The Destiny of White Snake Recap, Plot, Synopsis

The Destiny of White Snake Synopsis

The master of Yaoshi Palace, Xu Xuan, and his junior sister, Leng Ling saved lives with their medical skills. They met Bai Yaoyao at the Peach Blossom Festival. After many twists and turns, Xu Xuan and Bai Yaoyao finally became a couple.

However, Bai Yaoyao stole immortal herbs to save Xu Xuan, violating the rules of heaven. Xu Xuan recovered from his illness, remembering the past, he went to save Yaoyao by himself.

Junior sister Leng Ling envied Bai Yaoyao and led the dragon to appear in the world, causing trouble.

In order to redeem herself, Bai Yaoyao was suppressed by Qi Xiao under the Leifeng Tower, Xu Xuan was so grief-stricken that he retired from the world, studying Dharma.

Xiao Qing followed the advice of Bai Yaoyao, back to train in the mountain.

Twenty years later, Bai Yaoyao was set free, Qi Xiao become a Buddhist monk.

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In the ancient past, a renowned war erupted. The Demon Emperor, harboring ill intent, incited the dragon tribe to rebel against the Empyrean Heaven, but they were severely suppressed. The Heavenly Emperor ordered the White and Green Emperors to lead heavenly soldiers to quell the chaos, which resulted in great losses across the four seas before the dragon tribe surrendered.

During this conflict, Ling Chu, the disciple of the White Emperor, and Zi Xuan, the disciple of the Green Emperor, distinguished themselves with prominent achievements. Their reputations spread widely throughout the realm of deity, leading to constant comparison. Both Ling Chu and Zi Xuan were exceptionally gifted and intelligent. To determine whose disciple was superior, the Green and White Emperors made a thousand-year promise to hold a grand battle between them.

A young serpent, Xiao Bai, overheard this, eagerly expressing a desire to become the number one deity, only to be chided by her master for her usual laziness and poor cultivation. Later, the Sacred Lady of Mount Li attended the Heavenly Peach Festival. Her disciple, Xiao Bai, a little white snake, secretly followed due to her gluttony, believing that eating a Heavenly Peach would aid her cultivation.

Although Xiao Bai was lazy in her cultivation and had not yet transformed into human form, she was destined to bear the justice of the world. Recognizing that Xiao Bai needed special guidance to transform and fulfill her destiny, the Sacred Lady brought her to Mount Jiuxi to seek Zi Xuan's aid, believing he was the destined person to help her.

The Sacred Lady revealed that Zi Xuan was born with the "Fate of Seven Prowesses" and was uniquely capable of teaching Xiao Bai. She also disclosed that a great doom was approaching the three realms, and Xiao Bai and Zi Xuan were fated to rescue the mortal world, though they would first endure the eight sufferings of the mortal realm.

One day, while Xiao Bai was wandering lost in the perpetually snow-covered Mount Jiuxi, Ling Chu pursued Zi Xuan for their promised contest. Zi Xuan, finding the delicate white snake shivering in the bitter cold, took pity on her and hid her within his robes to protect her. Ling Chu declared he would not be hidden from and was ready to compete.

Zi Xuan expressed his disbelief that Ling Chu would insist on upholding their promise to compete, especially with the recent end of the chaos of the four seas, questioning the need for competition. Ling Chu insisted on upholding the thousand-year promise to determine the best. Zi Xuan dismissed it as a "thoughtless promise" from a millennium ago and criticized Ling Chu's obsession with fame, stating their contest should be for mutual learning, not serious rivalry.

Ling Chu, however, found the matter to be far from simple. Their intense competition created a tumultuous scene of flying sand and scattered stones. During the battle, the grateful Xiao Bai intervened to assist Zi Xuan, a move that only further enraged the narrow-minded Ling Chu, who declared the contest void due to the white snake's interruption and refused to concede.

After the disrupted contest, Zi Xuan confronted Ling Chu about his hidden injuries and severe "inner heat," which Ling Chu attempted to downplay. Zi Xuan, concerned that the inner heat would consume Ling Chu's deity prowess, provided him with medicine to temporarily suppress it, urging him to let go of his obsession with winning or losing. Ling Chu admitted he couldn't be as carefree as Zi Xuan.

Meanwhile, a discussion arose about using a snake's heart, known for its cool nature, to heal the inner heat. Zi Xuan considered that while a snake's heart could heal Ling Chu, it might harm his future cultivation. He also sensed that something significant had occurred at Mount Kunlun, which the White Emperor was trying to keep secret due to his concern for reputation. Xiao Bai, having overheard the talk of snake hearts, became terrified.

She resolved to escape and crawl back to Mount Li, thinking about her precious life and her desire to cultivate into a deity and travel the three realms. However, Ling Chu intercepted her, determined to take her heart to cure his illness and finally defeat Zi Xuan. Zi Xuan arrived just in time, intervening to save Xiao Bai.

He then used the Eastern Sea Icy Lingzhi, given to him by the Herb Deity, to heal Ling Chu’s inner heat, despite the preciousness of the herb. With Xiao Bai now under his care, Zi Xuan addressed her as "Xiao Bai." He observed her voracious appetite, noting she ate precious Snow Cherry Blossoms, which grant a hundred years of prowess each, as if they were walnuts.

He playfully chided her intelligence for attempting to escape but being caught so easily, remarking she had "never been trained." Zi Xuan took Xiao Bai in, keeping her by his side day and night, feeding her and even allowing her to sleep near him in her snake form. Ling Chu, observing this, questioned Zi Xuan’s unusual decision to protect a white snake, as it was unlike his usual carefree nature.

Zi Xuan explained he liked Xiao Bai's intelligence and that she had risked her life to protect him. He then warned Ling Chu to refrain from using his deity prowess before fully recovering. The White Emperor, speaking to Ling Chu, discussed Ling Chu’s inner heat and excessive competitiveness, reminding him that the path to deity required accepting "nothingness."

He asserted that despite Ling Chu's current injuries affecting his prowess, he and Zi Xuan possessed similar deity powers and were destined for the life of a deity. The White Emperor then revealed a troubling prophecy, stating that Zi Xuan, born with the "Fate of Seven Prowesses," was cursed with loneliness and faced a perilous life-and-death trial. If he conquered it, he would ascend to a high deity; if not, his body and soul would dissolve into heaven and earth.

The White Emperor implored Ling Chu to assist Zi Xuan in overcoming this tribulation. Over time, Xiao Bai consumed many rare fruits and absorbed abundant spiritual energy on Mount Jiuxi, causing her cultivation to advance rapidly, and she began to transform into human form. One day, as Zi Xuan meditated by the water, he was startled by the sight of a beautiful woman. Mistaking her for a demon, he questioned her presence and warned her not to cross the line.

The woman then revealed herself as Xiao Bai, expressing her dismay that Zi Xuan might not like her in human form. Zi Xuan was astonished by her rapid transformation, commenting that he never expected her to cultivate into human form so quickly. Xiao Bai, uncertain if she was truly human or demon, was told by Zi Xuan that her identity was hers to decide.

She soon discovered the convenience of having hands and legs, though she was still clumsy and struggled to walk properly. Zi Xuan patiently taught her how to use chopsticks. That night, despite Zi Xuan's instruction about the impropriety of physical contact between men and women, Xiao Bai secretly transformed back into her original snake form to sleep by his side.

The Sacred Lady of Mount Li discreetly visited Zi Xuan, commending his role in Xiao Bai’s rapid transformation, noting it would have taken a thousand years for Xiao Bai to achieve this beside her. Zi Xuan, however, suspected the Sacred Lady's intentions, remarking on her absence from the Heavenly Peach Festival and the magical barrier of Mount Jiuxi, which Xiao Bai could not have breached alone. He deduced that the Sacred Lady had deliberately orchestrated Xiao Bai's arrival.

The Sacred Lady confirmed his suspicions, explaining that while Xiao Bai was clever, as a demon, her path of cultivation was fraught with peril, and Zi Xuan was the best person to guide her onto the right path. Despite Zi Xuan's own "Fate of Seven Prowesses" and his strict adherence to Taoism, he promised the Sacred Lady he would help Xiao Bai cultivate into a deity as swiftly as possible.

Soon after, a misunderstanding arose when a servant mistook Xiao Bai, now in human form, for a trespassing demon. Zi Xuan clarified the situation and, observing Xiao Bai's unrefined behavior and lack of literacy, decided it was time to teach her to read and write, emphasizing that as a human, every outer behavior represented her personality. Xiao Bai, however, found studying tedious.

She complained that being human was troublesome and expressed a desire to stop reading, suggesting she learn music, chess, calligraphy, or painting instead. Zi Xuan, with gentle patience, agreed and offered to teach her the zither. Later, she attempted to play chess, then presented Zi Xuan with a drawing of herself in her snake form, asking if it was pretty.

Zi Xuan affirmed its beauty, leading Xiao Bai to declare victory and request to revert to her original form for rest. Zi Xuan, though, froze her with a spell, explaining that being human required learning even small things like reading before facing greater challenges. Ultimately, he presented her with a sword he had forged from the Mysterious Ice of Mount Jiuxi.

This sword, which he named "Wan Liu Sword," was meant to aid her practice and travel through the three realms, a name subtly hinting at his unspoken affections. Meanwhile, Tao Tie, the White Emperor's mount, harbored resentment and had released the Black Water Dragon, a ferocious beast from the Eastern Sea, causing chaos. Despite Tao Tie's refusal to repent, the White Emperor, concerned with his reputation, sought to protect him due to their long-standing relationship.

Zi Xuan and Ling Chu realized the gravity of the situation. Ling Chu suspected Tao Tie's actions were related to his disagreement with the Empyrean Heaven's methods of calming the four seas and questioned why Mount Kunlun had not intervened. Zi Xuan acknowledged that whether right or wrong, there would be a future judgment. He proposed that he and Ling Chu go and subdue the Black Water Dragon to prevent it from harming the mortal world.

Ling Chu urged haste, deciding to go first and instructing Zi Xuan to retrieve the Demon Prison before joining him. At the same time, Xiao Bai had secretly ventured to the Heavenly Peach Garden, hoping to retrieve a Heavenly Peach to strengthen Zi Xuan. There, she encountered a regal and noble woman.

Recognizing the place as the forbidden Garden of Heavenly Peach, Xiao Bai quickly surmised that the dignified woman was none other than the Queen Mother of the West, the garden's owner. Xiao Bai apologized profusely for trespassing, explaining that she only wished to obtain a Heavenly Peach to help her friend.

Upon receiving the Green Emperor's command, Zi Xuan prepared to leave Mount Jiuxi with the Demon Prison. Before his departure, he specifically instructed his maid, Crane, to diligently look after Xiao Bai, who had only recently transformed into human form and could be in danger if she wandered off. Crane agreed, but secretly harbored resentment and did not genuinely search for Xiao Bai. Meanwhile, Xiao Bai was in the Heavenly Peach Garden.

She earnestly desired one Heavenly Peach, hoping it would help Zi Xuan achieve ascension to high deity and overcome his calamity. Although she was originally a greedy little snake, Zi Xuan's teachings had helped Xiao Bai to restrain her desires. As she mused about picking just one peach to help Zi Xuan, a group of Plough Guards, the Heavenly Realm's security patrol, discovered her.

They surrounded Xiao Bai and took her back to the Heavenly Realm for punishment for trespassing and attempting to steal a peach. During this time, Ling Chu and Zi Xuan were battling the Black Water Dragon in the Eastern Sea. A messenger from Kunlun suddenly arrived but was destroyed by the beast before its message could be fully delivered.

Zi Xuan, recognizing the gravity of a message from Kunlun at such a crucial moment, worried that something serious had happened there, possibly involving Tao Tie's rebellion. He urged Ling Chu to return to Mount Kunlun immediately to investigate, entrusting him with the Demon Prison for protection, though he cautioned against its hasty use. Ling Chu initially resisted, believing it was his responsibility, but Zi Xuan insisted.

Back on Mount Kunlun, the disciples were in a panic over Tao Tie's disappearance. Ling Chu, with his impulsive nature, quickly took out the Kunlun Mirror to reset the magical barrier, hoping to re-contain Tao Tie. As the barrier was opened, Tao Tie's scheme succeeded, and he seized the opportunity to severely injure Ling Chu. Fortunately, the White Emperor returned in time, saving Ling Chu's life.

The White Emperor chastised Ling Chu for his recklessness in unlocking the barrier, emphasizing that Tao Tie was not to be underestimated. As Ling Chu was afflicted by internal heat from his injuries, the White Emperor ordered him to go to Mount Jiuxi for recuperation. The White Emperor had already dispatched other disciples to search for Tao Tie, assuring Ling Chu that he understood Tao Tie's behavior and would manage the situation.

Meanwhile, in the Eastern Sea, Zi Xuan achieved a hard-won victory. After three days and three nights of intense battle, he subdued the exhausted Black Water Dragon and sealed it within the Demon Prison. Zi Xuan, known for his composed nature, did not hastily decide its fate.

He planned to use a special formation with a burned elixir pill to make the Black Water Dragon fall back into a deep sleep for 49 days, as instructed by the Green Emperor, before returning it to the Eastern Sea to be suppressed deep within the abyss. This, he believed, would best pacify the situation, as they had no right to determine the life or death of an ancient beast.

He entrusted Crane with guarding the Elixir Chamber where the dragon would be held. When Zi Xuan returned to Mount Jiuxi, Xiao Bai was still missing. Crane, secretly resentful, tried to brush off her disappearance, claiming Xiao Bai was playful and likely avoiding her studies. However, Zi Xuan was deeply concerned about Xiao Bai's whereabouts and used his spiritual powers to locate her.

Through his investigation, Zi Xuan discovered that Xiao Bai was imprisoned in the forbidden Jade Pool Sacred Land, suffering punishment inflicted by the Eagle Tormentors. Her skin was torn, and her body covered in blood, causing her immense pain. He saw her desperately clutching something—the vibrant Heavenly Peach.

Crane later informed Zi Xuan that Xiao Bai had broken into the Heavenly Peach Garden and stolen a peach, and that the Queen Mother was merciful not to involve Mount Jiuxi, warning Zi Xuan against interfering further as it could jeopardize his cultivation. However, Zi Xuan believed Xiao Bai was not just a demon but a human in his eyes. Disregarding heavenly laws, Zi Xuan resolutely confronted the Plough Guards and rescued Xiao Bai from her torment.

He comforted Xiao Bai, who, despite her injuries, had carefully protected the peach, hoping it would help him achieve deity status. Zi Xuan, moved by her intentions, shared the peach with her, though he tried to explain the true path to higher deity cultivation. This incident caused a stir in the Heavenly Realm, with rumors spreading that the Queen Mother was using the peach theft to assert her authority.

Zi Xuan, taking full responsibility, personally visited the Jade Pool to seek an audience with the Queen Mother. He humbly yet firmly stated his purpose, confessing his recklessness and offering to accept any punishment. He strategically mentioned Xiao Bai's connection to the Sacred Lady of Mount Li, implying that continued punishment could affect the harmony between the Queen Mother and the Sacred Lady.

The Queen Mother, realizing Zi Xuan had inadvertently saved her face and eased her pressure, accepted his confession. She clarified that her initial intent was to teach the little snake the laws of the Heavenly Realm, not to truly harm her. In the end, the Queen Mother returned the Heavenly Peach to Zi Xuan and dropped the matter, no longer pursuing it. Witnessing Ling Chu's severe injuries, Zi Xuan decided to personally capture Tao Tie.

Although Ling Chu repeatedly warned him against interfering, citing the matter as Kunlun's responsibility and cautioning Zi Xuan against using his powers while Ling Chu was still recovering from his inner heat, Zi Xuan's brotherly affection compelled him to go. He assured Ling Chu he would return safely. As the Green Emperor's most accomplished disciple, Zi Xuan possessed boundless power, but he found himself in a fierce, evenly matched battle with Tao Tie.

Tao Tie had gradually succumbed to demonic ways, using children's blood as sustenance for his cultivation. Zi Xuan understood that if Tao Tie was allowed to fully descend into the demonic path and become a fiend, it would be too late to stop him. During their intense fight, Tao Tie's sinister magic proved powerful. After inflicting an injury on Zi Xuan, Tao Tie seized the opportunity and escaped while Zi Xuan was unprepared.

After Xiao Bai's rescue and Zi Xuan had returned to Mount Jiuxi from his audience with the Queen Mother, Crane, still fueled by jealousy, tried to manipulate Xiao Bai. She told Xiao Bai that Zi Xuan was angry with her for causing trouble and breaking heavenly laws. Crane then suggested that if Xiao Bai truly felt remorse, she should pretend to leave Mount Jiuxi.

This, Crane insinuated, would make Zi Xuan anxious and worried, proving his care for her and allowing her to apologize effectively. Xiao Bai, naive and worried about Zi Xuan's safety due to his subsequent prolonged absence in pursuit of Tao Tie, believed Crane's advice and decided to leave Mount Jiuxi to search for him, fearing he might be in danger.

When Zi Xuan eventually returned to Mount Jiuxi from his battle with Tao Tie, he found a note from Xiao Bai on his table, his brow furrowed in deep thought. He realized she had left Mount Jiuxi.

Upon his return to Mount Jiuxi, Zi Xuan discovered Xiao Bai was gone. On his table, he found a letter from her, riddled with mistakes. He noticed words like "learned" instead of "earned," "tough consideration" used instead of "thorough consideration," and a turtle drawn to represent "return."

Rather than being anxious about Xiao Bai’s disappearance, Zi Xuan calmly took the time to correct the errors in the letter, musing that he would have to make her work harder starting tomorrow due to the many mistakes she made. Unbeknownst to Zi Xuan, Xiao Bai had not actually left Mount Jiuxi. She was hiding in the same room, secretly observing his reaction to her letter.

As she watched Zi Xuan’s calm demeanor, she wondered why he wasn't worried, and questioned if he would even look for her. If he didn't care about her, she thought, then perhaps she shouldn't stay in Mount Jiuxi, just as Sister Crane had suggested. Just as Xiao Bai was considering leaving, Zi Xuan’s Tianji Sword suddenly flew erratically and was about to strike him.

In a moment of panic, Xiao Bai rushed forward to shield him, her wrist getting pierced in the process. Zi Xuan quickly regained control of his sword and the situation. He explained that a fragment of Tao Tie’s soul had lingered and caused the sword to act up. Xiao Bai, seeing Zi Xuan unharmed, urged him to pursue Tao Tie immediately.

However, Zi Xuan prioritized her injury, stating that as long as Tao Tie remained in the Empyrean Heaven, he would eventually catch him, but for now, healing her injury was the most important task. He chided her for being foolish, questioning her ability to protect him and calling her either bold or naive. Xiao Bai, however, dismissed her injury as minor and again insisted he pursue Tao Tie.

As he treated her wound, Zi Xuan asked why she had wanted to leave Mount Jiuxi. She confessed it was a test to see if he cared enough to look for her. Zi Xuan cautioned her that a person's heart cannot endure tests and assumptions, telling her never to do something like that again. Xiao Bai, wondering if she had made another mistake, silently vowed to remember his words.

Zi Xuan then expressed his desire for her to live a carefree and happy life, to which Xiao Bai replied that she would be very happy as long as she was with him. He then advised her to rest, noting that even a minor injury could have lingering effects. Later, Xiao Bai asked Zi Xuan to stay with her; he promised to leave only after she fell asleep.

Though Zi Xuan suffered nightly from a crack in his primordial spirit, causing him striking pain in his heart and bones, he continued his duties. One day, Xiao Bai, now recovered, spotted Zi Xuan leaving and rushed out with his umbrella, concerned he might catch a cold. Zi Xuan gently scolded her for leaving her room before fully recovering. Xiao Bai cheerfully presented him with a peach blossom, explaining that Sister Crane had given it to her.

She noted that Mount Jiuxi, being covered in snow year-round, never saw such blooms, expressing her joy at giving him something so beautiful. Zi Xuan, seeing her happiness, realized she had never witnessed a peach blossom in full bloom. Later, Zi Xuan discussed his plan to take Xiao Bai to Penglai Heavenly Mountain with Ling Chu so she could experience a mountain full of peach blossoms.

Ling Chu strongly opposed the idea, emphasizing the strict rules of the Penglai Heavenly Mountain School and the potential trouble with the Herb Deity. Zi Xuan assured him he would handle any issues, reiterating his desire for Xiao Bai to see the blooming peach trees, which she treasured so much. Ling Chu commented on Zi Xuan’s apparent favoritism towards Xiao Bai.

Zi Xuan, however, reflected that he might have been too harsh on her, wondering if she was struggling with her studies. Upon their arrival at Penglai Heavenly Mountain, Xiao Bai was captivated by the beautiful peach blossoms, exclaiming how wonderful they were, especially at night. Zi Xuan playfully teased her about her earlier pretense of not caring.

Xiao Bai, giggling, admitted she was lying and confessed that she had only been trying to "put herself in others' shoes and think about others," just as he had taught her. She then expressed that no matter how beautiful Penglai was, it could never compare to Mount Jiuxi, because Mount Jiuxi had Zi Xuan, and that was enough for her. As she conveyed her heartfelt emotions, Zi Xuan clutched his chest in pain from his primordial spirit injury.

Xiao Bai, noticing his discomfort, worried she had said something wrong, but Zi Xuan quickly recovered and reassured her. Unable to contain her feelings, Xiao Bai embraced him. This tender moment was observed by Sister Crane, a look of jealousy flashing in her eyes. The Green Emperor soon discovered the special care Zi Xuan had for Xiao Bai, evident from a painting of her.

Concerned for his disciple's future, the Green Emperor questioned Zi Xuan about his primordial spirit injury, noting that with Tao Tie’s limited strength, Zi Xuan should not have been so severely wounded. He suspected Zi Xuan had intentionally allowed himself to be injured to avoid ascension and subsequent seclusion in Mount Jiuxi.

Zi Xuan explained that he carefully considered how to deal with Tao Tie, deciding to sever Tao Tie's deity seed to prevent his return to the deity world and to avoid further innocent victims, given the White Emperor's favoritism. The Green Emperor, seeing through Zi Xuan's elaborate explanation, directly accused him of doing it on purpose to prevent becoming a deity and leaving Mount Jiuxi.

The Green Emperor then confronted Zi Xuan about his feelings, asking if he had fallen in love. Zi Xuan emphatically denied it, including any feelings for Xiao Bai. Unconvinced, the Green Emperor ordered Xiao Bai to be expelled from Mount Jiuxi, stating she was meant to cultivate in Mount Li. Zi Xuan, who had always been obedient to the Green Emperor, unexpectedly defied the order. He humbly asked for forgiveness, stating he could not obey this command.

However, for Xiao Bai's safety, Zi Xuan then pretended he had let go of all emotions and had not fallen in love. Unbeknownst to them, Xiao Bai overheard this painful exchange from outside the door and left heartbroken. Ling Chu, having fought alongside Zi Xuan for a thousand years, reminded him of his past ambition to become a deity and uphold justice.

He questioned if enduring the nightly agony from his primordial spirit injury was truly worth it for a mere snake demon, whom he regarded as Zi Xuan's calamity. Ling Chu warned that Zi Xuan's body and soul could dissolve into heaven and earth, potentially harming both him and Xiao Bai. Zi Xuan, however, firmly declared that he believed man could master his own destiny, rejecting the idea of Xiao Bai being his "calamity."

He also made it clear to Ling Chu that while he appreciated his concern, he would not tolerate any harm coming to Xiao Bai. Sister Crane, noticing Xiao Bai's sadness, confirmed that Zi Xuan had denied having feelings for her and that the Green Emperor had ordered her expulsion. Xiao Bai expressed her understanding of Zi Xuan’s predicament and her desire to help him recover before she left Mount Jiuxi.

Seizing the opportunity, Sister Crane mentioned the Icy Lingzhi of Eastern Sea, kept in the Elixir Chamber, as a potent medicine for Zi Xuan's recovery. She noted it was odorless and tasteless, perfect for slipping into a drink. Sister Crane, however, also warned Xiao Bai that taking something without permission was theft, a serious offense that would only bring more trouble to Zi Xuan. Despite the warning, Xiao Bai declared her willingness to accept any punishment for Zi Xuan's sake.

Sacred Lady Lishan visited Zi Xuan, expressing concern for his primordial spirit. Zi Xuan confided in her, admitting that he was moved by Xiao Bai, describing her as the only spring in the perpetually snowy Mount Jiuxi, whose beauty even a thousand years of snow could not conceal. Sacred Lady Lishan provided him with an ice crystal, formed at the meeting point of Yin and Yang during ancient times, which she believed could heal his primordial spirit.

She encouraged him to follow his heart, adding that cultivators defy nature, and perhaps the predetermined fates could be overturned. Determined to help Zi Xuan, Xiao Bai snuck into the Elixir Chamber to find the Icy Lingzhi. She located it in the first elixir furnace. Unbeknownst to her, the warding charm on a nearby furnace had been blown away, and the Black Dragon, previously imprisoned by Zi Xuan, was confined within it.

After successfully acquiring the elixir, Xiao Bai placed it into Zi Xuan’s teacup and watched him drink it, finally feeling relieved. Later, Xiao Bai expressed her yearning to be a "real human" and to have a proper name, not just "Xiao Bai," the name for a little white snake. She wanted to be recognized for her ability to cry, laugh, feel angry, and experience pain, and asked Zi Xuan to give her a name and treat her as a human.

Zi Xuan promised to consider a name for her after she had mastered zither, chess, calligraphy, and painting, thus becoming fully human in every aspect. Xiao Bai internally wished to stay by his side as a human, even if only for a short time before her inevitable departure. Soon after, the Black Dragon escaped from the Elixir Chamber, cutting off the water supply to West Lake and causing distress to the common people.

Zi Xuan and Ling Chu immediately set out to capture it. Zi Xuan, as punishment for her unauthorized entry into the Elixir Chamber, bound Xiao Bai with a celestial string. Despite this, Xiao Bai pleaded with Sister Crane to unfasten the string, desperate to help Zi Xuan, who was still injured. She recalled how she had protected him from the Tianji Sword before and believed she could help him again.

Sister Crane refused, reminding Xiao Bai that Zi Xuan himself had tied the string and ordered her to guard Xiao Bai. Meanwhile, Zi Xuan and Ling Chu prepared to confront the Black Dragon. Ling Chu, worried about Zi Xuan's injured primordial spirit, offered to handle the Black Dragon alone, but Zi Xuan insisted on fighting together, planning for Ling Chu to distract the Black Dragon while he cut off its tail to weaken it.

Ling Chu and Zi Xuan battled a powerful Black Flood Dragon that had been causing trouble. The beast's immense power made it impossible to subdue immediately. To eliminate this menace, Ling Chu, despite Zi Xuan's warnings, used his own blood to activate the Demon Prison. Zi Xuan questioned this drastic action, knowing that a living soul would be required to close the prison again; otherwise, it would destroy the opener and all surrounding souls.

Ling Chu argued that without the blood activation, they were not a match for the Black Flood Dragon. Zi Xuan warned Bai Yaoyao, whose demon aura could drag her into the prison, to leave immediately. Bai Yaoyao confessed she had begged Sister Crane to let her come out and apologized for her past actions, specifically breaking into the Elixir Chamber, which she believed inadvertently led to this disaster. Zi Xuan reassured her not to blame herself.

However, while Zi Xuan was distracted, the Black Flood Dragon escaped the Demon Prison's range. With the dragon having escaped and no living sacrifice, the Demon Prison threatened to backlash, devouring Ling Chu's primordial spirit and all surrounding souls. Bai Yaoyao offered to be the sacrifice, but Zi Xuan refused, explaining her primordial spirit would be incinerated. To save everyone, Zi Xuan sacrificed his own deity aura, an act he would not survive.

He used his remaining power to seal the Demon Prison and destroy the Black Flood Dragon, then instructed Ling Chu to close the prison. Zi Xuan vanished from the world, his form and spirit utterly destroyed and turned to ashes. In her profound grief, Bai Yaoyao cried out his name repeatedly.

In his final moments, Zi Xuan assured her that she had always been good, despite his regret that his actions had caused her calamity and not being able to teach her more. Bai Yaoyao, desperate, offered to leave Mount Jiuxi and never appear before him again if he would just not turn to ash, pleading to know what she could do to save him. Zi Xuan, however, told her that life's calamities are fated by the heavens, not by them.

He affirmed that in his heart, she was already a true human being, but he could no longer protect her. He made her promise to live well and, recalling her love for peach blossoms, bestowed upon her the name "Bai Yaoyao." Devastated, Bai Yaoyao refused to accept his departure, questioning how she could live without him, and attempted to take her own life to follow him. Ling Chu intervened, stopping her.

He explained that Zi Xuan had sacrificed his life for theirs, and neither of them had the right to waste their lives. Bai Yaoyao blamed herself for everything, lamenting her presence at Mount Jiuxi. Ling Chu admitted that it was both their fault that Zi Xuan had turned to ashes, a debt that could never be repaid. He reiterated Zi Xuan's final wish, urging Bai Yaoyao to live on with the name "Bai Yaoyao."

A thousand years later, Bai Yaoyao tirelessly traveled the mortal world, seeking rare methods to nurture primordial spirits, showing no interest in achieving deity status; her sole desire was Zi Xuan's return. She shared a moment with Sister Crane, who had taken an important role under the Herb Deity on Penglai Heavenly Mountain. Crane chided Bai Yaoyao for constantly getting into trouble, to which Bai Yaoyao playfully replied that Crane could now heal her.

Crane, knowing Bai Yaoyao's true motivation, questioned why she was still searching for doctrines instead of focusing on becoming a deity, urging her to simply keep Zi Xuan in her heart. Bai Yaoyao revealed that she had found a tiny sliver of Zi Xuan's primordial spirit 500 years prior, and had since been nurturing it with her own heart's blood, enduring constant heartburn, and was now on the brink of success.

She vowed to never let him disappear from the world again. Simultaneously, Ling Chu, who had deliberately forgone his opportunity to become a deity a long time ago, remained on Mount Kunlun. Consumed by guilt for Zi Xuan's demise, he had been waiting for a chance to reassemble Zi Xuan's soul. He secretly stole the Soul Collecting Light, causing a cave-in, in hopes of resurrecting him.

Ling Chu activated the Light with his blood, but was puzzled why it wasn't attracting Zi Xuan's soul, confident in his thousand years of study on the secret spell. Bai Yaoyao approached Sister Crane again, requesting her help to continue the search for Zi Xuan should she and Ling Chu face punishment for their actions. Despite calling Bai Yaoyao foolish, Crane agreed.

As Ling Chu activated the Soul Collecting Light with his blood, its power not only aimed to gather Zi Xuan's spirit but also awakened ancient evils. The Light, once opened, also drew the primordial spirits of other demons, including the long-vanished Demon Emperor, threatening to turn them into formidable devils and endanger the Empyrean Heaven. The Azure and White Emperors, enraged by the theft and the ensuing chaos, quickly became aware of Ling Chu's reckless actions.

They understood that Ling Chu, haunted by guilt for Zi Xuan's demise, had stolen the precious artifact from Mount Kunlun, hoping to resurrect him, and declared him foolish for such a grave error. Bai Yaoyao, enduring the physical pain of her continued spiritual nurturing of Zi Xuan, dismissed it as nothing compared to her 500 years of heartburns.

The Emperors identified a purple smoke as the primordial spirit of the Demon Emperor, confirming he had been awakened and would plunge the world into chaos. Ling Chu accepted his wrongdoing and vowed to hunt down the Demon Emperor. However, the Emperors decreed that Ling Chu must undergo trials in the mortal world, descending to slay demons and devils as atonement until peace was restored.

Bai Yaoyao, feeling equally responsible, cried out, asking who would then guard the Soul Collecting Light. The Emperors reclaimed the Soul Collecting Light and, despite Bai Yaoyao's desperate pleas that Zi Xuan's primordial spirit was still within it, they dismissed her, stating Zi Xuan's soul had long turned to ashes. For their reckless disregard of Heaven's laws, Ling Chu was sent to the mortal world for trials, while Bai Yaoyao was condemned to perpetual darkness, never to see daylight again.

Devastated, Bai Yaoyao cried out Zi Xuan's name, refusing to believe he was truly gone. Twenty years later, in the mortal realm, Ling Chu had been reincarnated as Qi Xiao, a disciple of Master Yuan Yi at the Demon Hunter House. Returning to his master after three years of traveling and demon-slaying, Qi Xiao was affectionately scolded for his long absence.

His master informed him of recent demonic disturbances on nearby mountains, where demons were causing misery, and tasked Qi Xiao with subduing them, which he readily accepted. Qi Xiao then traveled to the mountain, where he encountered a group of demons led by the Mountain Queen.

Upon learning of Qi Xiao's demon-hunting prowess, the Mountain Queen, confident in her beauty and her thousand years of cultivation as a disciple of the Sacred Lady of Mount Li, decided to personally "charm him to oblivion" and capture him. When her attempts at seduction failed, and Qi Xiao attacked her, she retaliated by binding him with her Poison Snake Web, ordering her subordinates to prepare him for a feast.

However, Qi Xiao managed to break free, refusing to beg for mercy. Enraged, the Mountain Queen chased him, vowing to cut him into pieces. Their chase led them to the borders of the Apothecary House, whose lord was renowned as the world's greatest physician, feared by all, even demons, for his mastery of poisons and drugs.

As the Mountain Queen's subordinate warned her to retreat from the powerful physician's territory, the lord, identified as Lord Xu, passed by in his sedan chair. Noticing the injured Qi Xiao lying on the ground, Lord Xu's response was a chilling "No" when asked if they should save him.

Qi Xiao, wounded and poisoned, fled a brawl and collapsed at the entrance of the Apothecary House. Xu Xuan, the Lord of the Apothecary House, was returning and initially hesitated to intervene when his attendant pointed out the injured man. However, upon realizing the man had entered Apothecary House territory, Xu Xuan declared him under their protection and ordered his men to bring him inside. He also commanded them to surround the group chasing Qi Xiao.

The leader of the chasing group, Xiao Qing, a demon who often claimed the title of Mountain Queen, confronted Xu Xuan, stating she had injured Qi Xiao and warning Xu Xuan not to interfere. Xu Xuan remained firm, asserting Qi Xiao now belonged to the Apothecary House and advising Xiao Qing to leave. Despite her bluster about her power, her subordinate wisely cautioned her against fighting Xu Xuan, given his reputation and the strength of the Apothecary House.

Xiao Qing eventually decided to retreat, but not before vowing to cause trouble for them later that night. Qi Xiao was taken into the Apothecary House, but Xu Xuan was preoccupied in the Elixir Chamber with new herbs. Leng Ning, a young lady of the Apothecary House who often consulted medical texts, attempted to treat Qi Xiao. However, her efforts only worsened his condition, causing him to laugh uncontrollably, and he accused her of trying to kill him.

Xu Xuan was informed of the situation and, rather than rushing to Qi Xiao’s aid, stated it was "too early" for him to visit. When Xu Xuan finally did confront Qi Xiao, he adopted a cold and arrogant demeanor, mocking Qi Xiao's wild behavior and accusing him of ignorance. This deliberate provocation infuriated Qi Xiao, who vomited black blood, effectively expelling the poison.

Xu Xuan explained to Leng Ning that the poison was concentrated in Qi Xiao's chest and could only be expelled when his anger reached his heart, forcing the blood out. He then ordered Qing Feng to search Qi Xiao for any valuables to cover the cost of his treatment. Later that night, Xiao Qing stealthily infiltrated the Apothecary House, but she was trapped in an invisible barrier.

She found the place eerie and considered abandoning her mission, but her pride wouldn't allow her to return empty-handed to her subordinate demons. She resolved to steal some herbs as "compensation" and to demonstrate her prowess. After collecting numerous valuable herbs, she returned to her cave, boasting to her followers about how easily she had infiltrated the Apothecary House. However, to her dismay, the precious herbs she had stolen magically transformed into a pile of ordinary grass.

As everyone watched in confusion, the grass then coalesced into a beautiful painting of a woman. Enraged by the woman's beauty, Xiao Qing attempted to deface the image, but the woman, Bai Yaoyao, instantly materialized before them. Bai Yaoyao explained that she had come to investigate rumors of someone impersonating her master, the Sacred Lady of Mount Li, and causing chaos in the mortal world.

Xiao Qing, surprised, introduced herself as a "thousand-year-cultivated earth deity" and asked Bai Yaoyao's master's identity. Upon learning Bai Yaoyao served the Sacred Lady of Mount Li, Xiao Qing, still trying to maintain her authority, attempted to recruit Bai Yaoyao, promising her a life of luxury and even the possibility of Heavenly Peaches. Intrigued by the mention of Heavenly Peaches, Bai Yaoyao agreed to a fight.

Bai Yaoyao effortlessly defeated Xiao Qing, who quickly conceded and proposed they reschedule their battle for another day, claiming she had just fought 300 rounds at the Apothecary House. Bai Yaoyao, naive and earnest, expressed regret that she wouldn't get a Heavenly Peach soon, a reaction that made Xiao Qing find her unexpectedly "quite cute." Suddenly, Qi Xiao's condition at the Apothecary House appeared to worsen dramatically.

Xu Xuan, after seemingly failing to cure him, ordered Qing Feng to secretly bury Qi Xiao. Xiao Qing, having seen Apothecary House servants carrying what she believed was Qi Xiao's corpse, decided to intercept them, intending to burn his body as an act of revenge. However, it was a ruse; Qi Xiao had faked his death to lure Xiao Qing out. He sprang to life, rebuking her for her foolishness and attacking her.

As Qi Xiao was about to deliver a fatal blow, Xu Xuan, who had been observing the entire time, intervened. He urged Qi Xiao to show mercy, arguing that killing a demon was still killing, and that true righteousness lay in eradicating evil itself, not just demons. Qi Xiao clarified he merely intended to teach Xiao Qing a lesson for breaking into the Apothecary House and did not mean to kill her.

He also expressed his disappointment in Xu Xuan for tricking his own people. Unmoved, Xu Xuan remained unapologetic about his methods. Back in her cave, Xiao Qing spat blood, realizing the immense power of Qi Xiao, whose single strike had severely damaged her spiritual marble. Desperate for healing, she instructed her subordinate, Xiao Hui, to capture a human. Just then, Bai Yaoyao reappeared. She stopped Xiao Qing's demons and gently admonished Xiao Qing for her dangerous healing methods.

Bai Yaoyao also exposed Xiao Qing's earlier lie about possessing Heavenly Peaches. After healing Xiao Qing, Bai Yaoyao finally revealed her true identity as Bai Yaoyao, a disciple of the Sacred Lady of Mount Li. Xiao Qing, realizing she was standing before the very person whose name she had been impersonating, was completely humbled and pledged her allegiance to Bai Yaoyao, with all her small demons following suit.

Meanwhile, Xu Xuan's elder sister, Xu Jiaorong, a renowned matchmaker, was determined to arrange a marriage between Xu Xuan and Leng Ning. Xu Xuan, however, showed no interest in the matter and tried to avoid the topic. Qing Feng, misunderstanding Xu Xuan's evasive instruction to his sister to "do what she wishes to do" (referring to stocking licorice), mistakenly told Xu Jiaorong that Xu Xuan had agreed to the wedding.

Xu Jiaorong and Leng Ning were delighted, but Xu Xuan quickly intervened, redirecting his sister's attention to some herbs for her husband and sending her home with Leng Ning. As Xu Jiaorong was leaving, the bell of the Apothecary House rang, signifying a crisis. Disciples from the Duan Yang School, known for their mastery of poison defense, were dispatched to investigate. Xu Xuan, accompanied by Qing Feng, went to inspect the herb storeroom.

To their surprise, they discovered that not only were no herbs missing, but there were actually "more" herbs than before. It was Bai Yaoyao who had returned the stolen herbs, but she became trapped inside the Apothecary House. She inadvertently found herself hiding in Xu Xuan’s room. Xu Xuan, sensing her presence and mistaking her for Xiao Qing, noted she was a woman.

Concerned about his reputation, he did not want to be found alone with a woman in his room. He instructed Bai Yaoyao to use a secret tunnel behind his bookshelf to leave undetected, emphasizing the importance of preserving his "glorious reputation." He also playfully warned her not to use covert means to enter the Apothecary House again, though he quickly dismissed it as a joke.

Soon after Bai Yaoyao's departure through the secret passage, Qi Xiao arrived with other disciples, determined to apprehend the demon. Xu Xuan, however, smoothly deflected Qi Xiao, claiming that since the stolen herbs were returned and the demon had repented, they should show forgiveness. Qi Xiao, realizing Xu Xuan had deliberately let the demon escape, gave Xu Xuan a disappointed look, stating, "I'm wrong about you," before turning to leave in anger. That night, Xu Xuan dreamt of a woman in water, smiling alluringly, a face that felt incredibly familiar yet remained tantalizingly out of focus.

The faint sound of bells ushered in the Peach Blossom Festival. Xu Xuan awoke from a dream of a mysterious white-clad girl, feeling a profound sense of loss and familiarity. He wondered, "Who is she? Why do I have such a familiar feeling?" It was also the anniversary of his Master Leng's passing, a day that always brought regret.

He reflected on how Master Leng had saved him and his sister, Xu Jiaorong, long ago, saying, "If Lord Leng didn't save us, we won't even know. . . where would we be now. Or even perhaps. . . we were be long dead by now." Now, Leng Ning, Master Leng's daughter, had completed her three years of mourning. She suggested, "Today is the Peach Blossom Festival. We have been mourning for 3 years.

Master should already have felt our filial piety. We should be able to leave the mountain this year, and get a change of scene." Xu Xuan, noticing her flushed face, asked if she wished to go down the mountain. Although he initially feigned indifference, saying, "You could have just told me," and teasingly added, "How could I refuse my only Sister Leng Ning?" , he eventually agreed.

He instructed Qing Feng to prepare extra money, citing his desire to search for ancient books at the festival. However, Qing Feng teased him, "Aren't you only going because Miss Leng wants to?" Xu Xuan quickly denied it, claiming, "Those cosmetics that girls buy, what do those have to do with me?" He smoothly used this as an excuse to leave the Apothecary House. Meanwhile, Bai Yaoyao and Xiao Qing arrived at the bustling market.

Xiao Qing commented on the Peach Blossom Festival, saying, "Today is the Peach Blossom Festival, there're fun games and food everywhere. This mask is exclusive to the festival." Xu Xuan, still feeling the lingering presence of the girl from his dream, spotted a flash of white and eagerly pursued it, only to lose sight of it at a mask stall. Leng Ning and Qing Feng quickly caught up to him, asking, "Lord Xu, you went off so quickly.

Why did you come over here? What are you looking for?" Xu Xuan vaguely replied, "Nothing." Leng Ning, charmed by the masks, bought two and offered one to Xu Xuan. He initially expressed dislike for "such common things," but then conceded that "once in a while, one must go with the crowd." Elsewhere, a lost Bai Yaoyao, separated from Xiao Qing, bumped into Xu Xuan and they exchanged apologies.

The festivities were soon disrupted as Qi Xiao, tracking demon energy, also arrived at the market. He spotted Xiao Qing and immediately recognized her as "the dirty thief who stole the herbs the other day." Xiao Qing retorted defensively, claiming she had returned everything and asking what else he wanted. Qi Xiao, however, accused her of hindering life-saving treatments, stating, "The things you stole were herbs for saving lives.

Did you consider that people's treatments could be hindered, and they could even die?" As Qi Xiao confronted her, Xiao Qing, in an act of self-preservation, seized Leng Ning. Leng Ning bit Xiao Qing, who, instinctively following a snake's nature, bit her back. Qi Xiao, angered, declared, "Demon, I will take you down today!" He attacked Xiao Qing, wounding her before she managed to escape in the ensuing chaos. Around the same time, Xu Xuan noticed a vendor selling snakes.

He promptly bought one and released it into a peach forest. Bai Yaoyao, remembering her past with Zi Xuan, was also drawn to the peach forest. There, she encountered Xu Xuan releasing a small snake. She asked the snake, "Why are you here? Are you lost? You must have been gluttonous. That's how you got caught." In a daze, she perceived Xu Xuan as Zi Xuan, remarking to the snake, "Is that really you, Zi Xuan?

I have never heard of such a gluttonous snake. Did I really mend your primordial spirit? Is it really you?" Xu Xuan, addressing the snake, said, "I think you look pretty intelligent. Be smarter next time. Don't get caught again." Seeing Xu Xuan, the softest part of Bai Yaoyao's heart was touched, and tears welled in her eyes. The memories of a thousand years ago replayed vividly before her. Could Zi Xuan's primordial spirit be fully gathered?

Had Zi Xuan truly resurrected? The man in the peach forest was a spitting image of Zi Xuan. Bai Yaoyao stared at Xu Xuan, tears falling, yearning to return to a time when Zi Xuan was still with her. Suddenly, an injured and bleeding Xiao Qing rushed into the peach forest, crying, "Xiao Bai! Xiao Bai, save me!" In that instant, Xu Xuan vanished from the peach forest. Bai Yaoyao, frantic, asked, "Where is he?

Did you see a person just now? Where did he go?" She insisted, "No, I remember him. His glance, his expression, his breath and his smile. I won't make any mistake when it's about him!" Back at the Apothecary House, Leng Ning's cold poison proved to be abnormally fierce and beyond the reach of ordinary medicines. Xu Xuan expressed regret, saying, "If I didn't get separated from Leng Ning at the time, this wouldn't have happened."

He quickly dispatched someone to the Kunlun Snowy Plains to find the rare eight-petaled, seven-leaved white viburnum, knowing it was the only true cure. However, a disciple informed him that others were already searching for snake guts as a temporary measure to control the poison. Meanwhile, Bai Yaoyao tended to Xiao Qing's wounds. Xiao Qing, recovered, immediately blamed Leng Ning, but Bai Yaoyao admonished her, "You shouldn't have hurt anyone."

Xiao Qing tried to justify her actions, claiming, "She had it coming, a tooth for a tooth," but Bai Yaoyao sharply reminded her, "She's human and you're a demon. Are you guys the same? That bite you gave her will probably kill her." Realizing the gravity of the situation, Bai Yaoyao resolved to make amends.

She instructed Xiao Hui to deliver a letter to Qi Xiao, promising to personally treat Leng Ning's illness if he would spare Xiao Qing for now. Bai Yaoyao also vowed to take Xiao Qing to the Apothecary House "to take responsibility for her actions." Despite Xiao Qing's protests, "I haven't done anything wrong. Why do I have to apologise?"

Bai Yaoyao, after a brief exchange where she probed Xiao Qing's fear of Qi Xiao, prepared to go to the Apothecary House. She sternly warned Xiao Qing, "You be good and stay here. Don't run off, understand? Don't leave on your own. If you cause me more troubles, I will heavily punish you." Upon reaching the Apothecary House, Bai Yaoyao discovered that all entrances were guarded and heavily sprinkled with realgar, leading her to conclude, "It looks like. . .

they know Xiao Qing is a snake demon." Bai Yaoyao found an unguarded spot and decided to enter the Apothecary House from there. However, she unknowingly stepped into a magical barrier, transforming into a white snake. She gasped, "Oh no! This is a magical barrier! Why would the Apothecary House have such a powerful magical barrier?" Realizing her predicament, she thought, "If the people of the Apothecary House see me like this, it will only create more problems."

Soon, a disciple discovered her, exclaiming, "There's a white snake here! Leng Ning can be saved now!" The disciples eagerly captured her, planning to extract her gallbladder to save Leng Ning. Xu Xuan was summoned. Bai Yaoyao, recognizing him, thought, "It wasn't my imagination. So he is the Lord of the Apothecary House." Xu Xuan, appearing cold and ruthless, instructed, "Send it to the Elixir Chamber. I want to remove its guts by myself."

To the snake, he said, "I'm doing this in person. It's your lucky day." However, a disciple, seeing Leng Ning's worsening condition, questioned why Xu Xuan hadn't prescribed medicine. Xu Xuan explained that the white viburnum was still on its way, due to arrive tomorrow, and that using snake guts was merely "a backup plan" for temporary control.

He added, "If we want to truly cure Leng Ning's body of poison, we have to wait for the white viburnum to arrive tomorrow." The disciple, confused, asked, "But. . . But, weren't you. . . removing the snake guts?" Xu Xuan then revealed his true intention: "That snake had a hidden ailment. I was cleaning out the rotting wound on its belly." Bai Yaoyao, who was listening, realized he was "healing the snake?"

Xu Xuan further elaborated on his medical philosophy: "Human or snake, as long as they're in the Apothecary House and they are hurt, then it's an insult to my medical skill. Consider it as helping Leng Ning. . . to gather some karma." He reiterated his preference, stating, "If we have the white viburnum, then naturally we won't need to harm that white snake."

Despite a disciple's concern for Leng Ning, Xu Xuan firmly stated, "Saving living things is the most important rule of practising medicine." Leng Ning, observing Xu Xuan's calm demeanor, commented, "I have yet to see a patient. . . that could render him helpless," expressing her trust in him. Bai Yaoyao, after witnessing Xu Xuan's actions, reflected, "Using guts to save people. Zi Xuan would never do that."

Intrigued and determined to confirm his identity, she decided, "No, I want to read his memories tonight." Later, she managed to enter his consciousness. To her surprise, she found no trace of Zi Xuan's memories, wondering, "Why doesn't he have one shred of Zi Xuan's memories?" Yet, she was struck by the purity of his inner world, thinking, "I never expected your heart. . . to be so pure white."

She struggled to use her powers within his mind, realizing, "I can't use even a single bit of prowess in Xu Xuan's conscious." She was baffled by the contradiction: "There isn't any deity aura left, yet he has such a strong and powerful conscious. How is this possible?" Soon, alarming news reached Xu Xuan: the cargo ship carrying the white viburnum had encountered a storm, and all the precious herbs were lost.

Xu Xuan was dismayed, realizing, "Is it that we can only use this snake as a cure?" He desperately ordered his disciples to spread the word across every clinic, pharmacy, and sect, big or small, that the Apothecary House would "pay any price" for a Mount Kunlun white viburnum, exhausting every possibility. Just then, more bad news arrived: Leng Ning's condition had severely worsened, her face ashen, breathing rapidly, and coughing up black blood.

The poison had spread to her arteries, demanding immediate medication, yet "there's nothing useful but the white viburnum." With no other choice, Xu Xuan reluctantly ordered, "Prepare the medical kit, and come with me to get the snake gut." Meanwhile, Xiao Hui informed Xiao Qing that the Apothecary House had captured a white snake and intended to use its guts as a cure.

Xiao Qing, aghast, rushed to rescue Bai Yaoyao, but upon arriving, she found the entrances guarded by spells. She was confronted by Xu Xuan, who she accused of being ruthless for planning to kill the white snake. Xu Xuan, in turn, sharply criticized her for biting Leng Ning and daring to cause trouble. He stated, "I hate being threatened. Especially when I am threatened publicly," and ordered her capture. Xiao Qing was subsequently thrown into the dungeon.

Observing Xu Xuan's actions and willingness to use the snake, Bai Yaoyao, still in her snake form, internally concluded, "He must not be Zi Xuan. What a waste of Zi Xuan's good look." Soon after, she made her escape, and a disciple reported to Xu Xuan that the white snake was gone. Later, Bai Yaoyao reappeared at the Apothecary House, now in her human form, introducing herself as "Bai Yaoyao, the disciple of the Sacred Lady of Mount Li."

She claimed she came of her own accord to help Xiao Qing. Xu Xuan, initially dismissive, said, "If you are here to ask for mercy for Xiao Qing, please leave." However, Bai Yaoyao clarified her true purpose: "Xiao Qing did something wrong. I'm here to help cure Miss Leng Ning." Xu Xuan, surprised, challenged her abilities, asking, "If even I can't do anything, what makes you think you can cure Leng Ning?"

Bai Yaoyao explained that besides medicine, "there is another way. . . magical prowess." Skeptical, Xu Xuan dismissed her powers as "parlour tricks" and asked what else she could do. To test her, Xu Xuan produced a box containing a Sacred Spider of the West, known for its "pretty fatal" poison. Bai Yaoyao immediately recognized the spider and understood his intention: "Are you. . . trying to test me with this? In order to test me, you're risking your life?"

Xu Xuan justified his actions by citing his profound debt to his Master and his responsibility towards the Apothecary House and Leng Ning. He refused to entrust Leng Ning to someone with a "shady background." Bai Yaoyao defended her integrity, stating that her sect's only rule was not to lie. Xu Xuan then allowed the spider to bite him, despite Bai Yaoyao's exasperation and teasing.

She implored him to use his arterial closing technique to resist the poison, but he refused, explaining, "If I close off my arteries, how can I test you? If you won't even save someone right in front of you, how can I trust you will save Leng Ning?" Faced with Xu Xuan's unwavering resolve, Bai Yaoyao had no choice but to use her magic to heal him. After she successfully cured him, Xu Xuan declared, "I've won the gamble. You've passed the test."

To test Bai Yaoyao's abilities, Xu Xuan risked his own life by intentionally poisoning himself. After Bai Yaoyao promptly cured him, Xu Xuan acknowledged her competence. He then informed her that if she could use her magical prowess to cure Leng Ning, he would return Xiao Qing. He emphasized that Leng Ning, the former Apothecary House master's daughter, was under his care and no harm must come to her.

Qing Feng, concerned that Xu Xuan had tested the poison on himself, expressed regret that Bai Yaoyao hadn't been used for the test, stating that if Bai Yaoyao hadn't saved him, he would have had to "go to the King of Hell to chart a path for Leng Ning." Xu Xuan instructed Qing Feng to set up a fireplace in Leng Ning's room to protect her from the penetrating cold.

Bai Yaoyao, while observing Xu Xuan, noted his striking resemblance to Zi Xuan but felt they were vastly different. Meanwhile, Mrs. Li, concerned that Leng Ning remained unconscious, suspected an evil influence. She convinced her husband, Constable Li, to visit Demon Hunter Ville, believing Master Yuan Yi could help subdue any lurking demons.

Upon their arrival, Master Yuan Yi was counseling a carp demon, Hong Xin, reminding her of the natural divide between humans and demons and the consequences of defying heavenly laws. The carp demon, however, insisted her love was true and, refusing his advice, revealed her true form and departed. Qi Xiao returned to Demon Hunter Ville, inquiring about Leng Ning's condition at the Apothecary House.

Master Yuan Yi, calm, told Qi Xiao to stay out of the matter, revealing a divination that showed Qi Xiao could not subdue the green snake now, as it was a matter of fate. He assured Qi Xiao that Leng Ning would be fine, helped by a benefactor. Qi Xiao, suspecting this benefactor to be Bai Yaoyao, pressed Yuan Yi for more information about her.

Yuan Yi dismissed his questions and ordered Qi Xiao to guard the elixir furnace while he went to collect herbs, overriding Qi Xiao's initial reluctance and commitment to Xu Xuan. At the Apothecary House, Bai Yaoyao discovered a powerful magical barrier in the Fiery Ground and wondered why such a place existed there. Xu Xuan explained that the Fiery Ground's climate remained constant year-round, making it ideal for decocting medicines, and many Apothecary House disciples had entered it before.

He recounted his master's observation that despite the constant fire, the ground remained cold, a phenomenon against natural order. Bai Yaoyao realized that the barrier allowed only humans to enter without revealing their true form, while demons would transform. She decided to shed her magical prowess to enter as a human, using the barrier to extract her spiritual marble and cure Leng Ning's poison, thus fulfilling her promise to Xu Xuan without revealing her true identity.

She requested Xu Xuan to ensure no one disturbed them during the process, and he agreed. Escaping from a dungeon where Qi Xiao had imprisoned her with the Demon Dagger, Xiao Qing complained about her hunger and expressed her determination to break free. Soon after, Xiao Hui appeared, offering her food and a grand opportunity.

He informed her that Bai Yaoyao was using her spiritual marble to save Leng Ning in the cave, presenting it as a chance to seize the marble and gain immense power. Xiao Qing, initially suspicious of Xiao Hui's motives and sudden appearance, questioned his sincerity.

Unbeknownst to Xiao Qing, Xiao Hui was acting under the coercion of Tao Tie, who had kidnapped Xiao Hui's family and ordered him to seize Bai Yaoyao's spiritual marble while her power was at its weakest. Tao Tie had even provided Xiao Hui with a mysterious artifact to aid him. Xiao Hui, convincing Xiao Qing that with the spiritual marble, they would no longer be bullied by the Apothecary House and Qi Xiao, successfully swayed her.

Bai Yaoyao, weakened as she extracted the poison, was unaware of the approaching danger. Xiao Hui urged Xiao Qing to take action, reminding her that Bai Yaoyao was using her thousand-year spiritual marble for a human. Xiao Qing, believing demons should prioritize themselves and unite against humans, seized the spiritual marble from Bai Yaoyao. Bai Yaoyao called out to Xiao Qing, questioning her intentions.

Xiao Qing retorted that Bai Yaoyao was too careless to let her spiritual marble leave her body for a human, especially after Bai Yaoyao had sided with humans to imprison her. Xiao Hui then claimed that a powerful "fate" was attached to the spiritual marble and it would harm Xiao Qing, but Xiao Qing dismissed this, declaring she didn't believe in fate.

She then ordered Xiao Hui to abduct the unconscious Leng Ning, leaving Bai Yaoyao severely injured and helpless on the ground. As Xiao Qing and Xiao Hui made their escape from the Fiery Ground, Xiao Qing tossed Tao Tie's artifact into the flames, causing the fire to roar and intensify dramatically. Xiao Hui, worried about their safety as they were now in mortal forms, urged Xiao Qing to leave the still-incapacitated Bai Yaoyao.

Meanwhile, in a distant location, Tao Tie rejoiced, proclaiming that his thousand-year wait was over and vowing vengeance on Zi Xuan. At the Apothecary House, the sudden surge of flames and demon aura from the Fiery Ground alarmed Xu Xuan. He questioned if the intense fire could be Bai Yaoyao's doing alone, and expressed concern for Leng Ning. Shortly after, a disciple reported that Xiao Qing, having escaped the dungeon, sent a message warning of danger inside the Fiery Ground.

Xu Xuan, connecting the dots, ordered the immediate capture of Xiao Qing, suspecting her involvement in the chaos and questioning how she escaped and knew about the Fiery Ground. Inside the raging Fiery Ground, Bai Yaoyao struggled to cling to life, determined to survive and save Leng Ning, upholding her promise to Xu Xuan and not wanting him to belittle her. Xu Xuan, ignoring his disciples' pleas, plunged into the inferno himself.

He found Bai Yaoyao, who was overcome with emotion, believing him to be Zi Xuan. She confessed her deep fear of losing him again, of being alone, and of an endless search for his spirit, begging him never to leave her. Xu Xuan, though his identity was unclear to her at the moment, reassured her of his presence.

He carried her out of the Fiery Ground, but the intense heat and the ordeal caused both to collapse unconscious as Apothecary House disciples rushed to their aid. When asked about Leng Ning, a dazed Xu Xuan could only utter her name. At the cliffside, Xiao Qing struggled to carry Leng Ning, complaining about her weight. Leng Ning then fell from Xiao Qing's grasp.

Xiao Qing, momentarily forgetting her magical prowess, was spurred by Xiao Hui to remember it and quickly rescued Leng Ning from further harm. Later, Xiao Hui, fearing repercussions from the Apothecary House if Leng Ning were dead, worried about being hunted. Xiao Qing, meanwhile, was more concerned about Bai Yaoyao's fate, wondering if she had escaped. Suddenly, Qi Xiao confronted Xiao Qing, accusing the "snake demon" of causing trouble and attempting to subdue her.

Master Yuan Yi appeared, chastising Qi Xiao for abandoning his duties to watch the elixir furnace. Yuan Yi warned Xiao Qing that the spiritual marble she consumed carried a "Fate of Seven Prowesses" and was already consuming her, threatening her life if not immediately expelled. As Xiao Qing began to cough blood, Qi Xiao was momentarily distracted, allowing Xiao Qing to escape. Seeking answers, Bai Yaoyao journeyed to Mount Jiuxi and consulted the Green Emperor.

She asked if Xu Xuan, who saved her in the Fiery Ground, was truly Zi Xuan. The Green Emperor explicitly denied it, stating it was merely "an illusion created by the demon in her heart" and that the person who saved her was indeed Xu Xuan, a mortal who only resembled Zi Xuan. He reminded her that she herself had examined Xu Xuan's consciousness and should know he possessed none of Zi Xuan's aura.

Bai Yaoyao, heartbroken, pressed for the truth about Zi Xuan's soul, asking if the Soul Collecting Light had managed to gather it. The Green Emperor firmly stated that the "Soul Collecting Light is already broken, Zi Xuan will never come back," and advised her to leave the Apothecary House and Xu Xuan, abandoning her obsession with the fantasy. Back in her room at the Apothecary House, Bai Yaoyao was confronted by Xu Xuan, who questioned her recent disappearance.

He noted the stark difference between them, remarking that she had rekindled her hopes in the Fiery Ground, but it was "only an illusion." Xu Xuan then directly challenged her, accusing her of being the demon who entered his room previously, not Xiao Qing, as her pulse was like a demon's—slow and heavy—and her aura was distinctly different from Xiao Qing's.

Bai Yaoyao admitted she was a cultivator, explaining her pulse, and accepted full responsibility for Xiao Qing's actions, including Leng Ning's disappearance. She then departed, promising an explanation to the Apothecary House and agreeing that Xiao Qing would be at their disposal if Leng Ning were harmed. Xu Xuan acknowledged the personal risk Bai Yaoyao took in the Fiery Ground to save Leng Ning, and implicitly, himself.

He added that the favor of her saving him was a separate matter for the future, but made it clear that she would be expected to "straighten this out" regarding Leng Ning. Meanwhile, Xiao Qing realized she needed to find Bai Yaoyao immediately to remove the spiritual marble, or face dire consequences. Before she could, she was surrounded by Apothecary House disciples. They demanded to know Leng Ning's location and what she had done to her.

Despite her resistance and demand to see Bai Yaoyao first, the disciples prepared to execute the demon on the spot. At the same time, Bai Yaoyao successfully located Leng Ning at the bottom of a cliff and fully healed her.

Although Xiao Qing had previously harmed Bai Yaoyao, a spark of kindness still flickered within her. As fellow snake demons, Bai Yaoyao refused to let Xiao Qing's future be ruined. When Apothecary House disciples attempted to execute Xiao Qing, Bai Yaoyao intervened, stating she would take responsibility for Xiao Qing's actions and asking them to release her. The disciples, however, insisted on an eye for an eye. Bai Yaoyao single-handedly fought them off and saved Xiao Qing.

The strain from her spiritual marble having been removed caused Bai Yaoyao to collapse. Xu Xuan, despite his cold demeanor, was not heartless; he ordered his disciples to cease their attack and bring Bai Yaoyao back to the palace for treatment. Xiao Qing, bewildered, asked why Bai Yaoyao saved her.

Bai Yaoyao explained it was because Xiao Qing had shown a glimpse of conscience and willingness to save her during the Fiery Ground incident, but warned her not to repeat past mistakes. Under Xu Xuan's meticulous care, Bai Yaoyao quickly recovered.

In her semiconscious state, she often mistook Xu Xuan for Zi Xuan, sometimes wondering if time had rewound to a millennium ago when she was a small white snake and Zi Xuan was the noble, god-like disciple of the Green Emperor. Xiao Qing expected severe punishment from Bai Yaoyao but was surprised when Bai Yaoyao merely retrieved her spiritual marble and advised her to mend her ways.

Having no parents, siblings, or friends, Xiao Qing experienced a sense of family for the first time with Bai Yaoyao. She vowed to follow Bai Yaoyao forever and be her dear sister, even if it meant facing severe thunderous punishment or subduement. When Bai Yaoyao challenged her sincerity, Xiao Qing theatrically threatened to harm herself, confirming her unwavering resolve. Bai Yaoyao, initially taken aback, eventually forgave her, reminding her to never make the same mistakes again.

After her recovery, Bai Yaoyao frequently played the zither in the Apothecary House, her heart longing for Zi Xuan as her fingers moved across the strings, playing his old compositions. Xu Xuan, unfamiliar with the melodies, grew curious about this Zi Xuan, a person described by Bai Yaoyao as perfect in every way, whose magical prowess was far superior to his own.

He wondered about Zi Xuan’s identity and his relationship with Bai Yaoyao, a subtle hint of jealousy permeating the air. Bai Yaoyao, feeling tired, abruptly left. Xu Xuan was left to ponder the identity of Zi Xuan and his connection to Bai Yaoyao, captivated by her music. Meanwhile, the Green Emperor, observing through a mirror, learned that before Zi Xuan's complete disappearance, he had transformed his soul into barriers to seal the Flood Dragon.

Following the recent underground fire incident, the fire barrier had been broken. The Green Emperor feared this was no accident and could lead to another major catastrophe. Tao Tie, guided by the Demon Emperor's calculations, had successfully breached one of Zi Xuan’s barriers and planned to collaborate with the Demon Emperor to break the remaining ones, predicting a change in the Apothecary House's fate. Xu Xuan played chess with Bai Yaoyao, insisting on a clear winner.

Despite Xu Xuan giving her a three-piece handicap, Bai Yaoyao lost. Xu Xuan used her defeat to playfully mock Zi Xuan's chess teachings and, as a forfeit, flicked Bai Yaoyao's forehead. He then "demanded payment" for her medical care, telling her she had to stay and work in the Elixir Chamber, subtly trying to keep her close.

Bai Yaoyao found this cold and seemingly ruthless Xu Xuan amusing, noting the stark difference in personality despite his identical appearance to Zi Xuan. Xu Xuan's junior sister, Leng Ning, close to Xu Xuan and sharing everything with him, felt threatened by Bai Yaoyao's presence. She deliberately suggested finding a marriage match for Miss Bai, observing Xu Xuan's reaction. Xu Xuan, however, dismissed the idea, appearing indifferent, and suggested Leng Ning help Qing Feng instead.

Unbeknownst to them, Bai Yaoyao overheard this conversation from behind a rockery and, feeling disheartened, went for a walk by the river. By the rushing river, Bai Yaoyao encountered Qi Xiao and recognized him as Ling Chu. Qi Xiao, still pondering his master's words about Xiao Qing having a benefactor, realized Bai Yaoyao fit the description. He noted her lack of demonic aura despite being a snake demon.

Bai Yaoyao explained she had cultivated under the Sacred Lady of Mount Li and was not a cruel demon. Hearing Qi Xiao's doubts about Xiao Qing, Bai Yaoyao echoed Zi Xuan's sentiment: whether one is human or demon depends on their heart. These words deeply resonated with Qi Xiao, leaving him in thoughtful silence as he wondered where he had seen Bai Yaoyao before. Suddenly, a transmission talisman arrived, summoning Bai Yaoyao to her Crane Sister.

The Crane Sister, a cultivator under the Herb Deity, was injured while tending to a Wujilan flower. It was revealed that Tao Tie, with malevolent intentions, had smeared the flower with the poisonous sap from the Wujilan root, causing the Crane Sister's injury. He was orchestrating a grand scheme to unleash chaos upon the mortal world.

The Crane Sister also confided that she had used an illusion to arrange the meeting between Bai Yaoyao and Ling Chu, hoping he held clues about Zi Xuan. She speculated Ling Chu might be attempting to reverse fate, an impossible feat even for the Heavenly Emperor, and reminded Bai Yaoyao that they were all still bound by their destinies. Around the same time, Shopkeeper Wu, a long-term herb merchant collaborating with the Apothecary House, was found severely stabbed and unconscious.

Xu Xuan, already investigating the underground fire incident, immediately launched an inquiry into this brutal attack. Shopkeeper Wu, just before succumbing to his wounds, pleaded with Xu Xuan to save his wife and child. Xu Xuan, with his disciples, rushed to Shopkeeper Wu's village, only to find his wife and daughter surrounded by fearful villagers, who, driven by the rampant plague, were preparing to burn them.

Xu Xuan intervened, revealing that the villagers themselves were afflicted by the highly contagious disease. This virulent plague, secretly instigated by Tao Tie, had already claimed countless lives, and Xu Xuan was at a loss for a cure. He swore not to leave until the plague was eradicated and sent the orphaned daughter to the Apothecary House for safety. Bai Yaoyao offered her help and instructed Xiao Qing to investigate the source of the epidemic.

After days of sleepless efforts, Xu Xuan was exhausted. While he had managed to control the plague's spread, he hadn't found a cure. He sent Qing Feng to discover who the first infected person was and to expedite the delivery of herbs from the Apothecary House. Both Xu Xuan and Bai Yaoyao, independently investigating the plague, ventured into the depths of the forest to uncover the truth.

They suspected a connection to the stolen Wujilan root and the presence of demon aura, realizing a nefarious plot was at play. Meanwhile, Leng Ning, responsible for transporting vital medicinal herbs, was targeted by Tao Tie. Her horse bolted towards a valley, causing the precious herbs to plummet into a ravine. Leng Ning instructed her companion to inform Xu Xuan of the disaster while she went to retrieve the fallen herbs.

Driven by the widespread plague, Bai Yaoyao and Xu Xuan both ventured into the depths of a village forest. Bai Yaoyao, following the demonic aura emanating from Wuji Orchid leaves, suddenly found herself confronted by a magical yellow sand barrier. This barrier, set up by Zi Xuan, trapped her within its powerful, life-threatening currents. Even with her sword, Bai Yaoyao found herself unable to resist.

In her confusion, Zi Xuan's spirit materialized, urging her to use sword energy against the barrier if such a situation arose again. Seeing his familiar face, Bai Yaoyao realized with certainty that Xu Xuan was the reincarnation of Zi Xuan, for two people could not share the same face without a deeper connection. Zi Xuan's spirit revealed that someone was deliberately trying to break his protective barrier, and the plague was far more complicated than it seemed.

Meanwhile, Xu Xuan had also arrived at the scene, cautiously observing the person trapped in the sand, suspecting them to be a monster. As Zi Xuan tried to impart more information, his voice was drowned out by thunder. In a moment of panic, Bai Yaoyao embraced him, only to find herself holding an unconscious Xu Xuan, who now lacked any trace of Zi Xuan's aura.

Despite this, the experience solidified Bai Yaoyao's belief that she had finally found her beloved Zi Xuan, and she silently vowed never to leave him again. Later, she brought Xu Xuan back to Leng Ning. Upon waking, Xu Xuan vaguely recalled a dream involving Bai Yaoyao crying. Leng Ning explained that Bai Yaoyao had found him unconscious and covered in sand, then brought him home, causing Xu Xuan some embarrassment at being seen in such a state.

Leng Ning probed about his earlier actions, and Xu Xuan mentioned investigating the abandoned grave for the cause of sudden deaths before they were interrupted by news of another villager falling ill. Xu Xuan immediately moved to attend to the patient, but learned that the much-needed herbs had been lost when the carriage fell off a cliff, putting Leng Ning in danger.

Xu Xuan realized the crucial cure for the plague was the rare Eight-starred Lotus Seed, which grew deep in the polluted West Lake, nearly impossible for anyone to retrieve. Bai Yaoyao, determined to help, volunteered to find it, assuring Xu Xuan she wouldn't attempt anything she wasn't confident in. Xu Xuan, still worried, questioned her understanding of the dangers. During her quest, Bai Yaoyao was injured by the lotus leaves, her blood nearly attracting a Water Dragon.

Fortunately, Hong Xin, a carp spirit, came to her aid and guided her out of the water, explaining that only Fortune's Star Fern could stop the bleeding caused by the lotus leaves. Upon her return with the precious lotus seed, Xu Xuan meticulously attended to Bai Yaoyao's injury. Overcome with joy at having "found" Zi Xuan, Bai Yaoyao was unusually affectionate, presenting Xu Xuan with peach blossoms and holding his hand tightly.

She confessed her previous unfavorable opinions of him, admitting she once thought him mean, narrow-minded, greedy, and unapproachable. Now, she declared him "the best person in this world" and insisted he would heal her. Xu Xuan was taken aback by her dramatic change in demeanor and the precious Snow Cherry Blossom she offered him, commenting on her casual consumption of such a powerful herb. Bai Yaoyao also noticed Xu Xuan's elevated body temperature, which he attributed to fatigue.

Meanwhile, Master Yuan Yi, Qi Xiao's master, also fell ill with the plague. Xu Xuan, noting the unusual severity of Master Yuan Yi's condition, agreed to administer a new remedy. He then tasked Qi Xiao with investigating the origin of the plague. Qi Xiao arrived at an abandoned morgue, where he encountered Xiao Qing, who was also investigating. As they pushed open the door, a black mist surged out. Qi Xiao instinctively pulled Xiao Qing to the ground.

Inside the dark, eerie house, Xiao Qing was unnerved by the sounds, repeatedly crying out that she was a demon and begged for mercy, much to Qi Xiao's amusement. They found several bodies, each bearing a distinct red dot on the forehead. Qi Xiao noted the sword wounds on the adult couple, suggesting a violent death, but the child's body was unharmed, save for the red dot.

They realized the unusual placement of the bodies, contrary to local customs for murder victims, indicated a suspicious cause of death. After receiving the Eight-starred Lotus Seed, Master Yuan Yi made a swift recovery, expressing profound gratitude to Bai Yaoyao. During their conversation, Master Yuan Yi reminded Bai Yaoyao of a boy named Ling Chu she had saved ten years ago, whose parents were murdered by the Nanshan Tree Demon.

He revealed that Ling Chu was now his disciple, Qi Xiao, a capable demon hunter. Bai Yaoyao noticed a red dot on Master Yuan Yi's forehead, similar to those on the plague victims. She also reflected on Ling Chu's possible connection to Zi Xuan and the pain he might have endured. As the villagers recovered from the plague, they gathered to thank Xu Xuan and Leng Ning, openly expressing their hopes for the two to marry.

Xu Xuan, visibly uncomfortable, firmly clarified that he and Leng Ning were merely fellow disciples, and asked Qing Feng to correct the villagers' assumptions, emphasizing the importance of Leng Ning's reputation. Leng Ning, left pondering Xu Xuan's strong reaction, wondered what her true place was in his heart. Bai Yaoyao, separately investigating the plague's source, went to the abandoned cemetery where the first victim was buried. She examined the body, noting the familiar red dot on its forehead.

Attempting to uncover the truth from the spirit, she discovered that the red dot was a remnant soul left by Tao Tie. Simultaneously, Qi Xiao and Xiao Qing, trapped by Tao Tie's black energy in the house they were investigating, found themselves in a perilous soul-seizing formation. Xiao Qing, despite her initial bravado, quickly realized the enemy's power was far beyond her expectations.

Back at the Apothecary House, Xu Xuan suddenly felt sharp, piercing pains throughout his body, indicating he too had contracted the plague. He quickly lost consciousness. Bai Yaoyao, returning from the abandoned graves, found Xu Xuan and saw the small red dot emerging on his forehead. Connecting this to the red dots she had seen on the corpses and Master Yuan Yi, a horrifying realization dawned on her: she was too late.

Having discovered Xu Xuan infected by the plague, Bai Yaoyao desperately worked to save him. Meanwhile, Qi Xiao and Xiao Qing, trapped by Tao Tie's dark magic, inadvertently waited until dawn. As the sun rose, it broke Tao Tie's powerful formation, leaving him severely weakened. Qi Xiao then faced the monstrous demon directly, forcing it to retreat. Xu Xuan eventually regained consciousness, understanding the dire nature of his illness. To maintain stability, he decided to avoid all contact.

He believed Leng Ning was the best person to lead the Apothecary House in his absence, so he meticulously entrusted all responsibilities to her. Unaware of Xu Xuan's true condition, Leng Ning sought him out but was harshly reprimanded, which left her confused and hurt. Bai Yaoyao was helpless with Xu Xuan’s condition, only able to offer slight relief from his agonizing pain.

His unusual behavior—isolating himself and relaying all orders through Bai Yaoyao—sparked widespread gossip among the disciples of the Apothecary House. Leng Ning, who saw herself as Xu Xuan's fiancée, was deeply unsettled by him leaving with Bai Yaoyao at night and his bizarre actions. Lacking any immediate solution, she retreated to the Fiery Ground to cultivate. After being severely weakened, Tao Tie resolved to eliminate Bai Yaoyao before she could cause further trouble.

In the Fiery Ground, where the fire and earth barriers had been broken, numerous souls drifted, including the Demon Emperor Zhan Huang. Five hundred years prior, he had been trapped within fragments of Zi Xuan's spirit. The Soul Collecting Light was now reconstructing both their spirits. Bai Yaoyao had unknowingly nourished the spirit for centuries, speaking her affections to it daily, which had unwittingly planted a seed of affection for the unknown white-clad woman in the Demon Emperor's heart.

Leng Ning arrived at the Fiery Ground, refusing to eat or drink. Bai Yaoyao and Xiao Qing soon followed, attempting to persuade her. However, Leng Ning, proud by nature, rebuffed their concerns, even as Xiao Qing highlighted the disparate treatment of humans and demons. Bai Yaoyao, with her keen senses, noticed a profound change: the spiritual energy in the Fiery Ground had completely vanished.

Leng Ning, in a fit of pique, merely continued to study the Poison Scroll, dismissing their observations. Meanwhile, Xu Xuan’s detailed and extensive instructions for the Apothecary House left the disciples deeply unsettled, making them wonder if he was preparing for his death.

Bai Yaoyao clarified Tao Tie's origins for Xiao Qing and Qi Xiao, explaining that a portion of his soul had split off and evolved into the plague demon, now possessing people and spreading disease, marked by a red dot on the forehead. She connected this to the child corpse in the morgue that the dark shadow feared. She also suggested that Master Yuan Yi, having recovered from the plague, might hold the key to defeating the plague demon.

Qi Xiao promptly offered to seek out his master. As Xu Xuan's pain escalated, his sister, Xu Jiaorong, arrived at the Apothecary House, insisting on entering his room to investigate. Bai Yaoyao tried to block her, but Xu Jiaorong responded with sharp, mocking remarks, questioning Bai Yaoyao's reputation for being alone with Xu Xuan and reminding her of Xu Xuan's engagement to Leng Ning. Unable to control his torment, Xu Xuan suddenly fled the room.

Brother Song, witnessing Xu Xuan's erratic behavior, immediately gave chase, only to be gravely wounded by Master Yuan Yi, who, unbeknownst to him, was actually Tao Tie in disguise. Tao Tie, through Yuan Yi, intended to torture Xu Xuan further. Qi Xiao, still believing Master Yuan Yi was himself and wanting to help, attempted to subdue Xu Xuan. However, Bai Yaoyao refused to let anyone harm Xu Xuan.

She intervened, stating her belief that Xu Xuan was innocent, and swiftly took him away, disappearing with him. Learning the truth, Leng Ning decided to take on the heavy responsibility of leading the Apothecary House, despite her inexperience leaving her overwhelmed. At the same time, Tao Tie met with the Demon Emperor, and they recounted past grievances, resulting in a heated exchange.

The Demon Emperor, unperturbed, suggested that Tao Tie, while disguised as Yuan Yi, should exploit the Apothecary House's reputation and search the former master's medical notes for a solution. Meanwhile, Leng Ning tirelessly dispatched search parties across and beyond Lin'an City, accepting her past shortcomings and vowing to protect the Apothecary House and save Brother Song. Bai Yaoyao brought Xu Xuan to a secluded location, waiting for him to awaken.

When he did, he expressed deep concern for the Apothecary House's reputation, asking Bai Yaoyao to end his life should he lose control. Bai Yaoyao was heartbroken by his request. She urged him to live for himself, even if only for a single day, free from his burdens.

Xu Xuan was profoundly moved, confessing that no one had ever spoken to him that way, and he felt a strange sense of familiarity with Bai Yaoyao, as if they had known each other for a long time. Bai Yaoyao, in turn, remembered someone who had always sought to make her happy, and now she was determined to do everything in her power to ensure Xu Xuan could live the life he desired, no matter the cost.

Xu Xuan, still focused on his duties, wondered if they had a past connection he couldn't recall. Later, Brother Song began to recover. Everyone at the Apothecary House, including the disciples who had seen "Master Yuan Yi" casting a spell and framing Xu Xuan, assumed that Xu Xuan, in his frenzied state, was the one who injured him. However, upon regaining consciousness, Brother Song denied this, clearly stating that it was Master Yuan Yi who had attacked him. This revelation deeply impacted Bai Yaoyao.

Song Shixiong, who had been unconscious, finally awakened. Everyone had initially assumed that Xu Xuan, under the control of the plague demon and in a deranged state, had injured him. However, Song Shixiong denied this, stating, "The person who hurt me. . . wasn't Lord Xu." He then revealed that it was "Master Yuan Yi."

Later, it became clear that Yuan Yi, who was actually possessed by Tao Tie, had used demonic power to control Song Shixiong and forced him to make this statement, deceiving everyone. With the truth revealed, Bai Yaoyao asked Leng Ning to take Xu Xuan back to The Apothecary House.

Xu Xuan, still infected with the plague, thanked Bai Yaoyao for her companionship, saying it helped him "temporarily set down my daily burdens," and asked her not to make him wait too long for a cure. Bai Yaoyao promised to find a way. Xu Xuan also told Leng Ning that she had grown up, and he could finally entrust The Apothecary House to her.

Leng Ning confessed her desire to be someone Xu Xuan could lean on, not wanting to lose to Bai Yaoyao, but Xu Xuan reiterated that Leng Ning was his only sister, while Bai Yaoyao was "the only person I can entrust." Despite this, Bai Yaoyao mistakenly believed Xu Xuan truly loved Leng Ning and wished him happiness.

However, after Xu Xuan's departure, Bai Yaoyao became noticeably unhappy, a fact even Xiao Qing pointed out, asking why she let Leng Ning take him back if she would be so sad. Bai Yaoyao explained that she only wished for his safety, believing "it's better to let go than to hold on." She felt that "In Xu Xuan's heart, there is only The Apothecary House and Leng Ning."

While Xu Xuan himself had not yet fully realized his feelings for Bai Yaoyao, Leng Ning had already sensed his subtle favoritism towards Bai Yaoyao. Master Yuan Yi, consulting the ancient texts left by former Apothecary House master Leng Huichun, discovered that the fruit of Wujilan might counteract the poison from its roots, which caused the current plague. He suggested using an elixir made from the fruit to enter Xu Xuan's consciousness and kill the plague demon.

Bai Yaoyao deemed this plausible and resolved to personally travel to Penglai Heavenly Mountain to obtain the Wujilan fruit. Her determination was fueled by her desire to completely eliminate the plague demon, viewing it as the last thing she could do for Xu Xuan. Her companion, Crane, heard of her plan and admonished her, saying, "This isn't saving someone, it's sacrifice!"

Crane reminded her of Zi Xuan and Xu Xuan's past, urging her not to repeat the same self-sacrificial actions and to find another way, arguing Xu Xuan wouldn't agree. Bai Yaoyao, however, was resolute, asserting that Xu Xuan liked Leng Ning, and after saving him, she would leave The Apothecary House, convinced he would forget her and live happily with Leng Ning.

Crane found her more foolish than ever, but Bai Yaoyao declared her wishes fulfilled and life complete, insisting that they "must get rid of the plague demon immediately" to save Xu Xuan and help people. Having obtained the Wujilan fruit, Bai Yaoyao prepared the elixir. During its creation, she secretly added Soul Chasing Water, intending to bind her soul with Zi Xuan's forever, ensuring they would never be separated again, a resolve unchanged through millennia.

To ensure the smooth treatment of Xu Xuan, Bai Yaoyao enlisted Xiao Qing, Master Yuan Yi, and Qi Xiao to set up a protective formation, which Yuan Yi stated could only last two hours. After Xu Xuan ingested the elixir, Bai Yaoyao used her powers to enter his consciousness. Inside Xu Xuan's consciousness, Bai Yaoyao found Zi Xuan weakened.

He asked why she entered, knowing the danger, to which she replied she must kill the plague demon to save Xu Xuan and prevent Zi Xuan from disappearing again. Zi Xuan realized she added Soul Chasing Water to the elixir, binding her soul to his, ensuring she couldn't be thrown out.

He reprimanded her for her foolishness and the consequences, but Bai Yaoyao, burdened by "1000 years of guilt," believed this was the only way to repay him and find peace. The plague demon taunted Bai Yaoyao, revealing it had grown stronger by absorbing some of Zi Xuan's deity powers. Bai Yaoyao countered that the battle would decide who underestimated whom. She then created a barrier to protect the weakened Zi Xuan, facing the plague demon alone.

However, her cultivation was limited, and she was soon trapped by the demon's "Hallucinating Fog" and gravely wounded. Even wielding the sword Zi Xuan once gave her, she could not overpower the strengthened plague demon. Outside Xu Xuan's body, Tao Tie seized the opportunity to cause chaos. Possessing Master Yuan Yi, he disrupted the formation Bai Yaoyao had set up.

Xiao Qing was also injured by Tao Tie's demonic power, leaving Qi Xiao extremely anxious as Bai Yaoyao remained trapped inside. Inside Xu Xuan's consciousness, Zi Xuan's protective barrier was shattered. Realizing Bai Yaoyao's peril, Zi Xuan, disregarding his own safety, forcefully sent her out of the consciousness. He then confronted the plague demon, using his full power to kill it, severely depleting Tao Tie's cultivation in the process.

Tao Tie, speaking through Yuan Yi, later confirmed that Zi Xuan and Bai Yaoyao destroyed his formation and killed the plague demon, causing him to lose "a large half of my powers." Although Bai Yaoyao emerged from Xu Xuan's consciousness, she was severely injured and fell into a coma. Xu Xuan, deeply worried, forbade others from interfering and personally cared for her day and night, tirelessly for three days and three nights. Leng Ning observed this with growing jealousy.

During Xu Xuan's absence, Hong Xin, a carp demon, sought out Bai Yaoyao for help. She revealed that Master Yuan Yi had been possessed by Tao Tie for years, who had been capturing minor demons to cultivate forbidden spells, and warned that without removing Tao Tie, the mortal realm would never know peace. Despite her weakened state, Bai Yaoyao, wanting to do something for Zi Xuan, agreed to Hong Xin's plea.

She decided to go to the Green Emperor to borrow the Mirror of Ice, hoping to expel Tao Tie from Yuan Yi's body. The Green Emperor, seeing Bai Yaoyao's stubborn resolve, warned her that using the Ice Mirror would endanger her life, as it is harmful to all demons, and despite her cultivation, her true form is still a snake demon. Bai Yaoyao, however, remained unyielding, declaring she had no choice and was willing to take the risk.

The Green Emperor reluctantly granted her request, instructing her to return the mirror immediately after Tao Tie was gone. Bai Yaoyao left a message for Xu Xuan, telling him she had something to attend to and would return, urging him not to worry. Xu Xuan, seeing her note and her injuries, resolved to follow her. Leng Ning remarked that in Xu Xuan's eyes, "there is only Miss Bai."

After Bai Yaoyao disappeared, Master Yuan Yi was also nowhere to be found. Tao Tie, still possessing Yuan Yi, mused on his depleted powers and the decaying body, planning to "put on a good show" and "make Bai Yao Yao. . . die with nowhere to rest." Qi Xiao, deeply anxious for his master, whom he regarded as a father, tirelessly searched the mountains for days. Exhausted, he angrily accosted some of Xiao Qing's subordinate demons, demanding information.

Xiao Qing intervened to protect her subordinates, admonishing Qi Xiao for indiscriminately blaming innocent demons. Qi Xiao retorted, questioning how a demon could understand human feelings. Xiao Qing then playfully shoved Qi Xiao, causing him to collapse from exhaustion. Her subordinates, misinterpreting the situation, cheered, thinking she killed him in one move. Xiao Qing then carried the sleeping Qi Xiao to a small river.

Upon waking, Qi Xiao accused her of intending to eat him, which Xiao Qing indignantly denied, saying it would "dirty her stomach." They exchanged barbs, with Qi Xiao admitting his actions were rash due to anxiety for his master. Suddenly, Xiao Qing had a realization, exclaimed, "Oh no. You ruined my plans. I must find Xiao Bai," and quickly ran off. After acquiring the Mirror of Ice, Bai Yaoyao tracked down Tao Tie, still possessing Master Yuan Yi.

She confronted Tao Tie, who boasted about the body being the best he's had and mocked Yuan Yi. Bai Yaoyao accused him of using Yuan Yi to kill innocent demons for forbidden spells. She attempted to use the Mirror of Ice to force out Tao Tie's spirit, but the mirror harmed her as well. Suddenly, Master Yuan Yi's consciousness resurfaced, filled with deep remorse for the years of killing perpetrated by Tao Tie using his body.

He begged Bai Yaoyao to kill him, asserting that his body could no longer sustain the possession and would die regardless. He wished to die with Tao Tie, ensuring the demon's destruction. The compassionate Bai Yaoyao hesitated, unable to strike him. Master Yuan Yi, with his remaining strength, lunged onto her sword, proclaiming he would "die with Taotie!" and urging her to kill him before Tao Tie grew to "full form." This tragic scene was witnessed by Qi Xiao, who rushed in at that very moment, shouting, "Master!"

As Yuan Yi wished to perish along with Taotie's primordial spirit, Bai Yaoyao hesitated to strike him down. She held her trembling sword, but Yuan Yi, with his last strength, lunged onto it, dying instantly. He thanked Miss Bai, stating he had failed his conscience for ten years and that everything had finally come to merit this day.

Qi Xiao arrived at that very moment, witnessing his master's death and immediately vowed revenge against Bai Yaoyao, repeatedly crying out for his master. Bai Yaoyao, exhausted and defenseless, could only evade his furious attacks. Xu Xuan and Xiao Qing quickly arrived to rescue her. Bai Yaoyao insisted, "It wasn't me. It was Taotie. Taotie has possessed your master for 10 years. It wasn't me who killed him."

Qi Xiao, however, was consumed by grief and rage, accusing her of lying and declaring his intent to kill her to avenge his master. Xu Xuan defended Bai Yaoyao, stating his belief in her innocence, just as she had unhesitatingly trusted him when he was wrongly accused of harming Senior Song. He vowed to stand by her, even if it meant becoming an enemy of Demon Hunter Ville. Bai Yaoyao tried to interject, "This is between Qi Xiao and I.

It's not related to you." Xiao Qing then stepped in, telling Qi Xiao to escort Yuan Yi's body back to Demon Hunter Ville, promising to find the real murderer and provide an explanation. Qi Xiao, still refusing to believe Bai Yaoyao's explanation about Taotie, was consumed by memories of his life with Yuan Yi. Xiao Qing urged him to seek the truth, emphasizing that finding the real murderer would be the true way to honor his master.

She questioned if Demon Hunter Ville, renowned for demon hunting, truly wished to act against Bai Yaoyao without knowing the full truth. Her words seemed to touch him before she left. Not long after, Qi Xiao, representing Demon Hunter Ville, declared Bai Yaoyao the murderer of Master Yuan Yi. Since Yuan Yi was a renowned figure from Mount Jin Temple, no one dared to defy them by harboring Bai Yaoyao.

So, when Xu Xuan brought the injured Bai Yaoyao back to the Apothecary House, Leng Ning and the other disciples confronted him. Leng Ning, who had grown up with Xu Xuan, implored him not to endanger the entire Apothecary House for his personal reasons, reminding him that Demon Hunter Ville had already spread the news. She seemed to disregard Bai Yaoyao's past kindness and her own long-standing friendship with Xu Xuan. Xu Xuan was resolute.

He declared that he would go against the whole world to treat Bai Yaoyao, stating that he spoke not as the lord of the Apothecary House, but as Xu Xuan, and asked them to make way if they trusted Bai Yaoyao as he did. Leng Ning remained defiant, questioning his commitment to the house and its disciples, and asking if he was willing to betray the house for this woman.

Xu Xuan confronted her, pointing out that as a physician, she was prioritizing her own safety over someone severely injured, which contradicted the true spirit of the Apothecary House. With no further words, Xu Xuan gently picked up Bai Yaoyao, declared that he would never again set foot in the Apothecary House, and carried her away. Leng Ning watched him depart, her fists tightly clenched.

Later, Xu Xuan swore to Bai Yaoyao that he would cure her no matter the cost, just as someone once made his life happier, he now wished to make her life as she desired. Meanwhile, three years prior, Prince Zhao Yu had saved a carp demon named Hong Xin. Now, Taotie's lingering spirit relentlessly pursued Zhao Yu, and Hong Xin fought fiercely to protect him, fulfilling her debt of gratitude.

During the battle, Taotie disfigured Hong Xin, leaving her in profound despair. Zhao Yu, eager to know her name, was reluctantly pulled away by his guards, while Hong Xin insisted he flee. Taotie taunted Hong Xin, saying that with her current appearance, the prince would never remember her act of salvation. After leaving the Apothecary House, Xu Xuan was consumed with thoughts of how to cheer up Bai Yaoyao.

Qing Feng brought him some herbs that Leng Ning had prepared, explaining that she was worried about him. Following Qing Feng's advice, Xu Xuan brought Bai Yaoyao to a peach blossom grove, hoping to make her smile. The vibrant spring scenery and fragrant blossoms deeply moved Bai Yaoyao. She remarked that while beautiful, it couldn't compare to Mount Jiuxi, subtly recalling her past with Zi Xuan.

Xu Xuan, witnessing her mix of smiles and tears, felt his heart race and his breathing quicken, yet he mistook these feelings for an illness and consumed various pills to cure himself. He later questioned Qing Feng about the unexpected outcome, realizing that what brought joy to ordinary girls might not apply to a deity in cultivation like Bai Yaoyao. Soon after, Qi Xiao left Demon Hunter Ville to seek aid from Mount Jin Temple, its allied institution.

He explained that since Yuan Yi died at the hands of a demon, he needed the temple's help to restore Demon Hunter Ville. The abbot, Yong An, offered Qi Xiao a place to stay while they discussed the matter. Bai Yaoyao's recovery required a rare herb called Cicada Flower, found only on the back hills of Mount Jin Temple. To avoid direct conflict while securing the herb, Xu Xuan discreetly dispatched villagers to collect it.

Unbeknownst to him, Leng Ning, hoping to persuade Xu Xuan to return, had learned from Senior Song that Xu Xuan needed the herb and personally ventured to Mount Jin Temple to find the Cicada Flower. Her presence immediately caught Qi Xiao's attention, and she was detained. Upon learning of Leng Ning's predicament, Xu Xuan had no choice but to go to Mount Jin Temple himself, ostensibly to offer incense to Yuan Yi.

Recalling the deep friendship between Yuan Yi and his own father, the previous Lord of the Apothecary House, Xu Xuan hoped this gesture might prevent direct confrontation. However, Qi Xiao chose a stealthier approach to seek revenge, ordering the capture of Bai Yaoyao, but Xu Xuan had already anticipated this and secretly dispatched Apothecary House disciples to protect her.

At the temple, Qi Xiao refused to acknowledge any past favors from the Apothecary House, even offering to be struck by Leng Ning's golden needles in return for his prior treatment. He stubbornly asserted that he saw Bai Yaoyao stab his master. Xu Xuan openly criticized Qi Xiao's recklessness and stupidity, pointing out that Taotie had possessed Yuan Yi for many years, yet Qi Xiao had noticed nothing despite being by his side.

Qi Xiao, in turn, challenged Xu Xuan's belief, arguing that if Bai Yaoyao had truly killed the plague demon in his body, she would not have used such a "clumsy method" to kill Yuan Yi. Qi Xiao refused to release Leng Ning or the Cicada Flower, demanding Xu Xuan come to him directly if he needed the herb. Xu Xuan proposed a deal: he would locate Taotie within seven days if Qi Xiao released Leng Ning.

Qi Xiao, still unconvinced, decided to keep the Cicada Flower for now, saying he would wait for Xu Xuan to collect the herbs after seven days. Xu Xuan, frustrated by Qi Xiao's obstinance, departed with Qing Feng. On the street, Xiao Qing discovered a notice posted by Prince Zhao Yu, seeking Hong Xin.

Bai Yaoyao surmised that Hong Xin was the key to understanding the full truth of the incident, as she had previously sought Bai Yaoyao's help regarding Taotie's brutal killing of smaller demons. Hong Xin, who rescued the prince from Taotie, would undoubtedly know Taotie's current whereabouts and could prove Bai Yaoyao's innocence. Xiao Qing, proud of her skills, quickly located Hong Xin.

However, Hong Xin, whose face was ravaged by Taotie's attack, was afraid to approach humans, believing no one would want to see her disfigured face. Xu Xuan promised to heal her, stating that her wounds could be slowly cured over time with the Ming Jue School's methods, offering her hope of recovery. Hong Xin gratefully accepted his help. Xu Xuan deduced from Hong Xin's account that Taotie's possession of Yuan Yi was no accident.

Yuan Yi's history of subduing demons had provided Taotie with an advantage to practice a secret spell, refining captured demon souls into elixirs to heal himself and absorb their powers. Taotie, currently severely wounded, might be seeking the elixirs in Demon Hunter Ville's chamber to recover. Just then, a powerful demonic aura erupted from Demon Hunter Ville. Taotie had broken into the compound and was locked in a fierce battle with Qi Xiao.

Qi Xiao, angered by the intrusion, confronted Taotie, who mocked his attempts to stop him. In the struggle, Taotie's poisonous smoke injured Qi Xiao's eyes, adding to his grief and fury.

As Qi Xiao battled Tao Tie, he was unfortunately struck by the demon's toxic smoke. Xu Xuan and Bai Yaoyao arrived, joining forces against Tao Tie, who declared he had set up a formation and would not continue fighting. Qi Xiao, in turn, vowed not to let Tao Tie off easily. Bai Yaoyao confronted Tao Tie, accusing him of possessing Master Yuan Yi and causing chaos, now intending to harm Qi Xiao.

Tao Tie arrogantly stated that Master Yuan Yi had overestimated himself and was easily used, calling both Master Yuan Yi and Qi Xiao stupid. Tao Tie then threatened Xu Xuan for repeatedly spoiling his plans, promising him suffering in the future. Xu Xuan, in the meantime, had asked Qi Xiao about Master Yuan Yi's kasaya, which was said to prevail over devils. Qi Xiao directed him to the left, then corrected to the right cupboard in the Elixir Chamber.

After Tao Tie's retreat, Xu Xuan offered to prepare herbs from the Villa to heal Qi Xiao's injured eyes. Qi Xiao, realizing he had been misled, apologized to Bai Yaoyao for mistaking her for his master's murderer, admitting he was tricked by Tao Tie's evil plan. Bai Yaoyao assured him it was alright, acknowledging Tao Tie's cunning nature after 1000 years in hiding.

Xu Xuan playfully remarked that it was more difficult to make Qi Xiao understand the truth than to find Tao Tie. The injured Tao Tie later met with Zhan Huang. Zhan Huang instructed Tao Tie to stabilize his primordial spirit, promising to teach him how to restore his corporeal form afterward.

Tao Tie, however, questioned Zhan Huang's courage, noting his reluctance to confront Xu Xuan (referred to as Zi Xuan in the subtitles here, likely referencing his past identity), who had lost his primordial spirits. Zhan Huang stated he was well-prepared for his return. Tao Tie then demanded Zhan Huang join him in taking Xu Xuan's life, but Zhan Huang refused, clarifying that he never promised to confront Xu Xuan "with" Tao Tie, implying he was unwilling.

Their alliance quickly deteriorated, with accusations of betrayal and double-dealing from both sides. Ni Yun, a subordinate, described Tao Tie as short-tempered and impulsive, making it hard for him to achieve great causes. Zhan Huang concurred, viewing Tao Tie as a crucial pawn in his already-set game, one they couldn't afford to lose. Three years earlier, Prince Zhao Yu had saved a carp from a fisherman's net, which was the carp demon Hong Xin.

He gently advised the carp to be careful and avoid getting caught again. Now, Zhao Yu posted notices across the land, expressing deep gratitude and searching for his saviour. Hong Xin, who secretly loved the Prince, was distressed because her face had been disfigured and she didn't want him to see her in such a state. Xiao Qing noticed Hong Xin's sadness and suggested that being scary could be beneficial for a demon.

Hong Xin, however, insisted on restoring her face and not scaring people. Xiao Qing, calling herself the Mountain Queen, then informed Hong Xin that she had invited the Prince to meet his saviour in the forest, without revealing Hong Xin's identity. When Zhao Yu arrived, he encountered Leng Ning, who was collecting herbs, and mistook her for his saviour, expressing his heartfelt gratitude. Leng Ning denied saving him and tried to leave.

Just then, Xiao Qing appeared with Hong Xin, revealing that Hong Xin was the true saviour. Zhao Yu, after apologizing to Leng Ning, initially thanked Hong Xin politely. However, upon seeing Hong Xin's disfigured face, he recoiled in fear, exclaiming at her ugliness. Hong Xin was deeply hurt, devastated that her magical prowess was too weak to heal her face. Heartbroken by Zhao Yu's reaction, Hong Xin was desperate to restore her appearance.

She recalled Xu Xuan mentioning that Duan Yang School's Poison Scroll could rapidly heal festering faces. Driven by this hope, she secretly entered the Elixir Chamber, where Leng Ning discovered her. Hong Xin claimed she was not stealing but looking for something, emphasizing that Xu Xuan had spoken of the Poison Scroll's quick healing properties and her willingness to endure pain for the Prince.

Leng Ning, however, insisted on upholding the Apothecary House rules, stating that there would be no appeasement for anyone who broke them, and ordered Hong Xin to leave after a few days. Bai Yaoyao pleaded with Leng Ning for mercy, highlighting Hong Xin's desperation and lack of malicious intent.

Later, Bai Yaoyao brought the matter to Xu Xuan, who explained the severe dangers of the Poison Scroll: it required constant contact with poisonous substances and had only a fifty-fifty success rate, with even successful treatments being arduous and unnatural. Bai Yaoyao then proposed combining the methods of Duan Yang School and Ming Jue School to find a compromise to heal Hong Xin's face, a suggestion Xu Xuan surprisingly agreed with, noting they shared the same thoughts.

Amidst these events, Xu Xuan felt his heartbeat was inconsistent again and was determined to cure himself. Meanwhile, with his eyes temporarily blinded, Qi Xiao found a new clarity, reflecting on how he had been misguided by appearances and failed to recognize Tao Tie's possession of his master. He then recognized a familiar scent on Bai Yaoyao, which brought back a childhood memory.

He recalled being bullied and injured, with eyes hurt and unable to open, when a kind "sister" rescued him, comforted him, and arranged for Master Yuan Yi to take him in. Young Qi Xiao had remembered her distinctive, good scent. Realizing that Bai Yaoyao was that "sister," Qi Xiao felt remorse for having previously misunderstood her. Bai Yaoyao acknowledged it was a chance encounter and she had simply asked Master Yuan Yi to care for him.

Xu Xuan, however, sarcastically remarked on Bai Yaoyao entrusting such a "problematic person" to Master Yuan Yi. Qi Xiao retorted, questioning why Xu Xuan lacked the kindness and gentleness of his own master, Lord Leng. Xu Xuan defended his "harsh and stingy" demeanor, explaining that when he took over the Apothecary House, it was thousands of taels in debt from helping people, and he had to be strict to keep it afloat.

Qi Xiao further criticized Xu Xuan for refusing him the Cicada Flower earlier, which prolonged Bai Yaoyao's injury. After Bai Yaoyao credited Xu Xuan for helping Qi Xiao, Xu Xuan light-heartedly demanded medical fees, to which Qi Xiao admitted he had no money. Bai Yaoyao, amused by their squabble, laughed, prompting Xu Xuan to complain about them finding his penniless situation funny. Xiao Qing, determined to find Qi Xiao, ventured into Jinshan Temple, even challenging the Buddha's light.

She transformed into Master Yuan Yi's likeness, hoping to cheer up the grieving Qi Xiao. However, Qi Xiao was furious, rebuking the demon for disrespecting his master's form and demanding she revert. Xiao Qing, revealing her true self, explained her intention was to make him happy, despite his past scolding. Qi Xiao, ungrateful, vehemently told her to leave, threatening to capture and sacrifice her to his master if she refused.

Angered, Xiao Qing declared she would never speak to him again and sulked away. Qi Xiao followed, teasing her about being a mute and her unpleasant voice. Xiao Qing retorted that she had indeed spoken, saying a full sentence. Qi Xiao then asked why she remained if she wasn't mute. Xiao Qing revealed her concern about being mocked by the lesser demons if she returned, despite being the Mountain Queen with a thousand years of cultivation.

She confessed that after a thousand years in the mortal world without family or a master, she had gathered the demons not for authority but for the companionship, preferring to be happily together rather than alone. Qi Xiao, recalling his own feelings for his master, acknowledged her struggle and realized she understood his own sentiments. He then urged her to return to her demons, who must be worried.

Xiao Qing, surprised by his understanding, admitted she had "lost" to him again, and the two shared a moment of silent, knowing understanding. Hong Xin remained consumed by jealousy, recalling how Zhao Yu had looked at Leng Ning. She decided to abandon her disfigured face to win the Prince's affection. She led Leng Ning to a secluded spot, where she magically swapped their faces.

The next day, Leng Ning appeared at the Apothecary House bearing Hong Xin's scars, distraught and screaming that it wasn't her face, blaming Xiao Qing for bringing the demon. Xiao Qing argued that it was Xu Xuan who had insisted. Leng Ning revealed that Hong Xin had chosen her face because someone, whom Hong Xin loved, admired it. Xiao Qing quickly realized Hong Xin was infatuated with Prince Zhao Yu and was attempting to win his heart.

Bai Yaoyao vowed to retrieve Leng Ning's face. Hong Xin, with Leng Ning's face, managed to secure an audience with Prince Zhao Yu, who was smitten with her beauty. When she asked if he would still love her without her beauty, he swore an oath of unwavering devotion. Hong Xin, however, stalled his proposal, claiming the Apothecary House was experiencing a period of bad luck and their marriage should be postponed.

Bai Yaoyao attempted to gather information at Prince Zhao Yu's palace but encountered the Door Guardians and sustained minor injuries. Xu Xuan's brother-in-law, a guard at the palace, helped Xu Xuan by adding "Spirit Expelling Powder" to the Prince's drink, anticipating that this would lead to an invitation for Xu Xuan to treat the Prince. Learning of Bai Yaoyao's injury, Xu Xuan became visibly anxious and intended to confront the Door Guardians.

However, Bai Yaoyao stopped him, explaining that as a mortal, he wouldn't be able to confront the real Door Guardians, Shen Shu and Yu Lu, who were old acquaintances of Zi Xuan. Burning their portraits now would cause problems for Xu Xuan in the future when he ascended to deity status. Xu Xuan relented, then retrieved medicine for Bai Yaoyao, assuring her she would feel better.

As Bai Yaoyao took the medicine, she gazed at Xu Xuan, a look of profound affection, reminiscent of her past feelings for Zi Xuan, in her eyes. A disciple informed Xu Xuan that Leng Ning was emotionally unstable, prompting him to visit her. He tried to coax her to open the door, reminding her of their childhood bond. Leng Ning, ashamed of her disfigured face, refused to see him, fearing her "ferocious" appearance.

Xu Xuan, holding a flower ball they used to play with, comforted her, assuring her that regardless of her looks, she would always be his "most precious Sister Leng Ning," and that her appearance was trivial compared to her kindness. Leng Ning, however, felt like a monster in others' eyes and confessed she now understood Hong Xin's desperation, vowing to endure any pain for a cure from Duan Yang School's Poison Scroll.

Xu Xuan dissuaded her from such extreme measures, explaining that he, as a leader caught between the long-standing conflict of the two schools, understood both perspectives and aimed to reconcile them. He promised Leng Ning that he would never let anyone bully her and would find a way to retrieve her face, hinting that his plan, which involved treating the prince, was already set.

Meanwhile, Bai Yaoyao, convinced it was too dangerous for Xu Xuan to enter Prince Zhao Yu's palace alone, resolved to accompany him, despite Xiao Qing's concerns about the Door Guardians. Xiao Qing then devised a plan: she ordered her subordinate, Xiao Hui, to distract the Door Guardians. Xiao Hui reluctantly agreed, drawing out the guardians by burning their portraits and taunting them as the "Mighty Rabbit," leading them away in pursuit.

With the guardians distracted, Bai Yaoyao and Xu Xuan successfully entered the palace. Inside, Hong Xin, who was with the unconscious Prince, acknowledged Xu Xuan's cleverness in incapacitating the Prince. Xu Xuan, confronting her, tried to explain that her happiness was selfish and that the Prince truly loved Leng Ning, not her adopted face. Hong Xin, however, defiantly declared she would never return the face, believing it was the only way to stay by the Prince's side and find happiness. To prevent Bai Yaoyao from interfering, Hong Xin secretly added realgar to the incense burner.

Hong Xin, desperate to evade Bai Yaoyao and avoid being taken back to the Apothecary House, secretly added realgar to the incense burner. As the realgar smoke billowed, Bai Yaoyao instantly detected its unusual nature and plunged into the nearby water, hoping to avoid its effects. Observing Bai Yaoyao's sudden dive, Xu Xuan, in a moment of urgent concern, forgot his own inability to swim and leaped into the water after her.

Hong Xin believed she had successfully escaped, but her path was blocked by Qi Xiao, who had been waiting outside the Prince's Mansion. It was revealed that this capture was part of Xu Xuan's meticulous plan, which had accounted for every detail. As Bai Yaoyao felt a wave of emotion, moved by Xu Xuan's selfless act of trying to save her, she noticed he was in danger of drowning.

Without hesitation, she quickly swam to him and resuscitated him with mouth-to-mouth breathing. As her lips met his, Xu Xuan experienced a vivid dream, a memory of a past life where Bai Yaoyao felt like someone he had known for eternity. He saw her waiting for him, heard her promise never to leave again, and felt a profound connection.

Even after the rescue, these dream-like visions lingered, causing a familiar ache in his heart and a sense that this was more than just a dream. Later, after changing his clothes, Xu Xuan’s mind dwelled on the kiss, a hint of enjoyment stirring within him. Bai Yaoyao, however, insisted that her actions were solely to save him, explaining it as an emergency to send him air. Xu Xuan, misunderstanding, asked if she often saved people in such a manner.

He then, with evident concern, advised her to be more mindful of the propriety between men and women, regardless of how urgent the situation might be. Bai Yaoyao, initially taken aback, eventually agreed to heed his advice. Meanwhile, Leng Ning, having recently had her original face restored thanks to Xu Xuan, overheard their conversation. The constant companionship between Xu Xuan and Bai Yaoyao, especially after the recent events, sparked a strong jealousy within her.

Prince Zhao Yu, furious that the Apothecary House had taken Leng Ning from his mansion without permission, arrived demanding answers. He dismissed explanations of a demon having stolen Leng Ning's face as mere sophistry. Producing an imperial edict for marriage, he threatened the entire Apothecary House with severe punishment for defiance.

To protect Leng Ning and the Apothecary House, Xu Xuan boldly declared that Leng Ning was his fiancée, claiming their engagement was arranged by his late master, Leng Hui Chun, and had long been established. Hearing Xu Xuan’s declaration, Bai Yaoyao’s eyes welled up with tears, and she hastily excused herself, leaving heartbroken. Zhao Yu, unconvinced by Xu Xuan’s verbal claim of an engagement, insisted on marrying Leng Ning as per the imperial edict.

Leng Ning, in a desperate act, picked up a hairpin and dramatically disfigured herself. She demanded to know if Zhao Yu still desired to marry her now that her face was scarred. Witnessing her frenzied state and the sight of blood, Prince Zhao Yu was terrified and quickly retreated with his guards. Xu Xuan immediately rushed to Leng Ning's side and carried her to a room for treatment.

However, upon entering, he discovered that the person he was holding was not Leng Ning but Bai Yaoyao. Bai Yaoyao explained that she had used a spell to switch places with Leng Ning at the critical moment, hoping to spare her from self-mutilation and scare the prince away. Despite her intervention, she was a moment too late and sustained a minor scratch on her forehead from the hairpin. She playfully dismissed it, assuring Xu Xuan it was a mere illusion.

Yet, the real Leng Ning was nowhere to be found in the room. Xu Xuan, intrigued by Bai Yaoyao’s magic, teased her, asking if she had perhaps transformed Leng Ning into a calabash gourd. Unbeknownst to them, Leng Ning’s body harbored a peculiar condition. Her intense jealousy and resentment manifested as a potent demonic aura, fueling a terrifying bloodthirsty urge within her.

Alone and disoriented, she had succumbed to this urge, her hands stained with blood from slain animals, yet she remembered nothing of her actions. As she returned to her room, she saw Xu Xuan and Bai Yaoyao sharing a lighthearted moment. Her inner turmoil intensified, and an ominous red glow pulsed on her forehead, accompanied by phantom voices accusing her of being a demon.

Xu Xuan, sensing her distress, attempted to explain that his declaration of engagement was merely a ploy to save her and the Apothecary House. However, Leng Ning, feeling overwhelmed, cut him short, stating she was tired and wished to rest. Understanding her need for solitude, Xu Xuan gracefully left with Bai Yaoyao. Bai Yaoyao, having cultivated for many years, was highly sensitive to unfamiliar demonic energy.

As she walked with Xu Xuan, her brow furrowed in deep thought about the strange aura she detected within the Apothecary House. Xu Xuan, observing her pensive expression, mistakenly believed she was upset and jealous about his earlier "engagement" announcement with Leng Ning. Secretly pleased by what he perceived as her romantic concern, he began to explain the non-traditional nature of his engagement.

However, Bai Yaoyao, sensing a growing anomaly, interrupted him with a serious declaration that there was a strange demonic aura present, indicating an abnormality within the Apothecary House. This abrupt shift in topic infuriated Xu Xuan, who scoffed at her words, questioning her cultivation and dismissing her concerns as nonsense, telling her to worry more about herself.

Unaware of the true depth of Bai Yaoyao’s feelings, he did not realize that her worry for his safety far outweighed any concern about his supposed marriage. Suddenly, Xiao Qing appeared, interrupting their conversation. Upon seeing Xu Xuan glare at her, Xiao Qing glared back, then, informed by Bai Yaoyao about the strange demon aura, resolved to investigate the Fiery Grounds. Meanwhile, Qi Xiao, still preoccupied with finding Tao Tie, attempted to use his rabbit subordinate, Xiao Hui, as bait.

Xiao Qing vehemently objected, refusing to endanger her follower. After a heated argument and some playful taunts between the two, they agreed to set aside their differences and first investigate the spirit aura in the Fiery Grounds together, before continuing their hunt for Tao Tie. Driven by her inexplicable bloodlust and the need to find a cure for her unsettling condition, Leng Ning ventured alone to the forbidden Fiery Grounds. There, she encountered the formidable Demon Emperor Zhan Arang.

Zhan Arang, detecting Bai Yaoyao's spiritual essence on Leng Ning (a lingering trace from Bai Yaoyao's earlier healing), deduced that Leng Ning was not the person he sought. Within the Fiery Grounds, ancient stone carvings adorned the walls – messages left by Zhan Arang himself many eons ago, which had inspired Leng Hui Chun, the founder of the Apothecary House, to develop his renowned medical and poison scriptures and embark on a path of healing.

In essence, the Apothecary House owed its very existence to Zhan Arang's ancient wisdom. Yet, in Zhan Arang's current scheme, Xu Xuan, the current Lord of the Apothecary House, was an obstacle; he needed to be driven out to allow Zhan Arang to fully recover his powers. Seeing Leng Ning as a potential pawn, Zhan Arang decided to exploit the existing rivalries within the Apothecary House to achieve his goal.

Upon entering the dark and mysterious Fiery Grounds, a potent, unfamiliar demonic aura filled the air. Qi Xiao and Xiao Qing discovered several pigeon carcasses scattered on the ground, all drained of their blood. This horrifying sight confirmed their suspicions that a demon was indeed active within the Apothecary House. However, the demon's scent was distinct from Tao Tie's, leading them to believe that this new entity lurked in the deepest recesses of the Fiery Grounds.

As they continued their investigation, having broken through a magical barrier, Zhan Arang, from his hidden vantage point, sensed the presence of the snake tribe's aura, realizing that the person he had been seeking was finally drawing near.

Overlooking the Apothecary House, Zhan Huang senses the distinctive aura of the snake tribe, confirming the presence of the woman who nurtured his primordial spirit for many years. He credits her for his awakening and believes she is destined to be his. Despite his longing, Zhan Huang prioritizes his grand scheme, instructing Tao Tie to initiate their plans and declaring his intention to conquer the three realms as a wedding gift for his future Demon Empress.

Bai Yaoyao and Xiao Qing discover numerous animal skeletons near the Apothecary House. Xiao Qing suspects Tao Tie, but Bai Yaoyao's spiritual pearl reacts to a different, unfamiliar demonic energy. She realizes the demon aura stems from Leng Ning, recalling how her spiritual pearl, imbued with millennia of power, briefly resided in Leng Ning's body during a past healing. Blaming herself for the developing situation, Bai Yaoyao worries about Xu Xuan’s safety.

Leng Ning, joyful about her impending marriage, tries on her wedding gown with Xu Jiaorong. She happily confides that Xu Xuan wants to keep the wedding a secret for now due to her disfigured face. Bai Yaoyao approaches Leng Ning for a private conversation. She addresses the strange demon aura and the recent animal deaths, noting the spiritual connection she senses to Leng Ning.

Bai Yaoyao warns Leng Ning about the fine line between good and evil, suggesting that an evil thought, perhaps originating from the day Leng Ning disfigured herself, has taken root in her heart. Leng Ning vehemently denies any demonic connection, accusing Bai Yaoyao of fabricating stories to break up her marriage to Xu Xuan because of her own feelings for him. Xu Xuan enters the room just as Leng Ning thanks Bai Yaoyao for her "matchmaking."

He becomes angry at Bai Yaoyao's feigned indifference towards the wedding. Xu Xuan later confronts Bai Yaoyao, questioning her apparent calm and "cold-heartedness" regarding his marriage. He expresses frustration at being unable to guess her thoughts. Bai Yaoyao reiterates Zi Xuan's teaching that one should not probe or predict the human heart, preferring to act with pure intention.

She speaks of Zi Xuan as the one she has cherished for a thousand years, the source of her first joys and sorrows, explaining that her heart holds room for him alone. Unaware that he himself is Zi Xuan, Xu Xuan grows jealous and feels humiliated, believing he has misunderstood her. He accepts her "blessing" and leaves. Heartbroken, Bai Yaoyao sheds tears, realizing Xu Xuan has forgotten their past and her.

Walking alone in the rain, Xu Xuan reflects on Bai Yaoyao's words. He recalls how she had mistaken him for Zi Xuan and their intimate moments, now feeling that his hopes were based on a mere illusion. The rain feels like bitter tears as he confesses to himself that he has truly fallen in love with Bai Yaoyao. Later, Xu Xuan speaks to Leng Ning in front of Master Leng Huichun's portrait.

He reminds her that their engagement was a pretense to deter Prince Zhao Yu. He implores her not to take it seriously, clarifying that his feelings for her are strictly fraternal, not romantic. Leng Ning, however, confesses her genuine love for him and insists on proceeding with the marriage, determined to keep him by her side even without his love.

Observing her changed demeanor, Xu Xuan agrees to the wedding but warns her that it will not conclude as she desires. Xu Jiaorong busies herself with elaborate wedding preparations, instructing her staff with infectious enthusiasm. She expresses immense joy for her brother, recalling their past hardships and stating that seeing him have a magnificent wedding will bring her life as his elder sister to completion.

Xu Xuan, in turn, finds contentment in his sister's happiness, promising a grand and festive celebration. Xiao Hui informs Tao Tie about Qi Xiao and Xiao Qing's plans to trap him, and also about Bai Yaoyao's investigation into the demon aura and animal carcasses near the Apothecary House. Tao Tie deduces that the demon aura belongs to Leng Ning and sees an opportunity to use her as a pawn. The Demon Emperor, Zhan Huang, appears, observing Tao Tie.

Zhan Huang reveals he knows Tao Tie wishes to restore his physical body and offers his help, hinting at a strategic alliance. Meanwhile, Qi Xiao proposes using Fiery Blue Fluorite to destroy Tao Tie and suggests involving Bai Yaoyao. Xu Xuan, however, expresses his reluctance to endanger Bai Yaoyao, leading Qi Xiao to playfully tease him about his burgeoning feelings. Xu Xuan curtly dismisses Qi Xiao’s jests, and they decide to proceed without Bai Yaoyao.

Continuing their investigation in a desolate area, Qi Xiao and Xiao Qing find numerous animal carcasses with their blood drained. Qi Xiao, however, dismisses Tao Tie as the culprit, reasoning that Tao Tie would seek more potent elixirs. He uses a revealing spell, but finds no demon aura on the carcasses, making him wonder if only Bai Yaoyao can perceive this specific demonic energy. Xiao Qing speculates that Tao Tie might be the powerful Dubhe.

Their search is interrupted by a cry for help, but it turns out to be an Apothecary House disciple with a mere sprained ankle. Qi Xiao's gentle care for the human disciple sharply contrasts with his usual severity towards Xiao Qing, leaving her annoyed. Late at night, Tao Tie appears in Leng Ning’s room, offering her a Calming Bell to suppress her demonic qualities.

Leng Ning denies having any such qualities, but Tao Tie asserts that her demon aura is what drew him to her and that only he can help. He attempts to manipulate her by reminding her of the animals she recently killed and then claims that the bloodlust and demon aura within her were intentionally left by Bai Yaoyao, whom he exposes as a "thousand-year-old snake demon" with malicious designs on Xu Xuan.

This manipulation, combined with her existing resentment and Xu Xuan's recent harsh words, fuels Leng Ning's determination to act against Bai Yaoyao to protect Xu Xuan. However, she refuses to directly cooperate with Tao Tie, insisting she can handle the situation alone. Tao Tie leaves, confident she will eventually seek his aid. Leng Ning later lures Bai Yaoyao into a room infused with realgar, observing Bai Yaoyao’s discomfort and the increasing demon aura within herself.

Leng Ning accuses Bai Yaoyao of being the true demon and demands she leave the Apothecary House and Xu Xuan, threatening to expose Bai Yaoyao's true identity to everyone. Bai Yaoyao agrees to leave immediately and never return, but first offers to dispel the demon aura in Leng Ning. Influenced by Tao Tie's earlier words, Leng Ning rejects her offer, accusing her of "crocodile tears." Bai Yaoyao sadly wishes Leng Ning and Xu Xuan a long and happy life.

Bai Yaoyao then approaches Xu Xuan to announce her departure, claiming her master has summoned her back to Mount Li for training. Xu Xuan tries to convince her to stay for the wedding. Leng Ning interjects, supporting Bai Yaoyao's departure for her spiritual cultivation. Xu Xuan, however, insists Bai Yaoyao owes him gratitude for saving her life from Tao Tie's attack.

Bai Yaoyao calmly offers to pay for her treatment with money, treasures, or rare medicinal herbs, clearly intending to sever all ties with the Apothecary House. Xu Xuan, with a serious expression, walks up to her and grasps her hand, poised to speak.

As Bai Yaoyao prepared to depart, having agreed to leave after Leng Ning's threat with realgar, Xu Xuan, his heart heavy, stepped before her and said, "I want you. . ." The unexpected declaration startled both Bai Yaoyao and Leng Ning. Xu Xuan quickly clarified that he desired her assistance with a matter, then led her to Zhao's Palace, emphasizing that "things ought to have beginning and end."

Outside, Bai Yaoyao spotted Hong Xin still lingering, lamenting Hong Xin's deep affection for the prince and Zhao Yu's oblivious nature. Xu Xuan playfully teased Bai Yaoyao, remarking that "even a carp understands it, but somehow someone doesn't," hinting at her own lack of understanding of his feelings. When Bai Yaoyao misidentified Zhao Yu as the subject of his comment, Xu Xuan gently poked her forehead, telling her to simply "act according to the hint I give later."

Inside the palace, Zhao Yu was visibly startled by Xu Xuan's sudden appearance, causing a cup to slip from his hand. Xu Xuan explained that Zhao Yu's mother, concerned about his illness, had sent Constable Li to request his treatment. Despite Zhao Yu's initial resistance, Xu Xuan promptly alleviated his condition with a single golden needle, explaining that while the needle could manage his heart disease, a true cure required him to "let go by his own."

Xu Xuan then revealed his true intention: with Bai Yaoyao as a witness, he proposed that Zhao Yu write a pledge to annul his imperial marriage contract with Leng Ning. Zhao Yu angrily refused, blaming Xu Xuan for Leng Ning's disfigurement. Anticipating this, Xu Xuan then pretended he would take Zhao Yu to the Apothecary House for the wedding.

At this, Bai Yaoyao conjured a wedding dress and a pen, and Xu Xuan sarcastically praised Zhao Yu's supposed sincere love for Leng Ning, despite her current state. Infuriated, Zhao Yu quickly wrote the annulment pledge, severing all ties with Leng Ning, and told Xu Xuan and Bai Yaoyao to proceed with their own marriage. After this, Xu Xuan walked along a West Lake bridge, reflecting on Bai Yaoyao's words.

He recalled her mistaking him for Zi Xuan, realizing all their embraces and kisses stemmed from that. As heavy rain poured, he felt the raindrops were like bitter tears. Xu Xuan fully acknowledged he had fallen in love with Bai Yaoyao and had completely lost his heart to her. He then went to Leng Ning, confessing that the imperial marriage contract was merely a lie he told Zhao Yu.

He warned that continuing the pretense would lead to irreparable consequences and urged Leng Ning not to turn the charade into reality. He plainly stated that his feelings for her extended only to that of a senior brother and junior sister. However, Leng Ning refused to cancel the wedding or accept the truth, determined to keep Xu Xuan by her side, even without his love.

Witnessing her stubbornness, Xu Xuan coldly left, making it clear that while he would attend the wedding, the outcome would not be what Leng Ning desired. Leng Ning's bloodlust intensified, plunging her into extreme fear and anxiety.

Taotie appeared, reminding her of his past warnings and previously offering her a calming bell to suppress her demonic nature, now proposing a charade: he would take the blame for the recent animal killings, thereby clearing Leng Ning's name, if she would cooperate in a staged kidnapping. Desperate to maintain her standing for Xu Xuan, Leng Ning agreed. Later, she feigned a trip to the suburbs with her disciple, Qing Feng, to collect herbs.

Qing Feng innocently remarked on Leng Ning's dedication despite her impending wedding, just before Taotie dramatically "kidnapped" Leng Ning. Qi Xiao and Xu Xuan, already prepared with a plan involving Blue Fluorite Fire, immediately decided to confront Taotie. Little Grey, who had been dispatched by Xiao Qing to lure Taotie away, returned with the news of Leng Ning's capture.

Xiao Qing reprimanded Little Grey for the mishap, realizing Qi Xiao must already be in pursuit, and rushed to join the chase. Prior to the confrontation, Bai Yaoyao cautioned Xu Xuan about Leng Ning being a hostage and questioned the efficacy of the Blue Fluorite arrows, fearing for Leng Ning's safety. Qi Xiao dismissed her concerns, asserting that it was their only chance. Qi Xiao and Xu Xuan then combined their efforts, battling Taotie.

Taotie mocked their increased prowess but Qi Xiao, driven by his master's legacy, declared Taotie's demise. Taotie, in turn, taunted them about burning Leng Ning alive, but Leng Ning, maintaining her charade, dramatically urged Qi Xiao to disregard her safety and kill the demon. During this, Bai Yaoyao recalled Hong Xin's urgent confession: she had witnessed Leng Ning, not Taotie, killing the animals and revealed Leng Ning to be the true murderer.

As the Blue Fluorite Fire was unleashed, Xu Xuan expressed doubt about whether it could truly kill Taotie, but Qi Xiao proudly claimed victory, seeing it as revenge for his master. Taotie, however, defiantly declared, "Death is only a beginning," and vowed revenge. Bai Yaoyao rushed forward to intervene, arguing that the situation was too complicated and felt like a setup, begging them not to kill him.

Qi Xiao, angered, refused to let Taotie escape after so much planning, especially when it was time for his master's revenge. Leng Ning then cunningly turned the suspicion on Bai Yaoyao, questioning why she would want to free Taotie and implying ulterior motives. Xu Xuan, siding with Qi Xiao, also questioned Bai Yaoyao's insistence on stopping their long-planned scheme. As Taotie appeared to be consumed by the blue flames, Bai Yaoyao, unable to explain further, remained silent.

After Taotie's apparent demise, Qi Xiao explained to Xu Xuan how he discovered his master's hidden clue: the words "Blue Fluorite" carved on an elixir furnace, revealing a method to defeat Taotie, despite his master having been possessed. Xiao Qing then questioned why she and Bai Yaoyao were kept in the dark about such an important plan.

Xu Xuan explained that he wanted to protect Bai Yaoyao from the danger, and deemed Xiao Qing too "stupid and silly" to be entrusted with the secret, fearing she might accidentally leak the information and ruin their plans. Qi Xiao further teased Xiao Qing, suggesting she should be grateful she wasn't captured, as the Blue Fluorite Fire harms demons, and she "might become a burnt green snake already," unlike Leng Ning, who, being human, was unharmed.

Xiao Qing, enraged, lunged at Qi Xiao. Despite her "kidnapping" being a pretense, Leng Ning was indeed affected by the Blue Fluorite Fire, feeling immense pain as her demonic nature was scorched. Alone, she resolved to suppress her demon qualities with the help of the calming bell, hoping to live peacefully with Xu Xuan and keep her secret buried forever. She believed that with Bai Yaoyao leaving, everything would conclude with her marriage.

Later, Xu Xuan visited Leng Ning, feigning concern for her well-being. Leng Ning assured him she was fine. Xu Xuan then presented a redesigned wedding gown, a gesture Leng Ning immediately sensed was not intended for her. He told her that with the wedding day fast approaching, there were things he had to confess that very night, despite her attempts to postpone the conversation until after the ceremony.

Xiao Qing, straightforward by nature, learned of Bai Yaoyao's impending departure and expressed her sympathy for her kindness. Bai Yaoyao, who had waited a thousand years for Xu Xuan, felt that merely seeing him was enough. Although Xiao Qing didn't fully grasp Bai Yaoyao's profound feelings, she still tried her best to bring Bai Yaoyao and Xu Xuan together. That night, Xu Xuan arranged to meet Bai Yaoyao at West Lake.

Xiao Qing, somehow privy to this information, specifically advised Bai Yaoyao to wear less clothing for the evening, an instruction Bai Yaoyao, puzzled, did not take seriously or respond to. Unable to prevent Taotie's apparent death, Bai Yaoyao went to West Lake to reflect. She recalled Hong Xin's confession about witnessing Leng Ning killing animals, and realized that Leng Ning's demonic transformation had begun when Bai Yaoyao used her spiritual marble to cure her.

Feeling responsible and fearing for Xu Xuan's safety, Bai Yaoyao resolved to help Leng Ning. As she made this decision, she found Xu Xuan waiting for her. They sat in a small pavilion, where Xu Xuan mused about the brevity of human life compared to that of cultivators. Bai Yaoyao responded that her life had been spent waiting for another reunion, only to face yet another parting.

Xu Xuan admitted he disliked waiting but confessed that he "did waste some time these days" and had "missed out love and a person." When he asked if she was truly leaving, Bai Yaoyao explained that as a deity, she could not cling to the mortal world, and given "what's happening right now," she could not remain in the Apothecary House.

Xu Xuan, determined, told her that "parting is the beginning of another meeting," but lamented that he had found her "too late." He then opened up about his past, revealing that his fear of darkness stemmed from the night his parents died, leaving him and his sister alone. He noted that in her presence, his fear of darkness disappeared. He then earnestly asked her, "Who are you actually looking for through me?"

Reminded of Purple Xuan, tears streamed down Bai Yaoyao's face, and as if in response, thunder rumbled and rain began to fall. Xu Xuan, touched, wondered if her tears could transform into the rain over West Lake. Bai Yaoyao stated unequivocally that "In my heart, there is only one person. It has never changed." These words, however, brought a touch of bitterness to Xu Xuan's heart, though he did not reveal it.

As night deepened, they walked to the Broken Bridge, which was beautifully illuminated. Xu Xuan revealed he had asked Xiao Qing to arrange the lights as a farewell gesture, expressing his hope that no matter where Bai Yaoyao went, someone would always light her way, just like that moment. Bai Yaoyao acknowledged his effort and asked why he hadn't expressed these feelings earlier, to which he replied she "always left. . . when I wished to say it."

He asked if her tears meant she was unwilling to leave. Xu Xuan then told her to remember the lights on the bridge, inviting her to meet him there whenever she was happy or sad. He promised to always hold an an umbrella for her on rainy days and wipe away her tears. Through her tears, Bai Yaoyao questioned how he could make such promises when "after tomorrow, everything will change" due to his impending marriage.

Xu Xuan, however, firmly assured her that his "promise I have for you. . . will never change." Unbeknownst to Xu Xuan and Qi Xiao, Taotie was not killed; he had faked his death, and from his supposed burial site, strange demonic vines began to sprout.

The Demon Emperor and Taotie watched this development, with the Demon Emperor hinting that the "show has just begun" and that "hates and dislikes, not getting what is wanted, and separation with the beloved" are the three sufferings that will turn a person terribly bad. Bai Yaoyao, still deeply concerned for Leng Ning, visited her that night, telling her about Hong Xin's confession. She urged Leng Ning to understand that blaming Taotie was only a temporary cover.

Leng Ning, however, coldly rejected Bai Yaoyao's warning, mocking Hong Xin's credibility and accusing Bai Yaoyao of trying to sabotage her wedding. Bai Yaoyao responded that Leng Ning's demon qualities were caused by her spiritual marble, and that she felt responsible, wanting to help suppress them, but warned Leng Ning that if she harbored selfish thoughts, she could not succeed.

Leng Ning bitterly retorted that she was happy before Bai Yaoyao entered her life and ordered Bai Yaoyao to stay away. Bai Yaoyao countered that killing animals today could lead to killing humans tomorrow, and for Xu Xuan's and Leng Ning's sake, she was determined to "do it"—remove the demon qualities. With that, Bai Yaoyao left. Alone in her wedding dress, Leng Ning vowed to slowly reclaim the life she believed was rightfully hers.

The next day, the Apothecary House was adorned with joyous decorations for the wedding. Xu Xuan and Leng Ning, dressed in their wedding attire, greeted their numerous guests. Bai Yaoyao appeared silently in the wedding hall, her eyes brimming with tears that fell unnoticed to the ground. She reflected on Xu Xuan's recent promises and her thousand years of waiting, realizing that it was all "too late." Believing her hopes to be a "hollow dream," she made a firm decision.

Without hesitation, Bai Yaoyao turned and, with slow but resolute steps, walked out of the Apothecary House, uttering a silent goodbye, accepting that "everything was too late" after "a thousand years. . . to have finally found you."

Leng Ning sat alone, her brow bearing a growing red mark, a sign of her demonic nature that she no longer cared to suppress. Everything she had valued had crumbled the day before when Xu Xuan had revealed his true intentions. He had confessed that the altered wedding gown was for his sister, Xu Jiaorong, as his real plan was to arrange a makeup wedding for her and Li Gongfu.

His visit to Prince Zhao Yu’s mansion with Bai Yaoyao, forcing the prince to sign a document nullifying their engagement, was all to avoid marrying Leng Ning. Xu Xuan asserted that no one could compel him to do something he did not wish to. Hearing the truth, Leng Ning was overcome with anger and pain, weeping from the weight of her sorrow and resentment.

However, her desire for revenge soon took over, and she vowed never to let Bai Yaoyao off easily, even if it meant fully embracing her demonic transformation. Meanwhile, Bai Yaoyao waited in the rain on the Broken Bridge, where Xu Xuan had once promised to wipe away her tears and shield her with an umbrella when she was sad. Unaware of Xu Xuan’s elaborate scheme, she waited with uncertainty, wondering if her beloved would truly come.

At Xu Jiaorong and Li Gongfu’s wedding, disciples from the Duan Yang School harbored subtle resentment, and their attitude towards Xu Xuan had grown complicated. Xu Jiaorong keenly observed that her brother's position as lord was precarious. Li Gongfu, remembering his impoverished past, expressed profound love and appreciation for his wife. They had endured years of hardship and were finally enjoying a stable and happy life together.

As Bai Yaoyao wept in the rain, her silhouette appeared ethereal amidst the mist. Soon after, Xu Xuan ascended the steps, slowly but steadily, holding an umbrella, until he stood behind her. Just as he had promised, he held the umbrella over Bai Yaoyao. Sensing the change in the falling rain, she turned, surprised and overjoyed to see Xu Xuan, who should have been at his own wedding but was instead there on the Broken Bridge with her.

Their unspoken understanding and profound feelings intertwined in that moment. Xu Xuan no longer doubted that he was the person Bai Yaoyao had been waiting for. Bai Yaoyao, in turn, realized that there was no distinction between Xu Xuan and Zi Xuan; they were both the man she loved. Xu Xuan kissed her forehead and took her hand, a stark contrast to his previous stance on physical contact between men and women.

He playfully dismissed his former strictness as "a different time," to which Bai Yaoyao, between laughter and tears, remarked that Xu Xuan always found a way to justify himself. After affirming her love with Xu Xuan, Bai Yaoyao sought forgiveness from Lishan Mother. She willingly offered to give up her thousand years of cultivation and become a mortal, hoping both to save Leng Ning and to live an ordinary life as Xu Xuan’s wife.

Lishan Mother removed Bai Yaoyao's powers, leaving her like a mortal except for the spiritual marble that still allowed her to transform into a snake. Lishan Mother then gave Bai Yaoyao a sword, explaining that if she ever regretted her decision, she could stab Xu Xuan’s chest with it. The sword would not kill him but would sever their emotional bond, causing him to forget everything between them and allowing Bai Yaoyao to regain her magical abilities.

Bai Yaoyao initially refused, vowing never to harm him, but Lishan Mother insisted. Bai Yaoyao questioned if this meant she and Zi Xuan were destined never to be together in this lifetime, but Lishan Mother would not reveal God's plan and urged her to leave. As Bai Yaoyao departed, Lishan Mother sighed softly. With Bai Yaoyao’s powers gone, Leng Ning’s bloodthirsty urges also vanished. She mistakenly believed the Calming Bell had completely suppressed her urges and felt relieved.

Learning that Xu Xuan had not married Leng Ning, Prince Zhao Yu expressed his sympathy for Leng Ning, feeling that she had been wronged. Li Gongfu skillfully diverted the prince's attention by mentioning the upcoming Girl's Day. The prince, now eager to find a suitable wife among the unmarried women who would pray for blessings, declared his intention to organize an elaborate Girl's Day celebration. High in the mountains, Xiao Qing commanded her subordinates to light countless lanterns.

She had been mocked by Qi Xiao for not understanding human love, so she imitated Xu Xuan’s romantic gestures for Bai Yaoyao. However, she found that love was not as simple as lighting lanterns. Frustrated, she asked her subordinates for ideas. Prompted by Xiao Hui, Xiao Qing decided to observe the customs of Girl's Day and join in the festivities. But just as she vowed not to lose to Qi Xiao, the multitude of lanterns caused a massive fire.

After a night of fighting the blaze, an enraged Xiao Qing struck Xiao Hui for his role in the disaster. Bai Yaoyao returned to the mountain and urged Xiao Qing to be less reckless in the future. Xiao Qing noticed Bai Yaoyao's disheveled state but didn't dwell on her lack of powers. Following Bai Yaoyao's earlier request, Xiao Qing had found a secluded and elegant residence.

Bai Yaoyao encouraged Xiao Qing not to stay in the mountains permanently but to cultivate her character like a human. Xiao Qing argued that she was already acting like a human by making ceramic figures to pray for a good marriage. Bai Yaoyao, concerned, asked if Xiao Qing planned to cause trouble at Mount Jin Temple with her figurines. Xiao Qing was diligently making ceramic figures in the back of Mount Jin Temple when Qi Xiao appeared behind her.

He immediately understood the purpose of her creations and mocked her, calling the snake demon foolish and a perfect match for a toad demon. Annoyed, Xiao Qing pointed a figurine at him, but Qi Xiao took it from her, unimpressed. Concerned that Qi Xiao might ruin her precious creation, Xiao Qing watched nervously. However, Qi Xiao skillfully refined the figurine, making it more beautiful and lifelike.

He boasted that a person's character was reflected in their creations, to which Xiao Qing happily agreed that she was indeed beautiful. Their usual bickering resumed as Qi Xiao deliberately stated that Mount Jin Temple did not accept demon-made figurines for the festival, causing Xiao Qing to storm off in a huff. During the Peach Blossom Festival at Mount Jin Temple, Leng Ning, seeking solace, unexpectedly encountered Bai Yaoyao. When asked, Bai Yaoyao explained that Xu Xuan had invited her.

Leng Ning’s words were sharp, but Bai Yaoyao sought to reconcile. Sensing Bai Yaoyao's aura, Leng Ning suspected she had lost her magical powers. Feigning a desire for reconciliation before the Bodhisattva, Leng Ning intentionally stepped on Bai Yaoyao's skirt, causing her to fall and bleed. True to Leng Ning’s suspicion, Bai Yaoyao bled immediately, revealing her vulnerability. Leng Ning, still consumed by bitterness, defiantly swore before the Bodhisattva that she would reclaim everything that had been taken from her.

With the Girls Festival approaching, the disciples of Mount Jin Temple gathered around Qi Xiao, urging him to take on the role of abbot after the passing of their old abbot. They claimed their food expenses had tripled since he arrived, implying that without a new abbot to secure income, they would have to leave the mountain to survive. Qi Xiao, sensitive about his reputation, reluctantly agreed to their request.

Soon after, various prayer figurines for the festival arrived from Zhao's Palace, including one belonging to Xiao Qing. A young monk, observing the figurines, mocked Xiao Qing's as "an eyesore" and questioned its place in the temple. Qi Xiao, who had actually crafted the figurine, defended its realism, but the monk insisted it was inappropriate to have a demon's figurine in Mount Jin Temple and promptly removed it.

Just then, Xu Xuan arrived, seeking the medical fees Qi Xiao owed him. Qi Xiao promised to repay him in full after the festival. Leng Ning, who accompanied Xu Xuan, also had her figurine ready. She confidently placed it in the spot where Xiao Qing's had just been removed. Qi Xiao considered keeping the place for Xiao Qing but found himself unable to intervene.

Xu Xuan, seeing Leng Ning, expressed surprise that she seemed fine and not upset by past events, attributing her understanding to her reasonable nature. Qi Xiao, however, joked that if he were her, he'd "hate Xu Xuan for life." Xu Xuan clarified that his previous actions were simply to deal with Zhao Yu. Bai Yaoyao then arrived at Mount Jin Temple.

Back at Bai Yaoyao's residence, Xu Xuan noticed her struggling to light a fire and getting soot on her face, like a "little kitty." Xiao Qing, smelling smoke, came over and effortlessly started the fire with a simple flick of her wrist, not noticing anything unusual about Bai Yaoyao. Xu Xuan, however, observed these small incidents with growing concern. At Mount Jin Temple, Zhao Yu was touring the back courtyard.

Hong Xin, still infatuated with him, used her limited demonic powers to transform into Leng Ning to meet him. Her transformation was unstable, and before she could get close, her facial scars began to reappear. To avoid embarrassment, Hong Xin quickly fled. Zhao Yu, having caught a glimpse of what he believed to be Leng Ning, pursued her. The real Leng Ning, who had been observing the entire scene, confronted Hong Xin.

Leng Ning chided Hong Xin for impersonating her and putting her in a difficult position. Hong Xin, terrified of Zhao Yu seeing her true appearance, begged Leng Ning for help. Seizing the opportunity, Leng Ning offered assistance, but on the condition that Hong Xin would follow her commands from then on. With Zhao Yu's calls growing louder, Hong Xin, without hesitation, agreed. Zhao Yu eventually caught up to Leng Ning, relieved to see her face was unharmed.

He immediately tried to explain his past behavior at the Apothecary House. Leng Ning, quick-witted, feigned that her disfigurement had been a test of his sincerity. With both parties playing a deceitful game, they smoothly reconciled and left together. Meanwhile, on the street, Xu Xuan and Bai Yaoyao saw a lady collapse. Xu Xuan quickly diagnosed her with a stroke caused by blocked blood circulation and arranged for her to be taken to a nearby medical center for treatment.

It was only after he provided a prescription and his name, Xu Xuan from the Apothecary House, that he learned the woman was Zhao Yu's mother. Xu Xuan speculated that her illness was likely caused by constant worry over Zhao Yu's misbehavior, especially regarding the Girls Festival. Bai Yaoyao agreed, empathizing with the burdens of parenthood.

Back at Mount Jin Temple, the monks informed Qi Xiao that the temple was running out of food, with less than a vat of rice left. Qi Xiao, seeking donations, then approached Xiao Qing, urging her to contribute generously so that the Buddha would bless her with a good marriage. Xiao Qing, unfamiliar with human currency, suggested robbing passing merchants, which Qi Xiao immediately condemned as an "evil trick."

Xiao Qing quickly apologized and proposed an alternative: selling some of the numerous treasures from her mountain cave. Qi Xiao praised her for learning human ways so quickly. Xiao Qing then boasted about her beauty. Qi Xiao, expressing his belief that "emotions and desires do people great harm," led Xiao Qing to deduce that "Bai Yaoyao is being harmed by her emotions and desires."

Qi Xiao then confirmed that Bai Yaoyao had already sacrificed her thousand years of cultivation for Xu Xuan, becoming a mere mortal. Xiao Qing was utterly shocked, proclaiming that it was "not worth it" for someone like Xu Xuan. Bai Yaoyao's recent exhaustion and an accidental injury to her hand while making fire made Xu Xuan realize her powers were gone.

Bai Yaoyao confessed that she had indeed given up her cultivation, wanting to live as a true mortal and grow old with him. Xu Xuan was deeply pained by her sacrifice, but as "everything's set in stone now," he accepted it. Bai Yaoyao then made a figurine for the Girls Festival, wanting to place it in Mount Jin Temple for blessings.

However, Xu Xuan, worried about Qi Xiao's demon-hunting tendencies, suggested they place her figurine instead by a peach tree he had planted for her by West Lake, their first meeting place. He promised to plant a new peach tree for her every year. By the time they grew old, the hill would be covered in peach blossoms, witnessing their enduring love. Bai Yaoyao, touched, reiterated that giving up her powers for a life with him was all she ever wanted.

As the Girls Festival approached, Leng Ning finalized her plans, instructing Hong Xin to keep Bai Yaoyao occupied for the entire night. Hong Xin, remembering how Leng Ning had harmed animals and Bai Yaoyao's kindness, initially refused, also citing Bai Yaoyao's unmatched prowess. However, Leng Ning revealed that Bai Yaoyao had lost all her powers, rendering her a normal person.

Hong Xin still hesitated to harm Bai Yaoyao, but Leng Ning reminded her of how Bai Yaoyao had previously exposed her in the palace, causing her separation from Zhao Yu. Leng Ning then promised that if Hong Xin helped, she would personally cut off her own face and give it to Hong Xin after the Girls Festival, claiming she only wanted to test Bai Yaoyao's sincerity to Xu Xuan.

Enticed by the offer of Leng Ning's face, Hong Xin agreed, despite Leng Ning's mental note that she was merely a pawn in her grand scheme. On the night of the Girls Festival, Hong Xin, disguised as Leng Ning, approached Bai Yaoyao and Xiao Qing, claiming Zhao Yu was harassing her again and she feared a repeat of past events.

Bai Yaoyao, however, immediately saw through the disguise, recognizing Hong Xin and demanding to know where the real Leng Ning was. Hong Xin, revealing her true form, knelt and begged Bai Yaoyao to allow her to be with Zhao Yu, then fled. Bai Yaoyao, suspecting foul play involving Leng Ning, quickly sent Xiao Qing to find Xu Xuan while she herself rushed to find Leng Ning.

Bai Yaoyao then encountered Qi Xiao and learned that Zhao Yu had gone to the hall where the figurines were worshipped, which was currently empty due to the ongoing Dharma assembly. Fearing that Zhao Yu might have captured Leng Ning and that their being discovered together would ruin Leng Ning's reputation, Bai Yaoyao instructed Qi Xiao to extend the assembly to keep people away from the hall and handle the situation quietly.

Bai Yaoyao arrived at the dimly lit hall and called out for Leng Ning. To her shock, she found Leng Ning standing next to the lifeless body of Zhao Yu. Bai Yaoyao immediately sensed a potent demonic aura emanating from Leng Ning. She realized that despite her own sacrifice to become mortal, it was "too late" to change Leng Ning.

Leng Ning confessed that the "demon quality" was growing from the depths of her heart, fueled by her hatred for Bai Yaoyao. She had become a demon, just like Bai Yaoyao, in a twisted attempt to compete with her.

Xiao Qing, thinking Bai Yaoyao had resolved the situation, brought Xu Xuan to the main hall of Jinshan Temple. Upon arrival, Xu Xuan quickly checked on Leng Ning, who tearfully claimed that Prince Zhao Yu had attempted to molest her and that Bai Yaoyao had accidentally killed him while trying to protect her. Bai Yaoyao, aghast at Leng Ning's duplicity, tried to explain that it wasn't true. Xu Xuan, however, remained composed and walked directly to examine Zhao Yu's body.

Soon after, Li Gongfu, the guards, Qi Xiao, and the women attending the Daughter's Festival arrived. The cheerful atmosphere quickly turned to panic as they discovered Zhao Yu's lifeless body. To protect Bai Yaoyao, Xu Xuan declared himself the murderer. Leng Ning was taken aback by his decisive action. Seeing Xu Xuan take the blame, Bai Yaoyao, in turn, shouted that Leng Ning was the real murderer.

Xu Xuan then presented his hand, stained with Zhao Yu's blood, insisting, "The murderer is me, but anyone else." He urged Li Gongfu to handle the case fairly. As Xu Xuan was led away, Bai Yaoyao collapsed, weeping, blaming herself for his predicament. Given Zhao Yu's noble status, his death caused an uproar in Lin'an City. The Provincial Governor held a special midnight court session to interrogate Xu Xuan, who had already pleaded guilty.

Qi Xiao, also brought to the court, quickly realized Xu Xuan was acting as a scapegoat. Initially, Qi Xiao, who harbored a dislike for Bai Yaoyao, intended to expose the truth. However, Xu Xuan, determined not to have his plan thwarted, swiftly jabbed Qi Xiao's mute acupoint with a silver needle, rendering him speechless. Xu Xuan then challenged the now silent Qi Xiao to speak, mocking his inability to do so.

Meanwhile, Xu Jiaorong was furious and heartbroken to learn that her brother had been arrested. Convinced of his innocence, she wanted to storm the magistrate's office, but Leng Ning and Bai Yaoyao intervened, stopping her. Xu Jiaorong suspected Xu Xuan was covering for someone, intensifying her dislike for Bai Yaoyao. Xiao Qing boldly accused Leng Ning of being the killer, but Leng Ning, feigning righteousness, offered to take the blame for Xu Xuan herself, dismissing Xiao Qing's words as slander.

Xu Jiaorong, who always favored Leng Ning, readily believed her. The Provincial Governor sentenced Xu Xuan to execution three days later. Bai Yaoyao vowed to uncover the truth and prevent Xu Xuan from taking the fall for anyone. She recalled Hong Xin's desperate plea to her just before Zhao Yu's death, believing Hong Xin must know crucial secrets.

Bai Yaoyao decided to spread rumors that she was Zhao Yu's killer, hoping to lure the prince's devoted lover, Hong Xin, out of hiding. Xiao Qing protested, fearing for Bai Yaoyao's safety as she currently had no powers. Within the Apothecary House, disciples of Duan Yang School, incensed by Xu Xuan's death sentence, prepared to break him out of jail.

Disciples from Ming Jue School attempted to stop them, leading to a tense confrontation where they hurled insults and accusations of cowardice and recklessness at each other. Leng Ning intervened, telling them to put away their weapons and assuring them that Xu Xuan would be fine, as Bai Yaoyao would save him. Back with Qi Xiao, Xiao Qing continued to taunt him about his muteness, implying he might remain mute for life if Xu Xuan was executed.

She then proposed a plan: Qi Xiao should go to Mount Li to help Bai Yaoyao regain her powers, while Xiao Qing would stay in Lin'an to protect Bai Yaoyao and assist in Xu Xuan's rescue. Qi Xiao silently agreed. Xiao Qing warned him to be careful and to fulfill his promise. Later, Zhao Wangfei, Zhao Yu's mother, summoned Xu Xuan.

She believed in his kind heart as a physician, especially since he had previously saved her life when she was gravely ill. She pressed him to reveal the truth about her son's death, but Xu Xuan maintained his confession. His only request was to see Leng Ning before his execution, not Bai Yaoyao. This deeply saddened Bai Yaoyao, making her feel that Xu Xuan did not trust her.

During their meeting in prison, Xu Xuan revealed the true sequence of events to Leng Ning. He explained that while examining Zhao Yu's body, he discovered a tiny, precise wound to the heart, indicating the killer possessed medical knowledge. He also found a bloody hairpin, a type Bai Yaoyao rarely wore but Leng Ning often favored. Her nervous demeanor that day, coupled with the missing hairpin, confirmed his suspicions.

Xu Xuan confessed that he knew the truth the moment he entered the hall but chose to take the blame. He explained that by sacrificing himself, he was repaying the Apothecary House for taking him and his sister in as children, thus clearing his debt and severing all ties with them, and by extension, with Leng Ning. Leng Ning, heartbroken, admitted to killing Zhao Yu in self-defense, claiming the prince had intended her harm.

She bitterly accused Xu Xuan and Bai Yaoyao of driving her to this act, to which Xu Xuan countered that it was her own choices that led her there. He clarified that he never suspected Bai Yaoyao and had always trusted her. As he bid her farewell, he asked her to protect the Apothecary House.

In the celestial realm, a celestial crane inadvertently learned Xu Xuan's (Zi Xuan's reincarnation) fate from the Arbiter of Fate and conveyed this information to Bai Yaoyao. Xu Xuan, still bearing the "Fate of Seven Prowesses," was destined to be alone and childless in this mortal life, though his connection to the Apothecary House indicated he could still return to the Empyrean Heaven as a deity. The Green Emperor and White Emperor discussed the matter.

They recalled how the Heavenly Emperor had reincarnated Zi Xuan and Ling Chu (Qi Xiao's previous incarnation) to prevent their powerful fates from causing chaos in the mortal world. Fearing that Bai Yaoyao's strong-willed nature would lead her to defy heaven's will and attempt to alter Xu Xuan's fate, potentially endangering both of them, the Green Emperor sought the White Emperor's aid.

They agreed that Qi Xiao, being Ling Chu's reincarnation, could earn merit by helping Zi Xuan, and thus devised a plan for Qi Xiao to separate Xu Xuan and Bai Yaoyao, allowing destiny to unfold naturally. Qi Xiao, upon reaching Mount Li, had his muteness cured by the celestial crane.

The crane entrusted him with a White Moon Flower, hoping Bai Yaoyao could use it to save Xu Xuan's life, but cautioned Qi Xiao not to let Bai Yaoyao know its origins. Back in the mortal realm, with Xu Xuan's execution drawing near and Hong Xin still missing, Bai Yaoyao suspected deliberate sabotage was preventing her from uncovering the truth.

Despite Xiao Qing's offer to break Xu Xuan out of jail, Bai Yaoyao insisted on visiting him herself, emphasizing the need for discretion to avoid exacerbating his charges. She lamented Qi Xiao's continued absence, realizing they couldn't wait for him any longer.

Bai Yaoyao, anxious due to the lack of news from Qi Xiao, was contemplating how to see Xu Xuan. Xiao Qing initially suggested storming the county jail to rescue him, but Bai Yaoyao insisted on acting quietly, as jailbreak would only worsen Xu Xuan's situation. With Xiao Qing's help in subduing the jail guards, Bai Yaoyao managed to enter the prison to see Xu Xuan.

Inside, Xu Xuan urged Bai Yaoyao to obey mortal laws and consider the consequences of her actions. He told her that everyone eventually dies, and his death would just be a little earlier. Bai Yaoyao, incredulous, questioned his trust, asking how she could love him if she couldn't understand him. Xu Xuan then revealed his true motive: he was covering for Leng Ning, explaining that he intended to repay his master's kindness with his life.

He asked Bai Yaoyao if she could wait until the next life for his repayment to her. Bai Yaoyao vehemently refused, declaring, "I want you in this life." She argued that his master would not approve of such a repayment and emphasized the value of his life. Xu Xuan admitted he had avoided seeing her because he wasn't as strong as she imagined, and seeing her would make him cling to this life, unwilling to throw it away.

Bai Yaoyao reminded him of their thousand-year wait for this life, asking if sacrificing himself for Leng Ning wasn't too cruel to her. She even reflected on their first meeting at the Broken Bridge, wondering if a different choice then would have spared them this sadness, yet affirmed she had no regrets and would still choose to keep him. Bai Yaoyao asserted they still had a chance to change things and offered to plead for his innocence in court.

Xu Xuan, however, reiterated his decision to cover for Leng Ning, asking if she truly didn't understand. Bai Yaoyao insisted Leng Ning must pay for her own crime. Xu Xuan, knowing Bai Yaoyao no longer possessed her full magical powers, warned her to leave before the guards returned. But Bai Yaoyao, accusing him of selfishly refusing to live for her, vowed to stay by his side.

A fire broke out in the prison, and amidst the chaos, Xu Xuan inexplicably fell unconscious. Doctors summoned by the officials were baffled, unable to find a cause for his coma. Under the law, Xu Xuan's execution had to be postponed until he awoke. This turn of events was part of Qi Xiao's plan. He had procured a rare White Moon Flower, whose petals, when consumed by a mortal, induce a coma lasting up to three days and three nights.

This flower, with its unique scent, was typically used for celestial wines. Qi Xiao explained that he had unexpectedly found it on Mount Li, where he had failed to find his master, and had seized the chaotic moment to administer a petal to Xu Xuan, buying them crucial time to uncover the real murderer. Qi Xiao noted that he had tasked Xiao Qing with monitoring Leng Ning's movements, hoping to lure Hong Xin into the open.

Bai Yaoyao deduced that Leng Ning and Hong Xin were likely allied, as Hong Xin had previously impersonated Leng Ning to set a trap. She also expressed concern for Hong Xin, fearing that the carp demon, deeply in love with the prince, might not want to live without him, and that her adoration was being exploited for evil. Meanwhile, at the Apothecary House, disciples were divided over Xu Xuan's situation.

Duan Liu, representing the Duan Yang School, loudly accused Bai Yaoyao of conspiring with demons to bewitch Xu Xuan. He proposed that the Duan Yang School take matters into their own hands to eliminate Bai Yaoyao, dismissing the need for Xu Xuan's authority. Another disciple, Qing Feng, accused Duan Liu of betraying the Apothecary House.

Duan Liu retorted that those who didn't care for the Apothecary House's welfare should be the ones to leave, even suggesting replacing Xu Xuan if he continued to act as Bai Yaoyao's scapegoat. Leng Ning arrived, calming the uproar, and agreed that removing Bai Yaoyao was the only way to ensure Xu Xuan's safety.

When a disciple mentioned Xu Xuan's belief in Bai Yaoyao, Leng Ning challenged their own beliefs, but then conceded that if Bai Yaoyao failed to prove her innocence, "then there's no reason to let her live." Leng Ning then approached Constable Li Gongfu, requesting to secretly examine Prince Zhao Yu's body at Zhao's Palace. She feigned concern for Xu Xuan, claiming to seek clues to clear his name. Li Gongfu, unsuspecting, granted her access and stood guard outside.

Inside the palace, Leng Ning tore down the talismans surrounding the mourning hall, allowing Hong Xin to enter for a final goodbye to Zhao Yu. From a hidden vantage point, Bai Yaoyao and Qi Xiao observed Leng Ning's actions, confirming Hong Xin's presence inside. Suddenly, Leng Ning burst out of the palace, screaming for help. She dramatically accused Hong Xin of being the murderer, claiming the carp demon had attacked her during the examination and stolen Zhao Yu's body.

Li Gongfu, seeing the situation change and the blood on Leng Ning, immediately rallied his men to pursue the "audacious demon" into the mountains, with Leng Ning insisting on joining the hunt, citing her medical knowledge. Unbeknownst to them, Leng Ning had poisoned Zhao Yu's body, intending to kill Hong Xin upon contact. Hong Xin, realizing Leng Ning's betrayal and her own foolishness, was poisoned. Despite this, her profound love for Zhao Yu led her to refuse to abandon him.

She fled with his body, vowing never to leave him again, choosing to die with him in the wilderness. Bai Yaoyao and Qi Xiao arrived at the scene, too late to prevent the framing. As the guards closed in, Bai Yaoyao confronted Leng Ning, asserting that Leng Ning had no right to judge innocence. Hong Xin, weak and poisoned, tried to speak, "Leng Ning. . . She's the one. . ."

but Leng Ning quickly interrupted, warning Li Gongfu that the demon would try to frame someone. Leng Ning then cunningly spun a tale, claiming Hong Xin had previously impersonated her (an event Bai Yaoyao had witnessed), killed the prince, and then tried to frame Xu Xuan, who, unaware of the truth, had taken the blame. This fabricated story convinced Li Gongfu and his men, who promptly declared Hong Xin the murderer.

Bai Yaoyao vehemently protested, asking how they could condemn Hong Xin based solely on Leng Ning's words. Li Gongfu dismissed her concerns, stating he was simply doing his job and emphasizing that Hong Xin was "a demon." Hong Xin, her spirit broken, declared that human hearts were the most poisonous and that she would never again trust such "two-faced people" who couldn't discern right from wrong. As Li Gongfu ordered her arrest, Qi Xiao stepped forward to protect her.

At that moment, Duan Liu of the Duan Yang School appeared, shooting a poisoned arrow at Bai Yaoyao, but Qi Xiao swiftly intercepted it, recognizing it as a Duan Yang School weapon. Hong Xin, knowing her fate was sealed and her poison spreading, warned Bai Yaoyao not to approach, acknowledging that no one would believe a demon's word.

With a final wish to be with Zhao Yu, she self-immolated, hoping for a human life in the next world to be his wife. Bai Yaoyao cried out in despair as Hong Xin perished. Following Hong Xin's death, Li Gongfu instructed his men to report the incident as a demon's crime, ensuring a swift closure to the case. Xu Xuan was quickly declared innocent.

Bai Yaoyao questioned why Hong Xin's testimony was ignored, and Qi Xiao explained that no one would believe a demon, and with the case closed, the truth no longer mattered. Bai Yaoyao lamented the unfairness, wondering why demons were considered lesser beings and why Hong Xin had to die for another's crime, reflecting on the common saying that "humans and demons walk different paths," and that such love was against heavenly laws.

She voiced her fear that her own relationship with Xu Xuan might suffer a similar tragic fate. Xiao Qing tried to comfort her, telling her not to listen to Qi Xiao and reassuring her that she and Xu Xuan were destined to be together. Despite the public relief at Xu Xuan's acquittal, Bai Yaoyao confronted Leng Ning, accusing her of having blood on her hands and lacking remorse.

Leng Ning, unrepentant, declared that as long as Xu Xuan was safe, killing someone didn't matter, and brazenly claimed she had only targeted Hong Xin as a scapegoat after Xu Xuan unexpectedly took the blame for the initial murder, which she had intended to pin on Bai Yaoyao. Leng Ning further provoked Bai Yaoyao by challenging her to reveal her demon identity to Xu Xuan.

Upon waking in the medical center, Xu Xuan realized Qi Xiao had drugged him to buy time. Bai Yaoyao informed him that the prince's murderer was dead, and he had been cleared. Mistakenly believing Leng Ning was dead, Xu Xuan expressed annoyance at Bai Yaoyao and Qi Xiao's intervention, feeling he had been wrong to cover for Leng Ning and that their actions had ruined his plan. He mused on the difficulty of being human and discerning right from wrong.

Bai Yaoyao agreed, admitting she, too, struggled with such complexities. Still under the impression Leng Ning was dead, Xu Xuan questioned why they had involved her. Bai Yaoyao then revealed the devastating truth: Leng Ning was alive, and the person who died was Hong Xin, who Leng Ning had set up and who had incinerated herself for love. Xu Xuan's silence at the mention of "Hong Xin, that carp demon" deeply troubled Bai Yaoyao.

She challenged him, asking if his silence was because Hong Xin was a demon, and if demons were "so worthless" in his heart. Disheartened, Bai Yaoyao confessed that if discerning right from wrong was impossible in this world, she didn't know how to be mortal, and her hopes of growing old with him might just be wishful thinking. In a recollection of ancient times, a conversation between celestial beings highlighted the eternal prejudice against demons.

During the Four Seas War a thousand years ago, the Green Emperor, along with Zi Xuan and Ling Chu, led the celestial forces to victory against the Dragon Tribe. The Demon Clan had significantly aided their efforts, and the Heavenly Emperor had promised to bestow the Demon Emperor with the title of High Deity.

However, after the war, the Heavenly Emperor reneged on his promise, avoiding the Demon Emperor and secretly ordering the White Emperor to capture him and destroy his primordial spirit. Despite these efforts, the Demon Emperor escaped. During a conversation between the White Emperor and the Green Emperor, overheard by Bai Yaoyao, it was revealed that celestials viewed demons as inferior, readily exploiting or destroying them.

The White Emperor instructed Zi Xuan to find the escaped Demon Emperor, Zhan Huang, and the Water Dragon, warning of impending chaos if they remained at large. Bai Yaoyao, recalling Zi Xuan's past life where he never judged her identity, feared how the mortal Xu Xuan would react if he discovered she was a snake demon. She worried he might avoid or fear her, especially after witnessing his biased reaction to Hong Xin's tragic fate. She questioned if humans and demons were truly destined to walk separate paths, unable to ever be together.

Upon his return to the Apothecary House, Xu Xuan immediately addressed the internal affairs of the Duan Yang School. He confronted them about the poisoned arrow shot at Bai Yaoyao and the disciple who tried to break into the prison, citing neglect of rules, disobeying orders, and meddling in external matters as grounds for expulsion.

When Xu Xuan directly asked Duan Liu if he admitted his wrongs, Duan Liu defiantly replied that he did not, stating that all members of Duan Yang School were involved and that Xu Xuan should punish all of them if he intended to punish anyone. A disciple from the Ming Jue School voiced his objection, arguing that punishing everyone for an outsider was unfair. Many other disciples also pleaded for Xu Xuan to show mercy.

Faced with this united front, Xu Xuan left the main hall without saying a word. Xu Xuan then expressed his intention to leave the Apothecary House and sever all ties with Leng Ning. He admitted that his past leniency allowed her to commit severe mistakes. He highlighted that Leng Ning was responsible for two deaths: Zhao Yu and the innocent Hong Xin.

He stressed that Hong Xin, a demon, only fell in love with a prince, and killing her merely because she was a demon contradicted his foundational principle as a physician to save all lives equally, regardless of whether they were human or demon.

Leng Ning tried to justify her actions, claiming she was only attempting to save Xu Xuan by taking the blame, and that Hong Xin was already planning to die with the prince, so she was merely granting her wish. Xu Xuan, however, insisted that Leng Ning must bear the lifelong burden of her actions.

As Xu Xuan reiterated his determination to leave, Leng Ning threatened him by asserting that no one else in the House was qualified to be the Lord if he left, since her father, the late Lord, had entrusted her to Xu Xuan's care. Disappointed by Leng Ning's cold, selfish, and overbearing transformation, Xu Xuan merely stated that from that day forward, she would have to look out for herself.

Before his departure, Xu Xuan announced his plan to select a suitable successor to lead the Apothecary House. According to the House rules, any candidate for Lord must be recognized by both schools and pass a test of medicine and poison. To test Leng Ning’s capabilities, Xu Xuan claimed to have poisoned her with the same substance he used on Hong Xin, giving her twelve hours to find the antidote.

He publicly declared that whoever could cure Leng Ning from either the Ming Jue or Duan Yang School would become the new Lord. Leng Ning, paralyzed and in distress, tried to solve the puzzle, believing Xu Xuan had altered the poison. When Song Shixiong and Duan Liu attempted to enter her room to help, she refused, insisting that this was Xu Xuan's test for her and she would not fail him.

They only gained entry to examine her after she became completely rigid. Meanwhile, Bai Yaoyao and Xiao Qing noticed a peculiar emptiness in the spiritual energy at the Fiery Grounds, sensing that something was amiss at the Apothecary House. They suspected it might be related to the depletion of spiritual energy there. Qi Xiao believed the cause was someone bearing the Fate of Greedy Wolf, as even Tao Tie lacked such power.

At the Fiery Grounds, Bai Yaoyao encountered Xu Xuan. Still resentful and believing he didn't differentiate right from wrong, she avoided conversation with him. Xu Xuan, observing her demeanor, sighed that even Bai Yaoyao did not understand him. Elsewhere, the Demon Emperor noted that two barriers sealing the black jiao had been broken and deduced, based on the Five Elements, that the next barrier should be related to water, instructing his subordinates to find a location full of spiritual energy.

As the twelve-hour deadline approached, Leng Ning’s arm turned blue, yet no one could find an antidote. However, exactly at the appointed time, her arm returned to normal. Xu Xuan then revealed he had not poisoned her at all. He had merely applied a "Powder of Disperse," which removes accumulated toxins from the body. He explained that her apparent paralysis was a psychosomatic reaction stemming from her own fear due to her recent exposure to excessive poisons.

Both Song Shixiong and Duan Liu acknowledged their errors, realizing their separate efforts to find an antidote had led them astray. Xu Xuan emphasized that only when both schools worked together could the Apothecary House thrive. He declared this his final lesson before leaving, entrusting the Apothecary House to Leng Ning, despite her having failed to realize the truth of her own condition.

The Apothecary House had a hundred-year-old tradition for those who wished to depart: they must drink poisonous wine and cross the Bridge of Fog, a path from which no one had ever returned alive. Xu Xuan, without hesitation, drank the wine and stepped onto the perilous bridge, amidst swirling miasma and flying arrows. Upon learning of Xu Xuan’s departure, Bai Yaoyao, realizing she had misunderstood his intentions regarding Hong Xin, rushed to the Apothecary House.

Qing Feng implored her to use her magical prowess to save Xu Xuan, but Bai Yaoyao believed Xu Xuan would not wish for anyone to interfere with the House's rules. She chose to wait at the exit, vowing to die with him if he did not emerge. Xu Xuan, wounded by arrows and weakened by the miasma and poisonous wine, collapsed. He discovered that crawling reduced the miasma's effect, but he defiantly chose to stand and walk out.

After a tense period of waiting, Xu Xuan emerged from the bridge, injured but otherwise unharmed. Leng Ning, consumed by resentment, let him and Bai Yaoyao leave. Meanwhile, at Jinshan Temple, Qi Xiao and his fellow monks were facing financial difficulties after Zhao Yu’s death had deterred visitors and donations. When a young monk reported that a pilgrim wished to stay for some time, Qi Xiao, hoping for a generous donation, immediately ordered the best room to be prepared.

This pilgrim turned out to be Xu Xuan. He explained to Qi Xiao that the Apothecary House’s harsh departure ritual was a test of resolve. The poisonous wine he drank was not meant to kill him but to neutralize the miasma on the Bridge of Fog. Had he crawled out in an attempt to survive, the poisonous wine would have eventually claimed his life. It was precisely his defiance, his strong will to walk out on foot, that allowed the wine to neutralize the miasma, ensuring his survival without serious harm.

Xu Xuan arrived at Jinshan Temple, seeking temporary lodging. Qi Xiao, recalling their past disagreements, tried to turn him away, claiming the temple could not accommodate such a distinguished guest. However, Xu Xuan, prepared for this, produced a detailed bill for all the medical services and treatments he had previously provided to Qi Xiao, demanding immediate payment. This hit Qi Xiao's weak spot, as Jinshan Temple was currently facing financial difficulties, partly due to the previous incident involving Zhao Yu.

Faced with no other option, Qi Xiao reluctantly agreed to let Xu Xuan stay and cover all his living expenses at the temple. Meanwhile, rumors were rampant throughout Lin'an City about Xu Xuan's departure from the Apothecary House. People believed that Leng Ning had tirelessly worked to clear his name, only for him to ungratefully abandon the Apothecary House immediately after his release from prison. They condemned him as an ingrate unworthy of leading the Apothecary House.

Xu Jiao Rong, distraught by the damage to her brother's reputation, engaged in heated arguments and fights with those spreading malicious gossip in the streets. Yao Yao, mistakenly believing Xu Xuan was staying with Xu Jiao Rong, arranged to meet her at a restaurant. It was only then that they discovered Xu Xuan was at Jinshan Temple, refusing to see anyone.

Xu Jiao Rong, fearing Xu Xuan might become disillusioned with the world and decide to become a monk, rushed off to find him. Xiao Qing, without thinking, ordered a lavish meal for the three of them, but they soon realized they had no money. Xiao Qing magically transformed a stone into silver to pay the bill, but this unconventional method made Yao Yao understand that the first challenge for mortals to overcome was financial stability.

With Xu Xuan's departure from the Apothecary House, the spiritual aura there was no longer suppressed by his Seven Prowesses fate. The Demon Emperor, Zhan Huang, took full advantage, absorbing all the spiritual energy to significantly boost his power. His subordinate, Niyun, located the third barrier in a bamboo grove outside the city. Niyun reported that this barrier was peculiar, as it suppressed demonic power upon entry, leaving Niyun bewildered.

Zhan Huang personally went to inspect it, observing that its spiritual aura was masked by vitality, making it difficult to detect and allowing it to ward off evil. Zhan Huang had already begun subtly clearing the spiritual aura. He then instructed Niyun to spread news that demons were running rampant and that this bamboo grove could ward them off, intending to turn it into a popular prayer site to generate incense.

Niyun suggested sending demon underlings to create trouble in the city to support this ruse. Zhan Huang acknowledged that while he had brought the spiritual aura under his control, completely destroying the barrier would require Xu Xuan's blood to awaken the spell. Separately, Qi Xiao, hoping to earn money to support Jinshan Temple, noticed numerous demon-hunting bounties posted around the city. To his frustration, Yao Yao and Xiao Qing were taking all the business.

He grumbled, not understanding why a demon like Xiao Qing would engage in demon-hunting. Xiao Qing's strategy involved sending minor demons to scare wealthy residents (whom they deemed heartless) then publicly "catching" them for a fee. She justified it as "rob the rich to help the poor," but she and Yao Yao soon realized that a different group of demons was genuinely harming people in Lin'an City for no apparent reason, prompting Yao Yao to investigate.

When Xu Xuan discovered Yao Yao and Xiao Qing's demon-hunting activities, he was displeased. He saw her efforts to earn money for him to open a medical clinic as him needing her help, which he adamantly rejected. He explained that her actions, especially Xiao Qing's involvement, would only reinforce people's prejudices against demons, recalling how Hong Xin was misunderstood simply because she was a demon.

Yao Yao, surprised by his reaction, apologized, clarifying that she had observed other demons truly hurting people and suspected another demon was behind it. Xu Xuan asserted his belief that all living creatures, humans and demons alike, are equal. He became angry when Yao Yao persisted in her desire to help him, stating he didn't need assistance from others and was fully capable of establishing his own medical center.

He stormed off, reflecting that he was being cruel to her because he didn't want her to worry or see him in a pitiful state, promising to give her an explanation once he had found his footing in Lin'an City. Back at the Demon Emperor's lair, Zhan Huang observed Tao Tie, the son of the dragon, lamenting his weakened state.

Tao Tie complained that the method Zhan Huang taught him for regaining flesh and blood was ineffective, causing his willpower to waver. Zhan Huang explained that the method was designed for demons, making it less effective for Tao Tie, who is not a demon. He promised to find another solution, but in return, he demanded Tao Tie lure Xu Xuan to the bamboo grove. As the bamboo grove outside the city became a popular prayer spot, Jinshan Temple's offerings dwindled.

Qi Xiao, suspecting foul play, went to investigate the grove along with Xiao Qing and Yao Yao. Xiao Qing claimed to have witnessed purple leaves and auspicious clouds there previously. However, their inspection revealed nothing unusual; no demonic aura or strange phenomena were present. Qi Xiao remained skeptical, suggesting someone was simply playing tricks. Yao Yao, still concerned, asked Xiao Qing to stand guard there for a few days.

Xu Xuan had written a secret letter and entrusted Qi Xiao with auctioning it off. Only the highest bidder would be allowed to read its contents. Qi Xiao, bewildered by Xu Xuan's confidence given his ruined reputation, reluctantly agreed, negotiating a fee for his services. Xu Xuan warned him to safeguard the letter carefully. News of the auction spread, and soon, a pure white spiritual snake appeared, coiling around the letter in Jinshan Temple's main hall, preventing anyone from approaching.

The pure white spiritual snake that appeared was actually Yao Yao's transformation. However, Xu Xuan, unaware of this, recognized it as one he had healed long ago at the Apothecary House, assuming it had returned to repay his kindness. This phenomenon was widely interpreted as a divine sign, suggesting the letter held profound secrets, which greatly increased public interest and bidding. Qi Xiao, noticing the white snake's devotion, contrasted it with Xiao Qing's mischievous nature, sparking another argument between them.

Meanwhile, at the Apothecary House, Leng Ning and Duan Liu discussed the letter. Leng Ning worried that Xu Xuan, having betrayed the Apothecary House once, might reveal secret medical or poison scriptures, especially the 'Poison Scroll' which is the foundation of the Duan Yang School, in the letter. If leaked, this would be disastrous for their school. Rumors had also spread that her medical skills were inferior to Xu Xuan's, further fueling her insecurity.

Driven by a desire to protect the Apothecary House's foundation and her own reputation, Leng Ning ordered Duan Liu to covertly lead a group of Duan Yang School disciples to Jinshan Temple, instructing them to seize the letter and kill the snake. Despite Duan Liu's hesitation, citing the unrighteousness and potential reputational damage of such an act, Leng Ning, asserting her authority as the owner of the Apothecary House, insisted. Duan Liu's black-clad disciples stormed into Jinshan Temple.

Inside the temple, Xiao Qing's magic was suppressed, leaving her at a disadvantage against the numerous attackers. Qi Xiao bravely stood to defend her. As he protected her, Xiao Qing felt her heart race and looked at him in a way she never had before.

After Qi Xiao fought off the disciples of Duanyang Sect, he suspected they were targeting Xu Xuan and demanded to know the secret of the letter. Xu Xuan asked for two more days, until the bidding concluded, to reveal the answer. Qi Xiao agreed to wait, but warned Xu Xuan to stay in his room and promised to keep vigil, jokingly calling Xu Xuan timid and telling him to stay with the white snake in case it was assaulted again.

Meanwhile, Xiao Qing reflected on her recent experiences. She recalled that when the goblins lit up the mountain with lights for her, she felt nothing, but during the recent encounter with the disciples of Duanyang Sect, her heart had raced. She initially thought she was just happy to encounter assassins after a long time. Later, seeing Qi Xiao, her heart began to beat fast again, and she realized it was because of Qi Xiao.

She then concluded that Qi Xiao must be practicing a new demon-subduing magic, intending to capture her without her realizing it, and fled in fear. Qi Xiao, left alone, wondered if Xiao Qing had been possessed during her cultivation. In the celestial realm, White Emperor was worried about Qi Xiao's protectiveness towards Xiao Qing, fearing he would suffer a similar fate to Zi Xuan, who was implicated by a snake demon. Green Emperor, however, remained unconcerned.

He revealed he had recently visited Mount Li, where the Sacred Lady of Mount Li, worried about Bai Yaoyao, had given her a peach wood sword. This sword had the power to sever the karmic ties between Bai Yaoyao and Xu Xuan.

Green Emperor planned to use this opportunity to separate Bai Yaoyao from Xu Xuan, believing that once Bai Yaoyao was gone, Xiao Qing would also leave Mount Jin Temple, allowing both Qi Xiao and Xu Xuan to focus on their cultivation. As the bidding for Xu Xuan's letter neared its end, with only half an hour remaining, a crowd gathered outside Mount Jin Temple.

Bai Yaoyao perched on the main hall's beam, clutching the peach wood sword, ready to assist Xu Xuan if any trouble arose. Green Emperor, observing the scene through a magic mirror, intervened. As Qi Xiao walked below, Green Emperor used his magic to make the peach wood sword fall directly into Qi Xiao's hand. Qi Xiao, upon receiving the sword, believed it was a divine sign, a celestial enlightenment.

Bai Yaoyao, realizing her sword had fallen into Qi Xiao’s possession, worried about potential complications and asked Xiao Qing to retrieve it. Reflecting on the unusual incident, she suspected that the Green and White Emperors were behind the sword's mysterious fall. Xiao Qing, eager to help, promised to retrieve the sword without revealing its secret, even if it cost her life. In the bidding, Boss Meng of Baicaoju, the city's largest apothecary, was the highest bidder.

However, Leng Ning, representing the Apothecary House, abruptly intervened, offering three times Boss Meng's price to secure the letter. After the bidding, Xu Xuan met Leng Ning in a back room and handed her the letter, which turned out to be a blank piece of paper. Leng Ning was outraged, feeling that Xu Xuan had fooled everyone. Xu Xuan explained that he held the bidding to gauge who still believed in his abilities after he left the Apothecary House.

He then reprimanded Leng Ning, stating that her impulsive, high bid, driven by distrust and fear for the Apothecary House's reputation, was reckless. He explained that such an action only amplified his status and unnecessarily depleted the Apothecary House's limited funds. He returned most of the money, keeping a portion as her "tuition fees," and urged her to always prioritize the Apothecary House's welfare over her personal concerns, rather than her own name.

Leng Ning, humbled, vowed never to forget the lesson. Later, Qi Xiao confronted Xu Xuan about the blank letter. Xu Xuan confirmed that the letter contained nothing, stating that he used the bidding to assert his value in Lin'an City after his departure from the Apothecary House, proving that despite public doubt, some still trusted his capability. Xiao Qing attempted to steal the peach wood sword from Qi Xiao.

Qi Xiao, noticing her erratic behavior and rapid heartbeat, demanded to know the sword's origin. Flustered, Xiao Qing told him to ask Bai Yaoyao. Knowing that Bai Yaoyao would never reveal the truth, Qi Xiao used his magic to read Xiao Qing's mind.

Through her thoughts, he discovered that the peach wood sword was a magical instrument given by the Sacred Lady of Mount Li, capable of restoring Bai Yaoyao's millennia-worth of magical prowess if it were to pierce Xu Xuan. Qi Xiao realized that the sword falling into his hands was not a coincidence, but destiny. Qi Xiao recalled his previous visit to Mount Li.

After being gifted a rare White Moon Flower by a celestial crane, he returned to question its extraordinary origin. There, he overheard the Green Emperor discussing Bai Yaoyao with the Fairy Crane, learning that she had sought Xu Xuan for a thousand years and had even defied heavenly laws to alter his destiny.

Qi Xiao concluded that altering destiny had unimaginable consequences and that the peach wood sword's appearance was a divine intervention, a sign that he was meant to end the fated entanglement between Xu Xuan and Bai Yaoyao. He believed that if Xu Xuan could forget Bai Yaoyao, both their destinies could return to their proper courses, freeing them from suffering.

Upon returning home, Xu Xuan immediately announced his intention to marry Bai Yaoyao and asked his sister, Xu Jiaorong, to formally propose on his behalf. Xu Jiaorong was furious, believing Bai Yaoyao had brought nothing but misfortune upon her brother, leading to his imprisonment, broken engagement, and public disgrace. She vehemently opposed the marriage. However, anticipating his sister's refusal, Xu Xuan had already arranged for Wang Sanniang, a local matchmaker, to go to Bai Mansion.

Enraged by her brother's preemptive action and Wang Sanniang's meddling, Xu Jiaorong decided to personally go to Bai Mansion herself. At Bai Mansion, Bai Yaoyao was touched by Xu Jiaorong’s visit, having initially thought Xu Xuan was still angry with her. She readily accepted the marriage proposal.

Xu Jiaorong, seeing Bai Yaoyao’s genuine understanding of Xu Xuan – his warm heart hidden by a fear that his lonely fate would harm his loved ones, and that he always kept his sister and those he cared about in his heart – finally understood her brother's affection. Witnessing their profound connection, Xu Jiaorong was relieved that Xu Xuan had found someone who truly understood and cared for him.

Later, Qi Xiao ambushed Xu Xuan, attempting to strike him with the peach wood sword. Bai Yaoyao bravely shielded Xu Xuan with her hand, sustaining an injury. She warned Qi Xiao not to interfere. Xu Xuan, noticing the sword's unusual power and disliking being kept in the dark, demanded to know its secret. Bai Yaoyao then revealed that if the peach wood sword were to pierce him, he would forget her, and she would regain her magical powers.

Xu Xuan declared he would rather endure a lifetime of pain and solitude than forget her, asserting his love and determination to provide for her, assuring her that she didn't need to sacrifice herself for him. He firmly told her never to use the peach wood sword, no matter the difficulty. Xu Xuan then took possession of the sword, promising to keep it safe.

Xiao Qing vehemently cursed Qi Xiao, accusing him of being a despicable villain for ruining relationships, invoking the saying that it is better to tear down ten temples than to wreck a marriage. Unfazed, Qi Xiao declared he had no regrets for his actions. He then pressed Xiao Qing about Bai Yaoyao's connection to the white snake he had seen on the beam.

Xiao Qing initially feigned ignorance but then explained that since Bai Yaoyao had lost all her powers, she had entrusted the sacred peach wood sword to the trustworthy white snake for safekeeping. Qi Xiao, however, remained skeptical, questioning why Bai Yaoyao would trust such a vital item, granted by the Sacred Lady of Mount Li, to a mere snake.

He demanded that Xiao Qing inform Bai Yaoyao to bring the white snake to Mount Jin Temple to explain the entire incident. Xiao Qing replied she could not promise this and would have to discuss it with Bai Yaoyao at home, secretly fearing that Qi Xiao had seen through her words and determined not to let him meet Bai Yaoyao. Meanwhile, news of Physician Xu Xuan's impending marriage spread.

Qing Feng, remembering Xu Xuan’s past affiliation with the Apothecary House, felt inclined to offer help for the wedding preparations but worried about offending Leng Ning. He went to Leng Ning, whose calming bell unexpectedly rang without wind, suggesting the presence of a demon. Leng Ning playfully dismissed it as a prank to scare him. Qing Feng cautiously relayed the news of Xu Xuan’s marriage.

Leng Ning, feigning indifference, stated she was already aware through Sister Xu and insisted she had moved on, with the Apothecary House now being her sole focus. She decided to personally deliver a congratulatory gift to resolve any lingering misunderstandings, and Qing Feng offered to accompany her. Yet, deep down, Leng Ning’s love for Xu Xuan intensified, as did her dormant demonic nature.

A subtle influence suggested that her calming bell, while suppressing her demonic side, could also accelerate her cultivation if she fully embraced her demonic transformation, enabling her to gain power comparable to centuries of demon practice in just a few years. Leng Ning mused to herself that if she could do anything she desired as a demon, her only desire was Brother Xu. At Mount Jin Temple, Master Yong'an, Qi Xiao’s uncle, returned with sacred Buddhist relics.

Xu Jiaorong insisted that Bai Yaoyao and Xiao Qing accompany her to worship these relics. Xiao Qing grew anxious, knowing that the powerful aura of such relics could force demons to reveal their true forms. As the procession approached, Bai Yaoyao realized they had no escape. Just in time, Qi Xiao intervened, telling Xu Jiaorong that the temple needed Bai Yaoyao’s help with the sacred ceremony.

Xu Jiaorong, pleased by the offer, allowed Bai Yaoyao and Xiao Qing to leave with him. Xiao Qing thanked Qi Xiao for saving them from exposure, but Qi Xiao chastised them for their recklessness in coming to such a sacred place. He revealed he had already swapped the true relic, ensuring the demons in the hill would not be harmed by its power. Xiao Qing, defiant, asserted that demons had their dignity and would never worship their oppressors.

Qi Xiao then produced the real sacred relic before Bai Yaoyao and Xiao Qing. Under its power, Bai Yaoyao's true form was momentarily revealed, confirming Qi Xiao’s suspicions. Bai Yaoyao confessed to being the white snake from the beam. Qi Xiao demanded to know why she was so intent on defying celestial laws to alter Xu Xuan’s destiny.

Bai Yaoyao admitted she foresaw her own future—trapped in eternal darkness, without peace—but she could not let Xu Xuan suffer a solitary, tragic life. She was determined to change his fate, even if it meant her own annihilation. She pleaded with Qi Xiao to keep her demonic identity and intentions a secret from Xu Xuan, emphasizing that her love for Xu Xuan was strong enough for her to sacrifice everything.

Qi Xiao warned her of the dire consequences, but Bai Yaoyao remained resolute. Qi Xiao grappled with his duty as a demon hunter, unable to reconcile it with his growing reluctance to harm Bai Yaoyao and Xiao Qing. Xiao Qing, observing his distress, confronted him. She passionately argued for the possibility of genuine human-demon love, believing Bai Yaoyao’s choice was justified.

She challenged Qi Xiao, asking what he would do if he, a demon hunter, ever fell in love with a demon. Qi Xiao, visibly disturbed, vehemently denied such a possibility. Alone later, he pondered his past, recalling the numerous demon spiritual marbles he had collected. He questioned his inability to take down Bai Yaoyao and Xiao Qing, despite his clear duty to eradicate demons who bring chaos.

His heart ached as he wondered how he could fulfill his destiny if the demon he was meant to destroy was someone he considered a friend. He then sought guidance from his uncle, Master Yong'an. When Qi Xiao asked how to stop human-demon love, Master Yong'an advised him to directly eliminate the demon to prevent harm to both lives in the long run.

However, unwilling to kill Bai Yaoyao and still seeking a comprehensive solution, Qi Xiao was given a bottle of sand by Master Yong'an, left by Master Yuanyi, and instructed to calmly create a Buddha sand painting, assuring him that the answer would be found within the artwork. Meanwhile, Xiao Qing, worried about Bai Yaoyao’s crisis, delved into books on love stories. Her research led her to conclude that all men were inherently untrustworthy.

Fearing Xu Xuan might betray Bai Yaoyao, leaving her more pitiable than legendary tragic figures, Xiao Qing decided to test Xu Xuan’s sincerity. She learned that Xu Xuan had ordered the finest Ling Yun silk for Bai Yaoyao’s wedding dress. Disguising herself as "Miss Su," a courtesan from Wan Hua Brothel, Xiao Qing purchased all the precious silk. Xu Xuan, however, quickly saw through her ruse and appeared at the brothel, demanding the silk back, proving her test futile.

Separately, Xu Jiaorong had initially offered to make Bai Yaoyao’s wedding dress, but Leng Ning, seeing an opportunity, insisted on taking over the task, claiming it as her blessing for her senior brother and requesting it be kept a secret to surprise them on the wedding day.

This secretive act was a facade, as Leng Ning intended to imbue the dress with power from highly poisonous Western Sacred Spiders, which she was cultivating in vast quantities under the pretense of developing an antidote. Later, Xu Xuan was summoned for an urgent medical case and had been gone for over an hour. Bai Yaoyao grew anxious, knowing Xu Xuan would typically send word if he were delayed.

Fearing he was in trouble, she dispatched Xiao Qing to check Mount Jin Temple, a likely destination if it was a southern emergency. Xiao Qing arrived at Mount Jin Temple to find Qi Xiao intently working on a sand painting, given to him by Master Yong'an to help him find a solution to his dilemma regarding human-demon love. Xiao Qing, convinced Qi Xiao was trying to interfere with the wedding, angrily confronted him.

When he told her to step back to avoid disturbing his sand, she defiantly blew away the delicate image. Meanwhile, Xu Xuan was led to the Purple Bamboo Grove by the person who had summoned him. Upon arrival, the person suddenly collapsed, bleeding from seven orifices, and died. Xu Xuan examined the body, discerning that the individual had been dead for several days, indicating a trap.

Bai Yaoyao, approaching the Purple Bamboo Grove, sensed a profound shift in its aura compared to her previous visit. Her spiritual marble resonated with a powerful demonic presence. Realizing the danger, and with Xu Xuan possibly inside, she declared her intention to enter. Xiao Qing reminded Bai Yaoyao of her lack of powers and offered to go alone, but Bai Yaoyao refused, stating that both Xu Xuan and Xiao Qing were equally important to her. Together, they cautiously ventured into the perilous grove.

Taotie cornered Xu Xuan in a bamboo grove, proclaiming, "Xu Xuan, we meet again," and vowing to make him pay. He declared the grove sealed, leaving no escape. Although Xu Xuan fought with his needles, they passed harmlessly through Taotie, who lacked a physical body. Taotie struck Xu Xuan down. Just then, Xiao Qing and Bai Yaoyao arrived.

Seeing Xu Xuan wounded and knowing Bai Yaoyao had no magical prowess, Xiao Qing urged Bai Yaoyao to take Xu Xuan and leave, while she confronted the demon. Taotie mocked Bai Yaoyao's attempt to resist with a mortal body, injuring her. Xiao Qing again urged Bai Yaoyao to leave first. Soon after, Taotie knocked Xiao Qing unconscious. The Demon Emperor then appeared and rescued Xiao Qing, sensing a familiar aura on her.

He became convinced that Xiao Qing was the maiden who had nourished his primordial spirit with her heart's blood a century ago. Taotie caught up with Bai Yaoyao and Xu Xuan. Bai Yaoyao fought with a spiritual sword, but without her magic, she was quickly overwhelmed. Suddenly, Zi Xuan's primordial spirit manifested, repelling Taotie. The presence of Xu Xuan's blood in the bamboo grove also caused the barrier of the bamboo grove to break.

The Demon Emperor had set up barriers around the grove earlier when Taotie lured Xu Xuan there. Unaware that Bai Yaoyao had acquired the Fate of Dubhe while nurturing his primordial spirit, which allowed her and Xiao Qing to bypass the barrier, the Demon Emperor mistakenly believed Xiao Qing had saved him. Taotie questioned the Demon Emperor about Bai Yaoyao's entry and why he had intervened against Zi Xuan's spirit.

The Demon Emperor clarified he hadn't intended to kill Zi Xuan and asserted his right to act as he pleased, warning Taotie against plotting against him. Awakening later, Xu Xuan had no memory of Zi Xuan's actions. He noted Bai Yaoyao's injuries, but she dismissed them as scratches, reassuring him she was fine. Xu Xuan questioned how he escaped and why Taotie would give up so easily.

Bai Yaoyao attributed their escape to Xiao Qing's power and subtly steered the conversation away from anything that might reveal Zi Xuan's re-emergence. Alone, Bai Yaoyao worried about Zi Xuan's spirit appearing at the location of the third barrier, wondering what she should do. Meanwhile, Master's disciple reported that Qi Xiao had been secluded for days, drawing sand paintings in search of enlightenment, believing it was a mission from Master.

Master confessed he had only given Qi Xiao the task as an excuse to keep him busy and prevent him from bothering others. Despite this, Qi Xiao struggled to complete a sand painting for the wedding day. Frustrated, he inadvertently drew Xiao Qing's image, shocking him. He quickly destroyed it, calling it the "she-demon." However, looking at the scattered sand, he realized that everything, whether a Buddha or a demon, ultimately returns to sand.

He concluded that all things in the world are fundamentally the same; there is no inherent nobility or lowliness. What does it matter if one is human or demon? If two hearts truly love each other, societal opinions are irrelevant. With this newfound understanding, Qi Xiao decided he should congratulate Xu Xuan and Bai Yaoyao on their wedding. The wedding day, also the Dragon Boat Festival, was chosen by Xu Xuan.

Leng Ning and her attendant Qing Feng, heading to the wedding, noted the festive atmosphere and the tradition of drinking realgar wine to ward off pests. Xu Xuan's sister, Xu Jiaorong, and her husband Li Gongfu discussed the wedding. Xu Jiaorong had wanted a grand ceremony, but Xu Xuan insisted on a low-key wedding held at night, much to her frustration.

As Qi Xiao made his way to offer congratulations, he was ensnared in a powerful spider web array, controlled by a formidable and malicious demon. In the bridal chamber, Xiao Qing admired Bai Yaoyao in her wedding gown, praising her beauty. Bai Yaoyao mentioned that Xu Jiaorong had said an expert needlewoman made the dress and noticed the unusual texture of the thread, though she didn't suspect anything amiss.

During the ceremony, Leng Ning arrived, congratulating the couple and presenting realgar wine as a gift. She claimed to have personally sewn the wedding gown over half a month and expressed a desire to reconcile with Bai Yaoyao, hoping the wine would resolve their past grievances. Xiao Qing immediately suspected Leng Ning's ill intentions. Xu Xuan, seeing Bai Yaoyao's hesitation, offered to drink the wine for her.

Leng Ning pressed the issue, feigning remorse for her past actions and suggesting Bai Yaoyao was unwilling to forgive her. Xu Jiaorong intervened, admonishing Bai Yaoyao for being rude by refusing a gift made with such effort. To prevent further suspicion and argument, Bai Yaoyao declared that if the wine could truly erase the past and accept Leng Ning's blessings, she would drink it herself. She then drank the realgar wine.

After drinking the realgar wine and having no magical prowess, Bai Yaoyao felt her demonic form threatening to emerge. She hid in the bridal chamber, instructing Xiao Qing to guard the door and prevent anyone, especially Xu Xuan, from entering for the next hour until the wine's effects wore off. However, as Xiao Qing helped Bai Yaoyao, Bai Yaoyao warned her that the wedding gown itself was laced with poison, which stained Xiao Qing's hand black upon contact.

Bai Yaoyao realized Leng Ning's malice extended beyond the realgar wine, but she bravely resolved to endure the pain. Xiao Qing's subordinate, Xiao Hui, was dispatched to find Qi Xiao, as Bai Yaoyao's life was in peril. Xiao Qing confronted Leng Ning in the courtyard, accusing her of deliberately using the realgar wine and poisonous gown to harm Bai Yaoyao and ruin her marriage.

Leng Ning retorted that it was revenge for Xu Xuan's past humiliation, asserting she wanted him to see his perfect wife's true form. They fought, and despite Xiao Qing's thousand years of cultivation, she was no match for Leng Ning, who trapped her with poisonous spider silk from the wedding gown.

The Demon Emperor, controlling the spider demons that had trapped Qi Xiao earlier, planned to prevent Qi Xiao from intervening and ensure Xu Xuan witnessed Bai Yaoyao's true form, thus ruining their marriage. Xiao Hui, trying to find Qi Xiao, also became caught in the spider webs. Qi Xiao, still struggling against the spider array, heard Xiao Hui's cries for help.

Realizing the spider silk was vulnerable to fire, he instructed Xiao Hui to use his flint stones to burn through it. Meanwhile, Xu Xuan, unaffected by the celebratory wine thanks to an antidote he had taken, decided to check on Bai Yaoyao. Xiao Qing's minions tried to block his path, demanding he pass three tests and drink three cups of wine. Xu Xuan easily saw through their delaying tactics, noting their surprise that he wasn't drunk.

He knew they were stalling, and Bai Yaoyao, sensing his approach and her deteriorating condition, cried out from inside, pleading for him not to enter. Determined to see his wife, Xu Xuan quickly subdued the minions with his golden needles and entered the bridal chamber. Inside, he found no sign of Bai Yaoyao, only a white snake on the bed. Leng Ning, outside, celebrated her success, believing Xu Xuan had witnessed Bai Yaoyao's true form, ensuring the ruin of their wedding vows and happiness.

As Xu Xuan, after using golden needles to immobilize the little demons blocking the door, entered the bridal chamber, he called out for his wife, but found only a spiritual serpent on the bed. He questioned Xiao Qing, asking where his wife was and if the serpent was indeed her. Confused, he remembered past encounters with Bai Yaoyao, her identity as a cultivator from Mount Li, and the traces of a demon's pulse, as well as the realgar incident.

He realized Bai Yaoyao had been by his side all along. The serpent bit him, and Xiao Qing frantically tried to calm it, calling it "Xiao Bai" and reminding her that the man she bit was her husband. Meanwhile, Qi Xiao, having just escaped a spider array, encountered a drunken Leng Ning on her way back to the Apothecary House.

She mocked him, saying he was "too late" and had missed the real show, as the "wedding night is when the truth comes to light." Qi Xiao rushed to the bridal chamber, where he found the white snake. He attempted to subdue the "evildoer," intending to disperse its form to return Bai Yaoyao to human shape. Xiao Qing, however, pleaded with Qi Xiao, explaining that poisonous silk on Bai Yaoyao's wedding dress had "disturbed her mind."

She offered herself up instead, reminding Qi Xiao that Bai Yaoyao had once saved his life. Xiao Qing herself also felt the effects of the spider poison she had contracted. Qi Xiao then used his magical prowess to suppress Bai Yaoyao's demon quality, returning her to human form. Bai Yaoyao, now conscious, cradled the unconscious Xu Xuan, calling out to him repeatedly.

Qi Xiao assured Xiao Qing that Bai Yaoyao was fine and that he had removed the poison from Xiao Qing's body. To manage the commotion, Qi Xiao lied to Xu Xuan's sister, Xu Jiaorong, and her husband, and the other guests that the noise was merely revelers in the bridal chamber before sending everyone home.

Xiao Qing, concerned for Xu Xuan, learned from Qi Xiao that the poison had reached Xu Xuan's heart, leaving him on "his last legs, at the gate of death." Distraught, Xiao Qing insisted Xu Xuan could not die, as Bai Yaoyao could not live without him after waiting for him for so long. She offered to use her spiritual marble, but Qi Xiao explained that even his own infused energy had been of little use.

Instead, he instructed Xiao Qing to gather all her little demons to use their inner heats to protect the mansion, which might keep Xu Xuan alive for a few more days. Qi Xiao then announced his intention to retrieve the "Soul Collecting Light," a magical artifact, from Mount Jiuxi, as the Fairy Crane had once suggested.

Xiao Qing implored him to return safely, and Qi Xiao promised to save Xu Xuan, instructing her to take good care of Xu Xuan and Bai Yaoyao. Xiao Qing immediately gathered the little demons to form a protective circle around Xu Xuan's room. A few days later, Xu Xuan awoke. He told Bai Yaoyao not to worry, promising to seek justice for anyone who had hurt her, even if it were himself.

He lightheartedly dismissed her bite, saying it was "not painful or itchy" and she shouldn't be bothered by "trivial matters." Bai Yaoyao then confessed, "I'm sorry. I lied to you. I'm a demon." Xu Xuan simply smiled and told her she was "the prettiest demon" and "wonderful in every aspect." He warned her only to bite him in the future. He then expressed concern over her subdued demeanor, preferring her usual outspokenness.

Xu Xuan then felt the collective "inner heats" and realized Xiao Qing and the little demons were lighting them to keep his breath steady. Moved by their loyalty, he vowed to treat them well and never bully them again. Feeling tired, Xu Xuan soon drifted back to sleep. Qi Xiao arrived at Mount Jiuxi, where guards initially tried to stop him, declaring mortals were forbidden.

He asserted his determination to save a life, stating he would not leave empty-handed, even threatening to fight if they did not move. A celestial child intervened, revealing that the Green Emperor had foreseen his arrival and guided him to the inner sanctum. The child addressed Qi Xiao as "Ling Chu," a name Qi Xiao did not recognize, but the child stated it was a Heaven's secret that only the Green Emperor could explain.

The Green Emperor greeted Qi Xiao, acknowledging he had been expecting him. Qi Xiao recounted the Fairy Crane's prophecy regarding Mount Jiuxi as a last resort to save Xu Xuan. The Green Emperor mused on the Fairy Crane's foresight and the involvement of deities in Xu Xuan and Bai Yaoyao's fate, even referring to Xu Xuan's past incarnation, Zi Xuan. Qi Xiao inquired about curing Xu Xuan's poison.

The Green Emperor declared that "whoever tied the knot on the bell is the one to untie it," meaning only Bai Yaoyao could resolve it. He explained that Bai Yaoyao needed to regain her magical prowess and obtain the "Ganoderma Deity Herb" from Penglai Heavenly Mountain to save Xu Xuan's life. However, this act would cause Xu Xuan to completely forget her and their shared past.

The Green Emperor then gave Qi Xiao the Soul Collecting Light, stating it could sustain Xu Xuan for only seven days, after which no medicine would suffice. Qi Xiao returned and relayed the Green Emperor's words to Bai Yaoyao. Bai Yaoyao sighed, acknowledging that the peach wood sword, given by her master, would finally "come in handy." She remarked that Xu Xuan had forgotten her once before (as Zi Xuan), and this would merely be him forgetting her again.

Accepting this "Heaven's will," she asked for one more day to fulfill an unfulfilled wish: to confront Leng Ning, before her journey to Penglai. Bai Yaoyao then went to the Apothecary House to confront Leng Ning, who was practicing with virulent spiders, experiencing a backlash from her own poison. Leng Ning, believing she was close to enhancing her prowess, declared she would deal with Bai Yaoyao if Xu Xuan refused.

Bai Yaoyao revealed Xiao Qing had tampered with the spiders, causing the poison to rebound on Leng Ning. Leng Ning, still scornful, questioned Xu Xuan's whereabouts, convinced he was terrified by Bai Yaoyao's true form and would never forgive her. Bai Yaoyao countered, stating that Xu Xuan had held her tightly that night, and there were "no secrets between us now." Xiao Qing, also present, told Leng Ning that she was an "outsider" to Bai Yaoyao and Xu Xuan's relationship.

Enraged, Leng Ning swore that as long as she lived, she would never let Bai Yaoyao live in peace, even daring her to kill her. Xiao Qing moved to strike Leng Ning, but Bai Yaoyao stopped her, deeming it "not worth it to bear a bloodguilt for a person like her." Later, Xiao Qing pondered the differences between demons and humans with Qi Xiao, playfully teasing him about his past as a demon hunter.

A few days later, Xu Xuan, still weakened, noticed the peach wood sword was missing and deduced Bai Yaoyao had taken it. He reminded her they no longer needed it. Bai Yaoyao led Xu Xuan to a peach blossom forest, pointing out the beautiful blooms. While Xu Xuan was lost in thought, Bai Yaoyao, with a heavy heart, drew the peach wood sword and stabbed him. Xu Xuan cried out in pain, accusing her, "You shouldn't have done this.

I won't forgive you, and I won't forget you." Bai Yaoyao tearfully apologized, explaining she had "no choice." As Xu Xuan lost consciousness and his wound miraculously healed, Bai Yaoyao held him, lamenting, "This time, I found you first, and I fell in love with you first. Next time, you must find me first, and you must fall in love with me first. A thousand years is too long, I can't wait for so long. I'm too lonely."

Bai Yaoyao then prepared for her journey to Penglai Heavenly Mountain. She informed Xiao Qing that she had erected a magical barrier and instructed her to stay with Qi Xiao to guard the Soul Collecting Light while she went for the Deity Herb. Xiao Qing offered to accompany her, but Bai Yaoyao refused, making Xiao Qing promise to keep her existence a secret from Xu Xuan if she did not return.

Though Xiao Qing initially protested the unfairness, she ultimately agreed. Xiao Qing gave Bai Yaoyao a messenger, vowing to risk her life to save her if needed. Bai Yaoyao reassured her that she had regained her magical prowess and breaking into Penglai would not be difficult. She urged Xiao Qing to take good care of Xu Xuan and await her return. Xiao Qing promised to keep any other woman away from Xu Xuan in her absence.

Upon reaching Penglai, the Fairy Crane intercepted Bai Yaoyao. The Fairy Crane, who was the guard of the immortal mountain, revealed that the Green Emperor had orchestrated this journey to deliberately separate her and Xu Xuan. The Fairy Crane explained that once the peach wood sword was used, their fate would be severed, making them strangers. Bai Yaoyao, undeterred, stated she would have come anyway, but this time she would not "drag anyone down."

To prevent the Fairy Crane from interfering or being implicated, Bai Yaoyao used a Deity Bundling Lock to restrain her. Bai Yaoyao declared her intention to break into Penglai Heavenly Mountain alone and retrieve the Deity Herb, accepting that she would have "no regrets even if I die" for Xu Xuan.

Determined to save Xu Xuan, Bai Yaoyao bravely ventured into Penglai Heavenly Mountain to retrieve the magical herb. She declared that she would not give up until she succeeded, even if it meant her death. Upon finding the herb, it sprang away and transformed into ordinary weeds, and Bai Yaoyao suddenly found herself trapped in an illusion, realizing it was a test.

Meanwhile, in the Xu Mansion, an unconscious Xu Xuan muttered in his sleep about Bai Yaoyao being in danger. He desperately called out to Ling Chu, imploring him to save Bai Yaoyao from an illusion. Hearing the name "Ling Chu" caused Qi Xiao a sudden, sharp pain in his head. Just then, a messenger crane arrived, confirming Bai Yaoyao’s peril.

Qi Xiao, now convinced, instructed Xiao Qing to stay and care for Xu Xuan while he rushed to Penglai Mountain to rescue Bai Yaoyao. Xiao Qing, despite wanting to follow, remained to look after Xu Xuan. At the Apothecary House, Leng Ning had fallen unconscious, her body suffering from the backlash of venom.

Qing Feng went to Xu Mansion to seek Physician Xu’s help, only to encounter a hurried Qi Xiao, who informed him that Xu Xuan was gravely ill and in a coma, and a barrier prevented ordinary people from entering the mansion. Leng Ning soon awoke and dismissed her condition as a common cold, but after hearing Qing Feng’s report about Xu Xuan, she released her spiders to infiltrate Xu Mansion and gather information.

She believed that Xu Xuan had seen Bai Yaoyao’s true snake demon form and was bitten by her, which made Leng Ning happy, thinking Xu Xuan would finally resent Bai Yaoyao. She vowed that Bai Yaoyao would never have Xu Xuan. Trapped within the illusion, Bai Yaoyao found herself in Mount Jiuxi’s alchemy room, where she witnessed the Black Dragon sealed within the Demon Prison, just as it was a thousand years ago.

She tried in vain to prevent its escape. The scene then shifted to the battle with the Black Dragon at West Lake, and Bai Yaoyao believed she finally had a chance to alter the past, intending to sacrifice herself to the Demon Prison in Zi Xuan's stead. Qi Xiao entered the illusion, trying to rouse her from this delusion.

An illusionary Zi Xuan appeared, cruelly blaming Bai Yaoyao for his past misfortunes, claiming that if not for her, he would have ascended to immortality a thousand years ago. This illusionary Zi Xuan accused her of selfishness and causing his sacrifice. Overwhelmed by guilt, Bai Yaoyao believed these harsh words from the illusionary Zi Xuan were true, reflecting her own inner demons and regret for having caused Zi Xuan’s suffering. She closed her eyes, ready to accept her fate.

Qi Xiao, recognizing the illusion for what it was—a manifestation of Bai Yaoyao's inner demons—destroyed the false Zi Xuan with a sword and then pierced Bai Yaoyao. The sharp pain brought Bai Yaoyao back to reality. She confessed that this inner demon had tormented her for a thousand years, fueled by her sorrow, guilt, and weakness, and she could never be free until Zi Xuan was saved.

Bai Yaoyao realized the magical herb was in Forgotten Moon Lake and hastened there. Deer Fairy and Crane Immortal were already in pursuit. Knowing that he was destined to become Ling Chu in the future, Bai Yaoyao wished to protect Qi Xiao from further entanglement with heavenly immortals and cautioned him not to engage in direct conflict with them. She could not fully explain the past karma, but she urged him to trust her.

Back at Xu Mansion, Xu Xuan’s body emanated an intensifying cold, making the entire house feel like winter. Xiao Qing worried that Xu Xuan would freeze to death before Bai Yaoyao returned and ordered the minor demons to gather braziers to warm the room. Elsewhere, Tao Tie wanted to seize the opportunity to kill Xu Xuan, but the Demon Emperor intervened, stating his intention to save Xu Xuan.

He explained that the five barriers protecting Xu Xuan were created by Zi Xuan sacrificing his primordial spirit, and if Xu Xuan died, the remaining barriers would be impossible to break. Tao Tie, suspicious, questioned the Demon Emperor's motives, who then explained that saving Xu Xuan was crucial for his ultimate plan to release the Black Water Dragon and reclaim the guardian of the Dragon Tribe. In his dream, Xu Xuan found himself in a desolate, icy landscape.

There, he encountered Zi Xuan, who held the Soul Collecting Light and revealed their intrinsic connection, saying, "We're the same person. You are me. I am you." This revelation caused Xu Xuan immense pain. Observing the flickering Soul Collecting Light, Xiao Qing feared for Xu Xuan’s life, knowing that if the flame went out, he would surely die.

She and the other demons tried to stabilize it with their magic, but the light began to emit a death aura, overwhelming them. Recognizing her limited power, Xiao Qing decided to seek help from the powerful Black Mountain Old Demon, despite their long-standing animosity.

Meanwhile, an unnamed deity confronted the Green Emperor, who admitted he had given Qi Xiao the Soul Collecting Light to save Xu Xuan’s life, not expecting Zi Xuan's spiritual consciousness within it to be so potent that it could communicate with Xu Xuan. Fearing that Xu Xuan might recall his past, which would lead to further complications, the Green Emperor declared his intention to retrieve and shatter the Soul Collecting Light to completely seal Zi Xuan’s primordial spirit.

At Forgotten Moon Lake, Bai Yaoyao located the magical herb, but discovered the lake was filled with Demon Dissolving Water, which could instantly disintegrate her spirit if she touched it. Crane Immortal and Deer Fairy arrived, confronting Bai Yaoyao and Qi Xiao. Qi Xiao bravely intercepted them, fighting off the immortals and injuring Deer Fairy. Bai Yaoyao swiftly retrieved the herb.

She then urged Qi Xiao to take the magical herb and leave immediately, insisting she would stay to handle the aftermath. When Qi Xiao hesitated, she threatened to jump into the lethal lake, saying she would rather die than burden him. Crane Immortal, secretly assisting Bai Yaoyao, feigned an injury caused by Qi Xiao, allowing him to escape with the herb.

Xiao Qing, having arrived at Stone Hill, was met by the Black Mountain Old Demon, who, despite knowing how to stabilize the Soul Collecting Light, refused to help her and instead moved to devour her as revenge for their past conflict. Xiao Qing, weakened from excessive use of her inner fire, was nearly killed. The Demon Emperor appeared, saving Xiao Qing and dismissing the Black Mountain Old Demon as insignificant. The Demon Emperor then pledged to help Xiao Qing.

Zi Xuan, in Xu Xuan's dream, held the Soul Collecting Light and urged Xu Xuan to remember Bai Yaoyao and the little white snake. He warned Xu Xuan that someone would eventually try to break the light, and to extinguish its flame beforehand to recover everything he had lost. The Demon Emperor then taught Xiao Qing a spell to stabilize the Soul Collecting Light. Despite her suspicions about his sudden help, Xiao Qing, fearing for Xu Xuan’s life, rushed back to the mansion to apply the new spell.

Xiao Qing returned to Xu Xuan's residence to find the Soul Collecting Light had gone out, leaving Xu Xuan frozen solid and lifeless. Desperate to save him for Bai Yaoyao's sake, Xiao Qing used the spiritual method taught by the Demon King. The Soul Collecting Light reignited, and Xu Xuan began to breathe again. Just then, Qi Xiao arrived with the Deity Herb, which he promptly used to save Xu Xuan.

Soon after, the Green Emperor came to retrieve the Soul Collecting Light. Qi Xiao acknowledged its importance but requested to borrow it for a few more days until Xu Xuan fully recovered. He claimed the light was no longer with him and would only reappear when Xu Xuan was completely well. Suspecting Qi Xiao was deliberately hiding it, the Green Emperor used his immense power to search the three realms.

Unbeknownst to him, Xiao Qing had used her demon aura to completely mask the Soul Collecting Light's presence. Unable to locate it, the Green Emperor realized Qi Xiao was well-prepared and, frustrated, departed. Qi Xiao recalled that during his struggle with the celestial crane, he had received vital instructions: after rescuing Xu Xuan, he must hide the Soul Collecting Light's aura with demon aura and then give it to Xu Xuan, as only Xu Xuan could save Bai Yaoyao.

Though puzzled by this, Qi Xiao followed the instructions. When Xu Xuan awoke, he had lost his memories, not only of Bai Yaoyao but also of recent events. Discovering he was no longer the Lord of the Apothecary House, he suspected that during his illness, others had forced him to leave via the Bridge of Fog. He immediately went to the Apothecary House to demand answers.

Qing Feng tried to deflect, explaining that Xu Xuan had entrusted Leng Ning with the Apothecary House during his illness. Xu Xuan, however, found this explanation illogical, questioning how a sick and weak person could undergo such a trial. He suspected Qing Feng was hiding something when she almost revealed Bai Yaoyao's name. Leng Ning then told Xu Xuan that unfavorable rumors about the Apothecary House had circulated during his severe illness, forcing him to leave.

Seeing Xu Xuan's complete amnesia about Bai Yaoyao, Leng Ning hoped to rekindle their past relationship. However, Xiao Qing burst into the Apothecary House, loudly exposing Leng Ning's lies. Xu Xuan, still suffering from memory loss, didn't recognize Xiao Qing, but he did vaguely remember her as the first person he saw upon waking up. Xiao Qing accused Leng Ning of trying to take advantage of Xu Xuan's memory loss of "Xiao Bai."

Remembering her promise to Bai Yaoyao to never mention her if anything happened, Xiao Qing adopted a flirtatious persona. She embraced Xu Xuan, declaring they had a mansion in the city, and then, without further explanation, used her magic to transport him away from the Apothecary House. At the mansion, Xiao Qing lied, claiming she was a green snake Xu Xuan had once saved, and she had cultivated to human form to repay his kindness, making this mansion their home.

Xu Xuan, however, quickly discerned her lack of genuine affection, and when he pressed her, Xiao Qing inadvertently uttered the name "Xiao Bai." Confused, Xu Xuan began searching the residence. Upon seeing a wedding room, he realized he was indeed married, but the identity of his spouse remained a complete blank. The Green Emperor, realizing Xiao Qing had used her demon aura to conceal the Soul Collecting Light, began observing her with his ice mirror.

He then cast a powerful barrier, trapping Xiao Qing within a magical boundary. Recognizing the Green Emperor's superior power, Xiao Qing, assuming he was watching, tried to provoke him by deliberately disrobing to bathe in a pond. Disgusted, the Green Emperor instantly froze her in place. Realizing she was no match for him, Xiao Qing conceded, transforming back into her original snake form to beg for mercy. Just then, Xu Xuan entered the courtyard.

Seeing Xiao Qing's true form triggered a terrifying memory of a white snake biting him. Overwhelmed with fear, Xu Xuan immediately fled. Trapped in an icy prison after her capture, Bai Yaoyao found solace in the thought that her husband must now be safe. Enduring the relentless heavenly thunder punishments that pierced the heart, she drew strength from her sweet memories with Zi Xuan. In the mortal realm, a clear sky was unexpectedly disturbed by rolling thunder.

Qi Xiao, sensing an anomaly, consulted his master, Yong An Master. The master explained that such thunder on a clear day indicated a violation of heavenly rules and the execution of a thunder punishment in the Empyrean Heaven, which causes immense pain worse than death. Qi Xiao suspected this punishment was linked to Bai Yaoyao's theft of the Deity Herb. He then inquired if there was a way to endure the thunder punishment for another.

Yong An Master revealed a place called Lake of True Self by Su Causeway, which is said to be adjacent to the Celestial Pool in the Empyrean Heaven, allowing the fated to glimpse heavenly secrets. In the peach blossom forest, Xu Xuan discovered a ceramic figure and peach trees, which he recognized as things he had made and planted for "her." Memories stirred, causing him intense heartache, but he still couldn't recall who "she" was.

The Green Emperor observed Xu Xuan's anguish, realizing Xu Xuan would eventually remember Bai Yaoyao. He decided to retrieve the Soul Collecting Light immediately. Xiao Qing, who had ignited her inner heart-fire to conceal the Soul Collecting Light, suddenly felt it extinguished by the Green Emperor's magic. Knowing he would immediately head to the demon cave, she quickly took Xu Xuan back there. The Green Emperor followed swiftly.

Inside the cave, Xiao Qing entrusted the Soul Collecting Light to Xu Xuan, urging him to flee, while she stayed behind to confront the Green Emperor. However, her limited power was no match for the Green Emperor, and she was quickly defeated. The Green Emperor caught up to the fleeing Xu Xuan. As Xu Xuan looked at the Soul Collecting Light, it felt incredibly familiar.

The sky suddenly darkened, with only the lamp's flame illuminating Xu Xuan, who also began to glow. Memories of Zi Xuan flooded Xu Xuan's mind. The Green Emperor declared these memories didn't belong to Xu Xuan and demanded the Soul Collecting Light, warning of greater disaster if he refused. Xu Xuan hesitated, but then remembered Zi Xuan's instruction from his dream to extinguish the lamp before it broke to retrieve what he had lost.

He extinguished the Soul Collecting Light's flame. In that instant, all his past memories, both as Xu Xuan with Bai Yaoyao and as Zi Xuan with the little white snake, completely returned. He realized that Zi Xuan and he were one and the same, and uttered Bai Yaoyao's name.

On Mingxintai, Qi Xiao, still in his mortal body, found nothing out of the ordinary. The Green Emperor took Xu Xuan to Mount Jiuxi, but not before Xu Xuan had instructed Xiao Qing on how to activate Mingxintai. Xiao Qing then helped Qi Xiao activate the platform.

When Xiao Qing questioned why Qi Xiao was still there instead of guarding the Soul Collecting Light, Qi Xiao explained that the Green Emperor had taken it, sparing his life because of his deep emotions for Bai Yaoyao, and then pursued Xu Xuan. Though Xu Xuan was a mere mortal, he had regained his memories, encompassing not only recent events but also his past life in the Deity Realm from thousands of years ago.

After hearing this, Xiao Qing grew anxious about Xu Xuan's whereabouts, remembering a fairy's words that only Xu Xuan could save Miss Bai. Qi Xiao assured her that Xu Xuan had given instructions, and as he spoke, the lake began to react, revealing a reflection of Bai Yaoyao suffering in a celestial prison. The White Crane, having pleaded with the Herb Deity, was allowed to visit Bai Yaoyao in her cell.

The prison, constructed of ten-thousand-year Mysterious Ice, inflicted piercing cold and agonizing pain, making any touch feel like a thousand arrows. The Crane wondered how Bai Yaoyao endured such torment. Bai Yaoyao, however, found joy in knowing Xu Xuan was alive, stating that even if he had forgotten her, her heart was filled only with happiness and no sorrow. She confided in the Crane her longing to know how Xu Xuan was doing, despite believing he had forgotten her.

The Crane, knowing Xu Xuan had regained his memories and returned to Mount Jiuxi with the Green Emperor without once mentioning Bai Yaoyao, found it difficult to speak the truth. She could only tell Bai Yaoyao that Xu Xuan was fine, having forgotten their past, and was living as usual, so she had no need to worry. Bai Yaoyao reiterated that his survival was enough for her.

At Mount Jiuxi, the Green Emperor confronted Zi Xuan, preventing him from taking the Tianji Sword. Zi Xuan pleaded with his master to grant his wish, but the Green Emperor refused to let him make further mistakes. Zi Xuan, now fully embodying his deity persona with regained memories, was resolute, declaring he would go even without the Tianji Sword.

The Green Emperor revealed that the sword was sealed beneath his feet, secured by Zi Xuan's own Golden Body Barrier from a thousand years prior, and questioned if Zi Xuan intended to fight him. A thousand-year flashback showed Zi Xuan, the night before his battle with the Water Dragon, with his primordial spirit damaged. The Green Emperor had specifically obtained spirit water from the Empyrean Heaven to aid his recovery.

However, Zi Xuan, anticipating a potential calamity that might leave Bai Yaoyao without protection, had subtly tricked her into drinking the spirit water instead. He cherished Bai Yaoyao more than himself then, just as he did now. The Green Emperor berated Zi Xuan for his actions, lamenting that despite his careful plans to help Zi Xuan overcome his calamities, Zi Xuan continually put Bai Yaoyao before everything else.

Zi Xuan maintained that his fate was his own, and he did not regret his choices. Hearing the thunderous strikes of Bai Yaoyao's ongoing tribulation, Zi Xuan's heart ached. He proclaimed that he had missed Bai Yaoyao for a thousand years and was willing to abandon the path of the Lord Deity for her. He affirmed that unless his soul was scattered, he would not abandon Bai Yaoyao, and he must retrieve the Tianji Sword.

He explained that Bai Yaoyao was his wife and his most beloved, and he could not idly watch her suffer. Since Bai Yaoyao stole the Deity Herb to save his life, he reasoned that the thunder shot punishment should be borne by him. The Green Emperor continued to obstruct Zi Xuan, emphasizing that taking the Tianji Sword, a key part of the Golden Body Barrier Zi Xuan himself set, would leave only one barrier remaining to contain the Water Dragon.

He reminded Zi Xuan of his mortal body and the heavy responsibility of the Fate of Seven Prowesses he carried for the three realms' peace. Zi Xuan acknowledged this, stating that he knew it upon his reincarnation and that both Bai Yaoyao and the three realms needed protection. Even if it meant scattering his spirit once more, he would not let the last barrier break, but he must save Bai Yaoyao.

The Green Emperor, realizing he could not dissuade Zi Xuan, wounded him in a fight. Zi Xuan then spit out his heart blood, activating the seal of the Tianji Sword. The Green Emperor, resigned to fate, watched as Zi Xuan took the sword, acknowledging that no one could stop him now, but warning him of the dire consequences of breaking the barrier. Zi Xuan, unwavering, declared he had no regrets.

Back at Mingxinhu, Xiao Qing, seeing Bai Yaoyao's suffering, attempted to jump into the lake to block the thunder for her. Qi Xiao stopped her, explaining that the lake was merely a reflection of the Empyrean Heaven and entering it was like passing through a barrier. The Mingxintai stone then vibrated intensely, and the next thunder strike fell upon Qi Xiao. Xiao Qing, surprised to see him severely injured despite her dry clothes, questioned what had happened.

Qi Xiao explained that the Lake of True Self was formed from the Kunlun Mirror's spirit aura and acted as a barrier to the Empyrean Heaven. He deduced that the inscription on the stone transferred the thunder's power to another person. Xiao Qing then realized that Xu Xuan, knowing this secret, had deliberately used Qi Xiao to take the thunder for Bai Yaoyao.

Infuriated by Xu Xuan's manipulation, Qi Xiao declared he would continue to bear the thunder, despite Xiao Qing's pleas for him to stop and her offer to take it herself. With a spell, Qi Xiao restrained Xiao Qing, stating that if anything happened to her, his sacrifice for Bai Yaoyao would be in vain. Just as the third thunderbolt descended, Xiao Qing attempted to shield Qi Xiao.

Suddenly, the White Emperor of Kunlun, worried about his beloved disciple, appeared, neutralizing the thunder. He then flung Xiao Qing out of the Mingxinhu and, addressing Qi Xiao, awakened Ling Chu's memories, restoring his thousand-year magical power. He then ordered Ling Chu to intercept Zi Xuan, who was on his way to save Bai Yaoyao, to prevent him from making further grave mistakes.

Xiao Qing, now alone, lamented that both Xu Xuan and Qi Xiao (now Ling Chu) had returned to their heavenly stations, leaving her as the sole remaining inhabitant of the mortal world. As Bai Yaoyao's thunder tribulation continued, Xiao Qing, despite the warnings of her subordinates about the danger of losing her thousand years of magical power by taking the thunder, returned to Mingxintai, intending to continue blocking the thunder for her sister.

As the next thunderbolt struck, it was unexpectedly intercepted by the Demon Emperor, who appeared before Xiao Qing. Puzzled, Xiao Qing asked why he helped her, noting that she didn't remember him. The Demon Emperor, observing that she never truly cared for him, simply stated he would not stand by and watch her die. When news arrived that Bai Yaoyao's prison was collapsing, Xiao Qing desperately tried to breach the Mingxinhu barrier to reach the Empyrean Heaven.

The Demon Emperor stopped her, and Xiao Qing, in desperation, begged him for help once more. Meanwhile, as Zi Xuan traveled to save Bai Yaoyao, the Tianji Sword vibrated, signaling grave danger ahead. He realized an old acquaintance had set a grand array to stop him and entered it. Waiting for him was Ling Chu, who greeted him, questioning whether to call him Qi Xiao or Ling Chu. Xu Xuan, still in his mortal identity but with Zi Xuan's memories, responded, "If you are Xu Xuan, then I'm Qi Xiao," acknowledging his current form.

Ling Chu, now identifying as Qi Xiao, confronted Zi Xuan, having set up the 8 formations and calamities as a continuation of their thousand-year-old rivalry. He informed Zi Xuan that if the formation were broken, Ling Chu would be severely injured, or even die, declaring it his only means to stop Zi Xuan.

Zi Xuan, already weakened from a recent battle with the Green Emperor and thus no match for Ling Chu, accepted the challenge, his heart deeply concerned for Yaoyao. He resolved to fight to the death, knowing he had to break the formation that day, even if reluctant. Ling Chu then thanked Zi Xuan for taking two thunder shots for Bai Yaoyao in the past, declaring their debts settled.

However, Zi Xuan believed he still owed Ling Chu greatly for past favors, acknowledging their fated battle was unavoidable. Yaoyao, imprisoned in the Deity Realm, lamented her dire state, her magical prowess gone and spiritual marble unstable, leaving her capable of enduring only one more thunder shot before death. Meanwhile, Xiao Qing sought the Demon Emperor's aid to rescue Yaoyao.

The Demon Emperor initially refused, stating he had no ties to Bai Yaoyao and had already taken a thunder shot for her. Undeterred, Xiao Qing insisted on going to the Nine Heavens, even if it meant being captured by heavenly soldiers. Witnessing her stubborn resolve, the Demon Emperor, unable to dissuade her, eventually told her the path. Zi Xuan, after much effort, identified the life gate within Ling Chu's 64-gate formation.

Realizing that a complete break would lead to Ling Chu's demise, Zi Xuan deliberately left one formation eye, choosing to endure the severe backlash himself to save Ling Chu. Ling Chu recognized Zi Xuan's sacrifice, recalling Zi Xuan's self-sacrifice a thousand years prior to protect him and Bai Yaoyao.

He felt he owed Zi Xuan too much, even willing to die if it would lead to Zi Xuan's enlightenment and successful passage through his tribulation, having also sacrificed much for Zi Xuan over the past millennium. The entanglements and grudges among Zi Xuan, Ling Chu, and Bai Yaoyao had become too complex to determine who owed whom.

Ling Chu admitted defeat and directed Zi Xuan to the Snow Mountain peak where Bai Yaoyao was held, knowing Zi Xuan intended to take her remaining thunder shots. Ling Chu reflected on the hard path ahead for Zi Xuan, warning of the heart-piercing pain of the thunder shots. Yet, Zi Xuan declared his willingness to bear any hardship for Bai Yaoyao, never regretting their bond. Xiao Qing found Qi Xiao, injured and unconscious.

Seeing Xu Xuan heading towards Yaoyao, she decided to stay with Qi Xiao. When Qi Xiao awoke, he playfully teased Xiao Qing about her plumpness and suggested making her into snake soup. Xiao Qing retorted, questioning his newfound appetite for meat despite being a monk at Mount Jin Temple, leading to their usual bickering. Zi Xuan used the Tianji Sword to open Yaoyao's prison cell.

Yaoyao was bewildered and worried to see him, having believed he would have forgotten her and be living a peaceful, ordinary life in the mortal world, which was what she had suffered to ensure. Zi Xuan gently chided her innocence, stating he could never forget her.

He then confessed his profound love, explaining that as Xu Xuan, he could openly declare his feelings, but as Zi Xuan, he could only bury them deep within, which had caused her a thousand years of lonely searching. Yaoyao, overjoyed at his return, embraced him and pleaded with him never to leave her alone again, and to always find her first and fall in love with her first in any future life. Zi Xuan promised her his unwavering devotion.

Despite Yaoyao having already endured half of her 49 thunder shots, Zi Xuan used a seal to push her out of the cell and took her place to face the remaining strikes. Yaoyao, trapped by the seal, screamed in agony, begging him to come out, knowing his mortal body could not withstand the heavenly lightning. She feared losing him again and not knowing how to find him a second time.

Zi Xuan, telling her he had always been waiting for her, urged her to live well. After Zi Xuan endured two thunder shots and collapsed, the Green Emperor intervened just as the third strike was about to fall. He dissipated the lightning and broke Zi Xuan's seal, urging Zi Xuan and Yaoyao to flee quickly. For this act of defiance against heavenly law, Green Emperor was sentenced to ten years of imprisonment in the Weakling Water.

Meanwhile, Qi Xiao, now a mortal, visited White Emperor at Mount Kunlun to bid farewell and inform him of his decision to continue cultivating in the mortal realm, having realized through his experiences that not all demons are inherently evil. He asked White Emperor to intercede for Xu Xuan, Bai Yaoyao, and Green Emperor, drawing a parallel between Green Emperor's protection of his disciple and White Emperor's own care for him.

White Emperor, having sensed Xiao Qing's presence despite Qi Xiao's attempts to hide her, rebuked Qi Xiao for bringing a demon (the green snake) to Mount Kunlun and warned him against repeating Zi Xuan's mistakes. Fearing White Emperor would punish Qi Xiao, Xiao Qing emerged and showered White Emperor with elaborate praises, contrasting his kindness and compassion with Green Emperor's perceived arrogance. Flattered, White Emperor, without thinking, agreed to speak on behalf of Bai Yaoyao.

Realizing his verbal misstep too late, he found himself bound by his word as one of the Five Emperors. True to his word, White Emperor petitioned the Heavenly Emperor, which led to the pardon of Green Emperor, Zi Xuan, and Yaoyao. Zi Xuan brought the severely injured Yaoyao to Mount Jiuxi, kneeling before Green Emperor to apologize for his involvement in the Green Emperor's punishment and to request that Yaoyao be allowed to recuperate there. Green Emperor, despite his initial reluctance to keep a demon on Mount Jiuxi, ultimately agreed, moved by his deep affection for his disciple and unwilling to see him suffer further.

A celestial crane arrives on Mount Jiuxi with Deity Herbs to aid Xu Xuan and Bai Yaoyao in their recovery. Xu Xuan thanks the crane for interceding with the Herb Deity on Bai Yaoyao's behalf, which spared her from death. The crane reveals that the Herb Deity's leniency was also influenced by a prior encounter between Xu Xuan and the Herb Deity, a connection Xu Xuan has no memory of, which the crane cryptically states he will understand in time.

Reflecting on her own past, the crane expresses regret for not having pursued Zi Xuan (Xu Xuan's past deity self) with the same persistence that Bai Yaoyao showed a millennium ago. Xu Xuan then changes the subject, seeking advice on how to appease his master, the Green Emperor, as Zi Xuan did not wish to dwell on old matters.

The crane reassures him that Green Emperor, despite his stern demeanor, deeply cares for Xu Xuan, having worried incessantly during his mortal trial. She reveals that Green Emperor secretly kept the Mirror of Ice to watch over him and even fought the Minister of Fate to arrange Xu Xuan's placement in the Apothecary House. Bai Yaoyao awakens in Zi Xuan's room on Mount Jiuxi, and Xu Xuan gently encourages her to rest.

She recognizes the room as Zi Xuan's and vividly recalls their past life there, remembering rubbing ink for him and learning to read and write, play the zither, and practice cultivation. She expresses deep regret for her youthful immaturity and her failure to cherish those days, now realizing they were the happiest of her life and that being human is far more challenging than she had anticipated.

Xu Xuan playfully teases her about transforming into a white snake to avoid studying. Longing to revisit their memories, Bai Yaoyao insists that Xu Xuan take her to see Mount Jiuxi immediately, despite his suggestion to wait until her full recovery, emphasizing that she has already waited a thousand years for this moment. Xu Xuan concedes, and they journey to the very spot where they first met.

Bai Yaoyao recalls herself as a clumsy white snake emerging from the water, nearly killed by Zi Xuan. She remembers him meditating by the hot spring and her unexpected transformation into human form there. It was at this very spot that Ling Chu later tried to take her snake heart, only to be stopped by Zi Xuan.

Xu Xuan playfully suggests her transformation was spurred by her eagerness to see him, to which Bai Yaoyao admits her desire for human legs, a pleasant voice, and the ability to play the zither like him. She then boldly asks if it was love at first sight for Xu Xuan, before confessing that she had fallen in love with him when she was still a small white snake. Xu Xuan teases her for her straightforwardness.

As Bai Yaoyao and Xu Xuan share these tender moments, Ling Chu arrives with Xiao Qing. Ling Chu expresses regret, believing that if he had taken Bai Yaoyao's snake heart in the past, Xu Xuan might have been spared his tribulations and achieved deityhood. Xu Xuan fiercely defends Bai Yaoyao, warning Ling Chu against bullying his wife and threatening tenfold retribution.

Ling Chu playfully scoffs at Xu Xuan's lack of regard for their brotherhood, while Xiao Qing remarks on their constant bickering. Despite their arguments, their brotherhood has become even stronger after experiencing so much together. With Bai Yaoyao's injuries healing, Xu Xuan and Qi Xiao, whose mortal trials are not yet complete, prepare to depart from Mount Jiuxi. They visit Green Emperor to bid farewell. Green Emperor expresses his concern solely for Xu Xuan.

While Green Emperor offers no other explicit instructions, Xu Xuan states that he understands Mount Jiuxi is not a permanent home for Bai Yaoyao and that Green Emperor does not approve of their marriage. Xu Xuan affirms his intention to return to Jinshan Temple to complete his practice, and Green Emperor wishes him a safe completion of his trials. Qi Xiao appears hesitant to speak during this meeting, a detail Xu Xuan notices.

As they leave, Xu Xuan confronts Qi Xiao, pressing him about a calamity he had previously alluded to and sensing that Green Emperor is concealing something. After some initial reluctance, Qi Xiao reveals that Green Emperor persuaded Bai Yaoyao to transfer the 'Fate of Seven Prowesses' from Xu Xuan to herself. Xu Xuan possesses this Fate of Seven Prowesses, which is extremely Yin, while heavenly thunder is extremely Yang.

For his mortal body to resist heavenly thunder with this fate would be suicidal. Green Emperor allowed Xu Xuan and Bai Yaoyao to stay on Mount Jiuxi because after Xu Xuan resisted the heavenly thunder, the Fate of Seven Prowesses began to backfire, leaving him with little lifespan. Green Emperor informed Bai Yaoyao of this, prompting her decision to transfer his fate to herself.

This decision was known by the White Emperor, Green Emperor, and Qi Xiao, but hidden from Xu Xuan. Xu Xuan realizes this explains Bai Yaoyao's recent nostalgic behavior and her desire to revisit their past on Mount Jiuxi, confirming his suspicion that she is preparing for a final farewell.

Xu Xuan then instructs Qi Xiao to keep his knowledge of the fate transfer a secret from Bai Yaoyao and even from Green Emperor, implying he has a plan of his own. Leng Ning, having embraced sorcery, has transformed into a demon and now wields impressive power. She feels liberated and vows to exact revenge on those who wronged her. Taotie appears, acknowledging her progress and her demonic transformation.

Leng Ning boasts that she gained her new power from a magical object he left behind and asserts that she will no longer be his pawn, declaring her intent to kill him. Taotie remarks on her newfound viciousness and how her practice now rivals his.

Leng Ning blames Bai Yaoyao and Taotie for her descent, but Taotie counters that her own malevolent thoughts led her down this path, arguing that no one can force an ordinary person to become a demon. Feeling there is no turning back, Leng Ning attacks Taotie. However, Taotie, aided by his Vine Demon, proves superior. The Vine Demon ambushes Leng Ning, planting a seed in her heart that causes her excruciating pain if she disobeys Taotie.

Taotie gloats that he will always find a way to control her, effectively making her his puppet once more. He then reveals his intention to use the Apothecary House, a place he deems perfect for cultivation, a threat Leng Ning desperately tries to avert, vowing to haunt him even in death if he harms it. To prevent Bai Yaoyao from altering his fate, Xu Xuan uses the Mirror of Ice to peer into destiny.

The mirror reveals that whoever bears the Fate of Seven Prowesses will be condemned to eternal darkness, akin to a living hell. He also witnesses Taotie having regained his physical form. He informs Green Emperor that their past encounters with Taotie were hampered by their limited powers and forgotten memories, allowing Taotie to escape.

Now, with his magical prowess restored, Xu Xuan is determined to prevent Taotie from committing further atrocities against mortals, despite Green Emperor's warning not to defy destiny. Green Emperor reminds him that his previous sacrifice only sealed the Water Dragon and that Taotie's return suggests thorough preparation. He also points out that Xu Xuan's powers are not fully recovered due to the Soul Collecting Light and the backlash from the thunder shots on his mortal body.

Xu Xuan, however, remains resolute, compelling Green Emperor to concede that the ancient conflict between Xu Xuan and Taotie must eventually be resolved. Meanwhile, Bai Yaoyao attempts to paint Xu Xuan's portrait as a memento, but struggles to focus. Xu Xuan teases her for moving too much and for daydreaming, warning her that no one will be able to help her if she continues.

Bai Yaoyao, internally lamenting the impermanence of their current peaceful days, finds her eyes welling with tears as she paints, a subtle sign of her impending departure, making the paper damp. Xu Xuan observes her distress but feigns ignorance, continuing their playful bickering, knowing how long such days can last is uncertain.

On the anniversary of her father's death, Leng Ning, feeling she has not upheld his legacy, announces a thirty-day period of free medical consultation at the Apothecary House, aiming to honor his spirit of saving lives. The staff expresses concerns about this unprecedented move, citing the Apothecary House's traditional isolation, the societal mistrust of the Duan Yang School due to its Poison Scroll, and the potential financial strain of such a long period of free treatment.

Leng Ning reassures them that she has secured support from city medical suppliers and appeals to their understanding, emphasizing her personal commitment to her father's memory. The staff, swayed by her resolve, ultimately agree to support her initiative. Concurrently, Xiao Qing assists Bai Yaoyao with packing, preparing to leave Mount Jiuxi. Xiao Qing questions Bai Yaoyao's decision to depart from such a divine place, where she could easily achieve deityhood.

Bai Yaoyao, however, expresses her preference for the freedom of the mortal world over the restrictive life on Mount Jiuxi under Green Emperor, and states she is eager to return home. As they pack, Xiao Qing spots a painting of the Queen Mother's Heavenly Peaches and, intrigued, asks if Bai Yaoyao has ever seen a real one.

Bai Yaoyao proudly reveals that she has not only seen but also eaten a Heavenly Peach, sharing half of it with Xu Xuan, much to Xiao Qing's envy. Xu Xuan playfully interjects that Bai Yaoyao actually consumed most of it herself. Later, Green Emperor confronts Xu Xuan, asking if he has truly made up his mind about a certain decision. Xu Xuan confirms his unwavering resolve and assures Green Emperor he will not regret his promise. He then requests Green Emperor to grant Bai Yaoyao three gifts in return for his full-hearted cultivation, hoping his wish will be fulfilled.

Xu Xuan made a solemn promise to his master, White Emperor, to focus on cultivation after presenting Bai Yaoyao with three gifts, which he intended as farewell tokens. He shared his plan to send Bai Yaoyao to Mount Li for spiritual practice, aiming for a permanent separation, effectively making them strangers. His master expressed concern that such deep love for Bai Yaoyao could be destructive, a warning Xu Xuan respectfully acknowledged.

Meanwhile, Green Emperor confronted White Emperor, exposing White Emperor's manipulative actions concerning Bai Yaoyao. He accused White Emperor of first deceiving Bai Yaoyao into stealing the Deity Herb and then attempting to use her to take on Xu Xuan's Fate of Seven Prowesses. Now, White Emperor was reportedly planning to eradicate Xu Xuan's emotional ties to ensure their complete separation. White Emperor defended himself, stating his actions were solely to save Xu Xuan, an ordinary human struck by thunder shots.

He revealed a larger plan involving the Sacred Lady of Mount Li to ensure the Fate of Seven Prowesses remained under heaven's control. Green Emperor, however, warned him that the Sacred Lady might not be pleased. Later, Xu Xuan and Bai Yaoyao reminisced in a peach blossom grove. Bai Yaoyao, admiring the scenery, lamented that its beauty would be meaningless without Xu Xuan by her side. Xu Xuan playfully chided her for her lack of cultivation progress.

In a sudden gesture, Bai Yaoyao kissed him, playfully threatening to repeat the act if he continued to nag. Xu Xuan, embracing his more liberated personality as Xu Xuan, kissed her back. To arrange a grand celebration for Bai Yaoyao, Xu Xuan and Qi Xiao approached White Emperor about his upcoming 10,000th birthday.

Initially reluctant to hold the event in the exclusive Heavenly Peach Garden, White Emperor eventually succumbed to their elaborate flattery, which included mentions of Green Emperor's supposed envy. White Emperor, proud of his standing, agreed to the lavish celebration and entrusted Qi Xiao with the arrangements, albeit with a caution against extravagance.

Xu Xuan then brought Bai Yaoyao to meet the Queen Mother, who fondly recalled Bai Yaoyao's mischievous attempt to steal a peach a millennium ago, expressing a preference for the "reckless little snake" over the now more composed Bai Yaoyao. Xu Xuan seized the opportunity to request permission to invite minor demons to the celebration, which the Queen Mother graciously granted.

The minor demons, including Xiao Qing's subordinates, were overjoyed and overwhelmed by the splendor of the Heavenly Peach Garden, praising Xu Xuan for his generosity and remembering his past kindness. Xiao Qing sternly reminded them to maintain decorum in the celestial realm. When White Emperor arrived, he was immediately displeased by the strong "demon aura" in the garden, refusing to proceed. Green Emperor, ever the provocateur, subtly mocked White Emperor's narrow-mindedness.

Bai Yaoyao, Xiao Qing, and the other demons, following Xu Xuan's unspoken cue, enthusiastically praised White Emperor, hailing him as the "champion in the Empyrean Heaven." Their fervent adulation placated White Emperor, allowing the celebration to continue. Xu Xuan explained his true intentions to Bai Yaoyao.

He revealed that the celebration was primarily a gesture of gratitude: to her, for her past injury in retrieving a Heavenly Peach for him, and to the minor demons for their crucial assistance in saving his life and helping Bai Yaoyao in the mortal realm.

His deepest desire was to demonstrate to all heavenly beings that there were no distinctions between humans, deities, or demons, and that Bai Yaoyao, his beloved wife, deserved respect and not to be looked down upon. He presented this opportunity to partake in the Heavenly Peaches as his first gift to her. Meanwhile, Qi Xiao noticed a change in Xiao Qing’s demeanor, describing her gaze as "weird" since their encounter at Mount Jin Temple, making him feel a chill.

Xiao Qing, misunderstanding, thought he was afraid of her. She recounted a scholar who had recited love poems to her centuries ago, and a powerful, unnamed individual who saved her from a thunder shot and other dangers, expressing her confusion about his motives. Qi Xiao, in an uncharacteristic display of anger, admonished her to avoid close contact with strangers, labeling the scholar a liar and warning her of manipulative individuals.

When a celestial crane appeared, he abruptly changed the subject, prompting Xiao Qing to pull him away to taste the Heavenly Peaches, expressing her dislike for him speaking with other women. Later, Green Emperor presented Bai Yaoyao with Xu Xuan's second gift: a "Heart Mirror." He explained that Xu Xuan himself had learned the crafting method to create this mirror for her.

While not as powerful as the Ice Mirror, it was forged from the holy water of Heaven Lake and allowed one to see the person they missed. Bai Yaoyao was touched, vowing to cherish the mirror, understanding its significance as a means to always "see" Xu Xuan. Finally, Xu Xuan led Bai Yaoyao to Mount Li, revealing his third gift: sending her back there to cultivate. Bai Yaoyao was distraught, refusing to leave him, especially so soon after their marriage.

She tearfully realized that all of Xu Xuan's recent actions were part of a pre-meditated plan for their separation. Xu Xuan, resolute, declared that he would rather never see her again than witness her suffer a lonely and bitter life because of the Fate of Seven Prowesses. He was willing to bear that burden himself, emphasizing her inability to withstand its dangers.

Bai Yaoyao accused him of forcing her departure with these "farewell gifts" and rejected his self-sacrifice, questioning how he expected her to live if his body couldn't endure the Fate. She reminded him of her millennium-long search for him and her refusal to lose him again. Defying Xu Xuan's wishes, Bai Yaoyao used her magic to restrain him and began to absorb the Fate of Seven Prowesses into herself.

Xu Xuan was shocked, demanding to know why her spiritual marble was absorbing his fate and why she already harbored the Seven Prowesses. Bai Yaoyao revealed that a portion of the Fate had remained within her after she spent a thousand years nurturing his primordial spirit. Enraged that she had concealed this, especially after enduring thunder shots with the Fate in her body, Xu Xuan shattered the Heart Mirror.

He declared that he would never see her again, believing that this painful separation was the only way to ensure her survival and protect her from future suffering, even if it meant his own eternal loneliness. Bai Yaoyao desperately pleaded with him not to abandon her. Qi Xiao later informed Xu Xuan about the severe danger of the Fate of Seven Prowesses falling into the hands of the demon clan, which could unleash a catastrophe upon all three realms.

He admitted that a thousand years ago, during the revival of Zi Xuan's primordial spirit, no one foresaw Bai Yaoyao absorbing half of the Fate. Understanding the gravity of the situation and his master's manipulative schemes, Xu Xuan resolved to reclaim the remaining half of the Fate from Bai Yaoyao.

Despite the immense risk to his mortal body, he rationalized that if he died, Bai Yaoyao would be free from suffering, and if he survived, he could ascend to High Immortal status early and prevent a major calamity. Qi Xiao, fearing for his friend's life, initially resisted, but Xu Xuan insisted he had no other choice to save Bai Yaoyao from an eternity in darkness.

Bai Yao Yao stood in the peach forest, seeing fleeting illusions of Xu Xuan planting peach trees for her. Xiao Qing, observing Bai Yao Yao's profound sorrow, initially believed Xu Xuan to be heartless for separating from her, especially after Bai Yao Yao had sacrificed so much for him.

However, Xiao Qing soon realized that Xu Xuan's love for Bai Yao Yao was so deep that he chose to be cruel, understanding that true love sometimes meant enduring personal suffering for the well-being of the beloved, a truth more challenging than simply staying together. Meanwhile, Qing Feng and Brother Song, two disciples from the Apothecary House, were out collecting herbs when they fell victim to a mysterious pollen poison.

A Butterfly Demon named Die Man appeared, seemingly rescuing Qing Feng from myocardial injuries and breathing difficulties with her unique medicine. This act of kindness earned her the trust of the Apothecary House, allowing her and her "brother" (a Vine Demon, who was actually Tao Tie in disguise) to assist Leng Ning with the ongoing free medical clinic. While publicly appearing benevolent, their true intentions were sinister.

Xiao Qing, suspicious of Die Man's presence at the Apothecary House, rushed to inform Qi Xiao. To her surprise, Xu Xuan and Qi Xiao were already well aware of Die Man's identity as a Butterfly Demon and that her "brother" was none other than Tao Tie, disguised as a Vine Demon. They recognized this as an opportunity to finally end their thousand-year-long resentment with Tao Tie.

Xu Xuan, preparing for a confrontation with Tao Tie the following day, instructed Xiao Qing to send Bai Yao Yao back to Mount Li, insisting she use any means necessary, including trickery or kidnapping. When Xiao Qing refused to force Bai Yao Yao, Xu Xuan used the Crown Tightening Spell on her, threatening to inflict its pain if she failed to comply, despite Xiao Qing's protests about being bullied.

Xiao Qing initially reported to Xu Xuan and Qi Xiao about Die Man's method of using butterflies to transfer patients' illnesses into surrounding plants, causing many of them to wilt. Later, Xiao Hui, one of Xiao Qing's subordinates, reported that many of these healed patients, often entire families, were mysteriously leaving town with various strange excuses and never returning. Qi Xiao deduced that Die Man was casting spells on selected patients during treatment, controlling their minds and making them leave.

These missing individuals, he concluded, were likely being killed by Tao Tie to refine a new physical body for himself, as Tao Tie had only one physical soul fragment left after his deity seed was destroyed a thousand years ago. Tao Tie's reckless actions suggested he intended to succeed before his scheme was fully exposed, risking widespread chaos if he regained a complete body.

Leng Ning, witnessing an old man and his sick granddaughter waiting for treatment, was reminded of her own childhood, when her father, Leng Hui Chun, would offer her sweets to cheer her up and inspire her to become a great physician like him. This memory stirred her conscience, and she personally treated the pair, ensuring their safe departure.

Overwhelmed with guilt for allowing Tao Tie and Die Man to commit atrocities under the guise of the Apothecary House's good name, Leng Ning confessed her shame before her father's memorial tablet, vowing to protect his reputation, even if it meant her death. She confronted Tao Tie and Die Man, but Tao Tie, reminding her of the "seed" he had planted in her heart, easily subdued her, inflicting immense pain.

Just as Leng Ning faced her demise, the Hundred Herb Immortal and White Emperor arrived, having sensed a calamity and deity aura. Tao Tie, recognizing the White Emperor, swiftly fled, as did the Vine Demon. The Hundred Herb Immortal saved Leng Ning. Xu Xuan and Qi Xiao also arrived, drawn by the immortal aura.

It was then revealed that the Hundred Herb Immortal was indeed Leng Hui Chun, Leng Ning's father, who had descended to the mortal realm for a trial. During this trial, he had also become Xu Xuan's master, fulfilling the "cause and effect" that a crane had previously mentioned. He explained that while his true form could be revealed to Xu Xuan, a deity, it was forbidden for Leng Ning, a mortal.

Xu Xuan expressed regret for Leng Ning's predicament, but the Hundred Herb Immortal acknowledged that her own ill intentions had allowed her to be trapped. However, he also noted that her willingness to sacrifice herself indicated remaining kindness. Meanwhile, Bai Yao Yao, understanding Xu Xuan's true intentions to protect her from suffering, voluntarily returned to Mount Li, explaining to Xiao Qing that Xu Xuan had not truly cast a spell on her.

She recalled how Xu Xuan had broken the Heart Mirror he gave her, aiming to sever all her attachments to him. Despite its shattered state, Bai Yao Yao used her magic to repair the mirror enough to occasionally glimpse Xu Xuan through it.

Recognizing that her identity as a demon remained the greatest barrier between them, Bai Yao Yao resolved to cultivate diligently and become a deity, believing that once she achieved immortality, Xu Xuan would have no further reason to reject her. Xu Xuan, concerned that Leng Ning, as a mortal, might suffer ill consequences from remembering the Hundred Herb Immortal's true form, wished to erase her memories.

However, the Hundred Herb Immortal explained that due to Leng Ning's partial demonic nature, a simple spell would be insufficient. He revealed that in twelve days, the Blood Moon would appear, and its potent aura could either cleanse Leng Ning of her demonic qualities, provided she maintained a pure heart, or complete her transformation into a full demon if her intentions remained impure.

Fearing that Tao Tie might also learn of the Blood Moon's significance, the Hundred Herb Immortal left a magical flower at the Apothecary House to alert Xu Xuan to any further activities by Tao Tie. Xiao Qing later informed Bai Yao Yao that the Queen Mother planned to personally remove Xu Xuan's "love root" in a month, allowing him to reclaim his position as a deity.

Bai Yao Yao understood this meant a final, irrevocable separation, strengthening her resolve to cultivate to immortality, not just to be with him, but so that Xu Xuan would never truly forget her.

One month later, the Queen Mother planned to personally remove Xu Xuan's love root, which would allow him to abandon worldly affections, focus on the Grand Dao, and guard the Three Realms as a deity. Bai Yaoyao understood that Xu Xuan sending her back to Mount Li signified his preparation to never see her again. However, Bai Yaoyao asserted that as long as her husband was safe, she was not afraid of separation and would not disappoint him.

She resolved to cultivate diligently and achieve the Grand Dao herself so she could follow Xu Xuan. To aid Bai Yaoyao's cultivation, the Sacred Lady of Mount Li cast her into Mount Li's cold spring. The spring was fraught with danger, demanding constant vigilance and making it an ideal place for rigorous practice.

While one concerned voice worried that Bai Yaoyao, who had a reputation for laziness, might not be able to endure the powerful cold spring, the Sacred Lady explained that cultivation was a battle against heaven itself. If Bai Yaoyao was truly determined, she could not afford a single moment of idleness.

She emphasized that snakes are inherently cold creatures, and by following nature's way, Bai Yaoyao could use the cold spring to her advantage, overcoming toughness with gentle movements, and should focus on the main objective rather than minor details. Xu Xuan and Qi Xiao practiced array formations daily, preparing to trap Tao Tie on the night of the blood moon.

Qi Xiao, tired of the constant practice, desired a straightforward battle, but Xu Xuan reminded him of Tao Tie's thousand years of cultivation and former deity status, making him a formidable opponent. Xu Xuan explained that a trap array was crucial, but Tao Tie was superior at resolving arrays. As mere mortals with limited magical prowess, they needed external assistance to create an array strong enough to hold Tao Tie.

Xu Xuan and Qi Xiao traveled to Penglai to meet Herb Deity. At the entrance, Deer Fairy, still resentful from a previous encounter where Qi Xiao injured him, refused them entry. Only after Crane Fairy conveyed Herb Deity's invitation did they proceed. To avenge Deer Fairy's previous disrespect towards Bai Yaoyao, Xu Xuan cast a restricting spell on him, forcing Deer Fairy to repeatedly apologize to Bai Yaoyao.

Xu Xuan declared that the spell could only be lifted if Deer Fairy went to Mount Li and sought Bai Yaoyao's forgiveness, emphasizing that Deer Fairy needed to learn who his true allies and adversaries were. He added that the punishment was mild compared to how Deer Fairy had treated his wife.

Qi Xiao found it contradictory that Xu Xuan, while sending Bai Yaoyao to Mount Li, simultaneously taught Deer Fairy a lesson for her sake, seemingly wanting to remind her of him. Xu Xuan, however, assertively stated that he wanted Bai Yaoyao to think of him, even if they couldn't be together, rather than her thinking of someone else.

He explained that he sent Deer Fairy to Bai Yaoyao for another reason: Bai Yaoyao's progress in cultivation was too slow, and she couldn't even fully resolve a simple restricting spell. Bai Yaoyao herself realized that Xu Xuan's unique restricting spell on Deer Fairy was meant to remind her that her cultivation was insufficient and she needed to work harder.

Xu Xuan held a steadfast belief that if Bai Yaoyao continued to cultivate diligently, they would eventually be reunited, and he was willing to wait, no matter how long it took. He entrusted Bai Yaoyao's care to Qi Xiao should anything unexpected happen to him, but Qi Xiao refused, insisting Xu Xuan take care of her himself. Xu Xuan intended to use the Kunlun Mirror for the array.

Recognizing that as Mount Kunlun's protective treasure, it would be difficult to borrow even for White Emperor's disciple Qi Xiao, Xu Xuan sought Herb Deity's assistance. Herb Deity, acknowledging Tao Tie's ongoing threat and Leng Ning's struggle to shed her demonic nature, agreed to personally request the mirror from White Emperor. Deer Fairy, under Xu Xuan's spell, inadvertently revealed the Kunlun Mirror's power to Bai Yaoyao, suggesting it could vastly accelerate her cultivation.

Xiao Qing also confirmed its ability to gather celestial energy and boost attainments. Bai Yaoyao initially considered using the Kunlun Mirror for her own practice. However, when she heard from White Emperor that Xu Xuan had borrowed it to form an array to capture Tao Tie, she became deeply concerned.

Knowing Xu Xuan was still recovering from a previous thunder injury and would be fighting the sorcerous Tao Tie, Bai Yaoyao, despite White Emperor's dismissive remarks about her quest for deity-hood, felt it was too dangerous. Worried for Xu Xuan's safety, she decided to leave Mount Li and investigate the situation in Lin'an. Herb Deity then went to meet White Emperor to borrow the Kunlun Mirror.

Initially, White Emperor staunchly refused, stating that the mirror was Mount Kunlun's protective artifact and crucial for the safety of an entire direction. Herb Deity then threatened to report Tao Tie's chaotic activities to the Heavenly Emperor. He also reminded White Emperor of a past favor: a thousand years ago, Herb Deity had stolen a deity herb to help White Emperor's cultivation, leading to his own punishment and trial in the mortal world.

Fearing public humiliation if these matters were exposed, White Emperor grudgingly agreed to lend the Kunlun Mirror, but not without stern warnings to return it in pristine condition. Herb Deity mockingly praised White Emperor's imposing demeanor, attributing it to the stolen deity herb, further irking the White Emperor. Leng Ning, struggling with her demonic nature, instinctively killed a butterfly with a spider web.

Immediately regretting the act, she realized that only three days remained until the blood moon, after which she hoped to shed her demonic influence. The butterfly then vanished, leaving behind the words "Lake of True Self" on the ground. A message from Leng Ning reached Xu Xuan, indicating Tao Tie's activity, which prompted Xu Xuan and Qi Xiao to rush to the Apothecary House. En route, they discovered a bamboo forest that had appeared out of nowhere.

Recognizing it as an array trap set by Tao Tie, they joined forces to break it. The Demon Emperor informed Tao Tie about the upcoming blood moon, revealing that Xu Xuan and Qi Xiao planned to set up an array at the Lake of True Self to trap him. The Demon Emperor suggested that Tao Tie could leverage the blood moon and these conditions to form a physical body, thereby removing his restrictions and increasing his magical prowess.

To aid this, Reverse Cloud presented Tao Tie with "Heart Eater Incense," explaining that burning it during the blood moon would attract numerous minor demons, whose essence could assist in body formation. The Demon Emperor anticipated significant casualties on both sides in the blood moon battle, and regardless of Tao Tie's success in forming a body, his ultimate goal was to exploit Xu Xuan's weakness and seize the Fate of Seven Prowesses.

Tao Tie and Die Man confronted Leng Ning, trying to persuade her to continue cultivating as a demon. Although Leng Ning was determined to shed her demonic nature within three days, her unresolved feelings for Xu Xuan and her jealousy of Bai Yaoyao remained a powerful deep-seated obsession. Tao Tie exploited this weakness, falsely claiming that Xu Xuan’s true intention was to help Bai Yaoyao become a deity so they could be together, rather than severing his love root.

Tao Tie also told Leng Ning that Xu Xuan’s publicly declared intent to cut off his root of love and focus on cultivation was a lie; in reality, he was secretly defying heaven for Bai Yaoyao. He offered Leng Ning a chance to prevent Xu Xuan and Bai Yaoyao from finding happiness together, promising that if she helped them, hatred, not love, would define their relationship.

After breaking Tao Tie's array, Xu Xuan and Qi Xiao found no suspicious activity, realizing they had fallen victim to a diversion tactic. Xu Xuan speculated that Tao Tie must have been trying to disrupt their blood moon array, or to find the Kunlun Mirror while they were away. He deduced that Tao Tie was desperate to form a physical body, especially since his deity seed was destroyed, and the blood moon presented a rare opportunity for him.

Despite the increased danger, Xu Xuan affirmed that the decisive battle must proceed at the Lake of True Self. Qi Xiao worried about unforeseen complications since Tao Tie was likely aware of their plans as well. Leng Ning explained to Xu Xuan that Tao Tie’s demonic aura was too powerful to completely remove from her, and he had used sorcery to control her, forcing her to send the message.

She had tried her best to resist but it made little difference, and Tao Tie had found her weaknesses. She pleaded with Xu Xuan, believing that only the array he would form at the Lake of True Self could completely eliminate the lingering demonic aura in her heart. Feeling guilty for past sins committed under Tao Tie's influence, she wanted to assist in the fight against him.

Realizing Tao Tie was targeting her, Xu Xuan instructed Leng Ning to stay at Mount Jin Temple for the next few days for her safety. Xiao Qing, anxious for Bai Yaoyao, had been hiding daily outside Mount Jin Temple, hoping to steal the Kunlun Mirror. When she finally saw Qi Xiao emerge, she bombarded him with questions about Xu Xuan and Bai Yaoyao, falsely claiming she had come with Bai Yaoyao.

Qi Xiao, who knew she had been secretly watching the temple, reprimanded her for her pretense. Xiao Qing, no longer playing innocent, accused him of ignoring her, which led to her being mocked by "them." Qi Xiao, suspecting she was once again associating with undesirable men, sternly warned her to keep her distance from others.

Xiao Qing clarified that "they" were merely the little demons in her cave, and complained about the strictness of Mount Li compared to her desire for an easier cultivation method, leading Qi Xiao to criticize her for coveting the Kunlun Mirror for shortcuts. Xiao Qing then mischievously remarked on how "delicious" Qi Xiao looked, unsettling him.

Xiao Qing approached Qi Xiao with something important to tell him, then unexpectedly kissed him, remarking on how "delicious" he looked. Qi Xiao, flustered, rebuked her for the impropriety of physical contact, even for a female green snake, and warned her never to treat others in such a manner again. Xiao Qing merely laughed in response.

Soon after, Xiao Bai tried to strike a deal with Qi Xiao: if he would allow her to secretly assist them in three days, she would ensure Xiao Qing restrained herself with others. Qi Xiao questioned why Xiao Qing's behavior mattered to him and why Xiao Bai was not focusing on her cultivation on Mount Li. Xiao Bai confessed her deep worry for Xu Xuan, citing Tao Tie's formidable magical prowess.

Xiao Bai had come to Xu Jiao Rong's home and was helping in the kitchen. Earlier, Xu Xuan had spoken with his elder sister, Xu Jiao Rong, who expressed her belief that Xiao Bai had become immature since marrying and no longer shared her thoughts. Xu Xuan offered that his wife had been away practicing. Xu Jiao Rong, disbelieving, suggested he check the kitchen.

Upon seeing Xiao Bai, Xu Xuan immediately declared they "shouldn't see each other anymore" and turned to leave. Xiao Bai desperately called out to him, trying to stop his departure. Xu Xuan responded that his actions were for her well-being, as he could not bear her suffering any more harm because of him.

He claimed the burden of their "ill-fated love" was his alone and that he intended to reclaim his half of the Fate of Seven Prowesses to prevent disappointing both her and the world. Observing this, Xu Jiao Rong's husband gently suggested that Xu Xuan had truly upset Xiao Bai.

As Xu Xuan prepared to leave, he informed Xu Jiao Rong that he needed to go to the court to instruct local authorities to warn people not to go out in three days, due to impending evil spirits, for their safety. He then left. Xiao Bai pursued Xu Xuan, catching up to him. She reminded him of his promise to protect her for life and reiterated her trust in his plans, urging him to uphold his word.

Xu Xuan instructed her to return to Mount Li, promising he would come to retrieve her in three days. When Xiao Bai questioned what would happen if he didn't return, Xu Xuan solemnly stated that they would "never see each other again for the rest of our lives." Xiao Bai, distressed, pleaded with him not to go, but Xu Xuan departed, leaving her behind.

Meanwhile, Tao Tie received a report from his subordinate that the Kunlun Mirror was not found in Mount Jin Temple. Frustrated, Tao Tie lamented that it had been difficult to lure Xu Xuan into the formation, only for his subordinate to return empty-handed. Tao Tie then revealed his backup plan: Leng Ning.

He explained that Leng Ning’s demon aura had not been cleared, and her deep affection for Xu Xuan made her a valuable asset he could exploit at the opportune moment. His subordinate acknowledged Tao Tie's foresight, noting Leng Ning's obsession with Xu Xuan and Xu Xuan's apparent trust in her. Near the Lake of True Self, Qi Xiao detected the potent scent of Heart Eater Incense, expressing concern about it attracting minor demons.

Tao Tie, observing the situation, noted that Xu Xuan possessed the "favourable time" of the Blood Moon and the "favourable place" of the Lake of True Self, but lacked "favourable men's support." Tao Tie declared his intention to provide this missing element, even if Xu Xuan was unwilling to use minor demons. Qi Xiao later identified the scent, explaining its power to attract demons.

Leng Ning then appeared, admitting she had lit the incense, which she claimed she obtained from the Herb Deity, to attract minor demons to assist Xu Xuan in the formation. Xu Xuan vehemently refused, deeming the battle too perilous to involve innocent demons. Leng Ning countered that she couldn't stand by idly, asserting that Xu Xuan's concerns were her own. Xu Xuan called her foolish, but Leng Ning stated the incense was already lit and could not be retracted.

Soon, several minor demons arrived, declaring their intent to help Xu Xuan defeat Tao Tie, citing his past kindness, numerous rescues, and their loyalty, especially for Lady Bai Yao Yao. Xu Xuan urged them to leave, stressing the extreme danger of the Lake of True Self, but the demons steadfastly refused to abandon him, emphasizing their loyalty. Xu Xuan insisted their presence would only cause him trouble, assuring them he already had a method to subdue Tao Tie.

Green Emperor, sensing an unusual disturbance within the Blood Moon array and the gathering of demon aura from miles around, took Qi Xiao to Jiuxi Mountain to observe the situation through an ice mirror. They discovered that Xu Xuan had cunningly reversed the formation and erected an unbreakable life-and-death barrier around the Lake of True Self, empowered by the Kunlun Mirror, which even Green Emperor could not breach.

Qi Xiao realized that Xu Xuan's earlier explanation about creating formations for Qi Xiao to break to trap Tao Tie was a deception. Xu Xuan had tricked him into borrowing the Kunlun Mirror precisely to prevent anyone, including them, from entering the perilous array. Green Emperor further elucidated Xu Xuan's true, brutal plan: to shed his mortal body and achieve an immortal one through "moulting" at the very moment Tao Tie was reforming his physical body.

This "crooked method" would allow Xu Xuan to withstand the complete Fate of Seven Prowesses. Green Emperor, however, warned of dire consequences and that such a transformation would not resolve the "fate of loneliness," deeming Xu Xuan's actions foolish. He realized Xu Xuan's plan was not just to capture Tao Tie, but for a greater, self-sacrificial purpose.

Inside the barrier, Tao Tie confronted Xu Xuan, acknowledging his daring use of the Kunlun Mirror to "reverse the celestial phenomenon," causing the moon to rise four times in one night. Xu Xuan, undeterred, declared he had endured a thousand years of punishment and feared nothing, prepared to bear any consequences. Tao Tie, however, saw through Xu Xuan's feigned confidence, revealing that Xu Xuan's meticulous planning was solely aimed at eliminating him.

He branded Xu Xuan a "sanctimonious little hypocrite" for intending to leverage Tao Tie's evil spirit during his physical reformation to facilitate Xu Xuan's own transformation into an immortal being. Tao Tie mockingly asked if Xu Xuan's wife was aware of this grand scheme.

Outside, Xiao Bai, distressed, contemplated if Xu Xuan’s absence after three days meant he would leave her alone in the world, finally understanding that his seemingly cruel act of sending her back to Mount Li was to protect her from this deadly endeavor.

Qi Xiao clarified that Xu Xuan’s manipulation of four blood moons was designed so that by the third rising, Tao Tie's body would begin to decay, allowing Xu Xuan to absorb the evil spirit and the Lake of True Self's spiritual aura to achieve immortality. He explained that Xu Xuan's ultimate goal was to take on half of the Fate of Seven Prowesses, ensuring Xiao Bai's safety and enabling them to be together forever if he survived.

Xiao Bai, realizing Xu Xuan had set a "Barrier of Death," understood his readiness to die to stop Tao Tie. Qi Xiao cautioned her that breaking into the barrier would inevitably seal Xu Xuan's fate, as Xu Xuan wanted no one to get involved. Leng Ning then spoke to the gathering minor demons, confessing that she had ignited the Heart Eater Incense.

She explained that only "inner heat," or heart fire, possessed the ability to penetrate the formidable barrier, and entreated them to collectively offer forty-nine inner heats to aid Xu Xuan in his life-or-death struggle against Tao Tie, emphasizing it was for Xu Xuan's sake and the common people. Outside the barrier, Xiao Bai, Xiao Qing, and Qi Xiao watched helplessly.

Xiao Bai, realizing her husband was fighting alone to the death, desperately tried to break the barrier, convinced there had to be a way, but Qi Xiao and Xiao Qing tried to restrain her. Xiao Bai recognized the powerful scent of Heart Eater Incense and, remembering Leng Ning's claim to be helping Xu Xuan, expressed concern that the ensuing surge of demon aura might introduce a new, unpredictable variable.

She worried about Leng Ning's true intentions and feared that if she had other motives, there would be "no turning back after tonight." Inside the formation, as the third blood moon ascended, Tao Tie taunted Xu Xuan, noting his formidable appearance and intending to take his life. Xu Xuan, undeterred, challenged Tao Tie's overconfidence, asserting he wouldn't remain pleased for long. Tao Tie boasted of his ten thousand years of attainment, belittling Xu Xuan's capabilities.

He then cruelly threatened to kill Xiao Bai, ensuring Xu Xuan would have a companion in the netherworld. As the fourth blood moon rose, Tao Tie confronted Xu Xuan about the "favourable men's support" he had "sent" (the minor demons' heart fire), sarcastically asking if he was satisfied.

However, the unexpected influx of the minor demons' heart fire, intended by Leng Ning to help Xu Xuan, had paradoxically worked against him; it prevented Xu Xuan from absorbing Tao Tie's evil spirit and the Lake of True Self's spiritual aura, thus thwarting his long-planned scheme to achieve an immortal body. Tao Tie then stated that Xu Xuan's plan was ultimately defeated, lamenting that Xu Xuan had used this "method" to prevent Tao Tie from absorbing his evil spirit.

Despite his severe injuries, Xu Xuan vowed that Tao Tie would not reform his physical body, even in another thousand years. Tao Tie, realizing his own plan to reform his body using the blood moon's evil spirit was thwarted, called Xu Xuan "ruthless" for sacrificing his own escape to eliminate him. Both Xu Xuan and Tao Tie then plunged into the Lake of True Self, locked in a mutual destruction.

The barrier surrounding the lake shattered, and Xiao Bai instantly sensed that her Fate of Seven Prowesses was gone. A shroud of immortal energy enveloped the lake, and the Kunlun Mirror floated gently into Qi Xiao's hands, revealing that Xu Xuan had made meticulous arrangements for the worst-case scenario, ensuring the mirror's return even in his death.

Meanwhile, in a nearby forest, Leng Ning, far from purging her demonic nature, instead embraced it through the power of the blood moon, transforming into a devil. She ruthlessly used spider silk to pierce the chests of the minor demons she had gathered, systematically demonizing them all. Little Gray, hidden nearby, witnessed the horrific scene, filled with helpless resentment.

Under the influence of the four blood moons, the little demons transformed into devils. Leng Ning, who harbored a deep hatred for demons and blamed them for ruining her life, controlled these devils, inciting them to indiscriminately kill. A dying little demon urged Xiao Hui to flee and seek help from Bai Yaoyao. Xiao Hui then encountered Taotie, who had successfully regained his physical body.

Taotie, acknowledging Leng Ning's role, praised her as a capable subject, referring to the chaos as a "present" to the Empyrean Heaven. Meanwhile, a potent deity aura emanated from True Self Lake, where Xu Xuan, aided by the little demons' heart fire, shed his mortal form and emerged as an immortal. Bai Yaoyao sensed this powerful aura, recognizing it as her husband. Qi Xiao finally comprehended Xu Xuan's elaborate scheme.

Xu Xuan had foreseen that Taotie regaining his physical body was inevitable. His entire intricate plan, involving the Kunlun Mirror, reversing the formation, the four blood moons, and even the pretense of perishing with Taotie, had been a deception. Xu Xuan had harnessed the four blood moons to amplify Taotie's evil spirit to its maximum.

He then used Heart-Eater Incense to erode Taotie's physical body and absorb a significant portion of Taotie's demonic aura, thereby completing his own immortal transformation while simultaneously suppressing Taotie's power. Qi Xiao marveled at Xu Xuan's complex and secretive strategy. Observing from afar, Qing Di and Bai Di recognized that Taotie's manipulation of the little demons, turning them into devils at their weakest, was a dangerous maneuver.

They lamented that despite their disciples being involved and witnessing the unfolding mortal realm slaughter, heavenly rules prevented them from intervening. Xu Xuan, now an immortal, arrived at Jinshan Temple, where the newly transformed devils were ravaging the premises and indiscriminately killing monks. The little demons, unable to control their murderous urges, tearfully pleaded with Xu Xuan to end their lives, despairing that they were demons but could not be devils.

Xu Xuan was torn, knowing their devilish transformation was a consequence of their sacrifice for him during the blood moon battle. However, recognizing that devils lose their minds and exist only to destroy, he had no choice but to grant their pleas to prevent further innocent deaths.

Concurrently, Bai Di, monitoring the disturbances at Jinshan Temple through an ice mirror, also sensed something strange about Mount Kunlun, realizing the gravity of the situation and its connection to the Kunlun Mirror and the four blood moons. He immediately alerted Qi Xiao, who was already rushing to Jinshan Temple. En route, Qi Xiao was ambushed by Taotie's Vine Demon and Butterfly Demon, who sought to delay him.

They gloated about the escalating slaughter at Jinshan Temple, calling it a "first gift" from their revived master. Qi Xiao furiously engaged them, vowing to eliminate such demons who threatened the mortal world, but they managed to escape. Bai Yaoyao and Xiao Qing arrived at Jinshan Temple to witness Xu Xuan's tragic act of slaughtering the very little demons who had saved his life. Xiao Qing vehemently accused him of ingratitude.

Xu Xuan, however, manifested a barrier with the Tianji Sword, preventing Bai Yaoyao and Xiao Qing from entering. From outside, they helplessly watched him carry out the grim task. Xu Xuan, echoing the demons' own desperate pleas, reiterated that while demons could exist in the three realms, devils, having lost their minds, could only destroy, leaving him no other option than to release them from their tormented state.

Afterward, an immortal commented on the brewing calamity and the unavoidable tragedy that had rippled through the three realms. Qing Di accepted that the fault lay with Xu Xuan, admitting his teaching was inadequate, but conceded that Xu Xuan had no choice but to act as he did given the demons' transformation. Qi Xiao, reflecting on the temple's devastation, apologized to the gravely wounded Master Yong An, blaming himself.

Xu Xuan, too, expressed profound shame for failing Jinshan Temple and all innocent lives, vowing to kill Taotie in retribution. Master Yong An, nearing his end, urged them to embrace kindness and mercy over revenge. He then entrusted the leadership of Jinshan Temple to Qi Xiao, instructing him to undergo tonsure, shed worldly worries, and dedicate himself to Buddhism for the sake of all beings.

Qi Xiao accepted the immense responsibility but confessed that his "six roots of sensations" were not yet clear, unable to entirely break free from worldly attachments. Xiao Qing vehemently confronted Bai Yaoyao, heartbroken that they could only watch their loyal underlings being killed by the Tianji Sword. Bai Yaoyao explained that Xu Xuan's barrier was meant to protect her, but she too wanted to protect the little demons.

Xiao Qing bitterly questioned if Xu Xuan had considered their feelings or the demons' lives when he made his decision. Bai Yaoyao promised to seek an explanation from her husband. Later, Xiao Qing confronted Xu Xuan directly, demanding justice for her men. Xu Xuan instructed Qi Xiao to take her away, stating she was no match for him and that Bai Yaoyao would secure justice.

He then handed the Tianji Sword to Bai Yaoyao, acknowledging the deep injustice of the forty-nine little demons dying by his hand. Qi Xiao, forcibly escorting a struggling Xiao Qing away, challenged her to consider how she would seek justice for the innocent monks killed by the devil-transformed little demons. Xiao Qing countered that the demons wouldn't have become devils if they hadn't used their heart fire to protect Xu Xuan, accusing him of ingratitude.

Qi Xiao defended Xu Xuan, explaining that he had to choose between letting the devils continue their rampage or personally stopping them, even if it meant bearing immense blame. He asked Xiao Qing what she would have done. Overwhelmed, Xiao Qing confessed her helplessness, feeling her title as Mountain Queen was meaningless. Qi Xiao tried to console her, suggesting Xu Xuan must be consumed by guilt.

Xiao Qing retorted that if he felt guilty, he should provide justice for the little demons, maintaining that Xu Xuan's arbitrary actions created Taotie's opportunity. Qi Xiao then confessed that he would have made the same choice in Xu Xuan's position, asserting that eliminating devils was the righteous path. He even offered to let Xiao Qing kill him to exact justice for the little demons, willing to bear Xu Xuan's responsibility. Unable to harm him, Xiao Qing embraced Qi Xiao.

Qi Xiao, in turn, silently vowed to protect both all beings and Xiao Qing, lamenting the changing world and the impending human-demon war. Bai Yaoyao led Xu Xuan to the Broken Bridge. There, she finally understood the Qing Di's words about the consequences of karma.

She reflected on her past actions: her stubbornness a thousand years ago, which scattered Xu Xuan's primordial spirit; her arbitrary decision to twist fate by collecting his soul; and her desire to bear his "Fate of Seven Prowesses," which inadvertently pushed him to seek immediate immortal transformation. Bai Yaoyao lamented that all these consequences, stemming from her disregard for heavenly rules, were now falling upon innocent little demons instead of herself.

She believed herself to be the calamity in Xu Xuan's destiny, responsible for his many hardships, and that she had wronged everyone. Xu Xuan took full responsibility, stating that the little demons' deaths had nothing to do with Bai Yaoyao, but rather with his own overconfidence and failure to anticipate Taotie's scheme to utilize Leng Ning. He expressed his willingness to shatter his primordial spirit again to atone for the crime.

As both Xu Xuan and Bai Yaoyao blamed themselves, Bai Yaoyao, unable to forget the pain and struggle of the little demons before their deaths, felt that Xu Xuan would live a better life without her. She raised the Tianji Sword, intending to commit suicide as atonement, believing she was the calamity in his fate. Xu Xuan quickly intervened, grabbing the blade, and asserting that his decisions were his alone, with no relation to her.

Bai Yaoyao, haunted by the brutal slaughter, declared that the tragic deaths had created an insurmountable chasm between them. With heavy hearts, they made a solemn vow: for this lifetime, they would neither remember nor see each other. Later, Taotie congratulated Leng Ning, acknowledging her unique transformation from human to demon and devil, finding her "more interesting" than Bai Yaoyao. Leng Ning, in turn, acknowledged Taotie's assistance in his schemes.

Taotie expressed satisfaction that the news of Jinshan Temple's chaos and the escalating human-demon conflict would keep Xu Xuan preoccupied. He also wondered if Xu Xuan's act of killing the little demons in front of Bai Yaoyao had irrevocably shattered their relationship. Taotie's subordinate confirmed Leng Ning was indeed responsible for turning the little demons into devils at the lake, but regretted that Xu Xuan still managed to escape, attributing it to Taotie's incomplete activation of his Fate of Dubhe.

The Demon Emperor, whose own "Dubhe" (Greedy Wolf) fate was incomplete, had originally intended to seize Xu Xuan's Seven Prowesses fate during the blood moon. However, his plan was unexpectedly thwarted, firstly because Taotie manipulated Leng Ning to demonize the little demons, and secondly due to the incompleteness of his own Greedy Wolf fate, preventing him from obtaining the Seven Prowesses fate.

The Demon Emperor’s "Dubhe" fate grants the power to devour heaven and earth, but it is destined to fall short at the final step due to its incompleteness. Realizing a crucial part of his fate is missing, he deduced that Xiao Qing, who once nurtured his primordial spirit, likely possesses this lost half. He understood that recovering it would place her life in grave peril.

Despite all they had sacrificed for each other, Yao Yao and Xu Xuan found themselves separated, a painful outcome that left Yao Yao questioning their destiny. She lamented the endless separations and wondered why their relationship had come to such a state, even recalling a ceramic figure Xu Xuan made to protect her, which seemed powerless against their suffering.

Yao Yao confessed to past transgressions, including trespassing the Garden of Heavenly Peaches, disobeying the White Emperor, and altering fate against Heaven's will, yet she now found herself unable to alleviate Xu Xuan's profound internal pain. She vehemently refused to accept this predetermined fate, asserting her disbelief. Xu Xuan, having successfully cultivated his deity body through meticulous planning, found himself unable to be with Yao Yao due to the tragic deaths of the little demons.

He felt utterly defeated by Taotie, acknowledging his own responsibility in the unfolding events. Qi Xiao, sensing Xu Xuan's agony, pointed out the immense pain of pushing away the very person he had strived so hard to protect. Xu Xuan admitted he understood this anguish. Qi Xiao then spoke of an impending storm, foreseeing a war between humans and demons, and believed that finding the complete "Fate of Dubhe" could restore balance.

Yet, he worried about Yao Yao, lamenting that the sacrifice of so many lives would be an immense sin, one that could never truly be redeemed. Upon returning to Mount Li, Yao Yao immersed herself in diligent cultivation. Her Master, the Holy Mother of Mount Li, however, observed that not only Yao Yao but also Xiao Qing had succumbed to mortal affections. Yao Yao, known for her strong convictions, seemed unwilling to passively accept her destiny.

She discussed the meaning of "the law" in cultivation—the fundamental rules of heaven and earth—and declared her foolish yet unwavering determination. She intended to prove Xu Xuan wrong and refused to accept Heavenly Laws that demanded the lives of young demons, even if the Heavenly Emperor himself could not revive them. Following the blood moon, Leng Ning vanished without a trace.

The Herb Deity, concerned for Leng Ning's safety, sought out the Green Emperor at Mount Jiuxi to borrow the Mirror of Ice. The Green Emperor was initially reluctant, reminding the Herb Deity of the havoc he caused with the Kunlun Mirror previously, but eventually conceded. Despite searching all three realms, the mirror failed to reveal Leng Ning's whereabouts, displaying only chaotic images.

After the Herb Deity used a spell to clarify the vision, they realized someone had intentionally concealed Leng Ning's location. The mirror then displayed the image of a Water Dragon, leading them to conclude that Taotie was using the Mirror of Ice to issue a challenge, suggesting he planned to break the Water Dragon's seal.

They speculated that Leng Ning was involved with Taotie, possibly being manipulated by him, and noted that her demon body had already formed, indicating her imminent transformation into a full demon, which would herald disaster. They feared Taotie might next attempt to awaken the Water Dragon. Meanwhile, the Demon Emperor, now fully regenerated, received a report that the Green Emperor and the Herb Deity had headed to Xu Xuan's location.

He tasked his subordinates to keep an eye on them and figure out Xu Xuan's true intentions. Later, in a meeting with his subordinates, he discussed Zi Xuan's five barriers, which were created with his primordial spirit a thousand years ago to keep the Water Dragon eternally hibernating. He specifically tasked his subordinate, Dieman, to follow Xu Xuan, believing that would lead them to the location of the last barrier.

He also instructed them to keep Leng Ning trapped, asserting her future usefulness. Another subordinate, Zhan Huang, voiced concerns, suggesting the Demon Emperor's regenerated body might be part of Xu Xuan's machinations and warned against jeopardizing their grand plan. The Demon Emperor, however, dismissed his worries, stating his personal matters were his own and that he would uncover any secrets Zhan Huang held.

In a desolate cave, Xiao Qing staged a phantom feast for the little demons, creating a lively illusion that quickly faded, leaving her alone, drinking and weeping. She called out to her lost companions, Xiao Hui, Xiao Lu, Little Sparrow, and Ah Fu, questioning why they had left her. Yao Yao, who had come to visit, found Xiao Qing distraught and tried to comfort her, offering for them to return to Mount Li to cultivate together.

Xiao Qing refused, explaining that most of her cave demons were either dead or scattered, but the few survivors still needed her protection. She also mentioned that Xiao Hui was still missing, making it impossible for her to abandon her home. Yao Yao urged Xiao Qing to regain her composure, become stronger through cultivation to protect her remaining demons, and not disappoint those who had died.

However, Xiao Qing accused Yao Yao of still defending Xu Xuan, whom she considered a murderer, and questioned if anyone was more important to her. Yao Yao asserted that both she and Xu Xuan would take responsibility for the deceased demons, but Xiao Qing insisted it was her sole duty as their Mountain Queen.

Yao Yao then suggested they investigate the true cause of the demons' deaths, reminding Xiao Qing that Leng Ning had used the "heart eater incense" at Lake of True Self, which not only attracted demons but also unsettled their minds. Yao Yao suspected this was the moment the demons were enticed into devilry. Understanding the implications, Xiao Qing vowed to find Leng Ning, even if it meant turning the world upside down.

Yao Yao warned her against acting recklessly, given that Leng Ning might have already fully transformed into a devil after the blood moon. Xiao Qing reaffirmed her resolve to make Leng Ning pay if she was indeed responsible. Yao Yao then suggested Xiao Qing stay at Mount Jin Temple while she continued her search for Leng Ning. Driven by her resolve, Xiao Qing went to Mount Jin Temple to find Qi Xiao.

After several days of fruitless searching and evasive young monks, she learned that Qi Xiao was meditating at Three Lakes of Moon. Upon finding him, she expressed her loneliness and the "stuffy" feeling she'd experienced in his absence, asking him to spend time with her. Qi Xiao, cold and distant, told her to seek comfort from Yao Yao and not to interrupt his meditation.

Xiao Qing accused him of becoming heartless from his monastic life, reminding him of his promise not to receive a tonsure. She declared she would wait with him. Later, Qi Xiao heard cries for help. Turning, he found Xiao Qing gone and followed the sound to a small, injured girl. As he cast a healing spell, the girl transformed into Xiao Qing, who revealed she had been testing him, proving he was not heartless.

She playfully chided him for his inconsistency regarding physical contact, arguing that he only applied strict monastic rules to her. Qi Xiao maintained that monks did not judge by appearance and urged her not to trifle with him. Xiao Qing retorted that his adherence was merely to Buddhist discipline, not true monkhood. She admitted that with most of her demons gone, she felt happy and secure only when she was with him.

Meanwhile, Yao Yao visited the Apothecary House in search of Leng Ning. Brother Song informed her that Leng Ning had left some time ago to enhance her medical skills and had not been heard from since, causing concern among the disciples. Yao Yao noticed a peculiar scent pervading the Apothecary House since Leng Ning's departure, a scent that attracted numerous colorful butterflies and made the disciples dizzy.

Following the butterflies, Yao Yao discovered an abundance of spider webs outside the herb garden. She recognized the poisonous threads as identical to those woven into her wedding dress, confirming they were crafted from Leng Ning's toxic essence. This revelation led Yao Yao to realize that Leng Ning was using these wicked methods to cultivate and enhance her powers.

Xu Xuan (formerly Zi Xuan) and Qi Xiao (formerly Ling Chu) arrived at Mount Kunlun, intent on seeing White Emperor and borrowing the Kunlun Mirror. Qi Xiao, frustrated after their third unavailing visit, threatened to fight their way in, believing White Emperor was deliberately avoiding them. A Kunlun disciple explained that the White Emperor was traveling and his whereabouts were not to be disclosed to outsiders, per Mount Kunlun's rules.

Just then, Fairy Xiaoxiang, a Qilin of the demon race and another of White Emperor's disciples, appeared. She greeted them, observing how much they had changed over the past thousand years. Having ascended to deity status earlier than them after her own tribulations, she now refused to call them "Brother," asserting her elevated status. Fairy Xiaoxiang remarked on her own freedom from mortal entanglements, contrasting it with their ongoing path.

Xu Xuan and Qi Xiao acknowledged her ascension but noted that their "battle" was not yet complete. Fairy Xiaoxiang maintained that White Emperor was truly absent from Mount Kunlun. Accepting this, Xu Xuan and Qi Xiao decided to leave and return another time. It was later revealed that White Emperor had indeed been avoiding them, having summoned Fairy Xiaoxiang to specifically turn them away.

He reasoned that they had caused significant trouble after borrowing the Kunlun Mirror previously and were now asking for another valuable treasure so soon after. Meanwhile, after Xu Xuan's departure, a powerful spiritual aura had returned to the Fiery Grounds. Demon Emperor Tao Tie capitalized on this, using the abundant energy to cultivate and repair his shattered Myriad Manifestation Token. Bai Yaoyao ventured into the Fiery Grounds to investigate.

She noticed intricate words and meridian channels carved into the walls, realizing they depicted a demon's body. She pondered if these markings were connected to Leng Ning's demonization. Suddenly, Bai Yaoyao sensed a powerful aura, strong enough to resonate with her spiritual marble, reminiscent of the presence she felt in the Purple Bamboo Grove.

As Bai Yaoyao pursued the source of the aura, she discovered it had vanished into thin air, indicating the presence of someone far more powerful than herself. The Demon Emperor, having detected her pursuit, realized it wasn't yet time to reveal his identity to Xu Xuan. Knowing Bai Yaoyao was already aware of Leng Ning's role in the demonization of the imps, he decided to guide Bai Yaoyao further into his scheme by releasing a colorful butterfly to lead her.

Following the butterfly, Bai Yaoyao found it in the forest. Upon touching it, she was injured by its potent demonic energy. Believing it to be Leng Ning's creation, Bai Yaoyao was astonished by Leng Ning's greatly enhanced dark magic and wondered if she was now collaborating with Tao Tie. Realizing the poison's origin seemed linked to the Apothecary House, Bai Yaoyao decided to return there.

Elsewhere, the Cane Demon led Xiao Qing to Tao Tie, taunting her for neglecting her duties as Mountain Queen. Xiao Qing, demanding to know the whereabouts of Tao Tie and Leng Ning, was challenged by the Cane Demon to break the barrier of the Three Lakes of Moon. The Cane Demon further provoked Xiao Qing by mentioning her subordinates killed by Xu Xuan and suggesting Tao Tie could exact revenge for her.

When Xiao Qing arrived, she saw Xiao Hui and mistakenly believed he was being held captive by Tao Tie, intending to rescue him. Tao Tie, now having formed his physical body and believing no one in the three realms could take him down, revealed to Xiao Hui that he no longer needed to conceal their alliance. He commanded Xiao Hui to confess his years of loyalty and plotting against Xiao Qing.

Suspecting Xiao Hui's wavering allegiance, Tao Tie threatened him, accusing him of still considering Xiao Qing his true master. Xiao Hui, visibly distressed, pleaded with Tao Tie not to involve Xiao Qing. As Xiao Qing arrived, she immediately tried to rescue Xiao Hui, promising to save him from Tao Tie. Tao Tie mockingly urged Xiao Hui to reveal the truth of his loyalty, with the Cane Demon chiming in to confirm Xiao Hui's long-standing subservience to Tao Tie.

Xiao Qing pressed Xiao Hui, asking if Tao Tie was truly his master. Recalling how Xiao Hui had been unharmed during the blood moon while other imps were demonized, Xiao Qing realized the bitter truth of his long-standing betrayal. Xiao Hui, however, denied it. Infuriated, Tao Tie commanded Xiao Hui to kill Xiao Qing as a testament to his loyalty and to make them both suffer. Xiao Hui hesitated, unable to strike.

Tao Tie then personally inflicted a severe wound on Xiao Qing. Just as Xiao Qing was about to fall, Bai Yaoyao appeared, declaring that no one would harm Xiao Qing in her presence. Tao Tie, dismissing her threat by noting Xu Xuan's absence, ordered the Cane Demon to intercept Bai Yaoyao while he pursued Xiao Qing with Xiao Hui, intending for Xiao Hui to complete the kill. Bai Yaoyao, engaging the Cane Demon, urged Xiao Qing to flee.

Tao Tie eventually cornered the heavily injured Xiao Qing, taunting her as he placed a sword in Xiao Hui's trembling hand, forcibly guiding him to deliver the fatal blow. At that critical moment, Xu Xuan and Qi Xiao arrived. Recognizing he was no match for both of them, Tao Tie released Xiao Hui and declared he would spare Xiao Qing's life for now, promising to settle accounts another time before making his escape.

Qi Xiao swiftly brought the unconscious Xiao Qing to the Apothecary House. Xu Xuan examined her, assuring Qi Xiao she was largely unharmed, merely overcome by rage and that her wounds were nothing serious. Xu Xuan then provided medicine, which Qi Xiao meticulously applied to Xiao Qing's wounds himself. Xu Xuan observed the unusual number of colorful butterflies fluttering around the Apothecary House and, sensing Bai Yaoyao's presence, asked Qing Feng about them.

Qing Feng informed him that Bai Yaoyao had been there for several days, observing the butterflies to uncover the mystery behind them, despite Elder Brother Song's strict orders forbidding disciples from interacting with her. Xu Xuan, however, instructed Qing Feng not to tell Bai Yaoyao that he had been there. After Xiao Qing awoke, Bai Yaoyao sat with her, sensing her lingering sadness over Xiao Hui's betrayal.

Bai Yaoyao pointed out Qi Xiao's intense concern for Xiao Qing, suggesting he harbored feelings for her. Xiao Qing then sought Bai Yaoyao's advice on how to grow closer to Qi Xiao. Bai Yaoyao suggested they watch the stars together that night, describing it as a poetic and romantic gesture.

Xiao Qing asked if Xu Xuan had used similar tactics, to which Bai Yaoyao clarified that it was she who pursued Xu Xuan, a respected deity, while she was but a humble demon. Xiao Qing then revealed she had seen Xu Xuan when Bai Yaoyao was injured, acknowledging Bai Yaoyao's continued feelings for him, but stated that despite Xu Xuan saving her life, she wouldn't easily forgive him.

Bai Yaoyao gently urged Xiao Qing to let go of her resentment and treat Xu Xuan as she once did. Xiao Qing, finding their complicated relationship difficult to understand, still wondered why love couldn't be more straightforward. That night, Xiao Qing, seeking to connect with Qi Xiao, went to watch the stars. Qi Xiao, noticing her absence, searched for her and found her.

He gently advised her to leave with Bai Yaoyao once she was fully recovered, explaining he had important matters to attend to. Feeling that everyone was hiding things from her, Xiao Qing expressed her profound hurt and confusion over Xiao Hui's betrayal. Qi Xiao consoled her, highlighting his concern by admitting he had distracted guards to search for her immediately.

He reiterated that he and Xu Xuan had crucial tasks, namely locating White Emperor, whose continued absence was making the mortal world increasingly dangerous, especially with Tao Tie's growing power. He revealed their need for the Kunlun Mirror to combat Tao Tie. Xiao Qing then boldly offered to make White Emperor appear, but only if he allowed her to remain by his side.

Following her promise, Xiao Qing, disguised as a commoner, initiated her plan at the Temple of White Emperor. She publicly lamented White Emperor's unresponsiveness to prayers, claiming he had ignored her wishes for a son and instead blessed her "mother" with an eighteenth daughter, despite promises of a boy. She loudly urged the gathered villagers to abandon White Emperor's temple and seek blessings from the Green Emperor instead.

When news of this disruption reached White Emperor, his disciples reported that the worshippers were attempting to retrieve their offerings. White Emperor, however, dismissed the incident, confident that a "weak demon" could not cause lasting turmoil to his vast following across the realms. Back at the Apothecary House, Qi Xiao observed the unfolding events. He noted that Bai Yaoyao had conceived this ingenious plan, understanding both Xiao Qing's impulsive nature and White Emperor's character.

Xu Xuan then commented that they had found a helper the previous day, indicating further commotion was planned, and Qi Xiao expressed hope for positive news within the next couple of days, indicating the plan to draw out White Emperor was well underway.

Xiao Qing, with the help of her companions, continued to impersonate pilgrims at the White Emperor Temple in the mortal realm. She manipulated other worshippers into believing that prayers to the White Emperor were ineffective, causing them to flock to the Green Emperor's temple instead. This dramatically reduced the incense offerings at the White Emperor Temple.

As the spiritual essence of Kunlun Mountain is sustained by the incense and prayers from the mortal world, this significant decline in offerings caused the White Emperor to sense instability in Kunlun Mountain's barrier. At this opportune moment, Xu Xuan and Qi Xiao arrived at Kunlun Mountain once more, seeking the Kunlun Mirror to reinforce the water barrier that sealed the Jiaolong.

The White Emperor instructed Qi Xiao to warn Xiao Qing against further mischief, and both men agreed to do so. Meanwhile, Leng Ning attacked Die Man, inflicting a wound and infecting it with venom. She had mastered a vicious skill by capturing a thousand butterflies and combining butterfly wings poison with spider venom. Leng Ning declared that the moment Die Man detoxified, she would absorb her demonic power to greatly enhance her own.

Elsewhere, Xiao Qing and Bai Yaoyao sought the help of Li Gongfu, Xu Jiaorong's husband who worked for the yamen, to continue their disruptive activities at the White Emperor Temple. For several days, the temple received no incense. With the Kunlun Mountain barrier weakening due to the lack of mortal worship, the White Emperor resolved to personally visit the mortal realm to confront this "little demon."

Qi Xiao and Xu Xuan established a barrier to protect the seal at the Three Lakes of Moon. Qi Xiao imparted the method to open this barrier to Xiao Qing, instructing her to hide within it after causing trouble to avoid being targeted by Tao Tie again. This also served to protect the Three Lakes of Moon barrier itself. Bai Yaoyao, however, remained at the Apothecary House to continue her investigation into Leng Ning.

Qi Xiao and Xu Xuan waited at Kunlun Mountain for the White Emperor, who was preparing to descend to the mortal realm. Xu Xuan realized that Xiao Qing's antics had achieved their desired effect. He approached the White Emperor to apologize for Xiao Qing's disturbances, and the White Emperor granted his forgiveness.

Qi Xiao then requested to borrow the Kunlun Mirror, explaining that the Jiaolong seal at Three Lakes of Moon was weakening, and he wished to use the mirror's light to strengthen it. Acknowledging this as a matter concerning the three realms, the White Emperor agreed. A powerful array, attracting numerous black butterflies, appeared outside the Apothecary House.

Bai Yaoyao deduced that Xu Xuan had set up this array to lure Leng Ning there, intending for Bai Yaoyao to personally resolve their conflict. Bai Yaoyao instructed everyone in the Apothecary House to retreat into the main hall and then established a barrier to protect them within. At Kunlun Mountain, the White Emperor presented many magical artifacts, among which the Kunlun Mirror lay hidden, capable of assuming countless forms.

He challenged Qi Xiao and Xu Xuan to choose the correct one, stating that if they failed, they must immediately leave Kunlun Mountain. After much observation, Xu Xuan and Qi Xiao were unsure how to proceed. At that moment, the Green Emperor appeared and provided Xu Xuan with an Ice Mirror, which possessed the ability to dispel all illusions, allowing them to successfully locate the Kunlun Mirror.

Xiao Qing opened the barrier at the Three Lakes of Moon, unaware that Tao Tie had been tracking her. Before she could enter, Tao Tie appeared and captured her, intending to awaken the Jiaolong. Xiao Hui, loyal to Xiao Qing, tried to rescue her, but as a minor demon, he was no match for Tao Tie and was swiftly injured. Qi Xiao, carrying the Kunlun Mirror, rushed back to the lakeside and repelled Tao Tie.

He cast the Kunlun Mirror into the lake to reinforce the seal, but to his dismay, the mirror shattered upon contact with the seal. The Kunlun Mountain barrier continued to loosen, and Xiao Xiang, inspecting the seal, sensed the powerful aura of the Demon Emperor. Leng Ning arrived at the Apothecary House, where Bai Yaoyao confronted her about the little demons turning into devils. Leng Ning, now wielding formidable demonic power, immediately attacked Bai Yaoyao.

Bai Yaoyao found herself struggling against the enhanced Leng Ning. At a critical moment, Xu Xuan, who had been observing from the shadows, intervened to assist Bai Yaoyao, allowing her to gain a tenuous advantage. Die Man and Teng Yao, still seeking revenge from Leng Ning for absorbing Die Man's power, tracked her to the Apothecary House. Leng Ning cunningly convinced Die Man to first deal with Bai Yaoyao.

Even with the aid of the array, Bai Yaoyao managed to hold her own against the three. Xu Xuan then dispelled the array, desiring to test the true extent of Bai Yaoyao's improved magical abilities. Xu Xuan revealed that he could not protect Bai Yaoyao indefinitely, which was why he had orchestrated Leng Ning's presence, hoping to expose Bai Yaoyao's shortcomings and encourage her to train more diligently.

He had remained hidden to ensure her safety while allowing her to grow. Leng Ning eventually used realgar smoke, injuring Bai Yaoyao, who quickly lost consciousness. Xu Xuan immediately rushed to rescue Bai Yaoyao and transported her to a celestial crane for care. Despite shattering, the Kunlun Mirror had successfully repaired the Jiaolong's seal and subsequently reformed itself.

Qi Xiao instructed Xiao Qing and Xiao Hui to remain behind and guard the Kunlun Mirror and the barrier, while he set off to pursue Tao Tie. Xiao Qing pressed Xiao Hui for the truth regarding the little demons' transformation into devils.

Xiao Hui confessed that Xu Xuan had, in fact, instructed the little demons to leave for their safety, but Leng Ning had intercepted them, manipulating and inciting them to sacrifice their heart fire, claiming it was necessary to assist Xu Xuan against Tao Tie under the blood moon. Leng Ning, now unconcerned with becoming a demon or a devil, declared her sole ambition was to surpass Bai Yaoyao in power, even if it meant collaborating with Tao Tie.

She boasted to Tao Tie that she transformed from a human into a demon in just a few years, a feat that takes centuries for demons, demonstrating her unique talent in cultivating magic. Xiao Qing received a spiritual message from Bai Yaoyao, informing her that Leng Ning had once again escaped.

Xiao Qing suspected that Xu Xuan had secretly aided Leng Ning's escape, believing he was implicated in the ongoing events, even if he wasn't directly responsible for the little demons' transformation. Xiao Hui then revealed that Xu Xuan had crafted forty-nine clay figures for the little demons and placed them in the peach blossom forest.

Xiao Qing, touched, learned from Xiao Hui that the little demons' last wish was to cultivate immortality and revisit the Garden of Heavenly Peaches, a wish she vowed to fulfill. Separately, Tao Tie, as the Demon Emperor, revealed that the Command of Nature (Wanxiang Ling), which had been destroyed by the Nine Heavens a thousand years ago, was now fully repaired. He declared that with the Command of Nature, all demon tribes would be compelled to obey his orders, and his plans for revenge were now complete.

Zhan Huang, having mastered the Command of Nature, declared that all demons must obey him. He chose to test this power on Bai Yaoyao, who was suddenly overcome by an intense, unexplainable pain that even her magic couldn't ease. As she suffered, Bai Yaoyao managed to send a message to Xu Xuan, urging him to stop Xiao Qing from doing anything reckless, fearing she couldn't make it there herself.

Seeing Bai Yaoyao in distress, Zhan Huang felt an unexpected pang of familiarity, which made him hesitant to kill her and suspicious about her true identity. He remarked that Xiao Qing was the one who nourished his spirit, yet he felt such a deep connection to Bai Yaoyao, questioning what she had done to make him unable to harm her.

With his setup complete, Zhan Huang decided he had a "date with an old friend" and departed, vowing to return to uncover the mysteries surrounding Bai Yaoyao. After receiving news from Xiao Hui, Bai Yaoyao quickly deduced Xiao Qing's intentions and rushed to the Peach Blossom Forest to intercept her. Meanwhile, Xiao Qing gathered the clay figures of the little demons. She reminisced about their time together, feeling immense guilt for not being powerful enough to protect them from dying.

She pledged to avenge them, lamenting the hardships demons face in gaining human form, constantly hounded by cultivators or bullied by stronger demons. She assured the clay figures that she would take them to the Garden of Heavenly Peaches in Empyrean Heaven, believing that the pervasive deity aura there could resurrect them.

Despite the little demons' ethereal voices warning of the dangers of trespassing and the severe repercussions for Lady Bai, Mister Xu, and Qi Xiao, Xiao Qing remained resolute, stating she would bear all the consequences alone. Upon waking, Bai Yaoyao mistakenly believed Xu Xuan had come to her aid and eased her pain, only to realize he had left again. Around the same time, Xu Xuan and Qi Xiao sought out the Green Emperor at Mount Jiuxi.

The Green Emperor, engaged in a game of chess, initially appeared reluctant to discuss the "matter" at hand. However, the conversation soon turned to Xu Xuan, with Green Emperor remarking on how the mortal world had changed Zi Xuan's (Xu Xuan's previous incarnation) personality and how Xu Xuan's dedication to the Apothecary House reflected his master's teachings.

Sensing the gravity of the situation with the Kunlun Mirror, the Green Emperor decided to remain at Mount Jiuxi for a few more days, anticipating the White Emperor's inquiries and offering to defend against them. Soon after, Xu Xuan and Qi Xiao were announced. Xiao Qing, accompanied by the clay figures, successfully entered the Garden of Heavenly Peaches using the Kunlun Mirror. As she placed the figures, hoping for their resurrection, they were discovered by Tian Gang Guards.

The guards immediately confronted Xiao Qing, accusing her of outrageous trespassing and using the sacred Kunlun Mirror without permission, even attacking the guards. News of Xiao Qing trespassing the Garden of Heavenly Peaches quickly spread across Empyrean Heaven, incurring the Queen Mother's wrath. Bai Yaoyao's master, Lishan Sage, warned her to stay out of the matter, threatening to sever their master-disciple ties if she intervened.

However, Bai Yaoyao, who considered Xiao Qing family, could not stand by and watch her die. To avoid implicating Lishan, she chose to sever her relationship with her master, declaring her resolve to save Xiao Qing. The deities discussed Xiao Qing's increasing recklessness, noting that she seemed to be following Bai Yaoyao's "old path" and showing no sign of learning from past lessons.

Expressing concern for the sacred Kunlun Mirror, the Green Emperor dispatched Xu Xuan and Qi Xiao to the Garden of Heavenly Peaches to resolve the situation. Qi Xiao arrived at the Garden of Heavenly Peaches, attempting to stop Xiao Qing from her willful actions and reminding her that the Kunlun Mirror was entrusted to her for safekeeping. In the ensuing struggle with the Tian Gang Guards, Xiao Qing was injured, and her blood tainted the Kunlun Mirror.

This act caused the Kunlun barrier to loosen, prompting the White Emperor, who sensed the abnormality, to personally intervene. The Tian Gang Guards intended to take Xiao Qing to the Heavenly Emperor and Queen Mother. Qi Xiao tried to defend Xiao Qing, arguing that the guards' actions also contributed to the mirror being tainted. Just then, Bai Yaoyao arrived, fiercely declaring that no one could hurt Xiao Qing, who was her family.

Xu Xuan attempted to intervene, telling Bai Yaoyao to stay out of it, but Bai Yaoyao, recalling how he had killed little demons previously, rejected his help, stating she could not trust him. She vowed to share Xiao Qing's consequences. The White Emperor, incensed by the Kunlun Mirror being tainted by demon blood and the desecration of the sacred Mount Kunlun, ordered the Tian Gang Guards to take Xiao Qing and Qi Xiao back to Kunlun for trial.

Xu Xuan later sought an audience with the Queen Mother, pleading for mercy for Xiao Qing. The Queen Mother stated she could forgive Xiao Qing for merely trespassing on the garden, as she did not concern herself with such formalities. However, she emphasized that the Kunlun Mirror, now tainted by demon blood, impacted the safety of the entire Empyrean Heaven, a matter beyond her jurisdiction, leaving the final decision to the White Emperor as the head of Kunlun.

Back in Kunlun, the White Emperor confronted Xiao Qing, revealing that the only way to purify the mirror was for her to sacrifice her primordial spirit. He explained the severe consequences: losing thousands of years of cultivation, reverting to her original form, and potentially sustaining damage to her roots that would prevent her from ever regaining human form. Xiao Qing declared she would rather die than lose her cultivation.

Bai Yaoyao and Qi Xiao pleaded for her, with Qi Xiao admitting his responsibility in lending her the mirror and offering to share her punishment. However, the White Emperor angrily rebuked Qi Xiao for his unfilial behavior and dismissed other solutions, stating the punishment was already a mercy.

To Bai Yaoyao's renewed disappointment, Xu Xuan then stepped forward, offering to be the executioner, asserting that as the one who borrowed the mirror, he should be the one to carry out justice. Meanwhile, Tao Tie and his subordinate discussed the chaos in Empyrean Heaven, seeing the tainted Kunlun Mirror as a prime opportunity to exploit the instability and manipulate the mortal world. Tao Tie expressed his ambition to challenge the deities and unite demons under his command.

During this time, Xiao Xiang sensed Zhan Huang's presence and tracked him down. Recalling how Zhan Huang had abandoned her at their wedding, causing her immense hatred and driving her to protect the heavens, Xiao Xiang confronted him, seeking revenge. Zhan Huang, however, easily overpowered her. He took her heart blood, acknowledging that he had wronged her in the past, and spared her life, allowing her to seek revenge again in the future if she could.

Zhan Huang then declared to his subordinate, Ni Yun, that with the Kunlun Mirror tainted, it was a golden opportunity for them to act. Before Xu Xuan left, Bai Yaoyao confronted him once more, expressing her profound disappointment. She recounted how he had seemingly helped her in the Peach Blossom Grove in the past, healing her pain, but now, as a deity who prioritized Empyrean Heaven and killed demons, he had nothing to do with her.

She found it difficult to trust him after witnessing his actions. She emphasized the difficulty of Xiao Qing's journey to attain human form and condemned the idea of destroying her primordial spirit. Despite her accusations, Xu Xuan implored her to trust him one last time. Bai Yaoyao, however, remarked that she was no longer the old Bai Yaoyao.

Xu Xuan then returned to the Queen Mother, asking for a Heavenly Peach, not just for the fruit itself, but hoping she would intervene to save Xiao Qing's cultivation. The Queen Mother granted him one peach, noting its rarity and power, but steadfastly refused to meddle in any matters beyond her peach garden, valuing her carefree existence. Xu Xuan then gave the Heavenly Peach to Qi Xiao, instructing him to deliver it to Xiao Qing.

Qi Xiao went to Xiao Qing, offering her the peach and reminding her of his promise to help her realize her dreams. Xiao Qing, facing her impending punishment, wondered if this was her last meal.

Qi Xiao promised Xiao Qing he would fulfill one of her wishes. Xiao Qing's wish was for him to spend an entire day playing with her, to which he readily agreed, promising to fulfill it even if she reverted to her original form. Xiao Qing then lamented that even if she survived the next day, she would lose her cultivation and revert to her original snake form.

Qi Xiao, in response, said he thought it wouldn't be bad, as she would no longer be noisy or fool around. Feeling slighted, Xiao Qing remarked that it wouldn't matter once she became a snake, as she wouldn't know if he despised her or not. Meanwhile, Xu Xuan and Qi Xiao continued their plan to save Xiao Qing. Xu Xuan confirmed that Xiao Qing had eaten the Heavenly Peach, explaining that its deity aura should mask her demon aura.

He instructed Qi Xiao to use this camouflage, while he would feign a primordial spirit ritual and set up an illusion spell, to help Xiao Qing escape during the execution. Xu Xuan emphasized that this was their only chance to protect Xiao Qing, particularly if White Emperor were to discover their true intentions.

He also worried that Bai Yaoyao finding out might cause misunderstandings or disrupt the plan, so he kept her in the dark, asserting he would handle all the aftermath. Qi Xiao, while expressing concern, agreed that Xiao Qing's protection was paramount, and they would deal with future problems as they arose. Elsewhere, the White Emperor confronted the Green Emperor about the Kunlun Mirror being tainted with demon aura, attributing it to Green Emperor's past insistence on borrowing the mirror.

Green Emperor acknowledged his selfish motive to help the demons. The White Emperor highlighted the contrast between Mount Jiuxi, always covered in snow, and Mount Kunlun, usually ever-spring, now in ruins due to the contamination, squarely placing the blame on Green Emperor. Green Emperor accepted responsibility and offered to endure any punishment. White Emperor then revealed that the Demon Emperor was becoming active, with his forces mobilizing, and that the demon aura on Mount Kunlun must have alerted him.

The Heavenly Emperor intended to strike first to force the Demon Emperor to submit. White Emperor, having been tasked with this but finding the reclusive and dark Demon Emperor difficult to deal with, suggested Green Emperor take over, given his past mistakes. Green Emperor expressed reservations, but White Emperor insisted, lamenting that even his disciple Xu Xuan (formerly Zi Xuan) still caused him worries.

At the same time, the Demon Emperor, in his mortal form as Zhan Huang, enlisted Xu Jiao Rong, Xu Xuan's elder sister, to arrange a marriage for him, showering her with silver. He secretly informed his subordinate that Xu Jiao Rong was merely a means to get closer to Xu Xuan and Qi Xiao, who possess the "Fate of Seven Prowesses." He also noted Bai Yaoyao's enigmatic nature and his desire to understand what made him constantly think of her.

Xu Jiao Rong, delighted by the generous payment, promised to find the perfect bride in Lin'an City. Zhan Huang's subordinate detailed the desired qualities: a cheerful, fierce, careless, unconcerned, and attractive woman, preferably knowing martial arts, whose family background was clear. Xu Jiao Rong immediately realized she knew someone who fit the description perfectly. On the day of Xiao Qing's execution, she stood before White Emperor, admitting her mistake and accepting death as her only request.

White Emperor declared her primordial spirit must be destroyed to uphold Kunlun's rules. Xu Xuan, acting as the executioner, began the ritual after removing Xiao Qing's spiritual pearl, attempting to enact the camouflage illusion with Qi Xiao. Suddenly, Bai Yaoyao appeared, disrupting the execution. She declared she could not abandon Xiao Qing and would not stand by as her primordial spirit was destroyed, offering her own attainments instead.

Enraged, White Emperor called Bai Yaoyao an "outrageous demon" for repeatedly causing chaos and declared he would personally deal with both snake demons. Xu Xuan intervened, stating he would handle it himself, repeatedly urging Bai Yaoyao to back down. Zhan Huang's subordinate, observing from afar, worried about Xiao Qing's escape and the risks of facing Xu Xuan and Qi Xiao.

Zhan Huang, however, noted that the Kunlun Mirror had already captured Xiao Qing's demon aura, ensuring the Empyrean Heaven would not easily release her, and contemplated using her to counter-attack. He also wondered if Bai Yaoyao, by intervening, would become implicated. Defying Xu Xuan's warnings, Bai Yaoyao, realizing she was no match for Xu Xuan, deliberately cut herself, allowing her demon blood to drip into the Kunlun Mirror.

She then proposed that she and Xiao Qing sacrifice half their cultivation to cleanse the mirror. White Emperor was further outraged, questioning her understanding of sacrificing half her thousand years of cultivation. Xiao Qing, distraught, urged Bai Yaoyao to run and not be punished for her. Bai Yaoyao refused, asserting that as Xiao Qing was her only family, she would not abandon her.

She reasoned that it was better for both to sacrifice half their cultivation and cultivate together than for Xiao Qing to revert to her original form, leaving Bai Yaoyao alone. Seeing the dire situation, Xu Xuan urged White Emperor to quickly resolve the matter to prevent Mount Kunlun's vitality from being permanently damaged, knowing Heavenly Emperor would eventually discover the extent of the contamination.

White Emperor reluctantly agreed to Bai Yaoyao's proposal but insisted Xu Xuan carry out the execution, which he did, completing the sacrifice of both Bai Yaoyao and Xiao Qing's cultivation. After the ordeal, Xu Xuan questioned Bai Yaoyao why she didn't trust him. She explained that she knew him too well, understanding he couldn't bring himself to execute Xiao Qing. She had seen through his plan to assume the role of executor so Qi Xiao could help Xiao Qing escape.

Bai Yaoyao stated that she had to disrupt his plan because she refused to let him make further sacrifices for her after all he had endured in the past. Sacrificing half her cultivation was a small price to pay to prevent him from bearing all the consequences alone. Later, Qi Xiao visited a recovering Xiao Qing, who still desired to stay by his side. Qi Xiao promised to take her to any place she wished once she fully recovered.

It was then revealed that Bai Yaoyao had approached Qi Xiao prior to the execution. Aware of Xu Xuan's plan to save Xiao Qing and the severe repercussions from White Emperor and the Queen Mother, she feared Xu Xuan would suffer greatly. Recalling his past sacrifices, she was determined not to let him suffer again.

She instructed Qi Xiao to ensure a gap in the protection of the Kunlun Mirror during Xiao Qing's punishment, allowing her to contaminate it with her demon blood and then propose a joint sacrifice of cultivation. Qi Xiao, despite her limited cultivation, recognized this as the best and only way to protect the Kunlun Mirror, Xiao Qing, and Xu Xuan simultaneously, albeit at a great cost to Bai Yaoyao.

A messenger reported to White Emperor that Xiao Qing and Bai Yaoyao had sacrificed half their cultivation, successfully cleansing the Kunlun Mirror, and requested permission for their recuperation. In the Heavenly Peach Garden, Xu Xuan learned that the Queen Mother, moved by the little demons' past assistance, had mercifully decreed that their clay figures be kept in the garden to absorb the essence of the sun and moon, ensuring their eventual revival.

This news significantly eased Xu Xuan's lingering self-blame and guilt. White Emperor remarked on Xiao Qing's seemingly reckless act inadvertently giving the little demons a new chance, and observed that since Bai Yaoyao and Xiao Qing's primordial spirits were intact, their cultivation could be restored, serving as a valuable character-building experience. Bai Yaoyao, now with Xu Xuan, firmly told him not to make unilateral decisions for her anymore.

She asserted her maturity and readiness to share his burdens and sorrows, insisting he shouldn't bear everything alone. Xu Xuan admitted his past mistakes and willful actions that led to the innocent little demons' demise, expressing gratitude for Xiao Qing's unexpected act that granted them a second chance. He felt that heaven had finally shown mercy to them both, vowing not to disappoint anyone.

Bai Yaoyao made him promise not to act recklessly again, declaring that from then on, through all joys and misfortunes, they would face everything together as husband and wife, never to be separated by life or death. Bai Yaoyao then asked Xu Xuan to take her home, reminding him of the wedding ceremony he still owed her.

Back at Xu's Mansion, Xu Xuan presented her with a wedding dress, explaining he had magically enhanced Xiao Qing's wedding dress, wanting to give her the world's best. He pledged to compensate for all her past sufferings, and they both acknowledged the preciousness of their reunion after so many trials, reaffirming their commitment to each other forever.

On their wedding day, Xu Xuan used his immortal powers to mend Bai Yaoyao's wedding dress, which had been previously damaged by Leng Ning. To declare her ownership and prevent him from leaving her again, Bai Yaoyao took a red thread from the Moon Deity Temple and tied it around both Xu Xuan's and her own wrists, explaining its efficacy and lamenting she hadn't used it earlier.

She pledged to stay by his side, acknowledging his supposed "Fate of Seven Prowesses," and declared that from that moment on, everything about him belonged solely to her. Xu Xuan, touched, offered his entire life to her, wishing only that their time together would be sufficient for his endless love. Bai Yaoyao promised never to leave him in this life. Meanwhile, Fairy Xiao Xiang remained unconscious after being attacked.

Hundred Herbs Immortal Lord, upon examination, discovered that her heart blood had been forcibly taken, noting no other severe injuries, which indicated the attacker was incredibly powerful, defeating her in a single blow. Bai Di reported this alarming incident to the Heavenly Emperor. The Heavenly Emperor then ordered Xu Xuan to investigate the matter in the mortal world, both for convenience in his actions and as an opportunity for him to atone for past mistakes.

Bai Di also expressed concerns about the turbulent times, with the Kunlun Mirror tainted, the Demon Emperor reappearing, and Qi Xiao causing him worry. Back in the mortal realm, Qi Xiao grappled with his destiny. He revealed to his master that he was born with the Fate of Alkaid, which brought many setbacks and often involved innocent people. His master confirmed that Xiao Qing was destined to be the last demon he would subdue.

Qi Xiao adamantly refused, but was informed that because Xiao Qing's blood had dripped into the Kunlun Mirror, only death could break his Alkaid fate if he didn't subdue her, implying a forced separation as the only alternative. His master reminded him of the great responsibilities bestowed upon him by heaven. Later, Xiao Qing, having almost fully recovered, playfully pressed Qi Xiao to fulfill his promise to take her out.

She reflected on the brevity of life for demons and humans alike. Qi Xiao reassured her he would keep his word once they returned to the mortal world. When Xiao Qing asked what he would do if someone tried to subdue her, he firmly stated he wouldn't allow it. For their special outing, Qi Xiao visited a jewelry stall, intent on buying the best hairpin for Xiao Qing.

He selected an imperial court design but found he didn't have enough money. He asked Xu Xuan to cover the remaining cost, who, observing Qi Xiao's dejected look and deep affection, remarked how love, once started, only deepens. Separately, Bai Yaoyao brought cosmetics for Xiao Qing, promising that with her help, Qi Xiao would be captivated.

However, Xiao Hui, a small demon, nervously shared a story from a play: when a man fulfills a promise to a woman, it signifies a final parting. Xiao Qing, refusing to believe such an ominous interpretation, angrily dismissed the book as foolish and ordered Xiao Hui to burn them all. When Xiao Qing met Qi Xiao, he immediately urged her to practice diligently and ensure she wouldn't hinder Bai Yaoyao in the future.

Remembering Xiao Hui's earlier warning, Xiao Qing directly asked Qi Xiao if he intended to abandon her and never see her again. Qi Xiao, without directly answering, advised her to live each day well and prioritize her cultivation, leaving Xiao Qing with a palpable sense of unease. Meanwhile, the Demon Emperor Zhan Huang observed Xiao Qing and Qi Xiao's affectionate interactions.

He revealed to Ni Yun his ancient plan, noting how the Fate of Alkaid had become intertwined with Xiao Qing. Zhan Huang proposed to use Qilin heart blood—likely the same heart blood taken from Fairy Xiao Xiang—to fully acquire the Alkaid and Greedy Wolf fates, despite Ni Yun's concerns about his own recovering primordial spirit.

Zhan Huang deemed it a "worthy trade" for ultimate power, even if it meant a period of recuperation afterward, and instructed Ni Yun to keep his scheme secret from Taotie. Zhan Huang mused on the inherent differences between demons and mortals, believing that coexistence was impossible and that for the demon tribe to rule the three realms, the mortal world must first be transformed into a purgatory.

At Mount Jin Temple, Xu Xuan checked on Master Yong An, confirming his health was good. Despite the master's recovery, the other monks expressed lingering sorrow over their fallen brethren, fearing the temple's decline and inability to preach kindness without Master Yong An. The master himself admitted his heart was still troubled by the past and worried about who would perform the upcoming soul-releasing ceremony.

That evening, Bai Yaoyao, carrying a small oil lamp, almost bumped into Zhan Huang on the road. Although she didn't recognize him and he quickly left after introducing himself, Bai Yaoyao sensed that his aura was strikingly similar to the mysterious figure she encountered after fainting in the Peach Blossom Grove. Later, as Xu Xuan returned home from Mount Jin Temple, Bai Yaoyao met him with the oil lamp.

She explained her anxiety about him being alone in the dark, and Xu Xuan confessed that her presence lit his path and brought him peace. As they walked, Bai Yaoyao mentioned her encounter with Zhan Huang, describing him as a young master but admitting she hadn't paid much attention to his appearance, as her thoughts were solely on Xu Xuan.

Xu Xuan then informed her that the Heavenly Emperor had tasked him with investigating Fairy Xiao Xiang's assault, hinting at a potential connection to Taotie, but reassured Bai Yaoyao he would handle it. Separately, Bai Yaoyao mentioned Leng Ning's visit and her surprising intention to arrange a marriage for Xiao Qing, to which Xu Xuan jokingly replied that only Qi Xiao could truly endure Xiao Qing.

The next day, Xiao Qing confronted Qi Xiao about his failure to notice her carefully dressed appearance. Qi Xiao presented her with the hairpin he had bought, her first gift from him. When she struggled to put it on, he gently helped her, remarking how its green color suited her perfectly. Xiao Qing, delighted, promised to wear it every day. Qi Xiao then took Xiao Qing to a riverside where many people were setting water lanterns.

Xiao Qing understood that these lanterns often symbolized pledges of love, but Qi Xiao explained their deeper spiritual meaning for cultivators: they could "break ignorance, surpass life and death," allowing prayers to ascend to the Heavenly Court. He revealed that Mount Jin Temple disciples would also be present to perform a soul-releasing ceremony.

Xiao Qing realized Qi Xiao had brought her there to help release the souls of the deceased monks, hoping to reconcile the long-standing animosity between Mount Jin Temple and the little demons. She agreed to cooperate, acknowledging that while the little demons' clay figures in the Garden of Heavenly Peaches still held a glimmer of life, the monks were truly gone.

As they prepared to set their lantern, Monk Cheng Qi approached, presenting Qi Xiao with a lotus lantern and cautioning that if it broke, the two individuals involved would become endlessly intertwined. Overhearing this, Xiao Qing, seeking to be bound to Qi Xiao for all eternity, deliberately broke the lotus lantern.

Xiao Qing and Qi Xiao found themselves in a heated disagreement. Qi Xiao led Xiao Qing to a mountain peak to show her a magnificent glazed tree, inviting her to count its glistening beads. As the beads swayed in the wind, emitting a crisp, tinkling sound, Xiao Qing was captivated by the beautiful scene. However, Qi Xiao then revealed the harsh truth: each bead on the tree was refined from a demon core, representing a demon he had slain.

He declared that demons were responsible for the death of his master and the massacre of countless lives at Mount Jin Temple, making the hatred between him and demons irreconcilable. He emphatically stated that he could never love a snake demon. He further claimed that while Xu Xuan might not care that Bai Yao Yao was a demon, he would care that Xiao Qing was one, and the hatred between humans and demons could never be erased.

With these words, Qi Xiao retreated to Mount Jin Temple and locked himself inside, refusing to emerge, despite Xiao Qing's desperate cries outside. Meanwhile, Leng Ning was in the outskirts, cruelly torturing minor demons and absorbing their cultivation. Tao Tie arrived and snatched an inner core from one of the demons. The two had been collaborating to steal numerous demon inner cores. Leng Ning, unsatisfied with their haul, expressed a desire to find more minor demons for her practice.

Tao Tie warned her that Xu Xuan and Bai Yao Yao were at the edge of the forest and advised caution to avoid falling into their hands. Xiao Qing, recalling a story from a book that suggested fulfilling a promise meant "clearing ties," was afraid that Qi Xiao was trying to sever their connection. She was unwavering in her desire not to clear their accounts, even if Qi Xiao was a demon catcher destined for the Empyrean Heaven.

She wanted to be entangled with him for every lifetime, wishing to accompany him just as Bai Yao Yao accompanied Xu Xuan. Inside the temple, Qi Xiao recited Buddhist scriptures in an attempt to calm his heart. Xiao Qing confronted him, questioning why he wouldn't admit his feelings for her, as it was obvious he cared. She insisted that she was still in his heart and demanded he acknowledge it, but he vehemently denied it.

She was heartbroken, asking if he would kill her if they met as adversaries, to which he coldly responded, "Yes." Xiao Qing reminded him of his past protection and promises, but he remained unmoved, calling her a "lowly snake demon" and asking why she persisted in clinging to him. She continued to shout outside the temple, distraught and feeling sullen, wondering why he refused to answer her. Xu Xuan found Qi Xiao attempting to meditate, observing his restless mind.

He gently probed, questioning why Qi Xiao had deliberately driven Xiao Qing away, expressing confusion as this was unlike the resolute Ling Chu he once knew. Qi Xiao claimed that his life's mission was to catch demons and that his encounter with Xiao Qing was "the funniest dream ever." Xu Xuan asked why he had given her a hairpin if he had no feelings for her, urging him not to ignore the problem.

With Leng Ning's disappearance, the Apothecary House was left without a master. Senior Song and Qing Feng patiently waited outside Xu Xuan's mansion daily, hoping to persuade him to return as Lord. Xiao Qing, observing their persistence, angrily called them foolish, explaining that Xu Xuan was very devoted to Bai Yao Yao, and seeking her help would be far more effective than trying to sway him directly.

Initially, Senior Song and Qing Feng mistakenly believed Xiao Qing's anger stemmed from jealousy over Xu Xuan, but after speaking with Xu Xuan and Bai Yao Yao, they realized her frustration was directed at Qi Xiao. Xu Xuan also informed them that his recent absence was due to gathering scarce medicinal herbs, as he had found the Apothecary House's stock insufficient during his last visit.

He reiterated his refusal to reclaim the title of Lord of the Apothecary House, but offered to return and practice medicine as Physician Xu. The Kunlun Master visited Qi Xiao on Mount Kunlun, reminding him of his duty to subdue demons, a penance for his past actions where he secretly stole and used the Soul Collecting Light, causing demon aura to gather and leading to the birth of the Demon Emperor.

Qi Xiao, however, admitted he no longer wished to subdue demons. The Master revealed Qi Xiao's true destiny: born with the "Fate of Seven Prowesses," he was fated to bring harm to those close to him. Furthermore, possessing the "Fate of Alkaid," if he were to fall in love, he would ultimately die by the hands of his beloved. This meant Xiao Qing was his destined calamity, and the only way to break this fate was to kill her.

This was the true reason behind Qi Xiao's determined rejection of Xiao Qing. Meanwhile, in the Celestial Realm, the Heavenly Emperor had dispatched the Green and White Emperors to locate the Demon Emperor, but they returned without any trace from the Three Realms. The Heavenly Emperor suspected the Demon Emperor's magical prowess had grown significantly, making him undetectable.

He also found it unusual that Fairy Xiao Xiang remained unconscious after having her heart blood taken, despite Xu Xuan's message linking the incident to Tao Tie. The Heavenly Emperor believed that based on Tao Tie's ability, the matter was not so simple, suspecting Demon Emperor's involvement given their past entanglement. The Demon Emperor, having concealed his aura, was relaxing in a Lin'an City teahouse, aware of the Celestial hunt.

He revealed his plan to his subordinate: rather than simply capturing Xiao Qing, he intended to wait until her heart was completely shattered by Qi Xiao, at which point he would intervene to win her over and reclaim the "Greedy Wolf Grid." He also warned his followers to be wary, as Tao Tie had become aware of his plans and was searching for him.

Xu Jiaorong approached Xiao Qing, urging her not to fixate on one man and suggesting a blind date. Bai Yao Yao and Xu Xuan agreed, viewing it as a test of Qi Xiao's true feelings: if he cared, he would surely intervene; if not, Xiao Qing could move on. Xu Xuan then informed Qi Xiao about Xiao Qing's impending blind date at the teahouse that evening, deliberately provoking him.

Despite his agitation and a strong urge to stop it, Qi Xiao remembered his fated calamity. He calmed himself through meditation, declaring that he would not prevent Xiao Qing from attending. That evening, at the teahouse, Zhan Huang awaited Xiao Qing. Bai Yao Yao accompanied Xiao Qing to the meeting. Zhan Huang, upon seeing Bai Yao Yao, was visibly stunned.

He introduced himself, and Bai Yao Yao, realizing he was the same person who had saved her in the peach blossom grove, was surprised by the revelation. Simultaneously, at Mount Jin Temple, Qi Xiao, having made his decision to sever all karmic ties with Xiao Qing and escape worldly realities, requested Master Yong An to perform his tonsure that very night, committing himself fully to Buddhism and abandoning all worldly affairs.

While Bai Yaoyao and Xiao Qing were conversing with Zhan Huang, Bai Yaoyao asked if he was the one who saved her in the Garden of Heavenly Peaches. She pointed out that he had rescued both of them multiple times, inferring that he harbored feelings for Xiao Qing. Zhan Huang, however, claimed his desire to marry Xiao Qing and explained he sought Sister Xu Jiaorong's help as a matchmaker to avoid damaging Xiao Qing's reputation.

Bai Yaoyao was impressed by his considerate nature, while Xiao Qing was astonished by the proposal. Unbeknownst to them, Zhan Huang's true desire was to marry Bai Yaoyao, and his feelings for Xiao Qing were merely gratitude. Their conversation was interrupted by Xiao Hui, who frantically reported that Qi Xiao's tonsure ceremony would take place at Mount Jin Temple that very night.

Enraged by the news, Xiao Qing declared her intent to go to the temple to demand an explanation from Qi Xiao. Bai Yaoyao, concerned, insisted on accompanying her. Observing their hasty departure, Zhan Huang bid farewell to Xu Jiaorong, stating he also had urgent matters to attend to. Meanwhile, the Demon Emperor's pawns, Die Man and the Vine Demon, originally placed alongside Tao Tie, had observed that the Demon Emperor was arrogant and disdained his subordinates.

Thus, the Vine Demon had developed a second heart and shown favor to Tao Tie. The Vine Demon reported Zhan Huang's injuries, which he sustained from extracting his own heart's blood. Tao Tie observed Zhan Huang's apparent overconfidence in his ability to use the Command of Nature after recovery. Tao Tie acknowledged the Demon Emperor's insidious nature and expressed confidence in his own plans.

The Vine Demon clarified that he and Die Man, as demons controlled by the Command of Nature, could only relay messages for Tao Tie and not directly harm the Demon Emperor. Tao Tie assured the Vine Demon that he would be rewarded when the dragon tribe eventually ruled the three realms.

Tao Tie also noted the Demon Emperor's cautious nature, having been back for over twenty years without taking significant action, only keeping Ni Yun by his side, implying his lack of trust in others. Separately, Ni Yun informed Zhan Huang about Qi Xiao's impending tonsure ceremony, questioning how they would then acquire the Fate of Alkaid.

Zhan Huang, however, found Qi Xiao's sudden decision intriguing and believed it was somehow linked to the Fate of Alkaid, confident that the truth would eventually emerge. Ni Yun suggested that Qi Xiao's detachment from worldly affairs would benefit Zhan Huang's plan to marry Xiao Qing. At this point, Zhan Huang confided in Ni Yun, admitting that his feelings for Xiao Qing were merely gratitude; his true desire was to marry Bai Yaoyao.

When Ni Yun reminded him of Bai Yaoyao's marriage to Xu Xuan, Zhan Huang stated it was irrelevant, as he would claim anyone he wanted. He found his intense feelings for Bai Yaoyao perplexing and resolved to understand their mysterious origin, which began when he first saw her in the peach grove. Furthermore, Zhan Huang explained that Xiao Qing's blood was crucial for the Kunlun Mirror and the Fate of Alkaid.

To ensure Xiao Qing could be used for his plans, he intended to intensify her heartbreak over Qi Xiao, knowing she was a passionate lover. At Mount Jin Temple, Qi Xiao had erected a sound barrier, causing the wooden fish chants to pierce through the hearts of smaller demons. Despite her weakened magical prowess from the Mount Kunlun incident, Xiao Qing, fueled by stubborn resolve, was determined to confront Qi Xiao.

She vowed to pester him daily, even after his tonsure, to prevent him from truly detaching from worldly attachments. Bai Yaoyao, deeply concerned, sought Xu Xuan, who was also inside the temple. She urged Xu Xuan to arrange a meeting between Qi Xiao and Xiao Qing, believing Qi Xiao's inherent kindness meant he wouldn't refuse to see her. Initially, Xu Xuan was reluctant to interfere with Qi Xiao's decision to embrace monastic life, but Bai Yaoyao's earnest pleas persuaded him.

He created a protective barrier in the temple's main hall against the penetrating wooden fish sound and instructed Bai Yaoyao to bring Xiao Qing there. Xu Xuan then went to find Qi Xiao, telling him to go to the main hall to resolve his worldly affairs, questioning his sound barrier if he was truly detached. He gave them a time limit of thirty minutes.

When Qi Xiao and Xiao Qing met, Xiao Qing confronted him, asking why he had rescued her at Mount Kunlun and why he refused to admit his feelings. Qi Xiao, feigning detachment, claimed Xu Xuan made the decision to rescue her, and he merely assisted. He asserted that he saw only wisdom and innocence in Xiao Qing and merely wished to guide her toward the right path, denying any romantic attachment.

He suggested her belief in his feelings was her own "wishful thinking." Xiao Qing tearfully refused to believe he was heartless, recounting their shared experiences and his distinct treatment of her, particularly when Tao Tie had injured her by the lakeside. Qi Xiao coldly maintained that his intentions were purely benevolent and his heart untainted by romantic love. Xiao Qing finally conceded that it was her "wishful thinking" but then accused him of lying about not taking tonsure.

Qi Xiao admitted to the lie. The time for their meeting concluded. Xiao Qing, refusing to believe Qi Xiao's words, impulsively kissed him. However, Qi Xiao remained utterly unresponsive, neither rejecting nor embracing her. Feeling his profound indifference, Xiao Qing finally understood that her love was unrequited. Overwhelmed by sorrow, she shed tears for the first time, experiencing their bitter pain. Outside, Bai Yaoyao and Xu Xuan discussed the situation.

Bai Yaoyao believed Qi Xiao was heartless for proceeding with the tonsure even after their meeting, but Xu Xuan suggested that his actions might, ironically, be a testament to deep, desperate love, a profound "suffering of separation from love." As the tonsure ceremony began, Xiao Qing, ignoring Xu Xuan's pleas, frantically tried to force her way into the temple, banging on the doors and begging Qi Xiao not to take his vows.

Xu Xuan reluctantly revealed that Qi Xiao had specifically asked him to prevent her entry, explaining that Qi Xiao was now transforming into someone detached from worldly attachments and that love required mutual affection, not just one-sided devotion. Xiao Qing, tearfully expressing the bitterness and pain of her first tears, pleaded with Qi Xiao not to leave her, offering to keep any distance he desired. Inside, Qi Xiao’s hair was shaved, severing his connection to Xiao Qing.

Devastated, Xiao Qing shattered the hairpin he had once given her. She spent the entire night heartbroken at the temple gates. The following morning, Qi Xiao emerged, now reborn as the monk Fa Hai, confirming to a devastated Xiao Qing that he was now "the Qi Xiao who is cut off from emotion and practices himself to stay away from vanity," thus irrevocably severing their bond.

Meanwhile, the Heavenly Realm had learned of the Demon Emperor's return, confirmed by Fairy Xiao Xiang after she awoke. It was understood that the Demon Emperor, the only male Qilin, had taken Fairy Xiao Xiang’s Blood of Heart, the only female Qilin, with the singular purpose of acquiring the Fate of Alkaid. This revelation immediately raised grave concerns for Qi Xiao’s safety.

Observations of the Demon Prison also indicated unusual activity, leading to speculation that the Fate of Alkaid (also referred to as the Fate of Dubhe) might have been born, possibly connected to Tao Tie's previous endeavors to capture forty-nine smaller demons for cultivating a "ding vessel" for elixirs around Lin'an City. Xu Xuan volunteered to investigate the Demon Prison, despite Bai Yaoyao's worries about his safety given its historical danger.

He reassured her that a thousand years had passed and that he would be careful. A master instructed his subordinate to immediately report any connection discovered between the Demon Emperor and Tao Tie. They concluded that they must devise a strategy to eliminate Tao Tie before he completed his demonic cultivation, as he was believed to be opening the "ding vessel" near Mount Jin Temple.

Xiangxiang Fairy awoke and announced the return of the Demon Emperor. The seal on the Demon Prison was intact, but it exhibited unusual changes, leading the White Emperor to speculate that the Fate of Dubhe had been born. Xu Xuan noted that Taotie was capturing demons to cultivate elixir around Lin'an City and suggested this activity might be connected to the Demon Prison's abnormality.

The White Emperor entrusted the Demon Prison to Xu Xuan, reminding him of its crucial importance and the risks, as it had destroyed his spirit a thousand years prior. Xu Xuan was tasked with using the Demon Prison's guidance to locate Taotie and stop him before he completed his cultivation, and to report immediately if he found any link between Taotie and the Demon Emperor.

The Green Emperor questioned why the White Emperor hadn't disclosed the Heavenly Emperor's suspicion that the Demon Emperor possessed the Fate of Dubhe, but the White Emperor maintained that due to Bai Yaoyao's demon identity, such a secret could not be risked. Xu Xuan and Bai Yaoyao had been tracking Taotie and his cauldron without success, so Xu Xuan considered using Bai Yaoyao's blood, which had also touched the Kunlun Mirror, to track Taotie, despite his concern for her safety.

Meanwhile, Xiao Qing continued to drown her sorrows in wine. Zhan Huang, observing her self-pity, urged her to stop drinking and return home, stating he would not allow the woman he admired to debase herself. When Xiao Qing rejected him and demanded he leave, Zhan Huang forcefully incapacitated her and took her blood.

His subordinate, Niyun, questioned his actions, but Zhan Huang explained that with the Demon Prison now outside the Empyrean Heaven and its barrier formidable, he needed an alternative approach. He revealed that Xiao Qing's blood, having once flowed into the Kunlun Mirror, was now "the most precious blood in the world" and thus useful for his plans. While he expressed sympathy for Xiao Qing's sorrow, his objectives took precedence, and he prepared to meet Taotie.

Xu Xuan and Bai Yaoyao followed the Demon Prison's guidance to a forest, but the demon aura vanished, making them suspect Taotie had not yet completed his elixir. Remembering Bai Yaoyao's blood had also touched the Kunlun Mirror, Xu Xuan suggested using it to lure Taotie out, despite his concern for her safety. Bai Yaoyao, unfazed, agreed, declaring her resolve to face any danger, even the Demon Emperor, as long as she was by Xu Xuan's side.

She expressed curiosity about the Demon Emperor's return after a millennium and his motives for colluding with Taotie. Elsewhere, Taotie confirmed to Zhan Huang that the vessel was forged, claiming to have captured 49 demons as instructed, though in reality he had only captured 48. However, Zhan Huang was skeptical. Taotie, aware of Zhan Huang's injury, seized the opportunity to ambush him. Zhan Huang, though injured, warned Taotie that failure to complete the vessel would lead to his own consumption.

Just then, Xu Xuan, guided by Bai Yaoyao's blood, arrived and severed Zhan Huang's connection to the bronze vessel, causing the Demon Emperor's old injuries to flare up and him to cough blood. Zhan Huang was taken aback by Xu Xuan's greatly improved magical prowess after a thousand years. With Zhan Huang incapacitated, Taotie realized the vessel was unstable and he faced self-consumption if he couldn't stabilize it with another demon. He attempted to throw Leng Ning into the vessel.

However, Leng Ning, having gained significant power from the Poison Scripture, fought back, proving stronger than Taotie. As they battled fiercely, Xu Xuan entered the demon cave with the Tianji sword. Seeing Xu Xuan, Leng Ning immediately stopped fighting Taotie alone. Outnumbered, Taotie decided to take them all down with him. He sacrificed his own blood into the vessel, causing the mountain to tremble violently and the cave to threaten collapse.

Taotie taunted Xu Xuan, claiming only Xu Xuan's primordial spirit could seal the vessel now, just as Zi Xuan had sealed the Water Dragon a millennium ago, and that his death would free the Water Dragon. Xu Xuan, unwilling for Leng Ning to face such danger, urged her to flee, telling her Bai Yaoyao would be waiting outside. Leng Ning, however, refused.

Contemplating her past as a healer and her current state, she resolved to seal the bronze vessel with her own primordial spirit to ensure Xu Xuan's safety, feeling it would bring her no regret. She then performed the sacrifice, severely depleting her powers. After the ordeal, Zhan Huang found the gravely injured Taotie. He reminded Taotie of his failure against Xu Xuan and that he, Zhan Huang, had saved him.

Taotie remained defiant, refusing to submit to the Demon Emperor and dismissing him as a loser from a thousand years past. Zhan Huang, asserting Taotie's current dependence, revealed his plan to seize Mount Kunlun as a base for challenging the Empyrean Heaven, which required the Dragon Clan's aid. He used his power to force Taotie into submission, warning him to cease his treacherous schemes. Xiao Qing continued to drown her sorrows in wine.

When Bai Yaoyao found her, Xiao Qing expressed her immense pain and sorrow over Fa Hai. Zhan Huang then appeared and, after a brief exchange with Xu Xuan (who introduced himself as a mere physician), invited Xiao Qing to watch fireworks by the river, claiming they shared a mutual desire. Xiao Qing, eager to escape her reality, readily accepted and told Bai Yaoyao not to worry about her anymore, as she now had Zhan Huang.

Bai Yaoyao, however, was wary of Zhan Huang's mysterious background and warned Xiao Qing she might suffer, but Xiao Qing dismissed her concerns, stating she simply wanted to "play through life" and that Xu Xuan, in any case, did not care about her joys or sorrows. Later, Zhan Huang brought Xiao Qing to Jinshan Temple, where Fa Hai was distributing rice to the poor.

Xiao Qing tearfully confronted Fa Hai, asking why he could help others but not her, and why he consistently avoided her. Fa Hai, maintaining his detached demeanor, firmly told her he would never see her and to stop coming to Jinshan Temple. As Fa Hai turned to leave, Xiao Qing broke down in tears. To spite Fa Hai, Zhan Huang subtly used his power to infest an old man's newly received bag of rice with worms, causing a commotion.

Fa Hai, however, remained calm and effortlessly restored the rice to its original state, making the worms vanish as if nothing had happened. As Fa Hai walked away, Zhan Huang whispered into Xiao Qing's ear, suggesting that instead of fruitlessly chasing after Fa Hai, she should join him and "do whatever you like in this world." Fa Hai, though noticing their close interaction, continued on, feigning indifference.

Niyun brought a chained Taotie, bound by an ancient silver chain, to the Eastern Sea to meet his father, the Dragon King. Taotie, furious at Zhan Huang's treatment, vowed future revenge. He also declared that he no longer recognized the Dragon King as his father, resenting his submission to the Empyrean Heaven. The Dragon King, concerned by Taotie's severe injuries sustained from forging the elixir furnace, emphasized his loyalty to the Empyrean Heaven.

Niyun subtly implied Zhan Huang's intention to leverage Taotie's presence to threaten the Dragon Tribe into alliance. However, the Dragon King staunchly refused, stating the Dragon Tribe would not partake in the Demon Emperor's rebellion. He declared that he would personally take Taotie to the Empyrean Heaven to confess his crimes, even if it meant Taotie faced the 81 lightning strokes at the Godly Gallows, affirming his commitment to justice over family and his unwavering loyalty to the Heavenly Emperor.

Recuperating at the Apothecary House, Leng Ning, still weakened, wandered into the courtyard. As she approached Xu Xuan's chessboard, Qing Feng, one of the Apothecary House disciples, reacted with noticeable fear. Leng Ning confronted him about his nervousness and fear, and when he admitted it, she attempted to attack him. Bai Yaoyao intervened, reminding Leng Ning of her injuries and urging her to rest.

However, Leng Ning had become acutely aware that despite their polite address, the people in the Apothecary House perceived her as a demon. Distraught, she proclaimed her identity, declaring, "I am a demon!"

Zhan Huang conferred with Niyun about their scheme to seize the Fate of Alkaid from Qi Xiao using Xiao Qing. Niyun recounted how, a thousand years ago, the Dragon King had personally sought mercy from the Empyrean Heaven for Taotie's transgression, pledging to remain in the Eastern Sea. Zhan Huang acknowledged that the Dragon King’s actions were to appease the Heavenly Emperor, and they had misjudged his allegiance, realizing he would not align with their cause.

Zhan Huang deemed Taotie’s current injury a strategic checkmate for the Dragon King, forcing a difficult choice between abandoning his son or facing internal strife. With the White Emperor tracking his whereabouts, Zhan Huang emphasized the urgency of securing the Fate of Alkaid. Niyun warned that Xu Xuan’s precautions prevented their lesser demons from approaching Qi Xiao, making Xiao Qing the pivotal figure in their plan.

Despite Niyun’s insistence on ruthlessness, Zhan Huang confessed a lingering debt to Xiao Qing from their 500 years of companionship, but resolved to proceed with his plan, commanding his tribe members to prepare for action. Xiao Qing approached Zhan Huang, seeking a way to make Qi Xiao break his precepts. Zhan Huang presented her with Qilin blood, explaining its colorless and tasteless nature, assuring her it would be undetectable when mixed in tea.

Xiao Qing, intending to make Qi Xiao break his vows, wondered how Zhan Huang, whom she perceived as a lesser demon, possessed such precious Qilin blood. Zhan Huang then revealed his true form as a Qilin. Xiao Qing felt betrayed by his secrecy, recalling Bai Yaoyao’s warnings about him, and acknowledged his immense power, which she believed surpassed even Xu Xuan and Qi Xiao.

Zhan Huang dismissed it, claiming it was merely a way to conceal his aura, and expressed a desire to challenge Qi Xiao. Xiao Qing, unwavering in her affection for Qi Xiao, declared him the only one she liked. Zhan Huang promised to indulge her whims and bring her joy. Meanwhile, Xu Xuan noticed Bai Yaoyao’s distraction, which she attributed to drowsiness. He pressed, asking if she was still preoccupied with the Demon Emperor.

Bai Yaoyao assured him she wouldn’t let it trouble her, having already decided to stand by him. Xu Xuan reaffirmed their unity, promising they would overcome any obstacle. Yet, Bai Yaoyao voiced her concern that smaller demons would rally behind the Demon Emperor and potentially be manipulated. Xu Xuan again reassured her, emphasizing the Demon Emperor’s limited capacity to cause widespread chaos and his unwavering support for her.

He then informed her of his imminent departure to the Eastern Sea to apprehend Taotie, asking her to oversee the Apothecary House. Bai Yaoyao questioned if his journey was solely due to Taotie. Xu Xuan explained that the Dragon King had taken responsibility for his son, and the Green Emperor had ordered Taotie’s capture.

He added that the Heavenly Emperor had allowed Taotie to recuperate at the Dragon Palace due to his severe injuries, but the matter could not be delayed. Bai Yaoyao expressed apprehension, wondering if the Heavenly Emperor feared Taotie’s escape. Xu Xuan clarified that the Dragon King, ever cautious, had proactively requested to personally escort Taotie to the Empyrean Heaven. Still wary of Taotie’s cunning, Bai Yaoyao asked to accompany him.

To her surprise, Xu Xuan readily agreed, explaining he had already entrusted the Apothecary House to Qi Xiao, unable to bear leaving her alone. Bai Yaoyao pondered if Qi Xiao would intervene, to which Xu Xuan replied that Qi Xiao, now a Buddhist monk, would surely show compassion to all beings. Bai Yaoyao then wondered if Xiao Qing, too, counted as a being in Qi Xiao’s eyes. Leng Ning sought a private conversation with Xu Xuan.

She mentioned her regular visits to her late master’s memorial and suggested Xu Xuan should also pay his respects, expressing regret to her father. She pressed Xu Xuan to reveal his true intentions, given her loss of magical prowess, making it easy for him and Bai Yaoyao to eliminate her, yet they had refrained.

Xu Xuan admitted he hadn’t decided how to handle her, but her act of sacrificing herself to the vessel had revealed a spark of kindness, which he saw as a path to redemption. Leng Ning denied her act was out of kindness, claiming she merely wished to prevent his death before hers. She confessed that her past mistakes were too numerous for forgiveness and believed there was no turning back, acknowledging how kindness could transform into evil.

She then declared that her love for him was the one unchanging truth in her life. Xu Xuan understood her sentiment, recognizing it mirrored his own unwavering love for Bai Yaoyao. Leng Ning, however, found it unbearable to confront the reality that what she could never possess had become a tormenting demon within her.

Acknowledging her lack of place in the Apothecary House, she announced her departure within days to live in solitude and atone for her sins, stating that the vast world surely held a place where he was not. Zhan Huang proclaimed it was time to announce his return to the Heavenly Emperor, having hidden for a thousand years. Niyun suggested Bai Yaoyao would serve as a perfect pawn.

Zhan Huang then contemplated the excruciating pain inflicted by the Command of Nature, questioning his actions if he were to repeatedly inflict it upon her. Ultimately, he hardened his resolve, vowing not to be swayed after millennia of planning. He declared Bai Yaoyao's punishment would be his first challenge to the Empyrean Heaven, with Xu Xuan unwittingly delivering the message, showcasing a demon's true nature to the Heavenly Emperor.

Zhan Huang admitted to being temporarily distracted by Bai Yaoyao but insisted he must be ruthless towards her. Bai Yaoyao suddenly experienced a burning pain in her shoulder, identical to an earlier incident in the Peach Blossom Grove. Xu Xuan recognized it as the mark of the demon clan, deducing that the Demon Emperor had manifested. He concluded that the Demon Emperor, having hidden for over a thousand years, would now unleash chaos and seek to control all demons.

Bai Yaoyao recalled only the intense pain and subsequent unconsciousness from the previous occurrence. Xu Xuan suspected the Demon Emperor was operating in their vicinity, given his intimate knowledge of their movements. To prevent further escalation, Xu Xuan decided they must immediately travel to the Eastern Sea to escort Taotie back to the Empyrean Heaven. At the Apothecary House, Xiao Qing questioned Qi Xiao why he hadn't prevented her visit.

He hinted at her past actions, like scaring away others or troubling Master Yong An, which she denied. Xiao Qing then boldly asked if he missed her. Qi Xiao, avoiding the question, simply asked when she would give up. Xiao Qing vowed never to surrender as long as she lived and offered him a cup of tea. Qi Xiao drank it but instantly detected something amiss, overturning the cup. He demanded to know what she had added.

Xiao Qing, surprised he noticed, admitted it was Qilin blood, colorless and tasteless, and that her intent was to make him break his precepts. Qi Xiao admonished her for being muddled. As Xiao Qing reached for his hand, his hand was scorched. Qi Xiao attempted to send a transmission talisman, but it failed to pass through a barrier. Xiao Qing confronted Zhan Huang, accusing him of viciously lying to her.

Zhan Huang, however, asserted that he had merely ensured they could never touch again, fulfilling Xiao Qing's wish to "punish" Qi Xiao. Qi Xiao, realizing the deception, demanded Zhan Huang's true identity, accusing him of tricking Xiao Qing into giving him Qilin blood for ulterior motives. Zhan Huang reiterated he was Zhan Huang, a Qilin.

Qi Xiao then deduced that the blood was from a female Qilin, branding Zhan Huang as the one who injured Fairy Xiao Xiang, and condemning his despicable tactics. Zhan Huang retorted that he would not tolerate the woman he desired having affections for another. He then revealed that any touch between Xiao Qing and Qi Xiao would inflict excruciating, potentially fatal, burning pain upon Qi Xiao. Another demon reminded Xiao Qing of Zhan Huang’s ulterior motives.

Seeing Qi Xiao suffer, Xiao Qing, though wanting to comfort him, dared not touch him. She then regretfully told Qi Xiao that they would be strangers from now on. At the Dragon Palace, Taotie questioned his father, the Dragon King, for sacrificing thousands of years of cultivation to protect him, using Mystic Water from the Lord of Western Sea to heal him and restore his deity essence, potentially making his cultivation even greater.

Taotie accused his father of hypocrisy, feigning paternal concern while sending him to his doom. The Dragon King explained that without his intervention, Taotie would have been apprehended by the Empyrean Heaven before his injuries could heal, emphasizing his responsibility as a father. He then revealed that he gave up half his cultivation because he could no longer protect Taotie, urging him to leave the Dragon Palace and never return.

Taotie bitterly recalled how, a thousand years ago during the Battle of Four Seas, he watched his father gravely injured and swore to avenge him by attacking the Empyrean Heaven. Yet, his father chose to submit, which was a source of deep pain and resentment for Taotie. The Dragon King acknowledged Taotie’s hatred but also expressed his sorrow for Taotie’s long absence.

He reiterated his duty as the Dragon King, explaining that opposing the Empyrean Heaven would lead to the Dragon tribe’s annihilation. He stated that while he couldn't fulfill Taotie’s path, he could fulfill his duty as a father. The Dragon King warned Taotie of a barrier cast by the Green Emperor’s disciple (Xu Xuan) on the sea surface, urging him to be cautious and escape.

The Dragon King declared that when they next met on the battlefield, they would no longer be father and son. Taotie bid his father farewell. The Dragon King then feigned injury, loudly commanding his guards to pursue the escaping Taotie. Xu Xuan and Bai Yaoyao, sensing the commotion, realized Taotie was fleeing. The Dragon King approached Xu Xuan, claiming his rebellious son had wounded him and asking if Xu Xuan’s barrier had captured him.

Xu Xuan noted no sign of Taotie but believed he might still be within the barrier. The Dragon King exaggerated Taotie’s brutality and his own carelessness, imploring Xu Xuan to capture Taotie to spare him the wrath of the Heavenly Emperor. Xu Xuan instructed the Dragon King to attend to his wounds while they pursued Taotie, promising to seek his help if needed.

The Dragon King agreed, assuring Xu Xuan he would accept punishment from the Heavenly Emperor for Taotie’s escape from the Eastern Sea. Xu Xuan, however, observed that the Dragon King’s wounds were not consistent with Taotie’s actions, and he had lost thousands of years of cultivation, leading Xu Xuan to suspect the Dragon King had purposely healed Taotie and orchestrated his escape. Bai Yaoyao acknowledged they were surrounded by enemies and needed to be vigilant.

At that moment, Bai Yaoyao was seized by intense pain, and Xu Xuan recognized the formidable demonic power of the Demon Emperor. Bai Yaoyao urged Xu Xuan to leave her and pursue Taotie, but Xu Xuan realized the Demon Emperor’s reemergence was a larger threat, necessitating their immediate return to the Empyrean Heaven. As Taotie arrived, Niyun questioned Zhan Huang if he had finally hardened his resolve.

Zhan Huang spoke of an internal conflict, a voice urging him not to harm Bai Yaoyao, but he reasoned that only through cruelty could he free himself from affection for her. He dismissed Niyun’s concerns about his solitude, stating his chosen path allowed no other possibilities. Zhan Huang noted Taotie’s transformation and his father’s enduring affection, evidenced by the Mystic Water recovery and the restoration of his deity bone.

Taotie confirmed that while the Dragon tribe still accepted him, they sought only peace and would remain neutral regarding the demon clan. Zhan Huang found this neutrality favorable, believing it put him halfway to his goal of seizing Kunlun, the gateway to the Empyrean Heaven, to conquer the deity world. Taotie questioned Zhan Huang’s need for his assistance if he was so confident.

Zhan Huang clarified they were allies and he had a secret mission for Taotie: to infiltrate the Apothecary House. Back at the Apothecary House, Xiao Qing anxiously awaited Bai Yaoyao’s return, troubled by Zhan Huang’s setup and her mutual restraint with Qi Xiao. Niyun appeared, claiming Zhan Huang sent her to help. Xiao Qing, distrustful, tried to dismiss her. Niyun then revealed that Bai Yaoyao and Xu Xuan were hiding Leng Ning in the Apothecary House.

Xiao Qing was enraged, demanding confirmation from Xiao Hui, a disciple. Xiao Hui tried to explain it was hidden to spare Xiao Qing further sadness, but Xiao Qing, furious, insisted on going to confront Leng Ning. Xiao Hui desperately tried to stop her, suggesting she wait for Bai Yaoyao, but Xiao Qing stormed off towards the Apothecary House, while Xiao Hui worriedly speculated about the consequences of her actions.

Unbeknownst to Xiao Qing, Qi Xiao was currently holding vigil at the Apothecary House. Another disciple informed Qi Xiao that Senior Xu had left, but they were fortunate to have Qi Xiao there. They mentioned Leng Ning had been quiet, mostly keeping to her room, occasionally venturing out on fine days. Qi Xiao, sensing a demon aura, cautioned Qing Feng to retreat, anticipating Xiao Qing's arrival.

Xu Xuan brought Bai Yaoyao to Mount Jiuxi and informed the Green Emperor of the Demon Emperor's reappearance. The Green Emperor explained that the demon clan’s lineage was rooted in bloodline, and the Demon Emperor's Command of Nature allowed him to control all demons, rallying them to his call and compelling their obedience. He warned that the Demon Emperor possessed the power to control the life and death of his followers. Xu Xuan asked if there was a remedy.

The Green Emperor responded that ancient demon clans harbored many secrets, which was why the Heavenly Emperor feared the Demon Emperor. Xu Xuan then questioned if his wife would be perpetually manipulated. The Green Emperor stated that to break free, the mark on her shoulder had to be removed. He described the arduous process: enduring forty-nine strikes of the Lotus Fire, which corrodes bones and reforges marrow.

If she could withstand this agony, she would be severed from the demon clan and immune to the Demon Emperor’s control. Xu Xuan declared that if the Demon Emperor instigated a rebellion, his wife must not be exploited. Bai Yaoyao then inquired about the difficulty of this method. The Green Emperor explained that although the Lotus Fire possessed the gentle attributes of wood, it would intensely burn through every artery and vein in her body.

Bai Yaoyao, determined to break free from Zhan Huang's control, was prepared to endure the excruciating forty-nine Lotus Fire strikes. Xu Xuan, by her side, assured her of his unwavering support and promised that their master would help remove the mark. He expressed concern that the mark's recent flare-up was no accident, suspecting Zhan Huang's involvement and anticipating obstacles to its removal. The Green Emperor, having received orders from the Heavenly Emperor, pledged his assistance.

Meanwhile, Zhan Huang lured Fa Hai away from the Apothecary House, creating an opportunity for Taotie to wreak havoc, resulting in numerous casualties. Upon discovering the devastation, Xiao Qing mistakenly concluded that Leng Ning was responsible and rushed off to confront her. Qing Feng, observing Xiao Qing's hasty departure, misconstrued her actions, believing she had killed the disciples.

He reported this to Leng Ning, who, despite her dwindling powers, ordered the remaining disciples to evacuate, choosing to face Xiao Qing alone, considering the Apothecary House her last sanctuary. Taotie then confronted Leng Ning, recalling her past betrayals and reminding her that he would not let anyone who betrayed him go unpunished. With her powers nearly gone, Leng Ning was helpless against Taotie, who declared his intention to refine her into an elixir.

Xiao Qing arrived, realizing Taotie was the true culprit. Despite their past animosity, Xiao Qing refused to let Leng Ning die before their own grievances could be resolved, and she bravely saved the critically injured Leng Ning. During this time, Xiao Qing apologized to a barely conscious Leng Ning, acknowledging the little demons were only protecting Xu Xuan and lamenting her own past mistakes.

Elsewhere, Zhan Huang revealed his true identity as the Demon Emperor to Fa Hai, acknowledging that an event 20 years ago, under the Soul Collecting Light, had allowed him to regain his primordial spirit. He confessed to orchestrating Fa Hai's departure from the Apothecary House, claiming it was to provide Xiao Qing an opportunity for revenge against Leng Ning. Alarmed by these revelations, Fa Hai immediately returned to the Apothecary House.

Upon their arrival, Fa Hai, Xu Xuan, and Bai Yaoyao found Leng Ning on the verge of death. As Leng Ning drew her last breath, she faintly pointed towards Xiao Qing, seemingly confirming everyone's suspicion that Xiao Qing was her killer. Xiao Qing vehemently denied the accusation, insisting Taotie was responsible, but her explanations fell on deaf ears. Xu Xuan, however, suspected a deeper plot involving Taotie and Zhan Huang's pursuit of the Alkaid fate.

Believing Xiao Qing was reckless but not a liar, he reluctantly decided to temporarily let her bear the blame to uncover Zhan Huang's true intentions. He sternly rebuked Xiao Qing for her perceived cruelty. As Fa Hai prepared to take Xiao Qing to Mount Jin Temple, Zhan Huang dramatically intervened, asserting that no one could force her against her will and proclaiming his trust in her.

Bai Yaoyao recognized him as the Demon Emperor and accused him of treachery against Xu Xuan and Xiao Qing, refusing to obey his commands. Zhan Huang then forcibly whisked Xiao Qing away to his residence in Bei Huang. Once in Bei Huang, Zhan Huang tried to kiss Xiao Qing, but was startled to realize her aura was different from the person who had nourished his primordial spirit.

Confused, he wondered if the Kunlun Mirror had altered her essence or if he had been mistaken all along. He then ordered his subordinate Niyun to investigate what transpired 20 years ago by the West Lake when the Soul Collecting Light appeared. Xiao Qing defiantly rejected Zhan Huang, declaring she would never love him.

Zhan Huang then announced to the gathered demon clan his intention to conquer the Empyrean Heaven, starting with Mount Kunlun, and to establish demons as the rulers of the three realms.

Though many demons initially viewed this as a hopeless endeavor and were unwilling to cooperate, Zhan Huang enforced his will through the Command of Nature, causing unbearable pain and threatening death to those who defied him, thereby compelling them to obey and rally for the attack, viewing any casualties as necessary for this ultimate victory. Xiao Qing, however, remained unyielding, refusing to submit to his authority.

Back at the Apothecary House, Qing Feng and the remaining disciples mourned Leng Ning, vowing to avenge her death and not to let Xiao Qing go unpunished. Xu Xuan intervened, calming their fury and assuring them he would uncover the true culprit and punish all who harmed the Apothecary House, emphasizing that no act of framing would pass.

The Hundred Herb Immortal, saddened by Leng Ning's misguided path but acknowledging her final act of kindness, sensed foul play in her death. He dispatched his crane immortal to the mortal world to assist Xu Xuan in discovering the truth. Zhan Huang then issued a second "Command of Nature," causing Bai Yaoyao immense shoulder pain. Despite her suffering, she reaffirmed her unwavering loyalty to the Nine Heavens.

The White Emperor, recognizing the gravity of the situation, instructed Bai Yaoyao to comply with Zhan Huang's command and enter Bei Huang, the sacred land of demons, to gather intelligence on his plans. Xu Xuan, though concerned for Bai Yaoyao's safety and his inability to assist her within Bei Huang, understood the necessity. He deduced that Zhan Huang's seemingly erratic actions were all centered around Xiao Qing.

He realized that Xiao Qing's blood had previously seeped into the Kunlun Mirror, which sealed both Mount Kunlun and the Three Lakes of Moon. Xu Xuan concluded that Zhan Huang's true objective was to break the Water Dragon's seal, and therefore, for the greater good, Bai Yaoyao had to proceed into Bei Huang to unveil the Demon Emperor's ultimate scheme.

Bai Yao Yao was summoned before Zhan Huang, the Demon Emperor, whom she accused of instigating war and threatening the peace of the three realms. Unmoved, Zhan Huang struck her with the Command of Nature. Bai Yao Yao defiantly declared her unwavering loyalty to Xu Xuan, her husband, stating she would follow him anywhere. Angered by her insubordination and her words that he perceived as undermining his army, Zhan Huang ordered Bai Yao Yao imprisoned.

Meanwhile, Nayun reported his findings to Zhan Huang: Bai Yao Yao was a 1000-year-old snake demon who had appeared at West Lake two decades prior. She was known to practice a rare primordial spirit nourishment technique, which she had used to nurture Xu Xuan's primordial spirit, embedding it within her own spiritual marble.

Nayun suggested that Bai Yao Yao was likely the one who had nourished Zhan Huang's primordial spirit as well, and that Zhan Huang's half of the Greedy Wolf fate should also be within her. Pondering this possibility, Zhan Huang decided he needed to confirm the truth himself. Zhan Huang then summoned Xiao Qing, questioning her about anomalies at the Fiery Grounds of the Hall of Apothecary and her presence in the Purple Bamboo Groove.

Xiao Qing explained that Bai Yao Yao had tasked her with monitoring the Fiery Grounds due to its diminishing spiritual aura, and that she and Bai Yao Yao had indeed visited the Purple Bamboo Groove together, where she found a spiritual marble. Zhan Huang then directly asked who was nourishing the primordial spirit, but Xiao Qing appeared genuinely confused, unaware of what he was referring to.

Realizing Xiao Qing knew nothing about the primordial spirit, Zhan Huang dismissed her, resolving to confront Bai Yao Yao directly. Outside Bei Huang, Xu Xuan anxiously awaited news of Bai Yao Yao. Impatient and desperate to rescue her, he attempted to breach the Demon Realm. However, Fa Hai intercepted him, cautioning that invading the demon's sacred territory would provide Zhan Huang with a legitimate pretext to launch an attack on Kunlun Mountain.

Fa Hai also acknowledged his own concern for Xiao Qing, but stressed that a full-scale war would lead to immense suffering for countless innocent lives. Xu Xuan, consumed by worry, accused Fa Hai of putting his feelings aside, to which Fa Hai conceded that Xu Xuan's dedication to enlightenment surpassed his own. Xiao Qing later confronted Zhan Huang, accusing him of colluding with Tao Tie and orchestrating the incident at the Hall of Apothecary.

Zhan Huang confirmed his manipulative schemes, explaining his objective was to alienate both Xiao Qing and Bai Yao Yao from their allies and ultimately force Bai Yao Yao to abandon Xu Xuan. Xiao Qing dismissed his efforts, asserting that the bond between Bai Yao Yao and Xu Xuan was too strong to be broken.

Zhan Huang then revealed that the Lotus Fire, his natal spiritual power, was the only means by which a demon could truly sever ties with the Demon Clan by eroding their bones and marrows. He further warned that if Xu Xuan were to recklessly attack the Demon Realm, he would have a justifiable cause to invade Empyrean Heaven.

Recognizing the gravity of the situation and Zhan Huang's conditions, Xiao Qing agreed to his demands, prioritizing Bai Yao Yao's safe departure from Bei Huang, though Zhan Huang cryptically stated it would depend on Bai Yao Yao's "luck." Bai Yao Yao was brought before Zhan Huang, where she vehemently criticized his warmongering, reminding him that the demons had appointed him for peace, not conflict.

Zhan Huang retorted that times had changed and the Demon Clan's reputation was at stake, but Bai Yao Yao dismissed such concerns, arguing they were not worth countless lives. She reaffirmed her refusal to serve the Demon Clan, declaring that if being a demon necessitated killing, she would rather not be one. Enraged by her defiance, Zhan Huang branded her a rebel and moved to execute her. However, Xiao Qing intervened, physically blocking Zhan Huang.

Under duress, as Zhan Huang had threatened Bai Yao Yao's life, Xiao Qing dramatically feigned a betrayal of Bai Yao Yao. She adopted a hardened demon's perspective, falsely confessing to killing Leng Ning and denouncing humans for their hypocrisy in condemning demons while overlooking Leng Ning's own numerous killings of demons. Xiao Qing declared her intention to remain in Bei Huang and assist Zhan Huang in conquering Empyrean Heaven, hoping this charade would protect Bai Yao Yao.

Bai Yao Yao was utterly shocked and heartbroken by Xiao Qing's words, struggling to believe her confession as she had never suspected her. Convinced Xiao Qing had a hidden motive, Bai Yao Yao tried to reassure her, promising to help her escape and prove her innocence. Xiao Qing, however, rejected her attempts, calling Bai Yao Yao naive. She bitterly lamented about Fa Hai's lack of trust in her despite her sincere devotion to him.

Xiao Qing then declared that if Bai Yao Yao chose to stand with Xu Xuan, their sisterhood would be irrevocably shattered, and they would become adversaries, as she was committed to helping the Demon Clan rule the three realms. Bai Yao Yao was left devastated, finding her once-beloved sister almost unrecognizable. Zhan Huang then presented Bai Yao Yao with the Lotus Fire ritual as the path to freedom from the Demon Clan.

He stated that enduring forty-nine strikes of Lotus Fire, which would burn the heart and erode bones, would grant her release. Bai Yao Yao bravely accepted the challenge, stepping onto the Lotus Fire, enduring excruciating pain and being simultaneously whipped by other demons. Throughout the ordeal, she clung to the thought of Xu Xuan awaiting her. As Bai Yao Yao suffered, Zhan Huang observed her intently.

From her burning spiritual consciousness, he witnessed a profound vision of her, twenty years prior, embedding both Xu Xuan's and his own primordial spirits within herself. This revelation confirmed to Zhan Huang that Bai Yao Yao was the very person he had sought for so long. Overwhelmed by this realization, he immediately halted the execution. Despite his intervention, Bai Yao Yao, resolute in her determination, continued to walk the path.

During the ritual, Xiao Qing confronted Zhan Huang, reminding him of his promise to ensure Bai Yao Yao's safe departure. Zhan Huang clarified that the forty-nine strikes of Lotus Fire were, in fact, his act of "benevolence," implying that this brutal trial was his interpretation of allowing her to leave the Demon Clan. Meanwhile, Xu Xuan, witnessing Bai Yao Yao's torment, became desperate to intervene once more. Fa Hai again restrained him, urging him not to act impulsively.

Fa Hai reflected on the immense sacrifice Bai Yao Yao and Xu Xuan were making for their love, commenting on their profound devotion to each other. A demon messenger then arrived, relaying Zhan Huang's message: Bai Yao Yao had successfully endured the forty-nine strikes of Lotus Fire, and by Zhan Huang's "mercy," Xu Xuan was now permitted to enter Bei Huang to retrieve her.

Bai Yao Yao, scarred and barely conscious, emerged from the Lotus Fire, her demon mark completely burned away. Zhan Huang formally declared her free from the Demon Clan but, with a cynical tone, questioned whether the human and deity realms would truly accept her. Xu Xuan rushed to her side, embracing her tenderly, his heart filled with a mixture of grief and fury at her suffering.

He reaffirmed his unwavering love and devotion, warning Zhan Huang that any future harm inflicted upon Bai Yao Yao would result in the utter annihilation of the Demon Clan. Fa Hai attempted to take Xiao Qing away, but she firmly refused, declaring that she had severed all romantic ties with him and they were now strangers.

Fa Hai, though visibly heartbroken and enraged, eventually gave up, reasoning that his own fate was incompatible with Xiao Qing's, and her staying might even save her life. Xiao Qing, despite her apparent loyalty to Zhan Huang, subtly reiterated her eternal sisterhood with Bai Yao Yao, stating that as long as they were alive, they would remain sisters. A loyal demon expressed concern for Xiao Qing's choice to stay, offering her protection.

Xiao Qing then confided her true motivation: she knew Bai Yao Yao would rather die than leave Xu Xuan, and she believed that her presence in Bei Huang would ensure Zhan Huang would leave Bai Yao Yao alone. Later, Zhan Huang confronted Xiao Qing, questioning if she still harbored feelings for Fa Hai and subtly hinting that he could still find ways to bring Bai Yao Yao back into the Demon Clan.

Separately, Zhan Huang stood by a serene pool, reflecting on his twenty-year search for Bai Yao Yao. He lamented that she had no memory of him but vowed to protect her and share all the wonders of Bei Huang with her, irrespective of the enemies they might face.

Xu Xuan brought the injured Bai Yaoyao back to their home in the mortal realm so she could recuperate. His sister, Xu Jiaorong, observed Xu Xuan’s devoted care for Bai Yaoyao and felt overlooked. She openly criticized Xu Xuan, telling him that a man who constantly revolves around his wife would never achieve anything significant.

Later, Xu Jiaorong recounted a strange incident to Xu Xuan: when she and Li Gongfu visited Leng Ning’s tomb, an unusual red lotus had suddenly bloomed on it, an event she found unsettling. That night, as Xu Jiaorong made her way home, Taotie manifested before her, creating an illusion. He questioned if she knew Bai Yaoyao's true nature, noting her fear of demons, then chillingly revealed that Bai Yaoyao was a thousand-year-old snake demon.

Overwhelmed with terror, Xu Jiaorong fainted, muttering "Snake demon!" Meanwhile, the mortal world was in chaos. A group of demons had rampaged through the night, causing many casualties. Monks from Jinshan Temple sought Xu Xuan’s help, as Fa Hai was away on Mount Kunlun. Xu Xuan instructed them to manage the situation for now, advising against spreading panic, and noted that many injured were gathering at the Hall of Apothecary.

He directed everyone to treat the wounded and urged citizens to avoid going out at night, anticipating further dangers. Back at home, Xu Jiaorong approached the sleeping Bai Yaoyao. Lifting the blanket, she saw subtle scales on Bai Yaoyao's feet, instantly confirming Taotie's words. She frantically warned Xu Xuan that Bai Yaoyao was not human, before collapsing unconscious once more.

Xu Xuan immediately checked her pulse and discovered she was pregnant, deducing that her recent uneasiness was likely due to her condition. Xu Jiaorong joyfully shared the news of her pregnancy with Li Gongfu and Xu Xuan, but her mood quickly soured as she then accused Xu Xuan of marrying a snake demon.

Fearful for her unborn child as a mortal, she adamantly declared she wouldn't allow Bai Yaoyao to harm her baby, asserting Bai Yaoyao's suspicious nature and citing the scales she had seen, despite Li Gongfu's attempts to calm her. Xu Xuan, however, did not reveal Bai Yaoyao's true identity, instead defending his wife by pointing out Bai Yaoyao's injuries and asserting she would never harm Xu Jiaorong.

He dismissed his sister's fears, attributing them to her anxiety and mistaken perceptions, and later reassured Bai Yaoyao that everything would be fine, reiterating that she was his wife and he feared nothing as long as they were together. In the Empyrean Heaven, Fa Hai confronted the Green and White Emperors, demanding to know why they remained inactive while the Demon Clan wreaked havoc in the mortal world.

The Green Emperor explained their predicament: the Demon Emperor's actions were a deliberate ploy to force the Empyrean Heaven to intervene, allowing him to kill his own unruly demons and then use their interference as justification to attack the celestial realm. The White Emperor further elaborated that deities were forbidden from interfering in the affairs of other realms. Disgusted by their excuses, Fa Hai, asserting his mortal status, vowed to protect the innocent people himself.

He ventured out to confront a group of demons. He offered them a chance to retreat, urging them not to be tools in the Demon Emperor's scheme. However, the demons, bound by the Wanxiang Command and fueled by loyalty to their Emperor, attacked relentlessly. Fa Hai, unwilling to take lives, was soon overwhelmed and severely wounded. Just as he was about to fall, Xiao Qing arrived, rushing to his aid and protecting him from further harm.

As Fa Hai lay gravely injured and unconscious, Xiao Qing tried to help him. The Demon Emperor, Zhan Huang, appeared, revealing that Xiao Qing had sent a message for help and that someone would soon arrive. Zhan Huang questioned why she continually created trouble around him. Xiao Qing asked why he was driving everyone into a corner. Zhan Huang cryptically replied that if she had another path, she wouldn't be by his side.

Though barely conscious, Fa Hai desperately clutched Xiao Qing’s hand, urging her to leave the Demon Emperor. Later, Zhan Huang's subordinate reported that Xiao Qing was secured. Zhan Huang outlined his elaborate scheme: Fa Hai’s sword wound was poisoned, and the antidote could only be found at a specific, heavily ambushed location. The plan was to lure Xu Xuan there for the antidote while capturing Bai Yaoyao, bringing her back to Bei Huang.

Xu Xuan arrived and treated Fa Hai, using silver needles to halt the poison's spread. He mentioned that Bai Yaoyao was out to retrieve the necessary herbs. Xu Xuan initially believed Fa Hai had sent a messenger for help, but Fa Hai denied it, making Xu Xuan realize the deeper complexity of Zhan Huang's plot. If Zhan Huang truly intended to kill Fa Hai, he wouldn't have allowed a rescue, yet the demons’ attacks were lethal and poisoned.

Xu Xuan couldn't fully grasp the Demon Emperor's motives. A monk then burst in, reporting more demon attacks and injured people. Fa Hai warned Xu Xuan to be careful, as Zhan Huang was a formidable foe. Xu Xuan, telling Fa Hai to recuperate, rushed out. Public anger in the mortal realm escalated as the gods seemingly abandoned them. Temples dedicated to the White and Green Emperors were defaced and destroyed as people lost faith.

At the Hall of Apothecary, Xu Xuan continued treating the wounded. A man, whose brother had been killed by a demon, accused Xu Xuan of harboring a snake demon, referencing Bai Yaoyao. Other villagers echoed his sentiments, blaming Bai Yaoyao for the missing patients. Xu Xuan defended his wife, stating her nature didn't change their bond. Xu Jiaorong then stepped forward, admitting she was the one who revealed Bai Yaoyao's identity, believing Xu Xuan was bewitched.

Xu Xuan reminded the villagers of Bai Yaoyao’s past kindness, recalling how she healed Mrs. Li's son and helped Mr. Yang with his foot ailment, trying to rekindle their goodwill. He then turned to his sister, expressing disappointment that she spoke ill of his wife despite Bai Yaoyao's sincerity toward her. Xu Jiaorong retorted that she had raised him and was dismayed he would defend a snake demon over her.

A monk then informed Xu Xuan that Taotie had captured Bai Yaoyao and taken her to the wilderness, confirming it was all a trap. Xu Xuan immediately departed for the wilderness. Zhan Huang confronted Bai Yaoyao in her prison, asking if she had nourished a primordial spirit five hundred years ago. Bai Yaoyao confirmed it, asking how he knew. Zhan Huang then pressed her about the words of love she had spoken daily, asking if they were for Xu Xuan.

Bai Yaoyao affirmed that Xu Xuan was her husband, the man she had sought for a thousand years. Zhan Huang revealed there was another primordial spirit on the fragment she nourished, expressing his unrequited love for her spanning five centuries. Bai Yaoyao, concerned, asked about Xiao Qing.

Zhan Huang replied that Xiao Qing’s fate depended on Bai Yaoyao’s choice, reminding her that her nourishment had restored his primordial spirit, and he would share his future success with her if she cooperated. Taotie, meanwhile, handed a glowing object—the light of the Tianji Sword, which Xu Xuan had left on Bai Yaoyao—to a vine demon, instructing him to use it to lure Xu Xuan into an ambush in Bei Huang.

In the Empyrean Heaven, the Green and White Emperors discussed the impending war. The Heavenly Emperor had ordered them to deploy thirty thousand heavenly soldiers to defend the celestial realm, anticipating an attack on the mountain barriers, either Mount Jiuxi or Mount Kunlun.

When they were informed that Xu Xuan had ventured into Bei Huang alone to declare war, the Green Emperor suspected it was a trap orchestrated by Zhan Huang, designed to lure them all, especially with Bai Yaoyao's involvement. The White Emperor believed Zhan Huang would likely target Mount Jiuxi first, given Xu Xuan's connection to it.

He imparted the secrets of using the Kunlun Mirror to his disciple, Xiao Xiang, entrusting her with the defense of Mount Kunlun, while he and the Green Emperor headed to defend Mount Jiuxi. However, defying their expectations, the Demon Emperor, Zhan Huang, launched his primary attack on Mount Kunlun, recalling his past humiliation and vowing to conquer the Empyrean Heaven. Bai Yaoyao was forced to accompany him, threatened by Xiao Qing's safety.

She angrily accused him of despicable tactics and warned that Xu Xuan would not tolerate it. Zhan Huang, though acknowledging Xu Xuan's power, intended to prove his own superiority. Xu Xuan, following the Tianji Sword's light to Bei Huang, encountered the vine demon. The demon revealed Zhan Huang's intricate plan: injuring Fa Hai, luring Xu Xuan to Bei Huang, and using Bai Yaoyao and Xiao Qing as pawns to create a diversion, with the true target being Mount Kunlun. Xu Xuan realized the full extent of Zhan Huang’s cunning but resolved that since the Demon Clan had officially declared war, he would now fight without mercy.

The Heavenly Soldiers defending Mount Kunlun suffered immense casualties, and Xiao Xiang was gravely wounded by Zhan Huang. Zhan Huang, citing a past relationship, spared Xiao Xiang's life and urged him to rejoin the demon clan. However, Xiao Xiang, who had been healed and taught magic by the White Emperor after a severe injury from Zhan Huang, defiantly refused.

He vowed to hold Kunlun until the White Emperor's return, accusing Zhan Huang of lacking honor for attacking while their elder was absent. Zhan Huang dismissed his resistance, confident in his power and determination to turn the world upside down without serving the Empyrean Heaven. He then ordered a blood array, using the blood of Xiao Qing and Bai Yaoyao to shatter Kunlun's barrier. The Heavenly Soldiers were completely routed.

Bai Yaoyao confronted Zhan Huang, condemning him for sacrificing tens of thousands of innocent lives and turning a pure land into a bloodbath for the sake of victory. She predicted he would eventually be expelled from the three realms. Zhan Huang, surprised by her intense hatred, declared that if anyone could ever kill him, it would be her. His demon subordinates congratulated him on his long-awaited victory, acknowledging Tao Tie's significant contribution.

Zhan Huang promised them official positions upon their conquest of the Empyrean Heaven, proclaiming that the demon clan would now stand tall and no longer live at anyone's mercy. He savored his possession of Mount Kunlun, a place he had long desired. At Jiuxi Mountain, a wounded Xiao Xiang lamented his failure to protect Kunlun and the fallen Heavenly Soldiers. He attributed Kunlun's downfall primarily to Bai Yaoyao's blood, vowing to hold her and Xiao Qing accountable after his recovery.

Xu Xuan vehemently defended Bai Yaoyao, asserting that she had broken free from the demon clan's control and was innocent. He pledged to the Heavenly Emperor that he would reclaim Mount Kunlun, even if it cost him his life. Meanwhile, the Demon Emperor reveled in his conquest, noting how the mountain, long guarded by the White Emperor, had finally fallen into his hands. He began to demonize Mount Kunlun, transforming it with a demonic array.

The Heavenly Empress, observing the demonization and the breaching of the Empyrean Heaven's first gate, grieved for the war's casualties. She reaffirmed her impartial love for all beings in the three realms, continuing to nurture the small demons in the Peach Garden with celestial energy. The Heavenly Emperor dispatched 100,000 Heavenly Soldiers to recover Kunlun.

Xu Xuan, cautious of a possible diversionary tactic by the Demon Emperor, suggested dividing the army into three groups to attack Kunlun's strategic weaknesses, rather than sending them all at once and leaving the Empyrean Heaven vulnerable. Fa Hai, badly injured, insisted on leading the troops due to his intimate knowledge of Kunlun, but Xu Xuan, concerned for Fa Hai's condition and his own preoccupation with Bai Yaoyao's safety, used silver needles to prevent him from moving.

The Bai Cao Immortal King intervened, emphasizing the necessity of victory and the critical roles of both Xu Xuan and Fa Hai. He presented a ten-thousand-year Deity Herb to heal Fa Hai. At Kunlun, Zhan Huang was informed that Xu Xuan and Fa Hai were stalled outside, seeking a way to break his demonic barrier. Realizing he was running out of time and Bai Yaoyao remained defiant, he decided on an "alternative method."

Zhan Huang publicly announced his intention to marry Bai Yaoyao, even setting a date and sending out invitations. Bai Yaoyao, already married to Xu Xuan, was deeply humiliated and vehemently rejected him, declaring she would never marry anyone else. Zhan Huang, asserting his domineering will, stated her consent was irrelevant and vowed to keep her by his side forever, in this life or the next. To coerce her, he threatened the lives of Xiao Qing and Xiao Hui.

Imprisoned with Xiao Hui, Xiao Qing deduced that Zhan Huang was keeping her alive solely to manipulate Bai Yaoyao, now that Kunlun's barrier was broken. She lamented her fate, especially after Qi Xiao had become Fa Hai, making her feel that she had not known true happiness since. Xiao Qing, having an idea, used her blood as a medium to break the barrier Zhan Huang himself had set around her dungeon.

Transforming into her original form, she escaped with Xiao Hui. Upon discovering their escape, Zhan Huang was astonished by Xiao Qing's unexpected ability and immediately ordered Kunlun Mountain sealed to recapture them. Outside Kunlun, Xu Xuan and Fa Hai discussed their next move. A celestial crane delivered news of the Demon Emperor's planned wedding to Bai Yaoyao. Overwhelmed with anxiety for his wife, Xu Xuan resolved to infiltrate Kunlun alone through a secret passage where a perennial ground fire burned.

He planned to extinguish this fire with the help of the Dragon King from the Eastern Sea, which would break Zhan Huang's barrier from within. He sent the celestial crane to seek the Dragon King's assistance while he prepared to enter. During their escape, Xiao Hui, afflicted by Zhan Huang's "Command of Nature" spell, began to suffer immense pain. Realizing he would be a burden, he selflessly stayed behind to distract their pursuers, allowing Xiao Qing to escape.

Xiao Hui was quickly recaptured and brought before Zhan Huang and Bai Yaoyao. Zhan Huang mocked him, questioning if Xiao Qing had abandoned him, and offered to spare his life if he could make Bai Yaoyao happy. Xiao Hui defiantly refused, stating that more demons would rather face the Lotus Fire than serve Zhan Huang. Zhan Huang then threatened to kill Xiao Hui in front of Bai Yaoyao.

To save Xiao Hui and prevent the forced marriage, Bai Yaoyao threatened to destroy her spiritual pearl, perishing with Kunlun's barrier. She reaffirmed her eternal marriage to Xu Xuan, whom she had vowed to be with for three lives, stating that even if her spirit were shattered, Xu Xuan would recollect and nurture her until they reunited. Faced with Bai Yaoyao's absolute defiance, Zhan Huang conceded, releasing Xiao Hui and granting Bai Yaoyao free movement within Kunlun.

Zhan Huang dispatched Tao Tie to hunt Xiao Qing. Tao Tie, experienced in battles with Xiao Qing, easily tracked her by her aura. Though her power was no match for Tao Tie's, Xiao Qing bravely used her blood to reactivate Kunlun's protective barrier, albeit for a fleeting moment. From outside Kunlun, Fa Hai witnessed the barrier's brief appearance and immediately deduced that either Bai Yaoyao or Xiao Qing was in peril.

Against his subordinate's advice to retreat, Fa Hai decided to enter Kunlun alone to investigate. Inside, Fa Hai confronted Tao Tie and rescued Xiao Qing. However, Xiao Qing refused to leave, insisting they face the danger together. Meanwhile, Zhan Huang anticipated Xu Xuan's plan to infiltrate via the ground fire secret passage and had already set an ambush with Vine Demon and Butterfly Vine. He informed Tao Tie of Xu Xuan's entry, knowing Xu Xuan was Tao Tie's sworn enemy.

As Xu Xuan navigated the passage with an atlas, he encountered the ambush. He quickly realized that Kunlun's earth veins had been merged with the demon clan by Zhan Huang, a move that depleted the celestial power of immortals while significantly boosting the demons' strength. Fa Hai, still fighting Tao Tie with Xiao Qing, found his powers rapidly waning. He questioned what Tao Tie had done, while Xiao Qing, surprisingly, felt her own power increase.

Fa Hai realized Zhan Huang's scheme: he had fused Kunlun's core with the demon clan, causing immortals to weaken and demons to grow stronger. Tao Tie gloated, informing Fa Hai that the current Kunlun was entirely different and that the blood of Fa Hai and Xiao Qing would make perfect sacrifices for the demon army.

Zhan Huang’s true objective was to obtain Fa Hai’s Alkaid fate. He revealed to Xiao Qing the dire prophecy of the Alkaid fate: one is destined to kill their beloved or die by their hand. Though Fa Hai constantly claimed his heart belonged to Buddha, Xiao Qing finally understood that he had entered monastic life because of her. She would rather Fa Hai subdue her than become a monk.

On the day he received his tonsure, Fa Hai’s sole wish to Buddha was for Xiao Qing to live a carefree life, forever free from the pains of love and emotion. As they faced Zhan Huang, with no one to help, Xiao Qing, with fierce resolve, chose to complete Fa Hai’s destiny. Believing he could escape, she gambled her own life. She attempted to stab herself with her sword, but Fa Hai swiftly broke the blade.

Yet, Xiao Qing's determination for death was absolute; she plunged the broken sword into her chest, preferring to die alongside Fa Hai rather than live without him. Fa Hai was unlike Xu Xuan; he was afraid of destiny. All he wished for Xiao Qing was to never fail her in this lifetime, which is why he became a monk, not wanting to give her false hope. But Xiao Qing's love for him was deep-rooted and inescapable.

Fa Hai held the dying Xiao Qing, overwhelmed with sorrow and reluctance. Fa Hai then confronted Zhan Huang alone, with no chance of victory. Zhan Huang forcibly took his Alkaid fate, boasting that if Fa Hai had not consumed the blood of Qilin, he would not have been able to use the array to take his fate. This fate, deeply engraved in one's primordial spirit, caused Fa Hai excruciating, unbearable pain as it was ripped from him.

Zhan Huang gloated that Fa Hai must now wish he were dead. Fa Hai retorted that Zhan Huang, as a Demon Emperor, kept resorting to dirty tricks instead of fighting fairly. Zhan Huang countered that there was no need for fairness when dealing with the deity clan. Just then, Bai Yaoyao arrived to find Xiao Qing injured and unconscious.

Bai Yaoyao quickly sent Fa Hai and Xiao Qing out of Kunlun Mountain, choosing to stay behind and confront Zhan Huang herself. It was then that Bai Yaoyao realized Zhan Huang was Dubhe, and that she still possessed half of the Dubhe fate, which served as her leverage against Zhan Huang. Zhan Huang, however, had not yet fully refined the newly acquired Alkaid fate, which hindered his full powers.

Alongside Tao Tie and Ni Yun, he managed to knock Bai Yaoyao unconscious. Ni Yun urged Zhan Huang to seize this opportunity to take the remaining half of the Dubhe fate from Bai Yaoyao, emphasizing that she was trying to fight all three of them alone. But Zhan Huang, unwilling to hurt Bai Yaoyao, hesitated and ultimately did not take her fate.

Ni Yun pressed him, reminding him that the Heavenly Clan was poised to attack and that Bai Yaoyao could not be kept alive. Ni Yun further urged him to take Bai Yaoyao's remaining fate while she was weak to avoid a fierce battle, but Zhan Huang refused, stating that forcibly taking her fate would kill her, and her life was more important than everything else.

Yet, Zhan Huang remained resolute in saving Bai Yaoyao, affirming she was the only one he had ever fallen for in ten thousand years, regardless of the current volatile situation. He stated that he did things by his own will, whether it was sweeping through Bei Huang ten thousand years ago or betraying the Divine Realm a thousand years ago. He concluded that he would not mind if she wanted his life immediately.

Meanwhile, at the gates of Kunlun Mountain, Xiao Xiang was ready to lead the heavenly troops in an assault. The Green Emperor intervened, advising caution and stressing the need to await news from Xu Xuan for a guaranteed plan of action. Xiao Xiang, harboring deep resentment towards Zhan Huang for the loss of Kunlun, could not wait any longer and was determined to attack immediately, declaring she would reclaim what was lost herself.

Inside the earth fire secret passage, Xu Xuan's divine power was severely restricted. He was almost defeated by the Vine Demon and Butterfly Demon when the Dragon King appeared, timely saving him and forcing the two demons to flee. The Dragon King had come to assist Xu Xuan in extinguishing the demonized earth fire using his dragon scales.

The Dragon King explained that since Zhan Huang took control, Kunlun's Fiery Grounds had been infused with demon aura, making it a fierce fire that suppressed Xu Xuan's deity prowess. Even with the combined power of the dragon scales and the Tianji Sword, the demon fire could not be put out. The only remaining option was for the Dragon King to sacrifice his dragon blood, an act that could endanger his life.

Xu Xuan pleaded with the Dragon King not to disregard his own life, but the Dragon King insisted that extinguishing the demonic fire was essential for removing the demon aura and retaking Kunlun. Tao Tie arrived at the earth fire to prevent the Dragon King from sacrificing his blood. He worried his father’s life would be in danger and questioned why the Dragon King was helping the Empyrean Heaven and allowing himself to become a pawn.

The Dragon King, rejecting Tao Tie and stating their relationship was severed, ignored his pleas and proceeded with the blood sacrifice. Tao Tie questioned his father's pride, recalling how his father's dragon scales were damaged in the Battle of the Four Seas, bringing shame to the Dragon Clan, and how he had vowed revenge since childhood.

Witnessing his father's life in grave peril, Tao Tie, despite his father's words, proclaimed he would no longer follow his orders and sacrificed his own blood to protect the Dragon King, stating that if extinguishing the fire with dragon blood was taking his father's life at risk, he would protect him with himself. He added that if both father and son were to die there, it would also be a good ending.

With Tao Tie's help, the Dragon King successfully extinguished the demon fire. Still bewildered, Tao Tie repeatedly questioned his father's decision to aid the Empyrean Heaven. Xu Xuan led both the Dragon King and Tao Tie out of the earth fire. Outside, the White Emperor and heavenly soldiers prepared to apprehend Tao Tie and interrogate the Dragon King.

Xu Xuan stepped forward, asserting that it was his idea to seek aid from the Dragon Clan and declared he would not stand by as the Dragon King was accused. The White Emperor accused Xu Xuan of betraying the Empyrean Heaven for personal relations and ordered his capture. Tao Tie fought fiercely to protect Xu Xuan, even stating he would kill the heavenly soldiers.

Ni Yun reported to Zhan Huang that the heavenly soldiers were thirty minutes away and Xu Xuan had extinguished Kunlun's eternal Fiery Grounds. Zhan Huang pondered if this was destiny, but then stated he had one more thing to do. Before the heavenly troops could launch their attack, Zhan Huang forcibly declared Bai Yaoyao his Demon Empress, compelling her into a public wedding ceremony, despite her protests that she was already married to Xu Xuan and would never marry him.

Zhan Huang boasted he would not let her escape again, and she would never have a chance to leave him, even in death, and ordered her to be dressed as the Demon Empress. Meanwhile, news arrived that Zhan Huang and Bai Yaoyao were publicly married, and she was being called the Demon Empress. Afterward, Zhan Huang and his demon army retreated to the lower realms.

Xiao Xiang and her forces were in hot pursuit, with Zhan Huang harboring lethal intent towards Xiao Xiang. Xu Xuan tracked Zhan Huang, unexpectedly intercepting them and saving Xiao Xiang and Bai Yaoyao. However, Xu Xuan was no match for Zhan Huang. Xu Xuan offered Zhan Huang a chance to surrender, but Zhan Huang refused, vowing to get rid of Xu Xuan. Bai Yaoyao, desperate, threatened to destroy her spiritual marble to force Zhan Huang to release Xu Xuan.

But Zhan Huang revealed that during her healing, he had already sealed her spiritual marble within her body, ensuring that she could not escape him, not even through death. Bai Yaoyao publicly declared her sole loyalty to Xu Xuan, affirming her heart belonged only to him. Zhan Huang countered that she had half his fate, so she belonged to him. Zhan Huang then attempted to use the Kunlun Mirror to seize Xu Xuan's Seven Prowesses fate and kill him.

Bai Yaoyao bravely threw herself in front of the mirror, shielding Xu Xuan with her body. This action spontaneously formed a barrier, preventing Xu Xuan from intervening. Zhan Huang warned her she would suffer pain from damaging her primordial spirit, but she insisted on protecting her husband's life. Xu Xuan begged her to step aside, saying only he could stop the mirror and save her.

Xu Xuan threatened Zhan Huang, vowing to search all three realms for him if Bai Yaoyao died. Zhan Huang issued an ultimatum: either Bai Yaoyao left with him, or she would die under the Kunlun Mirror. Xiao Xiang protested, calling Zhan Huang a felon. Though Bai Yaoyao was unafraid of death, Xu Xuan could not bear to see her perish.

Xu Xuan, conflicted, remembered collecting Bai Yaoyao's soul a thousand years ago and her current uncultivated state, realizing he could not let her die. Bai Yaoyao, accepting her fate, told Xu Xuan she had no regrets accompanying him for two lifetimes. With a heavy heart, Xu Xuan allowed Zhan Huang to take her away.

Xiao Xiang, witnessing Xu Xuan's decision, was furious, accusing him of prioritizing his personal affections over the well-being of the world and letting Zhan Huang escape despite having heavenly soldiers under his command. She worried that Xu Xuan might eventually align himself with the demon clan, given Bai Yaoyao's new position. Meanwhile, Fa Hai’s disciple reported that Fa Hai was seriously injured and his life was in danger.

There was a discussion among the heavenly forces about punishing Xu Xuan, and the disciple expressed concern that Fa Hai, being merciful and close to Xu Xuan, might side with the demon clan after recovery. Fa Hai’s master dismissed his concerns, stating he would handle it himself. Xiao Qing awoke and tried to repair her shattered hairpin, but despite her efforts, her power was insufficient.

She asked about Fa Hai and learned his injuries were graver; having lost his Alkaid fate, even the Herb Deity was helpless to save him, but she was relieved he was still alive. Xu Xuan, in despair, used the Mirror of Ice to try and locate Bai Yaoyao, exhausting his prowess over three days and nights. His Master tried to convince him to stop, as he was too weak to even cast a spell. Xu Xuan lamented his inability to protect his wife and his injured friend, feeling utterly powerless against Zhan Huang.

Xu Xuan, consumed by despair after Zhan Huang took Bai Yao Yao, relentlessly searched for her for three days and nights using the Mirror of Ice. His master, Green Emperor, observed that Xu Xuan's power was dwindling and even if he located her, he wouldn't be able to discern her situation. Distraught, Xu Xuan confessed his helplessness, lamenting his repeated defeats by Zhan Huang and his inability to protect his wife.

Green Emperor tried to console him, pointing out Zhan Huang's cunning and Xu Xuan's own exhaustion. Overwhelmed by Fa Hai's coma, his wife's uncertain whereabouts, and his own perceived powerlessness, Xu Xuan cried out in anguish. Meanwhile, White Emperor confronted Green Emperor, accusing Xu Xuan of making an enemy of the Empyrean Heaven by allowing Zhan Huang to escape. Green Emperor defended his disciple, stating that Xu Xuan was merely protecting his wife.

White Emperor retorted that Bai Yao Yao was known to be married to Zhan Huang, questioning Xu Xuan's continued loyalty. Green Emperor then shifted the blame, criticizing White Emperor for focusing on Xu Xuan while Zhan Huang remained at large. White Emperor countered that capturing Zhan Huang was no easy task and challenged Green Emperor to offer a solution. Green Emperor revealed his intention to free Xiao Qing, minimizing her role in the Kunlun havoc and questioning White Emperor's harshness.

White Emperor argued that with 30,000 Heaven Soldiers dead and Zhan Huang escaped, executing Xiao Qing would be necessary to appease the public. During this exchange, Xiao Xiang reported to White Emperor that she had separately confined Dragon King and Tao Tie, awaiting the Empyrean Heaven's judgment. Because Xu Xuan allowed Zhan Huang to escape under everyone's watchful eyes, Heavenly Emperor personally decreed a punishment for him.

Before undergoing it, Xu Xuan pleaded with his master, Bai Cao Xian Jun (referred to as Lord Deity), to delay the punishment until he could find Bai Yao Yao. Bai Cao Xian Jun, supporting his disciple, assured him of protection. Later, in a discussion about the ongoing chaos, Xiao Xiang questioned the strategy for restoring peace to the three realms. She posited that the current unrest stemmed from the Black Dragon (Water Dragon) being merely sealed rather than killed.

She argued that if the Black Dragon were killed, the Demon and Dragon tribes might lose hope, but perhaps the three realms could then truly achieve peace, a viewpoint countered by others who feared such an act would lead to widespread riot and further danger. Elsewhere, the small demons, now revived as half-deity, half-demon beings thanks to the Queen Mother's blessings and the celestial aura of the Garden of Heavenly Peaches, reunited with Xu Xuan.

They expressed their gratitude and their concern upon learning of Fa Hai's injury and Bai Yao Yao's disappearance. When Xu Xuan revealed that Bai Yao Yao was in Zhan Huang's hands, the demons immediately offered their aid to rescue her from Bei Huang. However, Xu Xuan, in utter despair, confessed that he couldn't find any trace of her in all three realms.

Zhan Huang recounted his past to Bai Yao Yao, hoping to justify his ambition to attack the Empyrean Heaven. He revealed that he and the Heavenly Emperor were twin brothers, sharing the same face, but due to Zhan Huang's "Fate of Dubhe," he was destined for failure and forbidden from entering the Empyrean Heaven, while his brother became the revered ruler.

Zhan Huang disclosed that to conceal Heavenly Emperor's own demon ancestry, Heavenly Emperor and Lord Deity (Bai Cao Xian Jun) had conspired to spread the false rumor that Tao Tie bore the Fate of Dubhe. He scornfully dismissed Lord Deity's claim that banishing him to the Mortal world was a "way out," accusing them of false kindness. Zhan Huang defiantly declared his intention to fight against Heaven, vowing to "righteously return to the Empyrean Heaven" one day.

The Heavenly Emperor, visiting Zhan Huang in the mortal realm, urged him to go to Bei Huang and unite the chaotic Demon clan, which was causing unrest across the realms. Zhan Huang dismissed his brother's advice as pretentious, asserting his independence. Heavenly Emperor explained his philosophy for the three realms, emphasizing the need for order and entrusting Zhan Huang with the crucial task of governing the Demon clan.

Heavenly Emperor then imparted to Zhan Huang the "Command of Nature," a powerful artifact meant to rule all demons, despite Zhan Huang questioning his brother's courage in doing so. Zhan Huang subsequently went to Bei Huang and asserted his dominance. After defeating Ni Yun and other demon leaders, he wielded the Command of Nature, compelling the demons to submit.

He rallied them by reminding them of the Demon tribe's ancient glory as rulers of the three realms, contrasting it with their current fragmented state. Ni Yun and the other demons acknowledged him as their new Demon Emperor. However, Zhan Huang viewed Heavenly Emperor's assistance as manipulation, a "sham" designed to placate him out of fear and make him a subservient ruler. Bai Yao Yao challenged Zhan Huang, suggesting he lacked conscience for seeking war despite Heavenly Emperor's guidance.

She argued that his true failing was his self-centeredness, never considering the welfare of others, unlike Heavenly Emperor who had sacrificed his cultivation for all living beings, leading to thousands of years of seclusion. Bai Yao Yao concluded that Zhan Huang's defeat to Heavenly Emperor was inevitable and deserved. Bai Yao Yao, recognizing that she had nourished both Xu Xuan's and Zhan Huang's spirits, pondered a way to restrain Zhan Huang.

Recalling how Xu Xuan's fate had been partially restored during a blood moon, she wondered if she could somehow manipulate Zhan Huang's "Fate of Dubhe." She had previously sent Xiao Hui to Kunlun's library to find an ancient book about fate that Xu Xuan had mentioned. Xiao Hui returned with a seemingly blank book, which Bai Yao Yao brought with her after her abduction.

Zhan Huang, through his minion, informed Bai Yao Yao that in three days, under the full moon, he would use a magic array to extract her "Fate of Dubhe." Bai Yao Yao, remembering Fa Hai's fate being taken after he drank Qilin blood, feared Zhan Huang would poison her food. She refused to eat anything, enduring intense hunger. While Bai Yao Yao slept, Zhan Huang's minion checked on her.

Zhan Huang, although admitting his deep internal conflict and that Bai Yao Yao had become an "evil influence" in his life, still felt protective of her and ordered his minion not to disturb her. Fa Hai remained in a critical coma, his primordial spirit severely damaged from the forceful removal of his fate. Green Emperor informed Xu Xuan that he had done all he could and Fa Hai's recovery now depended on fate.

Xu Xuan, still burdened by Bai Yao Yao's disappearance and Fa Hai's uncertain life, found no peace. Green Emperor urged Xu Xuan not to question Heavenly Emperor's complex motives regarding Zhan Huang, suggesting that some truths were better left unknown. Xiao Xiang confronted Xu Xuan, accusing him of wasting his deity powers on Bai Yao Yao and defending "betrayers" after previously letting them go.

Xu Xuan, in turn, revealed that Xiao Xiang had withheld a Dragon scale, a token of apology from Dragon King to Heavenly Emperor. White Emperor reprimanded Xiao Xiang, but she explained that she feared White Emperor's compassion for Dragon King would lead him to intercede, causing further complications and misunderstanding from Heavenly Emperor after the recent damage to Kunlun.

Xu Xuan argued that while Tao Tie deserved punishment, Dragon King was a loyal and loving father whose plea should be heard. He declared his intention to not only meet Dragon King but also to personally convey his wishes to Heavenly Emperor, despite Xiao Xiang's strong objections. In prison, Dragon King expressed his gratitude to Xu Xuan for seeking him out.

Acknowledging his role in the Kunlun battle, Dragon King offered his most vital "Dragon Pearl," the source of all his power, as a sacrifice to Heavenly Emperor in exchange for leniency for his son, Tao Tie. He revealed that this Dragon Pearl was the only thing that could save Xu Xuan's comatose friend, Fa Hai. Dragon King entrusted the Pearl to Xu Xuan, telling him not to feel responsible if he couldn't protect Tao Tie.

Xu Xuan solemnly accepted, vowing to fulfill Dragon King's wishes. In her dream, Heavenly Emperor appeared to Bai Yao Yao. She presented him with the blank ancient book she had brought from Kunlun, seeking its meaning. Heavenly Emperor simply instructed her to use water, then vanished. Waking, Bai Yao Yao immediately immersed the book in water, and within moments, ancient runes and texts slowly began to emerge on its blank pages.

As the full moon night approached, Zhan Huang confirmed his preparations to retrieve the Fate of Dubhe in two days. His subordinate questioned if the strong Yin energy of the full moon might favor Bai Yaoyao, a snake demon. Meanwhile, Bai Yaoyao dreamt of heavenly peaches and found herself questioning the nature of her reality.

In her dream, the Heavenly Emperor appeared, acknowledging her as the disciple of the Sacred Lady of Mount Li, and offered to teach her the mysteries of the Wordless Heaven Scroll, simply by showing her water. Upon waking, Bai Yaoyao wondered if her dream was real before indulging in a heavenly peach. Xu Xuan, desperate to locate Zhan Huang, knew that the Qilin tribe was highly sensitive to the scent of dragon pearls.

He combined a Qilin with Wujilan flowers to amplify the dragon pearl's scent, knowing it would attract the Heavenly Emperor. Indeed, the Heavenly Emperor appeared, praising Xu Xuan's keen intelligence. Xu Xuan, however, admitted he had merely studied ancient texts and made an educated guess, now confirmed. The Heavenly Emperor, noting Xu Xuan's "unscrupulous" method of making him appear, questioned why he wasn't showing proper respect.

Xu Xuan countered that the Heavenly Emperor's reclusiveness suggested he cared little for such formalities. The Heavenly Emperor, observing that both Xu Xuan and Zhan Huang had lost their senses over Bai Yaoyao, whom he found "ordinary but interesting," asked Xu Xuan's purpose for seeking him out. Xu Xuan confessed to being the one who released the Demon Emperor (Zhan Huang), stating he deserved punishment, but had another, more urgent matter.

He then boldly attacked the Heavenly Emperor, deliberately staining his Tianji Sword with the Heavenly Emperor's blood, explaining that this was the only way to track Zhan Huang's whereabouts across the three realms. When Xu Xuan inquired about Bai Yaoyao's safety, the Heavenly Emperor indicated he had his own plans for Zhan Huang and that Xu Xuan needn't involve himself.

Xu Xuan firmly declared that his wife was pure and simple and should not be entangled in the Heavenly Emperor's schemes. He argued that as the one who released Zhan Huang, he should be the one to recapture him, and also requested permission to deliver the Dragon King's last words to Taotie. Just then, Hundred Grass Immortal arrived, feigning alarm over Fa Hai's worsening injuries and urging Xu Xuan to assist his friend.

The Heavenly Emperor, seeing through the ploy to protect Xu Xuan, nonetheless granted his two requests concerning Zhan Huang and Taotie, and entrusted Fa Hai's life to Xu Xuan, warning him of severe repercussions if he failed. After Xu Xuan departed, the Heavenly Emperor revealed to Hundred Grass Immortal that Xu Xuan was destined for a solitary path and would cause unforeseen changes.

He affirmed that Bai Yaoyao possessed the power of fate, and his grand plan would proceed as intended, regardless of Xu Xuan's actions. Meanwhile, Taotie suffered severe punishment from the Eagle Division, enduring lightning strikes while defiantly refusing to surrender and threatening to drag his captors to death with him. Xu Xuan, gaining entry to Taotie's barrier, informed him that the Dragon King had ended his own life.

Taotie initially believed the Heavenly Emperor was responsible, but Xu Xuan clarified that the Dragon King had sacrificed himself. The Dragon King, regretting not raising Taotie, traded his dragon pearl to the Empyrean Heaven to spare his son's life, believing it would prevent Taotie from committing further sins. The Heavenly Emperor's voice echoed, declaring that Taotie's grave sins demanded punishment despite his father's sacrifice. He ordered Taotie's cultivation stripped and his eternal imprisonment in the Demon Prison.

Taotie, in despair, requested to pay respects to his father, but Xu Xuan stated that no one would heed the request now that the Dragon King was gone. Enraged, Taotie vowed to kill Xu Xuan and everyone in the Empyrean Heaven for his father's death. Later, Xu Xuan met with Fa Hai, who, despite Xu Xuan's attempts to conceal it, revealed he knew the Dragon King was still alive.

Xu Xuan confessed that when the Dragon King transformed into a small worm after losing his pearl, he had secretly placed him in the Cloudy Pond of Jiuxi Mountain, using his divine powers to cultivate the Dragon King with spiritual energy while he hibernated. Though the hope for revival was slim, it offered a chance. Fa Hai commended Xu Xuan's compassion.

Fa Hai also expressed concern about Xu Xuan's intention to face Zhan Huang alone during the full moon, especially since Fa Hai himself had lost the Fate of Alkaid. He warned that if anything happened to Xu Xuan, the Empyrean Heaven would lose everything. Xu Xuan remained resolute, vowing to find his wife no matter who tried to stop him, and assured Fa Hai he would accept any punishment after completing his tasks.

Fa Hai, though worried, understood he couldn't stop Xu Xuan and intended to join him. Xu Xuan, however, insisted on going alone, believing Fa Hai would only hinder him. Xiao Qing awoke to find her injuries healed and her broken hairpin mended, leading her to believe Fa Hai (whom she called Qi Xiao) had visited. However, her vision of him was a mere hallucination.

Her friend, Xiao Hui, confirmed that Fa Hai had saved his life from Fairy Xiaoxiang and asked him to wait for Xiao Qing. Xiao Qing, refusing to believe Fa Hai had forgotten her, determined to confront him. Xiaoxiang, meanwhile, dismissed Xiao Qing's notion of Fa Hai visiting, reminding her he was an ascendant deity with no reason to visit a demon.

She urged Xiao Qing to leave Kunlun Mountain, feeling a mix of sympathy for Xiao Qing (seeing her as a fellow victim of Zhan Huang's manipulation) and resentment (due to Xiao Qing endangering Kunlun and Xiaoxiang's past injuries from demons). Xiaoxiang had promised to keep Fa Hai's secret only because he had pledged to sever all ties with demons, devote himself to enlightenment, and protect Kunlun. Fa Hai confirmed to Xiaoxiang his resolve to never see Xiao Qing again.

Xiao Qing eventually found Fa Hai meditating in the Fumo Palace's back mountain, where spiritual pearls of captured demons hung from trees. She told him that if he ever subdued her, she wished her spiritual pearl to be on his prayer beads, not on a tree, so she could be with him always. Fa Hai replied that such a day would never come.

He then placed his staff between them, declaring it the insurmountable distance separating them for this life, vowing never to approach or harm her. Xiao Qing asserted that the distance didn't matter as long as he lived, and she had truly let go of their past. Fa Hai offered his blessings for her liberation from suffering.

Unbeknownst to Fa Hai, Xiao Qing secretly vowed to retrieve the Fate of Alkaid for him, even if it meant sacrificing her own life and never seeing him again, believing it would be worth it to free him from his suffering. Bai Yaoyao, held captive by Zhan Huang, bitterly told him that his greatest mistake was not taking her Fate of Dubhe on Kunlun Mountain, for death then would have been preferable to her current separation from Xu Xuan.

Her words stung Zhan Huang, who had loved her for centuries, and he resolved to ruthlessly take her fate that very night. Bai Yaoyao, unfazed, welcomed the challenge, stating it was exactly what she wanted. While Zhan Huang prepared his grand formation, Bai Yaoyao practiced the fate-altering techniques from the Wordless Heaven Scroll in her room. She discovered that "God had opened a door" for her, rendering her spiritual marble immune to being sealed by Zhan Huang.

Using the Heavenly Emperor's blood, Xu Xuan located Zhan Huang through a mirror, confirming the twin brothers' connection. He realized the Heavenly Emperor intended to use Bai Yaoyao to confront Zhan Huang, a perilous plan given her inferior power. Despite his anxiety, Bai Yaoyao was escorted to Zhan Huang's formation. Hundred Grass Immortal appeared before Xu Xuan and Fa Hai, spraying them with a potent poison fog from Penglai to prevent their intervention.

He revealed the Heavenly Emperor's full strategy: he had secretly guided Bai Yaoyao so that Zhan Huang would fail to seize her Fate of Dubhe, and instead, Bai Yaoyao would use the opportunity to strip Zhan Huang of his Command of Nature. Xu Xuan understood the danger, but, having anticipated Hundred Grass Immortal's obstruction, he had already consumed a concoction of poisons, making him immune for twelve hours. He quickly trapped Hundred Grass Immortal with magic, urging him to leave.

As Zhan Huang initiated his formation, his Command of Nature manifested. Bai Yaoyao confronted him, invoking a powerful technique: "Dubhe devour the moon, overturn the power." She successfully absorbed the Command of Nature from Zhan Huang. Just then, Xu Xuan arrived, calling out to her, but collapsed almost immediately, the poisons he had taken earlier now taking their toll much faster than expected. Bai Yaoyao, asking "What poison?"

in alarm, quickly grabbed Xu Xuan and fled the scene as Zhan Huang, furious at losing his Command of Nature, ordered his subordinates to pursue them. Fortunately, the Heavenly Emperor intervened, allowing Bai Yaoyao and Xu Xuan to escape. Enraged, Zhan Huang accused the Heavenly Emperor of treachery. The Heavenly Emperor, seeing Zhan Huang's lack of remorse, regretted ever hoping he could bring order to the demon tribe and prevent conflict. He declared that with the Command of Nature now in Bai Yaoyao's possession, Zhan Huang had no more leverage to cause chaos.

Bai Yaoyao brought Xu Xuan to Penglai to detoxify him. She stayed by his side, feeding him medicine, cherishing this rare time together after their long separation. Xu Xuan was deeply concerned that the Command of Nature, which Bai Yaoyao now possessed, would attract trouble from both the Deity and Demon clans.

Bai Yaoyao, however, believed her acquisition of the Command of Nature was due to her passing through the Lotus Fire and that it was all part of the Heavenly Emperor's plan. Xu Xuan had cautioned her to keep the matter secret, but Bai Yaoyao later confided in Xiao Qing, who was thrilled at the prospect of Bai Yaoyao becoming the Demon Emperor.

Xu Xuan, despite still being poisoned, decided he must go to the Empyrean Heaven as soon as possible to have the Command of Nature removed from her. He then confronted the Heavenly Emperor, accusing him of using Bai Yaoyao to contend with Zhan Huang.

The Heavenly Emperor, in turn, blamed Xu Xuan, stating that Bai Yaoyao's current predicament was a direct result of her marriage to him; if she had cultivated for a thousand years at Mount Li, she would have long ago achieved godhood without such troubles. He further explained that if Bai Yaoyao had not endured the Lotus Fire for Xu Xuan, no one else in the world could have taken the Command of Nature from Zhan Huang.

Xu Xuan, unwavering, asserted he harbored no regrets and inquired if there was any method to remove the Command of Nature from Bai Yaoyao. The Heavenly Emperor responded by highlighting the ongoing conflict at West Lake, cautioning that Bai Yaoyao must not reveal the Command of Nature in the mortal realm if she desired a peaceful existence. Meanwhile, Zhan Huang confronted the Heavenly Emperor, accusing him of slyly orchestrating the theft of the Command of Nature.

Tian Di expressed his disappointment in Zhan Huang, regretting his initial hope that Zhan Huang might lead the Demon clan to peace. Zhan Huang retorted that his ambition was a direct consequence of Tian Di's own actions and that his wisdom surpassed the Heavenly Emperor's. Tian Di then revealed that he had already bestowed the Command of Nature upon Bai Yaoyao.

Zhan Huang, defiant, vowed he would never surrender and challenged Tian Di to face his Polaris Spell without the Command of Nature. News of Bai Yaoyao taking the Command of Nature from Zhan Huang quickly spread throughout the three realms. Zhan Huang adopted a detached, wait-and-see attitude, curious to observe how Xu Xuan and Bai Yaoyao would manage the unfolding situation. The Vine Demon, emboldened by Zhan Huang's perceived weakness, attempted to challenge him.

Zhan Huang easily dispatched the challenger, reminding all that despite losing the Command of Nature, he was still Zhan Huang and no demon possessed the power to defeat him. He was certain that Xu Xuan would eventually come for the Fate of Alkaid, which Zhan Huang held.

Xiao Xiang, leading a troop of Heavenly soldiers, intended to kill the Black Dragon, an act that would betray the agreement Xu Xuan had made with the dragon tribe and place Xu Xuan in a dishonorable light. Bai Yaoyao and Xiao Qing rushed to intervene but found themselves outmatched by Xiao Xiang's power. Bai Yaoyao was compelled to activate the Command of Nature to resist.

Xu Xuan arrived just in time, fiercely warning Xiao Xiang that he would not tolerate anyone harming Bai Yaoyao. Xu Xuan later spoke with the Green Emperor, admitting his repeated offenses against the Heavenly Emperor. He pledged that after the matter of fate was resolved, he would proceed to the Pole of Heaven and Earth, sever all emotional attachments, seal his five senses, and transform into a Heavenly Pillar for a thousand years to atone for his sins.

During the journey of the Heavenly Guards transporting Taotie to the Demon Prison, Taotie managed to injure his escorts and escape. Xu Xuan deduced that Taotie's greatest concern was the Dragon King and that he would be seeking answers about the Dragon King's final moments. To draw Taotie out, Xu Xuan publicly announced his presence at Mount Jiuxi.

Taotie, aware that it was a trap, nevertheless went to Mount Jiuxi, determined to reclaim the Dragon King's body and bring it back to the Eastern Sea. Unable to penetrate Mount Jiuxi's defenses on his own, he sought Zhan Huang's assistance, promising to help Zhan Huang meet Bai Yaoyao in exchange. Upon arriving at Mount Jiuxi, Taotie confronted Xu Xuan, admitting he knew of the trap but was there solely for his father.

Bai Yaoyao intervened, emphasizing Taotie's filial devotion and asking for his wish to be granted. The Green Emperor, recalling the Empyrean Heaven's initial mistake of identifying Taotie as Dubhe, which contributed to his current suffering, instructed Xu Xuan to hand over the Dragon King's relics to Taotie. He then commanded both Xu Xuan and Bai Yaoyao to escort Taotie to the Eastern Sea, thereby upholding the Dragon King's dignity.

Despite possessing the Dragon Pearl, Fa Hai's health continued to decline, and the White Emperor observed that without his original fate, Fa Hai would not survive much longer. Xiao Qing, gazing at Mount Kunlun from Mingxin Lake, wept for Fa Hai, her tears falling into the lake and seemingly onto Fa Hai's head. Fa Hai, nearing his end, perceived this as a hallucination, a sign of her constant presence.

Fa Hai later confided in Xu Xuan, acknowledging Xiao Qing's arrogant yet naive nature, and requested that Xu Xuan keep a watchful eye on her, explaining that his severe injuries prevented him from doing so and that as a demon slayer, Xiao Qing was "beyond his reach" for direct guidance. While studying ancient texts, Bai Yaoyao discovered that the Immortal, Demon, Dragon, and Human races were originally created as equals, without any inherent hierarchy.

Now, as the Demon Emperor, she resolved to embrace her responsibility to bridge the chasm between the Immortal and Demon clans. She conveyed this determination to Xu Xuan, admitting her initial fear but affirming her commitment to this new role. Xu Xuan and Bai Yaoyao escorted Taotie to the Eastern Sea.

Taotie opened the Dragon King's relics, which surprisingly contained the Dragon King's original form – a small, living creature that could fully recover after ten thousand years of cultivation in the Eastern Sea. Filled with remorse and unwilling to be indebted to the immortal clan, Taotie attempted to use his own demonized Dragon Pearl to revive his father. When this failed, he pleaded with Bai Yaoyao to use the Command of Nature to purify his Dragon Pearl. With Bai Yaoyao's powerful assistance, the Dragon King was successfully restored to life.

The Dragon King had previously sacrificed his own Dragon Pearl to save Taotie's life. However, Taotie, now intent on reviving the Dragon King, chose to force out his own demonized Dragon Pearl. He refused to be indebted to the deity clan, wishing instead for his life to be taken. Despite his past resentment, he now understood his father's pain and dedicated his final act to his father and the dragon tribe.

Reflecting on a life he felt had fallen short, forsaking loyalty, filial piety, benevolence, and righteousness, he was prepared to bear all the sins himself, ensuring the dragon tribe would not be involved. Realizing his demonized Dragon Pearl couldn't save his father, Taotie implored Yao Yao to use the Command of Nature to purify it. Yao Yao agreed, determining that this was her best chance to save the Dragon King's life, even if it meant incurring another debt.

The Dragon King was revived, but his joy was overshadowed by grief for his "unfilial son," asking why Taotie had disobeyed him after he had given his own life for him. Taotie retorted that he had never lived up to his father's expectations or achieved anything in his life, so there was no reason to obey him now. The Dragon King, in tears, confessed he only wanted his son to live, not to bring glory to the dragon tribe.

Taotie expressed sorrow for causing his father pain, finding peace in his impending death at his birthplace. Xu Xuan and Yao Yao acknowledged Taotie's last wish for the dragon tribe's peace. The Dragon King then declared Yao Yao the Lord of the Demon clan, vowing that any entity in the three realms who dared to trouble her would face the wrath of the entire dragon tribe, thus protecting her from the deity clan.

Yao Yao expressed her gratitude to both of them. Meanwhile, Xiao Qing visited Fa Hai daily at the Lake of True Self, knowing his time was dwindling and that he was in grave danger if the Alkaid fate wasn't retrieved from Zhan Huang. She urged Xu Xuan to quickly find a solution, lamenting her inability to ease Fa Hai's suffering.

Xu Xuan assured her he had a plan to use his own fate as bait to draw Zhan Huang into battle. He explained that with the dragon tribe now supporting Yao Yao due to Taotie's sacrifice, Yao Yao was safe from the deity clan, allowing him to focus on confronting Zhan Huang and reclaiming Fa Hai's fate. He acknowledged that a fierce battle between him and Zhan Huang was inevitable.

Yao Yao, unwilling to see Xu Xuan harmed, secretly agreed to meet Zhan Huang, unbeknownst to Xu Xuan. Zhan Huang invited Yao Yao to a magnificent flower forest he had cultivated with his demonic powers, reminiscing about healing her under the Peach Blossom Grove and expressing his deep love. Yao Yao, however, gently reminded him that the original peach trees were planted by Xu Xuan, implying Zhan Huang could never truly understand their significance to her.

Zhan Huang, after a long search for a landscape she would love, finally realized that his grand gestures were futile because she simply did not care for him. Yao Yao confronted Zhan Huang, questioning his true intentions for bringing her there. He admitted he hadn't expected her to come so easily and correctly surmised she had not informed Xu Xuan. He then asked if she feared he would take the Alkaid fate from her.

Yao Yao explained Xu Xuan's need to retrieve the Alkaid for Fa Hai, recognizing the impending desperate battle between him and Zhan Huang. She declared that if Zhan Huang stood against her husband, she would protect Xu Xuan. Zhan Huang, understanding her unwavering devotion to Xu Xuan, claimed that as long as one of them loved unreservedly, it was enough, insisting this was his way of loving her.

He then revealed the flower forest was a magical formation, trapping her within its confines. Zhan Huang informed Yao Yao that he was leaving to fight Xu Xuan, and they would never see each other again in this life. He then revealed that he had already bestowed the Alkaid fate upon her.

With the dragon tribe's backing and the Command of Nature already in her possession, Yao Yao now possessed immense power, ensuring no one in the three realms would dare to bully her—this was his final act of love for her. Before heading into battle, Zhan Huang addressed his loyal followers, Ni Yun and Dieman. He acknowledged the fight would be to the death and expressed his weariness with his long existence, stating he no longer wished to scheme for millennia.

He removed their demonic aura and instructed them to hide peacefully in the mortal world. Despite Ni Yun's desire to die with him, Zhan Huang emphasized that in his entire life, only they had ever cared for his well-being, and he ordered them to live their lives calmly and invisibly within the three realms. Xu Xuan met with Fa Hai, reaffirming his risky plan to use his own fate as bait to draw Zhan Huang into battle.

Fa Hai noted Xu Xuan's recklessness but understood his resolve. Xu Xuan revealed that the Heavenly Emperor had sentenced him to a thousand years as a stone pillar at the Pole of Heaven and Earth, regardless of this battle's outcome, and he wished to spare Yao Yao the sorrow of knowing. Fa Hai agreed to help him keep the secret.

Fa Hai reflected on their shared destiny, recalling their joint effort to seal the Water Dragon a millennium ago, and expressed their current purpose to fight for all living souls, even reminiscing about their past rivalry. Xu Xuan's battle formation at Jinshan Temple was imbued with potent Buddhist scriptures, designed so that if Zhan Huang were killed there, his soul would not disperse. This would allow Xu Xuan to extract Zhan Huang's spiritual marble and retrieve the Alkaid fate.

Zhan Huang entered Xu Xuan's battle formation at Jinshan Temple, mockingly criticizing Xu Xuan for using traps instead of engaging in a fair fight. Xu Xuan retorted that an opponent like Zhan Huang didn't deserve fair play and vowed to eliminate him to prevent him from further endangering the three realms, even if it meant dying alongside him.

Zhan Huang challenged Xu Xuan's self-righteousness, asserting that his "greed" was a necessary struggle for the demon clan's survival against the Empyrean Heaven, a plight Xu Xuan, born privileged, could not comprehend. Xu Xuan countered that Zhan Huang was deluded, stating his own decision to act with a clear conscience.

He then revealed his strategy: the formation, imbued with potent cultivation, would ensure Zhan Huang's soul lingered after death, allowing Xu Xuan to extract his spiritual marble and retrieve the fate. Zhan Huang, defiant, declared that no one could dictate his life or death, but conceded that Xu Xuan had become much like him. Xu Xuan affirmed that his only concern was Yao Yao, and his actions were worthy of Heaven and Earth, then challenged Zhan Huang to fight.

Fa Hai, having discreetly evacuated the monks from Jinshan Temple, joined Xu Xuan in the fight. Xu Xuan unveiled a hidden, deadly secondary formation refined over a century using his soul, planning to lure Zhan Huang into it through strategic retreat. Zhan Huang, despite his cunning, expressed surprise at being outmaneuvered by "inferiors," and, accepting his fate, dispersed all his power, intending to perish alongside them and uphold his title as Demon Emperor.

Trapped within Zhan Huang's flower forest, Yao Yao feared for Xu Xuan's life and tried to use the Command of Nature to summon Xiao Qing and Xiao Hui. However, Yao Yao was seriously injured, making the Command of Nature's signal intermittent. Xiao Qing, who had drunk Zhan Huang's blood, could no longer sense the Command of Nature, but felt intermittent pain, realizing Yao Yao's severe injury and predicament.

Sensing that the battle had begun at Jinshan Temple, Xiao Qing led a frantic search with other demons and eventually found Yao Yao. Using her own blood, Xiao Qing broke Zhan Huang's barrier, freeing Yao Yao. During the escalating battle, Xu Xuan managed to extract Zhan Huang's spiritual marble but discovered Fa Hai's fate was missing from it. Zhan Huang laughed, proclaiming that Xu Xuan had lost to "love."

He revealed that while Xu Xuan had meticulously prepared the formation at Jinshan Temple to shield Yao Yao, she had independently met Zhan Huang to reclaim the Alkaid after receiving a message related to Taotie. He further declared that Yao Yao now held the Greedy Wolf fate, Alkaid fate, the Command of Nature, and the Dragon King's backing, making her invulnerable in the three realms.

He asserted this was his ultimate expression of love for her, claiming his sincerity, courage, talent, and abilities were no less than Xu Xuan's. Fa Hai briefly suggested sparing Zhan Huang's life, hoping for a change of heart, as Zhan Huang was in great pain from stripping his fate and the battle.

However, Zhan Huang, born with the fates of Seven Prowesses, Alkaid, and Greedy Wolf—the same as Fa Hai and Xu Xuan—believed it fitting for the three stars to die together. He then used his Qilin blood to ignite the Red Lotus Karma Fire, a hellish blaze intended to create an unquenchable barrier around Jinshan Temple, burning it to ashes and making it their tomb.

Xu Xuan countered that the only way to extinguish the Red Lotus Karma Fire was to kill Zhan Huang himself. Witnessing the Red Lotus Karma Fire engulf Jinshan Temple, Yao Yao knew Zhan Huang intended to die with Xu Xuan and Fa Hai. She immediately instructed Xiao Qing and Xiao Hui to gather the demons and divert the waters of West Lake, recognizing it as the only way to quench the inferno.

Yao Yao rushed to Jinshan Temple herself, but White Emperor blocked her path, stating that the Heavenly Emperor had decreed that the three fates must remain at Jinshan Temple, implying their fated demise there. Yao Yao, now wielding two fates and the Command of Nature, offered herself in exchange for their release, but White Emperor reiterated that even he could not extinguish the Red Lotus Karma Fire.

Despite the potential catastrophe for the mortal realm, Xiao Qing rallied the demons to divert West Lake's waters. Yao Yao declared her readiness to defy Heaven and Earth and bear any consequences to save Xu Xuan. White Emperor attempted to block the incoming waters with his own formation, but Yao Yao's formidable new power proved too strong to contain.

Xu Xuan and Fa Hai were trapped within the Golden Mountain Temple, battling Zhan Huang amidst the Red Lotus Karmic Fire. Xu Xuan urged Fa Hai to hold on, but Fa Hai feared the fire was unstoppable. Zhan Huang declared the fire would only subside after their deaths.

Despite the White Emperor's attempts to stop her, Bai Yaoyao extracted water from West Lake to extinguish the Red Lotus Karmic Fire, causing Xu Xuan and Fa Hai, both injured, to emerge from the temple. Soon after, Zhan Huang also appeared, remarking on Xu Xuan and Bai Yaoyao as a "lovely couple" and marveling that his powerful Lotus Fire couldn't stop them. He then revealed to Xu Xuan that the Alkaid and Dubhe fates were both within Bai Yaoyao.

He stated that if these fates were not promptly extracted and returned to their proper places, the three realms would descend into chaos. He further explained that extracting the fates would cost Bai Yaoyao her life, while not doing so would lead to Fa Hai's demise. Thus, only one of them could survive, forcing Xu Xuan to make an impossible choice between his friend and his lover.

Zhan Huang then expressed his deep love for Bai Yaoyao, admitting that despite his power, he was nothing compared to Xu Xuan in her heart. The White Emperor, observing the tense situation, urged Xu Xuan not to fall for Zhan Huang's manipulation.

He advised Xu Xuan to bring Zhan Huang's spiritual marble and Bai Yaoyao, whose spiritual marble contained the fates, to the Celestial Emperor in the Empyrean Heaven, assuring him that the Celestial Emperor would know how to properly restore the fates. Zhan Huang, realizing his defeat, reflected on his life, his ambition to fight Heaven, and his thousands of years of planning that now crumbled. Despite being betrayed and hunted, he claimed no regrets.

He then turned to Bai Yaoyao, confessing his profound love and longing, stating he was willing to sacrifice everything, including giving her the fates, so she would become the Demon Emperor and never again be enslaved by anyone. He desperately asked if her heart had ever skipped a beat for him. Bai Yaoyao, however, affirmed that her heart had always belonged solely to Xu Xuan.

Zhan Huang, though heartbroken, declared that he had never been enslaved in life and would rather die than be imprisoned. He emphasized that there could only be one Demon Emperor in the three realms and that his death was necessary to save Bai Yaoyao from her own demise. With these final words, he destroyed his spiritual marble and vanished from the three realms.

Fa Hai, weakened but alive, told Xu Xuan that as a monk, his own life or death held no significance. Bai Yaoyao, however, was resolute in her decision to extract the Alkaid fate from her spiritual marble and return it to Fa Hai. Fa Hai, struggling, condemned her as a demon, lamenting that he hadn't killed her on Mount Kunlun a thousand years ago.

Despite his anger, he acknowledged that the Alkaid fate was now with her, which he deemed "good," and urged her to be careful. He reiterated that without the fate of Alkaid, he would die, but that too, for a Buddhist monk like him, was "good." The White Emperor informed Bai Yaoyao that while she had successfully extinguished the Lotus Fire, her actions had inadvertently broken the final water barrier, a protective array established by Zi Xuan a thousand years ago.

This breach caused the emergence of a water dragon and widespread flooding. The White Emperor then took Fa Hai to Mount Jiuxi for healing, while he and Bai Yaoyao headed to West Lake to confront the water dragon. Meanwhile, in Lin'an City, Xu Jiaorong was in agonizing labor. Her husband, Li Gongfu, rushed out to find a midwife but was met with the horrifying sight of the West Lake's waters surging into the city, causing widespread chaos and countless casualties.

Upon seeing the devastation, Xu Xuan resolved to kill the water dragon to quell the flood. Bai Yaoyao expressed concern that this action would offend the Dragon Tribe and nullify all of Xu Xuan's previous efforts to maintain peace with them. However, Xu Xuan declared that he no longer cared about the world or the Dragon Tribe, as long as Bai Yaoyao remained unharmed.

Xu Xuan confronted the water dragon, condemning it for its monstrous crime and disregard for human lives, vowing to slay it. The dragon, a powerful deity of the Dragon Tribe, proved overwhelming for Xu Xuan, rendering him helpless. Bai Yaoyao swiftly intervened, severing one of its claws. The enraged dragon then resurfaced, entangling both of them.

Utilizing the power of the Command of Nature, Bai Yaoyao joined forces with Xu Xuan to overpower the beast, and she ultimately killed it with the Tianji Sword. While recovering under the White Emperor's care, Fa Hai lamented his inability to personally kill the "filthy beast" due to his current state.

He acknowledged that Bai Yaoyao and Xu Xuan would likely defeat the water dragon but foresaw greater problems arising afterward, noting that Xu Xuan would struggle to explain his actions to the Dragon Tribe. Xiao Qing, present at Mount Jiuxi, countered by blaming Bai Yaoyao for taking the immense risk of extracting West Lake water, which caused the flood.

Fa Hai defended Bai Yaoyao, stating that she and Xiao Qing were merely worried and trying to save him and Xu Xuan. Xiao Qing then pleaded with the White Emperor to save Fa Hai. The White Emperor explained that the only way to save Fa Hai was to extract the Alkaid fate from Bai Yaoyao's spiritual marble, which would unfortunately result in Bai Yaoyao's death.

He further elaborated on Zhan Huang's cunning scheme, which forced Xu Xuan into this dire choice. He added that the Green Emperor was currently with the Heavenly Emperor to discuss potential solutions, though he disparagingly referred to both snake demons as "problematic." The aftermath of the flood left Lin'an City devastated, with countless people suffering and grieving. Amidst this, Xiao Hui urgently informed Xu Xuan that his sister, Xu Jiaorong, was enduring a difficult birth.

Bai Yaoyao, still recovering from her injuries, urged Xu Xuan to go to his sister while she and the other demons led the displaced residents to safety, hoping to atone for her role in the disaster. Xu Xuan, though concerned, asked Bai Yaoyao to seek help from the Hall of Apothecary for her own injuries and cautioned her against using her powers unnecessarily.

At the Hall of Apothecary, Qing Feng explained to Xu Xuan that Xu Jiaorong's condition had worsened significantly due to moving during labor, causing severe bleeding. Xu Xuan immediately treated his sister, managing to save her life, but tragically, her child was stillborn. Learning this, Xu Xuan and Bai Yaoyao were consumed by guilt, feeling they bore a heavy burden of sin.

Xu Xuan expressed a willingness to sacrifice everything to restore the lives of Lin'an City's people, but acknowledged that the damage was irreversible. The Heavenly Emperor, reflecting on his twin brother Zhan Huang, mused on the differing paths they were destined to walk. Despite Zhan Huang's numerous transgressions, the Heavenly Emperor admitted he never truly wished for his brother's death, always holding out hope for his repentance. Addressing his subordinate, he then decreed Bai Yaoyao's fate.

He stated that Bai Yaoyao, who had committed a grave error by saving Xu Xuan, was now bearing the Command of Nature and afflicted with demonic tendencies. If she failed to purge this demonic influence, she risked transforming completely and unleashing a devastating catastrophe upon the world. Should that day arrive, the Heavenly Emperor vowed to personally destroy her primordial spirit and imprison her in eternal darkness.

He then commanded Fairy Xiao Xiang to bring Bai Yaoyao to Mount Li to meet him. Tormented by her demonic affliction, Bai Yaoyao confided in Xu Xuan her decision to extract the Fate of Alkaid from her spiritual marble and return it to Fa Hai. She explained that if she died in the process, she would have no regrets, having at least saved Fa Hai.

If she survived, she intended to seal herself away in a dark place until her demonic nature completely vanished, believing this would atone for her past misdeeds. Xu Xuan, deeply distressed by her self-sacrificing plan, refused to let her die and vowed to find another way to save Fa Hai. However, Bai Yaoyao questioned whether Fa Hai could endure the wait, given his critical condition.

Before departing for Mount Li to meet the Heavenly Emperor, Bai Yaoyao expressed her profound concern for Xu Xuan and the suffering people of Lin'an City, feeling immense responsibility for the repeated disasters that had befallen them, especially given Lin'an City's past harassment by the demon tribe and now the flood caused by her actions. Her deepest desire was for Xu Xuan's safety and the happiness of the common folk.

Shortly after, the Dragon King arrived at West Lake, seeking retribution for the death of the Dragon God Black Flood Dragon. Only days before, he had promised Bai Yaoyao the unwavering support of the entire Dragon Tribe. Now, faced with the fact that Bai Yaoyao and Xu Xuan, who had shown great kindness to his kin in the past, were responsible for the Dragon God's demise, he found himself in a profound dilemma. To appease his wrath and the honor of the Dragon Tribe, Bai Yaoyao knelt before him, admitting her guilt and offering her own life as atonement.

Before departing, Bai Yaoyao spoke with Xu Xuan, who promised to seek help from the Heavenly Emperor at Mount Li. Bai Yaoyao asked Xu Xuan to help the people of Lin'an City recover from the devastating flood she caused. Xu Xuan assured her that he felt no burden protecting all living souls and only wished for her safety and peace for everyone.

Bai Yaoyao made Xu Xuan promise to believe in her no matter what, as she intended to save Fa Hai. Xu Xuan, in turn, promised to trust her and wait for her return. Shortly after, the Dragon King confronted Bai Yaoyao, demanding retribution for her and Xu Xuan killing the Water Dragon. Bai Yaoyao admitted her fault and offered her life as penance.

As the Dragon King prepared to take her to the Dragon Palace, Xiao Xiang arrived, revealing that the Heavenly Emperor had summoned Bai Yaoyao and forbidding anyone from harming her. Bai Yaoyao, accepting her fate, told the Dragon King not to involve others in her mistakes. Xiao Xiang warned Bai Yaoyao that going to the Empyrean Heaven meant facing all punishments, but Bai Yaoyao declared she was unafraid and would bear the responsibility.

The Dragon King, though still mourning his lost Water Dragon, ultimately allowed Xiao Xiang to take Bai Yaoyao to the Heavenly Emperor. After Bai Yaoyao's departure, a distraught Xu Xuan was confronted by Xiao Qing, who was upset that he let Bai Yaoyao leave, especially with Fa Hai dying. Xu Xuan, despite his own pain, responded that he had no choice and focused on their duties.

He instructed Xiao Qing to have Xiao Hui lead some little demons to gather herbs in the hills. Xu Xuan himself led the disciples of the Apothecary House to save the people in Lin'an City and prevent a plague, while also ordering Duan Liu to lead disciples from Duan Yang School to deal with the corpses. He urged Xiao Qing to assist everyone as much as possible.

The Heavenly Emperor met Bai Yaoyao at Mount Li to protect her from the multitude of immortals demanding her punishment. Bai Yaoyao accepted any decree, but first requested that Fa Hai's life be saved. The Heavenly Emperor agreed to protect Fa Hai with his prowess, but questioned Bai Yaoyao's resolve to leave Xu Xuan, reminding her of their thousand-year destiny.

Bai Yaoyao asserted that true love wasn't just about being together, and she was leaving Xu Xuan so he could live a stable life, as even Xu Xuan, mighty as he was, could not defeat fate. The Heavenly Emperor accepted her decision and told her he had another task for her. Later, the Queen Mother summoned Bai Yaoyao, who felt deeply ashamed for the suffering she had caused.

The Queen Mother, having witnessed countless disasters over tens of thousands of years, explained that the current calamity wasn't entirely Bai Yaoyao's fault, as it was a destined disaster that fate had brought about through her. She warned Bai Yaoyao that the disaster had stirred her evil nature, and if her Demon Emperor body couldn't manage it, a catastrophe similar to the one ten thousand years ago could recur.

The Queen Mother emphasized that prowess couldn't undo what was already done and urged Bai Yaoyao not to forget her fearless and willful true self, even after experiencing all aspects of life. Bai Yaoyao understood and vowed to do her best to atone for her mistakes. The Heavenly Emperor had taken Fa Hai to Penglai Mountain for meditation and spiritual cultivation.

Fa Hai, however, was critical of the Heavenly Emperor's detached approach, accusing him of neglecting official affairs and abandoning the world's suffering by governing through inaction for thousands of years, which he believed led to the current turmoil. The Heavenly Emperor calmly responded that true cultivation could happen anywhere and suggested Fa Hai study scriptures instead, noting that Fa Hai's excessive emotions prevented him from seeing through the mortal world.

Bai Di complained to Qing Di about the Heavenly Emperor's actions, particularly his decision to bring Bai Yaoyao to Mount Li only to release her back to the mortal realm, instead of punishing her. He expressed frustration that the Heavenly Emperor seemed unconcerned, hiding away at Penglai while everyone sought explanations. Qing Di playfully feigned the Heavenly Emperor's arrival, causing Bai Di to instinctively bow in reverence before realizing he was being mocked.

Qing Di then questioned why Bai Di, being ancient and wise, was so grouchy, suggesting he stop being prejudiced and plan for the three realms. Bai Di sighed, admitting that he and Qing Di had no say in the Heavenly Emperor's enigmatic plans. Xu Jiao Rong was utterly distraught after losing her child and with Li Gong Fu missing. She blamed Bai Yaoyao for her suffering and angrily vented her frustrations on Xu Xuan, who silently endured her accusations.

Xu Xuan promised to find Li Gong Fu, dead or alive. Later, Li Gong Fu was successfully found and reunited with Xu Jiao Rong, thanks to the efforts of the little demons who were ordered by Bai Yaoyao to search for him. Li Gong Fu apologized for his absence and revealed that Xu Xuan had told him they might not be able to have children again.

Xu Jiao Rong, however, simply expressed relief that he was safe, stating that being together was enough. While the Heavenly Emperor used his immortal power to protect Fa Hai, Bai Yaoyao, seeing it as a temporary solution, enlisted Xiao Xiang's help to secretly remove Fa Hai from Penglai Mountain during the Heavenly Emperor's meditation. The Heavenly Emperor was shocked to discover Fa Hai's disappearance and Bai Yaoyao's cunning, as he was unable to trace her aura across the Three Realms.

Meanwhile, in Lin'an City, the little demons were actively helping residents rebuild their homes and reunite with lost family members. They even adopted a young child whose parents could not be found. This period of crisis fostered a new understanding and acceptance of demons among humans, replacing previous fear and resistance. As Lin'an City began to recover, the local government announced a celebratory event with fireworks.

Xu Xuan, recalling his promise to Bai Yaoyao to give her the grandest fireworks, instructed Qing Feng to arrange a spectacular display for that night, believing Bai Yaoyao would see it. Meanwhile, Xiao Xiang brought Fa Hai to the back mountain of Vanquishing Demon Palace, a place so dense with demon aura that neither the Heavenly Emperor nor any deity could trace them.

Fa Hai, believing this was his burial ground, was informed by Xiao Xiang that Bai Yaoyao intended to return his Fate of Alkaid to him there. Fa Hai vehemently opposed this, knowing it would cost Bai Yaoyao her life, and declared he didn't need her sacrifice.

Xiao Xiang argued that with Fa Hai's energy depleted, this was the only way, and also pointed out that Zhan Huang's move had put Xu Xuan in a difficult position, which Bai Yaoyao wanted to resolve. Bai Yaoyao, accepting her decision, asked Xiao Xiang to tell Xu Xuan that she could no longer wait for him.

While Xu Xuan prepared the fireworks in Lin'an, hoping to cheer up Bai Yaoyao and contemplating the difficult choice between her and Fa Hai, Bai Yaoyao was at the Vanquishing Demon Palace. She instructed Fa Hai that after he recovered, he must go to Bei Huang to find the Wind Up Herb for Xu Xuan. Taking this herb would make Xu Xuan lose his capacity for love, thus preventing any future disasters related to their relationship.

Fa Hai continued to protest, unwilling to accept her life as a sacrifice. Bai Yaoyao, however, expressed no regrets for her life, having experienced deep love with Xu Xuan. At this critical moment, Xiao Qing arrived, having anticipated Bai Yaoyao's plan due to her previous unusual behavior and prior knowledge from Zhan Huang about the "Fate of Alkaid" being integrated with the spiritual orb.

Zhan Huang had told Xiao Qing that forcing the spiritual orb out to separate the fate would cause the orb to shatter, but if Xiao Qing used her own spiritual orb to repair it, Bai Yaoyao's life could be saved, albeit still a life-for-a-life exchange. Xiao Qing, seeing Bai Yaoyao's senses fading as her fate was being lost, intervened.

She used her own spiritual orb to repair Bai Yaoyao's, sacrificing herself for her sister, fulfilling her role after Bai Yaoyao had always protected her. In a poignant moment, Xiao Qing shattered her own spiritual orb, asking Fa Hai to tell Bai Di that they were all wrong about her destiny; she was not fated to die by Fa Hai's hand but by her own.

Despite their clashing natures causing a burning pain when they touched, Fa Hai tightly held Xiao Qing's hand, his heart in greater agony. Xiao Qing wished for them to be an ordinary couple in their next life, a farmer and a weaver, free from being a demon and a demon slayer.

Facing her imminent demise, Xiao Qing felt her senses fading, yet her thoughts were fixed on Yao Yao. She reminded her sister of their unbreakable bond and gently chided her for once again making a significant decision without discussion. Yao Yao, understanding Xiao Qing's desperate attempt to retrieve Xu Xuan's fate, revealed that the fate resided within her own spiritual marble.

She explained that she could only willingly surrender it; otherwise, she would self-destruct, and forcing it out would still leave her with little time to live. Unwilling to accept this, Xiao Qing proposed a different path, a life for a life. She intended to forcibly extract her own spiritual marble and strip the fate from it, suggesting that if Yao Yao then used her own spiritual marble to mend Xiao Qing's shattered one, Yao Yao's life could be saved.

As Fa Hai tried to intervene, Xiao Qing asserted that after years of Yao Yao's protection, it was now her turn. She extracted her spiritual marble, returning it to Fa Hai (Qi Xiao), while Yao Yao frantically tried to return her own prowess to Xiao Qing.

With a final declaration that she would die by her own hand, defying the prophecy that she would be subdued by Qi Xiao, Xiao Qing vanished, leaving behind a verdant spiritual pearl that Fa Hai collected, his heart consumed by sorrow. Back in Lin'an City, Xu Xuan, unaware of the profound sacrifice, watched the fireworks he had prepared for Yao Yao, believing she could see his grand gesture.

However, Yao Yao, now blind, could only vaguely perceive the dazzling display before her world plunged into darkness. Fa Hai, wrestling with the tragic outcome, sought guidance from Ling Chu. He questioned the karmic justice, wondering why Xiao Qing had been the one to die. Ling Chu explained that Xiao Qing's sacrifice was her true desire, and she had attained what she had sought.

Still, Fa Hai worried for Yao Yao and Xu Xuan, pondering how they could ever find peace. Ling Chu simply stated that true freedom was elusive for all beings within the three realms, and sometimes, peace was found in quiet acceptance. Meanwhile, among the lesser demons, Xu Xuan appointed Xiao Hui as the new Mountain King, entrusting him with the responsibility of their kin.

The grieving demons pleaded with Xu Xuan to create a clay figure for Xiao Qing, recalling how his past creations, placed in the Garden of Heavenly Peach, had granted them rebirth. Xu Xuan, however, gently but firmly explained that with Xiao Qing's primordial spirit completely dissipated, no mold could bring her back. He urged them to move forward and focus on their cultivation, a task Xiao Hui solemnly pledged to uphold.

Fa Hai, unable to find solace, buried his heart, vowing never to utter Xiao Qing's name again, as her image ceaselessly haunted his meditations. At Penglai Mountain, Sister Crane observed Yao Yao's state, confirming that despite the Penglai Immortal Lord's use of millennia-old elixirs, her spiritual marble remained too damaged for her eyesight to recover. Yao Yao, however, expressed a quiet acceptance, stating that losing her sight was a small price compared to Xiao Qing's ultimate sacrifice.

She remembered the fireworks Xu Xuan had arranged, a beautiful memory now lost to her vision, symbolizing her relationship with him—a beauty she could no longer see or possess. As the Heavenly Emperor had decreed that Xu Xuan must sever their emotional ties, Yao Yao resolved to preemptively cut off her own emotions, hoping to enter her destined path to eternal darkness without further burden. She felt a profound debt to Xiao Qing and the people of Lin'an.

She asked Sister Crane for the Wind Up Herb, confirming it would be ready by the next day. Yao Yao insisted on avoiding Xu Xuan, believing that seeing him would shatter her resolve to let go, and requested one final day to cherish her memories of him. News of a severe demonic energy leak from the Leifeng Pagoda reached the celestial realms.

The energy, a potent blend of the Black Water Dragon's millennium-old hatred and the mortal world's concentrated resentment from the recent flood, posed an unprecedented threat. If unchecked, it promised catastrophe for both the mortal and celestial realms. The Heavenly Emperor dispatched Fairy Xiao Xiang with a troop of heavenly soldiers to investigate.

Fa Hai, eager to join the mission, was denied by the Heavenly Emperor, who cited his recently regained but unstable cultivation, deeming Xiao Xiang more capable for the task. However, Xiao Xiang soon developed an inner demon and was severely injured. The celestial discussions revealed the insidious nature of the demonic energy: it was formless, born from humanity's deepest desires—greed, anger, and ignorance—and capable of provoking inner evil, leading to an irreversible fall into the demonic path.

Even the strongest minds, if subjected to its constant erosion, would eventually succumb. Xu Xuan, addressing the Lishan Holy Mother, bravely volunteered to guard the Leifeng Pagoda. He implored her to eliminate him if he were to fall to the demonic influence, clarifying that his offer was not for atonement, but for the sake of all beings and to lessen Yao Yao's impending punishment.

He also requested that the Wind Up Herb be delivered to Yao Yao once he entered the pagoda. Separately, Yao Yao, in an audience with the Queen Mother of the West, also volunteered to suppress the demonic energy. She argued that as the one responsible for the initial disaster, and now as the Demon Empress, she was the most fitting guardian.

She sought to accept the karma of her past actions, hoping to find peace and release from her guilt through this sacrifice. The Queen Mother, though recognizing their enduring bond, reminded Yao Yao of her debt to the heavens, which she would need to redeem upon her eventual release. The Hundred Herbs Immortal Lord confirmed that Fairy Xiao Xiang's injuries were not merely physical, but rooted in an inner demon, making them incurable by medicine.

Despite this, Xiao Xiang had offered her Qilin body to suppress the pagoda, an offer deemed futile given the relentless torment the demonic energy would inflict upon her primordial spirit. As no other celestial dared to step forward, the Heavenly Emperor announced his intention to undertake the task himself, to the dismay of his advisors.

At this critical moment, Yao Yao, as the Demon Empress wielding the Command of Nature, declared her responsibility for the calamity and offered herself as the guardian of Leifeng Pagoda. She viewed it as her destined path to eternal darkness and an opportunity to cleanse her own demonic energy, hoping her sacrifice would foster peace between the celestial and demon realms.

Despite the Heavenly Emperor's concerns about her ability to withstand the bewilderment, Yao Yao remained steadfast, requesting only that he watch over her people. Xu Xuan arrived at the Empyrean Heaven, disheartened to learn that Yao Yao had already accepted her fate and would depart the following day after consuming the Wind Up Herb that night.

He resolved to wait for her, but was informed that Yao Yao had specifically requested Fairy Xiao Xiang to deploy heavenly soldiers to prevent him from interfering. Undeterred, Xu Xuan, having obtained a construction map of the Leifeng Pagoda from Jinshan Temple, declared his unwavering intention to personally escort his wife into the pagoda himself, regardless of any obstacles.

In her solitary moments before consuming the Wind Up Herb, Yao Yao mused about Xiao Qing, wondering if her sister would have tried to stop her or revealed her plans to Xu Xuan. She reflected on a newly understood truth: severing emotional ties was, ultimately, a decision.

As she played a zither crafted for her a thousand years ago by Zi Xuan, she vividly recalled his gentle lessons and the warmth of his hand, cherishing these last, cherished memories before her journey into the profound darkness of the pagoda.

Bai Yaoyao, now blind, believed her husband Xu Xuan had been ordered to sever their emotions. Deciding to act first, she requested the Wind Up Herb from Sister Crane. As Xu Xuan approached with the herb, Bai Yaoyao, unaware of his presence, poured out her heart to what she thought was the Crane Sister.

She reminisced about the zither given to her by Zi Xuan a thousand years ago, recalling every detail of his patient teaching and the gentle warmth of his hand. She spoke of her deep love for Xu Xuan, expressing her fear of death and the profound regret of either leaving him alone or being left by him.

Her sole wish before entering Leifeng Pagoda was for Xu Xuan to live a peaceful life, bless the people, and bring peace to the world. She thanked the "Crane Sister" before preparing to drink the herb that would cut off her love and emotions. Just as Bai Yaoyao was about to consume the Wind Up Herb, Xu Xuan shattered the bowl. Bai Yaoyao, startled, realized it was him.

Ashamed of her blind state, she tried to hide but stumbled, her body curling in pain. Xu Xuan was heartbroken by her distress. Bai Yaoyao pleaded with him for a divorce paper, asserting her fault for Lin'an City's suffering and urging him to abandon his "unrealistic oaths" so they could be separated forever. Xu Xuan adamantly refused, reminding her of his oath a thousand years ago to protect her throughout his life.

He declared that if she was truly resolved to end their bond, she should be the one to write the divorce paper and proclaim her heartlessness before all of Empyrean Heaven, proving that "she" broke their vows, not him. Xu Xuan shared that he had already pleaded with the Heavenly Emperor and confirmed he would personally escort her to Leifeng Pagoda, considering it their last journey as husband and wife.

He reminded her of their initial meeting at the Broken Bridge and his unwavering promise to always be there for her, no matter what. Meanwhile, Fa Hai kept Xiao Qing's spiritual pearl strung with his Buddhist beads, reciting sutras daily, contemplating that Xiao Qing might not know of his devotion. Xiao Hui, one of the little demons, pointed out that if Mountain Queen (Xiao Qing) were aware of Lady Bai’s suffering, she would not idly stand by.

Fa Hai, understanding Xiao Qing's protective nature, vowed to do everything in his power to protect Bai Yaoyao, no matter the difficulty. He also mentioned that Xu Xuan would handle Bai Yaoyao's entry into the pagoda without breaking heavenly rules. To further aid Bai Yaoyao, Fa Hai instructed Xiao Hui to gather the little demons in the Hall of Majestic. There, he taught them to engrave Sanskrit Seals onto their spiritual marbles.

Despite the severe headaches caused by the process, the little demons endured the pain, listening to Fa Hai's sutras, determined to help Lady Bai. As Xu Xuan prepared for the perilous journey, he sought counsel, affirming his unwavering commitment. He stated that he cared not for the price of his actions, as his only wish was to protect mortals and restore his wife's sight, considering other losses insignificant.

The Heavenly Emperor, reflecting on his own choice to drink the Wind Up Herb for impartiality, admitted his error in believing heartlessness was not a punishment. He observed the profound and rich love exemplified by beings like the Qilin, a feeling he, despite his immortal life, would never experience. Though they walked different paths, he left Xu Xuan to decide his own fate, advising him not to regret it in the future.

As the sun rose high, signaling the weakest point of the demonic aura, Xiaoxiang urged Bai Yaoyao to enter Leifeng Pagoda. Fa Hai suddenly arrived, intercepting them. He adamantly refused to let Xu Xuan sacrifice himself, haunted by the helplessness he felt when Xiao Qing died. Fa Hai asserted his capability to block the magic barrier, recalling his past cooperation with Zi Xuan.

Though Xiaoxiang warned that Xu Xuan would never permit him to take such a risk, Fa Hai insisted they conceal his plan from Xu Xuan, confessing that Xu Xuan was the one person he wished to protect from tragedy. As a devoted follower of Buddhism, Fa Hai, with his peaceful mind undisturbed by evil, declared his intention to accompany Bai Yaoyao into the pagoda, using the Heart Sutra to restrain her inner devil.

He swore to protect her, pledging that the evil spirit must wound him first, and if he failed, he would be annihilated. Bai Yaoyao vehemently objected, claiming it was her own affair, but Fa Hai insisted on overseeing her to prevent her from succumbing to devilry. He also implied that Xiao Qing would not approve of Bai Yaoyao’s decision to face this alone. Fa Hai positioned himself to prevent Xu Xuan from interfering.

Inside the Leifeng Pagoda, Bai Yaoyao immediately felt the oppressive demonic energy. Fa Hai, reciting sutras, urged her to remain calm and focus on good thoughts, offering his Buddhist beads to help suppress her demon character. He warned that if the evil aura consumed her heart, she would suffer eternal torment. Bai Yaoyao, in a moment of despair, asked Fa Hai to kill her swiftly if she succumbed to devilry.

However, while focused on protecting Bai Yaoyao, Fa Hai was himself invaded by the demonic energy, which released his own evil side. This evil manifestation, or a demonic voice speaking through him, began questioning why she clung to her love, reminding her of her past failures, blaming her for the Lin'an tragedy, and tempting her to forget everything to escape her suffering.

Overwhelmed, Bai Yaoyao began to agree, admitting her fault and believing even ten thousand deaths could not atone for her sins. At that critical moment, the little demons, having successfully imprinted Sanskrit Seals onto their spiritual marbles, used their collective power to send a psychic call. Their voices echoed, urging both Fa Hai and Lady Bai to awaken. Fa Hai, roused from his trance, immediately helped Bai Yaoyao.

He reminded her of her name, Bai Yaoyao, given by Xu Xuan, and her original purpose for cultivation. He recounted Xu Xuan’s promise to wait for her by Leifeng Pagoda until West Lake dried and the pagoda collapsed.

This vivid recollection awakened Bai Yaoyao, who finally understood Xu Xuan’s true reason for preventing her from cutting off her emotions: without ties to the world, without concern, she would lack the will to fight the evil spirit for ten thousand years within the pagoda. Xu Xuan was her conviction, her everything, and remembering him ignited her fighting spirit. Unbeknownst to Bai Yaoyao, Xu Xuan had indeed followed them into the pagoda.

He had used his power to shield her directly from the demonic energy, making her wonder why she could no longer feel its pressure, believing she and Fa Hai had already overcome the barrier. Xu Xuan telepathically instructed Fa Hai to guard the outside of the pagoda, begging him to leave the interior to him so he could continue protecting Bai Yaoyao.

As the demonic energy dissipated from around Bai Yaoyao, Xu Xuan sustained serious injuries, and his blood splattered onto her face. Blind, she reached out, asking who was hurt and believing Fa Hai had been wounded protecting her. As her hand grazed the head of the injured person, she touched Xu Xuan’s hair, realizing the truth of his sacrifice.

Inside Leifeng Pagoda, Yao Yao cried out for Xu Xuan, asking what happened and why he was bleeding so profusely. She rushed over to feel the injury, but touched Xu Xuan's hair instead, realizing it was him, not Fa Hai, who was taking on the demonic energy. Xu Xuan reassured her, saying he would always give her his all.

He created a vivid dream for her, filled with blooming peach blossoms and dazzling fireworks, a beautiful sight she had missed since losing her vision, a dream that was as splendid as daylight in her heart. He promised her a lifetime of happiness, assuring her that her name and destiny were his to protect, and that he wished for them to grow old together in joy. Xu Xuan declared that while all beings were important, none compared to her.

Even if the three realms turned against her, he would sacrifice his life for her smile. After temporarily dispelling the demonic energy around Yao Yao, Xu Xuan came out of Leifeng Pagoda covered in wounds. Fa Hai confronted him about his drastic method of purifying the demonic energy. Xu Xuan explained that using the blood of a deity (derived from his immortal bone) was his only option to both dispel the evil aura and repair Yao Yao's spiritual pearl.

Fa Hai realized that Xu Xuan’s oath was meticulously planned, understanding that if only one could survive, Xu Xuan chose to bear the loneliness for Yao Yao. Xu Xuan admitted he would live, albeit in greater suffering, but feared Yao Yao discovering his sacrifice. Fa Hai expressed regret for allowing Xu Xuan to enter the pagoda, acknowledging their unwavering natures.

Xu Xuan vowed that as long as a fragment of his primordial spirit remained, he would protect Yao Yao from falling into demonhood. He then entrusted Fa Hai with Yao Yao's care while he recovered, emphasizing that she must never know of his ongoing sacrifice. Fa Hai worried about Yao Yao's eventual reaction, wondering if she could still smile after learning of Xu Xuan's pain endured for her dreams.

Eighteen years later, Xu Jiao Rong's daughter, An Le, was preparing to marry Xiao Bao, the child previously adopted by the little demons. The little demons presented various treasures for the wedding, but Xu Jiao Rong stated that her daughter was more precious than any gift. The little demons marveled at the unexpected romance between An Le and Xiao Bao, who had grown up playing together.

They praised An Le's name, signifying a peaceful family life, which stirred a pang of sadness in Xu Jiao Rong as she lamented the absence of Xu Xuan and his family from the celebration. Meanwhile, inside Leifeng Pagoda, Yao Yao observed that the evil spirit tormenting her was decreasing and gradually losing its grip.

She also noted the magic barrier in the pagoda slowly disappearing, leading to peace in Lin'an City, as a prosperous Heaven led to fewer complaints from mortals. She recounted having the same beautiful dream, relying on its splendor to endure the difficult years. Yao Yao mistakenly believed this was due to Fa Hai's assistance, unaware that Xu Xuan had been secretly guarding near the pagoda for years, helping to clear her demonic obstacles.

She asked Fa Hai how he, who didn't sleep or dream, managed to battle the evil aura. Fa Hai simply replied that his heart was clear and not empty, to which Yao Yao playfully remarked that even the evil aura wouldn't bother someone as boring as him.

During this period, Xu Xuan completed numerous feats, consuming years of his effort: he helped the Dragon Tribe rebuild the Eastern Sea, aided the Demon Clan in purifying Bei Huang, and planted a vast plum blossom grove for the Green Emperor on Mount Jiuxi.

He also used a deity herb to reform Xiao Bao’s intelligence, thus discreetly training Xiao Bao as the new Lord of the Apothecary House over eighteen years and ensuring a capable successor for the Apothecary House, a responsibility Xu Xuan took seriously. Xu Xuan revealed to Fa Hai that this final act of purifying Yao Yao's demonic energy was his ultimate wish, having completed all his other desires.

Fa Hai noted that Xu Xuan, no longer resembling a deity but a mere mortal, was destroying himself in the process, a sentiment echoed by a venerable deity who had observed Xu Xuan's unwavering resolve. This deity advised Fa Hai not to interfere, acknowledging Xu Xuan's determination and the possibility that this path might lead to the best outcome.

Xu Xuan told Fa Hai that if he perished, Fa Hai must remind Yao Yao that the promise of the broken bridge could never be broken. Fa Hai pondered if it was Yao Yao's fate to live a solitary life. With his black hair now turned white from years of enduring demonic attacks, Xu Xuan absorbed all remaining evil energy into his own body.

As the Leifeng Pagoda shimmered with its former golden light, Xu Xuan emerged, his primordial spirit nearing annihilation. Fa Hai rushed to tend to him, only to discover that Xu Xuan’s immortal root was severed. Xu Xuan confessed that he had used his immortal root to mend Yao Yao's spiritual pearl, accepting that this meant he would have no chance of life, no reincarnation, and no possibility of reuniting with her.

Fa Hai, heartbroken, questioned Xu Xuan's sacrifice, but Xu Xuan merely stated his desire to banish the magic barrier completely, ensuring Yao Yao's safety and preventing her from ever becoming a devil or being imprisoned in the pagoda again. At that moment, Yao Yao’s eyes regained their sight inside the pagoda, and she tearfully wondered if Xu Xuan was responsible.

Fa Hai observed Xu Xuan fading, reflecting on his journey from an aspiring deity to this selfless end, but Xu Xuan, ever Zi Xuan and Xu Xuan, affirmed that his essence remained unchanged. As the demonic energy fully dissipated from the pagoda, Fa Hai's assistance caused the West Lake to dry and Leifeng Pagoda to collapse, fulfilling the ancient prophecy.

Yao Yao, remembering her promise with Xu Xuan, frantically searched for him in the peach forest, but he was nowhere to be found. The West Lake and Leifeng Pagoda eventually returned to their original forms, but Xu Xuan did not appear for their reunion. Fa Hai lovingly buried the spiritual pearls of the little demons, who had also perished, in the earth behind Fumo Palace, frequently meditating there to offer them peace.

He understood now the profound depth of love through Xiao Qing's enduring spiritual presence and wished to live a simple, human life with her in a future reincarnation. Yao Yao waited seven agonizing days at the Broken Bridge, but Xu Xuan remained absent. A pouring rain began as she wailed, her heart shattered.

She cried that if Xu Xuan had sacrificed his life to free her from demonic barriers, she would rather have remained in the darkness, where at least her heart would have been clear and full of hope, unlike her current state of despair. Accusing him of breaking their sacred promise, she vowed never to trust or wait for him again.

With a final, desperate plea for him to keep his promise in their next life, Yao Yao plunged into the West Lake. In a fleeting vision, she saw Xu Xuan, his hair now white, finally coming to meet her. Concurrent with this, Xiao Qing’s centuries-long waiting for reunion was recounted, her silent endurance echoing Yao Yao's plight.

Fa Hai, too, expressed his own profound, aching loss, admitting that while he couldn't recall her face or name, the pain of a hollowed-out heart was undeniable, a testament to his eternal connection with Xiao Qing.