Rakshasa Street Recap, Plot, Synopsis
Rakshasa Street Synopsis
Cao Yanbing, a descendant of Wei Wu, is a spirit general who vows to protect the stability of the spirit world.
The accidental entry of Xia Ling triggers a dramatic change in the spirit realm.
A mysterious evil force that has been secretly coveting the world launched a surprise attack, resulting in the destruction of the boundary between the human world and the spirit world.
Cao Yanbing and Xia Ling have to embark on a journey together to suppress the spirits.
Rakshasa Street Recap
Episode 1 Recap
The universe, formed 13. 7 billion years ago from a dense, hot singularity, continues to expand, constantly exploring the boundaries of the void until it encounters a parallel world known as Zhenhun Street. This world is home to Spirit Men, Messengers, guardian spirits, and otherworlders. Zhenhun Street connects the spiritual domain and the human world, serving as a place to contain lost souls and suppress evil spirits. Late one night, two humans accidentally stumbled into Zhenhun Street.
They were puzzled, with one asking about a tree and the other identifying it as a locust tree. One recalled an old saying about locust trees being associated with the night parade of a hundred ghosts. Confused about their whereabouts, they were then confronted by a group of spirits. Cao Yanbing, the Zhenhun General of Luocha Street, appeared and directed the humans to an exit 300 steps back. When challenged by the spirits, who questioned his identity ("Who are you?"
) and why he was blocking their path, Cao Yanbing asserted his authority, declaring, "I am Cao Yanbing, the Zhenhun General of Luocha Street! I have the final say on this Luocha Street. Get out!" Intimidated by his presence, the numerous ghosts did not dare to advance further. In the human world, Xia Ling overslept, her alarm repeatedly blaring "Idiot get up!" She rushed out and, while hurrying, bumped into Cao Yanbing, who was working as a delivery driver.
Arriving at her office, her boss immediately reprimanded her for being late, specifically for being 35 minutes late that day, questioning her commitment and demanding she finish the PPT that was expected despite her working on it until 3:30 A. M. Her string of bad luck continued when she encountered Cao Yanbing again while picking up takeout.
He accosted her, angrily recounting how she had caused him trouble earlier and repeatedly demanded compensation for his ruined takeout order and emotional distress. Xia Ling, already frustrated by her day, reacted by physically retaliating. Later, on her commute home, Xia Ling was on a bus that entered a tunnel. Suddenly, an otherworlder manipulated the bus, pulling it into the spiritual domain. Everyone on board, except Xia Ling and a small girl who had earlier offered her a sweet, perished.
Xia Ling witnessed the otherworlder's brutality firsthand. The otherworlder ominously stated, "I smell a mixture of sadness and fear. Such a soul can be called a feast. Go with Me. How about going to hell? You die here and will be reborn in the spiritual domain." Xia Ling tried to escape with the little girl, but their presence was detected. The otherworlder cruelly murdered the little girl in front of Xia Ling, whose mother desperately cried for help.
Overwhelmed by fear, Xia Ling was cornered by the otherworlders, but then Cao Yanbing dramatically arrived on his motorcycle and saved her. The otherworlder mocked Cao Yanbing, calling him a "Zhenhun Master without a guardian spirit" and boasting about their ability to "sneak into the ripples of space" and "enter the world through the door," implying powerful backing. Cao Yanbing dismissed their threats, retorting, "Don't be foolish. I am the light."
To spare Xia Ling from the trauma, Cao Yanbing decided to erase her memory of the event, stating that "remembering too many things would become a burden in life." As he did so, Xia Ling briefly saw her sealed guardian spirit, Li Xuanyuan, who gently assured her, "Don't be afraid, I won't hurt you." Xia Ling eventually woke up in a hospital bed, having no recollection of the terrifying bus incident.
She only remembered being on the bus, the tunnel lights going out, and then waking up in the ward. Police officers questioned her about the accident, revealing that she was the sole survivor among all the passengers, found 100 meters from the bus wreckage. Her colleagues, aware of the incident, began to shun her, considering her a source of bad luck. Xia Ling felt isolated, noting, "Everyone seems to be hiding from me.
I'm just a little character who will never die. Suddenly idle, not used to it." During this time, a Messenger named Gui Fu San Tong contacted Xia Ling via video call. He introduced himself and urgently warned her that her survival on the bus was a mere accident and that she was "a dead person" whom "death didn't just let go." He predicted "wave after wave of death danger" would target her.
Gui Fu San Tong gave her specific instructions to avoid danger, such as pausing before exiting buildings, not walking near tall structures or water, avoiding crossing busy streets, and refraining from accepting food or drink from strangers or touching electrical appliances with wet hands. He urged her to go to a specific address to save herself, emphasizing that her life and youth would otherwise end prematurely.
However, Xia Ling, distracted by a delivery call and skeptical, dismissed his words as nonsense and hung up the video call before he could finish. Unbeknownst to Xia Ling, news of Cao Yanbing defeating the otherworlder Shi Pu had reached the otherworlder leadership. They consulted a report confirming that Shi Pu had entered the human world via a door in Luocha Street's spiritual domain, putting him under Cao Yanbing's jurisdiction.
While acknowledging Cao Yanbing's skill, they scoffed at him as a mere human without a guardian spirit, dismissing him as insignificant. One of them, after referring to Cao Yanbing as "General Fire," a title they seemed to disdain despite their own past with figures like "Emperor Zhongjia," arrogantly declared that even the fiercest flames would be extinguished before them.
To avenge Shi Pu, they disregarded the potential repercussions of offending the "person" who allowed Cao Yanbing to act and ordered their subordinates to bring back Cao Yanbing's head, stating that as felons, they had no fear of adding another crime. Meanwhile, in the human world, Xia Ling continued to face strange accidents. Her boss, feigning concern after her bus incident, sent her to pay property fees, then granted her a holiday.
As she left, she vaguely remembered Gui Fu San Tong's warnings about staying put before exiting. Later, near a lake, she scoffed at the idea of encountering ghosts in broad daylight but was abruptly pulled away from the water's edge by a kind passerby after almost falling in. Later, recalling Gui Fu San Tong's warning not to cross busy streets, she found herself in another perilous situation.
A car came speeding towards her, but just as disaster loomed, Li Xuanyuan, her guardian spirit, appeared and saved her, reiterating, "Xia Ling, I won't hurt you." With this undeniable proof, Xia Ling finally believed Gui Fu San Tong's warnings.
She quickly returned to her company, found the address he had given her, and set out for Luocha Street, seeking a courtyard with a large locust tree, as instructed, for its owner, Cao Yanbing, was the only one who could help her. Upon arriving, she asked about a house with a large locust tree, only to be confronted by otherworlders who warned her against trespassing and attacked her.
Just as she questioned what kind of place this was, Cao Yanbing intervened, declaring, "What are you doing? You can't hurt others casually. Let me tell you, this Luocha Street, I have the final say."
Episode 2 Recap
Xia Ling found herself bewildered upon entering Luocha Street, a strange and fantastical place. She observed residents joking about memories and asking about strange things like "bird size." When she inquired about a courtyard with a large locust tree, a local pointed her further down the street. Meanwhile, Cao Yanbing, trying to grab a large red envelope on his phone, was frustrated when bird droppings landed on his screen.
His brother, Cao Xuanliang (Xiaoliang), then reported a large group of "artists" approaching from the west. Cao Yanbing, still annoyed, saw this as a convenient outlet for his anger. Before heading out, he instructed Xiaoliang to guard the spirit of locust tree, threatening to kill anyone who trespassed without mercy. As Cao Yanbing stepped out, he encountered Xia Ling, who recognized him as the delivery driver she had previously assaulted, and the approaching group of "artists."
Realizing the "artists'" identity, Cao Yanbing urged Xia Ling to take cover inside his home with Xiaoliang, as he prepared to face them alone. He quickly identified them as the No. 1 artist group from Luocha Street, serving General Fu Shi. Despite their numbers, Cao Yanbing wielded his ten halls, slaying many. The "artists," realizing his reliance on the powerful weapon, resorted to a provocation, challenging him to fight them bare-handed.
Confident, Cao Yanbing dropped his weapon, proclaiming he could defeat them even by tearing them apart with his bare hands. Inside the courtyard, Xiaoliang, remembering his brother's stern warning, threw a knife towards Xia Ling. However, the blade bypassed her, striking an invisible demon behind her. Xiaoliang, unable to smell the invisible entity, was at a disadvantage.
It was only when the demon inadvertently tore Xia Ling's clothes, causing her to have a nosebleed due to anemia, that her blood exposed its location. Seizing the opportunity, Xiaoliang quickly subdued the invisible demon. Cao Yanbing initially struggled fighting the "artists" bare-handed, but after discovering the secret ability of the twin brothers among them—their skin scattering light to render them invisible—he managed to defeat them. The remaining minions quickly fled.
That night, Cao Yanbing awoke from a nightmare, haunted by voices telling him he couldn't protect others and that his guardian spirit would die for him. Xia Ling, checking on him, was astonished by his rapid recovery, to which Xiaoliang casually remarked that as a Messenger, his brother naturally healed quickly. Attempting to change his clothes, Cao Yanbing rudely told Xia Ling to leave his room.
Instead of complying, she assaulted him again, leaving him bewildered as to why he had saved this "violent woman" twice. When Xiaoliang brought out dinner, Xia Ling found the food unappetizing and wondered if the invisible demon they captured would eat. Cao Yanbing then explained that the invisible demon was a "mutant" like those from X-Men, responsible for the series of attacks Xia Ling had endured in the human world.
He added that the demon was unable to speak because its tongue had been removed to prevent it from leaking secrets if captured. As Cao Yanbing prepared to execute the demon, Xia Ling, overcome with compassion, intervened. She insisted he couldn't harm a helpless being, even though Cao Yanbing, as Luocha Street's zhenhun general, was merely performing his duty.
He warned her that she would regret letting the demon go, but Xia Ling, revealing her shoulder, confidently declared she had found a way to protect herself, causing the demon to have another nosebleed from seeing her. Xia Ling then recounted how she came to Luocha Street, guided by a video email from Ghost axe three-way pair, who warned about an extreme organization called Kingdom.
She explained that she could see Ghost axe three-way pair's spirit message, a feat Cao Xuanliang noted would place her at "black rope" level or higher. Cao Yanbing concluded that her ability to see the spirit message and survive in Luocha Street meant she was undoubtedly a Messenger.
When Xia Ling asked what a Messenger was, Cao Yanbing teasingly told her it meant a soul resided in her body, a "ghost possession," and ominously warned that the ghost would eventually consume her. Cao Xuanliang quickly stepped in, telling his brother to stop scaring Xia Ling. He patiently explained that their world, the spiritual domain, was an "alternate dimension" or "human secret realm," not the underworld.
He showed her a diagram, pointing out the spiritual domain's central hub, overseen by the Jade spirit envoy, and the countless streets called zhenhun streets, including Luocha Street, where Cao Yanbing served as the zhenhun general. He clarified that a Messenger is someone whose body hosts a guardian spirit, allowing them to safely traverse between the human and spiritual realms, which usually prove poisonous to ordinary humans. The guardian spirit also makes Messengers healthier than average people.
Xia Ling was relieved to learn she was alive and would not die soon. Cao Yanbing announced he had to leave, instructing Xiaoliang to look after Xia Ling. Xia Ling asked where he was going, and Xiaoliang revealed that after delivering takeout, Cao Yanbing planned to destroy General Fu Shi's lair to eliminate any further threats to Xia Ling's life. Meanwhile, after their defeat by Cao Yanbing, the "artist group" reported back to General Fu Shi.
Fu Shi was furious and confirmed Cao Yanbing's identity as a descendant of Wei Wu. He worried that even if they retreated now, Cao Yanbing wouldn't spare them, and "that person" must not discover their failures. At that moment, a seductive woman appeared. She expressed displeasure with Fu Shi's cowardice and his fear of Cao Yanbing's "Wei Wuzhi blood" and "fighting soul of Cao Wei," dismissing his concerns about the "Mark of the rebel" on his subordinates.
Fearing Fu Shi might fall into Cao Yanbing's hands and leak sensitive information, the woman executed him and the remaining "artist group," appointing a new "bone craftsman" to control the street.
Episode 3 Recap
After Cao Yanbing departed, Cao Xuanliang began to explain the spiritual domain to Xia Ling, telling her that the spiritual domain has long been recorded in the human world, with doors connecting the two realms. He mentioned that while the air in the spiritual domain is toxic to humans, a rare few adapted and evolved, settling down to become Spirit Men. Due to the unique environment of the spiritual domain, Spirit Men can easily mutate into powerful, malevolent evil spirits.
Knowing that this world was entirely new to Xia Ling, Cao Xuanliang handed her a thick book titled "Spiritual Domain Encyclopedia," assuring her that she would understand everything about the spiritual domain once she finished reading it. Xia Ling was surprised by its size. Meanwhile, on Chi Chain Street, the Ninth Knight of the Kingdom, Hale camp, disguised himself as a Messenger being bullied by evil spirits.
The Zhenhun General of Chi Chain Street intervened to help, only to be fatally ambushed by Hale camp. After killing the general, Hale camp took the general chain, stating that while his original target was Luocha Street, Chi Chain Street was a good alternative for now, as it could prevent the general from reporting back. He then prepared to advance on Luocha Street. Back at the Cao residence, Xia Ling found the dinner Cao Xuanliang prepared difficult to eat.
Despite pretending to be full, she grew curious about his family situation. Looking at the sole family photo on the table, Cao Xuanliang recounted a somber memory. He explained that one day, Cao Yanbing, upset because his father wouldn't buy him a collectible figure, wore a grumpy expression even during a family photo. His mother suggested his father buy the toy to cheer him up. His father agreed, and his parents took Cao Yanbing out to buy it.
Tragically, on their way back, his parents died in a car accident, leaving only Cao Yanbing as a survivor. Following the untimely death of General Cao, the Imperial Spirit Master declared that Cao Yanbing would inherit the position of Luocha Street's Zhenhun General. Later, Cao Yanbing protected a young girl named Xiao Rou from being bullied by an evil spirit.
Just as the seemingly defeated evil spirit mutated and attacked Cao Yanbing, his first guardian spirit, Yu Jin, appeared, pledging his loyalty to the Cao family through fire and water, thus saving Cao Yanbing and solidifying his role as Luocha Street's Zhenhun General. However, a year later, a group of fierce evil spirits invaded Luocha Street. Xiao Rou was killed, and Yu Jin fought desperately, eliminating the enemies but ultimately perishing in battle.
Xia Ling listened, deeply moved by the brothers' hardships. Suddenly, an aura of evil energy swept through Luocha Street. Cao Xuanliang instructed Xia Ling to stay safely in the courtyard while he went to investigate. Outside, a swarm of evil spirits attacked Cao Xuanliang. He summoned his guardian spirit, Tang Liu Yu, also known as the Eight-arm Mantis, who was blind but could discern positions by sound and was infamous for using unique hidden weapons.
Tang Liu Yu had once betrayed the Tang sect to seize a powerful weapon, slaughtering over 400 people overnight before retiring due to a change of heart. After Tang Liu Yu repelled the evil spirits, Cao Xuanliang discovered one of them was still alive – it was the Zhenhun General of Chi Chain Street, seemingly wounded by Hale camp. The dying general urged Cao Xuanliang to flee. Just then, Hale camp appeared, recognizing Cao Xuanliang as Cao Yanbing's younger brother.
He mocked Cao Xuanliang for conspiring to kill a Zhenhun General, despite having inflicted the fatal wound himself. Revealing himself as the Ninth Knight of the Kingdom, Hale camp summoned his own guardian spirit, Shimazu Yoshihiro, a famous Warring States general. He pitted Shimazu Yoshihiro against Tang Liu Yu, eager to see whether a general or a martial arts master was stronger. During the fight, Hale camp noticed Xia Ling and the towering Spirit of Locust Tree in the courtyard.
He cynically remarked on Cao Xuanliang's youth and heroism for protecting a woman. Tang Liu Yu and Cao Xuanliang were no match for Shimazu Yoshihiro, and both were eventually knocked back into the courtyard. Hale camp, excited by the sight of the Spirit of Locust Tree, ordered Shimazu Yoshihiro to finish off the remaining opponents.
Cao Xuanliang knew Tang Liu Yu was weaker than Shimazu Yoshihiro, and he himself was weaker than Hale camp, leaving them with no chance of victory according to the battle rules for Messengers. Hale camp found it amusing that Cao Xuanliang silently prayed for his brother Cao Yanbing's return, stating that a rare spirit like Tang Liu Yu should not be bound to a weak Messenger like him.
He further taunted Cao Xuanliang, saying that a Messenger whose guardian spirit had died was like a tiger with its teeth pulled out or an eagle with broken wings, fortunate just to cling to life. Cao Xuanliang was shocked, realizing that Hale camp knew about Yu Jin's death, which implicated him with the group from years ago. As Hale camp and Cao Xuanliang conversed, Tang Liu Yu and Shimazu Yoshihiro's battle concluded, both spirits gravely injured.
Cao Xuanliang seized the opportunity to stab Hale camp with a dagger, but Hale camp quickly parried the attack, revealing his "acting" skills. He declared Tang Liu Yu and the Spirit of Locust Tree would soon be his, expressing his satisfaction with the rich harvest.
Hale camp revealed his intention to kill Cao Xuanliang, stating that in the past, a guardian spirit would die with its Messenger, but now they had discovered a method to peel away guardian spirits, thus allowing him to take Tang Liu Yu.
Episode 4 Recap
Hale camp moved to strike Cao Xuanliang, but Xia Ling bravely stepped in front of him. Just then, Cao Yanbing dramatically arrived on his motorized vehicle, swiftly injuring Hale camp. Cao Yanbing, incensed by the damage to his property and the assault on his brother and Xia Ling, confronted Hale camp. Cao Xuanliang then alerted his brother that Hale camp was connected to the individuals from a decade prior.
Cao Yanbing demanded answers, threatening to beat Hale camp until he begged for mercy, which he would consider an admission. Under pressure, Hale camp identified himself as a special Knight from the Kingdom organization. He confessed his mission was to seize Cao Xuanliang's guardian spirit. Cao Xuanliang immediately added that their target also included "soul power" and the ancient Linghuai tree, connecting them to the individuals from a decade prior.
Hale camp further revealed that the Kingdom organization was vast and he was merely a low-ranking member, knowing little more. Cao Xuanliang reiterated his warning, mentioning that Hale camp's guardian spirit was Shimazu Yoshihiro, a name that surprised Cao Yanbing. Soon, Shimazu Yoshihiro, having recovered, aggressively pursued Cao Yanbing. Cao Yanbing attempted to use Hale camp as a shield, asserting that a guardian spirit would perish if their Messenger died.
However, he was shocked to discover that Shimazu Yoshihiro was not Hale camp's guardian spirit. Shimazu Yoshihiro then delivered a powerful blow, knocking Cao Yanbing unconscious. As Cao Yanbing lay unconscious, his other formidable guardian spirit, Xu Chu, requested to be released from within, urging to avenge the deceased Yu Jin. Shimazu Yoshihiro moved to deliver a fatal blow to the fallen Cao Yanbing, but Xia Ling once again bravely shielded him.
In a critical moment, Cao Yanbing regained consciousness, and Xu Chu burst forth, saving both Xia Ling and his Master, engaging Shimazu Yoshihiro in a fierce battle. Xu Chu emerged victorious over Shimazu Yoshihiro. However, the victory was short-lived as the ninja master Hattori Hanzo unexpectedly appeared. He swiftly stole the newly sprouted linghuai branch, then set the ancient Linghuai tree ablaze, and rescued Hale camp.
The catastrophic destruction of the Linghuai tree ignited a massive fire, creating a "Universal Light" that connected both the Human and Spiritual Domains, alarming inhabitants in both realms. Hattori Hanzo returned to report to his superior, who was surprised to learn of Cao Yanbing's new guardian spirit, Xu Chu. She instructed Hattori Hanzo to take Hale camp for treatment and to keep a close eye on Cao Yanbing.
Meanwhile, Xia Ling's mother called her, worriedly describing the strange fiery spectacle in the sky, prompting Xia Ling to quickly end the call, feigning a bad signal. In the Spiritual Domain, the widespread inferno drew the attention of Ghost Axe Tee, who arrived and used his axe to extinguish the Universal Light. Cao Yanbing, clutching the Ten Halls of Yama, eyed Ghost Axe Tee with extreme suspicion. He accused Ghost Axe Tee of destroying his tree and demanded compensation.
Ghost Axe Tee, who addressed Cao Yanbing as "General Fire," humbly paid the money he had on him, much to Cao Yanbing's amusement as he admitted he was merely joking. Ghost Axe Tee then explained that summoning a guardian spirit places a heavy toll on a Messenger's body, especially for someone like Cao Yanbing who had never done so before. He accurately predicted Cao Yanbing would experience bloodshot eyes, a minor nosebleed, and then collapse from exhaustion.
Just as predicted, Cao Yanbing immediately fainted. When Cao Yanbing eventually awoke, he found Cao Xuanliang and Ghost Axe Tee surprisingly playing games together. He inquired about Xia Ling, and Cao Xuanliang informed him that her parents had arrived, and she had gone to have dinner with them. Meanwhile, at the restaurant, Xia Ling recalled Ghost Axe Tee's earlier warnings.
He had explained that her recent strange experiences were because she was a Messenger, and the Kingdom organization was a dangerous, cult-like group that captured Messengers for their own purposes, confirming that the invisible entity that had attacked her was from this organization.
Back at the ruined courtyard, Cao Yanbing lamented the destruction of his beloved Linghuai tree, which had been a constant in his life, serving as a place for him to play chess, drink tea, use his phone, snatch red packets, and dry clothes. Ghost Axe Tee revealed Cao Yanbing's ignorance of the tree's true significance.
He explained that the Spiritual Domain was not divinely created but was the result of a "Big Bang"-like expansion that eventually collided with the Human World, forming "doors" between them. To prevent a catastrophic merging of the two realms, ancient Spirit Keepers 1632 years ago planted 120,000 "spirit trees," but only 12 of these, known as "Spirit Nails," were truly crucial, stabilizing space.
He warned that if even six of these crucial Spirit Nails were destroyed, the remaining ones would collapse, leading to the complete annihilation of both the Spiritual and Human Domains. Ghost Axe Tee further clarified that the Linghuai tree, like the others, could only be destroyed after undergoing a "Qiming" (illumination) event, during which it would grow a new "linghuai branch." Last night marked the Linghuai tree's first Qiming in over 1600 years.
Ghost Axe Tee offered his assistance to Cao Yanbing in retrieving the stolen linghuai branch, explaining that it could be used to restore the Linghuai tree. Cao Yanbing, however, adamantly refused, stating that his only concern was his own street, and that saving the world was not his responsibility. He then asked Ghost Axe Tee to leave.
Ghost Axe Tee challenged him, asking if he also intended to ignore those who had killed his friend Xiaorou and guardian spirit Yu Jin, ten years prior. Startled by this deeply personal revelation, Cao Yanbing demanded to know Ghost Axe Tee's true identity.
Episode 5 Recap
Cao Yanbing confronted the Ghost-Talisman Master, demanding to know his true identity. The Ghost-Talisman Master replied that his identity was not important, but his words about the Linghuai Tree were entirely truthful. Dissatisfied, Cao Yanbing attempted to force a confession, but he was no match for the Ghost-Talisman Master and was soundly defeated. Later, during dinner, Cao Xuanliang openly admired the Ghost-Talisman Master, proclaiming him the first person he'd seen defeat his brother.
Cao Yanbing, however, attributed his loss to a previous battle, claiming he was still recovering and had lost his sense of taste, defiantly declaring that another fight between them was inevitable. Despite his earlier defeat, Cao Yanbing again challenged the Ghost-Talisman Master, only to lose a second time. This time, he seemed to acknowledge the Ghost-Talisman Master's honesty and asked about retrieving the Linghuai branch.
The Ghost-Talisman Master stated that it was not yet time for Cao Yanbing to know its whereabouts. He warned that although Cao Yanbing had defeated Shimazu Yoshihiro in the previous night's battle, Shimazu Yoshihiro's Requiem Master had not participated. Imagining facing three Guardian Spirits like Shimazu Yoshihiro, Cao Yanbing would have no chance of success. He emphasized that embarking on such a journey now would not only fail to retrieve the Linghuai branch but also cost Cao Yanbing his life.
The Ghost-Talisman Master had his own reasons for helping Cao Yanbing, which he was not yet ready to disclose. The Ghost-Talisman Master then outlined two crucial steps for retrieving the Linghuai branch. First, Cao Yanbing needed to significantly enhance his power, particularly in his command over his Guardian Spirit.
While Cao Yanbing's combat prowess as the Requiem General of Luocha Street was exceptional, the Ghost-Talisman Master explained that battles between Requiem Masters are ultimately contests between their Guardian Spirits, a crucial weakness for Cao Yanbing who had rarely summoned his. The Ghost-Talisman Master offered to help with this. Second, they absolutely had to bring Xia Ling along on their journey.
Cao Yanbing vehemently disagreed with the second condition, but the sudden activation of his General Chain compelled him to rush to Luocha Street. Meanwhile, Xia Ling was at odds with her mother, who was pushing her into arranged blind dates before she had even graduated from college. Her parents voiced concerns about the high cost of city living, urging her to return to their hometown for a stable job.
During this discussion, Xia Ling's father mysteriously vanished while they were passing by Luocha Street. Realizing her father had been taken by Anomalies after seeing the house number, Xia Ling and her mother ventured into the Spiritual Domain to find him. Inside, her mother was overwhelmed and fainted from fright. Xia Ling found herself under attack by Anomalies and desperately called for her Guardian Spirit, forcing Li Xuanyuan to temporarily break the Lock Chain to save her.
Just as Xia Ling was in peril, Li Xuanyuan manifested, briefly overcoming the Lock Chain to save her. He explained that the chain prevented him from appearing freely like other Guardian Spirits. Xia Ling was struck by his handsome appearance. After Li Xuanyuan vanished again due to the Lock Chain's power, another group of Anomalies surrounded Xia Ling. Her attempts to summon Li Xuanyuan again proved futile. Fortunately, Cao Yanbing arrived just in time.
With a single command, his Guardian Spirit Xu Chu appeared, scattering the Anomalies and rescuing Xia Ling and her parents. Cao Yanbing returned to his courtyard, injured, a sight that surprised Cao Xuanliang. After ensuring Xia Ling's parents were safe, Cao Yanbing erased their memories of the harrowing events. He then attempted to erase Xia Ling's memory, but inadvertently entered her spiritual space. Inside, Li Xuanyuan intervened, preventing Cao Yanbing from altering Xia Ling's memories.
Li Xuanyuan argued that Xia Ling, as a Requiem Master, had the right to choose her path between the human and spiritual realms, and he would sever any ties that tried to pull her back against her will. He clarified that he had not interfered the first time Cao Yanbing attempted a memory wipe on Xia Ling because he had just awakened, and Xia Ling was in immediate danger, having inhaled the air of Zhenhun Street, which activated him.
Seizing the moment, Xia Ling slapped Cao Yanbing. Back at the courtyard, Cao Yanbing complained to the Ghost-Talisman Master about Xia Ling's helplessness and the limited use of her Guardian Spirit, lamenting that he had to rescue and protect her. He questioned the wisdom of bringing such a vulnerable person on their journey. The Ghost-Talisman Master reaffirmed his decision, stating that Xia Ling's Guardian Spirit was incredibly powerful, despite being restricted by the Lock Chain.
He promised to personally train Li Xuanyuan to overcome this limitation, reassuring Cao Yanbing that he shouldn't worry about it. Cao Xuanliang enthusiastically supported this plan, but Cao Yanbing remained unconvinced, citing the Lock Chain as a persistent problem. That night, Xia Ling entered her spiritual space in her sleep, where Li Xuanyuan appeared. He remarked on her striking resemblance to Mo Wen Yuan Xiang, his former love, even noting the same unique jasmine scent.
He recounted his past, beginning his story. Centuries ago, he was dispatched by his master, Wei Shi, to the Mo Wen family, an ancient lineage renowned for crafting spiritual artifacts, to acquire a powerful tool. There, he unexpectedly met Mo Wen Yuan Xiang, a beautiful and captivating young woman who was Xia Ling's ancestor. Despite some initial distance, he was drawn to her distinctive jasmine fragrance. They soon fell in love.
Their happiness was cut short when Mo Wen Yuan Xiang contracted a severe illness that baffled all the era's renowned physicians. Li Xuanyuan knew that his master's artifact, "Cool Breeze and evil spirits," held the key to saving her. To obtain it, he even fought his fellow disciples. Master Wei Shi, though initially reluctant to let him use the dangerous artifact, warned him that while it could revive the dying, it also carried an extremely perilous fate.
However, witnessing Yuan Xiang's deteriorating condition, Li Xuanyuan, despite his master's warnings, declared his unwavering resolve, vowing to die with her if he couldn't save her. Master Wei Shi, seeing his disciple's determination, agreed to assist him. Li Xuanyuan embarked on cultivating the Pure Yang Inorganic Work, a secret technique of their sect, which required him to absorb the malignant aura from "Cool Breeze and evil spirits" and transmute it into true qi within his own body.
His master had warned him that failure meant death, and even if he succeeded, he would only have ten days left to live. Li Xuanyuan survived the ordeal, spending what little time he had left in blissful days with Yuan Xiang, without revealing his impending death. On the ninth night, as he planned to quietly depart, he heard the sound of bells and fainted, only to awaken in the medicine refining cave.
His master revealed that they had underestimated Yuan Xiang's illness; even Li Xuanyuan's sacrifice and mastery of the Pure Yang Inorganic Work had only temporarily suppressed her condition. With his own life rapidly fading, Master Wei Shi used the Lock Chain to seal Li Xuanyuan's heart meridian.
There was only one final way to save both of them: Li Xuanyuan had to fully absorb "Cool Breeze and evil spirits," transform into an Anomaly, and become Mo Wen Yuan Xiang's Guardian Spirit.
Episode 6 Recap
In a dream, Li Xuanyuan revealed his past to Xia Ling. He explained that to save Mu Wenyuan Xiang, who was gravely ill, and himself from a life-threatening condition, he absorbed the "murderous air" from Qingfeng Huasha, which was actually the air from the Spiritual Domain. This transformed him into an Otherworldly being, and by becoming Mu Wenyuan Xiang's Guardian Spirit, he cured her illness and made her a Messenger.
Xia Ling, as a descendant of Mu Wenyuan Xiang, also inherited the Messenger abilities, though her father's spirit gene was recessive. Li Xuanyuan further explained that his master had used the Lock Chain to protect his vital essence, confining him to the Spiritual Realm and preventing him from truly being with Mu Wenyuan Xiang. He told Xia Ling that the Lock Chain would only melt when his and Xia Ling's hearts were truly connected.
After learning the full story, Xia Ling developed affection for Li Xuanyuan and, still in the dream, assured him she would break the shackles. Upon waking, Xia Ling overheard her classmates discussing mysterious incidents where people disappeared and reappeared with no memory. Some speculated about "wormholes" or "space-time tunnels" connecting their world to another, possibly linked to a strange light in the sky recently. These discussions made Xia Ling uneasy, as they resonated with her own recent extraordinary experiences.
Meanwhile, Cao Yanbing, having researched ancient texts about the Lock Chain, expressed his concerns to Gui Fu Santong. He worried that melting the Lock Chain would unleash Li Xuanyuan's immense power, which Xia Ling might not be able to control. For this reason, he firmly refused to take her on their journey.
Gui Fu Santong, however, reiterated his earlier stance that Xia Ling was necessary for their quest to retrieve the Spiritual Locust Branch due to her powerful Guardian Spirit, even though it was currently confined. He argued that this was precisely why Xia Ling needed training, and emphasized that the bond between a Guardian Spirit and a Messenger is a mutual exchange of power and mental protection.
He believed that once Xia Ling and Li Xuanyuan’s hearts truly connected, the melting of the Lock Chain would pose no threat, stating they would face any challenge as it comes and reassuring Cao Yanbing that he was there to assist. Cao Yanbing dismissed this, believing such matters couldn't be resolved by mere affection. Their differing opinions led to a tense standoff, with Cao Yanbing proposing a duel.
If he won, they would leave immediately without Xia Ling; if Gui Fu Santong won, they would wait for Xia Ling and depart together. Just as they were about to begin, Cao Xuanliang, having called Xia Ling in a hurry, alerted her. Xia Ling, upon her arrival, promptly stopped the two men, expressing her annoyance at their "straight male cancer" approach to making decisions without consulting her, as it was her life and her choice to make.
Xia Ling then turned to Gui Fu Santong, asking if her parents' accidental entry into Luocha Street the previous night was due to the destruction of the Spiritual Locust Tree. Gui Fu Santong confirmed it, explaining that her father fainted because he inhaled too much of Luocha Street's air, which human bodies cannot tolerate.
He warned that if Zhenhun Street and the Human Realm became fully connected, the air from both worlds would mix, leading to the death of all humans and Spirit Men. Faced with this dire revelation, Xia Ling declared her resolve to join them and reclaim the Spiritual Locust Branch. Cao Yanbing objected again, asserting that while he adheres to the rule of not harming women in the Human Realm, Zhenhun Street operates by different laws where he "will kill."
He sternly warned her that Zhenhun Street is a "jungle society" where only the strong survive, and she would not find peace there. Despite his warnings, he offered a challenge: if Xia Ling could withstand one of his attacks, he would agree to let her accompany them, though he would not be responsible for any harm that befell her. Xia Ling readily accepted. Cao Yanbing summoned his Guardian Spirit, Xu Chu.
In response, Xia Ling, in a moment of peril, summoned Li Xuanyuan, who appeared and instantly defeated Xu Chu. The powerful summoning, however, caused Xia Ling to collapse, unconscious. Cao Yanbing, witnessing his Guardian Spirit's swift defeat, reluctantly admitted that Xia Ling had won. Later, in his room, Cao Yanbing looked at Yu Jin’s armor, his mind drifting back ten years to a tragic memory.
He recalled a time with a young girl named Xiao Rou, who affectionately told him he was like her guardian spirit. Their peaceful childhood was shattered when an Otherworldly being attacked the Spiritual Locust Tree, during which Xiao Rou was tragically killed. Overwhelmed by grief and rage, young Cao Yanbing summoned Yu Jin, who valiantly fought off the attackers. However, the Otherworldly being took Cao Yanbing hostage, taunting Yu Jin that his Messenger was too weak.
In a heartbreaking act of loyalty, Yu Jin sacrificed himself to protect Cao Yanbing, taking the fatal blow intended for the boy. Back in the present, Gui Fu Santong, seeing Xia Ling unconscious, gently cleared her traumatic memories of the bus accident, explaining to Cao Yanbing that some troublesome memories are best forgotten thoroughly before embarking on their journey. Cao Yanbing tacitly agreed to this and to Xia Ling joining them.
Cao Xuanliang, having packed their bags, eagerly asked when they would leave. To his dismay, Cao Yanbing told him to stay behind. When Cao Xuanliang expressed his disappointment, arguing his own strength, Cao Yanbing explained that it was precisely because of his strength that he needed to remain and guard Luocha Street. If they all left, no one would be there to protect the innocent from malicious spirits.
Cao Yanbing then solemnly placed the General Chain around Cao Xuanliang’s neck, declaring that from that moment on, Cao Xuanliang would be the one in charge of Luocha Street. With Xia Ling still unconscious, Cao Yanbing carried her on his back, and together with Gui Fu Santong, they set off on their perilous adventure. Gui Fu Santong outlined a special training regimen for Xia Ling's Guardian Spirit, focusing on increasing the Guardian Spirit's appearance duration and mastering its summoning. Unbeknownst to them, the Spiritual Domain had already issued a warrant for Cao Yanbing's capture, spreading the news to bounty hunters.
Episode 7 Recap
Xia Ling awoke, surprised to find they were already on the road, as she hadn't prepared anything for the journey. Cao Yanbing offered his basic toiletries, prompting Xia Ling to playfully criticize his rough lifestyle. In contrast, Gui Fu Santong presented a sophisticated array of skincare products, including "golden night cream," "BAA beauty essence," and an "ex-boyfriend mask," deeply impressing Xia Ling with his refined taste.
Unbeknownst to them, the Kingdom Organization had located their position in Tianxu Forest using a Chilian Crow and was secretly tracking them. Lingyu had issued a warrant for Cao Yanbing, stripping him of his Zhenhun General title and declaring him a wanted man. The Kingdom Organization's leader ordered her subordinates to leak this information to bounty hunters, instructing them to eliminate Cao Yanbing. Gui Fu Santong commenced the guardian spirit training for both Cao Yanbing and Xia Ling.
For Cao Yanbing, he outlined three objectives: first, to extend the active duration of his guardian spirit; second, to master summoning techniques; and third, to coordinate combat efforts between himself and his guardian spirit. Xia Ling's training focused on overcoming the Lock Chain that bound her guardian spirit. Her primary goal was to actively summon Li Xuanyuan, starting with being able to converse freely with him.
Gui Fu Santong performed a procedure to "open her brain," explaining it would eliminate memory and stimulate her potential. Xia Ling, initially hesitant, soon called out to Li Xuanyuan, who promptly appeared, astonishing her. Gui Fu Santong then explained that consistent communication between them would gradually loosen the Lock Chain, leading to its complete severance once their hearts were truly united. Cao Yanbing expressed his frustration, comparing his arduous "leveling up" to Xia Ling's seemingly effortless "cheating."
Gui Fu Santong light-heartedly remarked that it was simply the difference between an ordinary player and a "pay-to-win" player. During Cao Yanbing's initial training, his guardian spirit, Xu Chu, could only manifest for 32 minutes and 23 seconds. This duration would dramatically reduce to about 15 minutes during actual combat. Gui Fu Santong implemented challenging drills to unlock Cao Yanbing's full potential, while Xia Ling continued her conversations with Li Xuanyuan.
As night fell, Xia Ling twice mistook the Kingdom Organization's Chilian Crow for a common bird and cooked it for a meal. She inquired about the training's duration, needing to return for a graduation defense. Gui Fu Santong assured her that he knew of portals to the human realm, enabling her return if necessary.
Cao Yanbing, however, remained skeptical, expressing concerns about Xia Ling's "half-baked" personality making her vulnerable in the spiritual domain, viewing her as a liability rather than a helper. Gui Fu Santong clarified his intention was to find Cao Yanbing a partner, not just a helper, given the many enemies he faced, and even playfully pointed out Cao Yanbing's own immaturity. Meanwhile, a few survivors from Luocha Street's First Grand Hall, still harboring resentment towards Cao Yanbing, uncovered his location.
They relayed this information to bounty hunters, only to be immediately silenced and killed by them. The training progressed to its second stage, focusing on the speed and precision of summoning guardian spirits. Gui Fu Santong emphasized the principle of "unbreakable by speed" in martial arts, illustrating how a guardian spirit's sudden, unexpected appearance could be a decisive surprise attack. Xia Ling attempted to apply this lesson by trying to summon Li Xuanyuan directly in front of her.
After some initial attempts where Li Xuanyuan appeared elsewhere, she successfully called him to her desired spot. However, Li Xuanyuan could still only maintain his presence for a very short period, leaving Xia Ling feeling drained and Li Xuanyuan apologizing for his current limitation. Xiang Kunlun, the leader of Qunying Hall, learned of Huangfu Longdou's reappearance and decided to personally leave the Hall to seek out Cao Yanbing.
Xia Ling questioned why guardian spirits exhibited such a wide range of sizes, genders, and strengths, referencing the "spiritual domain inspection" document that Cao Xuanliang had given her, but which she admitted was too thick to read. Gui Fu Santong explained that guardian spirits are the result of biological evolution, analogous to mutations caused by the instantaneous chain reaction of heavy atoms, similar to an atomic bomb.
He elaborated that their forms are closely related to their original personalities and abilities, citing figures like Xu Chu and Shimazu Yoshihiro as "Human Warrior Spirits," and mentioning that some mutated animals can also become "Beast Spirits." Xia Ling, feigning comprehension, humorously summarized his explanation as simply meaning guardian spirits could be male or female due to "heavy atom chain reactions and gene mutations." Simultaneously, the Kingdom Organization successfully acquired a Linghuai branch.
Their ultimate goal was to merge Divine Martial Spirits and Martial God Bodies, believing this combination would activate Zhenhun Street's most formidable power, allowing them to assert dominance over the world.
Episode 8 Recap
Guifu Santong continued to train Cao Yanbing, demonstrating the advanced guardian spirit summoning technique known as "Spit." Cao Yanbing was deeply impressed, exclaiming that Guifu Santong's guardian spirit could move instantly and that he was truly a great God. Guifu Santong explained that summoning and recalling a guardian spirit are vital in battle.
He had just used a recall to evade Xu Chu's attack, then instantly resummoned his guardian spirit to a specific location behind Cao Yanbing, hitting a critical spot. This rapid recall and release within a single breath is called "Spit," a top-tier summoning skill that requires immense stamina. Only one in ten thousand Messengers can master it.
He further elaborated that while the requirements to join Qunying Hall, the premier combat force under the Spiritual Realm, are stringent, mastering even one instance of "Spit" grants direct entry. The historical record for "Spit" was set over two thousand years ago by the first Qunying Hall chief, who performed it 32 consecutive times before succumbing to exhaustion, establishing the ultimate limit for Messenger strength.
Meanwhile, Li Xuanyuan guided Xia Ling in adjusting her breathing rhythm, allowing her to successfully summon him. Cao Yanbing, hearing camera clicks during their training, teased Xia Ling and Li Xuanyuan about "field combat," which he then clarified meant "field battle," realizing his own impure thoughts. Xia Ling retaliated with a punch, leaving Cao Yanbing complaining about traveling with an "anthomaniac" and calling himself an "idiot." Their journey was interrupted by Xiang Kunlun, who approached them.
He initially warned Cao Yanbing about his impoliteness for staring at Xia Ling, then produced a wanted poster, revealing Cao Yanbing was a wanted man. Xiang Kunlun made it clear he was there to either capture or kill Cao Yanbing. Cao Yanbing, undeterred, scoffed, claiming that anyone who previously spoke to him like that was long gone. Xiang Kunlun, in turn, dismissed Cao Yanbing as a two-dimensional creature incapable of comprehending the broader world.
Xia Ling, impatient with their exchange, urged them to fight. Cao Yanbing initiated the attack, but Xiang Kunlun effortlessly overpowered him with his Overlord Gun, remarking that someone of Cao Yanbing's caliber usually wouldn't be worthy of dying by his weapon, but he was in a good mood after seeing something beautiful (presumably Xia Ling). Just as Xiang Kunlun was about to deliver a decisive blow, Guifu Santong intervened, declaring that he had been waiting for him.
He severed Cao Yanbing's pain receptors, instructing him to leave the rest to him. Cao Yanbing, despite his injuries, warned Guifu Santong to be careful. Unbeknownst to them, the leader of the Kingdom Organization learned of Xiang Kunlun's encounter with Cao Yanbing.
Fearing that Xiang Kunlun might take Cao Yanbing to Qunying Hall for interrogation, potentially revealing sensitive information and causing complications, the leader ordered Hattori to dispatch bounty hunters to kill Cao Yanbing at any cost, even if it meant confronting Xiang Kunlun. Their sinister plan was for the bounty hunters to eliminate Cao Yanbing, and then for Xiang Kunlun to wipe out the bounty hunters.
Xiang Kunlun revealed his true purpose, stating he wasn't there for Cao Yanbing but for Guifu Santong, whose real name, he claimed, was Huangfu Longdou. Guifu Santong denied this, but Xiang Kunlun asserted that a fight would uncover the truth. They both summoned their guardian spirits—Xiang Yu for Xiang Kunlun and Xingtian for Guifu Santong—and engaged in a fierce battle. Xia Ling observed their guardian spirits' incredibly fast movements, which Cao Yanbing recognized as the "Spit" technique.
Eventually, Guifu Santong was overwhelmed. However, Xiang Kunlun ceased his attack, concluding that Guifu Santong was not the true Huangfu Longdou, whose power would be far greater. Before leaving, Xiang Kunlun glanced at the injured Cao Yanbing, advising him to surrender to Qunying Hall for leniency, remarking that even the lowest-ranked Qunying Hall member would suffice to capture him. With both Cao Yanbing and Guifu Santong injured, Xia Ling tended to them.
Guifu Santong praised Xiang Kunlun's formidable strength, noting his effortless use of 17 "Spits." Cao Yanbing again speculated that Guifu Santong might be Huangfu Longdou, but Guifu Santong deflected the accusation. Curious, Xia Ling asked about Huangfu Longdou's identity. Cao Yanbing explained that Huangfu Longdou was widely recognized as the strongest Messenger of the previous generation, the most wanted criminal in Zhenhun Street, and the man who stood at the pinnacle of all Messengers.
Through the battle, Cao Yanbing also realized that "Spit" is a technique directly targeting the Messenger, and by defeating the Messenger, their guardian spirit becomes vulnerable and powerless. Guifu Santong expressed his satisfaction with Cao Yanbing's newfound understanding, remarking that he was a teachable student, making his life-risking instruction worthwhile. At that moment, bounty hunters arrived, intent on assassinating Cao Yanbing.
Guifu Santong, still wounded, swiftly handed Cao Yanbing a map with hidden exits and instructed him that the next Qiming Spirit Tree would be the Bodhi Tree in Yulin Street. When Cao Yanbing refused to abandon him, Guifu Santong forcefully rendered both Cao Yanbing and Xia Ling unconscious, then commanded Li Xuanyuan to take them away without looking back. Once they were gone, Guifu Santong shed his disguise, revealing himself to be Huangfu Longdou.
Simultaneously, his guardian spirit, the God of War Xingtian, manifested his true, headless form, ready to unleash his power. Huangfu Longdou, no longer in disguise, faced the bounty hunters and declared the location would be their graveyard.
Episode 9 Recap
Hattori reports back to her master in the Kingdom Organization, confirming that all bounty hunters dispatched, except for Young Master Zhao Xin, the Silver Spear, were annihilated. Her master expresses surprise, noting that these bounty hunters possessed "scorching level" strength and were expected to kill Cao Yanbing. However, Hattori clarifies that the bounty hunters did not die at Xiang Kunlun's hands, and Xiang Kunlun himself returned to Qunying Hall alone, without Cao Yanbing. Hattori states that Zhao Xin likely survived.
Meanwhile, in the human world, Xia Ling and Cao Yanbing confront each other. Cao Yanbing, believing Ghost-Symbol San Tong to be dead, scathingly calls Xia Ling a "deserter" and declares their team disbanded, ordering her to return to school for her graduation defense. Xia Ling protests that Ghost-Symbol San Tong was the one who knocked Cao Yanbing out, not her.
As Cao Yanbing attempts to erase her memories using a technique he refers to as "opening the brain," Li Xuanyuan briefly appears, shielding Xia Ling and asserting his ability to contend with Xu Chu in the human world. After Li Xuanyuan quickly retreats, Xia Ling passionately berates Cao Yanbing for his arrogance, male chauvinism, lack of respect for others, and distrust of his partners.
She defiantly tells him she will no longer allow him to erase her memories, affirming her resolve before leaving. Left alone, Cao Yanbing misses Xia Ling, lamenting that without her, they can't even play mahjong. In her dream, Xia Ling enters the guardian spirit space and thanks Li Xuanyuan for preventing Cao Yanbing from "opening her brain" again.
Li Xuanyuan reaffirms his duty to protect her but expresses doubt about her resolve, questioning why she doesn't trust Cao Yanbing to retrieve the linghuai branch, as Cao Yanbing is the Zhenhun General of Luocha Street and his family has historically guarded the linghuai tree. Xia Ling, in turn, challenges Li Xuanyuan's sense of justice. Li Xuanyuan quickly pledges his unwavering loyalty, promising to fulfill her wishes even if it costs him his life.
Xia Ling then asks if the Lock chain binding them can be broken if she remains in the human world. Li Xuanyuan explains that as a supernatural being, the human world's air is detrimental to him; prolonged exposure would force him into a hibernation state within ten days.
Deeply concerned for both Li Xuanyuan and her mission, Xia Ling firmly declares her unwavering determination to return to Zhenhun Street and reclaim the linghuai branch to save the world, urging Li Xuanyuan not to doubt her resolve again. Li Xuanyuan then reveals that during his brief appearance to stop Cao Yanbing, he secretly stole Cao Yanbing's map and placed it in Xia Ling's pocket, thereby ensuring Cao Yanbing would be forced to take her with him.
Elsewhere, Cao Yanbing discovers his map missing and mutters about Li Xuanyuan's righteous facade hiding a thieving nature. Back in the guardian spirit space, Li Xuanyuan senses two powerful Messengers nearby. Xia Ling then awakens from her dream, initially dismissing the significance of other Messengers, but ultimately decides to investigate the disturbance. Xia Ling rushes towards the perceived disturbance and finds Cao Yanbing engaged in a fierce battle with Young Master Zhao Xin, the Silver Spear, on a basketball court.
Zhao Xin, confident, remarks on the moon being perfect for killing. Li Xuanyuan briefly manifests to save Cao Yanbing, but Zhao Xin challenges them to a fair fight: Messenger against Messenger, guardian spirit against guardian spirit. However, Li Xuanyuan abruptly disappears due to the constraints of the Lock chain. Undeterred, Cao Yanbing recalls Ghost-Symbol San Tong's training, masters the "Spit" technique on the spot, and, with the help of his guardian spirit Xu Chu, swiftly defeats Zhao Xin.
Cao Yanbing binds Zhao Xin to a pillar, threatening him with sulfuric acid to extract information about the linghuai branch. Zhao Xin, however, is genuinely confused, claiming ignorance of the "linghuai branch" or "soul art" and asserting he is merely a bounty hunter seeking a reward, not affiliated with the Kingdom Organization. Realizing Zhao Xin isn't a direct threat from the Kingdom, Cao Yanbing and Xia Ling eagerly question him about the fate of Ghost-Symbol San Tong.
Zhao Xin then recalls a previous encounter with Huangfu Longdou (disguised as Ghost-Symbol San Tong), where he was offered a deal: if he won against Cao Yanbing, he was to report Ghost-Symbol San Tong's death; if he lost, he was to reveal that Ghost-Symbol San Tong was still alive, but without mentioning Huangfu Longdou's name. Upholding his part of the bargain, Zhao Xin reveals that Ghost-Symbol San Tong is indeed alive.
Overjoyed by this news, Xia Ling urges Cao Yanbing to release Zhao Xin. Though Cao Yanbing initially feigns wanting to kill him for safety, he eventually unties Zhao Xin, who defiantly warns that he will relentlessly pursue Cao Yanbing again unless killed. Cao Yanbing observes Zhao Xin's unblinking gaze, recognizing him as a formidable opponent, while Xia Ling comically suggests he might just be slow to react.
Meanwhile, a subordinate reports to Huangfu Longdou that Cao Yanbing has mastered "Spit," hailing it as the awakening of a "sleeping tiger." Huangfu Longdou expresses satisfaction, noting that "Yanming's son" has not disappointed him. His subordinate voices concern that if Cao Yanbing becomes powerful but refuses to serve him, he could become a formidable adversary.
Huangfu Longdou, however, remains unconcerned, stating that he merely cast a pebble into the sea; the pebble's ownership is secondary to whether the initial ripple will eventually escalate into a colossal storm.
Episode 10 Recap
Cao Yanbing and Xia Ling returned to their dorm, where Cao Yanbing declared it was time to address their "internal contradictions." He demanded the map from Xia Ling, outlining his plan to go to Yu Lin Street, find the Bodhi tree, wait for it to become famous, then apprehend the ninja who would attempt to bomb it, thus recovering the Ling Huai branch.
Xia Ling challenged his plan, suggesting she undertake the mission instead, arguing that with Xuan Liang now the soul master of Luocha Street and Cao Yanbing a wanted man, he should continue his takeout delivery job. Rejecting her proposal, Cao Yanbing tried to forcefully retrieve the map, leading to a scuffle. Their roommates walked in, misinterpreting the situation as intimate, which caused considerable awkwardness. To defuse the tension, Cao Yanbing reluctantly agreed to let Xia Ling accompany him.
He also mentioned needing to complete his training and retrieve his "luggage," which he specified included his tent and three pairs of underwear, from the spiritual realm, much to Xia Ling's amusement. Both expressed a longing to see Mr. Ghost again, with Cao Yanbing reassuring her that "people who are meant to meet will meet again."
Returning to Zhenhun Street, both Cao Yanbing and Xia Ling reflected on how much had changed since their last visit, noting the passage of time, though it was only yesterday. They commenced their second phase of special training. Upon its successful completion, they celebrated with a meal and drinks at a restaurant.
Xia Ling presented Cao Yanbing with a necklace engraved with the words "Fire General," explaining that she knew he would feel unaccustomed to not having the weight of the General Chain around his neck, as he had given his to Xuan Liang.
In return, Cao Yanbing gave Xia Ling a Spirit Robe (referred to as "Ling Yi"), clarifying that while the General Chain detects abnormal beings, the Spirit Robe has the ability to conceal a guardian spirit's aura, rendering it undetectable by the General Chain. He mentioned it was his mother's. They arranged to meet at the entrance of Yu Lin Street at midnight the following night.
The next evening, as Xia Ling made her way to the designated meeting spot, she was accosted by two drunken men. She attempted to summon Li Xuanyuan, but Cao Yanbing arrived swiftly and subdued her attackers. He then humorously commented on her peculiar method of summoning her guardian spirit. They proceeded to the entrance of Yu Lin Street, which appeared to be an inconspicuous manhole cover.
Xia Ling compared their entry to Super Mario, while Cao Yanbing likened it to the Ninja Turtles. Once inside, Cao Yanbing put on sunglasses in an attempt to disguise himself as a wanted man, though Xia Ling remarked it only made him more conspicuous. As they began to inquire about the Bodhi tree, the locals reacted with terror, fleeing and labeling them as demons.
Inside a local inn, other patrons discussed the arrival of Cao Yanbing and Xia Ling, speculating that their interest in the "land of demons" and the Bodhi tree signaled impending trouble. They decided to notify General Men. Xia Ling wondered if the Bodhi tree was somehow taboo or if it was a dialect issue where "Bodhi tree" sounded like "demon." Cao Yanbing asserted that the locals' fear meant they definitely knew its whereabouts.
Xia Ling cautioned him against committing further crimes, reminding him of his wanted status. Ignoring her, Cao Yanbing loudly demanded information about the Bodhi tree, causing everyone in the inn to flee except for Bai Jingxuan, known as "the gossip." Bai Jingxuan, who charged "one dao" (a unit of currency) for information, initially refused to discuss the Bodhi tree, even when offered payment.
However, after the inn owner appeared and Cao Yanbing demonstrated his formidable power, he doubled the initial offer. Intimidated, Bai Jingxuan disclosed that the Bodhi tree was located in Mingjing Village, a forbidden zone within Yu Lin Street, also known as the "land of demons" due to its numerous demonic inhabitants.
He explained that its entrance was marked by a stone array, and five years prior, demons from the village had attacked, causing significant losses to Yu Lin Street, leading to all matters concerning Mingjing Village becoming taboo. Xia Ling then questioned Cao Yanbing about the existence of ghosts in Zhenhun Street and mentioned the mythical bird Dapeng.
Cao Yanbing clarified that what people perceived as "ghosts" were merely living creatures or phenomena that humans, like those in the Qin and Han dynasties, couldn't understand, hence labeling them "demons" or "mythical beasts." On their way to Mingjing Village, Cao Yanbing and Xia Ling encountered a group of Xiong Haizi bullying a young girl named Bai Shuier. Without a moment's hesitation, Cao Yanbing intervened, forcefully tying up the boys.
Xia Ling expressed concern over his harshness, pointing out they were just children, but Cao Yanbing retorted that they were "Xiong Haizi." While their attention was diverted, Bai Shuier, frightened by the commotion, seized the opportunity to escape. Realizing Bai Shuier was gone, Cao Yanbing and Xia Ling continued their journey, entering a strikingly beautiful and unfamiliar area, which they described as a "fairyland on Earth."
Meanwhile, Bai Shuier, exhausted from her escape, collapsed in the street, faintly murmuring the name "Bai Shimen" before losing consciousness. It was mentioned that Bai Shimen is the formidable soul master of Yu Lin Street.
Episode 11 Recap
Cao Yanbing and Xia Ling arrived at Mingjing village after traversing a stone array. Xia Ling remarked that the Bodhi tree towering above them was even taller than the Ling Huai tree at Cao Yanbing’s home. Cao Yanbing, in a rare serious moment, reminded Xia Ling to be careful in unfamiliar territory and to keep Li Xuanyuan awake. Xia Ling tapped her head and called out Li Xuanyuan’s name, to which he promptly responded, "Master, I'm here."
As they entered the village, they witnessed villagers in a state of panic, scattering and yelling that Cao Yanbing and Xia Ling were demons. Amidst the chaos, a little girl named Dog remained unafraid. She had previously been trying to leave the village, despite other adults warning her about the dangers outside and the fact that Lord Nan had not yet emerged from seclusion.
Cao Yanbing jokingly confirmed that he and Xia Ling were indeed terrifying man-eating demons, but Dog simply asked if they had seen a girl named Shuier near the village entrance. Shuier was ill and had run out; Dog was worried she would be eaten by the demons outside. She declared she would find her even if it meant being eaten herself.
Meanwhile, the fleeing villagers armed themselves, accusing Xia Ling of being a fox spirit and Cao Yanbing a civet cat demon. To pacify them, Xia Ling volunteered to stay as a hostage while Cao Yanbing and Dog went to search for Shuier. Outside the village, they quickly found Shuier lying unconscious in the street, muttering "Bai Shimen." Cao Yanbing gently picked her up and carried her back to Mingjing village.
Back in the village, Shuier recovered, expressing surprise that she had run out of the village, claiming no memory of doing so. She thanked Cao Yanbing for saving her, believing she would have been eaten by demons if left outside. Xia Ling, puzzled, noted the villagers believed outsiders were demons, while people outside the village considered the villagers to be demons.
Dog explained that Lord Nan and Lord Men had warned them that the outside world was full of demons that ate people, especially children, and that their current illness originated from someone who had ventured out and contracted a disease from these demons, which then spread upon their return. Cao Yanbing, curious, asked about Lord Nan and Lord Men. Dog explained that Lord Men was Beiluo Shimen, the zhenhun General of Yulin Street, who was currently out fighting monsters.
Lord Nan, a learned scholar, was in seclusion under the Bodhi tree and would emerge the following morning. Having rescued Shuier, Cao Yanbing and Xia Ling gained the trust of the villagers, who arranged guest rooms for them. Xia Ling asked about their next move, and Cao Yanbing decided they would "wait for the rabbit," as Ghost Axe Three Tong had predicted the Bodhi tree would soon undergo its enlightenment.
Xia Ling found the villagers' beliefs strange, but Cao Yanbing suggested that perhaps neither side was lying. Meanwhile, Shuier confided in Dog that she often recalled things during her illness but forgot them upon waking. Dog reassured her, suggesting they were merely forgetting repetitive daily routines.
Shuier worried their illness might be incurable, but Dog insisted they must not give up, praising Lord Nan, the learned scholar, and Lord Men, the Yulin Street zhenhun General, for their tireless efforts to help them. Dog also commented that Xia Ling felt strangely familiar, as if she had seen her before.
Later, Xia Ling observed Cao Yanbing cleaning his weapon, noting its complex mechanisms and wondering why an ancestor of Cao Cao would use such a weapon instead of a great saber. Cao Yanbing recalled Ghost Axe Three Tong’s explanation that an advanced civilization, the Precursors, ruled Earth before humans and speculated that the Ten Halls of Yama might be their legacy. Xia Ling asked for more details about Beiluo Shimen.
Cao Yanbing admitted he didn't know Bai Shimen, whom Shuier had mumbled, but he knew of Beiluo Shimen, whom he jokingly described as a star in the sky and a monkey on the ground. He clarified that Beiluo Shimen was a renowned zhenhun General of Yulin Street, a formidable man of incredible skill who showed no mercy to supernatural beings. People in Yulin Street called him General Men, revering him as the God of War.
Xia Ling humorously commented that General Men, the God of War, sounded like a "door god." Coincidentally, as they discussed General Men, Beiluo Shimen himself appeared at their door. In the Kingdom Organization, calculations were underway regarding the Bodhi tree's enlightenment. They determined that when the southernmost bright star, Beiluo Shimen, dimmed, the Bodhi tree would bear the Supreme Fruit.
Hattori reported that Beiluo Shimen had completely annihilated the Tianganglong Flag General's elite team, and Cao Yanbing had also arrived at Mingjing village. The Kingdom leadership acknowledged that Cao Yanbing's capabilities were exceeding their expectations.
Episode 12 Recap
Beiluoshimen, the zhenhun General of Yulin Street, known as a frightening man with amazing skill who never tolerates Variants and is hailed as the "God of War," appeared at Cao Yanbing's door. Beiluoshimen inquired if Cao Yanbing was the one who saved Shuier. Cao Yanbing admitted it was partly his doing, but credited Xia Ling's persistence as the main factor. Acknowledging Cao Yanbing's assistance, Beiluoshimen offered him a chance to lie about his identity and leave Mingjing Village permanently.
Beiluoshimen then produced a warrant and asked if the person depicted was Cao Yanbing. Xia Ling, trying to protect Cao Yanbing, quickly denied it, claiming the person on the warrant wasn't as handsome. However, Beiluoshimen clarified he was asking Cao Yanbing directly. Cao Yanbing, finding the offer of a chance to lie amusing, tore the warrant in half and proudly declared, "I am Cao Yanbing." Xia Ling, exasperated by Cao Yanbing's bluntness, left to "slowly process things."
She joined Shuier and Gou'er by the river as they prepared vegetables. Shuier noticed Xia Ling's low spirits, prompting Xia Ling to explain that Beiluoshimen had taken her "idiot companion" to "talk." Shuier innocently suggested Beiluoshimen might be thanking Cao Yanbing for saving her. However, Xia Ling confided that she was worried they might start fighting, describing it as a "conversation between straight men" that Shuier would understand in time.
Meanwhile, Beiluoshimen confronted Cao Yanbing, identifying him as the former Luocha Street zhenhun General, wanted by the spiritual domain for destroying the spiritual locust tree. Beiluoshimen reminded Cao Yanbing that he had given him a chance to lie, which he didn't take, but offered one last opportunity to explain himself, advising him not to make the same mistake twice.
Unyielding, Cao Yanbing defiantly declared that he was indeed the one who "fried" the spiritual locust tree and, moreover, intended to "fry" the Bodhi tree in Mingjing Village as well. He taunted Beiluoshimen, questioning why he should be afraid, especially since Beiluoshimen couldn't defeat him. At this point, Beiluoshimen revealed a recording device, playing back Cao Yanbing's confession. Beiluoshimen explained that unlike Cao Yanbing's rumored past actions in Luocha Street, he himself relied on evidence.
Cao Yanbing reacted with an outburst, calling Beiluoshimen a "monkey" and an "uneducated rabbit." Beiluoshimen, concluding that arguments were useless with someone so stubborn, resolved to beat him first. The two men began to fight fiercely in an open area.
However, whenever Shuier and Gou'er, who were still by the lake, excitedly pointed out fish in the water, Cao Yanbing and Beiluoshimen would immediately stop fighting, put on a facade of peace and harmony, only to resume their brawl once the children's attention shifted. This charade repeated several times. Eventually, Xia Ling sent Shuier to call them for dinner. When Shuier arrived and asked if they were fighting, they awkwardly denied it, claiming they were merely "dancing."
At the dinner table, the animosity between Beiluoshimen and Cao Yanbing continued, with them competing for a dish of food. After the meal, they engaged in a drinking contest, each vowing not to be outdone. They both drank excessively and eventually rushed to a window to vomit. Unbeknownst to them, Fubu was positioned directly below the window, monitoring Cao Yanbing. He was doused in their vomit. Fubu later reported back to the Kingdom organization, still covered in the messy residue.
His superior expressed surprise at Beiluoshimen's "naivety" but commended Fubu as an "excellent ninja" for his dedication, noting the distinct smell of "wine garden" from him. The next morning, Xia Ling woke to a terrifying sight: all the villagers had transformed into monstrous, sharp-fanged Variants, attacking her. She screamed for Cao Yanbing, who quickly emerged from his room.
Seeing the mutated villagers, Cao Yanbing retrieved his Ten Halls Rakshasa, explaining that these Variants (mutated spiritual beings) must be eliminated, as they would otherwise transform into evil beasts after thousands of years and endanger the spiritual domain. Xia Ling, horrified, tried to stop him, reminding him that he was no longer a zhenhun General and should not kill the villagers, especially since they didn't understand the cause of their sudden transformation. At that critical moment, Nanyumen, the Southern Adult, emerged from seclusion. He shook a bell, and its sound guided the transformed villagers away.
Episode 13 Recap
After Nan Yufu led the villagers away from Mingjing Village, Cao Yanbing and Xia Ling quickly left as well. Xia Ling wondered why they were running, especially since Northern Division seemed to have the situation under control. Cao Yanbing explained it as a strategic retreat, sensing a killing intent in Northern Division's eyes. Xia Ling retorted that Northern Division wouldn't have been so hostile if they hadn't caused trouble with Shuier.
Cao Yanbing then reflected on Shuier's hand injury, and used a compass, suggesting they find a safe place to rest and planning to act again at night. Xia Ling, however, was more concerned about her toiletries left behind. Meanwhile, Nan Yufu gathered all the villagers under the Bodhi tree. Using the tree's power, he cured their alienation, earning their heartfelt gratitude. Later that night, Hattori was bathing in a room when Cao Yanbing and Xia Ling tracked her down.
Xia Ling, wanting to show off as a "female warrior," tried to kick the door open but got her foot stuck. Cao Yanbing gently opened the door and saw Hattori in the bath. He quickly turned away, giving Hattori the chance to escape from under the tub.
Xia Ling, still boasting about catching the "female thief," tried to follow Hattori through a small opening but got stuck again, attributing it to her thick clothes while Cao Yanbing teased her about her weight. Xia Ling pondered how Cao Yanbing knew a ninja was tracking them. He revealed that he had noticed Hattori when he and Northern Division were drinking and vomiting the previous night.
Hattori, having been discovered, reported back to her Master, who asked her to play chess first. The Master noted that Cao Yanbing had found Hattori without her knowing how, acknowledging his high intelligence and realizing she had underestimated the descendant of a treacherous hero. Hattori also conceded Cao Yanbing's high intelligence. The Master then tasked Northern Division with dealing with Cao Yanbing, as the Bodhi tree was about to bear the supreme fruit and Cao Yanbing might cause trouble.
She also mused about another subordinate, a "little dog" who had once surrendered, wondering if he still wished to break free, and considered that it might be time to use him. Elsewhere, Northern Division presented Nan Yufu with recorded evidence of Cao Yanbing's confession about blowing up the Spirit of Locust Tree and his intention to blow up the Bodhi Tree.
He dismissed the Cao family's reputation, recalling their ancestor's famous motto: "I would rather betray the world than let the world betray me," and asserted that every member of the Cao family was treacherous and cunning, thus Cao Yanbing posed a threat to the Bodhi tree.
Nan Yufu, however, expressed his doubt about Cao Yanbing being a bad person, pointing out that the Cao family had guarded the Spirit of Locust Tree for generations and had no reason to destroy it. Northern Division, unfazed, simply reiterated the common perception of the Cao family's deceitful nature, emphasizing that the evidence and Cao Yanbing's threat to the Bodhi tree were what truly mattered. During their travels, Xia Ling suddenly felt a sharp pain in her right shoulder.
Cao Yanbing examined the wound, deducing she had been bitten by an alienated person in Mingjing Village and that the wound was poisonous. As the poison spread, Xia Ling collapsed. Li Xuan-yuan, her guardian spirit, manifested to extract the poison. Xia Ling soon regained consciousness, and Cao Yanbing assured her the poison was temporarily controlled, though the wound was not healed and the situation was not critical for now.
Xia Ling suggested returning to Mingjing Village for Nan Yufu's help, but Cao Yanbing vehemently refused. He found it suspicious that the Zhenhun General of Yulin Street (Rainforest Street) was so concerned about the "demons" in Mingjing Village, especially when Yulin Street labeled Mingjing Village a land of demons while the villagers claimed the outside world was demonic. This matter must be fishy. Later, Cao Yanbing brought a weakened Xia Ling to Bai Jingxuan at an inn.
Bai Jingxuan, while not a doctor, was willing to sell information. Cao Yanbing mentioned seeing Northern Division and Nan Yufu in Mingjing Village, where villagers claimed Northern Division protected them and Nan Yufu healed them. Cao Yanbing questioned why the Zhenhun General of Yulin Street would protect a village deemed "demonic." Bai Jingxuan explained that everyone in Yulin Street knew General Men (Northern Division) was a powerful figure who dealt with bandits externally and internal threats.
He added that if it weren't for General Men frequently entering Mingjing Village to keep the alienated inhabitants in check, they would have caused widespread harm as they did five years ago. He also admitted that no one truly knew how Northern Division and Nan Yufu managed the villagers, as no one else dared to enter that village. He then revealed that Nan Yufu was the commander of the Lingjia army stationed on the mountain, not in Mingjing Village itself.
Though Bai Jingxuan couldn't treat Xia Ling, for a high price, he recommended a specific medical center as the only place outside Mingjing Village where her condition could be treated, providing the directions in writing.
Episode 14 Recap
Cao Yanbing explained to Xia Ling the structure of the spiritual domain. He clarified that zhenhun Generals and the spiritual domain operate on an entrustment basis, meaning the spiritual domain cannot directly mobilize zhenhun Generals. Zhenhun Generals are solely responsible for their respective streets, some of which may even be unused. In contrast, the Lingjia army is a subordinate force of the spiritual domain, with most of its officers being Messengers and its soldiers primarily Spirit Men.
Xia Ling wondered if streets without zhenhun Generals were left unregulated, to which Cao Yanbing responded that an absence of oversight wasn't necessarily bad; a need for a zhenhun General indicated a troubled area, as some streets remained peaceful for centuries.
Xia Ling commented on the frightening appearance of Luocha Street compared to the serenity of Yulin Street, prompting Cao Yanbing to remark that Yulin Street's peace was only because Northern Division was more formidable than a ghost when he fought. Meanwhile, Zhao Xin, carrying a warrant and a knife for Cao Yanbing, questioned Bai Jingxuan about Cao Yanbing and Xia Ling's whereabouts at an inn. Bai Jingxuan denied knowing them.
Suddenly, Ziwei appeared and pointed Zhao Xin towards the medical center, revealing that she knew the location of the former Luocha Street zhenhun General, Cao Yanbing, who was a wanted criminal of the spiritual domain. Cao Yanbing and Xia Ling arrived at a run-down location that hardly resembled a medical center. Xia Ling expressed doubt that it was the correct place, but Cao Yanbing believed Bai Jingxuan had intentionally given them a misleading address.
As they conversed, a mutated Spirit Man appeared. Soon after, Zhao Xin arrived, confronting Cao Yanbing and reminding him of his past failure to kill him. Cao Yanbing, recognizing Zhao Xin, instructed Xia Ling to pursue the Spirit Man while he engaged Zhao Xin. Xia Ling, wary of the Spirit Man's sharp teeth, hesitated, but Cao Yanbing urged her on, reminding her that she had a guardian spirit.
Xia Ling chased the Spirit Man until a spear thrown by Cao Yanbing startled her, causing her to fall and lose consciousness. She later awoke to find her body dismembered. She desperately called out to Li Xuanyuan, who responded that he sensed no malicious intent. An elderly man then appeared and miraculously healed Xia Ling's severe injuries. In his fight with Zhao Xin, Cao Yanbing's right hand suddenly felt weak.
Zhao Xin revealed that the spear Cao Yanbing had thrown earlier was poisoned. Their battle intensified, with Cao Yanbing summoning his guardian spirit, Xu Chu, to fight Zhao Xin's guardian spirit, Xuanwu Hou Zhang Xiu. Xu Chu decisively defeated Zhang Xiu. Zhao Xin lamented the perceived unfairness of Messengers, where some were naturally bonded with powerful guardian spirits like Xu Chu, while others, despite their best efforts, were only paired with less formidable ones like Zhang Xiu.
Cao Yanbing feigned a killing blow to Zhao Xin, but Zhang Xiu bravely stepped in front of his Messenger to shield him. This act of loyalty resonated with Zhao Xin, who acknowledged the symbiotic relationship between Messengers and their guardian spirits: a Messenger cannot survive in the spiritual domain without their guardian spirit, and a guardian spirit without their Messenger loses their sanity and becomes a beast.
Cao Yanbing elaborated, explaining that a Messenger's soul and a guardian spirit's body are deeply intertwined, and vice-versa. He emphasized that innate talent matters less than dedication, and treating a guardian spirit as a mere tool, rather than a partner, would render even the strongest guardian spirit ineffective. He praised Zhang Xiu as a renowned "Broken Spear General" of the Wei family, offering to take Zhang Xiu himself if Zhao Xin didn't value him.
Inspired by Cao Yanbing's words, Zhao Xin truly embraced his guardian spirit. Zhang Xiu then returned to Zhao Xin, who offered Cao Yanbing the antidote and asked him to retrieve his spear. Cao Yanbing agreed. Xu Chu later informed Cao Yanbing that Xuanwu Hou Zhang Xiu, also known as the "God of spears," was Zhao Zilong's senior, and tragically, Dian Wei's brothers had fallen by his hand. As Cao Yanbing retrieved the spear, he found Xia Ling unconscious.
Another mutated Spirit Man appeared at the entrance. Cao Yanbing pursued and killed him. Xia Ling, now conscious, saw the bloodied Spirit Man and angrily chastised Cao Yanbing for "killing innocent people," calling him a "brute-force maniac." Cao Yanbing countered that a Spirit Man's alienation meant they lost their human status, allowing anyone to eliminate them, not just zhenhun Generals.
He explained that the Spirit Man had attacked him first, making his actions self-defense, and noted the unusual swift recovery of the Spirit Man from its brief mutation. The dying Spirit Man pointed to a piece of paper in Xia Ling's bag. Xia Ling could only recall being startled by the spear and then passing out. Her wound was fully healed.
After burying the Spirit Man, Cao Yanbing examined the mysterious paper, finding it resistant to both fire and water, and impervious to any writing attempts. He concluded that Bai Jingxuan, the one who sent them here, might hold the key to understanding it. Cao Yanbing and Xia Ling returned to the inn, only to find Bai Jingxuan absent. The innkeeper told them that Bai Jingxuan had gone home and provided his address on Qingyu Street.
Cao Yanbing sensed a hidden agenda from the innkeeper, so he waited outside the inn, confirming his suspicions. Xia Ling wanted to stay with him to prevent any further "innocent killings," but Cao Yanbing insisted she remain where she was and avoid interference. Meanwhile, within the Kingdom organization, members discussed the imminent appearance of the no fruit. They mentioned a captured "child" (presumably Bai Jingxuan) who remained silent despite their attempts to extract information.
One of them expressed regret at not eliminating him earlier, considering his perceived disloyalty. However, the leader dismissed his fate as irrelevant now, opting to spare his life for past merits and stating a personal intent to extract the information, assuring that no lies or survivors would emerge from the interrogation. Elsewhere, Taiwei met with Zhao Xin, dispatching him to the human world and expressing curiosity about the world-altering impact of the young individuals chosen by Huangfu Longdou.
In Mingjing village, Northern Division and Nan Yutian prepared for the no fruit's emergence, which Northern Division had awaited for five years to cure Shuier and the villagers; he vowed no one would take it. Nan Yutian planned to deploy the Lingjia army on the night of the Bodhi tree's awakening to ensure its safety, anticipating an attempt by the Tiangang Dragon generals to seize the fruit.
They noted that the destruction of Linhuai earlier had caused the 12 mausoleum trees to enter a new awakening cycle, leading various forces to inquire more. They also acknowledged the problem of Spirit Man alienation and how the spiritual domain established zhenhun streets to contain Spirit Men for their self-destruction.
While the destruction of one or two of the 12 mausoleum trees might not be critical, widespread destruction would trigger spatial upheaval, bringing disaster to zhenhun streets and the human world. Nan Yutian's priority was the no fruit and protecting the Bodhi tree. He believed the Tiangang Dragon generals would only seize the no fruit and not harm the sacred tree.
However, a significant concern remained regarding Cao Yanbing, whose unpredictable nature and power worried them; they feared he might destroy the Bodhi tree, despite his family's history of guarding the spiritual realm.
Northern Division assured Nan Yutian of his confidence in defeating Cao Yanbing, recounting Cao Yanbing's past feat of guarding Luocha Street alone after his guardian spirit died, and noting his current powerful guardian spirit, Xu Chu, a "Tiger General" of Wei Wu, who was considered a "scorching level" guardian spirit, akin to his own guardian spirit, Shi Lingming. News then arrived that Cao Yanbing had been sighted in Yulin Street, prompting them to move to confront him there.
Episode 15 Recap
Hattori interrogated Bai Jingxuan, accusing him of choosing a path to ruin despite his years of feigned compliance. Bai Jingxuan stated that he chose Cao Yanbing because he was the only person in five years brave enough to enter Mingjing village, and his fearlessness was the only hope for dispelling the darkness that engulfed the street.
Hattori scoffed, revealing that Lord Ziwei herself wished to meet Bai Jingxuan, but warned that Bai Jingxuan might not escape his current predicament, as Cao Yanbing, his supposed savior, was already heading into a death trap prepared for him. At that moment, Cao Yanbing burst through the door, ridiculing Hattori, a ninja, for failing to detect his approach. Hattori, caught off guard, swiftly injected Bai Jingxuan with a substance that drastically altered his demeanor, causing him to attack Cao Yanbing.
Meanwhile, Xia Ling searched for Cao Yanbing on the street and encountered Nanyufu and Northern Division. Nanyufu commended Xia Ling's courage for acting as a hostage to calm the villagers. Suddenly, a loud sound drew their attention, leading them to find an unconscious Bai Jingxuan. Xia Ling immediately blamed Cao Yanbing for the violence, a misconception shared by Nanyufu and Northern Division. Nanyufu ordered his soldiers to take Bai Jingxuan to the barracks for medical attention.
However, Bai Jingxuan soon appeared at Lord Ziwei's residence, indicating he was not treated at the barracks as intended. Cao Yanbing pursued Hattori, who, despite his agility, was eventually overpowered. Cao Yanbing pressed him for the whereabouts of the linghuai branch, but Hattori, declaring himself a ninja, insisted his greatest strength was endurance.
Cao Yanbing challenged Hattori's self-proclaimed benevolent nature (playing on the similar pronunciation for "benevolent person" and "ninja"), accusing him of being full of lies, but Hattori maintained his silence. Back in Mingjing village, Xia Ling shared with Northern Division the truth that the linghuai branch had been destroyed. Northern Division, however, played a recording and expressed profound mistrust for Cao Yanbing, highlighting his ancestry from Cao Cao, a figure known for treachery.
He questioned the accuracy of Xia Ling's memories, suggesting Cao Yanbing might have altered them since she was always by his side. Northern Division urged Xia Ling, a Messenger who had not been recruited as a Zhenhun General, to return to the human world and live her former life, rather than embarking on a dangerous path with a wanted man like Cao Yanbing.
Xia Ling, while privately musing about Northern Division's old-fashioned advice, acknowledged she did need to return for her graduation defense. Just then, villagers reported that Shuier had fainted again. Northern Division rushed to Shuier's side, and Nanyufu stated that only the "no fruit" could cure her worsening condition, emphasizing she needed to hold on until it appeared that night. Bai Jingxuan was now being held by Lord Ziwei.
Ziwei revealed that Bai Jingxuan had collaborated with the Kingdom Organization to develop a method for humans to survive in the Spiritual Domain. She demanded to know the location of other Mingjing village survivors, describing them as "rats" hiding in the dirtiest corners of Zhenhun Street, awaiting a chance for redemption. Bai Jingxuan defiantly refused, asserting that the villagers were innocent and that Ziwei and her organization were the true demons.
Ziwei retorted, accusing Bai Jingxuan of complicity in their research, and then injected him with the drug, demonstrating its effects by repeatedly stabbing him. His wounds healed almost immediately, but at the visible cost of his vitality, with blood flowing as if it were mere sweat. At that moment, Cao Yanbing, still holding Hattori captive, dramatically breached Ziwei's chambers. He confronted Ziwei, having deduced that the Lingjia army was in league with the Kingdom Organization.
He proposed a trade: Hattori for Bai Jingxuan. Ziwei showed contempt for Hattori's life, stating that death was merely something a ninja should endure. She then plunged a blade into Bai Jingxuan, inflicting a critical wound, and ordered her soldiers to apprehend Cao Yanbing. Cao Yanbing, declaring that while he refrained from striking women, he would not hesitate to kill someone like her, summoned his guardian spirit Xu Chu, who swiftly incapacitated the attacking soldiers.
Xia Ling was preparing to return to the human world for her graduation defense. Nanyufu engaged her in a conversation, sharing his own experience as a Messenger whose duties prevented him from returning to the human world, leading his identity there to fade. He expressed keen interest in her guardian spirit, which he had never seen. Xia Ling explained that her guardian spirit, Li Xuanyuan, was bound by a "lock chain," limiting his appearances and duration.
Nanyufu then attempted to use his own magic to sense her guardian spirit without her explicit summons. However, Li Xuanyuan intervened, countering Nanyufu's magical probe. Their interaction was cut short when a villager urgently reported Shuier's rapidly deteriorating condition, prompting Nanyufu to depart immediately. Cao Yanbing helped the severely wounded Bai Jingxuan escape. Bai Jingxuan, now appearing significantly aged, revealed that his rapid self-healing came at the cost of his lifespan and that his time was almost up.
He insisted on taking Cao Yanbing to a specific location. Back at Ziwei's residence, the room was in ruins after Cao Yanbing's intrusion. Taiwei questioned Ziwei about the events, to which she explained that Bai Jingxuan had placed all his hopes on Cao Yanbing. Anticipating Cao Yanbing's return to find Bai Jingxuan, she had Hattori impersonate the shopkeeper to lure him into a trap.
However, Cao Yanbing saw through the deception, located Bai Jingxuan, and even managed to plant a tracker on him, leading him directly to their hidden location. Taiwei acknowledged Cao Yanbing's shrewdness, a trait he attributed to his ancestor Wei Wu, but dismissed him as a serious threat, assuring Ziwei that with the "no fruit" appearing that night, Cao Yanbing would be unable to cause significant trouble.
Ziwei voiced her annoyance about the Mingjing villagers, whom she called "implements," and a particular legend, but Taiwei brushed off her concerns, reiterating that Cao Yanbing was a descendant of Wei Wu, not the fabled Wu'an army. Bai Jingxuan led Cao Yanbing to a secluded cave, informing him that it was the very place where Xia Ling's poison had been cured. He then whistled, and a group of supernatural beings emerged from the cave, piquing Cao Yanbing's curiosity about their true identity.
Episode 16 Recap
Bai Jingxuan informed Cao Yanbing that the people currently with them were the true inhabitants of Mingjing village. He revealed that the villagers Cao Yanbing had encountered previously were actually from the human world. Cao Yanbing mentioned his earlier suspicion, triggered by a BCG vaccination mark he observed on a young girl in the village, a vaccine exclusively used in the human world to combat tuberculosis.
Bai Jingxuan confirmed Cao Yanbing's insight, elaborating that aside from Messengers, very few humans could survive in the spiritual domain. Those who did either adapted slowly to become Spirit Man or quickly transformed into heteromorphic beings, a process the Mingjing villagers did not undergo.
The truth, Bai Jingxuan explained, was that these humans were forcibly brought from the human world to the spiritual domain as experimental subjects, as Royal father sought to discover how humans could endure the spiritual domain's harsh environment. He detailed how the spiritual domain constantly harmed human bodies, and Royal father's research focused on instant cell regeneration to counter this. This method, however, didn't strengthen cell structure but accelerated cell division, effectively consuming their future lifespans.
Bai Jingxuan tragically revealed that the former Mingjing villagers were all experimental subjects nearing death. The pervasive legend of "Demons" both inside and outside the village was a deliberate fabrication, designed to prevent the secret of the experiments from being exposed by keeping outsiders away and confining the villagers. When Cao Yanbing inquired about the "Demons" who left five years ago, Bai Jingxuan stated that most had died.
The survivors were the very humans now before them, the initial test subjects from whom Royal father developed drugs for human cell regeneration, allowing them to exist in the spiritual domain. Royal father then brainwashed them, making them believe they were native Mingjing villagers who had lost their memories due to illness. Cao Yanbing then questioned if the "original" Mingjing villagers had also been human and lived there for generations.
Bai Jingxuan affirmed their humanity and then, to Cao Yanbing's astonishment, disclosed that they were all Messengers. Bai Jingxuan also indicated the silent old man in a wheelchair was the Elder of Mingjing village and that the other silent villagers could not speak because if they were permitted to live, they would never be given another chance to reveal the truth.
Bai Jingxuan confessed that he too was a resident of Mingjing village, and with his own time running out, he felt compelled to reveal everything. Meanwhile, Royal father contacted Northern Division via phone, informing him that Cao Yanbing had raided the armour camp, killed Bao dading, and stolen the Divine Calculator Heavenly Book. Northern Division was shocked by the news.
They stepped outside to continue their conversation, where Royal father speculated that Cao Yanbing was likely awaiting the Bodhi tree's Qiming. He instructed Northern Division to ensure the girl, Xia Ling, was sent back to the human world and to keep a close watch on Cao Yanbing to protect the Bodhi tree. Royal father expressed regret over allowing Cao Yanbing to leave Mingjing village previously, asserting that he would not be permitted entry again.
Northern Division, for the sake of the Wu Shang Guo, pledged to fight to the death. Bai Jingxuan began recounting the story, starting five years ago when Mingjing village was not known as a place of Demons but a sacred land capable of purifying them. He spoke of his regret, feeling like he had "saved a viper only to be bitten."
He then detailed the village's ancestral rules: the miraculous Bodhi tree could cure numerous diseases, but all village matters were to remain secret. Any outsider seeking healing had to be questioned at the Mirror Platform to ascertain their true intentions and identity, including whether they were a treacherous person, and then have their memories erased after successful treatment. This tradition had been upheld for over 1600 years. A flashback showed a severely wounded Royal father being brought to Mingjing village.
The Elder assessed his injuries, noting damage to all his internal organs, severe qi and blood deficiency, poison in his heart and brain, and a fatal abdominal wound. The Elder's assistants reminded him of the ancestral mandate to question patients at the Mirror Platform and erase their memories. However, given Royal father's critical condition, "half a foot in the coffin," forcibly performing the 'Open your brain' procedure would undoubtedly kill him.
Driven by compassion, the Elder chose to save Royal father first, placing him directly under the Bodhi tree, bypassing the usual memory-erasure ritual. Royal father soon regained consciousness and asked if they had saved him. Bai Jingxuan introduced the Elder, who asked Royal father to truthfully state his identity, the cause of his injuries, and if he was being pursued.
Royal father introduced himself as a commander of the Lingjia army, explaining he sustained his wounds while venturing alone to pursue bandits. He mentioned hearing from his subordinates that Mingjing village offered his only hope, aware that those treated there typically lost their memories. The Elder confirmed this was due to ancestral rules but reiterated that an exception was made due to his life-threatening state.
Royal father expressed his profound gratitude, though the Elder stated no repayment was needed, only adherence to the secrecy of Mingjing village matters. The Elder instructed Royal father to sit under the Bodhi tree for two hours daily for ten days to completely heal the lingering damage in his internal organs, as the tree's fragrance was known to calm the mind and dispel ill luck. Royal father complied, diligently sitting under the Bodhi tree each day.
During this time, Bai Jingxuan played his zither. Royal father recognized the tune as "High mountains and flowing water" and praised Bai Jingxuan's exceptional skill, comparing him favorably to the ancient master Boya. Bai Jingxuan inquired about Royal father's recovery, to which Royal father responded that he felt "relaxed and happy," as if all ill luck had vanished, describing the Bodhi tree as divine. Bai Jingxuan attributed this blessing to their ancestors selecting such a sacred place.
When Royal father asked his name, Bai Jingxuan introduced himself and his brother, Bai Jingying, explaining that all Mingjing villagers shared the surname Bai. Royal father recounted how outsiders perceived Mingjing village as a "secret land" inhabited by "immortals," but Bai Jingxuan clarified they were merely self-sufficient fishermen. Royal father lauded the Elder's medical prowess, suggesting he could be a legendary physician if he practiced openly.
He also observed the peaceful and harmonious life in Mingjing village, starkly different from the outside world. Bai Jingxuan expressed a deep longing to experience the outside world, having lived his entire life within the village. Royal father encouraged him, but Bai Jingxuan regretfully mentioned the ancestral rule prohibiting villagers from leaving. Royal father lamented this, describing the outside world as "very beautiful."
From that point on, Bai Jingxuan recalled, Royal father would tell him daily stories about the outside world and the events of the past 1600 years, captivating him with tales of both wonder and sorrowful lives. After ten days, the Elder informed Royal father that his time was complete, his internal injuries were healed, and it was time for him to depart the village. Royal father acknowledged this, expressing his renewed gratitude to the Elder, who credited the Bodhi tree.
The Elder then instructed Bai Jingxuan to erase Royal father's memory and escort him out of the village. As Bai Jingxuan approached, Royal father looked at him and said, "Jingxuan, I really don't want to forget you. Jingxuan, goodbye. Don't forget me." Bai Jingxuan, in the present, admitted that he did not fully erase Royal father's memory because of this heartfelt plea. Bai Jingxuan and his brother escorted Royal father to the village exit.
Bai Jingxuan then sent his brother back, stating he wished to play one last song for Royal father. As Bai Jingxuan played his zither, Royal father unexpectedly returned. " Jingxuan, come with me," he urged, "I'll take you to see the outside world." Reflecting on this fateful decision, Bai Jingxuan confessed that he had never anticipated Royal father would ask him to leave with him. He concluded, "A great disaster was thus brought about."
Bai Jingxuan later learned that Royal father intended to exploit Messengers to develop drugs enabling humans to survive in the spiritual domain, all to further a grander conspiracy. Bai Jingxuan implored Cao Yanbing to defeat Royal father and restore Mingjing village, referring to it as Ning Jingcun, its tranquil state.
Episode 17 Recap
The villagers of Mingjing Village were in a state of alarm as Bai Jingxuan had vanished. His brother, Bai Jingyin, recalled Bai Jingxuan mentioning he would play a final song for Nan Yufu as a farewell. The elder grew concerned, suspecting that Bai Jingxuan might have left the village with Nan Yufu, despite Nan Yufu's professed amnesia. Leading the search to the village entrance, Bai Jingyin and the elder found Bai Jingxuan lying wounded, shot by an arrow.
Shortly after, Nan Yufu, at the head of the Lingjia army, arrived and stormed Mingjing Village, seizing control, binding the villagers, and greedily observing the Bodhi tree. Once Bai Jingxuan was revived by the Bodhi tree, he confronted Nan Yufu, accusing him of being a liar. Nan Yufu dismissed Bai Jingxuan's words, reciting an ancient Buddhist verse by the Sixth Patriarch Huineng: "Bodhi originally has no tree, nor is the bright mirror a stand.
Originally there is not a single thing, where can dust alight?" He stated that Bai Jingxuan, with his old-fashioned ancestral prejudices, could not comprehend the changing world. He revealed that Mingjing Village, the fabled Peach Blossom Spring, had already been consumed by the spiritual domain. Nan Yufu confirmed his intent to claim the Bodhi tree, but declared his true prize to be the villagers themselves.
He recognized them as Messengers, referring to them as "smart people," possessing the unique ability to act as a key connecting the spiritual domain and the human world. He explained that unlike ordinary Spirit Man who cannot revert from alienation, Messengers possessed controllable and partial alienation.
For his grand scheme, he subjected the villagers to gruesome human experiments, repeatedly injecting them with various toxins and poisons to induce alienation, then using the Bodhi tree's restorative powers to heal them, endlessly repeating the cycle. He even offered Bai Jingyin the power of invisibility, promising him freedom to move between worlds.
Bai Jingxuan realized that Nan Yufu's prior expressions of friendship, shared moments of 'Gao Shan Liu Shui,' and his 'not wanting to forget him' were all a deceptive facade; Nan Yufu had simply exploited him. Nan Yufu revealed he had spared Bai Jingxuan not out of kindness, but because Bai Jingxuan was instrumental in gaining access to Mingjing Village.
Bai Jingxuan later understood that Nan Yufu's ultimate goal was to extract information from Messengers to create a drug that would allow humans to survive in the spiritual domain. He would then use those humans (caught from the human realm) to discover how Spirit Man could freely traverse the human world, thereby bridging the two realms and fulfilling his larger conspiracy. He observed the Bodhi tree's unique ability to absorb and break down toxins, comparing it to a natural scavenger.
Nan Yufu declared alienation to be "the cancer of Spirit Man," claiming it unlocked immense power and a connection to the spiritual domain. He crafted a potent alienation agent, "Crazy Snow," by harnessing the 1600 years of accumulated resentment absorbed by the Bodhi tree, which he considered the best alienation medium. He then injected villagers with this "Crazy Snow," inducing their alienation, and released them into Yulin Street.
His chilling objective was to spread terror, making the people of Yulin Street believe that anyone entering Mingjing Village would become an "alien," transforming the sacred village into a notorious "land of demons" and a gathering place for evil, ensuring no one would dare approach and disrupt his research. He scoffed at the mention of Zhenhun Generals, deeming them inconsequential. Bai Jingxuan lamented this cruel fate, calling it the "tragedy of Mingjing Village."
Having seemingly perfected his "Crazy Snow" experiments, Nan Yufu then focused on obtaining the "no fruit" (or Supreme Fruit). He revealed his extensive knowledge of the "no fruit" and the village's ancestral precepts, having delved into Mingjing Village's history. He recounted that 1630 years ago, in 386 AD, the Bai family, descendants of the feared "Killing God" Bai Qi, fled the chaos of the Qin Dynasty to establish this secret haven, ironically becoming healers as an atonement for past bloodshed.
He detailed the legend of a fisherman who stumbled upon the village and later left with the Bai family's eldest daughter, who was captivated by tales of the outside world. Their union led to the Bai family bloodline dispersing into the human realm, prompting the ancestors to establish the strict ancestral precepts to prevent similar occurrences. This tale, Nan Yufu explained, was immortalized by the fisherman's poet friend, Mr. Jing Jie (Tao Yuanming), in the renowned "Peach Blossom Spring."
Nan Yufu thanked Mr. Jing Jie for providing the clues that led him to the village's secrets, announcing that the Bodhi tree's "no fruit" would ripen that very night. As the Bodhi tree reached its "Qiming" (enlightenment) moment to bear the "no fruit," Nan Yufu ordered its retrieval, but his men were attacked by Stone Spirit (Shi Lingming). Seizing this opportunity, the elder led the villagers in an escape.
Overwhelmed by shame for their ancestors due to the village's plight, the elder performed a ritual with "the blood of the fifth class," symbolically entrusting their ancestral grievances and awaiting the return of the "White Lord." With Nan Yufu's forces closing in, the elder, knowing they were no match for the Lingjia army, reluctantly distributed the "Crazy Snow" drug to his people.
He solemnly tasked Bai Jingxuan, the only one spared from the experiments and the last "normal" person, to protect the ancestral precepts and locate the Bai family's descendants. Empowered by the "Crazy Snow," the villagers launched a desperate, surprise attack on the Lingjia army, allowing Bai Jingxuan to escape Mingjing Village. They subsequently found refuge in a mountain cave, but the "Crazy Snow" had a devastating side effect, rendering them all mute. They remained hidden, fearing Nan Yufu's discovery.
Bai Jingxuan further revealed that the former Zhenhun General of Yulin Street, who had entered Mingjing Village to investigate the Spirit Man alienation, was murdered by Nan Yufu. This act tragically cemented Mingjing Village's infamous reputation as a "land of demons," and Beiluoshimen (Northern Division) subsequently became the Zhenhun General. Cao Yanbing realized that Bai Jingxuan had led him and Xia Ling to the elder in order to pass on the ancestral precepts.
Bai Jingxuan confirmed that the ancestral precepts were a unique "Yanling letter," infused with the Bai family's bloodline power, legible only to their direct descendants. He explained that Nan Yufu had not completely annihilated them because he considered them insignificant, but any attempt to emerge would surely lead to their destruction. Therefore, they entrusted the ancestral precepts to Cao Yanbing, hoping he would defeat Nan Yufu, find the Bai family's descendants, and help them rebuild Mingjing Village.
Cao Yanbing questioned why he was the chosen one. Bai Jingxuan explained that they later understood Mingjing Village to be the original intersection of the spiritual domain and the human world. When the spiritual domain expanded and encroached, it engulfed Mingjing Village, causing the Bai family's bloodline to disperse throughout the human world. He emphasized that Cao Yanbing, as a Messenger, possessed the ability to traverse both realms.
Moreover, Cao Yanbing was the only person in five years to actively seek the Bodhi tree, a testament to a unique fearlessness that Bai Jingxuan believed made him capable of confronting Nan Yufu. Bai Jingxuan urged Cao Yanbing to promise that he would not let Nan Yufu destroy their Bodhi tree again, implying that Nan Yufu had already destroyed their souls. After delivering his final confession and heartfelt plea, Bai Jingxuan closed his eyes, passing away.
Cao Yanbing, looking at the silent villagers, solemnly promised that he would diligently search for the Bai family's descendants. As for Nan Yufu, Cao Yanbing declared that the time for reckoning was now.
Episode 18 Recap
Nan Yufu, harboring suspicions about Xia Ling's separation from Cao Yanbing, believed she might be a deliberate plant in Mingjing Village. To mitigate any risks, he instructed Beiluoshimen to promptly send Xia Ling back to the human realm. He assured Beiluoshimen that all problems would resolve tonight, as the Supreme Fruit would extinguish the hellfires.
Concurrently, Nan Yufu made preparations for the Spirit Armor Army's arrival at sunset and dispatched a message to the Kingdom organization, signaling them to commence their operation. Inside her room, Xia Ling tended to Shuier, who, while semi-conscious, mumbled about wanting water. Xia Ling placed the Spirit Speech Letter on the bedside as she turned to get water. In that moment, she witnessed Shuier touch the letter, causing characters to appear on its blank surface.
Just then, Beiluoshimen and Nan Yufu entered. Xia Ling quickly concealed the letter. Nan Yufu, citing the impending critical events in Mingjing Village that would prevent them from ensuring her safety, urged Beiluoshimen to escort her back to the human realm. Feeling like a burden and realizing she was ill-suited for the spiritual domain, Xia Ling agreed to return to her school in the human realm. As moments passed, a grand conspiracy was set into motion.
Cao Yanbing braced himself to enter Mingjing Village, while Beiluoshimen made arrangements to accompany Xia Ling back to the human realm. Nan Yufu also sent a message via carrier pigeon to the Kingdom organization, signaling them to begin their operation. Later that night, Cao Yanbing arrived alone at Yulin Street, where he was met by Beiluoshimen. Xia Ling, who had requested to see Cao Yanbing before her departure, was also present.
Initially, Cao Yanbing misinterpreted the situation, thinking Beiluoshimen was colluding with Nan Yufu and holding Xia Ling hostage. Once the misunderstanding was cleared, Cao Yanbing asked Xia Ling to approach him, and she handed him the Spirit Speech Letter. Activating his Open Brain ability, Cao Yanbing entered Xia Ling's spiritual space.
There, he confronted Li Xuanyuan, revealing his knowledge that Li Xuanyuan was formed by Qingfeng but also contained Huasha, Qingfeng's sworn enemy, a secret he had learned from Ghost Three Links. Cao Yanbing sternly insisted that Xia Ling must leave the spiritual domain. He argued that the spiritual domain was a complete world, and no one could truly belong to two realms simultaneously.
He emphasized that Xia Ling's true roots, with her family and friends, lay in the human realm, not the spiritual domain, despite her identity as a Spiritual Host. Li Xuanyuan conceded the logical truth of Cao Yanbing's points but firmly stated that Xia Ling's personal choice deserved respect, refuting the idea that her decisions were mere childish whims. Growing impatient, Cao Yanbing inquired about the "Lock Heart Chain" on Li Xuanyuan, pressing him further on his hidden nature.
Their intense discussion was abruptly halted when Beiluoshimen intervened, mistakenly believing Cao Yanbing was attempting to harm Xia Ling by "opening her brain." Xia Ling, now understanding Cao Yanbing's intention to erase her memories for her own protection, became furious. To further push her away from the impending danger, Cao Yanbing deliberately insulted and belittled her, calling her unintelligent, a burden, and incapable of understanding.
He harshly told her that her intelligence would lead to her demise in the spiritual domain and commanded her to "get back to your human world, be an honest human, and don't get involved in our Requiem General's world anymore." Heartbroken and enraged, Xia Ling retorted by questioning the whereabouts of his own guardian spirit and declared that she was leaving and would never see him again.
As Xia Ling walked away, Cao Yanbing watched her go, his expression heavy with sadness as he recalled their shared past. Immediately after, Cao Yanbing and Beiluoshimen engaged in a fierce battle in the street. Simultaneously, the Kingdom organization launched a brutal invasion of Mingjing Village, leaving widespread slaughter and destruction in its wake.
As villagers tried to shield Nan Yufu near the Bodhi Tree, they watched in horror as the invading forces approached and saluted Nan Yufu, thereby exposing his treacherous alliance with the Kingdom organization. At this critical juncture, the Bodhi Tree entered its "Qiming" phase, emitting a brilliant glow and appearing to yield the Supreme Fruit. Yet, within moments, the blossoms fell, and the fruit vanished without a trace.
Meanwhile, Beiluoshimen, still locked in combat with Cao Yanbing, felt a sudden, sharp pain in his chest, which was a direct result of the Bodhi Tree's Qiming. This mysterious event dramatically amplified his combat power severalfold, making him an overwhelming opponent that Cao Yanbing could not defeat. Observing the failure of the Supreme Fruit to manifest, Nan Yufu mercilessly ordered his forces to destroy the Bodhi Tree and massacre the villagers. As the Bodhi Tree erupted in flames, its fiery destruction illuminating the night sky, both Cao Yanbing and Beiluoshimen realized with dread that Mingjing Village had met a catastrophic end.
Episode 19 Recap
The sky presented unusual phenomena, and the Bodhi tree had been destroyed. Northern Division, realizing something was amiss, asked about the destruction of the Bodhi tree. Cao Yanbing explained that the celestial visions were linked to the tree's demise, noting that similar anomalies, where the human realm and spirit realm intersected, had been observed when the Spirit Locust Tree was destroyed. Northern Division became alarmed, suspecting he had been tricked, and urgently rushed back to Mingjing village.
Upon their arrival, the once peaceful village lay in ruins, strewn with bodies, a scene of utter devastation. Northern Division was heartbroken, realizing he had been kept in the dark about the unfolding events. Nan Yufu and members of the Kingdom organization had been waiting for Northern Division by the Bodhi tree. Northern Division, realizing he had been tricked, confronted Nan Yufu, demanding to know why he had done this.
Nan Yufu explained that the dimming of the brightest star in the southern sky, Beiluoshimen, signaled the night the Supreme Fruit would emerge. He further asserted that Northern Division was merely a "worm," and he saw no reason to consider a worm's feelings. Nan Yufu also expressed surprise that Cao Yanbing had appeared alongside Northern Division, noting that he hadn't expected the situation to evolve in such a way.
Cao Yanbing called Nan Yufu a hypocrite, to which Nan Yufu responded that he never claimed to be a gentleman, let alone a fake one. As the tension escalated, Nan Yufu revealed his ultimate leverage: Shuier, Northern Division's own daughter. He threatened Shuier's life to manipulate Northern Division. Shuier, her memories restored, cried out for her father, pleading for rescue. Overcome with concern for Shuier, Northern Division hesitated.
Cao Yanbing, however, stepped forward, ready to confront Nan Yufu, stating that he intended to defeat him first. But before Cao Yanbing could reach Nan Yufu, Northern Division attacked and knocked him unconscious, explaining that he had no choice while Shuier was still in Nan Yufu's grasp. Nan Yufu was pleased with Northern Division's actions. He ordered Hattori to place a Lock Spirit Stone on Cao Yanbing, intending to frame him for the destruction of the Bodhi tree.
As he was being restrained, Cao Yanbing defiantly told Nan Yufu that he would wait for him in another world, declaring that the fires of hell would never be extinguished. Nan Yufu scoffed, saying they were already in another world. Nan Yufu then demanded that Northern Division kneel. For Shuier's sake, Northern Division painfully complied, enduring Nan Yufu's taunts that a respected Zhenhun general like him now looked like a dog.
Nan Yufu then revealed his true objective for the night: the Supreme Fruit. He explained that years ago, a spirit monkey had eaten a young Supreme Fruit from the Bodhi tree, causing it to alienate and become a formidable monkey monster. Eventually, a host spirit took it as his guardian spirit, helping it control its mind. The Supreme Fruit, still within the monkey monster, had also entered the host spirit's body and had been growing for five years.
This monkey monster was named Shilingming, and its host spirit was Northern Division. Nan Yufu concluded that the Supreme Fruit resided within Northern Division's body, and he had made Northern Division the Zhenhun general of Yulin Street precisely to create a reliable vessel for the Supreme Fruit. With his plans laid bare, Nan Yufu ordered the Lingjia army to place a Lock Spirit Stone on Northern Division as well, and to take them all away.
As he was being led off, Northern Division, echoing Cao Yanbing's earlier defiance, told Nan Yufu that he would wait for him in the afterlife and that the fires of hell would never be extinguished. Nan Yufu merely laughed in response. Meanwhile, Hattori was escorting Cao Yanbing when she engaged him in conversation, expressing curiosity about why such a cunning person like him would choose to confront Northern Division so directly.
Cao Yanbing, regaining consciousness, retorted that he hadn't expected Northern Division to be so resilient, having assumed everyone was as "weak" as Hattori. Their exchange was interrupted by a group of alienated Bai family villagers who attacked the Lingjia army, intent on rescuing Cao Yanbing. Cao Yanbing, seeing Bai Jingyin among them, who was inadvertently killing his own villagers under the influence of alienation, shouted his name to awaken him, reminding him of their elders and their shared past.
Realizing his actions, Bai Jingyin momentarily shifted allegiance, attempting to remove Cao Yanbing's Lock Spirit Stone. Seeing this, Hattori summoned her guardian spirit, Shimazu Yoshihiro. Shimazu Yoshihiro, a powerful force, swung his large hammer towards Bai Jingyin, but Cao Yanbing quickly pushed Bai Jingyin out of the way, taking the devastating blow himself.
The villagers then split into two groups: one valiantly stayed to delay Shimazu Yoshihiro, while the other carried the gravely wounded Cao Yanbing to safety, despite his protests not to risk their lives for him. In the midst of his escape, Cao Yanbing reflected that perhaps heaven only favored the strong or ignored justice entirely. Yet, he found solace in the belief that human righteousness was not determined by the heavens. Under that very sky, he still found companions.
He recalled his past interactions with Xia Ling, harboring a hope that if he were ever to transform into a Shura, forced to become a butcher, he would not be alone. Back in the human world, Xia Ling successfully defended her thesis and graduated. She mused that instead of dwelling in nostalgic dreams, it was better to seek heaven within hell.
Prompted by a roommate's casual comment, she realized she had lost a significant period of memory, including a car accident and a hospital stay. To verify this, Xia Ling visited a hospital, where a doctor confirmed her hospitalization record. She declined further examinations and returned home, searching online for information about the bus accident. Seeing a photograph of a young girl who perished in the crash, fragmented memories of Mingjing village began to surface in her mind. She heard a child's voice, Shuier, crying for her father, not wanting to be alone.
Episode 20 Recap
Xia Ling recovered her memories, specifically recalling events in Mingjing Village, and felt an urgent need to return. In her dorm, Bai Jingyin appeared, holding a token Xia Ling had given to Cao Yanbing. Xia Ling initially assumed he had come to capture her, but Bai Jingyin clarified that Cao Yanbing had sent him. At the same time, Zhao Xin also found Xia Ling, informing her that Cao Yanbing was dying and needed rescue.
Xia Ling playfully noted their relationship shift from "sworn enemies" to acting like "good friends," to which Zhao Xin responded that one's origins are less important than their efforts, but rather their subsequent actions. He then offered her a ride. Zhao Xin continued to update Xia Ling on the dire situation in the Spirit Realm, revealing that the Bodhi tree had been destroyed and Mingjing Village massacred, with only two little girls apparently surviving.
Xia Ling speculated that Shuier and Gou'er might be among them. She asked Zhao Xin how he had found her, and he explained that he received an Yan Ling letter from someone who identified himself as Gui Fu San Tong (The ghost man), providing her address. Xia Ling recognized the name as "Mr. Ghost."
Xia Ling then inquired if Bai Jingyin knew Cao Yanbing's location and if he could take them there, as the three decided to return to the Spirit Realm to rescue Cao Yanbing. Before they left, Xia Ling asked both men to step out so she could change her clothes. During their conversation, it was revealed that Bai Jingyin had evolved the ability to turn invisible.
Meanwhile, Cao Yanbing lay gravely injured, his bones shattered, and expressed a desire to give up. Xu Chu adamantly refused to let him succumb, urging him to pull himself together and reminding him of his lineage as a descendant of the Ming family.
Xu Chu passionately recited the proverb: "An old warhorse in the stable still aspires to gallop a thousand miles; a hero in his twilight years, his ambition never fades," urging Cao Yanbing, still young, not to abandon hope. He spoke of their ancestor's five valiant generals, invincible in battle, and how even with such strength, conquering the world was a massive undertaking.
Cao Yanbing lamented his past as a mere guard, never aspiring to worldly power, yet failing to protect even the Bodhi tree. Xu Chu reassured him that the tree's destruction was not his fault, nor was Yuji's death, as he was merely a child at the time. Despite Cao Yanbing's deep despair, Xu Chu pushed him, asking if there was truly nothing left he wished to achieve.
Cao Yanbing, with renewed resolve, declared his burning desire to kill Nan Yu Fu and prevent such a man from dominating the world. Xu Chu, with unwavering loyalty, affirmed his greatest wish: to one day witness Cao Yanbing as "King in the world." Elsewhere, Beiluo Shimen, held captive by Nan Yu Fu, was lost in memories of his past in the human world.
He was once known as Bai Shimen, a diligent police officer whose exceptional "maneuvering" skill allowed him to effortlessly dodge bullets during dangerous missions. However, this dedication to his work meant frequent and prolonged absences from home, leaving his young daughter, Shuier, to be cared for by Aunt Wang.
Shuier, who had grown up without a mother and with a constantly absent father, faced constant bullying and ridicule from her schoolmates, who called her an orphan and said nobody wanted her. The most tragic day of Bai Shimen’s life unfolded on Shuier's birthday. Having just completed a mission, he had arranged to take time off to celebrate with his daughter.
However, on the very day of the planned birthday party, his captain, Zhang Fusheng, called him with an urgent recall to duty, stating that a car was already waiting downstairs. The team desperately needed his expertise due to the enemy's overwhelming firepower, and Zhang Fusheng stressed the potential for heavy casualties if he didn't return.
Bai Shimen pleaded for just half a day to celebrate his daughter's birthday, but Zhang Fusheng remained unyielding, declaring it a direct order and giving him a mere five minutes to get downstairs. Meanwhile, Shuier excitedly told her father via phone that her friends, Xinxin and Xiao Wei, had all confirmed their attendance for her party.
As her father prepared to leave again, Shuier became distraught and attempted to jump from a window, but Bai Shimen swiftly intervened, pulling her back to safety. She tearfully poured out her heart, expressing her profound loneliness and fear of renewed bullying from classmates who spread rumors that her mother had abandoned them and her father had other women. She desperately begged him not to go.
Overwhelmed with pain and fear for her safety, Bai Shimen reluctantly locked Shuier in her room, promising to call Aunt Wang to come open the door and assuring Shuier that he would return by the next day. Despite her heartbroken cries for him not to leave, he departed. As Bai Shimen entered the waiting car downstairs, while simultaneously attempting to call Aunt Wang on his phone, he was immediately ambushed and abducted.
His phone fell as he was captured and subjected to torture. It quickly became clear that his captain, Zhang Fusheng, had betrayed them, secretly colluding with criminals. Zhang Fusheng, showing no remorse, cruelly declared that Bai Shimen deserved his fate for his unauthorized actions in previous operations. Bai Shimen, in desperation, begged for just one phone call, explaining that Shuier was locked alone in her room, but Zhang Fusheng callously ignored his pleas.
Instead, he ordered his men to starve Bai Shimen for seven days and seven nights. After seven agonizing days and nights, Bai Shimen was at death's door. Tragically, Shuier had succumbed to starvation in her locked room. Nan Yu Fu then arrived, swiftly killing the treacherous Captain Zhang Fusheng. He offered a pill to the barely living Bai Shimen, promising that it would enable them to save his daughter. Bai Shimen consumed the medicine, regaining some strength, and rushed home.
He discovered Shuier’s lifeless body and, heartbroken, begged Nan Yu Fu to administer the same medicine to her. Nan Yu Fu refused, explaining that the pill was beneficial to Bai Shimen because he was a Spirit Host, but it would be fatal to Shuier, who lacked that status.
Nan Yu Fu then presented Bai Shimen with a grim choice: to truly save Shuier, he must abandon his current identity, journey to an unfamiliar place, and undertake an unprecedented task—specifically, fighting the Stone Spirit bare-handed in the Spirit Realm. Driven by despair and an overwhelming love for his daughter, Bai Shimen accepted Nan Yu Fu's terms. After reflecting on these painful memories, Nan Yu Fu, now back in the present, instructed his subordinate, Taiwei, to investigate Beiluo Shimen and bring out the Supreme Fruit (Wushangguo).
Episode 21 Recap
Beiluo Shimen, held in a prison cell, was consumed by guilt, lamenting his failure as a father to Shuier. In a neighboring cell, Shuier confided in Dog, revealing that Beiluo Shimen was her father, a fact he had long tried to keep from her by changing his name from Baishimen and erasing her memories of their past. She showed Dog a Kajianmiao mark on her arm, explaining it was a common childhood vaccination.
Shuier believed that since Dog, like her, came from another world and everything in Mingjing Village was an illusion, he too must have parents waiting for him in their true home. Meanwhile, Cao Yanbing lay gravely wounded, his bones shattered, feeling utterly devoid of hope.
His guardian spirit, Xu Chu, relentlessly encouraged him, reminding him that he was born to be a Dragon and that even with his claws broken, scales shed, palms severed, or if he fell into a shallow beach, a Dragon remains a Dragon. Xu Chu vowed that if Cao Yanbing didn't give up, he, even with only one arm, could tear the earth apart, no matter how many enemies stood before them.
Cao Yanbing, however, confessed his profound exhaustion, reiterating that his bones were all broken. He revealed that he had intentionally pushed Xia Ling away to protect her, as everyone close to him, like Wen Ze and Gui Fu Santong, had suffered greatly. He explained that while Li Xuanyuan possessed formidable power, he was a dual entity – a fusion of immortal and demon. His surface personality, Qingfeng, was kind, but his inner demon, Huasha, was a madman.
These two personalities constantly constrained his power. Given Xia Ling's own weakness as a Messenger, Cao Yanbing feared that if Huasha ever gained dominance, Xia Ling would become a puppet of the guardian spirit. Despite Xu Chu's persistent encouragement, Cao Yanbing remained despondent, overwhelmed by his severe injuries. As he felt his life slipping away, he thought of Xia Ling and his brother, Cao Xuanliang, expressing his unwillingness to surrender the world to a contemptible person like Nan Yufu.
He feared Cao Xuanliang might not be strong enough to avenge him, and he found himself deeply missing Xia Ling, hoping she was safe and happy in the human world, possibly even causing trouble for someone else. Xia Ling and Zhao Xin, accompanied by Bai Jingyin, eventually arrived at the cave to find Cao Yanbing barely clinging to life, with only a faint pulse. Zhao Xin urged Xia Ling to act swiftly.
Believing she was administering a "heart-strengthening needle" from the spiritual domain, Xia Ling plunged the object into Cao Yanbing's chest. This "needle" was, in fact, Xue Yonghou Zhang Xiu's iron pestle. The distinct scent of Zhang Xiu instantly roused Dian Wei, Cao Yanbing's guardian spirit, who had been dormant within him. Cao Yanbing was astonished by Dian Wei's sudden appearance.
Xu Chu then explained that Cao Yanbing possessed a "Martial God Body," allowing him to house multiple guardian spirits, and clarified that Dian Wei had always been his guardian, not just appearing after Wenze's departure. Dian Wei recounted that in the Second Year of Jian'an, Zhang Xiu, advised by Jia Xu, rebelled against Cao Cao, and it was only through Dian Wei’s fierce combat that Cao Cao escaped.
Dian Wei explained that the two-thousand-year-old scent of his sworn enemy, Zhang Xiu, had awakened him from his long slumber within Cao Yanbing. Messengers' strong recovery abilities stem from their guardian spirits. With Dian Wei awakened, Cao Yanbing's regenerative powers dramatically increased; his shattered bones automatically realigned, and his vital signs rapidly stabilized. Overjoyed to see him revived, Xia Ling rushed to embrace him, causing him a pang of pain.
Cao Yanbing then playfully clarified that it wasn't her affection that revived him, but the iron pestle she wielded, which, due to the enduring hatred, had awakened Dian Wei. Xia Ling realized that Zhao Xin had deliberately misled her, claiming the item was a "heart-strengthening needle" and that "love" was needed, when in reality, it was Zhang Xiu's weapon that had triggered Dian Wei's awakening through ancient enmity.
Zhao Xin then explained his convoluted plan, stating he used the principle of "using hatred to awaken love" by having her use the weapon of Dian Wei’s killer. Xia Ling, confused by the historical context, felt duped. Cao Yanbing and Zhao Xin teased her for her lack of understanding, which quickly earned them a playful beating from Xia Ling. After a night of rest, the trio decided to ascend Mount Nan to settle accounts with Nan Yufu.
As Cao Yanbing prepared his weapons, a Bai family elder advised him against forceful action, suggesting he should submit to fate. Cao Yanbing defiantly declared that his own will was fate, believing "No destiny, no God's will." He then took a "Yan Ling Xing" (Spiritual Word) from the elder, using it to rouse a surprised Zhao Xin and Xia Ling, and they set off together.
Meanwhile, on Mount Nan, Ziwei reported to Nan Yufu that Cao Yanbing was likely dead or, at best, a cripple, posing no threat, having sustained a heavy blow from Daojin Yihong while wearing a spirit-locking stone. Nan Yufu, never having truly considered Cao Yanbing a threat, maintained his arrogant confidence. He merely stated that he was "taking advantage of the situation" and ordered Taiwei to investigate Beiluo Shimen and retrieve the Wushangguo (Supreme Fruit).
As Cao Yanbing, Xia Ling, and Zhao Xin advanced, Zhao Xin remarked he wouldn't hit Xia Ling because she was Cao Yanbing's woman. Cao Yanbing quickly denied this, stating she wasn't his woman and Zhao Xin could hit her. Xia Ling glared at him, but their attention was soon diverted by a large contingent of Lingjia army soldiers ahead. Without hesitation, Cao Yanbing summoned Xu Chu and Dian Wei, who swiftly crushed the Lingjia army, clearing the path as they pressed onward towards Mount Nan.
Episode 22 Recap
As Cao Yanbing approached Nanshan, Nan Yufu received reports of his attack. He commanded his trusted subordinate, Taiwei, to extract the Wushangguo from Beiluo Shimen, knowing this act would be fatal for Beiluo Shimen. He then instructed Ziwei to kill Shuier and Dog in the prison, considering them "irrelevant," and ordered Tianshi to guard the exterior and kill Cao Yanbing on sight.
Alone, Nan Yufu mused with a conflicted laugh, both wishing and not wishing for Cao Yanbing to reach him, hinting at a grand "gift" awaiting his arrival. Taiwei, also known as Wu Ming, confronted Beiluo Shimen in his cell. Beiluo Shimen, identifying Taiwei as Nan Yufu's confidant, urgently asked about his daughter, Shuier. Taiwei assured him Shuier was not harmed, but confirmed that her illness required the Wushangguo, which resided within Beiluo Shimen himself.
Taiwei admitted he was there to extract it. Beiluo Shimen, feeling helpless, consented, but questioned if his daughter would be saved. Taiwei extracted the Wushangguo, causing Beiluo Shimen immense pain. Taiwei then informed him that without it, he would not live much longer, adding that he would soon be reunited with his loved ones in another world. Cao Yanbing, Zhao Xin, and Xia Ling arrived at the prison.
Cao Yanbing instructed Zhao Xin and Xia Ling to care for Shuier and Dog, while he went to find Beiluo Shimen. Upon seeing Shuier and Dog, their faces withered and aged by illness, Xia Ling was horrified. Zhao Xin quickly administered a secret medicine from 'Mr. Ghost' to stabilize their condition, though it couldn't fully cure them. They brought Shuier to Beiluo Shimen's cell, where he was barely clinging to life.
Beiluo Shimen, seeing his daughter, expressed deep regret and told Cao Yanbing that the fire of hell never extinguishes, urging him to find Nan Yufu and bring him to the other world to face him. With that, Beiluo Shimen appeared to succumb, his eyes closing amidst Shuier's tearful cries. Xia Ling suddenly recalled that the Lingling Letter had reacted when Shuier touched it, displaying text. She deduced that Shuier was Beiluo Shimen's daughter.
Cao Yanbing then fully realized that Beiluo Shimen, whose real name was Bai Shimen, was the true master of the Bai family. This explained why he was the only one capable of subduing the Spirit Monkey and serving as a vessel for the Wushangguo, and why Nan Yufu had appointed him as a Zhenhun General of Yulin Street. He urged Xia Ling to give the Lingling Letter to Beiluo Shimen.
As the letter touched Beiluo Shimen, it glowed, displayed ancient script, and miraculously revived him. Beiluo Shimen awoke, apologizing to Shuier for her suffering, who, in turn, reassured him it wasn't his fault. Beiluo Shimen, now revived, readily agreed to join Cao Yanbing in confronting Nan Yufu to retrieve the Wushangguo and save the children. Cao Yanbing instructed Zhao Xin and Xia Ling to stay behind and protect Shuier and Dog, promising to find the Wushangguo to cure them.
He then discreetly warned Zhao Xin about the powerful entity locked within Xia Ling by the Lock Chain, emphasizing the importance of keeping her safe. Soon after they departed, Ziwei arrived at the prison, as ordered by Nan Yufu. Zhao Xin, recognizing her, told Xia Ling to take the children and hide, reiterating Cao Yanbing's warning not to awaken Li Xuan. . . , before confronting Ziwei himself.
Ziwei mocked Zhao Xin, stating she had no reservations about fighting women, unlike Cao Yanbing. As Cao Yanbing and Beiluo Shimen pressed on towards the main palace, they encountered Tianshi, who was guarding the path. Beiluo Shimen volunteered to handle Tianshi, allowing Cao Yanbing to proceed alone to settle accounts with Nan Yufu. Beiluo Shimen and Tianshi then engaged in a fierce battle, summoning their powerful guardian spirits, Stone Spirit and Dark Ox, respectively.
Meanwhile, Cao Yanbing was intercepted by Hattori, who summoned her guardian spirit, Shimazu Yoshihiro. Cao Yanbing unleashed his own guardian spirits, Xu Chu and Dian Wei, swiftly overpowering Hattori. Recognizing Cao Yanbing's Martial God Body, Hattori, in defeat, asked him to kill her. Cao Yanbing declined, stating that while he wished not to be her enemy, everyone has their own destiny, and he left her alive. Finally, Cao Yanbing reached the main hall and confronted Nan Yufu.
With confidence, Cao Yanbing demanded the Wushangguo and Ling Huai Zhi, and prepared to summon his guardian spirits for a swift battle. Nan Yufu, however, remained unfazed and scornful. He revealed that he was neither a Spirit User nor did he possess a guardian spirit, yet he showed no fear towards Cao Yanbing. Back in the prison, the battle between Zhao Xin and Ziwei intensified. Ziwei summoned her guardian spirit, Nokihime, while Zhao Xin called upon Xu Xiu.
Seeing Zhao Xin struggling and on the defensive, Xia Ling instinctively tried to intervene, inadvertently distracting him. This lapse allowed Ziwei to gain the upper hand, defeating Zhao Xin. Ziwei then used her power to violently restore Xia Ling's suppressed memories of the traumatic bus accident, causing Xia Ling immense anguish and reliving the nightmare of losing her mother and daughter.
Ziwei, relishing Xia Ling's pain, threatened to kill Shuier and Dog, aiming to recreate the past trauma before Xia Ling's eyes. Overwhelmed by fear and rage, Xia Ling's emotions surged, causing the Lock Chain on her arm to melt and break apart. In a burst of demonic energy, Li Xuan. . . emerged, in his uncontrolled, enraged form, and instantly obliterated Ziwei.
Episode 23 Recap
Zhao Xin awoke to the sight of a demonized Li Xuanyuan. He urged Xia Ling and the children (Shuier and Dog) to flee, warning Xia Ling that this was no longer her guardian spirit. However, Xia Ling adamantly refused to believe that Li Xuanyuan would harm her, declaring she wasn't afraid. The demonized Li Xuanyuan attacked Zhao Xin, then acknowledged he was not her guardian spirit but, out of respect for her physical form, would temporarily spare her life.
He vowed to kill everyone else present. As Xia Ling panicked, Xiang Kunlun arrived. Meanwhile, in the Nanshan Palace, Royal father used his power to transform yellow beans into soldiers, keeping Xu Chu and Dian Wei occupied. Cao Yanbing adopted a strategy of defeating and consuming the bean soldiers, eventually feeling full.
With waves of bean soldiers attacking, Cao Yanbing called for a halt, questioning Royal father's identity and noting that such a technique was beyond what a Spirit User could wield. Royal father dismissed the comment with a sneer, then scattered another type of bean, which transformed into a different kind of soldier. Cao Yanbing instantly recognized these new soldiers as those who had killed Yu Jin, despite them supposedly being dead.
Royal father chillingly remarked that though people die, their hatred endures, and the animosity between them had been sown long ago, even when Cao Yanbing was a child. He then revealed that the beans Cao Yanbing had consumed were poisonous. Xiang Kunlun defeated the demonized Li Xuanyuan and prepared to eliminate him permanently, considering him a dangerous anomaly. Xia Ling intervened, asserting that Li Xuanyuan was her guardian spirit and pleaded with Xiang Kunlun not to kill him.
She explained that Li Xuanyuan shared his body with a dangerous personality, but the good personality was her guardian spirit. She then stepped forward, imploring the demonized Li Xuanyuan to remember her, recalling the stories he had told her and the promises he had made. Li Xuanyuan, confronted by Xia Ling's words, began to recall his past life, including the tragic mistake of killing his beloved.
Moved by Xia Ling's emotional plea, he was purified, reverting to Qingfeng Li Xuanyuan, and returned to the spirit space. Witnessing this touching reunion, Xiang Kunlun, visibly moved, advised Xia Ling to be cautious about Li Xuanyuan's dangerous alternate personality before departing the prison. Soon after Xiang Kunlun's departure, Huangfu Longdou appeared, disguised as Gui Fu San Tong.
Xia Ling, relieved to see "Mr. Ghost" alive, was told by Gui Fu San Tong that he had faked his death due to Xiang Kunlun's overwhelming power. Gui Fu San Tong offered to heal Shuier and Dog, but insisted it couldn't be done there. He instructed Zhao Xin to take the two girls away. Gui Fu San Tong then asked Xia Ling if she would accompany them or go to Cao Yanbing, who was currently battling Royal father.
Shuier encouraged Xia Ling to go to Cao Yanbing, mentioning her own father was also with him. She asked Xia Ling to tell her father that she would recover and wait for him. Xia Ling, trusting Gui Fu San Tong, entrusted the children to him for their treatment. Meanwhile, Northern Division engaged Tian Shi in a fierce battle. Though Tian Shi was ultimately defeated, Northern Division spared his life, only to encounter Xiang Kunlun shortly after.
Back in the main hall, Cao Yanbing, despite having eaten the poisonous beans, used his Wushen Body's breath technique to narrowly defeat Royal father, demanding the No Fruit and the linghuai branch. Royal father, with a smirk, consumed the linghuai branch himself, transforming into a cloud of black mist and vanishing. Immediately, a coffin materialized in the main hall, and from it emerged Cao Yanbing's father, Cao Yanming.
Cao Yanbing was stunned, but Royal father's voice, now seemingly emanating from Cao Yanming, revealed that this was a carefully prepared "great gift." Royal father had possessed Cao Yanming's body, rendering Cao Yanbing unable to strike his own father, and leaving him severely wounded. Cao Yanbing, refusing to give up, demanded to know how Royal father achieved such a reanimation technique.
Royal father, amused by Cao Yanbing's curiosity, proclaimed he was not human but an old immortal, viewing all humans as mere insects. With that, Royal father delivered another crushing blow to Cao Yanbing. He then declared that he would face Cao Yanbing again once all seven of his guardian spirits were summoned.
Episode 24 (Ending) Recap
Cao Yanbing, recovering from his injuries, experienced a vivid flashback, remembering the childhood car accident that had seemingly taken his father, Cao Yanming. He realized it was a staged event orchestrated by Nanyu Fu, who had deliberately spared Cao Yanbing to serve as the guardian of the Spirit of Locust Tree, awaiting its Qi Ming. At this moment, the soul of the Ten Halls Yan Luo spoke to Cao Yanbing, revealing the truth about Nanyu Fu’s body.
The Ten Halls Yan Luo explained that Nanyu Fu was in fact Nanhua Old Immortal, who had taught Zhang Jiao the Way of Supreme Peace during the late Eastern Han Dynasty. He had seized and modified Cao Yanming’s body, implanting himself as a Spirit User within it.
As the Cao family possesses the "Martial God Body" gene, Nanyu Fu had also implanted the four generals known as the Four Pillars of Hebei, namely Yan Liang, Wen Chou, Zhang He, and Gao Lan, into Cao Yanming’s body. He then activated this mechanism using the power of the Linghuai Branch. Cao Yanbing, desperate to know if his father was alive, was told by the Hall Soul that Cao Yanming's fate hinged on whether he could defeat Nanyu Fu.
The Hall Soul urged Cao Yanbing that if he didn't want the world to fall into others' hands, he must claim it for himself. With this resolve, Cao Yanbing received a surge of powerful energy from the Hall Soul, instantly healing his wounds. Cao Yanbing confronted Nanyu Fu once more. Nanyu Fu scoffed, confident that Cao Yanbing's two guardian spirits, Xu Chu and Dian Wei, were no match for his Four Pillars of Hebei.
Cao Yanbing responded with a cold smirk, summoning not only Xu Chu and Dian Wei but also Xia Houdun and Xia Houyuan. The four Cao Wei generals engaged the Four Pillars of Hebei, while Cao Yanbing and Nanyu Fu unleashed their full capabilities. Ultimately, Cao Yanbing and his four guardian spirits triumphed over Nanyu Fu.
Surprised that Cao Yanbing, at such a young age, commanded four guardian spirits, Nanyu Fu was met with Cao Yanbing's boast that he possessed seven such spirits. Nanyu Fu expressed deep regret for not having claimed Cao Yanbing's body earlier. He launched a desperate assault, but Cao Yanbing delivered another decisive blow, obtaining the Linghuai Branch. With Nanyu Fu's defeat, Cao Yanming regained consciousness.
Just then, Xiang Kunlun appeared and took the Linghuai Branch from Cao Yanbing, informing him that Cao Yanming’s remaining time was scarce. He challenged Cao Yanbing to seek him out for a true battle once all seven of Cao Yanbing’s guardian spirits had awakened.
Meanwhile, Xia Ling and Beiluo Shimen arrived, inquiring about Cao Yanbing and confronting Xiang Kunlun about Nanyu Fu’s collusion with the Kingdom, his destruction of the Spirit of Locust Tree and the Bodhi Tree, and the theft of the Wushang Fruit. Xiang Kunlun directed them to Cao Yanbing, then departed. Cao Yanming, weak and aware of his impending death, called for Cao Yanbing to come closer. Reluctantly, Cao Yanbing relinquished the Linghuai Branch to be by his father's side.
Xiang Kunlun then met with Lv Xiangong. Lv Xiangong inquired about the whereabouts of the Wushang Fruit, to which Xiang Kunlun replied it was with Taiwei. Suddenly, Taiwei appeared before Xiang Kunlun, not only refusing to surrender the Wushang Fruit but also revealing his true identity as Ying Chengfeng, a Tiangang Dragon Rider. Xiang Kunlun was astonished that Ying Chengfeng was still alive and speculated that his years undercover with Nanyu Fu must have yielded significant information.
Cao Yanming, in his final moments, disclosed the Kingdom organization's conspiracy to Cao Yanbing, entrusting him with the care of his younger brother, Cao Xuanliang, before passing away peacefully. Simultaneously, Hattori located Ziwei, who was revealed to be Earl Nora's attendant. With two spiritual trees destroyed, Nora believed the Spiritual Realm, no matter how corrupt, would surely react, and with the Yuanzhuo Conference imminent, she foresaw an unavoidable war between the Kingdom and the Spiritual Realm.
Ying Chengfeng delivered the Wushang Fruit into the hands of Huangfu Longdou. Zhao Xin officially joined the Tiangang Dragon Riders as a new member. Huangfu Longdou expressed his anticipation for Cao Yanbing's future actions and instructed Ying Chengfeng and Zhao Xin to use the Wushang Fruit to revive Shuier and Gou'er. In Yulin Street, Cao Yanbing relayed the recent events to Beiluo Shimen and Xia Ling, and together they paid their respects at his father's grave.
Zhao Xin unexpectedly arrived to deliver a message from Huangfu Longdou, who was also known as Guifu Santong. Beiluo Shimen expressed a desire to see Shuier, but Zhao Xin regretfully refused. Cao Yanbing explained to Beiluo Shimen that Guifu Santong was merely an alias for Huangfu Longdou, the revered leader of the Tiangang Dragon Riders and once the strongest Spirit User.
He reassured Beiluo Shimen that Shuier and Gou'er were safe with the Tiangang Dragon Riders, as no one would dare harm them there, especially since Huangfu Longdou had promised to heal Shuier. Zhao Xin then conveyed Huangfu Longdou's message, likening Cao Yanbing to a stone thrown into the sea, whose ultimate ownership was less important than whether its initial ripple would escalate into a massive storm. With his message delivered, Zhao Xin bid farewell to the group.
Cao Yanbing recalled his father's dying revelation: Earl Nora, one of the Kingdom's Ten Knights, was the one who had stabbed his father from behind. The Kingdom's sinister objective was to destroy the twelve spiritual trees to establish a world populated solely by Spirit Users. His father implored Cao Yanbing to thwart this plot and prevent the Kingdom from succeeding. Beiluo Shimen then asked about Cao Yanbing's next move.
Cao Yanbing asserted that a hidden hand must be behind Nanyu Fu, and he was determined to uncover this mastermind and dismantle their conspiracy. With a shared commitment to protect their home, their companions, and their sense of justice, Xia Ling and Beiluo Shimen pledged their allegiance to Cao Yanbing. The three then embarked once more on their journey, heading into an unknown realm for their next adventure.
