The Demon Hunter's Romance Recap, Plot, Synopsis

The Demon Hunter's Romance Synopsis

A mysterious demon hunter named Xuan Ye and a clever, lovable girl named Ban Xia embark on a fantastical journey to protect their homeland. Ever since Ban Xia met Xuan Ye, the two have experienced strange and thrilling cases together in a world where humans and demons coexist. As they investigate one eerie incident after another, their bond grows stronger. However, due to the secrets Xuan Ye carries, they are repeatedly forced apart. In the end, they discover that Ban Xia is the key to unlocking the mystery behind Xuan Ye’s past.

The Demon Hunter's Romance Recap

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It suddenly started pouring rain in the sky, and the villagers ran in all directions. A child sat in front of a restaurant, and the owner warned him not to run around, then got busy with the work inside. At this time, Jiu Xuanye was sitting in the restaurant, having eaten all afternoon, and people were gossiping about him, never having seen someone eat so much. At that moment, a woman dressed in extravagant clothes entered the restaurant, holding an umbrella.

She was the one who sang here. Jiu Xuanye furrowed his brow, feeling that something was off. The owner suddenly realized that his son, who had been squatting by the door, was gone. He rushed to chase after him. The child was chasing a paper-folded frog and had reached a puddle. Just as he was about to pick it up, a hand reached out from the ground, aiming to grab the child.

Jiu Xuanye sensed this and rushed over, severing the strange arm in time to save the child. However, the demon vanished without a trace. Jiu Xuanye was about to chase after it when he heard that something had happened in the restaurant. He quickly returned, only to find that the woman in extravagant clothes had been killed, with a hole in her neck. Duan Yanqiu, the county magistrate of Chengyang City, received a report and came over.

This was already several cases of throat-slashing murders, but they couldn’t catch sight of the culprit. When he questioned the villagers, no one had seen the thief's face. At this moment, in the Duan household, Duan Ban Xia had returned with her father from Yunzhou. Her grandmother and her aunt, Duan Tian, asked her many questions, worrying about her health and whether she could still see those strange things.

Duan Ban Xia hesitated for a moment before replying that she was much better after taking the medicine and could no longer see them. This made her grandmother happy, thinking that the doctor was indeed useful. Her grandmother then reminded her to take her medicine and not worry her father. At this time, Duan Yingheng stood behind them, his expression somewhat unnatural. Her uncle, Duan Heming, chatted briefly with Duan Yingheng before Duan Yanqiu returned.

Although his wedding was approaching, he had been busy recently. Upon hearing that Duan Yingheng and his daughter had returned, he rushed back early and also advised the frail Duan Ban Xia not to believe in demons and ghosts and to focus on her health. Duan Ban Xia returned to her room and started sewing a worn-out purse for her father. The maid, Ting Zhou, returned from outside and shared the gossip she had overheard with Duan Ban Xia.

She had heard that Duan Yanqiu’s bride-to-be was an actress. The family had initially opposed the marriage, but Duan Yanqiu caused a scene, and they were eventually forced to accept the match. Ting Zhou lamented that this actress had essentially made a leap from a carp to a dragon. As soon as she finished speaking, Duan Ban Xia saw a carp jumping in the lotus pond, which startled her.

She quickly applied some medicine to her hands and reminded Ting Zhou not to meddle in others’ gossip. Chi Xue, exhausted, couldn’t resist and fell asleep. Jiu Xuanye came to find Chi Xue, and from him, he learned the whereabouts of the human-faced owl. It was in the Duan residence. Jiu Xuanye planned to head over there and asked Chi Xue to handle the tail that Youhuang had brought along. Outside, it suddenly started raining heavily.

Duan Ban Xia saw her father returning with a heavy heart. She noticed that her father had been coming and going early and late recently, which made her worry that something might happen. Duan Yingheng explained that he had just returned and needed to sort things out. Duan Ban Xia didn’t like the marriage her grandmother had arranged, and Duan Yingheng knew that, but he thought it was a good match.

Duan Ban Xia didn’t argue and gave her father the purse. Duan Yingheng liked it very much. Though it wasn’t as exquisite as those sold outside, it carried a different sentiment. On the day of Duan Yanqiu’s wedding, the house was bustling. A child’s rattle fell to the ground, and Duan Ban Xia picked it up but suddenly noticed the shadow of a bird on the ground. She hurriedly looked up, only to see the bride, Man Niang, pass by.

She stopped, glanced at Duan Ban Xia, and Duan Ban Xia, frightened, dared not look her in the eye. At that moment, Jiu Xuanye, who was sitting on the roof, witnessed everything. On the wedding night, Duan Yanqiu lifted the bridal veil of Man Niang. They were flirting and kissing in the room, while Duan Ban Xia kept staring inside, afraid something might happen. Just as she was about to leave, the woman inside revealed a pair of wings.

In a critical moment, Jiu Xuanye and Chi Xue arrived, interrupting the couple’s wedding night. Jiu Xuanye pointed out that Duan Yanqiu had married a demon, but Duan Yanqiu didn’t believe it and led people to chase after Jiu Xuanye. Duan Ban Xia saw all of this. Duan Yanqiu didn’t believe that his wife was a demon, and Duan Ban Xia, filled with fear, reminded him that Man Niang might be a demon.

But Duan Yanqiu didn’t believe her and told Duan Ban Xia not to speak nonsense. He also told her not to meet Man Niang today. After the events of yesterday, Man Niang had been frightened, and Duan Ban Xia reluctantly agreed. Back in her room, Duan Ban Xia saw a spotted ray fish floating in the room. She was so frightened that she was about to leave when Jiu Xuanye appeared inside the room.

He told Duan Ban Xia that he was a demon hunter and knew that she could see things others couldn’t. He hoped she would tell Duan Yanqiu the truth: his wife, Man Niang, was a demon. He also asked her to bring some food after leaving. Duan Ban Xia agreed on the surface, but once outside, she shouted and exposed the matter of the thief hiding in the room. Helpless, Jiu Xuanye had to leave.

But on the street, Jiu Xuanye reappeared around Duan Ban Xia. She felt uneasy and learned from Ting Zhou that Duan Yanqiu had fallen in love with Man Niang at first sight after hearing her vocal imitation performance. To understand the situation, Duan Ban Xia decided to meet Man Niang. Man Niang expressed her sorrow, saying that she had never known warmth until she met Duan Yanqiu, who gave her a home.

She knew everyone disliked her, but she truly wanted to spend her life with Duan Yanqiu. Man Niang deliberately got close to Duan Ban Xia and spoke with great fondness for her, caressing her face and throat. She thought such a woman would be acceptable to any man, but her eyes revealed a greedy desire for the throat. Scared, Duan Ban Xia quickly stood up to leave, but accidentally pushed the window open.

As sunlight streamed in, Duan Ban Xia saw a pair of huge wings, and in fear, she rushed out of the room. Afterward, Duan Ban Xia went to find Jiu Xuanye. He told her that she had an extraordinary gift, able to see things that others could not. He also noticed a fragrance on her, which, while temporarily calming, could make one’s mind dull.

Jiu Xuanye informed Duan Ban Xia that there was another wedding in the forest today, but because she had used the calming fragrance, she couldn’t see it. He felt this was wasting her senses, so he used a potion to help her see, and she was able to spot a group of people in red clothes approaching.

Today is the wedding day of the Mountain Demon. After the Mountain Demon arrived, she saw two people by the roadside and specifically handed a bowl of wine to Duan Ban Xia. Under pressure, Duan Ban Xia didn’t dare to refuse and drank it. Jiu Xuanye, fearing that Duan Ban Xia might feel uncomfortable, specially told her that this wine could prolong life.

Duan Ban Xia suggested using the potion for Duan Yanqiu, but since Duan Yanqiu didn’t have a special constitution, the potion wouldn’t be effective for him. Jiu Xuanye told Duan Ban Xia that the woman in the house, Man Niang, was a human-faced owl who specialized in taking beautiful voices for herself. She had chosen Duan Yanqiu because she coveted his voice and had married him for that reason.

Jiu Xuanye could only give Duan Ban Xia a potion to temporarily protect Duan Yanqiu. Duan Ban Xia, out of concern for her brother, specially brewed medicine to strengthen his health. Duan Yanqiu, not wanting to disappoint Duan Ban Xia, drank the medicine. That night, when they returned to their room, Man Niang had planned to act, but upon smelling the medicine, her anger flared. The next day, Man Niang came to see Duan Ban Xia’s grandmother.

When she saw Duan Ban Xia, she realized the medicine had been brewed by her. She specially invited Duan Ban Xia to her room, but Duan Ban Xia refused. The Guangxi constable, Chu Youhuang, still found Jiu Xuanye and made it clear that he wasn’t following Jiu Xuanye this time, but was chasing a group of notorious bandits.

Chu Youhuang had never believed in demons and ghosts, and every time there had been a murder case, Jiu Xuanye had been nearby. He had started to have doubts about Jiu Xuanye, but without evidence, he had been forced to follow him. That evening, Man Niang was singing in the yard, and wherever her song reached, people fell into a deep sleep. Ting Zhou had just entered the room and hadn’t spoken to Duan Ban Xia before she fainted.

Man Niang appeared in the room and stated that she truly wanted to spend her life with Duan Yanqiu and didn’t want to be disturbed. Now that Duan Ban Xia had exposed her, she couldn’t be allowed to live. Man Niang revealed her true form and attempted to kill Duan Ban Xia, but Jiu Xuanye arrived in time to save her. Man Niang had no choice but to flee.

When Duan Yanqiu returned, he was worried about Man Niang’s whereabouts and questioned Duan Ban Xia about the whole process. He believed that Duan Ban Xia must have known the thief, which led to Man Niang being kidnapped. Duan Ban Xia lowered her head, unsure of how to explain. Her grandmother scolded Duan Yanqiu, saying that Man Niang’s behavior was improper, and since she had arrived, the thief had come as well.

There was no need to question Duan Ban Xia. Duan Yanqiu had no choice but to leave. Jiu Xuanye and Man Niang fought fiercely in the forest, and in the end, Jiu Xuanye severed her. Man Niang disappeared before his eyes but left a warning that she would return. Ting Zhou brought something to Duan Ban Xia. The person had specifically sent medicine for her. Duan Ban Xia, thinking it was a letter from her father, hurriedly opened it.

Black smoke entered her eyes, and she lost control, finding herself in an unfamiliar place. When she regained consciousness, she realized that it was Man Niang’s bird form, which had come to hunt her down. Duan Ban Xia was terrified and ran for her life, but Man Niang relentlessly pursued her. In a critical moment, Jiu Xuanye arrived again to save Duan Ban Xia, striking Man Niang’s soul.

Before Man Niang disappeared, she told Duan Ban Xia that although she had harmed many people, she never intended to harm Duan Yanqiu. When Duan Ban Xia learned that Man Niang would never return, she felt a great sense of relief before fainting. The next day, Jiu Xuanye came to find Duan Ban Xia after hearing that she had fainted outside. He apologized for questioning her earlier and expressed his concerns about Man Niang.

Duan Ban Xia asked Duan Yanqiu how he would feel if Man Niang were dead. Duan Yanqiu was visibly sorrowful, but he didn’t believe his wife was truly dead. Duan Ban Xia came to see Jiu Xuanye and asked if there was any chance that Man Niang could revive. Jiu Xuanye saw that Duan Ban Xia felt pity and advised her not to easily believe in demons, as they were skilled at deceiving people’s hearts.

Duan Ban Xia, who had always carried calming incense, only wished to be an ordinary person and didn’t want to see these demons. Jiu Xuanye took her hand and wrote a protective charm on her palm, assuring her that no matter how powerful the demon, it wouldn’t be able to harm her. He also reminded Duan Ban Xia that if she needed help, she could come to Guangping to find him.

Chi Xue noticed that Duan Ban Xia actually had a lot of courage, as she had traveled through the forest at midnight. Jiu Xuanye then realized he had overlooked this aspect and signaled Chi Xue to turn into a rabbit. He created a circle of fireflies around Duan Ban Xia to guide her. When Duan Ban Xia saw Jiu Xuanye in the distance, she smiled.

Duan Ban Xia returned to her doorstep, and the fireflies had vanished. Jiu Xuanye and Chi Xue had just left. Duan Ban Xia entered the yard and discovered that her father had returned. There was also a strange sound coming from inside the house. She hurriedly knocked on the door, only to find the room in disarray. Duan Yingheng lied, claiming that he had accidentally fallen.

Duan Ban Xia wanted to go in and talk to Duan Yingheng about Man Niang, but Duan Yingheng stopped her from entering. Watching Duan Ban Xia leave, Duan Yingheng reminded her to be careful and not to walk on dark roads at night. That night, Duan Ban Xia had a strange dream that disturbed her. In the dream, a boy kept pulling her hand and running forward, while behind them were a bat spirit and a black panther demon.

Terrified, Duan Ban Xia woke up suddenly. This boy had been troubling her for many years, and she wasn’t sure what was real and what wasn’t. Remembering that her father had returned, Duan Ban Xia quickly got ready to visit him, but when she arrived, she discovered that her father had been burned to death in a house.

According to Duan Yanqiu’s investigation, Duan Yingheng had rented the place a few days ago and had been staying there for several days. Last night, during the second watch, the firewood shed caught fire, quickly spreading to the yard. Duan Yingheng had sought refuge in the study but had been suffocated to death inside. Duan Ban Xia couldn’t believe this was true.

She had seen Duan Yingheng the previous night, but Duan Yanqiu believed this was just Duan Ban Xia’s grief manifesting into wild thoughts. Duan Ban Xia firmly believed that her father was not dead and that something had gone wrong somewhere. The Yin Eel was naturally poor-sighted but loved music.

Jiu Xuanye knew that once Man Niang died, the Yin Eel would surely seek revenge for her, so he didn’t return to Guangping but stayed in the forest with Chi Xue to wait for the Yin Eel. Chi Xue deliberately played a flute to lure the Yin Eel, but the melody sounded terrible. Jiu Xuanye advised Chi Xue that if he stopped playing, the Yin Eel might arrive faster. Just as the music stopped, the Yin Eel arrived.

Jiu Xuanye and Chi Xue were about to subdue the Yin Eel when Chu Youhuang arrived and disrupted their capture, deciding that they were up to no good. He kept a close eye on every move Jiu Xuanye made. Duan Ban Xia and Ting Zhou went to check the room where her father had stayed, finding books scattered on the floor, which proved that her father had indeed been there.

The mirror on the table, however, did not reflect any figure. They found this strange and hurried to the place where Duan Yingheng had been burned. There, they also discovered a mirror that didn’t reflect any figure. This made Duan Ban Xia realize that perhaps a demon was at work and that her father might not be dead. She told her grandmother and the others about her findings, but no one believed her.

They thought she was simply overthinking and imagining things. Duan Ban Xia also mentioned that Man Niang was a demon, but Duan Yanqiu scolded her. Duan Ban Xia wanted to prove that the mirror couldn’t reflect any figures, so she took out the mirror to show everyone, only to find that it now reflected a figure. This made everyone doubt her even more. The Yin Eel, in order to heal, went to a flower house to listen to music.

She found that listening to beautiful music made her wounds feel better. The woman playing the piano, even if her fingers bled, refused to stop. Chu Youhuang, still following Jiu Xuanye, arrived at the flower house where the Yin Eel was. However, when he burst into the room, he couldn’t see the Yin Eel’s face as she was wearing a black hat.

He only managed to rescue the woman playing the piano and ended up fighting the Yin Eel, nearly losing his life. Fortunately, Jiu Xuanye arrived in time, subdued the Yin Eel, and saved Chu Youhuang. Unfortunately, Chu Youhuang had already fainted and couldn’t witness the event. After capturing the Yin Eel, Jiu Xuanye and Chi Xue returned to their previous lodging, a place filled with too many memories and family ties.

Drinking wine, it felt as though they were chatting with their loved ones, who seemed so close. The Yin Eel, confined in a bag, used magic to draw water from a jar. The next morning, when Jiu Xuanye went to find Chi Xue, he discovered that the bag had been opened and the Yin Eel was gone. Jiu Xuanye hurried to search for Chi Xue, but Chi Xue was on the street eating.

Jiu Xuanye didn’t say much, asking Chi Xue to leave with him. Just then, Duan Ban Xia and Ting Zhou appeared in front of them.

Duan Ban Xia came to find Jiu Xuanye and explained the whole situation to him, hoping that he could personally go to Canyang City to investigate the truth. She believed her father was not dead, but Jiu Xuanye refused, citing that he had something else to attend to. Duan Ban Xia kept insisting, and in the end, Jiu Xuanye reluctantly agreed, but only if she paid for his demon hunting.

Duan Ban Xia agreed, but because the amount was too little, Jiu Xuanye once again refused. Duan Ban Xia left, disappointed, but she didn’t plan to leave right away. Instead, she saw a place for rent and decided to lease it, as it was near Jiu Xuanye’s location. Just as she left, Chu Youhuang chased after her and started questioning Jiu Xuanye, but Jiu Xuanye wasn’t in the mood to answer.

He was actually anxious to find Duan Ban Xia, knowing that the Yin Eel would seek revenge for Man Niang. If it couldn’t kill Jiu Xuanye, it would definitely go after Duan Ban Xia. That was why he had deliberately driven her away, in hopes of capturing the Yin Eel. However, after searching for a long time, they still couldn’t find her.

Just as Jiu Xuanye was worrying, Duan Ban Xia brought him some snacks and told him she was staying next door. Jiu Xuanye could see her courtyard from his window because Duan Ban Xia believed that Jiu Xuanye was not a greedy person, and that there must be another reason for him to drive her away. A few days ago, Madam Zhang of Guangping City had been radiant, and many people saw her.

When the Zhang family hosted a banquet, Madam Zhang personally received the guests. However, during the banquet, she suddenly became dizzy and went to rest in her room, never to leave again. The next day, she was missing, and in her place was a corpse of an elderly person, around seventy to eighty years old, dressed exactly like Madam Zhang. The constables Wen Jian and Li Mao, along with Chu Youhuang, rushed over to investigate.

Chu Youhuang believed that someone had kidnapped Madam Zhang and left a fake body behind. The county official demanded that the case be solved quickly due to Madam Zhang’s high status. It suddenly began to rain, and Duan Ban Xia went to the temple to take shelter. She also wrote a letter to her grandmother, asking for two hundred taels of silver to pay Jiu Xuanye.

While Duan Ban Xia and Ting Zhou were discussing this, two women entered the temple. They were both dancers from Yunmen Dance Troupe—one named Ji Li, and the other Xu Zhizhi. They had come to pray in the rain. From them, Duan Ban Xia learned that if incense was kept burning in the Buddha hall for three days and nights without going out, wishes would be granted.

Duan Ban Xia intended to share the pears she had picked with the two women, but they refused to eat, as they both wanted to lose weight. Xu Zhizhi hoped that next time she would become very slim. When Xu Zhizhi heard where Duan Ban Xia was staying, she advised her to leave. She said the house next door used to be a pharmacy, which was rumored to be very wealthy.

The parents had decided to leave their property to the eldest son, but the younger son, in a fit of rage, killed everyone in the family. This incident had shaken the whole city, and the pharmacy was now the place where Jiu Xuanye lived. However, Duan Ban Xia refused to believe it.

That night, the Yin Eel intended to kill Duan Ban Xia, but Jiu Xuanye had already moved her to a different location and disguised himself as her, lying on the bed. The Yin Eel took the bait and was captured. However, Jiu Xuanye did not want to kill the Yin Eel outright. Instead, he took the Yin Eel’s Yuan Dan and threw it into the river, turning it into an ordinary fish.

The next morning, Duan Ban Xia, feeling slightly ill, came to Jiu Xuanye for treatment. She also mentioned what she had heard the day before and wanted to clarify that she didn’t believe it was Jiu Xuanye. However, Jiu Xuanye admitted that it was indeed him. Duan Ban Xia felt that the world was not as people saw it. Many things couldn’t be judged by appearances alone. If Jiu Xuanye was indeed the one, he wouldn’t have remained uninvolved.

Since the first time she met him, she had believed he was a good person, and even though Chi Xue was a demon, anyone following Jiu Xuanye must also be a good person. Jiu Xuanye took Duan Ban Xia to an attic on the street and asked her to carefully observe the people walking on the road, to distinguish who were humans and who were demons. Before she had a chance to examine closely, they heard someone scream for help.

Jiu Xuanye immediately ran toward the sound, and Duan Ban Xia, worried, followed. They found that Jiu Xuanye had saved two children who almost drowned. Jiu Xuanye warned them not to wander near the river, as there was an underground city beneath it, where humans and demons were mixed, and anyone who fell in would never return. Duan Ban Xia, having heard this, bravely decided to enter the underground city to see if her father was truly dead.

Jiu Xuanye originally intended to scare her into backing down, but she insisted on going. She even agreed to his demand of one thousand taels of silver and took him to Yanlai Tower for a big meal. The Yunmen Dance Troupe was performing there, and many people had come to see Tian Rui. Ji Li and Xu Zhizhi both envied how beautiful Tian Rui had become. When the dance performance began, Tian Rui, who was the center of attention, suddenly collapsed onto the ground.

Duan Ban Xia kept adding food to Jiu Xuanye’s plate, trying to make conversation with him, thanking him for saving her life previously. However, at that moment, Tian Rui, who had been dancing perfectly, suddenly fell and died. Chu Youhuang quickly brought people over and asked the head of the troupe, but didn’t gain any useful information. Wen Jian, while checking in the dressing room, was informed that everything needed to be brought back for examination.

County Magistrate Shi had seen Tian Rui before, but after ten years, she hadn’t changed at all, which surprised him. Wen Jian suspected it might have been the work of a demon, but Chu Youhuang didn’t believe it and argued with Wen Jian. However, when he turned to look at Tian Rui, he was shocked to see that she had transformed into an elderly woman.

Since Jiu Xuanye had also been at Yanlai Tower the previous night and this incident was strange, Magistrate Shi called him over and briefly explained the situation. Duan Ban Xia, who had been waiting outside, happened to see the guards carrying things when a box fell and scattered small particles. When she helped pick them up, she found a mirror that didn’t reflect anyone.

But when she tried to take a closer look, the guards refused and placed it back in the box. Jiu Xuanye, following Wen Jian, went to the scene to investigate. In Tian Rui’s room, he found pear skin from a Biyu Pear.

It was rumored that if you faced a mirror at midnight, lit two candles, and peeled the Biyu Pear without breaking the skin, the pear would appear, and eating it would bring a person back to their youth overnight. Duan Ban Xia had been trying to find that mirror. She secretly went to the yamen, only to see Chi Xue using a hypnosis spell to put the gatekeeper to sleep.

She followed him inside and found the copper mirror in the box. When she came out, she was seen by Chi Xue, who mistakenly thought Duan Ban Xia was following him. Chu Youhuang had been reading ancient books, speculating that Tian Rui might have taken an immortality pill, which caused her transformation. However, he didn’t believe in the existence of a magical elixir, or else the emperor would have changed.

He thought Tian Rui might have used a temporary youth-preserving pill, but it poisoned her and led to her death. He decided to take Li Mao to perform an autopsy. Meanwhile, Jiu Xuanye and Chi Xue secretly took Tian Rui’s body and returned it. Chi Xue told Jiu Xuanye that he had encountered Duan Ban Xia today and thought she was following him to scare him. He had deliberately locked her in the autopsy room to frighten her.

Jiu Xuanye hurriedly went to the autopsy room to find Duan Ban Xia. At that moment, Chu Youhuang arrived at the yamen and saw the guards sleeping. Enraged, he woke them up and took Li Mao inside to check the body. However, he didn’t realize that the person lying on the table covered with a white cloth was Duan Ban Xia. Li Mao had just cut the clothes to begin the autopsy when they heard a noise outside.

The two of them rushed out to investigate. When they returned, the body was gone. Li Mao panicked and began searching for the body. Jiu Xuanye quickly draped his clothes over Duan Ban Xia and escorted her home. Duan Ban Xia was in tears, and Jiu Xuanye hurriedly apologized, only to be slapped by Duan Ban Xia. After returning, Jiu Xuanye saw Chi Xue sitting in the courtyard. In his anger, he slapped Chi Xue as well.

After Duan Ban Xia cried for a while, she suddenly shouted at Jiu Xuanye’s courtyard. Jiu Xuanye rushed over, and Duan Ban Xia handed him the mirror, telling him that it couldn’t reflect anyone. She explained everything to Jiu Xuanye and said that if it had anything to do with her father, he should investigate it. Jiu Xuanye agreed to look into it. Later that evening, Chi Wangchuan came to find Ji Li and specially brought a Biyu Pear for her.

Ji Li was displeased with Chi Wangchuan’s actions. A Biyu Pear could maintain a person’s beauty for a year, but Chi Wangchuan had promised not to kill anyone for a pear within a year. Yet, before the year had passed, he had killed someone, and that person was Tian Rui. Chi Wangchuan believed that Tian Rui, jealous of Ji Li’s beauty, deserved to die.

Ji Li, though angry, still ate the pear, and Chi Wangchuan promised not to kill anyone until the deadline was up. Wen Jian told Jiu Xuanye about Madam Zhang’s case, combining it with the current Tian Rui case. He suspected that it might be the same case. Initially, they had thought Madam Zhang had been kidnapped, but it now seemed it was the work of demons.

Jiu Xuanye, after considering the situation with the mirror and the information he had, had already deduced a theory. In fact, demons could travel freely through mirrors. Once a mirror had been used by a demon, it would no longer reflect anyone, but after some time, it would return to normal. Both Tian Rui and Madam Zhang had consumed Zi Pears. When eaten, the Zi Pear could maintain a person’s appearance for seven days.

After seven days, the pear would dissolve in the stomach and be replaced with a Mu Pear, which could preserve youth forever, but only for one year. After one year, a person would have to kill someone to get another pear. To lure out this demon, one could mimic the dead by peeling the pear at midnight, but another woman was needed. Wen Jian’s gaze shifted to Duan Ban Xia.

Head of the troupe came to find Ji Li, explaining that Ji Li could regain her freedom today, but the head had lost Tian Rui and had no one to replace her. He begged Ji Li to stay for another two years.

Ji Li showed an expression of displeasure, as she had signed a five-year contract upon arriving. After five years, she was supposed to be free to come and go, but now it seemed like they wanted to back out of that agreement. The head of the troupe also felt that he was in the wrong, but he didn’t give Ji Li a chance to speak, instead making it clear that she had to stay, or else she would sabotage everything.

That evening, Duan Ban Xia, alone, lit two candles and began reciting the incantation while nervously peeling the pear in her hand. However, she accidentally broke the skin of the pear. Just then, the room was plunged into darkness, and in the mirror, Duan Ban Xia’s reflection appeared, with a hand reaching out. At this critical moment, Jiu Xuanye appeared and fought with the demon. The demon, however, escaped by using the lotus pond water to hide.

Ji Li had a lover named Zhou Jingyuan. Ji Li had originally thought she was too lowly-born for Zhou Jingyuan to marry her, but to her surprise, Zhou Jingyuan not only spoke to her mother about their relationship but also received her mother’s approval. Her mother, having been a singer herself, didn’t care about social standing, only that Zhou Jingyuan wasn’t the legitimate heir to his family, which meant he couldn’t inherit the family business.

Zhou Jingyuan promised that he would proudly marry Ji Li. When Ji Li returned home, she found that the mirror demon, Chi Wangchuan, was injured and sitting in her room. Chi Wangchuan swore to take revenge and promised that after the revenge, he and Ji Li would leave together. However, he also needed to tie up all loose ends. Since that day, Duan Ban Xia had been too scared to touch anything related to mirrors or pears.

She asked Ting Zhou to have all the mirrors sold, but unexpectedly, the person who came to collect the mirrors had a pear in hand, urging Duan Ban Xia to eat it. Terrified, Duan Ban Xia ran away, intending to seek help from Jiu Xuanye. However, after knocking for a long time, no one answered, and someone followed her, forcing her to eat the pear. Duan Ban Xia stumbled and fell.

A mother and daughter helped her up, but before she could thank them, they handed her the pear and insisted that she eat it. Duan Ban Xia pushed them away and fled in a hurry, only to find herself in an alley where pears were scattered everywhere. Chi Wangchuan appeared and tried to kill her, but she was protected by a talisman in her palm. Duan Ban Xia got up and fled, with Chi Wangchuan in hot pursuit.

Just then, Jiu Xuanye, who was eating on the street, noticed Duan Ban Xia looking disoriented and rushed to her. When Chi Wangchuan saw this, he quietly retreated. Jiu Xuanye escorted Duan Ban Xia back to her room. When she woke up, she saw Ting Zhou in front of her and was so startled that she backed away, not daring to drink the medicine. Seeing Duan Ban Xia in a panic, Ting Zhou quickly embraced her to calm her down.

However, when Duan Ban Xia saw the bowl of medicine Ting Zhou had brought, she screamed and knocked it to the ground. Jiu Xuanye, who had been guarding outside the door, rushed in when he heard the noise and asked Duan Ban Xia to recount everything. He learned that the mirror demon could not only appear in mirrors, but anything that could reflect a person’s image could allow the demon to move freely.

He instructed to get rid of anything in the room that could reflect a person’s image, including sealing the windows and using a gourd to hold the medicine. That night, Duan Ban Xia couldn’t sleep. She chatted with Jiu Xuanye through the door. When Duan Ban Xia was little, she couldn’t see demons. Once, she was abducted to a dark place, though she didn’t know where it was.

She was very scared, but she managed to escape and fell into a pond. Miraculously, she didn’t die and ended up in a strange place where everything was turned upside down, surrounded by mist, and deserted. Later, a fierce beast chased her, but a young man saved her. However, that person came after them with a gun, intending to kill Duan Ban Xia.

The young man fell with her off a cliff, and when she woke up, three days had passed. Her parents had found her, but when she told them about the experience, they didn’t believe her. They couldn’t resist her persistent pleading to find the young man, but the place and the young man were gone. Her parents then thought it was all a dream.

Since that day, Duan Ban Xia had been able to see demons, though she had always thought they were just dreams. Now, however, she began to doubt that. Duan Ban Xia asked Jiu Xuanye if her dream was real. Jiu Xuanye remained silent for a long time before gently suggesting that her eyes weren’t born this way but had probably changed due to some traumatic experience.

Jiu Xuanye himself could not see demons, and if he wanted to, he would need the help of Wuxiang Water. Fearing that Duan Ban Xia might be scared, Jiu Xuanye came to the window and taught her a prayer. Only then did Duan Ban Xia manage to fall asleep. Chu Youhuang arrived with his men to demand the body of Tian Rui. Duan Ban Xia, hearing the noise from the room, anxiously inquired about the situation outside.

Jiu Xuanye reassured her and set up a protective barrier around the room before heading to the yamen with Chu Youhuang. Although Chu Youhuang couldn’t find any evidence immediately, he sent people to search Jiu Xuanye’s residence, hoping to find something. Wen Jian, upon hearing of the situation, arrived to mediate the conflict. That night, as lightning and thunder raged outside, Duan Ban Xia was awoken by the storm, while Ting Zhou remained soundly asleep beside her.

Earlier in the day, Ting Zhou had placed the water Duan Ban Xia needed in a gourd, but at night, the gourd shook violently. When Duan Ban Xia noticed, the water was gone. In a hurry, Duan Ban Xia wiped away the water stains and planned to leave. But recalling Jiu Xuanye’s words that nothing would happen as long as she stayed inside, she hesitated and didn’t dare go out.

Yet, the storm continued relentlessly, with raindrops seeping through the door cracks. Duan Ban Xia had no choice but to use her clothes and sheets to wipe it up, but despite her efforts, Chi Wangchuan still managed to enter the room through the rain.

Chi Wangchuan appeared in the room. Although Duan Ban Xia was terrified, she still mustered the courage to grab a stick and attempt to fight back. At that moment, Jiu Xuanye suddenly appeared, shielding Duan Ban Xia and urging her to take Ting Zhou and leave the room first. The battle inside the room was intense. Chu Youhuang, hearing the commotion, rushed in to help.

Jiu Xuanye was about to capture Chi Wangchuan, but because Chu Youhuang was using a sword, which could reflect a person’s image, Chi Wangchuan managed to escape through the sword's reflection. Jiu Xuanye was left speechless. Suddenly, Jiu Xuanye became overwhelmingly exhausted and pulled Duan Ban Xia into the room to sleep, as the backlash from the Han Mountain Sword required him to rest.

Before sleeping, he handed a needle to Duan Ban Xia, reminding her that if the mirror demon came, she should use the needle to wake him up. Duan Ban Xia’s hands were tied and she couldn’t move. When she wanted to drink water, she had to drag herself to it, but accidentally spilled the water on Jiu Xuanye. She hurriedly wiped the water off, only to discover the wounds on Jiu Xuanye’s body.

When Ji Li returned home, she found Chi Wangchuan severely injured in her room. She suggested they leave as soon as possible. Ji Li agreed on the surface, but while Chi Wangchuan was deeply asleep due to his injuries, she secretly went to meet Zhou Jingyuan, proposing they leave together and not stay there. Zhou Jingyuan agreed and went home that night to pack. However, their relationship was discovered by Chi Wangchuan.

Chi Wangchuan killed Zhou Jingyuan, took a pear, and gave it to Ji Li to eat. Ji Li noticed something was off with the taste. Chi Wangchuan deliberately told her that the deceased was a scholar, and Ji Li immediately understood what had happened, feeling an overwhelming sadness. Duan Ban Xia made breakfast and brought it to Jiu Xuanye, asking about the wounds on his body and when they had occurred.

Jiu Xuanye actually couldn’t remember the events from his childhood. Duan Ban Xia stared at him for a long time, looking deep in thought, but Jiu Xuanye didn’t suspect anything. Zhou Jingyuan suddenly died at home. Chu Youhuang, upon hearing the news, rushed over. Unlike other victims, Zhou Jingyuan had not turned into a dried corpse, but his body appeared slightly older. At the scene, Chu Youhuang found Ji Li wearing a conical hat, mourning beside Zhou Jingyuan’s body.

He quietly followed her, and Ji Li went to the place where she had spent time with Zhou Jingyuan, reminiscing about him. Duan Ban Xia remembered her dream, where the boy who saved her had been pierced through by a sword, the same way Jiu Xuanye’s wounds were. Before catching the mirror demon, Jiu Xuanye, worried for Duan Ban Xia’s safety, insisted she stay close to him.

Chu Youhuang came to find Jiu Xuanye, telling him what he had observed about Zhou Jingyuan. They were both puzzled as to why the jade pear was taken before its time. Jiu Xuanye speculated that the demon couldn’t wait any longer to take Zhou Jingyuan’s life. Chu Youhuang, Jiu Xuanye, and the others went to Yunmen Dance Hall to find Ji Li, but they were informed that Ji Li had already left.

At that time, Ji Li met with Chi Wangchuan, tearfully apologizing to him. She confessed her dissatisfaction, having been pampered by Chi Wangchuan yet still feeling unfulfilled, and said she had seen through everything. She intended to follow him to a secluded place, where there was both mountain and water, to live away from the world and never have to care about others’ opinions. Chi Wangchuan had long desired such a life and had invested many feelings in Ji Li.

However, Ji Li suddenly attempted to kill Chi Wangchuan, but he noticed her intentions, subdued her, and pulled her into the mirror to leave. Upon entering the world within the mirror, Ji Li forgot everything about it. Chi Wangchuan told her this was the place she had lived before, where she had always been bullied, crying every day in her room, facing the mirror.

Chi Wangchuan had appeared then to help her, killing those who bullied her, and made her the jade pears to preserve her youth. Although Ji Li hadn’t killed anyone directly, all those who died had done so because of her. Chi Wangchuan believed the path was his own to walk, and Ji Li should admit she was a cruel person.

Ji Li, however, felt she had been deceived by Chi Wangchuan into eating the pear, and now, she only wanted freedom. She reminded Chi Wangchuan that he was someone who no longer understood love, nor was he worthy to speak of it. Ji Li cursed herself repeatedly, calling herself a lowly person willing to be with anyone, except for Chi Wangchuan.

Chi Wangchuan slapped Ji Li angrily and reminded her that they had been together for more than twenty years and that they had feelings for each other. Ji Li didn’t want to hear any more and pushed him away, running into another room. But the other room was filled with mirrors. Jiu Xuanye, Chu Youhuang, and the others also arrived, discovering a large mirror. Jiu Xuanye reached out to touch it, only to be pulled into it by a powerful force.

Duan Ban Xia entered the mirror as well. Chu Youhuang, hearing the sound, rushed over but only saw a mirror. Ji Li looked at herself in the mirror, recalling how she had been bullied by customers due to her old age and loss of beauty. Her forehead was smashed, and she cried alone in her room.

It was then that Chi Wangchuan appeared in the mirror, promising to keep her young forever, but in exchange, she had to stay by his side forever. Ji Li agreed. After that, Ji Li spent her time in the pleasure houses, being with all kinds of men. She once thought of resisting Chi Wangchuan but gave up when she saw her aging appearance.

Chi Wangchuan appeared before her, and Ji Li's heart ached as she realized those men had all been killed by him. Even the pears they ate were hers to consume. Chi Wangchuan begged Ji Li never to leave him. At this moment, a noise came from outside. Chi Wangchuan rushed out and found Duan Ban Xia strangling her. Jiu Xuanye rushed over to save Duan Ban Xia but realized he could not draw the Han Mountain Sword.

He had no choice but to let Chi Wangchuan attack, though he stubbornly claimed he was merely letting Chi Wangchuan win. Duan Ban Xia noticed something was off. After Chi Wangchuan’s reminder, she realized that Jiu Xuanye had come into contact with the mirror, which had sealed part of him, causing him to be unable to fight Chi Wangchuan. Duan Ban Xia immediately smashed the mirror, and one by one, Jiu Xuanye broke through the mirrors, merging back into one.

He stood before Chi Wangchuan, and the Han Mountain Sword was drawn with immense power. Chi Wangchuan was no match for him and suddenly vanished. Jiu Xuanye used a tracking artifact to find Chi Wangchuan, who was severely injured. Despite his wounds, Chi Wangchuan still tried to take Ji Li, but when Jiu Xuanye arrived, he saw Ji Li in a dazed state. Chi Wangchuan, unable to defeat Jiu Xuanye, answered a few of Duan Ban Xia's questions to buy time.

Duan Ban Xia learned that her father had been captured by Chi Wangchuan. Chi Wangchuan was ordered by a demon to kill Duan Yingheng, but unexpectedly, another demon had transformed into Duan Yingheng's appearance and was willing to die in his place by being burned alive. Duan Yingheng returned home, and Chi Wangchuan chased him, intending to capture him. Just as he was about to take Duan Yingheng, Duan Ban Xia knocked on the door.

Duan Yingheng, fearing his daughter would be implicated, begged Chi Wangchuan to let him meet her first and promised to leave afterward. However, when Duan Ban Xia asked who the demon was, Chi Wangchuan refused to answer and instead released countless birds to attack Duan Ban Xia and Jiu Xuanye. Seeing Chi Wangchuan about to take Ji Li, Duan Ban Xia grabbed her hand. Jiu Xuanye seized the opportunity and stabbed Chi Wangchuan with a sword.

The mirror suddenly shattered, and Ji Li, who had been trapped at various times in the mirror, broke free. Together, they attacked Chi Wangchuan with their weapons. Chi Wangchuan died, but Ji Li, overwhelmed with sorrow, refused to leave. As the mirror collapsed, Jiu Xuanye took Duan Ban Xia and fled.

Duan Ban Xia took the initiative to meet Chu Youhuang to inquire about the case from six years ago—the massacre at the Ban Mountain Hall, which was the tragic incident at Jiu Xuanye's home. Chu Youhuang recalled that everyone had thought Jiu Xuanye had killed everyone, and he had even believed it himself. The crime scene was the most horrifying one Chu Youhuang had ever witnessed.

When he arrived, Jiu Xuanye was holding the knife that had killed his father, and there was blood everywhere. Jiu Xuanye admitted to being the killer and was thrown into prison without offering any explanation, intending to die for his crimes. However, later, a band of robbers caused chaos, and Jiu Xuanye was released without charge. The true cause of the chaos was a demon, which Jiu Xuanye had been sent to hunt and eliminate.

But Chu Youhuang had never believed this and had kept a close watch on Jiu Xuanye all these years. Only now did he realize that demons were indeed involved. At this time, Jiu Xuanye sat alone in the yard, repeatedly thinking about the past. On that stormy night, everyone had been infected by the deer demon poison and attacked each other. Jiu Xuanye's family was in the medical profession, but they were also demon hunters.

Jiu Xuanye blamed himself, believing he had angered the deer demon and caused the death of his family. His father had comforted him, urging him not to feel guilty and even giving him last instructions, warning him where he should and should not go, and what he needed to protect. Jiu Xuanye sensed something was wrong and found that his father had also been infected with the virus. His father, in a rare moment of clarity, committed suicide.

Before he died, he told Jiu Xuanye that only he could decide who he truly was. On her way home, Duan Ban Xia saw a man walking his bird. However, there was actually a bird on his shoulder that others couldn’t see, which made Duan Ban Xia pause in confusion. Duan Ban Xia went to find Jiu Xuanye, claiming she was there to get some medicine, but in truth, she was worried about his health. He had been sleeping for six consecutive days, and she feared he might not survive the hunger.

Ban Xia saw that Jiu Xuanye was quite busy, so she took the initiative to help him prepare the medicine. When Jiu Xuanye mentioned her name, Ban Xia was a little surprised, but then suddenly realized that “Ban Xia” wasn’t referring to her, but to a medicinal herb. As Ban Xia picked herbs, she analyzed the current situation, hoping to find the demon who had captured her father.

However, Jiu Xuanye was unwilling to discuss the matter with her and reminded her once again that demon hunters charge for their work. Ban Xia argued that she had saved Jiu Xuanye’s life before. Without her help, he wouldn’t have been able to catch the Mirror Demon so easily. While speaking, she accidentally broke a jar, causing some bugs to fly out. Frightened, Ban Xia screamed, and Jiu Xuanye rushed over to carry her down from the stool.

He explained that the bugs were moon beetles, specifically used to fight demons. Ban Xia then asked to borrow a copy of the "Compendium of a Hundred Demons" so she wouldn’t be so afraid when encountering demons. At that moment, Aunt Song came running, calling Jiu Xuanye to go see that Madam Cui had fainted again in her courtyard. Jiu Xuanye rushed over and revived Madam Cui, also giving her some medicine.

Madam Cui was the family of a former pharmacy assistant, and Jiu Xuanye had always looked after them. He reminded Ban Xia that it was important to pay promptly because he had more than just himself to support. As Ban Xia and Jiu Xuanye walked and talked, they suddenly saw a man with a bird perched on his shoulder. Just then, Gao Sheng rode in swiftly on horseback and killed the man. The bird flew away.

It wasn’t the first time Gao Sheng had done something like this, so he was quickly apprehended. Ban Xia was also very interested in the life-exchanging demon matter and hoped Jiu Xuanye would tell her more. He refused to say much but promised to let her know if there was any progress. Duan Yanqiu found Ban Xia and saw her together with Jiu Xuanye. He followed her home and gave her a harsh scolding.

He blamed her for trusting an outsider like Jiu Xuanye so easily and insisted she should not be associating with him. Ban Xia insisted on continuing to investigate her father’s case and believed that he was still alive. But Duan Yanqiu didn’t believe in demons and spirits at all and insisted on taking Ban Xia back home. At that moment, Jiu Xuanye arrived, bringing with him the case files of the throat-slashing murders.

All the victims had died under similar circumstances, and Qu Man Niang was indeed a demon. However, Duan Yanqiu refused to believe it. He accused Jiu Xuanye of insulting his wife and now trying to corrupt Ban Xia. Claiming his grandmother was sick, Duan Yanqiu insisted on taking Ban Xia away. Jiu Xuanye believed seeing is believing and asked Duan Yanqiu to experience it for himself. He then called Chi Xue inside.

Chi Xue revealed his true form—a rabbit—which terrified Duan Yanqiu. Ban Xia was very grateful to Jiu Xuanye for his help. Jiu Xuanye consoled her, saying that it wasn’t that Duan Yanqiu didn’t trust her, but that if he believed her, it would mean admitting his wife was a demon—something too painful to accept. Ban Xia suddenly realized Jiu Xuanye was comforting her and was touched. Duan Yanqiu got drunk and reminisced about his happy times with Qu Man Niang.

No one in his family drank with him, only Qu Man Niang did. She could drink far more than he could. When he married her, his family objected, thinking she was unworthy. But Duan Yanqiu believed only he could determine what was worthy. He had earned his scholarly title at sixteen and built his life on his own. He didn’t want a noblewoman; he wanted someone who understood and cared about him.

But in the end, he had failed to protect Qu Man Niang. Ban Xia reminded him that Qu Man Niang was a demon, but Duan Yanqiu said that no matter how many people she had hurt, she never hurt him. The most important thing in a relationship was happiness. Duan Yanqiu asked Ban Xia whether Qu Man Niang had suffered when she died.

Ban Xia guessed probably not and told him that Qu Man Niang had said before dying that she truly wanted to be with him and never meant to harm him. Duan Yanqiu knew that deep down but regretted not meeting her earlier—perhaps then he could have stopped her from killing. Ban Xia comforted him, saying what’s done is done and urged him not to be too sad. But Duan Yanqiu broke down in grief and collapsed to the ground.

Ban Xia asked Ting Zhou to help lift him up, but the two of them couldn’t do it. Ting Zhou had no choice but to find Chi Xue for help. Ban Xia was very grateful to Jiu Xuanye. Jiu Xuanye gave her a medicine, and Ban Xia suddenly noticed a strand of white hair on his head. She offered to dye it for him. Her father had white hair when he was alive, and she always helped dye it.

As Jiu Xuanye turned to leave, he overheard Ting Zhou and Ban Xia talking—Ting Zhou believed that Jiu Xuanye liked Ban Xia. Ban Xia had originally gone to ask Chi Xue for help, but Jiu Xuanye had lied that Chi Xue wasn’t home and insisted on helping himself. Yet Ting Zhou had clearly seen a rabbit in the courtyard. Jiu Xuanye returned home, only to discover that Chi Xue really was home—and had raised a rabbit as a pet.

He was so angry he didn’t know what to say. In court, Gao Sheng refused to confess, relying on the fact that his sister would return in three days to threaten Lord Shi. But Lord Shi announced the execution would proceed the next day—no need to wait.

After seeing Duan Yanqiu off, Jiu Xuanye called Ban Xia into his room, bringing out some pastries Chi Xue had bought and a rabbit from the room, trying to explain that he hadn’t helped Ban Xia out of any ulterior motive. But Ban Xia didn’t understand what he meant at all. Jiu Xuanye had no choice but to give her the rabbit to take home.

That night, while Gao Sheng was snoring in his cell, a cat suddenly appeared and transformed into Gao Sheng’s appearance, opening the cell door. Gao Sheng escaped in a panic. The next day, at the execution, many people came to watch. The executioner raised the blade and beheaded Gao Sheng. This time, Gao Sheng did not scream and was quietly killed.

In the morgue, the person collecting the body suddenly saw a cat’s shadow reattach the head to the body, then revert to a black cat and leave. Screams echoed from the room. Ban Xia and Ting Zhou discussed hiring a demon hunter. A nearby tea drinker overheard and recommended the fortune teller Kongtongzi, saying he was the most skilled among demon hunters.

Ban Xia immediately went to Kongtongzi’s home and saw him practicing martial arts, with a white crow perched on his shoulder. She couldn’t help but praise his skill, saying he had mastered the “Bird Does Not Fly” technique, and pointed out the white crow on his shoulder. Her words startled Kongtongzi so much that he immediately refused to take the job. His subordinates tried to persuade him not to turn away such a wealthy client, but Kongtongzi felt something was off.

As Ban Xia passed by Jiu Xuanye’s house, she tried to sneak past without being seen. But Jiu Xuanye spotted her and called out. Ban Xia kept her hands behind her back, and Jiu Xuanye, sensing something was wrong, asked her to show what she was hiding. It turned out to be Kongtongzi’s token. He warned Ban Xia that Kongtongzi was a fraud and that she might get swindled out of everything she had.

Ting Zhou was worried that Jiu Xuanye would get angry and refuse to help anymore, so Ban Xia had no choice but to make some hair dye and bring it over to curry favor with Jiu Xuanye—she absolutely couldn't let him leave. She came to explain that she went to expose Kongtongzi’s true face, to prevent immoral peers from ruining the reputation of demon hunters. Ban Xia said she planned to investigate and find flaws to expose him.

Jiu Xuanye didn’t believe her at all and ignored her in anger. Ban Xia quickly tied a cloth around Jiu Xuanye and started helping him dye his hair. Jiu Xuanye also explained that he had a plan and told Ban Xia not to worry—he had promised to help and would definitely keep that promise. Ban Xia untied Jiu Xuanye’s hair and began dyeing his white strands black. But she applied too much force, causing the liquid to drip everywhere.

She hurriedly helped wipe it off, which made Jiu Xuanye feel a bit embarrassed. In her nervousness, Ban Xia almost fell. Jiu Xuanye quickly reached out to catch her, but pulled too hard and brought her into his arms. His hair happened to brush against Ban Xia’s lips, making it look like a mustache, which made Jiu Xuanye burst out laughing.

After returning, Ban Xia told Ting Zhou about the scar she saw on Jiu Xuanye’s chest, suspecting that he might be the same person as Man Ying from her dream. Ting Zhou, however, was more concerned that Ban Xia had seen Jiu Xuanye’s chest, reminding her that she was already married and shouldn’t be physically close to another man. Someone saw Gao Sheng leave through the city gate, and on the same day, Kongtongzi died from merely falling down.

Jiu Xuanye suspected it was a case of life-swapping, just like with Duan Yingheng. Ban Xia also remembered seeing a white crow on Kongtongzi’s shoulder and rushed to find Jiu Xuanye, just in time to see Wen Jian leaving—and there was a white crow circling above Wen Jian’s head. Frightened, Wen Jian didn’t dare return home. Jiu Xuanye analyzed that the white crow was the companion spirit beast of Chi Wangchuan.

In the mirror illusion back then, Chi Wangchuan had released many white crows. Jiu Xuanye speculated that the white crow was merely a harbinger of death, not something that could kill. If someone was destined to die, then the white crow would appear. Jiu Xuanye advised Wen Jian to go home and say everything he needed to, just in case he really did die—though that wasn’t certain. Wen Jian reluctantly returned.

His wife had originally intended to scold him for gambling, but this time, Wen Jian didn’t argue. He explained that he had never gambled, only hidden some private savings, and even revealed where he kept the money. His wife didn’t believe his claims. That night, after Wen Jian fell asleep, his wife managed to dig out the hidden money and was surprised to find that Wen Jian had been telling the truth.

At that moment, a black cat appeared on the roof, meowing, and entered Wen Jian’s room, sticking out its tongue as it watched him sleep. Duan Yanqiu arrived at an inn and wanted to stay there. Feng Wuniang received him and, after seeing his travel documents, realized he was an outsider and specially arranged a room for him. Yet there were no other guests at the inn, despite its large courtyard and abundant staff.

Feng Wuniang also prepared food for Duan Yanqiu. Feeling uneasy, Duan Yanqiu tested it with a silver needle, and only after confirming it was not poisoned did he eat. Unknowingly, Duan Yanqiu drank too much and went out looking for the innkeeper, only to see Man Niang walking toward him with a pipa. The two shared a deep, affectionate gaze, and Man Niang gently took his hand and led him back to the room.

Chu Youhuang brought people to the gambling den to search for someone connected to Gao Sheng, and that was when they learned Gao Sheng was still alive. It turned out his mother had used a special method to help him swap lives and even revealed Gao Sheng’s hiding place. Early the next morning, Ban Xia went to find Jiu Xuanye and asked whether he had found a solution. Jiu Xuanye remained silent and suggested they go see Wen Jian.

But Wen Jian had already left home and was walking in the street when a signboard suddenly fell on him, killing him instantly. Just as Jiu Xuanye and Wen Jian’s wife were about to arrange his funeral, Wen Jian walked out of the room—under the white cloth was actually a black cat. Ban Xia also noticed that the white crow had flown away when Wen Jian died.

Wen Jian’s wife recounted her encounter with the black cat and said that when she heard about the life-swapping tale, she gave all their money to the cat. In the end, it really did save Wen Jian’s life. She also told Ban Xia how the life swap was done. That night, Ban Xia followed the instructions from Wen Jian’s wife and found the black cat, hoping to ask about her father. But the black cat suddenly ran away.

Chu Youhuang led several officers to search for Gao Sheng. During a rest on the way, Old Li felt like there was a bug on his back, but when he opened his clothes, he found nothing. Yanzi’s child had just turned one month old, and Chu Youhuang had specially prepared a gift.

He also felt guilty for not allowing Yanzi to stay home and prepare a proper celebration for the baby, but now they were tracking Gao Sheng, and Yanzi was skilled in this, so he had no choice but to call him back. Yanzi didn’t mind and instead felt it was an honor, a sign of Chu Youhuang’s attachment to him. The cat demon suddenly returned the previous money pouches to Jiu Xuanye.

Not only was Wen Jian’s pouch among them, but also the one Ban Xia had given for her father, which confirmed that her father had indeed exchanged his life with the cat demon. However, it was strange—the cat demon had nine lives, and each life only cost two hundred taels of silver, which seemed rather cheap.

Jiu Xuanye figured the cat demon must want something from him, which was why it brought back so much money, and he decided to go find it. Ban Xia insisted on accompanying Jiu Xuanye to search for her father’s trail, leaving Ting Zhou to look after the house. Ting Zhou, worried for her lady, repeatedly reminded Jiu Xuanye to take good care of Ban Xia.

Meanwhile, Chu Youhuang and his group also found Gao Sheng, but he had already turned into a corpse. His eyes had been gouged out, and his hair cut off, which puzzled Chu Youhuang. That night, while resting, Ban Xia said she didn’t think the cat was necessarily evil. But Jiu Xuanye believed that exchanging lives was inherently wicked. They suddenly heard some eerie children’s rhymes that scared Ban Xia.

Sensing her fear from outside the carriage, Jiu Xuanye pretended it was cold and said he’d stay in the carriage—just to accompany her. Ban Xia asked him to draw a protective talisman on her hand, as her previous life-saving charm had been destroyed when the mirror demon’s mirror was shattered. Jiu Xuanye drew one right away, surprising Ban Xia with how readily he agreed. Jiu Xuanye said the place they were going was more dangerous than usual.

The next day, they continued on their way but got lost. Jiu Xuanye used a potion to help him see two ginseng spirits and asked them for directions. Ban Xia, covering one eye, also saw the ginseng spirits and thought they were cute. When Jiu Xuanye returned to the carriage, Ban Xia told him that she hadn’t been able to see demons before.

But after being chased by a powerful demon once, a young man saved her, and his blood accidentally dripped into one of her eyes. Since then, she could see demons. Ban Xia hoped to hear about Jiu Xuanye’s past as well, but he said he couldn’t remember anything before the age of twelve. He had a high fever at twelve and lost all earlier memories. As it got dark, Ban Xia and Jiu Xuanye arrived at Feng Wuniang’s place.

Initially, her father Feng Tian refused them entry, saying the place was under renovation. But Feng Wuniang said fate had brought them together and arranged their stay, even giving a detailed introduction to the courtyard. She invited them to stay for a few more days, to enjoy the scenery and eat loquats. As soon as Jiu Xuanye entered the room, he smelled something. Ban Xia discovered it was calming incense and found it odd since there were no other guests.

Why burn incense during renovations? Chi Xue reminded Feng Wuniang to feed the horses and also wanted something to eat. Feng Wuniang suggested resting near the hot springs where there was food, and Chi Xue agreed. Feng Wuniang immediately had the hot springs cleaned up. Feng Tian scolded Feng Wuniang for letting the guests stay, feeling something was off about them. But Feng Wuniang said opening the door was part of doing business and keeping them wouldn’t be a problem.

Feng Tian didn’t say more. Ban Xia pulled out the incense, but Jiu Xuanye said it was no use—even the candles were infused with the same scent, and even his neutralizing water would eventually lose effect. Just then, Feng Wuniang came to invite them to the hot springs. Ban Xia wanted to decline, but Jiu Xuanye accepted and didn’t correct the misunderstanding that they were husband and wife. On the way, Ban Xia thought she saw a cat run past.

Jiu Xuanye took the chance to ask Feng Wuniang if there were any cats around, saying Ban Xia was afraid of them. Feng Wuniang shook her head and denied it. As the maids helped Ban Xia change, they praised her floral forehead decoration and her beautiful skin. Feng Wuniang, annoyed by the chatter, shooed them all out, though she couldn’t help but praise Ban Xia’s beauty herself.

Jiu Xuanye had no interest in soaking and left Chi Xue there, wandering around instead. He overheard some maids gossiping about how the last young man who came here was also very handsome—just like the current guests. While lost in thought, Jiu Xuanye accidentally bumped into someone. That person seemed to have dropped something, which got kicked away. Strangely, even though the person was covering his eye, he insisted he was fine.

After he left, Jiu Xuanye spotted the black cat and followed it. Jiu Xuanye followed the black cat to a certain place, about to enter when Feng Tian stopped him, saying it was a storage room. Meanwhile, Ban Xia was in the hot spring, remembering a dream and guessing that the mysterious man, Man Ying, might be Jiu Xuanye. Suddenly, she spotted something that looked like an eyeball and screamed.

Jiu Xuanye, abandoning the storage room, rushed over to rescue her. Feng Wuniang brought herbal soup as an apology and offered to take care of Ban Xia personally, but Jiu Xuanye drove her out. Ban Xia suddenly felt everyone here was being overly friendly. Jiu Xuanye asked what she had seen, and Ban Xia took out what looked like an eyeball, but it turned out to be just a smooth wooden ball—nothing special.

Jiu Xuanye returned with ginger tea and overheard Ban Xia in her room reciting the incantations he had taught her. Just as he was about to leave, a servant came by, claiming the master had sent him to check if Ban Xia needed more charcoal. Jiu Xuanye realized someone was secretly monitoring them and stayed in the room to continue pretending to be a couple, guessing that the servant wouldn’t have shown up unless he’d been discovered. Jiu Xuanye also guessed, from hearing Ban Xia recite those words, that without Ting Zhou around, she was probably feeling unsettled.

Duan Banxia and Jiu Xuanye were alone in a room. She confided her thoughts to Jiu Xuanye, saying that ever since she could see spirits, her mind had become unsettled. She always felt like she could see things. Duan Banxia asked Jiu Xuanye if he had ever felt fear. Jiu Xuanye recalled that when he was about thirteen or fourteen, he once wanted to kill a tiger but found that the tiger had cubs.

His father did not kill the tiger, and at the time, Jiu Xuanye felt very upset, feeling like he had lost his tiger pelt. Later, his father would always go out under the guise of practicing medicine, but in truth, he was hunting demons. After learning the truth about his father, Jiu Xuanye began to feel fear—fear of loss. But now, he no longer feared anything. His home was bare, and he had nothing left to lose.

Duan Banxia, however, reminded Jiu Xuanye that he still had Chi Xue—and her. She extended her hand for him to feel the warmth of her palm, and she also hoped Jiu Xuanye would draw a talisman on his own hand too. Every time she felt afraid, the talisman would grow warm, and then she wouldn't be scared anymore. But Jiu Xuanye smiled and said he didn’t need it at all.

Duan Banxia was dissatisfied with Jiu Xuanye’s arrogant attitude and thought he was unwilling to talk to her. Jiu Xuanye immediately admitted it, which made Duan Banxia turn around and go to sleep in frustration. Jiu Xuanye, however, didn’t return to his room until after Duan Banxia had fallen asleep. Early the next morning, Jiu Xuanye found Feng Tian practicing in the courtyard and praised his skill.

Feng Tian proactively sparred with Jiu Xuanye, who remarked that the innkeeper’s abilities must have taken at least twenty years to cultivate. Feng Wuniang told Duan Banxia that she had never been able to taste flavor since childhood and felt guilty about the poor taste of what she had made for Duan Banxia. But Duan Banxia didn’t mind and reminded her that she could just use fewer ingredients next time.

Feng Wuniang said others had told her the same, but since she couldn’t taste, she could only satisfy the sense of sight. Duan Banxia didn’t say much more after that. Feng Tian recounted his past stationed at Guima Fort. The rotation was supposed to happen every five years, but due to the chaos in court caused by the princes contending for the throne, remote places like theirs were neglected. Eventually, everyone wanted to flee.

The junior flag officer tried to stop them, but he couldn’t stop them all. Even Feng Tian wanted to flee, but at that moment, the officer fell ill. Feng Tian couldn’t leave him and stayed to care for him, helping raise the flag every day. But eventually, the officer still died. Because of the trust the officer placed in him, Feng Tian remained there for twenty years.

Later, a passing army reported the situation to the court, and only then did someone come to take over, finally setting him free. Jiu Xuanye was deeply moved by Feng Tian’s words and praised his actions. The innkeeper, however, commented that Jiu Xuanye just idled around in the mountains every day. Jiu Xuanye countered by asking if the innkeeper had ever seen a spirit.

He bluntly stated that there were spirits here and released a moon bug to test if Feng Tian was a spirit. But Feng Tian was able to catch the bug, proving he was not a spirit, which surprised Jiu Xuanye. Feng Wuniang noticed in Duan Banxia’s room that it seemed to be lived in by only one person and guessed that maybe her relationship with Jiu Xuanye wasn’t good.

Duan Banxia didn’t explain much, only saying she didn’t understand why they were running an inn in such a place. Feng Wuniang didn’t understand either—her father only said it was very safe here, as long as they didn’t go outside. There were many mountain demons outside that could harm people. If they really encountered them, they wouldn’t be able to fend them off with just the few of them.

But there were no mountain demons in the inn because none dared to enter her family’s inn. Suddenly, they heard the cry of a mountain demon outside. Duan Banxia and Feng Wuniang hurried out, only to find that Chu Youhuang had caught a cat. Chu Youhuang told Jiu Xuanye that Gao Sheng had been killed. He also found the inn suspicious. He had sent one of his comrades back to report, while he and another stayed behind to continue investigating.

Just then, the cat ran off. Chi Xue immediately turned into a rabbit to chase it, which surprised Chu Youhuang—he couldn’t understand why a demon hunter would keep a spirit as a pet. But the whole conversation was seen by an eyeball hiding in a bag. Feng Tian went to see Feng Wuniang and urged her to get Jiu Xuanye and the others to leave quickly.

He felt they were too powerful and also advised Feng Wuniang not to hang around them so much. But Feng Wuniang liked Duan Banxia and refused to back down. That night, after settling Duan Banxia in to rest, Jiu Xuanye returned to his room. The eyeball started moving again, and a black cat silently appeared outside Duan Banxia’s window. When Duan Banxia saw the cat, she shouted Jiu Xuanye’s name.

Jiu Xuanye and Duan Banxia immediately chased after the black cat. They returned to the courtyard where the cat had previously vanished. Jiu Xuanye felt the cat was deliberately luring them there. As Duan Banxia continued searching for the cat, a door opened, and out came Duan Yanqiu. Duan Yanqiu said he had been living there for a long time because he found the scenery beautiful and the innkeeper kind.

Jiu Xuanye noticed that Duan Yanqiu looked pale and offered to take his pulse and prescribe some medicine. But Duan Yanqiu avoided it and bluntly told them to leave. Jiu Xuanye didn’t push the matter and pulled Duan Banxia away. Both of them realized there was something wrong with Duan Yanqiu. He didn’t even care about Duan Banxia being alone with a man, which was completely different from how he had behaved in the past.

Jiu Xuanye also smelled alcohol on him, though it was masked by incense. Duan Banxia didn’t understand why Duan Yanqiu had gotten involved like this. She didn’t understand why these things kept happening in her family. Her father had been taken by a spirit, and now her brother had fallen in love with one. She even blamed herself, feeling guilty and responsible.

Jiu Xuanye praised Duan Banxia for already being very brave—when she first discovered Chi Wangchuan, she was terrified, but now she could face everything calmly. She had become brave. But Duan Banxia still felt she wasn’t brave enough. Suddenly, something got into Duan Banxia’s eye, and she kept rubbing it. Jiu Xuanye helped check and take care of it, which was seen by Chi Xue, who mistook it as a kiss.

Duan Banxia was happy that Jiu Xuanye cared for her. Chi Xue waited for Jiu Xuanye to return and questioned him about whether he had kissed Duan Banxia. Jiu Xuanye denied it, but Chi Xue said he could already see through Jiu Xuanye’s heart—every time he looked at Duan Banxia, it was like how his father used to look at his mother. Duan Banxia brought some snacks to Feng Wuniang and asked about Duan Yanqiu.

Feng Wuniang remembered him and said that once he came, he didn’t want to leave. Many people were like that—coming here to escape something. Feng Wuniang praised Duan Banxia’s good fortune: she had a husband and a brother, unlike her, who only had a father and a brother, and the brother had already run away. She said she would have to run away eventually too, and asked Duan Banxia if she would come find her when that time came.

Chu Youhuang had once investigated this inn and discovered that Gao Sheng had stayed here for four days. However, when he asked the owner, the owner denied it. Jiu Xuanye also analyzed the current situation based on his own encounter with Duan Yanqiu, and was certain that Duan Yanqiu knew something but refused to speak.

Chu Youhuang suggested going to ask Duan Yanqiu, but before they could see him, someone came from the mountain to deliver a letter to Chu Youhuang. From the letter, Chu Youhuang realized it was the one he had asked Yan Li to bring to Lord Shi. Following the villager to the place where the body was found, he was shocked to discover that the corpse was Yan Li.

Feng Tian overheard the conversation between the villager and Chu Youhuang and rushed to find Feng Wuniang, asking if she was the one who killed someone. But Feng Wuniang denied it, saying she only wanted not to disgrace her father. Feng Tian wished his daughter could live peacefully without causing trouble. Feng Wuniang impatiently agreed. Ban Xia entered Duan Yanqiu’s room only to find him listening to music and watching Man Niang dance. However, Ban Xia couldn’t see anyone.

Duan Yanqiu was still singing and dancing on his own, acting as if someone was really there. He sang along, while Ban Xia looked around in panic, seeing nothing, which made her uneasy. The villager explained that he discovered the body while chopping wood nearby. Chu Youhuang had no choice but to let him go.

Based on Yan Li’s injuries, it was clear the killer had great strength, but in this remote mountainous area, there was no trace of the murderer—unless Yan Li himself could speak. Feng Wuniang purposely brought wine to Duan Yanqiu, only to find Ban Xia also present. The wine was supposed to let them see the person they most wished to see.

Previously, Feng Wuniang had denied that anyone was here, but now that she came to deliver wine, it aroused Ban Xia’s suspicions. Feng Wuniang explained she had forgotten about Duan Yanqiu and only came to care for him again because of Ban Xia. Ban Xia angrily demanded that Feng Wuniang never bring wine again. Feng Wuniang had no choice but to leave. Jiu Xuanye examined the scene of the fight and deduced that the person had been stabbed.

However, there was no trace of blood, and the attacker had torn the skin off Yan Li’s back with bare hands, showing no fear of Yan Li’s resistance—as if he were a toy. From the torn flesh, Jiu Xuanye concluded the killer was missing a finger. The killer was likely still in the inn, and he had also found a wooden sphere at the scene.

Back at the inn, Jiu Xuanye asked Chi Xue if he had seen someone missing a finger. Chi Xue immediately thought of the servant who was always with Feng Wuniang. But when they went to look, Feng Wuniang had already reattached the missing finger, making it appear like there were five again. Jiu Xuanye tried to inspect it, but Feng Tian hurriedly stopped him.

Jiu Xuanye had grown suspicious of Feng Wuniang and warned Feng Tian to watch his people closely, or it might be too late when the truth was revealed. After Jiu Xuanye left, Feng Tian asked Feng Wuniang about the servant’s finger. Both the servant and Feng Wuniang remained silent, which angered Feng Tian, and he drove the servant out.

Feng Wuniang was furious that Feng Tian always blamed her for everything and said he didn’t take her to see their grandmother because he feared she would harm the family. They began arguing. Feng Wuniang suddenly asked Feng Tian to let her go free like her brother had, but Feng Tian reminded her that this was her home and she couldn’t leave. Feng Wuniang threatened him, saying that if anything happened again, she wouldn’t be the one to blame.

Enraged, Feng Tian slapped her. Feng Wuniang’s expression turned vicious as she watched Feng Tian leave. Ban Xia went to find Duan Yanqiu again. He admitted that he always needed to drink in order to see the person he missed. The feeling was so real, as if Man Niang had never left. Duan Yanqiu urged Ban Xia to try it too, but Ban Xia reminded him that there were still family members waiting for him at home.

Duan Yanqiu, however, was unwilling to leave and kept murmuring Man Niang’s name. After leaving Duan Yanqiu’s room, Ban Xia couldn’t find Chi Xue outside and had to leave alone, unaware that Feng Wuniang was secretly following her. But every time Ban Xia turned around, she saw no one. Just as Feng Wuniang was about to strike and kill Ban Xia, a black cat suddenly appeared. Ban Xia recognized it as Jiuming and chased after it.

Along the way, she ran into Jiu Xuanye, who had come looking for her. The black cat vanished. Ban Xia believed that the cat demon wasn’t in league with the others here and that it had actually saved her when she got lost. Chu Youhuang looked at Yan Li’s body and swore vengeance for him. Jiuming appeared in front of Jiu Xuanye voluntarily. Jiu Xuanye then instructed Chi Xue to follow Ban Xia closely and protect her.

Jiu Xuanye went to visit Duan Yanqiu and drank wine with him. After killing his parents and brothers back then, it was this wine that helped him get through it. Whenever he drank it, he seemed to see his whole family again. He even knew how to brew it himself and offered to give Duan Yanqiu the recipe, urging him to return home.

He warned that if he waited until no one was left, it would be too late for regrets. Their conversation was secretly observed by two eyeballs released by Feng Wuniang. After drinking the wine, Duan Yanqiu saw Man Niang appear before him. He said farewell to her, telling her that he was about to leave. Man Niang then vanished from his sight.

Jiu Xuanye returned drunk, muttering to himself that he knew everything and that what he had seen was all fake. Ban Xia, seeing that he was drunk, hurried over to care for him. The cat demon had been watching Feng Tian from the roof but was suddenly chased by a small wooden puppet sent by Feng Wuniang.

She warned the black cat never to come near him again or appear in front of her, or she would take its remaining lives. Frightened, the cat demon fled in panic.

Ban Xia took care of Jiu Xuanye as he fell asleep, listening to him mumbling about people being around. This made her realize that Jiu Xuanye had drunk Fubai Wine and guessed that he must really miss his family. Jiu Xuanye continued to run a fever. Chi Xue rushed to find Chu Youhuang for help, but Chu Youhuang wasn’t in the room—only Old Li was watching over Yan Li’s body.

At that moment, Chu Youhuang was investigating the matter of the servant boy, but was ambushed by several of them. He slashed at them with his sword, clearly severing their legs, but the limbs quickly regenerated. Chu Youhuang was ultimately captured by the group’s joint attack. Feng Tian came to Feng Wuniang, saying he planned to close the inn and take her away since she didn’t like the place. They could live a quiet life as father and daughter.

Feng Wuniang suddenly laughed, praising his idea and saying she had long grown tired of the inn. Feng Tian gave her another puppet and went to pack up. Feng Wuniang pretended to be pleased but casually tossed the puppet into a drawer, which was already full of similar puppets. As soon as Feng Tian left, a servant came to report that Chu Youhuang had been captured. With Ban Xia’s care, Jiu Xuanye eventually woke up.

Grateful for her attention, he told her that once he recovered, he planned to take her away from this place. That night, Ban Xia, Duan Yanqiu, Chu Youhuang, Feng Tian, and others were all captured and brought to a room, blindfolded. When everyone came to, they found themselves tightly bound and seated. One by one they regained consciousness, except Jiu Xuanye, who never opened his eyes.

Feng Tian tried to persuade Feng Wuniang to let everyone go, but she said that today was her birthday. Since only her father was with her, it felt lonely, so she brought everyone here. She wasn’t even sure when her actual birthday was—it was just a day she picked herself. Feng Wuniang wanted a bowl of longevity noodles, but found them tasteless and couldn’t swallow them. Feng Wuniang demanded gifts from everyone.

Chu Youhuang offered that she let them all go so they could go out and buy gifts, but Feng Wuniang didn’t fall for it. Instead, she asked everyone to tell a story as their gift. Chu Youhuang, afraid of others getting hurt, told a personal story. But in Feng Wuniang’s eyes, it was just a hypocritical tale about the strong preying on the weak. Feng Wuniang then asked Duan Yanqiu to tell a story too, mocking him for not understanding love.

Duan Yanqiu shared his love story with Man Niang, but Feng Wuniang criticized it—saying that in the end, Man Niang still died at the hands of the demon hunters. Though she could’ve fled when she was discovered, she couldn’t bear to leave Duan Yanqiu, and so stayed, only to die. Yet Duan Yanqiu still feigned sorrow while drinking and laughing with his enemy. When Feng Tian was stationed at the desert frontier, life was lonely.

That was when he created Feng Wuniang to accompany him. Back then, he spoke of a sweet fruit tree back home. Though Feng Wuniang couldn’t taste anything, she still wanted to try it. They had traveled thousands of miles, yet never went home, which made her believe that Feng Tian was afraid she’d hurt his family and never truly considered her part of it.

To her, this place was a prison of affection crafted by a woman’s hands, confining her for life. She believed Feng Tian was too hypocritical—calling her his daughter while treating her like a venomous snake. Hearing this, Feng Tian couldn’t help but weep. Seeing his tears, Feng Wuniang leaned on his shoulder, savoring the warmth. Ban Xia realized all Feng Wuniang truly wanted was affection. Feng Wuniang liked Ban Xia—her looks and her family.

She planned to kill Ban Xia and take her place, just as her brother had escaped and taken someone else’s place in another family. Suddenly, Jiu Xuanye spoke, breaking free from the ropes binding him. This allowed Feng Tian to see Feng Wuniang’s true nature. Jiu Xuanye had never drunk the wine—he only pretended to be drunk to draw out Feng Wuniang and reveal her real face. Seeing her plan exposed, Feng Wuniang attacked Jiu Xuanye. They began to fight.

Feng Wuniang was skilled at commanding puppet constructs—the servant boys were all her controlled puppets. As the puppet servants fought Jiu Xuanye, Feng Wuniang sought out Ban Xia. Ban Xia discovered a puppet crafted in her likeness. Before her eyes, Feng Wuniang transformed herself into Ban Xia’s appearance. From the moment they first met, she had wanted to become Ban Xia. But now she realized Ban Xia wasn’t truly happy. Feng Wuniang intended to live as Ban Xia—and live brilliantly.

Ban Xia accused Feng Wuniang of being selfish. Even if she killed her, she could never become her. It was a fake image that could be seen through at a glance. Feng Tian had given up going home just to stay with Feng Wuniang, yet she still believed others were controlling her. In truth, no one had control over her—it was her own heart. Feng Wuniang grabbed Ban Xia by the neck, trying to kill her. Ban Xia struck her away with a talisman-imbued palm, grabbed Jiu Xuanye’s sword, and attempted to escape.

Ban Xia took Jiu Xuanye's greatsword and escaped. When she saw several puppet servants approaching, she quickly hid. Soon after, she found Chu Youhuang and the others. Jiu Xuanye also arrived and urged everyone to leave together. However, just as they stepped outside, they ran into Feng Tian. Feng Wuniang looked at Feng Tian in a daze, seemingly reluctant.

Jiu Xuanye suggested that Feng Tian come with them, but Ban Xia thought Feng Tian, as Feng Wuniang’s father, would never hurt her. This remark caught Jiu Xuanye's attention. He checked Ban Xia’s palm and discovered that the protective charm he had drawn there was gone. Realizing she had been exposed, Feng Wuniang swiftly attacked Jiu Xuanye and fled. Feng Tian anxiously looked for Feng Wuniang but found her collapsed in the room, having turned into a puppet.

Just as Feng Tian grieved, Feng Wuniang returned. Feng Tian scolded her for killing too many innocent people and, in a fit of rage, tried to hit her but couldn’t bring himself to do it. He explained that he had kept her here to protect her, but Feng Wuniang felt she could never become the daughter Feng Tian wanted. Feng Tian promised to leave with her, as long as she didn’t hurt anyone.

However, Feng Wuniang became cold, declaring that Feng Tian was no longer her father. She would now live her own life. Watching her leave, Feng Tian was overwhelmed with sorrow. Jiu Xuanye came to find Ban Xia, but Feng Wuniang appeared at the same time. With just a simple gesture of Ban Xia covering her eyes, Jiu Xuanye instantly recognized the real Ban Xia and attacked Feng Wuniang.

Feng Wuniang claimed she and Jiu Xuanye were a perfect match and even said if one day he didn’t like this face, she could change into another. Jiu Xuanye rebuked her, saying that no matter how fake pretends to be real, it will never be true, and she didn’t understand emotions. Ban Xia also accused her of having an evil heart no matter how her appearance changed. In the room, Feng Tian, overwhelmed with grief, attempted to take his own life.

The black cat rushed in and stopped him from cutting himself with the shard. Feng Wuniang and Jiu Xuanye fought fiercely, but she was no match. She played her flute to summon numerous puppets to attack Jiu Xuanye. He shielded Ban Xia behind him and activated the Li Fire within his sword, striking at the puppets’ weak points with each move. One puppet suddenly shot a spear at Ban Xia.

Jiu Xuanye protected her in his arms and cut the spear down, and in that moment, Ban Xia seemed to see the boy who once saved her. Just as Jiu Xuanye was about to kill Feng Wuniang, Feng Tian arrived and knelt, begging for her life. He then suggested taking her home to visit their grandfather and promised to stay by her side forever. Feng Wuniang was overjoyed but said they must first deal with Jiu Xuanye and the others.

Feng Tian suddenly plunged a sharp blade into Feng Wuniang’s body, reminding her she could no longer kill. Feng Wuniang felt betrayed again and tried to attack Feng Tian, but he pushed her into the sea of flames. Then, he stabbed himself with a blade and tried to jump in to follow her, but Jiu Xuanye stopped him. Feng Tian watched helplessly as Feng Wuniang burned to ashes and collapsed to the ground in despair.

At that moment, the black cat came over and spat out its final life to save Feng Tian. When Feng Tian woke up, he saw the black cat's lifeless body slumped against the box. Jiu Xuanye believed it was an act of repayment. Feng Tian recalled that during his time guarding the border, there was a severe plague one year, and no one had food.

He caught a black kitten to eat, but upon seeing its pitiful state, he couldn’t bring himself to do it. Instead, he shared his rations, took care of it every day, confided in it, and named it Jiu Ming. Later, a strange man arrived at the border. Feeling sorry for Feng Tian, he taught him the art of puppet-making. Feng Tian then created Qingshan and Feng Wuniang. After they gained human consciousness, the black cat was never seen again.

He thought it had left. But Jiu Xuanye told him the black cat never truly left. Feng Tian had children and neglected it. The black cat was driven away by Feng Wuniang when it tried to get close. It saw Feng Tian’s decline and intentionally risked itself to catch Jiu Xuanye’s attention, bringing him here and using its final life to save Feng Tian. Feng Tian was deeply saddened.

Jiu Xuanye had long suspected the wooden eyeballs were suspicious and realized Feng Wuniang was spying on them. So he went along with it and pretended to drink the Fubai Brew. In truth, Fubai Brew only muddled the mind slightly—it didn’t completely confuse one’s senses, allowing people to distinguish reality from illusion. Duan Yanqiu had been lost in it because nothing more important came up.

Later, Jiu Xuanye pretended to drink with Duan Yanqiu and secretly wrote words on his hand, telling him Ban Xia was in danger and needed help. They faked being drunk and deliberately let Feng Wuniang hear, forcing her to act. Ban Xia asked Jiu Xuanye if it was true that he used to drink Fubai Brew often. Jiu Xuanye didn’t answer directly and quickly changed the subject.

On their way home together, Ban Xia’s shoes and socks got wet, so Jiu Xuanye carried her on his back. Ban Xia told him that if he ever wanted to drink again, he should drink with her instead of drinking alone. Jiu Xuanye said nothing, but felt warmth in his heart. Ban Xia asked Jiu Xuanye to draw another protective charm. He reminded her that protective charms consume vital energy and can’t be used often.

Ban Xia noticed how cold Jiu Xuanye’s fingers were and quickly rubbed his hands to warm them up. Jiu Xuanye was deeply moved and left. Suddenly, Ban Xia saw white hair appear on Jiu Xuanye’s head again. Jiu Xuanye went to the courtyard alone and drank. When he drank too much, he could see his long-lost loved ones, each of them talking to him.

Feeling sorrowful, Jiu Xuanye returned to his room, laid out the memorial tablets of his family, and knelt before them for a long time. Only after pouring a cup of wine for them did he leave the room. The next morning, Chi Xue shouted early, looking for Jiu Xuanye. He had gone to Wen Jian’s house. The food Wen Jian’s wife made was awful. Chi Xue didn’t feel full and asked Jiu Xuanye for money.

Jiu Xuanye refused, saying he had none. Chi Xue didn’t believe him and searched the room, finding some money in a box. He only took one tael of scattered silver and put the rest back, but he accidentally left a letter outside.

Two demon hunters arrived on the street—Jiang Shangyun and Xue Qiao. The two saw a child bump into a street vendor’s carrying pole. As the child was about to fall and the vendor’s goods were on the verge of spilling, they worked together: one caught the child, and the other skillfully caught the goods, preventing a small mishap. Duan Banxia and Xu Zhizhi were strolling through the streets when they saw Jiu Xuanye fishing.

They took the initiative to talk to him. When the two left together, Xu Zhizhi greeted Jiu Xuanye and introduced herself. Jiu Xuanye was planning to go to the underground city, but Chi Xue warned him against it, saying his father had forbidden him to go there when he was alive. However, Jiu Xuanye paid no attention to Chi Xue’s words. Chu Youhuang also arrived at the Dali Temple.

Lord Song Zhilian asked him to deliver a letter to Geng Zhen and praised him highly. After all, Chu Youhuang had once served at the Dali Temple. If not for that incident back then, Geng Zhen wouldn’t have benefited so much. Song Zhilian hoped that since Chu Youhuang had returned, he could stay a few days longer. As Chu Youhuang came out, he ran into two former colleagues who dragged him along for a drink.

Coincidentally, they encountered the duty officer, Sima Lingying. She immediately offered to treat everyone to a meal, using the excuse of Captain Yue having a joyous occasion at home, and purposely invited Chu Youhuang to join the fun. During the meal, Sima Lingying arrived late. Everyone tried to persuade Chu Youhuang to mend his relationship with her. After all, returning to his post wouldn’t be hard.

The two had once been seen as a perfect pair, yet they had never ended up together. As everyone joked around, Sima Lingying appeared dressed in women’s attire, making the atmosphere suddenly more reserved. Aware of everyone’s discomfort, she announced she would drink three cups and leave.

She toasted the first to the Emperor, the second to Captain Yue in celebration of his new home, and the third to Chu Youhuang, acknowledging his rising career in Guangping and wishing him even greater success. However, her tone held underlying reproach for him abandoning her back then. When Captain Yue saw Sima Lingying was leaving, he immediately told Chu Youhuang to escort her.

On the way, Sima Lingying reproached Chu Youhuang for abandoning her despite their engagement and fleeing to another region, making her a laughingstock in the capital. In truth, Chu Youhuang had only saved her older brother and never knew that Sima Lingying had made a vow to marry whoever saved her brother. Chu Youhuang also had no intention of clinging to the powerful—he and Sima Lingying were not from the same world.

He hoped she would stop bringing it up, as their paths were simply different and they couldn’t end up together. Just as they were talking, two people suddenly started fighting nearby. Chu Youhuang and Sima Lingying stepped in simultaneously to subdue them. Sima Lingying noticed that although one of the wounded had fallen, there was no blood on the blade. As she was puzzled, the injured person suddenly ran a few steps and turned into a humanoid paper figure.

The people on the street panicked and fled, thinking it was a demon. Chi Xue guessed that Jiu Xuanye wanted to go to the underground city because the demon who had saved Duan Banxia’s father was there. Jiu Xuanye didn’t confirm it, only noting that the path to the underground city was flooded and he would wait for it to recede. Chi Xue warned him not to go even then. Jiu Xuanye impatiently pushed Chi Xue’s hand away.

The paper crane Chi Xue had just folded flew out and landed in Duan Banxia’s hands. Looking up, she saw only Jiu Xuanye sitting at the window opposite, mistakenly thinking it was a love letter. Upon opening it, she indeed found writing—but it was her mother’s name: Tang Ruyun.

Duan Banxia immediately went to Jiu Xuanye, guessing that her mother might still be alive, which would explain why her father, since returning, was often not home—he must be out looking for her. Jiu Xuanye speculated that the letter might have been obtained by the cat demon from Duan Yingheng and was mistakenly placed among the silver notes. Chu Youhuang suspected that the paper-figure demon came from the underground city and went with Sima Lingying to report to Song Zhilian.

Song Zhilian believed demon trouble was not unique and such incidents happened across the world. As they left together, Sima Lingying, invoking her mother’s name, insisted Chu Youhuang come to her home. She wouldn’t take no for an answer and told him to pack up—she’d pick him up at the inn. Chi Xue hoped Duan Banxia could stop Jiu Xuanye from going to the underground city, saying it was his father’s dying wish, and surely there was a reason.

Duan Banxia agreed and planned to find other demon hunters, but she didn’t know where to look. Chi Xue, alone on the street buying something, was spotted and chased by Jiang Shangyun and Xue Qiao, who mistook him for a demon. Chi Xue barely escaped but didn’t know who they were.

Soon after, Jiang Shangyun and Xue Qiao caught up and fought with Jiu Xuanye, only to discover he was a more skilled demon hunter than they were, and so they respectfully took their leave. Just as they left, they ran into Duan Banxia. After learning from Jiu Xuanye that the two were demon hunters, she became interested. Jiu Xuanye gave her the clearance document to enter the underground city and promised to go with her in a few days.

Chi Xue hinted to Duan Banxia that she must stop Jiu Xuanye. Every time he used the Lihuo Sword, it shortened his lifespan by a year, which was why his hair was turning white. Duan Banxia went to dye Jiu Xuanye’s hair, feeling a deep sadness. Jiu Xuanye sensed her emotions and tried to comfort her, saying his father’s warning stemmed from worry, but he couldn't always live in fear.

Duan Banxia brought up the toll the Lihuo Sword took on him and begged him not to go again. Jiu Xuanye countered by asking—if he didn’t go, how could he save the people she wanted to save? Duan Banxia suddenly began to cry, feeling it was all her fault that he was suffering. Jiu Xuanye reassured her not to overthink it—then suddenly realized that the dye on Duan Banxia’s face wouldn’t come off.

Chu Youhuang was drinking tea on the official road when Sima Lingying caught up to him. Chu Youhuang repeatedly emphasized that he would not go back with her to see her mother—no matter how long she followed him, it would be useless. Unexpectedly, Sima Lingying took out Lord Song's token. Now that Prince Xin'an was missing, the matter had been entrusted to her. Sima Lingying requested Chu Youhuang to accompany her.

Helpless, Chu Youhuang had no choice but to return to the Divine Capital with her to question an elder first. What surprised Chu Youhuang was that the person turned out to be Sima Lingying’s mother. Jiang Shangyun had already expected an honored guest today, and just as he finished speaking, Duan Banxia arrived.

At this time, Jiu Xuanye was kneeling before his father's memorial tablet, earnestly begging for forgiveness for breaking his promise, because no matter what, he had to follow Duan Banxia to the Underground City. The next day, when Jiu Xuanye brought Chi Xue to find Duan Banxia, they found her door locked. A neighbor told them that Duan Banxia had left early with her bundle on her back.

Jiu Xuanye grew worried and immediately set off with Chi Xue in pursuit. They proposed entering the Underground City, and after showing a pass token, someone guided them by boat into the water-filled Underground City. Duan Banxia and Jiang Shangyun arrived at the Underground City and rested together. Jiang Shangyun settled both Duan Banxia and Ting Zhou, then went out to gather information.

Duan Banxia wanted to go with him, but Jiang Shangyun thought she would only be in the way, so she had to give up. As Duan Banxia looked around, she felt the place was familiar—it was where she had been brought after being abducted as a child. Chi Xue had just reached the entrance of the Small Grotto-Heaven when he smelled the scent of a snake demon and was too frightened to enter.

Lü Chunmian inside the grotto stepped forward to guide them. Together, they entered a passage lined on both sides with colorful murals, still vibrant despite the humidity. It felt like the artist was someone who refused to admit defeat. Although the Underground City appeared prosperous, it was actually a den of debauchery. After bringing Jiu Xuanye and Chi Xue inside, Lü Chunmian initially wanted to share a drink with them, but Jiu Xuanye declined.

Lü Chunmian then respectfully greeted a man, seemingly with the intent to lure Jiu Xuanye there. City patrolman Song Qi noticed that Chi Xue was clutching a large bundle and assumed it contained valuables. He took the initiative to bring Jiu Xuanye to the Small Grotto-Heaven and informed them that all transactions in the Underground City had to go through the grotto—silver had to be exchanged for vouchers.

After using Wuxiang Water, Jiu Xuanye realized the person who brought him was a demon. When the little demon mentioned the voucher again, Chi Xue opened the bundle only to find it full of radishes, leaving him disappointed. Swordsmen Xiang Shan and Xiang Feng had been searching the Underground City for Prince Xin’an but hadn’t seen a trace of him.

The three of them had moved from the third floor to the basement, indicating they were running out of money and might soon be forced to live there. Chu Youhuang and Sima Lingying also arrived at the Underground City, looking for the patrolman. Song Qi approached them, volunteering to help Sima Lingying. She handed over a portrait of Prince Xin’an and briefly explained some features, giving a generous deposit and promising double the reward for any information within three days.

Chu Youhuang complained that Sima Lingying was too extravagant, just like her mother. Then another person claiming to be a patrolman approached Sima Lingying. She again handed over some money and the portrait, casting the net even wider with no restraint in spending. Ting Zhou, feeling that Jiang Shangyun and Xue Qiao had been gone too long and seemed unreliable, decided to search for them herself. Duan Banxia planned to go look as well.

Song Qi quickly discovered that Prince Xin’an had come here looking for Huangfu Bai, who only saw three people a day. Song Qi had even queued up to get an entry token. Sima Lingying generously paid again. Chu Youhuang once again criticized her for blindly trusting people, but before he could finish, the door behind them opened on its own. Chu Youhuang then explained Prince Xin’an’s identity and asked if Huangfu Bai had seen him.

Huangfu Bai told them that Prince Xin’an had an incurable illness and had come to see him for help, but he had arrived too late and couldn’t save him. Now, he was likely nothing but bones. Song Qi happened to see that Duan Banxia and Ting Zhou had been robbed and helped retrieve their wallets. He offered to help them find someone. Ting Zhou, speaking too freely, mentioned they were looking for the Ti Hu Book House.

But Duan Banxia didn’t trust Song Qi and pulled Ting Zhou away. Xiang Shan opened the door and bumped into the passing Jiu Xuanye. Not only did he not apologize, he also scolded Jiu Xuanye for being blind. A conflict broke out. Xiang Feng came out to remind Jiu Xuanye that in the martial world, recognizing one’s place was important and that calling someone “brother” wasn’t shameful.

Jiu Xuanye ignored them and walked away, enraging Xiang Shan, who tried to chase him but was stopped by Xiang Feng. Jiang Shangyun and Xue Qiao realized Duan Banxia had gone missing and went to look for her. They ran into Song Qi and quickly sensed that he was a demon. They chased him down and cornered him. Duan Banxia had fled earlier because she had seen that Song Qi was a demon.

She happened to return and saw the two demon hunters attacking Song Qi. A stack of barrels fell and was about to crush her, but the already injured Song Qi protected her. Realizing Song Qi was kind, Duan Banxia deliberately knocked over a bamboo pole to block the two demon hunters, allowing Song Qi to escape. Jiang Shangyun scolded Duan Banxia for letting a demon go, but Duan Banxia insisted that even demons could be good.

Jiang Shangyun accused her of failing to distinguish between humans and demons. While the two were at a standoff, Jiu Xuanye arrived, scolded the two demon hunters away, and then took Duan Banxia into a room to lecture her. He blamed her for coming here with two strangers. Duan Banxia snapped that he was using her and now abandoning her, despite all the effort she put in.

With her head lowered, she angrily said her affairs had nothing to do with him. Jiu Xuanye turned to leave but was stopped by her. He initially wanted to scold her again but, seeing her injured, couldn’t bring himself to and helped bandage her wound instead. Duan Banxia blamed Jiu Xuanye for being disobedient and coming here, while both of them criticized each other for being impulsive, for coming here, and for getting into conflicts.

Yet in their words, there was deep concern for one another. Duan Banxia explained the conflict with Jiang Shangyun and his disciple, saying Jiang Shangyun was unable to tell good from evil. When Jiu Xuanye learned Duan Banxia hadn’t found any useful clues, he decided to accompany her the next day to continue searching. He also reminded her that in the future, they must discuss everything together before acting. Chu Youhuang and Sima Lingying analyzed Prince Xin’an’s situation.

They believed that if Prince Xin’an knew he had only a hundred days left, he wouldn’t choose to end things in some random place—instead, he should’ve gone home to prepare for his end. On the surface, Chu Youhuang was gruff with Sima Lingying, but he gave her the demon-slaying dagger and bug oil that Jiu Xuanye had given him. Though he said it was to avoid being dragged down, he was actually full of concern for her.

Lü Chunmian came to find Jiu Xuanye and brought him to meet Shen Tunan, the master of the Small Grotto-Heaven and also Jiu Xuanye’s martial uncle.

Chu Youhuang’s entire family was killed, and he ended up in prison. Fortunately, Shen Tunan ensured his safety. However, when Shen Tunan returned to the capital after running around to help Chu Youhuang, Chu Youhuang was already gone. The two did not meet, but Chu Youhuang knew it was Shen Tunan who had helped him and cared deeply about him.

He had also heard from his father that this senior martial uncle was very gifted but was expelled from the sect. Shen Tunan shared that he had fallen in love with a fox demon. He struggled for a long time but ultimately couldn’t let go of the woman. The sect’s rules forbade any relationship with demons, so he had no choice but to leave. Though the woman loved Shen Tunan, her demon nature was hard to suppress.

One time, she accidentally hurt Shen Tunan while drunk. Since then, she left out of fear of hurting him again. Shen Tunan came to the underground city to find her and had been searching for twenty years without success. Mr. Pu saw Sima Lingying and Chu Youhuang passing by on the roadside and could tell they were looking for someone.

He offered to help and recommended a “Celestial Guide Compass” to Sima Lingying, saying it could point to the person in her heart. Chu Youhuang didn’t believe it at all and walked away, but Sima Lingying closed her eyes and tested it. To her surprise, the compass really pointed to Chu Youhuang’s location. Excited, she bought it. Jiu Xuanye asked Shen Tunan to help find Dihu Book House.

Shen Tunan agreed right away and sent his subordinate Lü Chunmian to assist. Shen Tunan also specifically told Duan Banxia to call him “Shishu” (senior martial uncle), just like Jiu Xuanye. Duan Banxia complained to Jiu Xuanye that Jiang Shangyun and the others kept asking about Jiu Xuanye and Chi Xue. When they heard that she and Jiu Xuanye weren’t close, they became disrespectful and even spent many of Duan Banxia’s exchange tickets.

The more she talked, the guiltier she felt toward Jiu Xuanye. In a rush, she wanted to buy him some food, but then noticed a snake demon standing next to her. Terrified, Duan Banxia didn’t dare to move. The snake demon hissed at her, making her even more frightened. Sensing this, Jiu Xuanye quickly came over and held Duan Banxia in his arms, glaring fiercely at the snake demon, who was so frightened that it fled.

Lü Chunmian soon found Dihu Book House. Duan Banxia and Jiu Xuanye went there. The shop owner, Sha Man, thought they were there to audit accounts and immediately brought out all his certificates to show his compliance. But Jiu Xuanye said they were looking for someone. Duan Banxia then explained her family background. Sha Man cried upon hearing her story. Though he didn’t know Tang Ruyun, he recognized the letter’s paper and seal as being from his shop.

He agreed to help inquire about the person and asked for their address, claiming he’d notify them if he found the person. But as soon as they left, Sha Man’s eyes turned sinister. He immediately ordered his subordinate to bring a hammer. He struck the subordinate to death with one blow, turning him into a producer, then cursed that they were all useless—one had escaped, and now this one was trash too—forcing him to redraw everything. Mr.

Pu tried to sell his Celestial Guide Compass to Duan Banxia and Jiu Xuanye again, but Jiu Xuanye saw through it, pointing out that it was just a low-level tracking technique, extremely hard to refine, with barely one in a thousand being accurate. Duan Banxia spotted a conch shell and liked it. Mr.

Pu initially tried to bluff, calling it a “Bihai Chaosheng Shell,” but one glance from Jiu Xuanye made him confess it was just an “Echo Shell” that could retain sound for a long time. Duan Banxia was very interested, and Jiu Xuanye quickly helped her buy it at a low price. Chi Xue deliberately acted lazy and greedy, transforming into a rabbit so that Ting Zhou would carry him back.

Jiu Xuanye got angry and tossed him onto the bed, accusing him of taking advantage. Chi Xue, however, said Jiu Xuanye was the same—obviously in love but not saying anything. That day, Chi Xue overheard Duan Banxia telling Ting Zhou she planned to break off her engagement after returning home and be with Jiu Xuanye, but Jiu Xuanye was too afraid to face his feelings.

Chi Xue suddenly remembered Shen Tunan and told Jiu Xuanye he didn’t like Shen Tunan because he sensed a smell—a smell of someone who didn’t like Chi Xue. Jiu Xuanye thought Chi Xue was overthinking. Duan Banxia saw Jiu Xuanye chasing after her and immediately stopped him, demanding sternly that he sit down. Jiu Xuanye obediently sat beside her. Duan Banxia asked if he would kill her if she were a demon.

Jiu Xuanye replied that the question was meaningless because she wasn’t a demon. Duan Banxia was disappointed—because if Jiu Xuanye were a demon, she wouldn’t care. That night, back home, Duan Banxia spoke her feelings into the Echo Shell, confessing her love for Jiu Xuanye. While Song Qi was resting, Jiang Shangyun and Xue Qiao suddenly ambushed him. Song Qi was severely injured during the chase.

At the same time, Xiang Shan and others finally found the entrance to Dihu Book House. Once inside, they split up to investigate but were suddenly attacked and sucked into a painting. Jiu Xuanye found Song Qi seriously injured and remembered that Duan Banxia had said Song Qi had helped her. Plus, not all demons were evil. He took the initiative to bring Song Qi back for treatment. Song Qi didn’t understand why Jiu Xuanye was helping him.

Jiu Xuanye didn’t answer, only advised him to hide for a while and brought him to Shen Tunan for safety. Shen Tunan was pleased that Jiu Xuanye didn’t hold prejudice against demons and even brewed a cup of tea for him. Sima Lingying couldn’t find anyone using the Celestial Guide Compass and assumed it was useless. She casually gave it to Chu Youhuang and went off to ask someone else. But Chu Youhuang found the compass needle trembling continuously.

Following its direction, he entered Dihu Book House. Inside, there was no one, only a painting that seemed to move. Chu Youhuang picked up a magnifying glass from the table and saw people moving inside the painting. Curious, he reached out to touch it and was sucked in by a powerful force. Sha Man came to find Duan Banxia, claiming he had found the person she was looking for and presented a piece of handwriting that matched Duan Yingheng’s.

Duan Banxia wanted to wait for Jiu Xuanye to return, but Sha Man warned her that the person would escape if they didn’t hurry. Sensing something was wrong, Duan Banxia pretended to go change her clothes, secretly hiding the teapot and Echo Shell in the cabinet before following Sha Man. Just at the door, she threw her clothes over Sha Man’s head and tried to escape but was caught. Sha Man touched her forehead with a brush, and she fainted.

When Jiu Xuanye returned and found Duan Banxia missing, Ting Zhou had also just come back with pastries. Jiu Xuanye noticed something off with the teacup and found the teapot hanging in the wardrobe. Realizing it was a message referring to Dihu, he rushed to the bookstore. Some figures from the paintings came out and attacked Jiu Xuanye, but he defeated them all. Sha Man revealed himself and fought Jiu Xuanye, who cut off his arms.

However, Sha Man quickly reformed them with sand and grew two new ones. During the fight, both he and Jiu Xuanye were pulled into the painting.

When Jiu Xuanye woke up, he found himself in a strange world. Several men were calling him “Big Brother. ” Jiu Xuanye remembered having seen this person before—it was one of the Xiangshan brothers. In this world, however, everyone who saw Jiu Xuanye called him “Da Mao. ” Jiu Xuanye was a little dazed. He walked out onto the street to look around, and although the faces were unfamiliar, people still called him “Da Mao.

” Suddenly, he noticed that his tattoos had become real objects. On the street, two people were arguing, and the things they threw turned into ink, making Jiu Xuanye suspect that he might be inside a painting created by a demon. At that moment, Xiangshan and a few brothers caught up with him, insisting that Jiu Xuanye help carry the bridal sedan chair for the wedding that day.

Jiu Xuanye tried to resist but found he had no strength and had no choice but to let them take him to help carry the sedan chair. As the bride was getting into the sedan, she almost fell, and Jiu Xuanye instinctively reached out to support her, feeling a strange sensation in his heart. Halfway through the journey, they encountered a funeral procession and had to stop and rest.

Jiu Xuanye took the opportunity to ask the bride to get down and rest for a while, deliberately stating his name as Jiu Xuanye. However, the matchmaker scolded him loudly. After getting off the sedan, the bride asked the matchmaker what Jiu Xuanye had just said, but the matchmaker didn’t tell her, assuming he was just causing trouble.

During the wedding ceremony, the persistent Jiu Xuanye barged in and lifted the red veil from the bride’s head, confirming that it was indeed Duan Banxia. But before he could say anything, he was caught and taken away. The Xiangshan brothers realized that Da Mao was missing and, hearing someone say a sedan bearer had been arrested, quickly searched around. They eventually found Jiu Xuanye locked up in the woodshed and rescued him. But Jiu Xuanye refused to leave.

Taking advantage of the night, he once again came to the door of the bride’s room. Inside, Duan Banxia was feeling down. Her maid went to fetch food, giving Jiu Xuanye the chance to enter. But Duan Banxia didn’t recognize him at all and angrily drove him out. Jiu Xuanye tried to remind her that this was a painting and that everyone except him was fake. Everything was fake. He wanted to save her.

At that moment, the groom, Chu Youhuang, came into the room, assuming Jiu Xuanye was a lecher and not listening to any explanation. He threw a punch, and just then, fireworks lit up the sky. When Jiu Xuanye woke up again, he had returned to the moment he first entered the painting. Several brothers stood before him, saying the same lines as before. As Jiu Xuanye walked out, everyone he met repeated the same lines.

The Xiangshan brothers soon came looking for him again, trying to persuade him to finish the job first. Knowing they would try to carry him off again, Jiu Xuanye faked them out and ran away. Jiu Xuanye went to the house where the wedding was to take place and found Chu Youhuang, revealing his true identity and explaining in detail that they were inside a painting.

Chu Youhuang’s real surname wasn’t Huang, but he was actually a constable from Guangping City. The bride and the three sedan bearers didn’t belong in the painting. But Chu Youhuang didn’t believe a word of it. Frustrated, Jiu Xuanye smashed the items in Chu Youhuang’s room. Seeing the ink stains on the ground, he reminded Chu Youhuang that everything here was fake—once broken, things returned to their original form.

But Chu Youhuang still didn’t believe him and ordered Jiu Xuanye’s arrest. Meanwhile, Duan Banxia had already started the wedding ceremony with Chu Youhuang. Jiu Xuanye was locked up again. Watching the fireworks outside, he began to count down. As expected, he woke up once more and resumed everything from before.

This time, Jiu Xuanye used his “Big Brother” status to persuade the three brothers to help, claiming he had met a girl—Miss He from the martial arts school—who just happened to be the bride they were to carry. Xiangshan warned him that the groom was powerful and that they shouldn’t steal someone’s bride. But Jiu Xuanye pressured them into going along with the kidnapping, and the three reluctantly agreed. Halfway through carrying the sedan chair, they again encountered the funeral procession.

At Jiu Xuanye’s signal, the four brothers ran off with the sedan. Chu Youhuang immediately mounted a horse to give chase. The bride was jolted about in the sedan, furious that the four would dare to snatch a bride in broad daylight, calling them reckless. Jiu Xuanye didn’t have time to explain. The four of them dashed away and brought Duan Banxia back to their place. Xiangshan even thoughtfully closed the door for them.

Jiu Xuanye seriously explained everything to Duan Banxia—that they were trapped inside a painting drawn by a demon. Although it sounded unbelievable and Duan Banxia felt she shouldn’t trust him, something inside told her she should. She thought that even if she remembered everything, they might still not be able to escape. Jiu Xuanye guessed that her parents must also be inside the painting and that finding them might be the key to getting out.

Duan Banxia pretended to believe him but knocked him out when he went to get food for her. Jiu Xuanye woke up again, returning once more to the beginning. This time, he didn’t waste words and immediately asked the brothers to help snatch the bride. The kidnapping succeeded again. Chu Youhuang was furious, sending people out to search and thinking that perhaps he had offended too many people and someone was taking the chance to get revenge on his bride.

This time, before Duan Banxia could wake up, Jiu Xuanye had already thrown all the bricks from the room outside, preparing in case she tried to ambush him again.

This time, Jiu Xuanye was well prepared in advance. He tied up Ban Xia, and when she woke up, she wouldn’t stop complaining about how she had been hungry all day. Jiu Xuanye didn’t know how to speak up and, feeling frustrated, walked out. The Xiangshan brothers came in and grinned as they told Ban Xia that Jiu Xuanye liked her, but Ban Xia had no idea.

The three brothers thought Jiu Xuanye was in unrequited love and only snatched the wedding to prevent Ban Xia from marrying Chu Youhuang. At that moment, Jiu Xuanye returned from outside with food and fed Ban Xia bite by bite. Ban Xia kept probing Jiu Xuanye’s intentions, but Jiu Xuanye said he just hadn’t figured out how to tell her in a way she would believe. What he could guarantee, though, was that he wouldn’t hurt her.

Ban Xia assumed Jiu Xuanye liked her and tried to persuade him to let her go, saying they were simply not meant to be. Jiu Xuanye, full of thoughts, stuffed another bite of food into Ban Xia’s mouth but still frowned, not knowing how to start talking. On the streets, people were gossiping about Chu Youhuang’s bride being stolen, making him a laughingstock.

Chu Youhuang ordered his subordinates to find her quickly, saying as long as no one died, they could downplay the whole matter. Ban Xia falsely claimed her tied-up hands hurt and asked Jiu Xuanye to untie her. When he let his guard down, she threw him over her shoulder. Ban Xia was originally the daughter of a martial arts school and naturally had skills.

Xiangshan, hearing the noise outside, burst in intending to strike Ban Xia, but Jiu Xuanye took the blow to protect her, bleeding from his forehead. Just then, people searching for Ban Xia showed up again. Jiu Xuanye refused to hand her over, and a fight broke out. Seeing Jiu Xuanye getting beaten, Ban Xia felt a twinge of guilt and stepped in to teach the attackers a lesson, then fled with Jiu Xuanye.

She couldn’t even understand why she helped him, reminding him again that she would never like him. Just as Ban Xia was about to get up and go home, Chu Youhuang arrived and misunderstood the situation, thinking they had been secretly meeting. Enraged, he tried to hit Jiu Xuanye but was stopped by Ban Xia. Furious, Chu Youhuang insisted on chasing after Jiu Xuanye, only to accidentally fall down again.

Jiu Xuanye took the chance to pull Ban Xia away and escape. Ban Xia cried constantly, believing her life was ruined and she could never face her family again. Jiu Xuanye asked if she liked Chu Youhuang, but Ban Xia seemed dazed. Jiu Xuanye promised that if Ban Xia would spend just one day with him, he would take her back safe and sound and explain everything clearly.

Ban Xia reminded him that if he went back with her, he would definitely be thrown in jail. Jiu Xuanye still agreed but only wished she would accompany him for a day. Ban Xia was moved, thinking Jiu Xuanye was deeply devoted and agreed right away. Ban Xia accompanied Jiu Xuanye to eat. When Jiu Xuanye heard some children mention the “Six Wonders of Guangping at month’s end,” he asked Ban Xia what it meant.

Surprisingly, she knew all about it, including the South Lake night banquet hosted by Prince Xin’an that night. Jiu Xuanye was curious how Ban Xia knew, but she herself didn’t understand why she had this knowledge. Jiu Xuanye told her there was no date here; everything in their minds was preset. In fact, even the “Six Wonders of Guangping” date was incorrect—but Ban Xia didn’t understand any of that.

Jiu Xuanye saw someone sweeping the floor and deliberately bumped into him, causing a scrape on his hand. He was thrilled to see the blood was real. Then he deliberately approached Young Master Tang pretending to sell flowers but suddenly punched him upon seeing him, and when red blood flowed out, Jiu Xuanye was ecstatic. Fearing retaliation, he pulled Ban Xia and ran off.

Ban Xia was angry and didn’t want to keep him company, but Jiu Xuanye threatened suicide, so she reluctantly continued with him. Afterward, Jiu Xuanye took Ban Xia to watch dancing girls. Ban Xia grew angry seeing how seriously Jiu Xuanye watched the dancer, scolding him for claiming to like her yet staring at another woman without blinking. Those around them, hearing her anger, said such a fierce wife needed to be disciplined.

But Jiu Xuanye only laughed joyfully and told Ban Xia not to be mad. After all, everything would restart tomorrow. Ban Xia didn’t understand what he meant by that. When the dance ended, Jiu Xuanye immediately followed the dancer, chased away a man harassing her, and secretly stabbed her arm with a bamboo skewer. Ban Xia happened to see them up close and mistakenly thought Jiu Xuanye liked the dancer. Angry, she turned and left.

Jiu Xuanye chased after her, catching her just before she was almost hit by a carriage. Though she left angrily, he continued pursuing her. Ban Xia reminded him there could never be any feelings between them, and that if he followed her back to explain, he’d definitely be punished. She claimed not to like him, but tears fell from her eyes.

Jiu Xuanye, knowing everything would reset tomorrow and Ban Xia wouldn’t remember any of this, finally confessed his long-standing love. But he said their lives were different and she should return to her own path—something Ban Xia couldn’t understand. Just then, fireworks lit up the sky, and the two looked up at the moon and the display above. Jiu Xuanye woke up as usual, with the three brothers standing by. They finally agreed to help him crash the wedding.

But on the way, they saw Ban Xia show up midway calling out to Jiu Xuanye. He was overjoyed and dropped the sedan to go to her. Ban Xia didn’t know why, but when she woke up today, she remembered everything. The two guessed that only six scenes were painted into this world, and they had already been to three. If they visited the remaining three, they might find Ban Xia’s parents, who could also be inside.

The way to identify real people trapped in the painting was to see if they bled red—those key individuals must match important parts of the scenery. Suddenly, Chu Youhuang appeared and scolded Ban Xia for secretly meeting Jiu Xuanye.

Ban Xia tried to use a hairpin to stab Chu Youhuang to see if she was also a real person in the painting, but Chu Youhuang thought Ban Xia was colluding with a pretty boy to harm him and burst into loud sobs. Helpless, Ban Xia tried to explain Chu Youhuang’s true identity, but she was misunderstood as making up stories to deceive him. Furious, Chu Youhuang cursed at them, and Jiu Xuanye had no choice but to gag him with a piece of rag.

Jiu Xuanye took Ban Xia to search for the remaining three scenic spots and left Chu Youhuang in the care of the Xiangshan brothers. Jiu Xuanye arrived at a site called the Tree of Fate and told the story of a noble consort associated with it. Ban Xia admired the consort greatly, but Jiu Xuanye believed that no matter what one encounters, one should never give up on life so easily.

Ban Xia noticed how familiar Jiu Xuanye seemed with the place and got jealous, thinking he might have visited with someone else before. Jiu Xuanye explained that he grew up in Guangping City, and since this place was painted based on Guangping, he naturally knew it well—but he had never brought anyone else here before. Ban Xia was delighted. At Jiu Xuanye’s request, she wrote a wish to hang on the tree, but accidentally knocked off someone else's wish tag.

To her surprise, it had Duan Yingheng’s name on it. Ban Xia guessed that her father must also be trapped in the painting and asked a young Taoist nearby if he had seen Duan Yingheng. The Taoist hadn’t, but told a story about his dream—he wasn’t sure if he belonged to the Sanqing Temple or the Bodhi Monastery.

Now, what he wanted most was to escape the false and embrace the real, as he could no longer distinguish dream from reality. The Taoist took the initiative to divine Jiu Xuanye’s fate in love but drew an ominous lot. Ban Xia worried this would affect his mood and consoled him, saying there was no need to be upset since everything here was fake anyway. Jiu Xuanye believed the Taoist had been trapped here for at least sixty years.

If he were to leave, he would instantly grow old—everything here was just a dream. He would never find his master again, because time within the painting looped every day, while time outside did not. The Flower Festival temple fair was always packed with people. Ban Xia thought it wouldn’t be easy to find her father and decided to shout for him. If Duan Yingheng was here, he would hear.

But Ban Xia used the Lion’s Roar technique, which summoned the painted version of her father. Lord He from the painting led people to capture Ban Xia, furious that she had run off with someone and brought shame to their family. Ban Xia and Jiu Xuanye hid inside a temple. Jiu Xuanye couldn’t understand why Ban Xia needed to hide—he thought they could just fight their way out since she was skilled in martial arts.

But Ban Xia said that whether or not he was her real father, he was still her father—she couldn’t raise a hand against him. After Lord He left, Jiu Xuanye suggested they go out, but Ban Xia, cherishing the rare moment of being close to Jiu Xuanye, said they should wait until it was truly safe, taking the chance to lean on him a little longer. Jiu Xuanye then brought Ban Xia to his family home.

They saw his father teaching a young Jiu Xuanye how to read, but no matter how hard he tried, little Jiu Xuanye couldn’t learn. At that moment, his father noticed the two of them and hurried to greet them. Jiu Xuanye was distracted, staring at his father. Ban Xia had to pretend to be sick and made up some symptoms. But Jiu Xuanye’s father couldn’t find anything wrong with her—he said her pulse was strong, suggesting she practiced martial arts.

He suspected she was hired by the medical clinic across the street. Ban Xia hurriedly explained that she genuinely had trouble sleeping, and only then did Jiu Xuanye’s father happily prescribe some calming medicine for her. Jiu Xuanye also asked for some medicine and the oil from the moon bug, but his father had never heard of it and asked Jiu Xuanye what school he was from. Jiu Xuanye honestly replied that he had learned everything together with his father.

Ban Xia pretended to have a stomachache and said she wanted to eat, requesting to dine with Jiu Xuanye’s parents. The kind-hearted couple agreed to let them stay for a meal. Ban Xia told Jiu Xuanye’s father that his son would surely achieve great things in the future, but his father only hoped his son would be able to carry on the tradition of Gan Shantang.

His mother simply wished he wouldn’t become a demon hunter, and that he could live a peaceful life. After the meal, Ban Xia chatted with Jiu Xuanye’s mother while Jiu Xuanye spoke with his father. Jiu Xuanye talked about illusions, while his father shared his thoughts on how to break formations. He even taught Jiu Xuanye the family’s Eight Desolation Fist technique.

Jiu Xuanye practiced with his father while Ban Xia and his mother watched this blissful moment from the side. Ban Xia didn’t understand why Jiu Xuanye’s parents were inside the painting. Jiu Xuanye speculated that the painter had simply painted whatever left the deepest impression on them—just like the current “Six Wonders of Guangping. ” It wasn’t possible for all the Flower Festival scenes to happen on the same day.

Sima Lingying presented her command token and found Lü Chunmian, asking him to help search for Prince Xin’an. Lü Chunmian thought Prince Xin’an might already be dead, but Sima Lingying insisted on uncovering the truth regardless. Lü Chunmian originally didn’t want to get involved, but Sima Lingying reminded him that the missing Chu Youhuang was the Grand Secretary’s son-in-law, and if something happened to him here, no one would be able to bear the consequences.

Lü Chunmian reported the matter to Shen Tunan, who had already guessed Sima Lingying’s identity. As the date for opening the Wuyou Realm drew nearer, more and more people were arriving. Shen Tunan then instructed Lü Chunmian to assign more personnel to assist and to withdraw once they had stirred things up enough.

Jiu Xuanye and Ban Xia arrived at the South Lake Night Banquet, which was originally held by Prince Xin’an to invite talented scholars from poor families to compete in poetry. Outstanding performers could qualify directly for the imperial exams, making it one of Guangping’s greatest events. Just as they arrived, Liu Kuo came up to greet them. The two made up a casual story and managed to get by. Later, Ban Xia participated in the poetry gathering.

Although she wasn’t skilled in poetry or lyrics, she remembered that the South Lake Night Banquet happened ten years ago, and many poems from that time had already spread widely—she was lucky to recall a few and used them just in time. Chu Youhuang had escaped by himself and immediately gathered his men to search for Jiu Xuanye and Ban Xia. Meanwhile, Jiu Xuanye and Ban Xia finally saw Prince Xin’an’s subordinate, Court Scholar Cao, appear.

Liu Kuo recited a poem in front of Prince Xin’an and was praised by all, but he in turn praised Ban Xia as the true expert. Everyone then asked Ban Xia to recite a poem as well.

Jiu Xuanye knew that Duan Banxia wasn’t good with words, so he stepped in to mediate and shared his reasoning, which made Liu Kuo admire him even more, calling Jiu Xuanye his brother. Jiu Xuanye immediately proposed they swear brotherhood together through a blood oath, and without hesitation, he placed his own blood into a cup. Duan Banxia guessed his intention and willingly cut her finger too.

Liu Kuo quickly called for everyone to join in, but to their disappointment, what everyone else shed was only ink. Despite the commotion, there was no reaction from behind the curtain where Minister Cao was. Jiu Xuanye suggested that Duan Banxia perform a sword dance for everyone. She understood his meaning and used the opportunity to fling her sword and tear down the curtain, only to find that Prince Xin'an wasn’t there, much to both of their surprise.

Although the painting depicted the South Lake night banquet, Prince Xin'an was nowhere to be seen. As the two walked and talked, they happened to see Chu Youhuang chasing after them with people. Startled, they quickly hid. Duan Banxia asked Jiu Xuanye if what he confessed yesterday still counted. Jiu Xuanye was caught off guard that she remembered, and Duan Banxia confessed she genuinely liked him.

She swore that no matter what, she liked Jiu Xuanye, and that she didn’t have feelings for the person she was engaged to. Chu Youhuang happened to overhear this, and furiously drew his sword to chase them. Jiu Xuanye grabbed Duan Banxia and ran while laughing. Jiu Xuanye took Duan Banxia to the place of the Weeping Guanyin, saying that the greatest spectacle of the Flower Festival was the Guanyin shedding tears. He guessed it must be Banxia’s mother.

He cut the Guanyin's leg with a dagger, and tears flowed. Duan Banxia called out to her mother and touched the statue, causing even more tears to fall. She was sure it was her mother, though she didn’t know why she had turned into this. At that moment, a bald blind man entered with a cane — it was her father, Duan Yingheng. She grabbed his hand and placed it on her face.

Duan Yingheng burst into tears but couldn’t say a word. The father and daughter embraced each other, crying uncontrollably. Duan Yingheng had become mute. Just then, fireworks exploded in the sky again, and time reset to the next day. When Jiu Xuanye woke up, he didn’t waste any time with Xiang Shan and the others. He ran straight to the temple and found Duan Banxia and her father. Banxia wrote in her father’s palm that she would definitely save them.

Duan Yingheng wept. Jiu Xuanye believed that years ago, a demon had captured Banxia’s mother but failed to make her cry, so the scene lacked a soul. That’s why Duan Yingheng was also taken — to complete the picture with the Guanyin’s tears. Meanwhile, Sha Man, locked in prison, had escaped. Chu Youhuang led people to capture him. Because of that, Chu Youhuang never married Duan Banxia. The world within the painting also changed.

Duan Banxia and Jiu Xuanye went to stop Sha Man. In the street, Duan Banxia fought Sha Man. Jiu Xuanye noticed that Sha Man’s powers were limited inside the painting and that he wasn’t a match for Banxia. During the fight, Sha Man fled. Duan Banxia chased closely behind, guessing that Sha Man was headed to the exit of the painting world. She intercepted him and accused him of capturing her parents. The two fought fiercely.

Jiu Xuanye snuck up from behind to ambush Sha Man. Furious, Sha Man tried to kill Jiu Xuanye, but Duan Banxia shielded him and was stabbed in the chest. She collapsed, and Sha Man took the chance to escape. When Chu Youhuang arrived and saw Banxia injured, he ordered people to capture Jiu Xuanye and tried to carry Banxia away for treatment.

But Duan Banxia died in Chu Youhuang’s arms, while Jiu Xuanye was locked up in prison, quietly waiting for the fireworks to explode again. After the fireworks, Jiu Xuanye woke up again and ran out without saying a word. Xiang Shan and his companion tried to follow but lost him. A drunken beggar reminded them to check the martial arts hall. Jiu Xuanye had already rushed to Duan Banxia’s martial arts school but was stopped at the entrance.

He shouted loudly and saw Duan Banxia peeking from the second floor. Overjoyed, he called out to her — but Duan Banxia had forgotten who Jiu Xuanye was. Jiu Xuanye went to a river where he used to enter the underground city, but it had turned into a wheat field. Xiang Shan and his brother didn’t remember there ever being a river.

Everything had been changed by Sha Man, who had already escaped and altered the background of the painting, making the underground city disappear from the painting world. Night soon fell. Jiu Xuanye ran through the streets looking for Duan Banxia but was stopped by a beggar. The beggar told him he could never outrun the painting wall. Jiu Xuanye then noticed a large jade pendant on the beggar’s chest and realized it was Prince Xin'an.

Prince Xin'an explained that he had fallen seriously ill and came to Huangpubai for treatment, but there was no cure. In his despair, he wandered and stumbled into the Tihu Bookhouse, where he met Sha Man. Sha Man promised he could enter the painting and live forever, still retaining his princely status. Xin'an agreed and stayed, losing his memory and living in constant joy. Later, he woke up after drawing a picture of an autumn moon.

He drew the same for his servant, who also woke up — but the servant later died. Xin'an then burned the painting because anyone inside the painting must follow its rules. Otherwise, they’d become glass-like people and vanish forever. Jiu Xuanye checked his and Xin'an’s arms and found a translucent quality. He believed there must be another way out even if the underground city was gone.

But Xin'an disagreed, saying everything here was controlled by Sha Man — even the sun, moon, and stars. But then he wondered: why didn’t Sha Man paint a moon? At that moment, fireworks bloomed again in the sky, and a new day began. Jiu Xuanye kept drinking, refusing to work or look for Duan Banxia. Every day seemed meaningless. Xiang Shan and his brother helped carry a wedding sedan for someone. When they returned, Jiu Xuanye still wanted to drink.

He shouted for lamb lung soup, and the three brothers quickly made it for him. The fragrant, smoky soup wafted out of the painting and summoned Jiu Xuanye’s moon insect. To take revenge on Jiu Xuanye, Sha Man deliberately created disasters and sent assassins to chase him. The moon insect climbed into the painting at that moment.

Jiu Xuanye kept dodging the people trying to kill him. Sha Man painted a doppelgänger of Jiu Xuanye into the picture and led a group of people in pursuit. While fleeing for his life, Jiu Xuanye burst into the wedding of Chu Youhuang and Duan Banxia. The Xiangshan brothers noticed someone was trying to assassinate their eldest brother and immediately stepped in to help.

Duan Banxia curiously poked her head out to look and locked eyes with Jiu Xuanye for a long time but didn’t recognize him. Chu Youhuang realized that the group was not only after Jiu Xuanye but also targeting him, and they had ruined the wedding. Enraged, he ordered his men to fend off the assassins.

Sha Man screamed furiously and unleashed more soldiers into the soul battle, then transformed himself into the leader of the soldiers and commanded them to capture Jiu Xuanye. Chu Youhuang had just killed one version of Sha Man when another Sha Man appeared in official robes, angrily stopping him and accusing the uniformed men of committing murder in public. Sha Man claimed to be from the Dali Court and was carrying out orders.

He instructed his subordinates to arrest Chu Youhuang. When Chu Youhuang was captured, Sha Man punched him and knocked him out, then ordered everyone present to be arrested and raised his blade to kill Jiu Xuanye. At that moment, Duan Banxia kicked Sha Man away, fought off his men single-handedly, and came to Jiu Xuanye, asking if they knew each other. Jiu Xuanye told her they did indeed know each other and had once watched the moon together.

While searching for Prince Xinan, Sima Lingying passed by Tihu Book Studio and heard Sha Man angrily shouting inside about killing someone. She knocked on the door, planning to go in. Sha Man, who was about to insert more characters into the painting, was forced to stop but didn’t want to let her in. He lied and said the place was closed.

Unexpectedly, Sima Lingying kicked open the door, saw the Immortal's Guide inside, and realized Chu Youhuang had disappeared here. She then interrogated Sha Man about Chu Youhuang’s whereabouts. As Duan Banxia and Jiu Xuanye were leaving together, they were ambushed and had to separate, agreeing to meet at Simao’s house. Jiu Xuanye later returned home and realized that Simao among his brothers was the key.

He had long suspected Simao was the mastermind since the creator of this world wouldn’t just stay outside and observe. Jiu Xuanye was certain Sha Man was not the true master of the painting, as even unarmed, Sha Man was no match for him in combat. He concluded the real demon was within. Every time Jiu Xuanye woke up, Xiangshan and Xiangfeng remained unchanged, but Simao’s demeanor would shift. The first time, he showed concern for Jiu Xuanye.

The second time, he talked about going to work. From then on, Jiu Xuanye grew suspicious. Upon questioning, he learned Simao’s real name was Shen—an ancient divine beast who had developed spiritual intelligence. Shen had cultivated for a thousand years to reach his current power and, upon arriving in Guangping, fell in love with the place. He enjoyed sugar-coated haws, the fine wine, the beautiful scenery, and wandered every alley before settling in the underground city, painting everything he saw.

He painted for a hundred years, but could never capture the true divine charm of the Six Absolutes, so he devised a way to trap living people in paintings. Some were captured by him, but some came on their own. When he painted Fa'en Temple, he couldn't capture the image of the Tearful Guanyin. Then he met Tang Ruyun, who had come looking for Duan Banxia—her weeping face resembled Guanyin. But after painting her, she no longer cried.

One day, he saw her sending a letter to Duan Yingheng, which made her cry again. So he decided to bring Duan Yingheng into the painting so they could see each other every day but never speak, thus making Guanyin weep. Hearing this, Duan Banxia couldn't take it and stabbed Shen, but he was unharmed. Jiu Xuanye also exposed that Shen was not an ancient divine beast but a cowardly Yueworm.

He claimed to have seen the moon but didn’t dare look at it. On the fifteenth night, Shen was burned by moonlight and fled to the underground city, where he met his companion demon. The companion gave him a brush and an idea, and he painted Guangping City. However, he didn’t dare return to Guangping and could only paint from memory. Jiu Xuanye mocked him as a pitiful creature.

Jiu Xuanye had long found it strange that this world lacked a moon and that people only awakened when the moon was mentioned. Since no one ever talked about the moon, it hinted at Shen’s identity. Jiu Xuanye proposed that if Shen let everyone go, he would spare him. Shen laughed, thinking people outside suffered from emotional pain, while here, everyone lived happily and eternally—wasn’t that a joy? But Jiu Xuanye exposed it all as fake.

Shen asked what was real, claiming that everything Jiu Xuanye had was as illusory as moonlight in the mirror or flowers in water, that both inside and outside the painting were the same—just a dream. Realizing Jiu Xuanye had seen through everything, Shen attacked him. Duan Banxia struck back for him, but suddenly a strong wind blew in from Shenque and sucked Duan Banxia into a room, where everything spun wildly and flung her out.

Shen chased after her to kill her, but Jiu Xuanye used his bracelet to block the blade. Duan Banxia feared they couldn’t kill Shen, but Jiu Xuanye looked up—moonlight streamed from the sky, and everything in the painting began to vanish. Tang Ruyun was freed from the Guanyin statue and smiled at Duan Yingheng. Shen never dreamed there would be a moon in his dream. Watching everything disappear, he didn’t understand where the moon came from.

Jiu Xuanye told him that if sound from the painting could escape, then so could scent. So he had someone cook sheep lung soup—Yueworms’ favorite. The moon in the painting was actually a Yueworm. Shen smiled at the moon in the sky, saying it was beautiful, and eventually turned into a worm. Outside, Sha Man was also killed by Sima Lingying and turned into a pile of sand.

To her surprise, the painting in front of her gradually turned into blank paper. In that manga-like world, a girl ran as a bear chased her. The young Man Ying saved her, and blood stained his spear handle. He wiped it with a handkerchief. Twelve years later, the handkerchief still bore the blood, proving the Second Prince was still alive. Zi Kong stood there, recalling the scene and ordered his men to find the Second Prince.

Though twelve years had passed without a trace, Zi Kong swore to bring him back before his father made a move. He asked his subordinates for a Peach Talisman, planning to search for the Second Prince via the Wuyou River. Chu Youhuang recounted the events inside the painting to Sima Lingying and Wen Jian, also sarcastically noting that Sima Lingying had destroyed Sha Man purely by accident.

Jiu Xuanye’s bracelet had blocked a blade for Duan Banxia in the painting, and now in the real world, a crack had appeared in the imprint on his wrist—it couldn’t be healed. Duan Banxia kept making excuses not to return, and Ting Zhou also seemed reluctant. Duan Banxia suspected Ting Zhou had fallen for Chi Xue, but Ting Zhou claimed humans and demons were different, and she would never fall for a demon.

Duan Banxia blurted out that she didn’t mind being with one. Ting Zhou thought she was just being sarcastic since Jiu Xuanye wasn’t a demon. Duan Banxia said no more, but she remembered how, in the painting, when Jiu Xuanye blocked the blade for her, she saw that his shadow had the head of a bear. Sima Lingying invited Duan Banxia, Chu Youhuang, Jiu Xuanye, and the others to a meal. Chu Youhuang even picked out fish bones and handed them to Duan Banxia.

Duan Banxia was afraid that Sima Lingying would be upset, so she glanced at her. Chu Youhuang's unusually warm attitude toward Duan Banxia made Duan Banxia nervous, and it also made Sima Lingying uncomfortable. Chu Youhuang couldn't stop thinking about the wedding in the painting with Duan Banxia, and his mindset began to change. After the meal, Chu Youhuang escorted Sima Lingying back, while Duan Banxia waited for Jiu Xuanye to walk back together.

Sima Lingying could see through Chu Youhuang's feelings. The two walked in silence. Chu Youhuang was lost in thought and didn’t even realize he had passed his residence. Sima Lingying called out to him, thinking he was too deep in it to see clearly, and gave him another year to think things through. If he figured things out, he could come find her, but she wasn't insisting that it had to be him.

While eating with Jiu Xuanye, Duan Banxia opened up, saying she might not look the way her mother imagined, which might be why her mother was cold toward her. But Jiu Xuanye believed that Tang Ruyun had been trapped in the painting for over a decade and had been made into a statue of Guanyin, which must have affected her. Duan Banxia expressed her understanding.

At that moment, fireworks lit up the sky, startling Duan Banxia into clutching Jiu Xuanye's arm. The world in the painting had left a shadow in her heart. Jiu Xuanye reminded her that the things in the painting were in the past and not real. Duan Banxia pressed him, asking whether the confession in the painting was real. Jiu Xuanye pretended not to remember, so Duan Banxia anxiously recounted everything that happened that day in detail.

Jiu Xuanye tried to change the subject, but Duan Banxia insisted on asking whether he wanted to be with her and whether he truly liked her. Suddenly, Jiu Xuanye kissed Duan Banxia. She stood there dazed for a moment before breaking into a sweet smile. Jiu Xuanye walked Duan Banxia home. Duan Yingheng was grateful to Jiu Xuanye for saving his life and thanked him every time they met.

He invited Jiu Xuanye to visit their home another day, and Jiu Xuanye agreed. Duan Yingheng anxiously asked Duan Banxia what Jiu Xuanye liked to eat. Jiu Xuanye suggested just buying more meat. Duan Banxia noticed her mother’s indifference and deliberately tore her clothes to find Tang Ruyun, praising how her mother hadn’t aged a bit, then acting spoiled and leaning on her shoulder.

Tang Ruyun instinctively wanted to dodge, but Duan Banxia leaned on her again, and Tang Ruyun had no choice but to stop avoiding her. At that moment, Duan Yingheng arrived and was comforted to see the mother and daughter like that. Tang Ruyun teased Duan Yingheng for raising such a silver-tongued daughter, and seeing his parents being sweet to each other made Duan Banxia smile too. Xiang Shan and Xiang Feng, the brothers, also came to find Jiu Xuanye.

Shen Tunan had entrusted them with a letter. The Dihuo Bookstore in the underground city had been cleaned up, and those trapped had all been rescued. He hoped Jiu Xuanye could visit often. Xiang Shan originally had two brothers, but the youngest was killed on the spot at Dihuo Academy, leaving just the two of them. They knelt and bowed, thanking Jiu Xuanye for saving their lives. The Duan family went to the market together.

Duan Yingheng always hoped Duan Banxia would quickly invite her benefactor Jiu Xuanye to visit their home, but Duan Banxia hoped her parents wouldn’t be so formal, otherwise Jiu Xuanye might feel too awkward to come. Duan Yingheng seemed to notice something different about the relationship between Duan Banxia and Jiu Xuanye. That night, Zi Kong used a bloodstained handkerchief to perform a ritual to locate Jiu Xuanye.

At the same time, Jiu Xuanye woke from a dream, his eyes changing color instantly. A moon bug suddenly bit him. Jiu Xuanye walked outside, staring blankly at the signboard of Banshan Hall. Duan Banxia saw him and hurried over to greet him, but Jiu Xuanye clenched his fist, seemingly wanting to hit her. Zi Kong, meanwhile, stroked the sharp blade of the spear Lou Ying and accidentally cut his hand, causing a sharp pain in his heart.

On the other side, Jiu Xuanye also felt sudden chest pain and snapped back to clarity, clearly unable to recall what had just happened, nor why he had been bitten. Duan Banxia guessed that the moon bug must have been hungry and planned to buy some sheep lung the next day to make soup for it.

The next day, while Duan Banxia and Jiu Xuanye were cooking sheep lung soup, Duan Banxia expressed her wish to learn martial arts and hoped to hunt demons alongside Jiu Xuanye one day—just like in the painting. She felt truly weak and couldn’t help sighing. Zi Kong came outside, searching for Jiu Xuanye based on what he saw the previous day at Banshan Hall.

While Jiu Xuanye and Duan Banxia were shopping for groceries at the market, someone pointed out events from six years ago. Duan Banxia boldly introduced Jiu Xuanye and praised his deeds. She believed that communication was key to harmonious relationships between people. The villagers, hearing this, no longer feared Jiu Xuanye. Later, Duan Banxia brought Jiu Xuanye to her home and brought along many gifts. Duan Yingheng wanted to ask more questions, but Duan Banxia answered them all first.

Duan Yingheng deliberately sent Duan Banxia away and brought up the matter of her engagement with Jiu Xuanye. He hoped she could live a stable life and get married safely. Jiu Xuanye remained silent. On their way out, Duan Banxia asked Jiu Xuanye what her parents had said, but he didn’t answer and just quietly left.

In truth, Duan Yingheng had long noticed Duan Banxia’s feelings for Jiu Xuanye, but he had also heard rumors about the case from six years ago and was uneasy. He intentionally said those things in front of Jiu Xuanye to discourage their relationship. After returning home, Duan Banxia reminded her father to quickly write a letter to cancel the engagement. Since she could see demons, it wouldn’t be good for the Li family and might scare them. Tang Ruyun suddenly asked whether this was the only reason Duan Banxia wanted to break off the engagement.

Zi Kong brought the characters of "Gan Shan Tang" he had copied down and asked a few children to help identify them. He learned that Gan Shan Tang was located in the Divine Capital. Jiu Xuanye, feeling down, was drinking alone when he happened to be seen by Chu Youhuang. Chu Youhuang approached him.

Jiu Xuanye saw through him, realizing that Chu Youhuang was actually reluctant to part with Sima Lingying, though he couldn’t see it clearly from within the situation. Chu Youhuang didn’t want to talk about it, instead asking Jiu Xuanye whether he often thought about the world inside the painting. At that moment, someone came to report that a corpse had been found in the outskirts. Chu Youhuang and Jiu Xuanye hurried over, only to find fragmented bones.

Except for the skull, all the bones were shattered, as if crushed by something heavy. At the scene, they also found a tag with the name "Zhang Pu. " Zhang Pu had purchased a nominal position at the yamen, was the only son in his family, his parents were deceased, and he had a wife named Xing Xian. Chu Youhuang and Jiu Xuanye went to see Xing Xian and learned that Zhang Pu hadn’t come home for six months.

He used to drink a lot and often disappeared for several months, so his family hadn’t paid much attention. Chu Youhuang informed Xing Xian to go to the yamen to claim the remains. At that moment, a man named Lü Sanlang passed by the doorway. He and Xing Xian exchanged glances, both clearly avoiding each other’s eyes, which Jiu Xuanye noticed. But suddenly, Lü Sanlang fell and hit the back of his head on a stone, dying instantly.

Ban Xia arrived just in time to see a white crow flying away. Xu Zhizhi and Ban Xia had been chatting on the street when she noticed the white crow on Lü Sanlang’s shoulder and chased after it out of curiosity, witnessing his death. Ban Xia blamed herself for this incident. Chu Youhuang and Wen Jian comforted her, believing she had a kind heart and that the matter wasn’t her fault.

When Ban Xia was walking back with Jiu Xuanye, Xu Zhizhi felt something odd between the two. When Ting Zhou mentioned that Ban Xia liked Jiu Xuanye, Xu Zhizhi even offered to have dinner together to play matchmaker, but Jiu Xuanye declined and left alone. Chu Youhuang discussed the case with Wen Jian but seemed distracted. Wen Jian couldn’t help asking about it, and Chu Youhuang confessed his inner conflict.

His wife in the painting was Ban Xia, and ever since leaving that world, he hadn’t been able to let go. He wasn’t sure whether Ban Xia had moved on. Wen Jian believed Ban Xia didn’t care about the world inside the painting, because from beginning to end, she had only liked Jiu Xuanye, and Jiu Xuanye liked Ban Xia as well. Wen Jian urged Chu Youhuang to cherish the one before him. Jiu Xuanye remained depressed after returning.

Previously, Duan Yingheng had personally thanked him and even knelt in gratitude, willing to repay Jiu Xuanye’s life-saving grace with anything—except Ban Xia’s lifelong happiness. Duan Yingheng did not approve of Jiu Xuanye’s background, mainly because Jiu Xuanye was a demon hunter. Zi Kong arrived at a main street in the Divine Capital and bumped into a man who tried to extort him. Zi Kong kicked the man away, just as Sima Lingying, who was eating nearby, saw him.

She was convinced Zi Kong was a demon and had pre-applied the insect oil that Jiu Xuanye gave her onto her dagger. Pretending to give directions, she lured Zi Kong into the Dali Temple courtyard, planning to slay him there. But Zi Kong managed to escape the ambush. Li Xian went to pick up his fiancée and was attacked by wolves in the forest on the way.

He was rescued by Jiu Xuanye, who at the time didn’t know the one Li Xian was going to fetch was Ban Xia. After Xing Xian’s husband died, some relatives slandered her for having an affair and tried to drive her out. Xing Xian exposed their intentions—wanting to seize her property—and was beaten by them. Ban Xia, who happened to be visiting Xu Zhizhi, witnessed this and stepped in to help chase them away.

She asked Xing Xian whether she knew Lü Sanlang, but Xing Xian shook her head, so Ban Xia left for now. Zi Kong, knowing that the insect oil was with Sima Lingying, abducted her and questioned whether she knew Man Ying. Seeing her shake her head, Zi Kong suddenly recalled hearing Ban Xia call out Jiu Xuanye’s name that day and asked whether she knew Jiu Xuanye.

At first, Sima Lingying denied it, but seeing that he was serious about killing, she reluctantly agreed to take him to Jiu Xuanye. Jiu Xuanye escorted Li Xian to Ban Xia’s house, only then realizing that the bride was Ban Xia. He quietly left without a word. Ban Xia ran after him to explain—she had originally asked her father to call off the engagement but didn’t know why they still came. Jiu Xuanye didn’t say much.

Xing Xian, touching the mirror and fixing her makeup, prayed to the Bodhisattva. She had been abused by Lü Sanlang and her husband and had prayed to the Bodhisattva twice, who helped her both times. She had hoped to start a new life, but now she was being mistreated again. Xing Xian felt it was too hard to be a woman and hoped to be a man in the next life. This was her final prayer to the Bodhisattva.

When Ban Xia came to see Jiu Xuanye, she heard from Chi Xue that Jiu Xuanye had gone fishing. She brought an umbrella and went looking for him, only for Jiu Xuanye to suddenly declare that they should end things between them.

Ban Xia originally wanted to pretend not to hear, but Jiu Xuanye emphasized again that he was serious. Ban Xia didn’t understand why, and Jiu Xuanye reluctantly said that having too many people around him made him feel annoyed. Ban Xia held Jiu Xuanye’s hand and pleaded with him, also promising to call off the engagement soon. Suddenly, Ban Xia thought Jiu Xuanye might feel that being a demon hunter would bring her disaster.

Jiu Xuanye admitted this, saying he feared he couldn’t even protect himself, let alone protect Ban Xia, and that she shouldn’t be with a demon hunter. Tears streamed down Ban Xia’s face. Jiu Xuanye comforted her, saying everything would be better in time. But Ban Xia suddenly grew angry and warned Jiu Xuanye that matters of the heart involve two people—it’s not something he can decide on his own.

Ban Xia and Jiu Xuanye returned home in the rain, one behind the other. Ban Xia locked herself in her room and refused to come out. No matter how much Duan Yingheng knocked, it was useless. Ting Zhou brought ginger soup to Ban Xia, but she couldn’t drink it. Chu Youhuang went to Fa'en Temple and had someone notify Jiu Xuanye to come as well. It was said that wishes made at Fa'en Temple were especially effective.

The place was full of snakes, yet they never harmed people. It was there they discovered that Anxian had died, though her body showed no signs of poisoning. Chu Youhuang feared it might be related to a demon and asked Jiu Xuanye to take a look.

Ting Zhou noticed that Jiu Xuanye and Ban Xia were upset with each other, so she advised Ban Xia not to always be the one chasing, and that she should play a little hard to get. She suggested Ban Xia should learn from Tang Ruyun—Ban Xia used to be the beloved child, but now the lady of the house held the top position.

If Ban Xia wanted to be Jiu Xuanye’s wife, she should establish some rules and not be too forward. Ban Xia resolved to be cold toward Jiu Xuanye for a few days. But right after she said that, she heard Chi Xue calling loudly for her. When Ban Xia heard Jiu Xuanye was looking for her, she rushed over immediately, forgetting everything she had just vowed.

It turned out Jiu Xuanye only wanted to ask if she had seen a white crow on Anxian’s shoulder. Once confirmed she hadn’t, Jiu Xuanye and Chu Youhuang rushed to open Anxian’s coffin, only to find it empty. At that moment, Anxian had been resurrected in a room, but when she looked in the mirror, she found that she had become a man. A man named Chi Lian appeared behind her.

Jiu Xuanye and Chu Youhuang ran into Li Xian on the street, who was on his way to listen to music. Li Xian invited Jiu Xuanye to join, but he declined. Li Xian specially gave two bags of nuts he had bought to Chi Xue and asked him to deliver them to Ban Xia and Jiu Xuanye. That was when Chu Youhuang realized that Li Xian was Ban Xia’s fiancé.

Jiu Xuanye discovered that the snakes at Fa'en Temple were being controlled by someone, but he didn’t tell Chu Youhuang at the time for fear of alerting the culprit. Instead, he asked Chi Xue to investigate. Chi Xue was a little scared—he’d never heard of sending a rabbit to investigate snakes. Jiu Xuanye also vaguely felt that this demon was different from the usual. Chi Lian, who called himself Mr. Bai in public, was an exceptional musician.

Li Xian had followed him after hearing his music once. This time, learning that Mr. Bai was in Guangping, he came again just to hear him play and praised him greatly. Mr. Bai revealed his real name to Anxian and even showed her his true form—a snake—which frightened Anxian so much that she fainted on the spot. After Sima Lingying woke up, she tried to escape but was recaptured by Zi Kong.

Zi Kong knocked her out again and used the bloodstains on the handkerchief to cast a spell, hoping to continue tracking Jiu Xuanye’s whereabouts. At that moment, Jiu Xuanye ran into Ban Xia on the street on her way to break off her engagement. Ban Xia emphasized again and again that no one could force her to do something she didn’t want to do—she really just wanted to express her love to Jiu Xuanye.

But Jiu Xuanye merely replied faintly that he understood. This made Ban Xia furious, and she let her anger out on Jiu Xuanye, blaming him for being too self-righteous—she could also choose to stop loving him anytime. Just then, due to Zi Kong’s spell, his and Jiu Xuanye’s souls were swapped. Not recognizing Ban Xia, he questioned what this place was called and asked her to tell Jiu Xuanye that he would come looking for him.

Meanwhile, Jiu Xuanye’s soul entered Zi Kong’s body. Seeing Sima Lingying bound puzzled him. He looked into a water jar and saw a different face, which frightened him so much he fell to the ground, and their souls swapped back. Chi Lian had been waiting for Anxian to return. When Anxian was a child, she loved playing the zither. Back then, Chi Lian was just a little snake. After cultivating into human form, he had heard Anxian’s wishes.

But they were full of thoughts of killing, so he hadn’t acted immediately. After some time observing her, he saw that the two people around Anxian did indeed deserve to die, so he killed them. Then he faked Anxian’s death, covered her in his snake skin, and allowed her to transform into a man so she could go wherever she wanted. But Anxian had no ability to survive on her own.

Even with money, she quickly used it up and ended up kneeling to Chi Lian, begging him to let her stay. Jiu Xuanye told Chu Youhuang about Sima Lingying being taken and guessed she was being held in an abandoned temple near the capital. Afraid of bringing trouble to Chu Youhuang, Jiu Xuanye didn’t go with him but suspected that demon would come looking for him again. Ban Xia took the items from Chi Xue and went home, determined to resolve the issue of her and Li Xian’s engagement.

When Ban Xia returned, Li Xian was playing chess with Duan Yingheng, and Duan Yingheng was quite satisfied with Li Xian. Ban Xia suggested going to the market to buy cloth and asked Li Xian to accompany her in a carriage. Passing by Jiu Xuanye's doorstep, Li Xian insisted on greeting him, which made Ban Xia feel awkward and urged Li Xian to hurry and leave.

Chi Xue was worried that if Ban Xia married someone else, he would never again taste Ban Xia's cooking. He was also convinced that Jiu Xuanye and Ban Xia were meant to be together. Jiu Xuanye impatiently scolded Chi Xue to keep quiet. Jiu Xuanye was preparing a herbal concoction based on a scent he had previously smelled while in Zi Kong’s body. He had only heard of controlling others’ bodies but had never encountered a body-swapping situation like this.

He then asked Chi Xue to guard him while he released the moonworm and the herbal scent to control Zi Kong's body. Zi Kong realized his actions were uncontrollable, tried to resist, but his body trembled. Ultimately, Jiu Xuanye and Zi Kong swapped bodies. When the moonworm saw Zi Kong in Jiu Xuanye's body, it immediately attacked him. Chi Xue also noticed something was wrong and realized the person before him was not Jiu Xuanye.

After Jiu Xuanye took control of Zi Kong’s body, he released the bound Sima Lingying, urging her to escape quickly. Zi Kong, using Jiu Xuanye’s body, knocked the moonworm off and tightly choked Chi Xue’s neck. Luckily, Jiu Xuanye managed to swap bodies back in time, saving Chi Xue. When Zi Kong woke up, he found himself immobilized with the eight major acupoints sealed. A raging fire surrounded him. He tried to break free but spat out blood and collapsed.

Jiu Xuanye could tell that Zi Kong’s cultivation was not weak, but he believed this time, Zi Kong would not escape. Chi Xue told Jiu Xuanye that Ban Xia had taken the Wuxiang water from him and he had also taught Ban Xia how to use it. Meanwhile, Ban Xia had brought Li Xian to the riverbank, but they found no signs of any demons around. Ban Xia asked Li Xian if he knew the truth about her condition.

Li Xian knew about her hysteria from Duan Yingheng but didn’t mind. He promised to take good care of her. Ban Xia explained that it wasn’t hysteria but real demons, though Li Xian thought her condition had worsened. Ban Xia then decided to show him what a demon truly looked like. Ban Xia ordered Li Xian to close his eyes. Li Xian thought she was going to kiss him, so he hurriedly closed his eyes.

However, Ban Xia simply applied Wuxiang water to his eyes, which caused a stinging pain that made Li Xian unable to open his eyes. Ban Xia then applied the entire potion to her palm and rubbed it into his eyes again. Li Xian then saw a fish fly in front of him, which scared him so much that he fainted. Ban Xia took the unconscious Li Xian back, reminding the servants to prepare some calming medicine for him.

Jiu Xuanye scolded Ban Xia for revealing the existence of demons, but Ban Xia felt she had the right to let Li Xian know the truth and not take away his right to be informed. Jiu Xuanye felt that Ban Xia didn’t do it for Li Xian’s sake, but Ban Xia retorted, asking if everything Jiu Xuanye did was really for her benefit, especially since he never gave her the right to choose. Ting Zhou praised Ban Xia’s words.

An Xingxian watched Chi Lian play the guqin with great interest. Chi Lian encouraged her to try playing it again, seeming to see the old version of herself, which made Chi Lian’s heart flutter a little. Chu Youhuang, holding a portrait of Sima Lingying, was asking around and happened to spot her. Sima Lingying fainted as soon as she saw Chu Youhuang, who anxiously caught her and shouted for help.

Li Xian came again to find Ban Xia, staring at her intently. Ban Xia had to explain that she had acted a bit rashly the previous day but only wanted Li Xian to know the truth. Li Xian insisted that he was not afraid and had only fainted from excitement yesterday. He had once thought Ban Xia was sick, but now he believed that the one with a problem was himself.

He had never seen demons before and now found them fascinating. He eagerly asked Ban Xia about the various demons from books. He even brought paper and ink, wanting to record everything to later turn it into a book. Chu Youhuang found a carriage to take Sima Lingying back. When Sima Lingying woke up, she found herself lying on Chu Youhuang’s lap and couldn’t help but smile, thinking about how she had been searching for him.

Chi Xue learned that the two people who had previously mocked and abused Xingxian had died, and now Xingxian’s body had mysteriously disappeared. He grew suspicious and found out that Zhang Pu and Lü Sanlang, though they had no connections in life, both enjoyed drinking. Whenever they earned money, they liked to drink at Liushui Xuan. Jiu Xuanye visited Liushui Xuan and saw Chi Lian playing the guqin.

Jiu Xuanye greeted him, but Chi Lian saw through him, realizing that he had no knowledge of music and must have some other intent. Just then, Ban Xia arrived but couldn’t detect any demon presence from Chi Lian. Li Xian, who knew Chi Lian, brought Jiu Xuanye to meet him as per his request.

Jiu Xuanye asked to hear Chi Lian play the guqin, intending to test if he was a demon, but realized he was not, which made both Ban Xia and Jiu Xuanye think they had misjudged him. Ban Xia still felt that Chi Lian hadn’t done anything wrong and shouldn’t be killed. Demons and humans should coexist peacefully, but Jiu Xuanye believed that demons and humans were different, and their standards for judgment were not the same.

He reminded Ban Xia of the demons she had previously encountered. Li Xian, who had been watching their conversation, noticed that Ban Xia liked Jiu Xuanye and suggested that they become sworn brothers. Ban Xia and Jiu Xuanye turned away helplessly. Chi Lian believed that Jiu Xuanye, being a high-level figure, had already seen through his identity and wouldn’t let it go.

He suggested that Xingxian go to Liushui Xuan to play the guqin for him in his stead, and he would use magic to make her look more like him, though the spell would only last for two hours, trusting it wouldn’t be discovered. Sima Lingying was sent back by Chu Youhuang. He begged Jiu Xuanye to save Sima Lingying, but Jiu Xuanye saw that Sima Lingying had already woken up and was pretending to be unconscious.

He deliberately dismissed everyone and woke her up, asking about her encounter with the demon. At Sima Lingying’s request, Jiu Xuanye told Chu Youhuang that Sima Lingying had been poisoned by a demon and needed 21 days of constant care. He asked Chu Youhuang to take her back and look after her personally. When Chi Xue saw Chu Youhuang holding Sima Lingying, Sima Lingying woke up and was so shocked that she almost screamed, but Jiu Xuanye stopped her.

After Chi Lian cast the spell on Xingxian, he instructed her to go and play the guqin in his place, reminding her that she must return within two hours. While she played the guqin, Jiu Xuanye sat below, watching with great interest.

When Xing Xian returned, Chi Lian was playing a song, singing along as he played, which made Xing Xian listen with rapt attention. She asked Chi Lian to teach her how to play as well. Xing Xian told Chi Lian about her encounter with Jiu Xuanye that day, but she didn’t understand why a demon would be afraid of a mere mortal.

Chi Lian explained that a demon hunter is no longer an ordinary person; there are methods to deal with them. Xing Xian volunteered to replace Chi Lian and play the piano the next day. Ban Xia saw a white crow perched on the shoulder of Cui Saosao while walking through the streets. She rushed to save Cui Saosao.

Excited, she went to find Jiu Xuanye and told him about the incident, but to her surprise, the white crow flew onto Ban Xia's shoulder. Jiu Xuanye insisted that Ban Xia must stay close to him, as he could protect her. Jiu Xuanye told Ban Xia that she had been cursed by the white crow, but it wasn’t because she had saved Cui Saosao. To break the curse, they would need to find the source of the white crow.

Only by using a weapon that severs the cause of fate could they kill the white crow, but success depended on opportunity. Jiu Xuanye stayed by Ban Xia's side. Ban Xia still felt that Jiu Xuanye was sitting too far away and asked him to sit beside her. Unable to resist, she reached out and held his hand, forgiving him for the words he had spoken about breaking up before. No matter the reason, she forgave him.

Ban Xia fell into a deep sleep, holding Jiu Xuanye's hand. At dawn the next day, the white crow cried out on Ban Xia's shoulder. Jiu Xuanye woke up, drew his sword, and slashed at the white crow. The crow’s feathers flew off, landing in front of a shop on the street, causing the newly hung sign to fall to the ground.

Ban Xia heard that someone had proposed to Jiu Xuanye and hurried to confront them, declaring that she was Jiu Xuanye's beloved. Jiu Xuanye acknowledged this, and the matchmaker left. Jiu Xuanye sarcastically mocked Ban Xia, saying that he didn’t want to be with her but actually intended to marry the blacksmith’s daughter. Ban Xia suddenly noticed that Jiu Xuanye's Chang Le Sword had cracked.

Inside his sword box were four swords, with Chang Le Sword being one of them, which had never been drawn before. However, it was used this time to sever Ban Xia's fate, causing a scratch on the blade. Ban Xia was worried that Jiu Xuanye might suffer a backlash, but she didn't feel anything wrong with herself.

Jiu Xuanye was also troubled, knowing that severing fate would cause a backlash, and they might have already lost something crucial without realizing it. After Xing Xian finished playing, Qin Xuan Zhi, the Minister of Rites, sent someone to invite him, hoping he would come to the imperial banquet to play for the emperor. From then on, his name would be known far and wide. Xing Xian happily returned home.

Jiu Xuanye came to see Duan Yingheng and explained that Ban Xia's constitution easily attracted demons. Initially, he wanted to stay away from Ban Xia to keep her safe, but now that was no longer possible. He hoped to stay with Ban Xia, protect her, and promised to guard her for life, just hoping that Duan Yingheng would agree.

After returning home, Xing Xian told Chi Lian about the invitation to play for the emperor, but Chi Lian, who preferred a carefree life, was not interested in going to such a place. Xing Xian felt regretful, and Chi Lian noticed Xing Xian’s pursuit of fame and wealth. He told Xing Xian not to play the piano at home starting tomorrow. Though Xing Xian agreed verbally, when alone, she still became absorbed in playing.

The next day, Xing Xian took Chi Lian to perform, admitting that she had been too narrow-minded and obsessed with many things. Chi Lian didn’t blame her. When Ban Xia and Xu Zhizhi went to the temple to draw an omen, they met an old man who was the little Taoist boy from the painting, now aged.

The Taoist boy took the initiative to cast an omen for Ban Xia, telling her that only with sincerity could she solve her current problems. Ban Xia also revealed her address, offering that the Taoist boy could come to find her anytime if needed, but the Taoist boy understood and had already transcended the mundane world. While Chi Lian went to play the piano, Xing Xian secretly met with Qin Xuan Zhi’s housekeeper and agreed to play for the emperor.

On her way back, she encountered Ban Xia and Xu Zhizhi being harassed by a man. Chi Lian intervened and scolded the man, then chatted with Ban Xia and Xu Zhizhi before returning. A pregnant woman went to Fae'n Temple to pray for blessings. She nearly tripped on her skirt while getting up, but Chi Lian appeared just in time, protecting her from harm.

He also advised the pregnant woman that she didn’t need to pray to Buddha, as she would still be blessed, and her child would be born safely. Jiu Xuanye blocked Chi Lian’s path. During their fight, Jiu Xuanye forced Chi Lian to reveal his true form. Jiu Xuanye knew that anyone who came to pray here with a good heart would have their wishes granted. However, Xing Xian harbored evil intentions, yet Chi Lian still made an exception for her.

Jiu Xuanye believed that if Chi Lian made one exception for Xing Xian, there would surely be a second, and he realized that the substitute at home was Xing Xian. Jiu Xuanye demanded that Chi Lian leave and never return, swearing not to harm anyone. After Jiu Xuanye left, Li Xian watched everything in secret. Xing Xian told Chi Lian that she would leave in a few days.

Chi Lian saw through her desire to go to the imperial capital, but Xing Xian lied, saying she only wanted to leave Guangping. Chi Lian said he would head south and live a different life with her. Although Xing Xian was reluctant, she didn’t refuse, and Chi Lian promised they would set off in two days.

Zi Kong woke up from unconsciousness and found himself in an unfamiliar courtyard. A woman approached, concerned about his condition. She had tidied up his clothes and returned them to him, explaining that he had been rescued by the man in her household. Zi Kong anxiously searched for his small pouch; noticing this, the woman quickly handed it to him. Only after confirming that the blood-stained handkerchief was still inside did Zi Kong feel at ease.

Zi Kong left alone without a word and stood outside staring intently at the blood-stained handkerchief, murmuring Man Ying’s name. It seemed he had made a firm resolution to find his younger brother. Chi Lian left a farewell letter for Jiu Xuanye. Duan Banxia felt a bit reluctant to see him go, believing that Chi Lian wasn't a bad person. Jiu Xuanye then explained to Duan Banxia about the incident involving Chi Lian and Xingxian.

It was Xingxian who was closer to Duan Banxia. Jiu Xuanye believed that if a demon now had a reason to kill someone, they would do it again—because in their eyes, human lives held little value. That’s why he had to restrain Chi Lian. Duan Banxia complained that Jiu Xuanye was even more nagging than her father, stuffing a snack into his mouth to shut him up.

Xingxian returned to Fa'en Temple to offer prayers, thanking the Bodhisattva for giving her a new life—something she would never forget. Chi Lian also went to Ting Yuxuan to bid farewell to the owner, who gave him some travel money, hoping more people could hear his music. Just then, Chi Lian suddenly heard Xingxian praying to the Bodhisattva, wishing for Chi Lian to die. This time, she didn’t want divine intervention—she wanted to kill him with her own hands.

Chi Lian felt a pang of sorrow. When Chi Lian saw Xingxian, however, he acted as if nothing had happened. Xingxian had brought some wine from the foot of the mountain—Chi Lian’s favorite. He knew something was wrong with the wine but didn’t expose her. Instead, he asked where she had learned to play the qin.

Xingxian recounted her tragic past: she had learned to play from her mother, but her mother believed her brother was the family’s lucky star and banned her from touching the instrument. Xingxian had always wanted to play the music she loved and do what she truly desired. Chi Lian comforted her, saying that she would surely get to live as her true self one day. Chi Lian didn’t drink the wine.

Instead, he played and sang a piece for Xingxian, telling her it was a tune he composed himself, written for a person from his past. No matter what he had gone through, it was all just to see that person again. Suddenly, Chi Lian asked Xingxian if she was happy to have met him. Xingxian gave a small nod, tears glimmering in her eyes. Chi Lian then unexpectedly picked up the wine and drank it in one gulp.

Ting Zhou urged Duan Banxia to clarify things with Duan Yingheng about breaking off the engagement and to admit her feelings for Jiu Xuanye. Considering that Jiu Xuanye had saved them, Duan Yingheng likely wouldn’t punish him too harshly. Just then, Li Xian suddenly arrived at the Duan household, kneeling to ask for the engagement to be annulled. He explained that he wanted to focus on pursuing scholarly honors.

Duan Yingheng understood Li Xian’s ambitions but worried about how his father would take it. Li Xian had already planned everything, taking all the blame on himself and claiming it was due to his own inability to marry, so as not to damage Duan Banxia’s reputation. Duan Yingheng had no choice but to agree. Duan Banxia was very grateful for Li Xian’s actions. Li Xian, in turn, asked her to help him become Jiu Xuanye’s apprentice.

He even called Duan Banxia “shiniang” (Master's wife) in front of Jiu Xuanye, sincerely begging to be accepted as a disciple. Jiu Xuanye tried to decline, saying Li Xian held an official position and wasn’t suited to be a disciple. But Li Xian declared he would resign immediately and that his earlier conversation with Duan Yingheng had just been an excuse to break off the engagement. Seeing Jiu Xuanye’s reluctance, Duan Banxia spoke on Li Xian’s behalf.

Jiu Xuanye finally accepted by drinking the ceremonial tea. Duan Banxia hadn’t expected Jiu Xuanye to really take Li Xian as a disciple, but Jiu Xuanye revealed his true feelings: he couldn’t actually let his "shiniang" marry someone else. Hearing Jiu Xuanye admit to their relationship made Duan Banxia smile. Li Xian then took his leave, and Duan Banxia guessed his father wouldn't let him resign easily, so he probably wouldn’t return anytime soon.

At that moment, Jiu Xuanye and Duan Banxia ran into Xingxian and asked about Chi Lian’s whereabouts. Xingxian lied, saying she and Zhang Pu had been deeply in love, but when drunk, he would sometimes behave inappropriately. Later, Chi Lian became infatuated with her and killed Zhang Pu.

She claimed Chi Lian often threatened her to play music for him and that the daily oppression was unbearable, so she gave him realgar wine and stabbed him in the vital spot with a dagger, killing him. His body, she said, was now in a box in the courtyard. Xingxian planned to leave and live her own life elsewhere. Jiu Xuanye and Duan Banxia checked the box but found it empty—Chi Lian had already left.

Jiu Xuanye regretted that he’d never hear Chi Lian’s music again. He had always suspected Xingxian owed a debt to Chi Lian, which is why he committed murder for her. But he also saw that Xingxian didn’t want to be with him, so Chi Lian chose to leave and let her continue to live as Mr. Bai without worries. Duan Banxia felt it was a pity—such a good person had been let down.

But Jiu Xuanye believed that even though Chi Lian had killed someone, it was already fortunate he had survived. He also hoped Chi Lian would meet someone who genuinely cared for him. Meanwhile, Chi Lian was riding a donkey away when a butterfly flew over to him. He gave a bitter smile—he was still alive, but gravely injured. Most of his powers were gone; he could no longer protect the butterfly.

He hoped the butterfly would go live the life it wanted. But the butterfly still chose to stay by his side. Sima Lingying was sneaking some marinated duck in her room when she heard footsteps and quickly lay down, pretending to be unconscious. But Chu Youhuang saw through her act. Sima Lingying complained that he had only been feeding her thin porridge lately, which was why she had stolen food.

Chu Youhuang, annoyed, tried to drive her away, claiming he already had someone he liked—Duan Banxia. He said he and Duan Banxia had deep affection for each other in a painting. Before he could finish, Wen Jian rushed in and told Chu Youhuang that Jiu Xuanye was getting married to Duan Banxia. Sima Lingying grinned smugly. Duan Banxia stormed up to Jiu Xuanye, furious that he had set a wedding date without discussing it with her.

Jiu Xuanye explained that he had asked Duan Yingheng for permission, but didn’t expect him to act so quickly and make the engagement public. Seeing how angry Duan Banxia was, Jiu Xuanye promised that once they were married, he would risk his life to protect her. That night, Duan Banxia made a delicious meal and passed it to Jiu Xuanye over the wall. Jiu Xuanye asked her what she wanted to eat the next day. Duan Banxia requested sweet soup. Just then, they heard Duan Yingheng calling for her, and she hurried downstairs in fright.

The next day, Duan Banxia and Jiu Xuanye drank sweet soup together. Jiu Xuanye sent a letter to Lord Guan in Shendu, asking him to expose the truth about the apricot spirit through Qin Xuanzhi. Jiu Xuanye believed that demons shouldn't bully humans, but humans also shouldn't bully demons—this was the foundation of peaceful coexistence. Duan Banxia noticed that Chi Xue wasn't with Jiu Xuanye this time and felt a bit puzzled.

Jiu Xuanye explained that Chi Xue had been raised by his father and was considered family. He had never used any magic on Chi Xue, and Chi Xue came and went freely. After all, demons and humans couldn't always be together. Duan Banxia anxiously questioned him, insisting that humans and demons could be together—especially since she had already realized Jiu Xuanye was also a demon.

While trying on new clothes with Duan Banxia, the beads on her dress suddenly scattered to the floor, making her feel uneasy. Jiu Xuanye, waiting outside, also sensed something unusual in the wind. That night, Zi Kong suddenly arrived in the city and blew his flute. Chi Xue, awakened by the noise, quickly went out to check on Jiu Xuanye. But he saw a black panther escaping from Jiu Xuanye’s room, knocking Chi Xue over. Chi Xue fell unconscious.

It wasn't until the next day when Duan Banxia came to see Jiu Xuanye that she discovered Chi Xue unconscious. When Chi Xue woke up and recalled the demon from the night before, Duan Banxia rushed into the room and found the window in Jiu Xuanye’s room had been smashed. When Jiu Xuanye woke up, he found Zi Kong standing in front of him.

Zi Kong revealed that Jiu Xuanye was actually a mysterious panther demon, born in the Wuyou Realm, the root of all demon spirits. Every twelve years, the Wuyou grass within the realm would release its spirit energy, opening the secret realm and connecting it to the human world, allowing the energy to spread. The Wuyou Realm had always been guarded by panthers, and Zi Kong's father was the supreme king Le Yan. Zi Kong and Jiu Xuanye were brothers.

Jiu Xuanye's real name was Man Ying, second in the family, and he was a panther demon. Years ago, he broke the rules and entered the human world to save a little girl. Zi Kong scolded Jiu Xuanye for acknowledging powerless mortals as his parents and forgetting everything about their home. But Jiu Xuanye didn’t believe any of it. He insisted he was a demon hunter and wouldn't let Zi Kong insult his parents.

Furious, Jiu Xuanye tried to strike Zi Kong, but Zi Kong only dodged and didn’t fight back. Knowing it was meaningless to take him away by force, Zi Kong just hoped Jiu Xuanye would understand that he wasn’t human and would never be accepted here. If everyone learned he was just a demon, not a demon hunter, what would happen then? Before leaving, Zi Kong urged Jiu Xuanye to cherish his remaining time as a human.

Seeing the dead deer on the ground, Jiu Xuanye began to feel uncertain. Duan Banxia rushed to find Chu Youhuang and told him about Jiu Xuanye's situation, filled with worry. But Chu Youhuang believed Jiu Xuanye was fine, probably just out capturing a demon, and told Duan Banxia to wait at home. Just as she returned, she saw Jiu Xuanye come back. Anxiously, she asked about the demon, but Jiu Xuanye appeared absent-minded and told her to go home first.

Distraught, he returned home and asked Chi Xue what kind of demon they had encountered. After hearing Chi Xue describe a powerful and fast creature, Jiu Xuanye began to suspect it might have been his true form. To test whether he was a demon, Jiu Xuanye used a moon bug on his arm. The moon bug bit down where the talisman tattoo was damaged.

Jiu Xuanye recalled that his father had specially drawn the talisman on him and taught him how to use the moon bug. Back then, when the tattoo was intact, the moon bug couldn’t detect anything. When Jiu Xuanye came back from outside, Chu Youhuang and the others were at his home, concerned and planning to ask a hunter to help catch the demon.

Duan Banxia noticed Jiu Xuanye was distracted and held his hand, reminding him not to push himself too hard—tomorrow was their wedding day. She then kissed him. That night, Zi Kong once again played his flute. Hearing the sound, Jiu Xuanye went into a frenzy in his room. Chi Xue rushed upstairs and saw Jiu Xuanye transform into a black panther and leap out the window. Chi Xue chased after him.

On the way, the black panther scared a night watchman so badly he wet his pants. Rumors of a mysterious black panther demon quickly spread through the city. Duan Yanqiu and his father came to find Duan Yingheng and attend Duan Banxia and Jiu Xuanye’s wedding. Duan Yanqiu spoke highly of Jiu Xuanye, saying he was an excellent man, and Duan Yingheng was even more satisfied.

But after waiting a long time with no sign of Jiu Xuanye, everyone went to his home, only to find it empty. Hearing the street gossip and spotting a black steamed bun, Duan Banxia felt an ominous sense of unease. Chu Youhuang and Sima Lingying also rushed over. Sima Lingying thought of Zi Kong and sensed something was wrong—there might be some connection. Back in her room, Duan Banxia remembered seeing a leopard shadow in the painting before.

She couldn’t help but weep. Outside, Jiu Xuanye saw her crying and felt a sharp pain in his heart but didn’t dare enter. Ting Zhou came to deliver something and shouted upon seeing a figure. Duan Banxia guessed it was Jiu Xuanye and ran to the street to call for him. Suddenly, heavy rain began to fall. Duan Banxia slipped and fell, crying her heart out in the rain.

She murmured to herself that she had known about Jiu Xuanye’s identity all along but didn’t dare say it, fearing he would push her away. She just wanted to tell him that she really didn’t care. She begged him to come back again and again. Jiu Xuanye watched from a corner, heart aching. Duan Yingheng found her and took her away. Duan Banxia sat silently and dejectedly by the door.

Worried, Duan Yingheng handed her the letter Jiu Xuanye had sent. In it, Jiu Xuanye said the marriage was off. Duan Yingheng wanted to know why and questioned Duan Banxia, but she didn’t want to explain. Though Duan Yingheng thought Jiu Xuanye was fickle, he said nothing more out of gratitude. He suggested returning with Duan Yanqiu and the others to visit their grandmother, telling Duan Banxia to let go of things she couldn't figure out—time would solve everything.

Duan Banxia couldn't help but cry again. Duan Yingheng watched his daughter helplessly. Chi Xue finally found Jiu Xuanye and asked curiously why he had become a demon. But Jiu Xuanye suddenly lost control and struck down a tree with a single palm.

Jiu Xuanye's explosive strength toppled a tree, but he still tried to forcefully control himself. At that moment, Zi Kong stepped out and told Jiu Xuanye that due to his beastly nature being sealed by humans for ten years, the sudden release made it hard for him to control himself. If he couldn't control it, then he shouldn't try—he should follow his bloodline. This world was his hunting ground to begin with.

When Jiu Xuanye looked at Zi Kong, his eyes were filled with hatred. However, Zi Kong believed that the one Jiu Xuanye should hate was the person who had hidden the truth, not his own brother. Jiu Xuanye said he was unwilling to leave with Zi Kong. Enraged, Zi Kong wanted to beat some sense into him, but Jiu Xuanye would rather risk his life than leave with him.

Zi Kong left immediately but warned Jiu Xuanye that he would reveal his true form in front of others, to see if the humans around him would still accept him. After returning, Jiu Xuanye knelt before his parents’ memorial tablets. He now understood why his father never allowed him to go to the underground city, why he couldn't remember anything before he turned twelve, and why everyone had been poisoned by demon venom except for him.

Now he finally understood—it was because he was a demon. His father once told him that demons also have good and evil, and they have origins, but he had never known his own. What was more ironic was that he, a demon, had become a demon hunter. Jiu Xuanye bid farewell to his father's memorial and planned to leave forever. He left his sword case in front of the tablet.

At that time, Ban Xia was returning with her father, but she was unconscious in the carriage. Duan Yingheng was very worried about Ban Xia, but there was nothing he could do. Zi Kong saw a group of children playing ball and deliberately went over to play with them, but suddenly revealed his black panther form in front of them. Jiu Xuanye and Chi Xue left together.

Chi Xue offered to become Jiu Xuanye’s companion demon and teach him how to be a proper demon. But Jiu Xuanye asked Chi Xue to stay away, afraid that he might hurt him if he lost control. Chi Xue, however, refused to leave, believing that even as a panther, Jiu Xuanye wouldn’t eat him. At that moment, they heard villagers searching for a panther demon. Jiu Xuanye and Chi Xue followed the scent to a mountain.

Jiu Xuanye warned Chi Xue to be cautious and not act recklessly. Jiu Xuanye went further ahead and heard the cries of children. The children were hanging in a bamboo hut above a suspension bridge. As Jiu Xuanye was about to free them, Zi Kong arrived. The two began fighting without saying a word. Zi Kong turned into an agile black panther and pounced on Jiu Xuanye. Jiu Xuanye struggled and transformed into a black panther too.

The two panthers fought fiercely. Suddenly, Zi Kong reverted to human form and used their father's Heart-Slaying Technique, binding Jiu Xuanye with chains. He told Jiu Xuanye he wouldn’t be able to return to human form for a while and wanted him to see the true divide between humans and demons. After Zi Kong left, Chu Youhuang arrived with Jiang Shangyun, Xue Qiao, and some constables. They used chains to restrain Jiu Xuanye.

Jiu Xuanye knocked down Chu Youhuang but couldn't bear to hurt him. However, a demon hunter attacked Jiu Xuanye from behind. Suddenly, Chi Xue appeared and blocked the blade for Jiu Xuanye, urging him to escape. Seeing Chi Xue stabbed, Jiu Xuanye shed tears but refused to leave. Jiang Shangyun thought this was just false kindness before death. Everyone swarmed in and bound Jiu Xuanye with heavy chains, taking him to the yamen.

Ban Xia awoke halfway through the journey and thought of Jiu Xuanye. She couldn't follow her parents and quietly returned to look for him. Xue Qiao couldn’t explain why Jiu Xuanye seemed familiar. Jiang Shangyun thought he was overthinking. Meanwhile, Chu Youhuang kept recalling being knocked down and how Chi Xue was willing to die to protect the panther—there had to be some connection. Ban Xia couldn’t find Jiu Xuanye, so she went to Wen Jian to ask what happened.

Wen Jian told her that Chi Xue had died protecting the panther demon, and now no one knew where Jiu Xuanye was. Ban Xia suddenly realized she needed to find the panther demon. When the villagers heard the panther demon was caught, they came with stones and vegetables to attack it. Ban Xia arrived and, seeing the scene, was heartbroken. She rushed to the cage, crying and blaming herself for not coming back sooner.

She only wanted to protect Jiu Xuanye and help him escape. Ban Xia suddenly used a blade to cut through the chains, releasing the panther. The panther lay low so Ban Xia could climb on, then ran off with her. All of this was seen from a distance by Zi Kong. Jiu Xuanye brought Ban Xia to the forest. As a panther, he bared his teeth at her to scare her away. But Ban Xia refused to leave.

She knew Jiu Xuanye was Man Ying and remembered how he had saved her in the past. She had been searching for Man Ying all these years. Ban Xia reached out to stroke the panther's head, but it suddenly fled. Chu Youhuang arrived with others. Ban Xia shielded the panther with her life, insisting no one harm it, and told Chu Youhuang that the panther was Jiu Xuanye.

Chu Youhuang immediately ordered his men to stop shooting, but one arrow still grazed Jiu Xuanye’s arm. Afraid of provoking him, Ban Xia quickly calmed him down. Just as the demon hunters were about to restrain Jiu Xuanye again, Shen Tunan suddenly appeared and transformed the panther back into Jiu Xuanye, then took him away. Ban Xia fainted and was taken to a jail cell.

Master Shi heard the demon hunters’ report, learned that Jiu Xuanye was the black panther demon, and refused to release Ban Xia. Chu Youhuang and Wen Jian believed Jiu Xuanye had done so much good and didn’t deserve this treatment. But Master Shi still refused. At that moment, Sima Lingying arrived. She claimed to interrogate Ban Xia but actually came to help her. In her view, as long as neither humans nor demons committed evil, they shouldn’t be captured.

Ban Xia also firmly believed that the one who took the children was definitely not Jiu Xuanye. Jiu Xuanye, unconscious for three days, was taken to Shen Tunan. When he woke up, he immediately wanted to find Ban Xia. Shen Tunan told him Ban Xia was fine and had been rescued by Sima Lingying and the others. Shen Tunan explained that Jiu Xuanye’s identity had been exposed because the Bug of Waning Moon had shattered the Wuyi Ring on his hand.

Jiu Xuanye, however, resisted the explanation and refused to accept another ring. Shen Tunan could tell Jiu Xuanye harbored resentment and explained that his father had only ever wanted to protect him—not to deceive him.

Back then, Jiu Xuanye's father saved the injured Jiu Xuanye in the underground city. At the time, Jiu Xuanye was severely wounded and was brought to Shen Tunan for treatment. Later, Shen Tunan taught him magic arts and discovered that Jiu Xuanye had exceptional talent, perfectly suited for learning demon hunting. He loved Jiu Xuanye even more than his own biological son.

However, the first time he took Jiu Xuanye on a demon-hunting mission, he used the Faceless Water and saw Jiu Xuanye’s true form. Though he struggled and was conflicted, love ultimately triumphed over everything, and he used the Immutable Ring to conceal Jiu Xuanye’s identity. After explaining everything, Shen Tunan solemnly asked Jiu Xuanye to carefully consider whether he wanted to be a human or a demon. Duan Banxia arrived at the underground city with Sima Lingying and Chu Youhuang.

As soon as they reached the entrance, Lü Chunmian was already waiting and brought them to Shen Tunan’s residence, where they met Jiu Xuanye. Jiu Xuanye, upon seeing Duan Banxia, hugged her excitedly and asked whether she had been mistreated. Sima Lingying and Chu Youhuang even brought along Chi Xue’s corpse for Jiu Xuanye and showed no concern at all over his identity.

Shen Tunan had been instructing Lü Chunmian to gather information on Zi Kong, with orders to capture him if possible, or kill him if not. Lü Chunmian was also curious—why hadn’t the realm gate, which opens only once every twelve years, activated, and yet the black leopard demon had emerged? Shen Tunan explained that the Xuan Leopard clan guards the realm gate through generations and might have a special method to come out.

Still, he found it strange that only one came through, perhaps still under some kind of restriction. Jiu Xuanye looked at Chi Xue with sorrow and guilt, regretting that he had never bought his adopted son any new clothes. He had noticed Chi Xue's pants were torn and wanted to get him a new pair, but before he could, Chi Xue died. Duan Banxia comforted Jiu Xuanye not to grieve too much.

She believed if their roles had been reversed, Jiu Xuanye would have risked his life to protect Chi Xue as well. Jiu Xuanye was curious when Duan Banxia realized he was a demon. Duan Banxia truthfully replied that she found out while in the underground city but didn’t dare to confront the matter, fearing he would avoid her. Jiu Xuanye didn’t blame her but found it laughable that he used to hunt demons, only to now be one himself.

Duan Banxia insisted that whether human or demon, Jiu Xuanye was kind, always protecting the people. No matter what he was, he was still the Jiu Xuanye she loved. Jiu Xuanye tried to get Duan Banxia to leave, afraid of hurting her, but she had made up her mind—no matter where he went, she would follow, even if she had to become a beggar to find him. Jiu Xuanye was moved and held Duan Banxia tightly.

Sima Lingying and Chu Youhuang checked into an inn. Sima Lingying confided to Chu Youhuang her suspicion that Shen Tunan was not a good person. Chu Youhuang mocked her, saying she always prided herself on judging people well. Sima Lingying didn’t bother arguing further. Jiu Xuanye asked Duan Banxia how she had entered the Wuyou Realm back then.

Duan Banxia said she didn’t know how—she had been brought to the underground city by human traffickers and escaped at the first chance, running nonstop until she found herself in the Wuyou Realm. Later, she fell off a cliff and, after regaining consciousness, was found by her parents. After parting with Duan Banxia back then, Jiu Xuanye had fallen into a river, where his father revived him. He likely reached the underground city through Wuyou Crossing.

Jiu Xuanye remembered his father's words: no matter what, he must never become a wicked person. Duan Banxia blamed herself for dragging Jiu Xuanye into the underground city and making him suffer all this. Jiu Xuanye said he couldn't have lived in the dark forever—he had the right to know. Then, Jiu Xuanye suddenly declared he would no longer leave Duan Banxia, fearing she really would wander the world looking for him as a beggar.

Duan Banxia burst into tears and clung to him. Jiu Xuanye promised that no matter what plans he made, he would include her. Late at night, Jiu Xuanye went to find Chu Youhuang, and the next day, the two captured Xue Qiao and Jiang Shangyun, blaming them for Chi Xue’s death. But as demon hunters, killing Chi Xue was part of their duty. Still, Jiang Shangyun had indiscriminately hunted demons without distinction.

Jiu Xuanye crippled their powers as punishment but spared their lives and let them go. Jiang Shangyun realized Jiu Xuanye wasn’t chasing them and swore to one day kill him. But now that he knew Shen Tunan was rich and powerful, he admitted he couldn’t beat him. At that moment, Lü Chunmian appeared and killed them both on the spot. He then reported to Shen Tunan, who mocked Jiu Xuanye’s father for raising a demon to become a saint.

Just then, the servants brought in Song Qi. Song Qi was originally a demon and thought Shen Tunan had called him for something important. Unexpectedly, Shen Tunan simply threw him into a large pool, where he instantly dissolved into water. Lü Chunmian praised Shen Tunan for being close to achieving his great goal, and Shen Tunan smugly admitted they were just one demon short of success. Jiu Xuanye and Duan Banxia went to bid farewell to Shen Tunan.

Shen Tunan tried to persuade them to stay, but Jiu Xuanye was determined to leave. Since Chu Youhuang was still living there, Shen Tunan couldn’t act against them and had no choice but to let them go. However, he ordered his subordinates to continue searching for the leopard demon Zi Kong. Jiu Xuanye and Duan Banxia buried Chi Xue together. Zi Kong came again to persuade Jiu Xuanye to leave with him.

Jiu Xuanye, enraged by Zi Kong’s role in Chi Xue’s death, fought him once more. Zi Kong, disappointed in his younger brother, decided to leave Jiu Xuanye alone. Sima Lingying and Chu Youhuang helped Jiu Xuanye and Duan Banxia find a mountain house and helped them settle in.

Sima Lingying sat leisurely, watching Chu Youhuang busy himself, and joked that if they ever got married, since Chu Youhuang's rank and income were both lower, he would have to do more housework.

Sima Lingying and Chu Youhuang went to the street together to buy supplies for Duan Banxia and the others. The shopkeepers thought they were preparing for their wedding. Surprisingly, Sima Lingying immediately admitted it and carefully picked out fabrics and bedding. Chu Youhuang, watching Sima Lingying, suddenly became a bit dazed. Unknowingly, Sima Lingying had already walked into his heart. Sima Lingying also sensed this subtle change and couldn't help but smile.

After preparing everything, Sima Lingying and Chu Youhuang said their goodbyes, also reminding Jiu Xuanye not to let Duan Banxia suffer any grievances. Meanwhile, Lü Chunmian led people to pursue Zi Kong, forcing him into the forest. Surrounded and attacked, Zi Kong was injured by Lü Chunmian's sword during the fight and escaped, but dropped a jade pendant and a bone flute on the ground.

While Jiu Xuanye was eating with Duan Banxia, Duan Banxia mentioned Zi Kong, guessing that he probably wanted Jiu Xuanye to go home. However, Jiu Xuanye said he couldn’t bear to leave Duan Banxia, and if he returned, Duan Banxia wouldn’t know what to do.

Talking about eventually having to face his family, Duan Banxia thought Jiu Xuanye shouldn’t tell the truth, fearing that once Duan Yanqiu found out, he would resent Duan Banxia for once opposing Qu Man Niang and now being with a demon. In Duan Banxia’s heart, however, they were different: Jiu Xuanye eliminated evil and helped the good, while Qu Man Niang harmed people. As they chatted casually, they spoke about having children in the future.

Duan Banxia imagined that their daughter might have spiritual powers, might be hard to control, and might even have a small tail and fur. Jiu Xuanye worried that Duan Banxia would suffer because the future was uncertain, but Duan Banxia thought that no matter what happened, it was their destiny, and all they had to do was face it and cherish it together. Lü Chunmian returned to report that the leopard demon had escaped.

Shen Tunan did not blame him but merely reminded him not to waver when doing things — as long as he firmly grasped a clear goal, that was enough. Lü Chunmian handed the bone flute to Shen Tunan, who was overjoyed. It was a bone flute of the Xuan Leopard Clan, capable of making demons lose their minds. With this bone flute, Shen Tunan’s plan became even more secure.

Jiu Xuanye prepared clothes for Duan Banxia, but she still found them a bit too large. Jiu Xuanye suggested they go to the market together the next day. When Jiu Xuanye went to fetch water for Duan Banxia, he found the water jar empty. He had no choice but to carry a basin to a farther place. By the time he returned, Duan Banxia was already asleep.

Jiu Xuanye gently placed her on the bed and closed the door for her, then sat in the courtyard guarding her while resting. Wen Jian drank with Chu Youhuang, and Chu Youhuang told Wen Jian that he had arranged a place for Jiu Xuanye. Wen Jian sighed endlessly. Over the years, Jiu Xuanye had slain countless demons and monsters, yet now he realized he himself was a demon. It must have been hard for him to accept.

Wen Jian believed that Lord Geng also knew about this but said nothing and pursued nothing. Chu Youhuang also lamented that Lord Geng was a good man. At night, Shen Tunan went outside alone and played the bone flute. Duan Banxia woke up frightened and screamed. Early the next morning, Jiu Xuanye woke up to find Duan Banxia returning from fetching water, while he himself was lying on Duan Banxia’s bed. Curious, he asked her what had happened.

Duan Banxia explained that Jiu Xuanye had fallen asleep outside the previous night, and she couldn’t let him catch a cold, so she dragged him back inside. She warned him not to sleep outside anymore. Duan Banxia was evasive and busied herself with cooking, which made Jiu Xuanye sense something strange. Looking in the mirror, he discovered that his ears had grown longer and realized he might be turning into a demon.

He hurried to check Duan Banxia’s arms, but she quickly dodged him. While eating, Duan Banxia curiously asked if Zi Kong had used the instrument. Jiu Xuanye believed that Zi Kong, being like a brother to him, wouldn’t use it after what had happened last time. Duan Banxia didn’t press further. She asked about Wuyoujing and what kind of person Jiu Xuanye’s father was.

Jiu Xuanye replied that his father was the chieftain of Wuyoujing and that the Xuan Leopards were the guardians of Wuyoujing. Duan Banxia worried that as Jiu Xuanye’s powers grew and his memories returned, he might leave one day, abandoning her. Jiu Xuanye promised that no matter what happened, he would always stay with her. Duan Banxia leaned against Jiu Xuanye’s shoulder. Night fell again, and Shen Tunan once more played the bone flute.

Hearing the sound, Jiu Xuanye rushed out, unwilling to stay and risk hurting Duan Banxia. His headache grew more and more uncontrollable. When Duan Banxia woke up, she found that Jiu Xuanye was gone. Just as she was about to go look for him, Jiu Xuanye, now transformed into a large black leopard, walked in.

Duan Banxia reached out, trying to soothe him, but the out-of-control Jiu Xuanye struck her with a paw, causing her arm to bleed and rendering her unconscious. The next day, Jiu Xuanye woke up to find the room a complete mess and Duan Banxia injured. Realizing the severity of the situation, he carried her to Chu Youhuang’s residence, asking Chu Youhuang and Sima Lingying to take care of her for a while.

If Duan Banxia woke up, he told them to tell her to wait in the box. Afterward, Jiu Xuanye returned home, took the sword case, and went straight to the underground city to find Shen Tunan, telling him that he had decided whether he wanted to live as a human or a demon. Duan Banxia woke up and decided to return to Nanyang. She understood that Jiu Xuanye wasn’t a bad person.

Since she had to wait, she could wait anywhere, and staying at Chu Youhuang’s place would only inconvenience him. Sima Lingying came near Ganshantang and noticed Zi Kong lingering at the door. She followed him and told him about Jiu Xuanye’s departure. At first, Sima Lingying thought Zi Kong had set up Jiu Xuanye, but seeing Zi Kong’s injured and haggard appearance, she guessed it wasn’t his doing. Just as Zi Kong was about to leave, he suddenly fainted.

Sima Lingying carried him back, and at that moment, Duan Banxia was about to leave. Jiu Xuanye sought Shen Tunan’s guidance on how to control his demon nature. Jiu Xuanye also mentioned the bone flute, and Shen Tunan guessed that Zi Kong must have been involved in Jiu Xuanye’s loss of control. He said he would send people to investigate Zi Kong.

Shen Tunan also reminded Jiu Xuanye that once he chose to become human, there would be no turning back. After Zi Kong woke up, he found himself tied up. Under the questioning of Duan Banxia and the others, he explained that he was attacked by people after entering the underground city. He saw them capture a flower demon and heard them say that jumping into the pond would turn them human, but the flower demon died after jumping in.

Because someone noticed Zi Kong spying, Shen Tunan ordered his capture. Duan Banxia recalled that Shen Tunan had asked Jiu Xuanye the same question and feared that Jiu Xuanye might be tricked into jumping into the pond. Everyone agreed to find Jiu Xuanye. Zi Kong also proposed to go along, easily breaking free from the ropes and taking the lead.

Everyone arrived at the entrance of the underground city. Meanwhile, because the time had come, Jiu Xuanye was taken by Lü Chunmian to undergo the Pool Transformation. At this time, Zi Kong and the others had already reached the underground city but, seeing no sign of Jiu Xuanye, decided to head to the Small Grotto first. Lü Chunmian suddenly received news that something had happened and immediately left, letting Jiu Xuanye proceed ahead on his own.

Zi Kong realized that Lü Chunmian and the others intended to slaughter them all, so he covered for Chu Youhuang and Sima Lingying to head to the Bone-washing Pool first, while he stayed behind to intercept Lü Chunmian's group. Shen Tunan told Jiu Xuanye that by jumping into the Bone-washing Pool, he could be reborn, and that from there, he could also reach his home, Wuyou Realm.

Shen Tunan had been to Wuyou Realm before and believed it was a place overrun by arrogant demons. He guarded the boundary gate there, not allowing any demon to enter. Jiu Xuanye asked if anyone else had ever tried, and Shen Tunan firmly insisted that others had successfully done so, which was why he was letting Jiu Xuanye enter. He kept urging Jiu Xuanye to go inside. Sima Lingying, Chu Youhuang, and Zi Kong joined forces to block Lü Chunmian's pursuit.

Meanwhile, Ban Xia, fearing there wouldn't be enough time, ran off to find Jiu Xuanye, but was stopped by two people with knives pressed against her neck. Jiu Xuanye didn't trust Shen Tunan at all. After transforming into a leopard, he went to find Zi Kong but instead discovered a fallen jade pendant at the place where Lü Chunmian had been hunting Zi Kong.

He searched through a lot of information and finally proved that Xue Qiao and the others had all died at Shen Tunan's hands. Over the years, Shen Tunan had been purchasing demons at high prices and hiring many demon hunters to capture demons, throwing them into the Bone-washing Pool. Shen Tunan finally dropped his pretense and fought Jiu Xuanye.

He had always been jealous that their master had passed the Canglong Box to Jiu Xuanye’s father, who then passed it down to Jiu Xuanye, planting the seed of hatred back then. To force Jiu Xuanye into the pool, Shen Tunan captured Ban Xia as a hostage, but Jiu Xuanye still managed to save Ban Xia and, along with the arriving Zi Kong and others, fought fiercely against Shen Tunan’s men.

Zi Kong reminded Jiu Xuanye to use the skills taught by his father. The two fought side by side against Shen Tunan. Zi Kong also wanted to see how much Jiu Xuanye had improved over the years among humans. However, Zi Kong suddenly activated a formation, trapping both himself and Jiu Xuanye inside. Both of them screamed in pain. Sima Lingying and Chu Youhuang tried to rescue them but were blasted away, coughing up blood.

As an elder brother, Zi Kong ordered Jiu Xuanye to escape. He created a gap for Jiu Xuanye to break through. At that moment, Chu Youhuang was wounded by Lü Chunmian’s stab, and Sima Lingying, seeking revenge for Chu Youhuang, killed Lü Chunmian but was also fatally wounded in turn. Both of them died on the spot. Ban Xia, witnessing all of this unfold, was filled with terror.

Zi Kong intended to perish together with Shen Tunan, and instructed Jiu Xuanye to protect Wuyou Realm and the Xuan Leopard clan at all costs. But Shen Tunan absorbed Zi Kong’s demon power and the blood and bones of thousands of demons, transforming into a demon himself. Years ago, Ban Xia had been brought to the underground city by human traffickers and happened to witness Shen Tunan slaughtering demons to avenge his family.

When the traffickers chased after Ban Xia, Shen Tunan killed them and tried to save her, but Ban Xia entered Wuyou Realm instead. To save Ban Xia, Shen Tunan followed her into Wuyou Realm. It was only then that he discovered the vast fields of Wuyou Grass and the numerous Yuan Spirits it created, which explained why so many demons appeared. Shen Tunan wanted to eradicate the Wuyou Grass so that no more demons would be born.

However, humans could do nothing in Wuyou Realm. Desperate, he had no choice but to transform himself into a demon in order to eliminate all the demons there. After waiting twelve years, he had finally become a demon. As soon as the boundary gate opened, he planned to enter and destroy the demon clan. Ban Xia handed the Canglong Box to Jiu Xuanye, who wanted to stop Shen Tunan from entering Wuyou Realm.

Shen Tunan went mad and tried to destroy the underground city, dragging everyone down with him. The Guiyuan Sword suddenly activated. Jiu Xuanye drew the Guiyuan Sword and struck at Shen Tunan, killing him. Though Shen Tunan was unwilling to accept his defeat after a lifetime of scheming, he ultimately fell into the Bone-washing Pool and disappeared. Jiu Xuanye tried to take Ban Xia away.

As everything was collapsing around them, Ban Xia, too weak to move, knew she could no longer leave. She could only urge Jiu Xuanye to leave quickly. At that moment, the Canglong Box activated the Changle Sword. In that instant, everything froze. Thinking of his past with Ban Xia, Jiu Xuanye finally decided to wield the Changle Sword, knowing that from then on, Ban Xia would no longer remember him.

Jiu Xuanye only wished for Ban Xia to live a life without worries. After swinging the Changle Sword, everything returned to peace.

Ban Xia rescued Xing Xian, who had attempted suicide, from the lake. Zhang Pu rushed over to accuse his wife of attempting suicide and insisted on taking her back. Ban Xia not only kicked Zhang Pu but also threatened to have him punished, scaring him into leaving. She then advised Xing Xian that she couldn't keep resorting to suicide whenever things went wrong, as not every time would someone be there to save her.

After coming ashore, Ban Xia asked Ting Zhou if she had heard a man's voice. While she was rescuing Xing Xian in the water, she heard a man speaking to her, asking what kind of life she desired and what she would want if there were no more demons in the world. Ban Xia said she wished for a free and carefree life, to possess martial skills, and to attend school — the life of Miss He in the painting.

However, Ban Xia thought if that really happened, she would have never met Jiu Xuanye, and she would rather not have that kind of life. While walking down the street with Ting Zhou, Ban Xia encountered Xu Zhizhi, who specially gave her two pears. The medicine shop operated by Gan Shantang was thriving, and Jiu Xuanye's father and son, Jiu Xi, were very busy every day, with Chi Xue still helping out at the shop.

When Ban Xia returned, she saw Jiu Xuanye's mother chatting with Tang Ruyun, talking about arranging a marriage for Jiu Xuanye. Ban Xia felt a little surprised and uneasy, though she couldn't pinpoint why. Jiu Xuanye's mother even gave her a book, suggesting she read it to calm her mind. While reading the book, Ban Xia fell asleep and, in a daze, saw a figure walking away. She hurriedly chased after the figure but couldn't catch up.

Xing Xian, who had divorced Zhang Pu, now played the zither at Liushui Pavilion. She invited Ban Xia to visit and was grateful to Chi Lian for recommending her. Watching Chi Lian, Ban Xia felt an inexplicable sense of familiarity. When Ban Xia went to eat, she happened to hear a voice that felt familiar as a man finished his meal and left. She chased after him desperately, feeling a deep sense of familiarity just from his back view.

She caught up to him and asked if he knew her. The man had the face of Jiu Xuanye but showed no recognition of Ban Xia. Ban Xia accidentally fell, and unable to leave her behind, the man carried her back. Along the way, Ban Xia kept chattering. After returning, she asked for his name and learned he was called Man Ying.

Jiu Xuanye (disguised as Man Ying) told her he had once had a dream where someone of her height appeared, and he too wondered if she was the person from his dream. Ban Xia again asked if he had ever been to Guangping. Man Ying confirmed he had not, but as he left, he encountered Chi Xue.

Chi Xue recognized Man Ying by his scent, recalling that during a battle against the puppet demon, Man Ying had secretly helped them by cutting Feng Tian's sword even though he was masked. From his scent, Chi Xue was sure it was Man Ying. Chi Xue told Man Ying that recently they had been very busy with Jiu Xi's marriage and happily declared Man Ying his friend.

Man Ying was pleased by the word "friend" and took Chi Xue shopping, buying him new clothes and gifts. Chi Xue was very happy. On the way back, he smelled venison, remembered Jiu Xuanye's father liked it, and Man Ying bought some for him to bring home. Chi Xue treated Man Ying as part of the family. Watching Chi Xue return home, Man Ying smiled with a bittersweet expression.

Chi Xue brought the meat back to share, making Jiu Xuanye's father and son very happy. Chi Xue told them about meeting Man Ying and said all the gifts were from him. Man Ying, standing outside the window, watched them with a joyful smile. While walking, Man Ying thought of Ban Xia. If they had never met, what would Ban Xia's life have been like? As a child, Man Ying had been sleeping when a butterfly woke him.

He left Wuyoujing, wandered the streets, and arrived at Ban Xia’s doorstep, watching her and her family enjoying lanterns. Man Ying quietly observed Ban Xia growing up — attending school, practicing martial arts, and maturing under her parents' care. Ban Xia often felt someone was secretly watching her, but every time she looked back, no one was there.

At the marriage tree, Man Ying recalled his memories with Ban Xia: how she dyed his hair, how he carried her home, and how he once swore to protect her for a lifetime, even if it meant she would one day forget him after he saved her life. At home, Ban Xia drew the back view of Jiu Xuanye. Zi Kong and Man Ying continued catching demons outside, planning to return once the realm gate opened.

Zi Kong knew Man Ying liked Ban Xia and suggested he bring her back to Wuyoujing, but Man Ying did not agree. One night, Ban Xia dreamed of Man Ying’s face again. In the dream, he kept telling her to forget him, frightening Ban Xia awake. Jiu Xuanye’s father found Man Ying and learned he was from Wuyoujing.

He revealed he had once accidentally entered Wuyoujing himself and realized why a group of demons appeared every twelve years — Jiu Xuanye and Zi Kong came to the human world each time to collect the Yuan spirits swallowed by Moon Worms, fearing they might not reincarnate properly. Jiu Xuanye’s father even gave the Moon Worm he found to Man Ying. Ban Xia searched everywhere for Man Ying, but the innkeeper told her he had already left.

Feeling dejected, Ban Xia wandered the streets alone and sent Ting Zhou home first. As the rain started pouring, Ban Xia hurriedly opened her umbrella and went to Fa'en Temple, where she found the busy Man Ying. Ban Xia told Man Ying again that she had dreamed about what seemed to be a past life. She feared she had drunk too little Mengpo soup, leaving her with memories from a previous life.

She anxiously asked Man Ying if he truly did not remember her. Man Ying insisted he had never met her. Disappointed, Ban Xia hastily explained that she must have been suffering from hysteria and hoped Man Ying would not mind. As Ban Xia was about to leave, Man Ying reminded her to take her umbrella. Filled with reluctance, Ban Xia’s eyes welled up with tears, worried that Man Ying would leave Guangping and never return. Man Ying maintained a calm facade, but when Ban Xia’s figure finally disappeared into the heavy rain, he showed an expression full of sorrow and longing.

Duan Yingheng and his wife planned to stay in a mountain temple for a few days. They instructed Duan Banxia not to run around or cause trouble at home. Duan Banxia and Ting Zhou went to the main street to admire the lanterns. Ting Zhou was always interested in the various lanterns along the street. Suddenly, fireworks lit up the sky, and Duan Banxia was momentarily stunned.

She then caught sight of Man Niang's figure and couldn't help but chase after her. However, after turning a corner, Man Niang’s figure disappeared. Feeling disappointed, Duan Banxia was about to leave when she heard the sound of bells. Mr. Pu appeared behind her and offered for her to pick something she liked. Duan Banxia picked up an echo conch, but Mr.

Pu refused to take money, claiming he had already received payment from her once and couldn’t accept it again. Duan Banxia placed the echo conch to her ear and heard the words she had once left inside—it seemed she had fallen in love with Jiu Xuanye. In an instant, all her memories returned vividly to Duan Banxia’s mind. She couldn’t hold back her tears, crying so hard she struggled to breathe.

Duan Banxia told Ting Zhou that she remembered everything now. The person's name was Jiu Xuanye, but everyone else had forgotten him. Mr. Pu urged Duan Banxia to quickly go find Jiu Xuanye. Without hesitation, Duan Banxia sprinted forward. Zi Kong and Man Niang arrived together at the underground city. Man Niang was heavy-hearted and only entered after Zi Kong urged her repeatedly.

Duan Banxia also arrived at the underground city and wanted to enter, but without a pass token, she gave all her money to the boatman, who then agreed to take her across. Duan Banxia blocked Man Niang’s path, crying with tear-streaked cheeks, and rushed to embrace Jiu Xuanye, calling out his name. The two returned to the house they had stayed in before.

Jiu Xuanye suggested tidying up, but Duan Banxia held tightly onto him, afraid he would leave and never come back. Jiu Xuanye told Duan Banxia that he could now freely travel between the human and spirit worlds to find the spirit of the Withering-Free Herb that could cure the decay. When he first opened his eyes, he had remembered everything.

Over the years, Jiu Xuanye had always been near Duan Banxia, silently eliminating the demons before they could appear in her life. Because of this, Chi Lian and Xing Xian also found happy endings, no longer suffering their original tragic fates. Shen Tunan, too, had become much more restrained compared to before. Though Duan Banxia hadn’t seen any demons, she spent her days eating, drinking, having fun, learning to ride horses, and practicing martial arts—living the life she wanted.

Yet she always felt inexplicably unhappy, as if something important was missing from her heart, something she could never recall. It wasn’t until she saw Jiu Xuanye again that she realized what she had lost. Duan Banxia clung to Jiu Xuanye, pleading with him not to leave her. Jiu Xuanye took care of Duan Banxia until she fell asleep, covering her with a blanket. Yet she still clutched his hand tightly, unwilling to let go.

Jiu Xuanye could only apologize helplessly to her. The next day, Jiu Xuanye escorted Duan Banxia back. She hoped Jiu Xuanye would tell Father Jiu everything and recognize their connection. However, Jiu Xuanye believed that even though Father Jiu understood karma, the emotional bond was already gone, and there was little meaning in revealing it. His only solace was that Duan Banxia remembered him, and that was enough. Seeing Jiu Xuanye sitting alone, Duan Banxia couldn’t help but hug him.

She suggested they happily visit all the places they had been to before, and Jiu Xuanye agreed, wanting only to be happy together. Jiu Xuanye and Duan Banxia ate sweet desserts together, watched lanterns together, listened to Xing Xian and Chi Lian playing the zither together, and set off fireworks together. Duan Banxia's smile never left her face.

She made a wish under a sky lantern, hoping for a heavy snowfall in Guangping City so she could grow old with Jiu Xuanye under the snow. Meanwhile, Jiu Xuanye wished for Duan Banxia to live a lifetime of happiness and worry-free peace. Duan Banxia once again confessed her feelings to Jiu Xuanye, begging him not to leave. However, Jiu Xuanye did not give an answer. Though disappointed, Duan Banxia still forced herself to smile.

Thinking of Duan Banxia’s wish, Jiu Xuanye used his magic to turn the rain into snowflakes falling from the sky. Duan Banxia walked down the street with a sweet smile. But when she looked up again, Jiu Xuanye had disappeared, causing her to break into uncontrollable tears. Suddenly, Jiu Xuanye appeared by her side and took her hand.

Seeing Jiu Xuanye’s hair covered in snow, Duan Banxia burst into laughter through her tears and suggested they invite everyone to a meal together before Jiu Xuanye left. Jiu Xuanye agreed. Duan Banxia invited Wen Jian, Chu Youhuang, and Sima Lingying to join them. Since Duan Yingheng was a registrar, he also knew Chu Youhuang, and Sima Lingying was brought along by Chu Youhuang while on official business.

Although Duan Banxia had long known Sima Lingying, Sima Lingying did not recognize her. Ting Zhou secretly asked Chi Xue about Jiu Xuanye’s situation, worried that Duan Yingheng would be displeased upon returning. When Duan Banxia and Sima Lingying went to grill skewers, Sima Lingying inquired about her relationship with Jiu Xuanye, realizing they were more than just friends. Duan Banxia asked Sima Lingying whether he and Chu Youhuang were friends, and Chu Youhuang quickly explained they were just friends.

Everyone was happy to know Jiu Xuanye and raised their cups to drink. Suddenly, Jiu Xuanye saw Father Jiu outside and hurriedly went to meet him. Father Jiu questioned who Jiu Xuanye truly was, as since meeting him, the Hidden Dragon Box had shown marks, indicating it had been used. This meant their connection was deep, which was why he came to ask.

Jiu Xuanye told Father Jiu that the Gate Between Realms would close in a few days, and he had to leave. Though he held a peachwood charm that allowed him to freely travel between realms, it had been used too many times and was now almost useless. Father Jiu felt sorrow for Duan Banxia; even though using the Chang Le Sword should have erased all memories, she still remembered everything. Now, they had to face a painful choice.

Father Jiu hoped he and Jiu Xuanye could meet again someday. Jiu Xuanye knelt to thank Father Jiu for raising him. When Jiu Xuanye returned, Duan Banxia had specially prepared a gift for Sima Lingying and Chu Youhuang as a wedding present, knowing Jiu Xuanye wouldn’t make it in time for their wedding.

Jiu Xuanye hugged Chi Xue, reminding him to take good care of the Jiu family’s parents and not to act recklessly in fights—if he couldn’t win, he should just run. Duan Banxia escorted Jiu Xuanye as he left. They walked hand in hand down the street. Curious, Duan Banxia asked about the Wuyou Realm. They looked up at the moon together.

Duan Banxia marveled at how beautiful the moon was and, hearing that there was a moon in the Wuyou Realm too, sighed that no matter how far apart they were, they would still be looking at the same moon. Duan Banxia let go of Jiu Xuanye’s hand. They said their goodbyes with smiles, but as they turned away, both couldn't help but cry.

Duan Banxia tried her best not to make a sound, but as she watched Jiu Xuanye leave, she couldn't stop herself from chasing after him. She watched Jiu Xuanye sail away on a small boat, and Jiu Xuanye gripped his hands tightly, not daring to look back, afraid that if he did, he would never leave. His tears blurred his vision. Beyond the mist in the Wuyou Realm lay the Wuyou Crossing.

Once through the fog, the other side would be reached. Jiu Xuanye bid farewell to Duan Banxia and left. In the Wuyou Realm, the Withering-Free Herb, nourished by the Moon Bugs, gradually revived. Watching the herbs come back to life, Jiu Xuanye smiled and strode forward.

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