Till the End of the Moon Recap, Plot, Synopsis
Till the End of the Moon Synopsis
In order to save the world from the demon god Tantai Jin, Li Susu, the daughter of the head of the Hengyang Sect, takes a desperate step back in time to 500 years ago and disguises herself as Ye Xiwu, the youngest daughter of the Ye family, to stop Tantai Jin, the son of the kingdom of Jing, who was not yet completely corrupted by evil thoughts, from becoming a demon god.
Unexpectedly, Tantai Jin is the husband of Ye Xiwu. They gradually develop a love affair, and eventually, Li Susu sacrifices herself to change the fate of Tantai Jin and the world.
After losing the love of his life, Tantai Jin searched for 500 years for Li Susu’s soul on the banks of the Youming River and was saved by an Immortal Sect when he is going to die. Since then, he has become a disciple of the Immortal Sect. He has changed his ways and met up with Li Susu.
When they are reunited, Tantai Jin’s demonic body still attracts criticism and covetousness, and the worlds are once again in danger.
Faced with a cruel fate, Tantai Jin sets up a situation with his body. The two lovers are under a lot of misunderstandings, but finally their hearts are in sync. They turned the tide and prevented the crisis of extinction together.
Till the End of the Moon Recap
Episode 1 Recap
The Devil God, the embodiment of all sins, brings disaster and death, and this new Devil God is Tantai Jin. He arrived with his subordinates at Mount Buzhao of the Xiaoyao Sect, seeking the legendary Mirror of the Past, a divine artifact believed to be capable of ending his life.
The Devil God's subordinate noted the strong immortal nimbus of the place and confirmed that the Mirror was indeed hidden on Mount Buzhao, whose name "Buzhao" implies the destruction of the world, a prophecy they believed would come true that day. The Devil God effortlessly smashed the immortal barrier of the Xiaoyao Sect and announced his intention to see the artifact that could allegedly end his life.
Meanwhile, at Mount Changze of the Hengyang Sect, Li Susu, the adopted daughter of the sect leader, had been guarding the perimeter all day. Her senior brother, Gongye Jiwu, informed her that their father and other seniors had gone to the Mohe River to rescue people and would not return soon.
Li Susu expressed concern, noting that only the Xiaoyao Sect and Hengyang Sect remained among all the immortal sects, wondering how long they could resist and how many lives they could save. Gongye Jiwu lamented that ten thousand years ago, all the gods had to perish to defeat the ancient Devil God, and now a new Devil God had suddenly appeared, whose name and origin they did not even know, making it impossible for their current forces to defeat him.
Li Susu adamantly believed there must be a way, suggesting that if they could find a divine artifact that countered the Devil God, they might still have a chance. However, Gongye Jiwu pointed out that they did not even know where it was or what it was called. At that moment, news arrived that the Xiaoyao Sect had fallen. The Devil God's subordinates quickly located the Mirror of the Past.
They reported that their demonic energy could not activate the Mirror, requiring the immortal arts of the sect. The Devil God then spoke to Immortal Zhaoyou, the leader of Xiaoyao Sect, remarking on the beauty of his sect and offering to spare it if Zhaoyou would activate the Mirror for him. Zhaoyou defiantly cursed the Devil God, refusing to cooperate.
The Devil God acknowledged Zhaoyou's insults, stating that he indeed lacked the joy or contentment of common animals, making him "worse" than them. Just then, Qu Xuanzi of the Hengyang Sect arrived, declaring he would not allow the Devil God to trample immortal sects. The Devil God mockingly called the immortal sects foolish and offered Qu Xuanzi and Zhaoyou safe passage if Qu Xuanzi would activate the Mirror.
Qu Xuanzi refused, prompting the Devil God to order his subordinates, Si Ying and Jing Mie, to engage them. Zhaoyou urged Qu Xuanzi to flee, calling him a stubborn mule, but Qu Xuanzi insisted on fighting together. Qu Xuanzi and Zhaoyou fought valiantly against Si Ying and Jing Mie, even breaking a Bone-Eroding Chain. The Devil God, finding their resistance "interesting," then intervened, deploying the Marrow-Cleansing Seal to trap the immortals.
He planned to use his God-slaughtering Crossbow to eliminate Qu Xuanzi and Zhaoyou simultaneously. Before he could fire, Li Susu appeared and shot an arrow, injuring his face. Seizing the opportunity, Zhaoyou retrieved the Mirror of the Past and threw it to Li Susu, instructing her to take it and run, as the Devil God was after it. The Devil God was enraged by this trick. Zhaoyou then commanded everyone to scatter and regroup at Hengyang Sect.
Li Susu's attack with the Chongyu Harp was the first time anyone had wounded the Devil God in five hundred years. Furious, he summoned the Sky-Slashing Sword and attacked her. Li Susu, overwhelmed, was captured. The Devil God scornfully dismissed her as weak but then noticed a mark on her forehead. As he captured her, her blood dripped onto the Mirror of the Past, activating it.
Inside the Mirror, a mysterious voice told Li Susu that the Devil God sought the Mirror because, in the hands of the fated person, it could reverse destiny, and she was that fated person. The voice revealed that the Devil God was not born evil, and his past was his only vulnerability. Li Susu then witnessed a scene from five hundred years ago: Tantai Jin, a weak mortal youth in the Palace of the Sheng, being tormented by others.
He was an evil fetus, already gathering strength for the Devil God's awakening. The voice urged Li Susu to return to Hengyang Sect to activate the Light-breaking Array, the only way to reverse the catastrophe, emphasizing that if Tantai Jin had not become the Devil God in the past, today's destruction would not have occurred. As Li Susu tried to escape the Devil God's clutches, Gongye Jiwu intervened, buying her time by sacrificing himself.
He urged her to take the Mirror and return to Hengyang Sect, assuring her he would not let the Devil God catch her. Li Susu was teleported back to Hengyang Sect where she found her father, Qu Xuanzi, and Uncle Zhaoyou. She explained what she saw in the Mirror: the Devil God was not born evil, but was a weak mortal teenager five hundred years ago.
Qu Xuanzi concluded that they could use the Light-breaking Array to send Li Susu back in time to kill Tantai Jin before he became the Devil God, thus severing the destiny of the Devil God's advent. Li Susu volunteered to go. Qu Xuanzi agreed, revealing that retrieving the Mirror and witnessing the past was Li Susu's destiny. He instructed her to remember that Tantai Jin, born as an evil fetus, possessed evil bones.
If his mortal body died, his evil bones would awaken, and he would instantly transform into the Devil God. Therefore, Li Susu must first find a way to destroy his evil bones before killing him completely. At that moment, the Devil God arrived at Hengyang Sect, demanding the Mirror. Qu Xuanzi and Zhaoyou prepared for a final stand, ordering their disciples to form ranks.
Zhaoyou initiated the Light-breaking Array, explaining that the God of Time had left it ten thousand years ago, passed down through the leaders of the Xiaoyao Sect, to be activated at a destined time. He added that the gods had prophesied that on the day the immortal sects were destroyed, someone would enter the array to reshape the past and future. Li Susu realized with horror that the destruction of the immortal sects was their sacrifice.
Zhaoyou and Qu Xuanzi affirmed that it was Li Susu's destiny to enter the array and survive to change the future, while it was their destiny to defend the sect until death, offering a chance for the world. They bid her farewell, instructing her not to look back and that the fate of the Four Continents and Three Realms rested on her.
As the array activated, Li Susu witnessed her father and other sect members perish at the hands of the Devil God's God-slaughtering Crossbow. Heartbroken, she vowed to kill Tantai Jin. Li Susu found herself in a strange world, realizing she had successfully traveled back in time. She was in the body of Ye Xiwu, the second lineal daughter of General Ye. Feigning amnesia, she questioned her maid, Chuntao, about her identity.
Chuntao revealed that they were on their way to Cishou Temple to offer incense for Ye Xiwu’s elder sister, Ye Bingshang, when they encountered bandits in the mountains. In the chaos, Ye Xiwu rolled down a slope and fainted. As they tried to flee, the bandits caught up. Li Susu, now in a mortal body without her immortal powers or even her Chongyu Harp, struggled against them.
Just as they were about to be captured, a man appeared and rescued them. Li Susu initially mistook him for Gongye Jiwu, but Chuntao quickly clarified that he was Xiao Lin, the sixth prince of the Sheng Kingdom, also known as Prince Camellia. Prince Xiao Lin, however, mistook Li Susu’s (as Ye Xiwu) familiarity for continued romantic pursuit. He coldly stated that he only loved Ye Bingshang and had merely saved them out of moral obligation.
After he left, Li Susu learned from Chuntao that Xiao Lin was the Emperor’s only lineal son and widely respected. She also discovered that the original Ye Xiwu was madly in love with Xiao Lin and, out of jealousy, had pushed Ye Bingshang into a lake just days prior, earning Xiao Lin’s anger. To Li Susu’s further shock, the "bandits" then reappeared, expecting payment.
They revealed that the entire ordeal, including the "hero saves the beauty" rescue by Xiao Lin, had been orchestrated by the original Ye Xiwu. Li Susu was appalled by Ye Xiwu's devious character. On their way back to General Ye's mansion, Li Susu instructed Chuntao to keep her "amnesia" a secret from her family. She then cautiously asked about Tantai Jin, assuming he might live in the palace.
Chuntao looked surprised and informed her that Tantai Jin was, in fact, her husband. Even more shockingly, Chuntao revealed that Tantai Jin was most afraid of Ye Xiwu in the entire household. Li Susu soon found Tantai Jin kneeling weakly in the snow in the garden. He appeared so frail that Li Susu questioned if he truly was the future Devil God.
She decided to test him, asking him to make a fierce expression and even to try to strangle her, but he seemed submissive, only asking why she was teasing him. When she pressed him to imagine killing her, the destructive intent she saw in his eyes confirmed he was indeed the Devil God's past self, reminding her of his previous threat to massacre all immortals. Frightened, she backed away.
Chuntao explained that Ye Xiwu had ordered Tantai Jin to kneel for three days on the ice. Li Susu learned the reason: when Ye Bingshang fell into the lake after being pushed by Ye Xiwu (who also slipped in), Xiao Lin immediately jumped in to save Ye Bingshang. Tantai Jin also jumped in, but he too saved Ye Bingshang, leaving Ye Xiwu to struggle out by herself. Infuriated, Ye Xiwu then forced Tantai Jin to kneel on the frozen lake.
Chuntao further revealed that Tantai Jin actually liked Ye Bingshang, creating a complex web of unrequited affections: Ye Xiwu loved Xiao Lin, Xiao Lin loved Ye Bingshang, and Tantai Jin also loved Ye Bingshang. Chuntao told Li Susu that Tantai Jin was a hostage prince from the Jing Kingdom, sent to Sheng Kingdom at a very young age, and that his unusual temperament made him unpopular even in his home country.
His father, the King of Jing, seemingly cared little for his life. He was only spared because he married into the General Ye's household; otherwise, the Sheng Emperor would have been the first to execute him during a past conflict with Jing Kingdom.
Episode 2 Recap
Upon arriving in the past as Ye Xiwu, Li Susu found herself settled, having also located Tantai Jin, the future Devil God. While she couldn't kill him yet to prevent the impending catastrophe, she determined to make him suffer for the blood debts her family and sect would incur. As a bitter blizzard raged outside, Li Susu's resolve wavered as she worried about Tantai Jin, who had been kneeling in the ice and snow for three nights.
She questioned if she was doing the right thing, asking her father, Uncle Zhaoyou, and senior brother in her mind if she was mistaken. Meanwhile, Ye Bingshang, widely admired for her benevolent acts, continued her tradition of personally distributing porridge to the needy on the first and fifteenth days of each month. People praised her kindness, wishing for her marriage to Prince Lin and for them to have many children.
Prince Lin, having concluded his official duties, arrived to help her. A maid, unaware that Prince Lin was within earshot, gossiped about Ye Xiwu, calling her a shrew and recounting how she had pushed Ye Bingshang into the lake. Ye Bingshang gently admonished her maid for speaking ill of her sister. After they finished their charitable work, as dusk fell, Ye Bingshang prepared to leave, citing family rules.
Prince Lin wished to spend more time with her, lamenting the strict Ye family rules. The maid then revealed that Ye Xiwu had forced the Jing Kingdom's hostage prince, Tantai Jin, to kneel in the snow. Hearing this, Prince Lin was appalled by Ye Xiwu's mistreatment of a foreign prince and urged Ye Bingshang to return home and rest, as she was still recovering from her fall. Back at the mansion, Tantai Jin had been kneeling for four days.
Even the servants openly mocked him, splashing him with icy water and wishing him dead. Peeking out, Li Susu (as Ye Xiwu) concluded that he was likely feigning unconsciousness, understanding that in this hostile household, playing the victim was his only way to survive. The cruel taunts of the servants confirmed her fear that he would not survive the night in the freezing temperatures, and if he died now, the evil bone might activate prematurely.
In a moment of concern, Li Susu stealthily approached him, feigning disdain for her cloak by carelessly tossing it aside and telling him he could have the "ugly" garment. However, Tantai Jin, though shivering, sarcastically refused, saying he dared not accept it and that she could have Chuntao throw it away in the morning if she disliked it.
Li Susu inwardly acknowledged his resilient and cold nature, reminding herself that he was the future Devil God and she shouldn't show him any kindness. Yet, the larger mission of saving the Four Continents and Three Realms compelled her to act. Seeing him finally collapse, on the verge of death, she quickly took him back to her room. Inside her room, Li Susu warmed Tantai Jin's frozen body with her own and urgently instructed Chuntao to prepare a hot bath.
Chuntao, surprised by her mistress's sudden concern for Tantai Jin, was taken aback. Li Susu quickly covered her actions by claiming that as husband and wife, sleeping together was natural. As Tantai Jin's body began to recover, a demonic entity appeared in his mind, tempting him. Tantai Jin, weary of a life filled with pain, hunger, cold, humiliation, and powerlessness, readily agreed to surrender his body and soul for eternal peace.
However, the demon revealed that the time was not yet ripe; Tantai Jin must first endure the peak of human suffering and absorb boundless resentment before his life's end, only then would the sacrifice be accepted. Later, while Tantai Jin was still recovering, Li Susu attempted to locate the evil bone within his body by carefully examining him. He suddenly awoke, catching her in the act and asking what she was doing.
After a brief argument, Tantai Jin tried to return to the lake to resume his punishment, but Li Susu stopped him. She declared the punishment over, asserting that his public kneeling was an embarrassment to her as his wife. Tantai Jin, still sarcastic, apologized. She then asked Chuntao what else she was supposed to do for Tantai Jin every night.
Chuntao revealed that Ye Xiwu, fueled by resentment from their forced marriage, would whip Tantai Jin nightly as an outlet for her anger. Li Susu found the long whip hidden under the mattress. Despite telling herself that the future Devil God deserved it, she couldn't bring herself to inflict the pain, realizing that such torment would only harden his heart, not prevent his demon transformation.
She finally feigned exhaustion, declared she was too tired to continue, and told him they should just go to sleep. That night, Li Susu woke to find Tantai Jin burning with a high fever. Guilt-ridden, she realized his mortal body couldn't withstand days in the cold. She frantically called Chuntao to brew medicine.
After Chuntao prepared it, Li Susu personally fed it to the delirious Tantai Jin and placed a cool cloth on his forehead, recalling how her own father used to comfort her when she was ill. When he eventually stirred, she told him to rest, feeling the burden of having saved him but knowing it was necessary for her mission.
The next morning, Li Susu learned from Chuntao that Tantai Jin had gone to the Librarium to copy sutras, his usual routine when not being punished. She inwardly vowed that he owed her his life and would repay it someday. At breakfast, she met Ye Xiwu's family: the stern General Ye, her doting grandmother, her elder brother Ye Zeyu, and her father's concubines.
The grandmother fussed over her, concerned about her lack of warm clothing, and gifted her a white fox fur coat. Ye Zeyu asked for one too but was immediately chastised by his father for his idleness. Li Susu's father showed her great affection, serving her favorite dishes, which made Li Susu realize she was experiencing human family warmth for the first time. The grandmother expressed concern about Ye Xiwu's reputation following the lake incident.
Li Susu offered to apologize to Ye Bingshang, but the grandmother dismissed it, fearing Ye Bingshang's illness might spread. Just then, Ye Bingshang returned, apologizing for her late arrival due to her charitable duties. Observing Ye Bingshang's graceful demeanor and kind nature, Li Susu finally understood why both Prince Lin and Tantai Jin were drawn to her. Later, Li Susu discovered that Tantai Jin was not eating with the family.
Chuntao explained that he always ate in the kitchen with the servants and was often hungry. Upon arriving at the kitchen, Li Susu found the servants openly humiliating Tantai Jin, forcing him to wash dishes in icy water and offering him only a bucket of swill. She watched as Tantai Jin silently prepared to eat the dirty scraps. Outraged, Li Susu intervened, furiously scolding the servants.
She condemned their cruel behavior, reminding them that their current sycophancy could easily turn into disloyalty if the Ye family ever fell from grace. She then stopped Tantai Jin from eating the filthy swill, questioning his lack of self-respect. Tantai Jin replied that dignity was meaningless to him; survival was paramount, and if he had harbored any dignity, he would have perished long ago. Determined, Li Susu dragged Tantai Jin back to her room, presenting him with a proper meal.
He refused, suspicious that it was another of Ye Xiwu's tricks. He recounted the events of the Qixi Festival six months prior: Ye Xiwu, desperate to secure Prince Lin for herself, planned to drug Ye Bingshang with a love potion to force her into a compromising situation with the Fifth Prince, Xiao Liang. However, the Fifth Prince cornered Tantai Jin and, after mocking his lowly status, gave him the drugged pastry.
Coincidentally, Ye Xiwu herself accidentally consumed the portion meant for Ye Bingshang. With many palace witnesses to their compromised state, General Ye had no choice but to request an imperial decree for their marriage. Since then, Ye Xiwu's nature had grown increasingly cruel, finding pleasure in tormenting him. To prove the food was safe, Li Susu took a bite herself, assuring him there were no drugs.
She then declared that from that day forward, Tantai Jin would have all three meals in her room and would no longer eat food scraps. Alone, Tantai Jin pondered her strange change in behavior, wondering if she was devising a new form of torture. The demon in his mind confirmed that his father, King Tantai Wuji of Jing, was indeed dying, but this information was irrelevant as Tantai Jin was trapped in the Ye residence.
Meanwhile, the Sheng Emperor informed Prince Lin that Tantai Wuji's imminent death rendered Tantai Jin, the hostage, useless. However, Prince Lin astutely countered that killing Tantai Jin would only play into the hands of the ruthless Tantai Minglang, Tantai Wuji's expected successor. Impressed by his son's wisdom, the Emperor decided to summon Tantai Jin to assess his ambition.
If Tantai Jin showed a desire to reclaim his position and could stir chaos in Jing, the Emperor would assist him, only to eliminate him later. But if Tantai Jin proved unambitious, he would simply be replaced by a look-alike hostage, as long as Tantai Minglang was convinced.
Episode 3 Recap
Chuntao reported to Li Susu that Tantai Jin often conversed with animals like birds, flies, mosquitoes, and even a frog, making him a strange figure in the mansion whom servants often mocked. Li Susu initially dismissed these stories, but Chuntao insisted on their truth. This led Li Susu to wonder if Tantai Jin's profound isolation had twisted his mind, eventually turning him into the Devil God. Determined to understand him, Li Susu began following Tantai Jin.
She directly asked him if he harbored resentment from constant bullying and if he ever wished to kill her (as Ye Xiwu). Tantai Jin responded that his feelings were inconsequential, as he couldn't change how others treated him. He stated that whether he felt hate or resentment held no meaning, noting that as a hostage prince from Jing Kingdom, merely surviving was exhausting enough, leaving him no energy for other thoughts.
Li Susu pondered that perhaps the young Tantai Jin hadn't committed any evil deeds, but rather, evil had been done to him repeatedly. She theorized that his descent into becoming the Devil God was a series of tragedies and that a single person's care might have prevented him from succumbing to the demonic path. She urged him to live well and seek her out if he felt bored, jesting that prolonged isolation could turn one into a "psychopath."
Tantai Jin retorted, "Like you?" Li Susu tried to assure him that someone in the mansion would eventually like him, but he simply stated that no one would, and he didn't need to be liked. Chuntao purchased new winter clothes for Tantai Jin, but they were either too thin or too large. Li Susu took the initiative to personally alter a thick coat for him, giving it to Tantai Jin secretly.
However, her brother, Ye Zeyu, spotted Tantai Jin in the new attire. Envious, Ye Zeyu mocked Tantai Jin as a "kept man" and deliberately slashed his coat. Li Susu intervened, reprimanding her brother and forcing him to pay for a replacement. She then told Tantai Jin to discard the ruined garment, but he refused, insisting on keeping the damaged coat because it was a gift from her. A royal edict arrived, summoning Tantai Jin to the palace.
Suspecting hidden motives, Li Susu followed him, though she was told to wait outside. She decided to explore the palace, heading to Tantai Jin's former residence. There, she encountered Nanny Yingxin, who had raised Tantai Jin and followed him from Jing Kingdom. Nanny Yingxin, disheveled and speaking cryptically, repeatedly warned that "they" wanted to harm "His Highness." Li Susu tried to clarify if she meant Tantai Jin and who the perpetrators were, but Yingxin only denied harming him herself.
Later, Tantai Jin had an audience with the King of Sheng, who attempted to manipulate him by revealing that King Jing, Tantai Wuji, was dying and his elder brother, Tantai Minglang, had been named crown prince. The King subtly suggested Tantai Jin should return to Jing Kingdom to reclaim what was his. Tantai Jin saw through this as a ploy to incite conflict between brothers.
He declared his indifference to Jing Kingdom and its royal family, stating he had been a wanderer for over a decade with no place for him there, and desired only to survive. The King, displeased by Tantai Jin's lack of ambition, dismissed him as a "useless pawn" and ordered him monitored. Soon after, Chief Wu approached Tantai Jin, attempting to coerce him into finding evidence of collusion between Prince Xiao Lin and General Ye.
Tantai Jin refused, explaining that Xiao Lin was perhaps the only person in Shengdu who treated him with sincerity, and he would not betray him for Chief Wu. Chief Wu then threatened Nanny Yingxin's life. Enraged by Tantai Jin's defiance, Chief Wu later ordered his subordinates to kill him that night. However, Tantai Jin secretly used his power to send a wasp to kill the chief, who collapsed and died bleeding from his ears.
Li Susu's father later mentioned this bizarre incident, which reminded Li Susu of Chuntao's reports about Tantai Jin communicating with insects. Tantai Jin, aware of his limited power to control only small creatures, realized his precarious position and resolved to find a way to escape Sheng Kingdom. Meanwhile, Prince Xiao Lin reported the mysterious disappearance of several civilians in their sleep to the King, suspecting demonic activity in Shengdu.
The King dispatched Scholar Pang Yizhi, a direct disciple of the Xiaoyao Sect Master and Xiao Lin's junior martial uncle from Mount Buzhao, to assist in the investigation. Li Susu, reflecting on Tantai Jin's bleakness, concluded that his harsh experiences were responsible for his suffering, aligning with her understanding that the evil bone within him drew strength from such negative emotions.
Upon returning home, she interrogated Tantai Jin about Chief Wu's death, even searching him for evidence, though she found nothing. She warned him against using any "tricks" with "wasps or bugs." Tantai Jin, to her surprise, offered to strip completely to prove his innocence, an offer Li Susu accepted, though he ultimately did not follow through. That night, a dream demon abducted more people. It targeted Ye Bingshang, noting her unusual "demonic aura" despite being human.
The dream demon collected individuals consumed by "grudge, hatred, fear, and remorse," intending to use their suffering to cultivate "nightmare blossoms" and transform into a devil. The next morning, Chuntao reported Ye Bingshang's disappearance. General Ye summoned Scholar Pang Yizhi and Prince Xiao Lin to investigate. Li Susu immediately became suspicious of Pang Yizhi's abilities, worrying he might expose Tantai Jin's evil bone and have him executed.
Pang Yizhi, however, found no immediate abnormalities within the mansion and proceeded to set up a "demon-locking array," though Li Susu found his technique "half-baked." Tantai Jin, through his crows, learned that the demon had taken the kidnapped individuals, including Ye Bingshang and Nanny Yingxin, to Mount Banzhen in the southern outskirts, where it was using them to "plant flowers." To avoid arousing Li Susu's suspicion, Tantai Jin decided against revealing this information.
Coincidentally, the dream demon had been studying Nanny Yingxin's traumatic memories. It uncovered Tantai Jin's "twisted fate" and a life devoid of "warmth or light." Concluding that he would yield the "best" nightmare blossoms, the demon set its sights on him, determined to use him to achieve its devilization. Following Tantai Jin's unique scent, the demon attacked the Ye Mansion.
Pang Yizhi's array proved ineffective, and the demon used a black fog as a distraction, revealing its true target was Tantai Jin. Li Susu rushed to protect him, using a charm, but both were engulfed by the demon's power and carried away. Before his capture, Tantai Jin had discreetly left a note for Xiao Lin, revealing Ye Bingshang's location. Xiao Lin, discovering Tantai Jin's cryptic note, rushed to Mount Banzhen with Scholar Pang.
Li Susu awoke to find herself and Tantai Jin in the demon's lair, surrounded by humans ensnared by vines. She explained to Tantai Jin that the dream demon captured people, harvested their dark memories as "seeds" to grow nightmare blossoms, and fed on their endless nightmares, much like "raising livestock." She noticed Tantai Jin was not bound by the vines, to which he calmly replied, "Because I never dream." They located Ye Bingshang and Nanny Yingxin.
Tantai Jin, realizing Li Susu's familiarity with Nanny Yingxin, directly questioned if she had been investigating him. Li Susu tried to rescue Ye Bingshang, but a mysterious mist engulfed them, causing both her and Tantai Jin to fall unconscious. They found themselves transported into a vivid dream realm—Nanny Yingxin's memory—of the Yiyue Tribe, where Tantai Jin's mother, a princess later titled Concubine Rou, was forced to marry Emperor Jing, Tantai Wuji, for the sake of her tribe.
Episode 4 Recap
Princess Yue Ruanruan, known for her gentleness and virtues, was granted the title of Concubine Rou and welcomed with a grand wedding ceremony, celebrating a union with Tantai Wuji. Both eagerly anticipated the birth of their child. However, Princess Yue Ruanruan endured three days of torturous labor, and the imperial doctors could only save one—mother or child. Tantai Wuji, prioritizing his beloved wife, ordered her life to be saved above all else.
Before succumbing to the difficult birth, Princess Yue Ruanruan pleaded with her maid, Lan'an, to save her child, expressing her wish for him to be a kind-hearted boy. Yet, upon his birth, the child was deemed a monster by onlookers. Tantai Wuji, consumed by grief and anger, blamed the infant for his wife's death and vowed to kill him.
Lan'an and another maid, Yingxin, desperately begged for the child's life, reminding Tantai Wuji that the little prince was Princess Yue Ruanruan's only bloodline. Tantai Wuji eventually relented, banishing the child, whom he named "Jin" (cinder)—a cursed name—and his two maids to fend for themselves in the palace. A succubus, also known as the Dream Demon, sensed an awakened individual.
It discovered Tantai Jin, who, unlike others, experienced no nightmares because he was born without love threads and thus could not feel emotions like joy, sorrow, or fear. However, the Dream Demon found a slight weakness in Tantai Jin, a subtle attachment that would be enough to make him fall into a dream and allow its nightmare blossoms to flourish.
Within the dream realm, Li Susu witnessed Lan'an and Yingxin caring for the infant Tantai Jin in the desolate cold palace. Despite the harsh conditions, they devoted themselves to him. Yingxin observed that Tantai Jin would wake up after ingesting blood and was born with teeth, confirming her suspicion of him being a monster, though Lan'an cautioned her to keep it a secret.
Lan'an noted that Tantai Jin, who inherited his mother's ability to communicate with animals, was the hope of the Yiyue Tribe. As their resources dwindled and Tantai Jin faced constant abuse, Lan'an planned to sneak out during the "palace maids' off-day" to seek help from the Yiyue Tribe, entrusting Yingxin with Tantai Jin's care and promising to return soon to bring them both to their homeland.
Soon after Lan'an left, an edict arrived, ordering Tantai Jin to be sent as a hostage to the Sheng Kingdom. Yingxin, feeling abandoned and betrayed by Lan'an, expressed her resentment aloud. Li Susu continued to follow the young Tantai Jin into the Sheng Kingdom, where he faced constant bullying and physical abuse from other princes. During one incident, the Sixth Prince, Xiao Lin, intervened just as the others were about to break Tantai Jin's arm.
Prince Lin calmly explained to his brothers that Tantai Jin was a guest for peace between their kingdoms and deserved respectful treatment. After the bullies left, Prince Lin offered Tantai Jin a kind word. Curious about Prince Lin's authority and popularity, Tantai Jin learned from Yingxin that Prince Lin’s mother was the favored Queen, and Prince Lin himself was intelligent and benevolent. Tantai Jin began to wonder if he too would be liked if he were like Prince Lin.
Later, after Prince Lin left for three years to cultivate on Mount Buzhao, Tantai Jin, feeling even more vulnerable without his protection, continued to face abuse. He recounted to Yingxin how he had imitated Prince Lin's every action, hoping to gain acceptance and stop the bullying. Seeing Prince Lin’s kindness toward Ye Bingshang, he mimicked it, which led others to mistakenly believe he liked her.
However, he eventually realized that people's respect was only out of fear of Prince Lin, not genuine affection for him. He questioned Yingxin about what it felt like to be loved and confronted her about her true feelings, discerning that she also disliked him, trapped in the palace because of him. Tantai Jin confessed to faking smiles and kindness, unable to feel the emotions he imitated, and concluded that his "fake things" deserved to be detested.
He mused that for someone like him, merely being alive was enough, and he shouldn't crave love. Li Susu observed that Tantai Jin, born with an evil bone, was suffering unjustly, but also recognized that his future self, the Devil God, would commit heinous acts. Li Susu then witnessed Yingxin receiving a secret message from Tantai Minglang, Tantai Jin's older brother.
The message stated that Tantai Jin's impending marriage and departure from the Palace of Sheng would enable him to return to Jing Kingdom and potentially seize power, so Tantai Minglang instructed Yingxin to ensure Tantai Jin would "never leave," implying his death. Yingxin, swayed by the offer of returning to her hometown and escaping her miserable life, betrayed Tantai Jin despite Li Susu's silent pleas for her not to.
As Yingxin's memory in the dream ended, Li Susu awoke from the nightmare. Meanwhile, outside the dream realm, Prince Lin and Scholar Pang Yizhi arrived at Mount Banzhen, suspecting the Dream Demon's lair to be there. They planned to lure the demon out to rescue Ye Bingshang, and potentially Tantai Jin and Ye Xiwu, who might also be trapped. Scholar Pang Yizhi taunted the demon, threatening to burn its woods, successfully drawing it out.
Back in the dream realm, Li Susu found Tantai Jin still trapped. She tried to wake him, noting the nightmare blossoms growing from him. Tantai Jin was first plunged into a dream where his parents doted on him, praising his cultivation at Xiaoyao Sect, and arranging his marriage to General Ye Xiao's daughter. He was delighted, assuming the bride would be Ye Bingshang, but his joy shattered upon seeing Ye Xiwu as his intended.
The dream then twisted into a horrific nightmare: his mother died in childbirth, his father accused him of matricide, and Lan'an and Yingxin abandoned him. Then, a dream version of Prince Lin appeared, taunting Tantai Jin about the falseness of his happy dream and the suffering he brought to his loved ones, urging him to end his own life. A voice echoed, tempting Tantai Jin with the ultimate escape from his cursed existence.
As he raised a knife to end his life, Li Susu intervened, physically stopping him and asserting that he could not die. Her intervention abruptly woke both of them from the dream. Outside the dream, the Dream Demon, weakened by its confrontation with Prince Lin and Scholar Pang Yizhi, fled back into the mountain. Enraged to find its vines destroyed, the demon attacked Tantai Jin, intending to devour him.
However, a mysterious voice echoed in Tantai Jin's mind, revealing that his blood could suppress all demons and his body could bear their demonic power. The voice enticed him, suggesting that if demons could not kill him, their power could become his, promising him that this craving for power was his true desire, far more fulfilling than ephemeral emotions. Entranced by the promise of ultimate control, Tantai Jin began to absorb the Dream Demon's power.
Prince Lin and Scholar Pang Yizhi managed to rescue the trapped individuals from Mount Banzhen. Li Susu woke up in her room, attended by Chuntao. Recalling the depth of Tantai Jin’s suffering in the dream, she felt a profound pity for him. She resolved to extend a helping hand, hoping that by guiding him, she could prevent him from ultimately becoming the Devil God. In the east-wing chamber, Tantai Jin awoke with a new awareness, realizing he now possessed demonic power and, for the first time, truly understood what "power" felt like.
Episode 5 Recap
Tantai Jin realized he could harness the power of demons. He understood that as long as they couldn't kill him, their power could be his to use, experiencing for the first time what true power felt like. With this newfound ability, he decided it was time to live a different life. Soon after, Ye Xiwu came to visit Tantai Jin, wondering if he still harbored suicidal thoughts after his nightmare.
Tantai Jin initially considered using Ye Xiwu to test his new powers. However, upon seeing the wound on her palm, he was reminded of the dream where she had taken away his dagger, causing him to abandon the idea of harming her. Ye Xiwu, for her part, resolved to prevent Tantai Jin from attempting suicide again, planning to appeal to his emotions and reason. Meanwhile, Pang Yizhi observed Xiao Lin's preoccupation and understood his affection for Ye Bingshang.
However, he warned Xiao Lin that, as the Sixth Prince, a marriage with General Ye's daughter, whose family held significant military power, would likely incite much suspicion. Xiao Lin acknowledged the difficulty but affirmed his decision. Soon after, Ye Bingshang regained consciousness, and Xiao Lin rushed to her side. Having endured the succubus's ordeal, Ye Bingshang confessed her deep love for Xiao Lin, expressing regret for not having spoken sooner and quoting a poem about eternal devotion.
Xiao Lin reciprocated her feelings, assuring her, "I'm also in love with you." He promised to be responsible for their love and provide her with a proper status, telling her to recover while he made arrangements. To lift Tantai Jin’s spirits, Ye Xiwu took him to visit Ye Bingshang. However, they encountered Xiao Lin, who asked to speak with Ye Xiwu privately.
Xiao Lin informed her that the succubus crisis had clarified his feelings for Ye Bingshang, and he intended to ask the Emperor to grant their marriage. He urged Ye Xiwu to accept this reality. As Li Susu inhabiting Ye Xiwu's body, she couldn't explain the original Ye Xiwu's past affections for Xiao Lin. She simply promised that from then on, they would maintain a clean separation and not interfere with each other's lives.
Xiao Lin then brought up Tantai Jin, explaining that he was a hostage from Jing Kingdom, and his life was intrinsically tied to the fate of Sheng. Should anything happen to Tantai Jin, it would provide Jing Kingdom with a pretext to wage war against Sheng.
Given Sheng’s recent decline in military strength, such a conflict would be disastrous for the nation and its people, as well as for the Ye family, whose men would be sent to the front lines. Ye Xiwu assured Xiao Lin that she would keep a close watch on Tantai Jin. Overhearing their conversation, Tantai Jin misunderstood Ye Xiwu's intentions, believing her concern for him was solely to protect her family.
He also realized that Xiao Lin’s childhood kindness stemmed from a similar desire to safeguard Sheng Kingdom. Ye Xiwu then "confessed" to Xiao Lin, admitting that she hated Tantai Jin more than anyone, even wishing he had never existed. However, she affirmed that she would not let him die, though she also stated that genuinely caring for him was impossible for her.
Hearing Ye Xiwu's seemingly honest words, Tantai Jin perceived her previous actions as mere pretense, believing she was no different from anyone else who acted out of self-interest. Xiao Lin approached the Sheng Emperor, openly confessing his love for Ye Bingshang and requesting a sanctioned marriage. He explained that his affection for her was spontaneous and without logical reason, contrasting it with his typically rule-abiding nature. The Emperor agreed to consider the matter.
Not long after, an imperial edict arrived, bestowing upon Ye Bingshang the title of Side Concubine to Prince Xuancheng, a new title granted to Xiao Lin. Although the Emperor had granted the marriage, he remained wary of the Ye family’s military influence, which was why Ye Bingshang was designated as a side concubine rather than the principal wife. Ye Bingshang was deeply saddened by this decision.
Despite years of diligent study and meticulous conduct, she felt she had been defeated by the rigid distinction between legitimate and illegitimate birth. Vowing to herself, she determined that she must eventually become Xiao Lin's legal wife. Knowing that Ye Bingshang would be heartbroken by the imperial edict, Xiao Lin hurried to the Ye residence to comfort her.
He openly acknowledged her disappointment and sorrow, revealing his awareness of the cold treatment she had endured in the Ye family and the grievances she harbored. He reassured her that her desire to be his legal wife was a natural expression of love, not an excessive ambition.
Xiao Lin promised that the position of his legal wife would always be hers and vowed to give her a wedding as grand as one for a principal wife, pledging to share all joys and hardships with her. On the day of Xiao Lin's grand wedding, Tantai Jin attended the banquet, intending to seize the opportunity to exact revenge on those who had bullied him since childhood.
His targets included individuals like Emperor's Son-in-law Gao Jie, Marquis of Jinling Qiu Yu, Princess Yongxing’s son Cheng Peng, Ye Zeyu, Prince Wuning Xiao Liang, and even Ye Xiwu. Prince Wuning Xiao Liang arrived at the banquet, first bullying a commoner family outside before encountering Tantai Jin. He immediately began to mock Tantai Jin, relishing in his perceived misfortune regarding Ye Bingshang marrying Xiao Lin. Fearing Tantai Jin might lash out, Ye Xiwu quickly retorted, calling Xiao Liang's mouth foul.
She later advised Tantai Jin to ignore Xiao Liang, dismissing him as a despicable person. Pang Yizhi presented Xiao Lin with a wedding gift from the Xiaoyao Sect leader: a Heart-guarding Scale. Ye Xiwu recognized it as a chest scale from the dragon race, known for its exceptional toughness and ability to ward off evil. As the auspicious time arrived, Xiao Lin and Ye Bingshang began their grand wedding ceremony.
Simultaneously, Tantai Jin unleashed a spell, summoning blood crows to attack those he sought to harm. The crows swarmed the guests, specifically targeting the noble young men who had tormented Tantai Jin over the years, pecking and injuring them, including Xiao Liang. Amidst the chaos, Xiao Lin escorted Ye Bingshang to a side hall, entrusting her with the Heart-guarding Scale for protection. He then left to safeguard the other guests.
Ye Bingshang was terrified and pleaded with him to stay, questioning if others were more important than his new wife. However, Xiao Lin insisted he couldn't abandon the wedding guests, his guards, and his servants, promising her that she would be safe and to wait for him. Ye Xiwu used a charm to rescue her injured brother, Ye Zeyu. She then urged her father to take Ye Zeyu and leave the chaotic scene.
Despite her brother's pleas to prevent her, Ye Xiwu decided to return to the mansion to search for Tantai Jin, concerned that if anything happened to him, they would all be doomed. Ye Xiwu found Tantai Jin in the courtyard, using her sword to drive away the blood crows. Initially, Tantai Jin misconstrued her actions, believing she intended to kill him.
However, when he saw her place herself in front of him, shielding him from the attacking crows, his heart stirred with an unfamiliar emotion. He couldn't comprehend why Ye Xiwu, who had repeatedly claimed to despise him, would risk her own life to save him. She then retrieved the Heart-guarding Scale from Ye Bingshang and returned it to her with a sarcastic wedding wish, using up her last charm in the process.
Observing the aftermath of the attack and reflecting on his own powers, Tantai Jin realized that the demonic energy he had absorbed would eventually deplete. He mused that if he could cultivate and practice like Xiao Lin, he wouldn't have to rely solely on devouring demons to maintain his strength.
Meanwhile, the Sheng Emperor ordered a thorough investigation into the strange crow attack, noting that while the demonic creatures were fierce, no one had died, suggesting a puppet master behind the chaos. Tantai Jin confronted Ye Xiwu, asking if she had specifically returned to save him. Unable to reveal her true intentions as Li Susu, she feigned affection, claiming she liked him and that saving her husband was only natural.
She even joked about their relationship evolving from initial dislike to fondness, as often happened in stories. Tantai Jin, unfamiliar with the concept of love, asked Ye Xiwu for a definition. She explained it as wanting someone to live, desiring to be with them, and feeling joy at their presence and worry in their absence. Despite her explanation, Tantai Jin deemed love as insignificant when compared to power.
Instead, he asked Ye Xiwu to teach him how to draw charms, suggesting it would allow them to spend more time together and enable him to protect those he cared for, much like she had protected him. Ye Xiwu, surprised by his desire to protect, agreed on the condition that he promised to live, as she had no desire to risk her life for him again.
However, when Tantai Jin requested to learn the crow-repelling charm she had used, Ye Xiwu refused, citing its danger and stating that she would never teach him a charm that could kill, especially given his identity.
Episode 6 Recap
Ye Xiwu agreed to teach Tantai Jin how to draw charms but refused to teach him any lethal ones, reminding him that because of his name, she would never teach him spells that could kill. Instead, she chose to teach him the "Jiansheng" charm, explaining that it allowed one's spirit to wander the world even when confined to a small space, and that she had learned it from an immortal when she was a child.
Tantai Jin initially scoffed at the idea, calling monastic practices aimless, but Ye Xiwu patiently explained the profound concept of unifying the body, heart, and mind to cultivate an internal elixir. She described the "Heartless Way" as a path to understanding the universe and all life by eliminating desires and hatred, a path Tantai Jin agreed to follow.
Li Susu, inhabiting Ye Xiwu’s body, privately observed that Tantai Jin lacked immortal bones and would never achieve immortality, yet hoped he would at least avoid becoming a demon. Despite Ye Xiwu’s guidance, Tantai Jin’s initial attempts at the "Jiansheng" charm failed. Ye Xiwu explained that success required a pure mind, free of distractions and especially evil thoughts. As Tantai Jin diligently practiced, Ye Xiwu, exhausted, fell asleep. He woke her, demanding she continue teaching him.
Frustrated by his relentless study, Ye Xiwu used a binding spell to make him rest, telling him he would die if he didn't sleep. She held him, and as she drifted off, she murmured about "liking" him and wanting him to live. Observing her in his embrace, Tantai Jin unexpectedly grasped the charm's true meaning. He successfully activated the "Jiansheng" charm, conjuring a breathtaking vision of the universe. Meanwhile, the Sheng King investigated the chaos at Xiao Rin’s wedding.
Learning that the attacking "Blood Crows" were linked to the Jing Kingdom's royal totem, the Three-legged Crow, and that Tantai Jin, a Jing hostage prince, was present, he grew suspicious. Whispers that the Yiyue Tribe, Tantai Jin's maternal tribe, could communicate with and control birds fueled his paranoia. Concluding that Tantai Jin was a cunning and dangerous threat, the Sheng King secretly ordered his assassination.
News reached the King that General Ye’s second son, Ye Qingyu, was returning from the border, a young talent whose reputation even surpassed his father’s. Upon his return, Ye Qingyu was welcomed by cheering crowds and then met his family. He noticed Ye Xiwu’s absence from the family dinner. His father and grandmother attempted to make excuses, but Ye Qingyu asserted that Ye Xiwu’s behavior reflected on the entire Ye family.
He cited her infamous reputation from his time at the border, including mistreating servants, harming Ye Bingchang, and her "muddleheaded" marriage after a scandalous incident in the palace. When his elder brother, Ye Zeyu, complained about Ye Xiwu abandoning them during the blood crow attack to save her husband, Ye Qingyu defended her actions, questioning his brother's own lack of protective instinct.
Concerned that no one had properly guided Ye Xiwu in his absence, Ye Qingyu went to check on her. He found her asleep with Tantai Jin and, angered by the sight, turned and left. Ye Xiwu was later summoned to the ancestral hall. Ye Qingyu reprimanded her for disrespecting their elders by missing dinner, for being impolite by not greeting him upon his return, and for the "shameful act" of engaging in "licentious acts in broad daylight" with her husband.
He expressed his shame for the Ye family’s honor and punished her to kneel for the time it took an incense stick to burn for introspection. Chuntao later informed Ye Xiwu that General Ye disliked formal procedures, leading the family to appoint the diligent Ye Qingyu as the family supervisor. When Chuntao mentioned Ye Qingyu had gone to speak with Tantai Jin, Ye Xiwu, fearing for Tantai Jin's safety, rushed to their living quarters.
Ye Qingyu apologized to Tantai Jin for Ye Xiwu’s past misbehavior and invited him to future family meals. He also requested that Tantai Jin restrain Ye Xiwu’s "unruly conduct" to avoid future "shameful acts." Hearing Tantai Jin utter a spell, Ye Qingyu, who had cultivated in Xiaoyao Sect for three years, recognized the act and suspected Tantai Jin of orchestrating the chaos at Xiao Rin’s wedding. Tantai Jin denied it, claiming Ye Qingyu misheard.
Ye Qingyu pressed further, highlighting Tantai Jin’s uninjured state during the crow attack and the coincidence with Jing Kingdom’s crow totem. Tantai Jin sarcastically suggested Ye Qingyu's imagination was wasted on military service. Ye Qingyu then offered to perform a "Bone Inspect" spell to discern Tantai Jin's true nature, but Tantai Jin refused. Just as the tension escalated, Ye Xiwu arrived. She quickly vouched for Tantai Jin, explaining they were together during the crow attack and he nearly died.
She took responsibility for the spell-casting, claiming she had learned simple charms from Scholar Pang due to the city's demonic disturbances and was teaching them to Tantai Jin out of boredom. She admitted Tantai Jin was "so dumb" that he struggled with them, necessitating their secret practice. Ye Qingyu accepted her explanation, apologized for his suspicions, and reiterated his invitation for Tantai Jin to join their family meals, emphasizing that as family, he shouldn’t eat alone.
Ye Xiwu later discovered that Ye Qingyu’s "Bone Inspect" was merely a bluff, much to Tantai Jin’s relief, who had been genuinely scared. Separately, Xiao Rin invited Ye Qingyu to catch up. Scholar Pang realized they were fellow disciples from Xiaoyao Sect. Ye Qingyu expressed concern about the world’s stability after hearing of Tantai Wuji’s sudden death and Tantai Minglang’s succession, fearing the new king’s suspicious and hot-tempered nature would bring chaos and suffering to the common people.
He longed for a unified, peaceful world. Scholar Pang performed a divination, revealing that the individual destined to end the conflicts and unify the world was currently in the Sheng Capital. Ye Qingyu then learned his elder brother, Ye Zeyu, had borrowed money and gone to a gambling house. He rushed there to confront him. Inside, Ye Zeyu was losing badly to Pian Ran. Noticing Ye Qingyu’s arrival, Pian Ran deliberately lost a round.
As the crowd clamored for her to strip, Pian Ran began to remove her clothes, but Ye Qingyu quickly covered her with his cloak. He reprimanded Ye Zeyu, ordering him back to the ancestral hall to receive family discipline. As Ye Qingyu left, Pian Ran called out to him. Seeing her face, he felt she looked familiar. Back at the mansion, Tantai Jin reflected on his temporary demonic powers, realizing their fleeting nature and the insatiable thirst for more.
He understood that relying solely on devouring demons was unsustainable and that Ye Qingyu’s power was something to be wary of. He needed a new source of demonic power, and the upcoming New Year's festival, with its bustling, diverse crowds, seemed an ideal opportunity for "hunting" for demons without Ye Xiwu's constant supervision. To his surprise, Ye Xiwu asked him to join her for New Year's shopping.
He readily agreed, seeing it as a perfect chance to find new demonic sources. As they strolled through the vibrant market, Ye Xiwu observed Tantai Jin’s wide-eyed wonder, realizing he had never experienced such a lively festival. " You won't melt in the sun," she playfully remarked, suggesting he needed more exposure to the outside world, otherwise he'd "become a freak" confined to his room.
She bought two mud whistles, explaining they were common childhood toys, and noting that Tantai Jin, having "lived like a prisoner since he was a child," likely never had any. She insisted on buying him one, feigning that it was for him when she herself desired one. While shopping, they spotted Ye Qingyu accompanying Pian Ran, who was making him pay off his brother's gambling debt. She intentionally bought a lipstick and asked Ye Qingyu to apply it for her.
Ye Xiwu was utterly surprised by the sight. Tantai Jin, however, sensed Pian Ran’s true demonic nature and secretly pondered how to extract her demonic elixir for his own use. Ye Xiwu continued her shopping, buying new clothes for her grandmother, father, and brothers. She also thoughtfully selected several new outfits for Tantai Jin, who felt a strange sensation knowing she knew his measurements so well.
On their way home, they encountered an old woman selling firecrackers in the bitter cold. Moved by compassion, Ye Xiwu bought all the firecrackers from her. Tantai Jin, ever the pragmatist, pointed out that her single act of kindness wouldn't alleviate the woman’s endless suffering. Seeing Ye Xiwu's crestfallen expression, he softened his tone and offered a small comfort: "At least she gets to go home earlier to celebrate New Year's Eve today."
Episode 7 Recap
On New Year's Eve, the Ye family gathered for celebrations. Mrs. Ye distributed red envelopes, and Li Susu received one, thinking to herself that she was well and happy, surrounded by family, and still hopeful for Tantai Jin. Tantai Jin, observing the warmth of the family, felt a pang of envy. Meanwhile, the Sheng King was informed that his assassins, sent to kill Tantai Jin, had failed to return.
This led him to believe that Tantai Jin harbored a mysterious force, and he resolved to eliminate both Tantai Jin and this hidden power. Tantai Jin received a message via a nightingale, indicating that someone was looking for him. The messenger was Lan'an, who had left years ago. Lan'an had initially sought to return to the Yiyue Tribe to secure their aid in rescuing Tantai Jin from the palace.
However, the tribe was in turmoil; the old chief had died, and the new one, fearing the Jing Kingdom, refused to interfere. To establish herself, Lan'an married the new chief and spent twenty years becoming the High Priestess, bringing the entire tribe under her command. She had now returned with the Moonshadow Guards to save Tantai Jin. Tantai Jin knew Lan'an couldn't control birds.
He discovered that Nian Baiyu, the leader of the Moonshadow Guards, possessed this ability, having an exclusive nightingale. Lan'an urged Tantai Jin to return to the Yiyue Tribe, believing it was his home and only his tribe truly cared for him. However, Tantai Jin refused. He explained that both the Sheng King and the Jing King wanted him dead, and returning to the Yiyue Tribe would only bring disaster to his mother's clan.
Instead, he intended to return to Jing Kingdom to reclaim what was rightfully his, as only then would he possess the strength to protect himself. He instructed Lan'an to have the boat ready at the ferry by morning, stating he had one more matter to attend to: absorbing the demoness Pian Ran's power to strengthen himself for the perilous journey.
As Tantai Jin prepared to leave the Ye mansion, he felt an unfamiliar reluctance towards a place he had considered a prison. Ye Xiwu approached him, carrying firecrackers. Though they weren't particularly impressive, she used a Sketch Charm to create a magnificent fireworks display. Ye Xiwu promised that as long as she was by his side, they could be this happy every year, unaware of his impending departure.
They shared a moment enjoying a snowball fight, where Tantai Jin jokingly admonished her for a sneak attack, saying he had put up with her for too long. Late that night, Ye Qingyu visited Pian Ran. Drunk, Pian Ran mistook him for Jiang Rao, repeatedly asking where he had been and expressing her joy at his return. The next morning, the Ye family gossiped about Ye Qingyu's all-night absence, assuming he had met a girl.
Mrs. Ye even declared she would accept her as a daughter-in-law, even if she were a widow or a demon. Ye Xiwu, recalling a strange scent on her brother, suspected he had encountered a demon. She decided to seek out Scholar Pang Yizhi for help, and to her surprise, Tantai Jin offered to accompany them. Internally, Li Susu noted that the Devil God was showing a willingness to help others, a positive sign.
Pian Ran awoke to find Ye Qingyu in her home and angrily hit him. Ye Qingyu explained that he had intended to leave the previous night but she, in her drunken state, had clung to him. He then revealed that she had saved his life three months prior during the Jiaguan battle, amidst the smoke on Mount Mituo, and that he had recognized her as a demon from the start, having once been an outer disciple of the Xiaoyao Sect.
Realizing her identity was exposed, Pian Ran decided to take back the cultivation she had lost saving him, kissing him directly to absorb his essence. Ye Xiwu, Pang Yizhi, and Tantai Jin arrived at Pian Ran's home to find her absorbing Ye Qingyu's vital energy. Ye Xiwu confronted her, but was shocked when Ye Qingyu protected the demon and was accidentally knocked unconscious by his sister.
Ye Xiwu admonished Pian Ran for using a "crooked path" and offered to help her find a proper cultivation sect. Enraged, Pian Ran revealed her true form as a heptatail fox and attacked. Ye Xiwu was outmatched, and Tantai Jin intervened to save her, allowing Pian Ran to escape. Separating from the others, Tantai Jin found Pian Ran first and began absorbing her demonic power.
Ye Xiwu caught up and, seeing the horrifying scene, immediately attacked Tantai Jin, demanding to know when he had learned demonic arts. His disappointment at her lack of trust was palpable. In the chaos, Pian Ran cast a fox charm hex on Ye Xiwu and fled. Under the spell's influence, Ye Xiwu acted seductively, forcing Tantai Jin to knock her unconscious and carry her away. Back at the ferry, Nian Baiyu questioned Lan'an's motives.
Lan'an admitted that her true purpose was to prevent Tantai Minglang's succession, which would be detrimental to the Yiyue Tribe. Knowing Tantai Jin's cold nature yet deep desire for care, she chose to hide her utilitarian motives, believing that acting selflessly would better ensure his cooperation. Tantai Jin arrived with the unconscious Ye Xiwu. Lan'an questioned why he was taking her, and Nian Baiyu suggested killing her to boost their morale, citing her past disrespect.
Tantai Jin replied that while Ye Xiwu was foolish, her father commanded the Sheng Kingdom's military, and he intended to use her, killing her only after she had served her purpose. Meanwhile, the Ye family was distraught over Ye Xiwu's disappearance. Pang Yizhi arrived to report that Ye Xiwu had been taken by Tantai Jin after their attempt to capture a demon went awry.
Upon hearing this, Xiao Lin expressed concern that the Sheng King would blame the Ye family for the hostage prince's escape. He immediately ordered Chen Xian to dispatch Dragon Guards to seal the city gates and search the entire city, specifically sending a team to the east city ferry, which led to Jing Kingdom, to intercept all boats. Ye Xiwu awoke in the boat's cold cabin, bound by Ruo-River ropes.
Tantai Jin approached her and mocked her naivety, revealing that her attempt to poison Ye Bingshang with the Love Fury poison was a plot he had manipulated. He had swapped their desserts, ensuring Ye Xiwu would be the one affected so he could marry her and escape the Sheng Kingdom palace. He further clarified that nothing intimate had happened between them on their wedding night, as he would rather endure the agonizing pain of the poison than touch her.
He also revealed that Yingxin had gone mad because she had been plotting to poison him on Tantai Minglang's orders. Ye Xiwu, reeling from the revelations, declared that they were now completely estranged. Tantai Jin coldly retorted that she had no future, as he never allowed anyone who knew too many of his secrets to live.
Episode 8 Recap
Yingxin confronted Tantai Jin, accusing him of causing her madness. Tantai Jin retorted that she had colluded with Tantai Minglang to kill him and that he had merely defended himself. He revealed that Minglang wanted him dead, made to look like a suicide. Tantai Jin had anticipated the plot, switched their food, and feigned unconsciousness. When Yingxin went to find her accomplices, the drug took effect, and she collapsed.
Chief Wu, known for his cruelty, found her there, took her away, and abused her, leading to her insanity. Tantai Jin stated he only intended for her to suffer the consequences, attributing her greater agony to her "petty kindness" for using a sedative instead of a deadly poison. Ye Xiwu, reflecting on this, lamented Tantai Jin's mercilessness, wondering if the Devil God was truly beyond redemption.
Tantai Jin then declared to Ye Xiwu that he once blamed himself but now understood the fault lay with the world. He vowed to never forgive anyone who had abused or tried to kill him, explicitly including her in that vow. The Sheng King furiously confronted General Ye over Tantai Jin's escape. He accused General Ye's daughter, Ye Xiwu, of shameless behavior with Xiao Lin, which had resulted in Tantai Jin being housed with the Ye family.
Now, less than a year later, Tantai Jin was gone. General Ye admitted his negligence but vehemently denied conspiring with Jing Kingdom or intentionally releasing the hostage. The King, displaying a pile of impeachment memorials, ordered General Ye imprisoned in the three interdependent judicial departments. Ye Qingyu pleaded to take his elderly father's place, citing his father's old war wounds.
The King, however, assured Ye Qingyu that the prison was "clean and spacious" and instructed him to retrieve Tantai Jin swiftly to clear his family's name. He issued a stern command: if Tantai Jin could not be captured alive, his corpse must be brought back, emphasizing that Tantai Jin must not return to Jing Kingdom alive, even if it meant sacrificing others. Both General Ye and Ye Qingyu reluctantly accepted the decrees.
Nian Baiyu brought Ye Xiwu her meal, insisting on watching her eat as per Tantai Jin's orders. Ye Xiwu, with her hands tied, feigned helplessness to get Nian Baiyu to untie her. She then deliberately dropped her food bowl and, when he bent to pick it up, struck him unconscious. She thought about finding a small boat to escape. Guards were already searching for her, puzzled as to how she could have untied the Ruo-River rope without a spell.
A flashback revealed Jing Lan'an had given Ye Xiwu a spell to undo the rope and told her that escaping depended on her own ability. When Ye Xiwu asked why she helped, Lan'an cryptically replied it was a favor to herself. Ye Xiwu, unsure of Lan'an's true intentions, focused on evading the search. Meanwhile, Tantai Jin consumed a demonic elixir despite its foul smell. Lan'an later visited him, noticing his heavy sweating and asking if he was unwell.
Tantai Jin dismissed her concerns and presented her with a "tawny daylily" hairpin. He explained that since he lost his mother young and had no one to give such a meaningful item to—tawny daylily being a metaphor for mothers—he wanted her to have it. He thanked Lan'an for raising him and for all her plotting on his behalf, then mused about his elder brother's reaction upon seeing him.
Ye Xiwu, needing to avoid the searching guards, hid among a group of dancers and quickly disguised herself. She heard the other dancers discussing their hopes of pleasing Tantai Jin. When guards came looking for her, she skillfully deflected their suspicions by having her fellow dancers vouch for them all being "young ladies."
When Lan'an summoned the dancers to perform for Tantai Jin, Ye Xiwu, despite not knowing how to dance, grabbed a harp and pretended to play, thinking she had successfully blended in. Tantai Jin, however, who could perceive her presence, was secretly watching. He deliberately singled out Ye Xiwu, demanding she perform a solo dance. Realizing she'd been exposed, Ye Xiwu seized the opportunity.
Approaching Tantai Jin during her performance, she suddenly grabbed him, threatening to strangle him if the ship wasn't stopped and she wasn't allowed to escape on a dinghy. Tantai Jin remained unfazed, telling her she couldn't escape and that he would "play with her to the end." He ordered Nian Baiyu to the dinghy and commanded the rope be cut, ignoring Ye Xiwu's frantic threats.
Tantai Jin swiftly disarmed Ye Xiwu, ordering his guards to capture her, specifically demanding she be taken alive. Cornered at the edge of the ship, Ye Xiwu defiantly rejected Tantai Jin's offer of prolonged life, reminding him of his earlier vow to kill her. Declaring she wanted no such "charity," she spat at him and leaped into the water. Seeing her disappear, Tantai Jin's stoic demeanor briefly wavered. He immediately commanded Qi Shuang to find Ye Xiwu, "dead or alive."
Meanwhile, Xiao Lin approached the Sheng King, requesting to take over the task of pursuing Tantai Jin from Ye Qingyu. He admitted that capturing Tantai Jin was unlikely but proposed using the pursuit as a pretext for his Dragon Guards to inspect powerful regional forces and curb tax evasion, benefiting Sheng Kingdom. The King, recognizing Xiao Lin's shrewdness, ultimately agreed. Xiao Lin further argued that General Ye and Ye Qingyu were indispensable military talents.
He also pointed out that Tantai Minglang's cruel nature meant Tantai Jin's return to Jing Kingdom would lead to internal conflict, which was advantageous for Sheng. The King, seeing the Ye family's continued value, decided on a lighter punishment, granting Xiao Lin this favor to deliver to the Ye family. Though Tantai Minglang had ascended the throne, he remained deeply troubled by Tantai Jin's existence.
His loyal subordinate, Fu Yu, questioned why Tantai Jin, being a hostage with no power base, bothered him so much. Tantai Minglang explained it was because his father, Tantai Wuji, had always been infatuated with Concubine Rou, Tantai Jin's mother. In a flashback, Tantai Wuji confessed to Minglang that his only unfulfilled wish was to see Tantai Jin's eyes, which resembled Concubine Rou's. This reignited Minglang's long-held resentment.
He bitterly recalled his mother's death during an autumn hunt, which he blamed on Concubine Rou's "witchcraft." Minglang also recounted a childhood trauma: after his mother's death, Concubine Rou became pregnant, and palace rumors suggested her son would be the future king. He then suffered severe burns from an uncovered charcoal pot in his chamber, which he believed was due to neglect from servants favoring Concubine Rou.
His father’s subsequent remark about his "ominous appearance" making him unfit for the throne fueled his hatred. Enraged by his father's unwavering devotion to Concubine Rou even on his deathbed, Tantai Minglang, confirming his own interpretation that "a man dies the way a lamp goes out," violently strangled the already frail Tantai Wuji to death. Meanwhile, on Tantai Jin's ship, Lan'an falsely reported that Qi Shuang had found Ye Xiwu on shore and was waiting at a ferry ahead.
Tantai Jin, believing this, disembarked to find Ye Xiwu but instead walked into an ambush. He was shot by a poisonous needle, blinding one eye, and then forced to ingest a demonic elixir. To his shock, Lan'an, who had orchestrated the trap, appeared and took him hostage.
Nian Baiyu attempted to rescue him, but Lan'an, identifying herself as the High Priestess, threatened to kill Tantai Jin if his guards did not surrender, forcing Nian Baiyu's men to lay down their weapons. Tantai Minglang, watching from a distance, praised Lan'an for her cunning "bloodless victory," confirming she had deceived Tantai Jin into docking. He promised to return her daughter, Fuya, to her as a reward.
Tantai Minglang, seeing Tantai Jin blinded and poisoned, mockingly commented on his resemblance to Concubine Rou. He then offered to gouge out Tantai Jin's eyes and place them before his father's memorial tablet. Tantai Jin, though weakened, defied Minglang, stating he accepted his fate but would not waste time on old grievances. Minglang dismissed Tantai Jin's words, bringing forth a pot of burning charcoal.
He revealed his own scarred body, attributing his suffering to Concubine Rou and Tantai Jin, and vowed to inflict similar pain upon Tantai Jin. Lan'an, disturbed by Minglang's cruelty, attempted to intercede, but he silenced her. Tantai Jin retorted that Minglang's pain was irrelevant to him and that his true target for revenge should be Tantai Wuji. Tantai Minglang, however, insisted Tantai Jin owed him and vowed to torture him until he begged for death.
Accepting his inescapable doom, Tantai Jin demanded to know why Lan'an betrayed him. Lan'an tearfully confessed that her daughter, Fuya, was the reason. She explained that having a child made her vulnerable, no longer "indestructible." Prince Minglang had helped her find Fuya after she was lost years ago, forcing her to choose between loyalty to Tantai Jin and her daughter's safety.
She stated that no one would choose Tantai Jin, given his "gloomy and hard to understand" nature compared to her "pure and beautiful" daughter. Tantai Jin, revealing he knew why Yingxin went mad, scoffed at the idea that Lan'an's betrayal was solely for a "traitor" like Yingxin. Lan'an clarified that Yingxin's fate was merely the final confirmation that Tantai Jin's heart was a "cold fish," devoid of human emotion.
She lamented that for Tantai Jin, her and Yingxin's betrayal was no different from anyone else's, asserting he cruelly exploited those who treated him well and ruthlessly killed those who didn't. She confessed that her greatest surprise was successfully using Ye Xiwu to trap him, explaining it was she who freed Ye Xiwu and then lied about finding her to make the ship dock. Tantai Jin dismissed her claims that Ye Xiwu was special to him.
Lan'an then bitterly reflected on the irony of using the one person Tantai Jin might care for to destroy him. When Tantai Jin asked if she regretted her betrayal, Lan'an, with a firm "no," recalled saving his life with her own fingertip blood in the cold palace years ago, stating that "what goes around comes around" and she was now making a choice for him. Disappointed and resolute, Tantai Jin then ruthlessly unleashed poisonous insects, killing Lan'an.
Following Lan'an's death, Tantai Minglang further taunted Tantai Jin, detailing the potent poison in his eye: it would spread through his meridians, causing him to vomit blood three times before dying. Tantai Jin, unfazed, thanked Minglang for the information and, in a desperate attempt to purge the toxins, defiantly cut his own wrist to drain the poisoned blood. Minglang, stunned by this suicidal act, called him insane.
Tantai Jin countered that he was merely curious whether the poison or blood loss would kill him first. As Minglang continued to mock his "pathetic" resistance, Tantai Jin, with a final, chilling warning to Tantai Minglang that he would never know peace again, engaged him in a fierce struggle. Critically wounded and weakened, Tantai Jin ultimately plummeted into the turbulent Mohe River.
Episode 9 Recap
Ye Xiwu found herself at the bottom of the Mohe River, where she was unexpectedly saved by the ancient divine artifact known as the World-overturning Jade. This artifact, her Martial Uncle once told her, was an ominous object lost tens of thousands of years ago, forged by a powerful witch from the immortal essence of countless beings.
Ye Xiwu pondered why it had appeared there and why it had chosen to save her, ultimately deciding to keep it and leave the river. Meanwhile, Qi Shuang, a former deputy leader of the Moonshadow Guards, presented himself to Tantai Minglang, congratulating him on Tantai Jin's supposed demise and claiming responsibility for poisoning Tantai Jin with a demonic elixir.
Tantai Minglang acknowledged Qi Shuang but then ordered him to be fed to his newly captured demon creatures, declaring he would not keep a dog that had bitten its former master. An attendant noted that the demon creatures were starving and suggested training them for future use, to which Tantai Minglang concurred, expressing his ambition to wield demon power just as Tantai Jin did.
Elsewhere, a subordinate informed Nian Baiyu that Tantai Minglang was known for his cruelty and had likely executed Qi Shuang. He also mentioned Tantai Minglang's interest in Yiyue Tribe women. Nian Baiyu and his men swiftly rescued the captured Yiyue dancers. Nian Baiyu instructed his sister to escort the dancers back to the Yiyue Tribe, while he and the Moonshadow Guards set out to find Tantai Jin, vowing their unwavering loyalty.
Ye Xiwu, cold and determined after escaping the river, resolved to travel to Jing Kingdom to prevent Tantai Jin from fully embracing his demonic nature. She penned a letter to her grandmother and father in Sheng Kingdom, assuring them of her safety and promising to return after her travels. As she journeyed, she reflected on the evil bone still within Tantai Jin, worried that all her efforts would be in vain if he died or became a demon.
She soon stumbled upon Tantai Jin, heavily wounded and unconscious by the riverside. After treating his injuries, she demanded he wake up. When he finally regained consciousness, Ye Xiwu asked how he had been ambushed and lost an eye. Tantai Jin revealed that Tantai Minglang was responsible. Upon hearing this, Ye Xiwu questioned the whereabouts of Jing Lan'an. Tantai Jin starkly replied that Jing Lan'an was dead and that he himself had killed her.
Enraged, Ye Xiwu slapped him, regretting having saved him and calling him a monster for killing the woman who raised him. Tantai Jin bitterly explained that Jing Lan'an, like Yingxin before her, had returned only to give him false hope before betraying and discarding him. Ye Xiwu then realized Jing Lan'an had likely colluded with Tantai Minglang to harm him.
She declared her intention to take Tantai Jin back to Sheng Kingdom and imprison him, watching him relentlessly to prevent him from ever harming anyone again. Tantai Jin laughed, asking why she didn't just kill him instead of condemning them to be bound together. Ye Xiwu firmly stated that his life was now hers to control.
Later, as Tantai Jin and Ye Xiwu rested, he cooked fish over a fire, remarking that he had learned to survive by catching fish, sparrows, and even rats in the palace. Ye Xiwu observed his pitiable yet detestable nature, recognizing the making of the Devil God. Their respite was cut short by the arrival of Tantai Minglang’s elite soldiers. To create a diversion, Ye Xiwu drew the soldiers away herself but was quickly surrounded.
As they moved to kill her, Tantai Jin summoned a swarm of blood crows to attack them, allowing him to rescue her. At that moment, Xiao Lin and his troops appeared. He swiftly eliminated the remaining Jing soldiers and ordered his men to cover up the incident, granting Ye Xiwu and Tantai Jin a chance to escape. Finding shelter in a cave, Ye Xiwu was alarmed to see Tantai Jin's blood turn black.
He finally confessed that Tantai Minglang had poisoned him with a potent toxin that would soon kill him. Furious that he had hidden this from her, she rushed off to find medicinal herbs. Meanwhile, Tantai Minglang, frustrated by the lack of progress, was forced to return to the capital due to urgent matters. He left his subordinate Fu Yu to continue the hunt, ordering him to grind Tantai Jin's and his mother Yue Ruanruan's bones to dust upon capture.
Ye Xiwu returned with herbs and treated Tantai Jin's wound. During this, he noticed the World-overturning Jade among her belongings. She tried to dismiss it as a worthless trinket, but he was intrigued. She eventually revealed its true nature: a cursed ancient artifact that dooms its user to a short, violent death. Already poisoned and facing imminent death, Tantai Jin declared he feared no curses, as it made no difference whether he died now or later.
Ye Xiwu firmly promised he would not die. The next morning, as they made their way towards Sheng Kingdom, they were intercepted by Fu Yu. Weakened by poison, Tantai Jin was unable to fight effectively and was wounded while protecting Ye Xiwu. Fu Yu taunted him for caring about Ye Xiwu after having killed Jing Lan'an. As Fu Yu prepared to capture Tantai Jin, Ye Xiwu bravely took a Heart-gnawing Spell for him and fell unconscious.
Devastated, Tantai Jin cried out her name, believing they had unfinished scores to settle. Deciding that survival now outweighed any future doom, he consumed and refined the World-overturning Jade. The artifact granted him immense power, which he used to brutally defeat Fu Yu, vowing that he would one day find and confront Tantai Minglang. Ye Xiwu regained consciousness and realized Tantai Jin had saved her.
To her horror, a glow emanated from him, and she knew he had devoured the cursed Jade. As she desperately tried to extract it, she was drawn into an illusion where she met the witch who forged the artifact. The witch warned that the Jade had chosen Tantai Jin and that he was fated to die a violent death. She showed Ye Xiwu visions of his past cruelties, labeling him a monster unworthy of sacrifice.
Ye Xiwu refused to accept this, declaring she would bear the curse herself. She then asked how to destroy the evil bone. The witch told her to seek the answer in the Barren Abyss and revealed that the Jade had now become Tantai Jin's eye. To retrieve it, Ye Xiwu would have to sacrifice one of her own eyes in exchange. Ye Xiwu immediately agreed. Emerging from the illusion, Ye Xiwu found Tantai Jin still unconscious.
She told him he would not die, for his survival was crucial for the sake of many others. Just then, Nian Baiyu and the Moonshadow Guards arrived. Knowing they would care for Tantai Jin and that she could not take him on the perilous journey to the Barren Abyss in his condition, Ye Xiwu entrusted him to their care. She then quietly departed, setting off alone to find the means to destroy the evil bone.
Episode 10 Recap
After Xiao Lin failed to bring Tantai Jin back, the Sheng King, wary of General Ye and his son Ye Qingyu's influence over Jing, ordered General Ye's release and instructed Ye Qingyu to immediately return to Jia Pass. Both father and son understood the King's manipulative intentions, recognizing that while the "rabbit" (Tantai Jin) was still at large, the "hound" (the Ye family) could not be easily eliminated.
Ye Qingyu had kept his father's imprisonment a secret from his grandmother, telling her he was on a business trip. A messenger delivered a letter from Ye Xiwu to her family in the capital, reassuring them of her safety, much to their relief. Meanwhile, Ye Xiwu continued her search for the entrance to the Barren Abyss, having only vague knowledge of its location from the "Geography of Four Continents."
She unexpectedly encountered Pian Ran, a seven-tailed fox whose demon power was severely weakened. Pian Ran explained that she had been injured by Tantai Jin's blood, which had damaged her vitality. Recalling Pian Ran's previous attempt to harm her second brother, Ye Qingyu, Ye Xiwu acknowledged that Tantai Jin's actions were ultimately responsible. She then used the power of the World-overturning Jade to heal Pian Ran's injuries.
Grateful for the help, Pian Ran revealed that she was born in the Barren Abyss, her parents being mighty demons who followed the Devil God. She explained that the abyss's barrier, guarded by the God of Time Ji Ze for ten thousand years, had weakened, allowing many demons, including herself, to escape out of a longing for the outside world.
Ye Xiwu was surprised to learn that Ji Ze, whom she knew from the Mirror of the Past, was still alive and in the abyss. Realizing this was where she could find answers, Ye Xiwu, invoking the principle of repaying kindness, convinced the initially reluctant Pian Ran to lead her to the Barren Abyss. As they traveled, Ye Xiwu noticed Pian Ran's habit of absorbing mortal essence.
She warned Pian Ran that this demonic path would eventually lead to death by thunder tribulation. Pian Ran countered that she didn't do it for cultivation but merely found it "interesting" to tease men. Ye Xiwu, however, perceived her second brother Ye Qingyu's genuine feelings for Pian Ran and cautioned her about the unpredictable nature of love, advising her against playing with emotions.
Pian Ran then revealed that she had lost her "love threads," the spiritual essence that allows beings to love, and therefore could no longer love anyone. She described the immense sacrifice required to leave the Barren Abyss, having cut off two of her tails and lost thousands of years of cultivation, warning Ye Xiwu that as a mere mortal, she would likely die in vain.
Despite the danger, Ye Xiwu remained resolute, declaring that she would go even if it meant certain death, for only there could she find a way to save countless lives. Seeing Ye Xiwu's unwavering determination, Pian Ran agreed to set off for the abyss at daybreak. Back in the Jing Kingdom, Tantai Jin returned. Standing before his mother's memorial tablet, he vowed to live differently than she had, asserting that he would not sacrifice himself.
He declared that he had killed all those who had laughed at and insulted him, leaving no one, and proclaimed himself the new King of Jing, feared and respected by all. Using his unique abilities, Tantai Jin commanded thousands of rats to storm the royal palace, creating widespread panic. He located Tantai Minglang, who was trapped in a raging fire, and delivered a decisive blow, ensuring his demise.
Tantai Minglang, in his last moments, vowed to haunt Tantai Jin and crush him and the "demon woman" into dust. News of Tantai Jin's return and swift ascension spread, fueled by whispers of his "magic power" in controlling vermin without harming anyone. Rumors proclaimed him the late King's youngest and favorite son, the child of the Yiyue Princess who had been a hostage to ensure Jing's peace, a true "chosen one."
During his enthronement ceremony, the court ministers vehemently opposed Tantai Jin, citing his inauspicious birth, his past as a hostage, and his Yiyue heritage, accusing him of having an evil plan. They challenged him to kill them, refusing to acknowledge him as their king. Tantai Jin calmly offered them "dinner"—a soup which he casually mentioned was made from the Yiyue Tribe.
When some ministers cried out that it was poisoned, he denied it, instead emphasizing that the old king was dead and he, the new king, had returned to save the people. He offered continued good treatment to those who would "share this soup" with him and ordered any who refused to be confined to the late king's tomb until their mourning was satisfied.
Faced with this terrifying choice, the ministers, realizing he was the last Tantai descendant and the country needed a ruler, reluctantly submitted. Upon learning of Tantai Minglang's death and Tantai Jin's coronation, the Sheng King saw an opportunity. He declared that Jing's "end was near" and it was the "perfect chance to attack" the newly unstable kingdom. Many ministers protested, citing recent floods, empty coffers, and the army's fatigue from the three-month battle at Jia Pass.
Xiao Lin, the Sixth Prince, also advised against war, highlighting the army's exhaustion and Tantai Jin's cunning, urging a period of recuperation. However, the Sheng King, recalling General Ye's past victory that led to Tantai Jin becoming a hostage, was convinced it was "heaven's will" for Sheng to defeat Jing again. He planned to kill Tantai Jin and display his head. Ignoring all protests, the Sheng King decreed war, and General Ye, despite his reservations, accepted the order.
In Jing, Tantai Jin's generals advised a strategic retreat given the kingdom's weakness and Sheng's military might, but Tantai Jin vehemently rejected the idea. He declared Jing his homeland and the home of his mother's tribe, his fate intertwined with its throne. He believed that under his rule, Jing would grow powerful, ending his past of being "slavishly dependent on others."
He announced his decision to personally lead the army to the borders, not to defend or conquer, but to take Sheng by surprise and "defeat him with one blow." Simultaneously, Tantai Jin's search for Ye Xiwu proved fruitless; his scouts reported she hadn't returned to Sheng and seemed to have "vanished." He ordered them to continue searching, determined to find her, dead or alive. At the Barren Abyss barrier, Pian Ran led Ye Xiwu as far as she would go.
Ye Xiwu, acknowledging her mortal body couldn't withstand the barrier's power, decided to harness the combined strength of the World-overturning Jade and the Chongyu feather to pass through. Inside, she found herself in a mystical space where a familiar voice called her "Susu" and urged her to come closer. Following the voice, Ye Xiwu discovered and rescued a young girl named Yue Fuya from attacking demons. As Ye Xiwu helped Yue Fuya, Ji Ze, the God of Time, appeared.
He confirmed he had left the Light-breaking Array and the Mirror of the Past for her, having waited for ten thousand years for her arrival. Ye Xiwu sought his guidance on how to destroy the evil bones. Ji Ze revealed that three "keys" were needed: "a dream, a teardrop, and a thread." The "dream," he said, would come soon. The "teardrop" referred to the Devil God's first tear shed for love, known as the Soul-slaying Teardrop.
The "thread," he explained, was linked to the tear: if the Devil God's heart could be opened, the Soul-slaying Teardrop would transform into nine divine spikes that, when driven into his heart, would destroy the evil bones. Ji Ze then revealed that his own demise was imminent, after which the Barren Abyss barrier would only last for 300 days.
If the evil bones were not destroyed within that time, the abyss would break, unleashing demons, and all hope would be lost. Ye Xiwu understood the gravity of her mission, while Ji Ze expressed his readiness to finally join his fallen comrades. Ye Xiwu emerged from the Barren Abyss with Yue Fuya. Noticing an item on the girl that suggested a connection to Jing Lan'an, she asked Yue Fuya who had brought her there.
The child described a "mean man with scars on his face," confirming it was Tantai Minglang who had abandoned her. Returning to the human realm, Ye Xiwu immediately noticed a significant passage of time. A local confirmed that several months had passed and the Sheng and Jing kingdoms had been at war for three to four months. The new Jing King, Tantai Jin, was personally leading his army and commanding demon creatures, causing heavy casualties.
She learned that her father, General Ye, had been seriously wounded and remained unconscious, and her second brother, Ye Qingyu, had taken his place to defend Jia Pass. The Sheng King's distrust of the Ye family continued. Reports reached Tantai Jin that the King was displeased with General Ye's injury, had given Ye Qingyu orders to advance without retreat, and was providing barely enough provisions. An imperial decree even threatened the entire Ye family with execution if Jia Pass fell.
Later, Tantai Jin learned of a seven-tailed fox in the mountains and hunted it himself, suspecting it might be an acquaintance. He captured Pian Ran, who inadvertently revealed that Tantai Jin cared for Ye Xiwu. He spared her life, seeing her as potentially "useful," but forced her to consume a secret Yiyue Tribe drug, warning that if she betrayed him, she would suffer the agony of "thousands of bugs" biting her heart before her body exploded.
Under Tantai Jin's command, Pian Ran went to Jia Pass to persuade Ye Qingyu to surrender. She recounted Ye Qingyu's unheeded pleas for provisions and the Sheng King's callous disregard for his soldiers' lives. She warned him of Tantai Jin's formidable "Firewing Army" and an impending personal assault on Jia Pass.
Pian Ran argued that the Sheng King had started the war out of resentment for Tantai Jin's ascension and was too foolish to see that continuing would lead to total defeat. She urged Ye Qingyu to join a wise ruler to save his soldiers. Ye Qingyu, however, refused to betray his family's long-standing honor, stating he could not face his ancestors if he surrendered.
As she left, Pian Ran left a note revealing that Tantai Jin would meet Ye Qingyu alone the following day, presenting an opportunity to kill him and end the war. The next day, Ye Qingyu met Tantai Jin alone. Tantai Jin commented on Ye Qingyu's courage and worn appearance. Ye Qingyu threatened to kill Tantai Jin, claiming it would be a great merit for his family.
Tantai Jin challenged him, asking if such an act would lead to promotion or merely make the Sheng King dread him for being a threat to the throne. He reminded Ye Qingyu of the Sheng King's "paranoid and suspicious" nature, stating that the Ye family was already "on the brink of destruction." Ye Qingyu, however, remained steadfast, proclaiming his family's unshakeable loyalty as Sheng citizens, unswayed by Tantai Jin's attempts to incite him.
Episode 11 Recap
In a tense confrontation, Tantai Jin observed General Ye Qingyu, noting his changed demeanor from a once majestic general to a haggard man. Ye Qingyu retorted with threats to kill or capture Tantai Jin for Sheng Kingdom's glory. Tantai Jin countered, questioning if such an act would lead to promotion or merely fuel Emperor Sheng's paranoia, making Ye Qingyu a threat to the throne.
Dismissing the future, Ye Qingyu declared that killing Tantai Jin would be a service to the world. Tantai Jin then reminded Ye Qingyu of Emperor Sheng's suspicious nature, a trait they both intimately understood from Tantai Jin's time as a hostage. He warned that the Ye family was already "on the brink of destruction." Ye Qingyu, however, maintained his family's unwavering loyalty to Sheng.
Tantai Jin shifted his argument to the plight of the common people, asserting that if the Ye family continued to accept Emperor Sheng's rule, allowing an "incapable emperor as he wishes," the people would "only suffer more," much like Tantai Jin himself felt powerless when he was married into the Ye family. Tantai Jin praised Ye Qingyu's military prowess at Jia Pass, recognizing his leadership and care for his soldiers.
He called Ye Qingyu a "benevolent sword," which, if wielded by a tyrant, "wreaks havoc on people," but in the right hands, "brings peace to the land." He pressed Ye Qingyu to choose between his personal reputation and the well-being of the populace. Ye Qingyu recalled his lifelong aspiration for a unified and peaceful realm. At that moment, a deputy general brought grim news: the court reiterated its order to execute the entire Ye family should Jia Pass fall.
This starkly underlined Tantai Jin's warnings about Emperor Sheng's cruelty. Ye Qingyu then remembered his father's final words, entrusting him with the family jade and instructing him to "not yield. Die for honor if need be," while also wishing he could have lived a simple life. Ye Qingyu affirmed his commitment to bearing the responsibilities of his family and the nation. As Jing's army advanced to the city gates, Ye Qingyu was torn.
He reflected on Tantai Jin's words about sacrificing one's reputation for the lives of thousands and the widespread suffering under Emperor Sheng. Ultimately, driven by his desire for peace and Tantai Jin's vision of a unified land, Ye Qingyu made his decision. He ordered the city gates opened, surrendering Jia Pass to Jing. He tearfully apologized to his father, stating he was "failing him only to save the people."
Upon entering Jia Pass, Tantai Jin observed Ye Qingyu's humble residence, noting that Emperor Sheng's cruel and paranoid nature would surely lead him to "root out" the Ye family. He revealed that he had already sent his people to Shengdu to escort Ye Qingyu's family to Jing. Ye Qingyu expressed gratitude, acknowledging Tantai Jin's past grievances against his family but admiring his act of "repaying with goodwill."
Tantai Jin clarified that his intention was not charity, but to prevent Ye Qingyu's "talent wasted nor your life at risk." Ye Qingyu pledged his unwavering loyalty, promising to go through fire and water for him, an offer Tantai Jin accepted as a "great honor." When Ye Qingyu inquired about his elder sister, Ye Xiwu, Tantai Jin initially feigned ignorance, then revealed she had "left months ago."
Ye Qingyu, apologizing for her "willful" nature, offered to bear any punishment on her behalf, but Tantai Jin dismissed him, claiming weariness. Alone, Tantai Jin pondered Ye Xiwu's whereabouts. Meanwhile, Ye Xiwu had entrusted Yue Fuya to an elderly couple, the Yues, who were childless. For the child's safety, Ye Xiwu renamed her "Yue Ya," a name inspired by the crescent shape of her eyes when she smiled, and instructed her to keep her original name, Yue Fuya, a secret.
She also gave Yue Ya a letter of recommendation, advising her to seek out the Hengyang Sect on Mount Changze if she ever wished to learn magic. Ye Xiwu bid her farewell, expressing a hope to meet again someday. In Shengdu, Emperor Sheng erupted in rage upon learning of Jia Pass's fall and the Ye family's disappearance. He ordered a cavalry unit to hunt them down, declaring that even in death, they must be "buried at my feet."
Prince Xiao Lin urged his father to immediately send troops to reclaim the lost territory. However, Emperor Sheng's paranoia led him to accuse Xiao Lin of defending the Ye family and secretly harboring ambitions for the throne, even questioning if Xiao Lin had been aware of Ye Qingyu's betrayal. Xiao Lin refuted the accusations, explaining that Tantai Jin's effective governance made war ill-advised and suggested a period of strategic consolidation. Unconvinced, Emperor Sheng continued to suspect Xiao Lin's motives.
To dispel his father's doubts, Xiao Lin volunteered to lead the army to reclaim Jia Pass himself. Emperor Sheng reluctantly assented, but before Xiao Lin departed, he made one plea: that Emperor Sheng spare Ye Bingshang's life, emphasizing that despite her family origins, she was now his wife. Emperor Sheng, acknowledging Xiao Lin's loyalty, agreed. On the streets of Shengdu, Ye Bingshang faced the fury of the populace.
Angered by the Ye family's perceived treason, citizens publicly humiliated her, calling her a "spy" and a "traitor," and demanding she "get out of our country." Xiao Lin arrived just in time to protect her, apologizing for her suffering and vowing it would not happen again. He expressed his deep concern about leaving her in Shengdu amidst such public hostility, revealing his imminent departure for war.
Feeling utterly abandoned and vulnerable, Ye Bingshang pleaded with Xiao Lin to take her with him. She confessed she had "no family to rely upon" and would rather face death on the battlefield by his side than remain alone in Shengdu. Despite the inherent dangers of war for someone of her delicate nature, Xiao Lin, unable to leave his beloved, agreed to protect her and bring her along.
Upon learning that Xiao Lin was personally leading the army, Pang Yizhi, a scholar and cultivator, informed him that he would join him. Though a cultivator, Pang Yizhi stated that his loyalty transcended worldly affairs, considering their shared journey a form of "cultivation," and upholding the principle of the Xiaoyao Sect to meddle in worldly affairs. Meanwhile, Tantai Jin received news of Xiao Lin's deployment, seeing it as proof of Emperor Sheng's fury over Ye Qingyu's surrender.
Reflecting on his past as a hostage under Xiao Lin's "care," Tantai Jin acknowledged a debt but declared his intent to be ungrateful. Observing his current demon forces were insufficient for a swift victory, Tantai Jin ordered Pian Ran to find more powerful demons, specifically directing her to the Mohe River, rumored to be an "ominous" place. Despite her initial protests that all known demons were already under his command, Pian Ran complied.
She soon discovered a ten-thousand-year-old demon slumbering deep beneath the Mohe River. Tantai Jin promptly commanded all sorcerers to gather there. Whispers among the common folk confirmed Jing's army was "garrisoned along the Mohe River" and was treating people well. Ye Xiwu, overhearing this, discreetly sought out her brother, Ye Qingyu, in the Jing camp. Though aware of his surrender, she believed he "had his own reasons." Noticing sorcerers in the camp, Ye Xiwu questioned her brother about their purpose.
Ye Qingyu revealed Tantai Jin's plan to awaken an ancient demon from the Mohe River, with Pian Ran's assistance, and incorporate it into his army. He confirmed the "ritual" would commence "at the next sunrise." Ye Xiwu realized Pian Ran was now serving Tantai Jin and feared that his success would trigger "a calamity." She resolved to thwart his plan.
Concurrently, a scout informed Xiao Lin and Pang Yizhi that Jing's army had arrived at the Mohe River but remained unusually still. Xiao Lin suspected a trap. When his men confirmed Tantai Jin's intention to awaken an "ancient demon" through a ritual, Xiao Lin declared they "can't sit back and do nothing" and must "break his formation." Pang Yizhi agreed, emphasizing the need for a stealthy and swift infiltration rather than a full military engagement.
Ye Bingshang, observing Xiao Lin's hurried departure, questioned his solitary journey, but he left without answering. At sunrise, Pian Ran and the sorcerers, following Tantai Jin's command, parted the waters of the Mohe River. Tantai Jin led his forces into its depths, where they discovered the colossal, dormant serpent. A sorcerer noted the serpent's lack of demonic energy but its pervasive "grudge," predicting it would eventually transform into a "demonic serpent."
Tantai Jin dismissed a nearby "clam's shell" and ordered the ritual to awaken the creature. Before the ritual could fully proceed, Ye Xiwu dramatically interrupted with her magic. Tantai Jin ordered her capture, but his men were immediately intercepted by the newly arrived Xiao Lin and Pang Yizhi. Tantai Jin greeted Xiao Lin, remarking on their long separation.
Xiao Lin demanded Tantai Jin cease his "outrageous and unforgivable" actions, but Tantai Jin scoffed at the notion of "heavenly principles," asserting his right to utilize all his resources. He then provocatively admitted to summoning the "blood ravens" that disrupted Xiao Lin's wedding, explaining that he sought revenge on those who wronged him, and they "just so happened" to be gathered there. He acknowledged "owing" Xiao Lin for ruining his special day.
As a gesture, Tantai Jin offered Xiao Lin a chance to retreat with his life, reminding him of past kindness. Xiao Lin, questioning if Tantai Jin was "scared," refused to yield. Tantai Jin then revealed that he had secretly "learned people skills from you since I was a kid," to which Xiao Lin retorted that he "didn't do a good job." Tantai Jin conceded their profound differences but pointed out a striking similarity: both were despised by their own brothers.
He mused that without these "unwanted people," they "could be brothers," but fate had instead destined them "to be enemies." Xiao Lin agreed, declaring, "This is why I have to stop you today." Seeing his attempts at persuasion fail, Tantai Jin ordered his men to "Kill them all" and urged his sorcerers to continue the ritual. Ye Xiwu, realizing Tantai Jin had been "stalling for time," understood they had been tricked.
As the ritual intensified, Pang Yizhi explained that the serpent had been in a "Bo're Life" dream for "ten thousand years," perpetually reliving its past "joy and sorrow," making it trapped. He observed an ominous change in its eyes, signifying the "fine line between becoming a demon and a god," and realized that forcibly awakening it had triggered a fated "trial," the outcome of which remained uncertain.
Ye Xiwu noticed Tantai Jin's unsettling behavior, fearing the demon was influencing him and luring him into choosing an evil path, potentially initiating the "calamity setting in 500 years." She urgently asked Pang Yizhi how to stop the demon from becoming evil, and he replied there was "only one way: Enter the serpent's dream and wake it up." Without hesitation, Ye Xiwu declared, "Let me try," and plunged into the dreamscape.
Pang Yizhi was taken aback by her haste, as he hadn't finished explaining the grave dangers: once inside, invaders would "lose their memories" and could transform into anything, from "small animals" to "an everyday tool," facing "grave danger." Tantai Jin followed Ye Xiwu into the dream. Xiao Lin, seeing Tantai Jin enter, vowed, "I'll stop Tantai Jin," and entered as well.
Ye Bingshang, who had been secretly trailing Xiao Lin, also accidentally fell into the Mohe River and was drawn into the dreamscape. Outside the dream, Pian Ran and the sorcerers observed the chaotic influx, realizing that "too many people" entering was causing the "illusion to collapse." Pian Ran advised her subordinate not to follow, arguing that Tantai Jin's destiny was his own and they shouldn't risk their lives.
She decided they would "sit this one out" and cheered on Ye Xiwu, Xiao Lin, and Pang Yizhi, urging them to defeat Tantai Jin. From within the unfolding dreamscape, a voice echoed, enunciating the essence of "Bo're Life": "Never born, never died. . . Now I let all of you go through the cycle of birth, death, love, and hate. Come into my dream. And be enlightened. This is what the Bo're Life is all about."
Inside the Bo're Life dreamscape, Sang Jiu, the Princess of the Clam Tribe of the Mohe River, witnessed a fierce battle between gods and devils. She watched, captivated, as Ming Ye, the God of War of the Shangqing Realm, valiantly fought the demon army. Inspired by his awe-inspiring power, Sang Jiu longed to cultivate diligently and "attain godhood one day" to join him in battle, to "fight the Devil's Army and protect our lands."
Her brother found her outside, scolding her for sneaking out during such dangerous times. Their father explained that Ming Ye, originally a "serpent inhabiting the East Sea," had undergone "years and years of hard cultivation" to become the God of War and was "dedicated himself to fight the Devil's Army," bringing pride to all "Water Tribe" creatures. Her brother teased Sang Jiu about her laziness compared to Ming Ye, prompting Sang Jiu to promise to meditate.
The father and son then discussed Sang Jiu's apparent crush on Ming Ye, with the father musing about a potential marriage proposal if Sang Jiu ever achieved godhood. However, her brother cautioned that with the "Devil God's arrival" and the "future of Four Continents and Three Realms unclear," it was safer for Sang Jiu to remain within the protective confines of the Mohe River.
Meanwhile, within his own domain, Ming Ye received a grim report: "more than half the Four Continents and Three Realms have been occupied" by the Devil God in less than three months. He solemnly recalled his promise to Tian Hao, the former God of War, to defend the Eastern Continent, declaring, "The Mohe River will not be lost." Tian Huan, Tian Hao's daughter who harbored deep affection for Ming Ye, approached him.
She reminded him that her father had entrusted both the Eastern Continent and her to his care, expressing her fear of what would become of her "if something happens to you." Ming Ye thanked Tian Huan for tending to his wounds and excused himself for a walk.
Episode 12 Recap
In the Prajna Illusion Dream Realm, Sang Jiu, the princess of the Mohe Clam Tribe, watched a battle unfold between immortals and demons. She observed Ming Ye, the God of War from the Shangqing Realm, fighting valiantly against demonic forces. Her admiration for him grew, and she dreamt of becoming an immortal to one day fight alongside him and protect the land.
Ming Ye, still recovering from a previous injury, was approached by Tian Huan, who expressed her desire to always be by his side as he guarded the Three Realms. However, Ming Ye remained distant, simply thanking her and then stating his need for solitude due to the heavy casualties among his celestial troops. Meanwhile, Sang Jiu secretly slipped away from the Mohe River to get a closer look at the ongoing divine-demonic war.
She was thrilled to learn the God of War's name was Ming Ye and marveled at his prowess in battle. Her anticipation for his return to the front lines was cut short when a celestial troop announced a demon raid and called for Ming Ye to be informed. The God of War swiftly arrived, ready to fight. During the intense combat, the Devil God praised Ming Ye's strength before declaring his intention to kill him with the Sky-Slashing Sword.
Ming Ye defiantly stated his name, but ultimately, he was severely wounded and fell into the Mohe River. Sang Jiu quickly found Ming Ye unconscious in the river, desperately trying to awaken him. Tian Huan arrived shortly after, confirming that the Devil God had ambushed Ming Ye. With demon pursuers closing in, Sang Jiu urged them to follow her, leading them to the Water-calming Stone in the middle of the river.
She explained that its abundant divine energy could sustain Ming Ye's last trace of life. When Tian Huan questioned how Sang Jiu could protect Ming Ye alone, Sang Jiu promised to cast a barrier to conceal their energy signatures and then bravely declared she would lure the demon army away herself. While Sang Jiu diverted the demons, Tian Huan observed Ming Ye's weakening life force, fearing for her own future if he perished.
She then discovered an Ancient Ice Crystal within the Water-calming Stone, recognizing it as an ultimate aquatic treasure from Ming Ye's birthplace, the East Sea. Believing it could save his life, Tian Huan decided to take it, rationalizing that the river spirits, being of lowly status, should be proud to offer such a treasure to the God of War. Soon after, the King of Mohe River arrived, alarmed to find that Ming Ye had absorbed the Ancient Ice Crystal.
He explained that the crystal was vital for the survival of the ten thousand water creatures in Mohe River and demanded its return. Sang Jiu, returning at that moment, pleaded with her father not to harm Ming Ye, explaining he had absorbed the crystal due to his critical injuries from the Devil God. The King, however, was skeptical, questioning the coincidence of Ming Ye falling into his river and taking their most precious treasure.
Sang Jiu then confessed to bringing Ming Ye there, explaining his near-fatal condition and the pursuing demon soldiers. She admitted to having killed some of the Devil God's men while luring them away. Enraged by her actions, her father struck her, lamenting that her carelessness had brought catastrophe upon the Mohe River and ruined the Clam Tribe's generations of peaceful reputation.
Feeling immense guilt, Sang Jiu accepted full responsibility for the loss of the Water-calming Stone's energy source and the potential harm to her people. To atone, she bravely extracted her own divine essence to replace the crystal, hoping to restore the Mohe River's tranquility. Her father and brother, Sang You, watched in horror, desperately trying to stop her.
Heartbroken by his daughter's sacrifice, which meant she could no longer cultivate for immortality, the King of Mohe River sought out the now conscious Ming Ye. He informed Ming Ye that the Ancient Ice Crystal had saved his life, accusing him of stealing the sacred river-calming treasure. Ming Ye, having been unconscious, explained he had no recollection of the event. The King then revealed Sang Jiu's sacrifice of her divine essence to protect the river.
He proposed that Ming Ye marry Sang Jiu and take her to the Shangqing Realm to protect her, insisting this was the only way he could trust Ming Ye's sincerity. Sang You later informed Sang Jiu that their father had signed a marriage contract with Ming Ye, who would come to marry her in three days.
Sang You explained that their father wanted Sang Jiu to have a future beyond the Mohe River, where her cultivation was now limited without her divine essence. Though Sang Jiu initially expressed contentment with staying in Mohe, she eventually confessed her love for Ming Ye and her desire to be close to him and experience the Shangqing Realm.
Despite his surprise and concern that Ming Ye might not reciprocate her feelings, Sang You respected her decision, reminding her that this path, whether right or wrong, was hers to walk alone. He also gave her a Reflection Pearl so she could see him and their father whenever she missed them. On the day of the wedding, Ming Ye, burdened by the forced marriage and believing he had been coerced, remained distant.
Sang You, before Sang Jiu left, sternly warned Ming Ye not to neglect or mistreat his sister, emphasizing that despite her humble origins, she was a beloved princess in their eyes, and they would seek justice if she were wronged. Ming Ye gave his word. Upon arriving at the Shangqing Realm, Sang Jiu was filled with curiosity. The next day, she encountered Ming Ye and asked why he hadn't come to their room on their wedding night.
Ming Ye candidly told her that there was no destiny between them and their marriage was not of his free will. He proposed three rules: first, she could move freely within Yuqing Palace, but they would keep to their own quarters and not interfere with each other; second, she must not use her title as his wife to bully anyone; and third, if she ever found someone else she loved, he would grant her a divorce.
Despite her profound disappointment, Sang Jiu resolved to find a way to forge a closer bond with him. From the maids Hongzhu and Lü'e, she learned that Ming Ye was often busy training his troops or fighting battles. They also told her about Tian Huan, the only daughter of the late God of War Tian Hao and the former mistress of Yuqing Palace. Due to Tian Hao's dying wish, Ming Ye held great regard for her.
Sang Jiu expressed a desire to visit Tian Huan, whom she vaguely remembered, but was told she was in seclusion. Misinterpreting the maids' information, Sang Jiu naively decided that if she practiced with weapons, she could prove her worth on the battlefield and get closer to him. After she left, the maids privately scoffed at the idea, knowing that a clam demon without divine essence could never be accepted as an immortal soldier.
Episode 13 Recap
Lord Jize, unable to discern the future of the impending war between gods and demons, asked his disciple Lianhua to put away camellias he had clipped from the God of Wood's garden. Lianhua questioned if Jize had stolen them, but Jize simply told him to put the flowers in a jade vase and change the water daily.
When Lianhua accidentally dropped the flowers, Jize, frustrated by Lianhua’s usual absent-mindedness in cultivation, punished him by sending him to the mortal realm to find the lost camellias. He told Lianhua not to return without them. Jize then mused that Lianhua had a worldly connection with these camellias and believed sending him to the mortal realm for cultivation would also allow him to avoid the looming conflict.
During a gathering of the twelve gods to strategize against the demons, Lord Jize and Goddess Chu Huang playfully chastised Ming Ye for leaving his newlywed wife so soon after their wedding. Ming Ye calmly explained his presence was essential for the discussion on demon eradication. Upon her arrival, Chu Huang continued to tease him about his sudden marriage, remarking that many goddesses were heartbroken.
She also joked that she would have suspected him of having an affair in the Mohe River if he weren't known as the most decent man. When asked about his future treatment of Goddess Tian Huan, Ming Ye unequivocally stated he had no personal feelings for her, affirming that she was and would always be his subordinate.
Jize then advised Ming Ye not to neglect his clam demon princess wife, even though they were from different realms, and Ming Ye acknowledged this. Chu Huang offered to use her abilities to foresee the outcome of Ming Ye's marriage, but Jize intervened, asserting that even deities should not meddle in matters of fate, suggesting it's better to let Ming Ye navigate his own life without prior knowledge. The gods then departed for their meeting.
Sang Jiu, feeling the reduction in her archery power since losing her divine essence, was later spotted by Ming Ye high in an Immortal Tree, eating its fruits. She explained she took them because they looked good and no one else seemed to pick them. Ming Ye informed her that the Immortal Tree had stood in Shangqing for ten thousand years, its fruits always growing naturally and untouched.
He cautioned her against eating unknown things, warning they could be poisonous, to which Sang Jiu promised to refrain from picking them again. She offered him a fruit, but he declined and departed. The following morning, Sang Jiu thanked him for the previous day's fruit, confirming it was delicious. Later, Ming Ye observed Sang Jiu struggling with archery practice and intervened, offering subtle guidance to improve her technique and conserve strength.
The close interaction made them both feel awkward, and Ming Ye quickly withdrew. The next day, he presented her with a new, more suitable bow. Overjoyed, Sang Jiu sent him a message, expressing her gratitude and inviting him to watch shooting stars as a reciprocal gesture. She delightedly shared her admiration for the beautiful shooting stars in Shangqing, far surpassing those in the Mohe River, and wondered if he felt the same.
Lord Jize, noticing Ming Ye's recent deviation from his usual regimen of spending all his time at the military camp, decided to satisfy his curiosity about Ming Ye's wife. Goddess Chu Huang joined him, and they resolved to visit Yuqing Palace under the pretense of seeking tea. There, they discovered Ming Ye instructing Sang Jiu in swordsmanship, a sight that surprised Jize and Chu Huang as a rare "harmonious scene" for the typically aloof God of War.
During the lesson, Sang Jiu inadvertently swung her sword too close to Chu Huang, causing both Jize and Chu Huang to reveal themselves. Ming Ye immediately took responsibility, stating he had not properly controlled the training. Sang Jiu apologized for her carelessness. Jize then revealed he sensed a profound connection between himself and Sang Jiu, though he stated its meaning would become clear in due time, and that neither Ming Ye nor Sang Jiu were yet aware of it.
He presented Sang Jiu with four words of advice: "Remember why you came." Chu Huang, also feeling an unexplained familiarity towards Sang Jiu, bestowed upon her a wisp of divine power. She explained that this power could connect Sang Jiu to Ming Ye, enabling her to transcend time and space to see him, but it could only be used once. Sang Jiu then realized the peculiar movement of the sword earlier was due to Chu Huang's manipulation of space.
Afterwards, the three went for tea, where Ming Ye updated them that Goddess Tian Huan had recovered but was not yet awake. Sang Jiu, experiencing a resurgence of demonic energy, sought out her brother, Sang You, in the Mohe River. Sang You quickly observed that her demonic energy was devouring her. Sang Jiu, confused as she was of demon lineage, questioned the cause.
Sang You explained that having cultivated immortal arts since childhood with divine essence, her internal core and meridians were akin to an immortal's. Now that her divine essence was lost, her inherent demonic nature had resurfaced, generating negative energy within her, warning her that if not properly managed, she risked losing her sanity.
Sang You realized Ming Ye had not engaged in co-cultivation with her, explaining that Ming Ye's clear energy could neutralize her negative energy, enabling her to maintain her immortal form and even advance her cultivation, a primary reason their father had arranged her marriage.
Despite Sang You’s concern about her being "left to herself" for over a hundred days, Sang Jiu defended Ming Ye, insisting he was a good person who had taught her much in swordsmanship and archery, leading to significant improvement in her skills. She decided to return to Shangqing Realm to directly discuss co-cultivation with him, stopping Sang You from confronting Ming Ye on her behalf.
Sang You, though still worried, urged her to always remember that the Mohe River was her home, promising his unwavering support. Sang Jiu approached Ming Ye, directly asking if he was willing to co-cultivate with her, explaining it was necessary to neutralize the demonic energy that was devouring her. Ming Ye, sensing the significant accumulation of negative energy, reproached himself for his earlier unawareness.
He led her to a serene, cool place ideal for cultivation and instructed her in breathing techniques, guiding her through the process. Sang Jiu found co-cultivation far less complicated than her brother had implied. During their session, Ming Ye asked her to draw closer. Concurrently, Goddess Tian Huan, now recovered from her injuries, learned from a maid that Ming Ye was engaged in co-cultivation with his wife.
Shocked and enraged by the news of his marriage, Tian Huan rushed to find them, witnessing their seemingly intimate practice. Later, she confronted Ming Ye, demanding to know why he had married Sang Jiu. Tian Huan reminded him of her unwavering loyalty, having fought alongside him in battles and, crucially, having dug out the Ancient Crystal to save his life when he was near death.
This was a revelation to Ming Ye, who confirmed that she was indeed the one who had retrieved the Ancient Crystal from the Water-calming Stone. Tian Huan, overwhelmed with emotion, expressed regret for saving him, feeling she had lost everything and was now reduced to a mere maid. Ming Ye attempted to reassure her, even offering to move out of Yuqing Palace with Sang Jiu if it would alleviate her distress.
Tian Huan, however, angrily retorted, questioning if he would also abandon his title as God of War for Sang Jiu. Recognizing her agitated state, Ming Ye decided to postpone their discussion, suggesting they revisit the matter when she was calmer, while Tian Huan suspected Ming Ye was under Sang Jiu’s influence. Seeking to understand Ming Ye’s sudden shift towards Sang Jiu, Tian Huan questioned her maids.
They revealed that despite Sang Jiu's initial attempts to win his favor, Ming Ye only began to soften after seeing her interact with the Immortal Tree. Recognizing its significance, Tian Huan immediately ordered the tree to be cut down. The next day, Sang Jiu was saddened to discover the tree gone.
Tian Huan, feigning sympathy, approached Sang Jiu and falsely claimed that Ming Ye had ordered the tree's removal because he disliked anyone touching his possessions or pestering him, a widely known trait of his. Further manipulating Sang Jiu, Tian Huan asserted that Sang Jiu's "negative demonic energy" was akin to a "flood beast," gravely harming Ming Ye's "pure elixir" and "demigod" internal core, a significant risk given his constant battles.
She pressed Sang Jiu on whether she would regret causing harm to Ming Ye. Distraught and believing Tian Huan’s words, Sang Jiu vowed never to co-cultivate with Ming Ye again. Tian Huan then offered her "help" for any future demonic energy flare-ups. Following Tian Huan's deceitful words, Sang Jiu began to avoid Ming Ye, believing he was displeased with her and that her demonic energy would harm him.
Ming Ye, meanwhile, grew increasingly concerned when Sang Jiu failed to appear for their scheduled co-cultivation, waiting anxiously and planning to gather starlight for her, knowing her fondness for stars. When Sang Jiu's demonic energy flared up, she sought help from Tian Huan, who, feigning concern, led her to the Refining Spring. Tian Huan explained that bathing in the spring would cleanse her demonic energy, urging her to keep it secret.
Sang Jiu, initially impressed by the spring's supposed properties, entered the water, which immediately caused her excruciating, burning pain. Tian Huan dismissed her agony, claiming it was merely the spring effectively working on her strong demonic energy, and encouraged her to endure for "a quarter of an hour" for a complete cleanse.
She then departed, instructing Sang Jiu to tell Ming Ye that someone else had helped her, but to specifically omit Tian Huan's name, citing Ming Ye's aversion to close personal ties among those around him. Unbeknownst to Sang Jiu, Tian Huan had previously acquired a powerful "Weak Water" from the Yiyue Tribe, killing the tribal member to cover her tracks, and secretly poured it into the Refining Spring.
This Weak Water possessed the lethal property of burning away all forms of spiritual energy—immortal, demonic, or divine—upon contact, though Tian Huan regretfully noted it would only strip Sang Jiu of her power, not kill her. Tian Huan later encountered Ming Ye, who was still waiting for Sang Jiu. She provocatively asked if he was waiting for his "clam demon wife" for co-cultivation, then asserted that "she doesn't need you anymore."
When Ming Ye demanded an explanation, Tian Huan claimed Sang Jiu had been noticeably cold and avoidant lately, noting her absence from their co-cultivation session. She suggested their forced marriage meant there was no love between them, leading Sang Jiu to seek assistance from someone else for her demonic energy issues. Ming Ye, startled, questioned how Tian Huan knew this.
Tian Huan claimed Sang Jiu's demonic power had been increasing recently, which she insisted Ming Ye must have sensed, and challenged him to verify her claims with Sang Jiu directly. Although Tian Huan offered to mediate, Ming Ye declined, opting to wait for Sang Jiu himself.
Episode 14 Recap
Sang Jiu suffered severe burns all over her body after soaking in the Refining Spring, which had been mixed with Ruo River water. The pain was intense, but she worried that applying medicine might cause her demonic energy to resurface. She endured the pain, telling herself she couldn't allow Ming Ye to worry about her or hold him back.
She also pondered whether Ming Ye would ever acknowledge her true feelings, recalling a story about a king who sacrificed his flesh to save a dove, demonstrating ultimate sincerity through suffering. Despite her deep longing, Sang Jiu avoided disturbing Ming Ye, who was away fighting battles. She would pray for his safety, expressing her long-held feelings for him and wishing he would see her sincerity. Unbeknownst to Sang Jiu, Ming Ye also yearned for her.
He noticed her absence and, initially concerned by Tian Huan's earlier words about Sang Jiu's supposed affection for someone else, decided to seek her out. However, he found a note from Sang Jiu saying she had returned to the Mohe River for a few days and not to worry. He wondered if she was avoiding him.
Even during his frequent campaigns, Ming Ye often thought of Sang Jiu, wondering if she had returned, and resolved to find her once his duties were complete, even if she was indeed avoiding him. Ming Ye discovered a large gathering of demon groups moving towards the Demon Realm, signaling the Devil God's sinister intentions.
He convened a meeting with the gods, revealing that during his infiltration of the Barren Abyss, he observed the Devil God practicing a powerful formation called the All-in-Distress Way. This formation, if completed, would consume all clear energy in the world, leading to the death of all living beings and the proliferation of demons, effectively turning the world into purgatory. Ming Ye explained that the Devil God extracts his evil bones to channel negative energy during the formation's practice.
Since the Devil God cannot truly die as long as the evil bones exist, this moment, when the bones are externalized, presented the only opportunity to attack him. Their plan was to force the Devil God away from the formation's core, stopping its activation. Ji Ze, the God of Time, offered to freeze time and use a Time Freezing spell to separate the demon soldiers, allowing Ming Ye to confront the Devil God alone.
Chu Huang, the God of Space, volunteered to use her powers to seize the evil bones while the Devil God was distracted and seal them in the Heavenly Pillar, a place where spiritual energy converges and could contain them. To contain the Devil God, the Jiuyao Tiangang Formation, a heaven-granted array designed to imprison powerful demons, would be activated.
However, once initiated, this formation would trap both gods and demons, with only Chu Huang, the master of space, able to escape. Ming Ye acknowledged the grave danger, explaining that the Devil God, born from the world's suffering, grief, and hatred, was immortal as long as these negative emotions persisted. He committed to holding the Devil God within the formation in his true form, fighting to the death, and not expecting the other gods to rescue him.
The other gods, moved by Ming Ye's resolve, agreed to risk their lives. One god declared they would spare no divine power, offering to ignite their essence and call down a "Celestial Punishment" during the alignment of the Nine Stars, a devastating force that would annihilate everything, including the Devil God. They acknowledged that this would be a one-time, all-or-nothing strike.
Ming Ye, accepting his potential demise, bid farewell to the gods, entrusting the fate of the Three Realms to them, and expressed hope that they might meet again someday. Ji Ze, reflecting on his long life in the Shangqing Realm, found solace in a life well-lived and felt honored to fight alongside them, accepting that this battle might mark a new beginning, even if it meant the end of the gods.
Convinced by Tian Huan's words that Sang Jiu had found another person to cultivate with, and believing his own mission to fight the Devil God would lead to his death and the destruction of his soul, Ming Ye decided to sever ties with Sang Jiu. He sent her a divorce paper, hoping she could live happily ever after with her beloved once the war was over, rather than remaining alone in Yuqing Palace.
Sang Jiu was devastated upon receiving the divorce paper. She rushed to confront Ming Ye, demanding to know face-to-face why he was ending their marriage with a mere piece of paper. Ming Ye, knowing the danger he faced and wanting to push her away for her own safety, refused to see her. Instead, he gave her 24 hours to pack her belongings and leave Yuqing Palace and the Shangqing Realm.
He coldly declared that their marriage was coerced by her father, the Lord of Mohe River, and that he had never harbored any affection for her. He further claimed to be weary of her constant pestering, accusing her of disrupting his duties by seeking his help with sword practice and clearing her negative energy. Sang Jiu, heartbroken, argued that she had been trying her best to avoid bothering him, but it seemed to make no difference.
She tearfully recounted her father's story of the king and the dove, a tale of ultimate sincerity, lamenting that despite her own unwavering devotion, Ming Ye remained unmoved. Overwhelmed by his apparent disdain, Sang Jiu agreed to leave before dawn. Before departing, she made one last desperate plea, asking if he had ever, even for a fleeting moment, harbored any feelings for her.
Ming Ye, maintaining his facade of indifference, cruelly replied that he never had any feelings for her and urged her to forget him and find happiness. Despite Ming Ye's harsh words, Sang Jiu returned to him, dressed in her wedding gown, to say her final goodbyes. Finding him drunk, she seized the opportunity. She noted that his drinking suited her intentions. She then told him that before she left, there was one thing he owed her: their wedding night.
She administered a toxic orb she had personally crafted, explaining it would only temporarily weaken him and render him speechless, but would not be lethal. After the night, she declared that they were finally even, and hoped their paths would never cross again. Later, Ming Ye silently expressed his regret, acknowledging that he had let Sang Jiu down and that their farewell was not as it should have been.
On the day of the decisive battle, Ming Ye rallied the gods, declaring that this was the moment for which they had sacrificed and prepared. The Devil's Army had gathered near the Devil Palace, where the Devil God intended to unleash the All-in-Distress Way, a formation designed to annihilate all life and plunge the three realms into darkness. Ming Ye vowed that the moment the Devil God activated this formation would be his end.
To begin the All-in-Distress Way, the Devil God instructed Si Ying, Jing Mie, and Di Mian to offer their demonic energy to help him complete the formation. He then extracted his evil bones to channel the negative energy of heaven and earth. As the Devil God prepared his ultimate weapon of mass destruction, Ming Ye launched his assault on the Barren Abyss, engaging the three demon lords and countless demon soldiers single-handedly.
Ji Ze, true to their plan, provided covert assistance by using his Time Freezing spell to isolate the demon soldiers, leaving Ming Ye free to confront the Devil God. Ming Ye confronted the Devil God, condemning his creation of such a blasphemous formation that would destroy all realms. The Devil God, however, revealed his true nihilistic intent: to erase all sin by annihilating everything, including himself, returning to nothingness, a goal far grander than his followers' belief in conquest.
As Ming Ye pushed with all his might to force the Devil God from the formation's core, the combined power of the gods outside activated the Jiuyao Tiangang Formation, trapping the Devil God within. Amidst the chaos, Chu Huang, the God of Space, seized the opportunity to take the evil bones and depart from the Barren Abyss, moving them towards their intended seal.
Ming Ye, now trapped with the Devil God inside the formation, declared that though the Devil God's power was only slightly weakened by the removal of the evil bones, their shared imprisonment meant his ultimate defeat was now only a matter of time. Although the Jiuyao Tiangang Formation successfully trapped the Devil God, Di Mian, who was inside the formation, produced a phoenix feather he had once received from Chu Huang.
This feather, imbued with Chu Huang's divine power, allowed Di Mian to assist the Devil God in escaping the barrier. To counter this, Ji Ze made a selfless decision: he chose to burn his divine essence to momentarily stabilize time, allowing Ming Ye to be sent out of the formation to pursue the Devil God. Di Mian, using the phoenix feather's power, appeared before Chu Huang, who was en route to seal the evil bones.
Chu Huang, facing her former lover, was deeply disappointed. Di Mian brazenly demanded the evil bones, revealing his true ambition: to become the new Devil God and, as the future King of all three realms, finally deem himself worthy of Chu Huang, the Phoenix Goddess. Chu Huang scoffed at his pathetic excuse, telling him to stop using her as a justification for his despicable schemes, which she found repulsive.
At this critical moment, the Devil God arrived, having escaped the formation with Di Mian's help. Chu Huang, unable to match the Devil God's power, found herself in peril until Ming Ye arrived, ready to continue the fight and ensure the evil bones were sealed.
Episode 15 Recap
As the fierce battle raged on, Ming Ye, the God of War, desperately fought to seal the evil bone, even summoning the Venerable Twins to boost his power, knowing that if the sealing was not completed swiftly, his divine essence would burn out, and the world would lose its God of War forever.
Meanwhile, Ji Ze, the God of Time, seeing that demon generals were about to reinforce the Devil God, urged Chu Huang to combine their powers and implode the Demon Realm. When Chu Huang questioned his fate, Ji Ze declared his resolve to perish with the demons and the Demon Realm, asserting that as a god, he had fought to the very end and would now use his body to subdue the Barren Abyss.
He solemnly told Chu Huang that he was leaving first. Amidst the chaos, the Devil God mocked Ming Ye, gloating over Ji Ze's death and Ming Ye's dwindling divine power, claiming his own victory as he had reached the Heavenly Pillar. The Devil God then aimed the God-slaughtering Crossbow at Ming Ye, asserting that its demonic arrows would strike anyone he wished to kill, guaranteeing Ming Ye's demise.
Ming Ye, prepared to sacrifice himself, believed that if his death could secure the sealing of the evil bone, he would have no regrets. Despite Ming Ye's desperate plea for her to retreat, Chu Huang bravely stepped in front of him, taking the full force of the attack, her spirit tragically annihilated to save him. The Devil God, undeterred, mocked Ming Ye for the sacrifice of his comrade. Suddenly, the Devil God realized his evil bone had been sealed.
Infuriated, Ming Ye, now empowered, declared his vengeance for his fallen war mates and vowed to make Mount Changze the Devil God's final resting place. The Devil God, enraged by the sealing of his evil bone, threatened to destroy the immortal realm in retaliation. Ming Ye, in turn, resolved to expend all his divine power to perish alongside the Devil God, entrusting the remaining gods to handle the aftermath.
The Devil God unleashed another attack on Ming Ye, declaring his intention to transform him into a demonic flood dragon, forcing him to slaughter the three realms and his former allies. Ming Ye defiantly stated that this wish would not be granted. As the combined Celestial Punishment from the gods descended, the Devil God scoffed at its power.
Then, Di Mian, heartbroken by Chu Huang's death, betrayed the Devil God, impaling him with the Sky-Slashing Sword and accusing him of breaking his promise to spare Chu Huang. Enraged by this unexpected betrayal, the Devil God sealed Di Mian for eternity but was simultaneously struck by the Celestial Punishment. Still, the Devil God was not defeated.
He vowed fierce vengeance for his stolen evil bone and the Celestial Punishment, threatening to collapse the immortal realm and plunge the three realms back into chaos. With Ming Ye's divine power completely depleted and the Heavenly Pillar crumbling, all life was in grave peril. In Ming Ye's nirvana realm, his comrades appeared, bidding him farewell.
They explained that they were about to fall but would reunite one day in various forms—snow on mountaintops, pebbles in streams, or willows by the water—and entrusted him with the holy halberd, Yize, for their final hope. Ming Ye thanked them for their sacrifice. Empowered by the holy halberd, Yize, Ming Ye finally struck down the Devil God, who, even in defeat, vowed to return. Ming Ye then used the holy halberd, Yize, to replace the collapsed Heavenly Pillar.
With his divine power utterly exhausted, Ming Ye fell towards the mortal realm. Meanwhile, in the Mohe River, Sang Jiu was visibly restless and uneasy. Her brother, Sang You, noticed her discomfort but attributed it to her new demonic cultivation. Later, a Mohe River subordinate reported to Sang You about the fierce and bloody battle between the immortal and demon armies at Mount Changze.
After Sang You departed, Sang Jiu anxiously stopped the subordinate, who confirmed that while the Devil God and his forces were annihilated, all the gods had perished, and both Ming Ye and Ji Ze were missing. Observing that the scales of Ming Ye's war armor on her body were rapidly dissolving, Sang Jiu feared for Ming Ye's safety.
She recalled Chu Huang's past gift of divine power, which could connect her to Ming Ye across time and space, albeit only once. Pleading with Chu Huang's spirit for help, Sang Jiu used this power to search for Ming Ye. She found him severely injured and transformed into his original form as a white loach by the perilous Ruo River. Enduring the river's scorching agony, she rescued him and brought him back to her home.
Unaware of these events, Tian Huan dispatched numerous celestial troops to search the Four Continents for Ming Ye but failed to locate him, causing her increasing distress. Back at her home, Sang Jiu diligently cared for the unconscious Ming Ye, who remained in his original form as a white loach. She affectionately changed his seawater, added spirit herbs, and consulted medical texts, hoping to help him recover his human form.
Internally, she debated her feelings for him, acknowledging his past rejection and anticipating his departure once he healed, believing they would then owe each other nothing. When Sang You came to visit, Sang Jiu panicked, rushing to conceal Ming Ye. Sang You, oblivious to Ming Ye's presence, nearly cooked the loach in a pot. Sang Jiu hastily distracted her brother, pulling him away from the house.
To deter his frequent visits, she fabricated a story about her rapid progress in demonic arts, suggesting he needn't return for fifteen days. Sang You, though slightly perplexed by her sudden independence, agreed, internally worrying about how to eventually break the news of Ming Ye's presumed death to her. Eventually, Ming Ye recovered his human form, but remained temporarily blind.
Sang Jiu, recalling his past indifference, briefly considered leaving him at Yuqing Palace, but her heart softened, and she decided to keep him a little longer, assuming he would leave once fully healed. When Ming Ye finally awakened, disoriented by his blindness, he questioned if someone had saved him. Sang Jiu, wanting to hide her true identity, claimed to be a bamboo spirit named Mozhu.
She falsely told him she had found him as a "white loach" while fishing, and he had accidentally transformed into a human, "blowing up her pan." Ming Ye, still reeling from the battle, expressed despair, believing the world no longer needed the God of War after the Devil God's demise. Mozhu, continuing her charade, reassured him that the world was now at peace.
She proposed a deal: he could stay and do odd jobs to repay her, and in return, she would treat his eyes until his sight recovered, after which he would be free to leave. Sensing her loneliness, Ming Ye agreed, confessing that he, too, was now alone after the fall of his comrades and the presumed death of Sang Jiu. Mozhu then meticulously treated his injuries and began a regimen to heal his eyes, while assigning him simple tasks.
Despite her internal resolve to part ways with him once he recovered, Sang Jiu cherished the quiet time they spent together. Ming Ye frequently thanked her, to which she playfully remarked that he would have much more to thank her for in the future. She guided his blind movements, even using scent to lead him.
Episode 16 Recap
Ming Ye, still recovering and blind in the bamboo forest, felt a profound sadness for his fallen friends. He asked "Mozhu" what she would do if a cherished friend passed on and could never return, explaining that while mortal souls might wander to the Nether River, gods simply vanished from existence upon their demise, leaving no trace. Despite this finality, he wished to commemorate his important friends, hoping that being remembered meant they were not entirely gone.
He then requested her to buy some wine from the town, clarifying it was for a mortal ritual to console the dead, not for him to drink, much to her initial confusion. " Mozhu" brought Ming Ye a new prescription, optimistically suggesting it might finally restore his vision. Ming Ye, however, expressed a sense of hopelessness, accepting that he might remain blind.
He revealed his profound loneliness, lamenting that all his friends were dead, and his wife, who he clarified was no longer his wife, despised him so much that they would likely never meet again. He then asked "Mozhu" if she would always remain in the bamboo forest, as she was his only friend left in the world, and if he could visit her occasionally. " Mozhu," however, insisted that once his sight returned, she would leave immediately to wander freely.
She privately thought that if he ever recognized her, he would surely not wish to see her again. One sunny day, as "Mozhu" combed Ming Ye's hair with jasmine balm, he unexpectedly regained his sight and saw her reflection in the mirror, realizing his caregiver was Sang Jiu. Overwhelmed with emotion, he quickly hid his recovered vision, pretending the balm had irritated his eyes when "Mozhu" noticed their redness.
He privately resolved to keep his recovery a secret, cherishing the hope of remaining in the forest with her longer. He also considered taking her back to Shangqing Realm to help her restore her divine essence once he revealed the truth. Later, noticing "Mozhu" was uncomfortable sleeping on the floor, Ming Ye suggested she take the bed, or even that they share it, as he was almost recovered. "
Mozhu" initially refused due to his "blindness" but eventually agreed to share the bed, with them sleeping separately. She expressed concern that his eyes hadn't recovered, vowing to find more medicinal herbs. Ming Ye, meanwhile, felt apologetic for his deception, but yearned for their shared time to continue. Sang Jiu brought Ming Ye his medicine, now sweetened with honey she had stolen from the mountain, explaining she did it because he always found it bitter.
Ming Ye noticed her stung cheek and tenderly applied medicine, regretting her injury. Meanwhile, celestial soldiers reported to Tian Huan that they had found Ming Ye in a bamboo forest. Sang Jiu, unaware of this, prepared to leave to gather bamboo shoots, carefully reminding Ming Ye about the water, leftovers, and his cloak.
Tian Huan soon arrived at the forest, confronting Ming Ye about his prolonged absence and asking why he hadn't returned to Yuqing Palace to inform her of his recovery. Ming Ye explained that he had been gravely wounded and sought quiet seclusion for recuperation, apologizing for causing her worry.
When she pressed him about how long he intended to stay, he expressed a desire to remain a while longer, adding that he already had someone looking after him, politely declining her offer to stay and care for him. Tian Huan then revealed an urgent matter: celestial soldiers had discovered the Devil God's Bone-refining Seal in a valley. She emphasized the catastrophic consequences if its potent devil energy were to spread.
Recognizing the gravity of the situation, Ming Ye agreed to depart immediately to address it. As Tian Huan left to retrieve a magic artifact from Yuqing Palace, Ming Ye quickly penned a letter to Sang Jiu, explaining his urgent departure due to the devil artifact's appearance and promising to return within one to ten days to explain everything, concluding with a heartfelt message that he would always miss her.
Tian Huan, upon her return, discovered the letter, and realizing Sang Jiu had been caring for Ming Ye, burned it in a fit of jealousy. At the valley, Tian Huan showed Ming Ye the Devil God's Bone-refining Seal at the bottom of a massive crater, explaining that celestial soldiers had located it after extensive searching.
She stressed that despite the Devil God's demise, the Seal's potent devil energy still permeated the area, threatening to turn it into a haven for demons if left unattended. She detailed how the Seal could both amplify devil energy and serve as a barrier, recalling how it was used to strip captured celestial soldiers of their divine essence, transforming them into demons.
Ming Ye, upon hearing this, realized the Seal's ability to remove divine essence meant it might also be capable of restoring Sang Jiu's lost divine essence. He decided to investigate. He observed that while outwardly evil, the artifact possessed a neutral core, suggesting it could be purified for benevolent purposes. However, he found it deeply embedded in the earth, its devil energy intertwined with the land, making extraction exceedingly difficult.
Realizing he had no other option, Ming Ye transformed into his true dragon form and painfully extracted his Heart-guarding Scale. He infused it with his divine power, using it as a temporary barrier to contain the Seal's overwhelming devil energy, thus successfully retrieving the Bone-refining Seal. Ming Ye explained to Tian Huan that he had to exchange his Heart-guarding Scale for the Seal as the two were on the verge of integrating. He dismissed the immense pain as minor.
Tian Huan praised him for his sacrifice, calling him a worthy successor to her father. Ming Ye then cast heavy rain upon the area and, with his Heart-guarding Scale now embedded in the ground, declared that the valley, which would be named Mount Buzhao (meaning "Sun and Moon Don't Shine" due to its enclosed nature), would soon be filled with abundant spiritual energy. They then decided to return to Shangqing Realm.
Upon returning to Shangqing Realm, Ming Ye led Tian Huan to the Fire Quadripod, a powerful ancient artifact whose four legs embodied the four seasons and whose fire represented the blazing sun, making it intensely potent. Tian Huan recounted that her father, Tian Hao, had used it to purify demons, but at a severe cost to his lifespan, leading to its sealing. She affirmed its suitability for purifying the Bone-refining Seal.
Ming Ye declared that with the Fire Quadripod, the purification would take four days and nights, after which he intended to use the cleansed Seal to heal Sang Jiu. He resolved to burn his own divine essence to free the Seal from devil energy, hoping this sacrifice would allow them to finally have a new beginning. With the Devil God now defeated and the Three Realms stable, Ming Ye was determined to repay all that he owed Sang Jiu.
However, Tian Huan watched him, her jealousy flaring as she realized Ming Ye was risking "losing his sanity" by operating the Fire Quadripod, all to save "that clam" who had lost her divine essence. Seizing the opportunity, Tian Huan gathered her celestial troops. Though feigning humility, she was assured by Tuo Fa and other generals of their loyalty due to her lineage and status as Goddess of the flying serpents and owner of Yuqing Palace.
She then announced that Ming Ye was in a strict meditation retreat for several days, but the crucial search for devil artifacts must continue. Claiming to have just received intelligence that the "clams" had picked up a devil artifact, she ordered the troops to accompany her to search for it, privately vowing that Sang Jiu would not have the fate to compete with her for Ming Ye.
Back in the bamboo forest, Sang Jiu searched for Ming Ye, puzzled by his disappearance, especially since he was blind. Her thoughts were interrupted by celestial soldiers, led by Tian Huan, who stormed the area, shouting that by "God Ming Ye's order," the clam (Sang Jiu) was to be killed on sight. Hidden, Sang Jiu was heartbroken, believing Ming Ye was actively trying to eliminate her.
Though the soldiers failed to find her, Tian Huan declared that Sang Jiu could run but not hide. Distraught and confused, Sang Jiu resolved to confront Ming Ye directly and traveled to Shangqing Realm. She noticed the guards were unfamiliar and was promptly challenged. When she tried to explain she was a "low-ranking immortal" seeking God Ming Ye urgently, the guards scoffed at her lack of divine essence, dismissing her as a mere imp.
They refused to let her see Ming Ye, explaining he was in a crucial four-day strict meditation retreat, undertaking a matter of utmost importance to the Four Continents and Three Realms. When Sang Jiu inquired about Tian Huan, the guards proudly stated that Goddess Tian Huan, being "on the same page" with God Ming Ye, was leading the celestial forces in hunting down scattered devil artifacts and eliminating demon remnants.
They warned Sang Jiu, as an "imp," to be cautious if she had any ties to the Devil God. Sang Jiu decided to wait out Ming Ye's meditation, determined to get answers. While Sang Jiu was waiting at Shangqing Realm, Tian Huan led her celestial forces to the Mohe River palace. Sang You fiercely defended his people, challenging Tian Huan, who cruelly mocked him.
He bravely commanded his guards to protect their King, but Tian Huan swiftly defeated both Sang You and the King, deriding the King's lack of power despite his ancient cultivation. Tian Huan then falsely accused the Mohe Water Tribe of colluding with the Devil God and possessing a devil weapon, declaring it a crime punishable by familial extermination. She offered to spare the tribe if the weapon was surrendered.
The King vehemently denied the charges, accusing Shangqing Realm of fabricating crimes. Tian Huan, however, dismissed his protests, asserting her authority as the protector of the Three Realms. The King reminded her of Mohe's past kindness to her and Ming Ye, but Tian Huan scornfully rejected this, revealing her true motive: pure jealousy.
When a celestial soldier, Tuo Fa, cautiously suggested consulting Ming Ye, referring to him as "the Clam King's son-in-law," Tian Huan flew into a rage, declaring that Ming Ye had been "forced" into marriage with "that smelly clam" whom he had "dumped," and that the Mohe tribe was shamelessly trying to claim kinship.
Despite Tuo Fa's observation that no devil weapon had been found, Tian Huan twisted the narrative, claiming the Mohe tribe had colluded with the Devil God and fiercely resisted, justifying the celestial soldiers' actions as self-defense, and assuring them Ming Ye would not blame her. The King directly accused Tian Huan of jealousy over his daughter's marriage to Ming Ye, leading her to frame their tribe.
Tian Huan then callously confessed to tricking Sang Jiu during a demonic energy episode, replacing her supposed "Refining Spring" with Ruo Water, which Sang Jiu unknowingly endured with painful faith. Tian Huan culminated her tirade by declaring that the Mohe Water Tribe's annihilation was entirely due to the King siring a daughter who "bit off more than she can chew" by daring to pursue "her Ming Ye."
Simultaneously, Sang Jiu sensed trouble when her Reflection Pearl, which glowed with her brother's demonic power, became unresponsive. Rushing back to the Mohe River, she was devastated to find her people and father brutally slaughtered. In her anguish, she discovered a pearl left by her father, which replayed Tian Huan's cruel confessions and her father's accusations of jealousy. Overcome with grief and self-blame, Sang Jiu wailed that she regretted ever loving, saving, or marrying Ming Ye. She felt unworthy to be her father's daughter or the Princess of Mohe, and in her despair and hatred, she "lost her sanity," succumbing to dark emotions.
Episode 17 Recap
At the Water-calming Stone, Sang Jiu admitted that the calamity that befell the Mohe River Water Tribe was her fault. She declared that her heart was filled with hatred that could only be extinguished by blood vengeance. To personally exact revenge on her enemies, Sang Jiu swore that she would willingly fall to a devil, even if it meant sacrificing her life or soul, for she would never regret it.
Wielding the Water-calming Sword, she set off to storm the Shangqing Realm to slaughter Tian Huan. Meanwhile, in the Shangqing Realm, many maids were being replaced by members of the Flying Serpent Tribe under Goddess Tian Huan's orders, causing unease among the remaining celestial beings. A maid bravely confronted Tian Huan about dismissing the former maids, asserting that Shangqing Realm should have impartiality. Tian Huan brutally retaliated, accusing the maid of being annoying because she had served Sang Jiu.
As Tian Huan was about to act, a celestial soldier reported Sang Jiu's arrival, claiming she wished to apologize. Tian Huan was smug, believing Sang Jiu had walked into a trap. However, Sang Jiu quickly disabused her, stating her true purpose was to take Tian Huan's life. Tian Huan, shocked, realized Sang Jiu had become a demon and scornfully called her a "dirty and vulgar clam demon." Sang Jiu echoed the insult, ready to fight.
At the same time, Ming Ye, having successfully purified the Bone-refining Seal, was joyful that he could soon reshape Sang Jiu's divine essence. His celebration was cut short when a celestial soldier rushed in, reporting that a demoness had captured Goddess Tian Huan and taken her to the southeastern spring. Ming Ye immediately went to the spring, where he found a demonized Sang Jiu holding Tian Huan's divine essence and burning it in the Ruo River.
Tian Huan pleaded for Ming Ye to save her. Ming Ye urged Sang Jiu to release Tian Huan's divine essence and come to him, but Sang Jiu defiantly destroyed it. Ming Ye, despite being injured, forcibly restrained Sang Jiu and commanded celestial soldiers to rescue Tian Huan. He then questioned Sang Jiu about her transformation, asking what had driven her to become a demon.
Ming Ye learned from a celestial soldier about the Mohe River massacre and promised to bring justice to the deceased, including a maid named Beryl. He then confronted the celestial generals who had participated in the massacre, condemning them for their obsequiousness and for aiding Tian Huan. He stripped them of their cultivation and sent them to jail, awaiting further punishment. Ming Ye sought out Medicine King to inquire about Sang Jiu's condition.
Medicine King explained that her demonization was a "heart ailment," caused by emotional turmoil and an unstable cultivation mind resulting from the extermination of her entire tribe. He advised Ming Ye not to visit Sang Jiu yet, as his presence might only intensify her grief and deepen her demonic state. Instead, he recommended leaving her alone in the pure environment of Shangqing Realm and providing her with purifying elixirs to help dispel her demonic energy and calm her mind.
Overhearing celestial soldiers discuss the necessity of punishing her for killing celestial troops and upholding the laws of Shangqing Realm, Sang Jiu, who remained bound, mused that Ming Ye, with his history of fighting demons, would never tolerate her now. She realized there was no turning back for her. A servant reported to Ming Ye that Tian Huan had regained consciousness, was still in distress, and had confessed her crimes. Tian Huan also requested to see him.
Ming Ye refused, stating that Tian Huan had "taken the wrong path and acted like a devil, no, eviler than a devil," and he had nothing to say to her. He declared he would personally supervise her thunderbolt execution when her soul was destructed. Upon hearing this, Tian Huan, still imprisoned, instructed her subordinate, Yanghe, to summon her tribe's elders. The elders soon presented Ming Ye with a precious crystal, requesting Tian Huan's life in return.
They argued that the crystal could help Sang Jiu's clansmen regenerate and asked Ming Ye to spare Tian Huan's life, reshape her divine essence, and banish her to Mist Mountain under house arrest. Ming Ye agreed to spare Tian Huan's life but rejected the demands to reshape her divine essence or release her, deeming their request too greedy.
Infuriated by Ming Ye's decision, Tian Huan bitterly cursed his cruelty, lamenting her loss of divine essence and cruel fate, feeling betrayed despite her father's past kindness and her deep love for him. She then secretly instructed Yanghe to order the elders to throw Sang You into the Barren Abyss and ensure Sang Jiu heard the news. Ming Ye's subordinate later reported that the Flying Serpent Tribe members had departed and questioned how they knew about the Bone-refining Seal.
Ming Ye dismissed these rumors and ordered constant surveillance on the elders of Mist Mountain. Ming Ye then revealed his plan to his subordinate: he would refine the crystal into a "spirit container," place the remains of the Water Tribe within it, and after a thousand years of cultivation, the Mohe River Tribe could be reborn. He hoped this act would comfort Sang Jiu and lead her back to the right path.
However, Sang Jiu, still in confinement, overheard celestial soldiers gossiping about Tian Huan's pardon and Sang You being thrown into the perilous Barren Abyss, effectively condemning him to death. Overwhelmed by this news, Sang Jiu broke free from Shangqing Realm and rushed to the Barren Abyss. There, she encountered the spirit of Ji Ze, who warned her that she, as a demon, should not be in the dangerous Barren Abyss and urged her to leave before being eternally doomed.
Sang Jiu refused, vowing not to leave without finding Sang You. Back in Shangqing Realm, Ming Ye had successfully refined the crystal into a crystal bowl. Just as he pondered gathering the Water Tribe's remains, he received alarming news: the Flying Serpent elders had been acting suspiciously, contacting servants in Yuqing Palace in secret, and then, immediately, that Sang Jiu had escaped, leaving a dead celestial soldier in her chamber.
Meanwhile, in the Barren Abyss, Sang Jiu found her brother, Sang You, severely injured and barely alive. Apologizing for her foolishness and delay, she vowed to take him away. However, they were attacked by demons who mocked Ming Ye for degrading himself by coming to the Barren Abyss for a "little clam." As Sang You was further tormented, Sang Jiu's rage surged, and she cried out in anguish, questioning why Tian Huan was forgiven while her innocent clansmen suffered.
Her demonic power escalated rapidly. Ming Ye arrived, attempting to persuade Sang Jiu to "wake up" and cease her degeneration. Sang Jiu retorted that true degeneration was for "noble and pure gods" when they committed evil, not for her. She bitterly asked where her home was now. Recognizing her heightened emotional state, Ming Ye realized she wouldn't listen to reason and needed to be calmed.
He tried to explain that the celestial soldiers who massacred her tribe were deceived by Tian Huan and would be severely punished, but not killed. When Sang Jiu questioned if he had pardoned Tian Huan, Ming Ye explained that the Flying Serpent elders offered the crystal to him in exchange for Tian Huan's life, and he agreed, noting that Tian Huan, without her divine essence, would not live much longer anyway.
Enraged, Sang Jiu condemned Ming Ye's generosity, demanding to know who would pay for the lives of her father and tribe if he spared their murderers. She declared that she wanted them all to die, because they had shown no mercy, and should pay for their cruelty. Ming Ye expressed understanding of her pain but insisted he couldn't stand by and watch her destroy herself by becoming a demon.
Sang Jiu fiercely told him he had no right to tell her what was worthwhile or right. Unable to reason with her, Ming Ye regretfully used his power to knock Sang Jiu unconscious. Realizing he needed to get them out of the Barren Abyss, Ming Ye was once again aided by Ji Ze, whose spirit, though his body was destroyed, was eternally guarding the abyss.
Ji Ze helped Ming Ye transport Sang Jiu and Sang You out, warning Ming Ye never to return to the perilous realm. Sang Jiu later awoke in a secluded forest cabin, far from Shangqing Realm. Ming Ye reassured her that he would stand by her side, no matter if she was an immortal or a demon, for she would always be his Sang Jiu.
He then informed her that while Sang You's injuries were too severe for immediate recovery, he had crafted the crystal bowl. He explained that by placing the remains of the Mohe River Water Tribe into the bowl, her clansmen would have a chance to regenerate in a thousand years.
He also revealed that he had refined the Bone-refining Seal and could help her reshape her divine essence, allowing her to return to the immortal path if she maintained her Taoist heart. Ming Ye confessed his deep affection for their life together in the mountains and expressed his desire to live such a life forever, whatever the cost, urging her to trust him once more. Sang Jiu inquired about the origin of the crystal.
Ming Ye admitted it was a deal with the Flying Serpent Tribe for Tian Huan's life, arguing that her tribe's potential regeneration was more important than Tian Huan's death. Sang Jiu acknowledged Ming Ye as an impartial and excellent god but contended that he failed to understand that not everything in the world could be fairly measured or equally exchanged.
She recounted her father's story of a king who sacrificed his flesh out of compassion for a dove, drawing a parallel to her own love for Ming Ye, which, she now realized, had caused the annihilation of her entire tribe. Sang Jiu expressed profound regret, feeling foolish and sinful. She declared that since Tian Huan had massacred her tribe, her heart was solely filled with redemption and revenge, leaving no room for him.
She then violently shattered the crystal bowl, declaring that she would find a way to save her brother herself and would personally kill her enemies, refusing to owe the God of War any debt. Having escaped her confinement, Tian Huan boldly moved to seize control of Yuqing Palace and proclaim herself the ruler of Shangqing Realm.
When other immortals protested, reminding her of her family's legacy and warning of Ming Ye's return, Tian Huan scoffed, questioning Ming Ye's authority and doubting his ability to return from the Barren Abyss. She ordered the defiant immortals to be thrown into the Fire Quadripod to be refined for their divine essence. Just then, Sang Jiu dramatically arrived. Having knocked Ming Ye unconscious to prevent him from interfering, she had stormed into the Shangqing Realm.
She mockingly noted Tian Huan's plan to refine divine essence and threatened to do the same to the entire Flying Serpent Tribe for "something useful." Tian Huan, shocked that Sang Jiu was alive, ordered her capture and death. However, Sang Jiu swiftly defeated Tian Huan's forces and cornered Tian Huan, who desperately begged for her life. Sang Jiu scorned her fear, pointing out that Tian Huan was no nobler than "little imps" if she feared death.
Tian Huan made one last desperate attempt to taunt Sang Jiu, claiming that killing her would not bring her clansmen back or reunite her with Ming Ye. Sang Jiu dismissed her, stating she had nothing more to say, and chillingly declared that Tian Huan was "much luckier" because she was about to reunite with her tribe. Sang Jiu then ruthlessly killed Tian Huan.
Standing over her fallen enemy, Sang Jiu made a solemn oath to the world: she would hunt down and kill every member of the Flying Serpent Tribe until the entire tribe was exterminated.
Episode 18 Recap
Ye Bingshang awakens from the Bo're Life dream, confronted by a mysterious voice questioning what she has gained from the experience. The voice exposes her long-standing jealousy of Ye Xiwu's legitimate status, her past reliance on a stolen love thread to attract men, and challenges the authenticity of Xiao Lin’s love for her if that thread were absent.
Startled by the voice's intimate knowledge, Ye Bingshang is further warned that Tian Huan's tragic fate, stemming from her reliance on men, awaits her. Ye Bingshang vehemently rejects the comparison, asserting her distinct path from Tian Huan: while Tian Huan sacrificed everything for a man, Ye Bingshang dedicates her efforts solely to her own self-interest. The voice acknowledges her as "clever" and wishes her more luck than Tian Huan. Meanwhile, Ming Ye confronts Sang Jiu amidst the approaching God-slaying Lightning.
Sang Jiu reveals she has created a powerful gem, the World-overturning Jade, by extracting the divine essence of the entire Flying Serpent clan, intending to use it to resurrect her family. Ming Ye forbids its use, explaining that such a demonic and heaven-defying act, involving the killing of immortals, is what summoned the lightning and will lead to dire karmic consequences.
Sang Jiu, having no expectation of a good end since drawing the Water-calming Sword, defiantly dismisses his warnings and orders him away. As Ming Ye insists there's still a way to save her from demonization, she mocks his previous attempts to help. He then points to the God-slaying Lightning, explaining it's inescapable given her actions. Sang Jiu expresses deep regret at being one step away from reviving her family.
Ming Ye then embraces her, declaring he will take the punishment in her place and, upon his body's demise, exchange his divine essence for her demon bone. He apologizes for his shortcomings as a husband, admitting he only learned to love when she had ceased to desire it, and blames himself for her descent into demonhood. He wistfully recalls their peaceful life in the bamboo forest, wishing they could have spent their lives together.
Sang Jiu, bound by his embrace, declares that she will never forgive him, regardless of his sacrifice, while Ming Ye quietly tells her to hate him and live on. Sang Jiu then reveals a profound truth: her physical body was devoured in the Barren Abyss long ago, and it was pure hatred that sustained her existence as a demon.
Therefore, she cannot survive the tribulation or receive Ming Ye's divine essence, and he can never atone for what he owes her. As Sang Jiu's soul dissipates before his eyes, Ming Ye is consumed by grief, nearly succumbing to demonization himself. However, fragments of Sang Jiu's pearl-like memories flash, reminding him that her love was always for the righteous God of War who protected the three realms.
Guided by these memories and an inner voice, Ming Ye chooses to remain true to his divine nature, abandoning the path to demonhood. He leaves behind the Soul-slaying Teardrop. Simultaneously, Ye Xiwu awakens from the Bo're Life dream, finding the Soul-slaying Teardrop in her possession. The Bo're Life dream ends, and the Dragon's soul vanishes. Xiao Lin and others emerge from the illusion.
On the shore, Pang Yizhi explains that the Dragon, long transformed into mere bones, created this illusion based on a prophecy. Ye Xiwu deduces that Ming Ye, though not succumbing to demonization, was burdened by love, and thus orchestrated this illusion after his death to enlighten fated individuals. Before departing, Ye Xiwu entrusts the Mirror of the Past to Pang Yizhi, requesting he return it to the Xiaoyao Sect.
Reflecting on Ji Ze's prophecy of three keys—a dream, a teardrop, and a thread—Ye Xiwu realizes she now possesses two. Her next mission is to make Tantai Jin develop a love thread. She resolves to return to Jing Kingdom. Xiao Lin, also deeply affected by the dream, finds Ye Bingshang and promises to protect her. He expresses pity for Sang Jiu’s tragic fate but reaffirms that Ye Bingshang is the one he must cherish now.
Inwardly, however, Ye Bingshang questions whether Xiao Lin’s devotion is genuine or merely an effect of the stolen love thread. The dream has solidified her cynicism, and she resolves to focus solely on her own self-interest and make full use of the thread's power. Tantai Jin, since waking from the dream, has been unusually preoccupied, haunted by fragmented memories of Ye Xiwu's kindness, at times confusing her with Sang Jiu due to their similar appearance.
When Ye Xiwu unexpectedly appears before him, he is secretly delighted, yet his pride compels him to feign coldness. He scoffs at her return, despite her earnest declaration of loyalty, and orders Pian Ran to bind her and bring her back, suspecting ulterior motives. Ye Xiwu's inner thoughts reveal her strategic persistence, noting that the Soul-slaying Teardrop warmed when she touched him, indicating her need to be more proactive.
Later that night, Ye Xiwu visits Tantai Jin's tent to ask what he learned from the dream. He expresses admiration for the ancient Devil God's power and scorns Ming Ye for sacrificing it for a woman. Ye Xiwu counters that her lesson was that lovers should express their feelings openly, pointedly adding that this is why she returned to him. Flustered by her forwardness, Tantai Jin has Nian Baiyu drag her out of his tent.
Tantai Jin then punishes Ye Xiwu by assigning her the task of herding geese, knowing her deep fear of them. Pian Ran reports on Ye Xiwu's progress, and Tantai Jin sends Nian Baiyu to check on her. Overwhelmed by the aggressive geese, Ye Xiwu faints. Tantai Jin, who initially enjoyed her distress, rushes to her side and calls for a medic when he sees her condition. Upon her recovery, Tantai Jin confronts her, but she blames him for her illness.
He then presents her with a meal composed entirely of goose dishes, a cruel jest. She tries to coax him into feeding her, and after a brief standoff, he relents and feeds her a piece. Ye Xiwu then asks if he found her earlier torment amusing, noting his evident happiness. Tantai Jin admits he did, stating that this was "how happiness felt." Ye Xiwu interprets this as a sign that his love thread is awakening, making success seem within reach.
She asks to accompany him back to Jing Kingdom. Tantai Jin, finding her post-dream behavior strange, expresses distrust, recalling her previous desire to leave him and her recent departure with Xiao Lin. Ye Xiwu argues that she wants to follow him because of his effective governance and the people's admiration. Despite his lingering skepticism and accusation of her deceitfulness, Tantai Jin agrees, but only on the condition that she serves as his royal maid.
Ye Xiwu readily accepts, finding the dynamic of a "cold monarch versus an unruly handmaid" intriguing. Meanwhile, Fu Yu rescues Tantai Minglang from a fire. Tantai Minglang, recovering in a dark cave, learns that Tantai Jin has conquered Jia Pass and is returning to Jing Kingdom, having secured the allegiance of many ministers. Furious at Tantai Jin's ascension, Tantai Minglang expresses his resolve to reclaim what he believes is rightfully his. Fu Yu assures him of his unwavering loyalty.
Tantai Minglang summons the most powerful sorcerers of Jing Kingdom. He interrogates them about how Tantai Jin acquired his ability to control demons. The sorcerers reveal Tantai Jin's forbidden practice of hunting demon beasts and absorbing their demonic elixirs. Despite their warnings about the extreme risks, Tantai Minglang dismisses their concerns, declaring that if Tantai Jin can achieve such power, so can he, driven by an urgent desire for vengeance.
Episode 19 Recap
Ye Xiwu, now serving as Emperor Tantai Jin's maid, arrived in the Capital of Jing. She complained about Tantai Jin's ruthlessness and his insistence on her serving him, but her brother Ye Qingyu reminded her not to utter the Emperor's name in public. Ye Qingyu noticed a wound on her forehead and led her home, promising a surprise. At the Ye Mansion, her grandmother was lovingly preparing Xiwu's favorite tender tea leaves, longing for her return.
When Ye Xiwu entered, both her grandmother and father, General Ye, were overjoyed. General Ye, faking injuries to avoid Tantai Jin's summons to command the Three Armies, joyfully recounted his "act" of being paralyzed and drooling to avoid serving. The family was relieved to be reunited, making Xiwu appreciate the warmth of home. General Ye, however, was vehemently against Tantai Jin's appointment, refusing to draw his sword against his former war mates from Sheng Kingdom.
He accused his son, Ye Qingyu, of being a "rebellious son" for siding with Tantai Jin and disowned him, forbidding him from entering the house. Distraught, Ye Qingyu sought solace in alcohol. Pian Ran appeared, chiding him for his despair and sharing her own story of being cast out by her parents after her transformation. She took him to the vibrant night market in the Capital of Jing, noting it was as grand as Sheng Kingdom's.
There, they observed refugees from Sheng Kingdom weaving fabric using their traditional methods. Pian Ran pointed out that many refugees willingly sought refuge in Jing due to Sheng's harsh rule, not just war. She explained that Emperor Tantai Jin, though decisive, was a benevolent ruler who had ordered fair treatment for prisoners and refugees, providing them with education and skills like weaving to sustain themselves.
Pian Ran encouraged Ye Qingyu, assuring him he hadn't made a wrong choice and that Jing's victory would ultimately lead to a better life for the people of Sheng Kingdom. Convinced, Ye Qingyu thanked her, stating he had "seen the light" and decided to accept his current circumstances. Pian Ran playfully teased him, suggesting his change of heart was due to her mention of marrying an official's daughter.
Ye Xiwu's grandmother expressed her deep desire for the younger generation, especially Ye Xiwu and Ye Bingshang, to live safely amidst the turmoil, acknowledging their difficult marital situations. Ye Xiwu felt immense relief that her family was reunited in Jing Kingdom, though she worried about Ye Bingshang still in Sheng, hoping Xiao Lin would protect her. Chuntao, the maid, found it odd that Ye Bingshang had suddenly gained so many admirers in recent years.
Ye Xiwu's older brother, Ye Zeyu, then explained that it was Emperor Tantai Jin who had dispatched guards to escort their family through the war-torn lands, saving them from the Sheng King's pursuit and certain death. He also revealed that Tantai Jin provided them with the mansion and even sent physicians for their ailing grandmother and father, although General Ye had driven the physicians away.
Ye Zeyu pondered why Tantai Jin, despite being subjected to past mistreatment from Ye Xiwu and himself, chose not to retaliate but instead showed such kindness. Moved by this revelation, Ye Xiwu resolved to visit Tantai Jin in the palace. Upon arriving at the palace, Ye Xiwu bypassed formal courtesies, directly thanking Tantai Jin.
She attributed people's loyalty to his effective governance and expressed her gratitude for the "surprise" of reuniting her family, for his kind treatment of them, and for securing a future for her brother and his men. Tantai Jin, recalling his own past as a hostage and his desire to spare others from suffering, pressed her for a more tangible expression of thanks than mere words. In response, Ye Xiwu surprised him with an impulsive kiss.
This unexpected gesture brought him a moment of genuine happiness, which caused the Soul-slaying Teardrop within him to begin transforming into a Soul-slaying Nail. Ye Xiwu, pleased to see the spikes forming, noted aloud that this was working. However, Tantai Jin, observing her joy, quickly realized her happiness stemmed from the success of her mission, not from feelings for him.
He angrily confronted her, accusing her of enduring "hardships and humiliations" to please him for her family's sake, stating it was unnecessary. As his happiness faded, the Soul-slaying Nail reverted back into a teardrop. Enraged, he ordered her to leave and never bother him again. Undeterred by her previous failure, Ye Xiwu, convinced that "men's hearts are unpredictable," vowed not to give up on making Tantai Jin love her.
Tantai Jin, meanwhile, pondered his own anger, recognizing that Ye Xiwu's joy was for her family, not him. Reflecting on the importance of family, he granted Nian Baiyu leave to visit his family or bring them to Jing, extending this privilege to all Moonshadow Guards.
Ye Xiwu, immersed in romance novels, tried various strategies: first, presenting Tantai Jin with a handmade wishing lantern and suggesting they release it together as a "romantic gesture," which he dismissed as "useless sorcery" and had her dragged out. Next, she played music for three hours, only for Tantai Jin to send Nian Baiyu to tell her she was too noisy and off-key, offering to send her out of the city to play until dawn.
Secretly, however, Tantai Jin found her antics "cute," despite openly disliking her "awful" music. Ye Xiwu then attempted a confrontational approach, directly scolding Tantai Jin for his domineering nature and asserting her dignity as a maid, but this only resulted in her being reported to the Maid of Discipline for punishment. Nian Baiyu observed that despite her silliness, Ye Xiwu was quite "cute," a sentiment Tantai Jin seemed to share.
Meanwhile, Pian Ran also confronted Tantai Jin, frustrated by his strictness and complaining that she hadn't had a day off in over eighty days. When Tantai Jin offered her only half a day off for dealing with city demons, Pian Ran, annoyed and calling him inhumane, secretly vowed to find an antidote and escape. Ye Xiwu, having exhausted her book knowledge, sought Pian Ran's help for new "tricks."
When asked about her worst skill, Ye Xiwu admitted she was "really bad at cooking." Seizing the opportunity, Pian Ran advised her to cook for Tantai Jin, emphasizing "heartfelt intention" over taste, and to personally hand-feed him every day, claiming the worse the food, the more effective it would be. Pian Ran then mused to herself about how "wickedness befalls the wicked" and hoped Ye Xiwu's cooking would "poison" Tantai Jin.
Meanwhile, Tantai Jin was engrossed in an ancient book of the Yiyue tribe. Ye Xiwu arrived, interrupting his studies, and noted the strange characters, playfully identifying one that looked like a "worm crawling out of the earth" as meaning "to sprout," and another as "to smelt." She then inquired about a symbol that, when translated, meant "love." Despite his initial dismissal, she persisted, offering him the food she had personally prepared.
When he ordered her out, she revealed her burnt fingers, explaining she made the food because she wanted him to like her. Seeing her injured hand and understanding her motive, Tantai Jin reluctantly agreed to try her cooking. Although the food was, in truth, unappetizing, he consumed it all to encourage her, even claiming it "wasn't that bad."
Ye Xiwu, noting the Soul-slaying Teardrop within him heating up, felt greatly encouraged, believing Pian Ran's unconventional advice was working, and promised to bring him more meals. Meanwhile, Tantai Minglang, struggling to refine a demonic elixir for power, wondered why Tantai Jin could do it so effortlessly. Determined to match Tantai Jin's power, he commanded his subordinate Fu Yu to seek out allies, specifically those who wished for Tantai Jin's demise.
Fu Yu approached the Sheng King, presenting a relic of Jing royalty to gain an audience. She informed the Sheng King that Tantai Minglang had found a method to create a "Puppet Army" using a "puppeteering spell," needing only men for it. The Sheng King, infuriated by Tantai Jin's expanding influence and policies that welcomed Sheng refugees, readily agreed to provide the necessary manpower, eager to see Tantai Jin pay.
Fu Yu also provided the Sheng King with Yiyue tribe occult arts to enhance his own power. Separately, Tantai Jin confided in Ye Qingyu, outlining his strategy to exacerbate the Sheng King's paranoia and war losses to further isolate and burden Xiao Lin. He asked if Ye Qingyu found him despicable for such tactics, to which Ye Qingyu replied that "all is fair in war" if it hastens peace.
Tantai Jin then sought Ye Qingyu's honest assessment of his leadership compared to the Sheng princes. Ye Qingyu conceded that while Tantai Jin's "strategy and wisdom" were unmatched, his lack of formal education in statecraft made him "inferior to Xiao Lin in terms of state affairs." Accepting this critique, Tantai Jin immediately ordered Nian Baiyu to summon all great scholars for daily lessons.
The following day, summoned scholars expressed their reluctance to teach Tantai Jin, some openly weeping for the previous king and denouncing Tantai Jin as a "vicious monster" who had "oppressed loyal commoners, murdered his brothers, and taken innocent lives." Tantai Jin, unfazed, cleverly suggested that if he was truly such a tyrant, then their success in "educating" him would be a monumental "achievement to pass on to their descendants." Under his subtle coercion, the scholars reluctantly began their lessons.
Quickly assimilating the principles of statecraft, Tantai Jin introduced numerous beneficial policies, such as "work relief" programs for disaster victims and the abolition of Tantai Minglang's harsh laws, which had previously caused widespread resentment. He also issued a decree welcoming Sheng Kingdom's refugees, assuring them peaceful resettlement in Jing, and envisioning a unified, stable realm. These popular policies, however, further incensed the Sheng King, who vowed to make Tantai Jin "pay."
Ye Xiwu, noticing Tantai Jin's increasing workload and thinning frame, and frustrated by the slow progress in cultivating the Soul-slaying Nails, sought out Pian Ran again. She lamented that despite her efforts, the number of spikes had not increased. Pian Ran found Ye Xiwu despairing and advised her that constantly being present would be ineffective. She told Ye Xiwu that from the next day, she should deliberately "stay away" from Tantai Jin, explaining that "men will naturally pursue when ignored."
Ye Xiwu hesitated, wondering if such a tactic was "mean," but Pian Ran pressed her, asking if she truly wanted to "cheat him or fall in love with him." Ye Xiwu admitted she wasn't "sincere" but needed him to "admire her, the more, the better." Pian Ran confidently assured her that this "retreat to advance" strategy would work. Taking Pian Ran's advice, Ye Xiwu began to distance herself.
Soon, Tantai Jin noticed Ye Xiwu's absence—she hadn't served him or brought food for two days. He summoned Pian Ran, troubled, wondering if Ye Xiwu no longer liked him, especially after she had previously expressed affection and brought him meals. He admitted he had thought she enjoyed being around him. Pian Ran, candidly calling him "self-absorbed," challenged him by asking what he had ever done for Ye Xiwu in return. Seeing his confusion, she then directly advised him to "pursue her" since she was no longer pursuing him. Pondering this, Tantai Jin reluctantly admitted that he "can like her."
Episode 20 Recap
Tantai Jin resolved to make Ye Xiwu fall in love with him. He had his eunuchs gather an array of gold and silver jewelry, as well as cosmetics, intending them as gifts. When Ye Xiwu arrived, not to thank him but to question his motives, she privately noted that Pian Ran’s methods seemed to be working.
She advised Tantai Jin that to make someone happy, one must give them what they truly desire, much like how she made him happy by bringing him food she knew he would enjoy. Taking her advice, Tantai Jin asked what she liked. Later, Ye Xiwu invited Tantai Jin to sit by the lake with her and watch the stars. She reminisced about her childhood, lying by Heaven Lake on Mount Changze, watching stars and fireflies on a full moon night.
To bring her joy, Tantai Jin used his magic to conjure countless fireflies, which delighted Ye Xiwu immensely. When she mentioned the lake from her memory was far away, he promised to take her there someday. Meanwhile, the armies of the Sheng and Jing Kingdoms were locked in a stalemate at the Mohe River. Xiao Lin's aide expressed concern that their forces couldn't advance, nor could the Jing army attack.
Xiao Lin corrected him, explaining that while the Sheng army indeed couldn't advance, Tantai Jin wasn't truly stuck. Attacking Jia Pass directly after crossing the river would exhaust their troops, leaving them vulnerable to being pushed back by the Jing army. Xiao Lin recognized this as Tantai Jin's "retreat to advance" strategy, designed to make the Sheng King impatient and provoke a foolish attack.
He laid out three options: seek a peace treaty, which was impossible due to the King's aggressive stance; find alternative attack routes, which was unfeasible as the King had purged many capable generals, leaving no one trustworthy to lead a multi-pronged assault; or wait for the Mohe River to freeze in a few months, which was their only viable option, though the King's suspicious nature would likely not permit such a long delay.
Tantai Jin had military intelligence deliberately intercepted by the Sheng Kingdom and was pleased to hear his strategy to bait the Sheng King had succeeded. He rewarded the Moonshadow Guard who carried out the mission. That evening, Tantai Jin presented Ye Xiwu with a piece of meteorite as a birthday gift, claiming it was a star that had fallen from the sky. Ye Xiwu was surprised and touched that he remembered her birthday.
He granted her a day off to return home, and she happily invited him to celebrate with her family. Tantai Jin accompanied Ye Xiwu to the entrance of the Ye Mansion but chose not to enter. Her grandmother and General Ye understood his decision, recalling the harsh treatment he had endured as a hostage in their household. General Ye expressed his heartfelt gratitude to Tantai Jin for sparing their family and urged Ye Xiwu to cherish his genuine affection.
Realizing that Tantai Jin's reluctance stemmed from painful memories, Ye Xiwu quickly finished her longevity noodles and went to find him, apologizing for bringing him to a place of unhappiness. Tantai Jin reassured her, stating he was happy she had brought him, even though he didn't enter.
He then took her to Lingxing Hall, the imperial mausoleum where his mother, Concubine Rou, was buried—a place he had yearned to visit since childhood but was forbidden from, only able to make the short journey after ascending the throne. At Lingxing Hall, Tantai Jin introduced Ye Xiwu to his mother's spirit as his wife, confident that his mother would have liked her. Ye Xiwu promised to visit and pay respects frequently.
Overjoyed, Tantai Jin asked Ye Xiwu to choose a spot for herself within the imperial mausoleum, expressing his hope that one day she would truly love him. Internally, Ye Xiwu, as Li Susu, knew she couldn't genuinely love him in this life. When Tantai Jin mentioned how the "original" Ye Xiwu would cry at her own mother's tomb, Li Susu felt a pang of guilt over her deception. She wondered if Tantai Jin was beginning to truly love her.
Observing the slow accumulation of the Extinction Nails in his heart, she worried about the 300-day deadline before the Barren Abyss barrier collapsed and knew she had to accelerate the process. Back in the Sheng capital, the Sheng King was enraged by Xiao Lin's inaction, suspecting him of disloyalty after receiving the intercepted military report.
He had a servant who dared to defend Xiao Lin beaten to death and issued a decree commanding Xiao Lin to cross the Mohe River and advance north within three days. Upon receiving the grim edict, Xiao Lin recognized the futility of the assault. Despite his subordinate's plea to defy the order, Xiao Lin, torn between his duty as a subject and his filial piety as a son, solemnly decided to lead his troops in a final, desperate attempt.
Tantai Jin was informed that Xiao Lin had crossed the Mohe River, confirming his trap had worked. He declared to Ye Qingyu that the time had come to unite the country and end the war, ordering him to Jia Pass to personally capture Xiao Lin on the battlefield.
At Jia Pass, just as Xiao Lin's forces were about to break through, Tantai Jin arrived and ordered his own troops to retreat, explaining he intended to capture Xiao Lin in single combat to crush Sheng's morale. He proposed a parley, offering Xiao Lin a share in governing the world if he surrendered. Xiao Lin refused, and they dueled. Tantai Jin noticed a powerful "Heart-guarding Scale" protecting Xiao Lin.
Before he could press his attack, Pang Yizhi intervened, using lightning charms to cover Xiao Lin's retreat. Tantai Jin allowed them to go, later explaining to Ye Qingyu that a shrewd man like Xiao Lin already understood Sheng's impending defeat and that only unification could truly end the war. The Sheng King was furious at Xiao Lin's retreat and lambasted his generals.
He commanded Ye Bingshang to enter the palace and remain with the Empress, effectively holding her hostage to pressure Xiao Lin to defend the next strategic location, Boshan City. Xiao Lin, injured from the battle, bade Ye Bingshang farewell. Acknowledging the bleak military situation, he told her that if he fell, she should not remain a widow but find another reliable man.
Ye Bingshang tearfully declared she would die with him, but inwardly questioned how he could protect her when he couldn't even protect himself. As a hostage, Ye Bingshang endured a harsh existence, spending her days copying sutras and eating vegetarian meals with the Queen in a dilapidated residence. She lamented that power was the only true weapon and that Xiao Lin, whom she had relied upon, was now unresponsive to her letters.
Fearing the Extinction Nails might retract if she and Tantai Jin were separated for too long, Ye Xiwu began sending him frequent letters, sometimes addressing him as "My Husband." She even attempted to bake flower cakes for him and urged him to return soon. Tantai Jin received her letters but remained suspicious that her eagerness was merely a ploy to prevent Sheng's swift defeat, not a sign of genuine affection.
He considered replying but hesitated, fearing his handwriting would reveal that he wasn't the original Tantai Jin she knew. After half a month without a response, Ye Xiwu grew anxious. She learned from Pian Ran that Tantai Jin had been injured, and despite his strict orders forbidding her from leaving the capital, she secretly followed Pian Ran's troops. Pian Ran, aware of Ye Xiwu's presence, intentionally ordered a forced march to deter her.
Meanwhile, at the camp, Tantai Jin was increasingly frustrated by Ye Xiwu's sudden silence but stubbornly refused to ask why, unaware that she had finally arrived at his encampment after an arduous journey.
Episode 21 Recap
Pian Ran guided Ye Xiwu to Tantai Jin's living quarters, instructing her to observe him briefly and then return, promising to arrange her transport back to Jing Kingdom. Ye Xiwu agreed, then inquired about Pian Ran's destination, to which Pian Ran replied she was going to check on Ye Qingyu, expressing concern about a possible head injury. Ye Xiwu playfully remarked that Ye Qingyu's head was "already broken" since he liked Pian Ran.
Ye Xiwu secretly watched Tantai Jin, relieved to see his injury was not severe and that he appeared well. However, the sudden cawing of crows inadvertently exposed her presence. Tantai Jin, alerted by the unusual sound, learned from a crow, speaking through one of his soldiers, that the "female devil" who had been constantly sending letters had been sighted nearby. Tantai Jin found Ye Xiwu by the river and happily embraced her after their long separation.
He brought her to his tent to clean up and personally tended to her injured feet, carefully applying ointment and emphasizing the importance of timely wound care in a military camp. Touched by his attentiveness, Ye Xiwu felt a stirring of affection. She asked if he was upset about her secretly coming to the camp. Tantai Jin dismissed her concern, instead accusing Pian Ran of deliberately trying to discourage Ye Xiwu from coming.
When Ye Xiwu, attempting to "play hard to get," suggested she would return to Jing Kingdom the next day, Tantai Jin firmly declared that she was not permitted to leave until her foot had fully recovered. Ye Xiwu playfully chided him for his contradictory demands. Tantai Jin then reassured her, promising he would never abandon her again. At that moment, the Soul-slaying Teardrop within Ye Xiwu's body grew warm.
Later that night, Ye Xiwu confided in Pian Ran about her genuine feelings for Tantai Jin, admitting she might have been "stupid" for pursuing him. Meanwhile, the Sheng King, impatient with the slow progress of training demon soldiers, sought a faster way to defeat Tantai Jin. Fu Yu proposed a powerful conjuration that required the bones of Tantai Jin's closest relative, along with nine pairs of virgin children and a loved one as sacrifices.
The Sheng King readily agreed, ordering the retrieval of Tantai Jin's mother's bones and declaring that Yingxin would be offered as the loved one. Tantai Jin was soon informed that Sheng King Xiao Yi had desecrated his mother's tomb and stolen her bones to use in a death curse. In the Sheng capital, the king's sorcerers assured him that once the ritual was complete, the curse would cause Tantai Jin to die from a sudden illness within three months.
Enraged by the desecration, Tantai Jin immediately mobilized his forces and marched towards Sheng Kingdom. Ye Xiwu, noticing his abrupt departure, sought answers from Pian Ran but was instructed to remain in her tent. Worried, she ventured to Xiao Lin's military camp, where she learned that Tantai Jin's forces were not engaging in battle.
Realizing the potential danger, Xiao Lin urged Ye Xiwu to return to Jing Kingdom and dispatched his elite Dragon Guards to protect Shengdu and the Palace of Sheng. Tantai Jin arrived in Shengdu and confronted Sheng King Xiao Yi, accusing him of using his mother's remains to cast the curse. He condemned the Sheng King for sacrificing his own people for personal gain, likening him to a demon.
Tantai Jin demanded that the Sheng King kneel and apologize to his mother. When the Sheng King defiantly refused and scattered the ashes, Tantai Jin, consumed by fury, killed him. Yingxin, witnessing the horrific act, screamed at Tantai Jin, calling him a monster, and stabbed him with a cursed sword. Tantai Jin, believing this wound settled his debt for her care, then killed her.
In the ensuing chaos at the Palace of Sheng, Ye Bingchang and her maid attempted to escape. When accosted by a eunuch demanding their valuables, Ye Bingchang callously pushed her maid into the path of the eunuch's blade, allowing herself to flee unharmed. Upon seeing Tantai Jin, she recognized his overwhelming power and pleaded with him to take her back to Jing Kingdom. Tantai Jin, after a moment of thought, agreed.
Xiao Lin arrived too late, finding his father dead and his own forces incapacitated. Though heartbroken, he accepted the fate of Sheng Kingdom and was relieved to learn that Ye Bingchang was safe, believing she was forced to go with Tantai Jin and hoping she could reunite with her family.
As Tantai Jin returned to his camp, a crow delivered a report detailing Ye Xiwu's visit to Xiao Lin's camp after his departure and the subsequent encounter with Xiao Lin's Dragon Guards. This information led Tantai Jin to misinterpret Ye Xiwu's actions, suspecting her of treason and believing she had betrayed him out of concern for Xiao Lin. Later, Ye Xiwu confronted Tantai Jin, seeking answers about his actions in Shengdu.
Still angered by the perceived betrayal, Tantai Jin deliberately twisted her questions, implying she was more concerned about Xiao Lin or Sheng Kingdom than him. He then coldly recounted his brutal murders of Sheng King Xiao Yi and Yingxin, claiming he had Xiao Yi dismembered and Yingxin burned to ashes. He further taunted Ye Xiwu, suggesting her visit to Xiao Lin had inadvertently led him to the city, regretting that he hadn't managed to kill Xiao Lin as well.
Horrified and disillusioned by his cruelty, Ye Xiwu declared that she had been foolish to believe she could change his inherently heartless nature and regretted ever staying by his side, stating she would rather feed a dog than him. Hurt by her words, Tantai Jin retaliated, stating his natural "thin affections" meant it made no difference who was by his side.
He then angrily dismissed her, warning her not to be arrogant and that he would not hesitate to kill her if she pushed him too far. Meanwhile, Pian Ran discreetly provided a healing ointment for Ye Qingyu's injuries, instructing the soldier not to reveal its source. She then observed Ye Bingchang visiting Ye Qingyu and was surprised to learn she was his elder sister. Ye Qingyu introduced Pian Ran as his "comrade."
Separately, Tantai Minglang learned of the Sheng King's failure, but viewed the ongoing war between Sheng and Jing as an advantage for his own ambitions. He revealed that the demon soldiers given to the Sheng King were merely a diversion to conceal his true plan: to complete a powerful formation that would transform the entire Southern region into a lethal poisonous fortress, ensuring the eradication of all life, including Tantai Jin.
Later, Ye Bingchang approached Tantai Jin, who appeared weak from the cursed wound he sustained from Yingxin. She offered to leave, but Tantai Jin stopped her, stating that if she wished to repay him, she should stay with him day and night and never leave, as well as prepare a meal for him daily. Ye Bingchang, interpreting this as a sign of his affection and an opportunity for power, enthusiastically agreed.
Internally, she resolved to charm him and secure a formal position, while diligently guarding the secret of her dwindling "love threads," noting she had only one left and feeling relieved it hadn't completely dissipated.
Episode 22 Recap
Ye Xiwu sought to meet Tantai Jin to continue their plan, but she was refused entry to his chamber. A guard advised her to leave, warning that His Majesty was furious. Ye Xiwu insisted on waiting, determined to enter once Tantai Jin calmed down. Soon after, Ye Bingchang appeared, and Nian Baiyu conveyed Tantai Jin's order for Ye Xiwu to leave. Ye Bingchang then urged Ye Xiwu to return home, offering to speak with Tantai Jin on her behalf.
Ye Xiwu watched, puzzled, wondering when her elder sister had become so close to Tantai Jin. Inside, Ye Bingchang offered Tantai Jin a bowl of white fungus soup she had prepared, but he found it unappetizing. He then dismissed her, instructing her to grind ink if she had nothing better to do. Ye Bingchang reflected on Tantai Jin's eccentric and unpredictable nature, reminding herself that nothing in the world comes easily.
Later, a distressed Ye Xiwu confided in Pian Ran, who advised her to move on from Tantai Jin. However, Ye Xiwu declared that he "mustn't die." Pian Ran observed that Ye Xiwu, who initially seemed to be toying with Tantai Jin, had actually fallen deeply in love with him. Ye Xiwu denied this, claiming she had abandoned him, but Pian Ran remained unconvinced, noting Ye Xiwu's disconsolate appearance.
Ye Bingchang was resolved to remain by Tantai Jin's side, despite a nagging conscience about betraying Xiao Lin. She experienced a disturbing dream where she defended her actions, claiming Xiao Lin's incompetence forced her to serve Tantai Jin for survival, asserting that love was secondary to survival, especially as she believed Xiao Lin’s affection for her was due to her love threads. Waking from the nightmare, she hardened her resolve, telling herself there was "no turning back."
She then found Tantai Jin suffering from a high fever and briefly considered assassinating him. However, Nian Baiyu unexpectedly entered, noticed Tantai Jin's condition, and instructed Ye Bingchang to apply cold water while he fetched medicine, strictly warning her not to reveal Tantai Jin's illness.
After Nian Baiyu left, Ye Bingchang felt humiliated by the guard's threat and fumed, wondering why Tantai Jin would care for Ye Xiwu, who had abused him, while she was the one by his side now. In a separate encounter, Ye Qingyu approached Pian Ran to thank her for the wound medicine she had provided. Pian Ran directly addressed his feelings, warning him that she was unsuitable for a lasting relationship, given their human-spirit divide.
She openly admitted her attraction to him was superficial, based purely on his physical appearance, and that as a naturally romantic fox spirit, she had no intention of committing her entire life to one person. Ye Qingyu, however, affirmed his unwavering feelings for her, stating he did not care about her identity or past. During the journey back to the capital, Ye Xiwu was heartbroken by Tantai Jin's coldness and his return with Ye Bingchang.
She was seen crying until Pian Ran comforted her, teasingly acknowledging Ye Xiwu's love for Tantai Jin was not shameful and offering her a horse to ride since she had no carriage. In the carriage, Ye Bingchang noticed Tantai Jin's distant demeanor. She attempted to soften his attitude towards Ye Xiwu, suggesting he invite her into the carriage, but he flatly refused.
Ye Bingchang then reminisced about their shared past, recalling Tantai Jin's difficult life as a hostage and her sympathy for him, ultimately declaring her intention to remain by his side as compensation. Tantai Jin dismissed her efforts, stating he needed no "compensation" for past grievances, calling it "the most pretentious thing in the world." Later, Ye Bingchang directly confronted Ye Xiwu. She claimed Tantai Jin had always loved her but was unable to pursue her due to Xiao Lin.
Now, having lost everything, she relied on Tantai Jin as her last hope for survival and pleaded with Ye Xiwu not to take him away. Ye Xiwu assured her she had no such intention, as she did not love Tantai Jin. Ye Bingchang then remarked that Tantai Jin held a grudge against Ye Xiwu for her past behavior, but promised to persuade him not to trouble her. Tantai Minglang reviewed his newly trained nether puppet soldiers, numbering over four thousand.
He expressed his frustration, recognizing that this force was insufficient to conquer Tantai Jin's vast army. He demanded that his sorcerers devise a plan to defeat Tantai Jin within a month, threatening severe consequences for failure. Meanwhile, Tantai Jin was tormented by a nightmare in which Ye Xiwu accused him of being afraid to admit his love and declared she would leave him for someone else, finding no joy in their relationship. He awoke in a panic.
Ye Bingchang, present in his chamber, noted his distress. Tantai Jin explained that, lacking a love thread, he rarely dreamed and found the experience unsettling. Ye Bingchang attempted to remind him of her devotion from the Bo're Life illusion, but he dismissed it as just a dream. He then questioned Ye Bingchang about her happiness by his side.
When her answer was disingenuous, he called her a liar, concluding that she was merely seeking protection after the fall of her kingdom and the disappearance of Xiao Lin, unlike Ye Qingyu, who was sincere in his allegiance. Ye Bingchang, feeling scorned, argued that Ye Xiwu, despite her past cruelty, still received his favor, while her own struggle for survival should not be judged as ignoble.
Tantai Jin brutally retorted that in his heart, she was worth less than a single strand of Ye Xiwu's hair and that her status meant nothing to him, leaving Ye Bingchang deeply enraged by the insult. After Ye Bingchang was named Madam Xuancheng, Ye Xiwu decided to temporarily move back to the Ye Mansion to sort out her thoughts. Her grandmother happily welcomed her. Meanwhile, Tantai Jin, frustrated by Ye Xiwu's absence, went to her chamber.
Finding it empty, he discovered a collection of letters she had written. Initially fearing they might be to Xiao Lin, he read them and realized they were addressed to him, filled with her concern for his safety, her observations about dandelions she had found in his garden, and her hopes for his return. She had even named the meteorite he gave her "Little Jin," playfully describing it as "black inside and out" with "as many holes as his tricks."
He also found a note where she expressed her feeling that he no longer needed her and symbolically returned the "black lump" to him. Through these letters, Tantai Jin finally understood Ye Xiwu's genuine care for him. He then went out and witnessed Ye Xiwu throwing the meteorite into a lake. Separately, Ye Xiwu's grandmother, learning of Ye Qingyu's return, asked Ye Xiwu to deliver clothes and snacks to him.
Ye Xiwu did so, and in return, Ye Qingyu asked her to take some books he had brought from Sheng Kingdom back to the Ye Mansion. Curious, Ye Xiwu inquired about his trip. Ye Qingyu, after cautioning her to keep it confidential, revealed that King Sheng had stolen Tantai Jin's mother's remains to use in a curse against him.
He had traveled to Sheng Kingdom with sorcerers to perform a soul-releasing ritual in the ruins, as it was the only way to comfort her departed spirit since her body was no longer intact. Realizing her grave misunderstanding, Ye Xiwu frantically rushed back to the palace, searching for Tantai Jin. She even attempted to retrieve the meteorite from the lake but failed to find it.
She eventually located Tantai Jin in the imperial mausoleum and immediately apologized, confessing her prejudices and admitting she had wrongfully accused him. She vowed never to fear or despise him again. Tantai Jin, deeply affected, expressed his pain at her past fear and hatred, which he had grown accustomed to from others but never expected from her. Ye Xiwu promised her unwavering companionship. She then asked if he loved Ye Bingchang.
Tantai Jin clarified that he only brought Ye Bingchang back because she was Ye Xiwu's sister, hoping to make Ye Xiwu happy. He explained that for years, he had been like a "blind man living in the dark," learning emotions by observing others. He had mimicked Xiao Lin's affection for Ye Bingchang, mistakenly believing that was love.
However, upon spending time with Ye Xiwu, he realized he had been wrong and that he experienced true feelings of love, expectation, disappointment, and jealousy only with her. He confessed his love for her, declaring that he loved her because she was uniquely herself and that he was willing to "try to be a good person," pleading with her not to leave him. Ye Xiwu, deeply moved, promised to stay by his side, "clinging to him every day."
Ye Xiwu then tearfully apologized for throwing the meteorite into the lake. Tantai Jin, realizing she had gotten herself messy trying to find it, revealed that he had already recovered it, much to her delight. He then confided a deeply kept secret: he rarely dreamed, but whenever his life was in peril, he would hear a cold, emotionless voice in his dreams.
Ye Xiwu immediately identified it as the Devil God's voice and reassured him, promising to stay by his side and wake him if it ever returned. Tantai Jin admitted that now, she was the only one he dreamed about. He then playfully suggested appointing her as a Royal Maid so she could always be with him, even offering to sleep on the floor beside her. She happily accepted the new role.
In a separate event, a drunken Pian Ran appeared in Ye Qingyu's bath, attempting to seduce him. She reminded him of her earlier proposition for a casual relationship, but Ye Qingyu steadfastly declared that his heart had belonged to her since she saved his life. Pian Ran called him a fool and revealed that she had once been married to a man named Jiang Rao, to whom she had given her love thread.
Jiang Rao's death in battle had caused her to lose her love thread, rendering her incapable of true love. She admitted that she only saved Ye Qingyu because he strongly resembled Jiang Rao. When Ye Qingyu insisted on a lifelong commitment rather than fleeting pleasure, Pian Ran mockingly suggested he change his name to Jiang Rao. Ye Qingyu refused, stating that to do so would not only humiliate himself but also desecrate her past relationship.
Pian Ran called him a lunatic and turned to leave, but in a moment of desperate passion, Ye Qingyu kissed her, and they subsequently spent the night together. The following morning, Pian Ran went to the palace to ask Tantai Jin for a reward. Citing her loyal service, she requested the antidote to her secret medicine, desiring to regain her freedom.
Tantai Jin was surprised by her resolve but then revealed that he had already given the antidote to Ye Qingyu that very morning after he earnestly pleaded for it. Pian Ran was furious, realizing her vulnerability was now in Ye Qingyu's hands. Infuriated, Pian Ran cursed Tantai Jin to "stay alone forever."
Episode 23 Recap
Pian Ran awoke to Ye Qingyu's tender care after a night of heavy drinking. She quickly clarified that her actions were merely impulsive due to alcohol and urged him not to take them seriously. Ye Qingyu, however, assured her he could discern between genuine and fleeting emotions. Pian Ran then pressed him for an antidote, stating her intent to leave the capital.
Ye Qingyu stunned her by revealing that there was no antidote; the pill Tantai Jin had forced her to consume was merely a tonic. Furious at Tantai Jin's deception, Pian Ran questioned why Ye Qingyu had revealed the truth, realizing he could have used the lie to keep her bound to him.
Ye Qingyu explained that their encounter was the most fortunate event of his life and that he was content with the joy they had already shared, thus granting her freedom. Moved by his sincerity, Pian Ran playfully announced she might stay in the capital after all, telling him their future meetings would depend on his performance. Meanwhile, Ye Xiwu returned to her family home, where her relatives noticed her relaxed demeanor and assumed she and Tantai Jin had reconciled.
Ye Xiwu downplayed the idea, claiming there were no lasting grudges between husband and wife, and even boasted about making Tantai Jin sleep on the floor. Her father expressed concern that she might be suffering humiliation due to their family's declining status. Her grandmother then inquired about Ye Bingshang, who hadn't returned home. Ye Xiwu reassured her that Tantai Jin treated Ye Bingshang well, keeping her in the palace primarily to prevent Xiao Lin from reclaiming her.
Ye Xiwu offered to visit Ye Bingshang and ask if she wished to move back. Returning to the palace, Ye Xiwu met Ye Bingshang and apologized for Tantai Jin's previous harshness. She offered to persuade Tantai Jin to allow Ye Bingshang to return home. However, Ye Bingshang politely declined, stating that the Emperor had his reasons for keeping her and that she had grown accustomed to palace life.
Privately, Ye Bingshang harbored ambitions to win Tantai Jin's favor, realizing that if she left the palace, her chances would diminish. Since Tantai Jin showed no romantic interest, she resolved to become invaluable to him. Ye Bingshang later sought out Tantai Jin, feigning distress and asking what she had done wrong to displease him.
Tantai Jin clarified that she had done nothing wrong and that her presence in the palace was a strategic move to capture Xiao Lin, after which he would facilitate her reunion with her husband. Ye Bingshang then cunningly offered to assist Tantai Jin in capturing Xiao Lin, hoping it would secure her continued place by his side.
Elsewhere, Pang Yizhi reported dire military conditions to Xiao Lin, with rations nearly depleted and no more supplies available from neighboring counties due to their status as rebels. Xiao Lin acknowledged their slim chances of victory and reflected on the suffering war inflicted on common people. He recognized that Tantai Jin's efforts to unite the world and bring peace aligned with the people's desires, and he considered leading his remaining forces southward to abandon their fight.
At that moment, a spy delivered a secret letter to Xiao Lin. Recognizing Ye Bingshang's handwriting, he initially dismissed it as Tantai Jin's attempt to persuade him to surrender. However, Xiao Lin soon deciphered hidden messages within the letter, revealing Ye Bingshang's desperate plea for help. Tantai Jin, having entrusted Ye Qingyu with disaster relief efforts for Sheng Kingdom, suggested that Ye Qingyu enjoy the Qixi Festival with Pian Ran.
Tantai Jin then took Ye Xiwu to explore the bustling festival, which marked the last day of the Water Festival and the Qixi Festival. Ye Xiwu praised his good deeds, but Tantai Jin modestly replied he was merely performing his duties as a ruler. They purchased masks to join the revelry. Unbeknownst to them, Xiao Lin and his assassins used the festive chaos to infiltrate the capital, with Xiao Lin urging his men to remain cautious in enemy territory.
During the festival's deity parade, Ye Xiwu was chosen as the Water Festival Goddess, and to her surprise, Tantai Jin was chosen as the Devil God. The ritual required the Goddess to perform a sword dance and then "kill" the Devil God. As Ye Xiwu danced, she was consumed by internal conflict, unable to distinguish whether Tantai Jin was truly the demonic entity, the heroic Ming Ye, her enemy, or her beloved.
After the ritual, Tantai Jin was recognized as the Emperor of Jing, and the crowd erupted in cheers as fireworks illuminated the night sky. Both Tantai Jin and Ye Xiwu reveled in the moment. Ye Qingyu and Pian Ran also enjoyed the Qixi Festival. Ye Qingyu, a mortal, lamented his short lifespan, fearing he wouldn't live long enough to see Pian Ran grow old.
Pian Ran recounted a fox spirit legend about eternal companionship through a blood oath, but dismissively stated she would never try it, vowing to forget him entirely if he died. This unexpected declaration, paradoxically, brought Ye Qingyu a strange sense of comfort. Later, Tantai Jin and Ye Xiwu encountered a small girl selling candy, whose parents had passed away.
Tantai Jin bought all her candy and gave her a purse, instructing her to go to the newly established orphanage at the East Palace Gate for shelter. Ye Xiwu praised his compassion, noting that it was natural for people to admire him. However, Tantai Jin expressed indifference to public opinion, stating that people's admiration could swiftly turn to hatred. He only cared about Ye Xiwu's affection.
Tantai Jin then reflected on Ye Xiwu's past act of kindness, when she had bought all the firecrackers from an old woman. He admitted that he hadn't understood her actions back then, but since his return from the Mohe River and with her by his side, he had begun to understand suffering, poverty, compassion, and the desire to do good. He confessed that Ye Xiwu had allowed him to feel more emotions and see the world's beauty.
Witnessing his profound transformation, Ye Xiwu contemplated revealing the truth about the evil bones, hoping it would prevent him from becoming the Devil God and spare her from having to use her Soul-slaying Teardrop against him. However, her confession was interrupted by Nian Baiyu, who arrived to escort Tantai Jin back to the palace, forcing Ye Xiwu to postpone her revelation. Tantai Jin, already aware of Xiao Lin's infiltration, confronted him in the palace.
Unwilling to plunge the nations back into war, Xiao Lin revealed he had no intention of killing the emperor. Instead, he presented the Imperial Seal of Sheng and demanded that Tantai Jin cease all military action. Tantai Jin mocked the gambit, revealing his vast intelligence network had informed him of Xiao Lin's every move. Accepting defeat, Xiao Lin surrendered. Meanwhile, Pang Yizhi attempted to rescue Ye Bingshang as planned, but they were intercepted by Pian Ran.
Seizing the moment, Ye Bingshang shrewdly turned on Pang Yizhi, loudly accusing him of attempting to kidnap her, thereby solidifying her position with Tantai Jin. Ye Xiwu rushed to the main hall, shocked to discover that Xiao Lin was the assassin. She wanted to plead for him but held back when she saw Tantai Jin's stern expression. Meanwhile, Pian Ran had wounded Pang Yizhi's group.
As she brought Ye Bingshang forward, Pian Ran inexplicably sensed her own love thread within Ye Bingshang. Enraged, she tried to force Ye Bingshang to explain its presence, but Ye Qingyu intervened to protect Ye Bingshang, further infuriating Pian Ran. Tantai Jin instructed Xiao Lin to hide temporarily behind the main hall. Soon after, Pian Ran, Ye Qingyu, and Ye Bingshang entered.
Tantai Jin publicly praised Ye Bingshang for her "meritorious service" in capturing the assassins, much to Ye Xiwu's confusion. He then exposed Ye Bingshang's elaborate scheme, detailing how she had used encrypted messages to lure Xiao Lin, exploiting his chivalrous nature to ensure he would come to her rescue personally. Tantai Jin then asked what her intentions would have been if Xiao Lin's assassination attempt had succeeded.
Without hesitation, Ye Bingshang declared to Tantai Jin, and to a heartbroken Xiao Lin listening from his hiding place, that she had cut off all ties with him since her return from Sheng Kingdom.
Episode 24 Recap
Tantai Jin confronted Ye Bingshang, acknowledging that Xiao Lin had risked his life to assassinate him and lure away guards, all to help her escape, a display of loyalty that even he found moving. He asked for her feelings on the matter. Ye Bingshang, however, emphatically denied any connection to Xiao Lin, stating that whatever he did was irrelevant to her. She declared her heart was solely devoted to Tantai Jin and would remain so for life.
Ye Xiwu, surprised by this, asked Xiao Lin why Bingchang would say such a thing, given their previously good relationship, but he could not answer. Ye Qingyu informed Tantai Jin that he had witnessed an argument between Pian Ran and Ye Bingshang at the Vermilion Bird Gate, where Pian Ran was on the verge of hitting Ye Bingshang. The dispute, he explained, was about a "love thread."
Pian Ran, when questioned, said that beings with spiritual intelligence have love threads, enabling them to love, but that she had lost hers. When asked by Tantai Jin to explain, Ye Bingshang feigned ignorance. Tantai Jin then ordered Nian Baiyu to retrieve a newly developed demonic poison from the Moonshadow Guards, threatening to administer it to Ye Bingshang if she refused to speak, explaining that it would make her reveal all secrets before a painful death.
Ye Bingshang protested, reminding him of her "merit," but Tantai Jin stated that merits and faults were separate and that her life would be spared only if she cooperated. Under duress, Ye Bingshang confessed, detailing events from seven years prior when she was sixteen. Feeling insignificant in the Great General's flourishing mansion, she had encountered a mortally wounded Jiang Rao in the woods.
Realizing he would not survive, he asked her to deliver his love thread to his beloved, Pian Ran, who lived in Orchid Alley. Jiang Rao conveyed a message of eternal gratitude for Pian Ran's love and his regret at being unable to spend his life with her, wishing her future happiness. After Jiang Rao's death, Ye Bingshang found Pian Ran, and, overwhelmed by envy for Pian Ran's beauty and her devoted lover, she impulsively took the love thread.
She described a powerful, enchanting sensation that clouded her judgment, leading her to keep the thread. Subsequently, her beauty blossomed, captivating all men in the capital. She admitted her greed and foolishness in taking something she didn't understand. Ye Xiwu expressed her shock at Ye Bingshang's true nature. Tantai Jin condemned Ye Bingshang, pointing out that she took the love thread out of selfishness and heartlessly withheld the news of Jiang Rao's death from Pian Ran, branding her truly despicable.
As Tantai Jin moved to extract the love thread, Ye Xiwu, fearing for Ye Bingshang's life, cried out for him to stop, reminding him that the thread was stolen and should be returned. Unrepentant, Ye Bingshang then turned to Xiao Lin, bitterly claiming that the love thread only brought her fleeting attention and admiration, and that even his heartfelt vows were merely an effect of the thread.
She then lashed out at Ye Qingyu and Ye Xiwu, accusing them of always having everything while she had nothing, and now even what little she had was being taken away, leaving her with nothing. Tantai Jin, now understanding what a love thread truly was, realized that Ye Xiwu had caused a similar thread to blossom within his own heart, teaching him the profound feeling of love. He then returned the love thread to Pian Ran.
Following this, he ordered Xiao Lin to be imprisoned and stripped Ye Bingshang of her title as Mrs. Xuancheng, condemning her to serve as a slave in the Palace Prison starting the next day. Later, Ye Qingyu joined a heartbroken Pian Ran, who asked if he was there to persuade or pity her. He offered to simply keep her company for a drink, just as she had comforted him when he was sad.
Over drinks, Pian Ran recounted how she first met Jiang Rao by a river, mistaking him for a peeping Tom and slapping him repeatedly. She lamented that the river was so close to Sheng Kingdom's capital, yet he died so near, unknowingly. She expressed her sorrow at having waited for him for over a thousand days, only to later search for his body at Jiaguan for years with no news, while he had died quietly outside the city.
Ye Qingyu acknowledged her long wait, his heart aching for her. Later that night, as they lay in bed, Ye Xiwu mused to Tantai Jin, wondering if Ye Bingshang's fate would have been different if she hadn't been a concubine's daughter and had received more love at home. Tantai Jin questioned why she was still awake thinking about Bingchang. Ye Xiwu retorted, asking him what he was thinking about.
Tantai Jin confided that he believed his former emotionless state was due to not having love threads. He pondered aloud what it would truly feel like to possess them. Ye Xiwu tenderly replied that it was likely the very feeling they were sharing at that moment, then kissed him goodnight. Meanwhile, Tantai Minglang received an update from Fu Yu.
The powerful formation they were creating would be completed in three days, after which no living creature would remain in the southern border. Fu Yu also reported that the warlocks had tirelessly refined over ten thousand Nether Puppet Soldiers for him. Finding this number insufficient, Tantai Minglang demanded they accelerate the production of demon soldiers, stating he could not wait any longer. Fu Yu promised to find solutions. Ye Xiwu visited Xiao Lin in his prison cell, bringing him clothes.
He reassured her that Tantai Jin was not mistreating him and urged her to leave quickly. However, Ye Xiwu pressed him for his plans regarding Pang Yizhi and the remaining Sheng troops. Xiao Lin confessed that he had lost all will to live. He explained his plan: Pang Yizhi needed six days to return to the remnant troops. If Xiao Lin had escaped after his assassination attempt, he would have led the troops to rescue Jing's prisoners and flee south.
But now, imprisoned, he wanted Pang Yizhi to leave with the refugees without waiting for him. He believed Sheng Kingdom could have generals who died in battle but not a crown prince who surrendered. He further explained that as long as he lived, the last elite army would continue fighting, but with Sheng Kingdom's decline and Tantai Jin's capable rule, its people could enjoy peace. His death, by shattering any hope of restoration, would finally end the war and bloodshed.
Ye Xiwu, deeply concerned by his resolve, promised to find a way to help him escape with the Sheng army within six days. Xiao Lin, who had suspected her true identity since their parting at the Mohe River, acknowledged that she was not the Ye Xiwu he knew, as the real one would never risk her life for others or for him, but he promised to keep her secret. Ye Xiwu then vowed to return to save him.
Tantai Jin questioned Nian Baiyu about Ye Xiwu's visit to Xiao Lin, learning she was there for about fifteen minutes. Nian Baiyu admitted he couldn't hear their conversation due to the distance, but he described Xiao Lin placing his hand on Ye Xiwu's face and Ye Xiwu tugging at his clothes before leaving. Frustrated by Nian Baiyu's poor observation skills, Tantai Jin was consumed by jealousy. A guard led Ye Bingshang to a visitor, her grandmother.
Her grandmother explained that she was only able to visit because Ye Xiwu had interceded for her. She assured Ye Bingshang that while punishment for her mistakes was just, the family would not abandon her. Ye Bingshang expressed remorse for her greed in taking the love threads. Her grandmother brought her food and clothes, along with a special hand ointment that Ye Xiwu had specifically asked her to deliver.
Ye Xiwu had mentioned that Tantai Jin's imperial doctors had prepared it for chilblains. Ye Bingshang then asked her grandmother to speak with Ye Xiwu to beg for Tantai Jin's mercy, hoping to be allowed to leave the palace to attend her birth mother's upcoming death anniversary. Her grandmother agreed to try speaking to Ye Xiwu about it. Pian Ran grew suspicious of Ye Qingyu's frequent, secretive leaves from duty and followed him.
She found him at Jiang Rao's tomb outside Sheng Kingdom's city. Ye Qingyu, pouring wine, respectfully honored Jiang Rao as a valiant son who died for his country. She overheard him express envy for Jiang Rao, whose soul not only resided in his homeland but also eternally in Pian Ran's heart.
He dismissed fleeting thoughts of also dying in battle to be permanently etched in her memory, declaring his desire to live, to stay by her side, loving and protecting her. He promised Jiang Rao's spirit that he would care for Pian Ran and pledged his lifelong, exclusive love to her. Pian Ran then emerged, having overheard him. She playfully chided him for not speaking such tender words directly to her.
She thanked him for finding Jiang Rao's resting place, as her own attempts had failed. At the tomb, Pian Ran affirmed to Jiang Rao's spirit that she was now happy and had found someone to spend her life with. Tantai Jin granted Ye Bingshang permission to return home for her mother's memorial, but he instructed Ye Xiwu to keep a close watch on her to prevent any escape.
Ye Xiwu, with Xiao Lin's six-day deadline looming, returned to the Ye mansion and decided to cook sweet porridge for Tantai Jin as part of her plan. Unaware of Ye Xiwu's intentions, Ye Bingshang saw this as an opportunity. While Ye Xiwu was occupied cleaning up some spilled medicine for their grandmother, Ye Bingshang secretly added poison to the sweet porridge.
She then took a bowl, deceptively telling her grandmother it was a night snack from Ye Xiwu and urging her to finish it. Later, back in the palace, Ye Xiwu presented the sweet porridge to Tantai Jin, unaware of Ye Bingshang's meddling, but still intent on her own plan to help Xiao Lin. She had added knockout drops to the porridge, hoping to incapacitate Tantai Jin long enough to facilitate Xiao Lin's escape.
Tantai Jin told her to eat first while he finished some reports. Ye Xiwu excused herself to rest, reminding him to eat the porridge while it was warm. As Tantai Jin began to read, he noticed a dead moth floating in the porridge, immediately realizing Ye Xiwu's hidden agenda.
Episode 25 Recap
Tantai Jin approached Ye Xiwu, confirming the porridge was made specifically for him. He asked her to feed him, and when she complied, he used an illusion to control her. He had already had Nian Baiyu investigate the poison in the porridge, identifying it as peacock's gall from the Sheng Kingdom, a lethal poison with no antidote. Feeling betrayed, Tantai Jin used the Ruo River Soul-controlling spell on Ye Xiwu.
Under its influence, she confessed that she poisoned him to save Xiao Lin, leading Tantai Jin to believe she loved Xiao Lin and wished for his death for Xiao Lin’s sake. When Ye Xiwu regained consciousness, she found herself outside Jing Kingdom with Xiao Lin and was confused about how they escaped. Xiao Lin explained that she had drugged Tantai Jin and stolen the Tiger Tally, allowing them to pass through the city gates unhindered.
He noted that their escape had been unusually smooth. Ye Xiwu, realizing she had been manipulated, urged Xiao Lin to leave quickly, saying she would return to Jing Kingdom after Tantai Jin's anger subsided. Meanwhile, Tantai Jin received news that something had happened to the Ye family and rushed to their mansion. He found Ye Xiwu's grandmother poisoned by peacock's gall and, before her death, promised to protect Ye Xiwu and ensure she would never suffer any grievances.
Ye Bingchang then tried to deflect blame, claiming Ye Xiwu would never intentionally poison her grandmother and that the grandmother must have accidentally consumed the poisoned porridge. However, Tantai Jin interjected, revealing that the porridge was meant for him, not the grandmother. This shocked the entire Ye family. Tantai Jin inwardly acknowledged that this would make Ye Xiwu feel abandoned by her family. Ye Xiwu and Xiao Lin met with Pang Yizhi and the remnants of the Sheng army.
Pang Yizhi had defied Xiao Lin's orders to retreat, waiting an extra four days for his return. As Xiao Lin greeted Pang Yizhi, Ye Xiwu, still under Tantai Jin's puppetry spell, unexpectedly stabbed Xiao Lin. The Sheng soldiers were furious, accusing Ye Xiwu of betraying them for Tantai Jin. Tantai Jin, who was observing from afar, confirmed his intentions to Nian Baiyu.
He explained that by forcing Ye Xiwu to betray Xiao Lin in front of everyone, she would become estranged from all her allies and have nowhere to go. He believed that with no one else to turn to, she would be forced to return to his side, as he was the only one who could protect and love her. He ordered his troops to capture both Ye Xiwu and Xiao Lin alive, instructing them not to harm either of them.
Despite his injury, Xiao Lin protected Ye Xiwu, telling his men that he was wounded by Jing Kingdom's secret guards and that Ye Xiwu was not involved. Pang Yizhi quickly removed the spell from Ye Xiwu, then explained that the weapon used to stab Xiao Lin was a Soul-gnawing Wedge, which slowly drains a person's blood, leading to a weak and eventual death.
Xiao Lin then revealed the news from the capital: Ye Xiwu's grandmother had passed away, and Tantai Jin had visited the Ye mansion the night of her death. Ye Xiwu was devastated, realizing Tantai Jin's deception and his true cruel nature. Xiao Lin knocked Ye Xiwu unconscious and insisted on sending her away for her safety, despite her pleas to stay and her guilt.
Before his final stand, Pang Yizhi offered Xiao Lin a Virid Blood Pill to temporarily stop his bleeding and sustain his life. Xiao Lin took the pill and, in a desperate act, used a knife to dig the Soul-gnawing Wedge out of his own body. He then prepared for his final battle and sent the unconscious Ye Xiwu away in a carriage. However, Ye Xiwu later awoke, struggled free, and escaped the carriage, determined to return.
Tantai Jin's General Feng led an attack on the Sheng army but failed to capture Xiao Lin. Instead, Xiao Lin, despite his severe injuries, rallied his remaining forces and the refugees, broke through the Jing army, destroyed their provisions, and rescued prisoners, leading them southward by sea.
Tantai Jin received a letter from Xiao Lin, who, now referring to Tantai Jin as "Your Majesty," reflected on their past as a prince and a hostage, and the unfortunate turn of events that led to them becoming enemies. Xiao Lin acknowledged Jing Kingdom's ascendancy and Sheng Kingdom's demise, requesting Tantai Jin to treat the former Sheng people with kindness.
He offered the Heart-guarding Scale, a treasure of his sect, as a congratulatory gift for Tantai Jin's unification of the realm. Lastly, Xiao Lin asked Tantai Jin to spare Ye Bingchang's life, despite having cut all ties with her. Tantai Jin scornfully remarked on Xiao Lin's "congratulatory gift." Ye Xiwu returned to the abandoned Sheng army camp, only to find memorial banners, confirming Xiao Lin's death. She was heartbroken.
Pang Yizhi, deeply saddened, told her that the remaining Sheng soldiers would sail south, and he himself intended to return to the Xiaoyao Sect for further cultivation, finding the human world too painful. When asked about her plans, Ye Xiwu remained silent. Tantai Jin, believing Ye Xiwu would never return after he had orchestrated the death of her beloved, fell into despair, lamenting that he had lost her.
As his carriage traveled out of the city to pay respects to Xiao Lin, it was suddenly stopped. Ye Xiwu stood in the road. She declared that she had returned because she wanted to be by his side. She urged him to let go of the past and start anew, offering her forgiveness and asking for his. Tantai Jin, overjoyed and relieved, embraced her, saying he forgave her. Yet, in her heart, Ye Xiwu knew she had an unfinished mission, one she was determined to complete this time.
Episode 26 Recap
Ye Xiwu, having collapsed from her arduous journey, is brought back to the palace by Tantai Jin. He stays by her side until she awakens. Upon her stirring, Tantai Jin attends to her thirst and then pledges, "From now on, whatever you want, just tell me. I'll grant you every wish." Ye Xiwu, in turn, asks him directly, "Tantai Jin, marry me. I wanna be your queen." He joyfully accepts her proposal.
Ye Qingyu expresses concern to Tantai Jin, describing Ye Xiwu as seemingly "possessed" since her return, having even driven away family members who tried to bring her home for her Grandma's memorial. Tantai Jin asks Ye Qingyu not to upset her further before the wedding, explaining that Ye Xiwu is already deeply saddened by Xiao Lin's death and her Grandma's passing.
He reveals that Ye Xiwu requested to sever all ties with the Ye family, and he instructs Ye Qingyu to remove her name from the family genealogy. When Ye Qingyu questions why Tantai Jin would still make her queen despite her trying to murder him, Tantai Jin states that Ye Xiwu is the only one who hasn't abandoned him, and her willingness to return and love him is all he desires.
Tantai Jin, eager for the marriage, dismisses his officials' suggestions for an auspicious date and declares the wedding will be held in three days, on August 24. During this time, Ye Xiwu remains resolute in her decision to isolate herself from her family. When her brother, Ye Zeyu, comes to the palace shouting for her, she orders him to be dragged away, ignoring his distraught pleas about her abandonment of the family and lack of remorse for their Grandma.
Later, Ye Qingyu confronts her, asking why she has been hiding from them. Ye Xiwu responds with chilling indifference, questioning his authority and threatening to have him removed from his post if he continues to defy her. Ye Qingyu expresses his sadness that she no longer resembles his sister, to which Ye Xiwu confirms she has officially disowned the Ye family. Tantai Jin sets the wedding day, eager to make Ye Xiwu his queen.
He had learned of a Jing Kingdom custom that required the twin lotus flowers on the bridal veil to be personally embroidered by the couple to ensure a long and happy life together. To fulfill this, Tantai Jin secretly embroideres the flowers himself, praying to the gods to spend his whole life with Ye Xiwu. On the day of the wedding, as Ye Xiwu approaches, she notes his unusually vivid happiness, observing that he must be very pleased.
The wedding ceremony proceeds smoothly, a dream come true for Tantai Jin. On their wedding night, Tantai Jin joyfully lifts Ye Xiwu's red bridal veil. She thanks him, but he dismisses it, reminding her they are now husband and wife. With a painful resolve, Ye Xiwu embraces and kisses Tantai Jin, a deceptive act that allows her to gather nine Soul-slaying spikes. Using the power of the World-overturning Jade to incapacitate him, she mercilessly drives the spikes into his heart.
She confesses, "Tantai Jin, my purpose in the first place was to kill you," and confirms that all her declarations of love were lies, stating, "I have never loved you." Six of the spikes penetrate his heart, but the remaining three shatter upon striking his Heart-guarding Scale, which unexpectedly activates. Ye Xiwu is distraught by her incomplete mission, but Tantai Jin is left utterly heartbroken, questioning why she lied to him.
Ye Xiwu awakens in the dungeon, experiencing a painful backlash from using the World-overturning Jade, causing her vision to blur. Distraught, she laments her failure to complete her mission and prevent the Devil God's return, acknowledging the jade's curse of a tragic, violent death for its user. Meanwhile, Ye Qingyu learns of Ye Xiwu's assassination attempt on Tantai Jin.
He then understands that her previous actions of cutting ties with the Ye family were a desperate measure to protect them from repercussions. Rushing home, he discusses with his family how to save Ye Xiwu, proposing to convince Tantai Jin to allow the three judicial departments to interrogate her before a formal trial. He tries to persuade his father, Ye Xiao, to flee to avoid implication.
However, Ye Xiao firmly refuses, declaring that as her father, he will not abandon Ye Xiwu, irrespective of her actions, and is prepared to bear any consequences. Ye Qingyu, respecting his father's decision, urges him to take care and instructs his eldest brother to look after the household.
Unbeknownst to them, Ye Bingshang, who has been covertly observing, schemes to prevent Ye Xiwu from revealing the truth about her own involvement in poisoning, fearing it might come out during the interrogation. Tantai Jin awakens to the news that the strange Soul-slaying spikes embedded in his heart meridians cannot be removed by external force and will cause him excruciating pain. The imperial physician predicts he will not live for more than three years, even with careful recuperation.
Tantai Jin accepts his fate, vowing to endure the constant agony. He then insists on visiting Ye Xiwu in the dungeon, despite his injuries. In the dungeon, he confronts her, recalling her past affectionate words, which now feel like cruel lies. He admits his foolishness in falling for her, lamenting that she is the most heartless person he knows.
Ye Xiwu responds that she once hoped to be the light in his darkness, but now sees him as unworthy of any. Tantai Jin bitterly reflects on his past self, an "idiot" who endured her mistreatment, torture, and even murder attempts, yet still longed to marry her and grow old together. He declares that he was truly foolish, only truly "waking up" after being pierced by her six spikes.
In the dungeon, Ye Xiwu reflects on her failure to destroy the Devil God and her subsequent humiliation, deciding there is no point in living. She tries to provoke Tantai Jin, asserting his lack of dignity and demanding he kill her immediately. Tantai Jin confronts her with her current pain, stating it is insignificant compared to his own.
When she explicitly asks him to kill her, he cruelly refuses, vowing to keep her alive so she can endure his hatred, promising to slowly "take her apart" to discover the true nature of her heart. He makes it clear that since his affection meant nothing to her, she must now taste his hatred.
He later reiterates to his attendant that he keeps her alive precisely because he hates her and wants her to suffer, not to grant her the escape of death she desires. Ye Qingyu learns that Ye Xiwu is refusing to eat or drink, showing a clear intent to die. Recalling Tantai Jin's command to keep her alive, Nian Baiyu grants Ye Qingyu permission to visit his sister.
Simultaneously, Ye Bingshang, feigning familial concern, bribes a jailer to gain access to the dungeon. Once alone with Ye Xiwu, Ye Bingshang drops her pretense of sympathy, revealing her long-standing hatred for Ye Xiwu. She maliciously asks if Tantai Jin consumed the poisoned porridge, revealing she too had added a lethal poison to it, intending for both Tantai Jin and Grandma to die.
Ye Xiwu, horrified, finally understands Tantai Jin's misunderstanding—he believed she was poisoning him to save Xiao Lin—and is shattered to realize that Ye Bingshang is responsible for their Grandma's death. Enraged and cornered, Ye Bingshang decides to silence Ye Xiwu permanently and attempts to strangle her with a piece of silk. Just as Ye Xiwu is on the brink of death, Pian Ran and Ye Qingyu arrive, intervening to save her.
Episode 27 Recap
Pian Ran and Ye Qingyu arrived at the dungeon just in time, saving Ye Xiwu from the brink of death. When Tantai Jin learned how close Ye Xiwu had been to dying, he was filled with dread. He declared that Ye Xiwu's life belonged to him, and she was forbidden to die without his permission. Soon after, Pang Yizhi sought an audience with Tantai Jin, offering a divination in exchange for something in return.
Pang Yizhi revealed the divination showed Tantai Jin would suddenly lose his beloved, suffer lifelong regret, be unable to reclaim his love, and be trapped in the underworld forever. However, there were two slivers of hope: one in thunder and one in water, though Pang Yizhi admitted his lack of proficiency prevented him from elaborating. Pang Yizhi then requested a bottle of Tantai Jin's heart blood, offering a thunder-attribute artifact in exchange: the Yin-Yang Twin Bracelets.
He explained that if two people wore the bracelets, the owner of the Yin bracelet would not die as long as the owner of the Yang bracelet was alive, essentially using the Yang bracelet owner's lifespan to ward off death for the Yin bracelet owner. He also warned that once worn, the bracelets could not be removed.
Despite Nian Baiyu's caution regarding his already injured meridians and Pang Yizhi's unknown intentions, Tantai Jin, hearing that the Yin-Yang Twin Bracelets could avert death, resolutely extracted his heart blood to exchange for them. Unknown to Tantai Jin, Pang Yizhi had performed another divination for the deceased Xiao Lin, unexpectedly discovering a sliver of hope, which prompted his reckless demand for Tantai Jin's heart blood.
After receiving the Yin-Yang Twin Bracelets, Tantai Jin placed the Yang bracelet on his own arm and the Yin bracelet on Ye Xiwu's. As expected, Ye Xiwu's pulse rapidly recovered due to the bracelets' power. Tantai Jin ordered Nian Baiyu to keep Ye Xiwu confined to the Chilly Ward once she awoke and strictly forbade anyone, including Ye Xiwu herself, from being told about the bracelets.
He further explained that Ye Xiwu was now his weakness, and her death would deduct from his own lifespan. Regarding Ye Bingchang, Tantai Jin was informed she had attempted to kill Ye Xiwu to avenge Xiao Lin. Tantai Jin stated that he himself was responsible for Xiao Lin's death. He ordered Ye Bingchang to be imprisoned in the dungeon, never to be released unless she died.
Later, Nian Baiyu voiced his suspicion of Pang Yizhi and concern about the bracelets, but Tantai Jin dismissed him, claiming indifference to matters not concerning Ye Xiwu's survival. Secretly, Tantai Jin received elixirs from warlocks, confirming his life was indeed being shortened for Ye Xiwu. He was relieved to hear Ye Xiwu was eating and no longer seeking death but dismissed Nian Baiyu's suggestion to visit her, stating he was uninterested in such minor details as long as she lived.
In the Chilly Ward, Ye Xiwu noticed her water bucket was mysteriously refilled, a silent act of care from Tantai Jin. While unconscious, Ye Xiwu's consciousness re-entered the Barren Abyss, where she encountered Ji Ze. She expressed deep remorse for failing to kill the Devil God and for the guilt she felt towards Tantai Jin. Ji Ze revealed that her destiny with Tantai Jin was predetermined, and no matter what, their path would always lead to the same outcome.
He told her that if she did not want to fail Tantai Jin, she would have to fail all of creation. Ji Ze then reminded her of a past dream, tear, and thread of silk. Ye Xiwu realized the tear was the Soul-slaying Teardrop, the silk was Tantai Jin's love thread, and the dream was Bo're Life.
Ji Ze showed her the vision of Ming Ye sacrificing his divine essence to replace Sang Jiu's demon bone, urging her not to fall into delusion and to seize the opportunity. Awakening, Ye Xiwu understood that just as Ming Ye used divine essence to replace a demon bone with the power of lightning, she could also use immortal essence to replace Tantai Jin's evil bone, thus preventing the Devil God's rebirth.
Realizing her current body lacked immortal power, she decided to harness the power of the World-overturning Jade, a gem forged from the combined immortal essence of the Flying Serpent clan, capable of overturning heaven and earth. She acknowledged the intense backlash she would suffer, but believed this was the destined karma. She reflected on her rapidly deteriorating eyesight and hearing due to the Jade's backlash, wondering if she would still be able to recognize Tantai Jin's face.
She determined that Ji Ze's barrier would not hold much longer, and she needed to quickly cultivate immortal essence. Feeling she had ultimately failed Tantai Jin, she resolved to repay him with her life. Meanwhile, officials in the Jing Kingdom discussed Tantai Jin's increasingly harsh rule and rumors of his declining health due to heart meridian damage and a shortened lifespan.
In the Southern Border, Tantai Minglang, whose own life was waning due to consuming a demonic elixir, showcased the Ruo Water Puppets to Fu Yu. He boasted that these puppets, made from captured civilians, could control thousands and endlessly absorb demonic power. Tantai Minglang instructed Fu Yu to spread news of his presence in the Southern Border, believing Tantai Jin would personally come, thus allowing him to drag Tantai Jin to hell with him.
Tantai Jin, informed of the puppet demon soldiers plaguing the Southern Border, decided to personally lead the campaign against Tantai Minglang. Upon arriving, he discovered numerous civilians trapped within a poisonous miasma-filled stronghold. Suspecting an ambush, Tantai Jin disregarded his own injured heart meridians and forcefully channeled his power to dispel the miasma and battle the demon soldiers, prioritizing the rescue of the trapped civilians. Watching from afar, Tantai Minglang anticipated Tantai Jin's magical power would soon deplete.
Before departing, Tantai Jin had entrusted Ye Qingyu with guarding the capital, a sign of profound trust. Later, while Ye Qingyu was training and Pian Ran was checking the city gates, Tantai Minglang and Fu Yu covertly infiltrated the Jing capital through a lightly guarded side gate connecting to the old city. Pian Ran quickly discovered their presence. Fu Yu engaged Pian Ran in combat while Tantai Minglang proceeded into the capital with his demon soldiers.
Ye Qingyu arrived with the city guards to resist the invading demon forces. Pian Ran fiercely fought and ultimately killed Fu Yu. As Tantai Minglang aimed a Demon-hunting Crossbow at Pian Ran, Ye Qingyu swiftly intervened, taking the fatal arrow for her. In his dying moments, Ye Qingyu looked at Pian Ran, expressing that although he had failed his kingdom and family, dying to protect innocent civilians and his beloved was a worthy end.
He regretted not meeting her sooner, wishing he could have loved and doted on her earlier. He asked if she would remember him in the centuries to come, just as she remembered Jiang Rao. Distraught, Pian Ran refused to let him die, refusing to suffer the pain of losing someone she loved twice, as she had with Jiang Rao. Acknowledging that her heart now truly belonged to him, Pian Ran made a selfless sacrifice. She extracted her demonic elixir to revive Ye Qingyu, then kissed him tenderly before collapsing and dying in his arms.
Episode 28 Recap
After Tantai Jin received the threatening letter from Tantai Minglang, he rushed back, only to find that Pian Ran had already died. Tantai Minglang had previously received Ruo Water from Fu Yu, which greatly enhanced the power of his puppet soldiers. With these forces, Tantai Minglang unleashed a brutal massacre on the city's civilians, turning the streets into chaos.
He had vowed to repay Tantai Jin for all his suffering and to avenge Fu Yu by destroying everything Tantai Jin cherished. Upon learning of the massacre, Ye Xiao, reflecting on his powerlessness during the fall of Sheng Kingdom, felt a strong obligation to protect the innocent.
He declared himself a loyal and just man, believing that regardless of their former kingdoms, all people were now citizens of a unified nation and he could not stand by while they were slaughtered. He instructed his son, Ye Zeyu, to take Chuntao and flee from the east gate. However, Ye Zeyu, asserting his identity as a man of the Ye family, insisted on fighting alongside his father to protect the people.
Before leaving, Ye Xiao told Chuntao to take care of herself, as the Ye family might no longer be able to. Together, Ye Xiao and Ye Zeyu bravely joined the fight against the demonically controlled rebels. Meanwhile, Tantai Minglang infiltrated the imperial palace, demanding to be led to Ye Bingchang and Ye Xiwu, threatening to kill any servant who resisted.
Tantai Jin returned to a city filled with the bodies of massacred civilians, who had been infused with Spirit Fire by Tantai Minglang as a deliberate act of intimidation. He was heartbroken to discover that Ye Xiao and Ye Zeyu had fallen in battle while defending the people. Seeing the devastation and remembering Tantai Minglang's cruel promise, Tantai Jin swore to kill him.
Tantai Jin rushed to the palace gate, where he found Tantai Minglang holding Ye Xiwu and Ye Bingchang captive. Knowing his defeat was inevitable, Tantai Minglang, filled with vengeful spite, forced Tantai Jin to choose one woman to save, stating that the other would be buried with him in death. Tantai Jin, his powers severely depleted from the battle in the Southern Border, knew he only had one chance to act.
Recalling that the Yin-Yang Twin Bracelets could protect Ye Xiwu as long as he, the wearer of the Yang bracelet, lived, he made a difficult decision. He ordered Tantai Minglang to release Ye Bingchang, resolving that even if Ye Xiwu hated him, he would do anything to keep her alive. Ye Xiwu, witnessing this, mistakenly believed Tantai Jin had chosen to save Ye Bingchang, leading her to conclude that she no longer owed him anything.
Tantai Minglang, misinterpreting her perceived indifference as a lack of value in Tantai Jin's eyes, moved to kill Ye Xiwu. However, Tantai Jin swiftly unleashed a flock of crows, striking down and killing Tantai Minglang. With Tantai Minglang defeated, Ye Xiwu successfully cultivated her divine essence, and the formidable lightning tribulation began to descend. Tantai Jin sensed the approaching danger and immediately flew to the city wall to shield her.
There, he discovered the World-overturning Jade embedded in Ye Xiwu's left eye. Ye Xiwu revealed that she had exchanged her own left eye for the jade from him, explaining that she couldn't bear to see him so pitiful and near death from the curse. She had taken on the curse of the World-overturning Jade herself, and now it was coming to fruition upon her. Tantai Jin refused to believe this.
Ye Xiwu warned him that with his mortal body, he could not withstand her lightning tribulation. Tantai Jin demanded to know why she had acted so self-sacrificingly for him. Ye Xiwu then revealed his true nature, telling him he was the Devil God, the greatest curse in the world, born with the burden of all beings' karma and an evil bone, destined to become the new Devil God who would destroy heaven and earth.
Tantai Jin vehemently denied these claims, but Ye Xiwu pressed on, asking why he was born with loneliness, weak family ties, and no love threads, and why demons feared his blood. She then revealed her true identity: she was not Ye Xiwu, but a deity from the immortal sect. Her purpose in becoming his wife was to reverse this dark destiny and save the world he was fated to destroy.
She showed him visions of a future where his demon form had annihilated the immortal sect, leaving no immortal bone in the Three Realms and Four Continents. Tantai Jin vehemently rejected this vision, insisting he didn't know those people and hadn't killed them. He questioned if she truly believed him to be so evil and unworthy of her trust.
Ye Xiwu responded that she could not gamble the fate of all living beings on the faint possibility of a trace of goodness in the Devil God's heart; it was a risk she couldn't afford. Tantai Jin, heartbroken by her words, declared that he was not the Devil God and would never let her leave him, even if it meant his soul shattering and his death under the lightning tribulation.
Ye Xiwu, however, dismissed his words, stating that he had always been merely a target of her mission. She recounted how she had inflicted six soul-slaying spikes upon him and endured the pain of the World-overturning Jade. Now, she announced, she was taking his evil bone and giving him her divine essence in return, ensuring he would no longer become the Devil God. They would be even, and he would not be able to keep her.
Ye Xiwu declared her hatred for Tantai Jin was as deep as his for her. With heaven as her witness, she offered her body, primordial spirit, and everything she had, to exchange her divine essence for his evil bone. Her final wish was that they would never meet again across all future transmigrations. Tantai Jin desperately tried to pull her back, pleading that he didn't want her essence and was willing to live with her hatred forever.
But as the lightning descended, the Yin-Yang Twin Bracelets shattered, and Ye Xiwu tragically fell to her death. Tantai Jin was devastated, refusing to accept that she had abandoned him. He carried her lifeless body back to the palace, reliving their cherished memories, including her confession of love and his own promises to stay by her side. He recalled how she had brought light into his dark and lonely life. Overwhelmed by grief, he collapsed in the palace.
In his dreams, Tantai Jin searched for Ye Xiwu in her ruined room. He called out for her, remembering her promise to always stick by him. A demonic voice tormented him, asserting that Ye Xiwu was dead and had forever escaped him, even choosing death to do so.
The voice declared that everyone around Tantai Jin would leave him, hate him, and willingly die to break free from his destructive influence, reminding him that his hands were stained with her blood and he was destined to live alone. Tantai Jin fiercely denied these claims. He awoke in a frantic state, still desperate for Ye Xiwu. He found her body preserved in a Ruo Water Ice Coffin.
He tried to speak to her, begging her to wake up, desperately believing the shattered bracelets could still save her. Realizing his efforts were in vain, he resolved that if he couldn't save her, he would die with her. He brought her body to a different location, saying it was too cold outside and he would take her home.
Later, a recovering Ye Qingyu visited Tantai Jin, finding that he had melted the original Ruo Water Ice Coffin to create a new one, intending to be eternally sealed with Ye Xiwu "like a piece of amber." A servant warned Ye Qingyu that Tantai Jin, a living person, would eventually freeze to death in the coffin. Ye Qingyu broke open the coffin and attempted to pull Tantai Jin out.
Tantai Jin furiously resisted, demanding to know how Ye Qingyu dared to interfere. Ye Qingyu retorted that Tantai Jin was courting death and preventing Ye Xiwu from leaving the world with dignity. Tantai Jin insisted that Ye Xiwu was his wife, his queen, and belonged with him. Ye Qingyu challenged him, asking if he would try to stop him from taking her away.
He confronted Tantai Jin, reminding him that Ye Xiwu might have loved him, but he had used her to kill Xiao Lin and tortured her to the point where she chose death as an escape. He accused Tantai Jin of hating her so much that he still sought to trap her. Tantai Jin, in denial, claimed he didn't hate her; she was the only one who had ever been good to him, the only one who had loved him. Ye Qingyu, seeing no other option, simply asked Tantai Jin to let his sister go, but Tantai Jin refused.
Episode 29 Recap
Ye Qingyu confronted Tantai Jin, who was cradling Ye Xiwu's lifeless body, expressing disgust at his current state and asserting that Ye Xiwu would feel the same. Tantai Jin vehemently refuted this, recalling Ye Xiwu's past kindness and insisting that she was the only one who treated him well. Ye Qingyu pleaded with him to allow Ye Xiwu a dignified rest, explaining that she only wanted to leave him and was even willing to die to do so.
Tantai Jin, however, was tormented by Ye Xiwu's final wish to never see him again in any lifetime, yet he believed he only ever wanted to be good to her, just as she had protected him. Ye Qingyu firmly told him that his wife, Ye Xiwu, was dead and it was time to let her rest in peace. As Ye Qingyu left the palace, Nian Baiyu tried to persuade him to stay and reason with Tantai Jin.
However, Ye Qingyu confessed his envy for Tantai Jin's ability to lose himself in grief. He, too, longed to mourn his loved ones—Xiwu, his father, his elder brother Zeyu, and Pian Ran—but felt a greater responsibility to the war-torn Jing Kingdom. He stressed that their sacrifices could not be in vain, and someone had to shoulder the burden of rebuilding the country.
Shortly after, Nian Baiyu was informed that Ye Bingshang had been apprehended while attempting to flee the city in disguise. Ye Qingyu ordered her brought before him for questioning. Ye Qingyu confronted Ye Bingshang about her attempt to kill Ye Xiwu in prison, dismissing her previous claim of avenging Xiao Lin as a lie.
Ye Bingshang, admitting that Ye Qingyu was the only other clever person in the Ye family besides herself, defiantly asked if he would deny her any chance of survival for Ye Xiwu's sake. She dismissed his moral high ground, suggesting that if Xiao Lin had won, Ye Xiwu would be in her current position. Finally, Ye Bingshang confessed that she had poisoned porridge meant for Tantai Jin and later tried to kill Ye Xiwu to prevent the truth from surfacing.
Driven by resentment over her grandmother's favoritism towards Ye Xiwu, she had wished for her grandmother, Tantai Jin, and Ye Xiwu to all die together. She revealed her desire to kill Tantai Jin stemmed from his role in Xiao Lin's demise and her subsequent suffering, including the removal of her love thread. Tantai Jin, who had been secretly listening, emerged to confront Ye Bingshang.
He realized the full extent of her deception: her poisoned porridge had indirectly led to Xiao Lin's death and Ye Xiwu's deep-seated hatred for him, culminating in their tragic separation. He mused on how Ye Xiwu's compassion for the world, from widows and orphans to refugees, had inspired him to try to love it too. But now that Ye Xiwu was gone, his own heart felt dead.
Despite Xiao Lin's dying plea for Ye Bingshang's safety, Tantai Jin, now seeing her true culpability, condemned her to drink the poisoned porridge. Back in the dungeon, Ye Bingshang, reflecting on Xiao Lin's death, lamented the futility of his dying wish given Tantai Jin's retribution. Pang Yizhi appeared, not to save her, but to deliver a "recorded message" from Xiao Lin.
In the message, Xiao Lin reassured Ye Bingshang that his love for her was genuine, existing independently of any love thread. He recalled intimate memories, such as her joy at picking a Tumi flower during a spring outing and her kindness in distributing porridge to the needy. He confessed he understood her anxieties about the sincerity of the love she received and wished for her happiness.
After hearing these heartfelt words, Ye Bingshang was overcome with profound regret, realizing her self-deception and past mistakes. She then consumed the poisoned porridge and died. Pang Yizhi collected her tears, completing his collection of "enemy's blood and lover's tears." Ye Qingyu expressed gratitude to Nian Baiyu for arranging the burial of his father and brother, acknowledging their and Pian Ran's admirable sacrifices.
He was informed that Tantai Jin had promised to inter Ye Xiwu with the full ceremony of a queen in a few days, a detail that offered some relief, though Ye Qingyu voiced a hope that Tantai Jin would not go back on his word. Nian Baiyu privately wished Tantai Jin would abdicate and leave the Jing Kingdom, seeing it as a "sad place" where Ye Xiwu had died, forever reminding him of his loss.
Ye Qingyu agreed, noting that every part of the kingdom would be a painful reminder for Tantai Jin. Meanwhile, Tantai Jin personally carved Ye Xiwu's tombstone in the royal tomb. Later, in the Ruo Water Ice Coffin, he held Ye Xiwu's body, imagining her accepting his vow that they would never be separated again and would return home together. He then deliberately toppled a candle, setting the room ablaze, intending to die with her.
Palace guards discovered the inferno and fought through the night to extinguish it. Tantai Jin had left a letter in his study, abdicating the throne and entrusting Ye Qingyu with the formidable task of finding a capable branch member of the Tantai family to inherit the kingship for the stability of the realm. Ten thousand years after the Barren Abyss barrier was shattered, Si Ying and Jing Mie re-emerged.
They reflected on the Devil God's demise but affirmed that his return was inevitable as long as the evil bones persisted. Si Ying declared her resolve to seek out the new Devil God, and Jing Mie suggested starting their search at the Ruo River. He recalled a unique pact the original Devil God had made with the Yiyue Tribe there, deeming it an ideal location to begin gathering demons and restoring the Demon Realm.
Nian Baiyu, who had rescued Tantai Jin from the palace fire, revealed that the Ruo Water, guarded by the Yiyue Tribe, was also the Nether River, a place where primordial spirits converged. He offered Tantai Jin a way to find Ye Xiwu's spirit. Despite warnings that no one who entered the Gate of Underworld Moon ever returned, Tantai Jin, thanking Nian Baiyu, resolutely stepped into the treacherous Nether River.
Inside, he was plagued by vivid illusions of Ye Xiwu, relentlessly searching and calling her name. He ignored the warnings that mortal bodies would be consumed by the Ruo Water, vowing to find her no matter the cost. Meanwhile, Si Ying and Jing Mie arrived at the Yiyue Tribe's settlement in search of the "devil fetus." They easily subdued Nian Baiyu, but opted to spare him, believing he might prove useful in their future plans, before continuing their quest.
One hundred years elapsed as Tantai Jin tirelessly scoured the Nether River. He failed to find Ye Xiwu's spirit but recovered the Qingshi Jade, delivered to him by a crow. Four hundred years later, his body was nearing its limit as the divine essence from Ye Xiwu struggled to heal the relentless corrosion of the Ruo Water. Yet, he remained steadfast, vowing that upon his death, his spirit would merge with the Nether Water to continue his eternal search.
Around this time, a storyteller recounted the legend of King Tantai Jin, his ominous birth, his unification of Jing and Sheng, and the secret behind the masks worn by successive Tantai kings—a legacy of his disfigured face after burning the Jing Palace for a woman. The storyteller concluded with a prophecy that the Devil God would reappear in 500 years, which was now.
Even after centuries of exposure to the Ruo Water, which had deafened him to external sounds, Tantai Jin persisted in his solitary quest, driven by the unwavering vision of Ye Xiwu, determined to find her and return home.
Episode 30 Recap
After the Devil God's demise ten millennia ago, the demon realm descended into chaos, leading to widespread demonic unrest. Immortal Zhaoyou, the leader of Xiaoyao Sect, led his immortal disciples to the Barren Abyss to eliminate the monstrous threats. Simultaneously, Qu Xuanzi, leader of Hengyang Sect, and his disciples worked to reinforce the seal on the Demon-Sealing Cliff to prevent any demons from escaping. The simultaneous frenzy of demons across the four continents indicated a powerful summoning.
Unbeknownst to the immortal sects, the arch-demons Si Ying and Jing Mie were uniting the demons to locate the devil fetus and revive their race. The Yiyue Tribe had lost the devil fetus, resulting in a futile five-century search for the demons. However, the former Devil God had left behind three Demonic Artifacts to guide them. Si Ying decided to travel to Yunchang Sect, believing it held clues to the Bone-refining Seal, the Devil God's heart.
Finding the Bone-refining Seal would inevitably lead them to the devil fetus, ensuring the Devil God's revival. Meanwhile, an unusual disturbance was detected at Heaven Lake, prompting Qu Xuanzi and his disciples, including Gongye Jiwu, to investigate. The clouds above Heaven Lake had been thundering for hours. From the thunderclouds, Li Susu emerged, having successfully severed Tantai Jin's fate five centuries prior. She declared that she had returned and completed her mission.
However, to Qu Xuanzi and others, it had only been ten years, and they believed Li Susu had merely been in seclusion, now successfully returning after her tribulation. Li Susu realized they had no knowledge of her journey five centuries into the past via the Mirror of the Past. She asked if there was no Devil God or catastrophe in this world, to which her father confirmed, bringing her a sense of immense relief.
Seeing Gongye Jiwu, she initially mistook him for Xiao Lin but quickly corrected herself. Qu Xuanzi and Zhaoyou met for a game of chess. Qu Xuanzi expressed relief that his daughter, Li Susu, had finally completed her tribulation but was perplexed by her decreased cultivation. He asked Zhaoyou to tell her fortune. Zhaoyou reported that while the Barren Abyss was temporarily contained by the Vigilant Bells, the absence and secretive movements of Si Ying and Jing Mie were unsettling.
He shared a letter from his junior sect brother, Zhao'en, who narrowly survived an attack on Yunchang Sect by being half a day late, leading Zhaoyou to suspect the two demons had targeted Yunchang. Zhaoyou also revealed that Immortal Buxu had instructed him to go to the Ruo River, where he found a mysterious person, unsure if it portended good or ill fortune.
Tantai Jin awakened, realizing he was no longer in the Nether River but in an unfamiliar location called Mount Buzhao, which Ming Ye had named. He recollected plummeting into the Nether River and unexpectedly absorbing the God-slaughtering Crossbow from its depths. Immortal sect disciples informed him that Immortal Zhaoyou, the Xiaoyao Sect leader, had rescued him. Tantai Jin intended to return to the Ruo River to find Ye Xiwu's primordial spirit.
Zhaoyou explained that the gate to the Ruo River opened only once every five centuries and questioned the futility of retrieving a primordial spirit when "the dead can't come back to life." Tantai Jin insisted he had to find her, declaring that without her, "life or death would have no difference to me." Zhaoyou, though grumbling about the resources spent to save him, permitted him to leave, confident he would eventually return.
Tantai Jin realized he was within an immortal sect and pondered where he might find Ye Xiwu, as he could not access the Ruo River for another five hundred years. While wandering the Xiaoyao Sect, Tantai Jin encountered Gongye Jiwu, who bore a striking resemblance to Xiao Lin. Gongye Jiwu introduced himself as the eldest disciple of the Hengyang Sect leader. Tantai Jin remarked on the strong resemblance to an old friend and inquired about Gongye Jiwu's origins.
Gongye Jiwu disclosed that he was adopted by Immortal Buxu and knew nothing of his past. Wanting to thank Immortal Buxu for saving his life, Tantai Jin asked Gongye Jiwu to lead him to Buxu's resting place. Gongye Jiwu explained that after Immortal Buxu's demise, his consciousness resided within a golden flower.
He humorously recounted Buxu's death: at ninety, Buxu had won a fortune at a new gambling house, became overly excited on his way back, fell, and died seven days later. Gongye Jiwu then described Immortal Buxu's self-created "Cloud" spell, which preserved his consciousness after his physical body perished. Tantai Jin recognized the summoned consciousness as Pang Yizhi and asked Gongye Jiwu to leave them.
Tantai Jin desperately questioned Pang Yizhi about Ye Xiwu's primordial spirit and how to find her, but the consciousness only replied that divination required the immortal sect's spells. Tantai Jin pondered the many mysteries of the immortal sect: Xiao Lin's unexpected presence and Pang Yizhi's intervention in saving him. Zhaoyou appeared, reiterating that to seek answers from Immortal Buxu's "Cloud" spell, one must first join the immortal sect, master its techniques, and then use spiritual power to summon the consciousness.
Tantai Jin resolved to stay, hoping to uncover Ye Xiwu's whereabouts, and requested Zhaoyou's guidance. Zhaoyou presented him with the South Branch sword, an heirloom crafted by his master, explaining it was born from plum blossoms, possessing "the heart of spring and the soul of frost," and "carries no intention of killing."
He instructed Tantai Jin to "see the world with this kindness" and that if he could awaken the sword, he would be deemed worthy to learn immortal arts and officially join the sect. Li Susu sensed someone following her and confronted Yue Ya, a disciple of Yao Wei. Yue Ya explained that he had long heard of her "pure-bodied" Junior Sect Aunt but had only seen a thundercloud until now, and found her strangely familiar.
Li Susu realized Yue Ya was Yue Fuya, the Yiyue Tribe child she had saved years ago, confirming his original name and his adopted name. Yue Fuya recounted how his adoptive parents brought him to Hengyang Sect for healing when he fell gravely ill, following a letter Li Susu had given them. Li Susu confirmed she was indeed his "savior sister."
She mused that "some people can still reunite" after much wandering, while others, like the "unforgettable" person she knew, were destined never to meet again. Following Zhaoyou's instructions, Tantai Jin journeyed to a village ten miles east of Mount Buzhao. There lived a blind old woman, known for a lifetime of kindness, who had waited daily at the village entrance for her son, Zhi'er, for fifteen years.
Tantai Jin decided to impersonate Zhi'er to fulfill her dying wish, as she only had seven days left to live. The old woman was overjoyed to hear her "son's" voice. She asked if the plum tree in her courtyard, which Zhi'er had planted before leaving and which she had long hoped would bloom, had finally done so. Tantai Jin noted the tree had withered years ago. He understood his task was to help her find peace from her past.
On her final day, the old woman told Tantai Jin that "people live for the sake of others" and revealed she knew he wasn't Zhi'er but thanked him for staying by her side until the end. She then asked if anyone still cared for him. Tantai Jin sadly confided that no one had ever truly missed him; his mother died young, and his father hated him.
He recalled his wife, Ye Xiwu, who had protected him, saved him, and taught him to be a good person, yet he had caused her death. He questioned what kind of person he was now. The old woman asked if he would become a bad person to bring his wife back. Tantai Jin considered using the Devil God's power but refused, knowing Ye Xiwu would not approve.
The old woman urged him that if he truly loved his wife, he should honor her wishes. She asked again if the plum tree had blossomed. Tantai Jin used the South Branch sword to create a beautiful plum branch for her. The old woman inhaled its fragrance, her life's wish fulfilled, and peacefully passed away. Tantai Jin returned to Xiaoyao Sect and requested to become Zhaoyou's disciple.
Zhaoyou, acknowledging Tantai Jin's "immortal bond," accepted him and bestowed upon him a new name: Cang Jiumin, combining his own secular surname "Cang" with "Jiumin." Tantai Jin gratefully accepted. Zhaoyou returned the South Branch sword to Cang Jiumin, stating it now belonged to him since he had awakened it. Zhaoyou then took Cang Jiumin on a tour of Mount Buzhao, explaining its six peaks, with Xianglu Peak at the center, forming a natural array.
He described how this place, once steeped in demonic energy after the fall of a devil weapon, had transformed into an immortal sect. He then imparted the "Xiaoyao Sword-play," emphasizing that "the sword-play follows your heart," but one must first "practice your heart" to master it. Cang Jiumin, looking at the beautiful scenery, thought of Ye Xiwu and wished she could have experienced this place. Li Susu, accompanied by Yue Ya, traveled to the capital city of Jingdu.
There, she requested a street storyteller to recount the history of Tantai Jin from five hundred years ago. The storyteller spoke of how King Tantai Jin had a deeply beloved woman who remained nameless in historical records. After a long and successful reign as a wise king, he died of old age and was buried with this unnamed woman in the imperial tomb.
Hearing this, Li Susu came to believe that Tantai Jin had eventually moved on from their painful past, lived a full life, and found peace. This new understanding gave Li Susu a sense of closure, and she decided to cultivate the Heartless Way to forget him.
Convinced that Tantai Jin had lived a fulfilling life, she felt it was time for her to let go of the past and pursue her own immortal path, refusing to be tormented by lingering memories. She believed that only by severing these emotional ties could her power truly strengthen and seal the evil bone within her.
Cang Jiumin met his new senior brothers: Zang Hai, who offered assistance; Zang Feng, who clarified the sect's naming conventions and the significance of the "Cang" surname given by their master; and Zang Lin, a martial arts enthusiast eager to spar with him. They reminded Cang Jiumin to diligently practice his sword skills for the upcoming Immortal Sect Competition.
Qu Xuanzi expressed his bewilderment to Zhaoyou regarding Li Susu's decision to cultivate the Heartless Way, noting she was still young and had never experienced a "love tribulation." Zhaoyou also found it perplexing. Li Susu, however, declared that Tantai Jin was indeed her "love tribulation" and reiterated her unwavering resolve, assuring her father and Zhaoyou that they need not worry about her decision. Soon after, Gongye Jiwu approached Li Susu, reaffirming his unwavering affection for her over the past decade.
Li Susu admitted that his resemblance to Xiao Lin made her uneasy. While expressing deep gratitude and familial respect for him, she stated she harbored no other feelings and intended to ask her father to annul their engagement. Gongye Jiwu acknowledged her transformation but vowed his feelings remained unchanged, asking if she would consider him in her future. He promised to wait for her answer. Li Susu responded that she could not predict the future and would simply "let it be" for now.
Episode 31 Recap
Zhao You brought his new disciple, Cang Jiumin, to the Hengyang Sect for the upcoming Immortal Sect Competition. While there, Zhao You introduced Cang Jiumin to Chief Qu Xuanzi. Cang Jiumin then seized the chance to ask Chief Qu about Gongye Jiwu's connection to Xiao Lin, a figure from five centuries ago who bore a striking resemblance to Gongye Jiwu. Chief Qu revealed that Gongye Jiwu was not an ordinary person but was, in fact, Xiao Lin.
Xiao Lin, Immortal Buxu’s sect nephew, had suffered an untimely death, and Immortal Buxu had placed his primordial spirit in a special artifact called the Crystal Lamp, which was then nurtured in the Heaven Lake. After centuries, a baby was born from the artifact, and Chief Qu named him Gongye Jiwu. Later, Chief Qu acknowledged that he had discerned Cang Jiumin’s true identity.
He expressed his trust in Immortal Buxu’s judgment and, aligning with Zhao You, believed that Cang Jiumin had great potential and could become an excellent disciple if he received the right enlightenment. Cang Jiumin successfully communicated with the phantom of Pang Yizhi, learning the intricate steps required to revive a deceased person.
This process involved collecting the blood of an enemy, the tears of a lover, and the hair and flesh of the deceased, all culminating in the activation of a Soul-gathering Array in a place rich in spiritual energy. Cang Jiumin, desperate to bring back Ye Xiwu, was met with Pang Yizhi’s assertion that such an act was unnecessary, a statement for which Pang Yizhi offered no further explanation.
Cang Jiumin, however, believed Pang Yizhi’s reluctance stemmed from guilt over Gongye Jiwu’s resurrection and was determined to proceed with his plan. Gongye Jiwu approached Cang Jiumin, expressing his worries about how to interact with Li Susu, who had changed significantly after her return from seclusion. Cang Jiumin encouraged him not to be disheartened, suggesting that Li Susu’s newfound emotional maturity might offer them a new beginning.
Cang Jiumin then shared his own story, revealing he was born five centuries ago, initially devoid of emotion until a special person taught him about love, joy, and sorrow. Though he eventually understood her feelings, he couldn't keep her, and he had been searching for her for five centuries. He deeply cherished his current life in the immortal sect, which offered him the opportunity to live a life he once envied.
Gongye Jiwu, feeling a deep kinship with Cang Jiumin, affirmed their friendship, which touched Cang Jiumin deeply. Cang Jiumin then asked Gongye Jiwu about the Soul-gathering Array, but Gongye Jiwu knew nothing about it. Determined to learn the spell, Cang Jiumin sought information in the Scripture Hall, where he discovered that the Soul-gathering Array was a forbidden demonic spell.
At the same time, Li Susu realized her progress in cultivating the Heartless Way was too slow, and relying on her physical body to seal the evil bones was not a sustainable solution. She also ventured to the Scripture Hall to find demon books in search of alternative methods. They narrowly missed each other, with Cang Jiumin only catching a glimpse of her retreating figure.
Through her research, Li Susu learned that the devil fetus’s origin was inextinguishable and the evil bones imperishable. She concluded that her current pure spirit body could only temporarily suppress the evil bones and prevent their influence. With her powers waning, she realized her only immediate recourse was to leverage the spiritual energy of Mount Changze and Chongyu’s power to reinforce the suppression.
Cang Jiumin's continued research led him to a crucial discovery: the Soul-gathering Array could be activated with a single drop of blood from a pure spirit body if no primordial spirit was available. Remembering Gongye Jiwu’s earlier mention of Li Susu’s pure spirit body, Cang Jiumin formulated a new plan to use her blood to revive Ye Xiwu. He visited a lake by the Hengyang Sect’s Heaven Lake, a place reminiscent of one Ye Xiwu had described.
He heard the faint sound of a zither, but upon investigating, found no one. Unbeknownst to him, Li Susu's evil bones had reacted to the nearby presence of the devil fetus, compelling her to rush back to the Heaven Lake for immediate meditation to contain them. Once again, they inadvertently passed each other. Meanwhile, Si Ying and Jing Mie, two powerful demons, sought out Di Mian to obtain knowledge on how to dismantle the immortal realm's seal.
Their goal was to retrieve the Bone-refining Seal, which they believed would guide them to the devil fetus. Di Mian, seemingly compliant, provided them with the mantra and method. Unbeknownst to the demons, Di Mian harbored his own hidden agenda, intending for their actions to inadvertently help him break the Devil God’s seal and secure his own freedom. Cang Jiumin overheard his fellow disciples discussing the history and nature of the Devil God.
He learned that the Devil God was cyclically reborn from sin as long as suffering persisted in the mortal world. The disciples explained that the arrival of the devil fetus, paired with the devil artifacts, would lead to the Devil God’s ultimate resurrection, plunging the three realms into catastrophe. They also spoke of Si Ying and Jing Mie’s relentless five-century search for the devil fetus, which they believed was the source of all misfortune.
As the Immortal Sect Competition drew near, leaders from various immortal factions convened to devise a strategy against Si Ying and Jing Mie. Zhao You and Chief Qu Xuanzi proposed an audacious plan: to host the competition in the Shangqing Realm, thereby transforming it into a trap to lure the two demons into a decisive confrontation.
Cang Jiumin learned from his fellow disciples that the competition would indeed be held in the Shangqing Realm and that Lady of Spirituality, Li Susu, would be attending. He resolved to use this opportunity to ask Li Susu for a drop of her pure spirit blood. Fearing harassment for Li Susu, her sect nephew, Yue Ya, decided to impersonate her, using a magical veil to obscure her face.
Yue Ya intended to draw away any unwanted attention, relishing the chance to "teach a lesson" to any disrespectful suitors, with Li Susu's cautious approval. On the day of the Immortal Sect Competition, Si Ying and Jing Mie, disguised as disciples from the minor Purple-of-Ursa Isles, successfully infiltrated the Shangqing Realm. Yue Ya, cloaked in her disguise as Li Susu, also made her appearance.
Li Susu, having altered her own appearance, opted to attend the event with Gongye Jiwu but without the intention of competing, viewing it as a mere stroll. The rules of the competition were simple: participants were to capture demons, with rankings determined by both quantity and speed. During the competition, Cen Mi, the arrogant son of the Chixiao Sect leader, approached Yue Ya, mistaking her for Li Susu, and attempted to forcibly remove her veil.
Yue Ya, incensed by his audacity, fiercely resisted, but Cen Mi's companions quickly overwhelmed her. Just as the situation escalated, Cang Jiumin intervened, dispatching Cen Mi’s associates and confronting Cen Mi himself. He threatened Cen Mi, reminding him that in the perilous Shangqing Realm, an accidental death was not uncommon. Under duress, Cen Mi apologized to Yue Ya, and Cang Jiumin returned her Demon-locking Sachet.
Meanwhile, Si Ying and Jing Mie, now inside the Shangqing Realm, dispatched Nian Baiyu to search for the Bone-refining Seal while they continued their own hunt, navigating the unfamiliar territory with caution. Li Susu, now alone in the Yuqing Palace—the historic site of Ming Ye and Sang Jiu’s wedding—found herself overwhelmed by memories.
She reflected on her painful struggle to forget Tantai Jin, questioning why she couldn’t emulate Ming Ye, who had set aside his love for Sang Jiu to protect the world from the Devil God. She lamented her own indecisiveness and inability to escape the five-century-old memories that tormented her. Cang Jiumin approached Yue Ya once more, formally requesting a drop of her pure spirit blood to revive his wife's primordial spirit.
Yue Ya, expressing regret, finally revealed her true identity as Yue Ya, Li Susu's sect nephew, explaining that she couldn't provide the pure spirit blood he sought. Disappointed, Cang Jiumin left. He then arrived at the Yuqing Palace, where he unexpectedly encountered Li Susu. To his astonishment, her face was identical to that of his lost wife, Ye Xiwu.
Episode 32 Recap
Cang Jiumin approached Li Susu, believing she was Ye Xiwu. He asked if it was truly her, but Li Susu denied it, stating she was Li Susu, a disciple of the Hengyang Sect, and that he had mistaken her for someone else.
Cang Jiumin, in an attempt to probe her, began to recount the story of Ming Ye and Sang Jiu from 10,000 years ago, highlighting their tragic love and how Ming Ye, as the God of War, chose to protect his realm over pursuing Sang Jiu due to the impending battle.
Li Susu showed a subtle reaction to the story, specifically when Cang Jiumin mentioned the name Xiao Lin, but she quickly composed herself and reiterated that she was Li Susu before trying to leave. Cang Jiumin pressed further, asking why she wouldn't admit she was Ye Xiwu, but Li Susu maintained her denial, leaving him to wonder why she was hiding her identity. Meanwhile, Si Ying and Jing Mie located the Bone-refining Seal in the Shangqing Realm.
To avoid alerting the immortal sects, Jing Mie traveled to Hengyang Sect to create a diversion, while Si Ying remained to unseal the artifact. The immortal sects, led by Zhao You and Qu Xuanzi, were already prepared. They successfully trapped Jing Mie at Hengyang Sect. During the conflict, Jing Mie boasted that only gods like Ji Ze and Chu Huang were worthy foes, not the assembled immortal cultivators.
In the Shangqing Realm, Cang Jiumin sensed a disturbance at the Spiritual Platform and rushed to investigate. He found Si Ying attempting to break the seal on the Bone-refining Seal. Cang Jiumin intervened, but during their struggle, he inadvertently broke the seal himself. Both fought to claim the artifact, but Cang Jiumin was no match for Si Ying's demonic power and was injured. Li Susu, sensing the anomaly, arrived just in time and helped Cang Jiumin fight Si Ying.
Together, they managed to defeat her, but the Bone-refining Seal was drawn to Cang Jiumin, who possessed the devil fetus, and attempted to merge with his meridians. Li Susu desperately urged Cang Jiumin to resist the demonic corruption and wake up. With immense effort, Cang Jiumin fought off the demonic influence and expelled the Bone-refining Seal from his body. Si Ying, though unable to retrieve the seal, was delighted to have found the long-lost devil fetus.
Realizing the situation was not in her favor, she rescued Jing Mie from the trap at Hengyang Sect, and they both retreated. With the Bone-refining Seal unsealed, Di Mian was finally freed from the Devil God's confinement. He appeared at Hengyang Sect and reunited with his old friend, Qu Xuanzi. Li Susu arrived shortly after, having stabilized Cang Jiumin. Qu Xuanzi then told Li Susu to pay respects to her biological father, Di Mian.
He explained that years ago, while battling a demonic cultivator, he was gravely injured and fell into the Barren Abyss, where Di Mian, who was sealed there by the Devil God, saved his life. In return, Qu Xuanzi promised to find the spirit egg that Di Mian had with his late wife, Chu Huang.
Qu Xuanzi eventually found the spirit egg, placed it in the Magic Well of Sumeru Base for nourishment, and cast its primordial spirit into the mortal realm for numerous reincarnations, eventually leading to Li Susu's birth. Li Susu realized that Chu Huang, the figure from the Bo're Life dream, was her mother, and she guessed that Ye Xiwu, 500 years ago, was an incarnation of her evil soul sent to undergo tribulations.
After the tribulation, her spirit should have returned, but it was damaged by a lightning strike, causing her physical body to spontaneously combust and require ten years of recovery in the Sumeru Base. Understanding her origins, Li Susu finally acknowledged Di Mian as her father. Qu Xuanzi promised Di Mian safe haven in Hengyang Sect, planning to eventually reveal his true identity as the hero who struck down the Devil God, allowing him to be recognized by all.
Simultaneously, the breaking of the Bone-refining Seal also caused Mo Nv's primordial spirit to fully gather. Mo Nv, whose spirit was damaged 10,000 years ago and sent by the Devil God to experience mortal tribulations, was now fully restored and returned to the demon race, much to Si Ying's joy. Having learned her true identity, Li Susu's resolve to fight the Devil God strengthened.
Her mother, Chu Huang, was killed by the Devil God, and her father, Di Mian, was imprisoned by him. Both personally and for the common good, she vowed to use her true god power to defeat the Devil God. Although she had already sealed Cang Jiumin's evil bone, she knew his identity as the devil fetus was sensitive.
She decided to keep it secret from her father for now, planning to reveal it to the world only after she found a way to completely destroy the evil bones. She also resolved to cultivate the Heartless Way, a path to godhood for the Phoenix Clan, to fulfill her mission. Later, Cang Jiumin, having recovered, sought out Li Susu.
He recounted his past, revealing that after Ye Xiwu's death, he spent 500 years searching for her spirit in the corrosive Ruo River, enduring immense pain, until Immortal Zhaoyou rescued him and brought him to the Xiaoyao Sect. He then explained his desire to use a Soul-gathering Array to revive Ye Xiwu and requested a drop of Li Susu's pure immortal blood as a catalyst.
Li Susu refused, telling him she couldn't help him and that the dead should remain at peace. She urged him to forget the past and embrace his identity as Cang Jiumin. Cang Jiumin, however, was adamant that Li Susu was Ye Xiwu, expressing his confusion and pain at her refusal to acknowledge their past. Li Susu responded by comparing Ye Xiwu to a dream that had ended, and that he, too, should awaken from it.
Cang Jiumin, heartbroken, confessed his inability to forget their shared laughter, tears, embraces, and her love and hatred, saying he couldn't simply wake up from such a profound dream. Li Susu insisted she didn't understand him and stated that her dream had ended.
She reiterated that if he truly wanted to atone, he should forget the past and live as Cang Jiumin, while she, Li Susu, the daughter of Chief Qu, had chosen to cultivate the Heartless Way for the rest of her life to eradicate demons. She concluded that their past was gone, and they were strangers in this life, destined to walk separate paths.
Cang Jiumin realized that Ye Xiwu's final words about never meeting him again were sincere, understanding that their hidden love had only truly emerged after their separation. In a separate conversation, Li Susu confided in Gongye Jiwu about her past with Cang Jiumin, acknowledging their deep connection from 500 years ago. She admitted that even though they could not rekindle their romance in this life, her heart could no longer hold anyone else.
Gongye Jiwu, though disheartened, expressed his understanding and wished her happiness. He decided that he needed time to process his feelings and planned to request leave from the sect to hunt demons, hoping to return as her clear-hearted sect brother.
Episode 33 Recap
Cang Jiumin recognized that the threat of the Devil God would always be an obstacle between himself and Li Susu, regardless of whether she was Ye Xiwu or Li Susu. He concluded that they could only truly start anew if he found a way to prevent the Devil God from returning to the world. He believed that if he could break free from the Devil God's control, he might hold the key to stopping the Devil God's resurrection.
With this resolve, Cang Jiumin journeyed to the Barren Abyss, noting its eerie resemblance to what he had seen in Bo're Life. He realized the fastest way to learn about the Devil God was to confront Si Ying and Jing Mie directly. Using his Xiaoyao Sword-play to track the potent devil energy, he adopted the guise of the Devil God to interrogate them about the resurrection process and the role of the devil fetus and evil bones.
However, his deception was quickly uncovered. Si Ying and Jing Mie, fiercely loyal only to the true Devil God, informed Cang Jiumin that he was merely a mortal vessel, a devil fetus chosen for the Devil God's return, and not their lord. They confidently stated that the evil bone was indestructible and would inevitably force him to sacrifice himself. Unyielding, Cang Jiumin declared, "I'm not him. Not now and not in the future."
They responded that the true Devil God would return regardless of his will once the three devil artifacts were gathered and the All-in-Distress Way was activated. Dismissing his defiance, they allowed him to depart, confident that a wolf could not hide among sheep forever. Upon his return from the Barren Abyss, Cang Jiumin sought out Li Susu, only to find Di Mian already there, visiting his daughter. Unaware of their relationship, Cang Jiumin suspected Di Mian intended harm.
Di Mian, recognizing Cang Jiumin as the devil fetus, was taken aback by his knowledge of events from 10,000 years ago, including Di Mian's own past allegiance to the Devil God and his role in the death of Chu Huang. Attempting to test Cang Jiumin's abilities, Di Mian observed that he employed immortal sect techniques and seemed less powerful than expected for a devil fetus.
Li Susu quickly intervened, clarifying Cang Jiumin's identity as a Xiaoyao Sect disciple and imploring her father to trust her. Though still wary, Di Mian agreed not to harm Cang Jiumin as long as he posed no threat to Susu, promising to keep his secret. After Di Mian's departure, Li Susu explained her complex relationship with her father, expressing her belief that he was a repentant individual seeking to atone for past mistakes.
Cang Jiumin, in turn, confessed that the person he had known was Ye Xiwu, and he had always been Tantai Jin, resolute in not becoming the person others feared. He further revealed that the Bone-refining Seal was not his first encounter with a devil artifact. During his 500-year search for Ye Xiwu in the Nether River, he had accidentally merged with the God-slaughtering Crossbow. This power had then expelled him from the river, leading to his rescue by Immortal Zhaoyou.
Li Susu accepted his story and showed concern for the burns he suffered in the Nether River. Cang Jiumin longed for a fresh start with her, but Li Susu maintained that their current relationship as fellow disciples was perfectly acceptable. Despite her refusal, Cang Jiumin remained determined to prove he would never become the Devil God and would not relinquish the feelings he had nurtured for 500 years.
He asserted that just as Li Susu had entered his life 500 years ago, he would now cling to her. Meanwhile, Mo Nv, still haunted by her memories from 500 years ago, harbored a deep animosity towards Tantai Jin. She concocted a plan to expose Cang Jiumin's identity as the devil fetus to the immortal sects, knowing this would lead to his ostracization.
Learning that Nian Baiyu was also in the devil realm, she arranged for him to be sent to Cang Jiumin. Cang Jiumin found Nian Baiyu at the Hengyang Sect. Although Nian Baiyu had succumbed to the devil way, Cang Jiumin, remembering his inherent good nature, pleaded on his behalf to Chief Qu and Immortal Zhaoyou. Chief Qu, touched by Cang Jiumin's intercession, allowed Nian Baiyu to remain.
Cang Jiumin told Nian Baiyu to abandon the deference of a subject to a king, stating that Nian Baiyu was free to choose his own path, whether to stay at Hengyang Sect or return to the Yiyue tribe. Nian Baiyu chose to stay. Yue Ya, tasked with settling Nian Baiyu, expressed her surprise at his transformation into a devil cultivator, having known him as a Purple-of-Ursa Isles disciple.
Elsewhere, Gongye Jiwu was undertaking a period of demon slaying in the mortal realm. Following a trail of demonic energy, he stumbled upon a newly opened silk workshop. Mo Nv, the owner, was astonished to encounter an immortal sect disciple bearing a striking resemblance to Xiao Lin. Gongye Jiwu's Devil-detecting Lantern showed no demonic presence within the workshop.
Learning of his intention to travel to the capital of Jing Kingdom to hunt a demon, Mo Nv, aware of the lurking evil in the capital, opportunistically offered him a ride in her carriage, claiming it was for her own safety as she needed to buy silk there.
Back at Hengyang Sect, Nian Baiyu couldn't find Cang Jiumin and learned from Yue Ya that Li Susu had gone to Jing Kingdom to clear her mind, and Cang Jiumin had likely followed her. Meanwhile, Si Ying received word from Nian Baiyu about the devil fetus's location and began formulating a plan to exploit Cang Jiumin's affections for Li Susu to force his hand.
When Li Susu arrived in Jing Kingdom, she was struck by the eerie silence of the usually bustling streets. A local shopkeeper explained that a demon had been terrorizing the city for weeks, targeting lone travelers and forcing residents indoors. He urged Li Susu to leave for her own safety. Cang Jiumin soon appeared, continuing his playful pursuit of Li Susu, their banter mirroring their past dynamic. Li Susu wryly commented that his presence seemed to attract trouble.
Li Susu and Cang Jiumin checked into an inn, ready to confront the demon. The shopkeeper reiterated his warnings, but Cang Jiumin paid for two separate rooms, making sure they were far apart. The following morning, they were surprised to encounter Gongye Jiwu, who was also in Jing Kingdom on a demon-slaying mission. Sharing information, the three deduced the demon was a Ye Mei, known for its ability to shapeshift, read minds, and evade detection by immortal artifacts at night.
Cang Jiumin suggested contacting Nian Baiyu via spiritual message to locate a special tracking artifact in the Scripture Hall. Their plan involved scattering spell water and Lingting Country red silk to restrict the Ye Mei's movements and trace it. As night fell, they split up. Cang Jiumin easily saw through a Ye Mei disguised as Li Susu.
However, Gongye Jiwu, confronted by a Ye Mei taking the form of a woman, became ensnared in its illusion, almost succumbing to its brain-sucking attack. Mo Nv, however, appeared and saved him. Unable to find Li Susu, Cang Jiumin used an immortal sect technique to locate her, but was instead drawn into a confrontation with the Devil God.
The Devil God taunted him, asserting that a devil fetus could never truly shed his nature, showing him a vision of himself as the terrifying Devil God, claiming it was his inevitable future. Cang Jiumin vehemently denied this, declaring himself Cang Jiumin, a disciple of the immortal sect.
The Devil God then showed him an illusion of Li Susu, implying that his transformation into an immortal was merely for her, and questioned if tricking his affections could save the Three Realms. Realizing he was trapped in an illusion, Cang Jiumin broke free, which in turn awoke Li Susu from her own nightmare. The Ye Mei, reporting its failure to Si Ying, admitted underestimating Cang Jiumin and failing to control Gongye Jiwu.
Si Ying ordered the Ye Mei to re-enter Li Susu's dream to uncover Cang Jiumin's true weakness. During Jing Kingdom's annual Water Festival, Cang Jiumin asked Li Susu if he was the person she feared most in her heart. She denied it, steadfastly believing he would never harm her and would never become the Devil God.
She reminded him that he was Tantai Jin, now Cang Jiumin, the most kind-hearted disciple of the Xiaoyao Sect, and expressed her unwavering faith that he was not and would not become the evil entity. Cang Jiumin then revealed he had realized the figure Ye Xiwu had shown him on the city wall was indeed the Devil God.
He confessed his fear that his immortal sect peers would one day discover his true identity as the devil fetus, an entity everyone in the immortal world sought to destroy. He had learned this fear from listening to their discussions and judgments about the Devil God.
Episode 34 Recap
Cang Jiumin confessed to Li Susu his past fears of being exposed as the devil fetus within the immortal sect. He revealed his relief after realizing that the nails Ye Xiwu once launched into his body were not out of hatred for him, but for the Devil God. He expressed profound gratitude to Li Susu for ridding him of the evil bone, thus preventing him from becoming the Devil God.
He vowed never to embrace the Devil God's power again, promising to keep his word to her. Li Susu, however, denied changing him, stating she was merely fulfilling her duty to forbid evil, and then urged him to join her for the upcoming parade. Gongye Jiwu woke to find himself disheveled, recalling that Mo Nv had rescued and treated his wounds. He had yielded to her proximity, and they had spent the night together.
The next morning, he grew concerned when he couldn't find Mo Nv, fearing she might have harmed herself. She soon reappeared, bringing his mended robe, adorned with a camellia, and a simple mushroom breakfast. Gongye Jiwu was deeply touched, admitting that no one had ever prepared breakfast for him or fixed his clothes in the Hengyang Sect. Mo Nv shared that she had learned such domestic skills from a previous marriage, but her husband had since passed away.
She extended an open invitation, telling Gongye Jiwu that if he ever felt troubled, he was welcome to return for a meal or tea, as she would always be there for him. Cang Jiumin and Li Susu joyfully participated in Jing's Water-splashing Festival, relieved that Jiumin was not chosen as the Devil God this year. During the parade, they were separated. Jiumin then encountered Si Ying and Jing Mie, who had materialized unseen by the mortals.
Si Ying taunted Jiumin about his temporary status as an immortal disciple, urging him to return to the Demon Realm and embrace the Devil God's power. She reminded him how Li Susu was almost devoured the previous night, implying that without the Devil God's power, he and those he cares about would remain vulnerable.
She presented him with an ultimatum: return to the Demon Realm and be revered as their lord, or remain in the immortal sect and face inevitable exposure and punishment as the devil fetus. Jiumin, feigning an agreement, demanded their sincerity and ordered them to kneel, which they refused, stating they would only pledge loyalty upon his return to the Demon Realm.
Jiumin dismissed them, asserting his decision on which path to take and telling them he would go to the Barren Abyss when the time was right, which they openly questioned. The Chixiao Sect Junior Chief, still bitter towards Cang Jiumin, stumbled upon his meeting with Si Ying and Jing Mie. He publicly denounced Jiumin, aiming to expose his perceived treachery to the immortal sects.
Jiumin, sensing danger, urged the Junior Chief to leave, but Si Ying swiftly intervened, killing the Junior Chief and framing Jiumin for the murder. As chaos erupted among the civilians, Jiumin quickly created a formation to protect them from Si Ying and Jing Mie. The demons, however, used the innocent mortals as leverage, threatening to kill them unless Jiumin gave in.
Jiumin, recalling his past fears of being exposed as the devil fetus and his promise to Li Susu to shun demonic power, was torn. Faced with the immediate threat to innocent lives, he apologized inwardly to Li Susu for breaking his vow and forcibly activated the power of the God-slaughtering Crossbow to save the civilians. As Cang Jiumin was weakened, Si Ying and Jing Mie attempted to infuse him with demonic energy, hoping to awaken the evil bone within him.
However, they were puzzled when the evil bone didn't respond as expected. At that critical moment, Li Susu arrived and courageously confronted the demons, forcing Si Ying and Jing Mie to retreat. Exhausted from the struggle, Li Susu collapsed. Cang Jiumin rushed to her side and, to his astonishment, discovered that she had sealed the evil bone within her own body, a secret he immediately realized must be protected.
Immortal sect disciples mistakenly apprehended Cang Jiumin, believing he had colluded with demons to slaughter civilians and killed Chief Cen's son. He was brought to Hengyang Sect's Demon Subduing Peak for judgment. Jiumin firmly denied the accusations, a stance supported by his master, Zhao You, who expressed trust in his disciple. However, Chief Cen of Chixiao Sect, devastated by his son's death, was relentless.
He presented a Shadow Pearl, displaying a distorted mirror image of Jiumin's encounter with Si Ying and Jing Mie, culminating in the Junior Chief's death, thereby inciting widespread suspicion among the other immortal sects. Zhao You and Qu Xuanzi intervened, arguing that the investigation was incomplete and suggesting that eyewitness accounts from the civilians in Jing should be gathered to ascertain the full truth.
Chief Cen, undeterred by their pleas and emboldened by an opportune lightning strike, attempted to execute Jiumin on the spot, but was again stopped by Zhao You and Qu Xuanzi, who insisted on a fair trial. Meanwhile, Si Ying and Jing Mie observed the trial from afar, pleased with the chaos but annoyed by Jiumin's continued insistence on being an immortal disciple. During the tense trial, Di Mian, the Lord of the Wang, made a dramatic appearance.
Qu Xuanzi introduced him, explaining that Di Mian had saved him millennia ago after the Devil God's destruction. Di Mian, recounting his own tragic past of following the Devil God and losing his wife, declared his mission to prevent the Devil God's rebirth. He then exposed Cang Jiumin as the devil fetus, causing uproar among the immortal sects.
Jiumin, distressed, denied the accusation, but Di Mian pressed on, revealing that the God-slaughtering Crossbow, a powerful devil weapon, was indeed on Jiumin. Jiumin admitted to possessing the crossbow but vehemently denied using it for murder. Di Mian further explained that the Devil God had formed a contract with the Yiyue Tribe, from which Jiumin confessed he originated, to conceive and nurture the devil fetus.
Despite these revelations, Jiumin defiantly declared that no matter his fate, he would choose his own path of good or evil and would never become the Devil God. Di Mian then unveiled a chilling prophecy from the Devil God, foretelling the devil fetus's tragic fate: a life of suffering, destined to cause his mother's death at birth, experience betrayal by his wife and abandonment by loved ones, and ultimately kill his master to fully transform into the Devil God.
This revelation shattered Cang Jiumin, who recognized his own life story echoing the prophecy. The Devil God's insidious voice began to corrupt his mind, causing Jiumin to lash out at the surrounding immortal cultivators. Master Zhao You's unwavering words of encouragement momentarily pierced through the demonic influence, drawing Jiumin back to lucidity. However, in the ensuing chaos, an immortal cultivator accidentally struck Jiumin, sending him crashing onto the Demon-subduing Pillar. The Pillar reacted violently, intensifying the accusations and cries from the crowd for his immediate death.
Episode 35 Recap
Cang Jiumin endured severe torture from lightning on the Demon Subduing Peak, but he steadfastly refused to reveal that the evil bone was now sealed within Li Susu. Faced with accusations from cultivators, including his master Zhao You, he chose to bear the suffering alone. He confessed to using the God-slaughtering Crossbow, admitting he had overestimated his ability to control his inherent nature, and tragically offered himself for execution, stating that he couldn't manage his true self.
Chief Cen of Chixiao Sect, devastated by his son's death, demanded Jiumin's life. Just as the situation escalated, Di Mian intervened, warning everyone that simply killing the devil fetus would only cause the evil bone to reach its peak power, leading to the Devil God's resurrection. He proposed that all immortal sects unite their powers to forcibly extract the demonic weapon and evil bone from Cang Jiumin.
Consequently, Chief Cen, Qu Xuanzi, and Zhao You prepared to use their combined strength for the extraction. Meanwhile, Chongyu awakened an unconscious Li Susu, who, sensing the grave misunderstanding surrounding Cang Jiumin, rushed to the Demon Subduing Peak. She declared that Cang Jiumin could not become the Devil God. She revealed that he was Tantai Jin, the King of Jing Kingdom from five centuries ago, and indeed the chosen owner of the evil bone.
However, she explained that she had personally removed his evil bone during that time. When the other cultivators expressed disbelief, Li Susu offered to use the Truth Jade Slip from Chixiao Sect, a powerful artifact that could reveal her true memories, to prove her words. Despite Cang Jiumin's desperate attempts to stop her from revealing such a dangerous truth, Li Susu insisted it was the only way to persuade them.
Through the Truth Jade Slip, the immortal sect disciples witnessed Li Susu's memories, confirming the truth of her words. They saw her journey back in time, extracting the evil bone from Tantai Jin, and then destroying it under a lightning tribulation, thereby altering the prophecy of the Devil God's inevitable resurgence.
Cang Jiumin, witnessing these memories, finally understood that Li Susu's past actions, which seemed contradictory, were all born from her desire to prevent him from becoming the Devil God while also fearing his demise. He realized she had sacrificed immensely for him, expressing his gratitude and newfound desire to protect her in return. Gongye Jiwu, upon seeing a past version of himself, Xiao Lin, in Susu's memories, was left deeply confused about his own identity.
Li Susu affirmed that while one cannot choose their birth, they can choose between good and evil, and Cang Jiumin would never again become the Devil God. Chief Cen, still consumed by grief, refused to release Cang Jiumin. Li Susu further clarified that it was Si Ying and Jing Mie who murdered Chief Cen's son, and Cang Jiumin had only activated the God-slaughtering Crossbow to save innocent civilians, sustaining serious injuries in the process.
Qu Xuanzi agreed, arguing that being born a devil fetus was not Cang Jiumin's choice, and immortals should distinguish between good and evil. He proposed confining Cang Jiumin in Hengyang Sect's Mount Changze spiritual vein temporarily to observe his future conduct, a suggestion that most cultivators accepted. Chief Cen, however, remained bitter, hinting at future retribution. Qu Xuanzi and Zhao You later confronted Di Mian, questioning his decision to expose Cang Jiumin's identity without prior discussion.
Di Mian explained his millennia-long hatred for the Devil God, emphasizing his primary goal was to prevent the Devil God's rebirth, not just to find his daughter. He apologized for his recklessness and promised not to trouble Cang Jiumin further. From Di Mian, they learned the method to seal the God-slaughtering Crossbow. They collaborated with Chief Cen to seal the formidable weapon, entrusting its safekeeping to Chixiao Sect.
Unbeknownst to them, Chief Cen, still mourning his son, secretly harbored thoughts of utilizing the crossbow's power to avenge himself and assert Chixiao Sect's dominance. With the immediate crisis averted, Cang Jiumin held a recovering Li Susu, confirming the evil bone was indeed sealed within her. Worried for her safety, he was reassured by Li Susu, who explained her pure-bodied nature naturally resisted devil energy.
She added that the abundant spiritual power of Mount Changze would keep the evil bone dormant. They vowed to face future dangers together, and Li Susu encouraged Cang Jiumin that he could now live openly without fear. Gongye Jiwu, troubled by the memories of Xiao Lin, sought answers about his lineage from his master, Qu Xuanzi. Seeing his persistence, Qu Xuanzi finally revealed his past, prompting Gongye Jiwu to embark on a journey of self-discovery.
During his travels, he visited Mo Nv at her embroidery shop. Mo Nv, overjoyed to see him, expressed her longing and asked him to stay. Reaffirming his identity as Gongye Jiwu, he found comfort in her presence and agreed to remain. Di Mian, still vigilant against the Devil God's return despite the sealing of the Bone-refining Seal and the God-slaughtering Crossbow, expressed his desire for a stronger sealing power.
Qu Xuanzi suggested using Xiaoyao Sect's ancient artifact, the Heart-guarding Scale, to create a grand barrier. Zhao You revealed the Heart-guarding Scale was damaged and needed repair. Li Susu proposed Cang Jiumin, having experienced Bo're Life alongside her and witnessed Ming Ye's divine life, was the ideal candidate to refine it. Qu Xuanzi and Zhao You agreed. Under their guidance, Cang Jiumin successfully refined the Heart-guarding Scale and established the Mountain Protecting Formation.
This experience deepened his understanding that good and evil originate from one's heart, not from one's birth as immortal or demon. Knowing the evil bone resided in Li Susu, Qu Xuanzi and Zhao You confirmed Cang Jiumin's commitment to stay at Hengyang Sect, living with Li Susu to guard the evil bone. Cang Jiumin accompanied Li Susu to Heaven Lake for a peaceful stroll.
There, Li Susu realized that the true purpose of her father's arrangements for her was to purify Cang Jiumin's devil energy, not her own. Cang Jiumin affirmed his decision to remain at Mount Changze with her, proclaiming that no earthly scenery compared to being with her for all eternity. He shared his 500-year long search for her, and his daily longing to make her happy upon their reunion.
Moved by his words and his profound change, they passionately embraced and kissed. Li Susu then noticed the permanent soul-slaying spike marks on Cang Jiumin's heart. Unable to remove them, she kissed the marks, signifying her love and acceptance, and hoped for a fresh start for them both.
Episode 36 Recap
Unable to practice the Heartless Way, Li Susu confided in her adoptive father, Qu Xuanzi, admitting that she couldn't forget Cang Jiumin. Qu Xuanzi supported her decision, believing Cang Jiumin's ability to refine the Heart-guarding Scale proved his pure and benevolent heart, making him a worthy partner. Qu Xuanzi only wished for his daughter's safety and happiness, promising to always be there for her, even if she made a wrong choice.
He vowed to find a way to help her control the evil bone. Unbeknownst to them, Di Mian overheard this conversation. He later confronted Li Susu, questioning why she hid the evil bone's presence and accusing Cang Jiumin of manipulating her to retrieve it. Li Susu explained that she had sealed the indestructible evil bone within herself to prevent catastrophe and that Cang Jiumin had only recently learned about it.
Di Mian dismissed her explanation, emphasizing the immense power of the evil bone, which even the Heavenly Pillar couldn't contain, and expressed concern over her carelessness. He resolved to act quickly, suspecting that Si Ying and Jing Mie might also be aware of the evil bone's location. Meanwhile, Si Ying commanded Nian Baiyu to retrieve the devil fetus, threatening the lives of his Yiyue Tribe should he refuse.
Nian Baiyu questioned why they still needed the devil fetus since the evil bone was no longer with him, but Si Ying warned him not to question her motives, reminding him of his tribe's predicament. Nian Baiyu, under duress, reluctantly agreed. Qu Xuanzi and Di Mian discussed forming an array to mitigate the threat of the evil bone within Li Susu.
Feigning remorse, Di Mian proposed to use all his power to suppress the evil bone as an apology to Cang Jiumin for his past misjudgment, allowing Li Susu and Cang Jiumin to live a carefree life together. He presented Li Susu with a lava stone tiger he had painstakingly carved in the Barren Abyss, a gesture to make amends for his years of absence and neglect. Li Susu, deeply touched, promised to cherish the gift.
She then joyfully informed Cang Jiumin that her fathers had found a method to suppress the evil bone, and the array would be cast in three days. Cang Jiumin, desiring a proper wedding, promised to bring betrothal gifts and pick her up after her seclusion. Li Susu playfully reminded him of the Mount Changze tradition that forbade them from seeing each other before the wedding. Concurrently, Zhao You expressed his gratitude to Qu Xuanzi for protecting Cang Jiumin.
He highlighted that despite being a devil fetus, Cang Jiumin's successful refinement of the Heart-guarding Scale revealed a divine presence, proving his unwavering commitment to cultivation and foreshadowing his future role in safeguarding the common people. Si Ying visited her sister, Mo Nv, expressing her excitement about finding the entrance to the Devil Palace, which would lead to the Devil God's swift resurrection.
However, Mo Nv, having undergone her own awakening, urged Si Ying to prioritize her own desires, emphasizing the fleeting nature of all life and the importance of self-fulfillment. Si Ying, unwavering in her devotion, declared that the Devil God's desires were her own, and she acted willingly out of loyalty. Mo Nv questioned what the Devil God had done for Si Ying in return.
Si Ying dismissed her sister's concerns, departing with the hope that their next meeting would be in the Devil God's presence. Three days later, Qu Xuanzi and Di Mian began casting the array. As the designated hour arrived, Li Susu remained unconscious, and to Qu Xuanzi's horror, the evil bone began to emerge from her body instead of being suppressed. Di Mian’s true intentions were revealed as he produced the Sky-Slashing Sword, a demonic weapon he had hidden for millennia.
He confessed that his primary goal was always the evil bone and the Devil God's power. He explained that despite his initial desire to be a devoted lover to Chu Huang and a good father to Li Susu, the allure of the Devil God's power was too great, forcing him to betray Chu Huang and later use Li Susu as a vessel.
Qu Xuanzi desperately pleaded for Li Susu's safety, but Di Mian assured him he would not kill his own daughter, only extract the evil bone, promising her recovery. He then fatally stabbed Qu Xuanzi with the Sky-Slashing Sword. With his last breath, Qu Xuanzi, realizing Di Mian's deceit, summoned his remaining strength to wound Di Mian, vowing not to let him take the evil bone.
He then collapsed and died by Li Susu's side as Di Mian gloated about finally controlling the Devil God's power. Elsewhere, Nian Baiyu, under Si Ying's orders, drugged Cang Jiumin while he meditated, leading him to the Demon Realm's Gate. Cang Jiumin, disoriented, questioned his surroundings. Si Ying appeared, mocking him and asking if he recognized the gate, the true residence of the Devil God's form, given he was born with the evil bone.
Realizing that he could not escape by force, Cang Jiumin reluctantly opened the gate and entered. Inside, he encountered a phantom of the Devil God, identical to himself. The phantom revealed its origin from the calamities, diseases, poverty, hunger, violence, and wars of the mortal realm, explaining that while gods represented light, it was the embodiment of shadow and sin, bound to the Demon Realm.
The phantom expressed its desire to reverse the natural order, to plunge the world into eternal chaos by eliminating all clarity and creating a realm devoid of joy and sorrow through the All-in-Distress Way. Only then, it claimed, would the three realms return to primordial chaos, and it would finally be free.
Upon regaining consciousness, Li Susu was devastated to learn from Yue Ya that Cang Jiumin was accused of killing Qu Xuanzi, gravely wounding Di Mian, and stealing the evil bone, subsequently disappearing. Li Susu vehemently denied these claims, rushing to Qu Xuanzi's lifeless body, overcome with grief.
When she learned that the various immortal sects were hunting Cang Jiumin with orders to kill him on sight, she pleaded with Gongye Jiwu to give Cang Jiumin an opportunity to explain, insisting there must be a misunderstanding. Gongye Jiwu, however, sternly reminded her of her previous actions at Demon Subduing Peak, where she concealed the evil bone's whereabouts to protect Cang Jiumin, accusing her of contributing to their master's death and bringing shame upon the Hengyang Sect.
He then confined her to her room, forbidding her from further involvement. Meanwhile, Cang Jiumin, still in the Demon Palace, was brought food by Nian Baiyu. Cang Jiumin questioned Nian Baiyu's betrayal. Nian Baiyu explained that five centuries ago, after Cang Jiumin entered the Nether River, Si Ying and Jing Mie had coerced the Yiyue Tribe, invoking an ancient covenant that bound them to the Devil God to birth the devil fetus.
They threatened to annihilate the tribe if they refused to surrender Cang Jiumin, forcing Nian Baiyu to serve them in exchange for his people's freedom. He implored Cang Jiumin to become the Devil God to save their tribe, including his mother and the Moonshadow Guards who once served him.
Cang Jiumin expressed understanding for Nian Baiyu's plight but stressed that while the Yiyue Tribe's lives were important, the lives of countless beings across the four continents and three realms were equally significant. Si Ying, who had been secretly listening, was astonished that the devil fetus refused to revive the Devil God. She dismissed Nian Baiyu, intending to speak with Cang Jiumin privately. Si Ying confronted Cang Jiumin, mocking his defiance.
She produced the Yellow-red umbrella, revealing it to be her elder sister, Mo Nv, not merely an artifact spirit. She recounted their past: born by the Chi River, they lived peacefully until the God of War, Tian Hao, captured them, casting Mo Nv into the Fire Quadripod. The Devil God intervened, killing Tian Hao and saving Si Ying.
Mo Nv’s primordial spirit was damaged and sent to the mortal realm, while her body merged with the red umbrella to remain by Si Ying's side. Si Ying declared the Devil God her eternal benefactor, feeling immense guilt for his delayed resurrection. Cang Jiumin challenged her, asking if guilt justified her malevolent actions.
Si Ying defended their demonic nature, arguing that their actions were natural, much like a beast hunting for survival, and questioned why they alone were punished by the Divine Realm. She proclaimed her desire for global chaos and for the All-in-Distress Way to govern the world, criticizing the existing order.
Cang Jiumin called her foolish and self-deceiving, asserting that her hatred stemmed from her love for her sister, and her actions, which sought to confuse the world's natural order, were no different from Tian Hao's, ultimately pursuing an illusion. Enraged, Si Ying threatened to pull out his tongue if he wasn't still useful to the Devil God.
She then revealed that Jing Mie had already broadcast the news of Cang Jiumin's return to the Demon Realm and the reopening of the Devil Palace to the immortal sects, indicating the Devil God's imminent resurrection. This news spread panic and disbelief among the immortal cultivators, who worried about the Devil God's return and questioned Cang Jiumin's true intentions.
Episode 37 Recap
Chief Cen of the Chixiao Sect announced that Cang Jiumin had returned to the Barren Abyss and the Devil Palace was reactivated, signaling the imminent return of the Devil God. He condemned the Hengyang and Xiaoyao Sects for sheltering Cang Jiumin, thus causing this catastrophe. Declaring the immortal sects leaderless in the face of such a powerful enemy, he offered the Chixiao Sect to assume leadership. The Great Medicine Valley, the Resources Sect, and others pledged their support.
Chief Cen then ordered all sects to gather their disciples and converge on the Barren Abyss in three days to eliminate Cang Jiumin. Meanwhile, Si Ying and Jing Mie observed that the immortal sects now harbored an intense hatred for Cang Jiumin, leaving him no sanctuary outside the Devil Palace. Cang Jiumin was troubled by Chief Qu’s death and Li Susu’s injuries.
Si Ying and Jing Mie taunted him, pointing out that with Chief Qu dead and Li Susu unconscious, only Di Mian truly knew what happened. They informed Cang Jiumin that the immortal sects were convinced he had used the Sky-Slashing Sword to kill Chief Qu, stolen the evil bone from Li Susu, and fled to the Barren Abyss.
When Cang Jiumin confronted them about harming Li Susu, they denied it, claiming they would have abducted her too if they had known she possessed the evil bone. They then revealed their goal: to retrieve the evil bone and fuse it with him to revive the Devil God. From their words, Cang Jiumin deduced that Di Mian was the true culprit who killed Chief Qu with the Sky-Slashing Sword and stole the evil bone.
Si Ying and Jing Mie confirmed his deduction, urging him to abandon his past and accept his destiny as Tantai Jin, warning that everyone he loved would perish because of him, just as the Devil God had foretold—that his search for warmth and friendship would ultimately prove illusory. Realizing Li Susu had suffered terribly due to the evil bone and his connection to it, Cang Jiumin resolved not to be manipulated further.
He declared that if becoming the Devil God was his destined path, he would accept it, a decision welcomed by Si Ying and Jing Mie. Di Mian, recovering, mused that with Chief Qu dead and Cang Jiumin missing, the immortal sects were solely focused on eliminating the devil fetus, which allowed him to heal without disturbance. He recognized the immense power of the evil bone and the danger of absorbing it too quickly.
Now possessing both the evil bone and the Sky-Slashing Sword, he only needed to await the opportune moment to reclaim the Bone-refining Seal and the God-slaughtering Crossbow. He also worried that Li Susu might uncover his deception. Gongye Jiwu requested Di Mian to visit Li Susu, who was deeply saddened. Di Mian agreed, apprehensive that Li Susu might already suspect him.
Upon seeing him, Li Susu apologized for not visiting him first, to which Di Mian replied understandingly, acknowledging her sorrow over Chief Qu’s death. He then confirmed she was aware of the incident, expressing regret for failing to protect her and Chief Qu, and mentioning he too had been wounded. Li Susu, knowing Di Mian was the sole witness, pressed him for the full account.
Di Mian recounted a fabricated story: as he and Chief Qu were nearing the completion of the array, Cang Jiumin suddenly appeared, wielding the Devil God’s Sky-Slashing Sword. He purportedly attacked Chief Qu, then struck Di Mian unconscious, though Di Mian claimed to have vaguely seen Cang Jiumin casting a spell on Li Susu and taking a dark object from her. Li Susu, however, felt a pang of doubt.
She recalled Cang Jiumin had openly admitted to possessing the God-slaughtering Crossbow; it was unlikely he would conceal the Sky-Slashing Sword if he truly had it. She also questioned how anyone could have survived an attack from the Sky-Slashing Sword if Cang Jiumin had truly meant harm. She asked Di Mian to confirm if it was indeed the Sky-Slashing Sword, and he confidently asserted it was, drawing on his past as a demon leader.
Di Mian feigned regret for failing to protect Chief Qu, citing his helplessness and the inherent evil of the "devil fetus," which he now claimed he had misjudged. He then strongly advised Li Susu to sever all ties with Cang Jiumin and move on, lest she repeat his own perceived mistake. Afterward, he departed. Concerned for Li Susu's safety with Di Mian nearby, Cang Jiumin felt compelled to protect her.
Now acting with the authority of the Devil God, he confronted Si Ying and Jing Mie, questioning if they were the only demons serving him. He revealed that Di Mian had betrayed him 10,000 years ago by conspiring with the deities. He declared that Di Mian must return the evil bone and kneel before the Devil Palace to welcome his full restoration. Si Ying and Jing Mie readily pledged their allegiance.
Zhao You received a report from his disciples, confirming Cang Jiumin’s presence in the Barren Abyss, where Si Ying and Jing Mie treated him with deference, like a master. Zhao You, however, instructed his disciples to keep this information private, convinced that Cang Jiumin was executing his own strategy. He lamented that the shortsighted Chixiao Sect now dominated the immortal world and believed that only he and his disciples could maintain faith in Cang Jiumin’s intentions.
He then realized there was one more person who might share their trust. Li Susu brought medicinal salves to Di Mian, offering to tend to his wounds, having learned from Yaoguang that he was caring for them himself. She insisted, explaining that having lost one father, she felt a stronger duty to care for him. Di Mian reluctantly agreed. As Li Susu examined his injury, she recognized it as a wound inflicted by Chief Qu's sword techniques.
Anticipating her realization, Di Mian swiftly incapacitated her before she could voice her discovery. He then attempted to flee the Hengyang Sect. At that moment, Zhao You arrived, having received a pre-arranged message from Li Susu. Zhao You tried to capture Di Mian but was wounded by a sudden attack from Si Ying, who had appeared with Jing Mie.
This allowed Di Mian to escape, and Si Ying instructed Jing Mie to pursue him, as Di Mian was now determined to absorb the evil bone himself to keep it from the two demons. Injured and desperate to prevent the evil bone from falling into the hands of Si Ying and Jing Mie, especially now that they had located the Devil Palace, Di Mian decided to absorb it himself.
He forcibly consumed the evil bone, proclaiming himself the new Devil God. However, the Devil God’s voice echoed, informing him that all avaricious beings merely served as vessels for the evil bone, and Di Mian was now under its control. Meanwhile, Li Susu found the wounded Zhao You. He explained that Si Ying and Jing Mie had appeared during his fight with Di Mian, who subsequently escaped, and that the two demons were now also hunting for the evil bone.
Zhao You feared that Di Mian would now absorb the evil bone completely, making the situation irreversible. Concerned for Gongye Jiwu, Li Susu learned from Zhao You that he and other disciples had followed Chief Cen to the Barren Abyss, a mission Zhao You believed to be suicidal.
Recognizing the urgency, Li Susu and Zhao You decided to split up: Zhao You would intercept Gongye Jiwu, while Li Susu would pursue Di Mian to stop him from fully integrating the evil bone. Cang Jiumin gathered demons in the Barren Abyss and activated the Xiaoyao Sect’s Incarnation-Abandoning Array, intending to perish along with all the demons to prevent the Devil God’s advent. Si Ying and Jing Mie were ensnared, realizing it was an immortal sect spell.
The Devil God mocked Tantai Jin's suicidal act, assuring him that the destruction of a mere body would not hinder his return. Tantai Jin retorted, questioning why the Devil God felt the need to intervene if his power was truly absolute. As the array intensified, Cang Jiumin discovered a wisp of Ming Ye’s divine consciousness within the Heart-refining Scale, which Ming Ye explained was reawakened by Cang Jiumin’s refinement.
Cang Jiumin confessed his desire to sacrifice himself to prevent more deaths and protect everything dear to him, drawing a parallel to Ming Ye’s own protection of the Mohe River. Ming Ye revealed that after the ancient war, he had expended his divine power to leave the Bo’re Life at the bottom of the Mohe River, knowing the Devil God would seek a new devil fetus from the scattered evil bone.
He shared that Jize had foreseen Tantai Jin and Li Susu’s forms within his and Sang Jiu’s illusions. Ming Ye then imparted a crucial message: "Your death cannot prevent the Devil God's birth. Your life opens the path to the Devil God's demise." Guided by these words, Cang Jiumin abandoned the Incarnation-Abandoning Array. Having escaped the array thanks to a protective treasure, Si Ying and Jing Mie captured Cang Jiumin, completely stripping him of his cultivation and imprisoning him.
They then coerced Nian Baiyu into guarding Cang Jiumin, leveraging the fate of the Yiyue tribe, before departing to urgently retrieve the evil bone. While Nian Baiyu was watching him, a female demon attempted to consume the defenseless Cang Jiumin. Nian Baiyu bravely shielded his master, nearly sacrificing his own life.
Cang Jiumin, despite his weakened state, fought back against the female demon, who was astonished to find his blood possessed a unique quality that absorbed demonic energy, akin to the Devil God’s. Yet, she also detected a faint “sweetness and a warm feeling of sunshine” in his blood, setting him apart from the true Devil God. Nian Baiyu, burdened by guilt over his perceived betrayal, vowed to help Cang Jiumin escape.
Cang Jiumin acknowledged Nian Baiyu’s unwavering loyalty, recalling how Nian Baiyu had once risked his life to save him as a hostage prince and later helped him reclaim his throne. He also remembered Nian Baiyu saving him from a fire when he was distraught over Ye Xiwu, asserting that Nian Baiyu had forged his own destiny. Together, they planned their escape. As they neared the exit of the Barren Abyss, Jing Mie ambushed them.
To shield Nian Baiyu, Cang Jiumin feigned an attack, knocking Nian Baiyu into a deep chasm, making it seem as if Nian Baiyu was attempting to flee. Enraged by Cang Jiumin’s destruction of countless demons, Jing Mie attacked him. While Cang Jiumin dodged Jing Mie and Si Ying, Di Mian, now fully under the Devil God's control, appeared. He sought to absorb their demonic power.
Jing Mie bravely sacrificed himself to protect Si Ying, and his life force was completely drained. Di Mian, still possessed by the Devil God, continued to absorb Si Ying's power before leaving. Cang Jiumin realized that the Devil God-controlled Di Mian was undoubtedly headed to the Devil Palace to unleash the All-in-Distress Way, prompting him to rush to warn the immortal sects.
Stripped of his cultivation, Cang Jiumin triggered the Vigilant Bells surrounding the Barren Abyss, hoping to alert immortal sect disciples to his location so they would rush to his aid. Unbeknownst to him, Chief Cen, having detected Cang Jiumin’s presence, had instead mobilized the immortal sects to activate the Demon Subduing Form, trapping Cang Jiumin. Cang Jiumin cried out, asking why no one was coming and urging them to stop Di Mian before it was too late.
Although some Hengyang Sect disciples wished to capture Cang Jiumin alive, Gongye Jiwu, now under Chief Cen’s influence, concurred with Chief Cen that Cang Jiumin, as Tantai Jin and the devil fetus, was beyond redemption. Chief Cen openly stated his intention to utterly annihilate Cang Jiumin, avenging his son’s death.
Gongye Jiwu, despite his former close relationship with Cang Jiumin, coldly asserted that "there was never anything called Cang Jiumin," only the devil fetus who had infiltrated their sect to steal the evil bone. Together, they vowed to "kill the devil fetus now." Di Mian, controlled by the Devil God, reached the entrance of the Devil Palace. The Devil God commanded him to open the gate and initiate the All-in-Distress Way, marking the final stage of his grand scheme.
Meanwhile, Mo Nv arrived at the Barren Abyss and discovered her sister, Si Ying, deceased. Overcome with sorrow, she used her demonic power to uncover the truth: Si Ying had been killed by Di Mian, who was acting under the complete control of the Devil God. Mo Nv swore to avenge her sister’s death.
Episode 38 Recap
Mo Nv bravely attempted to prevent Di Mian from activating the All-in-Distress Way. However, the Devil God, who possessed Di Mian, sensed her presence, taunting her about her deceased sister, Si Ying, and demanding her submission. Mo Nv retorted that she was there to join her sister and attacked. As the Devil God tried to absorb her powers, Zhaoyou arrived and rescued Mo Nv, urging her to flee.
The Devil God then declared that all beings should submit to him and the All-in-Distress Way. As the All-in-Distress Way began to consume the demonic energy of the entire Barren Abyss, its ominous presence spread, alarming people and immortal sects across the realms. Zhaoyou confronted Di Mian, realizing that he was completely under the Devil God's control. Zhaoyou tried to destroy the nascent formation, but the possessed Di Mian violently resisted, injuring both.
During their struggle, the Devil God's influence temporarily vanished. Di Mian regained consciousness and, noticing the All-in-Distress Way felt weaker than expected, concluded he needed to gather more sorrow and resentment to fully empower it and become the new Devil God. Zhaoyou, observing this, deduced that the All-in-Distress Way could not achieve its full power without a direct connection to the Devil God. Di Mian, however, warned Zhaoyou that escape was futile and he would soon rule all realms.
Li Susu eventually located the Devil Palace entrance, determined to confront the Devil God. Di Mian greeted her, claiming his past actions were driven by hidden difficulties, not a desire to harm her. With the All-in-Distress Way now active and the Devil God's power flowing through him, he proclaimed he was on the verge of becoming the sole God by sacrificing enough sorrow, grief, resentment, and hatred. Li Susu, filled with bitter sarcasm, acknowledged his words.
Overcome with hatred for Di Mian, whom she believed had killed her foster father Qu Xuanzi, Li Susu attacked him. Di Mian denounced her for turning against her own biological father for an outsider, likening her rebellious nature to her mother's. He recounted his ten millennia of suffering to reach this moment, expressing his profound disappointment in her defiance. In response, Li Susu scornfully called him "pathetic."
Enraged, Di Mian moved to kill Li Susu, intending to sacrifice her sorrow and hatred to the All-in-Distress Way as a perverse repayment for her birth. However, Cang Jiumin arrived, intercepting Di Mian's attack. Di Mian furiously attacked Cang Jiumin with the Sky-Slashing Sword, but to his disbelief, Cang Jiumin effortlessly took the sword from him. Cang Jiumin then used the Sky-Slashing Sword to kill Di Mian, stating that he should have died long ago.
After Di Mian fell, Cang Jiumin declared that he had avenged Qu Xuanzi. After Di Mian's death, Cang Jiumin absorbed the evil bones from his body, transforming into the Devil God before Li Susu’s horrified eyes. He offered a brief apology to Susu as he underwent the transformation. Just then, Gongye Jiwu arrived, frantically urging Li Susu to leave, revealing that Tantai Jin had "fallen as the devil" and had killed Zhaoyou.
Li Susu, in disbelief, confronted Cang Jiumin, pleading with him to deny Zhaoyou’s murder and demanding to know if he was Tantai Jin or the Devil God. The newly formed Devil God coldly confirmed Zhaoyou’s death and proclaimed his true identity, dismissing Li Susu as foolish. He then extracted the Soul-Devouring Nail from her body, crushed it, and declared that all their past entanglements were now as broken and useless as the shattered nail, asking if she was "happy."
Gongye Jiwu swiftly cast a mystical art to rescue Li Susu from the Devil Palace. Once they were safe, he warned her vehemently not to trust Tantai Jin, reminding her that his true nature was unchangeable and that he was now a heartless Devil God who had killed his own master. A flashback revealed the events that had transpired earlier. Zhaoyou had rescued Cang Jiumin from a demon-slaying formation, creating a protective boundary for him.
Zhaoyou had firmly believed in Cang Jiumin’s innocence regarding the stolen evil bones, asserting that Di Mian was the true culprit. Later, Zhaoyou returned to Xiaoyao Sect, severely wounded. He revealed to Cang Jiumin that Di Mian had become the Devil God and had activated the All-in-Distress Way, threatening the Three Realms with imminent suffering.
Zhaoyou explained that the All-in-Distress Way could only be ended by the Devil God, for their destinies were intertwined: "When the Devil God exists, the All-in-Distress Way will exist. When the Devil God perishes, the All-in-Distress Way will perish." Zhaoyou, having been tainted by the Devil energy of the All-in-Distress Way, knew he was on the verge of turning into a demon. He begged Cang Jiumin to kill him to prevent his complete demonization.
Despite Cang Jiumin’s agony and reluctance, Zhaoyou implored him, stating it was the only way to save others. With his last breaths, Zhaoyou revealed that while Cang Jiumin, an immortal disciple, could not save the world, Tantai Jin, the Devil God, could. He explained that although this path was profoundly unfair, it was the only chance to prevent the Devil God from destroying the world. Understanding his master's sacrifice, Cang Jiumin painfully complied, ending Zhaoyou’s life.
With this tragic understanding, Cang Jiumin accepted his harsh destiny, resolving to absorb the evil bones and become the Devil God Tantai Jin as the only means to end the All-in-Distress Way. Meanwhile, after being rescued by Zhaoyou, Mo Nv’s demonic identity was accidentally discovered by Gongye Jiwu. She then confessed her true nature and recounted her past mortal trial as Ye Bingchang, her love for Xiao Lin, and her regret over his death five hundred years ago.
She admitted that she had sought to assuage her guilt through Gongye Jiwu, who bore a striking resemblance to Xiao Lin. However, she now understood that Xiao Lin was irrevocably gone, and Gongye Jiwu, despite his similarities, was not him. The Devil God Tantai Jin, having tried numerous methods to close the All-in-Distress Way without success, realized time was running out.
He recalled the Bo're Life dream, where the previous Devil God's evil bone could only be extracted when the All-in-Distress Way was fully empowered by the three devil artifacts. Tantai Jin devised a plan to gather these three artifacts to replicate that exact scenario. His ultimate goal was that once the evil bone was extracted, he, along with the Devil God's influence, could be annihilated, thereby ending the All-in-Distress Way with his own demise.
Separately, Chief Cen of the Chixiao Sect, reveling in the deaths of Qu Xuanzi and Zhaoyou, believed he could now wield the God-slaughtering Crossbow to unite all immortal sects under his command. However, Mo Nv appeared, killed him, and seized the God-slaughtering Crossbow. She then delivered the artifact to Tantai Jin.
Mo Nv explained that she wanted to fulfill her sister Si Ying's lifelong desire to witness the Devil God's return, a wish she now intended to fulfill on her sister's behalf, and offered her allegiance. However, Tantai Jin, not wanting her to be involved in his destructive plans, urged her to live her own life, free from the past.
Despite Gongye Jiwu's desperate warnings about Tantai Jin's escalating evil—his murder of Zhaoyou, the theft of the God-slaughtering Crossbow, and a potential conspiracy with Di Mian—Li Susu remained convinced Tantai Jin had a hidden reason for his actions. She resolved to confront him directly. Gongye Jiwu, unable to sway her from this perilous path, reluctantly disowned her as a disciple of Hengyang Sect and as his junior sister, allowing her to depart on her chosen, dangerous course.
With the God-slaughtering Crossbow now in his possession, Tantai Jin, as the Devil God, needed only the Bone-refining Seal to complete the three devil artifacts. To ensure Li Susu would completely abandon any lingering hope for him and to provoke the immortal sects into a final, merciless confrontation, he gathered a vast army of monsters in the Barren Abyss.
Declaring himself their master and his ambition for "the world in chaos, eternal shared sorrow," he announced his possession of the Sky-Slashing Sword and the God-slaughtering Crossbow, and his imminent plan to retrieve the Bone-refining Seal from the Hengyang Sect. He stated that combining the three artifacts would unleash the All-in-Distress Way's maximum power. He then activated a powerful array to summon the Bone-refining Seal.
Despite Gongye Jiwu's valiant but futile efforts to protect the artifact, Tantai Jin effortlessly acquired it without revealing himself, mocking Gongye Jiwu's resistance. With all three devil artifacts now absorbed, Tantai Jin finally experienced the true and overwhelming power of the All-in-Distress Way.
Episode 39 Recap
Li Susu arrived at the Demon Palace to confront Tantai Jin, demanding to know why he chose to become the Devil God. Tantai Jin responded that he became the Devil God because of his hatred for her. He recalled how, five centuries ago, she betrayed him on their wedding day, attempting to take his life.
While he spent five centuries searching for her in the Nether River, enduring constant torment and bodily erosion, she remained an indifferent immortal in the Heaven Lake on Mount Changze. He felt this was profoundly unfair, reminding her of her past words that he was born to be the Devil God and that hatred would always run deeper than love in his heart. Li Susu accused Tantai Jin of lying, but he denied it.
The consciousness of the previous Devil God, still lingering within him, tried to sway him, urging him to kill Li Susu. It claimed that anyone connected to Tantai Jin, including family, friends, and master, would inevitably meet a tragic end, asserting that the world had never truly loved him, and only suffering was his eternal destiny.
As the previous Devil God continued to demean Li Susu, calling her the ill-bred daughter of Di Mian and Chu Huang and reminding Tantai Jin that she initially came to kill him, Tantai Jin briefly asserted that Li Susu was there to save him.
The previous Devil God persisted, mocking Tantai Jin's hesitation to kill her and reminding him of all those who suffered because of him—his mother, his father, the maids Lan'an and Yingxin, his friend Xiao Lin, and his master Zhaoyou, whom it disrespectfully called "the grey-haired old man with a donkey." It declared them all insignificant and unworthy of Tantai Jin's regard, insisting that misfortune was their fate and Tantai Jin’s ultimate destiny was only suffering.
However, Tantai Jin's own consciousness fought back, refusing to give in. He asserted that the previous Devil God was wrong. He recalled the selfless love of his mother, the initial anticipation his father must have felt for his birth, and his father's lifelong love for his mother.
He remembered Lan'an and Yingxin protecting and raising him, Xiao Lin remaining a true friend despite being a political adversary, and his master, Immortal Zhaoyou, rescuing him from the Ruo River and patiently teaching him, granting him a new life. Most importantly, he acknowledged Li Susu for risking her life to pull him from hell, teaching him how to love and feel, and repeatedly bringing light into his darkness.
He realized that while the love he received might not have been abundant, it was far from nonexistent. He concluded that it was the previous Devil God, not him, who was consumed by self-pity and the desire to destroy everything. The previous Devil God, seeing Tantai Jin’s unwavering resolve, mocked him for clinging to mortal emotions despite reaching the pinnacle of power and resolved to forcibly integrate Tantai Jin’s essence to become the one true Devil God.
During this intense internal struggle, demonic energy surged throughout the Demon Palace, making even distant observers gasp for air, sensing the Devil God's imminent full emergence. The previous Devil God tried to absorb Tantai Jin, claiming their destinies were intertwined, but Tantai Jin countered, asserting that having experienced three lives—human, god, and demon—he was not trapped by past karma like the previous Devil God.
He declared that only one Devil God could exist in this world, and that Devil God was now him. With newfound authority, Tantai Jin seized full control, becoming the sole and true Devil God. The lingering echo of the previous Devil God conceded, acknowledging Tantai Jin as the one and only Devil God. Now fully the Devil God, Tantai Jin understood the ultimate truth: only a true god could eliminate the Devil God.
He realized the only path forward was for Li Susu, the last of the Phoenix Clan, to cultivate the Heartless Way, a shortcut to becoming a god. This would empower her to destroy him, and in doing so, end the "Tongbei Dao". To set his plan in motion, Tantai Jin commanded his demon subjects to announce to the four continents that in three days, he would marry the pure Lady of Spirituality from Mount Changze.
He further declared that the gates of the Demon Realm would be opened for all immortal sects wishing to attend and offer congratulations. Meanwhile, Gongye Jiwu and other immortal sect disciples were enraged by Tantai Jin's audacious marriage announcement, seeing it as a blatant humiliation to the Hengyang Sect and the entire immortal world.
They resolved to use the open demon gates as an opportunity to join forces and kill the Devil God, urging Gongye Jiwu to lead them, especially after the murder of many immortal elders. Feeling his current strength was insufficient to face Tantai Jin alone, Gongye Jiwu contemplated using the sealing power of the Demon-Sealing Cliff. He recalled his master's warning against succumbing to demonic power, which could corrupt one's mind and turn them into a demon's puppet.
However, driven by a fierce hatred for Tantai Jin and a desire to die alongside him if necessary, Gongye Jiwu disregarded the warning. He sought assistance from an illusion of Pang Yizhi, who presented him with the long-lost Celestial Punishment Great Array, a formidable formation used in the ancient war of celestial pillars to gravely wound the Devil God.
Gongye Jiwu then gathered the immortal sects, convincing them that despite the array's difficult requirements, he possessed a method to activate it if they united. He called for volunteers to practice and prepare to march into the Demon Realm the following day for a decisive battle against the Devil God. Before his wedding, Tantai Jin used his newfound power to fulfill an old promise to Nian Baiyu, unsealing the Yiyue Tribe and freeing them from their ancient prison.
Shortly after, Li Susu awoke, horrified to learn she was to become the Devil God’s wife the next day. She declared it an eternal shame to marry such a treacherous demon and would rather die. Tantai Jin, now omnipresent, informed her that her freedom was gone. He then granted her a final wish, taking her to the Mohe River.
There, he philosophized about the fleeting nature of love, citing Ming Ye and Sang Jiu's love as tiny amidst the grand war of gods and demons, and easily forgotten without the Bo're Life. He proclaimed that he was different; he would reach the absolute peak, and she would remain by his side.
Li Susu vehemently countered that he was unworthy to judge Ming Ye’s profound love, as Ming Ye, the God of War, had always been righteous to heaven, earth, and all living beings, unlike Tantai Jin’s greed and indifference to life. Indifferent to her protests, Tantai Jin decided to show her one more thing, creating a Bo're Life dream where he recreated the Ye Mansion from Shengdu, exactly as it was five centuries ago.
He mused about the impermanence of love and hatred, questioning how their story would be remembered if all emotions and bodies vanished. Li Susu observed that for their past selves (Ye Xiwu and Tantai Jin), their current Devil God and Li Susu identities were already "others." Stepping into the vivid dream, Li Susu was greeted by a loving family—her kind elder brother Ye Zeyu, younger brother Ye Qingyu, grandmother, and father.
Tantai Jin, in this dream, was merely Ye Xiwu's devoted husband. He asked her how she liked this dream where he was just her husband, free from evil bones and demonic power. Li Susu expressed surprise that the Devil God would cling to such worldly happiness, but Tantai Jin retorted that she couldn't know the Devil God's preferences.
They reminisced about past moments, including a New Year's Eve where Li Susu (as Ye Xiwu) wished he wouldn't become the Devil God and taught him to draw a Sketch talisman. She had hoped he would cultivate a heart free of evil intentions, acknowledging its difficulty but sincerely wishing for his success. As the dream faded, Li Susu asked Tantai Jin if there was truly no turning back for him.
He affirmed that they had reached a point of no return. Accepting his words, Li Susu decided that this night would be her farewell to him. Emulating Sang Jiu's parting words to Ming Ye in the Bo're Life dream, she told him he still owed her something—their long-overdue wedding night. They shared an intimate night.
Afterward, Tantai Jin silently reflected on the cruel actions he was about to take, hoping that the dream he had preserved in a pearl would serve as a lasting memory for Li Susu once everything was over. As dawn approached, marking the day of the wedding, Tantai Jin took a tearful Li Susu from the memory barrier. She noted the consistent winter setting in all their memories, a symbolic reflection of their journey.
Tantai Jin, however, urged her to leave her sorrows behind, as the wedding hour was fast approaching. With Tantai Jin planning to fully open the demon gates for the wedding, Gongye Jiwu intensified his final preparations, rallying all willing immortal sects to unite and activate the Celestial Punishment Great Array, ready for a desperate battle against the Devil God at the wedding ceremony. Tantai Jin then led Li Susu towards the Demon Realm for their wedding.
Episode 40 (Ending) Recap
Tantai Jin invited Li Susu to join him in a toast, not to heaven and earth, but to all the sins and deaths in the world. They drank the final cup of bridal wine, with Tantai Jin stating it was to wish for them to be together forever. When Li Susu expressed her dissatisfaction with the dark and gloomy Devil Palace, Tantai Jin acknowledged his oversight and restored it to its former majestic appearance.
He explained that upon becoming the Devil God, he understood that good and evil are all forms of karma. He stated that the Devil God would never perish as long as sin existed, and only when the All-in-Distress Way opened and the world succumbed to chaos could all beings truly find a common resting place. As the Devil Palace ascended, people below watched in alarm.
Tantai Jin asked Li Susu if she was satisfied with his "gift," declaring that the Four Continents and Three Realms now belonged to him, and she would forever be his "caged bird" and the most intriguing ornament in his Devil Palace. Li Susu responded that the Devil God had indeed given her a generous gift, and she, in turn, would offer a significant present. She summoned the Chongyu Harp.
Tantai Jin scoffed, reminding her that her current spiritual power couldn't harm him. Li Susu revealed her intention was not to play it, but to burn it to unleash its divine power, stating she wouldn't need it anymore. Simultaneously, she activated the Self-Sacrifice Array. Gongye Jiwu arrived with other immortal sects, seeing Li Susu’s array had trapped Tantai Jin.
He and the others decided this was the opportune moment to initiate the Celestial Punishment Great Array to eliminate the Devil God, acknowledging that Li Susu would be caught in the crossfire. His companions urged him to prioritize demon eradication over saving Li Susu. Tantai Jin told Li Susu that she should hate him, but even more so, herself for her foolish belief that love was anything but a delusion to him.
Li Susu conceded that her foolishness in attempting to lead him into the light had caused such heavy darkness. As a disciple of the Hengyang Sect and daughter of Qu Xuanzi, she declared it was her duty to sacrifice herself, vowing that even if she died, other immortal disciples would follow to kill him.
Tantai Jin dismissed her efforts as futile, declaring he would make them all perish as sacrifices to the All-in-Distress Way, before Li Susu bade him a final farewell. Tantai Jin pulled Li Susu into the Celestial Punishment Great Array, mockingly pointing out that her immortal allies were abandoning her. He revealed the array consisted of eighty-one celestial thunderbolts, which even his Devil God body would struggle to endure unscathed.
Tantai Jin then forced Li Susu to bear the brunt of the thunderbolts, telling her to accept them as compensation for him, though a flicker of pain crossed his face as she suffered the strikes. Seeing Tantai Jin seemingly escape the full impact of the array, Gongye Jiwu charged forward to strike him down. Tantai Jin noticed Gongye Jiwu using a forbidden spell to absorb the power of his fellow disciples, which was twisting his appearance.
He questioned if Gongye Jiwu still knew who he was, warning that once he fell into evil, there would be no redemption. Gongye Jiwu defiantly stated that all he cared about was killing Tantai Jin. To prevent him from completely losing his sanity, Tantai Jin conjured the Marrow-Washing Seal to siphon the demonic power from Gongye Jiwu, hoping to free him from his evil thoughts.
He told him he shouldn't be tyrannical and twisted, and that this was his way of repaying his debts to him. Tantai Jin fully manifested as the Devil God, his form representing the sins accumulated since the world's creation. Li Susu understood this was his true motive for desiring the destruction of the Four Continents and Three Realms. Tantai Jin affirmed his deep connection to the All-in-Distress Way, stating that their existence was bound together.
With the evil bone now separated from his body, the All-in-Distress Way intensified, causing widespread suffering reminiscent of the ancient war between gods and demons. In the mortal realm, Ye Qingyu used his demonic power to create a protective barrier over the Jing Kingdom's civilians. To ensure Li Susu's hatred would push her to the final step, Tantai Jin unleashed the God-slaughtering Crossbow upon the immortal disciples.
Witnessing a tragedy echoing the events of five centuries ago, Li Susu, consumed by grief and fury, entered a sanctuary within her own heart. There, she encountered her mother, Chu Huang, and the Twelve Gods, finally breaking through the Heartless Way and ascending to godhood. Now a true god, Li Susu transported Tantai Jin to the last area untouched by the All-in-Distress Way.
She revealed that she knew his true desire was for her to become a god and kill him. She explained that in the moment she broke through the Heartless Way, she had seen every corner of the world, heard every sound, and sensed everything, including his heart.
She realized that while he had absorbed the Devil God's power, he was never controlled by it; he had only presented himself as the Devil God to compel her to abandon her emotions and achieve godhood. Li Susu lamented that her existence was predestined for his demise. Tantai Jin replied that his life had been difficult, and he wanted her to end it.
He then took her to a high vantage point, revealing the world from a divine perspective—a sight mortals, forever trapped within it, could never behold. Tantai Jin implored her to save the world and change its fate, explaining that the Devil God's true goal was not to rule, but to destroy all things and return the universe to chaos. He confirmed that he had linked himself to the All-in-Distress Way; they would live and die together.
He urged her to kill him, assuring her that doing so would destroy the All-in-Distress Way and end the ten thousand years of conflict. Li Susu said she had many things to tell him but would wait until they could "meet again." She then kissed him and, with a heavy heart, struck him. As the Devil God "died," the All-in-Distress Way began to dissipate.
Li Susu concluded that if the Devil God was gone, there was no longer a need for a god, and prepared to perish with him. However, Tantai Jin, in his final act, used his heart-protecting scale to propel Li Susu out of the collapsing Way. He then crushed the evil bone, perishing along with the All-in-Distress Way and restoring peace to the realms. Li Susu awoke in the royal tomb of the Jing Kingdom.
Using her divine power, she witnessed a past vision: Tantai Jin, after becoming the Devil God, had visited this very tomb. He wore her favorite white clothes, carved a tombstone for himself in the guise of his wife, Ye Xiwu, and created an illusion of her to bid himself a final farewell. In the vision, Tantai Jin declared his love, professing that his affection was solely for her.
He swore an oath that he would stay with her and see all the world's beauty together, and if he broke his promise, his soul would perish with his body. Realizing Tantai Jin had once again deceived her about his true intentions and ultimate sacrifice, Li Susu wept uncontrollably. Five centuries later, the world was at peace, with mortals, gods, and demons coexisting harmoniously. Li Susu traveled the mortal realm with her daughter, arriving at the Mohe River.
There, she reflected on her memories with Tantai Jin and recounted the tale of the Mohe River Princess Sang Jiu and the God of War Ming Ye to her daughter, pondering how to prove that love and hate truly existed once everything eventually perishes.
