Prodigy Healer Recap, Plot, Synopsis
Prodigy Healer Synopsis
A young man of the Shenmu tribe, Mu Xingduan, who comes from a family of studying medicine for generations, saves Ye Yunsheng, the daughter of a medical family who mistakenly enters the territory.
He travels with Ye Yunshang to the troubled world of the Republic of China to escape from the internal strife of the royal family but encounters a rare plague. Ye Xingchen saves the lives of the people with his “Qing Nang Skill”, and experiences all kinds of temptations and trials of love. He finally becomes a top healer of the generation.
In the end, he gives up his throne and travels the world with his lover, Ye Yunsheng, to help all living beings.
Prodigy Healer Recap
Episode 1 Recap
In the Republican era, Ye Yunshang, a beautiful young lady from a prominent and wealthy medical family, found herself constantly annoyed by Police Chief Qiao Zhentian, who relentlessly pursued her affection. Her father, Doctor Ye, managed a thriving medical clinic alongside numerous businesses, including banks, pawnshops, and department stores. Upon arriving in Yunhai City, Ye Yunshang was greeted warmly by her close friend, Chu Tianyao, and her maid, Ding Xiang.
Learning her father had been called away on urgent business and unwilling to face her stepmother, Yunshang decided to stay at the clinic. There, she shared her vision with Tianyao of establishing an innovative new clinic that would merge Chinese and Western medical practices. Their conversation was interrupted when Police Chief Qiao Zhentian burst in, rudely demanding immediate medical attention for his father and threatening to smash the clinic if he wasn't saved.
Yunshang quickly diagnosed the man with a stroke caused by a blood vessel blockage and successfully treated him. Qiao Zhentian then changed his tune, complimenting Yunshang's beauty and medical prowess. She, however, rebuked him for his aggressive behavior. Qiao Zhentian tried to explain his father suffered from a chronic condition, but Yunshang remained unimpressed. A subordinate, Young Master Shang Guan, interjected, reminding everyone of Yunshang's father's influential position as the mayor.
Later, Yunshang instructed Ding Xiang to manage the clinic while she and Tianyao went to the mist forest to gather herbs. Despite Ding Xiang's repeated warnings about the forest’s impenetrable fog, man-eating monsters, and the many who never returned, Yunshang, a practitioner of Western medicine, dismissed the tales as superstition. During their journey, Yunshang confided in Tianyao that Qiao Zhentian had been pestering her to marry him since they were children, a prospect she found utterly detestable.
As they ventured deeper, Yunshang spotted a rare blue lotus growing on a cliff edge. Against Tianyao's advice, she insisted on collecting it, asking her friend to hold her hand as she reached out. In a sudden mishap, Yunshang lost her footing and plummeted down the cliff face. Miraculously, she landed completely unharmed. She had fallen into the secluded territory of the Shenmu Tribe, a reclusive clan renowned for their mastery of the healing arts.
Yunshang observed the tribe engaged in a sacred ritual. The Shenmu Elder congratulated the Chief, announcing that their sacred tree had finally borne a holy fruit. This precious fruit, which ripened only once every century, symbolized a cycle of reincarnation. The Chief declared his son, Mu Xingchen, would retrieve the holy fruit to be made into medicine for the tribe's longevity.
He also announced that upon success, Mu Xingchen would inherit his position as Chief and marry Yue Ying, the Elder's daughter and his childhood companion. However, Mu Xingchen was reluctant. His aide, Shi Hu, urged him to undertake the mission, reminding him of his duty. Playfully defiant, Mu Xingchen questioned the value of such rituals and jokingly suggested Shi Hu take his place.
Mu Xingchen complained about the dangers of the man-eating forest and expressed his desire to abolish such rules if he ever became Chief. Shi Hu pointed out that Mu Xingchen's preference for medical studies over magic had left him ill-prepared for the journey's challenges. Frustrated, Mu Xingchen declared he was going back to sleep.
Meanwhile, Yue Ying expressed her concern for Mu Xingchen's safety to her father, the Elder, who insisted that passing this trial was essential for him to inherit the chieftaincy. As Mu Xingchen successfully navigated the treacherous forest, Yue Ying and her father, the Elder, celebrated his progress. Hidden nearby, Yunshang, captivated by the spectacle, used her camera to take a photograph. The bright flash startled the tribespeople.
As she tried to flee, a gigantic eagle seized her by the shoulder and lifted her into the air. She struggled fiercely, causing the eagle to release her, sending her plummeting once again. Yet, she landed safely. Just as Mu Xingchen plucked the holy fruit, he witnessed Yunshang's bizarre fall from the sky. Startled, he lost his footing and tumbled from the sacred tree, dropping the precious fruit.
Yunshang picked up the fallen fruit and, while examining it curiously, it suddenly flew into her mouth. She managed to spit out only the core. Mu Xingchen angrily confronted her, but Yunshang unapologetically claimed the fruit had flown into her mouth and was fair game. Mu Xingchen sternly warned her that she had committed a capital offense by consuming the holy fruit from their sacred tree, which took a thousand years to grow and fruited only once a century.
Unfazed, Yunshang offered him gold as compensation, which he found bewildering. Just then, a group of soldiers surrounded them. Yunshang admitted to eating the fruit, again offering money. A furious soldier moved to attack, but Mu Xingchen intervened, calling for Shi Hu. After consuming the holy fruit, Yunshang discovered she possessed extraordinary abilities, capable of leaping several meters at a time. She easily evaded the pursuing soldiers. When the Chief learned of the incident, he questioned Mu Xingchen.
The Elder deduced that the intruder must have fallen from the cliff, as the tribe's defensive array would have detected any other entry. The Chief then declared that any trespasser must die, especially a thief who had devoured their sacred fruit, vowing she would not leave alive. Meanwhile, outside the tribe's hidden domain, Police Chief Qiao Zhentian and Doctor Ye were desperately searching for Yunshang at the base of the cliff, which they deemed a "bottomless pit."
Qiao Zhentian promised Doctor Ye he would find Yunshang, referring to her as his girlfriend. Having outrun her pursuers, Yunshang stumbled into Mu Xingchen's room. She began to examine his ancient medical books, fascinated by their contents. Mu Xingchen soon returned to find his room in disarray and Yunshang hiding there. He confronted her for eating the holy fruit and messing up his room.
Yunshang retorted that she had merely "picked up" his book just as she had "picked up" the fruit, and argued there should have been a warning sign. Exasperated, Mu Xingchen warned her of the man-eating trees and relentless soldiers outside. As she hesitated, he noticed a cut on her hand. He instructed her to close her eyes and, with a gentle touch, magically healed the wound.
He then offered her his bed, claiming the "first one in gets the bed," and settled on the floor to sleep. During the night, Yunshang rolled off the bed, landing on top of him.
Episode 2 Recap
Mu Xingchen was abruptly awakened by the soft scent of a woman, opening his eyes to find Ye Yunshang's face almost pressed against his. Startled, he asked her what she was doing. Ye Yunshang quickly clarified that she had dreamed of riding a plane and accidentally fallen off the bed. Mu Xingchen, confused, inquired about this "plane."
Ye Yunshang attempted to explain that it was a metal machine people sat in to fly up to the sky, but Mu Xingchen mistakenly thought she meant a "flying chicken" and even suggested it was a "Phoenix." After much back and forth, he remained bewildered.
Seeing his confusion, Ye Yunshang offered a deal: if he could help her escape, she would show him not only a plane but also ships, trains, cars, and bicycles—a world of many wonders he had yet to discover. Mu Xingchen seemed intrigued by the prospect. Their conversation was cut short by a knock on the door. It was A Hu, a guard from their tribe, who had been involved in chasing Ye Yunshang the previous day.
Mu Xingchen quickly instructed Ye Yunshang to hide. Upon entering, A Hu immediately detected a woman's scent in the room. To divert suspicion, Mu Xingchen deliberately walked towards Ye Yunshang's hiding spot but accidentally stepped on her foot, causing her to cry out in pain and reveal herself. Recognizing her as the thief who ate the holy fruit, A Hu intended to capture her and bring her back for punishment. Mu Xingchen intervened, urging A Hu not to act rashly.
He explained that the sacred tree of their tribe was ailing, and he believed that external medical techniques were advanced. He proposed that he and Ye Yunshang venture outside to learn these skills, which would ultimately benefit the sacred tree. As A Hu hesitated, Yue Ying, calling out Mu Xingchen's name, approached the room. Seizing the moment, Mu Xingchen pulled Ye Yunshang out through the back door.
Before leaving, he handed A Hu an illusory stone, instructing him to use it to transform into his likeness, but cautioned that it could only be used once a day. When Yue Ying entered, she found A Hu, disguised as Mu Xingchen, behaving somewhat oddly. Despite his strange demeanor, she didn't suspect anything and even tried to get closer to him, which flustered A Hu, though he was secretly pleased, as he had always harbored feelings for Yue Ying.
Meanwhile, Chu Tianyao had returned and reported Ye Yunshang's fall from the cliff. Alarmed, Qiao Zhengtian, the Commissioner of Police, immediately organized his officers for an extensive search across the mountains and valleys. Their search eventually led them into the mist forest, but they were terrified by a swarm of deadly spiders and forced to retreat.
As Ye Yunshang felt a chill, Mu Xingchen brought her to his master's room, found a thick coat for her, and suggested she take a dip in the hot spring. He spoke of the hot spring's unique properties, claiming it could imbue a charming fragrance and even cure women's diseases. Ye Yunshang scoffed at the idea of having "women's diseases" and called him a pervert when he lingered near the bathing area.
After Ye Yunshang had refreshed herself, they left the territory of the tribe. Filled with joy at finally being free, Ye Yunshang leaped into the air, but her enhanced internal power caused her to fly uncontrollably. Mu Xingchen quickly flew to her, catching her in his arms. Blushing, Ye Yunshang was told by Mu Xingchen that her immense internal power, a result of consuming the holy fruit, was unguided, which was why she couldn't control her flight.
Ye Yunshang suggested they part ways, but Mu Xingchen persistently followed her, reiterating his desire to learn medical skills from her. He even used a mischievous little elf to tease her. Left with no choice, Ye Yunshang brought him back to her home. Soon after their arrival, she suddenly fainted. Ye's father, who tried to diagnose her, could not determine her ailment. Mu Xingchen, recognizing the symptoms, informed Ye's father that Ye Yunshang had been poisoned by a hornet with seven colours, and he could cure her.
Episode 3 Recap
Ye Yuan Zhi asks Ye Lao Ye about Mu Xingchen's plan to save Ye Yunshang. Mu Xingchen suggests that everyone else leave the room, leaving only him and Ye Yunshang. Qiao Zhen Tian, considering Mu Xingchen's unknown background and suspicious behavior, objects to letting him be alone with Ye Yunshang. Ye Lao Ye hesitates, and Chu Tianyao agrees with Qiao Zhen Tian, suggesting caution due to The war is in chaos.
Ye Lao Ye declines Mu Xingchen's offer but allows him to stay in the Ye household temporarily. Ye Yunshang's condition is strange, baffling even the most renowned doctors Ye Lao Ye has consulted. Chu Tianyao, also a doctor, is helpless as well. Chu Tianyao grew up in an orphanage and was sponsored by her adoptive father to become a doctor of traditional Chinese medicine.
Shangguan Wenxuan is her adoptive father's son, and they are in love, but her adoptive father disapproves and wants Shangguan Wenxuan to marry someone suitable, making her sad and causing her to avoid Shangguan Wenxuan. Concerned about Ye Yunshang, Mu Xingchen sneaks into her room at night while Ye Lao Ye is sleeping at the door, and begins treating her. Qiao Zhen Tian sees him and assumes he's assaulting Ye Yunshang, attempting to stop him.
Ye Yuan Zhi discovers Qiao Zhen Tian and mistakes him for a pervert, knocking him unconscious with a wooden stick and carting him away. Ye Yuan Zhi returns to the Ye household and sees another pervert leaving his sister's room, so he quietly follows him with a wooden stick. Mu Xingchen, having spent too much internal energy healing Ye Yunshang, feels unwell and barely makes it back to his room.
As he tries to recover, Ye Yuan Zhi drags him to Ye Lao Ye. Ye Lao Ye checks on his daughter, finding her unharmed, and tells Ye Yuan Zhi not to cause trouble. Mu Xingchen feels a pain and coughs up blood in his room. He knows Shi Hu doesn't have much time, and he needs to find a way to heal the sacred tree and return quickly. Ye Yunshang recovers quickly after Mu Xingchen's treatment, pleasing Ye Lao Ye.
Ye Yunshang learns from her brother that Mu Xingchen visited her and kissed her, realizing that Mu Xingchen healed her. Ye Yuan Zhi criticizes Mu Xingchen's appearance, calling him old-fashioned. Mu Xingchen changes his hairstyle and clothes, stunning everyone with his handsome new look. The Ye family wants to open a Pharmaceutical factory, but the permits are delayed.
Ye Yuan Zhi asks Qiao Zhen Tian about it, and Qiao Zhen Tian says his family's ancestral graves are located where the factory is supposed to be built. He offers to handle the permits if Ye Yuan Zhi helps him pursue Ye Yunshang. Ye Yuan Zhi agrees but says he can't guarantee success since he can't control his sister's feelings.
To avoid Qiao Zhen Tian's advances, Ye Yunshang wants Mu Xingchen to be her boyfriend, but Mu Xingchen pretends not to understand. Ye Yunshang then asks him if he still wants to heal the sacred tree, as only she knows where to find the books needed to heal it. Mu Xingchen asks her, but not sincerely enough, and as Ye Yunshang scolds him, Mu Xingchen pushes her onto the bed.
Episode 4 Recap
Mu Xingchen, having pushed Ye Yunshang onto the bed, held her hands. Her heart pounded as he leaned in to kiss her. He noticed her eyes closing, mistook it for fear, and released her, asking if he was sincere enough. Ye Yunshang pushed him away, feeling secretly delighted. She agreed to find the medical books for him, but on one condition: if Qiao Zhen Tian came to the clinic to bother her, Mu Xingchen had to keep him away.
Mu Xingchen, confidently stating he had never lost a fight, readily agreed. Ye Yunshang clarified that he didn't need to fight, just block Qiao Zhen Tian from annoying her. Mu Xingchen inwardly realized that Ye Yunshang might have feelings for him and decided to maintain his distance, wary of getting involved with a troublesome woman. He agreed, sealing the deal. Ye Yunshang, fulfilling her promise, brought Mu Xingchen the available medical books.
He dedicated himself to studying, and she found herself increasingly drawn to him as she observed his focused back. Later, when Mu Xingchen caught a cold, Ye Yunshang brought him some medicine. He initially questioned why he needed medicine, reminding her of his Qing Nang skills. " Oh right," she responded. However, Mu Xingchen decided to take the medicine anyway, explaining that he came to learn about Western medicine, and tasting it was part of the experience.
He chewed the bitter medicine, making a face, which amused Ye Yunshang. She then told him he should drink water with it, to which he complained she hadn't mentioned it earlier. Mu Xingchen expressed a desire to study plants, prompting Ye Yunshang to take him to a deserted area.
He explained that such wilderness was an ideal spot for his research, noting that the trees there exhibited symptoms similar to those of the sacred tree, likely indicating the same "withered tree disease." Ye Yunshang was concerned by the presence of numerous animal bones. She informed Mu Xingchen that her father, Ye Qiushi, intended to build a pharmaceutical factory on that very land, which she now realized posed a significant risk.
She decided to rush back to inform her father, while Mu Xingchen remained to continue his investigation. Mu Xingchen, after investigating the land, was on his way back when he encountered a young girl who had been hit by a car. He quickly carried her to her home and miraculously healed her injured leg. Noticing her blindness when she offered him water, he examined her eyes.
Although her vision loss was due to a past trauma, he assured her it was treatable. He left her some preliminary medicine, promising to return and fully restore her sight once his internal energy recuperated. The girl, Xiao Shui, revealed that her only family was an elder brother who was currently imprisoned. Meanwhile, Qiao Zhen Tian inquired about his father's attempt to propose marriage to the Ye family.
Chief Qiao, exasperated, informed him that Ye Qiushi had deliberately avoided the betrothal gifts, indicating a clear refusal for a marriage alliance with the Qiao family. Qiao Zhen Tian was outraged, but his father, the police commissioner, sternly admonished him to prioritize his duties over trivial romantic pursuits. Unconvinced, Qiao Zhen Tian suspected Mu Xingchen was the reason for the Ye family's rejection.
He secretly summoned his subordinate, Qi Fei, and instructed him to offer the imprisoned bandit leader, Zhu Xiaoshan, a chance at redemption by dealing with Mu Xingchen. Soon after, Zhu Xiaoshan was released and, along with his men, ambushed Mu Xingchen just as he was leaving Xiao Shui's home. Mu Xingchen immediately fled, with Zhu Xiaoshan and his bandits in pursuit, driving him up a mountain.
Zhu Xiaoshan dispatched one of his men, Ah Niu, to inform Qiao Zhen Tian of Mu Xingchen's location. Back at the clinic, the little elf, sensing Mu Xingchen's peril, insisted on leading Ye Yunshang to him despite her initial reluctance. They arrived to find Mu Xingchen being pursued by Zhu Xiaoshan and his bandits. Seeing Ye Yunshang with Mu Xingchen, Qiao Zhen Tian saw an opportunity.
He subtly instructed Zhu Xiaoshan to attack Mu Xingchen, but specifically warned him not to harm Ye Yunshang, threatening to cripple him if she lost even a single hair. Zhu Xiaoshan proposed finishing off Mu Xingchen while Qiao Zhen Tian performed a heroic rescue. Qiao Zhen Tian approved the plan. Mu Xingchen, seeing Ye Yunshang, urged her to leave quickly, stressing the danger, but she told him the little elf had led her there.
As the bandits closed in, Qiao Zhen Tian made his appearance. Mu Xingchen fiercely warned the bandits not to touch Ye Yunshang, stating he would "end" anyone who did. In response, a bandit declared they would then target him. The fight ensued, and Mu Xingchen was eventually struck, falling off the cliff. Qiao Zhen Tian then intervened, shouting "Police!" causing the remaining bandits to scatter. He went to Ye Yunshang, who frantically pleaded with him to save Mu Xingchen.
Qiao Zhen Tian, however, declared the chasm "deep and bottomless," claiming Mu Xingchen couldn't be found, leaving Ye Yunshang distraught. Using skills of his tribe, Mu Xingchen climbed back up from the perilous cliff. Meanwhile, at the Ye residence, Ye Qiushi and his wife were expressing their gratitude to Chief Qiao and Qiao Zhen Tian for "rescuing" Ye Yunshang.
Chief Qiao downplayed their thanks, then presented Ye Qiushi with the approved documents for his pharmaceutical factory, boasting that he had even relocated his own ancestral grave to facilitate the project. Ye Qiushi, overwhelmed by this generosity, profusely thanked him. As Chief Qiao departed, a dishevelled Mu Xingchen arrived, much to Ye Qiushi's surprise.
Mu Xingchen urgently warned him against building the factory in the proposed location, citing the "withered tree disease" in the nearby foggy forest and the numerous dead animals and plants. He explained that the water and soil were compromised and it was uncertain if the disease was infectious to humans. Ye Qiushi, however, dismissed his concerns as "nonsense" and sent him away with Ding Xiang.
Ding Xiang, shocked but relieved to see Mu Xingchen alive, informed him that Ye Yunshang was safe, having been "saved by Qiao Zhen Tian." Mu Xingchen, however, declined to see her, content that she was unharmed. Elsewhere, Ye Yunshang was expressing her anxiety about Mu Xingchen's disappearance to Qiao Zhen Tian, urging him to send more men to search. Ding Xiang then arrived with the news that Mu Xingchen had returned and was in their courtyard.
Qiao Zhen Tian quickly interjected, saying Mu Xingchen had already gone back to the clinic. Ye Yunshang, still concerned, remarked that Mu Xingchen seemed uninjured despite falling off a cliff and purportedly being shot. Qiao Zhen Tian seized this opportunity to sow doubt, suggesting Mu Xingchen was merely "acting" and that his quick recovery and lack of visible wounds proved it. Later, Xiao Shui's brother, Zhu Xiaoshan, returned home after being released from prison early for good behavior.
Xiao Shui, relieved, urged him to abandon his past wrongdoings. When he asked about her, she recounted being hit by a car and having her leg miraculously healed by a male doctor from the Ye Clinic. The doctor had also left medicine on the table and promised to treat her eyes for free. Zhu Xiaoshan quickly deduced that this "miracle doctor" was none other than Mu Xingchen, the man Qiao Zhen Tian had ordered him to deal with.
Simultaneously, Ye Qiushi, still suspicious of Mu Xingchen, instructed his subordinate, Da Huang, to investigate Mu Xingchen's background. Da Huang reported back that Mu Xingchen was an eccentric vet who spoke of fantastical creatures and using bugs to ward off thieves, concluding that his presence in the clinic would inevitably lead to trouble. Back at the clinic, a commotion erupted when a family brought in an elderly woman whose leg was severely ill.
The family, particularly a woman named Cui Hua, was belligerent, accusing the clinic of mismanaging the initial treatment and demanding a cure while threatening to smash the clinic if their "Great Aunt" wasn't healed. Inside, Chu Tianyao explained to Ye Yunshang that the old woman's leg, already afflicted with an ulcer, had worsened due to a pig bite and subsequent infection, compounded by the family's failure to change dressings on time.
Mu Xingchen, observing the situation, decided against using his Qing Nang skills to avoid revealing his identity. Ye Yunshang believed amputation was necessary to save the woman's life, but Chu Tianyao proposed a conservative approach with traditional Chinese medicines, as the family refused amputation. Prioritizing the patient's life, Ye Yunshang still advocated for amputation. Mu Xingchen then suggested a combined approach: using Western medical methods to remove the necrotic tissue, followed by applying Chinese herbal medicine to promote healing.
Ye Yunshang and Chu Tianyao agreed to this innovative plan. To find the necessary anti-inflammatory medicine, Mu Xingchen offered to concoct a powerful one using several Chinese herbs. When Chu Tianyao pointed out that most of these herbs were missing from the clinic, Mu Xingchen recalled an old herb seller he met in the suburbs. Ye Yunshang worried about the danger of bandits on the mountain, but Mu Xingchen emphasized the urgency.
Chu Tianyao then suggested that Mu Xingchen accompany her to gather the herbs. During their journey, Chu Tianyao twisted her ankle. Mu Xingchen immediately tended to it, massaging her ankle. Impressed by his knowledge, she asked if he had studied Chinese medicine; he clarified he was merely a vet who enjoyed studying plants. He later admitted to feeling a bit cold, prompting Chu Tianyao to offer him her coat. She then asked why he and Ye Yunshang constantly argued.
Mu Xingchen attributed it to Ye Yunshang always picking on him. Chu Tianyao, however, suggested that it might be a sign of affection. As they continued, Mu Xingchen discovered a unique seven-colored hornet, deciding to capture it for research. Upon their return, Chu Tianyao mentioned that the herb seller was Da Huang's father. Ding Xiang, overhearing this, excitedly exclaimed, "Is that so? My father is back!" Mu Xingchen then informed her that her father was leaving the next day.
The combined East-West treatment proved successful, and the old woman's leg completely healed. Her family, previously aggressive, returned to the clinic filled with gratitude, presenting a brocade banner. Chu Tianyao credited Mu Xingchen for his help in gathering the herbs. Mu Xingchen humbly deflected the praise, attributing the success to Ye Yunshang's surgical skill and Chu Tianyao's medicinal expertise. Ye Yunshang, surprised, complimented his newfound humility.
Just then, Qiao Zhen Tian arrived and, seeing Mu Xingchen, taunted him about surviving the fall. Mu Xingchen retorted about "sanctimonious people who play tricks behind their back," threatening to "end" them if caught. Chu Tianyao intervened, scolding them for their constant bickering. The old woman's relative, Cui Hua, then stepped forward, praising the doctors and promising to send everyone from her village to the clinic.
As Ye Yunshang politely dismissed them, Qiao Zhen Tian took the brocade banner, offering to hang it for her as it was her "first banner since she'd returned." Mu Xingchen immediately interjected, insisting he would hang it. A comical struggle ensued between the two men, each vying for the honor of hanging the banner for Ye Yunshang.
Episode 5 Recap
Ye Yunshang, still arguing over who would hang a brocade banner with Qiao Zhen Tian, was interrupted by a staff member who reported that something terrible had happened. She rushed to her father, who informed her that several workers at their pharmaceutical factory had suddenly fallen ill with a strange disease. Mu Xingchen accompanied Ye Yunshang to the factory and quickly deduced that the workers had been stung by wasps.
The workers present confirmed seeing an unusually large and brightly colored wasp flying around before Old Chen, one of the affected workers, started acting strangely. While Mu Xingchen was contemplating a cure with a wasp he had captured for study, Ye's father's subordinates discovered it. Recalling Mu Xingchen's earlier advice against constructing the factory at that location, Ye's father immediately accused him of being behind the incident and had him taken to the police station.
At the station, the workers identified the wasp Mu Xingchen held as identical to the one that had stung them. Despite Chu Tianyao's attempt to vouch for Mu Xingchen's innocence, stating that he caught the wasp while they were gathering herbs, Qiao Zhen Tian, convinced by the "evidence," dismissed her claims and imprisoned Mu Xingchen. Inside his cell, Mu Xingchen was approached by Qi Fei, Qiao Zhen Tian's stuttering cousin and a detective.
Qi Fei, determined to find the source of the wasps, had armed himself and tried to investigate a wasp nest, only to get stung by a common wasp, leaving his face swollen. Mu Xingchen informed him that the wasp Qi Fei found was not the killer wasp responsible for the workers' injuries. Realizing his mistake, Qi Fei, without authorization, released Mu Xingchen and asked him to lead the way to the real wasps.
They returned to the factory site and, using a trap baited with blood, successfully lured a wasp. Following it, they discovered a large wasp nest and a hidden greenhouse, revealing that someone was intentionally breeding thousands of these poisonous insects. Mu Xingchen advised gathering more reinforcements before confronting the situation, a suggestion Qi Fei agreed with.
Upon learning that Qi Fei had released Mu Xingchen and found a clue, Qiao Zhen Tian, still suspecting Mu Xingchen, quickly led his own team to the greenhouse. However, as they approached, they were met with a fierce attack from a swarm of wasps, forcing Qiao Zhen Tian and his men to retreat. After they left, the mysterious wasp breeder appeared, collected some wasps, and then destroyed the greenhouse and the nest with an explosion before disappearing.
Back at Ye's clinic, the poisoned worker, Old Chen, died. A panicked messenger delivered the news, also mentioning that the police department's coroner had retired. Ye Yunshang stepped in to perform the autopsy. She found Old Chen's abdomen bloated, his joints deformed and cystic, and his internal organs filled with fluid and blood stasis, indicating rapid decomposition, which suggested a highly corrosive venom. More workers arrived, stung and in a frenzy, displaying behavior resembling wasps.
Ye Yunshang tried to calm them, observing that their movements mirrored wasp habits like mating, flying, or struggling with broken wings. She administered sedatives and attempted to treat them with Jie Ling grass, a powerful herb from the Shenmu Clan, as Mu Xingchen had previously suggested. Later, Qi Fei visited Mu Xingchen, presenting a three-color wasp he had caught.
Mu Xingchen confirmed it was a specific aggressive type that could survive in the outside world, unlike their clan's seven-colored wasps, and noted that this meant the victims were suffering from two different types of venom. Despite the Jie Ling grass being ineffective for the workers' worsening condition, Mu Xingchen assured Ye Yunshang he still had a plan. Meanwhile, Mei Jiao, the little elf Mu Xingchen had given to Ye Yunshang, began acting strangely, scratching herself uncontrollably.
Mu Xingchen used his magic to calm her down, realizing that his master must be nearby. He went to find his master, who was playing a Shenmu Clan instrument. His master sternly rebuked Mu Xingchen for breaking clan rules by venturing into the outside world and adopting a common appearance. Mu Xingchen defended his actions, stating he was following local customs and, more importantly, searching for a cure for their sacred Holy Tree, whose fate impacted the entire clan.
He also revealed the discovery of the highly venomous three-color wasps that had harmed many people in the city and asked if Jie Ling grass could help. His master explained that for ordinary humans, Jie Ling grass was a deadly poison if applied externally. He clarified that it had to be combined with sweet and warm herbs and administered as a pill to reduce its potency, only then could it alleviate wasp venom.
This explanation brought a sudden realization to Mu Xingchen, as he understood why his previous attempts to treat the workers had failed and even worsened their condition. With renewed determination, he playfully called his master "Father," used the distraction to evade him, and ran off. His master gave chase, and their pursuit led them into the street, where a burning ring of fire suddenly appeared, blocking Mu Xingchen's path.
Episode 6 Recap
Mu Xingchen deftly jumped through a fire circle, his Master, however, quickly blocked his path again by leaping onto a nearby rooftop and then back down. Spotting a basin of water nearby, Mu Xingchen seized it and splashed his Master, using the distraction to vanish from her sight. He quickly returned to the medical clinic. Ding Xiang greeted him, asking where he had been.
Mu Xingchen confirmed he had been out playing, but importantly, he claimed to have finally learned how to create an antidote for bee venom. " Now we have to study this solution quickly," he urged, "Otherwise, there is no time." Ye Yunshang, impressed, asked if he truly found a way, and Mu Xingchen immediately enlisted her help. Just then, a patient suffered a severe attack, itching uncontrollably.
Despite an older staff member's warnings about his previous herbal remedies and Ye Qiushi's skeptical suggestion to test on animals first, Mu Xingchen insisted, stating he had taken a pill himself and "We can't take care of that much to save people." He quickly administered one of his newly concocted poison pills to the ailing patient. The results were swift and dramatic; the red spots on the patient's arm disappeared, much to the astonishment of the staff.
The grateful patient felt much better. However, Mu Xingchen realized that while the pills relieved the symptoms, they only offered temporary relief from the bee venom and required further improvement for a complete cure. The previously critical staff member, now full of admiration, praised his medical skills, to which Mu Xingchen, slightly mocking, reminded him of his earlier scolding.
While Mu Xingchen pondered improvements, Ding Xiang rushed in, flustered, to report that a strange person claiming to be Mu Xingchen’s Master was outside and insisted on entering. Shocked, Mu Xingchen tried to hide, but his Master had already appeared before him. Upon entering, his Master immediately detected the scent of Jie Ling grass and realized Mu Xingchen had questioned her earlier about the herb to save the poisoned people.
She admonished him not to be fooled into thinking the herb could fully save them. She explained, "That depends on one's resistance," adding that people bitten by the seven-color wasps would only last "Seven days and ten days, More than one month" at most, after which "Immortals can't save them." Master then confronted Mu Xingchen, asking if he was responsible for bringing out the seven-color wasps.
Mu Xingchen vehemently denied it, explaining that someone else had stolen and privately bred them, creating even deadlier three-color wasps. He confirmed he was investigating the matter, having found numerous beehives in the forest. He added that the police investigating the beekeepers were also stung, and the beehives had been destroyed by the culprits. Mu Xingchen then appealed to her, pointing out the thief was "our clansman" and there might be a "big conspiracy."
Ye Yunshang quickly supported this, offering Master free accommodation and urging her to help treat patients. Convinced, Master decided to stay, curious to see how they practiced medicine. During this discussion, a distraught woman attempted to harm herself, lamenting about being abandoned after an elopement and then rejected by her family. Master intervened, offering to help, and surprisingly used an ability to erase the woman's painful memories.
Later, when Mu Xingchen asked Ye Yunshang about the incident, Ye Yunshang, whose memory of the event was also cleared, casually dismissed it. Mu Xingchen, however, questioned his Master, asking if she had just cleared the woman’s memories. His Master, surprised, wondered why he was unaffected by the "worry-free flower." Mu Xingchen privately speculated it might be due to him having eaten a "holy fruit," but simply asked his Master aloud, "What flower."
Meanwhile, Qiao Zhentian suffered from severe bee stings. His mother expressed distress to Chief Qiao and, remembering that Ye Yunshang had also suffered from bee venom before, suggested asking her family for a cure. Chief Qiao agreed and also decided to call for Professor Fujiwara as a precaution. After Chief Qiao visited him, Ye Qiushi made a phone call and instructed Ye Yunshang to take Mu Xingchen to treat Qiao Zhentian.
Mu Xingchen, Ye Yunshang, and Master arrived at Qiao Zhentian's residence, only to find him recovering well. He had just taken a "Japanese specific medicine" provided by a Doctor Fujiwara. As they were entering, Fujiwara was leaving. Master, examining Qiao Zhentian, was astonished, declaring, "Impossible! No one can cure this kind of poison." She questioned how Fujiwara had treated him, but Qiao Zhentian simply stated he didn't know. Chief Qiao thanked Fujiwara for curing his son.
Fujiwara then presented Chief Qiao with gold bars, claiming it was "a little tea money." He explained that Yunhai City was in desperate need of medicine and he had a shipment of "Western medicine shipped from the British Empire" stuck at port due to lack of "approval of the documents." He offered Chief Qiao a share of the profits if he could help.
Chief Qiao, seeing the sample of the bee venom medicine, and Qiao Zhentian, realizing the dual benefit of saving people and making a profit, considered the proposition. Qiao Zhentian expressed concern that his father, Chief Qiao, did not handle approvals directly. Fujiwara, however, insisted, "I believe there is nothing that Qiao's family can't do." Chief Qiao dismissed Qiao Zhentian's suggestion to smuggle the medicine themselves, emphasizing the importance of following rules for long-term success.
He then advised Qiao Zhentian that Mayor Shangguan Qing was responsible for approvals and that his son, Shangguan Wenxuan, was a close friend. Qiao Zhentian initially described Shangguan Wenxuan as incorruptible, but Chief Qiao countered with a cynical proverb: "There is no pure gold, just as there is no perfect man." He then suggested finding Shangguan Wenxuan's weakness, assuring Qiao Zhentian that if anything went wrong, Shangguan Wenxuan would "support it."
Qiao Zhentian found Shangguan Wenxuan distraught over Chu Tianyao ignoring him. Qiao Zhentian advised him that to win a woman's heart, he must "risk your life to do something for her" that would move her. He then reminded Shangguan Wenxuan that Chu Tianyao's greatest wish was to "open a medical center." Qiao Zhentian, subtly, offered him the approval document provided by Fujiwara, hinting at a "big business" if Shangguan Wenxuan was interested.
Shangguan Wenxuan, despite having plenty of money, was swayed by the prospect of helping Chu Tianyao. During this time, Mu Xingchen, back at the clinic, was given a specific prescription by his Master to safely use Jie Ling grass in the poison pills. She warned that the local wasp venom was very strong, and patients must "insist on taking the medicine" to avoid giving up all previous achievements.
As Shangguan Wenxuan prepared to forge his father's signature and official seal on the approval documents, he stumbled upon a secret. He discovered fragments of a torn map. He pieced them together and realized they showed a crystal mine, a secret his father, Mayor Shangguan Qing, had kept from everyone, even erasing Counsellor Chen's memory of having found it. Shangguan Wenxuan pocketed the reconstructed map.
With the forged "approval of the documents," Fujiwara's foreign medicine quickly flooded the market, selling at an astonishing rate. Qiao Zhentian and Shangguan Wenxuan, now partners in this venture, reaped immense profits. At her clinic, Chu Tianyao discovered that the Cloud Sea Gang was forcing local businesses to buy these foreign medicines, threatening violence if they refused.
When she asked why no one called the police, her staff member, A Gui, revealed that "Qiao Zhentian from the police station is behind the scenes." Disturbed by this, Chu Tianyao recalled a conversation she had overheard between Qiao Zhentian and Shangguan Wenxuan, confirming their partnership and plans to divide profits from the "specific medicine." Upset and disappointed, Chu Tianyao confronted Shangguan Wenxuan, whom she found drinking with Qiao Zhentian.
She angrily accused him of "colluding with Qiao Zhentian," asking if he was selling the "specific drugs outside." Shangguan Wenxuan stammered explanations, but Chu Tianyao, clearly disgusted, turned and walked away. As he chased after her, desperately calling her name, the pieced-together map of the crystal mine slipped from his pocket. Later, Mu Xingchen's Master discovered the fallen map. Mu Xingchen jokingly called her "stingy" for not showing him the Star Map she was examining.
Following the map's directions, she eventually arrived at a hidden crystal palace. Inside, to her amazement, she found a perfectly preserved female body, remarking to herself that the woman "looks so familiar."
Episode 7 Recap
Mu Xingchen’s master carefully examined the female corpse, recognizing it as Xiaodie, her long-standing romantic rival. She recalled that Mu Nanyue had once abandoned his position as chief of the Shenmu clan for Xiaodie. The master and Mu Nanyue had been lovers, but Xiaodie’s presence had driven them apart, leading the master, in a fit of rage, to secretly poison Xiaodie years ago. She was astonished to find that Mu Nanyue had preserved Xiaodie’s body for so many years.
Meanwhile, back in the Shenmu tribe, Yue Ying came looking for Mu Xingchen. Shi Hu, who had taken on Mu Xingchen’s appearance, embraced Yue Ying convincingly. This impersonation had, over time, significantly deepened the bond between Mu Xingchen and Yue Ying. After Yue Ying departed, Shi Hu penned a letter to Mu Xingchen, detailing the dire situation: the sacred tree was slowly withering, and poisonous hornets were repeatedly stinging people, causing immense pain, though not immediately life-threatening.
The letter urged Mu Xingchen to return to the tribe without delay. Meijiao delivered this urgent message to Mu Xingchen. Ye Yunshang, witnessing their unusual communication method, expressed her curiosity. Mu Xingchen then instructed Meijiao to send a reply, stating he was actively searching for a cure for the sacred tree and would return as soon as he found it.
One day, while Mu Xingchen was engrossed in a book, Ye Yunshang, finding his room untidy, began to clean up for him. However, her true intention was to snoop through his belongings. Mu Xingchen, aware of her mischief, playfully pranked her with a hiccup flower. Its seeds, he explained, could cause incessant hiccups and, if untreated, would take root in the body, condemning one to burp for life.
Ye Yunshang suffered from uncontrollable hiccups until she finally begged for mercy and promised not to pry again. Only then did Mu Xingchen cure her. Later, Mu Xingchen shared a secret with Ye Yunshang: he had followed his master to a crystal cave where he discovered a remarkably lifelike corpse. Intrigued, Ye Yunshang insisted that he take her to see it.
As they made their way to the cave, Mayor Shangguan, who was reviewing documents, suddenly sensed an intrusion in the crystal cave and hurried there. Mu Xingchen and Ye Yunshang quickly hid as Mayor Shangguan began searching for the trespassers. A voice then called out from behind him, "Mu Nanyue, you deceived me and Xiaodie, and now you've become another person. Are you still trying to deceive other women? Today I will demand justice from you!"
It was Mu Xingchen's master, Kong Chan. Mayor Shangguan, feigning ignorance, replied, "I don't know what you're talking about." A fierce battle ensued in the crystal cave, during which Mayor Shangguan’s mask was torn off, revealing him to be Mu Nanyue. Now unmasked, Mu Nanyue coldly told Kong Chan to stop pushing him, warning he would no longer show mercy. Kong Chan, with a sorrowful expression, confronted him, "You abandoned me then, making me the laughing stock of the clansmen.
I wish I could kill you today." Mu Nanyue reiterated his stance, "Kong Chan, I have made it very clear to you. You and I are impossible." Heartbroken, Kong Chan asked, "For so many years, I just want to ask you, do I have no place at all in your heart?" Mu Nanyue’s cold reply was definitive: "My heart holds only Xiaodie." Kong Chan, deeply hurt, declared, "From now on, our ties are completely severed," and left the cave.
Feeling the crystal cave was no longer safe, Mu Nanyue then gently spoke to Xiaodie’s body, "Xiaodie, it is no longer safe here. I'll take you home," and departed with her. Once Mu Nanyue was gone, Ye Yunshang and Mu Xingchen emerged from their hiding spot. Ye Yunshang noticed hornets present in the crystal cave, which led her to suspect that Mu Xingchen's uncle might be the one controlling them. Mu Xingchen agreed that it must be related to him.
Further inspection revealed another perfectly preserved female corpse lying beneath Xiaodie's crystal coffin. Mu Xingchen commented that the situation was far more complicated than they had imagined. Mu Nanyue, having resumed his identity as Mayor Shangguan, brought Xiaodie’s body to his home. There, he established a secret room and constructed a new crystal coffin to house her.
News of a new Japanese-made specific drug, developed by Professor Fujiwara, spread via radio advertisements, claiming to be a "poisonous bee nemesis" that could prevent and treat stings, while also boosting vitality. At a local pharmacy, a helper enthusiastically recommended the drug to Mu Xingchen, noting its popularity and reported positive effects on patients. Curious about its efficacy, Mu Xingchen decided to try it. He drank one bottle, found it palatable but ineffective, then requested two more.
After consuming the second bottle, he still felt no significant change. Upon drinking the third, however, a powerful sensation took over him. He described feeling as if he were in a wondrous, ethereal realm, overcome with a sense of euphoria and a desire to sing. Soon, he became wildly delirious, proclaiming himself king and expressing his affection for Yunshang. Ye Yunshang arrived to find Mu Xingchen in this state.
After examining the specific drug, she angrily concluded it was nothing more than morphine, a pain-relieving anesthetic with no genuine effect against bee venom, and certainly not in such excessive quantities. She realized that its widespread popularity was due to its addictive properties. Enraged, she confronted Qiao Zhen Tian, accusing him of shamelessly profiting from fake medicine containing an unregulated amount of morphine.
Qiao Zhen Tian defended himself, claiming the medicine had all necessary approvals, even showing her a customs clearance document. He argued that it merely lessened the suffering of dying patients. Ye Yunshang, infuriated, lunged at him. Qiao Zhen Tian then surprised her by revealing that they were soon to be married and asked her to be gentler.
Ye Yunshang vehemently denied any such arrangement, but Qiao Zhen Tian insisted, telling her that her mother had already accepted the betrothal gifts and agreed to the marriage. Ye Yunshang rushed home to confront her mother, who confirmed having secretly accepted the Qiao family's dowry.
Episode 8 Recap
Ye Yunshang, visibly upset, confronted her family, demanding to know why they had arranged her engagement to the Qiao family behind her back. Her stepmother cheerfully admitted that she had accepted the dowry, praising the Qiao family's wealth and influence, calling them a perfect match for the Ye family. She also lauded Qiao Zhen Tian as a talented police chief who had even saved Ye Yunshang's life.
However, Ye Yunshang defiantly declared that she would never marry Qiao Zhen Tian, suggesting her stepmother marry him instead if he was so wonderful. Her father attempted to calm her, acknowledging her stepmother's points and suggesting Qiao Zhen Tian could be a good choice if she had no other suitors, but ultimately stated the decision was hers. Ye Yunshang was disappointed by her father's stance.
Determined to expose the true nature of the specific drug, Ye Yunshang gathered reporters from newspapers and radio stations. She informed them about the widespread belief in a specific drug for treating bee stings, but warned that this drug was actually morphine, highly addictive, and threatened to repeat the tragedy of opium harming the country. When reporters questioned how to treat bee venom without the specific drug, Ye Yunshang presented her family's Jiedu pill.
She explained that while its effects might be slower, it offered a complete cure. Faced with skepticism and demands for proof, Ye Yunshang decided to conduct a live experiment. Despite the shock and pleas from her assistant and father, she deliberately placed her hand into a glass container filled with dozens of hornets, allowing herself to be stung.
Enduring the pain, she bravely announced that she would only take their family's Jiedu pill, and her recovery would serve as proof of its efficacy. A few days later, her arm still darkened by the venom, reporters questioned the pill's effectiveness. Ye Yunshang patiently explained that their medicine was slow and gentle, suggesting they document her progress with daily photos.
She remained resolute, insisting they could not allow people to continue buying the dangerous specific drug, and confidently declared she would be fine. Meanwhile, Qiao Zhen Tian was enraged upon discovering that the Japanese had deceived him by selling morphine. He furiously confronted Fujiwara, who calmly advised him that he couldn't have both wealth and reputation. Fujiwara pointed out that the Qiao family had already accumulated significant riches and questioned why reputation still mattered.
He reminded Qiao Zhen Tian of their years of covert cooperation and the countless illicit acts the Qiao family had committed. Fujiwara stressed that the Qiao family's foundation lay in controlling the police department, and losing power due to charges of corruption and abuse of power would be a greater loss. Though visibly stung by Fujiwara's words, Qiao Zhen Tian, trying to maintain composure, threatened to deal with Fujiwara eventually.
Mu Xingchen, suffering from morphine addiction, was restrained by Chu Tianyao and Ye Yunshang, who took turns watching over him to prevent him from taking the specific drug. During his painful withdrawal, he repeatedly begged for "just one last bottle," expressing his agony and inability to cope. Chu Tianyao, deeply concerned, prayed for him to overcome this ordeal, even offering to bear his suffering.
After some time, Mu Xingchen experienced a period of relief, proclaiming, "Where there is a will, there is a way," and believing he had restrained his addiction. However, he soon relapsed, desperately seeking the specific drug from a shop owner, who refused him. He resorted to attempting to steal the drug, realizing its immense toxicity. Despite having the Qingnang technique to temporarily suppress the toxicity, he witnessed many others similarly afflicted by addiction.
During a period of lucidity, Mu Xingchen expressed concern for his master, Kong Chan, who had left a note and flute after departing the crystal cave, instructing him not to worry. He suspected his master's departure might be linked to Shangguan Qing and worried she might do something rash. As he prepared to meet the mayor, Chu Tianyao cautioned him to be respectful when meeting her strict father, to which Mu Xingchen assured her he knew what to do.
Shangguan Wenxuan then introduced Mu Xingchen to his father, Shangguan Qing. Shangguan Qing, appearing to be surprised by Mu Xingchen's presence, initially tried to accuse him of bringing the wasps and misfortunes to Yunhai City, noting the suspicious coincidence that only Mu Xingchen could treat the bee venom. Mu Xingchen challenged him, stating that Shangguan Qing knew better than anyone how the wasps arrived.
After a brief confrontation that revealed Shangguan Qing's true identity, Mu Xingchen called him "Uncle," exposing him. He also hinted at Shangguan Qing's unauthorized escape from the Shenmu tribe, questioning if he wasn't afraid of Mu Beichuan discovering his actions. When asked how he was recognized, Mu Xingchen explained that only the Shenmu tribe possesses seven-colored wasps, and the energy from these wasps on Shangguan Qing's person made his identity evident.
Shangguan Qing acknowledged his cleverness and inquired if Mu Xingchen was sent by Mu Beichuan or his master. Mu Xingchen affirmed he came on his own, expressing his desire to prevent their family feuds from harming innocent citizens, and urged him to cease his activities. Though he could cure bee venom, Mu Xingchen stated he could not control human nature, referencing the widespread harm caused by the specific drug.
He implored Shangguan Qing, as the mayor, to stop the Qiao family from continuing to sell the drug. Shangguan Qing agreed to Mu Xingchen's request but proposed a condition: Mu Xingchen must marry Chu Tianyao. Mu Xingchen hesitated, acknowledging that his own father's personality would make such a marriage difficult. Overhearing this from outside, Shangguan Wenxuan burst in, pleading with his father not to force the marriage, declaring he couldn't live without Chu Tianyao.
Shangguan Qing harshly rebuked his son, accusing him of colluding with Qiao Zhen Tian to forge approval documents for a woman and being easily manipulated. Wenxuan, however, insisted that nothing else mattered as long as Chu Tianyao was not married off to Mu Xingchen. Shangguan Qing adamantly reiterated that he and Chu Tianyao could not be together. Mu Xingchen intervened, advocating for Shangguan Wenxuan and Chu Tianyao's love.
Later, Shangguan Qing spoke with Chu Tianyao, asking for her opinion of Mu Xingchen. Chu Tianyao described him as warm, kind, and unconventional, indicating a favorable impression. Shangguan Qing then expressed his intention to unite them in marriage and asked for her consent. After a brief pause, Chu Tianyao happily agreed, stating she would abide by his arrangements. Shangguan Qing then noted that "true lovers will eventually be united."
Following their conversation, Shangguan Wenxuan called Qiao Zhen Tian to relay the municipal government's new policy: all specific drugs had to be removed from the market within three days, with only the Ye family's antidote pills permitted for sale. Qiao Zhen Tian protested the impossibly short deadline, but Wenxuan insisted it was his father's directive and warned of severe consequences if not followed.
He further demanded that Qiao Zhen Tian hand over all illicit profits to the Ye family to help purchase raw materials, stating that they were responsible for the mess. Shocked, Qiao Zhen Tian could only utter, "What the hell?" His own addiction to the specific drug was worsening. He instructed Qi Fei to lock him in a room and tie him up, demanding that Qi Fei beat him to help him quit.
Qi Fei initially hesitated, fearing future retaliation from his boss, but after Qiao Zhen Tian guaranteed no revenge, he began to hit him, urging him to endure the pain and cursing Fujiwara. As Qiao Zhen Tian suffered through withdrawal, Qi Fei ignored knocks at the door, determined to ensure his boss successfully quit the drug. Meanwhile, Chu Tianyao observed Mu Xingchen battling his own painful withdrawal, expressing her concern about the drug's harmful effects and urging him to quit.
Despite her own worsening bee venom symptoms, Ye Yunshang insisted on being by Mu Xingchen's side, offering encouragement and telling him not to be afraid, recognizing the critical moment in their struggle. Overcome by the venom, Ye Yunshang eventually collapsed.
Episode 9 Recap
Having been severely beaten by Qi Fei at his own request, Qiao Zhen Tian regained consciousness and found that his addiction had indeed lessened. Following his instructions, Qi Fei had already delivered traditional Chinese herbs to the Ye family medical center. There, Ye Yunshang demonstrated her recovery from bee venom after taking the Ye family's antidote pills.
As she stepped out, people in the crowd exclaimed how well she looked, noting her skin was even fairer and more beautiful than before. Ye Yunshang affirmed that everyone now believed in the effectiveness of their antidote pills, leading to a long queue of eager customers. She instructed them to line up and buy in order, explaining that each box contained three courses of medicine to be taken three times a day after meals to avoid stomach irritation.
Meanwhile, Qiao Zhen Tian arrived with the police. Mu Xingchen discreetly advised Qiao Zhen Tian that this was an opportune moment to win Ye Yunshang's favor. He pointed out that many people in the queue were secretly taking specific drugs alongside the antidote pills. If they weren't rounded up for mandatory detoxification, their morphine addiction would only worsen, even with the antidote for bee venom.
Convinced by Mu Xingchen’s reasoning, Qiao Zhen Tian announced to the waiting crowd that after buying their medicine, they should line up for free isolation and detoxification treatment, explaining the severe harm of specific drug overdose and emphasizing it was for their own health. Ye Yunshang publicly supported his decision, prompting the crowd to comply and line up for treatment. With the antidote for bee venom now widely accepted, Ye Qiushi's pharmaceutical factory began reconstruction.
He praised Mu Xingchen, saying his daughter, Ye Yunshang, was wrong to take all the credit, as Mu Xingchen had actually created the antidote, with the Ye family only assisting. Mu Xingchen, however, humbly stated that Ye Yunshang and Chu Tianyao deserved the credit for preparing the medicine well, calling himself merely a helper. Impressed by Mu Xingchen’s modesty and medical skill, Ye Qiushi offered him a permanent position to develop new drugs.
Chu Tianyao enthusiastically encouraged him to accept, saying he would become part of the Ye family. Mu Xingchen declined, explaining he needed to return home after being away for many days, though he appreciated Ye Qiushi's kind offer. Ye Qiushi then secretly asked his daughter, Ye Yunshang, to convince Mu Xingchen to stay. Ye Yunshang seized the opportunity to set a condition: if her father helped her annul her engagement with the Qiao family, she would ensure Mu Xingchen remained.
Ye Qiushi readily agreed. Later, Ye Qiushi sent servants to return the betrothal gifts to the Qiao family, politely declining the marriage proposal. Qiao Zhen Tian’s father expressed surprise, while Qiao Zhen Tian was clearly upset, asking if Ye Qiushi was there to call off the engagement. Ye Qiushi confirmed, blaming his wife for her short-sightedness and for not discussing the matter with him beforehand. Mu Xingchen visited Xiaoshui again to continue her eye treatment.
He reassured her that her eyes were already half-healed from his previous medicine and warned her to endure the pain of removing intracranial blood clots. As he finished, Xiaoshui’s brother, Zhu Xiaosan, burst in, angrily demanding to know what Mu Xingchen had done to his sister. Xiaoshui happily exclaimed that she could see. Overjoyed, Zhu Xiaosan expressed immense gratitude to Mu Xingchen, offering his unwavering help for any future needs. Xiaoshui also knelt to thank her benefactor.
Mu Xingchen, realizing they were siblings, advised Xiaoshui to rest her newly recovered eyes and prepared to leave. Zhu Xiaosan, feeling he owed a great debt, walked him out and reiterated his offer of assistance. Mu Xingchen, however, urged Zhu Xiaosan to stop doing shameful deeds for Qiao Zhen Tian.
The municipal government then announced a ban on the sale of specific drugs, stating that anyone who had consumed them, been stung by wasps, or was addicted, would be forcibly detained for isolation and treatment, with disobedient individuals facing execution. Seizing this opportunity for revenge, Qiao Zhen Tian, still furious about the broken engagement, ordered Mu Xingchen's arrest, declaring he wouldn't let him off easily for causing Ye Yunshang to break off their engagement.
When Qiao Zhen Tian's police arrived at the Ye family medical center, Ye Yunshang was just celebrating the cancellation of her marriage with her father, who complained about her mother's lack of foresight in agreeing to the engagement. Ye Yunshang questioned Qiao Zhen Tian’s presence, but he insisted he was on official duty, enforcing the government’s order for mandatory detoxification of all addicted patients.
Qiao Zhen Tian then asked for Mu Xingchen’s whereabouts, and Ye Yunshang tried to intercede, offering to treat Mu Xingchen herself at the medical center. Mu Xingchen, however, calmly stated that mandatory isolation and detoxification was necessary to save all patients, including himself. Ye Yunshang, in desperation, offered to go in his place, but Qiao Zhen Tian refused, stating he was handling the matter impartially and must take Mu Xingchen as he was a patient.
Mu Xingchen reassured Ye Yunshang and Ye Qiushi not to worry, promising he would return after detoxification. Inside the prison, Mu Xingchen observed the suffering of addicted prisoners begging for specific drugs. Qi Fei quietly warned Mu Xingchen to be careful and endure any trouble, as the police outside wouldn't harm him, but the prisoners inside were dangerous. Mu Xingchen thanked him. Shortly after, a prisoner began selling specific drugs to others.
Mu Xingchen intervened, warning a desperate man that taking more would be irreversible. When the dealer tried to blame Mu Xingchen, the customer confirmed it was the dealer who sold the drug. The head inmate ordered Mu Xingchen to be taught a lesson, but Mu Xingchen swiftly defeated all the attackers, forcing them to squat with their hands on their heads and acknowledge him as "the boss."
Worried about Mu Xingchen, Ye Yunshang set out to visit him, joined by Chu Tianyao. On their way, Chu Tianyao confessed her love for Mu Xingchen, describing him as humorous, skilled, and sharing her career ideals, recalling a moment when he saved her and they found warmth together in the rain. She asked Ye Yunshang to help her pursue him. Ye Yunshang, however, was noncommittal, saying that love was a personal matter and she couldn't intervene in Mu Xingchen's choices.
Back at the prison, the head inmate, having suffered a previous defeat, brought ropes and ambushed Mu Xingchen. Just as Mu Xingchen was about to be overwhelmed, Ye Yunshang and Chu Tianyao arrived and intervened. Qiao Zhen Tian also arrived and had his police promptly arrest the head inmate and his men. Ye Yunshang, seeing Mu Xingchen bruised, suggested taking him back to the medical center for detoxification, citing the chaotic environment.
Qiao Zhen Tian refused to release him but agreed to place him in a solitary cell as a "highest treatment." Later, Qiao Zhen Tian instructed his subordinate that only Chu Tianyao would be allowed to visit Mu Xingchen, not Ye Yunshang. When the subordinate questioned keeping Mu Xingchen imprisoned indefinitely, Qiao Zhen Tian irritably pondered what else to do, muttering about making him disappear, which gave him an unsettling idea.
Chu Tianyao visited Mu Xingchen in his solitary cell, bringing him food and a handmade shirt. Mu Xingchen, concerned about Ye Yunshang being alone at the medical center, urged Chu Tianyao to return and help her. He also downplayed his own predicament, saying he was fine and could handle the prisoners, especially if they didn't ambush him. Chu Tianyao pressed him, offering the shirt, and openly confessed her feelings, asking if he didn’t understand her heart.
Mu Xingchen gently but firmly told her he already had someone he loved and advised her not to waste her time on him. Despite the rejection, Chu Tianyao maintained their friendship and promised to visit again. Ye Yunshang, still anxious about Mu Xingchen's safety, pleaded with her father to find a way to get him out.
Ye Qiushi tried to reassure her, saying Mu Xingchen was only undergoing detoxification, not serving a prison sentence, and would be released when he was clean. He also questioned how she could help him detox with such a soft heart. After persistent pleading from Ye Yunshang, Ye Qiushi relented, promising to send the housekeeper to arrange his release in a couple of days.
Meanwhile, Meijiao informed Ye Yunshang that a letter from the tribe had arrived, indicating the sacred tree's condition had worsened and Mu Xingchen needed to return immediately. Faced with the strict guards at the isolation zone, Ye Yunshang pondered how to get him out quickly.
Episode 10 Recap
Ye Yunshang, accompanied by Meijiao, sought out Detective Qi Fei to visit Mu Xingchen in the quarantine area. Qi Fei promptly granted them access, instructing them to speak quickly while he kept watch outside. Mu Xingchen greeted Ye Yunshang, asking about her well-being. Meijiao urged him to return to the Shenmu Clan, as the Sacred Tree was gravely ill, and advised him to use his Qing Nang skills to escape.
Mu Xingchen refused to leave Ye Yunshang behind, but she insisted she would be fine. Shortly after their arrival, a strong scent of gasoline filled the air. Moments later, a masked assailant drenched the area in fuel and ignited a massive fire, trapping Mu Xingchen, Ye Yunshang, and other patients inside. As flames engulfed the building and panic erupted, Ye Yunshang, feeling their situation was hopeless, took Mu Xingchen's hand and asked if he loved her.
He looked at her tenderly and confessed that he had loved her since the first time they met. Ye Yunshang smiled, then succumbed to the smoke and collapsed in his arms. Mu Xingchen vowed he would not let her die. As the fire intensified and many patients fell unconscious, Mu Xingchen, to save them, unleashed his Qing Nang skills.
He helped the dazed patients to their feet and guided them towards an exit, but the immense exertion left him severely weakened. As they escaped, a grateful patient warned Mu Xingchen that Qiao Zhen Tian had intended to harm him and accused Qiao Zhen Tian of orchestrating the fire. Mu Xingchen, focused on immediate escape, urged everyone to find a safer route. Meanwhile, Qiao Zhen Tian arrived at the scene with his men.
He initially seemed unconcerned, remarking that the fire solved his problem of dealing with Mu Xingchen. However, his attitude changed drastically when his cousin informed him that Ye Yunshang was trapped inside. Qiao Zhen Tian frantically ordered his men to extinguish the fire, threatening them when they reported the blaze was too overwhelming to enter. As Mu Xingchen and the survivors finally emerged, a gunman appeared and aimed at Mu Xingchen. Ye Yunshang instinctively stepped in front of him.
Qiao Zhen Tian then pushed Ye Yunshang out of the way and shielded her, taking a bullet in his back. Despite his injury, Qiao Zhen Tian denied setting the fire, but Ye Yunshang confronted him about his previous attempts to harm Mu Xingchen. Qiao Zhen Tian ordered his men to pursue the fleeing assailant. Mu Xingchen fell into a critical unconscious state, his organs beginning to fail.
Chu Tianyao worried deeply, noting that while Qiao Zhen Tian's injury was not life-threatening, Mu Xingchen's survival was a miracle. She questioned Ye Yunshang about the events in the fire, as everyone else had emerged unharmed. Ye Yunshang claimed she had fainted and knew nothing, leaving Chu Tianyao suspicious. Later, Ye Yunshang sat by Mu Xingchen's bedside, desperately praying for his recovery and offering her own life or years to save him.
Chu Tianyao, observing her, gently suggested Ye Yunshang rest, implying her presence might hinder Mu Xingchen's treatment. Mayor Shangguan, identified as Shangguan Qing, arrived with Shangguan Wenxuan to visit Mu Xingchen, commending his heroism in saving the patients. Chu Tianyao voiced her concerns about Mu Xingchen's deteriorating condition, but Shangguan Wenxuan tried to reassure her. Shangguan Qing then instructed Shangguan Wenxuan to escort Chu Tianyao to rest, stating he would take over.
Once alone with Mu Xingchen, Shangguan Qing revealed his identity as Mu Xingchen's uncle. He reminded Mu Xingchen of a past favor, recounting how Mu Xingchen had saved his life after Shangguan Qing was gravely injured by his own father for attempting to steal a sacred fruit to save someone named Xiaodie, and how Mu Xingchen had helped him escape.
Declaring their past debt now settled, Shangguan Qing began to teach Mu Xingchen advanced Qing Nang skills to heal his severe internal injuries. Mu Xingchen, displaying remarkable aptitude, quickly mastered the techniques, astonishing Shangguan Qing who noted that such mastery typically takes years. Shangguan Qing then issued a stern warning: Mu Xingchen's public use of Qing Nang skills had compromised his identity.
He cautioned Mu Xingchen against ever revealing Shangguan Qing's secret, threatening to destroy the entire Ye family if he did. Mu Xingchen, in turn, demanded that Shangguan Qing cease cultivating killer wasps, to which Shangguan Qing agreed, asserting he no longer needed them. Mu Xingchen soon awoke, fully recovered. Ye Yunshang was overcome with joy. He attributed his rapid healing to the medicine she had given him and explained that Mayor Shangguan had left after seeing his improved condition.
Later, as they sat together, Ye Yunshang subtly sought to test his feelings. Mu Xingchen gently took her hand, and she naturally leaned her head on his shoulder, their affection for each other deepening. Ye Yunshang then shared a dream of a vast ocean of flowers, wishing they could remain there forever, free from worries, a sentiment Mu Xingchen shared.
Meanwhile, Chu Tianyao, suspecting that her godfather, Shangguan Qing, had secretly healed Mu Xingchen despite his denials, visited him with gifts to express her gratitude. Shangguan Wenxuan, witnessing Chu Tianyao's devotion to Mu Xingchen, confronted her, reminding her that Mu Xingchen's heart belonged to Ye Yunshang and urging her to stop pursuing a love that would never be reciprocated, drawing parallels to his own unrequited feelings for her. Chu Tianyao, however, firmly reiterated that she saw Shangguan Wenxuan only as a brother and that Mu Xingchen was the only person she loved. Her words left Shangguan Wenxuan distraught.
Episode 11 Recap
President Ye, observing the blossoming affection between his daughter Ye Yunshang and Mu Xingchen, expressed his delight and inquired about their future plans. A shy Ye Yunshang, her feelings exposed, quickly retreated. Mu Xingchen explained to President Ye that he could not make such a significant decision about marriage on his own due to his family's strict rules. Ye Yunshang, having overheard his comments, initially felt upset and ignored him.
Mu Xingchen then clarified his predicament to her, explaining that his tribe's rules were extremely strict. He recounted how his own uncle had nearly faced execution years ago for eloping with a woman from outside their tribe, emphasizing that no one, including himself, could defy these traditions. Despite this, he earnestly promised Ye Yunshang that she was the only one in his heart and that he would always stay by her side.
Reassured by his words, Ye Yunshang's smile returned, and she made him promise to keep his word. Shortly after, a young woman interrupted their intimate moment, claiming Mu Xingchen for herself and accusing Ye Yunshang of having ill intentions, before Mu Xingchen quickly dismissed her. Mu Xingchen and Ye Yunshang decided to visit Qiao Zhen Tian, who had been injured while protecting Ye Yunshang. Upon arriving at the Qiao family mansion, they found Qiao Zhen Tian's injuries were not severe.
Qiao Zhen Tian's mother expressed her worry and anger, scolding her son for risking his life for Ye Yunshang and reminding him he was their only child. When Ye Yunshang tried to express her concern, Madame Qiao was initially hostile, suggesting that Ye Yunshang should have been the one hurt. Qiao Zhen Tian interjected, asking his mother to be polite to their guest. However, when Mu Xingchen arrived, Qiao Zhen Tian immediately feigned severe discomfort.
Mu Xingchen, observing Madame Qiao's pale and tired appearance, noted her symptoms of exhaustion and offered Ye Yunshang's medical expertise, which Madame Qiao gratefully accepted. Mu Xingchen then directly addressed Qiao Zhen Tian, pointing out his stable condition and confronting him about the fire in the quarantine area.
He revealed that the fire was orchestrated by someone who intended to kill everyone, frame Qiao Zhen Tian, and instigate a conflict between the Qiao and Ye families by ensuring Ye Yunshang's death. Mu Xingchen identified Fujiwara as the likely mastermind, explaining that Fujiwara sought to profit from the discord, especially since the Ye family's antidote production and Qiao Zhen Tian's forced detoxification efforts were disrupting Fujiwara's lucrative drug trade.
Recognizing their shared enemy, Qiao Zhen Tian agreed to cooperate with Mu Xingchen, stressing the importance of unity against the Japanese, as internal conflicts had always led to their defeat. He insisted that their alliance and the information about Fujiwara must remain a secret, especially from Ye Yunshang.
However, Qiao Zhen Tian couldn't shake his feelings for Ye Yunshang and provocatively asked Mu Xingchen if he had ever kissed her and if he had influenced her decision to break their engagement. Mu Xingchen evaded a direct answer, merely stating that one should not force someone to marry. He then took Ye Yunshang by the hand and left, leaving Qiao Zhen Tian seething with unanswered questions.
Mu Xingchen led Ye Yunshang to a picturesque spot, telling her he wanted to show her the most beautiful scenery in the world. He lifted her into his arms, soaring through the air. As he gazed at her charming smile and rosy lips, he felt a strong urge to kiss her, but ultimately managed to hold back.
Meanwhile, Shangguan Yunxuan looked at an old photograph of his mother, reflecting on her sudden disappearance years ago and his father's silence on the matter. He longed to know her whereabouts and well-being. Increasingly suspicious of his father's behavior, Shangguan Yunxuan remembered a map his father possessed, which was now missing. Relying on his memory, he painstakingly redrew the map. Following the marked locations, he discovered a crystal cave.
Inside, he found a female corpse, which he carefully documented with his camera. Later, he approached his father's secretary, Secretary Wang, for additional documents, hoping they would provide clues to his mother's fate. Separately, Qiao Zhen Tian's father expressed his concerns about a chronic illness, fearing he wouldn't live past fifty. Qiao Zhen Tian reassured him that he would find a cure. Later, Qi Fei stealthily appeared at the medical clinic.
Mu Xingchen, upon checking his pulse, noted his stable condition and questioned his reason for visiting. Qi Fei then confessed he was there to cure his stutter. Mu Xingchen gave him a smooth stone, instructing him to hold it in his mouth and recite poetry for an hour daily, promising a cure and offering three pieces of gold if the method failed. Qi Fei diligently followed the instructions, but in his excitement, he accidentally swallowed the stone.
Ye Yunshang, exaggerating the risks, warned him of severe complications such as stomach infection, perforation, bleeding, and even death if the stone wasn't quickly removed. A terrified Qi Fei pleaded for help. Mu Xingchen presented him with a quantity of oil, assuring him it would help pass the stone. Despite drinking it all, there was no change. Qi Fei then admitted he had been constipated for several days.
Mu Xingchen subsequently fed him uncut leeks, which finally helped Qi Fei pass the stone. Overjoyed, Qi Fei proudly displayed the cleaned stone, even jokingly offering to put it back in his mouth. Mu Xingchen observed that Qi Fei's stutter was gone. Although still experiencing stomach discomfort, Qi Fei confirmed his speech was clear and hurried off to the bathroom again, leaving Ye Yunshang to comment on the unusual yet effective treatment.
Episode 12 Recap
Qiao Zhen Tian came to Mu Xingchen, explaining he had received an invitation to a Devil's Banquet from Fujiwara. Mu Xingchen advised him to attend the banquet, to remain calm and observe their intentions. While they were discussing, Ye Yunshang arrived and was surprised to see the two men getting along so peacefully and even laughing together.
She asked what they were doing, to which Qiao Zhen Tian quickly diverted the conversation by playfully announcing his intention to pursue her again. Not wanting him to mention their past, Ye Yunshang immediately walked over and linked her arm with Mu Xingchen, declaring that she was now his girlfriend, much to Qiao Zhen Tian's annoyance. Meanwhile, A Gui, a worker at the Ye Clinic, lost all his money gambling at a casino.
He attempted to flee after snatching money from the gambling table but was caught and severely beaten by the casino staff. After they left, a Japanese man with a mustache approached A Gui, offering him a large sum of money. A Gui, seeing the cash, eagerly picked it up. The Japanese man then whispered instructions in his ear, asking him to perform a task for them. Despite his initial reluctance, A Gui agreed for the money.
To prevent further harm from poisonous wasps, Mu Xingchen developed a wasp repellent drug. He explained that spreading the medicine where the wasps were or applying it to one's body would deter them. The Ye Clinic also offered free antidote pills with every purchase of the repellent. Many people eagerly bought the drug, but tragically, several individuals died shortly after taking the accompanying antidote pills. A furious crowd of the deceased's family members gathered outside the Ye Clinic, demanding answers.
Ye Yunshang was bewildered, wondering why the antidote pills, which had previously saved so many, were now causing deaths. Mu Xingchen tried to explain that their medicine could not possibly be at fault, but the distraught families insisted the pills were lethal and wanted them arrested. Just then, Qiao Zhen Tian arrived with the police, stating they had received reports and intended to take Mu Xingchen for questioning. As they moved to apprehend him, Mu Xingchen swiftly escaped.
Determined to uncover the truth, Ye Yunshang and Chu Tianyao decided to perform autopsies before Qiao Zhen Tian could. However, they faced strong resistance from several families who were unwilling to allow examinations of their deceased loved ones. As they despaired, the wife of one of the deceased approached them, willing to cooperate. Ye Yunshang examined the body and concluded that the man died from cardiac arrest, yet he showed no prior symptoms of heart disease.
The blackened nails and lips indicated poisoning. Ye Yunshang extracted the drug components from the deceased's stomach for testing. She discovered the presence of raw wild aconite roots and aconitine, both highly toxic substances that can cause heart paralysis and death. Chu Tianyao deduced that whoever was capable of obtaining these potent ingredients and knew how to administer them must be well-versed in medicine, suspecting the culprit was hiding within a medical clinic.
Upon further investigation, Ye Yunshang found evidence that A Gui had secretly introduced the toxic ingredients into the medicine. Before she could question him about the mastermind, A Gui was suddenly killed by a poison dart launched from a flute-like mechanism. Mu Xingchen chased the assailant but failed to catch them. Before succumbing to the poison, A Gui gasped that an "important person" had instructed him.
Qiao Zhen Tian, upon hearing this, immediately suspected Mu Xingchen and issued an arrest warrant for him. Ye Yunshang presented her investigative findings as evidence to exonerate Mu Xingchen, but Qiao Zhen Tian dismissed them, claiming her evidence was invalid. Frustrated, Ye Yunshang persisted, demanding he take her seriously. Seeing her distress, Qiao Zhen Tian secretly confided in her. He admitted he knew Mu Xingchen was innocent and that their current "conflict" was a ruse to mislead their enemies.
He revealed that he and Mu Xingchen were working together to investigate another important case and assured her that Mu Xingchen would be safe under his protection. Relieved, Ye Yunshang agreed to keep their secret. Elsewhere, the Qiao family was afflicted by a blood curse. Shangguan Qing informed Chief Qiao that the Shenmu Tribe possessed a holy fruit from a Sacred Tree that could break the curse.
Ye Yunshang's father also received an invitation from Shangguan Qing, detailing the Shenmu Tribe's "salvation medicine." He gathered the Ye family's soldiers and, along with Chief Qiao, set off for the mist forest. However, upon their arrival, Shangguan Qing unleashed three-colored poisonous wasps, initiating an attack on the Shenmu Tribe.
A sensitive entity within the Shenmu Tribe named Meijiao sensed the imminent danger and urgently instructed Ye Yunshang to find Mu Xingchen, warning her that a great calamity was befalling the tribe. At a Japanese martial arts hall, Fujiwara was overseeing a training session. Dashan Chuanyue, a renowned karate master, direct disciple of Gongben Zhengxin, and acclaimed as Japan's top fighter, entered with an air of arrogance. He declared his intention to challenge China's martial arts experts.
Unbeknownst to them, Mu Xingchen and Qiao Zhen Tian were observing the scene through binoculars from a hidden vantage point. Suddenly, Dashan Chuanyue's gaze shifted directly towards their hiding spot, as if he had detected their presence.
Episode 13 Recap
After Mu Xingchen and Qiao Zhen Tian were spotted by Dashan, Mu Xingchen quickly pulled Qiao Zhen Tian away. Mu Xingchen declared his intention to continue investigating Fujiwara. Qiao Zhen Tian noted that Fujiwara had already rallied many people in Yunhai City, making him worry that the city would fall under Japanese rule again.
Mu Xingchen assured Qiao Zhen Tian that he would not compete for credit, stating that all the glory would be Qiao Zhen Tian's if he could expose Fujiwara and the Ying Liu Society to the public. Mu Xingchen emphasized that the immediate priority was to swiftly uncover a crucial list. Later, Qiao Zhen Tian consulted his father, Chief Qiao, about the Ying Liu Society.
Chief Qiao explained that the Ying Liu Society was the largest foreign organization active in Yunhai City twenty years ago. They committed numerous atrocities, aiming to deplete the economy and destabilize the government, behaving like wolves determined to consume all their prey. Chief Qiao recounted how Shangguan Qing, Qiao Zheng Kun, and Ye Qiushi had joined forces to dismantle the society, with Fujiwara being the only survivor.
Chief Qiao suspected that Fujiwara was behind the fire in the quarantine area and the person who shot Qiao Zhen Tian. He warned his son against rushing to confront Fujiwara, explaining that the group had previously tried to ensnare Qiao Zhen Tian by involving him in the special drug business, with the ultimate goal of eliminating the Qiao family.
Chief Qiao stressed the importance of finding the right opportunity to eliminate Fujiwara, ensuring everything unfolded naturally yet unexpectedly, just as they had done in the past. He also expressed regret for his past negligence in allowing Fujiwara to escape. Qiao Zhen Tian kept his scheduled appointment with Fujiwara. Fujiwara proposed a renewed partnership to amass wealth and regain control of Yunhai City's business sector. He suggested they work together to eliminate Mu Xingchen and Ye Yunshang.
Fujiwara claimed his subordinates had developed an infectious disease similar to wasp venom, and by releasing it and then offering a cure, they could both profit immensely. Qiao Zhen Tian refused to play along, directly accusing Fujiwara of being the one who tried to kill him in the quarantine area. He pressed Fujiwara to confess the truth about the Ying Liu Society, warning him of severe consequences otherwise.
Qiao Zhen Tian listed Fujiwara's arrested associates – Zhang Huaiyuan, Wu Jingze, Shi Siwen, Du Changrong – noting they were all members of the Ying Liu Society and had already implicated him. As Fujiwara feigned ignorance, he suddenly gasped and collapsed, unconscious. The woman serving tea, Song Ziqing, a journalist who had secretly joined the Ying Liu Society, immediately cried out about an assassin to create a diversion. Qiao Zhen Tian pursued the supposed attacker but found no one.
Mu Xingchen arrived at the scene. After examining Fujiwara's body, he detected a bitter almond scent, identifying it as cyanide, a poison known for its lethality even in small doses. Mu Xingchen observed a single wound on Fujiwara's body, concluding he was poisoned to death by a cyanide-laced needle. He surmised that Song Ziqing was the only person with the opportunity to administer the poison, likely killing Fujiwara to prevent him from revealing the Ying Liu Society's secrets.
Qiao Zhen Tian, enraged that someone dared to commit murder in his presence, moved to apprehend Song Ziqing. However, Mu Xingchen intervened, arguing that Song Ziqing was merely a pawn. He advocated for a long-term strategy to uncover the true mastermind behind her. Mu Xingchen explained that with Fujiwara dead, the morale of the Japanese forces would be low, and Song Ziqing, likely lacking significant authority, would lead them to a more influential figure.
Qiao Zhen Tian reluctantly agreed to Mu Xingchen's plan, but only if Mu Xingchen promised to compete fairly for Ye Yunshang's affections before their mission against the Japanese was complete. Mu Xingchen was both amused and impressed by Qiao Zhen Tian's declaration. Meanwhile, Ye Yunshang, who had been anxiously searching for Mu Xingchen, was relieved when he returned. He learned from a frantic Meijiao that his hometown, the Shenmu tribe, was in peril.
Meijiao explained that poisonous wasps had appeared, causing trees to wither and even the holy tree to decline. Mu Xingchen, recognizing the severity of the situation, decided to return immediately. As he and Ye Yunshang were preparing to leave with detoxification pills, Shangguan Wenxuan confronted them. He demanded to know the secret between Mu Xingchen and Shangguan Qing, revealing he had discovered his father, Shangguan Qing, harbored hidden identities.
Mu Xingchen, acknowledging Shangguan Wenxuan’s right to know due to his Shenmu tribal bloodline, decided to bring him along, hoping he might assist in stopping Mu Nanyue. He asked Shangguan Wenxuan to allow his eyes to be covered during their journey into the mountains. Upon arriving at the Shenmu tribe, Shangguan Wenxuan was awestruck by the mystical surroundings. Mu Xingchen quickly distributed the detoxification medicine to the tribe members suffering from wasp venom.
He then reported to his father, the tribal chief, about Shangguan Qing (Mu Nanyue)'s plan to attack the tribe and seize the holy fruit. A tribe member demanded Shangguan Wenxuan's execution per tribal law, but the chief, stating that a parent's sins should not be visited upon their child, spared him. He believed killing Shangguan Wenxuan would only further antagonize Mu Nanyue. The chief commanded Yue Kun to lead the soldiers in protecting the holy tree and prepare for battle.
Yueying, who had been tricked by Shi Hu into believing he was Mu Xingchen, confronted Shi Hu after seeing Mu Xingchen return with Ye Yunshang. She realized Shi Hu's deception and accused him and Mu Xingchen of humiliating her. Shi Hu confessed his wrongdoing and revealed that Mu Xingchen had left to save the sacred tree, pleading with Yueying to keep this a secret.
Despite Shi Hu's attempt to express his genuine feelings for her, Yueying, feeling betrayed, ran off in anger. Separately, Shangguan Qing (Mu Nanyue), President Ye, and Chief Qiao gathered, each bringing their own forces, including President Ye's soldiers. Upon meeting, President Ye questioned Shangguan Qing, noting that the invitation letter had not mentioned that Chief Qiao (Qiao Zheng Kun) would also be involved.
As they neared the Misty Forest, President Ye expressed his reluctance to proceed, citing the forest's dangerous reputation and his unwillingness to risk his men for the legendary holy fruit. Shangguan Qing, however, insisted they continue, revealing that he had a strange illness and was willing to do anything to cure it, implicitly coercing President Ye to comply.
Episode 14 Recap
Ye Qiushi was compelled to accompany the group forward, knowing that Qiao Zheng Kun was ruthless and his own police force would be no match for Qiao's armored soldiers. Qiao Zheng Kun, who suffered from a strange illness, declared that he would do anything to cure himself, even if it meant threatening Ye Qiushi. Shangguan Qing then led the group to the tribe's entrance, where Kong Chan blocked their path.
Kong Chan confronted Shangguan Qing, questioning if he truly intended to sacrifice so many innocent lives for his own selfish desires and for Xiaodie. Shangguan Qing confirmed his intent, demanding the holy fruit and vowing not to leave without it. Qiao Zheng Kun chimed in, threatening to destroy the place if they didn't get the fruit.
Kong Chan offered one holy fruit if they retreated, explaining its rarity—a sacred tree takes a thousand years to grow, and only about ten fruits appear every hundred years. However, Qiao Zheng Kun rejected the offer, insisting that each of the three leaders, including himself, should receive a holy fruit. When Kong Chan refused, Qiao Zheng Kun ordered an attack. Shangguan Qing immediately engaged Kong Chan in battle, managing to snatch the holy fruit before disappearing from sight.
The battle turned fierce, resulting in heavy casualties on both sides. As the tribe began to gain the upper hand, Ye Qiushi, sensing the dire situation, quickly ordered his men to retreat. Qiao Zheng Kun also withdrew his forces. Kong Chan did not pursue them, returning to report to the chief.
Later, as Qiao Zheng Kun and Ye Qiushi were retreating, Qiao Zheng Kun pressed Ye Qiushi about Shangguan Qing's whereabouts, having heard that Shangguan Qing fled with the holy fruit. Qiao Zheng Kun considered turning back for more holy fruit, believing Kong Chan's earlier statement meant there were more, but Ye Qiushi argued against it, pointing out the tribe's ferocity.
Meanwhile, within the tribe, Elder Yue Kun reported to the chief about the outside world's rapid advancements and the destructive power of their weapons, suggesting they pursue and eliminate the invaders to prevent future threats. Mu Xingchen intervened, arguing that those people were merely manipulated by Shangguan Qing and should not be senselessly killed. The chief agreed with Mu Xingchen, instructing Yue Kun and Kong Chan to erase the invaders' memories to prevent further trouble.
Upon learning that Shangguan Wenxuan was the son of the traitor Mu Nanyue, some tribe members demanded his death, but the chief spared him, believing a son should not be punished for his father's sins. The chief also ordered Shi Hu to imprison Mu Xingchen for introspection and to escort Shangguan Wenxuan and Ye Yunshang out of the tribe, forbidding their return under penalty of death.
Back in the forest, Qiao Zheng Kun, his men, and Ye Qiushi found themselves disoriented and confused after Kong Chan and Yue Kun performed their memory-wiping magic. They awoke wondering how they got there. Witnessing the tribe's powerful magic, Qiao Zheng Kun and Ye Qiushi quickly gathered their remaining men and fled in a panic.
Before Shangguan Wenxuan was escorted out of the tribe, Mu Xingchen, from his prison, urged him not to be consumed by revenge, reminding him that Shangguan Qing had, after all, raised him. Shangguan Wenxuan vehemently replied that Shangguan Qing was not his father. When Ye Yunshang tried to assure Mu Xingchen that she would find a way to rescue him, Mu Xingchen gravely told her that their fate together was over.
He warned her not to return to the dangerous place and asked her to tell Qiao Zhentian to be wary of the Japanese to avoid being deceived again. Shi Hu then forcefully led Ye Yunshang away, giving her a necklace made from a holy fruit pit, a keepsake from Mu Xingchen. After Ye Yunshang left, Shi Hu advised Mu Xingchen to forget her, revealing that the chief had ordered her death if Mu Xingchen ever tried to see her again.
Mu Xingchen conceded, stating he would not seek her out. Back in his hideout, Shangguan Qing returned with the holy fruit, hoping to revive Xiaodie. He lovingly spoke to her, noting her eternal youth while lamenting his own aging. Despite his desperate attempts and all his knowledge, Xiaodie did not awaken. Realizing he had been deceived, Shangguan Qing cried out in anger, demanding to know why he had been lied to. He then tearfully cremated Xiaodie's body.
Afterward, to his shock, he discovered a long steel nail embedded in her skull. Back at the clinic, a sorrowful Ye Yunshang was comforted by Meijiao. Ye Yunshang confessed her despair, believing Mu Xingchen would never return. Meijiao, trying to cheer her up, revealed that Mu Xingchen had written a letter. In the letter, Mu Xingchen told Yun'er (Ye Yunshang) that his father had punished him by making him copy tribe rules, making his days tedious.
He expressed missing their time together and promised to escape to see her someday. Relieved, Ye Yunshang wrote a reply, which Shi Hu delivered to Mu Xingchen. In her letter, Ye Yunshang urged Mu Xingchen to be clever and escape soon to return to the clinic, as many "kittens and puppies" awaited his care. She also advised him to obey his father until things returned to normal before making his comeback.
Separately, Ye Yunshang received another letter from Mu Xingchen, warning that Song Ziqing was part of the Ying Liu Society and working for the Japanese, urging caution. Meijiao speculated that Song Ziqing would surely act and suggested seeking information from Shangguan Wenxuan, who was now the General Secretary. Ye Yunshang, however, asked why not go to Qiao Zhentian instead. Meijiao expressed disinterest in bothering Qiao Zhentian, whom she found annoying.
Later, as Qiao Zhentian waited impatiently for Shangguan Wenxuan, lamenting his hunger, Ye Yunshang's bag was stolen. While chasing the thief, she twisted her ankle. Qiao Zhentian immediately offered to carry her, teasing that if she were to limp, no one would marry such a pretty girl. As he carried her, Qiao Zhentian lightheartedly remarked that he no longer had a "love rival" now that Mu Xingchen was gone, also revealing he had canceled the arrest warrant for Mu Xingchen.
Ye Yunshang warned him to be careful of the powerful Japanese. Qiao Zhentian, declaring he feared no one but her, left her at the clinic, stating he had to continue patrolling and do good deeds for her sake. Elsewhere, Qiao Zheng Kun discussed the failed mission with his son, Qiao Zhentian, expressing frustration over Shangguan Qing's betrayal and the loss of soldiers.
He assured his son that he had covered up the incident by claiming they fought bandits and compensating the families. Qiao Zhentian suggested returning for more holy fruits, but Qiao Zheng Kun recounted the tribe's potent magic, describing their use of vines and poisonous insects, and identified the lead woman, Kong Chan, as Mu Xingchen's master.
He then ordered Qi Fei to investigate Mu Xingchen's background and declared his intention to confront Shangguan Qing to reclaim some of the holy fruit. Later, Shangguan Qing was contemplating the steel nail found in Xiaodie's skull when a bullet suddenly whizzed past him. He swiftly dodged it, only to find Qiao Zheng Kun standing before him.
Episode 15 Recap
Qiao Zheng Kun confronted Shangguan Qing, demanding to know where he had hidden the sacred fruit. He accused Shangguan Qing of betraying their long-standing friendship by taking the fruit for himself, especially after Qiao Zheng Kun had been the one to reveal its secret. He reminded Shangguan Qing that they had agreed to share it equally among the three of them.
Shangguan Qing adamantly denied having the fruit, daring Qiao Zheng Kun to bring forward anyone who claimed to have seen him with it. He then tried to appeal to their twenty years as sworn brothers, suggesting that his actions were for Qiao Zheng Kun's benefit, and even challenged him to shoot him if he didn't believe him.
Qiao Zheng Kun, still unconvinced, lowered his gun and warned Shangguan Qing not to lie to him, stating that he didn't have much time left and his only wish was to secure his son Qiao Zhen Tian's safety, preventing him from suffering the same fate. Shangguan Qing, in turn, reassured him, affirming their brotherhood and promising to protect the Qiao family. Meanwhile, Shangguan Wenxuan returned, now sporting gold-rimmed glasses and an air of importance.
Song Ziqing sought him out, expressing her desire to establish a newspaper company and acquire several pharmaceutical factories, for which she needed his official approval. She promised he would be well compensated for his assistance. Flattered by her charm, Shangguan Wenxuan readily agreed to help her. Later, during an intimate moment, Song Ziqing mentioned her ongoing trade dispute with Ye Yunshang and again asked for his help.
After their encounter, she performed some kind of magic, adding an unknown substance to his wine. Back at the Ye family residence, Old Huang, the steward, frantically informed Ye Yunshang that all their usual medicine suppliers, both local and external, had suddenly ceased selling to them. Word had spread throughout Yunhai City that a single entity had bought all available medicinal supplies, leaving all hospitals and clinics without stock. Just then, the sound of firecrackers erupted outside.
Upon investigation, they discovered the grand opening of Crand Trading Company, which had indeed purchased all the city's medicinal herbs at exorbitant prices. Ye Yunshang soon realized that Song Ziqing was behind the new company and was rumored to have Japanese backing. Despite Old Huang’s warnings about the Japanese influence, Ye Yunshang declared that this was Chinese land and they would not be defeated. Determined to address the crisis, Ye Yunshang headed to the town hall.
There, she uncovered that Shangguan Wenxuan had granted Crand Trading Company the approval to operate the pharmaceutical business. She confronted him, accusing him of allowing the company to monopolize medicine with inflated prices, leaving citizens without treatment. Shangguan Wenxuan dismissed her concerns as normal commercial competition. When Ye Yunshang pressed him about helping Song Ziqing, a collaborator with the Japanese, he shamelessly retorted that Song Ziqing was his woman, and he would naturally help her.
Chu Tianyao, who was also present, congratulated him, but Shangguan Wenxuan reacted defensively, questioning if she thought he couldn't find a woman. Enraged by his brazenness, Ye Yunshang condemned him for abusing his authority for personal gain, calling him shameless, and stormed out. Outside the town hall, Ye Yunshang worried about Chu Tianyao's reaction to Shangguan Wenxuan's infidelity.
However, Chu Tianyao calmly stated that she had always viewed Shangguan Wenxuan as a brother and that her heart belonged to Mu Xingchen. As they walked, two thugs approached, demanding money and attempting to assault them. Ye Yunshang threw a cabbage, then remembered her heightened martial arts skills from consuming the holy fruit. She swiftly fought off the thugs, sending them fleeing. This incident solidified her belief that a strong, decisive approach was necessary to deal with Song Ziqing.
Upon returning home, Ye Yunshang discussed her plans with her father, requesting one hundred thousand silver coins to combat Crand Trading Company's monopoly. Her father, initially hesitant about the large sum, agreed after Ye Yunshang explained the Japanese backing and the potential for a complete trade monopoly in Yunhai City. He agreed to support her as the President of the Chamber of Commerce, but insisted on knowing Mu Xingchen's true identity before providing the funds.
Ye Yunshang initially tried to brush it off, claiming Mu Xingchen was just a vet. Her father pressed further, revealing his own recent encounter with plant-controlling individuals in the fog forest, including "Kong Chan," whom he knew to be Mu Xingchen's teacher. Faced with the threat of losing his support, Ye Yunshang confessed that Shangguan Qing had tricked them into going to the Shenmu tribe, and Mu Xingchen had returned to help but was then prevented from leaving.
She explained that Shangguan Qing sought the sacred fruit to revive his deceased wife. She implored her father to keep this information strictly confidential, fearing Shangguan Qing's revenge if he found out. Her father, in turn, warned her to be careful, as her close relationship with Mu Xingchen might already have drawn Shangguan Qing's attention. Unbeknownst to them, Ye Yuan Zhi, hiding nearby, overheard their entire conversation.
Later, his mother, Ye Erniang, caught him trying to sneak away and interrogated him, eventually coaxing him into revealing what he had heard, even though he initially resisted, fearing trouble. Meanwhile, at the Shenmu tribe, the Chief convened a meeting to address Mu Xingchen's unauthorized journey to the outside world. While acknowledging Mu Xingchen as his son, the Chief stated that he could not overlook the violation of tribal rules and sought counsel on his punishment.
A tribal member spoke in Mu Xingchen's defense, highlighting his success in saving the sacred tree and healing many tribe members, suggesting that a severe punishment would be unjust. The Chief, taking this into account, decided to punish Mu Xingchen by making him copy the tribal rules one thousand times. Next, the issue of Shihu impersonating the young master was raised.
Mu Xingchen immediately tried to take responsibility, claiming he forced Shihu to do it, but Shihu stepped forward, accepting full guilt and offering to be punished. The Chief, however, deemed Shihu, as a guard, to be doubly guilty for knowingly violating the rules. His sentence was to work as a laborer in the lumberyard, with no possibility of early release without the Chief's personal command.
Finally, Yue Kun, Yue Ying's father, brought up the long-arranged marriage between Mu Xingchen and Yue Ying. The Chief initially hesitated, citing the sacred tree's unresolved condition, but was reminded that the marriage had been set for a long time. He then instructed Yue Kun to select an auspicious date for the wedding to proceed. Back in Yunhai City, Ye Yunshang was restless, her mind preoccupied with the impending confrontation with Song Ziqing.
She called out to Meijiao, her spirit, seeking companionship. Meijiao playfully accused Ye Yunshang of betraying Mu Xingchen for money. Ye Yunshang refuted the accusation, clarifying that her father already knew about the Shenmu tribe and she had only confided in him to warn him about Shangguan Qing. She expressed her longing for Mu Xingchen, wishing he were there to help her through this difficult time.
Meijiao then probed, asking if Ye Yunshang liked Mu Xingchen and what qualities she admired in him. Ye Yunshang confessed her affection, citing his calmness in crisis, his ability to solve problems, and even the scent of herbs on him, though she sadly believed he would not return. Mu Xingchen, through his magical abilities, was secretly listening to this entire conversation. Just then, Yue Ying approached him, offering a handmade purse.
Mu Xingchen, however, rejected the gift, stating he didn't use such items and didn't like anything. When Yue Ying noted his coldness, he reiterated his usual demeanor and pointedly remarked that the person she had recently befriended was Shihu, not him. Offended, Yue Ying declared her hatred for Shihu, calling him a liar, and then emotionally expressed a desire to stay with Mu Xingchen forever. Mu Xingchen, seeing her confusion, advised her to carefully consider who she truly liked.
Left alone, Yue Ying pondered if her feelings were for Shihu, vehemently denying the possibility. Later, Mu Xingchen encountered Shihu at the lumberyard, where Shihu mentioned Yue Ying had just visited him. Mu Xingchen observed that Yue Ying seemed to care deeply for Shihu and encouraged him to pursue her, emphasizing that life was short and regrets should be avoided. To counter Song Ziqing's monopoly, Ye Yunshang adopted an aggressive strategy.
She acquired several empty storefronts directly adjacent to Crand Trading Company's premises. She instructed Old Huang to thoroughly investigate Song Ziqing's business operations and supply chains, intending to sell identical products but at better quality and lower prices. She also contacted major medicine suppliers, promising them that she would always pay ten percent higher than Song Ziqing's offer, regardless of the quantity.
She had already arranged for large quantities of medicinal herbs and supplies to be shipped from surrounding cities, confident that Song Ziqing's hoarding would be rendered useless. However, bringing these supplies into Yunhai City still required official approval documents, which were under Shangguan Wenxuan's jurisdiction. Despite their strained relationship and her earlier harsh words, Ye Yunshang went to him, appealing to their past friendship. But even after pleading her case, Shangguan Wenxuan steadfastly refused to grant her the necessary approval. Frustrated, Ye Yunshang confronted him again, questioning his loyalty to Song Ziqing and accusing him of aiding the Japanese in their exploitation of the Chinese people.
Episode 16 Recap
Ye Yunshang confronted Shangguan Wenxuan, demanding to know why he was helping the Japanese. Shangguan Wenxuan dismissed it as legitimate business, not a matter of national dignity. He then brazenly offered to give her the necessary approval documents if she helped him pursue Chu Tianyao. Enraged, Ye Yunshang slapped him, declaring that such a person was unworthy of Chu Tianyao, and stormed out. Later, Ye Yunshang sought her father, Ye Qiushi, for help with the approval documents.
Ye Qiushi called Shangguan Qing, who, playing the role of mayor, stated that Shangguan Wenxuan was in charge of approvals and he could not overstep his authority. Ye Erniang, exasperated, blamed Ye Yunshang for initiating a trade war with Song Ziqing, which was draining the family's finances. She warned that the Crand Trade Company dealt in daily necessities, and if they hoarded goods at high prices, the Ye family couldn't compete and risked ruin.
Ye Yunshang tried to explain that securing the approval documents would guarantee their victory. Her father then told Ye Erniang to stop complaining and return to her room, as he and Yunshang had matters to discuss. Ye Yunshang then asked her father to consult with his connections among the legislators, and Ye Qiushi promised to consider it.
Meanwhile, Shangguan Qing discovered an anonymous letter on his desk that threatened to expose his true identity, addressing him as "Mu Nanyue," if he did not grant the Ye family the approval documents. Infuriated and suspecting Ye Yunshang due to her closeness to Mu Xingchen, he summoned Chu Tianyao. Shangguan Qing informed Chu Tianyao that Ye Yunshang was superior to her in every aspect and would forever be a barrier between her and Mu Xingchen.
When Chu Tianyao, distressed, asked for guidance, Shangguan Qing gave her a bottle of medicine, instructing her to give it to Ye Yunshang. He claimed it would remove Ye Yunshang as a rival without causing any harm. At the Ye mansion, as Ye Yunshang sat down for dinner, Chu Tianyao poured her a cup of tea and secretly added the medicine.
Suddenly, Dah Wong, the butler, rushed in, informing Ye Yunshang that the Japanese-backed Crand Trade Company had begun acquiring rice, noodles, grains, and oil, threatening a monopoly that would devastate the common people. Dah Wong, feeling thirsty, reached for the tea on the table, but Chu Tianyao quickly stopped him, inadvertently spilling the tea. A plume of steam rose from the liquid, revealing its potency. Ding Xiang immediately accused Chu Tianyao of attempting to poison Ye Yunshang.
Chu Tianyao, overwhelmed by guilt, repeatedly apologized before fleeing in shame. Chu Tianyao, deeply distraught, wept by a stream. Song Ziqing appeared, commenting on her sorrow. She subtly confirmed Ye Yunshang's excellence but malevolently suggested that happiness must be seized; otherwise, Chu Tianyao would remain a perpetual loser, never attaining her desires. Back at the mansion, Ye Yunshang sent her servants to search for Chu Tianyao, but she returned on her own.
Chu Tianyao tearfully confessed to Ye Yunshang that the tea with the medicine was meant for herself, not for Ye Yunshang, as she felt unworthy of their friendship and of Mu Xingchen. When Ye Yunshang pressed her for a reason for such a desperate act, Chu Tianyao sobbed and refused to explain further.
Understanding her friend's anguish, Ye Yunshang kindly chose not to press for details, instead suggesting they go out for a meal together, reassuring Chu Tianyao of their enduring sisterhood and urging her not to resort to extreme measures. In the Shenmu tribe, the Chief officially named Mu Xingchen as his heir, making him the new Chief after the upcoming ceremony.
Meanwhile, Yue Kun, Yue Ying's father, warned his daughter that Mu Xingchen had brought an outsider woman back to the tribe. He urged Yue Ying to take action to secure her position as Mu Xingchen's fiancée, fearing she might end up like Kong Chan. However, Yue Ying confessed her deep sadness, admitting she was no longer sure if she truly loved Mu Xingchen.
Later, Mu Xingchen spoke with his father, clarifying that his uncle, Mu Nanyue, had sought the holy fruit only to revive Xiaodie. Mu Xingchen also revealed that Mu Nanyue had once saved his life and taught him Qing Nang skills. Recognizing the complexity of the situation, the Chief decided it was time to speak with Mu Nanyue personally to resolve their long-standing issues.
Later, a tribal attendant informed Yue Ying that Mu Xingchen and the Chief had gone to the outside world. Yue Ying speculated that Mu Xingchen had fallen in love with another woman there and had gone to find her. Despite an attendant's efforts to reassure her that Mu Xingchen still cared, Yue Ying expressed that a man's physical return without his heart held no meaning.
She lamented the difficulty of her lifelong wish to spend her days with her true love. Yue Ying then asked if she was less beautiful than the outsider woman Mu Xingchen had brought back, but she was gently reassured that in the eyes of her loyal companion, she was the most beautiful. Yet, Yue Ying remained unconvinced.
Separately, Ye Yuanzhi, hoping to stir some jealousy, first asked his older sister, Ye Yunshang, to pretend to be his girlfriend for a classmate reunion. Ye Yunshang declined, suggesting he find someone else from the clinic. Ye Yuanzhi then approached Chu Tianyao, who eventually agreed to pose as his girlfriend.
After the reunion, as they walked home, Ye Yuanzhi confessed that his intention to make someone jealous was a lie, and that he actually wished Chu Tianyao was his real girlfriend. Chu Tianyao, however, dismissed his words as a joke, stating she had duties at the clinic and quickly left. Back at Shangguan's residence, Shangguan Qing discovered that Shangguan Wenxuan had colluded with the Japanese, sparking his fury.
He vehemently chastised his son, reminding him of past misdeeds, such as conspiring with Qiao Zhentian to sell fake drugs, which had nearly caused a public uproar. As punishment, Shangguan Qing ordered Shangguan Wenxuan to kneel in the courtyard until he repented. Despite pleas from the servants for leniency due to Shangguan Wenxuan's weak constitution, Shangguan Qing remained firm. As rain began to fall, Shangguan Wenxuan succumbed to illness while kneeling.
Chu Tianyao found him, brought him inside, and tended to him. Upon regaining consciousness, Shangguan Wenxuan confessed his feelings for her and embraced her. Chu Tianyao, startled, pushed him away, reminding him that she regarded him as her brother.
Episode 17 Recap
Shangguan Wenxuan passionately declared his affection for Chu Tianyao, attempting to kiss her. Chu Tianyao, however, sharply slapped him, reminding him that she was not Song Ziqing. Shangguan Wenxuan, holding her hand, pleaded with her to accept him, promising to immediately break up with Song Ziqing and be with her forever. Chu Tianyao firmly rejected him, stating that she had always seen him as a brother and urged him to stop assisting the Japanese.
Seeing her genuine anger, Shangguan Wenxuan repeatedly struck his own face, which eventually appeased her enough to stay, as he had something crucial to share. Shangguan Wenxuan led Chu Tianyao to a hidden crystal cave, where he opened a crystal coffin. Inside lay a woman, whom he revealed to be his mother. He expressed his suspicion that Shangguan Qing was responsible for her death. Chu Tianyao's eyes widened in shock, and she agreed to help him investigate the mystery.
Upon Shangguan Wenxuan's return, Shangguan Qing confronted him about his whereabouts. Unable to contain himself, Shangguan Wenxuan furiously demanded to know why Shangguan Qing had concealed his mother's body, revealing that Chu Tianyao was also aware of the secret. Enraged, Shangguan Qing moved to confront Chu Tianyao. Shangguan Wenxuan desperately knelt, pleading with Shangguan Qing not to harm her, threatening to take his own life if anything happened to her.
As Shangguan Qing disregarded his pleas and continued to leave, Shangguan Wenxuan pulled out a pistol. Shangguan Qing swiftly disarmed him and finally disclosed the truth. Shangguan Qing explained that he did not murder Shangguan Wenxuan’s mother, arguing that if he had, her body would have been disposed of long ago. He confessed that her death was connected to him; she had sacrificed her life to save him from thugs.
He preserved her body in the crystal coffin to prevent decay, with the ultimate goal of resurrecting her once he obtained the holy fruit. Shangguan Wenxuan, deeply moved by the prospect of his mother's return, once again addressed Shangguan Qing as "Father," his heart filled with a profound yearning for her resurrection. Later, Shangguan Qing sought out Chu Tianyao. He warned her that the secret of the crystal cave must remain buried and that she was to tell no one.
He then instructed her to collect handwriting samples from every member of the Ye family. Although he did not explicitly tell her the reason, his intention was to identify the author of a threatening letter he had received. Chu Tianyao, although questioning his motives, reluctantly agreed. Meanwhile, Ye Yunshang, learning of Yuan Zhi's affection for Chu Tianyao, encouraged him to pursue her. Yuan Zhi, seizing the opportunity, wrote a love poem for Chu Tianyao.
This allowed Chu Tianyao to discreetly obtain his handwriting, fulfilling Shangguan Qing’s request. Ding Xiang brought exciting news to Ye Yunshang: the approval documents for their business had finally been granted. Ye Yunshang suspected Chu Tianyao's involvement in securing the approval from Shangguan Wenxuan. With the documents in hand, Ye Yunshang enthusiastically reached out to reporters and her German classmates to organize promotional events and discussions with top medical teams in Yunhai City.
She also shared her ambitious plan with her father, Ye Qiushi, emphasizing the need to accelerate the construction of their factory and collaborate with German experts to develop new medicines and overcome the Crand Trading Company. Additionally, Meijiao informed her that Mu Xingchen would soon arrive in Yunhai City. In Yunhai City, Guan Zhongwu, the leader of Ye Qiushi's armored soldiers and renowned as the tenth best martial artist in the city, was brutally murdered by a masked assailant.
The killer mocked Guan Zhongwu's reputation, deeming him nothing special. Mu Xingchen also returned to Yunhai City, immediately ordering his companion to take him to Mu Nanyue. Ye Yunshang and Qiao Zhen Tian discovered Guan Zhongwu's body. The fatal knife wound to his neck and the numerous bruises indicated a fierce struggle. As Ye Qiushi grappled with this shocking event, Ye Yunshang cried out, insisting she heard Yuan Zhi’s plea for help, but her father dismissed it.
Later, a servant confirmed Guan Zhongwu's death, but there was still no news of Yuan Zhi. Ye Qiushi, growing anxious, questioned Yuan Zhi's stepmother if she was hiding anything. Under pressure, she confessed that she had asked Yuan Zhi to write a threatening letter to Shangguan Qing, hoping to expedite the approval documents. She feared that Shangguan Qing, upon discovering Yuan Zhi's handwriting matched the letter, had kidnapped him. Ye Qiushi, distraught by her foolishness, then realized the grave danger his son was in.
Episode 18 Recap
After Guan Zhongwu’s death, Qi Fei informed Ye Yunshang that Monk Chen Hai from Zheng Long Temple had also been found dead. His body showed signs of a brutal attack, with his bones shattered. Meanwhile, Ye Qiushi noticed his wife’s evasiveness and, under his persistent questioning, she confessed that she had instructed Ye Yuanzhi to write the threatening letter. Realizing the trouble they had caused, Ye Qiushi rushed to Shangguan Qing’s residence.
Upon arrival, Ye Qiushi demanded to see Shangguan Qing, even threatening to burn down the house when the butler initially denied him entry. Once inside, Ye Qiushi, identifying himself as merely a merchant, pleaded with Shangguan Qing to release his son. He promised not to interfere in any matters, but also made it clear that if his son were harmed, he would fight Shangguan Qing to the death.
Shangguan Qing initially feigned ignorance regarding Ye Yuanzhi’s whereabouts, suggesting Ye Qiushi contact the police. However, when Ye Qiushi mentioned the anonymous letter, Shangguan Qing’s expression darkened. He assured Ye Qiushi that Ye Yuanzhi would be unharmed, but sternly warned that if his own identity were exposed, the Ye family would face destruction. Ye Qiushi pledged to keep the secret and promised to discipline his son, after which Shangguan Qing ordered his butler to release Ye Yuanzhi.
As Ye Qiushi departed Shangguan Qing’s house, he encountered Mu Xingchen and the chief arriving. Sensing that these individuals were not to be trifled with, Ye Qiushi quickly left. Shangguan Qing expressed surprise at the chief’s unexpected visit. Mu Xingchen used the excuse of needing to use the restroom to allow Shangguan Qing and the chief to converse privately.
Meanwhile, Ye Yunshang and Qiao Zhen Tian, having followed the butler, found Ye Yuanzhi being severely beaten in one of Shangguan’s warehouses. The butler, following orders, urged the guards to continue the beating to teach Ye Yuanzhi a lesson. Ye Yunshang and Qiao Zhen Tian burst in and rescued him. Mu Xingchen, who had also followed them, ensured Ye Yunshang and Ye Yuanzhi were safely with Qiao Zhen Tian before returning to the chief.
During their private conversation, the chief conveyed his regret to Mu Nanyue regarding Xiaodie’s fate and offered him reconciliation, stating that the doors of the tribe would always be open to him. Mu Nanyue vehemently rejected the offer, stating that moving on was easier said than done. He revealed that he had preserved Xiaodie’s body for over two decades using Qing Nang skills, hoping to revive her with a sacred fruit.
Instead, the fruit had caused her body to disintegrate, and he discovered a steel nail in her skull, which prevented her resurrection. Accusing the chief of malicious intent, Mu Nanyue prepared to fight, prompting the chief to ready himself for battle. Mu Xingchen intervened, urging Mu Nanyue to consider if someone other than the chief might be responsible for Xiaodie’s harm.
After a moment of reflection, Mu Nanyue, still seething with anger, vowed to investigate thoroughly and promised to destroy the tribe if the chief was found guilty. The chief rebuked Mu Nanyue for exposing the tribe by leading a human firearms squad to attack it in the past, offering another sacred fruit through Kongchan as a gesture of goodwill to mend their relationship.
Mu Nanyue scorned the idea of returning to the tribe, stating he had no regard for its affairs and could gain more in the human world. He reiterated his threat to eradicate the tribe if the chief was confirmed to be Xiaodie’s killer. Exiting Shangguan Qing’s residence, Mu Xingchen and the chief encountered Shangguan Wenxuan. Mu Xingchen, noticing Shangguan Wenxuan’s pallid complexion, took his pulse and discovered that his heart pulse was dead.
Despite this grave diagnosis, Shangguan Wenxuan felt no physical discomfort. Mu Xingchen recognized the illness as both mysterious and dangerous but could not immediately identify its cause. Shangguan Wenxuan requested that Mu Xingchen keep his condition a secret from his father, not wanting to cause him worry. The chief, acknowledging Mu Nanyue's past misdeeds but recognizing Shangguan Wenxuan as innocent and a relative, expressed concern for his severe illness.
Mu Xingchen proposed staying to treat him, identifying the illness as a possible heart disease or poisoning. The chief agreed, but on the condition that after Shangguan Wenxuan recovered, Mu Xingchen would immediately return to the tribe to marry Yue Ying and inherit the position of chief, taking on the responsibility of military training to protect the tribe from potential threats like Mu Nanyue. Mu Xingchen reluctantly accepted.
Meanwhile, Ye Yunshang and Qiao Zhen Tian went to the morgue to examine Monk Chen Hai’s body. They observed multiple internal organ ruptures and a broken left arm, concluding that he had died in a violent struggle, not from a surprise attack. Ye Yunshang noted Chen Hai’s formidable martial arts skills, ranked eighth in Yunhai City’s martial arts community. She recalled that Guan Zhongwu was ranked tenth, and the ninth-ranked Wuchang Jushi was also deceased.
Ye Yunshang deduced that the killer was a master martial artist aiming to challenge for the top position and that the next target would likely be the seventh-ranked fighter. Qiao Zhen Tian was stunned to realize that his own father, Qiao Zheng Kun, held the seventh rank. They immediately rushed to the Qiao residence. Their arrival was timely; they found Qiao Zheng Kun struck down by an assailant and narrowly escaping death.
Qiao Zhen Tian fired his gun, forcing the attacker to flee. Qiao Zheng Kun described the assailant’s unique fighting style as a blend of Japanese and Chinese martial arts. He, Qiao Zhen Tian, and Ye Yunshang speculated the attacker might be Dashan Chuan Yue, a young prodigy from the Japanese Ying Liu Association. Qiao Zhen Tian promptly ordered a 24-hour patrol to secure the area.
Qiao Zheng Kun expressed his gratitude to Ye Yunshang for her assistance, praising her character and apologizing for his son’s past underhanded attempts to marry her. Ye Yunshang gracefully dismissed the past, affirming her friendship with Qiao Zhen Tian. She stated her current focus was on managing her clinic, advised Qiao Zheng Kun to rest, and then departed, urging Qiao Zhen Tian to concentrate his efforts on solving the case.
Later, Mu Xingchen returned to his clinic, noticing a light on in his room. He initially wondered if Ye Yunshang was waiting for him. As he stepped inside, Chu Tianyao, with an excited cry, rushed into his embrace.
Episode 19 Recap
Mu Xingchen pushed Chu Tianyao away, telling her to go back early to avoid gossip. Chu Tianyao, teary-eyed, refused to leave. Ye Yunshang entered and saw Chu Tianyao hugging Mu Xingchen tightly, declaring they would never separate again. Ye Yunshang, heartbroken, ran off. Qiao Zhen Tian stopped her, advising her not to be sad over a fickle man and offering his love, but Ye Yunshang rejected him.
Mu Xingchen explained to Chu Tianyao that he returned mainly for Shangguan Wenxuan, who had a strange illness. Chu Tianyao mentioned the crystal cave, leading Mu Xingchen to suspect Shangguan Qing's involvement, believing the cave incident triggered Shangguan Wenxuan's condition, causing him to lose heart and refuse treatment. Qiao Zhen Tian accused Mu Xingchen of being greedy. Mu Xingchen denied it, so Qiao Zhen Tian told him that he and Ye Yunshang saw him and Chu Tianyao together.
Mu Xingchen, realizing Ye Yunshang's misunderstanding, searched for her, but she suddenly appeared from behind, hitting him with a duster, accusing him of being two-faced. Mu Xingchen stood still, letting her hit him until she was tired, then hugged her and explained, which appeased her. To help Shangguan Wenxuan, Mu Xingchen and Ye Yunshang went to a spooky place. Ye Yunshang was scared, but then she saw a mirror.
They found a room with a photo of Shangguan Qing and Zeng Shuya, Shangguan Wenxuan's mother. The room was clean, suggesting Shangguan Qing still visited. They found Zeng Shuya's diary, which described how she and Shangguan Qing fell in love, but after marriage, he was always away. Ye Yunshang muttered about him being a heartless man. Zeng Shuya wrote that she constantly worried about Shangguan Qing.
One day, he returned panicked, saying he killed a prostitute and had blood on him. Mu Xingchen theorized that Shangguan Qing was not yet Mu Nan Yue then. They noticed pages torn from the diary, likely by Shangguan Qing, containing things he didn't want seen. Shangguan Wenxuan's condition worsened. Mu Xingchen used Qing Nang skills but to no avail. He discovered the poison was Fuling grass, which only the poisoner could cure.
Chu Tianyao, learning of Shangguan Wenxuan's plight, researched in the library when Song Ziqing appeared. Song Ziqing asked if she was trying to save Shangguan Wenxuan and revealed that she alone could cure him, demanding Chu Tianyao's obedience if she wanted to save him, revealing herself as the poisoner.
Episode 20 Recap
Shangguan Wenxuan’s condition worsened, causing him immense pain. Mu Xingchen worked to stabilize him, exhausting himself in the process. A flustered Ye Yunshang, carrying a basin of tea, accidentally spilled it on him. Mu Xingchen then revealed to her that his father insisted he return to become the chief of their tribe and marry Yue Ying. He clarified that this agreement was merely a temporary measure, a pretense he made to be able to come back and see her.
He assured her that no matter what, he would never be separated from her. Hearing this, Ye Yunshang’s smile returned. Seeing their affectionate exchange, Ye Qiushi was pleased and invited Mu Xingchen to dinner at his home, thanking him for his help with Yuan Zhi previously. Though Mu Xingchen was still concerned about Wenxuan, he couldn't refuse the kind invitation and agreed to go, with Ye Yunshang assuring him that Chu Tianyao would soon return and Ding Xiang could assist.
Meanwhile, Chu Tianyao returned to the medical clinic and learned that Mu Xingchen had gone to the Ye family for dinner. Feeling resentment, she thought Ye Yunshang was using manipulative tactics despite claiming fair competition, and decided she couldn't miss this opportunity. She picked up a beaker containing a blue-green liquid, then retrieved a sharp dagger from a drawer and dipped its blade into the liquid, causing it to glow green.
Qiao Zhen Tian, noticing her unusual demeanor, asked what was wrong. Chu Tianyao, deflecting his question, told him that Ye Yunshang had gone home, implying that Ye Qiushi was hosting Mu Xingchen as his future son-in-law. Angered by this news, Qiao Zhen Tian immediately rushed to the Ye family residence. At the Ye family dinner, Ye Qiushi welcomed Mu Xingchen warmly, offering him aged wine. Yuan Zhi questioned why the wine, reserved for his sister’s wedding, was being served.
Ye's second wife quickly offered words of blessing, praising Ye Yunshang and Mu Xingchen as a perfect match. Understanding the implication, Yuan Zhi openly objected, calling Mu Xingchen a pervert and warning his sister to "keep her eyes open." Just then, Qiao Zhen Tian arrived and supported Yuan Zhi’s accusations, claiming he had personally seen Mu Xingchen and Chu Tianyao being intimate in a room. Ye Yunshang fiercely defended Mu Xingchen, denying the accusations and stating she knew him well.
Qiao Zhen Tian then attempted to discuss business with Ye Qiushi, warning him about Song Ziqing and the Ying Liu Society potentially targeting the Ye family and suggesting the eradication of the Crand Trading Company. Ignoring the previous conversation, Qiao Zhen Tian challenged Mu Xingchen to a drinking contest. Mu Xingchen tried to decline, citing a need to return to the clinic and his low alcohol tolerance, but Qiao Zhen Tian goaded him.
The challenge led to Qiao Zhen Tian becoming completely intoxicated. He insisted on going to Ye Yunshang’s room, but Mu Xingchen and Yuan Zhi intervened and took him away. Meanwhile, Dashan again attacked Qiao Zheng Kun. As Dashan thought he had succeeded, Shangguan Qing suddenly appeared, throwing a flying knife that wounded Dashan. Dashan managed to escape by deploying a smoke bomb.
Later, Qiao Zhen Tian visited his father, Qiao Zheng Kun, who praised his son’s "luring the enemy deep" strategy. Qiao Zheng Kun explained that he and Shangguan Qing, working together, had confirmed the assassin used Eastern martial arts, suggesting it was the Ying Liu Society retaliating against their family. He advised Qiao Zhen Tian to conduct a targeted investigation of registered Japanese individuals rather than a city-wide search, and to be cautious.
Dashan, having escaped, cursed Shangguan Qing for using a poisoned dagger. Song Ziqing informed Dashan that she had already poisoned Shangguan Wenxuan, as well as many others in the chamber of commerce, and planned to poison Ye Yunshang and Qiao Zhen Tian next to turn them into puppets, which would quickly ruin the Ye family's business. Back at the clinic, Mu Xingchen asked Chu Tianyao about Shangguan Wenxuan's condition.
Chu Tianyao revealed that only the poisoner could cure the Fuling grass poison and that Song Ziqing was the one responsible. Mu Xingchen, initially skeptical, questioned how she knew. Chu Tianyao claimed it was a guess, based on Wenxuan's condition worsening after meeting Song Ziqing, and she further confirmed Song Ziqing’s involvement in manipulating the Crand Trading Company against the Ye family, stating her desire to kill Song Ziqing.
Mu Xingchen advised her against it, asking her to care for Wenxuan while he went to investigate. He suspected Chu Tianyao knew more than she let on, prompting him to secretly follow Song Ziqing, which led him to a Japanese dojo. At the dojo, Song Ziqing greeted Chu Tianyao, confident her plan was unfolding. However, Chu Tianyao suddenly attacked her with a dagger. Song Ziqing, skilled in combat, easily disarmed her.
Dashan then appeared, recognizing the poison on the dagger as similar to the one that afflicted him, and implored Chu Tianyao for a cure. Chu Tianyao realized Dashan was the target her godfather had mentioned and was surprised by his endurance. She questioned why she should save him, to which Dashan promised her safe passage from the dojo if she provided the antidote.
When Chu Tianyao refused, Song Ziqing imprisoned her, threatening the guards with severe consequences if Chu Tianyao escaped. Mu Xingchen then appeared in Chu Tianyao's cell, instructing her to stall their captors by requesting Hibiscus dew as a medicinal ingredient, while he worked on her escape. Following his instructions, Chu Tianyao lured Song Ziqing outside. Mu Xingchen ambushed and subdued Song Ziqing, but Dashan intervened and rescued her, and they both fled.
Mu Xingchen lamented their escape, realizing it would temporarily prevent the removal of Wenxuan's poison. After his return, Mu Xingchen contacted Qiao Zhen Tian. He informed him that Dashan, wounded and poisoned during his confrontation with Qiao Zheng Kun and Shangguan Qing, was confirmed to be the assassin. He also revealed Song Ziqing's complicity. Qiao Zhen Tian immediately ordered a city-wide search for Dashan and Song Ziqing, but they managed to evade capture.
Concurrently, the Ye family faced severe financial troubles orchestrated by Song Ziqing; their bank was besieged by depositors demanding their money, and Ye Yunshang discovered that the funds allocated for medical supplies had been swindled. Amidst their exhaustion from these crises, Ye Yunshang saw Mu Xingchen returning with Chu Tianyao, which ignited her jealousy.
Episode 21 Recap
Mu Xingchen was about to explain his return with Chu Tianyao to Ye Yunshang, when Chu Tianyao quickly interjected. She explained that she had gone to the mountains to gather medicine for Shangguan Wenxuan, got lost, and Mu Xingchen saved her. Ye Yunshang initially gave Mu Xingchen a sharp look, but after he explained the situation, she finally smiled, expressing her relief that they were both safe.
Mu Xingchen confirmed that while the masterminds, Song Ziqing and Dashan, had been identified and escaped, Shangguan Wenxuan's condition was deteriorating rapidly, and he would not last many more days. Shangguan Wenxuan soon collapsed from intense pain. Shangguan Qing arrived and used his Qing Nang skills to revive him. However, Shangguan Wenxuan refused his help, angrily calling him his mother's murderer and ordering him to leave.
Mu Xingchen confronted Shangguan Qing, asking if he was indeed responsible for Zeng Shuya's death. Shangguan Qing, with a grim expression, denied it. Mu Xingchen pressed further, suggesting Shangguan Qing owed Wenxuan an explanation, as Wenxuan's self-destructive despair had made him vulnerable to being poisoned. Shangguan Qing coldly dismissed it as a family matter unrelated to Mu Xingchen and departed. Observing Shangguan Qing's retreating figure, Ye Yunshang remarked on his cold-hearted and merciless nature.
Determined to save Shangguan Wenxuan, Mu Xingchen and Ye Yunshang resolved to uncover the complete truth. They meticulously pieced together Zeng Shuya's fragmented diary pages. The diary recounted an incident where a man with a repulsive face broke into her home. He accused her of living with his killer, claiming that this enemy had peeled off his face and cast him into a river, yet he miraculously survived. The attacker then began to strangle Zeng Shuya.
Fortunately, the current Shangguan Qing appeared, saved her, and killed the attacker. Mu Xingchen speculated that this attacker was the "original" Shangguan Qing, who was believed to have been killed by Mu Nan'yue. Hearing this, Shangguan Wenxuan vehemently declared that the current Shangguan Qing, whom he now considered an impostor, must have been the one who killed his mother.
Overwhelmed, Wenxuan, sensing his weakening state, pleaded with Mu Xingchen to promise two things: first, to definitively uncover the truth of his mother's death so he could rest in peace, and second, to protect Chu Tianyao, a good girl he should never betray. Mu Xingchen solemnly promised to fulfill both requests. Wenxuan then collapsed, and Chu Tianyao helped carry him back to his room.
Later, Mu Xingchen pondered Shangguan Wenxuan's mysterious recovery, and Ye Yunshang suggested it must have been Mu Xingchen's uncle, Shangguan Qing, who used his Qing Nang skills to save him, noting Shangguan Qing's exhaustion upon leaving. She described him as having a sharp tongue but a soft heart, believing both he and Wenxuan to be fundamentally good people. Meanwhile, Yunhai City was plunged into chaos by the Ying Liu Society, which instigated malicious bank runs and rampant price inflation.
Mu Xingchen and Ye Yunshang discovered that the leaders orchestrating these disturbances were prominent business figures, all controlled by the Fuling grass poison. These poisoned individuals were deliberately hoarding supplies and artificially raising prices to destabilize Yunhai City. Shangguan Qing and Ye Qiushi swiftly organized a press conference to calm the anxious populace. Ye Qiushi announced that the city's financial markets were in disarray, with essential grain reserves critically low, while the wealthy hoarded foreign exchange and gold.
He vowed that they would defeat the Ying Liu Society as they had before, pledging his family's entire fortune to stabilize prices. During the conference, an agent of the Ying Liu Society, claiming to be Japanese, was apprehended. Mu Xingchen, deep in thought about a cure for the Fuling grass, playfully stopped Ye Yunshang, touching her face and leaning close.
When she, embarrassed by their public setting, asked his intentions, he called out for Meijiao, making Ye Yunshang realize her misunderstanding and laugh awkwardly. Mu Xingchen teased her, asking what she thought he was doing, to which Meijiao candidly replied that Ye Yunshang thought he wanted to kiss her. Ye Yunshang quickly hushed Meijiao. Mu Xingchen then asked Meijiao to send a message to the Shenmu tribe, inquiring with his master about how to remove Fuling grass.
As Meijiao left, Mu Xingchen again provocatively asked Ye Yunshang if Meijiao's earlier comment was true, eliciting an exasperated eye-roll as she walked away. Kong Chan, Mu Xingchen's master, sent a reply explaining that Fuling grass poison could only be cured by the "Transferred" method. He also noted that a person poisoned by Fuling grass, if possessing a strong will, could inversely extract information from the poisoner's mind.
However, Kong Chan issued a grave warning that this method was extremely perilous and should only be employed as a last resort. Undeterred, Mu Xingchen decided to undertake the dangerous "Transferred" method himself to save Shangguan Wenxuan and the other poisoned citizens. Before the procedure, he left a recording for Chu Tianyao to find. In it, he explained that he had revived the Fuling grass from Shangguan Wenxuan's body and transferred it into his own.
He would then use its spiritual energy to pinpoint Song Ziqing's location and instructed her to record everything he said. Witnessing his agonizing struggle, Chu Tianyao, heartbroken, diligently recorded every detail as Mu Xingchen, in immense pain, uttered fragmented clues like "Water. . . Waterwheel. . . River. . ." and finally, clearly, "Song Ziqing. . . she. . . so vicious!" Meanwhile, Mr. Dashan was also in a critical condition, with Song Ziqing tending to him anxiously.
Upon learning of Mu Xingchen's perilous sacrifice, Ye Yunshang became incredibly distressed. Chu Tianyao explained that to save Mu Xingchen, they absolutely had to find Song Ziqing. Armed with the location information Mu Xingchen had painfully acquired, Ye Yunshang, without a moment's hesitation, set off to find Song Ziqing, leaving Chu Tianyao to care for Mu Xingchen.
Episode 22 Recap
Ye Yunshang located Qiao Zhen Tian, who was already searching for Song Ziqing and Dashan Chuanyue. Qiao Zhen Tian quickly assembled his police team, and following the address, they searched for a log cabin with a water wheel. As they approached, one of the officers spotted the cabin, confirming it was their target. Qiao Zhen Tian ordered his team to quietly surround the area to catch them by surprise.
Inside, Song Ziqing was checking on Dashan Chuanyue when she heard the commotion outside. Realizing Qiao Zhen Tian and his men had arrived, she urgently told Dashan Chuanyue to hide. Qiao Zhen Tian's team quickly entered and apprehended Song Ziqing. At the police station, Qiao Zhen Tian interrogated Song Ziqing, pressing her for Dashan Chuanyue's whereabouts, the identities of other controlled individuals, and the cure for the Fuling Grass poison.
Song Ziqing remained defiant, offering to speak only if Qiao Zhen Tian approached her, then changing her demand to speak with Chu Tianyao. Moments later, Song Ziqing ingested a self-administered poison. Qiao Zhen Tian immediately had her transported to the Ye Clinic, instructing Chu Tianyao to detoxify her, fearing the numerous poisoned people would be in grave danger if Song Ziqing died. Chu Tianyao quickly recognized the poison.
Ye Yunshang found her swift diagnosis and antidote preparation unusual but didn't press the matter. Chu Tianyao explained she had encountered similar symptoms in medical texts and prepared an antidote based on her knowledge. She speculated that Song Ziqing might have been poisoned while attempting to suck the Fuling Grass poison out of Dashan Chuanyue, noting their similar symptoms.
As Ye Yunshang prepared to leave for an urgent matter at the Chamber of Commerce, Chu Tianyao volunteered to stay and care for Mu Xingchen, promising to extract the antidote formula from Song Ziqing. Unbeknownst to Ye Yunshang, Chu Tianyao reflected that Mu Xingchen had protected her by not revealing she was the one who created the poison. When Song Ziqing regained consciousness, Chu Tianyao pressed her for the antidote.
Song Ziqing, still bargaining, insisted that Chu Tianyao first cure Dashan Chuanyue, threatening that Mu Xingchen would surely die otherwise. Chu Tianyao, exasperated by Song Ziqing's negotiation, used acupuncture to inflict pain, demanding cooperation. Song Ziqing eventually relented and instructed Chu Tianyao to play a bamboo flute at a specific location, explaining it was a signal of safety that would draw Dashan Chuanyue out of hiding.
Chu Tianyao followed the instructions, and Dashan Chuanyue appeared, initially surprised to see her and inquiring about Song Ziqing. He reluctantly accepted the antidote offered by Chu Tianyao, but first, she used silver needles to control his energy channels and prevent the poison from reaching his heart. She warned him not to use his inner strength for three days, or the poison would reactivate and kill him. As a token of their agreement, Dashan Chuanyue gave her his amulet.
Upon Chu Tianyao's return, Song Ziqing reneged on her promise, claiming she couldn't confirm Dashan Chuanyue was truly cured. Chu Tianyao, having anticipated Song Ziqing's betrayal, revealed her contingency: she had placed an additional needle in Dashan Chuanyue, preventing the antidote from fully curing him. She warned that if Song Ziqing refused to cooperate, Dashan Chuanyue would die a painful death from the reactivated poison.
Enraged, Song Ziqing lunged at Chu Tianyao, calling her an "evil woman" and vowing to kill her. Chu Tianyao forcefully pushed her away, stating this was Song Ziqing's last chance; if she didn't provide the complete antidote, Dashan Chuanyue's suffering would be "ten thousand times more" than her current pain. Song Ziqing, breathing heavily, apologized and pleaded with Chu Tianyao to save Dashan Chuanyue. Chu Tianyao handed her a notebook, asking if she knew what to do.
Song Ziqing, defeated, wrote down the full antidote formula. After she finished, Chu Tianyao presented her with a small bottle, stating it was her antidote. Song Ziqing drank it, struggled for a few moments, and then collapsed, dead. Qiao Zhen Tian arrived shortly after, questioning Song Ziqing's death. Chu Tianyao calmly suggested it was likely due to the poison in her body. Qiao Zhen Tian ordered the body to be taken to the police station morgue for further examination.
Meanwhile, Ye Yunshang was informed of Song Ziqing's death and became worried about Mu Xingchen, as Song Ziqing was believed to be the only one who held the cure for Fuling Grass. Back at the clinic, Mu Xingchen regained consciousness and found Chu Tianyao collapsed beside his bed. He checked her pulse and discovered she had transferred the Fuling Grass from his body into her own.
Seeing that the rejuvenating incense was still burning, he attempted to transfer the Fuling Grass back to himself. However, Mu Nan Yue suddenly appeared and stopped him, explaining that the Fuling Grass becomes far more potent and lethal after inhabiting three different bodies. Since the poison had already passed from Shangguan Wenxuan to Mu Xingchen, Chu Tianyao was the third host, and any further transfer would prove fatal for her.
Mu Xingchen was consumed by guilt as he held Chu Tianyao, comforting her through her pain and reassuring her of his love. When Chu Tianyao regained lucidity, she asked if Mu Xingchen was alright, and he reciprocated. He questioned how she knew the method for transferring Fuling Grass, and she lied, claiming Song Ziqing had revealed the method before her death, and she merely tried it, not expecting success. Chu Tianyao then reaffirmed her devotion to Mu Xingchen.
Ye Yunshang arrived, seeking the Fuling Grass cure for the wealthy merchants. Chu Tianyao provided her with Song Ziqing's formula: a concoction of cinnabar, scorpion's poison, bufotoxin, and the hair of the poisoner, to be applied to the palms, soles, throat, and chest. Ye Yunshang questioned why Chu Tianyao transferred the poison if she knew the cure. Chu Tianyao explained that this treatment wouldn't work on Mu Xingchen because the Fuling Grass in his body had already undergone one transfer.
Ye Yunshang hurried to the police station to retrieve Song Ziqing's hair for the antidote, asking that the corpse not be destroyed. Despite knowing the futility, Mu Xingchen continued to use his Qing Nang skills to alleviate Chu Tianyao's suffering, but her condition worsened as the poison in her body changed. Ye Yunshang warned him that his efforts were merely temporary and he would only exhaust himself.
This prompted Mu Xingchen to realize that the only viable solution was to return to the Shenmu Tribe and obtain the holy fruit. He traveled back to the tribe, where a member greeted him, surprised by his return. Mu Xingchen quickly explained the dire situation regarding Chu Tianyao and the Fuling Grass, stating that only the holy fruit could save her.
He informed them that he could not marry Yueying as previously arranged by the tribal chief, as he had to prioritize Chu Tianyao. He pleaded with his companions for their help in acquiring the holy fruit. Though they expressed concern, warning him that stealing the holy fruit was a serious crime that could implicate them all, Mu Xingchen declared that the Shenmu people always repay their debts, and he was determined to get the holy fruit, no matter the cost.
Episode 23 Recap
Mu Xingchen returned to the Shenmu tribe, finding Yue Ying and Shi Hu holding hands. He informed them of his intention to steal a holy fruit to save someone. Initially, Yue Ying hesitated, reminding him that stealing the sacred fruit was a serious crime and questioning why he would involve them for an outsider.
Mu Xingchen declared that he must obtain the holy fruit no matter what and promised Yue Ying that he would return to marry her once he succeeded. Yue Ying expressed that she had waited a long time to hear that but lamented that he only said it now. She reflected on their childhood together, feeling that he had always been distant, and revealed that it was Shi Hu who had truly been there for her.
Mu Xingchen apologized for his past shortcomings and offered to help them be together if she truly loved Shi Hu. Reassured by his words, Yue Ying agreed to help him. Shi Hu, leveraging his position as head of security, helped devise a plan. Mu Xingchen distracted the guards while Yue Ying and Shi Hu replaced the real holy fruit with a fake one crafted using an illusory stone. The fake fruit was successfully swapped.
However, after Mu Xingchen departed with the real holy fruit, the ruse was soon discovered. As the head of security, Shi Hu was immediately questioned by the Chief regarding the theft. Shi Hu took full responsibility, admitting his negligence and requesting punishment. When another individual accused him of complicity, noting Mu Xingchen's illusory stone was with him, Yue Ying stepped forward to claim responsibility for the theft.
Shi Hu, however, quickly reaffirmed that he alone was to blame, stating he had abandoned his post and committed the theft, thus deserving double punishment and emphasizing Yue Ying's innocence. Despite another guard suggesting they wait for the "young master" who had been seen near the sacred tree before making a judgment, the Chief, angered by Shi Hu's attempt to be a hero, sentenced him to kneel in the Drunken Flower Forest for three hours daily.
Later, Yue Ying joined Shi Hu, kneeling beside him. Shi Hu urged her to leave, fearing her implication, but Yue Ying insisted on sharing his punishment. Shi Hu apologized for making her suffer, to which she replied she was happy to do so. Mu Xingchen, with the holy fruit, prepared to treat Chu Tianyao. Suddenly, Mu Nan Yue appeared, revealing that Chu Tianyao was afflicted by Fueling Grass, which the holy fruit could not cure.
He offered to use all his power to expel the poison, despite the risk to his own life, but only if Mu Xingchen gave him the holy fruit. When Mu Xingchen inquired whom he was risking his life for, Mu Nan Yue dismissed the question, emphasizing that even if Chu Tianyao were saved, she might be left permanently disabled, requiring lifelong care.
He suggested that if Mu Xingchen could not commit to this, it might be kinder to let her pass away peacefully. Mu Xingchen, feeling immense guilt since Chu Tianyao's condition was due to saving him, insisted on her rescue and handed over the holy fruit. Mu Nan Yue acknowledged his integrity and departed to make preparations.
Mu Xingchen speculated that Mu Nan Yue desired the holy fruit not for himself, but to save Zeng Shuya, as Xiaodie's remains were no longer a factor. Ye Yunshang shared his curiosity. They retrieved Zeng Shuya's diary and discovered that several seemingly blank pages at the end revealed hidden writing when exposed to sunlight. Zeng Shuya's final entries detailed her suspicion of "Shangguan Qing's" true identity. Armed with a pistol, she confronted him.
Mu Nan Yue, who had been impersonating Shangguan Qing, confessed everything. He explained that he had witnessed the real Shangguan Qing murder a prostitute, which prompted him to assume his identity. He also recounted Xiaodie's tragic story. Zeng Shuya, touched by his genuine compassion and the care he had shown her, realized that his true identity was less important than his love. She put down the gun, accepting him as the loving man she needed.
Mu Xingchen theorized that the final, barely legible words in the diary, "He is back," referred to the return of the "real" Shangguan Qing. According to his analysis, the real Shangguan Qing survived and, out of a bitter love-turned-hatred, attacked and killed Zeng Shuya. This faceless man, believing Mu Nan Yue had stolen his life and wife, then attempted to kill Mu Nan Yue but was ultimately killed by him instead.
Mu Xingchen concluded that this was the profound secret Mu Nan Yue had harbored for years. Ye Yunshang understood that this complex history was why Mu Nan Yue was so desperate to acquire another holy fruit. Mu Xingchen further explained that Mu Nan Yue had previously failed to revive Xiaodie, and now sought the opportunity to revive Zeng Shuya instead. The choice between reviving his "good wife" and his "beloved" was a matter of deep sentiment and loyalty.
Back at the Ye Clinic, Mu Nan Yue began treating Chu Tianyao. He noted that the Fueling Grass poison had intensified significantly after three transfers, warning that any misstep could prove fatal for both of them. He asked Chu Tianyao if enduring such torment for a man who did not love her was truly worth it. In a flashback, Chu Tianyao confessed her deep affection for Mu Xingchen and her despair at being unable to compete with Ye Yunshang.
She had pleaded with Mu Nan Yue for his help, promising him a holy fruit in return. Back in the present, Mu Nan Yue told her that Mu Xingchen now owed her his life and her objective had been achieved. Meanwhile, Ye Yunshang conducted an autopsy on Song Ziqing. She determined that Song Ziqing had died from poisoning, but critically, the fatal dose was administered "after" her arrest.
She pondered how Song Ziqing could have obtained poison while in police custody. The possibility of Chu Tianyao's involvement was raised, but Ye Yunshang did not confirm or deny, instead questioning the murderer's motive. Qiao Zhen Tian suggested the body held no further value, but Ye Yunshang felt the case was more intricate than it appeared and continued to wonder why Song Ziqing was killed. She declined Qiao Zhen Tian's invitation for a meal, stating she needed to attend to Chu Tianyao.
Episode 24 Recap
Chu Tianyao wakes up in Shangguan Qing's care. He tells her that he has healed her and that Mu Xingchen now owes him a life. Shangguan Qing then reminds Mu Xingchen to cherish Chu Tianyao, who risked her life to save him. Ye Yunshang playfully pinches Mu Xingchen, emphasizing the importance of cherishing such a woman.
The members of the Ying Liu Society are demoralized by the loss of Song Ziqing and Dasha, but Dasha suddenly returns, having been cured of his poison. Learning of Song Ziqing's death, Dasha is enraged and vows to wreak havoc on Yunhai City through assassinations. Ye Yunshang and Mu Xingchen return Zeng Shuya's diary to Shangguan Qing. Shangguan Qing reveals his plan to revive Zeng Shuya and Xiaodie using the Sacred fruit.
Mu Xingchen questions why Shangguan Qing didn't save Shangguan Wenxuan when he was afflicted by the Fu Ling Grass. Shangguan Qing explains that he intended to help Shangguan Wenxuan after he calmed down, but Mu Xingchen had already transferred the poison. He notes that with each transfer, the Fu Ling Grass becomes more dangerous, and admits that successfully healing Chu Tianyao was pure luck. Shangguan Wenxuan visits a crystal cave, where Shangguan Qing appears and opens a crystal coffin.
Zeng Shuya slowly awakens and sits up. Shangguan Qing reveals to her that Shangguan Wenxuan is their son. Zeng Shuya is overjoyed to see her son, now grown. Shangguan Wenxuan wants to know about the past, but Shangguan Qing deflects, saying the past should be left behind. As the family exits the cave, Dasha confronts them, saying he has been waiting a long time.
He throws a poisonous needle, striking Shangguan Qing, who pushes his wife and son out of the way. Weakened by recent energy exertion and now poisoned, Shangguan Qing struggles against Dasha. As Dasha moves in for the kill, Shangguan Wenxuan and Zeng Shuya try to protect him. Mu Xingchen intervenes, challenging Dasha to a fight. Mu Xingchen defeats Dasha, who flees injured. Mu Xingchen heals Shangguan Qing, encouraging him to live happily with Zeng Shuya.
However, Shangguan Qing reveals that his marriage to Zeng Shuya was only in name. Zeng Shuya reminds her son, Shangguan Wenxuan—who now knows Mu Nan Yue is not his biological father—that without Mu Nan Yue, they wouldn't be alive today. Dasha ambushes Qiao Zhentian and Ye Yunshang while they are walking together on the street, but fails. He then attempts to recruit Zhu Xiaoshan to cause trouble in Yunhai City.
However, Zhu Xiaoshan informs Qiao Zhentian, who rounds up Dasha and his men at their meeting. Dasha is captured and begs for death, but Qiao Zhentian orders Qi Fei to interrogate him with severe methods. Chu Tianyao expresses her gratitude to Mu Xingchen and invites him to dinner. Mu Xingchen brings Ye Yunshang along. During the meal, Chu Tianyao offers Mu Xingchen a piece of fruit.
Ye Yunshang retaliates by offering him a piece of steak, glaring at him until he takes a bite. The two women compete to feed him, leaving Mu Xingchen feeling overwhelmed. While Mu Xingchen is in the restroom, Ye Yunshang tells Chu Tianyao that if she genuinely saved Mu Xingchen, she would willingly step aside. However, if Chu Tianyao used trickery, she will not back down an inch.
Episode 25 Recap
Following his capture, Dahan was subjected to intense interrogation. Under duress, he finally revealed the whereabouts of the remaining members of the Ying Liu Society. Qiao Zhen Tian swiftly mobilized his forces, cornering the remnants of the organization as they were preparing to flee Yunhai City. His officers commanded, "Don't move!" and apprehended all of them, with Qiao Zhen Tian ordering, "Take them all!" With this decisive action, the Ying Liu Society was completely uprooted from Yunhai City.
Qiao Zhen Tian then proclaimed, "From now on, there will be no more Ying Liu Society in the world," and ordered all their remaining items burned. Later, observing Mu Xingchen and Chu Tianyao's closeness, Qiao Zhen Tian believed his chance with Ye Yunshang had returned. He confronted Ye Yunshang, accusing Mu Xingchen of being a deceitful playboy who is "fickle, a colourful character, and completely unstable."
Qiao Zhen Tian expressed his disdain for such individuals, asserting that he, unlike Mu Xingchen, could remain untainted by other women. He swore that if Ye Yunshang chose him, he would never be with another woman for the rest of his life. Ye Yunshang, however, dismissed his advances, telling him to give it a rest, as he himself was no saint.
Meanwhile, Ding Xiang, Ye Yunshang’s attendant, voiced her concerns about Chu Tianyao's intentions, calling her a "fox spirit" who was using her life-saving favor to cling to Mu Xingchen, especially since Ye Yunshang's father was already preparing her wedding to Mu Xingchen. Ye Yunshang, however, maintained her faith in Mu Xingchen, stating that if he were truly swayed by another, she wouldn't want him anyway, believing that "no one can control the desires of the heart."
She asked Ding Xiang to drop the topic, promising to handle it herself. Earlier, when Mu Xingchen and Chu Tianyao were together, Chu Tianyao suddenly claimed to feel unwell. Mu Xingchen offered to take her back to rest, and they departed, leaving Ye Yunshang behind. Qiao Zhen Tian, observing them, commented that they seemed to be "progressing quickly." A German expert team arrived in Yunhai City, including Professor Hansi, Ye Yunshang's mentor, and two of her classmates, Leiya and David.
Ye Yunshang was delighted to see them. Qiao Zhen Tian, accompanying Ye Yunshang to greet them, caught the eye of Leiya, a striking foreign woman. Leiya immediately kissed both of Qiao Zhen Tian's cheeks upon meeting him, an action he found surprising. Ye Yunshang warned Leiya that Qiao Zhen Tian was a "playboy," but Leiya brushed it off, expressing disinterest in such concerns.
Despite Leiya's overt interest and attempts to get closer to him, Qiao Zhen Tian remained distant, his thoughts still focused on Ye Yunshang. During a tour of the pharmaceutical factory, Ye Qiushi introduced Mu Xingchen to Professor Hansi as Ye Yunshang's boyfriend, which visibly displeased Chu Tianyao. Witnessing Qiao Zhen Tian's disinterest in Leiya, Chu Tianyao suddenly had an idea. She approached Qiao Zhen Tian and offered a plan to help him pursue Ye Yunshang.
When he inquired about it, Chu Tianyao instructed him to visit her at the clinic later, promising to help him "consummate" his relationship with Ye Yunshang. While at the pharmaceutical factory, Leiya also approached Qiao Zhen Tian, asking to be friends and inviting him out. Qiao Zhen Tian initially claimed to be Ye Yunshang's "official" boyfriend (implying Mu Xingchen was "unofficial") but ultimately rejected Leiya, stating he was a "decent person."
Qiao Zhen Tian later went to the Ye Clinic as instructed. Chu Tianyao handed him a packet of medicine, advising him to give it to Ye Yunshang to drink, assuring him that his wishes would "come true." Qiao Zhen Tian hesitated but eventually accepted the medicine. Later, Qiao Zhen Tian found Ye Yunshang and Leiya at a coffee shop and joined them.
Seizing an opportune moment when Ye Yunshang was distracted, he discreetly poured the medicine Chu Tianyao had given him into Ye Yunshang's cup. Leiya, noticing his action, curiously asked what he had added. Qiao Zhen Tian quickly explained it was "milk powder." When Ye Yunshang remarked she was allergic to milk powder, Leiya offered to drink it herself, as she enjoyed milk in her coffee. Panicked, Qiao Zhen Tian snatched the cup and drank the entire contents himself.
At that moment, Ding Xiang rushed over to inform Ye Yunshang that a seriously injured patient had arrived in the emergency room. Ye Yunshang immediately left with Ding Xiang, telling Leiya she would return shortly. As the medicine took effect, Qiao Zhen Tian began to hallucinate, mistaking Leiya for Ye Yunshang. He embraced and kissed Leiya, who, surprised but interested, asked, "Do you like me?"
Realizing his mistake, Qiao Zhen Tian quickly broke away and fled, shouting, "I'm not a good person!" and urging Leiya to leave. Undeterred, Leiya pursued him, asking what was wrong and if she could help. Qiao Zhen Tian ran into a small room, with Leiya close behind. Once inside, Leiya reiterated her willingness to help him. Unable to control himself any longer, Qiao Zhen Tian grabbed Leiya and kissed her.
Leiya, delighted, reciprocated his passion, and they shared an intimate moment. When Ye Yunshang returned and discovered them, she angrily denounced Qiao Zhen Tian as an "animal." Leiya, however, was in high spirits and blew Qiao Zhen Tian a satisfied kiss as she cheerfully departed. Later, Qiao Zheng Kun, Qiao Zhen Tian's father, confided in his son about his illness, revealing it was the result of poison administered by a mysterious woman he encountered in the misty forest years ago.
He mentioned that Shangguan Qing and Mu Xingchen seemed to be familiar with the "Shenmu tribe" and suggested that Qiao Zhen Tian could approach Mu Xingchen to seek the treatment method for his condition. Meanwhile, Mu Xingchen informed Ye Yunshang that he intended to return to the Shenmu tribe to speak with his father about breaking off his engagement.
Ye Yunshang asked about Chu Tianyao, to which Mu Xingchen explained that he couldn't disregard her, as he owed her a life-saving favor. Just then, Qiao Zhen Tian arrived, seeking Mu Xingchen's help for his father's rapidly worsening illness. Despite some initial hesitation and Ye Yunshang's skepticism about Qiao Zhen Tian's intentions, Mu Xingchen, prioritizing the patient's well-being, agreed to accompany Qiao Zhen Tian, asking Ye Yunshang to wait for him at home.
Episode 26 Recap
Mu Xingchen went to the Qiao family with Qiao Zhen Tian and took Qiao Zheng Kun's pulse. He discovered that Qiao Zheng Kun was infected with the spore virus and would die soon. Qiao Zhen Tian was the same; tree-like bruises were forming in his chest. So, he suggested that Ye Yunshang use surgery to remove them. The German doctor was there, and he would certainly help. Hans looked at Qiao Zheng Kun's chest and felt it was incredible.
Ye Yunshang said it was a typical angiosarcoma. She didn't know if it had spread. If it hadn't, surgery should be able to remove it. Hans said that the probability of successful angiosarcoma removal was very low, and he had to think about it carefully. Leiya naturally took Qiao Zhen Tian's arm and called him "dear," telling him not to worry. Qiao Zhen Tian quickly told her that he had the disease too. Wasn't she afraid?
Unexpectedly, Leiya said that she wasn't afraid and that it was even sexier. Qiao Zhen Tian begged Mu Xingchen to save his father. He knew that Mu Xingchen was from the tribe, and his father's poison was given by someone from the tribe. Mu Xingchen promised to do his best to help him.
Meijiao told Mu Xingchen that Master Kong Chan had sent a letter, asking him to quickly return to the tribe because the chief had something urgent to discuss with him. After Mu Xingchen returned, he learned that the sacred tree's illness had worsened. Yue Ying's father suspected that it was a punishment from heaven and advised the chief to let Mu Xingchen and Yue Ying get married as soon as possible. However, Mu Xingchen and Yue Ying both objected.
It turned out that after spending some time together, Yue Ying and Shi Hu had fallen in love. In order to find the cause of the sacred tree's illness, Mu Xingchen carefully examined the surroundings of the sacred tree. He found that the Ye family's Pharmaceutical factory was located upstream of the tribe. When he went to check, he saw the factory workers pouring sewage into the water.
Therefore, he suspected that the sacred tree's illness was caused by the sewage discharge from the Ye family's Pharmaceutical factory. So, he found Master Ye. Ye Qiushi readily agreed. Ye Qiushi also told him that the Ye family's property would all be his in the future. When he and Ye Yunshang got engaged, he could shut down whichever factory he wanted. Ye Qiushi was so happy that he asked Mu Xingchen to stay and drink with him.
Mu Xingchen was very happy because the sacred tree could finally be saved, so he drank a few more cups. Mu Xingchen got drunk, and Ye Yunshang helped him into his room. Chu Tianyao brought Mu Xingchen some honey water. Ye Yunshang naturally took the honey water, fed it to Mu Xingchen, and told Chu Tianyao that she and Mu Xingchen were engaged. Chu Tianyao was shocked to hear this news.
She had been scheming to get Mu Xingchen, but in the end, it was all for nothing. After feeling sad for a while, she decided to go all the way, so she picked up a bottle of medicine and walked towards Mu Xingchen's room. Chu Tianyao poured the medicine into a water glass. Mu Xingchen was lying on the bed, still shouting "Cheers!" She helped him up and fed him the medicine.
After Mu Xingchen drank the medicine, his body started to heat up. Chu Tianyao took off her clothes and took the initiative to kiss him. Under the influence of the drug, Mu Xingchen couldn't help but have a relationship with her. The next morning, Mu Xingchen found Chu Tianyao lying naked beside him and was shocked. He quickly asked Chu Tianyao what was going on.
Chu Tianyao pretended to be wronged and cried, saying that she came to bring him tea last night, but Mu Xingchen, who had drunk too much, suddenly hugged her, kissed her non-stop, touched her, and forced her to have a relationship with him. Mu Xingchen was at a loss when Ding Xiang suddenly discovered them lying together and couldn't help but scream.
Ye Yunshang came over after hearing the noise and questioned Mu Xingchen about how he could do this, and turned to leave in anger. Mu Xingchen quickly grabbed her, wanting to explain to her. Seeing this, Chu Tianyao suddenly took out a dagger, saying that she had no face to live. Mu Xingchen quickly came over and snatched the dagger. Chu Tianyao lay on top of him and cried again.
Episode 27 Recap
Mu Xingchen feels regret for drinking too much and making a grave mistake, knowing he loves Ye Yunshang and would betray her by taking responsibility for Chu Tianyao. Ye Yunshang believes there is something suspicious about the situation, as she herself took a drunken Mu Xingchen to his room, making it unlikely he could have assaulted Chu Tianyao. She confronts Chu Tianyao, accusing her of drugging Mu Xingchen and bringing up Song Ziqing's autopsy, suggesting Chu Tianyao poisoned Song Ziqing.
Chu Tianyao denies everything, claims Ye Yunshang is slandering her, and tearfully speaks of her miserable life. Feeling uneasy, Ye Yunshang apologizes and urges Mu Xingchen to take responsibility for Chu Tianyao. Mu Xingchen, unable to explain, decides to address the Pharmaceutical factory problem first. Shangguan Wenxuan angrily confronts Mu Xingchen, but Chu Tianyao stops him. Yuan Zhi then arrives, and both men vie for Chu Tianyao's attention, which she dismisses by chasing them away.
Mu Nan Yue visits Xiaodie's grave with Zeng Shuya, advising her to remarry. Zeng Shuya expresses her enduring love for him, content to simply remain by his side. Mu Xingchen discovers the Pharmaceutical factory is still producing and confronts Ye Qiushi for breaking his promise. Ye Qiushi retorts that he only agreed to stop production because Mu Xingchen promised to marry Ye Yunshang, and given Mu Xingchen's entanglement with Chu Tianyao, he feels justified.
Mu Xingchen assures Ye Qiushi he will uphold his promise. Ye Qiushi then directs Mu Xingchen to Saint Mary's Hospital, where Ye Yunshang is observing her mother's death anniversary. At the deserted Saint Mary's Hospital, where her mother worked and died when Ye Yunshang was five, Ye Yunshang weeps and initially refuses to see Mu Xingchen. He asks her to consider why he would have gone to his own room if he intended to be with Chu Tianyao.
As Ye Yunshang contemplates forgiving him, Qiao Zheng Kun arrives, also there to mourn Ye Yunshang's mother, who died from a viral infection contracted after performing surgery on him. Mu Xingchen notices a newly locked room and uses his Qing Nang skills to discover it contains guns and gunpowder. Ye Yunshang informs her father, Ye Qiushi, who warns her to stay out of it.
Meanwhile, Qiao Zhen Tian is at home when his family informs him that Leiya, a foreign woman with a new hairstyle, is looking for him. Qiao Zhen Tian hides in fear. Leiya is struggling to find him. Qiao Zhen Tian suddenly collapses, and Qiao Zheng Kun discovers distinctive tree-like bruises on his chest.
Episode 28 Recap
Mu Xingchen and Ye Yunshang came to see Qiao Zhentian. Qiao Zhentian felt a pain in his chest. Mu Xingchen checked him and found that his symptoms were the same as Qiao Zhengkun's. Ye Yunshang suspected that Qiao Zhengkun's illness was transmitted to him by his father. Qiao Zhentian thought it was impossible, because his father was so good to him, how could he harm him? Mu Xingchen asked him if he had discovered any secrets about his father.
Qiao Zhentian thought for a while and said that his father had a practice room that he never allowed anyone to enter. So he led Ye Yunshang and Mu Xingchen to that practice room. After the door opened, they found an old man and some glassware in the room, which looked like a laboratory.
When the old man saw Qiao Zhentian, he thought Qiao Zhengkun had sent him, so he picked up a bowl of medicine and asked Qiao Zhentian to drink it, and told him that as long as he took the medicine on time, he could guarantee that he would live to be 50 years old. Qiao Zhentian asked the old man in disbelief, has his father been taking this medicine all the time?
The old man answered him in an affirmative tone, and added that thanks to Qiao Zhengkun being the police chief, he was able to get corpses, otherwise even immortals would not be able to save him. Qiao Zhentian went crazy after hearing this and knocked all the medicine bottles on the table to the ground, thinking it was impossible, and took out his gun and told the old man to get out.
The old man said confidently before leaving that he believed Qiao Zhentian would come to him sooner or later. Mu Xingchen followed the old man and found that he had gone to Dah Wong's house. It turned out that he was Dah Wong's father. So Mu Xingchen came back and told Qiao Zhentian to arrest Old Huang and interrogate him, and everything would be clear.
When they went to arrest Old Huang, Qiao Zhentian deliberately fired a gun and let Old Huang escape. Mu Xingchen and Ye Yunshang came to the Ye family Pharmaceutical factory and found that several workers were still dumping pharmaceutical wastewater into the water source. Mu Xingchen told Ye Yunshang that those were toxic drugs from the mist forest. If Hans used them to make plasters, the resulting sewage would be highly toxic. He and Ye Yunshang decided to split up.
He went to Qiao Zhentian to investigate the cause of Qiao Zhengkun's illness, and asked Ye Yunshang to find her father to see if she could find out any hidden secrets. Ye Yunshang found her father. Under her questioning, Ye Qiushi told her the whole story. Qiao Zhengkun was infected with the spore virus. Ye Yunshang's mother, Peirong, was infected and died while performing surgery on him.
Many medical staff were also infected at the same time, and all the infected people died, leaving only Qiao Zhengkun. Because Peirong discovered that the virus would be transmitted as dust in the air, she sewed him up again, so Qiao Zhengkun no longer infected others. Old Huang was the best Chinese medicine doctor in Yunhai City.
Qiao Zhengkun once saved Ye Qiushi's life when he was wiping out the Ying Liu Society, so Ye Qiushi asked Old Huang to develop drugs for him to suppress the virus. In addition, Ye Qiushi himself also wanted to eliminate this virus, so he used Qiao Zhengkun as an experiment. Mu Xingchen accused Qiao Zhentian of not letting Old Huang go, and asked him whether secrecy was more important or saving his life.
Dah Wong had already told him Old Huang's address. If he wanted to save his father and his own life, he should ask Old Huang clearly. So the two of them found Old Huang. Old Huang told them that when this spore virus develops to a certain stage, the patient needs to drink blood, and blood from the heart meridians can best suppress this toxic virus. Mu Xingchen questioned him, where did this blood from the heart meridians come from?
The old man said lightly that he was just a doctor who only knew how to treat diseases and save people, and did not study the original intention. For other things, Mu Xingchen should ask Qiao Zhengkun. After hearing this, Qiao Zhentian suddenly thought of something. The executed prisoners were originally shot in the head, but one day Qi Fei told him a strange thing that the prisoners' chests were cut open. Today he understood the reason.
Chu Tianyao was drinking alone in boredom. Ye Yuan Zhi felt a little pity and took the initiative to accompany her to drink and sent her home. After arriving home, Chu Tianyao proposed to continue drinking and put aphrodisiacs in the wine. Ye Yuan Zhi felt hot all over after drinking it and carried Chu Tianyao to the bed. Chu Tianyao had sex with him with mixed feelings.
Episode 29 Recap
In the morning, Yuan Zhi was still sleeping when Chu Tianyao woke him up crying, saying he raped her and she was going to report him to the authorities. Yuan Zhi was so frightened that he begged for forgiveness and said that after returning home, he would have his father propose marriage, marrying her into the Ye family as his young mistress.
Chu Tianyao asked Yuan Zhi if he truly loved her, and if he did, not to tell anyone about it. Yuan Zhi had no choice but to agree to do as she said. Hans, Leiya and others came to the mist forest, where they discovered a type of dancing grass. Leiya picked some of the grass and brought it back, and everyone marveled at the grass's magic.
So they decided to go to the mist forest to do research, and obtained approval of the documents from the province, which suited Qiao Zheng Kun perfectly. He decided to fully support them. Chu Tianyao looked at the bloodstains on the mattress, her heart filled with mixed feelings. Her first time was so cheaply given to Yuan Zhi this kid.
If she hadn't wanted to get pregnant with his child, she would have beaten him to death rather than let this fool take advantage of her. Seeing Mu Xingchen walking over, she cried and grabbed his hand, begging him not to leave her, and deliberately preventing Mu Xingchen from explaining. Seeing that Mu Xingchen was determined to leave her, she cried and sought help from Mu Nanyue.
Ye Qiushi heard that she and Mu Xingchen had already consummated their relationship, so he angrily told his daughter that from now on, she must break all ties with Mu Xingchen. Ye Yunshang stubbornly said that if they were separated, then she would not go home. Ye Qiushi became even angrier upon hearing this, and said heartlessly that if she didn't want to go home, then she could get out. Another letter came from the tribe.
For the sake of the sacred tree, Mu Xingchen once again asked Ye Qiushi to close the Pharmaceutical factory. Ye Qiushi told him that he could stop the Pharmaceutical factory, but Mu Xingchen must first deal with his love matters, and until it was resolved, he would not allow Mu Xingchen to be with Ye Yunshang. Mu Xingchen told Ye Qiushi to rest assured that he would never let Ye Yunshang down.
Ye Qiushi told him that Qiao Zheng Kun also had shares in this Pharmaceutical factory. Mu Xingchen said that none of this was a problem. As long as the sacred tree was safe, he could always go back and steal a holy fruit to cure Qiao Zheng Kun's illness. Ye Yunshang also spoke up for him, and eventually, Ye Qiushi agreed to their request and closed the Pharmaceutical factory.
Shangguan Wenxuan called Ye Yunshang and told her about Hans's visit to the mist forest. Mu Xingchen discovered that Qiao Zheng Kun had moved the weapons and ammunition hidden in Mary Hospital, suspecting that Qiao Zheng Kun would be detrimental to the tribe. He worried that Ye Yunshang would be in danger if she followed, so he wanted to leave without saying goodbye. He didn't expect to be caught up by Ye Yunshang.
Chu Tianyao found that Mu Xingchen had left and also wanted to run after him. Qiao Zhen Tian sarcastically said that she was clinging to Mu Xingchen every day like a resentful woman, and it was no wonder she couldn't keep him. Chu Tianyao begged Qiao Zhen Tian to tell her where they had gone. Qiao Zhen Tian reminded her that even if she knew where they were, what could she do?
Saying that, he turned to leave, but Chu Tianyao grabbed him and asked him to take her with him. Qiao Zhen Tian believed that this was a matter of life and death and that taking her would be useless. Chu Tianyao said that if she went, she could at least pester Mu Xingchen. Qiao Zheng Kun came to the mist forest. Everything familiar before him made him fall back into memories.
More than 20 years ago, he came to the mist forest, and in a log cabin, he saw a weak woman. So he couldn't control his lust and slept with that woman. The feeling was good, but it only happened once, and then the woman disappeared. Later he went to find her a few more times. When he saw the woman again, the woman handed him a little boy. That boy was Qiao Zhen Tian.
That woman told him not to be happy too soon. When the child grew up, it would be his death date. At first, he didn't understand the woman's words. Until he had a chest attack, he searched for the woman without seeing her, then he knew the seriousness of the consequences. He couldn't find the woman, so he came up with a bad idea.
It is said that mother and son are connected, so he deliberately passed that virus to his son, wanting to force that woman to show up and give him the treatment method. As a result, the treatment method was not obtained, but his son also got the disease. Chu Tianyao and Qiao Zhen Tian caught up with Mu Xingchen.
Chu Tianyao deliberately acted coquettishly and clung to Mu Xingchen, which made Ye Yunshang feel very uncomfortable, so she ran away angrily. Mu Xingchen chased after her and asked her if she could not be like this. Ye Yunshang said dissatisfiedly that he was being love matters with other women and she hadn't said anything, but he was impatient. Mu Xingchen asked her to understand him because things were already like this. Ye Yunshang's emotions finally exploded.
She questioned Mu Xingchen, what did he want her to understand, that he slept with other women and she had to understand it too? Mu Xingchen asked her irritably what she wanted. Ye Yunshang then proposed to break up with him. Mu Xingchen hardened his heart and shouted loudly, "Break up, then break up." Ye Yunshang did not expect that he would really agree to break up and ran away crying.
Episode 30 Recap
Mu Xingchen stood in a daze after Ye Yunshang left, prompting Meijiao to scold him for "having a foot in two boats." Mu Xingchen silenced her and quickly sent her to the tribe to warn them of impending danger. Arriving at the mist forest, Mu Xingchen was accompanied by Chu Tianyao, while Ye Yunshang followed angrily. Qiao Zhen Tian suddenly fell ill, and in their confusion, Mu Xingchen's master, Kong Chan, appeared.
Kong Chan was startled to discover Qiao Zhen Tian was Qiao Zheng Kun's son, revealing herself as the mysterious woman who poisoned Qiao Zheng Kun and Qiao Zhen Tian's biological mother. Kong Chan suppressed Qiao Zhen Tian's virus, assuring him it was not hereditary. When Qiao Zheng Kun and his men arrived, she tried to use magic to teach him a lesson but was injured by the police's intense gunfire.
Qiao Zhen Tian attempted to persuade his father, but Qiao Zheng Kun refused to listen. During their argument, the chief and his men surrounded them. The chief urged Qiao Zheng Kun to retreat, but Qiao Zheng Kun defiantly refused. Yue Ying's father, Yue Kun, warned them of the tribe's strength, but Qiao Zheng Kun scoffed, dismissing them as "people in strange clothes." To avoid harming innocents, the chief agreed to a contest with Qiao Zheng Kun.
If Qiao Zheng Kun won, the tribe would retreat fifteen miles and allow his investigation. If the tribe won, Qiao Zheng Kun would immediately leave and never return. During discussions about who would fight, Mu Xingchen burst in, offering to fight and explaining the sacred tree's illness. However, Kong Chan and others deemed it inappropriate for him, as the master, to fight. Niu Jun, the tribe's strongman, volunteered, boasting an undefeated record, and the chief accepted.
Yue Kun was displeased to see Mu Xingchen with another woman. Chu Tianyao introduced herself as Mu Xingchen's fiancée, but Yue Kun angrily shut her down, stating Mu Xingchen would never violate tribe rules. He ordered guards to seize her, but Chu Tianyao nervously declared she couldn't be arrested because she was pregnant with Mu Xingchen's child, astonishing everyone, including Mu Xingchen. Kong Chan used magic to confirm Chu Tianyao's pregnancy.
Mu Xingchen, disbelieving, questioned it, while Ye Yunshang angrily retorted, "Why not?" and ran off, with Mu Xingchen in pursuit. Kong Chan advised the chief to treat Chu Tianyao kindly, as she carried the tribe's bloodline, and the chief, agreeing the child was innocent, entrusted Chu Tianyao to Kong Chan's care.
Mu Xingchen stopped Ye Yunshang to explain, but she shrugged off his hand, stating they would only be ordinary friends and wishing them happiness before crying and running off again. Yue Ying comforted Mu Xingchen, offering to persuade Ye Yunshang. As Yue Ying pursued Ye Yunshang, Leiya and her group stormed into the tribe. Leiya shot Yue Ying, who was then rescued by Shi Hu. Mu Xingchen examined Yue Ying's injuries, discovering a poisoned bullet, making her condition critical.
Shi Hu tearfully pleaded with Yue Ying not to leave him. Kong Chan took Chu Tianyao to her residence, offering to take her as a disciple, having been alone for many years. Chu Tianyao joyfully accepted, vowing to obey her "reborn parent" and kowtowed to Kong Chan. Leiya attempted to infiltrate the tribe to steal a holy fruit for Qiao Zhen Tian's illness but failed.
Qiao Zhen Tian was comforting her when Ye Yunshang returned, causing him to turn his attention to comforting Ye Yunshang instead. Leiya envied Ye Yunshang for having such a loving man. Qiao Zheng Kun gave Qiao Zhen Tian a hand grenade, deciding he would fight in the contest. As the match began, Qiao Zhen Tian was clearly outmatched by Niu Jun and faced perilous situations in the arena.
Episode 31 Recap
The match between Niu Jun and Qiao Zhen Tian concluded with Niu Jun's death. Niu Jun had initially captured Qiao Zhen Tian, but Qiao Zhen Tian used a "metal device" to strike him on the head. Niu Jun then threw Qiao Zhen Tian away, who promptly tossed the device back. Niu Jun caught it and, out of curiosity, began to examine it, inadvertently causing it to explode and resulting in his demise.
Other tribe members accused Qiao Zhen Tian of cheating by using a "hidden weapon," but his supporters argued that he had used it "openly." Qiao Zheng Kun, incensed by the refusal to accept defeat, declared that he would also disregard the rules. He then ordered cannons to be brought forward, threatening to turn the Shenmu Tribe into "scorched earth" if they dared harm his son, Qiao Zhen Tian.
Professor Hansi intervened, reminding Qiao Zheng Kun that their agreement was for research, not destruction, stating his sole interest was the sacred fruit. The Chief of the Shenmu tribe conceded, agreeing to provide the sacred fruit but explaining that due to a "deadly disease" afflicting the sacred tree, only one fruit remained. He requested three days to deliver it, to which Qiao Zheng Kun agreed, sternly warning that if he was deceived, the Shenmu Tribe would be "destroyed."
Mu Xingchen examined Yue Ying, who weakly inquired if she was dying. He reassured her, but later confided to Shihu that even with his Qingnang magic, Yue Ying would not survive the night. Shihu was distraught, insisting that only a sacred fruit could save her. Determined, Shihu decided to steal the sacred fruit, with Mu Xingchen's help in disguising him to avoid detection.
Despite being pursued by guards, Shihu successfully retrieved the fruit and administered it to Yue Ying, who soon regained consciousness. News of the sacred fruit's theft reached the Chief, who was furious. He realized it was the Shenmu tribe's last mature fruit, leaving them vulnerable to Qiao Zheng Kun's threats. When informed that Shihu had stolen it to save Yue Ying, the Chief ordered his immediate arrest and execution.
Mu Xingchen stepped forward, claiming responsibility for the theft and offering himself for punishment instead. Shihu quickly refuted this, asserting he acted alone, having disguised himself as an outsider to take the fruit. Mu Xingchen then appealed to his father, the Chief, to spare Shihu's life, emphasizing that the theft was for Yue Ying's survival and that executing Shihu would deprive them of a valuable warrior. A council member proposed that Shihu be allowed to atone for his actions.
The Chief agreed, pardoning Shihu from the death sentence but ordering him to face punishment for his transgression. Mu Xingchen then suggested a daring plan: to create a fake sacred fruit to deceive Qiao Zheng Kun. Despite the risk, the Chief, seeing no other option, accepted the proposal and tasked Shihu with delivering the counterfeit as a means of redemption. Kong Chan successfully created a fake sacred fruit.
Chu Tianyao delivered it to Mu Xingchen, who was impressed by its lifelike appearance. Chu Tianyao relayed Kong Chan's instructions: the fake fruit required constant spiritual energy to maintain its form and would revert to its original state after six hours. Concerned for Shihu's safety, Yue Ying insisted on delivering the fruit herself, but Shihu steadfastly refused, viewing it as his chance for atonement.
As they debated, Mu Xingchen presented them with an item, subtly exposing them to a tranquilizing floral scent that immobilized them. He then used an illusory stone to transform into Shihu, intending to undertake the dangerous mission himself. Before leaving, he instructed the incapacitated pair to remain hidden. Shihu, partially aware, realized Mu Xingchen's deception, noting that the illusory stone could only be used once a day, meaning Mu Xingchen's disguise would eventually wear off.
Meanwhile, Ye Yunshang confronted Qiao Zheng Kun, condemning his willingness to harm innocent people. She argued that the sacred fruit, a gift of nature, should not be monopolized by the Shenmu tribe but belong to everyone. She urged him to cease hostilities, telling him not to "die in vain." Qiao Zheng Kun defended his actions, claiming it was a strategic move and promising to withdraw his troops once he obtained the sacred fruit.
Qiao Zhen Tian echoed Ye Yunshang’s sentiments, urging his father to abandon the quest, stating he would refuse to eat the sacred fruit even if acquired. Qiao Zheng Kun explained his true intention was to allow Professor Hansi to research the sacred fruit for the benefit of humanity. Convinced by his explanation and his promise to retreat, Ye Yunshang revealed that she had once eaten a sacred fruit and possessed a precious seed.
She offered it to Professor Hansi for research, on the condition that Qiao Zheng Kun would cease all attacks and bloodshed. Professor Hansi, claiming his primary interest was research, assured her he would not be Qiao Zheng Kun's puppet and readily accepted the seed, sending Leiya to prepare his equipment. Mu Xingchen, disguised as Shihu, arrived at Qiao Zheng Kun's camp, carrying the fake sacred fruit.
He presented the fruit, reminding Qiao Zheng Kun of their agreement to withdraw forces upon receiving it. Qiao Zheng Kun, suspicious of the fruit's authenticity, questioned if it was real or poisoned. Qiao Zhen Tian suggested that Professor Hansi verify it. Professor Hansi took the fruit, then abruptly crushed it under his foot. Mu Xingchen inwardly despaired, realizing his deception was quickly exposed.
Hansi retrieved the crushed core and then produced another seed from his pocket—the one from Ye Yunshang—inviting Qiao Zheng Kun to compare them and confirm the fake. Seeing his plan unravel, Mu Xingchen attempted to escape but was swiftly subdued and drugged by Leiya. In a cage, Mu Xingchen's disguise faded, and he reverted to his true form.
Guards quickly discovered the transformation and alerted Qiao Zheng Kun, who, enraged by the deception, had Mu Xingchen dragged from the cage, intending to beat him until he revealed the real sacred fruit's location. Just as the beating was to commence, Ye Yunshang rushed forward, shielding Mu Xingchen and pleading with Qiao Zheng Kun to stop, warning that further assault would kill him.
Meanwhile, Shihu and Yue Ying, having recovered from the tranquilizing scent after four hours, arrived, having grown worried about Mu Xingchen. They joined forces to rescue him, but during their escape, Professor Hansi shot Shihu with a pistol. Yue Ying, recognizing the bullet and its effects, realized it contained the same deadly poison as the one that had injured her previously. Distraught and with no sacred fruit left, she wept, fearing for Shihu's life and begging him not to leave her.
Episode 32 Recap
Yue Ying embraced Shi Hu, distraught, trying to find a way to save him. She reassured him, "Don't worry. I'll be by your side forever. I'll be with you forever." She believed there had to be another way to help him, even without the sacred fruit. Suddenly, Hansi appeared, aiming a gun at Shi Hu. Yue Ying quickly stepped in front of Shi Hu, taking the bullet herself.
The shot pierced her chest, and she and Shi Hu died holding hands, smiling faintly. Hansi then ordered his men to seize Mu Xingchen and take him away. Qiao Zheng Kun interrogated Mu Xingchen, demanding to know the whereabouts of the sacred fruit. Mu Xingchen feigned ignorance, claiming, "It was stolen by Leiya and the others. . . . Initially, we agreed that you would be the one getting the sacred fruit.
But in the process, Leiya and another person stole it. If you don't believe me, then ask them." Believing Mu Xingchen, Qiao Zheng Kun, enraged, ordered his men to keep watch on Mu Xingchen and departed to confront Hansi. Meanwhile, Mu Xingchen remained bound to a pillar, observed by Qiao Zhen Tian. Ye Yunshang approached with a bottle of wine, pressing Qiao Zhen Tian to drink. " I have a nice bottle of wine here.
It was Hansi who gave it to me. He said that he brought it from Germany. Do you want to try it?" she insisted. Qiao Zhen Tian realized her intention, acknowledging, "I know you added something to the wine. Do you want me to drug me?" Despite knowing, he accepted the drink, saying, "Since this is the first time you're toasting me, I have to drink it."
After consuming the drugged wine, as he succumbed to unconsciousness, he managed to tell Mu Xingchen, "Xing Chen, you're luckier than me. Hurry up and leave." Qiao Zheng Kun stormed in and confronted Hansi, pointing a gun at his head. He demanded, "Did you tell Leiya to steal the sacred fruit?" Hansi frantically pleaded, "Qiao Zheng Kun, you have to trust me. I swear to you that I didn't get the sacred fruit." Leiya interjected, confirming Hansi's words.
She reminded Qiao Zheng Kun, "Don't forget that without my ointment, you would not live long. We just want to do research; we don't want to steal your sacred fruit. As long as we find the sacred tree, I can cure your disease." Qiao Zheng Kun regarded them with suspicion but slowly lowered his weapon. Seeing Qiao Zhen Tian incapacitated, Ye Yunshang swiftly untied Mu Xingchen.
She asked if Leiya truly stole the sacred fruit, to which Mu Xingchen clarified, "No, I lied to them. I'll explain it to you later. Let's go." As they made their escape, Qiao Zheng Kun's men discovered the prisoner's absence. Qiao Zheng Kun, realizing he had been tricked by the fake sacred fruit, was furious, declaring his intent to gather more weapons and exact revenge on the Shenmu Tribe. Mu Xingchen and Ye Yunshang fled back to the Shenmu Tribe.
Mu Xingchen reported the tragic news, explaining that the fake sacred fruit was revealed and that Shi Hu and Yue Ying fell from a cliff while saving him. Devastated by the news of his daughter, Yue Kun cried out for Yueying and rushed to find their bodies. Upon seeing Shi Hu and Yue Ying holding hands in death, Yue Kun, heartbroken, was initially moved to separate them but was persuaded by Ye Yunshang to let them be.
He felt profound remorse. " Forgive me. I shouldn't have tried to separate the two of you," he lamented. He decided to bury them together, acknowledging their inseparable bond: "You couldn't be together when you were alive, so I'll let you be buried together. It can be considered that I have fulfilled one of your wishes." He then vowed, "Don't worry, I will definitely avenge them."
Qiao Zhen Tian awoke in his father's room just as Qiao Zheng Kun was overcome by his illness. As Qiao Zhen Tian watched helplessly, Kongchan appeared. She used her powers to induce a deep sleep in Qiao Zheng Kun before taking Qiao Zhen Tian aside. She revealed the truth: she is his biological mother. She explained that she was once the fiancée of Mu Nan Yue, destined to be the Chief's wife.
She had loved him deeply, but he abandoned her for another woman named Xiaodie, leaving her heartbroken. In her despair, she became an alcoholic. Qiao Zheng Kun took advantage of her vulnerability and assaulted her. To exact her revenge, she infected him with the spore virus, never imagining he would pass it to his own son. Qiao Zhen Tian, reeling from these revelations, sat by a stream, grappling with his identity.
Qiao Zheng Kun found him there and, seeing his son's troubled expression, was confronted by him. Qiao Zhen Tian asked, "The spore virus in me. . . you deliberately passed it to me, didn't you?" Enraged, Qiao Zheng Kun fiercely warned, "Don't listen to the bullshit of that poisonous woman." Pulling out a handgun, he demanded to know Kongchan's whereabouts: "Where is that poisonous woman? Tell her to get out!
If she hadn't poisoned me, I wouldn't be the man I am today." Overwhelmed, Qiao Zhen Tian departed with a heavy heart. Back at Qiao Zheng Kun's camp, a report confirmed the arrival of new weapons, delighting him. He immediately ordered an attack on the Shenmu Tribe. Concurrently, the Shenmu Tribe prepared for battle. The Chief instructed Kongchan to activate the "death penalty" to repel the invaders.
Kongchan cautioned, "The death penalty is a forbidden art of our tribe and cannot be activated unless absolutely necessary." However, Yue Kun vehemently supported the Chief, asserting, "Chief, these people are despicable. They didn't keep their word and they killed my daughter. We cannot let them go!" The Chief then declared his intention to use the ritual to teach them a lesson, hoping they would finally leave the Shenmu Tribe in peace.
Qiao Zheng Kun's forces, bolstered by mortars, initially gained the upper hand. Suddenly, the sky darkened, churning with wind and thunder. Countless fireballs rained down, exploding among Qiao Zheng Kun's troops. Amidst the chaos, Qiao Zheng Kun ordered a retreat. Afterward, the Chief commended Kongchan for her efforts, acknowledging it was her duty as the tribe's Priestess. He then dispatched Yue Kun to gather intelligence.
Mu Xingchen sought confirmation from his father if the event was indeed the death penalty, to which his father affirmed, explaining it was a necessary lesson but also their last resort, as the ritual could only be used once. Qiao Zheng Kun and his remaining forces retreated in disarray. He found himself in a precarious situation when Ye Qiushi arrived with his soldiers and Shangguan Qing.
Shangguan Qing, concerned for his daughter, confronted Qiao Zheng Kun about the chaos, suspecting his true intentions: "Does scientific research require such a large formation? I know, you want to find the sacred fruit to cure yourself, and that's why you're willing to sacrifice so many people." Qiao Zheng Kun, admitting his desperation, revealed, "Let me be honest with you. There are no more sacred fruits. The only person who can give me the antidote is Kongchan."
He then insinuated a past connection between Shangguan Qing and Kongchan, suggesting, "Don't you two have a past? Go get the antidote for me." When Shangguan Qing flatly refused, Qiao Zheng Kun called his guards, ordering them to surround Ye Qiushi and Shangguan Qing. He coldly threatened, "If you don't get me the antidote, then we will die together."
Episode 33 Recap
Mu Xingchen and Ye Yunshang encountered Mu Nan Yue, who informed them that Qiao Zheng Kun had apprehended Ye Qiushi and was coercing Mu Nan Yue to obtain the spore virus treatment from Gongchan. Mu Nan Yue also brought a letter from Ye Yunshang’s father, Ye Qiushi. In the letter, Ye Qiushi clarified the past misunderstandings between Ye Yunshang and Mu Xingchen, revealing that Chu Tianyao's child was actually Ye Yuan Zhi's.
Ye Qiushi expressed his relief that Ye Yunshang was with the Shenmu Tribe and that Mu Xingchen would take care of her. He urged Ye Yunshang to reconcile with Mu Xingchen and not be deceived by Chu Tianyao. After reading the letter, Ye Yunshang apologized to Mu Xingchen, admitting she had wrongly accused him.
Mu Xingchen also revealed to Mu Nan Yue that Gongchan had gotten together with Qiao Zheng Kun after Mu Nan Yue left her, and they had a child named Qiao Zhen Tian. Mu Nan Yue acknowledged his past actions, regretting how he had hurt Gongchan. Mu Xingchen and Ye Yunshang accompanied Mu Nan Yue to Gongchan’s residence. Upon their arrival, they were ensnared by Gongchan's magic.
Gongchan released Mu Xingchen and Ye Yunshang but confronted Mu Nan Yue with intense anger, asking if he dared to appear before her. Mu Nan Yue tried to reason with her, suggesting she let go of the past. Gongchan, however, declared that the weak person she once was had died and she would no longer be swayed by his words. Mu Nan Yue then offered to end their story, which Gongchan accepted.
During their confrontation, Mu Xingchen and Ye Yunshang pleaded with Gongchan to stop, fearing for Mu Nan Yue's life. Mu Nan Yue reflected that some things, like sand held too tightly, are inevitably lost. He spoke of Xiaodie, who had been poisoned and whose body vanished without a trace, advising Gongchan to also let go. Gongchan, with a glimmer of hope, asked to see his true face.
Mu Nan Yue refused, explaining that he had promised another woman to keep his current face forever. Enraged by this revelation, Gongchan did not kill Mu Nan Yue but stripped him of his martial arts and gave him the spore virus treatment, ordering him to leave immediately. As Mu Xingchen and Ye Yunshang helped a weakened Mu Nan Yue out, they encountered Qiao Zhen Tian and his men.
Qiao Zhen Tian explained that he had fallen out with his father and was looking for Ye Yunshang. He revealed that Hansi was pushing for an attack despite Qiao Zheng Kun considering withdrawal. Mu Xingchen informed Qiao Zhen Tian that his father had captured Ye Qiushi and would release him only in exchange for the spore virus treatment, which they had now obtained.
Qiao Zhen Tian agreed to return with the treatment to ensure Ye Qiushi's safety, reassuring Ye Yunshang that he would prevent his father from harming him. Back with Qiao Zheng Kun, Qiao Zhen Tian presented the treatment. Qiao Zheng Kun initially doubted him, believing it impossible to find an antidote easily. After Qiao Zhen Tian showed him the improvement in his own condition, Qiao Zheng Kun reluctantly agreed and ordered Ye Qiushi to be released.
Qiao Zhen Tian also urged his father to withdraw his forces, but Qiao Zheng Kun decided to consume the antidote first before making a final decision. Later, Mu Xingchen tenderly expressed his gratitude to Ye Yunshang for being by his side. Ye Yunshang playfully chided him for having many admirers but then confessed her feelings, admitting that she felt deeply distressed whenever she saw him with Chu Tianyao. Mu Xingchen then kissed her.
Unbeknownst to them, Chu Tianyao had been eavesdropping and, seeing their embrace, left with a pained expression. Ye Yunshang sensed an unseen presence, but Mu Xingchen dismissed it as her imagination. Meanwhile, Ye Qiushi, still concerned about his daughter, entered the mist forest alone to search for her, despite being warned of the dangers.
In the forest, he confronted Chu Tianyao, accusing her of seducing both Mu Xingchen and Ye Yuan Zhi, and of damaging his family's reputation with her complicated life. He demanded to know the father of her child and insisted she return with him to clarify matters. When he tried to force her, Chu Tianyao pushed him, causing him to fall and her hairpin to drop.
From a distance, Gongchan, observing the scene, magically manipulated the hairpin, sending it flying into Ye Qiushi's throat, killing him. Chu Tianyao was shocked by this turn of events. Gongchan coldly advised her that women must be ruthless to avoid being bullied.
She also shared with Chu Tianyao the secret of absorbing spiritual energy from the sacred tree root to gain immortality and immense power, though it would take an ordinary person like Chu Tianyao about ten years without the aid of little elves. Gongchan warned Chu Tianyao to keep silent about Ye Qiushi's death. Ye Yunshang, plagued by a sense of foreboding about her father, decided to return with Mu Xingchen. On their way, they discovered Ye Qiushi's body.
Ye Yunshang was heartbroken, crying out for her father. Seeing Chu Tianyao's hairpin in his neck, she was convinced that Chu Tianyao was the murderer, as she had given the hairpin to her. Mu Xingchen tried to suggest that someone else might have used the hairpin, promising to investigate and avenge her father if it was indeed Chu Tianyao.
After burying her father, Ye Yunshang, resolute in her grief, declared her intention to seek revenge on Chu Tianyao herself, stating it was a family matter that did not require Mu Xingchen's or Qiao Zhen Tian's involvement. Mu Xingchen, though concerned, asked her to be careful. Mu Xingchen, returning with Qiao Zhen Tian, encountered Hansi and Qiao Zheng Kun and their forces. Mu Xingchen was surprised to see Mu Nan Yue among them and naturally called out to him.
Hansi, realizing Mu Xingchen's connection to Mu Nan Yue, ordered him captured and immediately opened fire. Zhu Xiaosan heroically lunged in front of Mu Xingchen, taking the bullet and sacrificing himself. In the ensuing skirmish, Hansi was killed by Qiao Zhen Tian. Suddenly, Gongchan appeared, casting a spell that rendered everyone unconscious. Before succumbing to his wounds, Zhu Xiaosan thanked Mu Xingchen for saving his sister's life and curing her eyesight, declaring their debt now settled.
Qiao Zheng Kun, though saddened, instructed his men to bury Zhu Xiaosan respectfully. Ye Yunshang found Chu Tianyao and directly accused her of killing her father. Chu Tianyao feigned ignorance, prompting Ye Yunshang to show her the hairpin found at the scene, reminding her that it was a gift from Ye Yunshang. Chu Tianyao attempted to deflect the accusation, suggesting Ye Qiushi might have offended someone. Losing patience, Ye Yunshang threatened to kill her if she didn't confess.
Chu Tianyao then tried to leverage her pregnancy, claiming the child was Mu Xingchen's. However, Ye Yunshang revealed that her father had already informed her that the child belonged to Ye Yuan Zhi. Cornered, Chu Tianyao admitted that it was indeed Ye Yuan Zhi's child and that it was the only remaining bloodline of the Ye family, daring Ye Yunshang to kill her and the child. Ye Yunshang remained firm, stating her family would not accept someone like her.
Sensing her desperate situation, Chu Tianyao offered to reveal the true killer and lead Ye Yunshang to them. Ye Yunshang believed her and demanded she lead the way. However, Chu Tianyao took advantage of Ye Yunshang’s trust and knocked her unconscious.
Episode 34 Recap
Ye Yunshang was imprisoned and deeply exhausted. Her little elf, Meijiao, also appeared lifeless and sadly told Ye Yunshang that because the sacred tree was unwell, it too was sick and unable to go for help. Ye Yunshang urged Meijiao to escape, but as the little elf bravely flew out of the cage, Chu Tianyao captured it. Chu Tianyao held Meijiao tightly, demanding that Ye Yunshang kneel and beg her, or she would throw Meijiao into the fire.
Despite being a captive, Ye Yunshang initially maintained a haughty demeanor, which irritated Chu Tianyao. However, for Meijiao's sake, Ye Yunshang tearfully knelt, pleading for the little elf's safety. Chu Tianyao finally smiled, satisfied. The chief was pleased to see Kongchan bringing in Mu Nanyue and Qiao Zheng Kun. Mu Xingchen appealed to his father to release them, stating that Mu Nanyue was his uncle, and Qiao Zheng Kun was already dying from a deadly poison, posing no further threat.
However, the chief insisted that Kongchan handle the matter. At that moment, Leiya arrived, offering to treat the sacred tree. She explained that most of her people had fled, and they no longer posed a threat. Leiya emphasized that if they weren't allowed to treat the sacred tree, it would soon wither and die, proposing that everyone share in the scientific research to heal it.
Mu Xingchen supported her, telling his father they had to try everything they could, and promised to keep a close watch on them. The chief eventually agreed to let Leiya and her team stay. Meanwhile, Chu Tianyao, wanting to prevent Ye Yunshang from contending for Mu Xingchen's affection, brought a bottle of poison. She forced Ye Yunshang to drink it, explaining it was "Heartless Water."
Chu Tianyao elaborated that after drinking it, if Ye Yunshang dared to think of the person she loved, she would lose a part of her memory each time, eventually forgetting her beloved entirely. When Ye Yunshang refused, Chu Tianyao pinched her nose and forcibly poured the medicine down her throat before leaving triumphantly. Ye Yunshang cried, realizing that Chu Tianyao's actions confirmed she didn't understand love.
She accused Chu Tianyao of merely seeking possession and vowed not to let her succeed. Mu Xingchen, distraught over Ye Yunshang's disappearance, confronted Chu Tianyao, asking where Ye Yunshang was. Chu Tianyao vehemently denied any knowledge of Ye Yunshang's whereabouts and tried to reconcile with Mu Xingchen by reminding him of her pregnancy. Mu Xingchen, however, revealed he knew the child was not his, thanks to a letter from President Ye.
Seeing that her lie was exposed, Chu Tianyao decided to stop pestering him. She then disclosed the true reason for the sacred tree's illness: Kongchan was using seven-colored wasps to absorb its energy. Mu Xingchen refused to believe her, asserting that his master would never harm the Shenmu Tribe. Chu Tianyao delivered Meijiao to Kongchan, who discovered that with the little elf's assistance, her absorption of the sacred tree's energy became much smoother.
Mu Nanyue, who had regained consciousness and found himself back in Kongchan's room, was shocked to see her draining the sacred tree's energy. He warned her that she would kill the tree. Kongchan laughed, declaring that she had merged with the sacred tree and would soon rule the entire world. She told Mu Nanyue that if he joined her, he wouldn't need to be a mere mayor.
Kongchan then cast a spell on Qiao Zheng Kun, who immediately began referring to her as "Master" and became completely subservient. Later, the chief summoned Mu Xingchen, intending to pass on his leadership. As they were discussing the transfer of power, Qiao Zheng Kun, under Kongchan's control, suddenly attacked them. The chief was struck by a hidden weapon and died on the spot. As Mu Xingchen moved to retaliate, Qiao Zhen Tian arrived and stopped him.
Mu Xingchen explained that his father was being controlled, but when Qiao Zheng Kun launched another attack, Mu Xingchen, with a heavy heart, was forced to kill him. After the Shenmu Tribe held a funeral for the chief, Mu Xingchen took over as the new chief. While Mu Xingchen was with Leiya, Elder Yue Kun confronted him, angrily accusing the "outsiders" of being the murderers of their tribe members and Yue Ying.
He demanded to know why Mu Xingchen still allowed them to research the sacred tree, calling them greedy and exploitative. Mu Xingchen frowned, asserting that as the young master, he had his reasons and didn't need Yue Kun's unsolicited advice. Leiya, sensing the tension, asked Qi Fei what was happening, but he simply told her it was irrelevant and led her away to find Qiao Zhen Tian.
Yue Kun, enraged, continued to loudly admonish Mu Xingchen, reiterating that the outsiders were responsible for the deaths of their people and Yue Ying. He accused Mu Xingchen of not seeking revenge and instead "inviting wolves into the house." Yue Kun declared that if Mu Xingchen wouldn't act, he would. Mu Xingchen reminded Yue Kun to remember his place as an elder, asserting his authority as the young master.
Undeterred, Yue Kun suddenly announced to the tribe members that Mu Xingchen was arrogant, reckless, and had desecrated the sacred tree, making him unworthy of being their young master. Many tribe members rallied behind Yue Kun. Chu Tianyao attempted to defend Mu Xingchen, but Mu Xingchen, losing his temper, told the tribe that he never wanted to be the young master anyway, and from that day forward, the affairs of the Shenmu Tribe would no longer concern him.
Feeling dejected, Mu Xingchen left the Shenmu Tribe. He tried to contact Ye Yunshang and Meijiao but was unsuccessful, growing increasingly worried about them. As he pondered Ye Yunshang's fate, Qiao Zhen Tian suddenly appeared, seeking revenge for his father's death. He acknowledged that he knew his father was being controlled that day, but still intended to avenge him, suggesting they work together to find the real culprit.
Episode 35 Recap
Mu Xingchen explained to Qiao Zhen Tian that he had witnessed his father's condition and was forced to act in self-defense, as he would have been harmed otherwise. Mu Xingchen suggested that the true culprit was the one controlling Qiao Zhen Tian’s father. After considering this, Qiao Zhen Tian agreed and decided to join forces with Mu Xingchen to find the real perpetrator.
Meanwhile, Kong Chan continued to absorb the sacred tree’s energy, a process that accelerated significantly with the help of the little sprite. She believed her growing power would soon make her unmatched and that only she was worthy of being the Chief of the Shenmu Tribe, vowing to show everyone how she would lead them.
She declared that she and the sacred tree were one, and she would protect the tribe, granting them anything they desired as long as they obeyed her. Held captive, Ye Yunshang experienced severe headaches whenever she thought of Mu Xingchen, a symptom of the merciless poison she had ingested. Driven by the agonizing pain, she realized that forgetting Mu Xingchen might free her from the poison's control, giving her a chance to escape.
With a surge of strength, she broke free from her iron chains and fled the prison. As Leiya was examining the sacred tree, Ye Yunshang appeared. Leiya asked if she had argued with Mu Xingchen, but Ye Yunshang looked blank, claiming she didn't know who he was. Mu Xingchen, who had arrived, was disheartened to realize she remembered others but not him. He tried to trigger her memory by reminding her of how she used to call him "Vet."
As Ye Yunshang struggled to recall, another wave of headaches overwhelmed her. Leiya quickly examined her, noting her dangerously high blood pressure and fragile blood vessels, diagnosing a severe neurotoxin. She explained that this poison could cause memory loss, or in severe cases, immediate death, admitting her inability to treat it with their current equipment. Mu Xingchen attempted to use his Qing Nang skills, but Ye Yunshang's pain was too intense, forcing him to stop.
Later, Mu Xingchen noticed an unusual glow emanating from the sacred tree, finally confirming Chu Tianyao's earlier warnings that Kong Chan was indeed draining its energy. Leiya worried that the sacred tree's destruction would halt her research. Mu Xingchen suggested she focus her research on Kong Chan instead. Leiya then proposed a plan to use explosives against Kong Chan, asking Mu Xingchen to lure her into Leiya's lab.
She cautioned him to keep Qiao Zhen Tian in the dark, given Kong Chan was his mother, but assured Mu Xingchen she had no intention of killing Kong Chan, as she needed her for experiments. At another time, Chu Tianyao urged Mu Xingchen to leave, warning him that Kong Chan had gone insane and the area was unsafe. Mu Xingchen refused, insisting he would only leave after Ye Yunshang was cured.
Chu Tianyao explained that there was no antidote for the merciless poison, but acupuncture could temporarily restore some of her memories. After Chu Tianyao performed the acupuncture, Ye Yunshang began to recall fragments of her past, including how Chu Tianyao had imprisoned and poisoned her. At this point, Leiya, utterly exasperated by Chu Tianyao, pointed a gun at her head and ordered her to leave. Chu Tianyao then departed.
Following Chu Tianyao's exit, Mu Xingchen and Leiya put their plan into action. Mu Xingchen informed Kong Chan that Leiya had made a breakthrough in her research, having analyzed all the components of the sacred tree and found ways to replicate its sap. He claimed this sap could not only heal but also control people if introduced into their water supply, promising that with her help, they could control everyone in the world.
Intrigued by the prospect of such power, Kong Chan followed Mu Xingchen to Leiya's laboratory. As the explosives were ignited, Qiao Zhen Tian, having become suspicious, rushed in and warned Kong Chan to flee. Kong Chan managed to escape, but as Leiya tried to follow, Kong Chan attacked and killed her. Qiao Zhen Tian frantically rushed to Leiya's side, holding her lifeless body and repeatedly apologizing, heartbroken by her death.
Kong Chan, enraged by Mu Xingchen's betrayal and his attempt to conspire against her, turned her murderous intent on him. Knowing he was outmatched, Mu Xingchen quickly fled. While trying to evade Kong Chan’s forces, Mu Xingchen again encountered Ye Yunshang. He tried to get her to come with him, but she pushed him away, asking who he was. Mu Xingchen realized she had forgotten him yet again.
He tried to remind her, and she pulled out a notebook containing a drawing of him. Mu Xingchen sadly noted that the drawing only vaguely resembled him, particularly his hairstyle, making it understandable why she struggled to recognize him. As the sounds of searching guards approached, Ye Yunshang, desperate not to forget him again, suddenly took out a bottle of liquid she had acquired from Leiya and drank it.
She explained it was sacred tree sap, her last hope to cure the poison. Mu Xingchen scolded her for taking such a dangerous risk, but it was too late. Soon after, the sap took effect, causing Ye Yunshang to collapse in agony. Meanwhile, Mu Nan Yu discovered a Soul-Devouring Nail. Kong Chan, upon seeing it, confirmed it was hers and explained its deadly power, capable of killing even those who had consumed the holy fruit.
Mu Nan Yu instantly realized Kong Chan was responsible for Xiaodie's death. Enraged, he lunged at her, but, having lost his powers, he was no match for Kong Chan. She brazenly admitted that she had also orchestrated the chase that had pursued him and Xiaodie years ago, and it was she who had poisoned Xiaodie in the forest. Mu Nan Yu was filled with regret, realizing how he had wrongly blamed his brother, Mu Beichuan, for so many years.
Kong Chan then issued an ultimatum: those who betrayed her would face either death or eternal slavery by her side. After regaining consciousness, Ye Yunshang recounted how Chu Tianyao had harmed her. Mu Xingchen, furious, wanted to confront Chu Tianyao, but Ye Yunshang urged him to remain calm, emphasizing that dealing with Kong Chan was their immediate priority. They then discovered a hidden chamber where they unexpectedly found Qiao Zhen Tian.
He revealed he had stolen the chief's key from Kong Chan. Using the key, they unlocked an inner room, where Mu Xingchen discovered the long-lost secret manual of the Shenmu Tribe's Qing Nang skills. Reading it, Mu Xingchen learned that the manual contained both the "Dead Sentence," a powerful destructive technique, and the "Lingsheng Mantra," a rebirth art. He believed the Lingsheng Mantra could be used to counter Kong Chan's destructive power.
However, he lamented that the book only contained the practice methods, missing the crucial guiding techniques, which he suspected were hidden in another book. Despite the challenge of mastering it in such a short time, they knew they had no other choice.
Episode 36 (Ending) Recap
Mu Xingchen knew that to practice the rebirth technique, he needed both the Qing Nang skills manual and a spell suggestions manual. However, he had not found the spell suggestions manual in the secret room. Meanwhile, Mu Nanyue managed to escape from Kong Chan. He taught Mu Xingchen the incantations of the Qing Nang skills, hoping to help Mu Xingchen defeat Kong Chan.
Later, Mu Nanyue, observing Mu Xingchen, expressed surprise that he had mastered the highest heart method of Qing Nang skills, which no one had ever fully understood. Mu Xingchen explained that it was through the healing art. Mu Nanyue realized that what others had always considered a skill of little use, and thus rarely practiced, was actually the ultimate core of the Qing Nang skills. Mu Xingchen added that salvation is always stronger than destruction.
Ye Yunshang, seeing Mu Xingchen, excitedly asked if he had succeeded, and he confirmed with a nod. Mu Nanyue then inquired about Mu Xingchen's next steps. Mu Xingchen declared his intention to save the sacred tree and their tribe. Mu Nanyue warned him to consider his decision carefully, as saving the sacred tree would deplete all his energy and put his life at grave risk.
Mu Xingchen, however, responded without hesitation that he would not hesitate to sacrifice himself if it meant saving everyone. Ye Yunshang vehemently opposed his plan, not wanting him to be a hero or witness him die. She only wished for him to live well. Mu Xingchen reassured her, saying he still had a chance to survive.
He explained that his purpose in learning the rebirth technique was to save everyone, and now that he had mastered it, he could not easily give up, especially since it was also his father's dying wish. He then asked Qiao Zhentian to take Ye Yunshang away. Despite her strong reluctance and pleas, Ye Yunshang was persuaded to leave by Qiao Zhentian and Qi Fei.
As Qiao Zhentian led her away, Ye Yunshang fiercely told him to release her, vowing to remain with Mu Xingchen even if his mother were to harm her. Qiao Zhentian corrected her, stating that Kong Chan was not his mother. At that moment, Kong Chan appeared, angrily calling Qiao Zhentian a traitorous son and demanding he repeat his words. Qiao Zhentian confronted her, asking why she was so ruthless.
Kong Chan revealed her motivation, stating that if the sacred tree were restored, she would die. She then loudly demanded Mu Xingchen come out, threatening to harm Ye Yunshang and Qi Fei otherwise. Using her magic, she conjured ropes that tightened around Ye Yunshang and Qi Fei's necks. Just as she was about to strike them down, Qiao Zhentian suddenly stepped in front of them, blocking the attack.
Kong Chan, unable to stop her hand in time, accidentally killed Qiao Zhentian. To buy Mu Xingchen more time, Mu Nanyue stepped forward, urging Kong Chan to stop and taking responsibility for all the wrongdoings, offering to bear all consequences. Enraged, Kong Chan used her magic to reduce him to ashes. By this time, Mu Xingchen had completed his healing of the sacred tree. Suddenly, Kong Chan went mad, turning her attacks on her own people.
Mu Xingchen arrived, commanding her to stop, and the two began to battle with their magic. Mu Xingchen, however, was no match for Kong Chan and was eventually wounded. As Kong Chan prepared to deliver the killing blow, Ye Yunshang suddenly shielded Mu Xingchen. Kong Chan scoffed, deciding to kill Ye Yunshang first. But because Ye Yunshang had consumed the holy fruit, Kong Chan’s internal power was reflected back at her.
Enraged, Kong Chan unleashed her full magical force, striking Ye Yunshang again, only to suffer another powerful backlash. Though Ye Yunshang, relying on the holy fruit, managed to repel Kong Chan, she was also severely injured. At this juncture, Yue Kun arrived with his forces and ordered archers to fire upon Kong Chan. Kong Chan, however, used her magic to deflect the arrows, sending them back at Yue Kun’s people and killing them all.
Mu Xingchen decided to make a final effort, engaging Kong Chan in battle using the rebirth technique. Their internal powers clashed, creating a fierce stalemate. Chu Tianyao attempted to assist Mu Xingchen but was struck by Kong Chan, injuring one side of her face before she collapsed unconscious. Ye Yunshang also wanted to help Mu Xingchen but found herself unable to get close to the warring pair.
Meijiao, a spirit, flew to her and urged her to activate the power of the holy fruit within her, explaining that it was the only way to save Mu Xingchen, though it would also mean her own death. Ye Yunshang, undeterred, urged Meijiao to hurry. Meijiao then entered Ye Yunshang’s body. Feeling a surge of new energy, Ye Yunshang raised a blade to attack Kong Chan. Mu Xingchen grabbed her hand, attempting to stop her.
But Ye Yunshang broke free from his grasp and charged at Kong Chan. In an instant, both Ye Yunshang and Kong Chan were engulfed in a blinding light and turned to ash. After recovering from her injuries, Chu Tianyao returned to the Ye family clinic to continue her medical practice.
She bore a long scar that stretched from one side of her face to her neck, but Shangguan Wenxuan's love for her remained unchanged, and he joyfully accepted her and their unborn child. The sacred tree had fully revived and regained its vitality. Mu Xingchen, yearning for Ye Yunshang, visited the tree to mourn her. To his astonishment, he spotted Ye Yunshang standing gracefully on one of the tree's branches. Overjoyed, he flew up to her and embraced her tightly.
