The Legend of White Snake Recap, Plot, Synopsis, Total Episodes

The Legend of White Snake Synopsis

Bai Suzhen, who had been training for a thousand years, successfully transformed into a human being in Emei Mountain and received the enlightenment of the Goddess of Mercy. She decides to experience mortal life and accumulate good deeds to become immortal as soon as possible.

In the process of fighting against the demon, Bai Suzhen met Xu Xian, the Lin’an doctor, and became sisters with Xiao Qing, a five-hundred-year-old snake demon.

Bai Suzhen and Xu Xian fell in love with each other and became husband and wife. At the Dragon Boat Festival, Bai Suzhen mistakenly drank Xiong Huang wine and showed her original body, making Xu Xian think that Bai Suzhen was eaten by snakes and died. He fell into sleep because of the shock.

Sobering up, Bai Suzhen was heartbroken and decided to go to Kunlun Mountain to steal the immortal grass to let Xu Xian wake. After a lot of hazards, she finally saved Xu Xian.

The news that Bai Suzhen was a demon spread throughout Lin’an City, and she was rejected by the people. Xu Xian swallowed the evil medicine Man Ling Dan in order to protect Bai Suzhen, He transformed into a demon and was brought into the Jinshan Temple by Fa Hai.

However, after giving birth to her infant son, Bai Suzhen was imprisoned in the Leifeng Tower for her sins.

Bai Suzhen was imprisoned for love, Xu Xian traveled to save his wife by doing goods. Unless the Leifeng Tower fell, the West Lake water dry, the couple can reunite.

The Legend of White Snake Recap

Episode 1 Recap

Under Mount Qingcheng, Bai Suzhen, a white snake, cultivated for a thousand years in a cave, eventually transforming into a human. She became known as Bai Suzhen, a woman of refined beauty and graceful demeanor. Throughout her millennium of cultivation, Bai Suzhen devoted herself to goodness, never resorting to harmful magic or harming the innocent.

Remembering the life-saving grace of Guanyin, who had granted her wisdom during a great drought in Middle Sichuan by sprinkling the dew with a poplar branch, Bai Suzhen decided to renounce the secular world and become a Buddhist. Full of earnestness, Bai Suzhen went to Guanyin's temple to express her wish. Guanyin, with a benevolent gaze, gently questioned how Bai Suzhen could abandon a world she had never truly experienced.

Guanyin explained that all sentient beings must first assume human form to fully experience the seven emotions and six desires, and only by overcoming temptations, learning to let go, and developing compassion can one truly leave the mundane world and attain enlightenment. With this insight, Guanyin departed, leaving Bai Suzhen resolved to embark on a journey into the human world to gain life experience and refine her spiritual path.

Meanwhile, deep in a bamboo forest, a bald monk named Fahai sat in meditation within a spiritual barrier. During his meditation, he was disturbed by a demonic entity that took on the guise of the Buddha, attempting to mislead him. Fahai's master, observing this, reminded him that he was too fixated on appearances and could not truly discern between a demon and a Buddha.

His master taught him that a monk harboring killing intent could fall into delusion and become a demon, while a demon with a kind heart could, conversely, attain enlightenment. Recently, his master had observed an ominous celestial phenomenon, "Mars flickering with the glow of the fire," appearing in the south, signifying the imminent arrival of a thousand-year-old demon in Lin'an City.

To aid Fahai in his mission, his master bestowed upon him two sacred artifacts: the Zijin Bowl, capable of capturing demons, and the Exorcism Cane, which could sense malevolent auras and track demons, serving as a warning. However, his master cautioned Fahai that he must not act unless the cane moved, emphasizing the principle of not killing those who could be saved, and to remain still when the cane is still. Fahai, however, struggled to fully comprehend these teachings.

Lin'an City had become a place of unease. Whispers of demons and dark magic harming children circulated, spreading fear among the populace. The disappearances were particularly tragic, targeting only children from single-child families or the beloved offspring of widows. To further provoke, the killer would display the bloody clothes of the victims at their homes. Xu Xian, courtesy name Hanwen, a refined and compassionate physician, well-versed in medicine, sought to help the community.

His brother-in-law, Li Gongfu, a chief constable, was tasked with investigating these unsettling events. Li Gongfu cautioned his wife, Xu Jiaorong, to refrain from looking after neighbors' children during such dangerous times, sharing details of the gruesome methods of the killer, who displayed bloody clothes as a taunt. While Xu Jiaorong expressed fear of the demon, Xu Xian reassured her, stating that his brother-in-law's righteous energy would prevail.

Xu Xian set up a street stall, offering medical consultations to raise money for Mrs Yu, a neighbor whose husband had a broken leg and whose son Changsheng was left vulnerable due to her serious illness. Passersby lauded Xu Xian as Hua Tuo's incarnation, a claim he neither denied nor affirmed. Bai Suzhen, new to the human world, was drawn to the commotion. She observed Xu Xian and initially believed him to be the revered physician Hua Tuo.

However, her hopes were dashed when Jin Ruyi, a young woman who secretly held a close relationship with Xu Xian and addressed him as 'Brother Hanwen', disguised herself as an arrogant quack. She challenged Xu Xian, arguing about medical texts, as a deliberate stunt to highlight his brilliance and enhance his reputation as Hua Tuo's incarnation.

Bai Suzhen, having seen Hua Tuo in her past, quickly realized Xu Xian was not him and was disappointed by what she perceived as an act. Later, Bai Suzhen overheard Jin Ruyi confirming the trick. This revelation led Bai Suzhen to mistakenly believe Xu Xian was a fraud conspiring to deceive people, greatly diminishing his image in her eyes. Determined to correct Xu Xian's perceived deceit, Bai Suzhen remembered Guanyin's instruction not to use magic to disrupt mortal order.

She first attempted to report Xu Xian to the authorities, presenting a formal complaint about his impersonation. However, the officials dismissed her, as Xu Xian was the chief constable Li Gongfu's brother-in-law. Undeterred, Bai Suzhen decided to confront Xu Xian directly. She disguised herself as a young man and went to Jishi Clinic, where Xu Xian worked. There, she lectured him on honesty, citing Mencius's teachings, and accused him of pretending to be Hua Tuo to defraud people.

She even suggested he return his ill-gotten earnings to correct his mistakes. During their heated exchange, Xu Xian accidentally knocked off her fake mustache, revealing her true identity. Seeing her youth, Xu Xian decided to let her go, but Bai Suzhen, enraged by his dismissive attitude, secretly used her magic to play a few pranks on him before leaving, vowing that their encounter was far from over.

As Bai Suzhen left the clinic, she sensed a strong, bloody demonic aura, suspecting it belonged to a malevolent demon that preyed on humans to enhance its cultivation. While pursuing the source of this energy, she accidentally collided with Xu Xian. Mistaking her haste for guilt, Xu Xian accused her of suspicious behavior and held onto her, demanding an explanation.

To escape his grasp and continue her pursuit, Bai Suzhen briefly used a subtle enchantment to confuse Xu Xian, making him release her in embarrassment. Soon after, Bai Suzhen encountered a young boy, Changsheng, clutching a "companion spiritual pearl" that he believed was a protective amulet from birth. He was attempting to pawn it for money to treat his sick mother. The pawnbroker, deeming the pearl worthless, threw it out.

Just as Changsheng retrieved it, the demonic aura surged, threatening to devour him. Bai Suzhen intervened, repelling the evil energy and saving Changsheng. Learning of his family's plight and his belief that the pearl was his 'birth pearl', Bai Suzhen used her magic to string it so he could wear it. Changsheng, believing her to be a "Fairy Sister" who used immortal arts, excitedly led her to his home.

She discreetly dropped him off at Li Gongfu's house before continuing her pursuit of the demon, but unexpectedly encountered Fahai, whose Exorcism Cane was already vibrating, indicating a nearby demonic presence. Bai Suzhen quickly hid, observing from a distance as Fahai confronted a centipede demon who showed no fear of the monk. Later, Bai Suzhen visited Changsheng's home to examine Mrs Yu, quickly discerning that her illness was caused by snake demon poison.

Just then, Xu Xian arrived with more medicine. Upon seeing Bai Suzhen, whom he still regarded as a suspicious fraud, he accused her of tricking the child and invading their home. Bai Suzhen countered, questioning Xu Xian's medical abilities since he couldn't cure Mrs Yu. Their argument escalated into a challenge: whoever successfully cured Mrs Yu's illness would be the victor, and the loser would obey the winner's command. Bai Suzhen then asked Changsheng about his mother's recent whereabouts.

Changsheng recalled that on the winter solstice, the day his mother fell ill, she had gone to the Nuwa Temple in Shilipo to pray for a protective amulet for him. Armed with this crucial information, Bai Suzhen ventured to the Nuwa Temple. She discovered it was overrun by various snake and rat demons, led by Xiao Qing, a green snake demon who had cultivated for one hundred years.

Xiao Qing was immediately captivated by Bai Suzhen's beauty, openly flirting and causing his nose to bleed in his excitement. Bai Suzhen sternly demanded the antidote for Mrs Yu, but Xiao Qing responded with further provocative remarks and even revealed his true green snake form, attempting to intimidate her. To Xiao Qing's surprise, Bai Suzhen, a white python, also revealed her majestic original form, and the two giant serpents, one green and one white, prepared for a confrontation in mid-air.

Episode 2 Recap

Bai Suzhen, from Snake Valley on Mount Emei, swiftly defeated Xiao Qing, who had significantly less cultivation. Bai Suzhen demanded an antidote, accusing Xiao Qing of poisoning Mrs. Yu. Xiao Qing insisted on her innocence but then recalled a recent incident. A woman, Mrs. Yu, had visited the Nuwa Temple to pray for a safety charm for her son, Changsheng.

In a moment of desperation due to her family's poverty, Mrs. Yu had taken some offerings, including an apple that Xiao Qing had bitten. This apple, tainted with Xiao Qing's venom, was the cause of Mrs. Yu's severe illness. Understanding it was an accident, Bai Suzhen apologized for her impetuosity and requested a drop of snake bile. Xiao Qing, despite being beaten, willingly provided the demon's blood-laced antidote, thinking Bai Suzhen a "stupid snake."

Meanwhile, Fahai, investigating reports of missing "only children" in Lin'an City, became convinced a demon was lurking. As Bai Suzhen hurried back with the antidote, she noticed a strong, bloody demonic aura emanating from the bottle. Realizing Xiao Qing had deceptively added demon's blood, Bai Suzhen used her powers to purify the medicine. The dissipation of the demon blood caused Fahai's Exorcism Cane, a hundred paces away, to spin rapidly, alerting him to a demon's presence.

Fahai confronted Bai Suzhen, accusing her of being a demon. Despite her attempts to explain, Fahai was resolute in subduing her, leading to a chase that ended in Xu Xian's room at the Jishi Clinic. At the Jishi Clinic, a renowned pharmacy, Ruyi, the quirky daughter of Xu Xian’s master, was deeply infatuated with Xu Xian.

Her father, however, strongly disapproved of Xu Xian, a man of humble origins, becoming his live-in son-in-law, despite Xu Xian being a talented doctor learning under him. Ruyi had even previously pretended to be an incompetent doctor to showcase Xu Xian's skills. Now, desperate to secure their marriage, she sought to force her father's hand.

She decided to lie improperly dressed on Xu Xian's bed, hoping her father would consent, much like the famous story of Cui Yingying and Mr. Zhang. Just as she settled, Fahai burst in, pursuing Bai Suzhen, who had transformed into a small white snake and hidden under the bedclothes. Ruyi’s terrified screams and the resulting commotion startled Fahai, providing Bai Suzhen a chance to evade capture. Xu Xian rushed into the room and, seeing the small, weak snake, felt pity.

Despite his master's order to kill it for medicine, Xu Xian secretly released the snake by the river, explaining that other herbs could replace snake gallbladder and that even a small snake deserved to live. Watching him, Bai Suzhen, still in her snake form, realized he was not as bad as she had initially thought. Bai Suzhen, now in human form, arrived at Mrs. Yu’s house with the purified antidote.

Xu Xian, who had been struggling to cure Mrs. Yu, was astonished as she immediately awoke after taking Bai Suzhen’s elixir. He felt ashamed, admitting his earlier methods were to merely "play for time" and that he had been overconfident in his skills.

They shared a meal, with Bai Suzhen playfully questioning his cooking (as "Gentlemen are far away from the kitchen") and how he knew she released the white snake, to which she vaguely replied she had observed it from afar. When a fire flared in the kitchen, Xu Xian instinctively protected Bai Suzhen, making her wonder if he always protected people with such kindness, just as he had protected the snake.

She also challenged his previous pretense of being an almighty physician, and he confessed that he had to use such tactics to afford expensive medicine to keep Mrs. Yu alive while he figured out the cause. Bai Suzhen then explained Mrs. Yu's illness as a rare poisonous bug bite from her native Shu (Sichuan), treated by "counteracting the toxin with another."

Their previous wager about who could cure Mrs. Yu was declared a draw by Bai Suzhen, acknowledging Xu Xian's role in keeping Mrs. Yu alive. Xu Xian was impressed by her uprightness and confessed his previous misunderstanding. Meanwhile, Xiao Qing, left alone in Lin'an City, felt a pang of loneliness during the festive Lantern Festival, a time for family reunions, lamenting her mother's century-long absence.

At a restaurant, a waiter's suggestion of a "snake feast" enraged Xiao Qing, who was a snake demon herself. She attacked him, leading Fahai to intervene once more. As Fahai prepared to subdue Xiao Qing with his Zijin Bowl, Bai Suzhen arrived and rescued her. From that moment, Xiao Qing, now calling herself Xiao Qing, clung to Bai Suzhen like a shadow, childlike and carefree, forgetting her recent peril.

Bai Suzhen, still new to human society, found Xiao Qing's street smarts helpful, especially with understanding concepts like money. While shopping for clothes, Bai Suzhen, trying to avoid looking "dowdy," chose an outfit identical to Ruyi’s. This led to a brief, humorous altercation with Ruyi and her maid, Yin Xiang, before Xiao Qing stepped in to cover Bai Suzhen’s lack of money. Elsewhere, Xu Xian, still pondering Mrs. Yu's recovery, was reluctantly persuaded by Ruyi to attend the Lantern Festival.

He was uninterested in the general festivities until a lantern riddle caught his eye. He answered it with a riddle of his own, impressing the crowd, and asked the vendor to give his riddle-lantern to the mysterious woman who had posed the original. Moments later, Bai Suzhen and Xiao Qing arrived at the same lantern stall. Bai Suzhen noticed her original riddle-lantern was gone.

The vendor then presented her with Xu Xian’s lantern, explaining it was a return riddle from the man who had solved hers. Bai Suzhen immediately understood the answer, a moment of unspoken connection between them. However, a sudden demonic wind swept through the crowd, scattering people.

In the ensuing chaos, Xu Xian, momentarily disoriented, saw a figure in white, mistaking her for Ruyi, and reached out to grasp her waist, only to find himself looking into Bai Suzhen's bright, spirited eyes.

Episode 3 Recap

Green Snake, lacking Bai Suzhen's cultivation, was defeated. Bai Suzhen sought an antidote. Green Snake recalled that Mrs. Yu had consumed an apple tainted by Green Snake's venom after it bit the fruit, making her gravely ill. Despite believing himself innocent, Green Snake (in his male form, described as a handsome "gentleman" in green attire) reluctantly offered Bai Suzhen an antidote mixed with his demon blood. Bai Suzhen gratefully took the remedy to save Mrs. Yu.

As Bai Suzhen hurried with the antidote, she sensed an anomaly in the bottle. She purified the demon blood from it, an act that caused Fahai's Exorcism Cane to react from miles away. Fahai pursued Bai Suzhen, and their chase led them directly into Xu Xian’s room at Jishitang, a renowned Lin'an pharmacy. In Jishitang lived Ruyi, the eccentric daughter of the owner, who was infatuated with Xu Xian, a talented physician studying under her father.

Ruyi's father, however, was vehemently against Xu Xian, a young man of humble origins, becoming his son-in-law. Ruyi, attempting a desperate gambit, lay in Xu Xian's bed, hoping to force a marriage, while Bai Suzhen, in the form of a small snake, was hidden within the bedclothes. Fahai's sudden intrusion into the room to capture the demon caused Ruyi to scream in shock and embarrassment, allowing Bai Suzhen to escape detection.

When Xu Xian entered, he found a weak small snake and, out of compassion, released it without his brother-in-law's knowledge. Witnessing Xu Xian's benevolent act from afar, Bai Suzhen felt her initial reservations about him vanish, realizing he possessed a truly kind heart. Bai Suzhen then delivered the purified antidote to Changsheng for Mrs. Yu. Xu Xian watched in amazement as Mrs. Yu's condition rapidly improved.

Feeling a sense of humility, Xu Xian's admiration for Bai Suzhen soared, and any previous misunderstandings between them dissolved. They subsequently shared meals, laughter, and pleasant conversations, deepening their mutual affection. Meanwhile, on the bustling Lantern Festival, Xiao Qing (the Green Snake), now alone in Lin'an City, found himself reflecting on his mother's century-long absence, feeling profound loneliness amidst the festive lights. When a waiter insolently offered him a snake banquet, Xiao Qing, enraged, began a violent rampage.

Fahai, detecting the demonic energy, attempted to subdue Xiao Qing with his Purple Gold Bowl. Despairing and without attachments, Xiao Qing offered no resistance, willing to die. However, Bai Suzhen arrived just in time to rescue him. From that moment, Xiao Qing, now affectionately calling himself "Xiao Qing," clung to Bai Suzhen like a shadow. He spoke nothing of his past or future, seemingly forgetting the recent danger, and followed Bai Suzhen like a carefree child.

Bai Suzhen, new to the human world and unfamiliar with money, was delighted to have someone to guide her through the myriad wonders of the lantern fair, picking up whatever caught her eye while Xiao Qing managed the payments. Elsewhere, Xu Xian, still preoccupied with Mrs. Yu's well-being and determined to improve his medical skills, was reluctantly pulled out by Ruyi. Despite his disinterest in frivolous romantic encounters, a lantern with a riddle caught his attention.

Xu Xian cleverly answered the riddle with another riddle, earning applause from onlookers. Yet, he was more interested in finding the mysterious woman who had posed the first riddle. He penned his own riddle on a new lantern and asked the vendor to give it to her. When Bai Suzhen returned to the display of riddle lanterns, she found her original lantern gone. The vendor promptly handed her the lantern Xu Xian had left.

With a single glance, Bai Suzhen instantly knew the answer. On this festive night, they had found kindred spirits, a connection, though neither yet fully understood the depth of their burgeoning fate. It was then that a sudden demon wind swept through the bustling crowd, blurring vision and scattering people. In the swirling chaos, Xu Xian indistinctly saw a figure in white gauze.

Reaching out, he clutched her waist, and looking down, found himself gazing into a pair of bright, soulful eyes. The confusion of the Lantern Festival quickly escalated with children crying, adults hurrying, and screams of panic filling the air. A strong dust-storm swept through Lin'an City, but a lantern they each held illuminated their tender expressions. Xu Xian, unable to stand by idly, comforted Bai Suzhen and then rushed to the most dangerous area to help the injured.

Xiao Qing, worried about Bai Suzhen's safety, tried to pull her away from the perilous situation. Yet, Bai Suzhen’s eyes were fixed on Xu Xian's selfless courage, and she was determined to follow him. She thanked Xiao Qing for the concern but explained that, having been enlightened by Guanyin, she was bound to help anyone in danger, be it demon or human.

Xiao Qing argued that as a demon, Bai Suzhen should not meddle in human affairs and warned that her stubbornness could prevent her from achieving immortality. Despite Xiao Qing's pleas, Bai Suzhen remained steadfast. Exhausted by the numerous casualties, Xu Xian was touched to see Bai Suzhen, a seemingly delicate woman, offering assistance. He was amazed by her courage, while she was equally impressed by his disregard for personal safety to aid others. Their shared compassion deepened their mutual admiration.

Meanwhile, Changsheng's parents frantically searched for their son. Changsheng, crying for his parents, was taken by an unseen force, leaving Mrs. Yu heartbroken and only able to retrieve the sachet containing his birth pearl. Xu Xian then saved Bai Suzhen from falling debris, and when he saw her bleeding hand, he insisted on treating it, highlighting his dedication as a healer. As more people cried for help, a fire erupted in a nearby restaurant, trapping many.

Xu Xian, without hesitation, soaked a cloth and rushed into the inferno. Seeing his valiant efforts, Bai Suzhen knew she had to help. She began to summon clouds and rain, an act of divine magic forbidden to demons, which Xiao Qing warned would incur heavenly punishment and draw the attention of Fahai’s Exorcism Cane. Bai Suzhen disregarded the risks, stating that human lives were at stake.

Reluctantly, Xiao Qing decided to stay and protect Bai Suzhen, even using his demon core to enhance the rain spell. As the heavy rain poured down, saving the trapped people and dousing the flames in Lin'an City, the puppet charm that Jing Song had given Bai Suzhen for her grown-up ceremony shattered. Bai Suzhen, seeing the broken jade hairpin, realized that Jing Song, her squirrel demon neighbor, had taken the blow meant for her.

Meanwhile, Fahai, who had been fighting the powerful centipede demon, was momentarily distracted as the demon escaped, boasting about gathering more power from the captured children. With the immediate danger averted, Xiao Qing, weakened and injured from his efforts, urged Bai Suzhen to flee back to Nuwa Temple. Xu Xian, searching for Bai Suzhen amidst the lingering chaos, found only her broken lantern.

Distraught, he returned home with Ruyi, his heart heavy with concern, and began to painstakingly repair the lantern. The following morning, Xu Xian asked his brother-in-law, Lin, to inquire at the local office about a Miss Bai in a lime-green dress, but Lin dismissed his concerns, advising him to focus on his own family and not get too involved with strangers.

Unbeknownst to Lin, his wife (Xu Xian's sister) had already noticed Xu Xian's strong affections; she found him writing poetry, each line hinting at the surname "Bai," confirming his deep interest in the mysterious woman. Back at Nuwa Temple, Xiao Qing, though wounded, boasted to his snake and rat companions about his bravery in saving Lin'an City and blocking Fahai's Exorcism Cane.

Bai Suzhen, while amused, gently reminded him that she had previously misunderstood his nature and now owed him a debt. Later, as Xiao Qing slept restlessly, Bai Suzhen stayed by his side. Xiao Qing dreamt of his mother, who had wanted him to cultivate into a female form but he preferred to be a man to protect her. His mother's urgent departure during a thunderstorm, advising him to cultivate in a place rich in natural essence, brought him sadness.

Waking up to see Bai Suzhen sleeping by his side, he was deeply moved. He jokingly proposed that Bai Suzhen stay at Nuwa Temple as his "companion," but Bai Suzhen teased him, saying he was too young and she was destined for mortal cultivation. Xiao Qing, unwilling to lose another loved one, made a decision. He transformed into a mischievous young girl, declaring they could now be sisters and cultivate together in the mortal world.

Looking at his new female form, Xiao Qing felt a pang of guilt towards his mother for breaking his promise, but he was willing to do it for Bai Suzhen, the new person he wanted to protect. Bai Suzhen accepted, and they set off for Lin'an City. The centipede demon, responsible for the recent chaos, was revealed to be a fusion of resentment and demonic energy.

It originated from Ms. Wu, the "craftiest woman in Zhaoge City," who, after being persecuted by Emperor Zhou and Daji, tragically merged her soul with a centipede demon after her daughter was eaten. For two millennia, this entity had been kidnapping boys to enhance its power, often posing as an embroiderer selling sachets and embroidered shoes. The demon's power was formidable, easily evading Fahai and kidnapping dozens of boys, including Changsheng, right under people's noses.

The next day, worried parents gathered at the local office, desperate for news of their missing sons. Many confirmed that their children were their family's only heirs for generations. Xiao Qing, overhearing the commotion, asserted that the centipede demon was responsible, having smelled its demonic odor during the Lantern Festival. Bai Suzhen, concerned for Changsheng, decided to visit his home. On their way, they encountered Xu Xian, also headed to Changsheng's house with medicine for Mrs. Yu.

Xiao Qing, noting Xu Xian's admiring gaze at Bai Suzhen, jealously stepped between them, insisting that as Bai Suzhen's maid, she would relay their words to maintain proper decorum for a well-educated family. Despite Xiao Qing's objections, Bai Suzhen agreed to travel with Xu Xian. At Changsheng's home, Mrs. Yu was again ill with grief. Bai Suzhen comforted her and promised to find Changsheng. Mrs. Yu handed Bai Suzhen Changsheng's pearl, mentioning that Changsheng believed Bai Suzhen possessed magical abilities.

Xu Xian, examining the pearl, noticed a faint medicinal scent, suspecting it came from being stored in a sachet. Xiao Qing teased him about his interest in sachets, asking if he had a wife at home, which Xu Xian promptly denied, stating he was a humble, single student. As Xu Xian pondered the sachet's significance, Fahai, who was independently investigating the kidnappings, informed Lin that a powerful centipede demon was behind the disappearances. Suddenly, Fahai's Exorcism Cane reacted, leading him to pursue a nearby presence. He quickly found Xu Xian and questioned him about his companion and the demon's odor emanating from him.

Episode 4 Recap

Xu Xian noticed a strong scent of Dragon Powder from a sachet left by Changsheng. Connecting this with the fact that all missing children were only sons, he deduced that the culprit must be using the Dragon Powder as a marker. His brother-in-law, Li Gongfu, confirmed this theory after days of patrols and inquiries revealed that all missing children had purchased exquisitely embroidered pouches or shoes.

The two then focused their search on embroidery shops that specialized in the "double-needle stitch" of Bian embroidery. Soon, Li Gongfu investigated all the embroidery shops in Lin'an and identified Ms. Wu as the primary suspect. Meanwhile, Xiao Qing, ever loyal and spirited, refused to back down from her promise to Bai Suzhen, even knowing the centipede demon's power far surpassed her own by a thousand years.

During a conversation with her companions, Xiao Qing learned that centipedes are afraid of roosters, and the rooster with the strongest Yang energy, the first to crow at dawn in Lin'an, was kept in Xu Xian's sister's courtyard. Thus, Bai Suzhen and Xiao Qing stealthily infiltrated the Li family residence to "borrow" the rooster. Before they could succeed, Xu Xian’s sister, Xu Jiaorong, caught them.

The embarrassing misunderstanding left Bai Suzhen mortified, but Xu Xian intervened, and with Xiao Qing's seamless fabrication, they managed to convince Xu Jiaorong. Xiao Qing claimed they were looking for Xu Xian to inquire about Changsheng and got lost in Quyuan Lane. Xu Jiaorong, who had already sensed an affection between Xu Xian and Bai Suzhen, was delighted to see them talking so amicably.

When Xu Jiaorong asked about Bai Suzhen's background, Xiao Qing cleverly spun a tale: her mistress was Miss Bai, a high-born daughter from the Bai Mansion in Furong City, Sichuan, whose parents, a general and his wife, had passed away prematurely. They had then traveled to the south to seek relatives, only to find those relatives had also moved. Xiao Qing's story was so convincing that even Bai Suzhen almost believed it.

Hearing of Bai Suzhen's plight, Xu Jiaorong expressed even greater warmth towards the two young women from afar. During their chat, Bai Suzhen discreetly gave Xu Xian a sachet of Chinese mugwort powder, instructing him to give it to Li Gongfu, explaining its effectiveness against centipedes. Xu Xian, realizing the powder was meant to counter centipedes, deduced that Bai Suzhen must have also learned about the creature from Changsheng's sachet.

Filled with joy and a hint of excitement, Xu Jiaorong promptly cooked the prized rooster, which Bai Suzhen had discreetly requested, into a delicious soup. Without the rooster, Bai Suzhen and Xiao Qing returned to their temporary home, a magnificent mansion conjured by their illusionary arts. As they pondered how to find the centipede demon, Jing Song arrived.

Jing Song, a golden mouse under the Buddha, commanded all mice as his eyes and ears, making the task of locating the centipede easy for him. However, he warned of the immense danger; the centipede demon possessed formidable powers, fearing neither gods nor ghosts, and even their combined strength might not be enough. But Bai Suzhen, concerned for the common people, refused to give up. With persistent persuasion, she brought Jing Song onto their side.

Xiao Qing, realizing her own cultivation was too shallow for a direct assault, suggested enlisting Fahai. Jing Song's informants swiftly located Ms. Wu and discovered her horrifying plan to slaughter all the children the next day to enhance her own cultivation. With no time to lose, the trio decided to act at noon the following day, when the centipede demon's Yin energy would be at its weakest. The next day, they split into two groups.

Bai Suzhen and Jing Song headed directly to Ms. Wu's lair. Xiao Qing went into the inner city to intentionally provoke Fahai to join their cause. Bai Suzhen arrived just in time to save Li Gongfu, whose life was in peril. Panicked that she would miss the optimal time for her ritual, Ms. Wu abandoned the fight and fled into a confined space. Bai Suzhen and Jing Song quickly pursued her.

Ms. Wu desperately sought to consume the life essence of all the captured children to increase her cultivation and open the reincarnation gate. Her sole purpose was to return to a specific moment in the past to save her innocent daughter. The image of her daughter's face remained vivid in her memory, and the kind girl had promised to always keep a Naga Pearl in her mouth, ensuring they would be together through all future lives.

Because of this promise, Ms. Wu had searched for a thousand years, tragically killing only male children, fearing she might accidentally harm her beloved daughter. But fate was cruel; Ms. Wu had once jokingly wished for her daughter to be a boy. Consequently, her daughter was reborn as a male child in every reincarnation, only to be brutally murdered by Ms. Wu herself. In this current life, her child was Changsheng.

With Changsheng's passing, the Naga Pearl, which Bai Suzhen had kept, began to glow. This pearl's spiritual energy had always been used to nourish Changsheng's soul, remaining dim until now. With his soul's return, the energy flowed back into the pearl, causing it to radiate brilliantly. Only at this moment did Ms. Wu painfully realize that she had, in fact, murdered the child she had sought for a thousand years.

Overwhelmed with grief, Ms. Wu recklessly attempted to force open the reincarnation gate, despite lacking sufficient power and choosing the wrong time. The centipede within her frantically tried to stop her, but could not sway a mother's resolve to save her child. When Xiao Qing and Fahai finally reached the confined space, the three—Bai Suzhen, Jing Song, and Ms. Wu—had already been dragged by the reincarnation gate to the Bridge of Helplessness, in search of Changsheng's freshly departed soul.

Ms. Wu activated the Three-Life Stone, hoping to read Changsheng's soul and make him return to the human world with his memories. Alas, the unfortunate child, having suffered countless reincarnations and being killed by his own mother each time, was now completely dissipated, his soul scattered, making his return impossible. Seeing that Changsheng's soul was lost, the centipede then declared that it would take Bai Suzhen's demon core instead.

Episode 5 Recap

Overwhelmed by the loss of her child, Ms. Wu became distraught, allowing the Centipede Demon to take control of her. The Centipede Demon attempted to steal Bai Suzhen's demon core to increase its power, but Ms. Wu fiercely protected Bai Suzhen. Just as the situation grew dire, Xiao Qing and Fahai arrived. To fully focus on saving her child, Ms. Wu forcefully separated from the Centipede Demon, declaring her intention to save her daughter.

Deprived of a physical body, the Centipede Demon fought desperately for survival. Xiao Qing and Fahai coordinated their attacks, hitting the Centipede Demon's vital points, catching it off guard. Meanwhile, Bai Suzhen, unable to bear the thought of Changsheng's soul scattering and falling into the Underworld, strove to mend his shattered spirit. Jing Song, worried that Bai Suzhen was taking on too much, reluctantly joined the effort.

In the midst of this chaotic battle in the Reincarnation Road, Fahai observed Ms. Wu, realizing she was a combination of human and demon, intensely dark and evil. Xiao Qing scolded Fahai, vowing to become a nun if he killed Ms. Wu, while Bai Suzhen confronted Ms. Wu about the Centipede Demon's earlier attempt to steal her demon core. Ms. Wu, however, reiterated her sole purpose: to save Changsheng.

Jing Song then revealed that the Reincarnation Road was powered by Ms. Wu’s cultivation, and her current state put Bai Suzhen in grave danger if she continued. Changsheng's spirit, broken from centuries of reincarnation, desperately needed Ms. Wu's three thousand years of cultivation to be mended, and Bai Suzhen was determined to escort it across the Bridge of Death. Ultimately, Ms. Wu sacrificed her own soul, perishing as she mended Changsheng's fragmented spirit, allowing him to be reincarnated once more.

The Centipede Demon was then killed by Fahai's staff. Bai Suzhen, now holding Changsheng's reincarnation lamp, urgently sought to guide it through the Reincarnation Gate. However, as demons, they were not permitted to linger between the Three Realms, making every moment of delay increasingly perilous. Despite the danger, Bai Suzhen was resolute in her mission to save him, and her companions were unwilling to leave her side.

As the three were about to be pulled into the collapsing Reincarnation Gate, their genuine bond, expressed by their clasped hands, caught Fahai's eye. His master's teachings echoed in his ears: that killing intent could corrupt even a monk, while a kind heart could lead a demon to enlightenment. Understanding that he should not be blinded by prejudice or obsession, Fahai extended his help, rescuing the three from the collapsing path.

The illusion then dissipated, and the four successfully escaped back to the real world. Seeing the happy outcome, Fahai no longer obsessed with capturing Bai Suzhen and Xiao Qing. He spared them that day, but warned them against any future injustice before departing hastily. Xiao Qing, despite being saved, remained defiant towards Fahai, but Bai Suzhen urged her to focus on helping the others.

Back in the real world, at Ms. Wu's embroidery workshop, Li Gongfu and Xu Xian were busy rescuing the poisoned constables and trapped children. Xu Xian, observing the centipedes emerging from the walls, deduced that the Centipede Demon's actual lair must be hidden in a place of darkness and humidity behind a painting concealed by a screen, a detail confirmed by the storyteller Blind Sun.

After rescuing the children, Li Gongfu praised Xu Xian, suggesting he would make a better chief constable. Just then, Ruyi arrived, expressing concern for Xu Xian's safety while he was on duty and urging him to return to Jishi Clinic. At the same moment, Bai Suzhen, weakened from her ordeal, saw Ruyi affectionately holding Xu Xian’s arm. Overwhelmed by a surge of emotions, Bai Suzhen fainted into Jing Song's arms.

Xiao Qing, quick to react, intervened when Xu Xian tried to check Bai Suzhen’s pulse, stating that her sister needed rest. Ruyi, in turn, pulled Xu Xian away, reminding him that more injured constables awaited his treatment. Observing the scene, Jing Song became silently displeased by Bai Suzhen's obvious feelings for Xu Xian. With the Centipede Demon defeated and the children returned to their parents, only Changsheng remained.

Xu Xian, along with Bai Suzhen and Xiao Qing, went to visit Mrs. Yu. They arrived just as Mrs. Yu, distraught over Changsheng's death, was about to take her own life. Bai Suzhen swiftly intervened, urging Mrs. Yu to reconsider for the sake of the child in her womb. It was revealed that Changsheng, having earned heaven's pity, had his complete soul return to Mrs. Yu's womb to be reborn.

Mrs. Yu, unaware of her pregnancy, was surprised, and Xu Xian confirmed she was indeed expecting. Xiao Qing then asked Bai Suzhen if this child was Changsheng reincarnated. Bai Suzhen explained Changsheng’s filial nature, how he had repeatedly reincarnated to seek his mother and suffered on her behalf. She attributed his current reunion with his mother to the heavens' mercy.

She also recounted Ms. Wu's tragic fate, having sacrificed her soul for Changsheng's reincarnation but ultimately suffering eternal damnation due to her heavy past misdeeds. Bai Suzhen reminded Xiao Qing that they must maintain their moral minds amidst the world's temptations to achieve enlightenment. After their visit, Xu Xian tried to catch up with Bai Suzhen, asking how she knew of Mrs. Yu's pregnancy without a pulse check.

Still upset by the earlier encounter, Bai Suzhen coldly replied that as a woman, she naturally knew such things, given the differences between men and women. Xu Xian, left to ponder her words, called himself stupid. Later, Xiao Qing discussed with Bai Suzhen how to truly understand a person's character. Xiao Qing suggested observing them when they believe no one is watching.

Intrigued, Bai Suzhen, despite Xiao Qing’s imperfect invisibility spell (which could only hide half), decided to put Xu Xian to the test. They covertly observed Xu Xian at Jishi Clinic, where he respectfully, yet firmly, rejected flirtatious advances from women from the Junxin House who offered free services in exchange for a visit. Bai Suzhen was impressed by his uprightness and integrity, especially when Xiao Qing noted the women's "fox demon" scent, which a mortal Xu Xian couldn't detect.

Ruyi then appeared, scolding Xu Xian for treating these women and asserting her authority as the clinic owner's daughter. Xu Xian, however, steadfastly maintained his medical ethics, explaining that as a physician, he could not turn away patients, especially "poor girls" like those from the brothel. Bai Suzhen realized her initial misunderstanding of his relationship with Ruyi; their interaction was purely professional. Further testing occurred when Xu Xian found a lost money bag.

Two men claimed it, but Xu Xian's astute observation and sharp intellect led him to deduce they were cousins playing a prank, confirming his pure intentions and wisdom. Bai Suzhen felt her love for him grow stronger with each revelation. Meanwhile, Fahai returned to his meditation hall and re-entered meditation, but he was increasingly troubled by his inner demon. His master, sensing his turmoil, inquired about his experience.

Fahai recounted a dream where he became a demon, pursued by another version of himself, only to be trapped by the Zijin Bowl, leading to his spirit scattering. He questioned why the Centipede Demon's influence persisted. His master explained that the dream was a manifestation of Fahai's own inner demon, born from his anger and lack of empathy for mortal suffering.

However, the master noted that dreaming of becoming a demon signified a nascent understanding of compassion and the ability to empathize with all beings. Despite Fahai's denial, his master sent him back to the mortal world to continue his spiritual journey. Xu Xian, eager to speak with Bai Suzhen, subtly prompted his sister, Xu Jiaorong, to host a celebratory banquet for those who helped resolve the child abduction case.

Xu Jiaorong, discerning his true intentions, readily agreed and tasked Xu Xian with writing and personally delivering the invitation to "Bai Mansion." Xu Xian diligently searched near Clear Wave Gate, as Xiao Qing had previously mentioned, but found only a desolate area, with locals unaware of any Bai Mansion. Believing Bai Suzhen wouldn't deceive him, he continued his search.

A sudden downpour forced him into an old, dilapidated pavilion, where he was astonished to find Bai Suzhen also sheltering from the rain. They exchanged surprised greetings. Xu Xian clarified that his earlier pursuit was not to question her medical knowledge but simply to talk to her after a long separation. He offered his handkerchief to dry her clothes. As the rain subsided, Xu Xian, concerned for her safety in the remote area, insisted on escorting her home.

Bai Suzhen agreed, secretly pleased that he would finally see her "Bai Mansion." Upon their arrival at the magnificent Bai Mansion, Xu Xian was visibly impressed, praising its elegant garden. While they were still outside, Xiao Qing and Jing Song were engaged in a fierce argument inside. Jing Song was adamant about taking Bai Suzhen back to Middle Sichuan for her protection, while Xiao Qing vehemently opposed it, calling him a "stinky rat" and a "Lin'an local tyrant."

Their bickering escalated, causing a mess inside the house. Before entering, Bai Suzhen realized she had lost her jade plate, and Xu Xian quickly found and returned it to her. Bai Suzhen, making it seem like a coincidence, then conjured another downpour, using the rain as an excuse to invite Xu Xian inside to escape the weather. As they entered, Xu Xian commented on the vibrant courtyard, while Bai Suzhen made a hurried excuse about absent servants.

Moments later, Bai Suzhen experienced a sudden dizziness, feeling "like eating a fly." Her hands grew cold. When Xu Xian offered to take her pulse, Jing Song quickly stepped in, asserting his own medical knowledge and a close relationship with Bai Suzhen, claiming there was no need for Xu Xian to bother.

Episode 6 Recap

Jing Song, aware of Bai Suzhen's stubborn nature, did not dare to speak of their relationship too intimately. Instead, he referred to her as his sister, yet every word he spoke was directed at Xu Xian, clearly treating him as an outsider.

When Xu Xian presented the banquet invitation, Jing Song used his perceived status to demand participation, stating that Suzhen had seldom come out and that her deceased aunt and uncle had entrusted her care to him, making him responsible for her at all times. Xu Xian graciously welcomed them both to his house. As Xu Xian prepared to leave, a sudden downpour began.

Bai Suzhen wished to see him off, but Jing Song firmly stopped her, reminding her of her delicate health. Instead, Bai Suzhen had Xiao Qing fetch an umbrella and handed it to Xu Xian, watching his retreating figure disappear into the distance. The next day, Ruyi was already preparing for the banquet. Believing it would elevate her status, she instructed her maid, Yinxiang, to retrieve a precious thousand-year-old reishi from her father's collection as a gift.

Meanwhile, Bai Suzhen also prepared for the feast, asking Xiao Qing to help her choose a dress. Xiao Qing enthusiastically offered her expertise in fashion, but Jing Song, dismissive of her taste, urged Bai Suzhen to choose for herself. Unimpressed by either's suggestions, Bai Suzhen decided to wear an elegant gown. To her annoyance, Ruyi arrived wearing an identical dress. At the Xu family entrance, Ruyi attempted to block Bai Suzhen, claiming it was a private family banquet.

Xiao Qing quickly retorted, mocking Ruyi's presumptuousness and then proudly displayed their invitation, implying Xu Xian had personally delivered it, which sent Ruyi storming inside. Inside, Ruyi tried to appear helpful by having Yinxiang assist Xu Jiaorong, Xu Xian's sister, with serving soup. However, Yinxiang fumbled, nearly spilling the hot broth. Bai Suzhen deftly caught the bowl, preventing a mishap.

Ruyi, instead of showing gratitude, sneered at Bai Suzhen, calling her a "boor who loves to fight" despite her refined appearance. Xiao Qing immediately defended Bai Suzhen, proudly declaring her the daughter of the Commander of Mid-Sichuan, a woman "no inferior to men," unlike "delicate girls" who couldn't even hold a bowl steady.

Xu Xian interjected, introducing Ruyi as his junior apprentice from Jishi Clinic and emphasizing that Bai Suzhen was a revered guest who had assisted him on multiple occasions. Ruyi, trying to regain the upper hand, presented her costly reishi, subtly chiding Bai Suzhen for arriving empty-handed. Realizing the social custom, Bai Suzhen used her powers to magically produce a meticulously organized medical book, which Xiao Qing presented.

Xu Xian was overjoyed, proclaiming it the most precious gift he had received that day and marveling at Bai Suzhen's generosity and wisdom. As they prepared to dine, Li Gongfu, Xu Xian's brother-in-law and the chief constable, joined them. Upon seeing Bai Suzhen, he recognized her as the "fairy" who had aided him during the centipede demon case.

Bai Suzhen, however, calmly denied it, stating she had arrived too late that day and he must have mistaken her for someone else. Xiao Qing quickly jumped in, attributing the confusion to Bai Suzhen's extraordinary beauty, which often led people to believe she was a celestial being. During the meal, Ruyi continued her thinly veiled barbs, criticizing Xiao Qing for sitting at the table with her mistress.

Bai Suzhen explained that Xiao Qing was like a sister to her and always dined at her side. Ruyi retorted that Bai Suzhen, despite claiming to be a lady, lacked proper decorum. Li Gongfu, noticing the rising tension, tried to lighten the mood with a toast, acknowledging the recent troubles in Lin'an. Following Xiao Qing's earlier advice to "fit in" by drinking heartily and reciting poems, Bai Suzhen began to toast everyone with eloquent verses, much to Ruyi's visible annoyance.

Jing Song, having overheard Xiao Qing's rustic advice, chastised her for teaching Bai Suzhen "rough men's drinking games." Bai Suzhen confessed it felt a bit strange to recite poems while drinking, but she continued to do so. Seeking to create an opportunity for Xu Xian and Bai Suzhen to spend time alone, Xu Jiaorong discreetly suggested that Bai Suzhen help Xu Xian air out his extensive collection of books, including some rare copies, in the good weather.

Ruyi eagerly offered her assistance, but Xu Jiaorong cleverly diverted her to mundane housework, while Xiao Qing physically restrained Jing Song from interfering, allowing Xu Xian and Bai Suzhen to proceed to the study. In Xu Xian's study, Bai Suzhen was captivated by the numerous books. Xu Xian enjoyed the quiet moment of her company. She discovered a copy of "Lei Gong's Review on Drugs and Pharmacy," a medical text she had long sought.

As Xu Xian explained how he had acquired the book, he accidentally touched her hand, causing a brief moment of awkwardness before he withdrew. Bai Suzhen then spotted a familiar mended lantern in a corner of the room – the very one from the Lantern Festival. Xu Xian admitted he had found it broken in the street after the festival, repaired it, and cherished it because her riddle had made that year's festival uniquely special.

He confessed that it was the first time he had met a "real competitor" and a "confidante," implying his growing feelings for her. Their intimate moment was abruptly interrupted when Ruyi, feigning a sudden stomachache, burst into the room. She sent Xu Xian away, claiming it was a "girl's illness" that only Bai Suzhen could examine. While Bai Suzhen was attending to Ruyi, Yinxiang, at Ruyi's subtle instruction, loudly announced that Ruyi and Xu Xian had a long-standing engagement.

She added that Xu Xian's kindness towards Bai Suzhen, an orphan with no parents, was merely out of pity and that Bai Suzhen should not "think too much" of it. Naive and soft-hearted, Bai Suzhen believed their words. Heartbroken and feeling misunderstood, she abruptly left the Xu house, telling Jing Song and Xiao Qing not to follow. Xu Xian was left bewildered by her sudden departure. Concerned by Bai Suzhen's forlorn expression, Jing Song secretly followed her.

Xiao Qing, attempting to follow discreetly, transformed using her magic, but her demonic energy was sensed by Fahai, who appeared and captured her. Bai Suzhen, distraught, asked Jing Song if mortals truly were so forgetful, if loved ones could be easily replaced, and if deep emotions simply faded into past memories. Jing Song seized the opportunity to reiterate the principle of "humans and demons having different paths."

He explained that while demons lived for millennia, mortals lived short lives, constantly undergoing reincarnations. What demons cherished as enduring memories were for mortals merely "things have changed, but people are gone," and such relationships only led to suffering, which he believed was Guanyin's true lesson. Convinced by the combined weight of Ruyi's deceit and Jing Song's words, and deeply heartbroken, Bai Suzhen agreed to return to Mount Emei with him.

However, she requested to travel slowly, taking time to enjoy the mortal scenery one last time, which Jing Song readily promised to arrange. Meanwhile, at the Drunken Immortal restaurant, Li Gongfu and his constables were celebrating. They learned about a new "best" courtesan named Kexin, renowned for her qin music and dancing. Unbeknownst to them, Kexin was a fox demon who preyed on the hearts of immoral and weak-willed men.

An inebriated Mr. Wang tried to accost Kexin, but Li Gongfu, ever righteous, intervened. Kexin then attempted to entice Li Gongfu into her private room, but he, being "afraid of his wife" and concerned about returning home smelling of perfume, politely declined, advising her to report any further harassment to the authorities. Frustrated by Li Gongfu's resistance, Kexin returned to Mr. Wang and, in a horrifying display of her true nature, drained his heart, leaving him a dried husk.

The discovery of Mr. Wang's body, with no external wounds but his heart missing, caused panic. Li Gongfu, determined to find the killer, ordered the restaurant sealed, declaring that no one would leave until the murderer was apprehended. The trapped guests, convinced it was a vengeful spirit, grew agitated and demanded release. At home, Xu Jiaorong worried when Li Gongfu did not return. Xu Xian, believing his brother-in-law might be drunk, offered to check on him.

Outside the restaurant, a constable informed Xu Xian of the murder and the widespread fear of "vengeful spirits," explaining Li Gongfu's lockdown. Hearing this, Xu Xian indicated he might have a solution if it were indeed vengeful spirits.

Episode 7 Recap

Xu Xian arrived at the Drunken Immortal Pavilion where a murder had occurred. Constable Li Gongfu had sealed the premises, vowing no one would leave until the killer was found, leading to unrest among the innocent patrons. Xu Xian, concerned for his brother-in-law, proposed a method to identify the murderer. He suggested a "ghost test."

Li Gongfu would announce that a Guangong statue had enchanted an incense burner, and anyone guilty of the murder who put their hand inside would find it turning black. After an innocent person's hand became sooty and black from the burner, the suspect, Kexin, initially claimed her hands were clean and she was innocent.

However, Li Gongfu revealed his true method of identification: the innocent would confidently put their hands into the sooty burner, while the guilty, fearing exposure, would only pretend to, thus keeping their hands clean. Kexin's clean hands, therefore, indicated her guilt. Just as Li Gongfu ordered her arrest, Magistrate Liang Jun arrived.

Captivated by Kexin's feigned distress and beauty, and holding a grudge against Li Gongfu for past cases that he believed hindered his promotion, Liang Jun immediately ordered her release, dismissing Li Gongfu's method as a "trick." He proclaimed that Kexin's delicate hands couldn't possibly be those of a murderer. At the Jishi Clinic, Xu Xian was distracted, his thoughts elsewhere. Ruyi, wanting to prove her competence, offered to help.

However, she accidentally dispensed the wrong type of dark dates, using wild persimmon dates instead of red dates, which caused a patient's condition to worsen when taken on an empty stomach. Xu Xian gently chided her, explaining the serious consequences of such errors in medicine and advising her to rest at home, even trying his usual tactic of offering beautiful clothes to persuade her to leave.

Ruyi, frustrated and feeling compared to Bai Suzhen, admitted she had told Bai Suzhen about her and Xu Xian's supposed "relationship," claiming it was to stop Bai Suzhen from "daydreaming." This revelation made Xu Xian realize that Bai Suzhen's recent coldness was due to this misunderstanding. Ignoring Ruyi's pleas, he rushed out to find Bai Suzhen to explain. Xu Xian arrived at the Bai Mansion, but found the door closed.

Xiao Qing emerged, taunting him and asserting that Bai Suzhen was with her cousin, Jing Song, and was perfectly safe. She advised Xu Xian to spend time with Ruyi instead. Despite the taunts and the closed door, Xu Xian remained, determined to speak with Bai Suzhen and clarify the misunderstanding, waiting from morning until night like a resolute pine. As a heavy rain began, Bai Suzhen, touched by his persistence, almost went out but was stopped by Jing Song.

He warned her about the fleeting nature of human life and love, contrasting it with the enduring pain a demon would feel. He urged her to be decisive and let go to avoid further heartbreak. Bai Suzhen, with a heavy heart, only gave Xu Xian an umbrella through the crack of the door, advising him to return home in the cold, rainy weather.

Distraught and overwhelmed by anxiety and anger from standing in the rain, Xu Xian fainted on his way home and was found and brought back by the night watcher. Waking up in bed, still unwell, Xu Xian's first thought was of the umbrella and his desire to convey his feelings to Bai Suzhen. He began to repair the old lantern and make new sky lanterns, carefully inscribing them with poetry.

The lanterns, carrying his heartfelt message, floated over the Bai Mansion. Xiao Qing, seeing Bai Suzhen release her own flower lanterns and write a wish for "longevity" for people, noted the irony, remarking that only demons truly know long-lasting love. She then saw Xu Xian's sky lanterns and the poem, realizing he was inviting Bai Suzhen to West Lake the next morning.

Jing Song, aware of the lanterns' message and Bai Suzhen's conflicted emotions, informed her that their boat to Sichuan was ready, and they would depart tomorrow. Bai Suzhen, though hesitant, only asked to say goodbye to Xiao Qing, Xu Jiaorong, and her neighbors in Quyuan Alley. Jing Song agreed to accompany her to Xu's house for farewells before their departure. Meanwhile, Li Gongfu continued to track Kexin, convinced she would eventually reveal her true nature.

Kexin, noticing his pursuit, decided he was an obstacle and attempted to attack him. However, Fahai suddenly appeared just as Kexin was about to strike Li Gongfu. Fahai warned Li Gongfu that he bore the strong scent of a fox demon, explaining that demons mark their prey to easily find them, similar to how the centipede demon used sachets on children. Though skeptical, Li Gongfu recalled Fahai's previous accurate warnings.

Fahai then presented Li Gongfu with the Demon Subduing Sword, which was sensitive to demon energy and could glow and even act independently to defeat demons. Moments later, as Kexin moved to strike Li Gongfu, the sword flew out, injuring her and forcing her to retreat, confirming Fahai's words. At the Jishi Clinic, Ruyi pressed her father, Master Jin, to propose to Xu Xian.

Despite Master Jin's disdain for Xu Xian's humble background, he was swayed by Ruyi's emotional appeals, especially her insistence on avoiding a cruel mother-in-law by marrying Xu Xian as a live-in son-in-law. He reluctantly agreed to propose that very day, selecting several valuable items as betrothal gifts. Shortly after Xu Jiaorong left home to search for Xu Xian, Bai Suzhen and Jing Song arrived at the Xu residence to bid their farewells. Li Gongfu was left to host.

Unexpectedly, Master Jin and Ruyi then arrived with the betrothal gifts, proclaiming their intention to arrange a marriage between Ruyi and Xu Xian. Li Gongfu, caught off guard, was further confused when Master Jin secretly whispered that it was merely a "show" to humor Ruyi, and the gifts would eventually be taken back. Witnessing this scene, Bai Suzhen, already vulnerable from Ruyi's earlier words, believed the "engagement" was real.

Heartbroken, she and Jing Song quickly departed, losing all hope of reconciliation. Soon after, Xu Jiaorong returned with Xu Xian, having encountered Xiao Qing, who was idle on the road, and brought her along. Li Gongfu, still perplexed by the day's events, explained the "fake" proposal to them. Xiao Qing, furious at the realization that Jing Song had manipulated Bai Suzhen into leaving Lin'an, stormed out, intent on stopping her sister.

Xu Xian, clutching the umbrella Bai Suzhen had given him, immediately followed, determined not to let this last chance slip away. At West Lake, Bai Suzhen and Jing Song were on a boat preparing to depart for Sichuan. Bai Suzhen looked back repeatedly, longing for someone, hoping for a sign.

Xiao Qing arrived on the shore, angrily called out to Bai Suzhen for leaving without telling her and for being misled by Jing Song, and then jumped onto the boat, declaring she would accompany them to Emei and never leave Bai Suzhen again. Bai Suzhen, lost in her own thoughts, paid little attention to Xiao Qing's antics. As the boat began to pull away, Xu Xian appeared on the distant shore, calling out her name.

Episode 8 Recap

Xu Xian stood by the boat, a whirlwind of emotions within him, yet found himself speechless upon seeing Bai Suzhen. He inquired about her recent days and reminisced about their shared past, carefully avoiding any mention of his reluctance to part or his current melancholy. Bai Suzhen's decision to leave was firm; she would not linger. Xu Xian insisted on returning the umbrella he held, choosing to walk home in the rain himself.

Fearing her emotions might overwhelm her, Bai Suzhen refrained from dissuading him further, unwilling to complicate matters. After Xu Xian departed, Xiao Qing pointed out an inscription on the umbrella. It turned out Xu Xian had poured his unspoken feelings into a poem carved onto the handle, a heartfelt gift to Bai Suzhen. Realizing Xu Xian's true intentions, Bai Suzhen immediately left the boat, leaving Xiao Qing and Jing Song behind, to chase after Xu Xian, who hadn't gone far.

They reunited by the West Lake Bridge, embracing tightly and reaffirming their commitment amidst the scenic beauty. Meanwhile, Jing Song, left alone, returned in a huff. Xiao Qing, however, was delighted that Bai Suzhen was staying. Bai Suzhen and Xu Xian walked back to the illusory Bai Mansion. The heavy rain forced them to take shelter in a dilapidated old pavilion. There, Xu Xian finally mustered the courage to clear up all misunderstandings, pouring out his love for her.

Bai Suzhen blushed, vowing to be true to him for the rest of her life. Amidst the picturesque West Lake scenery, they confirmed their feelings for each other. Xiao Qing, having rushed to catch up, eventually found them. The three then returned to the Bai Mansion to rest. Inside, Xiao Qing's brothers and subordinates, including Big Claw, A Luo, and Big Drum, were busy arranging a powerful formation.

Big Claw assured everyone that with the purple crystal bells as the formation's core, the illusion of the mansion would remain impenetrable, and no outsider would detect its true nature. Xu Xian was invited to a guest room to change his wet clothes. Later, Bai Suzhen brought him a comforting bowl of ginger tea. Ever since their last encounter, Hu Kexin had considered Li Gongfu a thorn in her side, eager to kill him for revenge.

However, the kind-hearted Li Gongfu was protected by divine will. He had received a demon-subduing artifact from Fahai, which glowed automatically to warn its owner of demonic presence and doubled in power at night for protection. Kexin repeatedly ambushed Li Gongfu, only to be wounded by the artifact's sharp attacks. These brutal, hidden clashes went unnoticed by the world, and Li Gongfu's continued protection under Fahai's spiritual light safeguarded the region.

Severely injured, Hu Kexin inadvertently fled into the Bai Mansion. Her four centuries of cultivation were insufficient to pierce through its illusions. Driven by instinct, she sought out the sole source of Yang energy within the mansion: Xu Xian. Kexin slipped into his room, seeking refuge. However, Xu Xian was a righteous man and was not bewitched by the demon fox. Despite his resistance, during their brief encounter, Kexin managed to absorb a portion of his Yang energy.

Just as Xu Xian was on the verge of succumbing to Kexin and losing his life, Bai Suzhen arrived and discreetly rescued him. Kexin was forced to reveal her true form, a nine-tailed white fox. Bai Suzhen and Xiao Qing launched a series of attacks, compelling Kexin to sever one of her tails and flee.

In pursuit of Kexin, Bai Suzhen discovered that Big Drum, one of Xiao Qing's sworn brothers, could not only activate her formation but had also modified it, making it more powerful. Upon closer inspection, Bai Suzhen was astonished to find that the core of the formation was the purple crystal bells from the East Sea. She wondered if the unassuming Big Drum might be a divine general under the East Sea Dragon King.

Concealing her magic and curiosity, Bai Suzhen quickly resumed her serene and composed demeanor. After the ordeal, Jing Song returned and chastised Bai Suzhen for lingering in Lin'an for a mere mortal, risking her thousand years of cultivation. Bai Suzhen, however, invoked Guanyin's teaching—one must enter the "red dust" of mortal life to transcend it—and declared her desire to remain in Lin'an with Xu Xian. Bai Suzhen admitted to being frightened by the encounter.

Xu Xian, concerned for her, offered to stay with her until daybreak, when the Yang energy would be strong enough to ward off any remaining unease. Kexin, meanwhile, vowed to claim the snake demon's thousand-year demon core as retribution for her lost tail. The next day, Xu Xian returned to Jishi Clinic, where he confessed his true feelings to Jin Ruyi, urging her to abandon any thoughts of pursuing him.

Ruyi, whose love had blossomed over years of constant admiration and joy, refused to be dismissed by a few words from Xu Xian. Sensing a protracted struggle, Xu Xian felt troubled. But then, Bai Suzhen, radiant as mountain flowers, appeared. Understanding Xu Xian's predicament, Bai Suzhen offered to stay by his side at Jishi Clinic, helping him manage his duties and gracefully disregarding Ruyi's subtle and overt slanders.

From afar, Hu Kexin observed the complex web of relationships, realizing Xu Xian was a pivotal figure, connected to Jin Ruyi, the wounded Bai Suzhen, and Li Gongfu. A mischievous idea sparked in Kexin's mind. Daily, Bai Suzhen assisted Xu Xian at Jishi Clinic, resolving his burdens. Her exceptional medical skills and captivating beauty quickly attracted a multitude of ardent admirers, causing Jishi Clinic's business to flourish.

Master Jin, whose eyes sparkled with the allure of profit, naturally cherished Bai Suzhen, a valuable asset who demanded no salary. This further enraged Jin Ruyi, who was consumed by jealousy. Blind with envy, Ruyi lost all reason. She failed to notice that the Xu Xian before her, who was flattering her with charming words, was vastly different from the one she usually admired.

It was actually Hu Kexin, disguised as Xu Xian using the Yang energy she had previously absorbed from him. Kexin assured Ruyi that she found Bai Suzhen "boring" and promised to marry Ruyi instead. Their intimate encounter was then "accidentally" witnessed by Xiao Qing and Jing Song.

Episode 9 Recap

Kexin, disguised as Xu Xian, approached Ruyi, who had mistakenly believed Xu Xian truly cared for her. As the fake Xu Xian, Kexin told Ruyi to stop hitting a straw effigy of Bai Suzhen, then claimed Bai Suzhen was "bland and tasteless," unlike Ruyi who was "as pretty as a peach blossom." Kexin further explained that his closeness to Bai Suzhen was merely a ploy to make her contribute to Jishi Clinic, which he promised would eventually belong to Ruyi.

Taken in by the deception, Ruyi was swayed. Xiao Qing and Jing Song arrived, witnessing the scene. Jing Song, aware of Kexin's disguise, chose to remain silent, hoping to create a rift between Xiao Qing and Bai Suzhen. Xiao Qing, furious that "Xu Xian" was betraying Bai Suzhen, confronted him. Kexin, still in Xu Xian's guise, flirted with Xiao Qing, telling her she was "charming when you're angry" and "a beautiful girl like you shouldn't be anyone's handmaid."

Jing Song pulled Xiao Qing away, stating they needed a different approach to reveal Xu Xian's true nature to Bai Suzhen, or she would blame Xiao Qing for slandering him. He then subtly suggested a more permanent solution. Later, manipulated by Jing Song, Xiao Qing asked Bai Suzhen to write an invitation in her name, claiming it was to help arrange a date for a friend.

Bai Suzhen, believing she was helping a love match, happily agreed to write the letter. Soon after, Xu Xian received the invitation, mistakenly thinking it was from Bai Suzhen. He was thrilled and eagerly set off for West Lake. Physician Jin encouraged him, noting Bai Suzhen’s valuable contributions to the clinic. Kexin, watching from a distance, anticipated that once Xu Xian and Bai Suzhen drew close, she could seize Bai Suzhen's demon core.

On the boat, Xiao Qing and Jing Song conspired to create a storm. They conjured a torrential downpour and violent waves that capsized Xu Xian's boat, sending him into the water. Meanwhile, Bai Suzhen realized Xu Xian was missing from Jishi Clinic. Physician Jin revealed that Xu Xian had left after receiving an invitation from her to West Lake. Realizing it was a trap, Bai Suzhen rushed to the lake.

She found Xu Xian unconscious in the water, quickly retrieving him. Despite his strong pulse, he wouldn't awaken, so Bai Suzhen used her demon core to save his life. At that moment, Kexin attempted to exploit the situation and steal the core. Jing Song, however, intervened, repelling Kexin. He then confronted Bai Suzhen, questioning why she would sacrifice her demon core for "a mortal" whose life was "but a hundred years" and "weak and vulnerable like an ant."

Bai Suzhen angrily told him her choices were her own. Xiao Qing, heartbroken, asked if Bai Suzhen truly intended to sever ties with them for a mortal. Bai Suzhen rebuked Xiao Qing for breaking her promise not to harm humans and disowned her. Disgusted by Jing Song's disdain for human life, Bai Suzhen declared she was wrong about him and insisted they go their separate ways.

Jing Song left, vowing she would regret her decision, and a tearful Xiao Qing followed him. Later, at a tavern, a bitter Jing Song lamented to Xiao Qing that his thousand years of companionship with Bai Suzhen had been erased by a mortal. He recounted how he, a golden mouse from Buddha's side, was cast down to the mortal realm and met Bai Suzhen, guiding her early cultivation.

An intoxicated Xiao Qing bluntly mocked him for failing to win her heart despite his powerful origins, causing Jing Song to leave in a rage. Meanwhile, the monk Fahai tracked Kexin to a brothel. Just as he cornered her, Jing Song secretly masked her demonic aura, allowing her to escape. Fahai's pursuit was further foiled when the drunken Xiao Qing stumbled out and latched onto his staff.

Jing Song later found Kexin and coerced her into killing Xu Xian, promising to help her obtain the celestial Binding Demon Rope to subdue Bai Suzhen. Kexin, whose true goal was Bai Suzhen's demon core, agreed. Back at home, Xu Xian slowly recovered under Bai Suzhen’s diligent care. Ruyi arrived and confronted Xu Xian, claiming he had flirted with her days ago and disparaged Bai Suzhen. Xu Xian vehemently denied this, stating he loved only Bai Suzhen.

Ruyi, feeling abandoned, accused him of leading her on and then forsaking her. The incident, coupled with Xiao Qing's earlier warnings, made Bai Suzhen realize that a demon was orchestrating a plot. She resolved to uncover the truth. Meanwhile, Kexin cultivated favor with Magistrate Liang of Lin'an. After receiving an expensive necklace from him, she enacted her plan.

Feigning concern for his recent chest pain, Kexin suggested that Magistrate Liang visit Jishi Clinic to consult the beautiful and highly skilled female physician, whom she described as a "bodhisattva incarnate." The Magistrate, primarily interested in her beauty, agreed. At Jishi Clinic, Magistrate Liang arrived, rudely displacing other patients. He made inappropriate advances toward Bai Suzhen during her examination, complimenting her hands and "special aroma." Xu Xian, who had returned to the clinic, intervened.

Angered by his behavior, Bai Suzhen initially intended to add a strong laxative to his prescription. However, Xu Xian noticed the change and swapped it back. He gently reminded Bai Suzhen that their profession was for healing, not personal vendettas. Bai Suzhen acknowledged her recklessness. That evening, shortly after taking the prescribed medicine, Magistrate Liang died. The next day, Ruyi confronted Bai Suzhen at Jishi Clinic, accusing her of tampering with prescriptions. At that moment, officials stormed into the clinic. After Bai Suzhen confirmed Magistrate Liang had been a patient there, they announced he had died of poison shortly after taking the medicine she prescribed and promptly arrested her.

Episode 10 Recap

Bai Suzhen found herself trapped in prison, bound by the powerful Demon Binding Rope. The prison was also covered by golden talismans, which, combined with the rope tightening with every struggle, prevented her from transforming or breaking free. Ke Xin, the fox demon, appeared, gloating over Bai Suzhen's predicament, confirming Bai Suzhen's earlier suspicions. Ke Xin revealed her ability to read minds and recounted how she obtained the Demon Binding Rope from Jing Song, a former disciple of Rulai.

Ke Xin mockingly explained that Jing Song, a "mouse" demon, desired only Xu Xian's life and mistakenly believed his magic could prevent her from harming Bai Suzhen. Ke Xin confessed her true ambition was to steal Bai Suzhen’s millennial demon core to amplify her own power and potentially ascend to immortality, sneering at Jing Song's naive schemes. Bai Suzhen, realizing Ke Xin was a demon, attempted to devise a plan to bind her.

However, Ke Xin, reading her thoughts, scoffed at her foolishness. Just as Ke Xin prepared to extract the demon core, the sound of a drum, beaten by Xu Xian, echoed from outside, signaling his appeal. Ke Xin, startled, fled the prison.

Distraught by Bai Suzhen's arrest, Xu Xian, after learning of the situation, immediately rushed to the government office to appeal, ignoring the pleas of Ruyi and her father (the owner of Jishi Clinic) to stay out of the dangerous affair. Ruyi, having orchestrated Xu Xian's delay through her servant, Yinxiang, to prevent him from returning to the clinic, vehemently argued that Bai Suzhen was a murderer.

However, Xu Xian insisted that he was the one who prepared Magistrate Liang's medicine and that Bai Suzhen was innocent. He reasoned that Jishi Clinic's reputation would be ruined if Bai Suzhen's name wasn't cleared. In court, the prefect repeatedly attempted to force a confession due to a lack of witnesses and evidence. Xu Xian bravely faced the prefect, declaring Bai Suzhen's innocence and offering to publicly consume the medicine himself as proof.

As Xu Xian, having taken the medicine, showed no ill effects, a verdict of innocence seemed imminent. However, Prime Minister Liang Mohan dramatically arrived, announcing that the deceased Magistrate Liang Jun was his own son. Xu Xian immediately recognized Prime Minister Liang Mohan, knowing that this was his father's killer, Xu Huairen, and that his own death was now certain.

Prime Minister Liang Mohan's surprised reaction upon seeing Xu Xian also caught Bai Suzhen's attention, leading her to suspect a pre-existing connection. Ke Xin, witnessing the trial, used her mind-reading to delve into Prime Minister Liang Mohan's thoughts, uncovering his deep-seated animosity towards Xu Xian's late father, Xu Huairen, and the convenient timing of his son’s death. Seizing the opportunity, Ke Xin possessed Prime Minister Liang Mohan.

Under her influence, Liang Mohan dismissed Xu Xian's medicine test, arguing that what was harmless to a healthy person might be fatal to an ailing one. He then ordered Bai Suzhen's torture. Xu Xian immediately intervened, shielding Bai Suzhen and boldly asserting that without witnesses or evidence, any use of torture constituted a forced confession. Prime Minister Liang Mohan, still under Ke Xin's possession, then called his son's concubine, Hu Ke Xin (the fox demon), to the stand.

Hu Ke Xin presented falsified medicine dregs as evidence. The coroner, under scrutiny, confirmed the dregs contained "thorn apple" (洋金花), a toxic herb, rather than the prescribed "rose periwinkle" (长春花), and that Liang Jun's symptoms were consistent with thorn apple poisoning. However, the coroner hesitated, noting the small amount of "thorn apple" found in the dregs. Hu Ke Xin falsely accused Bai Suzhen of murder, claiming it was revenge for rejecting Liang Jun's advances.

Meanwhile, Xiao Qing, having arrived at the court after hearing rumors, noticed the Demon Binding Rope restraining Bai Suzhen and her inability to resist. As guards prepared to carry out the torture order, Xu Xian, to protect Bai Suzhen, took full responsibility for the alleged crime, claiming he was the one who prepared the medicine. Xiao Qing, using magic, created a commotion that appeared to be divine wrath, prompting the public to demand Bai Suzhen's release.

Swayed by the public outcry and Ke Xin’s manipulation, Prime Minister Liang Mohan acquitted Bai Suzhen. However, Xu Xian's confession was accepted, and he was condemned to death row. As Bai Suzhen attempted to question the hurried verdict and the many remaining suspicious points, she was forcibly removed. Xu Xian, accepting his fate, urged her to take care of herself and his sister, Li. His sister, Li, was devastated to learn of his sacrifice.

Ke Xin, having "fainted" after achieving her goal, departed, observed with suspicion by Xiao Qing. Xiao Qing, having followed the suspicious Ke Xin, remained determined to uncover the truth. Prime Minister Liang Mohan, still uneasy about Xu Xian, sent his aide, Qin San, to ransack Xu Xian's sister's home for any hidden documents but found nothing. Liang Mohan also attempted to extract information from Xu Xian through extreme torture, but Xu Xian remained righteous and unyielding.

Liang Mohan then visited Xu Xian in his cell, trying to coerce him into revealing a crucial official document that his father, Xu Huairen, had supposedly hidden. Liang Mohan reminded Xu Xian of his father's fate, mocking his current predicament, and offered to spare his life in exchange for the document.

Xu Xian, defiant, accused Liang Mohan of overstepping his authority and of manipulating the legal process due to his personal vendetta and conflict of interest, all while questioning the integrity of the law. Enraged, Liang Mohan ordered Xu Xian to be beaten again, aiming to silence him permanently in this predicament. Bai Suzhen and Li, back at Xu Xian's home, meticulously cleaned his room.

Li fondly spoke of Xu Xian's diligent medical notes, asserting that such a careful person could never poison anyone. While cleaning, Bai Suzhen discovered an entry in Xu Xian’s medical notes from March 16, 1138 – the day before Magistrate Liang Jun's death. The entry explicitly stated that Jishi Clinic and the entire city of Lin'an had run out of "thorn apple", and Xu Xian had used "yellow azalea" and alcohol as a substitute for a trauma patient.

Bai Suzhen realized this was a critical piece of evidence. Ruyi arrived, once again blaming Bai Suzhen for Xu Xian's predicament, but Li defended Bai Suzhen's character. Meanwhile, in prison, a new prisoner, disguised as a common thief, was placed in Xu Xian's cell. Xu Xian quickly discerned, from the man’s calloused hands and disdain for prison food, that he was an assassin sent by Liang Mohan.

Bai Suzhen, determined to understand why Prime Minister Liang Mohan was obstructing justice, used ventriloquism to impersonate the ghost of Magistrate Liang Jun, extracting a confession from a terrified jailer that Prime Minister Liang Mohan had ordered him to suppress the truth. Bai Suzhen was bewildered as to why Liang Mohan would prevent an investigation into his own son's murder. Accompanied by Li Gongfu, she rushed to Xu Xian’s cell, arriving just as the assassin attacked.

Bai Suzhen cried out, and Li Gongfu intervened, announcing his relation to Xu Xian, causing the assassin to flee. Bai Suzhen, seeing Xu Xian's injured hand, pressed him for answers, particularly about the critical detail of the "thorn apple" in his notes. Xu Xian, seeking to protect her, tried to send her away, but Bai Suzhen insisted on staying, reminding him of their bond and her desire to stand by him as he had for her.

Finally, Xu Xian confessed that Prime Minister Liang Mohan was the true killer of his father, Xu Huairen, and therefore, no amount of evidence would ever make Liang Mohan allow his case to be reopened.

Episode 11 Recap

Xu Xian revealed to Bai Suzhen that he had no idea where his father's impeachment evidence against Prime Minister Liang was. He also expressed a desire to live a peaceful life, unwilling to let the grievances of the previous generation trouble him. However, Prime Minister Liang remained suspicious and unwilling to take any chances. Faced with Xu Xian's predicament, Bai Suzhen felt helpless.

Xu Xian then suggested that Lord Mu, an upright and powerful individual who could contend with Prime Minister Liang, might be able to help clear his name. Though Lord Mu was far away on military duty and had not returned in years, Xu Xian, having previously befriended him, wrote a detailed letter outlining Prime Minister Liang's suspicious actions and entrusted Bai Suzhen to deliver it, hoping Lord Mu would investigate the case.

Meanwhile, Prime Minister Liang was furious to learn that his subordinates had failed to kill Xu Xian and that Bai Suzhen had even visited him in prison for a long conversation. Fearing she might have taken evidence, he immediately ordered his men to hunt her down and kill her. He also commanded the Magistrate to dismiss Li Gongfu from his position as Chief Constable, accusing him of abusing his power to release Xu Xian, and to never rehire him.

Li Gongfu's ceremonial sword was taken, and he was publicly disgraced despite his protests. Xiao Qing had been secretly following Hu Kexin for days. She witnessed Hu Kexin tying someone in a sack and ordering her men to bury the person alive in the mountains under the cover of night. Xiao Qing secretly observed until the right moment, then rescued the person from the sack.

The rescued individual was Lv Yi, the concubine of the deceased Liang Jun, and she had witnessed Hu Kexin's plot to murder Liang Jun. Lv Yi recounted her observations, explaining how Hu Kexin had purchased all the thorn apples in Lin'an to poison Liang Jun. Bai Suzhen carefully analyzed the information, piecing together the entire conspiracy. She decided it was time to turn the tables on Hu Kexin.

Bai Suzhen first sent Xiao Qing away and went alone to Nuwa Temple to seek out A Luo, Big Drum, and their companions. Having recognized them as East Sea gods from their use of Dragon King's palace treasures to strengthen the formation in the Bai Mansion, she sought their help. She also realized that Xiao Qing was not just a small snake demon from West Lake, but her true identity remained a secret the gods were bound to keep.

Bai Suzhen explained the urgency of Xu Xian's case and the presence of the Demon Binding Rope in the Liang Mansion, which she and Xiao Qing could not overcome. The four gods, who were accompanying Xiao Qing on her tribulation in the human world and were delighted to be recognized after centuries, readily agreed to help, as they were immune to the rope. As part of their plan, Bai Suzhen assumed the form of Lord Mu.

With Xiao Qing, she arranged for the Magistrate to visit Hu Kexin's residence. The four gods, who had easily broken free from Hu Kexin's Demon Binding Rope earlier (to Hu Kexin's shock and dismissal as mere "smelly foxes"), disguised themselves as servants in Hu Kexin's household. They then mixed "Fairy Drunk," a potent beverage from the Dragon King's palace that forces even gods to reveal their true forms, into the tea served to Hu Kexin.

Unsuspecting, Hu Kexin drank the tea and immediately transformed into her fox demon form. The horrified Magistrate cried out, and with the additional evidence and testimony provided by Lv Yi, Xu Xian was promptly released, cleared of all charges. As the disguised Lord Mu, Bai Suzhen couldn't help but show excessive concern for the weakened Xu Xian, nearly revealing her true identity had Xiao Qing not subtly reminded her of their charade.

Severely weakened, Hu Kexin fled, pursued relentlessly by Fahai's staff. She eventually sought refuge in Mr. Jin's (Jin Ruyi's father) home. Fahai, intent on capturing her, set up a vast net. Driven by desperation, Hu Kexin, now deeply entrenched in evil after countless murders, killed Jin Ruyi's maid, Yin Xiang, and attempted to kill Jin Ruyi herself. However, Mr. Jin appeared just in time, shielding his daughter from the fatal blow, sacrificing his own life.

Jin Ruyi was left alone and distraught, realizing the devastating power of the demonic forces. Fahai continued his pursuit, but Hu Kexin, skilled in deception and charm, proved difficult to pin down. Even for the accomplished monk, locating her exact position was a struggle. Seeing Fahai's difficulty, Bai Suzhen and Xiao Qing decided to intervene. They worked together to disperse the crowds on the streets, making it harder for the fox demon to hide among ordinary people.

Hu Kexin attempted to disguise herself as a government officer and blend in with a group led by Li Gongfu (who, despite being dismissed, was still out with his former colleagues, having retrieved the Demon Weeping Sword given to him by Fahai). Li Gongfu's Demon Weeping Sword reacted to the demon's presence, flying out and exposing Hu Kexin. Fahai, using his Prajna Mirror, finally located her amidst a few officers.

As Fahai prepared to deliver a decisive blow with his Zijin Bowl, Hu Kexin made one last desperate attempt to use her charm, trying to influence Li Gongfu and then Fahai. Fahai, already battling his own inner demons, struggled but managed to regain his focus. Enraged, Hu Kexin met her end, but not before uttering a terrible curse, vowing that the people of Lin'an would die with her.

Episode 12 Recap

Hu Kexin, filled with hatred, expelled her demon core, which flew into the sky and shattered into a thousand fragments, transforming into resentful snow that slowly descended upon Lin'an. This snow, born from resentment and countless killings, caused plants to wither and humans to fall into madness upon contact. Fahai, shocked, immediately sat down to cast a spell, freezing the entire city of Lin'an. Bai Suzhen and Xiao Qing joined forces, working to prevent the cursed snow from falling further.

Touched by their efforts, Fahai became momentarily distracted and was inadvertently covered by the snow. This reawakened his inner demon, leading to an intense internal struggle that caused him immense pain. As Bai Suzhen and Xiao Qing's powers waned, Jing Song appeared, stepping in to help contain the resentful energy. However, Bai Suzhen harbored deep resentment towards Jing Song for his previous collaboration with Kexin to steal her demon core, and refused to acknowledge or forgive him.

Far away at Jinshan Temple, Fahai's master sensed the impending disaster in Lin'an and willingly sacrificed his own lifespan to protect the city's inhabitants. With his sacrifice, the skies above Lin'an cleared, and the snow melted away. Hu Kexin's sins and lingering resentment dissolved within the vanished ice and snow. However, that powerful resentment merged with Fahai's inner demon, taking root deep within the dark corners of his heart. Following the calamity, Li Gongfu felt even more indebted to Fahai.

As he bid Fahai farewell, Li Gongfu returned the Demon-Subduing Sword Fahai had previously given him, yet a doubt lingered in his mind: the sword glowed brightly in the presence of demons, but why had it also glowed when it encountered Xiao Qing and Bai Suzhen? Fahai explained that the sword was a sacred artifact of Jinshan Temple, incapable of malfunctioning, and always sensitive to demonic energy.

Meanwhile, the formerly spoiled and carefree Ruyi had undergone a profound change after losing her father and her confidante, Yin Xiang. She began to personally cook and eagerly helped Xu Xian's sister with household chores, tasks she previously wouldn't have touched. The once rebellious girl now diligently studied poetry and ancient medical texts. Her new docile demeanor was heartbreaking to witness, but Xu Xian's heart remained steadfastly with Bai Suzhen.

Despite Ruyi's transformation and heartfelt efforts, which included preparing a special stew for Xu Xian, his heart remained steadfastly with Bai Suzhen. During a conversation, Xu Xian gently but firmly told Ruyi that their relationship was akin to that of a brother and sister, and he intended to marry Bai Suzhen if he recovered. Ruyi, heartbroken, confessed her long-standing love for him, recalling her childhood desire to marry him.

She pleaded with him not to abandon her, lamenting the loss of her father and Yin Xiang, and even threatened to end her own life if he didn't stay with her. Xu Xian, in turn, tried to comfort her, but remained firm in his affections for Bai Suzhen. Xu Xian, increasingly concerned for his own health, had been frail since his imprisonment. He initially dismissed his persistent cough as a lingering injury from the torture he endured in jail.

However, after days of medication showed no improvement, and he began to cough up blood on several occasions, Xu Xian realized the severity of his condition. Consulting ancient texts and diagnosing himself, he discovered he was afflicted with a rare and potent poison that was slowly consuming his vital energy, leaving him without a remedy. Xu Xian's condition deteriorated from walking to sitting, and eventually, he was confined to his bed.

Watching Xu Xian waste away, Bai Suzhen was overwhelmed with sorrow. She knew he was deeply affected by a demonic poison, but strangely, she was powerless to cure it herself. After much deliberation, Bai Suzhen decided to return to Mount Emei. She intended to use her thousand years of cultivation to force the growth of a rare reishi mushroom, hoping to extend Xu Xian's life and buy herself more time to find a cure.

Jing Song immediately sensed Bai Suzhen's return to Emei. When he discovered she was undertaking such a reckless act for Xu Xian, he was furious. He quickly ensnared Bai Suzhen in a magical barrier, gathered the newly cultivated reishi, and left. Bai Suzhen, already weakened from her efforts, found her attacks against Jing Song's barrier futile. Jing Song arrived at Xu Xian's home to "visit" him, finding him critically ill and unable to stand.

He placed the umbrella, a memento of love between Xu Xian and Bai Suzhen, on the table and spoke harsh words of farewell, aiming to make Xu Xian give up hope. Jing Song cruelly informed Xu Xian that he and Bai Suzhen were returning to Shu land, implying that Xu Xian had only been a burden delaying their departure. He left the reishi, calling it "compensation" from him and Bai Suzhen.

Xu Xian gazed at the umbrella, carved with symbols of their affection, but Jing Song's cruel words had shattered his hope, leaving him unable to conjure any romantic feelings, accepting that their separation was inevitable. Jing Song, seeing Xu Xian's heartbroken expression, stifled a laugh, and departed. Xu Xian, already aware his time was limited, now believed his beloved had left him for another.

Overwhelmed by sorrow, despair, and a broken heart, Xu Xian reminisced about the beautiful day they embraced on the Broken Bridge by West Lake, and then passed away. Bai Suzhen, having finally broken through Jing Song's barrier, rushed back to Xu Xian without a moment to spare, but she was too late. They had missed their last chance to see each other. Bai Suzhen immediately sought out Guanyin Bodhisattva.

Through Guanyin's enlightenment, Bai Suzhen finally understood that Xu Xian's affliction was "love poison." As humans and demons tread different paths, the deeper their love, the more potent the poison becomes. Because of their profound affection and intimate proximity, the love poison had gradually seeped into Xu Xian's bones and heart, rendering him incurable by ordinary means. The only solution was for Bai Suzhen to sacrifice her thousand-year demon core.

If Xu Xian consumed it, Bai Suzhen's spiritual essence would be severely damaged, her magical power would greatly diminish, and her path to immortality would become impossibly distant. Furthermore, she would endure a "hundred-day tribulation" every hundred days, suffering unbearable pain, and without protection, her life would be in peril. Despite these dire consequences, Bai Suzhen remained resolute and without regret.

In this lifetime, having embraced their mortal karmic connection, she would not abandon it; as long as there was a sliver of hope, Bai Suzhen was willing to stake her life on it. Moved by her unwavering devotion, Guanyin provided Bai Suzhen with Yangzhi Ganlu (willow branch sweet dew) to aid her. Bai Suzhen gazed at Xu Xian, lamenting her delay.

She recounted her dream from their first meeting: to live as a mortal, tending a clinic, gathering herbs, diagnosing illnesses, tasting all plants, and writing medical texts together for a simple, peaceful life. She expressed her willingness to abandon her pursuit of eternal life to share even a fleeting moment of beauty with him.

Episode 13 Recap

Bai Suzhen watched over Xu Xian's lifeless body, regretting all the time they had missed. She released the beautiful moonlight she had collected, illuminating the room, and then leaned in to kiss Xu Xian, transferring her thousand-year demon core into him. Instantly, Xu Xian, who had been on the verge of death, revived. The next morning, the couple awoke, tenderly gazing at each other.

Xu Xian, still believing he was dreaming, expressed deep regret for having pushed Bai Suzhen away before, vowing never to let her leave him again and to spend all of eternity with her. When Bai Suzhen rose to fetch medicine for him, she discovered the room filled with paintings of herself, realizing the depth of his lovesickness, which he confirmed was cured only by her presence.

Xu Xian then recounted a vivid dream he had while dying, of them marrying and growing old together. Bai Suzhen, touched by his devotion and having sacrificed her cultivation for this moment, corrected him, promising not just one lifetime but "forever and ever" together. Overcome with emotion, Xu Xian insisted that his sister officially propose to Bai Suzhen that very day.

Xu Jiaorong was overjoyed to see her brother on his feet, but her husband, Chief Constable Li Gongfu, grew suspicious of Bai Suzhen. He recalled how Fahai's Demons' Weeping Sword glowed in the presence of demons and questioned how Bai Suzhen, an unknown, could cure Xu Xian when all of Lin'an's renowned doctors had failed.

Bai Suzhen fabricated a story about her long-lost uncle, a physician from Suzhou who possessed an antidote to all poisons, and claimed he had recently arrived in Lin'an. Gongfu, finding her explanation inconsistent with her earlier claims of having no family in Lin'an, pressed further, even questioning how she entered their locked house in the middle of the night. Despite Gongfu's relentless questioning, Xu Xian, on his knees, declared his long-standing love for Bai Suzhen and proposed marriage.

Though Xu Jiaorong was delighted, Gongfu urged for caution, suggesting they visit Bai Suzhen's uncle to formally propose. Bai Suzhen then revealed her "uncle" was staying at her own mansion in Lin'an, making arrangements for the Xu family to visit the next day. As Xu Xian walked Bai Suzhen out, they shared a tender moment, discussing their upcoming engagement and the joy of being together.

Unknown to them, Jin Ruyi had been lingering outside the Xu household, hoping to encounter Xu Xian. Seeing him accompany Bai Suzhen out and overhearing their wedding plans, her heart shattered. Feeling utterly abandoned and financially ruined, Ruyi contemplated suicide at a cliff edge. She hesitated, however, concerned about marring her beauty if she jumped. Just then, an itinerant doctor appeared, who was in fact a thousand-year-old toad demon.

He had met Ruyi previously when she was desperately seeking medicine for Xu Xian and had secretly followed her ever since. Startled by his sudden appearance, Ruyi slipped and fell, but the toad demon swiftly rescued her. Seeing a glimmer of hope in his unexpected presence, Ruyi brought him back to the long-closed Jishi Clinic, intending to revive her family's business with his purported ancestral medical prescriptions.

Meanwhile, Gongfu, still deeply uneasy about Bai Suzhen's origins and Xu Xian's sudden marriage, despite Xu Jiaorong's scolding, went to seek out Fahai. He found Fahai preparing to leave Lin'an after the earlier demon threat had passed. Gongfu explained his brother-in-law's situation and asked to borrow Fahai's Demons' Weeping Sword again, noting how it glowed every time the mysterious woman was near.

Fahai immediately recognized the woman as Bai Suzhen and was shocked that Xu Xian intended to marry a snake demon. Hurrying back to Xu Xian's home, Fahai advised him against a hasty marriage, warning of future troubles. He then sensed a powerful, thousand-year-old demon core within Xu Xian, realizing Xu Xian should have been dead.

Fahai deduced that Bai Suzhen must have given her demon core to Xu Xian to counteract the poison, leaving Xu Xian "similar to a demon yet not a demon," a phenomenon Fahai had never before witnessed. Confused, Fahai pondered whether a demon without its core was still a demon, and whether Bai Suzhen was truly a demon now. Unable to reconcile this unprecedented situation, Fahai decided he must seek guidance from his master.

Later, the Xu family, along with Gongfu, visited the Bai Mansion. Bai Suzhen's "uncle," a benevolent but fabricated figure, formally approved the marriage. Betrothal cards were exchanged, and an auspicious wedding date was chosen, finalizing the union. Back at her home, Bai Suzhen was confronted by Jing Song, who had returned to forcefully take her back to Emei. He warned her against the consequences of a human-demon union, predicting divine wrath and her eventual regret.

Bai Suzhen, however, steadfastly refused, declaring she would never regret her decision and would face any consequence. Jing Song, realizing she no longer possessed her demon core, was shocked. Bai Suzhen reaffirmed that her time with Xu Xian surpassed a millennium of cultivation and that she only wished to grow old with him. She then defiantly told Jing Song that if he intended to harm Xu Xian, he would have to kill her first.

Acknowledging her unwavering determination, Jing Song conceded, declaring he could wait for a hundred years. Back at the Xu household, everyone was still worried about Jin Ruyi's disappearance, fearing her unrequited feelings for Xu Xian. Xiao Qing, arriving with the guest list from the Bai Mansion, casually mentioned seeing Ruyi at the Jin Mansion (now Jishi Clinic) with a man who seemed entirely submissive to her. The family concluded Ruyi had impulsively brought a random man home out of heartbreak. Concerned, Xu Xian decided to visit Ruyi himself, arriving at the Jishi Clinic to find Ruyi and the mysterious man.

Episode 14 Recap

Xu Xian hurried to the Jin Mansion, intending only to fulfill his duty as an elder brother. However, Jin Ruyi perceived his visit as a sign of his deep affection for her. Her momentary joy was quickly shattered when Xu Xian extended an invitation to his upcoming wedding with Bai Suzhen. Enraged, Ruyi lashed out, impulsively introducing Wang Daoling, a toad demon who was constantly by her side, as the man she intended to marry.

She hoped to provoke regret in Xu Xian, but only received his sincere blessings, which, to her surprise, delighted Daoling. To avoid further complications and gossip, Xu Xian announced his decision to resign from all duties at Jishi Clinic and return the account books, signaling a complete severance of ties. His resolute words brought tears to Ruyi's eyes. As Xu Xian departed, Ruyi's composure crumbled.

She turned on Wang Daoling, verbally abusing him and retracting all the prior affection she had shown. Daoling, despite her harsh words, remained utterly devoted to Ruyi, collecting his wounded pride and continuing to serve her with unwavering loyalty. The wedding day arrived, with Xu Xian and Bai Suzhen adorned in magnificent red attire, Bai Suzhen, for once, shedding her customary white robes for a vibrant, beautiful red.

Yet, this auspicious occasion was observed with sorrow by two individuals: Ruyi, hidden in the bustling crowd, and Jing Song, who had silently waited for a century. Both shed tears into their wine, lamenting the melancholy night. Later, in their bridal chamber, as the door gently closed, Bai Suzhen found herself blushing under Xu Xian's intense gaze. Her hairpins swayed, brushing softly against her delicate skin. Xu Xian, captivated, stood motionless, lost in a dream-like state.

He confessed his fear that if he looked away, she might vanish, and that this beautiful reality might simply be a dream from which he would soon awaken. Bai Suzhen, with a gentle smile, leaned in and softly kissed his cheek, asking if he was awake now. Emboldened, Xu Xian cradled her face, drawing her into a deep, heartfelt kiss, etching their love into her very soul.

He revealed how many times he had dreamed of marrying her, and how she was even more radiant than in his dreams, to which she playfully called him a flatterer. Meanwhile, Fahai returned to Jinshan Temple, seeking guidance from his master. He was troubled by Bai Suzhen's sacrifice, having given her thousand-year demon core to Xu Xian to counteract the demon poison.

He questioned if a demon without a demon core remained a demon, and if a mortal imbued with one could still be considered human. His master, experiencing the natural cycle of illness, dismissed his own discomfort and instead used metaphors of "a flower in a mirror" and "a moon in water," advising Fahai that the distinction between demon and human must be made with the heart. The realities of human life soon presented challenges.

With Xu Xian having lost his employment, their financial situation became precarious. He began a daily search for new work. Bai Suzhen and Xiao Qing, unfamiliar with the struggles of mortal existence, accustomed to conjuring money and necessities with magic, soon realized the true value of money and the hardships of daily life after indulging in some extravagant purchases. Bai Suzhen, however, found a subtle sweetness in this simpler, more challenging life, appreciating true love even amidst poverty.

Bai Suzhen, in her inexperience, had instructed Xiao Qing to chop up their old table for firewood and ordered an expensive new one, costing hundreds of taels. Xu Xian's sister, Xu Jiaorong, was dismayed at the lavish spending and the loss of their old belongings. Xu Xian, however, patiently explained Bai Suzhen's upbringing and her unfamiliarity with their humble life.

He presented Jiaorong with a bracelet Bai Suzhen had bought, a gesture that softened Jiaorong’s heart as she fondly recalled her own early days as a newlywed. Bai Suzhen instructed Xiao Qing on the principles of human finances, emphasizing that they must now abide by mortal rules and not spend money from unknown sources.

Xu Xian, trying to conceal his true difficulties, presented Bai Suzhen with a portion of his "monthly salary," claiming that Jishi Clinic had changed its payment schedule and he had to work an extra shift due to a sick colleague. He encouraged her and Xiao Qing to go out and enjoy themselves. However, Bai Suzhen soon realized he had left in a hurry without his supper.

When she and Xiao Qing went to Jishi Clinic to deliver a meal, Jin Ruyi confronted them, gloating that Xu Xian had been "swept out the door" and no longer had any connection to the clinic. Bai Suzhen, distressed, understood that Xu Xian's predicament was largely due to her. She was saddened that he felt compelled to hide his troubles from her and wondered where he truly was.

Bai Suzhen and Xiao Qing discovered Xu Xian applying for jobs at other clinics. They covertly followed and overheard a clinic owner explain that all of Lin'an City's medical establishments had been instructed to reject Xu Xian. The reason was a rumor, spread by Jishi Clinic, that Xu Xian had betrayed Jin Ruyi, an "orphan girl" running the clinic, after receiving Master Jin's mentorship.

Hiring Xu Xian, they said, would be seen as bullying Ruyi and would draw condemnation from their peers. Xiao Qing was furious at Ruyi's malicious tactics and wanted to retaliate, but Bai Suzhen restrained her, explaining that Xu Xian would not wish for Ruyi to be harmed due to their long history. Unbeknownst to them, Chairman Zheng of the Physicians' Association was orchestrating this plot.

He confided that while Xu Xian was a skilled physician, his proud and unyielding nature made him difficult to control. Zheng admitted to influencing all the clinics in Lin'an to reject Xu Xian, intending to crush his spirit and wear down his resolve. His plan was to eventually offer Xu Xian a position when he was desperate, thus making him eternally grateful and a compliant tool for the Association.

Xiao Qing attempted to use a subtle magical prank on Chairman Zheng, but Bai Suzhen quickly stopped her, emphasizing the importance of not misusing their powers. Later, Bai Suzhen tried to cheer Xu Xian up by taking a stroll through Lin'an. She spotted a beautiful hairpin but refrained from buying it, mindful of their financial constraints. Xu Xian, noticing her longing, pretended to have forgotten his wallet and subtly returned to purchase the hairpin for her, spending nearly five taels.

Bai Suzhen was deeply touched by his sacrifice, telling Xiao Qing that such a heartfelt gesture was far more precious than any material value. Xiao Qing, not yet understanding the nuances of human love, found their romantic gestures nauseating and preferred her freedom. Determined to help Xu Xian, Bai Suzhen and Xiao Qing retrieved valuable antiques from beneath West Lake, intending to pawn them. Meanwhile, Xu Xian faced another job rejection.

Outside the clinic, he encountered Jin Ruyi, who mockingly highlighted his misfortune, implying his marriage to Bai Suzhen was the cause. Xu Xian, though aware of Ruyi's resentment, wished her well, stating that only by releasing hatred could she find peace. He reaffirmed his love for Bai Suzhen, proclaiming that being with her was his greatest fortune, and he would gladly embrace a life of poverty for it.

Ruyi retorted with a sarcastic jab, suggesting he was now a "kept man," living off his wife's family heirlooms, and that Bai Suzhen and Xiao Qing were at the pawnshop selling her dowry. Stung by the humiliation, Xu Xian rushed to the pawnshop. At the pawnshop, Xu Xian confronted Bai Suzhen, demanding she redeem the items.

Bai Suzhen, hurt by his insistence, tried to explain that her money was for their shared needs, and that as husband and wife, their possessions were one. Xu Xian, however, was adamant, expressing his shame at making her suffer and his refusal to rely on her family's wealth. He insisted on them redeeming the items. Feeling his rejection deeply, Bai Suzhen retreated to West Lake, on the verge of throwing the hairpin he had given her into the water.

However, the sight of an elderly, devoted couple on a boat halted her. Xu Xian, having followed her, apologized for his hasty temper, assuring her he never intended to draw a line between them and was only worried about her sacrifice. Bai Suzhen, in turn, confessed that her anger was directed at herself for causing him hardship. They joined the elderly couple on their boat, admiring their enduring love.

The old couple, witnessing the young pair's tender argument, wisely commented that "laughter and anger are all true emotions" in a marriage, much like the West Lake itself, beautiful in both sunshine and rain. As the sky cleared, so too did Bai Suzhen's heart, their love rekindled amidst the scenic beauty. Later, determined to earn money without resorting to pawning or illicit means, Xiao Qing, with Big Drum and her other demon followers, decided to perform street art.

As their performance reached its climax, Jin Ruyi, accompanied by Wang Daoling (whom she was still treating poorly), appeared and vehemently denounced Xiao Qing and her troupe as fraudsters. She claimed Xiao Qing was the sister of Bai Suzhen, who had caused deaths at Jishi Clinic, and that they were now impoverished and resorting to trickery. The incensed crowd surged forward, demanding their alms back. Just as chaos erupted, Bai Suzhen and Xu Xian arrived, intervening to restore order.

Episode 15 Recap

After the street performance incident, Xu Xian immediately paid double the compensation to the crowd, even though it made his already "poverty-stricken" situation much worse. Xiao Qing felt terribly guilty for causing trouble instead of helping to earn money. Xu Xian, in turn, expressed his shame for being unable to provide a better life for Bai Suzhen and Xiao Qing, promising to visit more clinics the next day.

Bai Suzhen gently stopped Xiao Qing from revealing the difficulties they faced with other clinics and suggested to Xu Xian that he should open his own clinic to help and save more people, which had always been his dream. Xu Xian explained the high cost of opening a clinic in Lin'an, but Bai Suzhen reminded him that "if we work together, we can solve the problem," and that his skills meant he could cure people anywhere.

Inspired by her advice, Xu Xian felt enlightened. Bai Suzhen then decided to find other ways to raise money, as Xu Xian refused to use her own funds. Bai Suzhen worked diligently, even developing calluses on her hands from embroidery. She created a "Tianxiang Cream" using various flower juices and herbs, which proved highly effective and sold out quickly.

Customers were so impressed that one man claimed his wife looked ten years younger after using it, leaving money to reserve more. Xu Xian noticed the increasing number of patients and the success of her beauty products, even mentioning inquiries about her sachet craftsmanship for custom clothing. Despite their success, Xu Xian felt remorseful about Bai Suzhen's hard work and politely declined a custom dress order, wishing to spare her further toil.

Bai Suzhen, however, pointed out that Xu Xian endured more, working from day to night and facing "cold stares" while street vending. Xiao Qing, tired of their affectionate bickering, humorously interjected about her hunger, as their love couldn't fill her stomach. Later, over a simple dinner, Xu Xian and Bai Suzhen playfully described their dishes with poetic verses, turning the "simple dishes" into a "feast" of love.

Meanwhile, Fahai, meditating in Jinshan Temple, was troubled by visions of his "inner demon," which declared, "I am you, you are me," and challenged him to face himself. The demon asserted its presence within his heart, beyond the physical realm. After his meditation, a monk delivered a "secret treasure" from his master called Guiyi. The master's voice explained that Guiyi could help Fahai "see through the fantasy" and "understand the karma of reincarnations."

He was advised to travel again, hoping he would "get rid of distractions" and achieve enlightenment. As Baohe Clinic's grand opening approached, Xu Xian and Bai Suzhen visited his parents' graves, where Bai Suzhen solemnly promised to care for Hanwen. At another grave site, Prime Minister Liang mournfully visited his son Liang Jun's tomb, vowing vengeance against Xu Xian.

He then encountered Xu Xian and Bai Suzhen, warning Xu Xian that he would soon send him to join his parents, and that his son would enjoy Bai Suzhen's company in the afterlife. Bai Suzhen, angered by the threats, subtly used her magic to trip Prime Minister Liang. Observing a grieving father weeping at his son's grave, Xu Xian lamented that "corrupt officials" like Prime Minister Liang caused such "tragedies."

Bai Suzhen suggested they name their clinic "Baohe Clinic," symbolizing their hope to help all people, rich or poor, and foster "happily" families. Qin San, Prime Minister Liang's confidant, soon reported the opening of Baohe Clinic. Still seething over his son's death, Prime Minister Liang approved Qin San's plot. Qin San deliberately infected isolated elderly people with "leprosy," knowing other clinics would refuse them.

He anticipated that Xu Xian, known for his bold use of medicine and previous suggestion of treating leprosy with "arsenic," would take them in. Their plan was to frame Xu Xian for murder. Soon, an old couple, whom Xu Xian and Bai Suzhen had met earlier, arrived at the clinic seeking help for the old woman's leprosy. Xu Xian welcomed them despite bystanders' warnings about the contagious nature of the disease and fears of being "burned" in their village.

Xu Xian informed the old woman that he could treat her "leprosy" using "arsenic," warning that it was a potent "poisonous" medicine. The old woman, desperate for any hope, declared she would try anything, even drink it. Xu Xian carefully instructed her to apply the medicine externally for a month and strictly warned her "not to drink" it. The grateful couple departed with the medicine.

Xu Xian, however, was puzzled, wondering why the old woman, who had been well just days before, had suddenly contracted leprosy. That night, Qin San found the old woman alone, offering her freshly steamed buns. When she tried to save them for her husband, Qin San forcibly made her eat one. The next morning, officials stormed Baohe Clinic, accusing Xu Xian of murder.

They claimed the old woman had died, bleeding from her "ears, nose and eyes", with her "stomach damaged badly", and "suffocated," indicating poison. They concluded she died from Xu Xian's arsenic. Xu Xian vehemently denied it, explaining his medicine contained only a "little" arsenic and was strictly "for external use only," thus incapable of causing death. Despite his protests, the official accused him of "killed people" and ordered his arrest and the clinic's closure.

Bai Suzhen told Xiao Qing they had anticipated a frame-up, but not such a "maniac" act of killing an innocent person. They decided to go to court. In court, Prime Minister Liang pressured Xu Xian to confess to a "capital offence," accusing him of using patients to "test your drug" and causing death, threatening him with "suffer." Xu Xian cited Emperor Gao Zong's decree, which prohibited torture during initial interrogations.

Bai Suzhen and Xiao Qing then arrived with the old man, who testified that his wife never used Xu Xian's medicine, so she couldn't have been poisoned by it. He revealed he, too, had leprosy and secretly tested Xu Xian's medicine on himself, showing his cured skin as proof. He still had some medicine left and urged the court to test its toxicity.

The old man accused "the bad guy" of poisoning his wife, presuming she had used Xu Xian's medicine, to frame the doctor. He then identified Qin San as the man he had seen fighting with his wife that night, recalling that his wife had scratched Qin San's hand. Bai Suzhen requested Qin San's hand be checked. Qin San tried to flee but was apprehended by Xiao Qing, revealing a scratch on his hand.

Prime Minister Liang, in a calculated move, berated Qin San for acting alone, forcing Qin San to take sole responsibility for the crime. Although Bai Suzhen noted that Prime Minister Liang "suffered a lot" from the setback, they had no means to implicate him further. Xu Xian grieved for the old couple, reflecting on their deep love and the pain of separation. He contemplated that no one could stay with another forever, but love and memories endure.

He expressed gratitude that he and Bai Suzhen didn't "waste" their time together, cherishing every moment. To celebrate Baohe Clinic's doubled income, Xu Xian distributed money to his staff. Xiao Qing, grabbing her share, playfully declared herself their "chief" and promised to "keep these" funds safe. She then headed to Juyizui Restaurant, ordering a jar of Qiulubai.

There, she encountered Zhang Yutang, who tried to claim the last jar for himself, suggesting she try the sweeter, less potent peach blossom wine. Xiao Qing scoffed at the "juice" for "children," boasting she was the best wine connoisseur in Lin'an. Zhang Yutang challenged her knowledge, asking about the best Yuhang liquor and Tusu wine.

They bonded over their shared appreciation for Bailixiang and Zhuike Xian, with Zhang Yutang revealing his knowledge of Tusu wine's secret herb-based recipe, passed down from his physician ancestors. He introduced himself as "the winebibber in Lin'an," frequently supplying rare herbs to Mr. Qian (the Tusu owner) and receiving a jar of "Ten-year Tusu" annually. Xiao Qing eagerly traded her Qiulubai for a taste of the Ten-year Tusu, and they quickly became "buddies," vowing to "get drunk today."

Later, two merchants tried to sell "Rough Gentian" from "Qianzhou" at Baohe Clinic, attempting to pass it off as "Gentians from the East." Xu Xian refused, citing the "adulterated" quality of their products. He explained to Bai Suzhen that while their "tiger bones and bear galls" were good, he preferred to buy fewer animal-derived medicines to promote "safe" treatment for animals, as herbal alternatives existed.

Bai Suzhen praised his compassion, remarking that it had taken her "thousands of years" to truly understand such empathy. Still lacking reliable suppliers, Xu Xian worried. Bai Suzhen suggested posting a list of needed "medicines" outside the clinic, believing honest merchants would come forward. Xiao Qing, still in the tavern, encouraged Zhang Yutang to bring his "good medicine" and "good liquor" to Baohe Clinic, solidifying their "buddies" bond.

The next morning, Zhang Yutang saw the posted list and, realizing it was Xiao Qing's clinic, entered. He proudly presented her with various snake-derived products, including "gall from flat-necked snakes," "snake skin," "snake bones," and galls from "Zaocys snakes," "mandarin rat-snakes," and "grey rat snakes," emphasizing their "much" quantity. Xiao Qing's face grew pale, and her eyes turned red at the sight of her slain kin. Zhang Yutang, misinterpreting her reaction, attributed it to too much drinking and offered her a fresh green snake gall to "clear away heat and toxin."

Episode 16 Recap

Zhang Yutang, a skilled hunter, approached Baohe Clinic after observing their fair prices for medicinal herbs. He recalled Xiaoqing mentioning her family ran a clinic and sought to make a sale. However, his bundles contained various snake parts—skin, bones, and a fresh green snake gall—the sight and strong odor of which deeply offended Xiaoqing, a snake demon.

Despite Zhang Yutang's offer of the snake gall as a complimentary remedy for her flushed eyes and pale complexion, Xiaoqing, furious, demanded he take his "junk" and leave. Zhang Yutang, asserting the superior quality and affordability of his goods, protested her rude dismissal. Their heated argument drew Xu Xian outside. Zhang Yutang appealed to Xu Xian to assess his medicinal wares. Xu Xian confirmed the herbs were indeed of good quality and tried to mediate, explaining Xiaoqing's inexperience with pharmacology.

He even offered to purchase the snake sloughs himself. But Xiaoqing remained obstinate, and Zhang Yutang, feeling insulted, disparaged Baohe Clinic before departing in a fit of pique. Unwilling to let him off easily, Xiaoqing secretly followed. As Zhang Yutang continued his hunting expedition in a dense forest, Xiaoqing subtly conjured a thick mist, causing him to become disoriented. While intensely focused on capturing a magnificent, jewel-eyed snake, Zhang Yutang lost his footing and plunged down a cliff.

Xiaoqing, initially only intending mischief, was alarmed and swiftly rescued him. As he recovered, he found himself drawn to her candid spirit and unique charm. When he questioned her presence and fighting prowess on the treacherous cliff, she claimed to be a regular herb gatherer for her family's clinic and lamented the loss of a rare flickingeria comata during his rescue. Grateful for his life being saved, Zhang Yutang promised her a precious Ten-year Toso as compensation.

He told her she was unlike other girls, admiring her strength, convivial nature, and loyalty, which he found refreshing. The following day, Zhang Yutang, now enamored, returned to Baohe Clinic with his life savings—a mere three taels of silver. He presented the money to Xu Xian, requesting to "buy Xiaoqing's freedom," having mistakenly assumed she was a maid. Xu Xian and Bai Suzhen were baffled.

Xiaoqing, emerging from a back room, was initially touched to learn the three taels represented his "marriage money" intended for her. However, her sentiment quickly soured into fury when she realized he deemed her only worth such a meager sum. She angrily chased him out once more. Xu Xian later clarified Zhang Yutang's misunderstanding, explaining that Xiaoqing was Bai Suzhen’s sister, not a servant. Despite the clarification, Xiaoqing remained resentful of his snake-hunting trade.

Bai Suzhen gently reminded her that Zhang Yutang hunted for sustenance, not out of malice, and that as a spiritual practitioner, Xiaoqing should uphold her vows and resist thoughts of harm, lest she face divine retribution. She advised patience as the path to true cultivation. Meanwhile, an ominous plot unfolded in Lin'an City. Under the cover of darkness, Huang Daoling, a newly hired physician at Jishi Clinic, furtively contaminated the city's drinking water wells with a yellow powder.

The next morning, chaos erupted across Lin'an as a rapidly spreading plague, starting from the west, plunged the city into crisis. Clinics, including Baohe, were overwhelmed. Conventional remedies proved useless, leaving Xu Xian deeply troubled. In stark contrast, the previously struggling Jishi Clinic now proclaimed a miraculous cure, a "plague medicine", developed by Huang Daoling. Its efficacy was astounding, offering immediate relief. However, the medicine was exorbitantly priced, beyond the reach of most common folk.

While Xu Xian found some relief in the existence of a cure, he was appalled by the profiteering. He confronted Jin Ruyi, imploring her to lower the price or, failing that, to exchange her plague remedy for his own extensive medical prescriptions, appealing to the medical ethics upheld by her late father. Jin Ruyi, however, was uncompromising. Fuelled by lingering resentment, she demanded Xu Xian divorce Bai Suzhen as a condition for the prescription.

Outraged by her unconscionable demand, Xu Xian refused. As he departed, Huang Daoling secretly poisoned him, inducing symptoms identical to the plague. Xu Xian collapsed upon returning home, losing consciousness. Distraught, Bai Suzhen rushed to Jishi Clinic for the "plague medicine." Jin Ruyi initially reveled in her distress, proposing Bai Suzhen serve as her maid for a year in exchange for the antidote. But upon learning the patient was Xu Xian, Jin Ruyi's demeanor shifted dramatically.

Overriding Huang Daoling's protests about the limited supply of only three bottles and his reluctance to aid Baohe Clinic, Jin Ruyi immediately provided the medicine, urging Bai Suzhen to administer it swiftly. Xu Xian rapidly recovered after taking the "plague medicine." Both he and Bai Suzhen grew suspicious; the immediate and complete cure suggested it was a potent detoxifier rather than a traditional herbal medicine.

Xu Xian noted its unique, mineral-like scent, concluding that the townspeople were suffering from poisoning, not a natural plague. He questioned how Jishi Clinic could have developed such a specific antidote. To uncover the truth, Bai Suzhen and Xiaoqing secretly observed Jishi Clinic that night. They witnessed Huang Daoling furtively poisoning a public well. Following him to his hidden mountain lair, they discovered his true form: a grotesque toad demon.

Once Huang Daoling left his cave, Bai Suzhen and Xiaoqing entered, seizing all the vials of "plague medicine," which they now identified as the vital antidote. To prevent immediate detection, they replaced the stolen medicine with flour. Bai Suzhen resolved to publicly expose Huang Daoling's treachery and distribute the antidote, which she renamed "Bao'an bolus," free to all suffering citizens. Upon seeing them prepare the new "Bao'an bolus," Xu Xian, still recovering, was perplexed by the use of flour.

Bai Suzhen clarified it was a mere "primer," assuring him their remedy would be as effective as Jishi Clinic's but offered without charge. Xu Xian expressed profound sadness at the corruption of Jishi Clinic under Huang Daoling, feeling a responsibility as his former master's apprentice.

He intended to speak with Jin Ruyi, but Xiaoqing, still furious about Jin Ruyi's past cruelty and her demand for Xu Xian to divorce Bai Suzhen, argued that Jin Ruyi deserved her fate with the toad demon. Bai Suzhen gently interceded, urging Xiaoqing not to disclose Jin Ruyi's personal affronts to Xu Xian, explaining she wished to spare him further distress over their strained relationship. Instead, she encouraged Xu Xian to join them in publicly exposing Huang Daoling's scheme, thus working together to save Lin'an and uphold justice.

Episode 17 Recap

Having recovered from his illness, Hanwen learned that the price of Jishi Clinic's Plague Medicine was soaring daily, confirming his suspicions about Wang Daoling. Concerned, he rushed to warn Ruyi. However, Ruyi, blinded by her persistent affection for Hanwen, dismissed his concerns and continued to speak ill of Bai Suzhen. As Hanwen prepared to leave, he heard desperate cries from outside.

In the courtyard, he found impoverished people kneeling and pleading for the Plague Medicine, yet Wang Daoling remained indifferent to their suffering. Just then, Bai Suzhen and Qing arrived. They had secretly obtained Wang Daoling's antidote, renamed it Bao'an Bolus, and began distributing it for free. One person immediately recovered after taking the medicine, confirming its efficacy. People profusely thanked the healers and flocked to Baohe Clinic. The news quickly spread, even reaching Fahai, who had just arrived in Lin'an.

He observed the bustling Baohe Clinic, where Bai Suzhen was revered like a goddess by the common folk. Yet, she was clearly a thousand-year-old snake demon, and Fahai struggled to reconcile this contradiction. As Baohe Clinic gained popularity, Jishi Clinic became deserted. Wang Daoling was baffled, as the plague toxin was derived from his own toad venom, and he couldn't comprehend how anyone else could possess the antidote.

Investigating further, he returned to his mountain cave and discovered that his stash of antidote had been swapped. Despite the setback, Wang Daoling remained unconcerned, confident that Baohe Clinic's supply would eventually run dry. He returned to comfort Ruyi, anticipating a return of their business. Days passed, and Baohe Clinic's supply of Bao'an Bolus rapidly diminished. Soon, the large jar of antidote was nearly empty, and patients who could not receive medicine began to gather outside, their curses echoing loudly.

Bai Suzhen then confided in Hanwen, revealing that she and Qing had witnessed Wang Daoling secretly pouring a strange powder into the city's water wells late at night. Hanwen, realizing the true source of the plague, devised a plan to lure Wang Daoling into a trap. The next day, Baohe Clinic announced the development of a new, even more effective antidote called Yong'an Pill. As expected, Wang Daoling could not sit still.

Believing that Hanwen's Yong'an Pill could only counter a fraction of his toad poison, he decided to double the dosage and pour it into the wells again. Unbeknownst to him, Hanwen and his allies had already set an inescapable trap. Under the cover of a moonless night, Wang Daoling approached the well with his enhanced poison. Suddenly, Li Gongfu and his constables surrounded him, their torches illuminating the scene like daylight.

Caught red-handed, Wang Daoling refused to surrender, transforming into a wisp of smoke and vanishing. However, Bai Suzhen and Qing were waiting for him. They jointly attacked him, severely injuring him. Barely escaping, Wang Daoling harbored a deep resentment towards the two. After consuming a hidden pill, he was able to regain his human form. The exposure of Wang Daoling's heinous acts, poisoning the populace for profit, devastated Jishi Clinic and made Ruyi an outcast.

Enraged victims stormed and vandalized Jishi Clinic. Hanwen rushed to intervene, publicly apologizing on Ruyi's behalf and explaining that she had been misguided as a young woman running the clinic alone. The crowd, swayed by Hanwen's esteemed reputation, dispersed. Left amidst the ruins, a distraught and humiliated Ruyi completely broke down. Despite Bai Suzhen's attempts to offer solace, Ruyi saw her as a persistent tormentor, blaming her for her father's death, Jishi Clinic's ruined reputation, and the loss of Hanwen.

Her hatred spiraled into irrationality. Unable to reason with her, Hanwen embraced Bai Suzhen and they left. The once magnificent Jishi Clinic was now a desolate wreck. Overwhelmed, Ruyi stumbled through the rainy night, cursing the heavens and Hanwen's perceived heartlessness. Exhausted, she collapsed in the storm, only to be found and rescued by Wang Daoling, who carried her back to his mountain cave.

Upon waking in Wang Daoling's cave, Ruyi looked at him with cold eyes, despite his desperate attempts to please her. She was intrigued by the strange surroundings and curious about Wang Daoling's true identity. Wang Daoling continued to cater to her, even climbing steep cliffs to gather rare ingredients for her health.

One day, Ruyi followed Wang Daoling and watched as he transformed into a cloud of black smoke, then into a colorful toad, and finally back into his human form, holding a precious wild yam in his mouth. Terrified, Ruyi shrieked, realizing that Wang Daoling was not human. He tried to explain, claiming to be a celestial attendant of Lord Lao Zi, banished to the mortal realm for stealing an elixir and mistakenly entering a toad's body.

He asserted his divine lineage, explaining that he disguised himself as a Taoist because his toad form was unsightly. To convince a skeptical Ruyi, he insisted on taking her further into his cave to prove his story. Meanwhile, back at Baohe Clinic, Hanwen confided in Bai Suzhen about his lingering concern for Ruyi, recalling their shared childhood and his master's dying wish for him to care for her.

Bai Suzhen gently reminded him that Ruyi was no longer a child and that he had done enough. She expressed her own anger at Ruyi's actions, stating that while she usually had a kind heart, she could only forgive Ruyi this once. The two then agreed on a new set of rules for Baohe Clinic: all medicines would be sold at affordable prices, and for the truly impoverished, medical fees would be waived entirely.

Qing, observing their loving dynamic, muttered that love must be a "silly disease," claiming to have no interest in such mortal affairs. However, her heart skipped a beat when Zhang Yutang arrived, complaining about the heat. Zhang Yutang had brought herbs for Baohe Clinic, as requested by Hanwen. As he spoke, he suddenly felt dizzy and weak, describing symptoms of heatstroke. Bai Suzhen diagnosed him and asked Qing to prepare cooling medicine for him. Seeing the poor laborers toiling under the scorching sun, Bai Suzhen's compassionate heart moved her to instruct Qing to prepare more medicine and invite them in for free cooling draughts.

Episode 18 Recap

Wang Daoling brought Ruyi back to his cave, attempting to win her affection by displaying his collection of treasures. He presented luminous jade cups, ancient tribute, and a piece of jade from the harem, offering them all to her if she would stay. Ruyi, however, was unimpressed, stating that she was not a shallow woman to be swayed by mere jewelry. Recognizing he was a demon with powerful abilities, she demanded he help her deal with Bai Suzhen.

Wang Daoling reluctantly revealed that Bai Suzhen was a millennial snake demon, aided by Xiao Qing, and that he was no match for them. This revelation startled Ruyi, who immediately became concerned for Xu Xian's safety. Angered by Wang Daoling's refusal to help, Ruyi then challenged his abilities, demanding he transform into Xu Xian.

Wang Daoling hesitated, explaining that his true form was a toad, and that his current human appearance was the most handsome he could manage without harming his cultivation. Yielding to her insistence, he transformed into Xu Xian but quickly reverted, citing a recent injury. Furious at his failure, Ruyi called him useless and ordered him out of her sight. Just then, Fahai appeared nearby, and Wang Daoling quickly concealed his demonic aura with magic to avoid the powerful monk's detection.

He informed Ruyi that Fahai was capable of subduing demons, a fact even Bai Suzhen would be wary of. This gave Ruyi an idea, and she instructed Wang Daoling to pretend to abduct her so she could solicit a powerful artifact from Fahai. They staged their act in the bamboo forest, with Ruyi crying for help as Wang Daoling feigned an attack. Fahai, not noticing any irregularities with his demon-sensing staff, intervened to "rescue" Ruyi.

After her supposed escape, Ruyi thanked Fahai and, feigning fear, asked him for a protective artifact. Unable to refuse, Fahai gave her a string of prayer beads, explaining that they contained a talisman from Jinshan Temple. He clarified that while the talisman could not destroy demons, it could prevent them from using their magic if worn by a person, or restrain their abilities if placed on a demon.

Ruyi, with a dangerous plan forming in her mind, gratefully accepted the beads and returned to Lin'an. Meanwhile, Fahai continued to be plagued by his inner demon, which criticized his past leniency towards the white and green snakes, claiming it allowed them to grow stronger and bewitch people. Fahai's will wavered amidst his regret and frustration. His master then appeared, reminding him that all ambitions arise from delusions and that his inner demon was a product of his own bigotry.

The master urged him to remember that the line between good and evil is thin, and that "the mortal live in their delusions; the wise live in the world." Fahai struggled to comprehend this wisdom, still convinced that the snakes were using good deeds for nefarious purposes and fearing he would become an accomplice if he did not act. As his master faded away, Fahai was left alone and confused.

Back at the Xu household, the family was bustling, preparing zongzi for the upcoming Dragon Boat Festival. Xu Jiaorong meticulously taught Bai Suzhen and Xiao Qing how to wrap the sticky rice dumplings. She specifically pointed out a "jiuzizong," explaining its auspicious meaning for bearing children, and urged Xu Xian and Bai Suzhen to consider having their own.

Xu Jiaorong mentioned the efficacy of the Guanyin Temple for praying for children and invited Bai Suzhen and Xu Xian to join her the following day. Xu Xian readily agreed. When Xu Jiaorong suggested Xiao Qing visit the nearby Matchmaker Temple to pray for a good marriage, Xiao Qing, asserting her desire for independence, quickly feigned a stomachache and fled.

The next day, as Xu Xian, Bai Suzhen, and Xu Jiaorong made their way to the temple, they were unknowingly being targeted. Prime Minister Liang had arranged for an assassin, Qin San, to ambush them on the road. However, their lives were saved by a chance encounter with the wife of Prince Mu. The princess, who had heard of Xu Xian's good deeds in Lin'an, was also on her way to the temple and invited them to travel with her.

Under the princess's protection, the assassins dared not make a move. At the Guanyin Temple, as the princess and Xu Jiaorong prayed for children, Bai Suzhen had visions of their prayers being answered—the princess would have a child within a year, and Xu Jiaorong a daughter within two. When Bai Suzhen prayed for a child of her own, however, she could see nothing of her own future.

Despite her earlier refusal, Xiao Qing found herself at the Matchmaker Temple with Zhang Yutang, who had enthusiastically dragged her along after hearing about it. They were intrigued by an ancient tree in the temple courtyard adorned with numerous red strings. A passerby explained that these were marriage lines: if two people each pulled an end of the same string, they were destined to be together.

Xiao Qing and Zhang Yutang, after some playful banter where Xiao Qing listed all the types of men she disliked, tried their luck. To their astonishment, they both ended up holding the same red string. Xiao Qing, horrified, immediately threw the string away, muttering that the temple was clearly not effective. The Dragon Boat Festival was fast approaching, a time of intense heat that was particularly perilous for snake demons.

Ruyi and Wang Daoling returned to Lin'an, intent on exploiting Bai Suzhen's vulnerability. They orchestrated a plan, sending a patient suffering from a severe heat-induced illness to Baohe Clinic. When the patient arrived, critically ill, Bai Suzhen, unable to bear his suffering, used her magic to draw the toxins into her own body. This act, combined with the loss of her demon core and the summer heat, severely weakened her.

Concerned for Xiao Qing, whose cultivation was still shallow and who had previously nearly revealed her true form from realgar powder, Bai Suzhen advised her to retreat to the mountains for safety, telling Xu Xian that Xiao Qing had gone to visit her uncle in Sichuan. Despite her own precarious condition, Bai Suzhen refused to leave Xu Xian, feeling a premonition of danger. Believing Bai Suzhen's powers were at their lowest, Ruyi executed the next part of her plan.

She feigned unconsciousness outside the Xu family's door. Xu Jiaorong, seeing her, immediately helped her inside. Xu Xian and Bai Suzhen, learning of Ruyi's condition, rushed to her side. When Ruyi "woke up," she tearfully recounted a fabricated tale, claiming that Wang Daoling was a cruel monster who had threatened to sell her to a brothel after destroying her clinic. Xu Xian, moved by her story, readily believed her, dismissing Bai Suzhen's cautious analysis and attempts to warn him.

Feeling responsible for Ruyi's plight, he decided to let her stay in their home. Ruyi then underwent a dramatic transformation, acting as though she was a completely changed person. She addressed Bai Suzhen as her "sister" and repeatedly expressed deep remorse for her past misdeeds. Over time, Bai Suzhen, despite her initial reservations, began to believe in Ruyi's sincerity. Building on this newfound trust, Ruyi presented Bai Suzhen with the string of prayer beads she had obtained from Fahai.

She claimed she had earnestly prayed for them at a Buddhist temple, offering them as a gift for Bai Suzhen's health. Bai Suzhen, feeling awkward but compelled by Ruyi's apparent sincerity and Xu Xian's urging, accepted the beads.

Episode 19 Recap

On the day of the Dragon Boat Festival, the intense heat forced Xiao Qing to seek refuge in the depths of West Lake, where she inadvertently reverted to her true form. Fahai, passing by, discovered her and placed her within his Zijin Bowl, covering it with a green lotus to shield her from the sun. This act by Fahai saved Xiao Qing from the torment of the scorching Dragon Boat Festival heat.

As he prepared to depart, Fahai released Xiao Qing into the deep mountains. Unsure of his intentions, Xiao Qing questioned him. Fahai, having received a wisdom eye from his master, was astonished to discover that Xiao Qing was a half-god, a revelation that equally surprised Xiao Qing. Seeking answers about her true nature, Xiao Qing followed Fahai all the way back to Lin'an City. Meanwhile, at Xu Xian's home, Ruyi was sprinkling realgar everywhere throughout the courtyard.

Just then, Xu Xian returned early from work with wine. Ruyi snatched Xu Xian's wine, added realgar to it, and repeatedly urged Xu Xian to share it with Suzhen, emphasizing that it was a Dragon Boat Festival tradition for every household. She also pointed out that Suzhen had been feeling unwell recently, and realgar wine had beneficial properties for clearing heat and dispelling toxins.

Thinking it harmless and even beneficial, Xu Xian eagerly returned to his room to drink with Suzhen. As he poured the fragrant wine, Suzhen immediately detected the distinct smell of realgar. Despite her discomfort, Xu Xian's repeated toasts and insistence made it difficult to refuse. With a hopeful thought that her millennia of cultivation would protect her, Suzhen drank the potent liquor, but soon felt an uncontrollable change beginning within her.

Frantically, Suzhen pushed Xu Xian out of the room, desperately trying to suppress her transformation. However, the harder she tried, the more the prayer beads Ruyi had given her glowed, amplifying the effect. In a fierce struggle between her power and the beads, Suzhen ultimately failed to maintain her human form. A colossal white python, radiating with white light, appeared, coiling on the roof beams.

Outside, Ruyi intentionally called out to Xu Xian, urging him to break down the door, claiming she saw a white snake that might endanger Suzhen. Terrified for his wife, Xu Xian's spirit and soul felt like they left his body, and he vehemently forced open the door, rushing inside. The room was in disarray, with furniture overturned, but his wife was nowhere to be seen.

Instead, a five-foot thick, hundred-meter-long white snake with green eyes and a crimson tongue flickered from its mouth. At that moment, Xu Xian, undeterred by the sight of the massive snake, was heartbroken, believing his wife had become the snake's feast. Overwhelmed by grief and shock, he collapsed. Ruyi, joined by Jiaorong and Gongfu, arrived to witness the scene, hoping to trap Suzhen in her original form, but found only a fainted Xu Xian.

Just then, Fahai and Xiao Qing arrived. Suzhen, transforming into a streak of white light, rushed out of the house. Fahai observed the shattered talisman on the ground, confirming it was the work of a demon. Xiao Qing, accusing Fahai of orchestrating this disaster and raging, was about to attack him when Suzhen's pained cries from outside interrupted her. Suzhen, having quickly regained her human form, burst back into the room, her only concern being Xu Xian.

Jiaorong, however, was furious, accusing Suzhen of abandoning Xu Xian in his time of need and now merely putting on a show of grief. Suzhen realized then that Ruyi's intentions were malicious and that the prayer beads were a calculated trap. Knowing that further explanations were futile, she simply asked Ruyi to take Jiaorong away. After the others left, Suzhen knelt before Fahai, pleading with him to save the dying Xu Xian.

Fahai, being merely human, stated he was powerless to help. Undeterred, Suzhen remained by Xu Xian's side for three days, neither eating, drinking, nor sleeping. On the morning of the third day, Jiaorong brought people to carry away Xu Xian's cold body for burial, wishing him peace in the afterlife. Suzhen adamantly refused, wildly claiming that she could save Xu Xian. Jiaorong, having lost all faith in Suzhen, thought she had gone mad.

In a desperate plea, Suzhen staked her life, begging for three more days, vowing to revive Xu Xian. Jiaorong, left with no choice, reluctantly agreed, but warned Suzhen that if she failed, she should never return. Suzhen instructed Xiao Qing to summon Fahai for protection.

With Xu Xian's seven spirits gone and only his soul of Tian and Di remaining, held within his body by Suzhen's demon core, Suzhen asked Fahai to help Xiao Qing maintain an altar lamp, extending the three-day deadline. She herself planned to travel to the sacred Kunlun Mountain to steal the fairy grass needed to restore Xu Xian's life. This audacious plan quickly reached Jing Song's ears.

The thought of Suzhen risking everything for a mere mortal stirred him, and he set off for Kunlun to intercept her. The fairy grass was located in the domain of the Emperor of Longevity of the South Pole, guarded by his immortal attendants, a crane and a deer, who were natural enemies of white snakes. Without her demon core, Suzhen, a demon, faced impossible odds against divine magic. Such dangers were not unknown to Suzhen, yet she remained determined.

Jing Song tried to persuade her to turn back, then protected her, eventually rescuing a gravely injured Suzhen from peril. Upon regaining consciousness, Suzhen remained unwavering in her resolve. Jing Song, seeing no other option, offered her his tooth. He explained that he was originally a golden mouse who cultivated near Buddha's seat. He was punished and banished to the mortal realm for using the Buddha's golden lotus to sharpen his teeth.

This tooth, now his avatar, was imbued with the power of the golden lotus, making it indestructible and capable of tearing through time, allowing her to return to the past to save Xu Xian. The tooth transformed into a five-petal golden lotus, capable of sending Suzhen back in time five times. Jing Song cautioned her that reversing fate demanded immense mental and physical energy, especially for her without her demon core.

She must not use it twice in a row, and in the past, her cultivation would be limited to that specific time. She should not attempt to go too far back, as getting trapped in the past would mean no return. Suzhen was urged to remember these warnings. Suzhen then used a golden lotus petal to travel back in time by the duration of one incense stick, disguising herself as a crane boy.

Upon arriving, she was shocked to find the fairy grass missing. As the disguised crane boy, she asked the deer boy, who was supposed to be guarding the fairy grass, about its whereabouts. The deer boy casually revealed that the Emperor of Longevity had taken the fairy grass as a birthday gift for the Queen of Heaven's grand banquet in Yaochi. Time was of the essence, so Suzhen risked journeying to Nantian.

At the heavily guarded South Heaven Gate, she disguised herself as the Deer Boy, claiming to be delivering a forgotten birthday gift from the South Pole Emperor of Longevity. The guards, recognizing the name, let her in. The Queen of Heaven's banquet was a gathering of myriad immortals, including the Four Directions Buddhas, Northern Pole Xuan Ling, Five Dipper Star Lords, Ten Continents and Three Islands Immortal Elders, Three Mountains and Five Peaks Deities, and many other formidable figures.

Suzhen knew that even with her suppressed demon aura, she would struggle to evade their keen eyes. With no other choice, she transformed herself into an immortal to blend in with the other guests.

Episode 20 Recap

Suzhen, having disguised herself as a fairy, smoothly mingled with other celestial maidens. A gatekeeper paused her, remarking on the chaotic immortal energy emanating from her. Other fairies, including Yu Luan, a Gardenia from the Hundred Grass Garden, and Xi Ying, a Garden Balsam, quickly intervened, explaining that Suzhen, a Hedyotis, had recently ascended from a mortal mountain and her aura was not yet fully purified. Satisfied, the gatekeeper allowed them to pass.

Inside, Suzhen learned that the Emperor of Longevity of the South Pole had already presented the resurrection plant, also known as "Duan Chen" or "Forgetfulness," as a birthday gift to the Queen Mother at the Celestial Banquet. Meanwhile, back in the mortal realm, Xiao Qing and Fahai continued to protect Xu Xian. The flame of the altar lamp, symbolizing Xu Xian's life, flickered weakly.

Fahai noted that Xu Xian's body was a magnet for malevolent spirits, whose numbers seemed to increase daily. Xiao Qing worried aloud that if Bai Suzhen did not return soon, Xu Xian might not survive. At the Celestial Banquet, Erlang God Yang Jian and his Howling Celestial Dog detected Suzhen’s true demon aura. Erlang God immediately accused her of impersonating a fairy to steal gifts.

The Jade Emperor, enraged by such a transgression in the Heavenly Palace, demanded her swift punishment. However, the Queen Mother intervened, suggesting that a demon risking her life to break into such a heavily guarded place must have a compelling reason. She decided to question Suzhen before passing judgment. Suzhen, falling to her knees, revealed herself as Bai Suzhen from Mount Emei, admitting her desperate act was to obtain the fairy grass to save her dying husband.

She offered to bear all consequences. Erlang God still insisted on her immediate execution to serve as a warning. Yet, other immortals pleaded for leniency, pointing out that it was the Queen Mother's joyous birthday and Suzhen did not appear inherently evil. The Queen Mother acknowledged Suzhen’s deep love for her husband but emphasized that the cycle of birth, aging, sickness, and death was a fundamental law of the universe, not to be broken for any single individual.

Nevertheless, recognizing Suzhen's lack of malevolent intent, she commuted the death sentence and ordered her imprisonment in the Heavenly Prison. Still defiant, Suzhen pleaded again for the fairy grass to save Xu Xian, stating she would not wish to live alone without him. The Queen Mother urged her to release her attachment and cultivate in the Heavenly Prison.

But in a desperate attempt, Suzhen tried to snatch the fairy grass, further provoking the Queen Mother, who then ordered her immediate beheading on the execution ground. As the executioner’s blade was about to fall, Guanyin Bodhisattva appeared. Guanyin explained that Bai Suzhen, being devout, had saved countless lives, and despite her violation of heavenly rules, her merits outweighed her transgressions, making her undeserving of death.

Guanyin further revealed that Bai Suzhen and Xu Xian shared a profound karmic bond from a past life, and Xu Xian’s lifespan was not yet complete. She requested the fairy grass, arguing it would save two lives and extend the celebratory joy of the Queen Mother’s birthday to both the demon and mortal realms.

Swayed by Guanyin's intervention and the predetermined destiny, the Queen Mother finally granted Suzhen the fairy grass, cautioning her against reckless actions in the future and instructing her to return and atone for her sins once she achieved true enlightenment. Suzhen expressed her profound gratitude. Suzhen returned to the mortal realm through the golden lotus, only to find Jing Song in a severely weakened state, his form gradually becoming translucent.

He confessed that he had used forbidden magic to transport her to Heaven and maintained a protective barrier for her return, completely depleting his life’s cultivation. He could no longer sustain his human form. Suzhen was heartbroken, refusing to accept his fate. Jing Song, however, found peace in his sacrifice, paralleling it to Suzhen’s own willingness to defy destiny for Xu Xian.

He accepted his end, finding contentment in her tearful sorrow, and vanished into the vast expanse of the world, leaving Suzhen to mourn his loss. Back at the Xu family household, the altar lamp's flame dimmed further each passing day. Ruyi continued her relentless campaign of slander against Suzhen, constantly urging Jiaorong to bury Xu Xian. Jiaorong, consumed by grief and easily swayed, lost her ability to reason.

After several days of deferring the funeral, Jiaorong felt it was unnatural to delay further and ordered men to carry Xu Xian’s body for burial. Xiao Qing fiercely tried to stop them. At that precise, desperate moment, a weakened Suzhen arrived with the fairy grass. Li Gongfu quickly intervened, dispersing the crowd and allowing Suzhen a moment of peace. Inside, Suzhen, now frail, urged Xiao Qing and Fahai to help her refine the fairy grass.

Xiao Qing was perplexed, sensing a deeper secret. Fahai explained that the Kunlun fairy plant, also known as "Duan Chen" or "Forgetfulness," could resurrect mortals, but at the cost of wiping away all their past memories and severing all emotional attachments. If Xu Xian consumed it, Bai Suzhen would become a source of torment for him; any thought of her would inflict unbearable pain.

Xiao Qing was aghast, questioning the value of saving him if he would forget his love for Suzhen. Suzhen, however, stood firm. She declared that his memory of her was inconsequential; all that mattered was his survival. She would be content simply knowing he existed, sensing his footsteps, and seeing his gaze reflected in the moonlight. Deeply moved by her unwavering devotion, Fahai agreed to assist in refining the elixir.

After Xu Xian consumed the Forgetfulness elixir, Suzhen, having already lost her demon core and further drained her vital energy during the refining process, had to retreat into seclusion for three days with Xiao Qing as her protector to maintain her human form. Simultaneously, Xu Xian and Suzhen awoke from dreams where they saw each other, albeit with a sense of parting.

In Xu Xian’s dream, the woman who swore to share a lifetime with him vanished from festive nights and rainy bridges, while Suzhen’s dream depicted only Xu Xian’s melancholic farewell, signaling the end of their destined romance. Xu Xian awoke to the relief and joy of his family but was bewildered by his surroundings.

When his sister Jiaorong and brother-in-law Li Gongfu mentioned Bai Suzhen, Xu Xian was gripped by a sudden, splitting headache, as if her name was a curse. He didn't recognize her name, nor did he recall ever being married. He only remembered Ruyi. Ruyi, witnessing this, felt her opportunity had finally arrived. Later that night, Suzhen, seeking solitude, stepped out under the moonlit sky and encountered Xu Xian.

He gazed at her, a beautiful stranger, and told her that others said she was his wife, Bai Suzhen. Fearing that any further interaction would cause him pain, Suzhen abruptly ended the conversation, telling him to forget their past and asserting they had no connection. She then hurried away. Ruyi, who secretly observed this interaction, was consumed by jealousy and hatred. She sought out Daoling, requesting a colorless, odorless poison—Mesmerize Powder—that would make Xu Xian ill without causing permanent harm.

Her insidious plan was to make Xu Xian fall sick again, then publicly "cure" him herself, thereby earning the Xu family’s gratitude and establishing herself as their irreplaceable savior. Despite her extensive knowledge of herbs, Suzhen was unable to fully decipher Ruyi’s cunning heart. She did, however, detect the scent of Mesmerize Powder in the chicken soup Ruyi was attempting to feed Xu Xian. Ruyi, feigning distress, burst into tears and complained to Jiaorong about Suzhen's accusations.

She highlighted her tireless, day-and-night care for Xu Xian. Jiaorong, already emotionally vulnerable and witnessing Xu Xian’s negative reactions to Suzhen’s name and presence, became increasingly distrustful of Suzhen. She asked Suzhen to leave and allow Ruyi to continue nursing Xu Xian. Suzhen, though deeply hurt, found herself helpless and had no choice but to comply.

Episode 21 Recap

Xu Xian's condition weighed heavily on Bai Suzhen, who, despite her own weakened state, prepared a special medicine with her heart's blood to help him regain his vitality, as his body contained her demon core. Xiao Qing, witnessing her sister's sacrifice, questioned why Suzhen was still so devoted to Xu Xian, whom she called a "heartbreaker" for having forgotten her.

Suzhen explained that she could not deliver the medicine herself, as her presence caused Xu Xian immense headaches as he struggled to remember her. Xiao Qing reluctantly agreed to take the medicine for the last time, making Suzhen promise to no longer use her precious blood essence. Meanwhile, Jin Ruyi and Xu Xian were engaged in a playful game of riddles.

As they guessed, Xu Xian had a sudden, painful memory of solving riddles with someone else, triggering a severe headache. Xiao Qing arrived at this moment, witnessing their lighthearted interaction. Angered by what she saw, she scorned Jin Ruyi for seeking credit and criticized Xu Xian for being "aloof" towards Suzhen but "zealous" with Jin Ruyi. As she left, she saw Suzhen standing outside, realizing her sister had overheard everything.

Later that night, Xu Xian wandered into the courtyard and encountered Suzhen holding a lantern. His attempts to recall her identity brought on a splitting headache. Xu Jiaorong, seeing Xu Xian's distress, reprimanded Suzhen for upsetting him and urged Jin Ruyi to take Xu Xian back inside. Xu Xian resisted, desperate to uncover Suzhen's identity, but his pain intensified, forcing Li Gongfu to carry him back.

Suzhen, heartbroken by Xu Xian's suffering, recognized the powerful effects of the Mesmerize Powder and resolved to avoid him to prevent further pain. Xiao Qing protested, arguing that if Suzhen continued to avoid Xu Xian, he would only remember Jin Ruyi, and all their troubles would be blamed on Suzhen. Jiaorong expressed her confusion to Li Gongfu about Xu Xian's failure to recognize Suzhen.

Li Gongfu insisted that despite his memory loss, they remained husband and wife and would surely reconcile. However, Jiaorong was also worried about Jin Ruyi, who had diligently cared for Xu Xian during his illness, feeling that they could not "disappoint" her. Li Gongfu firmly reminded Jiaorong that it was Suzhen, not Jin Ruyi, who had saved Xu Xian. Yet, Jiaorong remained deeply affected by what she perceived as Jin Ruyi's genuine "desperation and sadness" for Xu Xian.

Jin Ruyi then confronted Suzhen, urging her not to "stimulate" Xu Xian, claiming it worsened his condition. Following this, Jiaorong formally requested Suzhen to temporarily keep her distance from Xu Xian, citing his recurring headaches. Suzhen, with a heavy heart, agreed.

Li Gongfu tried to persuade Jin Ruyi to return to her own home to protect her reputation, but Jin Ruyi adamantly refused, declaring her unwavering commitment to care for Xu Xian without needing marriage or a title, even vowing to remain unmarried for life. Jiaorong, deeply moved by Jin Ruyi's words, now saw her as "considerate" rather than "unruly and wayward" and acknowledged that Jin Ruyi admitted she "went astray" but was grateful for Jiaorong's "kindness."

Suzhen confided in Xiao Qing, saying she cared less about gossip and more about Xu Xian's well-being. She believed that despite Jin Ruyi's unscrupulous methods, her affection for Xu Xian was genuine, and she would not harm him if Suzhen were to leave. Xiao Qing, however, argued that Suzhen was sacrificing too much and questioned if this was truly what Xu Xian desired, urging her to consider things from "his shoes."

Adding to Xu Xian's distress, he experienced a vivid nightmare, screaming in terror about a snake. Jin Ruyi, capitalising on this, prepared a "snake bone soup" for him, claiming it would "calm him" after being scared by a snake. Xu Xian promptly vomited upon seeing it. Observing all this from hiding, Suzhen's heart was shattered. She decided to write a divorce paper.

Reflecting on Jingsong's words, she acknowledged that humans and demons were not meant to be together and her current suffering was her "own fault," but she felt deep regret for having "troubled" Xu Xian and Jingsong. She concluded that despite their deep love, their "fate was shallow," and it was better for them to be "separate and live happily respectively."

She believed that Xu Xian forgetting her was preferable to him remembering her and then fearing her as a snake demon. She took only her hairpin as she prepared to leave. A doctor informed Jiaorong that even if Xu Xian recovered, he would likely suffer from lingering health issues, including difficulty walking. Jiaorong was overwhelmed with despair. Outside, Suzhen, holding the divorce paper, approached Jiaorong.

Jiaorong, initially too distraught to talk, was persuaded by Suzhen, who assured her it would only take a moment. Suzhen presented the divorce paper to Jiaorong, explaining that their "destiny was over," and forcing the relationship would only bring unhappiness to everyone. Jiaorong initially misconstrued Suzhen's actions as anger over being "neglected" during Xu Xian's illness. However, she then mistakenly assumed Suzhen was abandoning Xu Xian after overhearing the doctor's grim prognosis.

Convinced that Suzhen, a "noble lady," was unwilling to endure hardship, Jiaorong, her expression cold, accepted the divorce paper on Xu Xian's behalf, addressing Suzhen as "Miss Bai" in a stark shift of demeanor. Li Gongfu later confronted Jiaorong, expressing his dismay at her agreement to the divorce and reminding her of Xu Xian's feelings for Suzhen, warning her of future regret. Jiaorong defended her decision, stating Suzhen's "determination to leave."

Suzhen went to Xu Xian's bedside to bid him a silent farewell, recalling their wedding vows to be together for "life after life." She now wished that in any future lives, she would only watch and protect him from afar, to spare him the kind of suffering he had endured in this life. Li Gongfu attempted to persuade Suzhen to wait until Xu Xian awoke, but Suzhen, feeling like a "stranger" to him, remained resolute in her decision.

Jiaorong offered Suzhen some money for her journey, which Suzhen initially declined but eventually accepted. Suzhen and Xiao Qing then gathered their belongings and departed from the Xu residence. Jin Ruyi then knelt before Jiaorong, stating that with Suzhen gone, Xu Xian would be left without care. She proposed marriage as a "good luck charm" to aid his recovery, vowing to care for him for "life after life," even if he remained bedridden.

Jiaorong, deeply moved by Jin Ruyi's apparent devotion, accepted her request. Li Gongfu tried to intervene, but his efforts were in vain. Jin Ruyi then administered an antidote she had prepared to Xu Xian, who quickly regained consciousness. Xu Xian, upon waking, discovered the divorce paper and was devastated. He also experienced fragmented memories, including images of "egrets" and "orioles," which he instinctively associated with Suzhen.

He told Jiaorong that he only felt sibling affection for Jin Ruyi and was already married. Jiaorong informed him that he and Suzhen were now divorced. Meanwhile, Xiao Qing, enraged by Jin Ruyi's manipulative tactics, including framing Suzhen with Buddhist beads, and her self-serving claims of credit, stormed into the Xu residence with a sword to confront Jin Ruyi. Jin Ruyi hid behind Xu Xian, who instinctively protected her, much to Xiao Qing's disgust.

Upon learning of Xu Xian and Jin Ruyi's impending marriage, Xiao Qing branded Xu Xian a "heartbreaker" and attempted to strike him with her sword. Fahai swiftly intervened, binding Xiao Qing. He rebuked her for her unruly behavior despite possessing "half-god blood," warning that such actions would harm her spiritual cultivation. Xiao Qing argued that she was merely defending her sister and seeking "freedom" through "revenge," preferring to remain a snake if she couldn't settle scores.

Fahai then led her to the scripture library, where he trapped her with a powerful restriction and ordered her to transcribe ten Buddhist scriptures until she learned self-restraint and could control her temper. Suzhen returned to her "Bai Mansion," standing lost in thought in a pavilion amidst the rain, a place she once shared with Xu Xian. Driven by lingering memories, Xu Xian eventually found her there.

He pleaded with her to explain their past—how they met, became acquainted, and fell in love—and to reveal the secrets behind his fragmented memories. Suzhen gently told him that since he had forgotten, there was no point in revisiting it, as others' accounts could never replace his own memories. She advised him to let go rather than "add to his troubles." Xu Xian asked if forgetting the past meant they could not have a future.

Suzhen replied that without a past, there could be no future for them. She declared their "fate was over," urging them to part ways as strangers and take care of themselves. She quickly turned and departed, fearing that another glance into his clear eyes would make her fall for him once more.

Episode 22 Recap

Tormented by his fragmented memories, Xu Xian and Bai Suzhen both struggle to sleep. Xu Xian yearns to recall how he and Bai Suzhen met, became acquainted, and eventually fell in love. He sees a beautiful illusion of her, and then a floating lantern. Suzhen, too, sits alone in the cold wind and heavy rain, gazing at a similar ascending lantern, memories flashing before her eyes.

Xu Xian, startled by the same lantern, accidentally knocks over a water cup, wetting a blurred painting of Suzhen, which triggers a severe headache. He laments, "Meeting is worse than not meeting; having feelings is worse than having no feelings," desperately calling out "Hanwen," consumed by his desperate state. The next morning, Jin Ruyi finds Xu Xian asleep at his desk with Bai Suzhen's portrait.

Filled with jealousy, she immediately instructs servants to remove all of Suzhen's belongings—her plants, paintings, and books—to replace them with new, festive items like Chinese herbaceous peonies. Xu Xian, startled, forcefully stops them, demanding to know who authorized such actions. His sister, Jiaorong, steps in, explaining that Jin Ruyi consulted a geomancer who suggested their recent misfortunes were due to the house's old decor, implying Suzhen's lingering presence.

Jiaorong urges Xu Xian to let go of the past and embrace a new life with Jin Ruyi, reminding him of Jin Ruyi's selfless care during his illness and how he "must be nice to her in the future." A voice screams in Xu Xian's heart, insisting that his fragmented memories and the blurred figure in his dreams are what he truly desires, and he cannot marry Ruyi. However, he is unable to convince either his sister or Jin Ruyi.

Xu Xian firmly states that he feels uncomfortable with the changes and cannot marry Jin Ruyi, having always viewed her as a younger sister, not a romantic partner. He believes a marriage without mutual affection cannot last and wishes to break the engagement. Jin Ruyi, undeterred, refuses, reminding him that Jiaorong has already approved, and wedding invitations have been sent.

She attributes his words to his recent illness and declares she will proceed with wedding preparations, even going to buy jewelry alone if he won't accompany her. Ruyi, despite knowing Xu Xian had no romantic feelings for her, was content just to be by his side, whispering to him, and serving him meals. She deluded herself, paying no heed to reciprocation.

Meanwhile, Xiao Qing emerges from the Sutra Depository, mocking Fahai for meditating outside all night just to "deal with" her. Fahai patiently explains he aims to enlighten her due to her "half-goddess" nature, but Xiao Qing cuts him off, expressing her aversion to the term and her desire to remain a demon, as being called a half-goddess has brought her nothing but bad luck. Unable to enlighten her, Fahai orders her to continue copying scriptures.

Xiao Qing, finding Fahai's asceticism amusing, decides to show him "worldly pleasures." She drags him to a pub, offering him alcohol as an example of human joy. Fahai, calling it "absurd" and "intoxication," attempts to leave. Xiao Qing stops him, arguing that to truly understand and save sentient beings, he must comprehend their joys and sorrows, which, she insists, are found within this "nectar." Fahai counters that he only knows alcohol "can disrupt a man's behavior."

Xiao Qing points to other patrons, reveling and lamenting, challenging him to understand their reasons for happiness and sorrow, asserting this knowledge is crucial for a true savior. Elsewhere, Bai Suzhen, searching for Xiao Qing, inadvertently wanders into a jewelry store. The shop owner immediately recognizes her, recalling the time Xu Xian bought a delicate silver butterfly hairpin for her, asking him to keep it a secret to surprise her, and marveling at their deep affection.

Just then, Jin Ruyi enters, seeking "festive, jolly pairs" for her upcoming wedding. Upon seeing Bai Suzhen, she gleefully announces her marriage to Xu Xian in "half a month" and mockingly invites Suzhen to the wedding. Heartbroken, Bai Suzhen turns to leave, only to bump into Xu Xian who has just arrived. Xu Xian calls out to her and follows her outside. A heavy downpour begins as Xu Xian catches up to Bai Suzhen on a boat on West Lake.

She asks if his headaches still bother him. He admits they return whenever he tries to remember the past. Suzhen advises him to simply forget and, offering tea, congratulates him on his upcoming marriage to Jin Ruyi. When Xu Xian tries to explain his situation with Jin Ruyi, Suzhen dismisses it, stating it's his private matter. Confused and hurt, Xu Xian questions why she continuously pushes him away.

He asks why, if they are truly strangers, he sees her face in the West Lake, the Broken Bridge, a book, a painting, or even a lantern. He desperately wants to know what shared past they might have forgotten. Suzhen, however, insists that their current encounter—the rain, the tea—is merely a fleeting "chance encounter, like floating petals," which will soon vanish without a trace. She urges him not to let "past destiny" interfere with his "good match" with Jin Ruyi.

As the rain subsides, Bai Suzhen and Xu Xian emerge from the boat. Xiao Qing, full of fury, chases Jin Ruyi, who defiantly tries to expose Bai Suzhen as a snake demon. Before Jin Ruyi can finish, Bai Suzhen magically silences her and pulls her aside for a private confrontation. Bai Suzhen sternly accuses Jin Ruyi of using the Peace Talisman to separate her from Xu Xian and administering Mesmerize Powder, causing Xu Xian's severe illness.

Jin Ruyi retorts that even without Bai Suzhen, Xu Xian would never marry a demon, threatening to continue poisoning him if Bai Suzhen doesn't leave. Bai Suzhen, asserting her power, reveals she spares Jin Ruyi only to prevent Xu Xian's sorrow, warning that any future harm to Xu Xian will result in Jin Ruyi's death, emphasizing her resolve with a magical snap of a tree branch. The wedding day arrives with celebratory drums and music.

Jin Ruyi, radiant in her red wedding gown, sits happily in the sedan chair, gazing out and relishing her dream of marrying Xu Xian. Inside, Xu Xian refuses to don his wedding attire, reiterating his refusal to marry Jin Ruyi. Jiaorong scolds him, reminding him of Jin Ruyi's devotion during his illness and how her willingness to marry him was meant to "exorcise bad luck."

She warns that not marrying Jin Ruyi would "force her to death" and threatens to disown him if he doesn't comply, stating their family cannot be so ungrateful. Xu Xian, however, argues that there are other ways to show gratitude, and marrying without love would be "repaying kindness with enmity." Enraged by the spectacle and the injustice to Bai Suzhen, Xiao Qing summons a fierce storm, blowing over the bridal sedan chair and leaving Jin Ruyi disheveled.

Rain heavily strikes Ruyi, making her look like a broken, delicate flower. Xu Xian rushes to help Jin Ruyi, unwittingly avoiding the hidden dark hand of Huang Daoling. Just then, Bai Suzhen, who was looking for Xiao Qing, secretly intervened, blocking Daoling's second attack. Frustrated by his incompetence, Daoling left. However, Daoling's demonic energy attracted Fahai, leading to unlucky Xiao Qing being blamed and captured by Fahai again. Xu Xian again states clearly that he cannot marry Ruyi.

As Jiaorong arrives with an umbrella, Xu Xian spots the white umbrella she carries—the same one he once gifted Bai Suzhen and carved with their vows. This sight triggers a flood of memories, and he finally remembers everything about Bai Suzhen: their love on Broken Bridge, their declaration of love at the old pavilion, the silver hairpin, and the lantern. He sees her among the crowd and rushes to her side.

Embracing her, Xu Xian declares that even if remembering her causes "heart-wrenching pain," it is "worthwhile." They promise each other, "we shall not part for the rest of my life." Fahai relentlessly pursues Xiao Qing into a bamboo forest. Xiao Qing, knowing Fahai would not truly kill or subdue her, playfully leads him in circles, though growing increasingly impatient with his efforts to persuade her to cultivate.

Fahai insists his exorcising staff had sensed killing intent and had led him directly to her. He reiterates his intention to "exorcise evil spirits" from her and take her back to Jinshan Temple for cultivation, declaring he will show "no mercy" if she remains "stubborn" and threatening to use his Zijin Bowl. Xiao Qing, however, taunts him, feigning innocence and mocking his inability to prove she committed murder, claiming she only created wind.

Just as Fahai prepares to use the Zijin Bowl, Zhang Yutang suddenly appears, knocking it away. Xiao Qing, seizing the opportunity, dramatically cries for help, accusing Fahai of trying to "take advantage" of her. Zhang Yutang, believing her, denounces Fahai as a "non-benevolent monk" and vows to protect Xiao Qing, allowing her to escape from Fahai's grasp. Xu Xian publicly addresses the gathering neighbors, taking full responsibility for the day's events.

He declares Bai Suzhen as his only wife for "this life and all eternity," vowing "never to part" and "never to marry again." He expresses deep regret to Jin Ruyi, admitting he gave all his love to Suzhen and cannot spare any for others. He offers to compensate Jin Ruyi in any way but marriage. Jin Ruyi, who had earlier pleaded to be an "equal wife" or even a concubine, is overcome with a mix of fury and bitter laughter.

She furiously asks Xu Xian, "Who I am to you? Why do you have to humiliate me?" She lunges at Bai Suzhen with a golden hairpin, intending to kill her, but Xu Xian bravely steps in front, shielding Suzhen and taking the blow himself. Wounded, he defiantly states he would "rather die than marry" Jin Ruyi. Jin Ruyi, humiliated and enraged, vows to make them pay for this insult, breaking her hairpin as a symbol of her revenge.

Back home, Xu Xian and Bai Suzhen tend to his wound. He apologizes for her suffering and his past mistakes, while she assures him it was not his fault and that he was powerless. Xu Xian reveals he took his copy of the divorce pact from Jiaorong and asks Suzhen for hers, emphasizing the urgent need to burn both to validate their marriage. He declares his unwavering love, fearing only not growing old with her.

Jiaorong arrives, still upset and scolding Xu Xian for his reckless act of taking the hairpin blow. Xu Xian admits his rashness but explains he cannot make the same mistake twice by abandoning Suzhen. To mend Bai Suzhen's tarnished image with his sister, Xu Xian fabricates a story about the Dragon Boat Festival incident, explaining that Suzhen was retrieving an exorcism sachet from Baohetang when he drank the realgar wine and later left to find medicine to save him.

His brother-in-law, Li Gongfu, supports Suzhen, explaining she was too consumed by guilt to clarify. Jiaorong, somewhat placated, still worries about Jin Ruyi's hurt feelings. Xu Xian then draws an analogy, asking Jiaorong to consider her own feelings if her husband were cared for by another "little junior sister" when ill, and that junior sister claimed to be his true match, to encourage her empathy. He asks Jiaorong to talk to Jin Ruyi to ease her pain.

Xiao Qing, meanwhile, complains to Suzhen about Xu Xian's previous "liking the new, disliking the old," blaming him for her own troubles with Fahai. Suzhen defends Xu Xian, attributing his actions to his memory loss and asking Xiao Qing not to be angry.

Episode 23 Recap

Xu Xian, having fully recovered, displayed a subtle change in his demeanor, which caused White Suzhen unease despite his continued affection towards her and Xiao Qing. Unconvinced that everything was truly normal, White Suzhen and Xiao Qing decided to secretly observe Xu Xian. The first signs of his altered state appeared at their pharmacy, where he stopped selling snake gall bladder pills, instead offering a cheaper herbal alternative for rheumatism, a move that pleased Xiao Qing.

Later, they witnessed him purchase a rare red-sided keelback from a snake catcher, Zhang Yu Tang, not for medicine, but to release it, even advising the bewildered catcher to cease snake hunting. White Suzhen, recalling Xu Xian's former aversion to snakes, also noticed him engrossed in the "Records of Spirits and Gods," a collection of fantastical tales, rather than his usual medical texts.

They followed him to a teahouse, where Xu Xian, usually engrossed in medical texts, sat captivated by a storyteller's tales of Zhong Kui vanquishing demons. He questioned the storyteller intently about the habits and weaknesses of supernatural beings, escalating White Suzhen's growing fears. Soon after, they saw him engage in a game of chess with Fahai.

Fahai, urging Xu Xian to abandon his attachments, criticized his cautious approach, while Xu Xian countered that a monk should exhibit compassion rather than aggression. Xu Xian declared that he had no regrets about his choices. With his final move, Xu Xian forced a draw, asserting that black and white could coexist peacefully, unlike Fahai's vision of eternal conflict. He then used this outcome to secure Fahai's promise not to trouble White Suzhen.

However, from a distance, Xiao Qing and White Suzhen misunderstood the encounter, believing Xu Xian had revealed their true identities and was colluding with Fahai. Furious, Xiao Qing gathered Big Drum and others and returned to the Nuwa Temple, convinced that humans inevitably betray demons once their true nature is known. White Suzhen, on the other hand, felt resigned, believing that all of Xu Xian's suffering was a just consequence of her deception and was prepared to accept any fate.

Fahai, left pondering Xu Xian's unwavering devotion despite knowing White Suzhen was a demon and his willingness to die for her, questioned if this indeed was true love, before being briefly tormented by an inner demon illusion. Later, in their home, White Suzhen was preparing medicinal food for Xu Xian when Xiao Qing, tasting it, confronted her sister about forgiving Xu Xian so easily.

Xiao Qing accused Xu Xian of being fickle, causing White Suzhen's distress and her own troubles with Fahai. White Suzhen, however, defended Xu Xian, attributing his past actions to his amnesia and calling them unintentional. Xu Xian then entered, having overheard their conversation. He apologized to Xiao Qing, acknowledging her anger was justified, explaining that his minor injury did not warrant being bedridden while White Suzhen worked alone.

To help Xiao Qing vent, he even joined her in smashing dishes, claiming the sound brought him clarity after his period of confusion. Though White Suzhen playfully scolded Xu Xian for his antics, he reassured her that his elder sister, Xu Jiaorong, would not worry, explaining that their reconciliation was genuine and that Jiaorong had witnessed White Suzhen's goodness towards him. He then embraced her, expressing his deep contentment, stating he could not ask for more in a wife.

When White Suzhen attempted to speak about the Dragon Boat Festival, Xu Xian gently stopped her, insisting they put unhappy memories behind them as he had already forgotten that day. That night, Xu Xian subtly prompted White Suzhen to speak her truth. White Suzhen, sensing his deep understanding, believed he had already guessed her identity due to his intelligence. She confessed that she was the giant python he saw on the Dragon Boat Festival.

She revealed her origin as a white snake from Emei Mountain, her journey to Lin'an for enlightenment, and her struggle with human-demon separation after falling in love with him. She spoke of seeking a method from Guanyin to counteract her venom when he was poisoned, and her profound guilt over her accidental transformation on the Dragon Boat Festival, which led to his death and all his subsequent suffering. Xu Xian listened, deeply moved by her sacrifices and unwavering loyalty.

He assured her he loved her too much to ever fear her, pledging his eternal devotion regardless of whether she was human or snake. He then explained his own journey to this realization. His previous hatred for snakes stemmed from his amnesia; fragmented dreams of the Dragon Boat Festival led him to believe the giant python had consumed his wife, fueling his grief and aversion.

He recounted remembering their first encounters, how White Suzhen, unfamiliar with human customs, once confused salt and five-spice powder, and ate with her hands or mouth, but always cleverly covered her tracks. He then concluded that she must have been the 'clumsy little white snake' he had accidentally knocked out with realgar powder in his pharmacy, Jishetang. Xu Xian also shared his initial apprehension upon realizing her true nature but quickly shifted to concern for her safety.

He had observed snakes in the market and even bought some poisonous ones to keep, hoping to better understand her kind, though he felt no personal connection to them, except for the small white snake he had once released. He revealed his inquiries into demon-slaying methods were to understand taboos and protect her, and his chess game with Fahai was to advocate for all beings and dissuade the monk from troubling her.

He also mentioned how he had once tried to find a secluded mountain cave on Meiren Peak for her to cultivate, eager to support her, even though she later explained that true spiritual cultivation required places with abundant "essence of heaven and earth and spiritual energy of the sun and moon." He bravely offered his own essence to aid her cultivation, but Suzhen gently reassured him it wasn't necessary for her level of power.

White Suzhen was profoundly touched by his efforts. Xu Xian reaffirmed his commitment, stating that just as she embraced mortality for him, he would embrace her world for her, confident that their differences could never separate them. He then showed her a figurine of Nuwa, comparing the goddess's beauty, compassion, and supernatural abilities to White Suzhen, calling himself incredibly blessed to have such a unique wife.

The next morning, Xu Xian affectionately painted White Suzhen's eyebrows, comparing himself to the famous Han Dynasty minister Zhang Chang, expressing his devotion. Soon after, Xu Jiaorong visited, bringing two sacred charms from Lingyin Temple for Xu Xian and White Suzhen. Xu Xian, concerned the charms might harm White Suzhen, politely declined, arguing that as physicians, they should not promote supernatural cures.

White Suzhen, however, accepted the charms, explaining that ancient, powerful demons like her and Xiao Qing, with centuries of cultivation, were immune to such common talismans, which only affected lesser ghosts. To avoid further questions, White Suzhen then magically conjured a vibrant display of out-of-season flowers throughout their room, a surprise that, with Xu Xian's quick thinking, they presented to a curious Xu Jiaorong as an elaborate birthday gift for Xiao Qing, completely fooling her.

After Xu Jiaorong left, White Suzhen, as a special gift to Xu Xian, used her magic to transport them on a cloud. In a flash, they journeyed a thousand miles to the exquisitely beautiful Sichuan, the region that nurtured the Ling Snake Valley, her true home. Overwhelmed, Xu Xian was speechless at the sight of her birthplace. He then asked if they should visit Jing Song, noting he was also a spiritual being from Emei Mountain. White Suzhen confirmed that Jing Song was indeed there, and they agreed to go see him.

Episode 24 Recap

Xu Xian and Bai Suzhen arrived at Mount Emei, which is in Sichuan, where the Snake Valley, Bai Suzhen's original home, is located. Xu Xian was captivated by the stunning scenery. He inquired about Jing Song, believing him to be another spirit from Mount Emei, and suggested they pay him a visit. Bai Suzhen then revealed that Jing Song, a powerful immortal golden mouse, had sacrificed all his cultivation and passed away to retrieve a fairy grass for her.

Deeply moved by Jing Song's sacrifice, Xu Xian expressed his gratitude for making his relationship with Bai Suzhen possible. He raised a toast to Jing Song, vowing to care for Bai Suzhen and ensure Jing Song's selfless act was not in vain. Xu Xian prayed for Jing Song's soul to ascend to heaven and regain immortality, and for Bai Suzhen's wishes to be fulfilled.

Witnessing the spiritual essence of all things in Snake Valley led Xu Xian to declare his lifelong commitment to vegetarianism, vowing never again to harm innocent lives for his appetite. He explained this decision, citing his fear of death and the universal craving for life among all creatures. Bai Suzhen, understanding his compassionate heart despite his lack of cultivation, expressed her respect.

Xu Xian then mused about cultivating with Bai Suzhen to achieve immortality together, but quickly corrected himself, saying he envied only the life of a loving couple, not immortals, due to the brevity of human life and his reluctance to leave her alone.

Bai Suzhen reassured him that even if they were to be separated, she would search for him across heaven and hell to reunite, a promise Xu Xian wholeheartedly believed, vowing to wait for her even for a millennium. Bai Suzhen then led Xu Xian to a rooftop where, using her magic, they could witness the beauty of the world from above.

Xu Xian expressed his wonder, admitting he had never truly appreciated the charm of the world of mortals until he saw the myriad lights from such a vantage point. He remarked that the most ordinary things were often the most beautiful. Although there was no moon or stars that night, Bai Suzhen, having saved some moonlight, conjured them to be admired alongside the city's glow. This magical experience deepened Xu Xian's admiration for her.

Unbeknownst to them, Xu Xian's sister, Jiaorong, was increasingly filled with suspicion. One night, worried that Xu Xian might be hungry after becoming a vegetarian, she tried to deliver food to his room but received no answer, despite believing them to be inside. When Xu Xian and Bai Suzhen suddenly appeared from seemingly nowhere, Jiaorong questioned how they could have gone out unnoticed.

Xu Xian explained she must have been in the kitchen, and Bai Suzhen presented Jiaorong with new, fashionable embroidery patterns. Later that night, Jiaorong confessed her unease to her husband, Li Gongfu, stating that Xu Xian and Bai Suzhen had been acting strangely. She recounted the incident of them disappearing and reappearing, and how a vase she had accidentally broken in their room was now miraculously restored.

Li Gongfu tried to rationalize these events, even confessing he had once secretly replaced her ceramic Guanyin statue after breaking it, leading to a heated exchange about the revered temple artifact. Jiaorong insisted that ever since the Dragon Boat Festival, their house felt peculiar, suspecting evil spirits, but Li Gongfu dismissed her concerns as mere tiredness. While Bai Suzhen and Xu Xian deepened their bond, Xiaoqing, though feigning indifference, was secretly envious of their affection.

Her companions gossiped that her frequent troublemaking stemmed from jealousy, given that no one had ever loved her in her five hundred years of existence. Xiaoqing, overhearing them, declared her high standards and disdain for ordinary people, prompting her companions to quickly flatter her. Later, alone and bored on a tree branch, Xiaoqing yearned for company. At that moment, Zhang Yutang, who had sworn off snake hunting, entered the forest.

Seeing a snake near Xiaoqing, and concerned for her safety, he instinctively captured it with a rope. Xiaoqing, hidden from view, conjured a sudden storm that soaked Zhang Yutang, leaving him sick and miserable. He released the snake as he promised Xu Xian he would. She delighted in his plight, convinced he would never change his old ways. The next day, Zhang Yutang, suffering from the cold, came to Baohe Clinic.

Finding Xu Xian and Bai Suzhen out, only Xiaoqing was present. Realizing her magical prank had caused his illness, Xiaoqing panicked, fearing she might have inadvertently killed him. Despite her lack of medical knowledge, she desperately tried to concoct a prescription, confusing Codonopsis root and Scrophulariae root powder. Zhang Yutang, noticing her error, suggested waiting for Xu Xian, which angered Xiaoqing. To get back at him, she dramatically declared he had an incurable disease.

Just then, Xu Xian and Bai Suzhen returned. Zhang Yutang, terrified, immediately pleaded for Xu Xian’s help. Bai Suzhen instructed Xu Xian to tend to him and pulled Xiaoqing aside to reprimand her for her reckless behavior. Xu Xian, seeing an opportunity to steer Zhang Yutang away from hunting, fabricated a diagnosis, claiming his cold was a chronic condition from years of hunting in damp mountains, and that he must give up hunting to recover.

When Zhang Yutang expressed concern about his livelihood, Xu Xian offered him a position as a clerk at Baohe Clinic. Zhang Yutang eagerly accepted, vowing to learn diligently, much to Xiaoqing's chagrin. Later, Bai Suzhen gently chided Xu Xian for his deception, but he reasoned that it was a way to deter Xiaoqing from more mischievous acts and to provide Zhang Yutang with a safer profession.

Zhang Yutang, starting his new job, was initially teased by Xiaoqing, who insisted he call her "Boss" and then proceeded to "teach" him medicine by deliberately misidentifying herbs like basil, stonecrop, pseudo-ginseng, gastrodia elata, and even a carrot. When Zhang Yutang, amused, corrected her, Xiaoqing became indignant and threatened to dock his pay. Zhang Yutang complained to Xu Xian and Bai Suzhen, causing Xiaoqing to stomp away in anger.

Bai Suzhen apologized for Xiaoqing's behavior, explaining that her difficult upbringing as an orphan had led them to spoil her. This revelation sparked a newfound empathy in Zhang Yutang, who, also an orphan, approached Xiaoqing to apologize. He proposed a visit to a lively temple fair on Imperial Street as a gesture of atonement, tempting her with the promise of delicious food, particularly Mrs. Zhang's renowned shaved ice with honey.

Xiaoqing, initially feigning disinterest by claiming she had seen such fairs for "hundreds of years," soon gave in to the temptation. At the fair, Xiaoqing enthusiastically devoured ten meat buns and ten candy figures. Later, she ate over ten bowls of shaved ice, still only feeling half-full, much to Zhang Yutang's dismay and concern for her health. While Zhang Yutang went to get her another bowl, Xiaoqing spotted Jin Ruyi and Jiaorong looking secretive and decided to follow them.

Meanwhile, Jin Ruyi, still determined to expose Bai Suzhen, debated with Wang Daoling. Ruyi insisted that everyone should know Bai Suzhen was a snake demon. Wang Daoling, however, pointed out that Xu Xian already knew Bai Suzhen's true identity from a previous incident and would still protect her, making a public revelation futile and humiliating for Ruyi. Exasperated, Ruyi blamed Wang Daoling for her failed marriage to Xu Xian.

Wang Daoling, proclaiming his unwavering loyalty and willingness to die for her, prompted Ruyi to question why he wouldn't fight Bai Suzhen if he was so brave. He explained his inability to defeat Bai Suzhen, given her millennia of cultivation and Xiaoqing's assistance. Ruyi then suggested they acquire their own "helpers," specifically an "inside agent."

Wang Daoling immediately understood she meant Jiaorong, and Ruyi elaborated that if Jiaorong knew Bai Suzhen was a demon, she would oppose her, thereby providing them with the necessary leverage. Wang Daoling realized Ruyi's scheme was to "kill her through others," using Jiaorong as an unwitting pawn. Jin Ruyi set her plan in motion. She had Wang Daoling use magic to create a dangerous incident, causing a stand to collapse near Jiaorong. Ruyi then dramatically "rescued" her, quickly walking away.

Jiaorong, grateful and concerned, followed Ruyi, who feigned shame about stabbing Xu Xian at the wedding. Ruyi then carefully planted seeds of doubt, claiming an unseen force controlled her hand at the wedding and suggesting that evil spirits or something "unclean" haunted the Xu household. She cited the python, Xu Xian's amnesia, and the stabbing as evidence, further warning Jiaorong that some demons could prevent offspring. Growing increasingly alarmed, Jiaorong asked how to deal with such a threat.

Ruyi suggested seeking help from an immortal at Grandmaster Lv Temple, known for its potent prayers and for Lv Dongbin's occasional descents to assist mortals. Convinced by Ruyi's urgency and logic, Jiaorong agreed to go immediately, believing her sincerity would be rewarded. At Grandmaster Lv Temple, Jiaorong prayed for Xu Xian's safety, wondering if the immortal would appear as an ordinary person. Jin Ruyi assured her that their sincerity would be rewarded.

Soon after, a small, illusory snake appeared, which Ruyi interpreted as a divine guide. They followed it on a winding path up the mountain until they reached a cliff, where Wang Daoling, disguised as an immortal Taoist priest, awaited them. The false priest immediately warned Jiaorong to keep her distance due to a "strong demonic scent" on her. Alarmed, Jiaorong asked what to do.

Jin Ruyi then dramatically appealed to the priest, proclaiming him to be God Lv, sent to help Jiaorong, and declared her willingness to pay any price for his assistance. To prove her sincerity, Wang Daoling challenged her to jump off the cliff. Without hesitation, Jin Ruyi plunged into the chasm, a sight that left Jiaorong utterly terrified.

Episode 25 Recap

Wang Daoling, disguised as the immortal Lü Dongbin, orchestrated a theatrical display with Jin Ruyi to deceive Xu Jiaorong. Ruyi dramatically offered to jump off a cliff, claiming it was necessary to gain the immortal's aid for the Xu family, which she said was in grave danger. Wang Daoling then announced that Jiaorong was plagued by evil spirits because a millennium-old snake demon resided in her house.

He explained that snake demons excel at shapeshifting, making them undetectable to mortals like Jiaorong, and that due to her husband's past capture of a centipede demon and a fox demon, other demons, including a giant snake two months prior, had targeted their family in revenge. To remove the perceived evil spirits from Jiaorong, Wang Daoling performed a ritual and then presented her with a "Master Order," claiming it could summon celestial soldiers to vanquish the snake demon.

Jiaorong, completely convinced, accepted it without question. Meanwhile, Xiao Qing and Zhang Yutang, who had been secretly observing, realized that Wang Daoling was a charlatan trying to swindle Jiaorong. They intended to intervene, but Xiao Qing suddenly suffered a severe stomachache after consuming too much iced honey dessert, making her unable to move. She even suspected Zhang Yutang of poisoning her, to which he denied, explaining her stomachache was due to overeating.

Zhang Yutang then quickly carried Xiao Qing back towards the Baohe Clinic. Wang Daoling later recounted the history of the "Master Order" to Jin Ruyi. He revealed that he was once an elixir boy under Taishang Laojun. During his time in heaven, he fell deeply in love with Lingrui from the Peach Garden, whose appearance and temperament were identical to Ruyi's. His infatuation led him to neglect his duties, causing a fire in the elixir furnace.

Though he managed to save only the "Master Order," he was banished to the mortal realm and transformed into an ugly demon. He still believes that Jin Ruyi is his beloved Lingrui, who sacrificed her celestial status to follow him to the human world. Jin Ruyi, however, showed little interest in his romanticized past, her sole focus being on using the "Master Order" to subdue Bai Suzhen.

Meanwhile, on their way home, Xu Xian and Bai Suzhen encountered a poor, disfigured old man who had been cast out of Yichun Clinic because he could not afford treatment. Moved by compassion, the couple pushed through the onlookers, helped the old man to his feet, and, undeterred by the foul-smelling sores covering his body or his lack of money, brought him back to Baohe Clinic. Despite his dire circumstances, the old man remained proud and demanding.

When Xu Xian proposed an expensive herbal remedy, the old man scoffed, suggesting it would be cheaper to bury him. Xu Xian patiently consulted his medical texts to find a more affordable alternative. Bai Suzhen offered the old man plain porridge and pickles, which he also complained about, claiming it was unjust to be denied fine food and wine. Despite his difficult nature, the couple remained unfazed and continued to offer their generous assistance.

While the old man rested, Xu Xian expressed his deep admiration for Bai Suzhen, stating that while the world feared demons, she was the kindest and most compassionate. Bai Suzhen, in turn, confessed that Xu Xian was the only person who truly understood, cherished, and loved her without fear, affirming her decision to entrust her life to him. The old man, who was the real Lü Dongbin in disguise, secretly perused Xu Xian’s medical books and notes, adding insightful annotations.

When Xu Xian and Bai Suzhen returned with a newly formulated, affordable "Heart Nourishing Decoction," the old man, after a quick glance, critiqued the prescription, suggesting additions of licorice, date kernels, and Dangshen to improve its efficacy and palatability. Xu Xian quickly realized the old man's profound medical wisdom. Lü Dongbin then instructed Xu Xian to prepare a special herbal bath to treat his sores.

After his bath, the old man, now transformed and looking like an immortal, gifted Xu Xian a revered medical text, the "Collection of Chunyang," which included the formula for "Skin Repair Powder," suggesting it was what he used to heal himself. Recognizing his true identity, Xu Xian and Bai Suzhen expressed their heartfelt gratitude. As Lü Dongbin prepared to depart, the heavens dramatically changed, with thunder and lightning. He quickly urged Xu Xian and Bai Suzhen indoors under a pretext.

Simultaneously, Zhang Yutang was carrying Xiao Qing through a bamboo forest when a lightning bolt, targeting celestial forces but hitting Xiao Qing’s tailbone. Panicked, Zhang Yutang shielded Xiao Qing with his body when another lightning bolt snapped a tree branch, and Zhang Yutang, in a selfless act, shielded Xiao Qing with his body. Seeing his selfless act, Xiao Qing shed tears of gratitude for Zhang Yutang.

Sensing the celestial disturbance, Lü Dongbin covertly destroyed the fake "Master Order" that Jiaorong had placed in her family altar, restoring peace to the human realm. Affected by the celestial magic, Xu Jiaorong fell unconscious. In a dream, Lü Dongbin appeared to her, urging her to stop believing deceptive words, warning that it would disrupt her family's peace. Waking up, Jiaorong felt renewed guilt for ever doubting Bai Suzhen. Jiaorong’s husband, Li Gongfu, found her and brought her back inside.

Later, he suggested the "Taoist Priest Lv" who gave her the charm was a fake, but Jiaorong, still influenced by Jin Ruyi’s recommendation and the supposed magic, was half-convinced. When Zhang Yutang brought Xiao Qing back, Xiao Qing, still in pain, recounted encountering Jin Ruyi and the imposter on the mountain, asserting they were working together to harm their family. She accused Jin Ruyi of coveting Xu Xian and plotting against Bai Suzhen.

Jiaorong, torn between her sisterly bond with Xiao Qing and her initial trust in Jin Ruyi, struggled to accept Xiao Qing’s accusations. Li Gongfu supported Xiao Qing, chastising Jiaorong for trusting outsiders over her own family. Bai Suzhen examined Xiao Qing, playfully alarming her by declaring her "poison" incurable. Xiao Qing, terrified, made a will to Bai Suzhen to care for her "four demons" and even expressed concern for Zhang Yutang, regretting eating too much of his dessert.

Bai Suzhen then gently explained to Xiao Qing that she was not poisoned but was experiencing her first menstrual period, playfully congratulating her on becoming a "grown woman." Xiao Qing, overwhelmed by the monthly prospect, lamented the troubles of being a woman, jokingly wishing she had chosen to cultivate a male form instead. Bai Suzhen comforted her, emphasizing the unique gift of life-giving that women possess. Meanwhile, Zhang Yutang, pacing anxiously outside, questioned Xu Xian about Xiao Qing’s condition.

He sincerely offered to take responsibility for her "illness," vowing to care for her indefinitely, even offering to pay for her medicine from his salary. Xu Xian, amused by his sudden concern, provided him with simple advice for caring for Xiao Qing. Xu Jiaorong, observing Xiao Qing's growing age, began arranging potential marriages for her. However, Bai Suzhen subtly rejected these matches, expressing a desire to keep Xiao Qing longer.

She confided in Xu Xian about her concerns, realizing Xiao Qing, whom she always considered naive, had fallen in love with Zhang Yutang. Bai Suzhen worried about the consequences of a human-demon relationship for Xiao Qing, explaining that demons carry a "love poison" that can harm mortals, just as Xu Xian had been afflicted in the past. Xu Xian, however, reiterated his belief that true love transcended species, citing their own happy marriage.

Bai Suzhen, recalling the sacrifice she made to save Xu Xian from the demon venom, was hesitant to reveal the full truth. She worried Zhang Yutang might not accept Xiao Qing’s true nature and that Xiao Qing’s wild temperament might struggle with marital constraints. Xu Xian agreed to discreetly inquire about Zhang Yutang's relatives to learn more. Later, Xiao Qing found Zhang Yutang making Rehmannia Paste.

She teased him for being clumsy, but also showed care by offering him a handkerchief to wipe his sweat. Their playful banter continued as she helped him, leading to Bai Suzhen observing their growing closeness. When asked directly, Xiao Qing initially denied her feelings, but eventually admitted that Zhang Yutang was no longer annoying and that she indeed liked him.

Episode 26 Recap

Xiao Qing, unable to conceal her feelings, confided in Suzhen that she had fallen deeply for Zhang Yutang. She praised his kindness and righteousness, expressing her wish to share a life with him, just like Suzhen and Xu Xian. Suzhen, however, was filled with worry rather than joy. She knew firsthand the heartache of a human-demon romance, having sacrificed her demon core to secure her own half-life with Xu Xian.

With her millennial cultivation, Suzhen could withstand the loss of her demon core, though it still brought its own trials. Xiao Qing, possessing only five hundred years of cultivation, would revert to her original form without her demon core, or if she kept it, Zhang Yutang’s life would be consumed by the love poison. Unwilling to sacrifice Xiao Qing’s future or Zhang Yutang’s life, Suzhen shared her concerns with Xu Xian.

The couple, deeply troubled, decided to keep Xiao Qing and Zhang Yutang apart, hoping to slow the progression of the love poison and buy time to find a solution. One day, while Xu Xian was reading, he discovered that divine blood could suppress the love poison, which made Suzhen think of the four minor immortals who were close to Xiao Qing. She hurried back to the Bai Mansion to question them.

The four immortals, looking distressed, explained that they were only lower-ranking deities, and only the blood of a high-ranking god could counteract the love poison. They revealed that Xiao Qing was a demigoddess because she had the blood of the East Sea Dragon King flowing through her veins; she was his biological daughter, a fact unknown to her, and they had no contact for one hundred years.

The Dragon King was the only one with the divine blood powerful enough to help. Without hesitation, Suzhen rushed to the East Sea, determined to obtain ten drops of the Dragon King’s blood. Upon entering the Dragon King’s palace, Suzhen found the Dragon King in a rage, punishing a subordinate for losing the Water Order. Suzhen had, by chance, picked up the Water Order on her way to the palace.

Guided by the Water Order, she made her way through the palace to the Dragon King’s main hall, where she used the token to secure a private audience. However, the moment Suzhen mentioned "Dragon Princess Xiao Qing," the Dragon King's face darkened with fury. He roared, proclaiming that dragons have nine sons, not a daughter, and angrily ordered Suzhen to leave.

Desperate, Suzhen resorted to stealing a bottle of love forgetting water from the Dragon King’s table, knowing its potency, derived from the "tear of the sea," was unparalleled. Back at Baohe Clinic, Suzhen recounted the entire ordeal to Xu Xian. With no divine blood to be found, they reluctantly agreed to break up the young couple. Suzhen, choosing to be the villain, met with Zhang Yutang.

She told him that his obscure origins and poverty made him an unsuitable match for Xiao Qing, urging him to give up his affections. For the first time, the fearless Zhang Yutang felt profound self-abasement, believing he could not provide a stable home for his beloved. Unfortunately, Xiao Qing overheard their private conversation. She burst out, expressing her indignation and refusing to heed her sister's advice. Grabbing a bewildered Zhang Yutang, she pulled him away.

The two arrived at the dock, where an argument ensued. Even with Xiao Qing’s heartfelt words, Suzhen’s harsh assessment had deeply wounded Zhang Yutang, making him unable to look into Xiao Qing’s eyes. Unfazed by his self-doubt, Xiao Qing defiantly kissed him in public. Zhang Yutang, overwhelmed by surprise and fear, fled. Xiao Qing pursued him but once again encountered Fahai at the end of an alley.

Fahai admonished Xiao Qing to relinquish her human attachments and abandon her human-demon love. Xiao Qing ignored him, instead shouting for help and drawing a crowd. Zhang Yutang, who had been secretly watching, immediately jumped out to her rescue when he heard her cries. Fahai, struggling with an inner demon, was forced to retreat hastily. Xiao Qing and Zhang Yutang, once again reunited by his protective gesture, reconciled.

Fahai attempted to enter deep meditation but could not control his inner demon. His efforts to calm himself by manipulating his prayer beads were futile. Eventually, the inner demon surged into Fahai's body, forcing his spirit out. His prayer beads broke and scattered into a lake, symbolizing Fahai's helpless descent into a swirling quagmire. His disembodied spirit wandered until it possessed a cat.

Having made a private vow to each other, Xiao Qing decided to accompany Zhang Yutang in his quest to uncover his mysterious past. Zhang Yutang recalled that when his adoptive father took him in as a child, he wore luxurious clothes with intricate, ornate patterns. Xiao Qing, with her centuries of experience, immediately guessed that Zhang Yutang must have come from a wealthy, Buddhist-devoted family. She also speculated that he likely had a custom-made longevity lock.

The two split up to search various pawnshops for clues. Their efforts bore fruit when Xiao Qing found Zhang Yutang’s longevity lock at a pawnshop known as ‘Bai’, though it was currently in the possession of Lame San, a notorious gambler. To retrieve it, Xiao Qing decided to venture into a gambling den, waiting for Lame San to appear. Back at Baohe Clinic, after Zhang Yutang expressed concern about Xiao Qing not returning, Suzhen realized Xiao Qing was in danger.

Episode 27 Recap

The gambling addict, Lame San, reappeared, and Xiao Qing, having won a large sum of gold from him, demanded to know the origin of the rabbit-shaped longevity lock he had pawned. Under duress, Lame San confessed that he had stolen the lock from a Puppet Troupe. Without delay, Xiao Qing rushed to the Puppet Troupe, where the manager informed her that the longevity lock belonged to the young son of a wealthy Zhang family from Suzhou.

Thirteen years prior, the Zhang family had been visiting Lin'an when the troupe was performing. The young master was particularly enchanted by the puppets, even trying to give his longevity lock to one of the wooden figures. Xiao Qing was overjoyed by this discovery and eagerly saw the manager off. However, upon turning, she was confronted by Fahai, consumed by his inner demon.

This time, Fahai abandoned his usual calm demeanor, wielding the Zijin Bowl with the clear intention of capturing Xiao Qing. Unprepared for such a powerful assault, Xiao Qing's spiritual essence was wounded, and her demon core was damaged. Just as Fahai's inner demon, controlling Fahai's physical body, was about to capture her with the Zijin Bowl, Fahai's true primordial spirit rushed out and saved Xiao Qing, whisking her away to safety.

Back home, Bai Suzhen tended to Xiao Qing's injuries, explaining that she had transferred some of her own cultivation to help heal Xiao Qing's damaged demon core and allow her to recover using the moon's essence. Despite Suzhen having lost her own demon core, she insisted on helping her sister. Reassured by their reconciliation, Xiao Qing excitedly shared her plans to accompany Zhang Yutang to Suzhou to meet his family, after which she intended for him to propose marriage.

Suzhen, however, was filled with worry. She reminded Xiao Qing that as snake demons, even in human form, they could not become intimately involved with mortals, as it would bring harm to Zhang Yutang. Xiao Qing grew indignant, questioning why Suzhen and Xu Xian could be together while she could not. Suzhen tried to explain her five hundred years of greater cultivation made her situation different, but Xiao Qing retorted that being "less cultivated" didn't mean she didn't deserve love.

She angrily recalled how she had always stood by Suzhen against Fahai, even risking her life, and accused her sister of now lecturing her with "two standards." Meanwhile, Fahai's true primordial spirit, ethereal and suffering, knew he could only trust Xu Xian. He telepathically summoned Xu Xian to meet him at Fengyu Pavilion.

Xu Xian arrived as requested, and Fahai's spirit revealed that his physical body was possessed by his inner demon, who was using the Zijin Bowl and his staff to commit evil. The benevolent Fahai's spirit was forced to hide, even relying on minor demons for protection. Xu Xian devised a daring plan: to use acupuncture needles to induce a temporary "false death" in Fahai's physical body for two hours, thus expelling the inner demon.

Once separated, they could trap the inner demon and allow Fahai's primordial spirit to rejoin his body, ultimately destroying the demon. Fahai expressed deep concern over the risk to Xu Xian, a mortal. Using the Zijin Bowl, Fahai's inner demon tracked Xiao Qing and Zhang Yutang's search for Yutang's family. Perceiving Xiao Qing's involvement as a means to win Yutang's affection, the inner demon resolved to disrupt Xiao Qing's plans and temperament.

He used the Zijin Bowl to locate Yutang's family in Suzhou before they could, then went ahead to manipulate Madam Zhang and slander Xiao Qing, planting seeds of doubt and disdain in Madam Zhang's mind. Xiao Qing and Yutang arrived in Suzhou, spending days fruitlessly searching for his relatives. Unexpectedly, Yutang's birth mother, Madam Zhang, found them. What seemed like a twist of fate was actually the inner demon's manipulation.

The inner demon had met Madam Zhang first, using Yutang's identity as a means to gain the Zhang family's trust, and then slandered Xiao Qing. The Zhang family was wealthy and devout Buddhists. Madam Zhang naturally saw the inner demon, who helped her find her son, as an honored guest, while openly dismissing the boisterous Xiao Qing. Upon meeting, Madam Zhang immediately showed her contempt for Xiao Qing.

Yutang tried to defend Xiao Qing, emphasizing her importance to him and that she had encouraged him to seek his family. However, Madam Zhang made veiled insults, comparing fine tea to common tea, clearly implying Xiao Qing's "coarseness." When Yutang explained that Xiao Qing's sister ran a clinic, Madam Zhang mockingly labeled Xiao Qing a "servant girl." Yutang affirmed that Xiao Qing was the most important person in his life and he wouldn't separate from her.

Fahai's inner demon intervened, claiming Madam Zhang was Yutang's most important person and, after "observing Xiao Qing's countenance," advised Yutang to stay away from her. Enraged, Xiao Qing cursed the inner demon, further upsetting Madam Zhang, who warned her against disrespecting "Master Fahai," the Zhang family's benefactor, and violating their family rules. Xiao Qing, hurt and angered by the indirect insults, declared she would leave, which only deepened Madam Zhang's displeasure.

Yutang tried to follow Xiao Qing, but family servants pulled him away, claiming Madam Zhang was feeling unwell, leaving Xiao Qing to make a tearful departure alone. Xiao Qing had never been so wronged. Xiao Qing returned to Baohe Clinic in Lin'an, visibly distraught.

Bai Suzhen, sensing her sorrow, gently suggested she post a hiring notice for a new assistant, subtly hinting that Yutang would likely stay in Suzhou and that it might be a blessing for Xiao Qing to move on. Xiao Qing agreed but deliberately made the hiring process exceedingly difficult, rejecting every applicant for days, unwilling to let new people into the old house. Then, Zhang Yutang returned to Lin'an.

Seeing the hiring notice, he decided to re-apply for his old position. During the herb identification test, he skillfully named various herbs, including Anemarrhena and Yu Zhu, surprising Xiao Qing. Though Xiao Qing initially tried to dismiss him, claiming he was fired, Yutang stood firm. He passionately confessed his love, apologizing for not following her in Suzhou and vowing that he cared not for wealth or hardship, only for their life together.

He proclaimed he didn't want to be the "Zhang family childe" but merely "Zhang Yutang, the assistant by her side," promising to protect and care for her always. Deeply moved, Xiao Qing's tears flowed as she recounted her mother's disappearance after a game of hide-and-seek and asked Yutang never to leave her. They reconciled and decided to go out to celebrate.

As Xiao Qing stepped away briefly, Fahai's inner demon appeared to Zhang Yutang, lecturing him about "licking honey on the blade" – transient sweetness leading to disaster. He criticized Yutang for abandoning filial piety for a mere woman. Yutang defiantly retorted that as a Buddhist, Fahai had no right to interfere with his marriage. He declared he would marry no one but Xiao Qing and would disown his family if they tried to separate them.

Xiao Qing, overhearing Yutang's passionate declaration, was filled with joy. That night, from the rooftop, Xiao Qing discussed her future with Suzhen. Suzhen, though pained, again urged Xiao Qing to reconsider her relationship with Yutang. Unmoved, Xiao Qing challenged Suzhen to leave Xu Xian first if she truly believed in her advice. Unable to persuade her sister, Suzhen then sought out Zhang Yutang.

Yutang swore that no matter how headstrong Xiao Qing was, he would cherish her as the apple of his eye and begged for Suzhen's blessing. Suzhen didn't doubt his sincerity but stated there were "reasons she couldn't explain" and urged him to forget Xiao Qing and return to his parents in Suzhou. Suddenly, Yutang experienced a wave of discomfort (the love poison). Xiao Qing, seeing his distress, angrily accused Suzhen of hurting him and declared they were leaving.

Xiao Qing knelt before Suzhen, bidding her farewell with three bows – one for their encounter, one for their friendship, and one for their parting – and stating she would seek her out "a hundred years later." Suzhen, shocked, tried to stop her, but Xiao Qing used a spell to freeze her in place. With tears in her eyes, Xiao Qing warned Suzhen, "Sister, you've lost your demon core, and your Hundred-day Disaster is approaching. Take care of yourself."

Overwhelmed with pain, Suzhen wept as Xiao Qing left with Yutang. Xiao Qing and Yutang went to drink, but despite her outward resolve, Xiao Qing was tormented by worry for her sister, who faced the Hundred-day Disaster alone with weakened magic.

However, hearing Yutang call her name in his drunken state, she ultimately decided to stay with him, reasoning that Suzhen had Xu Xian and others to care for her, but Yutang had only her, and she would accompany him through this life.

Episode 28 Recap

Xu Xian tenderly cared for Suzhen, who was suffering from the "hundred-day calamity" after giving her demon core to him. Suzhen, however, was preoccupied with Xiao Qing's whereabouts and urged her demonic subordinates to find her. The demons tried to use a Thousand-Mile Voice Locating Spell, but Xiao Qing, having mastered the magic of invisibility, evaded their search. Meanwhile, Xiao Qing was in the forest with Yutang, having eloped to the temporary residence he had prepared.

Yutang had transformed this simple resting spot into a cozy home, where, with their loving care, even dry wood seemed to come alive. Xiao Qing, having changed out of her green clothes into a delicate pink, seemed to shed her usual arrogance like a tender flower. She proudly presented a grilled fish, and Yutang surprised her with a bouquet of wildflowers. They lay together on the same bed, under the same blanket.

Yutang also gave her a hand-carved mandarin duck, keeping a matching one for himself, solidifying their bond as a family. As Yutang felt a sudden chest discomfort from drinking too quickly, Xiao Qing helped him to bed. Later, as Yutang pretended to sleep, Xiao Qing admired his features and leaned in to kiss him. Yutang, who had been awake, embraced her and returned the kiss, affirming their promise to stay together for all eternity, through all lifetimes.

The next morning, Xiao Qing woke early to prepare porridge, only to find Yutang unconscious and spitting blood. Panicked, she rushed to Suzhen for help. Suzhen quickly examined Yutang, revealing that the Love Poison had infiltrated his lungs, internal organs, and bones, and his life was fading fast. Suzhen reminded Xiao Qing of her earlier warnings about the perils of human-demon relationships, explaining that deep love between them inevitably leads to the human contracting Love Poison.

Xiao Qing, desperate, offered her own demon core, like Suzhen had done for Xu Xian. However, Suzhen regretfully explained that Xiao Qing's five hundred years of cultivation were insufficient; her demon core, still containing snake poison, would only harm Yutang, not save him. Devastated and blaming herself, Xiao Qing cried out that she should have listened to Suzhen. Suzhen then presented the only remaining solution: the Love Forgetting Water she had brought from the East Sea Palace.

This water would sever all emotional ties, erasing Xiao Qing from Yutang's memory entirely. Any rekindling of their love would cause the Love Poison to resurge, making his condition irreversible. Overcome with sorrow, Xiao Qing found the task unbearable but recognized its necessity. " The deeper the love, the deeper the poison," she thought, "but how could I bear to let go, and similarly, how could Yutang?" Suzhen, understanding Xiao Qing's anguish, left her to say a final farewell.

Xiao Qing returned to their newly arranged home, heartbroken by the thought that their fresh love was already condemned. As she wept, Yutang, weak on the bed, reached out to her, silently conveying his understanding of her pain and his desire for one last embrace. Xiao Qing, full of sorrow, kissed his soft lips one last time.

She then gave Yutang the Love Forgetting Water, telling him that once he woke, he would not remember her, and their home would be no more; to him, she would simply be a stranger. Yutang, with tears in his eyes, drank the water, and the companionship of their days and nights, their vows for all lifetimes, vanished in an instant. He turned his head away, his pillow wet with tears.

As Yutang drank the water, Xiao Qing, unable to forget him herself, vowed to remember their love for both of them. Later, in her grief, Xiao Qing dreamt of her mother, who comforted her, saying that time would heal all wounds, but Xiao Qing insisted she did not want to forget her love for Yutang.

In the days that followed, Xiao Qing, lost in sorrow, sought to keep herself busy by constantly cleaning and doing chores around the Baohe Clinic, a stark contrast to her former self. Her unusual diligence was noticed by Xu Jiaorong and the other workers, who speculated about her attempting to forget someone. Meanwhile, Li Gongfu showed Suzhen a sachet given by the yamen, claiming it was for protection against a new villain.

Suzhen recognized it as a halidom, a "Sorcerous Soul-Binding Array", and wondered why the authorities possessed such an item. The Zhang family’s plot began to unfold when two servants arrived at the Baohe Clinic, ostentatiously purchasing "Son Bearing Pills" and loudly announcing Zhang Yutang’s upcoming marriage to Miss Yang from the Treasure Accessories in Lin'an. They explicitly mentioned a grand wedding banquet, a "flowing feast," open to all. Overhearing this, Xiao Qing was shattered and ran out.

Suzhen and Xu Xian immediately realized this was a deliberate trap, calculated to lure Xiao Qing, and hurried after her to Suzhou. Xiao Qing arrived at the Zhang family mansion as the wedding ceremony was in progress. Yutang, under the effects of the Love Forgetting Water, did not recognize her and even invited her to partake in the wedding festivities.

Despite initial resistance from the guards, an instruction from inside permitted Xiao Qing to enter the hall, part of a scheme orchestrated by Fahai's inner demon to ensure she witnessed the wedding and gave up all hope. As Yutang and his bride were being led to the bridal chamber, the true Fahai, in his spirit form, intervened, rescuing Xiao Qing.

He revealed that the person presiding over the wedding was his inner demon, who had taken control of his physical body. The inner demon specialized in mind control and fed on obsession, having laid a trap to ensnare Xiao Qing with her fervent love for Yutang. Fahai urged Xiao Qing to abandon her worldly attachments to achieve true spiritual liberation. Before Xiao Qing could fully react, the inner demon, still in Fahai’s physical body, appeared.

Fahai’s spirit told Xiao Qing to flee while he confronted the inner demon, luring it into a protective layer accessible only to spirits. Just then, Suzhen and Xu Xian arrived. Xu Xian, following their earlier plan, used gold needles to put Fahai's physical body into a suspended animation state for an hour, preventing the inner demon from returning.

However, the prefect, corrupted by the inner demon and armed with a Demon Expelling Bell, arrived with soldiers to arrest Xu Xian and capture Suzhen and Xiao Qing. At the critical moment, Fahai's spirit swiftly re-entered his body, disarming the prefect and clarifying that Xu Xian and the others were not demons. The prefect, with no evidence against them, was forced to withdraw. With the immediate danger averted, Fahai acknowledged that the inner demon's escape posed a continuous threat.

He resolved to take the small demons who had helped him back to Jinshan Temple for their safety. The inner demon then confronted Fahai, questioning his mercy towards other demons while seeking its own destruction. Fahai affirmed that the inner demon, born from his own momentary lapse, had become a source of immense suffering. The inner demon retorted that it was nourished by all the hatred in the world and could only be defeated by someone utterly pure of heart, implying its near invincibility.

Episode 29 Recap

Prime Minister Liang, furious over Fahai's perceived trickery, is then confronted by Qin San, who suggests that Fahai's sudden change of heart might be due to Xu Xian's powerful unknown assistance, and proposes seeking more potent masters. Liang scoffs at the idea of trusting wizards again, having just been deceived by Fahai.

At that moment, Wang Daoling bursts into the mansion, uninvited, claiming to possess potent magic and warning Liang of a "blood light" and "misfortune for his descendants" in his house, advising him not to go out to "avoid the disaster." Liang dismisses him as absurd and orders his guards to seize him. Daoling, claiming he only helps the pre-destined, departs. Shortly after, Liang’s carriage is ambushed, and Wang Daoling heroically intervenes, saving him.

Impressed by Daoling's "powerful magic," Liang thanks him and asks for help with his current predicaments. Daoling interprets a written character as Liang being "trapped in a mountain and besieged on all sides," facing a significant jinx. Refusing payment, Daoling asserts that Liang's misfortunes are due to "someone blocking the path ahead," identifying this person as Xu Xian.

Daoling promises his plan will not only help Liang overcome his troubles but also lead to Xu Xian's complete ruin, with his family ruined and reputation destroyed. Lord Mu's Consort unexpectedly begins a difficult, premature labor. All imperial physicians are unavailable, having been conveniently called away to attend to the Dowager Empress, other consorts, the third prince, and even Prime Minister Liang. A servant, recalling the high praise for Physician Xu, suggests inviting Xu Xian from Baohe Clinic.

A desperate Lord Mu agrees. Meanwhile, Wang Daoling reveals his plot to Prime Minister Liang: using heinous villains as sacrificial offerings to unleash "evil spirit" that will cause Consort Mu to "die with her unborn child." Since Xu Xian will be delivering, Lord Mu will blame and punish him, thus eliminating Xu Xian. Liang praises the idea. At Baohe Clinic, Xu Xian is hesitant, admitting he's never delivered a child, and suggests an experienced midwife.

However, the frantic servant insists, revealing Xu Xian was specifically recommended. Bai Suzhen, observing "dark clouds" and "heavy malevolent aura," realizes the sinister plot. She tells Xu Xian that Consort Mu is carrying twins and may need his strength, urging him to go. She then instructs Xiao Qing to set up the Nine-sky Formation, explaining that someone is using "witchcraft" to harm Consort Mu and frame Xu Xian.

With Xiao Qing's "half-goddess blood," they summon the Thunder God and Lightning Goddess. After Bai Suzhen convinces the deities of the evil scheme, they unleash a powerful storm, causing Wang Daoling's magic to backfire and severely injuring him. A furious Liang Mohan berates Daoling for the failure.

Daoling, unable to continue his direct assault on Consort Mu, assures Liang that the "evil spirit" has been guided to Xu Xian's home, as the "evils had seen Xu Xian's portrait before they die." Liang orders Xu Xian killed at all costs. Consort Mu successfully gives birth to a boy and a girl. Lord Mu is overjoyed and profusely thanks Xu Xian, who discovered the second baby after the first was born, saving them both.

Xu Xian mentions Lord Mu saving him from prison earlier, but Lord Mu clarifies it was "someone helped you in my name," a mystery he still ponders. Xu Xian silently understands it was Bai Suzhen. Despite the successful delivery, Bai Suzhen senses that the threat "has not finished." Upon their return home, Xu Jiaorong warmly greets Xu Xian and Bai Suzhen, having prepared water with pomelo leaves for them to wash their hands, explaining its folk belief of expelling evils.

Xu Xian, showcasing his "mind reading," deduces the true meaning: "pomelo" (youzi) is a homophone for "having a child" (youzi). Secretly listening outside, they overhear a delighted Gongfu vowing to wash with pomelo leaves daily. Bai Suzhen, claiming her "child reading" is more potent, confirms Jiaorong's pregnancy, promising it will be evident within a month. Xu Xian is overjoyed, recounting his sister's sacrifices after their parents' deaths: she refused many suitors, insisting on marrying only someone who would accept him.

Gongfu eventually agreed, bringing joy to their parents "in the underworld" now that Jiaorong would have a child after years of being childless. When Xu Xian asks if Bai Suzhen prayed for their own child, she is initially evasive, then asks what if they are "doomed to have no child." Xu Xian calmly accepts, stating their "deep love may be envied by the immortal," and he is content simply having her, embracing her "different" nature.

That night, under the growing influence of Fahai's inner demon, which had entered her body, Jiaorong is plagued by a nightmare: she sees Bai Suzhen transformed into a snake demon consuming them. Gongfu dismisses it as a mere dream, urging her not to worry. Jiaorong, still disturbed, questions why Xu Xian "doesn't eat meat after his resurgence," though Gongfu again rationalizes it as a post-illness dietary change and warns her against "disturbing our family" with such thoughts.

In the marketplace, townsfolk praise Physician Xu and Physician Bai for their generosity, calling Bai Suzhen a "living Buddha." Ruyi, overhearing, becomes enraged, denouncing Bai Suzhen as a "demon" and accusing the people of being "crazy" for believing her "demonic lies." Xu Jiaorong, now seemingly under the influence of Fahai's inner demon, approaches Ruyi. Jiaorong apologizes for past misunderstandings, now believing Ruyi was "right" about Bai Suzhen.

She claims "Suzhen is abnormal" and a "snake demon" who has brought an "unstable life" to their home and bewitched Xu Xian. Jiaorong then proposes they "make a plan and kill her," to which Ruyi, delighted, agrees, vowing to "make Bai Suzhen die a terrible death." Unbeknownst to them, the inner demon within Jiaorong revels, finding Ruyi's "hatred is like a panacea that empowers me."

An elderly man rushes into Baohe Clinic, pleading with Xu Xian to save his wife from a sudden epilepsy attack. Xu Xian, compassionate, grabs his medicine box and follows. On the way, Xu Xian notices the old man's surprising agility and the increasingly remote path, making him suspicious.

When he tries to feign forgetting medicine to turn back, the old man reveals his true, youthful identity, pulls out a dagger, and declares Xu Xian must die for offending "someone you should not offend," implying Prime Minister Liang. As the assassin attacks, Lord Mu arrives with soldiers. He warns them that the assailant is "strange and powerful," impervious to weapons, as he is a death row convict controlled by Wang Daoling's magic.

The situation is dire until Ruyi appears, arguing with Xu Jiaorong (who is seemingly still under the inner demon's influence), insisting that Xu Xian should not be harmed. Ruyi, expressing her love for Xu Xian despite his past actions, crushes Wang Daoling's puppet-controlling orb, saving Xu Xian's life.

In a distant location, Wang Daoling rages to Prime Minister Liang that his puppet failed to kill Xu Xian and even strengthened Xu Xian's bond with Lord Mu, raising fears of Xu Xian exposing their crimes to the Emperor. Daoling struggles to explain the failure, but Liang Mohan is unconvinced. Bai Suzhen admonishes Xu Xian for risking his life to lure out the mastermind.

Xu Xian explains it was necessary to uncover the plot and prevent future trouble, confirming his suspicion that "the person must be Liang Mohan." He believes Liang still thinks he possesses the "evidences that my dad collected" about Liang's corruption, and with Xu Xian growing "closer to Lord Mu" (who "is addressing affairs of state to remove the treacherous officers"), Liang feels threatened.

Bai Suzhen suggests presenting his father's evidence to the Emperor to "defeat Liang Mohan," which Xu Xian agrees would be ideal, but wonders how to find it after so much time. Bai Suzhen then reveals she possesses "the treasure of Jingsong" and can help them. Using Jing Song's treasure, they travel back in time to an afternoon where Xu Xian's father, Xu Huairen, is reciting a melancholic poem.

Xu Huairen, apologizing for his "identity as a criminal," invites Xu Xian to share a drink. A waiter comments on their striking resemblance. Xu Huairen introduces himself as Xu Huairen, style name Deshao, and Xu Xian introduces himself as Xu Xian, style name Hanwen. Huairen is astonished by their shared surname, his son's identical name, and their similar appearances, musing if they were "family 500 years ago." Xu Xian agrees.

Huairen then expresses sorrow at being "demoted and have to go far away from my home," hoping his own son "will be as outstanding as you." Xu Xian is visibly moved and assures his father that his son "will meet your expectation."

When Xu Xian asks about the reason for his demotion, Huairen sighs, attributing it to trusting "a villain" and falling "a prey to a plot," lamenting that he "can't trust anyone" now and is powerless to "punish the bad people." Huairen's guards then interrupt, insisting they must depart.

Episode 30 Recap

Xu Xian and Bai Suzhen traveled back in time to the day Xu Xian's father, Xu Huairen, was demoted and exiled to Lingnan. Xu Huairen, a man of integrity, told Xu Xian that he was demoted because he had trusted a villain and fallen prey to a plot. He expressed his regret about having no one to trust or help him eradicate evil.

As guards urged him to leave, Xu Huairen told Xu Xian not to make things difficult for them, acknowledging their care during the journey. He philosophically noted that in life, people meet and depart, and there is no need to force things. Suddenly, Xu Xian remembered that his father was killed by bandits on this very journey to Lingnan, a fact confirmed by the snow in their yard when the news arrived.

He and Bai Suzhen immediately rushed to the location, finding Xu Huairen ambushed by bandits and severely wounded. Xu Xian, now a physician, desperately tried to save him, but Xu Huairen knew it was futile. Recognizing his son by a crescent-shaped scar on his palm, Xu Huairen, in his last moments, asked Hanwen to give a specific bag to his mother. Bai Suzhen, using her powers, bravely retrieved the bag from the bandits.

Opening the bag, Xu Xian found golden pancakes, his favorite childhood treat, which his mother had made for him before her passing. He vividly recalled a past argument where, as a stubborn child, he had refused to eat and even threw the last of their precious pancakes on the ground because his mother wouldn't let him study.

His mother had tearfully explained that his father, Xu Huairen, a man of great learning and integrity, had met a tragic end, and she only wished for Xu Xian’s safety, not for him to climb the social ladder. Xu Xian also remembered his mother's meticulous way of making the pancakes with tea-infused spring water and how she had selflessly given all three last eggs to him and his sister.

He realized with sorrow that his father had kept these pancakes, a symbol of his unwavering love for his family, even until his death. Overcome with regret, Xu Xian wished he had become a physician sooner, believing he could have saved his mother, who had died falling off a cliff while gathering tea to fund his studies.

To grant Xu Xian closure, Bai Suzhen, despite having already used Jing Song's magical artifact, decided to transport them back in time again, risking her own life as her demon core was gone. They appeared on a snowy day, and Xu Xian, approaching his mother, offered her the golden pancakes. His mother, recognizing the unique tea-infused preparation, remarked that she used a similar method for her son and expressed her hope that he would one day understand her heartfelt intentions.

As she ate, she discovered a letter hidden within the pancake, a habit of her late husband. The letter exposed Prime Minister Liang, Liang Mohan, for embezzling disaster relief funds ten years prior, a corruption that led to widespread death during the Yangtze River floods in the Hunan region. Bai Suzhen saw this as a twist of fate, and Xu Xian believed his father, from the afterlife, was guiding them to clear his name.

Xu Xian immediately resolved to present this evidence to Lord Mu. Xiao Qing, finding Bai Suzhen exhausted, tearfully admonished her for risking her life by using the artifact twice without her demon core, but Bai Suzhen assured her it was the last time, bringing Xu Xian peace. With the undeniable evidence, Liang Mohan was exposed for his corruption.

He was paraded through the streets in a prisoner's cart, facing the wrath of the people who threw rotten vegetables at him, cheering the Emperor's just sentence of death and confiscation of his vast wealth. Lord Mu personally visited the Xu household to convey the Emperor's decree, bestowing a "Loyal and Filial Family" plaque, recognizing Xu Huairen's integrity and Xu Xian's righteous efforts to clear his father's name.

This momentous occasion became a "double blessing" when Jiaorong, Xu Xian’s sister, suddenly felt unwell. Xu Xian quickly diagnosed her with pregnancy, bringing immense joy and relief to the family after nearly a decade of waiting for a child. However, immersed in their joy, no one realized that this blessing was also the greatest disaster. Lord Mu warmly congratulated them, praising Xu Xian for carrying on his father’s upright legacy.

Meanwhile, Bai Suzhen and Xiao Qing diligently prepared an herbal medicine to ensure Jiaorong's pregnancy was stable. As they were about to return home, they encountered Ruyi, who had just left the Xu household but then dramatically collapsed at their doorstep. Xiao Qing, initially hesitant, helped bring Ruyi inside. Bai Suzhen, examining Ruyi, revealed that she had deliberately consumed incompatible medicines to induce dizziness and weakness, a calculated ploy to gain sympathy and stay in the Xu household.

Despite knowing Ruyi's true intentions, Jiaorong, feeling pity and believing Ruyi could assist her during her pregnancy, insisted on letting her stay, overriding Bai Suzhen's concerns about the impropriety. Jiaorong even tried to reassure Bai Suzhen that Xu Xian's loyalty was unwavering and Ruyi posed no threat to her marriage. Reluctantly, Bai Suzhen conceded to Jiaorong's wishes. Unbeknownst to them, the inner demon, sensing Ruyi's surging resentment, began to feed on it, growing stronger, and Jiaorong gradually became demonized.

The demon, manifesting through Jiaorong, even spoke to Ruyi, stating, "You are me, I am you," acknowledging their shared malevolent spirit and delighting in Ruyi's escalating hatred. With Ruyi now residing in the Xu household, she and Jiaorong, increasingly under the inner demon's influence, began to sow discord daily. Ruyi cunningly prepared "snake bone soup" for Bai Suzhen. Upon Xu Xian and Jiaorong’s arrival, she feigned distress, dropping the bowl and blaming Bai Suzhen.

Jiaorong, possessed by the inner demon, sharply rebuked Ruyi for her "unsolicited kindness," sarcastically asking how she would account for it if Bai Suzhen fell ill from such a soup. Soon after, Jiaorong invited Bai Suzhen to the ancestral hall that evening to discuss its renovation. Later, Ruyi approached Xiao Qing, feigning concern for Bai Suzhen, and cryptically advised her to curb her temper lest she complicate Bai Suzhen’s situation.

She then revealed a sinister plot: Jiaorong knew Bai Suzhen and Xiao Qing were demons and had procured demon-suppressing artifacts from Lingyin Temple, setting a "realgar array" in the ancestral hall to trap Bai Suzhen. Ruyi gloated, suggesting Xiao Qing prepare for her sister’s demise. Horrified, Xiao Qing immediately rushed to the ancestral hall.

At the ancestral hall, the pregnant Jiaorong, fully controlled by the inner demon, wielded a realgar arrow, openly declaring Bai Suzhen a demon and demanding her surrender to the ancestors. Xiao Qing retaliated with magic, but Jiaorong, enhanced by the demon, was too strong, and Xiao Qing was knocked to the ground. Bai Suzhen confronted the entity, which responded, "I am him, he is me. Hatred originates from confusion," confirming itself as the inner demon.

The demon asserted its deep roots within Jiaorong’s mind and attempted to tempt Bai Suzhen to join its power by releasing her own resentment. Realizing Jiaorong was controlled and that the inner demon was using the unborn child as a vessel, Bai Suzhen prepared to use magic to remove the child. Just as she was about to act, Li Gongfu and Ruyi rushed in, alerted by the commotion.

Ruyi immediately accused Xiao Qing of trying to kill Jiaorong, while Xu Xian and Li Gongfu stopped Bai Suzhen, misinterpreting her intentions. Xu Xian, examining Jiaorong, found her fetal pulse unstable. He instructed Li Gongfu to take Jiaorong back to rest, while he prepared stabilizing medicine. He then sternly rebuked Bai Suzhen, emphasizing that this was the child his sister and brother-in-law had waited seven years for, and he would protect it.

Bai Suzhen desperately tried to explain that the child, being a vessel for the inner demon, could not be kept as it would ultimately cost Jiaorong her life. However, Xu Xian, insisting on the child’s innocence, refused to listen and left. From that moment, Jiaorong openly referred to Bai Suzhen as a "demon." Later, Jiaorong, still distraught, had a nightmare of Bai Suzhen as a snake demon.

When Bai Suzhen brought her medicine, Jiaorong became highly agitated, causing Xu Xian to ask Bai Suzhen to leave. Jiaorong questioned Xu Xian if he had always known about Bai Suzhen and Xiao Qing's true nature, fearing for her baby. Xu Xian attempted to calm her, attributing her dream to a good omen for a child's prosperity and urging her to rest.

However, Ruyi fanned the flames of suspicion, reminding Xu Xian of the incident in the ancestral hall and how Bai Suzhen had nearly killed him in the past, insisting Jiaorong had witnessed it with her own eyes. Infuriated, Xu Xian pulled Ruyi aside, warning her that if she continued to destabilize Jiaorong, she would be banished from their home. Ruyi defiantly retorted, accusing Xu Xian of abandoning his family for Bai Suzhen.

That night, Bai Suzhen watched with growing concern as Jiaorong, looking ghostly and detached, wandered out of the house. Jiaorong gravitated towards the bustling yet morally ambiguous parts of the city, a place where the darker aspects of human nature – greed, anger, ignorance, hatred, love, evil, and desire – were laid bare. Bai Suzhen understood that this spectacle of human depravity was precisely what nourished the inner demon, allowing it to grow even stronger within Jiaorong.

Episode 31 Recap

The household remained unsettled after the incident at the ancestral shrine, leaving Li Gongfu anxious about Suzhen and Xiao Qing, and fueling his suspicions. Jiaorong, whose fetus was affected by fright, was in physical discomfort. Xu Xian found himself caught between his wife and sister. Li Gongfu directly questioned Xu Xian about Jin Ruyi’s implications regarding Suzhen being a demon. He recalled how Fahai had warned him earlier, and now even Jiaorong echoed such sentiments.

Xu Xian staunchly defended Suzhen, reminding Li Gongfu that she had saved his life multiple times and was instrumental in redressing their father’s case. He affirmed Suzhen's kind heart, asserting she could not be a demon. Li Gongfu, desperate to protect the child he and Jiaorong had waited seven years for, vowed to fight anyone who dared to harm them, to which Xu Xian, deeply moved, pledged his own life to ensure his sister and her baby’s safety.

When Xu Xian returned to his room, he found Suzhen seemingly using magic near Jiaorong. He confronted her about the incident at the ancestral shrine, accusing her of attacking his sister. Suzhen explained that Jiaorong was controlled by an inner demon, which was drawing power from the pregnancy. For Jiaorong's safety, she insisted the child could not be kept, though she was still searching for a way to save the innocent fetus.

Overwhelmed by this seemingly "ruthless" suggestion and the thought of an "evil that hasn't happened yet" being treated as a crime, Xu Xian expressed his disbelief and accused Suzhen of being stubborn. Meanwhile, Ruyi, further manipulating Jiaorong, suggested finding someone to subdue the "snake demon." Distraught, Xu Xian visited Jinshan Temple and played chess with Fahai, his mind too troubled to focus.

Fahai, noticing Xu Xian’s turmoil, mused on how good and evil are separated by a single thought, and how obsession can breed inner demons. He explained his past policy of killing all demons was due to the rarity of benevolent ones, but now, having overcome his own inner demon, he no longer judged all demons the same.

Fahai advised Xu Xian to report any misconduct by the "two snake demons," but Xu Xian reassured him that everything was fine at home. Fahai then offered an elixir that could bind Suzhen’s powers without harming her life, allowing them to live like ordinary couples forever. Xu Xian, however, gently declined, unwilling to strip Suzhen of the magical power she had cultivated over a thousand years.

Fahai simply told him to reconsider, offering a prayer bead that, when thrown eastward, would summon him immediately should Xu Xian change his mind. Xu Xian asserted that day would never come. Later, Jiaorong urged Xu Xian to marry Ruyi, insisting that as the last male heir, he needed to ensure the family's lineage, especially since their father's name had been cleared. Xu Xian refused outright. Xiao Qing, overhearing, confronted Jiaorong, leading to a heated argument.

Li Gongfu intervened, urging them to stop arguing, given Jiaorong's pregnancy, while Ruyi continued to accuse Xiao Qing and Suzhen of trying to harm Jiaorong and the baby. Xu Xian firmly declared he would disown anyone who dared to mention concubinage again. He then took Suzhen to a quiet courtyard, proposing they move there to avoid family conflicts, especially with Jiaorong pregnant, and for its proximity to Baohe Clinic.

Suzhen refused, stating she could not rest until the inner demon was gone and imploring Xu Xian for his help. Xu Xian, mindful of his sister and brother-in-law raising him, questioned her, asking if she truly intended to harm an innocent child if no perfect solution was found. They parted ways unhappily. That night, Suzhen and Xiao Qing observed people passing by Li Mansion, all tainted by demon energy.

Xiao Qing, momentarily influenced by the demon, suggested killing Jiaorong to end all troubles, but Suzhen quickly dispelled the evil energy. Suzhen realized that Jiaorong’s child was due soon, and directly using her spiritual power to remove the inner demon would endanger both Jiaorong and the baby. Determined to find a solution that protected the child, Suzhen decided to use moonlight to read all the books in the world from the top of Shu Mountain.

This process would consume a vast amount of spiritual power, but she was resolute, especially after discovering the fetus possessed its own spiritual energy and wasn't fully corrupted by the demon. Xiao Qing, deeply concerned for Suzhen's life, initially wanted to accompany her, but Suzhen insisted she stay behind to protect the Xu family from the demon. Unbeknownst to Suzhen, Xu Xian, desperate to protect his sister and her unborn child, had gone back to Fahai.

Ruyi, observing from a distance, saw Xu Xian requesting an elixir that would instantly strip Suzhen of all her spiritual power, after confirming the previous elixir would not harm her life but only temporarily bind her power. Taking the elixir, Xu Xian returned home. That evening, he invited Suzhen to share a drink, reminiscing about their wedding vows. Suzhen, unaware of his intentions, drank the spiked wine.

Xu Xian, overcome with guilt, watched her, promising himself he would love her even if she became a mortal. He eventually collapsed, the wine too strong for him. Suzhen, feeling unwell but attributing it to the drink, decided it was time to leave for her perilous mission. Suzhen arrived at the Salty Pond Palace, where celestial spirits awaited reincarnation. She felt a strange sensation, but dismissed it as the effects of the liquor.

Transforming into a white snake, she followed an eight-petaled companion lotus chosen by a fairy. Inside, Young Goddess of Fate was placing celestial spirits into lotuses. One mischievous spirit, the Wenqu Star, refused its lotus. Having a deep connection with the Wenqu Star, Suzhen engaged it in a poetic exchange and, with Wenqu Star's help, successfully acquired a lotus. As she tried to escape, a chase ensued.

However, the Wenqu Star unexpectedly chose Suzhen as its new mother and entered her womb, immediately halting the pursuit by the other fairies, who recognized it as fate. They watched in concern as Suzhen's spiritual power rapidly dissipated, unsure if she could withstand the Nine Inexorable Dooms accompanying the Wenqu Star's reincarnation. Indeed, Suzhen faced immense suffering, forced to revert to her true form to conserve energy.

Weakened, she was ravaged by intense flames, but the Wenqu Star within her womb protected her, allowing her to survive the catastrophe and return to the mortal world. Meanwhile, back at the Xu household, Jiaorong's inner demon caused her to go into premature labor. Xiao Qing, following Suzhen's instructions, barricaded Jiaorong in her room to contain the demon, ignoring the frantic pleas and accusations from Li Gongfu and Ruyi.

Seeing the situation worsen, Xu Xian, desperate to save his sister and the child, sent Ruyi to fetch a midwife and rushed to Jinshan Temple to summon Fahai, determined to seek his help in this critical moment. Li Gongfu and Ruyi continued to accuse Xiao Qing of trying to harm Jiaorong and the baby, but Xiao Qing, struggling to keep the demon contained, stood firm, repeating Suzhen's promise to ensure Jiaorong's survival.

The room filled with demon energy, and Xu Xian, having returned with Fahai, found himself face-to-face with the possessed Jiaorong, who was struggling against the demon's influence. Fahai intervened, attempting to pacify the demon. Xu Xian quickly began to use golden needles to stimulate Jiaorong's acupoints to assist with the delivery.

Episode 32 Recap

Xu Jiaorong lay on her bed, her life hanging by a thread. Though Xu Xian and Li Gongfu tried everything, their efforts were in vain. Outside, Xiao Qing fought fiercely to hold back Fahai's pursuit. Inside, Bai Suzhen, holding the hard-won Companion Lotus, rushed past Xu Xian and Li Gongfu, channeling its spiritual power along with her own magic into Xu Jiaorong's frail body.

However, Xiao Qing was ultimately no match for Fahai, who burst into the room and struck Bai Suzhen forcefully with his staff. Bai Suzhen instantly reverted to her original white snake form, a tiny spiritual pearl in her womb shimmering with a faint, stubborn light. Witnessing Bai Suzhen's collapse, Xu Xian was overwhelmed with guilt.

It was only when Xu Jiaorong's child was safely born, bearing a lotus imprint on her forehead, that everyone realized they had gravely misunderstood Bai Suzhen. Xiao Qing, her eyes red with fury, cursed the injustice and selfishness of the human world.

She recounted to everyone how her sister, Bai Suzhen, had selflessly risked everything, enduring the pain of a thousand cuts, and showing immense compassion to save them by stealing the Companion Lotus from Xianchi Palace to prevent the inner demon from reincarnating. Li Gongfu, tears of remorse streaming down his face, knelt and pleaded with Fahai to spare Bai Suzhen.

But Fahai, looking at the weak white snake, found that Bai Suzhen's primordial spirit was completely exhausted and her spiritual power gone. Both Fahai and Xu Xian were stunned; the elixir Fahai had given only bound spiritual power, it should not have caused its complete loss. A name formed in Xu Xian's mind, a thought he dared not fully explore. Xiao Qing, hearing how her sister had sacrificed herself for everyone's well-being only to be betrayed, gritted her teeth.

She took Bai Suzhen's physical body back to Nuwa Temple, where she established a barrier, swearing that Xu Xian would not be allowed within a hundred steps of her sister. She vowed to protect and nourish Bai Suzhen's battered body with her own spiritual power, allowing it a chance to breathe. During her ordeal, Xu Jiaorong gave birth to a daughter. Li Gongfu cherished the child, holding her close to his heart.

Xu Jiaorong, who remembered dreaming of a vast blue sea with lotuses during her labor, named their precious daughter Bilian, unaware that this name symbolized Bai Suzhen's ultimate sacrifice. Xu Xian, faced with Xu Jiaorong's persistent questions about Bai Suzhen, finally revealed the truth about Bai Suzhen and Xiao Qing's identities. To his surprise, Xu Jiaorong was not frightened or anxious but calmly accepted it.

Reflecting on past events, she acknowledged Bai Suzhen's gentle and kind nature, and how she had saved their family on multiple occasions. Xu Jiaorong shed her prejudices and fear, expressing heartfelt gratitude for Bai Suzhen, though she lamented that she was no longer with them. Xu Xian's careful investigation confirmed his suspicions: the wine pot they had shared that night had indeed been tampered with.

Instead of Fahai's spiritual elixir, it contained Lihun San (Soul-Separating Powder), a vicious concoction that damaged the soul, causing not only the loss of spiritual power but also the destruction of the primordial spirit. Xu Xian immediately identified the culprit. That night, he invited Ruyi, offering her a "poisoned" cup of wine and pouring out his bitter resentment. Ruyi writhed in agony, yet her infatuation remained, desperately hoping Xu Xian would reconcile.

Xu Xian, after revealing his deep pain and helplessness, gave her an antidote, declaring that they were now even and would never meet again, marking the end of their relationship. Ruyi's overwhelming anger and unfulfilled desires attracted an inner demon. Seduced by its promises, Ruyi completely surrendered herself, offering her life force as nourishment for the inner demon, vowing that Bai Suzhen would never be reincarnated.

In a dream, Ruyi saw herself marrying Xu Xian, but upon waking, found herself alone, realizing it was merely a fantasy. The inner demon told her that to make her dreams come true, she had to eliminate Fahai and Xiao Qing, otherwise Xu Xian would never give up on reviving Bai Suzhen. She had to cut off all of Xu Xian's paths for him to truly belong to her, thus Ruyi became the inner demon's accomplice.

Xiao Qing tirelessly transferred her spiritual power to Bai Suzhen, but it was barely enough to preserve her sister's body from decaying. A hundred years of cultivation were not enough to sustain Xiao Qing's daily expenditure, and gradually, she began to weaken. Dagu and the other river demons worried about Xiao Qing but couldn't dissuade her. Xiao Qing cried out to the heavens, lamenting that Bai Suzhen, who had protected everyone, was now scorned by them.

She felt that as a demon, she should be free to exact revenge, yet she was constantly restricted and faced an unjust end. Her resolve shattered, Xiao Qing stormed out, determined to indiscriminately kill to increase her powers. Dagu and the others frantically followed, fearing she would do something foolish. Fahai arrived just in time, restraining Xiao Qing and once again attempting to counsel her.

However, Bai Suzhen's fate had devastated Xiao Qing too much for her to heed any advice. During their confrontation, Fahai inadvertently revealed that Dagu and his companions were, in fact, immortals. Under Xiao Qing's aggressive questioning, they reluctantly confessed that they were East Sea deities, sent by the East Sea Dragon King, Ao Guang, to protect Xiao Qing throughout her life. Ao Guang was Xiao Qing's biological father. This revelation struck Xiao Qing like a thunderbolt.

She recalled her mother suffering a heavenly tribulation and vanishing without a trace, while she herself was an abandoned green snake demon by West Lake. Yet, her father, Ao Guang, enjoyed the prestige of a god, living freely and unchallenged. Xiao Qing couldn't accept this imbalance of status and felt deeply disappointed by Dagu and her companions, who had concealed this truth from her. Disregarding everyone, Xiao Qing stormed off, determined to sever ties with them all.

Seeing her distress, Fahai could only invite Dagu and the other gods to help rebuild Bai Suzhen's primordial spirit. Fahai had already reached an understanding with Xu Xian, who decided to offer the demon core within him for the risky endeavor of rebuilding Bai Suzhen's primordial spirit.

This path was extremely dangerous, requiring: first, the gathering of pure Yang energy and the power of many gods; second, the essence of heaven and earth; and third, the combined power of the demon core Bai Suzhen had left within Xu Xian. Even with all these, there was only a thirty percent chance of success. Should they fail, Xu Xian would also perish. But Xu Xian had already resolved to accompany Bai Suzhen to the underworld.

As the New Moon Night approached, a time of strong Yin and weak Yang, preparations began for the ritual, which, while conducive to accumulating demonic energy, also risked attracting malevolent spirits. Fahai sternly reminded Xu Xian of the immense dangers of rebuilding the primordial spirit and that he must not interrupt or stop the process, regardless of what transpired, lest he endanger his own life.

Xu Xian, unwavering, declared that if he could not bring Bai Suzhen back, he would rather die with her. He vowed never again to leave Bai Suzhen alone. With his resolve firm, Xu Xian urged Fahai to begin.

Episode 33 Recap

Having already committed to sacrificing himself, Xu Xian requested Fahai to send his spirit into Bai Suzhen's dream, declaring that he would rather die with her than ever leave her alone again. Fahai warned him of the immense danger; if Xu Xian became trapped in the dream, his physical body would perish, just like Suzhen's. Despite the grave warning, Xu Xian remained resolute, urging Fahai to proceed.

Fahai provided him with prayer beads that would allow him to perceive the outside world and serve as a means to recall him in an emergency. Upon entering Suzhen's dream, Xu Xian found himself in a picturesque landscape reminiscent of Mount Emei, the Broken Bridge, and West Lake, recognizing it as Suzhen's ideal world. He was momentarily entranced by the serene scene where Suzhen, dressed in plain white, lovingly held an infant and smiled at an illusory Xu Xian.

When the real Xu Xian approached, she appeared hesitant, seeing in him the suspicion and blame she had once faced, unlike the ever-loving dream figure. She was unwilling to abandon her blissful illusion. Xu Xian tried to convince her that everything in her dream was false, including their child, as they had not yet conceived. The dream version of Xu Xian also intervened, claiming the real Xu Xian was an imposter, further confusing Suzhen.

Feeling her doubt, the real Xu Xian pleaded with her, acknowledging his past mistakes that led to her distrust. He warned her that remaining in the illusion would lead to her demise. Suzhen, conflicted, told him to leave, unwilling to abandon her dream husband and child. However, when Xu Xian declared that he would stay and die with her for eternity, a flicker of uncertainty crossed her face, hinting at a change of heart.

Meanwhile, Xiao Qing, consumed by sorrow and anger, drank heavily in the forest. She lamented the injustice of the world, where her sister, Suzhen, had suffered despite countless good deeds, and her own sacrifices had led to a wretched fate. Believing the heavens were blind, Xiao Qing resolved to slaughter all of humanity to protect her sister, embracing her demonic nature.

As her resentment surged, dark clouds gathered over Lin'an City, and a monstrous green python began abducting people, plunging the city into chaos. Taking advantage of the unrest, the inner demon manipulated Ruyi, twisting her words to incite the populace. Ruyi spread rumors that a thousand-year-old snake demon resided in Nuwa Temple, preying on the innocent during the New Moon to fuel its demonization.

Driven by desperation to save their missing loved ones, the citizens, misled by Ruyi, formed an angry mob and stormed toward Nuwa Temple, unaware they were walking into the inner demon's trap. In Nuwa Temple, where Xu Xian's spirit was being guarded, Fahai and the four gods observed the escalating demonic energy in Lin'an. They realized a powerful being was transforming into a demon on this New Moon night, fearing it would turn Lin'an into a living hell.

Upon realizing the severity of the situation, one of the gods urged Fahai to intervene in the city, assuring him they would manage the situation at the temple. Fahai heeded the call, first casting a powerful Dharma Barrier with his artifacts to protect Xu Xian and the four gods, strictly instructing them not to leave its bounds. He then departed to confront the chaos engulfing Lin'an. Shortly after Fahai left, Ruyi led the frantic citizens to the Nuwa Temple.

The inner demon, seizing the moment, offered Ruyi the power to manipulate weather, akin to Suzhen, if she would sacrifice the lives of the trapped citizens to create a "Wanling Elixir," transforming her into a demon. Blinded by ambition, Ruyi embraced the offer, using her own life essence to empower the inner demon. She then trapped the citizens inside the temple. The inner demon then set the temple ablaze from outside with a "Nine-Flavor True Fire."

The raging inferno and thick smoke intensified the demonic aura within the barrier, causing the citizens to succumb to madness, turning on each other. The four gods, shielded by Fahai's barrier, were alarmed by the deteriorating situation. The surging demonic energy and the plight of the deranged citizens compelled them to recall Xu Xian from Suzhen's dream. Upon his return, Xu Xian was heartbroken to learn that Suzhen had refused to leave the illusion, blaming himself for her pain.

Witnessing the suffering of the citizens, now possessed by demonic energy, Xu Xian, despite the gods' protests about the risk to Suzhen's primordial spirit and his own safety, insisted on lowering the barrier to save them. He declared that if fate decreed that he and Suzhen could not overcome this trial, he would accept it without complaint.

At that very moment, in her dream, Suzhen discovered a crucial inconsistency: it was the Dragon Boat Festival, yet the moon was full, an anomaly that shattered the illusion. She realized that the ever-blooming flowers, the unchanging full moon, and even the "Xu Xian" and child in her dream were all fabrications of her own desires, manifestations of the inner demon.

The inner demon, attempting to keep her, reminded her of Xu Xian's past betrayals and the societal prejudices against their union, claiming only the dream offered true, eternal happiness. However, Suzhen, now fully aware, rejected the false paradise. She acknowledged her own weakness and fear had given the inner demon power, but affirmed that the real Xu Xian had risked his life for her.

She declared that true happiness lay in the real world, with its laughter, tears, joy, and sorrow, and that she would face any hardship with Xu Xian. Moved by Xu Xian's heartfelt cries from outside the barrier—his regrets, his pleas, and his vow to join her in death—Suzhen broke free from the illusion, returned to reality, and regained 80% of her magical powers.

With her restored strength, Suzhen joined forces with the four gods to extinguish the fire and rescue the remaining citizens from the temple. The inner demon, thwarted, escaped, vowing to make Suzhen suffer the pain of betrayal from those she had protected, challenging her pure heart. Anxious about Xiao Qing's whereabouts and Fahai's warning about a demonizing entity, Suzhen, accompanied by the four gods, set off to find her sister.

Xu Xian remained at the temple to tend to the rescued citizens, who were expected to awaken with no memory of the events. They soon found Xiao Qing engaged in a fierce battle with Fahai in the forest. Xiao Qing, driven by despair, relentlessly attacked Fahai, rising each time she fell, seemingly having lost the will to live until Suzhen's arrival. Suzhen pleaded with Fahai to spare Xiao Qing, expressing her gratitude for her own salvation.

Fahai, surprised by Suzhen's restored powers, reaffirmed his intent to eradicate Xiao Qing's demonic essence to allow her to become a goddess after a thousand years of cultivation. Xiao Qing, however, was furious to see the four gods, demanding to know why they were present. Suzhen tried to reason with her, suggesting they had their own reasons for their actions, but Xiao Qing's anger flared further upon realizing that even Suzhen knew their secrets while she remained in the dark.

One of the gods then stepped forward to reveal the truth: five hundred years ago, Ao Guang, the East Sea Dragon King, fell in love with a snake demon named Jade Lotus, who then became pregnant with his child. Fearing the heavenly wrath over a union between a god and a demon, Ao Guang callously ordered Jade Lotus to abandon the dragon fetus and even sent assassins to eliminate her.

Jade Lotus, using an invisibility spell, escaped and, despite immense pain and despair, gave birth to Xiao Qing. For years, she lived in hiding, evading both celestial surveillance and Ao Guang's relentless pursuit, until she was finally captured. Despite facing the severest heavenly punishment—the annihilation of her body and soul—Jade Lotus refused to betray Ao Guang's identity, choosing to endure suffering for her love and child.

Ao Guang, touched by her sacrifice, covertly sent the four gods to watch over Xiao Qing until she could protect herself, at which point they were to return to the Dragon King's palace. Hearing the full story, Xiao Qing was devastated, feeling her mother's sacrifice for a selfish father was utterly in vain.

Suzhen recounted her own experience of seeking ten drops of dragon blood from Ao Guang for Xiao Qing's marriage, only to be cruelly refused, further highlighting his callousness. The four gods, who had grown to love Xiao Qing over centuries, renounced their divine status, declaring they would rather be demons and stand with her against Fahai. Fahai, however, remained unmoved, insistent on purging Xiao Qing's demon blood for her eventual ascension to godhood.

He saw her defiance as unreasonable, as it offered a path to a better future. Xiao Qing vehemently refused, choosing to retain her mother's bloodline even if it meant death. With no one willing to yield, Fahai raised his Zijin Bowl to capture Xiao Qing, prompting Suzhen to immediately call upon the four gods for assistance.

Episode 34 Recap

Fahai trapped Xiao Qing in his purple censer. Bai Suzhen called upon the Four Gods to assist her, engaging Fahai in a magical battle. During the intense confrontation, Bai Suzhen instructed the Four Gods to take Xiao Qing away while she covered their retreat. Fahai then struck Bai Suzhen with his staff, intending to revert her to her original form.

However, he discovered she was pregnant, which explained why her demon core, though broken, had allowed her to awaken and regain her powers. Fahai revealed that a god had incarnated within her, and since the child was destined for the mortal world, Suzhen's primordial spirit could not linger in the void. Overjoyed at the news of her pregnancy, Bai Suzhen gently caressed her belly.

Fahai, however, cautioned her that while Heaven might be merciful, the mortal world would not accept a child born of a human and a demon, believing that "different beings have different souls." He urged her to return to Jinshan Temple with him, promising safety for her and her son. Bai Suzhen politely declined, reminding him of her vow with Xu Xian to be together for all eternity.

Fahai sighed, warning her that pursuing the impossible would lead to bitter consequences, and that without understanding "love," she could not cross the "sea of bitterness." Bai Suzhen challenged him, asking if he, having seen all the world's sorrows, could truly be without emotion or love, or if there was no one in the mortal world worthy of his compassion.

Seeing her resolve, Fahai implanted the King Kong Chain in her body, explaining that this artifact, forged from lightning and the vital energy of heaven and earth, could restrain other-worldly beings. If she harbored ill intentions or used her magic to harm mortals, the chain would bind her and her unborn child, causing her unbearable pain. Bai Suzhen readily accepted, stating her willingness to abandon her magic and live as an ordinary woman to remain with Xu Xian.

Observing that Xiao Qing had reverted to her original form and Bai Suzhen was bound by the King Kong Chain, Fahai concluded they could do no further harm and departed, promising to return once the child was born. Meanwhile, Xu Xian waited anxiously by the door for Suzhen's return, hoping to be the first to see her.

His sister, Xu Jiaorong, who had learned about the events at the Nüwa Temple, expressed her happiness at their reunion and apologized for her past misunderstandings. When Bai Suzhen finally appeared, Xu Xian joyfully embraced her, and they vowed never to be separated again. Xu Xian was thrilled about the pregnancy but curious why Suzhen had awoken from her dream when she had initially seemed unwilling to leave.

Bai Suzhen explained that although she was reluctant to leave the dream world, her love for Xu Xian was stronger, and it was their unborn child, destined for the mortal world, that brought her back. She regretted returning late, nearly allowing the inner demon to succeed and Xiao Qing to make a grave mistake. Xu Xian comforted her, taking responsibility for Xiao Qing's troubles, believing his misunderstandings caused her suffering.

Concurrently, the Four Gods returned to the East Sea Dragon Palace to report Xiao Qing's situation to the Dragon King. They informed him that Xiao Qing, upon learning her true identity, had sent them away in anger. They also requested that the Dragon King meet Xiao Qing, noting her beauty resembled her mother. The Dragon King vehemently refused. He believed that as a god, he must be strict with himself.

He stated that the fear of violating heavenly laws and the heartbreak of losing loved ones, which he had experienced once, was enough. He worried that granting Xiao Qing divine status would create a vulnerability that other dragons, vying for his position, would exploit. He ordered the Four Gods to return to Lin'an to watch over Xiao Qing, but first offered them a Panjin Feast for their 500 years of hardship in the mortal world.

In Lin'an, the public's perception of Bai Suzhen and the Xu family had turned hostile. When Xu Jiaorong went to buy longevity locks, she was met with whispers and accusations, with people believing Bai Suzhen to be a snake demon. Shopkeepers refused her service, claiming their molds were broken, while bystanders called the Xu family "ungrateful" for harboring a demon. The fear intensified when Xiao Qing, in her original snake form, was inadvertently revealed, causing mass panic.

Employees at Baohe Clinic also resigned en masse, refusing their salaries, citing "urgent family matters" or needing to "move house," effectively abandoning Xu Xian. Realizing the gravity of the situation, Xu Xian closed the clinic, taking Bai Suzhen home. Despite the mounting prejudice, the Xu family tried to shield Bai Suzhen from the truth, pretending that everything was normal. However, Bai Suzhen knew about the rumors and suggested she take Xiao Qing to Mount Emei to avoid further trouble.

Xu Jiaorong insisted they were family, stressing that Xiao Qing, now powerless, had nowhere else to go. She also revealed she had been caring for Xiao Qing and lovingly showed Bai Suzhen baby clothes she had been embroidering, including a unique swaddling cloth shaped like a snake egg, reflecting her curious thoughts about the baby's form. They also discussed Buddhist teachings, with Xiao Qing expressing her preference for Bai Suzhen's gentle explanations over Fahai's stern ones.

Xu Jiaorong emphasized that all beings have their own beauty, urging Xiao Qing to cherish her human form and refrain from reckless actions. Meanwhile, Jin Ruyi's appearance had drastically deteriorated, leaving her haggard and old. Others mistook her for someone else, unable to recognize the once beautiful lady of Jishi Clinic. Distraught by her reflection, she initially blamed the mirror, then expressed a desire to die rather than look so aged.

Wang Daoling tried to comfort her, denying she looked old and bringing her favorite shrimp and cubilose porridge. However, Ruyi found the porridge disgusting, and during their interaction, Wang Daoling discovered she was pregnant. He was overjoyed, declaring his impending fatherhood, but Ruyi was horrified, rejecting the possibility. Wang Daoling then confessed that he had been impersonating Xu Xian in her dreams every night to make her happy. Ruyi was utterly devastated, realizing her beloved "Hanwen" was a deception.

The inner demon then appeared, taunting her. It revealed that as a mortal who had copulated with a demon and was carrying a demon's child, she would have died from demon poison if Wang Daoling hadn't sustained her with immortal medicine. Her aging was the work of the demon fetus, which was slowly consuming her life force. To survive, Ruyi was told she must shed her mortal body and become a demon herself.

The inner demon instructed her to kill Wang Daoling, use his demon core, combined with her resentment, to forge a Wanling Elixir. Consuming it would transform her into a demon, and with the inner demon merging with her child, they would become an unstoppable force, capable of defeating Bai Suzhen and securing Xu Xian for Ruyi. Driven by her hatred and desire for Xu Xian, Ruyi agreed.

Ruyi stabbed Wang Daoling, who, despite her betrayal, expressed no resentment, only a wish that his death could help her one last time, hoping she would remember him forever. His demon core became an ingredient for the Wanling Elixir. Back at the Xu home, Xu Xian, seeing the continued public hostility, suggested Bai Suzhen take Xiao Qing back to Mount Emei for a period of recuperation. However, Bai Suzhen refused to leave without him, insisting they go together.

During the Zhongyuan Festival, Xu Xian and Bai Suzhen went to a cemetery to pay respects to their ancestors, where they encountered a transformed Jin Ruyi, also mourning her father. Xu Xian initially did not recognize her. Ruyi, now resentful, directly confronted Xu Xian, blaming him for her current state and accusing him of continuously hurting her despite her deep affection. Xu Xian defended Bai Suzhen, stating she was his wife and he would not allow anyone to harm her.

He urged Ruyi to abandon her misguided obsession, but Ruyi, feeling discarded, lashed out, declaring that if she suffered, everyone else would too, and vowed to kill Bai Suzhen. Bai Suzhen sensed the malevolent presence within Ruyi and saw she was pregnant, pleading with her to reveal the truth so she might help. Xu Xian was shocked to learn of Ruyi's pregnancy. The inner demon seized the moment, attempting to fully control Ruyi and urging her to kill Xu Xian.

Bai Suzhen quickly discerned that Ruyi was completely under the inner demon's influence, with it using Ruyi's resentment to fuel its power and consume her body. Realizing her own powers were restrained by the King Kong Chain, Bai Suzhen instructed Xu Xian to immediately seek Fahai, who might have a solution. As Xu Xian left to find Fahai, Ruyi cried out for him and for Wang Daoling, feeling utterly abandoned.

Fahai, passing through the cemetery, felt his exorcism staff react to a powerful demonic aura emanating from Ruyi. He immediately understood that the inner demon had possessed her and was responsible for the murders in Lin'an. The inner demon, speaking through Ruyi, confirmed its control over her, asserting that Ruyi had willingly offered herself and claiming responsibility for the city's bloodshed. It then challenged Fahai, asking if he would kill a helpless mortal.

Ruyi, momentarily regaining some clarity, wondered if Xu Xian would forgive and remember her if she could stop the inner demon's rampage. A poignant flashback revealed her innocent and happy past with Xu Xian, before realizing how she had been deceived and controlled by the inner demon, losing her purity and dignity. Determined to end the suffering it caused, she made a tragic choice.

With the inner demon still trapped within her, Ruyi walked towards the blazing alchemical furnace, intending to sacrifice herself. The inner demon tried to stop her, furious that she would destroy its perfect host body, but Ruyi, declaring she had been foolish to trust the monster, plunged herself and the inner demon into the flames, burning both to ashes and destroying the inner demon's vessel.

Episode 35 Recap

Jin Ruyi, in a desperate act of self-sacrifice, used her own life and physical body to temporarily suppress the inner demon, refining it into a Wanling Elixir within an alchemy furnace. Through a dream, she conveyed her final wishes to Xu Xian. She asked him to bury her clothes, which he had once bought for her at a lantern show, next to her father's tomb.

Admitting that she was isolated and rebellious in life, she only hoped to be with her family in death. Ruyi confessed that she was solely to blame for her actions and had done her utmost. She entrusted Xu Xian with the Wanling Elixir, warning that it could only contain the inner demon for seven days. Upon waking, Xu Xian found Ruyi’s clothes and the potent elixir by his bedside, confirming it was not merely a dream.

Later, at Ruyi's grave, Xu Xian stayed behind after his sister, Xu Jiaorong, and brother-in-law, Li Gongfu, had departed. He spoke to Ruyi, saying he would plant peach blossoms by her tomb, but then realized she truly longed for the carefree days of her childhood. He expressed deep regret for not spending more time with her or guiding her, believing it might have changed her tragic fate.

Standing before his master's grave, Xu Xian made a solemn vow to protect his loved ones from that day forward, even if it meant sacrificing his own life. Fahai visited, explaining that Bai Suzhen, due to her pregnancy and recent strenuous use of spiritual power against the demonic energy, had severely damaged her foundation. She urgently needed a secluded place for quiet cultivation to ensure a safe delivery, as further exertion would be fatal.

Xu Xian, mindful of Bai Suzhen's current suffering, mentioned she was already bound by Fahai's King Kong Chain, rendering her powerless. Fahai then revealed his concern that Ruyi’s sacrifice might be in vain. He explained that evil thoughts give rise to inner demons, which in turn manipulate human negativity. The prevalent fear and suspicion among Lin'an's populace towards Xu Xian and Bai Suzhen had created an overwhelming malevolent aura that could not be cleansed within seven days.

If the inner demon resurfaced, it would only worsen the situation. Xu Xian pressed for a solution. Fahai disclosed a difficult method: someone with a "heart of pure innocence"—free from greed, anger, or infatuation, possessing great understanding, awakening, and love—must willingly merge their body with the inner demon, becoming a demon to suppress it. This individual would then need to be consumed by the demon-subduing karma fire, dying with the demon to eradicate it completely.

Fahai admitted he had attempted this himself but failed because the demon knew his weaknesses. He warned that if the demon was not removed before the seven-day deadline, it would cause widespread suffering. Xu Xian listened intently, a profound resolve forming within him. That night, Xu Xian presented Bai Suzhen with a surprise: many lanterns he had painted, featuring scenes of Mount Emei. He expressed a desire to visit Mount Emei with her and their child every year.

Bai Suzhen recalled being saved by him when she was a white snake, realizing their destiny was woven together a millennium ago. Xu Xian reaffirmed their eternal bond but also spoke of his mortal lifespan, gently asking her not to grieve for him and to seek him in the next life.

He then urged Bai Suzhen and Xiao Qing to leave for Mount Emei the following morning for her spiritual practice, stating he needed to complete Ruyi's funeral rites before rejoining them. Bai Suzhen reluctantly agreed, understanding that some emotional knots, like the one with Ruyi, were hard to untie. Xu Xian then told Xu Jiaorong and Li Gongfu that Bai Suzhen and Xiao Qing had already departed for Mount Emei.

He persuaded them to take Bilian and accompany a medicine merchant to Jiankang Mansion, claiming there was an urgent need for medicine and that Lin'an was currently unstable. He promised to catch up with them after Ruyi's seventh day rites. Xu Jiaorong and Li Gongfu set off. However, en route to Jiankang, Li Gongfu and Xu Jiaorong sensed something was amiss. Xu Xian had not specified a meeting point and had seemed overly eager for them to leave.

They immediately ordered their carriage to turn back to Lin'an. Alone in Baohe Clinic that night, Xu Xian apologized aloud to Bai Suzhen for failing to protect their home and livelihood. He recalled her countless acts of salvation for him and his family, contrasting them with his own inability to protect her even once. Knowing the people of Lin'an now branded her a demon, he determined he could not bear to see her suffer further.

To protect her and the city from the inner demon, he resolved to swallow the Wanling Elixir, making himself appear as the demon to the populace. He felt Ruyi's courageous sacrifice for justice inspired him to protect his wife, child, and the people of Lin'an from disaster. He swallowed the elixir, and the inner demon quickly merged with his pure heart, astonished by its utter innocence.

A Buddhist bell then tolled, and a blood moon appeared in the sky, signaling the demon had encountered its formidable opponent. The next day, as Li Gongfu and Xu Jiaorong raced back to Lin'an, they found the city in chaos. Residents screamed that Physician Xu had become a demon, accusing him of using his good deeds as a façade.

The magistrate, frustrated by his officers' inability to apprehend the "demon" that merely scared people but caused no harm, ordered them to find Li Gongfu. Soon, the demonic form of Xu Xian was sighted by the people, who gave chase. Li Gongfu arrived and intervened, but Xu Xian, in his transformed state, pleaded with his brother-in-law.

He explained that the inner demon was sealed within him, and if his physical body were destroyed, the demon would be unleashed to wreak havoc. He insisted on being taken to Jinshan Temple to be dealt with by Fahai. The magistrate, initially ordering Xu Xian's imprisonment, was persuaded by Li Gongfu that the city prison would not hold such a powerful entity, and agreed to have him taken to Jinshan Temple.

Meanwhile, in Mount Emei, Bai Suzhen, her health greatly improved, yearned for Xu Xian. Xiao Qing encouraged her to return to Lin'an, promising to diligently continue her own cultivation. Upon her arrival in Lin'an, Bai Suzhen saw a public notice declaring that a demon would be burned at Jinshan Temple in three days. The citizens rejoiced at the news. She then encountered a distraught Xu Jiaorong, who was being attacked by the angry mob but bravely defended by Li Gongfu.

Xu Jiaorong tearfully informed Bai Suzhen that Xu Xian had been labeled a demon and was to be executed. Shocked and heartbroken, Bai Suzhen immediately rushed to Jinshan Temple. At Jinshan Temple, Bai Suzhen knelt outside, pleading with Fahai for Xu Xian's release, reminding him of her husband's benevolence. She offered to take Xu Xian and leave Lin'an if the city could not accept them. Fahai, after a moment, asked Xu Xian if he would see her one last time.

Xu Xian, struggling internally to suppress the inner demon, refused, telling Fahai to explain the situation to Bai Suzhen and send her away, claiming she was sensible. He feared that any display of affection would empower the demon. Reluctantly, Fahai instructed Bai Suzhen to leave, stating that Jinshan Temple was a sacred place for monks, not for her "husband."

Bai Suzhen, having already endured numerous trials, including Xu Xian's demon poison at the cost of her demon core, his fear requiring her to reveal the truth, and the challenges posed by other women, was weary of the "human and demon" adage. She remained defiant, arguing that even Buddhas could not separate loving couples and questioning why Fahai kept Xu Xian from her.

She challenged Fahai, asking if he truly believed Xu Xian was a demon, and declared she would take any punishment in his place. Fahai reiterated that "humans and demons have different paths" and urged her to let go. Still unconvinced, Bai Suzhen insisted on seeing Xu Xian herself. Xu Xian then emerged from the temple, his appearance disheveled and his face haggard.

He declared that he had freed himself from the mortal world and was about to become a monk, no longer her husband. Bai Suzhen, refusing to believe he was not forced, implored him to come home for their child, reminding him of his vows to be with her forever. Xu Xian coldly dismissed their past as "fleeting clouds" and urged her to forget him.

When she pressed him about why he was called a demon and what he was hiding, he painfully claimed he no longer wished to associate with demons, be called a demon, or let his family suffer because of her. He pleaded with her to let him go. A monk then appeared, sternly ordering Bai Suzhen to leave the sacred grounds. After Bai Suzhen's departure, Fahai questioned Xu Xian about his harsh words.

Xu Xian confessed that he could not tell her the truth; otherwise, she would never allow him to suffer in her stead. He knew that with her limited powers, if she were to publicly declare herself a demon to save him, she would become a target and be unable to escape.

Xu Xian expressed his deep love, stating that just as Bai Suzhen was willing to abandon her immortal path for him, he was willing to become a demon for her. He vowed to control his desires and maintain his pure heart to subdue the inner demon, knowing he was sacrificing his life for the safety of his wife and child. Fahai promised to honor Xu Xian’s sacrifice and prevent Bai Suzhen from learning the full truth.

As the seven-day deadline loomed, Fahai, with a compassionate heart, initially hesitated to issue the decree. However, a large crowd of Lin'an citizens gathered outside Jinshan Temple, loudly demanding that Fahai issue a Buddha's decree to kill the demon, fearing for their city's safety. Bai Suzhen watched, heartbroken, as she recognized people she and Xu Xian had helped—Mrs. Li, Mr. Niu, Mrs. Qin—now clamoring for her husband's death.

She bitterly questioned the justice of a world where those they had healed now turned against them. Fahai, influenced by the public outcry, resolved to proceed with the execution, preparing the execution ground for the karma fire. He lamented that the ancient Buddhist texts offered only vague insights into neutralizing the Wanling Elixir's demonic energy, requiring a combination of "family's blood, lover's tears, a bodhi heart, supreme kindness, and the power of the people"—all seemingly impossible to obtain in time.

He concluded that to protect the greater populace, he had no choice but to destroy the elixir and its host, sacrificing Xu Xian. Enraged by the hypocrisy of the crowd and Fahai's decision, Bai Suzhen, with a furious resolve, offered her "original lifespan as a sacrifice, and her flesh and blood as an offering" to unleash a "lightning power." This powerful act allowed her to break free from the restraining lock that bound her.

She declared she would fight against anyone, even the heavens, to bring her husband back. Meanwhile, in Mount Emei, Xiao Qing, having largely recovered her human form, was startled by the voice of Jing Song. He appeared to her, newly resurrected, explaining that the Buddha, touched by his previous self-sacrifice to help Bai Suzhen, had granted him a new life as a squirrel.

Jing Song urgently informed Xiao Qing of the dire situation in Lin'an: Xu Xian was possessed by the inner demon, Fahai planned to burn him, and Bai Suzhen was risking her life to save him. He then gave Xiao Qing a precious lotus petal from Buddha's throne, which he had accidentally damaged long ago, restoring five hundred years of her cultivation.

Jing Song advised Xiao Qing to use her identity as the Dragon Princess of the East Sea to retrieve the "Water Order" from the East Sea Dragon Palace and threaten to flood Jinshan Temple, hoping it would compel Fahai to change his mind. Empowered, Xiao Qing immediately called upon the East Sea to repay its debt and rushed back to Lin'an. Back at Jinshan Temple, Fahai lit the karma fire for the execution.

The inner demon inside Xu Xian screamed in terror, but Xu Xian remained serene, calmly reciting Buddhist verses about enduring hardship, staying steadfast in one's heart, and facing life and death without fear. Just as the flames intensified, Bai Suzhen burst in, crying out for her husband. Fahai tried to reason with her, explaining Xu Xian's noble sacrifice for the greater good.

Bai Suzhen vehemently rejected his words, declaring that "the great path" and "sacrifice" meant nothing to her; she only wanted her husband and the father of her child back. She passionately questioned the value of a peaceful world achieved by killing Xu Xian, highlighting the irony of their past efforts to help the very people who now condemned him. Xu Xian, still bound, urged her not to interfere, reiterating that his actions were voluntary. But Bai Suzhen was resolute, declaring that she would bring him home, vowing to "kill whoever stands in her way."

Episode 36 (Ending) Recap

Xu Xian, trapped by the inner demon within him, urged Bai Suzhen not to worry about him, insisting his actions were voluntary. Bai Suzhen, however, was overcome with hatred, having witnessed the cruelty of the mortal world. For her, without Xu Xian, great righteousness and even her immortal path were meaningless.

Now demonized and fully determined, she declared that she would bring him home, no matter the cost, vowing to kill anyone—be it human or god—who stood in her way, finding satisfaction in her destructive path. Meanwhile, Xiao Qing, leveraging her semi-divine form, infiltrated the Dragon King's palace. As she prepared to steal the "draw water" badge, Ao Guang discovered her.

Stunned by her striking resemblance to Lotus (Furong), he was overwhelmed with regret and a longing for her presence, holding onto her, unwilling to let go. For a brief moment, Xiao Qing felt the warmth of family, but quickly remembered Bai Suzhen, who was struggling far away. Pushing past Ao Guang, she declared this would be her last visit, then injured him and seized the draw water badge.

Back at Jinshan Temple, Fahai confronted Bai Suzhen, accusing her of aiding a demon rather than helping Xu Xian. Unyielding, Bai Suzhen asserted that regardless of whether Xu Xian was human, demon, or monster, he was her husband and the father of their unborn child. Just as Fahai struck her, Xiao Qing arrived, brandishing the draw water badge and announcing its power to flood Jinshan Temple.

Bai Suzhen then threatened Fahai, stating that if he insisted on killing Xu Xian, she would use the badge to draw water from the East Sea, inundating Qiantang and flooding Jinshan. She declared that the lives of millions of people rested on his decision, demanding to know if he would release Xu Xian.

She proclaimed that she cared nothing for great righteousness or sacrifice, only for Xu Xian's life, criticizing Fahai and others as cowardly, selfish, and shameless for failing to defeat the inner demon themselves and instead demanding Xu Xian's sacrifice. Bai Suzhen swore that if Xu Xian died, she would ensure the entire world perished with him. Xiao Qing wholeheartedly supported her sister, expressing a desire to act as true demons.

Fahai interjected, explaining that Xu Xian, though possessed, was innocent, and he would bear all the sins himself, willing to die in atonement once the demon was removed. Bai Suzhen then unleashed the East Sea's waters into Qiantang, causing widespread floods and displacement, and found satisfaction in the chaos. News of Bai Suzhen's actions reached the Heavenly Court. Ao Guang led his troops there to beg for punishment upon learning of the events.

The Jade Emperor and Queen Mother, infuriated by such a rebellious act, immediately commanded the God of Fire to lead the Thunder God, Lightning Goddess, and one hundred thousand heavenly soldiers to unleash a heavenly tribulation, to eliminate all demons in the mortal realm. The Queen Mother also urged Ao Guang to return to his palace and find a way to prevent further displacement of people.

Fahai, in response to the escalating floods, ordered all monks to guide the panicked citizens into the Sutras Depositary, chanting mantras to protect their lives. As the Thunder God and Lightning Goddess descended, the lightning struck the Buddha's cauldron containing Xu Xian, severely injuring him, eradicating the inner demon within him, and removing all sins from Bai Suzhen, whose mind had been clouded by the demon.

Bai Suzhen, believing herself to be the target of the heavenly wrath, flew to Xu Xian and embraced him tightly, regretting that her pursuit of love had ruined his life. Xu Xian, however, reassured her, declaring that marrying her was the greatest blessing of his life, and he would never regret loving her, even if it meant a hundred deaths. Bai Suzhen echoed his sentiment, vowing to be with him in life and death, for all eternity.

Suddenly, she experienced intense pain and announced she was in labor. The child, the Wenqu Xing, was born amidst the thunderous tribulation, breaking the knot and embodying a great saint eager to protect his mother. Witnessing the birth, the heavenly soldiers realized that the immortal embryo of Wenqu Xingjun, meant to assist the emperor and serve the nation, had chosen to be reborn as Bai Suzhen's son in response to the tribulation.

Unwilling to act rashly, they decided to report to the Jade Emperor for further instructions. Ao Guang then accused Bai Suzhen of misusing the draw water badge, causing misery in Lin'an, and ordered her arrest to face heavenly punishment. Xiao Qing intervened, shouting that if anyone were to be killed, it should be her, offering her life to him, much like Nezha. Before further conflict could erupt, Guanyin descended, drawing away the floodwaters and saving countless lives.

Guanyin then questioned Bai Suzhen on what she had learned from her mortal journey. Bai Suzhen confessed that greed, obsession, and ignorance clouded judgment, and only through genuine understanding and atonement for sins could one achieve clarity. She admitted her great error in falling into a demonic state due to love and accepted her punishment. Guanyin also pointed out Fahai's stubbornness and prejudice in his pursuit of eliminating demons, which had also led to suffering.

Fahai, ashamed, accepted his fault and punishment. Xu Xian, still devoted, declared that he was the one who swallowed the demon core first, and if Bai Suzhen was unforgivable, he would atone for their sins with her for all lifetimes. Moved by their profound love, Ao Guang realized that it was not Xiao Qing but his own selfishness and cowardice—his unwillingness to sacrifice everything for Lotus (Furong)—that had truly torn them apart. He, too, willingly accepted heavenly punishment.

Guanyin, pleased by Ao Guang's repentance, noted his past contributions to governing the East Sea, hinting at leniency from the Heavenly Court. Fahai, having relinquished his obsession and eradicated the root of his inner demon, was deemed to have balanced his merits and demerits. However, Bai Suzhen's act of flooding Jinshan, causing immense suffering, necessitated severe punishment. Guanyin decreed that Bai Suzhen would be eternally confined within the Leifeng Pagoda, to recite sutras and practice abstinence.

She would not see the light of day again until the Leifeng Pagoda collapsed and the West Lake dried up. As Bai Suzhen was led away, she entrusted Shilin to Xu Xian, expressing her love for their child and her inability to watch him grow, asking Xu Xian to tell Shilin of her love when he was old enough.

She also entrusted Xu Xian and Shilin to Xu Xian's sister, Jiaorong (Shilin's aunt), vowing to repay her kindness in the next life. Xiao Qing, refusing Ao Guang's offer to return to the Dragon King's palace, explained that her own impulsive actions on the New Moon Night were partly to blame for Bai Suzhen and Xu Xian's separation and the subsequent calamities. She resolved to follow Guanyin in cultivation, vowing to return only when the Leifeng Pagoda fell.

Xu Xian, for his part, chose to wander the world, practicing medicine to atone for Bai Suzhen's sins, vowing never to return home until her transgressions were cleansed. Shilin grew up under the loving care of his aunt Jiaorong and uncle Gongfu, developing a close bond with his cousin Bilian.

Bilian eventually revealed the truth to Shilin: his mother was not confined in the Heavenly Court but in the Leifeng Pagoda, only to be freed when it collapsed and the West Lake dried up. Shilin, recalling the tale of the Foolish Old Man who moved mountains, initially vowed to dig down the pagoda and scoop out the lake himself.

However, upon learning the full truth of his mother's confinement and his father's unwavering devotion and wanderings to atone for sins, Shilin was inspired. He vowed to study diligently and achieve scholarly success, promising to dedicate his life to assisting the emperor, establishing a prosperous era, and bringing peace to the world. He resolved to perform good deeds to earn the compassion of the heavens, hoping to reunite his family.

Fahai, observing Shilin's pure heart despite his mixed blood, realized that such innocence could become a powerful force for good, finally achieving enlightenment himself. Decades passed, and Shilin's unwavering hard work bore fruit: he achieved great merit by eliminating epidemics in Yuezhou and achieved the highest honor in the imperial examination, becoming the top scholar. He knelt before his aunt and uncle, thanking them for their upbringing.

Then, at the Leifeng Pagoda, he requested the Emperor to, with his "true dragon body," pray to the heavens for his family's reunion. In response to his sincere piety and the Emperor's intercession, a green dragon soared through the sky, drinking half of the West Lake's water. The Leifeng Pagoda then began to crumble, its layers falling and shattering into dust.

With the pagoda toppled and the West Lake's water diminished, Bai Suzhen emerged, finally seeing the sun after decades of confinement. Rushing back from miles away, Xu Xian met her at the Broken Bridge of the West Lake, and after decades of separation, their family was finally reunited.