Rattan Recap, Plot, Synopsis

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Rattan Synopsis

The young designer, Qin Fang, accidentally touches a mechanism on his way to find his roots and meets Rattan, who has been sleeping for decades.

In the process of forcing Qin Fang to help her to find the truth about her life, Rattan gradually feels the selfless love and help from Qin Fang and discovers the novelty and beauty of the world.

Bai Ying, who has become obsessed with love, has set many obstacles in the way of their growth together, and mysteries arise.

Rattan Recap

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Episode 1 Recap

In 1939, Si Teng, an elegant woman, was taken by a rickshaw to the remote Huamei Textile Mill warehouse. The driver, Jia San, stayed behind out of curiosity and witnessed Si Teng being murdered inside. Terrified, he inadvertently revealed his presence and was dragged into the warehouse by vines.

To save his life, Jia San agreed to the demands of a cloaked figure: he was to take Si Teng’s body to a place called Darna and have his family guard it for generations. Decades later, in 2020, Darna has become a popular tourist destination. On a bus, Qin Fang and his girlfriend An Man listen to a lecture by Bai Jin, an expert on ancient mysteries.

Bai Jin explains his theory of the "Tribe Yi": beings created when extraterrestrial genes from a crashed alien ship fused with Earth's plants, granting them human-like consciousness. He also mentions "super magnetic spheres," remnants of the ship with the power to destroy and regenerate the Yi. While An Man is intrigued, Qin Fang dismisses the stories.

His primary purpose in Darna is to find the descendants of the Jia family to repay a debt of gratitude, as their ancestor had saved his great-grandmother from a famine decades ago. They find the old Jia family house deserted, and a local elder confirms the family moved away long ago. Unable to find the benefactor's family, they check into a guesthouse. There, a man named Ma introduces himself, noting that An Man looks unwell.

Qin Fang attributes it to altitude sickness. In their room, An Man expresses her deep affection for Qin Fang before secretly leaving. She goes to another room where her ex-lover, Zhao Jianglong, is waiting. An Man pleads with him to let her go, promising to repay the money he spent on her and begging him not to reveal their past to Qin Fang. Enraged, Zhao Jianglong brutally attacks her.

Desperate, An Man escapes with an unconscious Qin Fang in her car. Haunted by the memory of stabbing Zhao Jianglong in self-defense during their struggle, she drives erratically. As she stops on a mountain road, another vehicle rams them, sending their car to the edge of a cliff. Men drag An Man out, demanding to know where Zhao Jianglong's "nine-eyed heavenly pearl" is.

An Man claims ignorance, but when they threaten Qin Fang, she lies that the item is in her cabinet. Disbelieving her, the men push the car, with Qin Fang still inside, over the cliff. Qin Fang is thrown from the car and impaled through the chest by a large branch. As he lies dying, he dreams of a mysterious woman in a white qipao. He awakens to find himself still impaled and unable to move.

At that moment, in Cangcheng Mountain, an elderly man named Yan Furui is startled by an explosion. A stone tablet in his courtyard has shattered, revealing a hidden book from his master. The book details the mission of their sect, the Xingyun Pavilion, to eradicate the Tribe Yi, and specifically describes Si Teng—a powerful and vicious rattan-like being whom his master claimed to have killed in 1946.

The master warned that if Si Teng ever revived, a strange anomaly would occur at the Pavilion. Just as Yan Furui reads this, his courtyard collapses, revealing a deep, dark well. Back at the cliff, Qin Fang watches in disbelief as a nearby plant rapidly grows and transforms into Si Teng, the woman from his dream. Her blood, mixed with his, has revived her. She approaches him and touches his chest, instantly healing the fatal wound.

Overwhelmed, Qin Fang tries to flee but is effortlessly pulled back by her. Si Teng asks for the current year, and upon learning it is 2020, she coolly informs him that she is his master now, and he must obey her every command. Reeling from the encounter, Qin Fang recalls the lecture about the Tribe Yi, realizing Si Teng fits the description. She immediately begins treating him as a servant, refusing the clothes he offers and demanding his shoes instead.

Recognizing that she is his savior, Qin Fang reluctantly complies. After they find new lodging, Si Teng makes another demand: a bath. As she prepares, she privately wonders who could have orchestrated her revival and brought her all the way to Darna.

Episode 2 Recap

Having spent many years in a state of dormancy, Si Teng awoke with little understanding of the modern world. Curious, she sought the quickest way to grasp current affairs. Qin Fang, in an attempt to enlighten her, pointed to a television set and offered to teach her how to use the remote control, but Si Teng haughtily refused his assistance. Seizing an opportunity, Qin Fang found a reason to leave.

He first attempted to call An Man, but her phone was off. Frustrated, he reached out to his close friend, Shan Zhigang, requesting him to go to An Man’s residence and ascertain her safety. If she was not there, Shan Zhigang was to inquire about her whereabouts from other friends. Qin Fang, still in Darna, promised to return as soon as he could secure a flight. Shan Zhigang agreed to help.

Qin Fang then purchased a train ticket for the soonest departure, regardless of destination, eager to return and ensure An Man's well-being. Before leaving the hotel, he noticed Si Teng was learning to use the TV. He offered to buy her food, but she stated that her kind did not eat. Qin Fang then explained the concept of money and left some for her, suggesting she was intelligent enough to figure things out.

Si Teng, however, saw through his pretense, pointing out his eagerness to leave. Qin Fang's escape was short-lived. As he rode in a taxi towards the station, he began to age rapidly, his face visibly transforming, alarming the driver and passersby. Horrified, he demanded the car stop and jumped out. He later called Shan Zhigang, who confirmed An Man was still not home but reassured him he was contacting her friends.

Qin Fang confessed to Shan Zhigang that he used to find life boring, contemplating only meals, but now realized "it's great to live." His will to survive pushed him to return to Darna. Upon his return to the hotel, his youthful appearance miraculously restored itself. Qin Fang, determined to understand his mysterious condition, tested the limits of his physical independence.

He discovered that he was inextricably linked to Si Teng; venturing too far from her caused him to rapidly age and nearly die. He returned to the hotel, fuming with frustration, while Si Teng calmly soaked her feet, unfazed. She revealed that she had known he would return, having foreseen his inability to leave her. Enraged, Qin Fang accused her of toying with him, but Si Teng remained indifferent.

She then laid down her terms, giving him five minutes to consider. She declared that his survival now depended entirely on her. She outlined two choices: follow her unconditionally, adhering to her every command—even to the point of kneeling if she so desired—or choose not to follow her, in which case he could walk away until he inevitably perished. Realizing his dire situation, Qin Fang conceded.

He began addressing her politely as "Ms. Si Teng" and was instructed to improve her mood. Meanwhile, An Man was being held captive by two men, Bro Dong and Bro Qi. Feigning a need to reassure worried family and buy time, she convinced them to let her use her phone.

She crafted a social media post, claiming she and Qin Fang were exploring the virgin forest of Darna where there was little to no signal, and that Qin Fang's phone was broken. The captors, believing this would buy them time to find a man named Zhao Jianglong and the "Heavenly Pearl," allowed her to post it, noting her shrewdness. Shan Zhigang, who had arrived at An Man's mother's house to inquire about her, saw the post.

While there, An Man's mother mentioned her daughter often talked to her "fragrant rattan." Intrigued, Shan Zhigang immediately offered to buy the plant. That night, Si Teng attempted to use her powers but found they had faltered. During a test, she inadvertently extended vines into a brazier. Instinctively, she knocked it over, igniting a larger blaze. Qin Fang returned to his room with a green plant, only to find Si Teng bewildered amidst the spreading flames.

He quickly pulled her and the plant out of the room. He sternly admonished her for playing with fire, explaining the dangers, then gave her some clothes to keep warm before rushing back to extinguish the fire. While Qin Fang was busy dealing with the fire's aftermath, An Man's captors were nearby, discussing their search for Zhao Jianglong in Darna's hospitals, meaning Qin Fang narrowly missed encountering them. Upon his return, he found Si Teng alone.

She unexpectedly asked him about his dream. Qin Fang expressed his desire to return to a normal life, free from his dependency on her, and to be a human again, not forced to hide like a dog. Si Teng revealed that legends suggested some of her kind could save humans, though at a great cost. She then admitted she was only a "half" being, implying her own weakened state.

She explained their fates were intertwined, comparing herself to the host's blood and bone and him to the parasite's hair and teeth; if she was not well, he could not be either. Si Teng then shared her own aspiration: she found Darna unpleasant and wished to return to her true home to become her complete self once more. Elsewhere, Yan Furui, a descendant of the Xuanmen, discovered a vine in a well.

Frightened, he sought assistance from Mr. Li Zhengyuan of Changming Academy. However, he was met by Wang Qiankun, who revealed that Li Zhengyuan was his grandmaster and had passed away years ago. Having understood his predicament, Qin Fang finally agreed to Si Teng's demands. She outlined five things she required. First, she needed to understand the modern world, which she conceded she was already handling.

Second, she needed a completely reliable person to execute her orders, accept her identity, and keep her secret. Qin Fang offered himself, and Si Teng reluctantly accepted, stating she had no other choice. As she laid out her terms, she mused that she found the idea of so many people losing sleep over her existence to be "truly wonderful."

Episode 3 Recap

Following his reluctant agreement to serve her, Qin Fang accompanies Si Teng to a shopping mall to buy her modern clothes. However, when a clerk suggests a coat made of calfskin and hare fur, Si Teng rebukes her for the cruelty to animals. Qin Fang smooths things over by claiming she is an environmentalist, and Si Teng ultimately chooses to stick with her preferred style, the cheongsam.

Qin Fang is struck by her beauty, remarking that he has never seen anyone wear the garment so elegantly. While Si Teng is trying on clothes, Qin Fang receives a disturbing call from his friend, Shan Zhigang, who has investigated An Man. Shan Zhigang reveals that An Man’s entire background is a fabrication: her university has no record of her, her friends are all recent acquaintances, and the couple posing as her family in her hometown are paid actors.

Despite the shocking revelation, Qin Fang insists on finding An Man, feeling responsible for bringing her to Darna. Later, while Qin Fang is in the restroom, Si Teng becomes fascinated by a claw machine. After watching a young boy play, she tries it herself but grows frustrated. She takes the boy's remaining coins, making him cry.

When Qin Fang returns, he is dismayed to see the scene and compensates the boy with a large number of coins, even managing to win a doll for Si Teng. To his surprise, Si Teng gently offers the doll to the child. Reflecting on her unfamiliarity with the world, Qin Fang muses that she is unlike the technologically advanced aliens from movies. Si Teng admits she has never seen a film.

This prompts Qin Fang to propose taking her to the city of Shenhai, painting a picture of a vibrant life with movies and parties. However, the topic sours Si Teng's mood, and she cynically declares all men untrustworthy, prompting a troubled Qin Fang to step outside for air. Outside, Qin Fang watches a group of men playing a game to pick up women, which painfully reminds him of his first meeting with An Man.

He intervenes, telling them to stop their irresponsible game, which leads to a tense confrontation. Just as a fight is about to break out, Si Teng appears, coolly defusing the situation by declaring, "He is my man." Afterward, she sternly reprimands Qin Fang for letting his personal feelings cause trouble, reminding him that they have a mission and cannot afford to waste time on "useless things." Though annoyed, Qin Fang concedes her point.

Meanwhile, An Man is being held captive by men forcing her to find someone named Zhao Jianglong. When one of her captors tries to assault her, her struggles alert his accomplice, who stops him, reminding him they need her. In her despair, An Man silently vows to survive and avenge Qin Fang. Qin Fang and Si Teng leave Darna and journey to Cangcheng Mountain.

During the drive, Qin Fang discovers Si Teng has an unexpected fear of insects, a weakness he finds amusing. She instructs him to find a man named Qiu Shan, a former Xuan Master. When Qin Fang asks for clarification, Si Teng explains the Xuan Sect was an organization of their past adversaries. At the same time, strange events are unfolding at Xingyun Pavilion on Cangcheng Mountain. Overnight, thick vines have grown out of a deep well.

A disciple named Yan Furui is alarmed, recalling his master's prophecy that such a phenomenon would signal Si Teng's revival. He tries to warn his junior, Wang Qiankun, who dismisses his concerns as superstitious nonsense. Yan Furui drags Wang Qiankun to the well and, in a panic, tries to cut the vines with a saw. Terrified, Wang Qiankun mistakes this as an attack and flees, colliding with Qin Fang as he arrives.

Yan Furui manages to calm Wang Qiankun down by invoking the name of Wang Qiankun's grand master, Li Zhengyuan. Hearing the name, Si Teng emerges from the shadows. She smoothly engages them by praising Li Zhengyuan's calligraphy, which she claims to have seen once. Privately, however, she tells Qin Fang that the man's handwriting was an unreadable mess and that she had once dismissed an elaborate letter from him by simply claiming she was illiterate.

Realizing Yan Furui is likely Qiu Shan’s disciple, Si Teng and Qin Fang follow the pair. Yan Furui leads Wang Qiankun into the well to inspect the vines, cutting a section to show him the thick, unusual green sap. Wang Qiankun remains skeptical, attributing it to natural causes. When they climb out, they find Si Teng and Qin Fang waiting. To prove her identity, Si Teng uses her powers, causing Wang Qiankun to faint from shock.

Si Teng then demands to know what Qiu Shan told his disciple about her. Yan Furui is terrified, but his fear escalates when his young apprentice, Wa Fang, appears. Thinking he needs to protect the boy, Yan Furui grabs a chainsaw and lunges forward, only to be tripped by a vine conjured by Si Teng. The saw narrowly misses Wa Fang, who is pulled to safety by Qin Fang. Si Teng restrains the hysterical Yan Furui with her vines.

Now compliant, Yan Furui explains that his master, Qiu Shan, simply vanished fifteen years ago. He produces a small booklet containing his master's records about Si Teng and, at her command, reads it aloud. The text describes her as "Si Teng, mutated in the southwest in 1910, originally a white rattan. Known as Ghost Rope. Poisonous, skilled at strangling, and vicious, even killing her own kind. . . Feared by the Xuan Sect. . .

Luckily, in 1946…" Si Teng cuts him off, demanding to know what happened in 1946. Yan Furui reads, "In 1946, Xuan Master Qiu Shan eliminated Si Teng in Shen." Her expression darkens, and she forces him to repeat the line over and over, her voice cold and sharp: "In 1946, Xuan Master Qiu Shan eliminated Si Teng in Shen."

Episode 4 Recap

Following up on the events in Dana, Qin Fang and Si Teng arrive at Mt. Cangcheng. Qin Fang questions the date on a stone tablet which reads, "Master Qiu Shan killed Si Teng in Shen in 1946," a contradiction to the 1939 date Si Teng had previously mentioned. Dismissing his question, Si Teng leads him into a hidden cave beneath the tablet, leaving Yan Furui and Wafang to stand guard over the unconscious Wang Qiankun.

Inside, Qin Fang finds an ancient tomb and a massive network of vines, realizing the cave was designed to suppress Si Teng. As she approaches, the vines retract into her body. Amidst them, she finds a lock of her own childhood hair, and with its reabsorption, her powers are fully restored. The next morning, Si Teng demonstrates her restored power on the newly awakened Wang Qiankun, who scoffs at her abilities as unscientific illusions.

She reveals that she has not placed a few bugs in him, but rather five of her own vines, which are composed of countless tiny fibers, and torments him with intense pain to prove her point. Having made her threat clear, she orders Yan Furui to take Wang Qiankun and gather the elders of the Xuan Sect at Mt. Cangcheng, stating she has a favor to ask. To Yan Furui's distress, she decides to keep Wafang with her as leverage.

A tearful Yan Furui entrusts Wafang to Qin Fang's care before departing. While Wang Qiankun, still in denial, resolves to get a medical check-up to disprove Si Teng's "magic," Yan Furui secretly hopes to find someone from Changming Academy who can help them. While Si Teng has Qin Fang find them a place to live, Wang Qiankun undergoes a hospital examination.

He triumphantly shows Yan Furui his clear X-rays, arguing Si Teng's methods are simply advanced hypnosis since no foreign objects were found. As Wang Qiankun dismisses the incident, Si Teng remotely renders him unconscious. A panicked Yan Furui carries him to Cang Hong, the president of the Xuan Sect.

Upon hearing that Si Teng, the Yi clan woman, has returned after more than seventy years, supposedly for revenge, Cang Hong is so shaken that he drops what he is holding and collapses into his chair. Qin Fang rents a large house for Si Teng and Wafang. While he settles the arrangements, Wafang expresses his fear of Si Teng, who playfully threatens to eat him. Qin Fang reassures the boy, suggesting Si Teng is not as bad as she seems.

He is intrigued by her ability to attract fish without bait and learns she is an architect. When Wafang gets hungry, Qin Fang orders takeout, knowing Si Teng does not eat human food. His attempt to offer her fresh soil is met with a cold glare. Instead, she demands he buy high-quality satin and sewing tools, as she finds modern clothes too coarse and intends to make her own.

Elsewhere, Cang Hong struggles to contact the scattered descendants of the Xuan Sect, lamenting the clan's decline. Yan Furui calls Qin Fang to check on Wafang, while in the background, he tends to a recovering Wang Qiankun, urging him to drink something for his "Rattan Kill" condition, which Wang Qiankun still dismisses as "science fiction."

Xuan Sect members from all walks of life—including an internet celebrity named Bai Jin and a real estate agent named Pan Qinian—gather at Cang Hong's summons. Yan Furui is skeptical that this motley crew can stand against the formidable Si Teng. Cang Hong introduces Yan Furui, who confirms that Si Teng has been revived. He then relays her ultimatum: the "Rattan Kill" in Wang Qiankun will attack his heart in ten days.

If the Xuan Sect cannot find a cure by the ninth day, they must all go to Mt. Cangcheng and beg for her help. If they refuse, she will visit each of them personally. The demand sparks outrage, but Cang Hong reminds them that with only three days left, Wang Qiankun's life is on the line. He questions Si Teng's true motive, wondering what she could possibly want from them if not revenge.

As the group discusses how to save Wang Qiankun, Bai Jin, who has extensively researched the Yi clan, steps forward. He theorizes that they are not aliens, but an evolution of Earth's plants, formed when residual alien genes from a crashed spaceship merged with local flora. He compares them to humans with advanced psionic abilities, suggesting they are simply an advanced form of evolution.

He explains that Si Teng's signature strangling power is likely an amplification of a vine's natural characteristic and asserts that her abilities are not limitless. If they can understand her, they can defeat her. Bai Jin’s analysis renews the group’s confidence, though Yan Furui later privately tells Qin Fang that Si Teng’s most frightening aspect is not her power, but her heart.

Back at the house, Wafang tries to befriend Si Teng by offering her a small green worm as a gift. She recoils in disgust, and Qin Fang quickly intervenes, taking the boy away. Alone, Si Teng reflects on her new existence. She believes that if she has been revived, another person like her must also be alive somewhere. Frustrated that this person has not come to find her, she concludes that she has no choice but to rely on the Xuan Sect to help locate this mysterious individual.

Episode 5 Recap

After nine days of fruitless discussions, the assembled Xuan Sect members still had no solution for Wang Qiankun’s Rattan Kill. A frustrated Yan Furui called Qin Fang, suggesting they bring Wang Qiankun to Si Teng for help, reasoning that she likely didn't truly want him dead. After the call, Yan Furui smirked, pleased with his deceptive performance, confident he had fooled Qin Fang and could now catch Si Teng's party off guard with a plan of his own.

While Qin Fang was on the phone, Wafang attempted to prank Si Teng with a cup of overly salty tea. Seeing through the trick, Si Teng playfully painted on the boy's face with an ink brush, making him cry. When Qin Fang arrived, he misunderstood the situation and chided Si Teng. Thinking she was offering the tea as an apology, he drank it himself and was choked by the salt.

Realizing Wafang was the culprit, Qin Fang conceded that the boy deserved Si Teng's teasing. Yan Furui learned that the family of an elderly woman named Huang Cuilan possessed a method to relieve the Rattan Kill. The story was that Qiu Shan himself had sought assistance from her father, Huang Yu, before his famed defeat of Si Teng.

The family’s secret method was passed down only to females and was nearly lost, but Huang Cuilan, now over eighty, was still lucid. News that she had confirmed the Rattan Kill "can be relieved" gave the Xuan Sect confidence. Privately, Si Teng informed Qin Fang that her powers were severely damaged and instructed him to keep it a secret from the visiting Xuan Sect members.

She explained that while manipulating vines was simple, she needed to conserve her energy for recuperation and currently possessed almost no powers. Despite the risk of provoking the Xuan Sect, she believed that "wealth comes from danger" and intended to leverage their fear to force them to grant "a request." Meanwhile, Shan Zhigang reported to Qin Fang on his investigation in Darna.

He found only one notable incident: a ceramics merchant from Li Town named Zhao Jianglong was hospitalized for a self-inflicted wound. Elsewhere, An Man, now with two male captors, assured them the "goods" they were after were hidden inside the wound Zhao Jianglong had given himself, and she knew he would still be in Li Town. During their downtime, Si Teng asked Qin Fang about his girlfriend, An Man, prompting him to recall the events before his accident.

He remembered An Man growing worried after a "Mr. Ma" appeared and then insisting he drink water, which he now suspected was drugged. Si Teng mused that both "Mr. Ma" and "An Man" were likely fake names. Concurrently, Shan Zhigang's investigation uncovered An Man's real identity as An Xiaoting, a former mistress of Zhao Jianglong who had once fled with his money.

Shan Zhigang theorized An Man had schemed with an accomplice to blackmail Qin Fang in Darna, but a conflict between them led to her disappearance. Qin Fang, however, told him to drop the investigation. The Xuan Sect members took Wang Qiankun into a room for treatment. Yan Furui, who admitted to knowing no Xuan Sect skills despite being Qiu Shan's disciple, waited outside with Bai Jin, a fellow member who was live-streaming for "storytelling material."

Yan Furui expressed his confusion to Bai Jin: if the Rattan Kill could be cured, what was Si Teng’s motive for using it? Suddenly, screams erupted from the room. They rushed in to find several Xuan Sect masters collapsing and bleeding, poisoned by the vine they were trying to remove. Bai Jin immediately put Si Teng on speakerphone to confront her.

Si Teng retorted by asking why they had ignored the message she sent via Yan Furui, in which she stated she simply had "a request." She advised them to remain calm to avoid aggravating the poison, noting she had intentionally not used a lethal dose. Si Teng then declared her intention to host a dinner, which the horrified masters assumed was a "last meal." Si Teng dismissed their fears, stating she had no interest in harming them.

The eldest master, Cang Hong, suggested they call Huang Cuilan, reasoning that since she knew the cure, she might have more insight into Si Teng's past. Over the phone, Huang Cuilan revealed a shocking truth. Qiu Shan, despite his talent, was shunned by the class-conscious Xuan Sect for his humble origins. Driven by resentment, he secretly engineered Si Teng’s mutation, intending to use her as a puppet.

He orchestrated fake monster uprisings for him to publicly suppress, thereby gaining fame and fortune. Huang Cuilan explained Qiu Shan’s contradictory nature: he despised Si Teng as a "lower race" yet relied on her for his ascent, treating her with extreme cruelty and confining her to a cage with animals as a child.

When a more mature Si Teng fell in love with a young man, Qiu Shan, seeing it as an abomination, deliberately forced her to reveal her true form in front of her beloved. Despite her desperate pleas for a second chance, he coldly reminded her she was nothing but a "lowly thing." Shortly after, Qiu Shan, now famous, prepared for his induction into the prestigious Mt. Changming sect.

But at the peak of his life, he was publicly disgraced when an anonymous letter was read aloud, denouncing him as a "despicable person" who was ineligible to join because he had raised "one of Tribe Yi"—a revelation considered a profound "disgrace for the Xuan Sect."

Episode 6 Recap

On the day Qiu Shan was to receive his grand appointment, Si Teng sought out Xuan Sect masters who opposed him, offering to reveal a secret that would lead to his eternal disgrace within the sect, provided they lifted the spell he had cast to restrain her. Though reluctant to cooperate with a Tribe Yi member, the masters feigned agreement, secretly planning to eliminate Si Teng after she exposed Qiu Shan.

However, Si Teng cunningly unleashed the Rattan Kill during the ensuing chaos, catching many masters off guard. Shen Cuiqiao, Yan Furui's great-grandshifu, was severely wounded when the Rattan Kill took effect as she pursued Si Teng, and she tragically died before reaching thirty years of age. Recognizing his diminishing influence, Qiu Shan swore before the masters that he, who had created Si Teng, would also be the one to destroy her.

He relentlessly pursued Si Teng until 1946, when the masters, taking advantage of her weakened state after childbirth, finally killed her. The fate of Si Teng's child remains unknown, and the exact method by which Qiu Shan mutated Si Teng also vanished with him after his disappearance from the Xuan Sect. Meanwhile, An Man, accompanied by her two associates, located Zhao Jianglong in his heavily guarded private hospital room.

Recognizing the impossibility of an immediate move, An Man proposed waiting for him to be discharged and return home, a suggestion that earned her Dong Ge's trust. She further manipulated Dong Ge, thanking him for protecting her from another associate, Qi Ge, and feigning fear to secure Dong Ge's continued protection. She told Dong Ge that she knew her relationship with Qin Fang was over and that she just wanted to find a proper life for herself.

At the same time, Shan Zhigang was in Li Town, where he encountered An Man. An Man was visibly agitated upon learning from him that Qin Fang was alive, but Shan Zhigang coldly relayed Qin Fang's message: he wished to never have met her and for her to disappear from his life.

Realizing she had lost their trust, An Man resolved to pursue her own agenda, declaring her intention to seize both the lives of her targets and the Nine-Eyed Dzi Bead. Qin Fang's lingering concern for An Man's safety earned him the label "hopeless fool" from Si Teng. Si Teng also highlighted Shan Zhigang's questionable behavior, pointing out that despite Qin Fang's warning to stay away from An Man, Shan Zhigang neglected their joint company to actively investigate her.

Si Teng expressed surprise that their company had not yet failed. Separately, Shen Yindeng sought out Yan Furui, subtly probing him about Qin Fang's relationship with Si Teng. She questioned if Qin Fang was just a normal person, expressing surprise that Si Teng, who was not easily credulous, would trust him. She also informed Yan Furui that she would not be joining them for the next day's gathering, indicating she had her own plans.

The following day, as the Xuan masters gathered at the restaurant, Si Teng took her time applying makeup, much to Qin Fang's exasperation. He urged her to hurry, but Si Teng insisted on her own pace, citing basic social etiquette. Upon their eventual arrival, the waiting masters, despite their impatience, stood up in deference. Si Teng declared her disinterest in forming new enmities with the Xuan Sect.

She then directly posed a question: had any of them, over the years, encountered other members of the Yi Tribe, specifically powerful ones akin to herself, not minor entities? She granted them three days to provide an answer, threatening that if they failed, she would have no reason to live and would take them all with her, suggesting they could play mahjong together in the underworld.

After this demand, Si Teng and Qin Fang retired to another room, where they used a micro camera to observe the masters' reactions, with Si Teng privately noting their simplicity and lack of vigilance. Later, while touching up her makeup, Si Teng detected a hidden camera. Qin Fang, following her gaze, immediately understood and pursued a fleeing figure.

He tackled a woman but was momentarily entranced by her gaze, experiencing a vivid memory of his deceased former girlfriend, Chen Wan, whom he had personally buried seven years prior. When he recovered, the woman had vanished. Qin Fang, deeply shaken, returned to the room, still hallucinating Chen Wan's presence. Si Teng calmly informed him the woman was Shen Yindeng, remarking on the classic espionage tactic being used against her.

Qin Fang, struggling to reconcile the resemblance, asked Si Teng if it was possible for two unrelated people to look identical, prompting Si Teng's curiosity about Shen Yindeng's striking resemblance to Qin Fang's deceased friend. Having escaped, Shen Yindeng rejoined the other Xuan masters. She immediately began to sow discord, twisting Qin Fang's earlier words to Si Teng about vengeance into a narrative that Si Teng was set on retribution.

When Bai Jin of the Jinling Bais suggested letting past grievances go, Shen Yindeng scoffed, asserting that the Bais could not truly understand her pain. She then revealed the full extent of the blood feud between Si Teng and her Sword Cave: Si Teng, out of hatred for Shen Yindeng's great-grandmother, had placed a curse that caused subsequent generations of Shen women to die in childbirth before the age of thirty.

This curse had led to the near-loss of their sect's oral traditions, effectively destroying the Sword Cave's lineage. Shen Yindeng proclaimed Si Teng treacherous and vowed to kill her, not just for herself, but for the baby she was carrying, a revelation that stunned Bai Jin and the other masters. Later, Yan Furui brought Si Teng various tonics, earnestly apologizing for his master Qiu Shan's past actions and even offering his own life to atone for the debt.

Si Teng, though initially dismissive of his offer and calling him useless, quickly pivoted, instructing him to move in with Cang Hong's group and act as her spy. Though hesitant at first, citing his lack of fortitude, Yan Furui eventually agreed. Si Teng also showed kindness to Wafang, providing him with snacks and fashioning a swing from rattan, completely winning over the boy, who began to affectionately call her "aunt."

Qin Fang also privately approached Yan Furui, asking him to secretly take a photo of Shen Yindeng for an important personal reason, promising to delete it after one look. Yan Furui agreed, considering it practice for his new role as a spy. Meanwhile, Shen Yindeng sought out Bai Jin, expressing her concern that Si Teng, unlike other Yi, did not seem to lose her powers after childbirth. She speculated if it was due to Qiu Shan's mutation method or cannibalism.

Bai Jin responded with vague answers, admitting that while both were possibilities, there was no proof. Shen Yindeng explained that understanding a strong enemy improved one's chances of victory. Bai Jin then subtly probed her, remarking that she would surely emerge unharmed, just as she had successfully detoxified the Rattan Kill in the past. Shen Yindeng, visibly flustered, quickly denied any special ability and departed. That night, Qin Fang was plagued by a dream of Chen Wan.

She appeared to him, reminding him she had been dead for seven years, asking if he still remembered her, and pleading for him to retrieve her from the cold pond, leaving him restless.

Episode 7 Recap

Pondering Si Teng's detachment from human emotions, Qin Fang asked if she had ever loved someone. Si Teng dismissed the notion, comparing it to loving a tree, as their species were different. She found humans fragile, timid, foolish, and short-lived, making it inconceivable for her to fall for one. Qin Fang, realizing his own current state wasn't entirely human, began to grasp her perspective.

To help Si Teng integrate into modern society, he devised a plan to get her an ID card. He led her to a police station, spinning a tale that Si Teng was an unregistered person from the mountains who now sought an identity to pursue a normal life and a relationship with him. Though initially irked by his audacious claims, Si Teng grudgingly went along.

At the police station, a strict officer instructed Si Teng to remove her earrings, hairpin, and makeup before her ID photo was taken. Later, Cang Hong arrived to visit Si Teng, informing her that the Xuan Sect had found clues about a Kari, believed to be near Yunxi Village. Si Teng demanded concrete evidence and then pressed Cang Hong about the exact circumstances of her demise seventy years prior.

Cang Hong, though surprised, recounted how the three masters—Qiu Shan, Li Zhengyuan, and Huang Yu—had tracked Si Teng down using a seven-star stone disk and attacked her when she was vulnerable after childbirth. Qiu Shan had then attempted to incinerate her remains with lightning but, to his bewilderment, they could not be refined. Cang Hong recalled Si Teng vowing to return from amidst the flames. After Cang Hong's departure, a shocked Qin Fang questioned Si Teng about having a child.

Si Teng, in turn, expressed her own bewilderment as to why a woman would knowingly remain with a deceitful man and bear his child, concluding it was an act of foolishness, not love. Meanwhile, Shen Yindeng grew frustrated with the other Xuan Sect members' timidness and proposed a scheme to lure Si Teng to her ancestral home, Yunxi Village, to set a trap. Yan Furui, who was nearby trying to gather information, failed to overhear the details of their plot.

He later learned from Bai Jin and Wang Qiankun about a deep-seated enmity between Shen Yindeng's ancestors and Si Teng; Si Teng had allegedly killed Shen Yindeng's ancestor, Shen Cuiqiao, and placed a curse on the women of their family to die during childbirth. Later, Yan Furui tried to secretly photograph Shen Yindeng but was caught. Startled, he inadvertently implicated Qin Fang before Shen Yindeng deleted the photo and left.

At that moment, Qin Fang was relaying Cang Hong's information about Yunxi Village to a skeptical Si Teng. When Yan Furui arrived to speak with her, Qin Fang noticed Shen Yindeng and followed her, leaving Yan Furui to talk to Si Teng. Yan Furui cautiously warned Si Teng not to betray the Xuan Sect.

Angered by the implication, Si Teng's sharp reaction frightened Yan Furui into blurting out what he had heard about her killing Shen Cuiqiao and cursing the Shen family women. Si Teng flew into a rage, smashing a teapot and vehemently denying the use of such a petty method. However, upon reflection, she conceded that the "old" Si Teng might have been capable of such an act. Dismissing the bewildered Yan Furui, she stormed off to find Qin Fang.

Qin Fang had pursued Shen Yindeng, only for her to vanish and then reappear behind him. As he turned, her eyes flashed with a purple light, nearly putting him in a trance. Si Teng arrived just in time, reprimanding Shen Yindeng for her discourtesy. Arrogant and unrepentant, Shen Yindeng departed.

Yan Furui followed, attempting to mediate, but having misunderstood Si Teng's earlier outburst, he mistakenly told Shen Yindeng that Si Teng had admitted to the curse, which only hardened her resolve. Fuming at Qin Fang's private meeting with Shen Yindeng, Si Teng pressed him for an explanation. He revealed that Shen Yindeng looked and sounded exactly like his deceased first love, Chen Wan. Seeing that his relationship with An Man was over, Si Teng acknowledged that his reaction was understandable.

However, she continued to admonish him like a junior, which he found awkward. As he turned to leave, Si Teng observed his profile and was struck by his resemblance to a man from her past, calling out his name abruptly. Her curiosity piqued, Si Teng demanded Qin Fang investigate his great-grandfather, specifically requesting old letters to examine his handwriting. Bewildered, Qin Fang's questions were silenced by her intense glare.

That night, he had a nightmare that Si Teng and his great-grandfather had shared a romantic past. The next morning, he gave her photos from his family's old house. Examining them, Si Teng confirmed to herself that the man was not Shao Yankuan but kept this to herself. Instead, she teased Qin Fang, remarking that by seniority, he should address her as "Great-Grand-Aunt." Annoyed, Qin Fang turned and left.

Episode 8 Recap

Shen Yindeng presented a plan to the Xuan Sect members, explaining that a terrifying, umbrella-shaped Tribe Yi named Chisan had appeared near Yunxi Village about three hundred years ago. The Shen family ancestors, in alliance with Xuan Sect masters, managed to break one of Chisan's arms, severely injuring him before he fled. Shen Yindeng then claimed to have personally encountered Chisan a few months prior in the Blackback Mountains.

Despite being outmatched, she asserted that she used a secret Shen family method to inflict a serious injury on Chisan, causing his blood to drip into the soil. She suggested collecting this blood-soaked soil to present to Si Teng as proof. Bai Jin expressed skepticism, doubting a mere handful of soil would convince Si Teng.

Shen Yindeng became agitated, reminding them that she had provided a potential location of a Tribe Yi and warning that indecisiveness would lead to their demise from the Rattan Kill. She framed their situation as a "bet," desperate to confront Si Teng about her past "ignoble" actions. Witnessing her fierce determination, the other Xuan Sect members began to waver. Later, while preparing for a live stream, Bai Jin was interrupted by Wafang.

Bai Jin offered Wafang candy, but the boy refused, stating his Shifu told him not to accept things from strangers, though he readily accepts food from Si Teng. Annoyed, Bai Jin tried to send Wafang away. However, remembering Wafang was going to see Si Teng, Bai Jin decided to frighten him with a terrifying tale of Chisan, describing the monster as a creature with a large, UFO-like head and a thin body that devours disobedient children.

A frightened Wafang called Bai Jin a liar and ran off. He then found Si Teng practicing calligraphy and asked her to teach him how to write. As Si Teng patiently showed him, Qin Fang captured the heartwarming interaction in a sketch. Wafang, marveling at the sketch, asked Qin Fang to draw the Chisan monster Bai Jin had described. Upon hearing the name "Chisan," Si Teng paused, her expression turning pensive. Soon after, Wafang returned to the hotel.

That evening, Yan Furui went for a walk, leaving Wafang asleep in their room. Meanwhile, the Xuan Sect members were cultivating when Cang Hong sensed an anomaly. Stepping out of his room, he was ambushed and severely injured. The others gathered, concluding a Tribe Yi was responsible and vowing to fight back. Witnessing the aftermath, Yan Furui was terrified. The Xuan Sect members, preoccupied, sent him back to his room.

Upon returning, he was horrified to find Wafang missing and the door unlocked. Security camera footage revealed no one entering or leaving the room. An exhaustive all-night search yielded nothing. The next morning, Shen Yindeng learned of Wafang's disappearance and deliberately reminded Yan Furui of when Si Teng had previously detained Wafang. Convinced by her insinuation, a distraught Yan Furui rushed to confront Si Teng, with Wang Qiankun pursuing him.

However, after Wang Qiankun reasoned that an arrogant person like Si Teng would abduct someone openly, not stealthily, Yan Furui calmed down. Just then, Shen Yindeng and the Xuan Sect members arrived with the soil they claimed was soaked in Chisan's blood. Si Teng inspected the foul-smelling soil but remained noncommittal, stating it was "hard to tell" and that she "knows clearly whether it's true or not."

She instructed them to await her decision, leaving them to suspect she was distrustful of their intentions. Unwilling to wait, Shen Yindeng sent a message to Qin Fang, requesting a private meeting. After getting Si Teng's permission, Qin Fang left. Si Teng then called out Yan Furui, who was lingering nearby. Yan Furui tearfully revealed that he had found Wafang as an abandoned baby on Mt. Cangcheng and raised him.

Si Teng provocatively suggested that perhaps Wafang was a Tribe Yi who had run away, a notion Yan Furui vehemently rejected. Moved by his anguish, Si Teng agreed to investigate Wafang's disappearance at the hotel. Shortly after, Qin Fang called, asking Yan Furui to bring his wallet. Annoyed with Shen Yindeng, Si Teng refused to let him, declaring that Shen Yindeng should pay. While handling the wallet, Si Teng found a photograph of Chen Wan, Qin Fang's first love.

She noted that Shen Yindeng was an exact likeness of Chen Wan, from her appearance down to her voice. This uncanny resemblance made Si Teng feel that "something's wrong," and a smile of realization crossed her face. When Qin Fang called again, Si Teng's mind had changed. She spoke directly to Shen Yindeng, informing her that she would go to Yunxi Village immediately. Meanwhile, the injured Cang Hong designated his disciple, Wang Qiankun, to lead the Xuan Sect.

To cement his authority, Cang Hong presented Wang Qiankun with a weapon called Han Lao Yuan Tie. With Cang Hong's endorsement and Bai Jin's support, the others reluctantly agreed to follow Wang Qiankun. That night, Si Teng searched the hotel but found no trace of Wafang. She privately told Qin Fang she believed Wafang was dead and asked him to gently break the news to Yan Furui, promising she would find a way to resolve the situation.

Saddened and resolute, Si Teng vowed to find Chisan and avenge Wafang. On the way to Yunxi Village, Qin Fang expressed his fear that the Xuan Sect had laid a trap. In response, Si Teng cut a lock of her hair and instructed him to carry it whenever he met Shen Yindeng. Qin Fang found the gesture unsettling, but Si Teng insisted.

He then admitted his own unease, stating that Shen Yindeng's identical appearance and voice to his first love made him feel "scared" and that something was wrong. Si Teng scoffed, reminding him of his previous apparent admiration for her.

Episode 9 Recap

In Yunxi Village, Shen Yindeng orchestrated a complex plan to ensnare Si Teng. Wang Qiankun, dispatched by his master to oversee the operations, ventured into a peculiar underground cavern where Shen Yindeng was directing workers to construct what she claimed was Chi San's lair. Wang Qiankun, believing Shen Yindeng to be pregnant and commendably diligent, urged her to rest.

Shen Yindeng skillfully played into his concern, feigning exhaustion and expressing fear of not living to see her child, which solidified Wang Qiankun's resolve to assist her against Si Teng. Shen Yindeng later confessed to a worker that her pregnancy was a fabrication. Meanwhile, Qin Fang arrived in Yunxi Village and messaged his friend Shan Zhigang, who smiled subtly but did not reply. Shan Zhigang traveled to an apartment building and located Zhao Jianglong's residence.

Posing as a downstairs neighbor, he claimed water was leaking from his ceiling. As Zhao Jianglong, who had just been discharged from the hospital, began to speak, the voice of An Man was heard outside. Panicked, Zhao Jianglong quickly concealed his wife and pulled Shan Zhigang into a closet with them just as An Man and two brothers, Zhou Ge and Qi Ge, burst through the door.

An Man immediately confronted Zhao Jianglong, demanding to know the whereabouts of the Nine-Eyed Heaven Pearl. Zhao Jianglong attempted to deflect, accusing An Man of possessing the pearl and having stabbed him. An Man vehemently denied this, revealing her realization that Zhao Jianglong had faked the severity of his own stabbing to hide the pearl in his wound. When Zhao Jianglong continued to refuse, he was brutally beaten into unconsciousness.

His wife, still hidden with Shan Zhigang, wanted to intervene but was restrained by Shan Zhigang. Early the next morning, Yan Furui awoke to find Shen Yindeng's husband meticulously crafting silver ornaments. He inquired about the whereabouts of Shen Yindeng and their guests, and the husband explained they had likely gone to Black Back Mountain, where Shen Yindeng's mother and grandmother were buried.

He further detailed that the area was notorious for red glowing soil and the mysterious disappearances of herbalists. Qin Fang, upon learning this, grew suspicious, expressing to Si Teng that their progress seemed unnervingly smooth, as if a trap had been meticulously laid. Si Teng, however, remained unperturbed. Elsewhere, Bai Jin attempted to reason with Shen Yindeng, suggesting that the truth behind Wafang's fate might be a misunderstanding.

Shen Yindeng firmly rejected this, citing Si Teng's past killings of Xuan Sect members. Yan Furui, overhearing their conversation, concurred with Bai Jin, stating his disbelief that Si Teng could harm Wafang and recalling a memory of Si Teng playfully but firmly making Wafang do math problems, a testament to her affection for the boy. Back at Zhao Jianglong's apartment, the search continued. An Man briefly opened the closet, saw Shan Zhigang, and quickly closed it, denying anyone was inside.

However, Qi Ge soon discovered them. Zhao Jianglong’s wife immediately fled, only to be pushed off the balcony by Qi Ge. Miraculously, a surge of vine-like energy, emanating from Shan Zhigang, caught her, bringing her safely to the ground. Shan Zhigang then unleashed a powerful force, knocking Qi Ge unconscious. Inside, Zhou Ge was brutally beating An Man. Shan Zhigang intervened, restraining Zhou Ge. However, Zhao Jianglong, regaining consciousness, seized a knife and stabbed An Man.

Shan Zhigang swiftly subdued both men and rushed the severely wounded An Man to the hospital. Qin Fang received an urgent call from Shan Zhigang, who frantically informed him of An Man's critical condition, explaining she was hurt because of her affection for Qin Fang. Distressed, Qin Fang told Si Teng he needed to leave. Si Teng refused to accompany him, stressing the critical juncture of their mission.

As Xuan Sect members arrived to report on a "cave," Qin Fang was overheard on the phone by Shen Yindeng, expressing uncertainty about his return. Shen Yindeng approached him, questioning his servitude to Si Teng and offering the Xuan Sect's aid. As he tried to leave, she conjured an illusion of Chen Wan, his deceased fiancée. He was momentarily caught in the vision, expressing his regret over their lack of a proper farewell.

Protected by the strand of Si Teng's hair he carried, he saw through the deception, but the experience solidified his resolve not to repeat his past mistakes. He then asked Shan Zhigang on the phone to hold the receiver to An Man's ear. Qin Fang told her he understood and forgave her, promising to return and urging her to hold on.

He added that if he didn't make it back, it would mean he had "gone first," hinting at the grave danger he faced by leaving Si Teng's side. Despite Qin Fang's decision, Si Teng did not stop him. He explained his departure was for himself, to avoid living with the regret of an unspoken goodbye as he had with Chen Wan. Si Teng questioned his feelings for An Man, but he struggled to articulate them.

She dismissed him, remarking that if she happened upon his grave and had time, she might visit. Before departing, Qin Fang left behind cash and a bank card with no password, advising her to hire an assistant. He also issued a grave warning about Shen Yindeng's unsavory methods and their past animosity. Si Teng scoffed, interpreting his concern as a ploy to make her follow him.

As a final gesture, Qin Fang left a pair of flat shoes, suggesting heels were unhealthy. Left alone, Si Teng picked up a notebook with a drawing of herself and Wafang, reflecting quietly. Qin Fang, meanwhile, visibly weakened as he continued his journey alone. Later, Si Teng swiftly pursued Qin Fang, catching up to him just as he was on the verge of collapsing.

Episode 10 Recap

Having been saved from the brink of death, Qin Fang was astonished to see Si Teng appear before him, but also relieved and grateful. He confessed that while he had hoped she would come, he also feared she would leave him to die, as she might have in the past. He added that he wouldn't stay with someone so heartless if she still didn't care after all they'd been through.

Si Teng cut him short, urging him to hurry as An Man was in critical condition. She then outlined her plan: she had told Wang Qiankun she would be gone for five days, but they would secretly return to Yunxi Village in three. This deception would buy them time for a two-day trip to Yuhang and a one-day trip to Shenhai. Si Teng instructed Qin Fang to investigate a man named Shao Yankuan in Shenhai, providing an address.

When Qin Fang speculated this was her former lover, Si Teng curtly dismissed the guess. Despite his worries about the delay, she reassured him she had reliable eyes and ears watching things in their absence. During a flashback, Si Teng is seen revealing crucial discoveries to Yan Furui. She explained that certain hallucinogenic fungi can cause visions, making ordinary people appear as terrifying monsters.

She stated that Shen Yindeng used this method, a power of the Yi Tribe and not a Xuan Sect technique, to manipulate Qin Fang's mind, causing him to see her as his deceased girlfriend, Chen Wan. Si Teng also noted that Shen Yindeng was suspiciously unharmed by the Rattan Kill at Longlight Mountain.

She reasoned that while she had severely injured Shen Cuiqiao, she hadn't killed her; a plausible way for someone to maintain a hidden identity at the Suspended Sword Cave was to fake their death during childbirth and continue their life through the newborn. Si Teng directly accused Shen Yindeng of being Shen Cuiqiao's killer and confirmed her identity as an Yi Tribe member.

She revealed that the "blood mud of Chisan" was genuine because it was made from Shen Yindeng's own blood, exposing Shen Yindeng as Chisan herself. Finally, Si Teng delivered the devastating news that Shen Yindeng, as Chisan, was the one who killed Wafang, leaving Yan Furui overcome with grief. Elsewhere, Shen Yindeng marveled at Si Teng's power, congratulating herself for luring her with the blood mud.

She recalled taking Wafang away when she was weakened from bloodletting and vowed to be ruthless if Si Teng continued to interfere. Upon arriving in Yuhang, Qin Fang rushed to the hospital to find An Man on her deathbed. Overwhelmed with guilt for having previously scolded her, he could only offer muttered apologies. An Man weakly acknowledged his presence before passing away. Later, a heartbroken Qin Fang watched a video message she had left him.

In it, she confessed her deep affection, her struggle to become the person he wanted, and her realization she could only be An Xiaoting, not An Man. She thanked him for their time together, which she called the most heartfelt period of her life. As Qin Fang broke down in tears in the rain, Si Teng appeared, conjuring a vine umbrella to shelter him and offering a bowl of instant noodles.

Sensing his dismay, she told him a parable about a rattan that, after being severed from the great tree it depended on, had to learn to survive on its own, emphasizing that the living must find new purpose rather than clinging to the past. Surprised by Si Teng's uncharacteristic attempt to comfort him, Qin Fang noted her deliberate change of subject to his family's old mansion.

He explained his great-grandfather's family in Yuhang had prospered from the silk industry, even contracting with Shenhai textile factories, before the business declined. At the mansion, Si Teng examined a family photo from 1946, intrigued by an inscription mentioning a lake tour with a "friend Bai Ying." She noted the elegant phrasing, suggesting it was written by the woman Bai Ying, as Qin Fang confirmed his great-grandmother was illiterate.

Si Teng then pointed out inconsistencies in family notes describing Bai Ying helping the family, finding it suspicious that his great-grandmother—a famine refugee from Darna with no living relatives—supposedly had family for Bai Ying to intercede with. Revealing she had once visited the town with Shao Yankuan, Si Teng declared it was too coincidental that his family had business ties with Shao's factory and that he was sent to Darna, where she was buried, to "thank ancestors."

Qin Fang then disclosed his father had instructed him to find a man in Darna named Jia Guihong, a former rickshaw driver known as Jia San, whom Si Teng did not recognize. Qin Fang soon received news that Shao Yankuan's descendants still resided in Shenhai. He relayed that in 1948, Shao Yankuan perished in a shipwreck while attempting to flee the country with his third concubine. His first wife and son, however, remained, and their lineage continued in the city.

At a restaurant, Si Teng declined to eat, so Qin Fang ordered a variety of drinks for her. She sampled each one with visible delight, a lively display that lifted Qin Fang's spirits and prompted him to reflect on the importance of the living moving forward. They located Shao Yankuan's descendant, a restaurateur named Shao Qing.

He confirmed a man in an old photo was his great-grandfather and clarified that photos with the heads cut out were not of the third concubine, but the "second". He recounted family tales of this second concubine being a peculiar woman who would vanish for days. She later became pregnant but disappeared for good just before giving birth. Her belongings were burned, and her image was cut from photos. Shao Qing vaguely recalled her surname was "Shi" or "Si."

At this, a furious Si Teng interrupted, asserting that Shao Yankuan had knelt to propose to this woman, who had then married gracefully into his family. Chastising him for not even knowing her name, she declared, "Remember, her name is Si Teng!" before storming out, leaving Qin Fang to offer a hasty apology to the bewildered man. Gazing at the river, Si Teng expressed profound hatred for Shao Yankuan, lamenting her lack of power.

She mused that if she were stronger, she would retrieve his bones from the sea and scatter them to release her resentment. When Qin Fang questioned her intense hatred, suggesting there must have been affection, Si Teng vehemently denied it. She explained that Qiu Shan's hostility was expected from an enemy, but Shao Yankuan's betrayal—making promises of love only to recoil in horror upon learning her true identity—was unforgivable.

Qin Fang countered that he, knowing her nature, did not treat her as a monster. Si Teng then admitted she had "almost" accepted Shao Yankuan's proposal but ultimately did not. This sparked a realization in Qin Fang: he theorized there were two Si Tengs, twin sisters sharing a name. He proposed that one sister fell in love with Shao Yankuan, married him, became pregnant, and was killed by Qiu Shan in 1946.

The Si Teng before him, he speculated, had died earlier, in 1939, and had returned for her sister's sake. However, Si Teng corrected his theory, stating her true objective: "I am here for only one thing: to find out who sent me to Darna."

Episode 11 Recap

Yan Furui, after closely observing in the village, waited on a path Si Teng and Qin Fang were sure to take. He quickly conveyed the information he had gathered, revealing that the Xuan Sect had discovered Chi San's nest, a dangerous cave in Mt. Blackback. He explained that Shen Yindeng had been constructing traps there, with most of the work done by local laborers, though their full function remained unknown.

Yan Furui had drawn a detailed map and suggested Si Teng investigate it beforehand. When asked if Shen Yindeng might visit the mountain at night, Yan Furui assured them that she and her husband, Yangbo, maintained a very regular schedule, going to bed at 8 p. m. and waking at dawn. With the critical information shared, Yan Furui quickly departed. Qin Fang suggested they hide their car and proceed into the mountains.

Si Teng noted how much more reliable Yan Furui had become, prompting her to ask Qin Fang what he had told him. Qin Fang confessed he informed Yan Furui that Shen Yindeng was Chi San and had killed Wafang. Si Teng's reaction was unusually calm, and she explained that she already knew Shen Yindeng and Chen Wan had no connection.

She acknowledged Chi San's impressive ability to peer into others' memories but criticized her timidity, stating that the slap she once delivered was merely a small display of her residual power. However, that one slap had evidently terrified Chi San, preventing her from taking further action, a testament to Si Teng's formidable reputation. As they navigated the challenging mountain path, Qin Fang expressed concern about Si Teng’s high heels, teasing her about having to carry her again.

Taking the flat shoes he had gifted her earlier, Si Teng challenged him to a race and gracefully changed her footwear. Qin Fang was left to marvel as Si Teng, now in her comfortable shoes, moved with surprising ease over the uneven ground. Meanwhile, Shen Yindeng was at home with her husband, Yangbo, who gently questioned why she had falsely claimed to be pregnant. Yangbo reassured her that he had covered for her, telling others her reasons were personal.

Pleased, Shen Yindeng promised to explain later. However, he then brought up his desire for them to have a child, mentioning a renowned witch doctor. The topic visibly distressed Shen Yindeng, who abruptly cut him off. Alone, she reflected on her growing desire to bear Yangbo a child, acknowledging her fascination with being human.

Musing on Si Teng, who had not only given birth but also returned from death, she concluded she couldn't allow Si Teng to die so easily; she needed to learn how a Yi could conceive with a human. Upon reaching the cave entrance, Qin Fang was daunted by the treacherous chasm and his fear of heights. Si Teng confidently told him to wait and, using her abilities, conjured a large vine bridge before venturing into the cave alone.

At the same time, Shen Yindeng, intending to ensure Si Teng's death was not too swift, also made her way towards the cave. Although Yan Furui spotted her and frantically tried to call Qin Fang, the poor reception prevented him from getting through. Fortunately, from the opposite cliff, Qin Fang caught sight of Shen Yindeng. He immediately called out to stall her, and in that moment, he glimpsed a severely wounded Si Teng stumbling out of the cave.

To prevent Shen Yindeng from discovering Si Teng’s vulnerable state, Qin Fang frantically began complaining, loudly proclaiming his suffering from the Rattan Kill and his desire to end his life. In a desperate act, he leaped from the cliff. Shen Yindeng, wanting to exploit him against Si Teng, immediately jumped after him to rescue him, allowing the gravely injured Si Teng to escape unseen. Shen Yindeng revived the unconscious Qin Fang, who feigned confusion and fear.

He spun a tale, claiming Si Teng had left him behind as a lookout while she pursued other leads to find her kin. He asserted that Si Teng had already contacted him, confirming success. When Shen Yindeng pressed him on Si Teng's control, he reiterated it was the Rattan Kill and, feigning frustration, asked if the Xuan Sect had a method to remove it.

Seeing an opportunity, Shen Yindeng promised to cure his Rattan Kill if he helped her against Si Teng. Qin Fang agreed but cunningly stated he would only reveal Si Teng’s secrets after the Rattan Kill was removed, as it was his only leverage. With the deal struck, he excused himself to "contact" Si Teng and hurried away.

Meanwhile, the injured Si Teng encountered Yan Furui, who helped her heal by creating a cocoon of leaves around her, marveling at the convenience of plant-based healing. Qin Fang, unable to locate Si Teng, surmised she was still on Blackback Mountain and returned to the cave. Inside, he found traces of her blood but observed that none of Shen Yindeng's mechanisms were damaged.

He speculated that Si Teng had deliberately avoided destroying them, possibly to study them and catch Shen Yindeng off guard. He then carefully cleaned up all of Si Teng's blood before leaving. After healing, Si Teng returned to the cave, only to find all traces of her presence gone. Puzzled, she questioned Yan Furui if Shen Yindeng had been there, and he confirmed seeing her head to the mountain the previous day.

Si Teng wondered aloud why Shen Yindeng hadn't changed her traps if she suspected they had been discovered. Si Teng, accompanied by Yan Furui, returned to her bamboo house, only to witness Qin Fang and Shen Yindeng engaged in conversation. From their discussion, it was clear they had struck a bargain. After confirming Qin Fang had been in contact with Si Teng, Shen Yindeng demanded to know her secrets, especially how she awoke.

Qin Fang held it as leverage, refusing to disclose it until his Rattan Kill was removed. Satisfied, Shen Yindeng gave him a vial of poison, instructing him to administer it to Si Teng. Observing this from afar, Si Teng’s anger flared. She sarcastically mocked Qin Fang’s apparent leisure and, in a fit of pique, threw away the flat shoes he had given her. Just then, Wang Qiankun approached, eagerly informing Si Teng that they had located Chi San’s nest.

Feigning exhaustion, Si Teng told him she would join them the next morning. As Si Teng calmly walked back towards her house, Qin Fang, visibly relieved to see her unharmed, approached, only to be met with a cold dismissal. Confused and hurt, Qin Fang demanded to know why she wanted him to leave after everything they had been through. Si Teng cruelly suggested he had Stockholm Syndrome.

Believing he held no significance to her, Qin Fang retorted bitterly and turned to leave. Bewildered by his reaction to her perceived betrayal, Si Teng watched him go, but he suddenly turned back. He produced the vial of poison and explained that Shen Yindeng wanted her to ingest it before entering the cave. He clarified his intention to tell Shen Yindeng that Si Teng had consumed it and advised her to feign the effects of being poisoned.

Still suspicious, Si Teng asked why Shen Yindeng would trust him. Qin Fang then explained his desperate gambit: seeing her emerge from the cave bleeding with Shen Yindeng nearby, he had feigned a breakdown over the Rattan Kill and deliberately fallen from the cliff, knowing Shen Yindeng would save him for information. He also revealed that he had returned to the cave to meticulously clean her bloodstains.

Understanding the depth of his sacrifice and feeling profound guilt for her harshness, Si Teng immediately took the poison. Qin Fang watched in horror, but Si Teng calmly reassured him that as a half-Yi, the potent poison would have little effect on her. Relieved, Qin Fang teased her about consulting him "next time." Realizing the implication, Qin Fang asked if "next time" meant he was allowed to stay, relieved that she no longer wanted him to leave.

Later, Si Teng asked Yan Furui for the cloth shoes she had discarded. She insisted on washing them herself, and Qin Fang observed her quiet act, recognizing it as a sign of her affection. Meanwhile, Wang Qiankun grappled with a moral dilemma, possessing a meteorite-laced object harmful to Yi but hesitating to use it against Si Teng, who had done them no wrong.

At home, a tearful Shen Yindeng instructed her husband Yangbo to open a secret compartment under their bed if she did not return by midnight the following day. Though he was deeply worried, she reassured him it was a precaution and mused about what their children might be like, a thought that filled Yangbo with joy.

Episode 12 Recap

Continuing her meticulous plan, Si Teng exuded extreme confidence, attributing 99% of her assured success to herself and the remaining 1% to fate. Qin Fang, still worried, remarked that her unnaturally smooth progress was like that of a novel's heroine with a "cheat code." Si Teng retorted that she had risked her own life to test Shen Yindeng's traps.

Qin Fang clarified that while she was undoubtedly clever, her success came from meticulous preparation, not foresight, allowing her to anticipate her opponent's every move. He then asked if her anger the previous day was because she saw him with Shen Yindeng and suspected betrayal. Si Teng curtly dismissed his concerns, stating he was lucky she was in a good mood, or he would already be dead. She warned him to stay close, and he readily agreed.

As the Xuan Sect members gathered to embark for Black Back Mountain, Bai Jin declined to join, claiming his lack of skills would only be a hindrance. After they left, he confided in a hidden Yan Furui that the situation had strayed too far from his original intentions. Yan Furui, however, was determined to go. Lamenting his past inability to protect his master and Wafang, he felt compelled to seek vengeance. Si Teng and Qin Fang then joined the group.

Inside the cave, Si Teng praised the secluded location as an ideal hiding place for Chisan. Shen Yindeng, fishing for information, questioned Si Teng about Chisan's power. Si Teng asserted that among their kind, beauty during mutation indicated higher talent, and she knew Chisan's was merely "average." When pressed, Si Teng mentioned rumors that Chisan had mutated as "neither man nor woman," subtly mocking Shen Yindeng's true identity.

Inside the cave, the Xuan Sect attempted to ambush Si Teng, confirming her suspicions that their true objective was to kill her. As she taunted their "impressive acting," the ground suddenly collapsed, sending the Xuan Sect members plummeting. They desperately clung to hanging vines while Si Teng and Qin Fang flew to safety. Si Teng refused their pleas for help, saying she would let them "suffer for a while." From the darkness, Shen Yindeng revealed herself.

Si Teng directly confronted her, taunting "Chisan" about her ambiguous form. Hearing this, the Xuan Sect members finally identified Shen Yindeng as Chisan, which she mockingly confirmed. Following a signaled instruction from Qin Fang to stall for time, an enraged Wang Qiankun confronted Shen Yindeng, accusing her of killing Shen Cuiqiao and faking her pregnancy. Incensed, Shen Yindeng attacked the vines, causing one of the Xuan Sect members to fall to his death.

Having revealed her true form, Shen Yindeng hunted for Si Teng, taunting her for hiding. From the shadows, Si Teng feigned being poisoned. Falling for the deception, Shen Yindeng boastfully described the debilitating progression of her poison. Si Teng then dramatically accused Qin Fang of betraying her by colluding with Shen Yindeng, threatening to kill him before she died. Expertly playing his part, Qin Fang desperately called for Shen Yindeng's help, claiming he knew Si Teng's secret.

Confident in Si Teng's weakened state, Shen Yindeng mocked Qin Fang's apparent change of allegiance and envisioned a future with him. At that moment, Si Teng shouted for Qin Fang to move aside. He swiftly dodged as a hidden mechanism, prepared by Si Teng, unleashed a projectile that pierced Shen Yindeng through the chest, instantly debilitating her. In her final moments of lucidity, Shen Yindeng realized she had been completely deceived.

As Shen Yindeng lay defeated, she lashed out at Qin Fang, questioning why a human would help Si Teng. She revealed Si Teng's dark secret: she became powerful not through cultivation, but by killing and absorbing the powers of her own kind. Qin Fang was stunned. As Si Teng advanced to deliver the killing blow, Qin Fang intervened, pleading with her to spare Shen Yindeng.

Si Teng acknowledged the truth in the accusation, telling Qin Fang he simply thought too highly of her. Just then, Yan Furui arrived, declaring his intent to avenge Wafang by killing Shen Yindeng himself. However, when the moment came, he found himself unable to do it. At that moment, Wang Qiankun discovered a large red egg containing Wafang's body. Si Teng explained that she had previously used her rattan threads to mend Wafang's broken necklace.

This thread had inadvertently kept him alive after he was poisoned by Chisan, who had used his blood for a ritual. Si Teng confronted the dying Shen Yindeng, stating that her suspicion and cruelty towards a child had led to her own downfall. Si Teng returned to the remaining Xuan Sect members, who now showed deference. She sharply criticized their opportunism before dismissing them.

After they left, Si Teng opened the red egg, and Wafang miraculously awakened, calling for Yan Furui, who embraced him in tears and thanked Si Teng profusely. Meanwhile, the severely weakened Shen Yindeng lay dying, her mind drifting to her beloved Yang Bo and the silver ring he had crafted for her, named "Eternal Love," as she passed away.

Later, at a hospital, Qin Fang reassured a nervous Yan Furui that Wafang was recovering well, and Si Teng suggested enrolling the boy in school. After Wafang was confirmed to be healthy, he was happily reunited with Yan Furui. Left alone, Qin Fang reflected on the day's events, concluding that Si Teng had indeed absorbed Chisan's power.

Episode 13 Recap

After Shen Yindeng fails to return, Yangbo opens the letter she left for him. In it, she explains that she has been killed but that a glimmer of hope for her survival might lie with Qin Fang. She also thanks Yangbo for the ordinary life they shared and expresses her genuine but unfulfilled desire to have had his child, alluding to a secret that prevented it. Overcome with grief, Yangbo cries out her name.

Meanwhile, Wang Qiankun approaches Si Teng, acknowledging the Xuan Sect's mistake in siding with Chisan. Now that Chisan has been dealt with, he asks Si Teng to remove the Rattan Kill from the Xuan Sect members. Si Teng questions if his master, Qiu Shan, sent him and demands to know where her body was buried after Qiu Shan and his allies killed her in 1946. Unable to answer, Wang Qiankun is told to ask his master.

Si Teng then promises to uphold her end of their bargain and remove the affliction, provided the Xuan Sect no longer causes her trouble. Trusting her word, Wang Qiankun pledges that the Xuan Sect will not oppose her again. Immediately after Wang Qiankun's departure, Si Teng suffers a severe reaction to Chisan's poison. Her current power is insufficient to counteract the venom, and she pushes Qin Fang away, wanting to endure the pain alone.

She is still hurt by Qin Fang's unsettled expression when he first heard she consumed her own kind. As she struggles with the poison's effects, Si Teng loses control, violently pushing Qin Fang against a wall and kissing his bleeding mouth. The act triggers a vivid flashback in Qin Fang's mind, revealing fragments of her painful past. The vision shows Si Teng's harsh upbringing under Qiu Shan, who forced her to train relentlessly and berated her as a "monster."

Later, she finds a mentor in Shao Yankuan, who introduces her to literature and poetry. She quickly learns to read and develops her own strong-willed interpretations, believing that power, not justice, is what truly matters. Impressed by her intellect, Shao Yankuan invites her to the provincial capital of Shenhai to pursue a higher education and experience a modern life of movies and parties, an offer she happily accepts.

The vision then jumps to a fierce confrontation where Qiu Shan accuses her of betrayal for using the Rattan Kill on his disciples. In the ensuing battle, Si Teng uses innocent townspeople as a shield, forcing Qiu Shan to stand down. Once he withdraws, however, she promptly saves the people she endangered. After escaping, a wandering and lonely Si Teng observes families returning home, filling her with a bitter longing for a place of her own.

Si Teng collapses into unconsciousness, and Qin Fang gently lays her on the bed. He reflects that despite her harsh exterior, he knows she is not malevolent and is different from Yi like Chisan. Seeing the sorrow in her past, he understands her actions and wishes he could have been the one to meet her back then, so he could have protected her from such suffering. Elsewhere, the Xuan Sect members discuss Yangbo's strange behavior.

Wang Qiankun recounts how Yangbo, whose wife is missing and presumed dead, calmly claimed she was "fine." They grow suspicious, believing he is either unstable or under a spell. The next morning, a recovered Si Teng awakens to Qin Fang caring for her. He tells her he isn't afraid of her, as he understands her actions were not malicious.

He deduces she only absorbed Chisan's power to save Wafang and the villagers from the poison mushrooms and that her true goal is to use the Xuan Sect to find her "sister" and uncover the truth of her past. Soon after, Yan Furui arrives with a discharged Wafang to offer their profuse, if awkward, thanks. They are followed by the other Xuan Sect members, who also express their gratitude.

Si Teng honors her promise, and they exclaim in relief as the Rattan Kill vanishes. Before leaving, Wang Qiankun warns Qin Fang about Yangbo's unnerving behavior and his early departure that morning, urging him to be cautious. New antagonists, Zhou Wandong and Jia Guizhi, are also closing in on Qin Fang. In a flashback, Zhou Wandong's attempt to steal the Nine-Eyed Heavenly Pearl from Jia Guizhi is thwarted when he discovers the corpse of Zhao Jianglong.

Unfazed by his threats, Jia Guizhi demonstrates her power and offers him the pearl in exchange for a task: to find Qin Fang and transport both him and Zhao's body to a specific location. To locate their target, they visit the home of his business partner, Shan Zhigang, who is already distressed by a disturbing vision of the drowned Chen Wan.

Posing as utility workers, they subdue Shan Zhigang, tie him up, and use his phone to pinpoint Qin Fang's whereabouts. Jia Guizhi instructs Zhou Wandong not to kill Shan Zhigang, but merely to ensure he cannot contact anyone for a few days. Finally arriving in Yunxi Village, the pair begin their search, noting the strange demeanor of the local villagers.

Episode 14 Recap

As Qin Fang was abducted by Yangbo, Zhou Wandong and Jia Guizhi silently trailed them, determined to observe Yangbo's intentions. Meanwhile, Yan Furui arrived at Si Teng's dwelling, where she was growing anxious about Qin Fang's prolonged absence. Upon hearing from Yan Furui that Yangbo had been acting strangely, Si Teng immediately set out with him to search for Qin Fang. On their way, Yan Furui spotted blood.

Si Teng recognized it as Qin Fang's but remained unhurried, which made Yan Furui extremely agitated. They eventually discovered a letter from Shen Yindeng to Yangbo at his house, revealing her instructions on how to resurrect herself. Qin Fang was roused by Yangbo. He attempted to expose Shen Yindeng's misdeeds, including harming children, but Yangbo, consumed by a delusional love, passionately defended her as a benevolent mountain spirit, dismissing any accusations of malice.

He stated that Shen Yindeng had written to him, instructing him to find Qin Fang because she believed Qin Fang knew how Si Teng, who had supposedly died, returned to life. Qin Fang, however, admitted he had no idea of the true method of Si Teng's resurrection. Yangbo, convinced Qin Fang held the key, then produced a mushroom, consuming one half himself and compelling Qin Fang to take the other.

After consuming the mushroom, Yangbo experienced a vision of Si Teng's resurrection and, exhilarated by the knowledge he believed would save Shen Yindeng, rushed off to find her. Qin Fang, after a period of unconsciousness, awoke with the immediate urge to find Si Teng and inform her of Shen Yindeng's plan to use his memories.

Si Teng arrived just in time, instructing Yan Furui to assist the injured Qin Fang back to the inn while she ventured into the cave alone to confront Yangbo. Hidden nearby, Zhou Wandong and Jia Guizhi decided to remain concealed and observe. As Si Teng cautiously entered the cave, she discovered Yangbo and Shen Yindeng both lifeless.

It was then that Si Teng had a profound realization: it wasn't merely any human blood that could revive a Yi, but specifically Qin Fang's blood that possessed such extraordinary efficacy. Upon exiting the cave, Si Teng's face was clearly seen by Jia Guizhi, who was seized by terror, mistaking her for the formidable Bai Ying. Frightened, Jia Guizhi frantically urged Zhou Wandong to swiftly complete the tasks that "Bai Ying" had supposedly commanded.

Back at the bamboo house, Si Teng found Qin Fang suffering from an excruciating headache, which she deduced was caused by residual toxins from Chisan. She used her powers to alleviate his pain, prompting her to ponder Qin Fang's true identity and the unique properties of his blood. With Wafang having been revived by Si Teng, Yan Furui became even more devoted to her. He and Wafang prepared to follow Si Teng and Qin Fang back to Yuhang.

At the airport, Yan Furui, after ensuring Wafang was settled, informed Qin Fang that he needed to attend to some business for Si Teng, leaving Wafang in Qin Fang's care and arranging for his schooling. Qin Fang then suggested Si Teng explore the airport's various shops, mentioning she might enjoy modern clothing like belted trench coats.

Though initially weary of his chatter, Si Teng accepted Qin Fang's offer to listen to music, and they quietly shared a moment of calm amidst the bustling airport. Si Teng also confided in Qin Fang that she was still weak after absorbing Shen Yindeng's power and needed to rest once they arrived in Yuhang. She shared a past anecdote about intentionally wasting Shao Yankuan's money but now feeling a reluctance to do the same to Qin Fang.

Touched by this, Qin Fang offered her a place to stay at his home. Upon arriving in Yuhang, Qin Fang attempted to contact Shan Zhigang but received no answer. Concerned, he dispatched his company's secretary to check on him. The secretary discovered Shan Zhigang in distress but, as instructed by him, refrained from alerting the police, instead rushing him to the hospital. Qin Fang and Si Teng immediately went to the hospital.

After a brief conversation with Shan Zhigang, Qin Fang prepared to leave with Si Teng. Unbeknownst to Qin Fang, as they departed, Shan Zhigang caught sight of Si Teng's face and, recognizing her, desperately tried to follow them. Later, at Shan Zhigang's home, where Qin Fang went to retrieve some clothes for him, Si Teng wandered through the house and discovered a small space containing Chen Wan's portrait and personal belongings, including a bracelet Qin Fang had given her.

Through these mementos, Si Teng witnessed the true circumstances of Chen Wan's demise: years ago, a distraught Shan Zhigang had accidentally knocked her into the water and was too paralyzed by shock to save her. Si Teng also sensed something unusually peculiar about Shan Zhigang, despite him appearing to be an ordinary human.

Meanwhile, Qin Fang, overcome with grief and anger, rushed to the hospital to confront Shan Zhigang, who initially denied his role and attempted to shift blame onto Si Teng. Enraged, Qin Fang exposed Shan Zhigang's hypocrisy by revealing that he had found Chen Wan's portrait and the bracelet in his home. Faced with this undeniable evidence, Shan Zhigang finally conceded that he had accidentally harmed Chen Wan, admitting he should have faced the truth years ago.

He then desperately tried to dissuade Qin Fang from trusting Si Teng, but Qin Fang, solely focused on Chen Wan, demanded that Shan Zhigang reveal the full truth to Chen Wan's parents to give them long-overdue closure.

Episode 15 Recap

Each year, Qin Fang would visit Chen Wan's parents. Although he was always turned away at the door, this time, Chen Wan's mother allowed him inside. She gently urged Qin Fang to let go of the past and live his own life. Reflecting on Chen Wan's death, Qin Fang was overcome with sorrow. Accepting of their fate, Chen Wan's mother asked him not to visit them again.

Meanwhile, Shan Zhigang arrived at Cangcheng Mountain and located Yan Furui's residence, confirming the presence of a large, distinctive hole there. Back home, Qin Fang continued to feel unwell. Si Teng gave him a pill, explaining that his discomfort wasn't from a head injury but from residual "Amanita muscaria" poison given to him by Yanbo. After giving him the antidote, Si Teng's own condition deteriorated rapidly; she became extremely weak, struggling to breathe.

Sensing her impending collapse, Si Teng instructed Yan Furui to meticulously investigate Qin Fang's old family home, gathering every detail about the previous generation. Once she had given her instructions, Si Teng fainted. Qin Fang, deeply concerned, covered her with blankets, but she soon felt suffocated, forcing him to remove them. He attempted to comfort her physically as he had in the past, but Si Teng, barely conscious, stopped him, indicating that their situation was different this time.

She explained that her body was not as resilient as before and she would need to "sleep" for about two days to recover, hinting at a transformation. Following Si Teng's instructions, Yan Furui traveled to Qin Fang's old hometown. Locals told him the Qin family had moved long ago but were known for their wealth, evident in their unusually large house.

He also learned that a middle-aged woman and a scar-faced man had recently inquired about the younger generation of the Qin family, claiming to be distant relatives. While there, Yan Furui intervened when an elderly woman was being robbed by her grandson. He then spoke to the old woman about the Qin family. Bitterly, she revealed that the Qin family's wealth came from their connection to "Shenghai people" and an "unclear relationship with Miss Bai from the textile factory."

She claimed that when the factory went bankrupt, it only settled debts with the Qin family, leaving others, including her own family, destitute. Si Teng remained unconscious for some time. When she finally woke, she called Qin Fang into her room. Her legs had reverted to their original vine form, a consequence of her inability to fully absorb the power of Chi San, which required her to return to her true body to slowly digest it.

Si Teng initially told Qin Fang that this process would take "a hundred years or so" and that he was free to leave. Distraught, Qin Fang refused to part ways, reminding her of a "fifth thing" she still owed him. He earnestly pleaded to bury her vine form in his yard, promising to water her every day for as long as he lived. Amused by his sincerity, Si Teng revealed she only needed "one or two days" to recover.

Though initially annoyed by her playful deception, Qin Fang dutifully carried her to the garden, where she instructed him to enclose her within a ring of her own vines. As Qin Fang placed his hand upon the encompassing vines, Zhou Wandong and Jia Guizhi unexpectedly arrived. Zhou Wandong immediately confirmed Qin Fang's identity and launched a brutal assault.

Si Teng's powerful vines emerged from the ground in defense, but they abruptly retracted when Jia Guizhi mentioned taking Qin Fang to Dana. Realizing Si Teng had a hidden motive, Qin Fang ceased his struggle. Zhou Wandong swiftly subdued him, and Qin Fang was rendered unconscious. Oblivious to Si Teng's subtle intervention, Zhou Wandong and Jia Guizhi dragged the unconscious Qin Fang away. The following day, Shan Zhigang arrived at Qin Fang's house.

He found Qin Fang absent but spotted Si Teng, still in her vine form, in the garden. He approached her with ill intent, but his actions were interrupted by the arrival of Yan Furui. Shan Zhigang greeted Yan Furui as "Ah Fu" and inquired about his life selling skewers in Cangcheng Mountain. He then made a startling offer to invest in Yan Furui's catering business and help him expand it into a chain, leaving Yan Furui overjoyed.

Shan Zhigang departed, but his final utterance of "Ah Fu" carried a chilling undertone that betrayed a deep-seated animosity. After Shan Zhigang left, Si Teng woke up and asked Yan Furui for a progress report on her investigation assignment. Mistaking her question, Yan Furui excitedly recounted Shan Zhigang's generous investment offer. Si Teng, uninterested, cut him short, revealing her true concern: Qin Fang was in trouble, as his phone had been unreachable for two days.

They swiftly decided to pursue him to Dana. Meanwhile, Zhou Wandong and Jia Guizhi were transporting the bound Qin Fang. Zhou Wandong promised Jia Guizhi the Nine-Eyed Dzi Bead once their mission was complete. Jia Guizhi recounted how she had saved her husband, Old Zhao, from financial ruin years ago, and explained that she wanted the bead for a reason other than money.

Aboard a crowded, slow train to Dana, Si Teng was visibly dismayed by the chaotic environment, declaring she would never travel with Yan Furui again. He gave her his window seat, lamenting that his meager finances couldn't afford a plane ticket like Qin Fang. Watching the other passengers, Si Teng mused about starting a charity for orphans like Wafang.

Episode 16 Recap

Sitting silently in the car, Jia Guizhi was lost in thought, recalling a childhood memory of her grandfather's panic upon discovering she bore the "Rattan Kill" mark. The discovery had led to distress, and she was now tormented by the thought of the impending eighty-one-year deadline, fearing that if she failed to complete Bai Ying's instructions, her entire family would face ruin.

Meanwhile, Zhou Wandong, finding the drive tedious due to Jia Guizhi's silence, complained about not having brought a stereo from Shan Zhigang's house. Hearing the name, Qin Fang became contemplative, suspecting a connection between the Jia family and his own ancestors, especially if they were also linked to Si Teng. He also noted that Shan Zhigang had been surprisingly cooperative by not calling the police after their "friendly inquiry," which ultimately allowed them to proceed to Darna.

Si Teng and Yan Furui arrived at the same hotel in Darna they had previously stayed at. Yan Furui grumbled about the travel expenses and offered his own analysis of where kidnappers might hide someone. Showing her usual dismissiveness, Si Teng told him to go to sleep. The hotel owner recognized Si Teng and cautioned Yan Furui about her previously "grumpy" demeanor, but Yan Furui quickly defended her gentle nature.

When the owner mentioned his strict fire safety rules, Si Teng casually admitted to having burned the place down before, showing no remorse. Once in their room, Si Teng grew annoyed with Yan Furui's constant chatter, especially his self-pitying comparisons to Qin Fang, and ordered him to sit quietly.

Si Teng then expressed regret for not having inflicted the "Rattan Kill" on Qin Fang, explaining that the technique would have allowed her to sense his location by focusing on the vines within him. At that moment, Qin Fang was being driven by Zhou Wandong and Jia Guizhi. During a stop, Jia Guizhi spoke of a map from her great-grandfather that she believed led to a valley where the "nine-eye Heaven Pearl" was located.

As they continued their journey, Zhou Wandong was startled into a sudden stop when he momentarily saw a massive, moving tree. Though it vanished just as quickly, making him question if he was hallucinating, Qin Fang recognized it as Si Teng's power, realizing she was in Darna and looking for him. Simultaneously, Si Teng sensed an unfamiliar "Rattan Kill" in Darna, one she had not cast herself.

Later, when allowed out of the car, Qin Fang cunningly tried to leave a signal by writing a phone number on the ground. However, Zhou Wandong noticed white residue on Qin Fang's hand, exposed his attempt, and began to beat him furiously. Jia Guizhi intervened, reminding Zhou Wandong that Qin Fang was still necessary for their plans before forcing him back into the car.

Unbeknownst to them, Qin Fang had also discreetly altered a phone number for food delivery on a wall, changing it to Yan Furui's. Soon after, Yan Furui received a call from a construction site looking for a "Boss Si" to order lunchboxes. Si Teng immediately understood Qin Fang's clever signal.

After Yan Furui got the address and analyzed the few vehicles that had passed through the remote area, Si Teng instructed their driver to take all possible detours up the mountain roads to find them. Yan Furui winced at the rising cost, but Si Teng insisted on the urgency. Meanwhile, after retrieving her great-grandfather's map from her old house, Jia Guizhi led them to their destination, with Zhou Wandong and Qin Fang carrying the body of Zhao Jianglong.

The journey was arduous, exhausting both men, but Jia Guizhi remained intensely focused on her goal of reviving Zhao. Si Teng and Yan Furui subsequently arrived at the abandoned Jia family house. Si Teng immediately identified a small truck by its "Yuhang" license plate as the one used to kidnap Qin Fang. Inside the house, Si Teng found a portrait of Bai Ying and decided to wait, while unbeknownst to them, Shan Zhigang also arrived in Darna.

Upon reaching the designated spot, Jia Guizhi frantically searched for Si Teng's body, which her great-grandfather had indicated was buried there. Discovering it was gone, she became agitated, realizing that without Si Teng's remains, Zhao Jianglong could not be revived. Frustrated by her hysteria, Zhou Wandong slapped her, demanding his "nine-eye Heaven Pearl." Jia Guizhi, regaining composure, insisted that if Si Teng's body had only been moved, there was still a chance to succeed with Qin Fang's help.

As they spoke, Zhou Wandong noticed a severely crashed car nearby. Investigating, he found it empty but observed that a suitcase had been opened, suggesting someone had been there and taken the occupants and any body. Qin Fang watched nervously, recognizing it as the vehicle he had crashed when he fell from the cliff. Zhou Wandong then decided to check the car's license plate to identify its owner.

That night, having failed to find the body, Jia Guizhi and Zhou Wandong returned to the old house, only to find Si Teng and Yan Furui calmly waiting inside. As Jia Guizhi's flashlight beam illuminated Si Teng's face, she gasped in terror, crying out, "Miss Bai Ying!" Zhou Wandong brandished a weapon, demanding to know who they were. Si Teng, unfazed, fixed her attention on Qin Fang's battered state and asked if Zhou Wandong was responsible.

When he confirmed it defiantly, Si Teng swiftly retaliated, striking him with a powerful vine that sent him flying across the room. Si Teng gently helped Qin Fang up and instructed Yan Furui to take him away to tend to his wounds, stating that she needed to speak with Jia Guizhi privately.

As Yan Furui led Qin Fang outside, he meticulously presented a stack of receipts and IOUs for his travel expenses, asking Qin Fang to request reimbursement from Si Teng at a suitable moment. Amused, Qin Fang accepted them. While Si Teng and Jia Guizhi conversed inside, Yan Furui and Qin Fang sat under the night sky, stargazing and briefly distracting themselves by discussing constellations. After some time, Si Teng concluded her conversation and called for Qin Fang to return inside.

Episode 17 Recap

After Jia Guizhi directed villagers to carry Zhou Wandong to a hospital, Qin Fang expressed his disbelief that the woman in the old painting, Bai Ying, could be Si Teng. He explained that he knew of Bai Ying from his great-grandfather’s belongings, including a 1946 family photo inscribed with a note about "friend Bai Ying" joining them on a lake trip.

Si Teng confirmed that she was only "half a Yi," revealing that she and Bai Ying were two halves of the original Si Teng. She described their separation as a forceful division of her rattan essence, stemming from an irreconcilable internal conflict. This brutal split occurred because, unlike an animal that simply becomes lame from injury, her unique rattan nature allows even a broken branch to thrive, making their opposing desires impossible to contain within a single body.

As Yan Furui entered after growing restless outside, Si Teng continued her story. She explained that after splitting, each half's power rapidly declined, and their lifespans dwindled to a few decades, like a "terminal illness" for their kind. The only cure was for the halves to re-integrate or for one to destroy the other and reclaim its power.

Si Teng had attempted to reconcile, but Bai Ying was deeply infatuated with Shao Yankuan, believing his proposal was proof of true love, even though he knew her true nature. To prove Bai Ying was deluded, Si Teng investigated and discovered Shao Yankuan was planning to propose to another woman from an opera house. When confronted, Bai Ying dismissed it as a temporary folly, convinced Shao Yankuan truly loved her.

Realizing Bai Ying was lost to her infatuation, Si Teng declared she would eliminate Shao Yankuan to sever Bai Ying's mortal ties. However, in a shocking betrayal, Bai Ying killed Si Teng to protect her lover. Si Teng admitted that she still struggles to understand how she, the one focused on their true nature, was defeated by her emotionally compromised other half. Drawing from Jia Guizhi's confession and other clues, Si Teng pieced together what happened after her death.

Jia San, the rickshaw driver who took her to the Huamei Textile Mill, accidentally witnessed the murder. Bai Ying threatened him with a Rattan Kill and commanded him to move Si Teng's body to Darna, where his family was to guard it for generations. He was then instructed to send a letter with his new address to "Bai Ying" at the Shao Court.

After he complied, Bai Ying sent instructions back to him: starting 70 years from that night, his descendants had until an 81-year deadline to find a person surnamed Qin and bring them to Si Teng's burial site. Failure would mean death by the Rattan Kill. This generational task, Jia Guizhi had confirmed, had fallen to her. The confession also shed light on Jia Guizhi’s own tragedy.

She had tasked her husband, Zhao Jianglong, with finding the Heaven Pearl, hoping it would allow them to have a child. However, this quest led to Zhou Wandong murdering him. In a later confrontation with the bedridden Zhou Wandong, Jia Guizhi enacted her revenge.

After forcing him to ingest a Rattan Kill, she chillingly revealed that she had buried the Heaven Pearl with Zhao Jianglong's body and then reported Zhou Wandong to the police, leaving him to die slowly in prison. Qin Fang realized his family was the "Qin" from Bai Ying's plan, and his kidnapping was a design set in motion decades ago.

Si Teng elaborated that Bai Ying's ideal scenario was for the Jia and Qin families to remain in contact, which explained Qin Fang's family tradition of visiting Darna to "kowtow to return a favor" to a "Jia Guihong." However, Bai Ying had a contingency: the Rattan Kill ensured the Jia family would fulfill their duty regardless.

When Qin Fang questioned why it had to be his family, Yan Furui joked about his blood having revival powers before Si Teng, exhausted, ended the discussion. Shortly after Qin Fang and Yan Furui left, Shan Zhigang emerged from the shadows and launched a powerful attack, drawing Si Teng into a fierce battle. They fought as equals, but though Si Teng repelled him, the fight's backlash caused her to collapse in a wheat field.

The next day, a frantic Qin Fang and Yan Furui searched and found her unconscious. Sending Yan Furui away, Qin Fang remembered his blood could help her. He bit his lip and pressed it to hers, transferring his blood in a desperate attempt to save her. Si Teng briefly awoke only to push him away before falling unconscious again. Meanwhile, the severely injured Shan Zhigang stumbled to a tomb, revealing his true identity as the ancient Qiu Shan.

In a monologue, he recounted his obsession with destroying Si Teng—the being he created. Fearing her potential threat after his fellow Xuan Sect members died, he had consumed the same otherworldly substance used to mutate Si Teng, which restored his youth. He was digging up Zhao Jianglong’s corpse to retrieve the Heaven Pearl to heal his own injuries, but it crumbled to dust in his hands, causing him to cough up blood and collapse. Qin Fang stayed by Si Teng's side, growing worried as her hand turned cold. After a full day, she finally awakened.

Episode 18 Recap

As Si Teng awoke, she found Qin Fang holding her hand, his gaze full of worry. Noting she was still feverish, he offered to prepare hot water to soak her feet. Unaccustomed to such care, Si Teng dismissed him for privacy. Once alone, she was startled to discover small white flowers blooming on her fingers. The next morning, feeling better, Si Teng instructed Yan Furui to arrange a car to Changming Academy.

Jia Guizhi then approached, requesting to be freed from the Rattan Kill. She wished to remain in Darna to be with her deceased husband, Zhao Jianglong, who was buried at her old home. Si Teng granted her freedom, telling her to forget Bai Ying. After she left, Yan Furui expressed concern over Si Teng's plan to integrate with Bai Ying, citing Bai Ying's cruelty towards the Jia family. Si Teng remained silent.

Later, at the airport, a young woman flirted with Qin Fang as he retrieved luggage. Observing this, Si Teng impatiently urged him to hurry, remarking that good-looking men are never short of company. Upon arriving at Changming Academy, Wang Qiankun greeted them enthusiastically. He explained that while he had already relayed Si Teng's question to his master, Canghong, she could now speak with him directly.

Wang Qiankun introduced the academy as the Astronomy Enthusiasts Association and asked Si Teng if she had ever considered writing a book, but Yan Furui cut him short, reminding him that Canghong was waiting. Inside, Si Teng questioned Canghong about what happened to her body after Qiu Shan, Li Zhengyuan, and Huang Yu killed her. Canghong recounted that they had intended to incinerate the body, but it inexplicably disappeared during an attack on their way.

A flashback revealed Qiu Shan vowing that he had killed Si Teng himself and that her offspring was also dead, ensuring no one with her bloodline remained. Expressing regret for a past moment of mercy, he declared he would never leave Xingyun Pavilion and tasked his descendants with eternally guarding a strand of her hair—her root foundation—to prevent future trouble. After learning the details, Si Teng released Canghong from the Rattan Kill.

Canghong remarked that she seemed different from the person he remembered from his childhood. Si Teng then asked two more questions: why only Qin Fang's blood could revive her, and what it signified that white flowers bloomed on her unconsciously. Canghong could not answer the second question but assured her that Wang Qiankun would assist in investigating the first. After Si Teng and Qin Fang departed, Canghong instructed Wang Qiankun to treat them as honored guests.

Elsewhere, Qiu Shan, having reverted to his elderly form, scoffed at the deaths of Li Zhengyuan and Huang Yu, defiantly vowing that Si Teng would not succeed. Wang Qiankun and Yan Furui schemed to get a blood sample from Qin Fang. Meanwhile, Qin Fang dreamt of Si Teng questioning the purpose of the Yi's existence.

In the dream, he assured her that her existence had meaning but sadly acknowledged that humans and Yi could never truly be together, watching as she walked away. Waking with a start, he jostled Wang Qiankun, who was attempting to secretly draw his blood, causing Wang Qiankun to prick himself with the needle. After making a quick excuse, Wang Qiankun fled. Qin Fang then saw Si Teng, who suggested a walk. Outside, they released fish into a pond.

Si Teng remarked she envied them, not for their freedom, but because they could always be with their own kind. Qin Fang countered that being "kindred" is about sharing the same path, not species. When he noted a lone fish swimming against the current, Si Teng suggested it was just lonely, lacking a companion on its unique path. She then added, "But luckily, we're not."

To create an opportunity to draw blood, Wang Qiankun and Yan Furui took them to the cinema. During a movie about a human falling for an alien, Wang Qiankun mused aloud about whether such a relationship could work, pointedly asking Qin Fang's opinion. As Wang Qiankun prepared the needle, Qin Fang abruptly pulled Si Teng out of the theater.

Outside, he passionately confessed his feelings, declaring he didn't care if she was human, Yi, or alien—as long as it was her, he could accept it. He pleaded with her not to integrate with Bai Ying, saying, "I like the you that's standing here right now," and finally confessed, "Si Teng, I love you." As a stunned Si Teng processed his words, a white flower bloomed in her hair.

Si Teng responded by calmly challenging him, asking if he could still feel the same "even if" he were Bai Ying's descendant. When a stunned Qin Fang denied it, Si Teng laid out her reasoning: if he wasn't related to her, how could his blood have revived her, and why would he have been in Darna? She pointedly asked if he truly didn't care about the possibility of being a Yi himself, leaving him speechless.

Si Teng reminded Qin Fang that she had visited his family's old home before with Shao Yankuan. In a flashback, Shao Yankuan showed her his family's textile mill, which was facing financial ruin. In the present, Si Teng explained that Shao Yankuan was a poor manager, and the war worsened his debt. It was during this period that Bai Ying's name first appeared in Qin Fang's great-grandfather's notebook.

Qin Fang reacted angrily, accusing Si Teng of investigating his family behind his back. She retorted that his reaction was childish and she had waited for confirmation before speaking.

She then revealed what Yan Furui learned from an old woman in Qin Fang's hometown: the family's Huamei Textile Mill had closed without paying debts, but the Qin family's debts alone were cleared after they "curried favor with someone from Shenhai"—a Ms. Bai, with whom one of them allegedly had an affair. Si Teng left Qin Fang to ponder what this implied about his lineage.

Episode 19 Recap

Si Teng meticulously explained to Qin Fang the intricate details of Bai Ying's past manipulations. She revealed that Shao Yankuan clearing only the Qin family's debts was Bai Ying's initial move. Disguised as a textile mill representative, Bai Ying had resolved Qin Laifu's financial crisis, making him deeply indebted to her.

Si Teng clarified that while Jia San'er's involvement was accidental, necessitating his subjugation by Rattan Kill, Bai Ying had carefully vetted Qin Laifu's character to entrust him with her son. She pointed out that Bai Ying's frequent disappearances, as recalled by Shao Yankuan's great-grandson, were secret visits to Qin Laifu, a connection maintained until her death. Si Teng theorized that Bai Ying, foreseeing Qiu Shan's arrival, orchestrated an early birth and gave the child to Qin Laifu.

She further revealed that Bai Ying, feigning medical knowledge, had not given Qin Laifu's wife medicine for her illness but had instead used a Yi method to render her infertile, ensuring all their love would be devoted to the adopted child. Horrified, Qin Fang realized Bai Ying had cruelly deprived others of their ability to have children to protect her own.

He declared he would never have engaged with Shao Yankuan or plotted such a scheme, preferring a swift end to a lingering, inauthentic life. Si Teng concluded that Bai Ying then instructed Qin Laifu to retrieve her remains from Qiu Shan and bury them at a specific location. The four lines of poetry were not a sentimental verse but a coded message revealing her burial site.

When Qin Fang, stunned, asked if even the plane crash and the disappearance of the remains were part of the plan, Si Teng confirmed it. She asserted that the Jia family had guarded her, while the Qin family had guarded Bai Ying. Overwhelmed, Qin Fang confessed he could not accept being Bai Ying's descendant, as the resulting blood relation to Si Teng was a prospect he found deeply disturbing.

Si Teng coolly noted that as a human, he could not disregard such a connection. Deeply troubled, Qin Fang spent a sleepless night before seeking out Wang Qiankun. To Wang Qiankun’s delight, who had been struggling to obtain a sample, Qin Fang volunteered to have his blood tested to determine his potential blood relation to Si Teng. Wang Qiankun eagerly proclaimed that sometimes, what you seek comes to you effortlessly.

A cold war ensued between Si Teng and Qin Fang as they awaited the results, leaving Yan Furui to awkwardly serve as their messenger. On the flight to Yuhang, Qin Fang deliberately swapped seats with Yan Furui, who then complained to Si Teng about Qin Fang’s sudden moodiness. Irritated, Si Teng ordered them to switch back. Cornered, Qin Fang confronted Si Teng, vehemently opposing her plan to merge with Bai Ying.

He condemned Bai Ying’s cruel actions, stating that if she had been the one revived in Darna, he would never have helped her. Having patiently endured his outburst, Si Teng warned him to know his limits, asserting that her plans were not his to dictate. She explained she had to find Bai Ying's remains and merge, or she would eventually be destroyed by the power of Chi San within her.

Horrified, Qin Fang quickly denied wishing her harm, professing he would rather die himself. Si Teng acknowledged his dedication but stated their unforeseen connection held no true significance, advising him to treat her as he always had. Qin Fang, clarifying his distress was not about family hierarchy, gave up in frustration, lamenting that his sincere feelings had gone to waste. Upon arrival, Si Teng declared she would not stay at Qin Fang's home, finding it too noisy.

Frustrated, Qin Fang let her have the villa and retreated to his company office, telling Yan Furui to escort her. At the office, Qin Fang discovered that a crucial stock transfer was stalled because Shan Zhigang was unreachable. In a curt manner, he dismissed his subordinate’s questions and allowed them to place green plants in the office, something previously forbidden by Shan Zhigang. At his office, Qin Fang quietly looked at a potted plant, his thoughts consumed by Si Teng.

Meanwhile, Si Teng, residing in Qin Fang's villa, also missed him, sternly silencing Yan Furui's singing and imagining Qin Fang in a nearby chair. Yan Furui called Qin Fang, pleading for him to return, but Qin Fang refused, believing Si Teng did not wish to see him. Caught in the middle, Yan Furui then tried to subtly encourage Si Teng to reconcile by suggesting they could open a kebab restaurant together.

Annoyed at the mention of Qin Fang, Si Teng snatched Yan Furui’s phone, intending to call Qin Fang. Unfamiliar with the device, she fumbled and angrily threw it, accidentally initiating a video call. Qin Fang answered and, to his surprise, saw Si Teng, who appeared to be dozing. He took the opportunity to silently watch her, easing his longing. Si Teng then abruptly demanded Yan Furui fetch her a writing brush and ink, returning the phone to him.

Having shooed the chattering Yan Furui away, Si Teng meticulously wrote down Bai Ying's four lines of poetry, seeking hidden clues. Later, Yan Furui set up a barbecue outside, and the thick smoke drifted into the villa. Perturbed, Si Teng emerged to confront him. Yan Furui explained he was trying to help her de-stress, citing the human adage that a good meal can solve any problem.

Though irritated, Si Teng refrained from acting on her impulse to harm him and returned inside. After his barbecue, Yan Furui saw the poem Si Teng had written and spent the entire night pondering its meaning. By morning, he excitedly announced he had deciphered Bai Ying's burial location. Si Teng, though skeptical, listened as he meticulously broke down the poem: the first two lines contained characters and homophones for "Bai Ying," the third line pointed to "Mt.

Xizhao," and the final line indicated "Huafeng Tower." He confidently concluded Bai Ying's remains were buried in Huafeng Tower on Mt. Xizhao. Just then, Qin Fang called with a delivery. Si Teng instructed Yan Furui to tell Qin Fang to bring the items inside himself and reminded Yan Furui of their nighttime expedition. Outside, Yan Furui complained that Qin Fang had bought many branded items for Si Teng but nothing for him.

Qin Fang, promising to buy him a new outfit later, refused to enter the villa, claiming he was too busy with company matters, which led to Yan Furui mocking his flimsy excuses and his narrow-mindedness.

Episode 20 Recap

Confused by Qin Fang and Si Teng's cold interactions, Yan Furui questioned why Qin Fang was having him deliver gifts instead of doing it himself. He then informed Qin Fang that Si Teng planned to go to Huafeng Tower that night to dig for Bai Ying's bones. Qin Fang, feigning indifference, dismissed it and claimed to be busy with work.

Yan Furui insisted on staying, explaining that Si Teng's affairs were connected to his master, Qiu Shan, and he wished to witness the outcome. He urged Qin Fang to join them to see the rare spectacle of Si Teng potentially combining with Bai Ying, but Qin Fang remained firm in his refusal. At the house, Si Teng was annoyed when Yan Furui returned alone, bearing a pile of luxury brand clothes and shoes from Qin Fang that she didn't need.

Meanwhile, Qin Fang, who had driven away, abandoned his car and walked back. He appeared in the garden and called Si Teng out, determined to make her understand why fate seemed to favor Bai Ying. He explained that Si Teng was too close to the situation to see that Bai Ying possessed deeper cunning and a greater capacity for enduring humiliation.

He detailed how Bai Ying had patiently stayed with Shao Yankuan, used childbirth as a means to preserve her bloodline, and skillfully feigned anguish when Qiu Shan killed her, leaving no trace of her true intentions. Qin Fang concluded that everything, including the current mystery of her bones' location, was part of Bai Ying’s long-term plan. He stressed that her ultimate goal was not to combine with Si Teng, but to achieve her own resurrection.

Confessing his own recent emotional turmoil, Qin Fang admitted his true difficulty wasn't accepting his lineage to Bai Ying, but the prospect of having a blood relation with Si Teng, a connection that her combination with Bai Ying would make undeniable. Resolved to proceed, Si Teng coldly dismissed Qin Fang's concerns, declaring that after that night, their connection would be severed.

She acknowledged breaking her promise to help him become fully human but pointed out that he had only gained some of the Yi Tribe's bloodline with no other ill effects. Qin Fang understood she was cutting ties, which Si Teng confirmed was her final goodbye. As night fell, a restless Qin Fang found himself unable to sleep. Yan Furui accompanied Si Teng to Huafeng Tower, where she eschewed tools and instead used her rattan powers to search the entire mountain.

Concerned about her overexertion and incomplete control over Chisan's power, Yan Furui warned her that "more haste, less speed." His fears were realized when Si Teng collapsed from energy depletion. In his panic to help her, Yan Furui dropped his tools, attracting nearby security guards. Meanwhile, a frustrated Qin Fang went to a bar to drink and vent. His evening was interrupted by a distressed call from Yan Furui, who was being questioned by security.

Qin Fang rushed to their aid. At Huafeng Tower, he found the guards confronting Yan Furui and the unconscious Si Teng. Qin Fang de-escalated the situation by claiming they were merely tourists and that Si Teng had fainted due to a pre-existing heart condition. He managed to convince the guards to let them go after agreeing to pay a fine.

Upon learning that Si Teng had failed in her search and thus could not combine with Bai Ying, a drunken Qin Fang laughed with relief and schadenfreude. Despite his apparent glee, he tenderly lifted Si Teng in a princess carry and took her back home, leaving Yan Furui to carry the tools. Later, Qin Fang collapsed onto the sofa beside Si Teng's bed.

When Yan Furui tried to move him, Qin Fang refused to budge, forcing Yan Furui to leave him there for the night. The next morning, Qin Fang found a worried Yan Furui keeping watch. Yan Furui confirmed that Si Teng hadn't found Bai Ying's bones and now firmly believed they were not on the mountain, as her powers had thoroughly scoured the entire area. Now skeptical himself, Qin Fang researched the construction date of Huafeng Tower.

When Si Teng awoke, she immediately tried to dismiss him, reminding him that their connection was severed. Stung by her coldness, Qin Fang turned back to confront her. He argued that his blood was vital for her survival, capable of reviving her and alleviating the backlash from Chisan's power, and declared his willingness to provide it for a lifetime.

However, the proud Si Teng vehemently rejected his offer, stating that she would rather die than live a life dependent on others. Ignoring Yan Furui, Si Teng walked towards a nearby lake. Left in the garden, Yan Furui continued to ponder the burial site. Recalling the poetic line "sunset shone on water," he wondered if the bones could be in the lake. Suddenly, he noticed that all the surrounding plants had inexplicably withered and turned yellow.

Panicked, he called out to Qin Fang, who was about to leave. Yan Furui speculated that Si Teng was intensely absorbing nutrients from the soil, causing the widespread decay, and that this power drain seemed far more severe than just the effects of Chisan's power. Qin Fang instructed Yan Furui to keep quiet about the incident and wait for Si Teng's recovery, explaining he needed to visit his old house and would return before nightfall.

At his old family home, Qin Fang retrieved his great-grandfather's diary and a painting. He realized the tower in the painting was inconsistent in height and position with the actual Huafeng Tower, deducing that Bai Ying had invented a "virtual" tower to serve as a unique landmark. The diary entries also revealed his great-grandfather's painful longing for a child, confirming he had been an unwitting pawn in Bai Ying's scheme to have him raise her son.

With the painting in hand, Qin Fang arrived at Jingchi Lake as the sun was setting. Seeing the sunset reflected on the water's surface, a bold new theory about Bai Ying's true burial place began to form in his mind.

Episode 21 Recap

Qin Fang returned to find his home surrounded by rapidly wilting greenery. Yan Furui frantically showed him the backyard, where the ground was cracking and water vanished upon contact. Even the indoor plants had withered, alarming Qin Fang about Si Teng. He saw the withered vines as a reflection of Si Teng's fragility. Overwhelmed by exhaustion, he fell asleep, dreaming of an endless lake where he was sinking. That night, Qin Fang struggled in his nightmare.

Si Teng returned, saw his distress, and entered his dream, witnessing a woman identical to herself falling into a river. Qin Fang awoke to find Si Teng gone, but the surrounding plants were vibrant green again. Yan Furui marveled at this miracle, realizing Si Teng had the power to revive her own kind. However, he worried that if Si Teng merged with Bai Ying, she might revert to her former, ruthless self.

He questioned the point of such conflict, preferring peace. Qin Fang, observing the revived plants, understood that Si Teng must have been deeply saddened when she engaged in such acts in the past. Qin Fang found Si Teng, who admitted her condition was worsening; she couldn't bear the powerful forces within her, which were constantly being released and eroded.

Qin Fang concluded that merging with Bai Ying was the only solution and presented a painting from his ancestral home, showing a tower different from the current Huafeng Tower, hoping it would guide them to Bai Ying's burial site. Si Teng, however, had already deduced Bai Ying's plan. Since the burial site wasn't on a mountain, it must be in the water.

She reasoned that Bai Ying, being inherently similar to her, wouldn't have trusted Qin Laifu with the true location. As Qin Laifu couldn't swim, he would have had to hire boatmen, exposing the secret. Therefore, Bai Ying must have made pre-arrangements underwater to ensure that anyone entering the water would die. Si Teng decided to investigate that very night, explaining that further delay would leave her tortured by the power of Chisan.

Although Qin Fang still disagreed with her merging with Bai Ying, he chose to accompany her, reiterating his commitment to his initial promise. Qin Fang borrowed an inflatable boat and tasked Yan Furui with assembling it, despite Yan Furui's concerns about boating illegally. At the lake, Si Teng instructed them to wait while she investigated alone.

As her vines probed the depths, they touched a wooden coffin, triggering a vision: Qin Laifu paying two skilled swimmers with silver coins to submerge a large box. After they dove in, they were instantly ensnared and killed by Bai Ying's vines. After the vision, Si Teng quietly returned to shore, where Qin Fang and Yan Furui had been waiting until dawn. When Si Teng confirmed she had found Bai Ying, Qin Fang felt no joy.

He reaffirmed his commitment to help her but pleaded with her not to merge, confessing his affection for who she was now. Si Teng replied that she was only there to discover who had sent her to Dana all those years ago. That night, Qin Fang slept restlessly and, upon rushing to Si Teng's room, found she was gone. Si Teng went to Sunset Lake, standing silently on the water. Qin Fang pursued her, arriving before she could act.

He implored her to be her true self, not to live for Qiu Shan or Bai Ying. Qin Fang passionately argued that Si Teng had never truly been herself: first as Qiu Shan's puppet, then driven by Bai Ying's desires after her resurrection. He countered her belief that they were one, arguing that some things, like water poured into soil, cannot be reversed and that their separation was fated.

He confessed his opposition to the merger was solely because he loved her and wanted to be with her. His words left Si Teng visibly conflicted. By the time Yan Furui arrived, Qin Fang was no longer by her side. Yan Furui was wondering why Si Teng had asked if Qin Fang could swim when Qin Fang suddenly emerged from the water, entangled by vines and calling for help. Without hesitation, Si Teng plunged in.

As Qin Fang struggled near a bridge, Si Teng dove deep to battle Bai Ying. Qin Fang yelled for Yan Furui to rescue him, but Yan Furui couldn't operate the boat. After fumbling with the motor and spinning aimlessly, Yan Furui accidentally rammed the boat into the vines, freeing Qin Fang. Realizing it was Bai Ying who had trapped him, Yan Furui panicked and urged Qin Fang to flee.

On the shore, Qin Fang and Yan Furui watched Si Teng and Bai Ying battle on the water's surface before plunging back into the depths. Qin Fang climbed onto the bridge, calling out for Si Teng. Suddenly, a woman in red, identical to Si Teng, shot out of the water. She showed no recognition of them and, after striking Qin Fang and nearly knocking him into the lake, swiftly departed.

A stunned and heartbroken Qin Fang despaired, believing they had merged. Moments later, the real Si Teng emerged. Overjoyed, Qin Fang rushed to embrace her, relieved she was still herself. Si Teng explained that the figure was Bai Ying, who had surfaced first, struck him, and fled. Impatient to pursue her, Si Teng told them to wait before immediately leaving. Qin Fang quickly pulled Yan Furui along to give chase. While pursuing Bai Ying, Si Teng encountered Qiu Shan.

Their animosity flared, but as they prepared to fight, a nearby car crash distracted them. Si Teng, unable to bear the casualties, intervened to rescue the victims. Witnessing her compassion, Qiu Shan hesitated. At that moment, Bai Ying flashed past as a red blur, and Qiu Shan immediately gave chase. Meanwhile, Qin Fang and Yan Furui, having seen the crash, hurried home and found Si Teng there.

Yan Furui confronted her about Bai Ying's escape, and Si Teng calmly admitted that she had given Bai Ying half of her power, enabling her to be resurrected. Qin Fang stopped Yan Furui's questioning, emphasizing the innocence of the accident victims. He decided to visit the hospital to check on them, instructing Yan Furui to stay with Si Teng. Alone with her, Yan Furui expressed his deep concern over Bai Ying's escape, her ruthlessness, and the Xuan Sect's diminished power.

Si Teng firmly stated that this matter was solely between her and Bai Ying. She then abruptly told Yan Furui to return to Mt. Cangcheng and resume selling kebabs, clearly dismissing him. A bewildered Yan Furui was left wondering if she was simply getting rid of him or hinting that Bai Ying had gone to Mt. Cangcheng.

Episode 22 Recap

Following a severe car accident, the family involved was rushed to the hospital. The doctor informed the husband that his wife and child had sustained head injuries with extensive bruising, and their condition was not optimistic, urging him to prepare for the worst. Meanwhile, Qin Fang, consumed by worry, arrived at the hospital, his emotions a complex mix. That night, Qin Fang was plagued by unsettling dreams again.

He dreamt of Si Teng elegantly sipping tea, only for her to turn and reveal the face of Bai Ying, who then declared, "It's over." Qin Fang awoke with a start, bewildered by the recurring strange dreams. To his surprise, Yan Furui also had a dream about Si Teng.

In Yan Furui's dream, Si Teng advised him against returning to Cangcheng Mountain, suggesting he stay in Yuhang to start a small business, adding that Qin Fang would be there to help him financially. Both dreams concluded with Si Teng uttering the same cryptic phrase, "It's over." Hearing this, Qin Fang rushed to Si Teng's room, only to find her clothes still there, confirming his fears that she had indeed left.

He was furious, yelling that he refused to accept her departure and feeling like discarded waste. He stormed out, buying and devouring a large quantity of food in a fit of rage. Yan Furui, thinking he was being helpful, started to pack up Si Teng's unworn clothes, intending to sell them. Qin Fang erupted in a fresh wave of fury, forbidding him from touching her belongings.

Frightened, Yan Furui quickly offered to make tea to calm him down, while Qin Fang vehemently declared that Si Teng could not just make a clean break with him. Concurrently, in his laboratory, Wang Qiankun was struggling to verify the DNA of both Si Teng and Qin Fang, a baffling anomaly he referred to as "alien's blood," pushing him to the brink of collapse. Determined to find Si Teng, Qin Fang pressed Yan Furui for her possible whereabouts.

Yan Furui questioned why Qin Fang would abandon a peaceful life to put himself in danger, even suggesting Qin Fang might harbor romantic feelings for Si Teng. Qin Fang, however, had a deeper theory. He reasoned that Si Teng giving Bai Ying half her power must have been a necessity, likely because she couldn't bear the full power of the Red Umbrella herself. He posited that Si Teng, aware of Bai Ying's cunning, must have a plan to stop her.

Qin Fang speculated that the first thing a resurrected Yi would do is find an obedient person to quickly understand the modern world, just as Si Teng had done with them. This immediately brought the family from the car accident to their minds. They hurried to the hospital, where a nurse confirmed the injured woman had been discharged. Despite her severe injuries the day before, she had insisted on leaving once she woke up and seemed perfectly fine.

Finding this suspicious, Qin Fang resolved to visit the family's home. Unknown to them, a white-haired old man, Qiu Shan, was also making his way to the same address. At the Wan family's residence, Qin Fang spoke with the husband, Mr. Wan, who confirmed his wife and daughter were well. He mentioned his wife's insistence on being discharged and how she had been glued to the television since returning home.

Qin Fang noted that Mr. Wan had purchased many silk items, solidifying his suspicion that Bai Ying had possessed someone in the house. As Qin Fang pondered this, Yan Furui suddenly began twitching. Qin Fang turned to see Si Teng standing there. She pulled him aside, dismissing his theory that he had influenced her decision not to merge with Bai Ying. Si Teng then explained her plan: Bai Ying was upstairs, recovering in her new host.

Si Teng had followed Mr. Wan to the mall, subtly gleaning information and even helping him select clothes for Bai Ying. Si Teng decided she and Qin Fang would go upstairs to confront Bai Ying, with Si Teng distracting Mr. Wan to prevent harm to innocents, while Yan Furui stood guard downstairs. Downstairs, the Wan family’s young daughter asked Yan Furui to play with a ball.

During their game, Yan Furui spotted the white-haired old man, Qiu Shan, and, recognizing his master, chased after him. Meanwhile, Si Teng and Qin Fang entered the house. Si Teng asked Mr. Wan for a private conversation with his wife, and Qin Fang convinced him to let the two women speak alone. Yan Furui caught up to Qiu Shan and, trying to protect Si Teng, feigned ignorance about her presence. He pleaded with his master not to abandon him again.

Qiu Shan agreed to walk with him, but not before casting a sharp glance upstairs. As they left, the young girl watched them intently. Inside, Si Teng realized the woman was not Bai Ying. She and Qin Fang rushed downstairs to find the little girl unconscious in the garden. Bai Ying had briefly possessed the child before fleeing.

The girl was unharmed, and Si Teng dismissed the idea that Bai Ying had taken Yan Furui, stating he was merely a potential bargaining chip. In a secluded spot, Qiu Shan told Yan Furui that his original plan to ambush a merged Si Teng and Bai Ying at the lake was thwarted by Si Teng’s refusal and Bai Ying’s cunning.

He described Bai Ying as the crueler of the two and lamented that Si Teng was his "life-long trouble," a shame to his sect. He railed against the current Xuan Sect for colluding with the Yi, proclaiming that only he remained true to their original purpose. Meanwhile, Bai Ying, rapidly absorbing modern knowledge, was using her abilities to acquire money.

While out, she encountered Bai Jin, who was publicly discussing his theories about the Yi and proudly mentioning his Yi friend, Si Teng. Captivated, Bai Ying followed the tipsy Bai Jin, pretending to be a fan. After flattering him and taking a photo, she watched with a sinister smile as he passed out from drunkenness.

Later, Qin Fang and Si Teng returned home after a movie, where Si Teng’s intense immersion in the 3D film had nearly caused a commotion over popcorn. At home, while they were grilling and watching a movie, a romantic underwater kissing scene appeared. Qin Fang playfully remarked that as a Yi, she wouldn't understand human "romance." Si Teng confidently replied, "I get it," and before he could react, she passionately kissed him.

Episode 23 Recap

After a night of heavy drinking, Qin Fang woke up in bed feeling disoriented. He stumbled out to find Si Teng seated outside, who composed herself to greet him. Qin Fang's mind replayed Si Teng's kiss from the previous night, and his heart fluttered. Si Teng, with an uncharacteristic boldness, accepted Qin Fang's implicit affection, leaving both of them flushed. Qin Fang slowly knelt before her, taken aback by her sudden transformation. Qin Fang noticed Si Teng was watching "Titanic".

He tried to ask about her thoughts on the film, but Yan Furui unexpectedly returned. Qin Fang immediately confronted Yan Furui, demanding to know if he had been captured by Bai Ying, a widely held belief. Yan Furui vehemently denied it, asking why Bai Ying would capture him and asserting that he had not seen her. Si Teng, however, directly questioned his whereabouts. Meanwhile, Bai Jin awoke to find himself suspended in mid-air by vines.

A voice asked if he wished to live, to which he eagerly agreed. Bai Ying then materialized before him, having transformed into Si Teng's appearance, and introduced herself as Si Teng's biological sister. Bai Jin, surprised, expressed his unfamiliarity with such familial ties among the Yi, and mentioned Si Teng had never spoken of a sister. Bai Ying, to prove her identity, momentarily revealed her true nature, convincing Bai Jin, who then tried to ingratiate himself with her.

Yan Furui, attempting to explain his disappearance, fabricated a story about his friend Wang Qiankun calling him to say Bai Jin wished to meet Si Teng but had suddenly gone missing. Yan Furui claimed Wang Qiankun had then entrusted him to search for Bai Jin in Yuhang, a task he felt obliged to undertake as a member of the Xuan Sect. Qin Fang tried to smooth things over, but Si Teng fixed Yan Furui with a discerning gaze, clearly unconvinced.

Yan Furui, seizing an opportunity when Qin Fang went to get him food, swiftly escaped before Si Teng could act. Internally, he agonized over his difficult predicament, caught between lying and defying his master. Bai Jin, temporarily released, was compelled to answer Bai Ying's questions. Bai Ying wanted to know everything about the current state of the Xuan Sect and Si Teng. Bai Jin, attempting to buy time, asked Bai Ying about her origins.

This question triggered a violent outburst from Bai Ying, who began singing a mournful tune before mistaking Bai Jin for Shao Yankuan, her former lover. She accused him of betrayal and subjected him to a furious beating. Bai Jin desperately tried to correct her, emphasizing he was not Shao Yankuan, and swiftly redirected her back to the topic of Si Teng.

Still burdened by his deceit, Yan Furui sought Qin Fang's advice, presenting a hypothetical scenario: if his revered father wanted him to harm a close friend, what should he do? Qin Fang firmly stated he would never resort to such an act, emphasizing that a truly honorable person would not use insidious tricks. He advised Yan Furui that if the animosity was not his own, he should not collude with evil at the expense of his friend.

Qin Fang confirmed he had contacted friends in Yuhang to search for Bai Jin, who indeed had been there but was now unreachable. Although Qin Fang admitted Yan Furui had been acting peculiar lately, he trusted that Yan Furui would not behave deceitfully like Shao Yankuan, who had pretended to love Bai Ying while secretly conspiring with Qiu Shan to destroy her.

Elsewhere, Qiu Shan recalled his master's teachings and Xingyun Pavilion's long-standing dream of gaining recognition from the Xuan Sect. He remembered his love for an Yi woman named Changsheng and the profound betrayal he suffered at her hands, which led to her killing his entire sect and solidified his resolve to eliminate all Yi. Meanwhile, Yan Furui, increasingly troubled by the escalating conflict, decided he needed to speak with his master and prevent further animosity.

Yan Furui eventually found Qiu Shan on a street corner. He earnestly pleaded with his master to abandon his deep-seated hatred for the Yi, arguing that they were not inherently evil and pointing out that Si Teng had never harmed anyone. Qiu Shan, however, adamantly refused, believing that Yi were fundamentally different and untrustworthy, asserting, "Those who are not our kind won't share our views," and even suggesting they are "from outer space."

Upon hearing Yan Furui defend Si Teng, Qiu Shan's eyes sharpened, and his weapon reacted. At that moment, Si Teng, who had followed Yan Furui, appeared. Qiu Shan immediately lunged at her, and a fierce battle ensued. Yan Furui rushed between them, desperately trying to prevent bloodshed. Si Teng angrily confronted Qiu Shan about the inhumane treatment she had endured in the past.

Qiu Shan attributed it solely to her nature as an Yi, reiterating his regret for her existence and calling her an "indelible stain" on his life. He recounted his past experience of betrayal and humiliation by an Yi, insisting that all Yi were treacherous and heartless. As Si Teng prepared to strike Qiu Shan, Yan Furui frantically implored her to spare his master.

Si Teng paused, asking Qiu Shan one final question: had he ever shown her even a sliver of mercy? Qiu Shan remained silent, offering no affirmation. Despite the years of abuse and insults, Si Teng acknowledged Qiu Shan's role in bringing her into this world and raising her. She then declared that Qiu Shan, not the Yi, was the truly heartless one who broke promises. With a profound statement, Si Teng chose to spare him that day.

A defeated expression crossed Qiu Shan's face. Yan Furui tried to persuade him to return to Mt. Cangcheng with him, but Qiu Shan refused, sternly warning Yan Furui not to become entangled in these affairs. He then re-sheathed his weapon and staggered away, leaving Yan Furui in anguish. Unbeknownst to Yan Furui, a memory flashed through Qiu Shan's mind: his first encounter with the young Si Teng, freshly awakened.

He had expressed surprise that she didn't smile, wondering if she was afraid, and had then left her alone. This brief glimpse revealed a hint of his conflicted feelings, despite the abuse he inflicted. Witnessing Si Teng's continued silence after the confrontation, Qin Fang gently suggested they go for a walk to lift her spirits. Hand in hand, they strolled through their garden and beyond, finding solace in each other's company.

Meanwhile, Bai Jin spent the entire day explaining Si Teng's history and the current state of the Xuan Sect to Bai Ying. He tried to persuade Bai Ying that the modern world had changed drastically, even suggesting that Xuan Sect now resembled an "alien research institute" focused on understanding and peaceful coexistence with Yi. Bai Jin urged Bai Ying to adapt to contemporary life, just as Si Teng had readily embraced and enjoyed it.

Bai Ying, however, believed Si Teng's transformation was solely due to Qin Fang's influence. Jaded by her own past romantic betrayal, she distrusted all men and cynically predicted that Si Teng would eventually suffer the same heartbreak. Bai Ying rejected Bai Jin's optimistic views, once again descending into madness. She repeatedly mistook Bai Jin for Si Teng and then for Shao Yankuan, accusing him of infidelity and recalling her past threats of eternal confinement for betrayers.

Bai Jin desperately tried to reason with her, reminding her that human hearts are unpredictable and advising her to let go if love was unrequited. Bai Ying, consumed by her bitterness, concluded that love was nothing but a "hoax" for the Yi. Despite Bai Jin's desperate attempts to stop her, she declared her intent to "eliminate Si Teng's obstacle." Bai Ying later observed Si Teng and Qin Fang from the shadows, their radiant smiles piercing her heart.

When Qin Fang briefly left Si Teng, Bai Ying seized the opportunity, transforming herself to look exactly like Si Teng and luring Qin Fang to a secluded spot. Qin Fang, cheerful and unsuspecting, was lured by "Si Teng" to a secluded spot. He arrived with a large bundle of balloons, teasing "Si Teng" about having bought too many. " Si Teng," however, dismissed his playfulness.

As they looked down at the busy people below, Qin Fang expressed his heartfelt desire to share a life with her. Her cold and uncharacteristic response, "I don't care about these," immediately shattered his illusion. With a sudden realization, Qin Fang declared, "You're not Si Teng!" Before he could react further, Bai Ying revealed her true form and ensnared him with vines, leaving him suspended helplessly in the air.

Episode 24 Recap

Qin Fang, recognizing Bai Ying's illusion, found himself suspended in mid-air. Bai Ying instructed him to tell Si Teng, if he survived, that she was determined to merge with her, regardless of Si Teng's will. She ominously suggested he wait for Si Teng in the afterlife if he failed. Despite Qin Fang's desperate struggle to hold on, he eventually lost his grip and plummeted from the tall building.

Si Teng, who had been waiting with her back to him, turned at the commotion, her eyes widening in disbelief as she saw Qin Fang lying covered in blood. Si Teng slowly approached Qin Fang, her hands trembling as she reached out to him, realizing tears streamed down her face. From above, Bai Ying watched, recognizing Si Teng's newfound vulnerability as the key to forcing their merger.

Qin Fang, though severely injured, was not dead and was rushed to the hospital. Si Teng silently stayed by his side while he clung to life. A doctor grimly informed Si Teng that Qin Fang's bones were extensively fractured and his internal organs severely damaged; he was barely clinging to life, perhaps fueled by a strong desire to see someone. Si Teng, devastated, attempted to infuse her power into Qin Fang, but it was inexplicably repelled.

Sensing something profound, she pressed her forehead against his, delving into his consciousness. There, she witnessed a towering Heaven-Supporting Tree, a memory from when she first descended to earth as a rattan and the great tree she clung to transformed into human form. Si Teng realized Qin Fang was a descendant of that very tree, a revelation that rendered her silent. She then quietly left the hospital, leaving a distraught Yan Furui anxiously calling after her.

Yan Furui, unwilling to give up, pursued Si Teng. Si Teng expressed her true feelings, questioning Yan Furui if he thought she was inferior to Bai Ying. Yan Furui admitted he saw Bai Ying as stronger and questioned if their separation was truly about Bai Ying wanting to be human and Si Teng remaining a Yi, remarking that Bai Ying seemed more ruthless and Yi-like.

Si Teng retorted that their nature as rattans was to live in harmony with nature, not to harm humans, and that she herself never desired human form or its constraints, preferring her free life in the mountains. She reflected on Bai Ying's nine years spent in the human world, acknowledging the immense suffering and trials Bai Ying must have endured to become the 'monster' she now was, realizing she had been complacent underground while Bai Ying struggled.

She concluded that their fates were inextricably linked, and it was her responsibility to rectify the wrongs Bai Ying had committed. She resolved to kill Bai Ying to ensure Qin Fang could truly live as a human again, which relieved Yan Furui. Meanwhile, a figure named Bai Jin, bound by vines, struggled to break free. Just as he was about to escape, Bai Ying reappeared.

Bai Jin immediately confronted her, accusing her of harming Qin Fang and reigniting the centuries-old conflict between humans and Yi through her obsession. Enraged by his accusations, Bai Ying violently flung him into the air. Out of her sight, Bai Jin swiftly spread his wings and flew to freedom.

Qin Fang was carefully moved back to Si Teng's residence, where the doors and windows were kept sealed to prevent any impure energies from entering his room, vital for his fragile recovery. Si Teng believed that if her power could be infused, Qin Fang would recover completely. However, she speculated that Qin Fang's body rejected her power because he feared she might lose to Bai Ying. To address this, Si Teng summoned Canghong and Wang Qiankun, urgently seeking their aid.

She inquired about Qiu Shan's past methods of tracking her down after their fallout, noting that despite her elusive escape routes, he always found her. Canghong revealed that Qiu Shan possessed a "Seven-Stars Stone Disk," an ancient artifact that fell to Earth with the Yi Tribe, capable of precisely locating Yi by their DNA. Si Teng deduced the disk likely belonged to the Huang family, given the historical presence of Yi around Granny Huang's pancake stall.

She requested Canghong to retrieve the disk from Granny Huang, subtly implying dire consequences if he refused. After agreeing, Canghong departed, and Yan Furui, seeing him off, was offered a complimentary bun by a sympathetic vendor, noticing his weary demeanor. Returning home, Yan Furui found Si Teng and Wang Qiankun. Si Teng then demonstrated her power by making Wang Qiankun appear exactly like her, much to Yan Furui's astonishment.

Si Teng explained her strategy to them: Bai Ying, having attacked Qin Fang, would undoubtedly make a follow-up move, as both wanted to eliminate the other. Si Teng intended to use Wang Qiankun as a decoy to lure Bai Ying into the house. By extending her illusion to the entire house, Bai Ying would be affected upon entry, preventing her from immediately detecting the trap. Elsewhere, Qiu Shan, visibly unwell, struggled to eat at a restaurant.

He encountered a former assistant, but before he could react, his old age caught up to him, and he collapsed, needing to be rushed to the hospital. Back at the house, Si Teng tenderly shaved the unconscious Qin Fang's beard, confessing her secret desire to live as a human, which she revealed was the true reason for Bai Ying's existence.

She admitted to Qin Fang that she had wanted to tell him, even before his accident, that she yearned for an ordinary life with him – eating, watching movies, and shopping like any other young person. She affirmed that this longed-for life would have to wait until the conflicts with Bai Ying and Qiu Shan were definitively resolved.

After her heartfelt confession, Si Teng stepped outside the room and subtly wove her power into the doors and windows with rainwater, reinforcing the trap for Bai Ying. The sound of her casting the spell startled Yan Furui awake. As he stirred to check on Qin Fang, he suddenly collapsed into unconsciousness, falling right into Si Teng's carefully laid plan.

Episode 25 Recap

One morning, Yan Furui awoke to find Wang Qiankun looking at him, though initially he believed it was Si Teng. Wang Qiankun was puzzled, as Si Teng had vanished overnight. They quickly rushed outside, discovering that Si Teng had painted numerous large eyes on their door. They speculated that this was a visual illusion designed to make Bai Ying suspicious; as anyone looking at the door would unwittingly fall prey to it, Bai Ying's power was not to be underestimated.

Yan Furui, worried that Wang Qiankun might give away their position, instructed him to carefully mimic Si Teng’s demeanor, reminding him that Bai Ying could change hosts as easily as changing clothes and his current male voice and mannerisms were too different. As they discussed their plan, a neighbor observed them, calling them "perverts." Wang Qiankun, believing the illusion had already worked, hurried back inside to check his reflection, only to find he still looked like himself.

Yan Furui, meanwhile, went to the backyard, assuming Si Teng, being a rattan, had rooted herself there. He repeatedly called out for Si Teng to show herself, but received no reply, eventually concluding she was simply well-hidden, employing a strategy of "enemy visible, we hidden." Back inside, Yan Furui continued to scold Wang Qiankun for his unladylike posture and loud voice, warning him that Bai Ying might be lurking.

Though Wang Qiankun initially resisted, claiming only his upper body mattered, he eventually began to practice walking more gracefully. Yan Furui then insisted on applying makeup to Wang Qiankun, just as Jia Lingling arrived unexpectedly. Jia Lingling witnessed the scene and quickly departed, seemingly believing that Yan Furui and Wang Qiankun were "carrying on." Yan Furui, concerned she misunderstood his relationship with Si Teng, rushed after her.

However, Jia Lingling misinterpreted his chase as a sign he preferred men, telling him she "didn't know you liked that" and that she didn't deserve him, much to Yan Furui's bewilderment. She also brought him breakfast, stating she was worried he might be hungry, and called him a "good person." Meanwhile, Qiu Shan regained consciousness in a hospital. Appearing disoriented, he remained silent when a nurse asked for his personal details for discharge.

Once the nurse left, he weakly pulled himself out of bed and discreetly departed the hospital. Shortly after, his assistant arrived, only to find him gone. Qiu Shan returned to his home and gazed at a painting hanging on his wall, recalling his past love for Changsheng, whom he described as a "TCM" also known as "Duhuo." He remembered her telling him that if she ever died, her last word would be his name.

As his thoughts lingered on the past, the painting before him mysteriously ignited and burned to ashes. Later, Yan Furui awoke with a start. He had just dreamed of Si Teng, who had told him that the seven-star stone disk could pinpoint a person's location by burning a part of them. She instructed him that if the disk arrived before Bai Ying, he could burn rattan to locate her.

Realizing it was all a dream, he saw Wang Qiankun still sleeping soundly beside him. Remembering the dream's instructions, Yan Furui rushed to the garden and shielded the rattan, feeling increasingly uneasy and sensing that something was about to happen. Starving, Yan Furui decided to risk going out for food, as they couldn't order takeout in case Bai Ying transformed into a delivery person. He left Wang Qiankun at home to practice applying makeup from a video.

Before leaving, they established a password: Yan Furui would shout "Qin Fang," and Wang Qiankun would respond with "lay still." Upon his return with breakfast, Yan Furui received a phone call. An old man had been hit by a car at the gate. Wang Qiankun, hearing this, immediately became agitated, fearing it was his shifu, Cang Hong. Yan Furui calmed him, then rushed out, discovering it was indeed Cang Hong.

Yan Furui confronted the security guard, who claimed Cang Hong was "injury feigning," citing security cameras and a car's drive recorder as proof. Despite finding the accusation strange, Yan Furui carried the unconscious Cang Hong back home. Wang Qiankun emerged, crying out and blaming Si Teng for everything that had happened, including his shifu's accident, leading to a heated argument with Yan Furui.

While Wang Qiankun went to retrieve medicine, Yan Furui secretly retrieved the seven-star stone disk from Cang Hong and pulled off a small piece of rattan. He entered Qin Fang’s room, intending to test Si Teng’s method himself. To his surprise, the compass initially pointed at Qin Fang, then shifted, indicating something nearby that was moving. Just then, Wang Qiankun entered, accusing Yan Furui of stealing his shifu's belongings.

Yan Furui quickly silenced him, and together, they followed the compass into the living room, where it definitively pointed at Cang Hong. Wang Qiankun confirmed that Cang Hong had not opened his eyes since the accident. Realizing the truth, Yan Furui concluded that Bai Ying had indeed entered the house by transforming into Cang Hong. Shocked, they quickly retreated and hid in Qin Fang’s room.

Knowing that Bai Ying, as Cang Hong, had not opened her eyes since entering the house, Yan Furui took Wang Qiankun’s high-pixel phone and bravely ventured out. He carefully took a photo of the illusionary eyes on the door. He then approached Cang Hong, feigning concern and asking about Si Teng's whereabouts, and attempted to show him the photo, but Cang Hong remained unresponsive.

Yan Furui returned to Wang Qiankun and explained Si Teng's elaborate plan: Si Teng's illusion had trapped Bai Ying, making Wang Qiankun appear as Si Teng in Bai Ying’s eyes, while Bai Ying, attempting a surprise attack, had inadvertently played into Si Teng's hands by transforming into Cang Hong. Their new strategy was for Wang Qiankun to impersonate a completely unsuspecting Si Teng.

Wang Qiankun, though worried about his safety and the possibility of a delayed intervention, agreed, hoping Si Teng would intervene quickly when Bai Ying eventually made her move. As they prepared, Wang Qiankun began practicing his lines, repeatedly stating, "I'm Si Teng."

Episode 26 Recap

Wang Qiankun, his legs weak, leaned on Yan Furui for support as Cang Hong, who was actually Bai Ying in disguise, turned to face them. Yan Furui, concerned for Qin Fang's severe injuries and Si Teng's weakened state from healing him, mentioned the stuffy room. The disguised Bai Ying, as Cang Hong, requested to speak with Si Teng alone.

Yan Furui, aware of the deception, suggested they talk in the back garden, believing it would suit Si Teng, while Wang Qiankun secretly hoped Si Teng would seize the opportunity to attack Bai Ying. Once outside, the figure, still in Cang Hong's form, mockingly remarked on the difficulty of healing a dying man, claiming it would only prolong his suffering for a few days.

Then, her voice shifted back to a female tone, and she scoffed at Wang Qiankun's disguise, revealing she was never fooled by his appearance. Terrified, Wang Qiankun and Yan Furui scrambled back into the room, struggling to barricade the door. After Bai Ying burst in, she demanded to know Si Teng's whereabouts and how much of her vital energy remained.

She then approached the figure lying on the bed, whom they believed to be Qin Fang, and threatened him, attempting to force Si Teng to reveal herself. Desperate, Yan Furui cried out for Si Teng. In a shocking turn, the "Qin Fang" on the bed suddenly sprang to life, ensnaring Bai Ying with vines. Si Teng's voice then echoed, revealing that she had used an illusion to appear as Qin Fang, while the real Qin Fang had been hidden away.

She further explained that Bai Ying had also used illusion to infiltrate, both of them employing similar deceptive tactics. Yan Furui and Wang Qiankun quickly carried the real Qin Fang, who had been concealed in the bathroom, out into the room. Si Teng immediately began transferring Bai Ying's power to him. As Qin Fang's body grew hot from the immense power transfer, Yan Furui was instructed to fetch cold water to help cool him down.

Meanwhile, Wang Qiankun, distraught, demanded to know the fate of his master, Cang Hong. Bai Ying calmly admitted to having recognized and used Cang Hong since he was a boy, stating that she saw an opportunity to exploit him for her entry. Enraged, Wang Qiankun lunged at Bai Ying, attempting to choke her, believing Cang Hong had been cruelly harmed.

Bai Ying, however, looked to Si Teng, reminding her that even after killing her, she had ensured Si Teng's body was treated with dignity and buried respectfully. Si Teng intervened, stopping Wang Qiankun, and only then did Bai Ying reveal that Cang Hong was still alive in the garden. As Si Teng continued the power transfer, Bai Ying incessantly cursed, questioning Si Teng's devotion to Qin Fang and her reasons for saving him.

Si Teng responded that there was no clear right or wrong between them in their past, only calculations, but that Bai Ying should not have harmed Qin Fang. Si Teng only paused when Qin Fang’s face regained a healthy color. Yan Furui, witnessing Bai Ying's callousness, reproached her for her heartlessness, especially towards her own descendants, given her relation to Qin Fang.

Bai Ying coldly dismissed Qin Fang, declaring that her own child had been killed by Qiu Shan long ago. Si Teng, astonished by Bai Ying's profound coldness, observed how drastically she had changed from the Bai Ying who had once loved Shao Yankuan so deeply that she was willing to become human for him.

Si Teng then gently touched Bai Ying's forehead, entering her memories to understand what had transpired between 1939 and 1946 that had so thoroughly hardened her heart. She witnessed Bai Ying's wedding to Shao Yankuan, where Bai Ying, full of hope, eagerly changed her name to 'Bai Ying' and dedicated her life to him, asking for his eternal love.

Shao Yankuan's indifferent response, however, subtly hinted at his superficiality, and Si Teng observed the growing chasm of doubt and suspicion between them, making a true connection impossible. Bai Ying's desperate attempts to change her appearance and preferences to please him further highlighted the superficiality of their bond. Si Teng's vision continued, showing Shao Yankuan quickly taking a new concubine, abandoning Bai Ying to a lonely existence.

Driven by despair and rage, Bai Ying confronted Shao Yankuan during the new concubine's arrival. She declared it was time for a "show" for the new couple, then brutally murdered the concubine right in front of Shao Yankuan. Following this, she grotesquely altered her own face, horrifying Shao Yankuan, who recoiled and branded her a monster. He then confined her, forbidding her to ever appear before him again, rationalizing that it was to prevent public scandal.

Alone in her imprisonment, Bai Ying desperately tried to convince herself that Shao Yankuan would return and that his love would prevail. Si Teng realized Bai Ying believed that by changing her face, she could sever all ties with her past identity as Si Teng and escape the pain of her misplaced affections, but in reality, she only sank deeper into delusion and madness. Bai Ying remained a prisoner, still yearning for Shao Yankuan's affection.

She then overheard a heated argument where Shao Yankuan confronted his first wife about her pregnancy, which was by another man. Seizing an opportunity, Bai Ying confronted the wife, asserting her intention to have a child herself to secure her position in the family and not be trampled by Shao Yankuan's other women. She then humbly begged Shao Yankuan for forgiveness, promising to be a devoted wife, and explicitly expressed her desire to conceive his child.

Despite his continued coldness, they had an intimate encounter, and she became pregnant. Si Teng's vision then revealed Shao Yankuan secretly meeting with Qiu Shan. Shao Yankuan confessed his textile mill was failing and sought Qiu Shan's financial assistance.

Qiu Shan agreed to revitalize the struggling Huamei Textile Factory, but only on the condition that Shao Yankuan assist him in eliminating Si Teng – meaning Bai Ying – specifically after she gave birth, when she would be at her most vulnerable. Though Shao Yankuan had longed for a male heir, he ultimately compromised, agreeing to the treacherous plan due to Bai Ying's "Yao" clan identity.

As Si Teng witnessed these painful memories, she realized that Bai Ying, despite knowing the immense toll childbirth would take on her, still risked her life for Shao Yankuan, only for him to betray her by conspiring with Qiu Shan. The vision then shifted to Bai Ying, heartbroken and drenched in rain at the Huamei Textile Factory, where she had brutally killed Si Teng moments before.

Afterwards, consumed by profound regret, Bai Ying remorsefully admitted her mistake and carefully preserved Si Teng's body. Realizing her tragic error, Bai Ying meticulously devised a plan for Si Teng's eventual resurrection, spanning decades into the future. She discovered that the blood of the Qingtian Tree's descendants held the key to reviving Si Teng.

Bai Ying then killed the Qingtian Tree and acquired one of its descendants—a child—to serve as a vital blood source, arranging for him to be raised by Qin Laifu, unaware of his true purpose. She planned for 70 to 80 years to pass, believing Qiu Shan and the Xuan Gate members would be long gone by then, allowing her to escape her fated demise and secure a new future for herself.

Bai Ying then internally addressed Si Teng, lamenting her own age and inability to fight Qiu Shan, but expressed hope that Si Teng, upon revival, would settle the score, perhaps even dancing on Qiu Shan's grave. As foreseen, Qiu Shan appeared shortly after Bai Ying gave birth and killed her. With her dying breath, Bai Ying defiantly declared that she would indeed return.

Episode 27 Recap

Si Teng witnessed Bai Ying's entire past, feeling a mix of heartbreak and fury. Bai Ying, appearing weak, voiced her regrets, admitting she was blinded by love and foolishly attacked Si Teng when she tried to advise her. The two sat together, seemingly having a heart-to-heart, with Bai Ying expressing profound pain and claiming Si Teng was her only support. Si Teng initially mistook this for genuine remorse, not resisting her touch.

However, in the very next moment, Bai Ying produced a needle, piercing Si Teng's neck. Blood flowed ceaselessly, and Si Teng found herself unable to heal the wound. Meanwhile, Wang Qiankun was searching for his Master, Cang Hong. Qiu Shan, after finding Cang Hong, dismissively pointed him out to Wang Qiankun. Qiu Shan then left them, heading silently towards Qin Fang's villa. Inside the villa, Bai Ying laughed uncontrollably.

She revealed the needle was coated with Yao Water, which Yi tribe could not resist. She admitted that she had always been using Si Teng and intended to kill her if Si Teng stood in her way, claiming Si Teng was the one thing she hadn't accounted for in her plans. Si Teng finally understood Qin Fang's words; ever since Bai Ying's existence, she could no longer be her complete self.

Given this, Si Teng declared she would rather live in the world as a half-Yi, asserting this partial state was her true complete self, ready to face Qin Fang. Si Teng's blood continued to flow, and her powers slowly diminished, signifying she would eventually bleed dry and vanish from the world. Bai Ying mockingly said that Si Teng would soon perish, just like her.

Bai Ying cursed Si Teng, prophesying that Si Teng would never find a suitable partner, or even if she did, she wouldn't be able to spend her life with him, lamenting that all in the world were fickle and ungrateful. Si Teng, however, ignored Bai Ying, stating she had no regrets, having already saved Qin Fang. Yan Furui watched in silence as Si Teng, to Bai Ying's disbelief, struggled to crawl towards Qin Fang.

With her last ounces of strength, she leaned against Qin Fang's unconscious chest, closing her eyes in contentment. This was the inseparable, devoted bond that Bai Ying had always yearned for but never possessed, finally understanding "life-and-death dependence." Yan Furui turned and was shocked to see his Master, Qiu Shan. Bai Ying immediately engaged Qiu Shan in a fight. However, the current Bai Ying was no match for him. Though advanced in age, Qiu Shan's power remained formidable.

He summoned heavenly thunder, intending to strike Bai Ying down. To everyone's surprise, Qin Fang suddenly awoke and lunged forward, shielding Bai Ying from the thunderbolt. He revealed he was an offspring of the giant tree, not entirely human. Despite Qin Fang's intervention, Qiu Shan refused to spare Bai Ying and Si Teng.

He warned Qin Fang that while he carried Bai Ying's power, it wasn't fully integrated, and if he continued to overestimate himself and obstruct him, no deity could save him, especially after taking a direct lightning strike. Yan Furui bravely stepped between them, causing a standoff. At that moment, Bai Ying seized Si Teng and fled. Yan Furui and Qin Fang instinctively moved to block the enraged Qiu Shan. Bai Ying and Si Teng escaped.

Qiu Shan cast Yan Furui and Qin Fang aside. Just then, Cang Hong and Wang Qiankun rushed over. Cang Hong pleaded with Qiu Shan to spare the kind-hearted Si Teng, citing her actions in helping people like defeating Chi San and depleting her own power. He even offered to relinquish his position as the Head of Xuan Sect and name Qiu Shan the true Orthodox Xuan Sect master.

However, Qiu Shan scornfully rejected them, declaring that he alone was worthy of being the Orthodox Xuan Sect master. With that, he resumed his pursuit of Si Teng and Bai Ying. When Si Teng awoke, she and Bai Ying were leaning against a large tree. Si Teng mused that she had once been too naive, uninterested in understanding love, but meeting Qin Fang had changed her perspective.

She reflected that Bai Ying's past choices with Shao Yankuan were her own path, and she (Si Teng) hadn't understood such matters back then. Si Teng extended her hand to Bai Ying, acknowledging that due to the Yao Water, they could no longer merge. However, they still had to face Qiu Shan. Bai Ying silently extended her hand in return. As their hands clasped, a strong wind stirred the forest, and the vines swayed.

They intended to combine their remaining strength to confront Qiu Shan. Qin Fang and Yan Furui, guided by the Seven Star Compass, tracked them to the forest. But Qiu Shan had already found Si Teng and Bai Ying. As Qiu Shan prepared to strike, Si Teng and Bai Ying braced themselves for the confrontation. Bai Ying taunted Qiu Shan, observing that the once righteous Qiu Shan had become a half-Yi himself.

She speculated that he must have suffered from a heartbreak, which was why he couldn't bear to see others in love, suggesting love was poison to him rather than an embrace. Qiu Shan remained impassive, intending to summon a third thunderbolt, sacrificing his own life to destroy Si Teng. Si Teng and Bai Ying did not give Qiu Shan the chance to fully summon the thunder, but their powers were waning, making them no match for him.

As the heavenly thunder Qiu Shan summoned was about to strike Bai Ying, Si Teng bravely shielded her. Qiu Shan did not relent, continuing to summon the thunder with all his might. Qin Fang and Yan Furui desperately rushed to the scene but were blocked by an invisible barrier. Their shouts could not penetrate it. The thunder Qiu Shan had invoked then descended upon him.

As their powers erupted, Bai Ying and Qiu Shan seemed transported back to moments with the people they cared for most, understanding everything in their final instant before turning to dust. Finally, Si Teng began to fade. As Qiu Shan disintegrated, the barrier shattered, and Qin Fang frantically rushed forward, calling out Si Teng's name. Si Teng heard his cries and reached out to touch him, but she couldn't wait. Before his eyes, she dissolved into countless flower petals, vanishing without a trace. Qin Fang, overcome with grief and rage, screamed in anguish, then coughed up blood and collapsed.

Episode 28 Recap

Si Teng appeared in Qin Fang's dream, declaring her intention to return to her original form as a rattan. She expressed deep weariness from her time in the human world, abruptly brought there by Qiu Shan, and having to do many things she hated. She desired a long, peaceful rest and believed that everyone, including Qin Fang and herself, should return to their respective places.

Qin Fang, unwilling to accept this separation, pressed to know if he could ever see her again. Si Teng explained that once she transforms back, she will lose her senses and won't be able to perceive him, suggesting he instead visit old friends. Qin Fang insisted on only wanting to see her, even as Si Teng jokingly threatened to end his dream.

Si Teng then elaborated on her predicament, mentioning that she didn't know how many years it would take to mutate again and that this time, there was no one to assist her. Qin Fang inferred that she, too, wished for another mutation. Si Teng confirmed that she would be at ease if she could mutate without the interference of Qiu Shan, Bai Ying, or other annoying people, but stressed it was merely a wish.

Qin Fang, however, vowed to find a way for her to mutate. Si Teng responded positively, telling him to find her when he succeeded and to bring her new human clothes, which she found appealing. After his dream, Qin Fang remained at the site where Si Teng had vanished.

Yan Furui accompanied him, urging him to take care of himself and focus on living a healthy life, reminding him that Si Teng had given him Bai Ying's power and he would be fine. He tried to persuade Qin Fang to go inside from the wind, but Qin Fang wished to linger, reflecting on how he used to foolishly speak to the rattans there, believing Si Teng was hiding among them.

Yan Furui advised Qin Fang to live his own life peacefully, reminding him of his youth, success, and the potential future development of Bai Ying's power within him. Qin Fang offered to invest in a restaurant for Yan Furui in Yuhang, even offering to design it and share profits. However, Yan Furui preferred to return to Mount Cangcheng, considering it his true home. Qin Fang accepted his decision but assured him of support if he ever needed it.

Despite Yan Furui's concern about Qin Fang's fluctuating health and desire to stay for a few days, Qin Fang reassured him he was feeling much better. He asserted that a person is never truly alone as long as they hold onto hope. Yan Furui and Wang Qiankun then departed. Along the way, Yan Furui encountered Jia Lingling, who initially seemed to ignore him.

He thanked her for her long-standing care and invited her to join him on his journey back to Mount Cangcheng. Jia Lingling finally acknowledged him, offering him a bun and remarking that they couldn't travel on an empty stomach, which Yan Furui took as a positive sign. Qin Fang spent a long time calming himself. He returned to the desolate place where Si Teng had vanished, a place now devoid of any trace of her.

He knelt, scooped up a handful of earth, and then left. Shortly after his departure, a small vine subtly emerged from the ground at that very spot. Five years later, Bai Jin, addressing a group of children, recounted a tale of a prince and princess. When questioned by the children why the characters couldn't be together, Bai Jin explained that just as a rattan must separate from a tree, their paths diverged.

The children expressed their strong dislike for this ending. To appease them, Bai Jin promised a new, more satisfying conclusion, revealing that the story was not over and that Qin Fang had searched extensively for Si Teng, eventually finding her traces after five years. Five years later, Yan Furui was working at a kindergarten, where children affectionately called him "Uncle Yan," a title he jovially rejected. He was confronted with a recurring issue: the delivery of spoiled vegetables.

He angrily confronted the supplier, pointing out the shriveled greens and sprouting potatoes, emphasizing that these foods were for children. The supplier dismissed his concerns, implying Yan Furui was too particular and that he should "not take it too serious" since he was offering such a low price for food "for the kids." Enraged by the supplier's dismissive attitude, Yan Furui pursued him, but in his haste, he tripped and hit his head, leading to his hospitalization.

At the hospital, the dean was concerned about Yan Furui, especially since his wife and child were away at her mother's home. Noticing "Master Wang" among his phone contacts, and with no other close relatives apparent, the dean decided to contact Qin Fang instead. Qin Fang, who happened to be in the vicinity of Mount Cangcheng for a friend's business, arrived at the hospital.

Yan Furui, downplaying his injury, assured Qin Fang he was fine and that the dean had overreacted by hospitalizing him for a simple bump. Qin Fang explained that the dean was simply being cautious in case of a serious injury, especially with Yan Furui's family away. Qin Fang then urged Yan Furui not to hesitate to ask for financial help, contrasting his reluctance with Si Teng's straightforwardness in using his resources.

Yan Furui insisted he was living a good life, with a family and all his needs met, and joked about Qin Fang's generous wedding gift despite his absence. Yan Furui then tentatively inquired if there were any leads on Si Teng. Qin Fang admitted his uncertainty about her ability to mutate again, noting the lack of precedent, but affirmed that he had been searching for her for the past five years, hoping that time would eventually reveal the answer.

When asked if he felt any internal changes from Bai Ying's power, Qin Fang said he felt no different, eating and sleeping as usual. Yan Furui then gently urged Qin Fang to move on and live a better life, suggesting that as Si Teng was a rattan, her perspective might differ from humans, and her current state might be the best outcome. Qin Fang, however, sighed, indicating his unwillingness to let go.

Meanwhile, at the Aigensi Kindergarten, a teacher, Ms. Lin, called out a child named Xixi. Ms. Lin confronted Xixi about complaints from three other children who claimed Xixi had forcibly taken their snacks and had also threatened anyone who dared to report her. When asked where she learned such behavior, Xixi casually replied, "From TV."

Ms. Lin warned Xixi that such conduct would prevent her from earning a "golden star," to which Xixi indifferently responded that it couldn't be eaten anyway. Ms. Lin, exasperated, banished Xixi to her office to stand as punishment. Later, another teacher approached Ms. Lin, recounting a frightening incident involving Xixi. The teacher, who admitted to being timid, explained that she had been alone in the office when she suddenly heard a faint, off-key singing.

She had been terrified, with her hairs standing on end, only to discover Xixi, hidden behind a desk, was the source. When Xixi claimed she was singing a nursery rhyme, the terrified teacher scoffed, declaring it was far from a nursery rhyme and insisted that Xixi's parents be summoned immediately. Qin Fang left the hospital with his friend Yiru to attend to some business. Their destination brought them to the Aigensi Kindergarten, where they observed Xixi's adoptive mother approaching.

Inside, Ms. Lin was speaking with Xixi's adoptive mother, briefing her on Xixi's behavior and requesting cooperation to help Xixi integrate better into kindergarten life. The adoptive mother candidly revealed that Xixi was her adopted daughter, found in the mountains by a college couple.

She confessed that she, too, was struggling to adjust to Xixi's unique temperament, noting that Xixi was unusually mature for her age and disobedient, though the adoptive mother herself spoiled her in hopes of a longer mother-daughter bond. Ms. Lin, surprised by this revelation, apologized for not knowing Xixi was adopted. The adoptive mother mentioned Xixi's apparent inability to grow much despite eating well.

Ms. Lin then inquired about Xixi's TV habits, explaining that young children, especially those aged four or five, are prone to imitation, and suggested that parents encourage outdoor activities rather than prolonged screen time. As Xixi's adoptive mother prepared to leave with Xixi, she seemed to sense Qin Fang and Yiru's parked car across the street, causing Yiru to quickly duck out of sight.

Qin Fang, observing Yiru's prosthetic leg, attempted to persuade her to reconcile with her past trauma, arguing that while one can never truly return to what was lost, accepting the worst parts can lead to a better future. Yiru challenged him, questioning his right to advise her to accept her past when he himself seemed unable to do so.

Qin Fang acknowledged his own struggle, admitting that acceptance was his only choice, and that his own mother likely considered him dead, having adopted another child. Meanwhile, back inside the kindergarten, the other teacher expressed suspicion about Xixi's adoptive mother, Kong Jinghua, to Ms. Lin. The teacher found it peculiar that Kong Jinghua, nearing fifty, would adopt a child and had not disclosed information about Xixi's father.

She also doubted Xixi's claim that the haunting song she sang was a nursery rhyme, revealing that she had searched the lyrics online and discovered it was a demoralizing song from the 1930s or 1940s, implying Kong Jinghua might be responsible for exposing Xixi to such music. At home, Xixi's adoptive mother, Kong Jinghua, tried to enforce stricter rules.

She called Xixi, whose full name was Xizhu, to dinner, telling her to stop watching TV and suggesting cartoons, which Xizhu dismissed as childish. Kong Jinghua explained that she named her Xizhu after bamboo, a symbol of high moral character in Chinese culture, hoping Xizhu would be humble, polite, noble, and upright. However, Xizhu ate little and soon declared herself full.

Kong Jinghua then insisted that Xizhu finish her food, reminding her that food was not to be wasted and that she needed to be mindful of her table manners. Kong Jinghua stated she had reflected on her previous indulgence and intended to be much stricter from then on for Xizhu's own good, demanding she finish her meal. When Xizhu resisted, she bit Kong Jinghua, which led Kong Jinghua to slap her, causing Xizhu's nose to bleed.

Immediately remorseful, Kong Jinghua apologized profusely to Xizhu, lamenting the difficulty of raising an adopted child without being either too harsh or too lenient, and reflecting on the importance of establishing rules early to prevent a child from growing astray, alluding to past painful experiences. Later, Qin Fang explained to Yiru that he had initially kept her as his assistant because of her severe left leg injury and her complete lack of will to live after he saved her.

He now felt that her past troubles were resolved and urged her to find a new purpose and return home to her mother, asserting that at only twenty, she still had a long life ahead. Yiru expressed her apprehension, wondering if her mother would even accept her back. That same night, Kong Jinghua entered Xizhu's room while the child pretended to be asleep.

Kong Jinghua tearfully apologized for her earlier actions and sought forgiveness, promising to leave her alone for the night. After Kong Jinghua left, Xizhu opened her eyes, quietly rose from bed, and began packing her belongings, clearly intending to run away from home. As Xizhu made her escape, she was unexpectedly encountered by Qin Fang, who was returning home. Concerned for the child's safety, Qin Fang approached her, asking about her parents and why she was out alone so late.

Xizhu, asserting she wasn't a "little sister," demanded food in exchange for her name. As they spoke, Qin Fang found himself staring intently at Xizhu, struck by her uncanny resemblance to Si Teng.

Episode 29 Recap

Qin Fang took a young girl he found on the road to a supermarket, where she readily picked out many items, showing a voracious appetite. Noticing injuries on her face, he offered her medicine to apply. Moved by his kindness, the girl finally revealed her name was Xizhu, explaining it was "Xi for west, Zhu for bamboo." This name, however, startled Yiru, who overheard.

Qin Fang pulled Yiru aside, learning that Xizhu was her mother's newly adopted daughter, and Yiru herself had also once been named Xizhu. Strangely, Yiru adamantly denied that her mother had ever hit her, despite Xizhu's visible bruises. Qin Fang felt for Xizhu and gave her his coat, prompting the child to ask who Yiru was and if she could stay with him. Qin Fang, realizing he hadn't even told Xizhu his own name, decided not to press for answers.

Once Xizhu fell asleep, he covertly returned her to her adoptive mother's home. The next morning, Xizhu discovered a photo album titled "Xizhu's Growth Record," but the pictures inside clearly showed Yiru. She innocently mentioned to her adoptive mother that she had seen the girl in the photos, sparking a furious outburst from the woman, who demanded to know where and when Xizhu had seen her. Xizhu, in pain from her adoptive mother's grip, bit her arm to break free.

The adoptive mother, Kong Jinghua, immediately seemed to snap back to reality, tearfully apologizing and begging Xizhu for forgiveness. Xizhu, composed, asked to be sent to school. Upon arriving, she tearfully confided in her teacher, Ms. Lin, revealing fresh bruises and injuries on her body. Ms. Lin and a colleague were horrified, recognizing it as clear child abuse.

Ms. Lin immediately offered Xizhu a safe place to stay at her own home for the night, which finally calmed the crying child. Meanwhile, Qin Fang couldn't shake off Xizhu having called him by his name. He brought his Seven-Star Stone Plate to Xizhu's house, and it astonishingly reacted, guiding him in a specific direction. That night, a fierce storm raged. Kong Jinghua, desperate to find Xizhu, tracked her to Ms. Lin's home.

As Ms. Lin went to close a window, she was terrified to see Kong Jinghua and fainted. Kong Jinghua entered the house, went to Xizhu's bedside, and woke the sleeping child, but Xizhu quickly fled. Xizhu ran directly into Qin Fang, who shielded her by holding her near a window ledge, evading Kong Jinghua's pursuit. Qin Fang then used Chisan's hallucinatory power to temporarily erase Ms. Lin's memory of Kong Jinghua's visit and of Xizhu staying with her.

After ensuring Ms. Lin would be undisturbed, he left with Xizhu, taking her back to his home. Qin Fang, realizing the significance of the Seven-Star Stone Plate's guidance and Xizhu's mysterious knowledge of him, was now certain that the child was indeed Si Teng, reborn. Overwhelmed with joy and relief at finally finding her, he laughed genuinely for the first time in years. Meanwhile, in an ethereal realm, Bai Jin appeared before the young Si Teng, who showed no fear.

Bai Jin gently explained that it was Si Teng herself who had brought him there. He played with her, offering her a new beginning. Qin Fang had already contacted Yan Furui and Wang Qiankun, informing them of Si Teng's unusual, rapid transformation and asking them to research this phenomenon. Later, Xizhu awoke and sincerely thanked Qin Fang for saving her. Qin Fang, still trying to understand her, playfully tested her by suggesting she wasn't an ordinary human child.

Xizhu, quick-witted, admitted she was an "alien" and suggested he was too, but wouldn't reveal more. When Qin Fang pretended to leave her, the little Xizhu immediately chased after him, begging him to stay. Xizhu remained unwilling to fully disclose her identity, but Qin Fang decided not to pressure her further, instead proposing a partnership. He noted her remarkable similarities in behavior to Si Teng, making their communication surprisingly effortless.

They speculated about Kong Jinghua, suspecting her to be a Yi mutated from bamboo due to her constant references to bamboo and even naming her daughters after it. Qin Fang found the idea humorous, especially when Wang Qiankun suggested she might be a panda Yi. After their serious discussion, Qin Fang ordered a large amount of food for Xizhu, who ate without restraint.

When Qin Fang casually mentioned "Si Teng," Xizhu proudly boasted about Si Teng's unparalleled power, making Qin Fang smile. That night, Qin Fang and Xizhu went to Kong Jinghua's home. Xizhu noticed an unusual broom. Qin Fang retrieved cooking oil from the kitchen and strategically poured it on Kong Jinghua when she emerged, then produced a lighter. Seeing the flame, Kong Jinghua froze.

She openly admitted she was a Yi, explaining that she was old and dying and had adopted children to have a reliable junior to settle her affairs. Qin Fang, surprised that even Yis could age, learned from Kong Jinghua that their lifespan was long, taking decades or centuries to show significant changes. She recalled a unique exception: the 1910 mutation, when Si Teng rapidly rose to prominence, becoming incredibly powerful despite being a Yi.

Si Teng was then manipulated by the Xuan Sect to absorb the power of her own kind. Kong Jinghua recounted how she and her three sisters, part of the "Plum, Orchid, Bamboo, and Chrysanthemum" quartet, along with other Yis, tried to defeat Si Teng. But Si Teng was too formidable, severely injuring Kong Jinghua's sisters and many others, who then retreated to the mountains, never to be seen again. Kong Jinghua alone survived, "barely clinging to life in this world."

She then explained her disappointment with Yiru, her adopted daughter, who had fallen in with "hooligans." Enraged, Kong Jinghua had beaten the hooligans and, in a fit of anger, broke Yiru's leg. Before leaving, Qin Fang quietly told Kong Jinghua that Yiru still missed her. Kong Jinghua remained silent, watching them depart with tears in her eyes. Qin Fang took Xizhu to a Western restaurant. As he watched Xizhu's innocent, childlike behavior, he felt a mix of fondness and exasperation.

He leaned down to pick up a spoon Xizhu had dropped, but when he looked up, the small girl before him had transformed into the adult Si Teng. Si Teng stood there, unexpected and breathtaking. Qin Fang’s mind reeled, and he found himself speechless. Si Teng had been his living goal, the very reason for his existence. The clatter of the dropped spoon jolted Qin Fang back to reality; it was still the young Xizhu seated opposite him.

After their meal, Qin Fang took Xizhu to a shopping mall. In his eyes, he saw not just a child, but the future, adult Si Teng. Xizhu playfully asked Qin Fang to be her model, complimenting his eyebrows, saying they were "like distant peaks."

She then evoked the classical tale of Zhang Chang, who painted his wife’s eyebrows, playfully declaring to Qin Fang, "Now, you are Si Teng, painting eyebrows for your husband," a profound statement of their unique and intimate bond. Their gazes met, and they smiled at each other, as if everything was truly as it should be.

Episode 30 (Ending) Recap

Wang Qiankun arrived discreetly at the hospital to find Yan Furui, whom he had trouble reaching by phone. Wang Qiankun revealed that he had spoken with Professor Bai Jin about Si Teng's critical condition. Professor Bai Jin explained that Si Teng's rapid, forced mutation, achieved without external aids like Qiu Shan's meteorite, likely came at the cost of her life.

Her temporary enlargement was an unconscious effort to maintain her appearance while with Qin Fang, but her energy was too weak to sustain it. Qin Fang, who had just called Yan Furui, was told bluntly that Si Teng was dying. The only possible solution, according to Bai Jin, was for Si Teng to absorb power from another member of her kin, though finding one like Shen Yindeng on short notice was impossible.

Wang Qiankun then suggested Qin Fang, who carried Bai Ying's power. Yan Furui immediately countered, pointing out that Bai Ying's power was what held Qin Fang's bones together; giving it to Si Teng would mean only one of them could survive. Qin Fang was visibly distressed, fearing their connection might burst like a bubble. Qin Fang and Si Teng later found themselves in a space she created.

Si Teng mused on her love for all earthly sights, from sunrises to wilting flowers, and how she had observed many beautiful scenes alone over the past five years. She cherished every moment with Qin Fang, feeling that wherever they went, it was a good place. She wished to see the sunrise, but admitted she might not make it before collapsing into her child-like form, Xixi, from exhaustion.

Qin Fang gently comforted her, assuring her that her child-like appearance was adorable and that he had faith she would fully recover, given the many miracles she had already experienced. Si Teng, now in her Xixi form, later suggested they visit Yan Furui and Wang Qiankun in the hospital. Unbeknownst to Qin Fang, Si Teng then left and, after hypnotizing Qin Fang and using Xixi's appearance, confronted Kong Jinghua.

Kong Jinghua initially recognized her as Xixi, but Si Teng corrected her, revealing she was not Xixi. Si Teng challenged Kong Jinghua, asking if she truly wanted revenge for her friends, dismissing Kong Jinghua's belief that Si Teng was killed by Qiu Shan as mere hearsay. Si Teng then offered Kong Jinghua a deal: her power in exchange for the opportunity to seek revenge on Si Teng. At that moment, Kong Jinghua’s daughter, Yi Ru, returned home.

Yi Ru was horrified to see her mother appearing much older and tearfully apologized for having been abandoned. Kong Jinghua, now frail, explained to Qin Fang, who had arrived the following morning, that Si Teng had used Kong Jinghua’s power to heal her daughter Yi Ru’s leg, giving her a chance at redemption.

Kong Jinghua asked Qin Fang where Si Teng had gone, adding that Si Teng's condition seemed self-inflicted and suicidal, and she couldn't fathom what would drive Si Teng to such an act. Qin Fang simply replied that he knew why. Qin Fang found Si Teng waiting for him. She acknowledged he had found her and mused that his life would have been vastly different had they never met.

Qin Fang countered that life is a one-way path, and he never contemplated "if" since meeting her. Si Teng then mentioned she was hungry, to which Qin Fang replied that people live for their daily meals. Si Teng clarified that she hadn't taken Kong Jinghua's power; Qin Fang affirmed he knew she only acted to maintain her innocence and what she truly wished for.

Qin Fang confessed he had rushed back to tell her he loved her before he grew old, and Si Teng reciprocated. Qin Fang then revealed he knew Si Teng's deepest wish across both her lives was to be an ordinary person living a simple life. He told her he possessed Bai Ying's power and wished for her to experience life's daily routines and changing seasons, a life she always desired. Tragically, he added that he could no longer accompany her.

Qin Fang, in his final moments, shared with Yan Furui that he had found a purpose for living after meeting Si Teng and understanding his own origins, likening himself to an immovable towering tree. He believed that if Si Teng ever wanted to find him, she would be able to, regardless of how life changed. He asked Yan Furui to watch the sunrise with him one last time, a view he and Si Teng had missed before.

Yan Furui dismissed the idea of a "last time." Fifteen years later, Si Teng, who had survived and grown up as Xing Xizhu, lived a normal human life, though she occasionally dreamt of a large, ancient tree. One day, while hiking in a forest with her classmates, Xing Xizhu overheard tales of a thousand-year-old Giant Tree that had mysteriously vanished. Upon encountering a towering tree that seemed hauntingly familiar from her dreams, she fainted.

Her worried classmates brought her to Yan Furui's restaurant in Cangcheng Mountain. Yan Furui was startled by Xing Xizhu's resemblance to Si Teng, muttering that Si Teng had finally come to find Qin Fang. Xing Xizhu, however, asserted she was Xing Xizhu, not Si Teng, and that she came seeking answers to her confusion. Yan Furui then led her to a private villa, stating that the answer she sought lay within.

Inside the villa, Xing Xizhu found a comatose Qin Fang lying on a bed. It was revealed that years earlier, with the help of Bai Jin, Qin Fang had transferred power and erased Si Teng's memories. Xing Xizhu, not recognizing Qin Fang, questioned who he was.

As she approached the bed, a green vine stretched towards her, and upon touching Qin Fang’s forehead, a flood of memories cascaded through her mind: Qin Fang’s words about her desired life of daily meals and changing seasons, Si Teng’s declaration of mastery, her moments of detachment and eventual acceptance of Qin Fang, and Qin Fang’s profound acknowledgment of her existence as his secret confidante. Overwhelmed, Si Teng finally understood, proclaiming, "So, I am Si Teng."

From his comatose state, Qin Fang's voice seemed to respond, "You remember it now?" and Si Teng affirmed, "I do." With tears streaming down her face, Si Teng thanked Yan Furui for his long years of companionship. Yan Furui, deeply moved, recalled Qin Fang holding a tiny baby Si Teng from the Changming Academy lab, having given her all his power, wishing for her a happy life. He expressed his surprise that she had come so soon.

Si Teng sat beside Qin Fang, observing his prolonged unconscious state. She questioned if he would have waited indefinitely had she not returned. Qin Fang, seemingly from within his coma or through shared consciousness, conveyed his life’s emptiness despite outward appearances, noting that nothing truly mattered to him except her.

He reflected on how twenty years prior, he had engineered the transfer of Bai Ying's power to Si Teng to make her well, telling her not to act foolishly, yet she had, even erasing his memories. He confessed his clumsiness in carrying out her wishes. Qin Fang’s lingering thought was for Si Teng to live as a normal person, experiencing all human emotions, growing up happily and freely.

Si Teng then shared her experiences of the past fifteen years: volunteering, working various part-time jobs, and traveling extensively. She confessed that despite these experiences, she had never fallen in love until she saw him again, realizing he was her enduring "branches and rattans," and that her affections had always belonged to him.

She acknowledged that she was born for him and understood that her lifelong anxiety and sense of urgency were because Qin Fang had been patiently waiting for her. She tightly clasped his hand. Si Teng, now fully herself, asked Yan Furui to take his grandson home. She reflected on the beauty of the world but declared that an eternity without Qin Fang was merely endless solitude.

Just as he was born for her, she proclaimed her willingness to die for him. Si Teng led Qin Fang into the deep forest, and the two re-merged, becoming the towering tree and vine, relying on each other in life and death. Yan Furui, seeing them off, discreetly wiped away his tears. To his grandson, who asked why his uncle was called Wafang, Yan Furui replied it was because he was found in a small, broken room.

Seeking a more engaging story, the grandson was then promised a tale of "aliens," whom Yan Furui explained were once called the Yi. He began the story of a Yi named Si Teng, who lived and endured the elements alongside a magnificent towering tree in the forest.