations, disgraceful and dishonorable" for a master and student. However, Feng Ruche insisted she no longer wanted him as her master, but as her husband, to stay by her side forever.
When he confirmed he heard her, she stopped him from speaking further, saying she only wanted to hear the answer she desired and would eventually get it one day. Later, Xing Shangli spoke with Xue Jingkong, marveling that Feng Ruche's kiss had revived him, calling it "predestined fate."
He speculated that if she could save his life, she might also cure his "cryo sickness," especially since the color of the flower on Xue Jingkong's back, a symptom of his illness, had begun to fade after previously growing darker. Xing Shangli suggested this could be the "best of both worlds."
However, Xue Jingkong remained apprehensive, stating he had a bad feeling that it might be related to a curse and firmly refused to take advantage of Feng Ruche's feelings to cure his illness, as he was afraid he would hurt her. He declared it was "better to set each other free than struggle to survive together."
Despite this, Feng Ruche sought him out and earnestly invited him to the Silver Wings Cavalry's bonfire ceremony that night, hoping to watch the fireworks with him. The bonfire ceremony commenced, with new Silver Wings Cavalry members celebrating their induction. Feng Ruche, however, remained withdrawn, clearly upset that Xue Jingkong did not attend. Fang Qimo joined her, attempting to cheer her up by showing off a new "magic trick" to conjure fireworks, which he struggled with.
Although a few fireworks eventually appeared, Feng Ruche's gaze caught a fleeting glimpse of Xue Jingkong in the distance, only for him to vanish as she tried to approach. Heartbroken, she and Fang Qimo drank "Moonlight" wine. Fang Qimo, frustrated, expressed his feelings about "fighting over the same girl with my grandfather," confirming Xue Jingkong's identity as his ancestor. In her frustration, Feng Ruche started shouting "Scoundrel!"
at Xue Jingkong, and Fang Qimo joined her, shouting her name back to her. She confessed that despite his perceived flaws, she couldn't stop thinking of the good times, like when he brought her pineapple tarts when she was sick. She then lamented her decision to confess, feeling that she had lost even their friendship.
Fang Qimo, hearing her regrets after she dozed off, quietly reflected that pretending to be friends was "meaningless" and that those who did so "aren't happy at all." Feng Ruche eventually cried herself to sleep, leaning on Fang Qimo. That night, Xue Jingkong dreamt of Feng Ruche. In his dream, they were happily together in a scholarly setting, playful and intimate, and Xue Jingkong couldn't help but tightly embrace her, revealing his deep affection.
Feng Ruche observed that the flower petals around them never fell, asking if it was a dream. Xue Jingkong implicitly confirmed it was. Feng Ruche then asked him to find her when he woke up, to which he agreed. The next morning, Feng Ruche went to Xue Jingkong's room but found him absent. She discovered a small note she had previously given him, which he had kept. Meanwhile, a new batch of students arrived at the Elephant Camp.
Feng Ruche was chosen to give a speech as a senior student representative. Addressing a nervous new recruit, she shared her own experience of starting at the bottom and encouraged her. On stage, Feng Ruche delivered an inspiring speech, echoing some of Xue Jingkong's own sentiments about confidence, courage, and determination, and stressing the importance of knowing what one fights for.
Watching her from a distance, Xue Jingkong, accompanied by Xing Shangli, remarked that Feng Ruche had grown strong and no longer needed his constant protection. Xing Shangli reiterated that Feng Ruche could be an antidote for his cryo sickness, but Xue Jingkong firmly stated that Feng Ruche was a person, not a cure, reaffirming his decision not to use her for his own healing and thus preparing to leave the Elephant Camp.
Later, Lian Yi found Feng Ruche training new recruits and informed her that Xue Jingkong was leaving. Initially hesitant, Feng Ruche was persuaded by Lian Yi to say goodbye, as it might be her last chance to see him. Feng Ruche rushed to a secluded, tree-lined path known only to them, where she finally caught up to Xue Jingkong.
Episode 23 Recap
Feng Ruche approached Xue Jingkong to bid him farewell, confessing that she had always yearned for something he was unwilling to give. She declared that from now on, all her joys and sorrows would be unrelated to him, and she would strive to forget him and move forward alone, perhaps even finding someone else to love. Xue Jingkong, feeling unworthy to stop her, merely wished her luck.
However, Feng Ruche retorted that she didn't need his good wishes, questioning why he had treated her so well if he considered relationships a burden. She reminded him of how he risked his life to save her with the staff and the keepsake he had secretly kept, emphasizing how hard she had worked to earn his affection and how much effort it would take for her to forget him, before tearing up the keepsake.
As Feng Ruche walked away, Xue Jingkong watched her leave with tears in his eyes. He used his spiritual power to magically reassemble the torn pieces of paper and loudly proclaimed that he would not allow her to forget him. He then appeared before Feng Ruche and kissed her. Their feelings finally aligned, and they walked hand-in-hand, confirming their affection for each other.
Feng Ruche, delighted, noted that the road was beautiful and expressed a wish for Xue Jingkong to smile more often, believing him to be very handsome. Unbeknownst to them, a subtle flower-like mark, identical to the one on Xue Jingkong's back, began to appear near Feng Ruche's ear. Meanwhile, Du Xianyin considered writing to Madam Xuan Ji to request a delay in Yun Muyang's execution.
Upon reflection, she realized that to secure Qi Zhenxian's allegiance, Madam Xuan Ji would not spare Yun Muyang unless he became the new Lord Silver Wings. Du Xianyin then met secretly with Qi Zhenxian, presenting him with a map.
She informed him that Madam Xuan Ji wished for him to withdraw his troops from Yan City to regroup and then launch an attack on Lin Chi, which was currently vulnerable due to its soldiers being redeployed to Qinghe Pass to quell a revolt by Yu Guo Cong. Qi Zhenxian, citing the heavy casualties and demotivated troops from the long battle in Yan City, greedily demanded 500,000 pearls as additional military funds.
Although inwardly displeased by his avarice, Du Xianyin outwardly agreed, pondering if he would even live to spend the money. Feng Ruche and Xue Jingkong were strolling through a market when the sky suddenly darkened, threatening rain. Xue Jingkong moved to buy two umbrellas, but Feng Ruche, seeking to draw closer to him, subtly suggested buying only one to save money. Misinterpreting her intent, Xue Jingkong assumed she was short on funds.
To accommodate her, he used his spiritual power to instantly clear the stormy sky, leaving Feng Ruche speechless and exasperated by his lack of romantic understanding. She turned and walked away, leaving a bewildered Xue Jingkong behind. The umbrella vendor, witnessing the exchange, pointed out that women often don't speak directly. Xue Jingkong then brought back the rain, opened an umbrella, and joined Feng Ruche, telling her he could learn to be more romantic.
From a distance, Lin Yuecong and Fang Qimo observed the couple, expressing their heartache and acknowledging the difficulty of moving on when their feelings for Xue Jingkong were unreciprocated. Later, by a lake, Feng Ruche and Xue Jingkong playfully contended over a book. The book accidentally fell into the water. Feng Ruche urged Xue Jingkong to retrieve it with his spiritual power, but to his surprise, he found his powers were faltering.
He tried again, only managing to pull out a fish. Concerned, Feng Ruche, worried he would overthink his weakening abilities, advised him not to try again. Qi Zhenxian received intelligence confirming Lin Chi was undefended and immediately decided to launch an attack through Luo Xia Forest. Yun Muyang expressed concerns, arguing that the army was still exhausted from the battle in Yan City and that Lin Chi was known for its strong defenses, suggesting the intelligence might be a trap.
Qi Zhenxian, however, dismissed his worries, determined to proceed. He reinstated Lian Yi as Deputy General, tasking her with leading the frontal assault, while Yun Muyang was assigned to lead a flanking maneuver. Feng Ruche, dressed in military uniform, came to bid farewell to Xue Jingkong, who was worried about her going to war and offered to accompany her.
However, Xue Jingkong also harbored concerns about his own weakening spiritual powers, noting his weak pulse and referencing a previous escape from an illusion at Linyuan Platform, which had affected him. Feng Ruche, however, insisted on fulfilling her mission herself and asked him to stay at the Wu Xiang Camp to protect the underground palace. Although Xue Jingkong agreed, he remained deeply concerned for her safety.
He gave her Qiankun bag, which he had filled with emergency medicines, emphasizing that the battlefield was perilous and the contents could save her life. Feng Ruche affectionately kissed him before leaving. As the army prepared to depart, Du Xianyin was injured by a poisonous Red Thorn, unique to Lin Chi, causing her to fall ill. Yun Muyang was deeply concerned and wanted to stay by her side.
He argued with Lian Yi, insisting that Lian Yi and Qi Zhenxian should depart first, and he would follow later with his troops. Lian Yi, however, urged him to prioritize the mission. Suspecting Du Xianyin's injury might be a ruse to keep Yun Muyang, Lian Yi tried to convince him to leave. Nevertheless, Yun Muyang remained steadfast in his belief that Du Xianyin was concerned for his safety. Unable to persuade him, Lian Yi departed with Qi Zhenxian's main force.
As Qi Zhenxian and Lian Yi’s forces moved through Luo Xia Forest, they were ambushed by enemy troops. Meanwhile, Du Xianyin regained consciousness. Seeing she was awake, Yun Muyang prepared to join Qi Zhenxian, but Du Xianyin, aware of the ambush, desperately tried to stop him from going into danger. Weakened by the poison, she could not physically restrain him. Yun Muyang, oblivious to her true intentions, instructed Zizhuan to care for her and rushed off.
Zizhuan, realizing that Du Xianyin had intentionally inflicted the deadly poison upon herself to keep Yun Muyang close, was deeply troubled by her reckless gamble with her own life. The Wu Xiang Camp, led by Feng Ruche, also advanced towards Lin Chi, intending to rendezvous with Yun Muyang's group. As they passed through a canyon, they were ambushed. In the ensuing chaos, Qin Fang was killed. The enemy troops from Yan City pressed their attack, intent on annihilating the Wu Xiang Camp.
Episode 24 Recap
Xue Jingkong sensed Feng Ruche was in danger, but with his spiritual power greatly diminished, he could only ride his horse urgently to find her. Meanwhile, Feng Ruche and her companions received a distress signal from Lian Yi, indicating that Qi Zhenxian was in peril. Her comrades insisted on protecting Feng Ruche, urging her to go save their lord. Though concerned for them, Feng Ruche accepted, telling them to take care of themselves as she rode off.
At the same time, Yun Muyang arrived at the Wu Xiang Camp, ordering them to proceed immediately to assist their lord while he remained behind to cover their retreat. Surrounded by enemy forces, Yun Muyang defiantly refused their calls for surrender, proclaiming he would fight to the end even if it meant death. Du Xianyin, still recovering from her self-inflicted poison, flew in, urging him not to die. Though heavily wounded, Yun Muyang recognized her.
He expressed his profound gratitude for her past rescues and, just before collapsing, confessed his love for someone, hoping that in a next life they would meet in a peaceful world where he could ask her to be his wife. Distraught, Du Xianyin unveiled herself, revealing her Golden Wings to carry Yun Muyang to safety.
The supposed "empty city" of Linchi proved to be a cunning trap set by Wei Yuan Ting, who taunted Qi Zhenxian, revealing his scouts had been killed and offering lavish rewards to anyone who eliminated him. A fierce battle ensued, and Qi Zhenxian was gravely wounded. Lian Yi bravely fought to protect him. Feng Ruche arrived, using a treasured item from her Qiankun bag to help Qi Zhenxian, but Wei Yuan Ting shot it down.
As Feng Ruche fell, a sharp pain shot through her ear, and her Golden Wings dramatically re-emerged before the shocked eyes of everyone present. The Wu Xiang Camp soldiers arrived shortly after. Seeing this display, Qi Zhenxian immediately declared Feng Ruche the Golden Wings General, second only to himself, stating that only she could now contend with Du Xianyin.
Feng Ruche then quickly assigned some men to protect the injured Qi Zhenxian, while commanding the rest of the army to forge a path ahead. Inspired by her Golden Wings, the soldiers recognized her as the true Golden Winged Empress and fought with renewed vigor, eventually breaking through the enemy encirclement. The Silver Wings Cavalry suffered devastating losses in the battle. Fang Qimo was heartbroken and attempted to retrieve a fallen comrade, Qin Fang, despite the danger.
Feng Ruche stopped him, explaining that their comrades had sacrificed their lives so they could live, and going back would render their sacrifice meaningless. She acknowledged everyone's grief but pointed out that Qi Zhenxian was in a coma and Yun Muyang's fate was unknown. Given the heavy casualties, she ordered a strategic retreat to the underground palace.
Deeply impressed by Feng Ruche's leadership and the emergence of her Golden Wings, the surviving soldiers hailed her as their general and pledged their lives to her. Feng Ruche, however, clarified that their loyalty should not be to her personally, but to the spirit and dreams represented by the Silver Wings banner. She rallied them with a powerful declaration: "Punish the evil and uphold justice! The evil must be killed or the people will suffer!"
Later that night, Xue Jingkong finally arrived on horseback, much to Feng Ruche's surprise. He embraced her tightly, apologizing for leaving her alone and vowing never to do so again. Feng Ruche, exhausted and vulnerable, admitted she hadn't expected war to be so brutal. Xue Jingkong acknowledged the war's dangers, noting even an experienced warrior like Yun Muyang struggled, and commended her for her courage.
He offered to leave with her once Yun Muyang was found, to escape the mortal world's troubles. However, Feng Ruche stated that with the return of her Golden Wings, she believed she was meant to fulfill a greater purpose, even though she disliked war. Observing her resolve, Xue Jingkong remarked that she had truly grown. Meanwhile, Yun Muyang awoke in an abandoned lodge by a river, where Du Xianyin was tending to his wounds.
She explained she had ignored Zi Juan's advice and risked her life to find him. Still weakened, Yun Muyang pressed her for the truth about her identity, but she fainted. After she revived, Du Xianyin, still suffering from the Red Thorn poison, urged him to rest. Yun Muyang then carved a wooden hairpin for her, declaring it a token of his feelings, and promised that once he recovered, he would report to his lord to announce their marriage.
Du Xianyin, emotional, asked if he loved her for who she truly was or for some other reason. Yun Muyang assured her it was purely because of her, expressing his forgiveness for any past actions if she was honest with him. Du Xianyin then pleaded with him to stay for a few days to recover, admitting her selfishness but fearing he would prioritize his military duties upon his return.
Yun Muyang, though concerned about Qi Zhenxian and his ambushed army, eventually agreed. They spent a peaceful time together in the secluded lodge. Du Xianyin reminisced about her difficult childhood, wishing she had met him sooner. She then asked if he would forgive her if she made mistakes. Yun Muyang firmly stated that with him by her side, she wouldn't make any, and they would grow old together.
A memory of Madam Xuan Ji's prophecy about the Golden Wings Plating Technique shortening her life briefly crossed Du Xianyin's mind, making her propose living in seclusion permanently. Yun Muyang believed it wasn't the right time. He reassured her that her life belonged to him since their encounter at Wuji Arena, and he wouldn't let her die. Du Xianyin, touched, agreed to follow him wherever he went. Eventually, Yun Muyang and Du Xianyin returned to the camp, where soldiers cheered his return. He then went to see Qi Zhenxian.
Episode 25 Recap
Yun Muyang and Du Qian Yin returned to Silver Wings Cavalry headquarters, where Qi Zhenxian remained unconscious after surviving poison. The doctor informed them he could not cure the deep-seated poison and suggested a divine doctor named Han Qing in Tuojiang, who could heal all poisons but never left his home. Yun Muyang decided to secretly transport Qi Zhenxian to Tuojiang for treatment, accompanied only by four bodyguards, as revealing their journey could compromise military operations.
Du Qian Yin expressed concern for Yun Muyang's safety, to which he promised to take care and return. Meanwhile, Lian Yi felt disheartened by Yun Muyang and Du Qian Yin's burgeoning relationship. Feng Ruche joined her, offering wine, and Lian Yi lamented her regret at not anticipating this outcome when Du Qian Yin first appeared.
To lift Lian Yi's spirits, Feng Ruche was presented with a sword, named "Ru Che Sword," which Lian Yi had commissioned to congratulate her on becoming a general. The two women then discussed the battle of Lin Chi, agreeing that something suspicious had occurred.
Lian Yi recalled how Du Qian Yin had insisted on joining them, then feigned being poisoned before Yun Muyang departed, and Qi Zhenxian's parting words about Feng Ruche being the only one who could truly contend with Du Qian Yin. Feng Ruche added that Xue Jingkong had previously warned her about Du Qian Yin's attempt to plot against her during a test. Determined to investigate further, Feng Ruche and Xue Jingkong examined Lu Renbing's room.
They discovered his death was not accidental, deducing that wax had been deliberately dripped on the floor, and the weapon's position precisely calculated to cause his demise. This led them to suspect Du Qian Yin might have been Lu Renbing's contact. Du Qian Yin then entered Qi Zhenxian's room, intending to assassinate him. However, Qi Zhenxian was feigning unconsciousness and had anticipated her move.
He confronted her, revealing he knew of her collaboration with Wei Yuan Ting during the Lin Chi battle and her desire for Yun Muyang to take his place. He also exposed Madam Xuan Ji's plan to marry Du Qian Yin to Yun Muyang to control him. Qi Zhenxian confidently taunted Du Qian Yin, believing she couldn't harm him. To his shock, Du Qian Yin revealed she had already sprinkled a halisteretic poison on him during a brief retreat.
She then explained how she had discovered his deception by noticing mud on his shoes, despite him supposedly being bedridden. Weakened and unable to resist, Qi Zhenxian expressed regret for not eliminating her earlier. Du Qian Yin then fatally stabbed him. In his last moments, Qi Zhenxian managed to injure Du Qian Yin with a counter-attack and, before succumbing, tried to write her name, only completing the character "Mu" before dying.
Shortly after Du Qian Yin fled, Yun Muyang returned, discovering the gruesome scene. Yun Muyang concluded that Qi Zhenxian and four guards were killed by a Thin Yan Ling Knife, and the wounds indicated a left-handed assailant. Misinterpreting the dying Qi Zhenxian's "Mu" character as "Mu Qi," he deduced that Mu Qi, whose right arm Qi Zhenxian had previously severed, was seeking revenge.
Lian Yi questioned this, pointing out the improbability of Mu Qi becoming so skilled with his left hand so quickly and how he could have known about the secret trip to Tuojiang. She directly accused Du Qian Yin of knowing about the trip. Yun Muyang, however, deflected suspicion from Du Qian Yin and vowed to avenge Qi Zhenxian by killing Mu Qi, with soldiers rallying in support.
Du Qian Yin then raised the urgent issue of electing a new leader for the Silver Wings Cavalry, proposing Yun Muyang due to his prestige and achievements. Lian Yi countered by stating that Qi Zhenxian had appointed Feng Ruche as Golden Wing General, second only to himself, and therefore Feng Ruche should lead. Du Qian Yin dismissed Feng Ruche's appointment as temporary and questioned her inexperience.
Lian Yi retorted by calling Du Qian Yin an "outsider" and declaring her Golden Wings fake, causing a stir. Feng Ruche intervened, urging calm and stating that debating the authenticity of Golden Wings was meaningless at such a critical time. Acknowledging her own inexperience, Feng Ruche nominated Yun Muyang for the commander position but warned that if anyone ever plotted against the Silver Wings Cavalry, regardless of their status, they would face military justice.
With Feng Ruche's backing, Du Qian Yin urged Yun Muyang to accept the responsibility. Yun Muyang accepted the commander seal, vowing to lead the Silver Wings, punish evil, and uphold justice. Madam Xuan Ji unexpectedly visited Du Qian Yin, expressing concern about the Silver Wings Cavalry losing control and her suspicions regarding Qi Zhenxian's death.
Du Qian Yin claimed Mu Qi was the killer, but Xuan Ji pressed her, asking why Wei Yuan Ting's arrangements at Lin Chi had suddenly changed and who the informant was. Du Qian Yin admitted to leaking information to Wei Yuan Ting as part of Xuan Ji's plan to use Qi Zhenxian to suppress him, but claimed Qi Zhenxian had discovered her identity, forcing her hand.
She then justified Qi Zhenxian's death as beneficial, describing him as ambitious and greedy, a "wolf that never appreciates." Xuan Ji accused Du Qian Yin of acting for her own benefit, reminding her of the previous order to kill Yun Muyang, which Du Qian Yin had not followed, admitting she was reluctant.
Du Qian Yin argued that Yun Muyang, now the commander and loyal to her, could be persuaded to serve Xuan Ji, making him a valuable ally rather than an enemy. Xuan Ji, however, expressed cynicism about men's loyalty, citing her own past, and doubted Yun Muyang's affection if he discovered Du Qian Yin's actions. Du Qian Yin insisted on Yun Muyang's unwavering love, but Xuan Ji called her naive and obsessed.
Du Qian Yin's final argument was that Feng Ruche's power in the military was growing, and only by marrying Yun Muyang could they solidify their position and quell rumors. Convinced by the strategic necessity, Xuan Ji agreed to meet Yun Muyang personally. Du Qian Yin proposed marriage to Yun Muyang, emphasizing that a union between the Silver Wings Commander and the Golden Winged Empress would boost morale and solidify their legitimacy.
Yun Muyang initially hesitated, concerned about rumors and wanting to first defeat Wei Yuan Ting and Xuan Ji before marrying her honorably. He also expressed doubt about Mu Qi being the killer, acknowledging that Feng Ruche and Lian Yi's suspicions held some truth, causing Du Qian Yin to ask if he suspected her. He quickly reassured her he believed her, but then revealed his plan to kill both Wei Yuan Ting and Xuan Ji.
Du Qian Yin was surprised by his intent to kill Xuan Ji, but Yun Muyang insisted they were equally responsible for Lanzhou's suffering. Seeing Du Qian Yin's unhappiness, Yun Muyang softened and agreed to an immediate, simple wedding despite Qi Zhenxian's recent death, to her great delight. Meanwhile, Feng Ruche and her allies grew more suspicious of Du Qian Yin.
Xue Jingkong used his powers to investigate Qi Zhenxian's death, though his weakened state only allowed him to see that the murderer had been stabbed by Qi Zhenxian and that a halisteretic poison had been used. Feng Ruche deduced that the murderer's shoulder was wounded, strengthening her suspicion of Du Qian Yin. Lian Yi pointed out Du Qian Yin's eagerness to have Yun Muyang appointed commander and to marry him, fearing Feng Ruche would take the Empress title.
Feng Ruche explained she hadn't exposed Du Qian Yin earlier regarding Lu Renbing's death due to lack of solid proof and to avoid military chaos, but now they resolved to find concrete evidence before the wedding to expose Du Qian Yin's machinations. When the Wuling region of the Miaozhou Army was breached by the imperial court, their leader sought refuge, and one of his generals specifically requested to meet Feng Ruche. To Feng Ruche's surprise, the general was Bai Dangdang.
He attempted to take his own life to atone for his past betrayal, explaining that Madam Xuan Ji had abducted his mother and forced him to frame Feng Ruche in the palace, though she promised not to harm Feng Ruche, only to dethrone her. Feng Ruche dismissed the past, but Bai Dangdang continued to plead for death. Instead of killing him, Feng Ruche only cut a few strands of his hair, declaring all past grievances settled.
She noticed his missing finger, which he explained he had cut off as a self-punishment for breaking their pinky swear of brotherhood. Feng Ruche told him that such an act was useless and instead asked him to rejoin her on the battlefield as her General Bai, promising that their bond remained unchanged. Overwhelmed by her kindness, Bai Dangdang pledged his life to Feng Ruche, resuming his old address, "Boss."
On the day of Du Qian Yin and Yun Muyang's wedding, Du Qian Yin was greeted as the beautiful bride. Before the ceremony began, a maid accidentally bumped Du Qian Yin's shoulder. Yun Muyang noticed that Feng Ruche, Lian Yi, and her brother were absent. Despite Du Qian Yin's insistence to proceed, as Yun Muyang was taking his vows, Feng Ruche, Lian Yi, and their allies dramatically interrupted the ceremony.
Feng Ruche directly confronted Yun Muyang, asking if he would still marry Du Qian Yin if she was proven to be Qi Zhenxian's murderer. She then presented Bai Dangdang as a witness. Bai Dangdang testified that on the day Qi Zhenxian was assassinated, Mu Qi was leading his army in an assault on the Miao Army in Wuling, making it impossible for him to be hundreds of miles away committing the murder.
Yun Muyang tried to dismiss Bai Dangdang, but Feng Ruche insisted that not only could Bai Dangdang testify, but the entire Miao Army could as well. Still, Yun Muyang stated that while this might disprove Mu Qi's guilt, it didn't implicate Du Qian Yin. Feng Ruche then revealed that the character "Mu" written by Qi Zhenxian was actually intended to indicate Du Qian Yin, being interpreted as part of her name 'Qian'.
She further exposed Du Qian Yin's past lies: her confession of not being the true Winged Empress and using that identity to be with Yun Muyang, her collaboration with Lu Renbing to change the Liang City route, and her role as a betrayer of Nanyu City. Du Qian Yin vehemently denied the accusations, and Lian Yi reminded Yun Muyang of Du Qian Yin's previous attempt to harm Feng Ruche during the Wuxiang Camp test. Unmoved, Yun Muyang demanded concrete evidence.
Feng Ruche then challenged Du Qian Yin to allow them to examine the stab wound on her shoulder, which Qi Zhenxian inflicted before dying. Du Qian Yin agreed, confident in her preparations. She revealed a burn wound, not a stab wound, on her shoulder. She fabricated a detailed story about obtaining the burn while secretly preparing an elixir for Yun Muyang's old war wounds, claiming she was unfamiliar with medicine stoves and had to gather midnight dew for the remedy.
Feng Ruche countered that this was a convenient lie to cover a real wound. Growing frustrated, Yun Muyang declared it was his wedding day and ordered anyone not there to congratulate them to leave. Feng Ruche, before departing with her group, warned Yun Muyang that his unwavering defense of Du Qian Yin, despite all the doubts, risked destroying the Cavalry.
As they left, Lian Yi presented Yun Muyang with a jade pendant he had given her when they swore as siblings, reminding him of his promise to grant her one wish whenever she presented it. Her wish was for him not to marry Du Qian Yin that day.
Episode 26 Recap
Lian Yi publicly confronted Yun Muyang, presenting him with a jade pendant he had once given her, promising to grant any wish when she produced it. Her wish was for him to not marry Du Xianyin that day, arguing that Feng Ruche had a point: if he married Du Xianyin, there would be no way to undo it. She pleaded with him to consider the late Lord Qi Zhenxian.
Yun Muyang, however, was resolute, stating he would investigate Qi Zhenxian's murder and prove Du Xianyin innocent, promising her a grand wedding afterward. Du Xianyin, deeply disappointed by his continued doubt, left the scene. Meanwhile, Feng Ruche's health was declining, causing Xue Jingkong much worry. He urged her to take care of herself, though she playfully brushed it off, expressing happiness at seeing him worried. Feng Ruche found joy in their relationship, feeling fulfilled.
Physician Zhen then arrived and revealed that Qi Zhenxian had already recovered before going to Tuojiang but had faked his illness, seemingly with a plan. This puzzled Feng Ruche, who deduced that Qi Zhenxian must have suspected Du Xianyin and pretended to be unconscious to expose her.
However, she questioned why Qi Zhenxian hadn't directly informed Yun Muyang or caught Du Xianyin red-handed when she attempted to kill him, wondering if there was a deeper, untold secret between Qi Zhenxian and Du Xianyin. While contemplating, Feng Ruche suddenly fainted. Xue Jingkong rushed to heal her with his spiritual power, accidentally discovering a flower-shaped pattern behind her ear, strikingly similar to the one on his own back. Xue Jingkong called upon Xing Shang Li to examine Feng Ruche.
Xing Shang Li revealed that his initial belief, that their union would cure Xue Jingkong's cryo-sickness and regrow Feng Ruche's wings, was mistaken. He explained that Feng Ruche, who should have died eighteen years ago, was revived by a drop of Xue Jingkong's heart blood infused with the Flower Goddess's spiritual power. Both now harbored this power. As their affection grew, the spiritual power would transfer from Xue Jingkong to Feng Ruche.
While Xue Jingkong, a century-old magician, could withstand this energy, Feng Ruche's weak constitution could not. Xing Shang Li used an analogy of a teapot and a water bag to illustrate how the continuous transfer of power would eventually overwhelm Feng Ruche, leading to her death. He concluded that their bond was a trap set by the Flower Goddess, aiming for Xue Jingkong to unknowingly kill Feng Ruche.
Realizing the grave danger, Xue Jingkong, with a heavy heart, resolved to leave Feng Ruche to protect her. Separately, Lian Yi confronted Du Xianyin, accusing her of murdering Zi Juan because Zi Juan knew too many of her secrets. Du Xianyin defiantly asserted that Yun Muyang would always be fooled only by her. Just as Lian Yi attempted to attack Du Xianyin, Yun Muyang appeared and intervened.
He clarified that he had sent Zi Juan back to her hometown, believing her story about stealing medicine for her sick brother. Yun Muyang defended Du Xianyin, stating she had done everything for him and saved his life multiple times. He declared that if Lian Yi continued to embarrass Du Xianyin, they would no longer be siblings.
Lian Yi, heartbroken by his choice, asked if he had forgotten their bond and promises, but Yun Muyang remained firm, expressing his determination not to disappoint Du Xianyin again. Du Xianyin then feigned sadness and empathy for Yun Muyang after Lian Yi's departure. Feng Ruche eventually woke, looking pale, and noticed the flower pattern behind her ear. Mistaking it as a sign of their perfect match, she joyfully asked Xue Jingkong to be her husband forever.
Although deeply pained, Xue Jingkong didn't reveal the truth. He quietly fulfilled her wish, singing a song for her until she drifted off to sleep, then silently departed. Feng Ruche awoke to find him gone and searched frantically. Xing Shang Li, trying to protect her, lied that Xue Jingkong had left out of embarrassment after losing his power and would not return. Despite her sorrow, Feng Ruche refused to believe it.
Meanwhile, Xue Jingkong, hidden in the forest, used his spiritual power to create light, guiding Bai Dangdang and Lin Yuecong to the distraught Feng Ruche. He vowed to protect her from afar until his death. In the forest, the Silver Winged Cavalry discovered Zi Juan's body. Her family, who had come searching for her, handed a letter to Yun Muyang. The letter, penned by Zi Juan, stated that if Yun Muyang was reading it, she had been murdered.
It revealed that Du Xianyin had forced her to work for her and lie for her, and that Zi Juan knew too many of Du Xianyin's secrets. Reading the letter, Yun Muyang was utterly shocked, and all the previously dismissed doubts about Du Xianyin resurfaced, making him realize he might have been wrong from the very beginning. Later, Du Xianyin arranged to meet Lian Yi in the forest, claiming she wanted to talk openly.
She confessed to killing Qi Zhenxian but asserted that he was not the true Qi Zhenxian they knew, and she was forced to do so to be with Yun Muyang. Du Xianyin proposed that they shake hands and reconcile, saying she didn't want Yun Muyang to be caught between them. Lian Yi scornfully refused, furious that Du Xianyin would ask her to make peace with Qi Zhenxian's murderer.
Declaring her intent to avenge Qi Zhenxian and enlighten Yun Muyang, Lian Yi attacked Du Xianyin. However, Du Xianyin, who had grown weary of Lian Yi, retaliated swiftly, taking Lian Yi's life on the spot before fleeing.
Episode 27 Recap
Lian Yi was fatally attacked, taking multiple sword strikes. Despite her wounds, she managed to return to Yun Muyang, collapsing before him. With her last breath, Lian Yi revealed that Du Xianyin was her killer, pleading with Yun Muyang to avenge her. She died holding the jade pendant Yun Muyang had given her, a symbol of her unrequited love for him.
Later, while collecting Lian Yi's belongings, Yun Muyang discovered a piece of cloth Lian Yi had sewn for him, which deepened his sorrow. He then confronted Du Xianyin, asking about her whereabouts the previous night. Du Xianyin attempted to mislead him, claiming she was out getting his favorite dim sum. However, Yun Muyang cut to the chase, directly accusing her of Lian Yi's murder.
Du Xianyin feigned ignorance, expressing shock at Lian Yi's death, but Yun Muyang presented the note she had used to arrange a meeting with Lian Yi, found on Lian Yi's person. He insisted that Lian Yi would never risk her life to falsely accuse anyone. Du Xianyin admitted to meeting Lian Yi but denied harming her, urging Yun Muyang to trust her.
Yun Muyang recounted his past belief in her good nature and his willingness to wait for her to change and atone for her mistakes, but now questioned how he could trust her given the circumstances. He pressed her about her involvement in the death of Qi Zhenxian and the murder of Zi Juan. Du Xianyin, realizing Yun Muyang would no longer believe her, mockingly confirmed all his accusations.
She confessed to killing Qi Zhenxian and Lian Yi, stating that Lian Yi was a thorn in her side and one stab was not enough to quell her hatred. She further gloated that if Yun Muyang had married her, the entire Silver Wings Cavalry would have become hers. Enraged, Yun Muyang wounded her with his sword. Du Xianyin dared him to kill her, and when he hesitated, she plunged the sword deeper into herself.
She then took the wooden hairpin Yun Muyang had given her, symbolizing his sincerity, broke it, and declared their relationship irrevocably severed. She warned him that if they ever met again, she would show no mercy under her sword. After the confrontation, Du Xianyin collapsed from her injuries in the forest. Xuan Ji found her and reiterated her cynical view that men's promises are fleeting, lamenting that Du Xianyin, like herself, had been foolish enough to believe them.
Du Xianyin, filled with hatred, vowed to destroy all of Yun Muyang's hopes. Taking Xuan Ji's advice, Du Xianyin began systematically attacking the Silver Wings Army. Xuan Ji spread rumors that Qi Zhenxian had secretly colluded with the imperial court, while Du Xianyin leveraged her intimate knowledge of the Silver Wings' defense deployments. As a result, several strategically important cities guarded by the Silver Wings Cavalry fell one after another.
Yun Muyang decided on a bold plan: a surprise attack on Nanyu City itself to reverse their fortunes. Feng Ruche and Bai Dangdang pledged to accompany him. Along the way to Nanyu City, Feng Ruche was deeply saddened by the sight of countless displaced and suffering civilians. The Silver Wings Cavalry advanced, but before they could launch their planned infiltration, they found themselves surrounded by enemy forces.
Du Xianyin and Xuan Ji appeared overhead in a flying vehicle, using a propaganda flyer to further disseminate the false information that Qi Zhenxian had secretly conspired with their enemies. This tactic severely undermined the morale of the Silver Wings soldiers, causing some to question the righteousness of their cause. As the Nanyu City army charged, the Silver Wings' already fractured morale made them unable to fight effectively.
Du Xianyin descended and engaged Yun Muyang in battle, reminding him of her vow to show no mercy. Though Yun Muyang fought back, he also instinctively pulled her to safety during one perilous moment. Du Xianyin exploited his hesitation, striking him a heavy blow and ensuring his capture. As Yun Muyang was led away, a broken wooden hairpin fell from his person.
Du Xianyin was momentarily struck by a pang of sadness upon realizing he had kept it all this time. With their General captured, the morale of the Silver Wings Cavalry plummeted. Suddenly, Feng Ruche, the Winged Empress, soared onto the battlefield, her golden wings a beacon of hope that rallied the demoralized troops. Feng Ruche confronted Du Xianyin, declaring her intention to avenge Lian Yi and prove herself the true daughter of the Feng family.
The two engaged in a fierce duel. Du Xianyin was outmatched by Feng Ruche, but Xuan Ji intervened by ordering archers to fire at Feng Ruche, saving Du Xianyin. Xuan Ji taunted Feng Ruche, reminding her of past defeats while acknowledging her growth. Despite the odds, Feng Ruche and the remaining Silver Wings soldiers fought valiantly. In a desperate act of heroism, Bai Dangdang shielded Feng Ruche from a volley of arrows, sacrificing his life to save her. Feng Ruche, devastated by his death, also sustained an arrow wound in the chaotic battle.
Episode 28 Recap
After fighting fiercely against formidable enemies, Feng Ruche was severely wounded in battle. Xue Jingkong appeared, rescued her, and carried her back. Though aware that Xue Jingkong had saved her and miraculously healed her wounds, Feng Ruche, burdened by heavy responsibilities, suppressed her personal feelings to prioritize her mission. She was deeply saddened by the death of Bai Dangdang, who had promised not to change for a hundred years.
Upon waking, Feng Ruche asked about Xue Jingkong, learning from Lin Yuecong and Fang Qimo that he had saved them and then left. Despite her urgent desire to find Xue Jingkong, Lin Yuecong reminded her that General Yun Muyang had been captured, and the Silver Wings Cavalry was without a leader, relying on her as their hope. Feng Ruche arrived to find the soldiers arguing.
Tie Ying, a confidant of Yun Muyang, was stirring dissent, suggesting the Cavalry split up and move apart because Yun Muyang was captured. He dismissed Feng Ruche as an inexperienced young woman from the Wuxiang Camp, questioning her right to lead. Feng Ruche asserted her authority, stating that because she possessed the golden wings, not only the Cavalry but all of Lanzhou must obey her. Tie Ying scoffed, bringing up Du Xianyin, who also had golden wings, as a counterexample.
He then tried to convince others to follow him to dig up treasure hidden by Qi Zhenxian, whom he believed to be a double-faced traitor, citing proofs they had seen. Feng Ruche recognized Tie Ying's true intention was to become a king. She questioned if his words were impulsive or sincere, but he reiterated his plan to find Qi Zhenxian's treasure. Declaring Tie Ying's actions as insubordination and military deception, Feng Ruche ordered his arrest.
Tie Ying attacked her first, but in the ensuing struggle, Feng Ruche accidentally killed him. The soldiers, now unified, pledged their loyalty to the Winged Empress. Feng Ruche rallied them, emphasizing that as long as they remained united and had faith, they would reclaim everything they had lost. She then appointed Fang Qimo as Deputy General and Lin Yuecong to take Bai Dangdang's former position. Meanwhile, Xue Jingkong contemplated eliminating Wei Yuanting to alleviate Feng Ruche's burdens.
However, his cryo sickness suddenly flared up, and Xuyu also pursued Xue Jingkong. Du Xianyin secretly followed Xue Jingkong, witnessing his intense battle with Xuyu. Observing Xuyu's formidable power, Du Xianyin saw an opportunity to get rid of Xue Jingkong. Just as both Xue Jingkong and Xuyu were wounded, Xing Shangli appeared and helped Xue Jingkong leave the scene. Xuyu, also severely injured, returned to his master to report his failure.
His master, displeased with his repeated failures, struck him with a sword. Du Xianyin then arrived, and as she approached, Xuyu, clinging to life, grabbed her ankle and begged her to save him. Back with Xue Jingkong, Xing Shangli noted that the flower on Xue Jingkong's back was growing rapidly and its color darkening, indicating his cryo sickness had worsened.
He urged Xue Jingkong to seek out Feng Ruche, saying only Feng Ruche could save him and referring to her as his "medicine." Xue Jingkong knew that if the Flower Goddess was born (when the flower fully bloomed), he would die. He explained that if Feng Ruche lived, he would die, and vice versa, expressing his unwillingness to let her be harmed.
Du Xianyin successfully revived Xuyu, whose voice returned, and he pledged his loyalty to her as his new master, eager to please her. Du Xianyin explained to Xuan Ji that Xuyu, once recovered, would be a valuable tool to eliminate Xue Jingkong, and with Xue Jingkong gone, Feng Ruche would pose no threat. Xuan Ji lamented that with Qi Zhenxian dead, defeating Wei Yuanting had become more difficult.
She suggested Du Xianyin use her beauty to seduce Mu Qi, one of Wei Yuanting's lustful followers. Du Xianyin hesitated, asking if she truly had to make such a sacrifice. Xuan Ji explained that Wei Yuanting had grown wary of her due to their relationship, and taking down Mu Qi would provide them with a crucial advantage. She reminded Du Xianyin that in their world, they only had each other, and men were merely tools for their ambition.
Du Xianyin ultimately agreed. The Silver Wings Cavalry, after suffering heavy losses in battle and running low on provisions and medicine, retreated to a secret underground palace, its location unknown even to Du Xianyin. Feng Ruche decided they must rescue Yun Muyang, but first, she needed to meet Yu Guocong. She traveled to Qinghe Town, where Yu Guocong had been stalled by Wei Yuanting.
Acknowledging their shared dream of reuniting Lanzhou, Feng Ruche knelt before Yu Guocong, who dismounted by stepping on her shoulder, asking for desperately needed supplies for her ninety thousand troops. Impressed by her willingness to humble herself, Yu Guocong agreed to an alliance. The combined forces of the Silver Wings Cavalry and Yu Guocong quickly conquered Yan City. Meanwhile, Wei Yuanting interrogated Yun Muyang, attempting to extract the map of the Silver Wings' hiding place.
Yun Muyang remained defiant, refusing to speak despite torture. Wei Yuanting, enraged, was about to execute him when Du Xianyin intervened. She convinced Wei Yuanting that killing Yun Muyang would make it impossible to control the Cavalry, and offered to question him herself. Wei Yuanting agreed, warning her not to help him escape. Du Xianyin spoke with Yun Muyang alone in his cell, trying to discredit Qi Zhenxian by claiming he had brainwashed Yun Muyang and was her intel.
She accused Qi Zhenxian of colluding with her mother and sending Yun Muyang's brothers to their deaths for money during the Yan City battle. Yun Muyang, however, refused to believe her. Seeing his distrust, Du Xianyin administered a potent medicine, promising it would make him "happy." Under its influence, Du Xianyin had sexual relations with Yun Muyang.
He later experienced this as a vivid dream in which Du Xianyin appeared, reminding him of their first meeting at Wuji Arena and claiming his half-broken wooden hairpin was proof of his lingering feelings for her. He insisted their relationship was over, but she vowed he would never forget her. Upon waking, still in his cell, Yun Muyang convinced himself it was merely a dream and firmly resolved to never love Du Xianyin again, reminding himself she was his enemy.
Xuyu, having helped Du Xianyin orchestrate Yun Muyang's perception of the dream, confirmed Yun Muyang believed it was just a dream, expressing his pleasure in serving his new mistress. Following these events, Lin Yuecong and Fang Qimo devised a plan to rescue Yun Muyang. They set a fire as a diversion while they stealthily made their way into the deepest prison in Nanyu City, calling out for General Yun.
Episode 29 Recap
The Silver Wing Cavalry, while searching the dungeon, discovered an old man, Kong Sang, imprisoned. Kong Sang, his hair white from age, frantically pleaded for his life, claiming he knew where Yun Muyang was held and would reveal everything if they saved him. The old man then realized the cavalry had been exposed and they needed to leave quickly, so the cavalry rescued Kong Sang and departed the dungeon.
Simultaneously, Du Xianyin, acting on her own, managed to free Yun Muyang from his cell. However, their escape was blocked by Mu Qi and his men. Just as a fight was about to break out, Madam Xuan Ji arrived, putting an end to the confrontation. She claimed Du Xianyin was acting under her command to interrogate Yun Muyang.
Xuan Ji then ordered Yun Muyang to be returned to his cell, declaring that from that day forward, no one would be permitted to visit him without her personal seal of command. She then took Du Xianyin with her. Following Xuan Ji's instructions, Du Xianyin returned to her room. Later, she secretly entered Xuan Ji's chambers to search for the elusive seal.
There, she unexpectedly discovered evidence suggesting Xuan Ji was involved in the circumstances that led Yun Muyang to believe Du Xianyin had killed Lian Yi. Before Du Xianyin could fully process this revelation, she heard Xuan Ji's approaching footsteps. Thinking quickly, Du Xianyin knelt, feigning an apology for her unauthorized rescue of Yun Muyang. She repeatedly kowtowed, begging Xuan Ji to spare Yun Muyang.
Xuan Ji, however, told her that Wei Yuanting, who mistakenly believed Yun Muyang was responsible for Wei Zhao's death, would never let him live. Xuan Ji claimed that only Yun Muyang's death would sever Du Xianyin's emotional ties, freeing her to achieve greatness.
When Du Xianyin pressed Xuan Ji about how she dealt with her own ungrateful father in the past, Xuan Ji grew angry and forbade Du Xianyin from leaving the room without her permission, warning her not to cause further disappointment. Meanwhile, the Silver Wing Cavalry brought Kong Sang to Feng Ruche. Feng Ruche was astonished to recognize the old man as the wizard Kong Sang.
Kong Sang informed her that all his actions were coerced by Xuan Ji, who had held him captive in the dungeon. Kong Sang offered to do anything for Feng Ruche if she would help him seek revenge. Later, Du Xianyin received a letter from Feng Ruche. Xu Yu intercepted the letter from a maid and delivered it to Du Xianyin, informing her that his spiritual power was too weak to fight many people to directly rescue Yun Muyang.
The letter invited Du Xianyin to meet. Du Xianyin then left the compound with Xu Yu. At their meeting, Du Xianyin was surprised to find Kong Sang with Feng Ruche. Kong Sang then confessed to Du Xianyin that her Golden Wings Plating Technique had been taught by him under Xuan Ji's instruction. He then confessed that Xuan Ji was not her mother and had manipulated both of them.
He revealed that Xuan Ji, whose original name was Du Ruo, had fallen in love with a Winged Clan nobleman—Du Xianyin's father—in her youth. As a Human Clan member during the Winged Clan's rule, Xuan Ji's low status led to her abandonment when Du Xianyin’s father married another noblewoman. Driven by vengeance, Xuan Ji joined the Tian Ji Sect to learn martial arts.
On Du Xianyin's one-month birthday, Xuan Ji slaughtered Du Xianyin's entire family, leaving only the infant Du Xianyin alive to be used as a pawn. Kong Sang also revealed that Xuan Ji had coerced him into making a human-skin mask, and that Xuan Ji herself was the true killer of Lian Yi.
He explained that Xuan Ji, his junior in the Tian Ji Sect, had used him to commit many deeds, only to imprison him, and he warned Du Xianyin not to suffer the same fate. Du Xianyin was overwhelmed by the truth. Feng Ruche, understanding her need for solitude, allowed Du Xianyin time to process these devastating revelations. The next day, Xuan Ji learned that both Du Xianyin and Kong Sang had disappeared.
Fearing betrayal, she immediately issued a kill order for them, a command secretly overheard by Du Xianyin. Du Xianyin was shocked and saddened; since Xuan Ji was so ruthless towards her, she resolved to show Xuan Ji no mercy in return. Wei Yuanting summoned Xuan Ji, presenting a warrant that implicated her in the murder of his son, Wei Zhao, and accused her of framing Pei Jing to incite conflict.
He also brought in Kong Sang, who not only corroborated Xuan Ji's treachery but also exposed her repeated mockery of Wei Yuanting's infertility. Enraged by this insult, Wei Yuanting ordered Xuan Ji to be taken to Wuji Arena for brutal torture. Meanwhile, Du Xianyin, using Xuan Ji's command seal, led Feng Ruche and her disguised companions into the dungeon to rescue Yun Muyang. Just as they were about to leave, Mu Qi and his men appeared, blocking their path.
Fortunately, Xu Yu arrived and skillfully disarmed Mu Qi's forces, allowing Du Xianyin and Feng Ruche to successfully escape with Yun Muyang. After securing Yun Muyang's release, Du Xianyin chose not to join Feng Ruche's group. She explained that she could not remain in Nanyu City and believed Yun Muyang would never forgive her. She entrusted Yun Muyang's care to Feng Ruche before departing alone. Feng Ruche's group, while attempting to return, was once again ambushed by Mu Qi.
Suddenly, a powerful gust of wind enveloped them, and everyone vanished. They later awoke back in the underground palace. Feng Ruche realized that Xue Jingkong had once again saved them, affirming that he had never truly left her side. Feng Ruche sought out Xue Jingkong on a secluded path. Upon finding him, he tried to push her away, claiming he had only used her to recover from his illness and now she was of no use to him.
But Feng Ruche, having learned the full truth from Xing Shangli, refused to let him go. She revealed she knew about their intertwined destinies—that only one of them could live—and recounted the story of her parents, who also faced a similar prophecy yet survived. Feng Ruche expressed her unwavering resolve to face life and death with him, believing in miracles and affirming that Xue Jingkong was the greatest miracle in her life.
Deeply moved by her words, Xue Jingkong could no longer resist. He embraced her, agreeing to stay and confront their fate together, hoping to find solutions. Du Xianyin then visited Xuan Ji, who was being cruelly tortured in Wuji Arena. Du Xianyin declared that after all Xuan Ji had put her through, she would not be satisfied until she witnessed Xuan Ji's death.
Xuan Ji, tears streaming down her face, confessed that despite everything, she had always viewed Du Xianyin as her own daughter. She claimed she kept Kong Sang alive to find a way to extend Du Xianyin's life, which was shortened by the Golden Wings Plating Technique. Du Xianyin, however, refused to believe her, asserting that Xuan Ji had personally destroyed her chance at happiness. Recognizing her desperate situation, Xuan Ji begged Du Xianyin for a quick death.
With tearful resolve, Du Xianyin took out her sword and ended Xuan Ji's life. Immediately after, Wei Yuanting arrived with his guards, clutching Wei Zhao's jade pendant, intending to avenge his son's death by killing Du Xianyin. Du Xianyin noticed that Wei Yuanting's jade pendant was identical to Yun Muyang's. Wei Yuanting explained that every male descendant of the Wei family possessed such a pendant.
He speculated that Du Xianyin was the only person Xuan Ji would have sent to kill Wei Zhao. Du Xianyin, however, calmly admitted that even without Xuan Ji's influence, she would have killed Wei Zhao for his constant harassment.
Episode 30 Recap
After Xuan Ji's death at her daughter Du Qian Yin's hands, Wei Yuanting appeared with guards, carrying Wei Zhao's jade pendant. He ordered Du Qian Yin to be shot, intending to avenge Wei Zhao, whom he believed she killed. Du Qian Yin keenly noticed that Wei Yuanting’s jade pendant was identical to Yun Muyang’s. However, Su Yu swiftly intervened, taking Du Qian Yin away as Wei Yuanting’s men pursued them.
Meanwhile, Yun Muyang visited the graves of his fallen Silver Wings Cavalry brethren. Feng Ruche found him there and revealed the truth about Lian Yi’s death: it was Xuan Ji who killed her, not Du Qian Yin. She also informed him that Du Qian Yin had risked her own life to save him. Yun Muyang was deeply pained by this revelation.
He acknowledged Du Qian Yin’s love, whether sincere or feigned, but stated that the countless lives of the Silver Wings Cavalry stood between them, making it impossible for them to ever be together again. Their conversation was overheard by Du Qian Yin through Su Yu's heaven's eyes. Su Yu, noticing her distress, mistakenly thought she was upset by his use of his powers.
Du Qian Yin shook her head, lamenting that if she could not see Yun Muyang, her life was meaningless. Knowing that his spiritual power was rapidly fading and his death was imminent, Su Yu expressed his desire to stay by Du Qian Yin's side until her last moment. Du Qian Yin, recognizing him as a fellow pitiable soul, agreed to let him accompany her, and they lived together.
Later, Yun Muyang entered Qi Zhenxian's room where a subordinate was supposedly packing his old belongings. The subordinate, however, was covertly searching for hidden treasures and soon uncovered Qi Zhenxian’s private stash of feather coins and an account book. He suggested they split the illicit gains, but Yun Muyang, realizing the subordinate's true intentions, drew his sword and killed him, ensuring the secret would be kept. Yun Muyang then burned the incriminating account books.
He recalled Du Qian Yin’s previous words about Qi Zhenxian colluding with Xuan Ji to sacrifice his men for money, which led him to agonizingly question his entire understanding of his supposed mentor and brother, feeling like the world's biggest fool for being exploited. Feng Ruche and Xue Jingkong spent time together under the moonlight, sharing moonshine. Feng Ruche playfully recounted a story she called "The Tyrant Fell in Love with Me," to which Xue Jingkong teasingly called her shameless.
She candidly admitted to having secretly read his book, "The Art of Romance." Feng Ruche then voiced her worries about their differing aging processes, fearing that she would grow old and ugly while he remained eternally youthful, making it impossible for them to grow old together. Xue Jingkong lovingly reassured her that he would cherish her regardless of her appearance, whether old or young, pretty or ugly.
Overjoyed, Feng Ruche raised her cup for a toast, but Xue Jingkong stopped her, demanding she never drink moonshine with anyone else, openly admitting his jealousy. Feng Ruche noted that he had changed, becoming more direct and honest, and he attributed this transformation to her. She then promised to marry him after she successfully conquered Nanyu City.
She presented him with a handmade bracelet, asking him to fasten it on her wrist and giving him the only key, warning that if he didn't return for her, she would be bound by it forever. As she rested her head on his shoulder, growing sleepy, she expressed her trust in his eternal protection. Xue Jingkong, with tears in his eyes, vowed to protect her forever.
However, fearing the dangers that lay ahead and the insurmountable barrier of their intertwined spiritual powers that threatened Feng Ruche, Xue Jingkong tearfully used a powerful secret art to erase all of Feng Ruche's memories of him, believing it was the only way to protect her. The next morning, Feng Ruche awoke with a sense of unease, feeling as though something was missing, though she couldn't recall what.
She found herself inexplicably crying and discovered the bracelet on her wrist, unable to remove it. Meanwhile, Xue Jingkong was left weak and sorrowful, his cryo-sickness intensifying. Xing Shangli, who was attending to him, noted that Feng Ruche had previously proposed a solution involving monthly meetings to balance their spiritual powers. However, Xue Jingkong dismissed it, explaining that the rapid growth of spiritual power in his body made her method insufficient to save either of them.
He confessed that he had acted selfishly in wanting her to remember him, but he now accepted the drastic measure of erasing her memories. Realizing he couldn't erase the memories of everyone around her, Xue Jingkong had sought out Yun Muyang, asking him to ensure that no one would mention Xue Jingkong to Feng Ruche. Yun Muyang, understanding the gravity of the situation, agreed to ensure others in the Silver Wings Cavalry would also comply.
Xing Shangli mourned that Xue Jingkong would now bear all her suffering and ultimately die alone. Xue Jingkong acknowledged this fate, finding comfort in the thought that Feng Ruche would be safe and well, reflecting that she had brought color to his otherwise cold world, even if he couldn't remain by her side. He wondered if, upon death, even the memories of love would vanish.
Back in her duties, Feng Ruche felt a vague recollection of another Master who had taught her, but she couldn't recall his face or name. Yun Muyang subtly reinforced her amnesia by telling her that the Master had left after her training was complete, and advised her to focus on matters of the world and forget unimportant people and things. Feng Ruche then convened a meeting with Yun Muyang and Yu Guocong to plan the conquest of Nanyu City.
A secret letter from Kong Sang in Nanyu City informed them that Wei Yuanting, being excessively cautious and still shaken by Xuan Ji’s betrayal, would secretly move Wei Zhao’s memorial tablet to the imperial mausoleum in ten days, a custom-breaking act. Yu Guocong suggested this secret event presented a prime opportunity for an assassination, as it would be the only time to strike at Wei Yuanting, who had otherwise heavily guarded the palace.
However, Feng Ruche expressed reservations about Kong Sang's reliability and the inherent dangers of such a risky move, deciding to take a few more days to deliberate. Meanwhile, Wei Yuanting, anxious about reclaiming his power, was presented with a potent medicine by a subordinate, who claimed it would "revive his glory." Suspicious, Wei Yuanting demanded the subordinate consume some first.
The subordinate hesitated, citing his old age, but Wei Yuanting, growing impatient, threatened to send him to "accompany Xuan Ji" if the medicine proved ineffective. Despite her memory loss, Feng Ruche was inexplicably drawn to the Fallen Leaves Path, a place that held deep significance for her and Xue Jingkong. Holding a pendant she found, she felt a strong sense of familiarity with both it and the path, which triggered a severe headache as fragmented memories struggled to surface.
Overwhelmed, she fainted by the roadside. Xue Jingkong, who had been secretly watching over her, appeared and carried her to a nearby house. He wore a mask, concealing his identity, and tended to her wounds from the citrus leaves that had poisoned her. When Feng Ruche awoke, she questioned his identity. He claimed to be a mountain farmer, but she noted his delicate hands and the numerous books in his house, deducing he must be a Master or teacher.
She pressed him to reveal his face, but he refused, urging her to leave after taking her medicine. As he helped her to her feet, Feng Ruche seized the opportunity and quickly removed his mask.
Episode 31 Recap
Feng Ruche, upon discovering Xue Jingkong, unmasked him and complimented his handsome appearance, though she no longer recognized him, identifying him only as her benefactor. She intended to leave, but a heavy rain began, forcing her to stay in the bamboo house. Inside, she noticed pear blossom pastries on a table, which were her favorite, and delightedly took one to eat.
Despite not remembering Xue Jingkong, she felt an inexplicable sense of familiarity, commenting that he looked kind and special, and that being in his home felt like being home herself. She even showed him a communication device called Milliweb, which she made, explaining that one of a pair had died and she was searching for the missing half, hoping to find a forgotten person. Xue Jingkong coldly denied they had ever met, suggesting her efforts would be futile.
When the rain stopped, he promptly told her she could leave. Before departing, Feng Ruche, impressed by his wisdom, asked if she could seek his guidance for future problems and promised to visit again, hoping to enjoy the pear blossom pastries once more. Xue Jingkong, watching her go, silently acknowledged that she no longer remembered or loved him, and that the Flower Goddess’s power would not transfer.
He found solace in simply seeing her again in what he believed to be his final days. Back at the Silverwing Cavalry, Feng Ruche learned from a subordinate that Yun Muyang had disregarded her orders and led his men to Nanyu City to assassinate Wei Yuanting. She also discovered that Yu Guocong had personally taken three elite troops to support General Yun.
This news immediately raised Feng Ruche’s suspicions; she sensed a trap from Yu Guocong and ordered her forces to set off for Nanyu City at once. Meanwhile, Du Xianyin, worried about Yun Muyang, attempted to have Xuru use his powers to check on Wei Yuanting’s situation, but Xuru’s abilities were too depleted. Du Xianyin, despite her own declining health and the painful truth she carried about Yun Muyang's parentage, chose to shield him from his ancestry.
At the same time, Wei Yuanting, anticipating an attack, was already preparing his defenses and ordered the capture and execution of Kong Sang. On the way to Nanyu City, Feng Ruche intercepted Yu Guocong.
He confirmed that the Royal Mausoleum was indeed a trap set by Wei Yuanting and revealed his plan: to use Yun Muyang’s attack on the mausoleum as a diversion to weaken the palace defenses, allowing Yu Guocong and Feng Ruche to attack the palace and seize power. Feng Ruche accused him of sending General Yun to his death.
Yu Guocong argued that a king must be ruthless, but Feng Ruche, citing a saying that "a man of honor knows what must be done and what must not be done," declared that as Empress, she would never sacrifice General Yun. She promptly left with her forces to aid Yun Muyang. As Yun Muyang confronted Wei Yuanting, he found himself surrounded by a large number of soldiers.
Du Xianyin, witnessing the escalating battle through her heavenly eye, broke free from Xuru's desperate attempts to stop her. Xuru warned her that her un-plated wings and festering back wound meant flying or fighting would be fatal, but Du Xianyin was determined to save Yun Muyang. She arrived at the battlefield and desperately shouted for Wei Yuanting to stop. Yun Muyang saw the blood seeping through her back, alarming him, but she did not disclose her severe condition.
When a soldier (Mu Xi) moved to strike Yun Muyang from behind, Du Xianyin courageously stepped in front of the blade, taking the fatal blow and collapsing into Yun Muyang's arms. Just as Yun Muyang was about to be overwhelmed, Feng Ruche arrived, her golden wings extended, leading her troops to reinforce him. In Yun Muyang’s arms, a dying Du Xianyin made him promise not to seek revenge for her or kill Wei Yuanting.
She told him not to be sad, explaining that she had been a mere pawn, but it was he who taught her how to love. She found solace in dying by his side, believing it was far better than dying alone, and urged him to never forget her, to always remember her throughout her life. Yun Muyang, heartbroken, finally asked if "what happened that night was real," implying they had long been husband and wife.
With her last breath, Du Xianyin recited, "Meeting you, it's like showering in the warm sunshine," revealing that in her tragic life, he was her only sunshine. She then revealed her name, Du Xianyin (meaning "slender rhythm"), and connected it to his, Yun Muyang (meaning "shower sunshine"), before she passed away. Xuru arrived moments later, deeply saddened by her death.
Meanwhile, Yu Guocong had successfully breached the Nanyu City palace and obtained an imperial seal of Lanzhou, ready to declare his authority. However, before he could issue his command, Feng Ruche, with her golden wings unfurled, appeared with another imperial seal.
She declared herself Feng Ruche, the true Winged Empress, and asserted her right to regain the throne of the Feng family, commanding all soldiers to abandon the traitor Wei Yuanting if they wished to avoid being labeled as traitors themselves. Witnessing her legitimate claim and the popular support she garnered, Yu Guocong, unwilling to be branded a rebel like Wei Yuanting, chose to submit to Feng Ruche.
Wei Yuanting, in his confusion, insisted he was the Empress, but was swiftly captured by his now defected forces. Feng Ruche then reinstated Yu Guocong as Emperor Yu, second only to herself, acknowledging his strategic contributions. The battle concluded, and a devastated Yun Muyang carried Du Xianyin's body away.
Feng Ruche later revealed that she had anticipated Yu Guocong's attempt to seize the imperial seal and had a fake one prepared, knowing her orthodox Feng family bloodline as the Empress of the Oracle would command allegiance where a mere seal might not. Years passed, and Feng Ruche, now a matured and wise ruler, sat on the throne of Nanyu City.
Her experiences and the sacrifices of her friends and family had transformed her into the Empress she was destined to be. She later returned to the bamboo house to seek Xue Jingkong, whom she now saw as a trusted hermit and advisor.
She explained her decision not to execute Wei Yuanting, citing that he could be used to restrain Yu Guocong and his army could be offered amnesty to stabilize the region, despite potential dissatisfaction from the Silverwing Cavalry, especially Yun Muyang. Xue Jingkong offered guidance by quoting Emperor Wulie Feng Ren: "The sage has no invariable mind of his own, he makes his mind of the mind of the people."
He elaborated that a good king prioritizes the people's will, ensuring prosperity and peace. Feng Ruche grasped that in a war-torn Lanzhou, the people yearned for an end to conflict, and all other matters could be planned later.
Realizing the depth of his wisdom, she knelt and asked Xue Jingkong to be her teacher, confessing that she also harbored a personal desire: she felt a profound sense of peace and security whenever she saw him and wished for him to remain by her side.
Although he initially hesitated, reminding her of her status as Empress, she insisted she was "Ah Che" to him, not just Empress, and pleaded with him to return to Nanyu City with her as her Master.
Episode 32 Recap
Grief-stricken, Yun Muyang kept vigil by Du Xianyin's tomb, recalling their wedding vows and the promise he made to protect her. He remembered her asking him to trust and love her, vowing to be together through thick and thin until death parted them. He lamented that she had wanted him to remember her forever, yet now she was gone, leaving him to question her cruelty. Rain Guocong appeared, asserting that there were things even more cruel in the world.
He goaded Yun Muyang, mentioning that Wei Yuanting was imprisoned, and implying Yun Muyang was weak for not seeking revenge. Yun Muyang angrily dismissed him, but Rain Guocong persisted, urging him to reconsider letting go of his enemy. Rain Guocong then went to Wei Yuanting’s prison cell, announcing he had good news: though Wei Yuanting had lost his son Wei Zhao, he still had another son. Wei Yuanting reacted with disbelief.
Rain Guocong took a pendant from Wei Yuanting, identifying it as a Wei family heirloom he had seen on someone else and confirming its inscription. He then revealed the identity of Wei Yuanting's son's mother, a prostitute from Yong Cui Brothel with whom Wei Yuanting had fallen deeply in love in his youth and given a pendant, before they were separated by war.
Wei Yuanting demanded to know who his son was, and Rain Guocong ominously suggested that the child would be overwhelmed with sorrow to know his birth father, especially upon learning that he killed the woman he loved. With a grin, Rain Guocong unchained Wei Yuanting, offering one last "help" before the anticipated reunion of father and son. Yun Muyang soon arrived at Wei Yuanting's cell, intending to exact revenge.
Wei Yuanting mocked Yun Muyang for possessing only a "poor pendant" despite being a general, offering him riches to leave. Yun Muyang scorned the offer, declaring that his pendant, given by his birth parents, was more valuable than any wealth Wei Yuanting could offer. He announced that their blood feud would be settled that day. Yun Muyang plunged his sword into Wei Yuanting, who made no attempt to resist.
As he lay dying, Wei Yuanting looked at Yun Muyang and remarked that he strongly resembled his mother, expressing joy that the Wei family still had a descendant. Stunned, Yun Muyang repeatedly questioned what Wei Yuanting meant, but his biological father died before he could get answers. Realizing the devastating truth, Yun Muyang cried out Du Xianyin’s name, finally understanding why she had urged him not to kill Wei Yuanting.
He bitterly reflected on the irony and ridiculousness of his life, recalling Du Xianyin's dying wish not to avenge her. He had named himself Yun Muyang to bring sunshine to others and believed he was capable of everything, yet in the end, everything was lost.
He felt his entire life was a ridiculous joke, lamenting that only Du Xianyin had ever treated him sincerely, saving him repeatedly, and even in death, showing consideration by stopping him from killing his own father. Overwhelmed by sorrow, he begged Du Xianyin to return, believing she was all he had left. Meanwhile, Feng Ruche and Xue Jingkong were back in the palace. Feng Ruche, now the Winged Empress, played a melancholic song she called "Ode of Defoliation."
She expressed her belief that leaves should remain attached to the tree rather than falling and nourishing the soil. Xue Jingkong gently pointed out that she had forgotten to address herself as Empress, a mistake she had made before. Feng Ruche, however, felt that since she was the true Empress, such titles no longer mattered. Xue Jingkong noted that she had truly grown up.
Later, as snow began to fall, Feng Ruche remembered it was someone's birthday, but she could not recall who it was, which filled her with sadness. Xue Jingkong suggested that forgetting might be for the best if it brought her peace, as memories could fade and sometimes cause unhappiness. Feng Ruche disagreed, asserting that while forgetting might allow her life to move forward, it would also mean losing joy.
She surmised the person’s name might contain the character "Xue" and wished she could preserve the falling snowflakes for him. Xue Jingkong affirmed that she could, then produced a Frost Bottle she had been given by Feng Ruche in the past, explaining it would keep the snowflakes from melting. Feng Ruche marveled at its beauty. Their peace was interrupted when Yun Muyang forcefully entered, disregarding a guard's claim that Her Majesty was unwell.
He confronted Feng Ruche, who was still enjoying the snow, and declared she had denied his request to eliminate Rain Guocong. Yun Muyang argued that Rain Guocong’s ambition would destabilize the nation if he remained. Feng Ruche countered that Yun Muyang's prior killing of Wei Yuanting had already caused unrest, stirring conflict among Yunzhou's 15 cities after Wei Yuanting's army had initially surrendered. Yun Muyang sarcastically suggested she was generously rewarding Rain Guocong.
Feng Ruche clarified that she was strategically containing Rain Guocong and intended to kill him at the right time. However, Yun Muyang accused her of being afraid for her throne. When a guard tried to defend Feng Ruche, Yun Muyang dismissed it, claiming people change, even referencing Qi Zhenxian's hypocrisy. Feng Ruche acknowledged Yun Muyang's pain over Du Xianyin's death but urged him, as a general, to consider the larger picture.
Yun Muyang, tired of such talk, stormed off, leaving Feng Ruche and Xue Jingkong worried. Xue Jingkong later visited Yun Muyang, who implored him to use his magic to help kill Rain Guocong. Xue Jingkong reiterated Feng Ruche’s stance that Rain Guocong could not be harmed yet. Yun Muyang, however, was consumed by rage, blaming Rain Guocong for Du Xianyin's death and for manipulating him into killing Wei Yuanting, his own birth father. He demanded Xue Jingkong accompany him.
Xue Jingkong regretfully refused, stating he could not assist in this matter. Yun Muyang accused Xue Jingkong of only helping Feng Ruche and dismissed his ideals of justice as nonsense. Xue Jingkong warned Yun Muyang against going too far in his grief. Yun Muyang defiantly declared that only Du Xianyin had truly cared for him, and he had failed her in the name of righteousness.
Xue Jingkong cautioned that Yun Muyang was trapping himself in a cage of his own making, not one created by others. Yun Muyang refused to listen further. On the seventh day after Wei Yuanting's death (known as 'Head Seven Day'), Yun Muyang received news that Rain Guocong was offering prayers at Wei Yuanting’s tomb. He drugged Fang Qimo and Lin Yuecong to unconsciousness and gathered his loyal brothers, declaring their intention to strike a decisive blow.
When questioned about keeping Fang Qimo and Lin Yuecong uninformed, Yun Muyang stated that Feng Ruche was "blindfolded by the treacher" and their actions were to rid the empress of evil, not to rebel. He assumed full responsibility for the consequences and led his Silver Winged Cavalry to confront Rain Guocong. Lin Yuecong and Fang Qimo soon discovered the cavalry was gone without imperial orders, immediately suspecting Yun Muyang.
At Wei Yuanting’s tomb, Rain Guocong reflected on his long history with Wei Yuanting, recalling his past as a humble man taken in by the nobleman. He mused on forgetting each other in the next life and swore he would spare Wei Yuanting's son if he posed no threat. Yun Muyang then appeared. Rain Guocong offered him a final chance, promising to forgive his past misdeeds if he surrendered.
Yun Muyang scornfully dismissed it as begging, declaring he cared nothing for Nanyudu and only sought to kill the traitor. Rain Guocong lamented Yun Muyang’s transformation from a benevolent general. He then called out "Pei Jing," a signal. Feng Ruche was alerted and knew this was Rain Guocong activating his city-wide secret sentries, whose activation would jeopardize their earlier plans to dismantle them if he was endangered. Lin Yuecong and Fang Qimo also immediately recognized the signal and its implications.
As chaos erupted across Nanyudu, with prisoners released and the city ravaged, Rain Guocong sneered at Yun Muyang, declaring that Du Xianyin's death and the ensuing turmoil were his doing, and that he would use the chaos to legitimize his claim as Winged Emperor.
Amidst the pandemonium, Feng Ruche ordered Lin Yuecong and Fang Qimo to deploy the Golden Imperial Guards to quell the unrest, while Xue Jingkong quickly accompanied her to the outskirts of the city to confront Yun Muyang and Rain Guocong. Feng Ruche sternly questioned them for engaging in a private battle, asking if they still regarded her as Empress. Rain Guocong claimed Yun Muyang initiated the fight and he merely retaliated.
Feng Ruche then accused Rain Guocong of his men burning and ravaging the city, to which he responded by asking if she now saw Yun Muyang’s true colors. As they argued, Yun Muyang seized the moment and stabbed Rain Guocong. With his dying breath, Rain Guocong expressed a grim satisfaction, noting he had died at Wei Yuanting's son's hand, deeming it "worths." He addressed Wei Yuanting as "Brother," expressing joy at their reunion.
Rain Guocong's followers, witnessing his death, immediately surrendered. Meanwhile, Susu, having returned to his master, desperately begged him to revive Du Xianyin, asserting his master's boundless power. The master stated that only if he himself could break free from his seal could Du Xianyin be resurrected. Susu offered to serve him again and even kill Fang Wuyi, but the master dismissed Susu's offer, noting Susu's own depleted power. Susu then suggested there was someone else who would surely serve the master.
Episode 33 Recap
After Yun Muyang killed Yu Guo Cong, Feng Ruche confronted him. She inquired about the city's situation, which was stabilizing, then chastised Yun Muyang for his actions, highlighting that his killing of Yu Guo Cong was for personal revenge, not the nation's welfare. Feng Ruche reminded him that her orders were to dismantle Yu Guo Cong's secret network systematically, but he had acted alone, jeopardizing the people's safety.
Yun Muyang remained defiant, stating that a traitor had been killed and Feng Ruche could punish him as she wished. Feng Ruche declared that while disobeying military orders usually warranted beheading, she would spare his life due to his past contributions. She sentenced him to 100 beatings with a cane, stripped him of his title as General, and decreed that he would never be employed again. As Yun Muyang was led away, he defiantly challenged Feng Ruche to kill him.
Xu Yu sought out his former master, Jin Nian, to plead for Du Xianyin's life. Jin Nian, who was imprisoned, expressed surprise at Xu Yu's return. Xu Yu begged Jin Nian to save Du Xianyin, insisting that Jin Nian's limitless powers surely could revive her, even though she was dead. Jin Nian cunningly replied that if he could break his seal, Du Xianyin could indeed be brought back to life.
Xu Yu, eager to help, offered to work for Jin Nian again and even kill Fang Wuyi. Jin Nian dismissed Xu Yu as useless due to his depleted powers but then suggested that Xu Yu knew someone else who would be willing to work for him. Feng Ruche returned to the school, where she began to recall fragmented memories of Xue Jingkong.
These recollections included shared moments, conversations about pineapple tarts, and her declaration that she would marry him after conquering Nanyu City. She also remembered him giving her an ornament for their wedding. Upon finding a key for her bracelet and seeing Xue Jingkong approach her, she fully recovered her memories, including his name. Feng Ruche rushed to him, kissing him passionately. Xue Jingkong, trying to maintain his composure, gently pushed her away.
However, seeing her heartbroken expression, he embraced her tightly. As they held each other, Feng Ruche suddenly felt terrible, as if her energy was being drained, and she struggled to stay close to Xue Jingkong. He recognized that her body could not withstand the Flower Goddess's spiritual power and, distraught, pushed her away again, blaming himself. He declared that he shouldn't go near her and vowed to save her.
Just as Xue Jingkong prepared to sacrifice himself once more to save Feng Ruche, Xing Shangli appeared behind them. Xing Shangli assured them that neither of them had to die. He explained that he had returned to Stars Pavilion, found broken pieces of the Flower Goddess's pendant, and crafted a special piece of jade. This double pendant represented the Flower Goddess Shao Wu and her lover Pian Yu.
He claimed that combining them would appease the Flower Goddess, absorb the excessive power within Xue Jingkong, and halt the power transfer between him and Feng Ruche. Xue Jingkong anxiously asked when Feng Ruche would fully recover. However, to Xue Jingkong's horror, Xing Shangli suddenly stabbed himself with a knife, revealing that the jade's power could only be fully activated by sacrificing the crafter's life. This was the only way.
As he lay dying, Xing Shangli entrusted the Flower Goddess Jade to Xue Jingkong, urging him to wear it to ensure both their lives would be saved. He confessed that he knew this method all along but hadn't wanted to die, cherishing life with all its pleasures. He then declared Xue Jingkong the last hope of Stars Pavilion, unable to face his own masters in the afterlife if Xue Jingkong were to perish.
Xue Jingkong, devastated, accepted the responsibility, promising to take care of Stars Pavilion and urging Xing Shangli to rest in peace. Consumed by grief and alcohol, Yun Muyang became a mere shadow of his former self. Xu Yu appeared before him, and Yun Muyang, recognizing Xu Yu as the killer of his adoptive parents, immediately drew his sword to attack.
Xu Yu accepted the blow, stating he owed Yun Muyang this, but then asked for a favor: to help save Du Xianyin. Before Xu Yu died, he allowed Yun Muyang to dream of Du Xianyin, filling his mind with her cherished memories. Upon waking, Yun Muyang found himself in a cave, confronted by Xu Yu's master, Jin Nian, who introduced himself as an ancient god governing dreams and the only one capable of resurrecting Du Xianyin.
Yun Muyang initially refused to cooperate, recognizing Jin Nian as the ancient beast imprisoned at the Sinkhole of the Western Sea by Fang Wuyi, also known as Xue Jingkong, who had caused destruction in the world. Jin Nian, however, dismissed these concerns and used his dream powers to conjure an illusion of Du Xianyin, who pleaded with Yun Muyang to embrace a simple life with her and even have children.
Overwhelmed, Yun Muyang cried out to Jin Nian, demanding Du Xianyin be returned to him. Jin Nian then leveraged Yun Muyang's desire, promising to resurrect Du Xianyin and even his adoptive parents. He revealed that Xu Yu was a manifestation of his leaked power, thus absolving Yun Muyang from full blame for his parents' death.
To seal the deal, Jin Nian demanded that Yun Muyang kill Xue Jingkong within ten days; otherwise, Jin Nian's body would remain sealed in the Western Sea forever, and Yun Muyang's loved ones would remain as dry bones. Yun Muyang, desperate, agreed.
As preparations for Feng Ruche and Xue Jingkong's wedding began, Feng Ruche shared a light-hearted moment with Xue Jingkong, playfully demanding that she, as the Empress, should be the one to propose and that he merely needed to look pretty. Xue Jingkong agreed, finding her bossy but endearing. Meanwhile, Xue Jingkong sensed a renewed abnormality within himself.
He realized that while the Flower Goddess Jade could protect Feng Ruche, his own spiritual power was growing too rapidly for the jade to contain. He lamented that despite all their efforts, he was still inevitably heading towards death, unable to overcome the Flower Goddess. Around this time, rumors began circulating in the city: "The empress appears when the golden wings spread. The city of Nanyu falls when the Seven Stars fade."
Although her officials suggested suppressing the rumors and focusing on her wedding, Feng Ruche acknowledged that the first half of the prophecy had already come true and wondered if the second half, concerning the fall of Nanyu should the Seven Stars fade, also held truth. She was told that the Seven Star lamps in Novoland Hall, representing Novoland itself, would signify its downfall if they faded.
Despite the concerns, Feng Ruche resolved to uphold her duties and prepare for her wedding, believing that rumors dissipate before the wise. Later, Yun Muyang unexpectedly appeared before Feng Ruche while she was preparing for her wedding. He directly asked if she cared about Xue Jingkong's life, revealing that Xue Jingkong's Flower Goddess powers were still continuously growing.
Yun Muyang explained that Xue Jingkong had kept this hidden to spare her worry, but warned that Xue Jingkong would die once the Flower Goddess fully emerged. Feng Ruche was initially skeptical, remarking that she sensed nothing despite their closeness. Yun Muyang challenged her to investigate the truth for herself. Troubled by his words, Feng Ruche covertly observed Xue Jingkong and saw the distinct flower mark on his back, confirming Yun Muyang's alarming revelation and leaving her deeply distressed.
Episode 34 (Ending) Recap
Sensing Xue Jingkong's deteriorating condition due to the Flower Goddess's curse, Feng Ruche entered his room while he was bathing, though she pretended not to notice. She told him that a meteor shower would occur in a few days and asked if they could watch it together, to which Xue Jingkong readily agreed. Later, Feng Ruche and Yun Muyang delved into the books left by Xing Shang Li, discovering a way to save Xue Jingkong.
They found that breaking the Flower Goddess's Jade and transferring the Flower Goddess's spiritual power to Feng Ruche would reopen the energy channel and save Xue Jingkong. However, the Flower Goddess's Jade was difficult to destroy and required the legendary Flower Shifter Nail from Stars Pavilion. Yun Muyang warned Feng Ruche that if the spiritual power transferred to her, her mortal body would be reduced to ashes.
Feng Ruche, understanding her sacrifice, resolved to proceed, declaring she would be selfish for once to save Xue Jingkong, who had done so much for her. As they watched the meteor shower together, Xue Jingkong explained that the meteor dust kept Novoland afloat and spoke of the Scorching Core within the Sky Eye, created by Feng Ruche's grandfather, Ji Shu, which was powerful enough to destroy an entire city.
Feng Ruche, burdened by her secret plan, asked Xue Jingkong if he would remember her if they were ever separated. He promised he would, urging her to look up at the star of Gu Xuan, the star of parting, and think of him, as he would summon a meteor shower to fulfill all her wishes. Feng Ruche, however, wished for a star of reunion.
As they embraced, Feng Ruche placed what she believed was the Flower Shifter Nail into Xue Jingkong's chest. He immediately began to bleed, shocking Feng Ruche, who realized something was terribly wrong. Yun Muyang then emerged from the shadows, revealing that the Flower Shifter Nail was a myth; the item was actually the Soul Reaper Nail, which he had deliberately placed in Stars Pavilion. He claimed it could instantly kill even a powerful magician like Xue Jingkong.
Feng Ruche then disclosed that she had already suspected the book wasn't truly Xing Shang Li's work, but Xue Jingkong had refused to believe Yun Muyang would betray him. Despite Yun Muyang's deception, Xue Jingkong was not severely wounded by the Soul Reaper Nail. Overcome with malice, Yun Muyang taunted Xue Jingkong, claiming he could still kill him without the nail. Yun Muyang then summoned Jin Nian's spiritual power to attack Xue Jingkong.
A fierce battle ensued, with Xue Jingkong wielding his staff. During their confrontation, Yun Muyang cunningly stole the Flower Goddess's Jade from Xue Jingkong and brutally smashed it. With the Flower Goddess's Jade destroyed, the spiritual channel between Xue Jingkong and Feng Ruche was forcibly reopened, initiating the transfer of energy. Yun Muyang mockingly addressed Xue Jingkong by his true name, Fang Wu Yi, asking if he wanted to see Feng Ruche die with her organs ruptured and soul destroyed.
Feng Ruche, accepting her fate, told Xue Jingkong she was happy to have loved him in this life. Unable to bear witnessing Feng Ruche's demise, Xue Jingkong defeated Yun Muyang, then made the ultimate sacrifice. He plunged his staff into his own body, ending his life to break the Flower Goddess's curse.
With his dying breath, Xue Jingkong promised to protect Feng Ruche forever and ever, asking her to live a good life, and whispering "I love you" as he faded into ashes while Feng Ruche cried in anguish. Xue Jingkong's death shattered Jin Nian's seal, releasing it from captivity. Jin Nian, enraged, vowed revenge on Xue Jingkong by harming Feng Ruche. However, an unseen spiritual energy protected Feng Ruche, holding Jin Nian at bay.
Feng Ruche, realizing Xue Jingkong was still guarding her, remembered his earlier words about the Sky Eye's Scorching Core, which could destroy an entire city. She understood Xue Jingkong's unspoken message: she must use the Scorching Core to defeat Jin Nian. An emergency declaration was sounded in Nanyu, causing widespread panic as citizens feared the city's collapse.
As Feng Ruche moved to retrieve the Scorching Core, Yun Muyang confronted her, determined to protect Jin Nian, believing it could resurrect his beloved Qian Yin in the Eternal Dreamland. Feng Ruche vehemently argued that the dreamland was an illusion and Qian Yin could not be brought back. In their brutal fight, Yun Muyang severely wounded Feng Ruche's golden wings.
Just as Feng Ruche faced imminent danger, her sword, the Ruche Sword, rose into the air before her, guided by an unseen force. Realizing Xue Jingkong was fighting alongside her, Feng Ruche wielded the sword, defeating Yun Muyang. As he died, Yun Muyang saw a final illusion of Qian Yin. Feng Ruche successfully retrieved the Scorching Core and used its immense power to destroy Jin Nian. Despite the immense power of the Scorching Core, Feng Ruche miraculously survived.
Soon after, Fang Qimo discovered Xue Jingkong's body, preserved in ice in a frozen lake outside the city. Feng Ruche rushed there, finding him submerged, confirming that he had never truly left her. With peace restored, Feng Ruche rebuilt Nanyu City and returned Shuang City to the human race.
She enacted laws ensuring equal rights and co-governance for humans and the Winged clan, reduced taxes, and welcomed advice, becoming the most virtuous ruler in the history of the Lanzhou Continent, surpassing her predecessors. Though her subjects praised the Winged Empress's benevolence, those close to her knew that her face had not borne a smile since that fateful day, and she remained more solitary than the most spectacular fireworks in the sky.
Ten years later, Feng Ruche visited the frozen lake, carrying Pear Blossom Crisp. She spoke to Xue Jingkong, recounting the changes over the decade, never forgetting him. As a tear of longing fell from her eye, the ice surface began to crack, and spiritual orchids bloomed around them. Xue Jingkong, clad in white, materialized before her. Feng Ruche, overjoyed and tearful, rushed to embrace him. However, Xue Jingkong had no memory of who he was or even his own name.
Feng Ruche, undeterred, held him close, telling him his name was Xue Jingkong and that the first snow marked his birthday. After years of separation, they were finally reunited, having broken the Flower Goddess's curse. Feng Ruche vowed to never let go of his hand again, embracing their shared future as true lovers finally found their way back to each other.
