Time Raiders Recap, Plot, Synopsis
Time Raiders Synopsis
Antique shop owner Wu Xie unexpectedly obtains a mysterious silk manuscript. His uncle, Wu Sansheng, discovers that the manuscript conceals a cryptic map. To find the missing owner of the silk manuscript, Uncle Wu Sansheng forms an expedition team with Wu Xie, Panzi, Zhang Qiling, and Da Kui, setting out to explore the location marked on the map.
During their journey, Wu Xie meets Fatty Wang, who is also there to uncover secrets. Facing various perilous challenges and attacks from mysterious creatures, the group works together, relying on their wit and courage to overcome dangers. Deep underground, they discover a bronze fish with snake-like eyebrows, which unexpectedly unveils Uncle Wu Sansheng’s buried past.
After Uncle Wu Sansheng meets a mysterious woman named A Ning, he suddenly disappears. To uncover the truth and find his missing uncle, Wu Xie and his companions embark on a new journey…
Time Raiders Recap
Episode 1 Recap
Centuries ago, a massive Meteorite shattered into nine fragments, falling to Earth. Where these fragments landed, all life mutated due to radiation, transforming into new biological forms. These new life forms established unique ecosystems in confined spaces where humans could not survive. Ancient civilizations, believing these meteorites were divine revelations, built temples to venerate them. However, the Meteorite's power was so immense that those who possessed it sought to keep its existence hidden, constructing elaborate ways to conceal these temples.
Despite their efforts, these ecosystems continued to exist across the world, awaiting ambitious individuals and unwitting trespassers. In the 1920s, deep in a mountain forest at Dart Summit, Hezhou, a group of tomb raiders deliberated outside a cave. San Yazi's grandfather, observing bloodied soil, felt it was an ill omen. One of the men expressed worry about a Blood Corpse potentially being below, threatening their entire venture.
Another man dismissed the concerns, while a bearded man suggested Blood Corpses weren't necessarily good things, recounting how San Yazi's second great-uncle had dug one up by South River and was still insane. After some heated discussion, San Yazi's grandfather declared he would go first once the hole was ready, with Er Yazi taking the rear with the drag hoe.
He instructed San Yazi, who was just a boy, to stay above and hold the rope, explaining that if all four went down, there would be no means of escape. San Yazi insisted on joining them, but his grandfather scolded him, calling him a "brat" with a death wish. Before descending, one of the men reassured San Yazi, promising to find him a golden blade, acknowledging the danger.
Once inside the tomb, an eerie silence initially prevailed, allowing San Yazi to hear muffled conversations from below. However, the quiet was soon shattered by agonizing screams and cries of "Poison! It's poison!" San Yazi's grandfather frantically yelled for San Yazi to run. San Yazi fled a considerable distance, but he could still hear rustling noises pursuing him. He quickly lay flat in the mud, and a grotesque monster stepped over his back, leaving deep, corroded wounds.
Despite the excruciating pain, San Yazi held onto the rope. As he pulled, he retrieved a severed hand, tightly clutching a densely inscribed letter. Turning, San Yazi was horrified to see a moving, blood-dripping Blood Corpse. He realized it was his second brother, Er Yazi, transformed by the poison. Many years later, San Yazi had become an elderly man with children and grandchildren.
His grandson, Wu Xie, now operates an antique shop in a waterside town, still fascinated by his grandfather's past adventures chronicled in his precious notes. Wu Xie, who had rarely ventured far from home, felt his legendary life had yet to begin. One day, a man with a gold tooth and heavy gold chains, Jin Wantang, visited the shop. Jin Wantang inquired about old rubbings from Hezhou and produced a photocopy of an ancient silk manuscript to demonstrate his sincerity.
Wu Xie immediately recognized it as similar to something his grandfather once held, noticing the torn edges. Cautious about unfamiliar items, Wu Xie politely declined, claiming it was a fake and that his illiterate grandfather couldn't have read such a thing anyway. After Jin Wantang left, Wu Xie secretly photographed the copy with his phone.
Convinced the manuscript held secrets and was related to his grandfather's past, he decided to contact his Third Uncle, Wu Sansheng, the only family member who inherited his grandfather's skills and was even more proficient. Wu Sansheng, often referred to as Third Master, usually responded quickly, but sometimes he would vanish for days. Eventually, Wu Xie received a text from Wu Sansheng: "Nine o'clock. Chicken-eye yellow sand. Dragon's Spine. Come quick."
Wu Xie, realizing this was a pivotal moment, drove swiftly to meet his uncle. At Dragon's Spine, Wu Xie found Wu Sansheng, who playfully offered him "junk food," having already sold the valuable antique Wu Xie had hoped to see. Wu Xie complained about being tricked again, but Wu Sansheng promised even better things for tomorrow. Wu Xie surmised that the antique, the Dragon's Spine, had been an ancient weapon, a guess Wu Sansheng confirmed.
He then questioned the identity of the young, wealthy buyer, but Wu Sansheng reminded him of the rule: "Don't ask about missed treasures." Wu Xie then shared his own bizarre encounter with Jin Wantang and the silk manuscript, noting its resemblance to his grandfather's notes and observing Wu Sansheng's immediate interest.
He recounted the legend described in the manuscript: a Lu State lord with a Gui Seal, commanding a special army that moved at night, had unusual physiques, and left no footprints. Wu Xie, thinking it was a tall tale, was corrected by Wu Sansheng, who explained that even fiction has real-world origins.
Wu Sansheng pointed out the strange fox-face pattern on the manuscript, explaining that it was not a stain but a map, an "Eight-Array Diagram" or "Pictorial Text," which encoded detailed geographical information using special syntax disguised as a story. He boasted that very few people could decipher such a complex map. Wu Xie, intrigued, asked if this meant Wu Sansheng intended to follow the map. He eagerly volunteered to join the expedition, comparing it to "Raiders of the Lost Ark."
Wu Sansheng initially hesitated, suggesting Wu Xie call his father, knowing he would object strongly to his son getting involved in such dangerous ventures. Wu Xie, however, was persistent, flattering his uncle and reminding him of his own rebellious youth. When Wu Sansheng still seemed reluctant, Wu Xie threatened to tear up the map, forcing his uncle to finally concede. Wu Sansheng then revealed that he had already been in contact with Jin Wantang.
The original owner of the silk manuscript was a famous antique dealer named Ma, who disappeared five years prior after deciphering the map and setting off with a team of outdoor experts. Ma's wife, desperate, had hired Jin Wantang to find her husband, believing Wu Xie's grandfather could help, which led Jin Wantang to approach Wu Xie. Wu Sansheng had already taken on Ma's search mission.
When Wu Xie offered to help carry equipment, Wu Sansheng scoffed at his inexperience, highlighting the standard 50kg equipment load per person and the need for two more team members. Ultimately, Wu Sansheng agreed to take Wu Xie along, having secured his father's reluctant permission for what was deemed a "relatively safe search mission." He emphasized this would be Wu Xie's only such adventure and instructed him to help crack the map's code.
The team was completed by two of Wu Sansheng's trusted subordinates, whom Wu Xie knew well: Pan Zi and Da Kui. Pan Zi, Wu Sansheng's most loyal and longest-serving subordinate, was known for his fierce efficiency in collecting debts and his surprising kindness towards Wu Xie.
Da Kui, on the other hand, was a man of immense strength but few principles, willing to work for anyone who paid, even if it meant double-dealing, all to fund his critically ill mother's medical treatments. The three gathered, and Wu Sansheng outlined the mission: "We're retrieving one person. The client's paying eight million. We'll split it." He clarified that their destination was still unknown, pending the complete deciphering of the map.
Working together, Wu Sansheng, Wu Xie, Pan Zi, and Da Kui meticulously analyzed the map. Wu Sansheng identified stellar symbols such as "Kulou 10, Zhu 8, Beihe 1," which formed an ancient Lu State terrain map. Further refinement revealed "Jiuqi 2, Tianlao, Sangong 1, and five fuxi stars." Wu Xie excitedly confirmed that a place called Hechuan in Quling County matched the star map. Wu Sansheng then determined that Hechuan corresponded to the modern-day Pengzhou.
By overlaying various topographical and river maps, they finally pinpointed the map's center to an underground cave. Wu Sansheng announced their plan: "Let's go to Pengzhou first. We leave tomorrow." That night, they celebrated with abundant wine. Wu Xie, dazed and feeling as if everything was surreal, reflected on this turning point, believing he had finally seized the opportunity for the legendary life he had yearned for, wondering if his grandfather would approve.
Episode 2 Recap
Wu Xie, eager to embark on his adventure, pondered his companions. He thought of Pan Zi, a man of immense strength, and Da Kui, who possessed both courage and intellect, capable of deciphering maps and codes. As their vehicle navigated the rugged forest roads, Wu Xie, filled with excitement, meticulously recorded his thoughts and plans in a notebook, dreaming of a journey as extraordinary as those in his grandfather's writings.
He felt a strong premonition that his life was turning a new page. During the journey, Wu Xie noticed a young man dressed entirely in black, carrying a sword box, who exuded an air of mystery. Wu Xie recognized him from a previous encounter at Wu Sansheng's place, where he had dismissed the man as too young. However, Wu Sansheng had held him in high regard, advising Wu Xie that in this world, many people keep a low profile.
Wu Xie questioned Third Uncle about the man's identity, noting his silence. Wu Sansheng responded that while some people are conceited, others keep a low profile, and some are even clueless about who they are, subtly asking Wu Xie which category he belonged to. Wu Xie then attempted to introduce himself to the silent man. The group eventually arrived at the end of the road, where the next leg of their journey required a boat.
Guide Yang welcomed them, explaining that this was the final stretch and they would need to take a boat to reach the cave. He called for the boatman, Lv Dandan, whose unusual name intrigued Wu Xie. Instead of the boatman, a dog named Lv Dandan appeared. Guide Yang explained the dog was a messenger and interpreted its barks to mean it was too early for the boatman to start work, so they should rest.
The group expressed frustration, but Yang explained that Lv Dandan was the only boatman available and operated on his own schedule, stating that even the village chief couldn't sway him. He then shared a local legend: the Mountain God only favored Lv Dandan's family's boat, allowing them safe passage into and out of the cave, while others who dared to enter never returned.
Villagers believed a snake monster lived in the cave, and Lv Dandan's ancestors had once saved its life. Wu Sansheng noted a distinct, foul odor from the dog. One of his companions quickly identified it as the smell of Bat dung, suggesting the dog consumed it. They suspected the guide was deliberately stalling, possibly waiting for a cooler time of day, theorizing that the boatman also ate Bat dung and was sensitive to the heat.
Wu Sansheng speculated they were heading into a "wet cave." When Wu Xie asked about wet caves, Wu Sansheng recounted a past expedition where a camera-equipped raft sent into a Japanese-era burial cave full of corpses never returned, only to reveal a monkey's face on the screen later. He then explained an ancient method for entering dangerous places: consuming Bat dung for months to develop a bat-like scent, making it impossible for "ghosts" to distinguish them from the dead.
Wu Xie realized this was why only the boatman could navigate the cave, as he must have consumed Bat dung. Wu Sansheng cautioned that while this might be superstition, they should still be wary. Pan Zi then chimed in, jokingly dismissing Wu Sansheng's explanation, and recounted a gruesome "true story" about a prison in Mobei Manledan situated in a snow mountain.
Inmates attempting to escape in groups of three would resort to cannibalism to survive, with only one ultimately making it out. Pan Zi dramatically claimed he was that sole survivor. Wu Sansheng, amused, observed that Pan Zi's storytelling had changed, reflecting a shift in his state of mind. Finally, the boatman, a man with a scarred face who appeared to be mute, arrived.
As they boarded the boat, Guide Yang translated his instructions: they must keep their voices low, avoid looking into the water, and never speak ill of the Mountain God. He estimated the passage would take five to fifteen minutes, depending on the current, describing the cave as dark and full of dangerous bends, requiring the boatman to navigate by ear.
While flashlights were permitted, he sternly warned them against shining them on the water, claiming the sights there would "scare you crazy" and that the creatures within were unimaginable. Wu Sansheng advised everyone to remain alert, as he deemed both the guide and the boatman untrustworthy. As they ventured deeper, the cave proved to be cold and unnervingly narrow. A companion observed that it felt man-made, with a history spanning over a century, and that explosives would be useless here.
Guide Yang reiterated old legends of a deity residing in a mountain ahead, for whom the path was supposedly built, but couldn't reconcile this with the earlier tale of a snake monster. To break the tense silence, the group attempted to converse, with Pan Zi and another companion joking about Wu Xie's composure on his first expedition. Suddenly, the boatman gestured frantically, and Guide Yang translated, urging them to stop talking as something lay ahead and trouble was imminent.
Moments later, they discovered that both the boatman and Guide Yang had vanished without a sound. A companion voiced concern that without the protection of their scent, they might be in trouble. Wu Sansheng ordered everyone to stay seated, emphasizing the complexity of the waterway. As the group peered into the dark waters, Pan Zi spotted something. Suddenly, a large creature lunged from the water towards Pan Zi, its mouth agape.
Before Pan Zi could react, the mysterious man in black swiftly drew a blade and cut the creature down. Wu Sansheng, impressed, immediately noted the black-clad man's unusually strong fingers, recognizing them as a result of "Twin-Finger Tomb Probing," an ancient Chinese martial art requiring decades of practice. The creature fell into the boat, where a companion quickly stomped it to death.
Wu Sansheng then identified it not as a Water beetle, but a Corpse beetle, an omnivorous creature whose blood glowed a sickening green. He speculated there were many more Corpse beetles upstream and they were likely starving, driven to attack living things since all the carrion in the cave had been consumed. He added that the beetles might also be fleeing something even larger approaching. Realizing the escalating danger, a companion suggested retreating immediately.
However, the black-clad man confirmed their suspicions, stating that their captors were confident they couldn't get out. Turning back, they saw another boat, laden with a massive buffalo, completely obstructing their path. Wu Sansheng, frustrated at being outmaneuvered by the local villagers, conceded that it was the treacherous environment itself that made their predicament so dire, giving their adversaries confidence that the cave would eliminate them.
With no option but to proceed, the group heard disturbing noises from beneath the boat. The black-clad man, now standing at the front, continued to strike into the water, each blow releasing more green liquid. Abruptly, a deafening, piercing shriek reverberated through the cave, shaking their eardrums and causing intense headaches. The boat capsized, plunging Wu Xie into the frigid water. The shock of the cold brought him to his senses, and he struggled to the surface.
He saw Pan Zi desperately fighting off a Corpse beetle that had bitten him. Wu Xie swam quickly to Pan Zi, managing to pry the beetle off. But the creature then turned on Wu Xie, biting him. As Wu Xie struggled, his strength failing, Pan Zi, freed from his own attacker, pulled out a dagger and swiftly killed the beetle on Wu Xie. Someone shouted for them to get to shore.
Episode 3 Recap
The group, having survived the overturned boat, found themselves ashore inside the cavern. A giant corpse beetle, paralyzed earlier by the black-clad Xiaoge, lay on the ground. Pan Zi moved to kill it, but Xiaoge intervened, explaining that the creature, though incapacitated, might be their key to escaping the cave. Suddenly, the piercing, headache-inducing sound returned. Pan Zi swiftly stomped on the corpse beetle, and the noise instantly ceased.
Upon examination, Wu Xie discovered a centipede within the crushed beetle's remains. The centipede was adorned with small bells, while the corpse beetle itself had a larger bell containing numerous smaller ones. Wu Xie deduced that these small bells held hallucinogenic substances in mineral powder form. When a creature entered, the centipede would shake the bells, dispersing the powder to induce hallucinations, making it easy for the corpse beetle to hunt.
After the beetle fed, the centipede would consume parts of the beetle, forming a symbiotic relationship. He concluded that this intricate mechanism was deliberately set up by ancient people to deter anyone from venturing deeper into the cave. Third Uncle, while seemingly aware of the mechanism, playfully feigned ignorance. Third Uncle then presented the group with three options: continue forward, return the way they came, or cross the mountain.
Pan Zi quickly pointed out that retreat was impossible as their path was blocked, and traversing the mountain was not feasible. Their only choice was to press on. The group prepared an inflatable raft. Third Uncle tied the crushed corpse beetle to the bow, explaining its scent would mask their own, providing protection from unknown dangers ahead.
As they paddled deeper into the cave, Wu Xie observed the granite walls, marveling at how ancient people must have carved them using the "fire-heating and water-quenching" method. Pan Zi speculated such a massive undertaking was either for an emperor or for celestial worship. After more than an hour, with no sign of an exit, the group grew restless.
Third Uncle hushed them, as a strong, foul odor indicated a massive pile of rotting corpses ahead—likely the source of the abundant corpse beetles. Xiaoge took the lead at the front of the raft. They soon rounded a bend to a ghastly sight: mountains of bodies, some decomposed, others mere skeletons, all covered in countless corpse beetles. Amidst this macabre scene, they spotted a tall, slender white figure with long, dark, wet hair standing motionless.
Xiaoge warned them it was a trick and the area was swarming with corpse beetles. He deliberately cut his wrist, letting his blood drip into the water. Surprisingly, the corpse beetles scattered in haste. Xiaoge then instructed everyone to turn off their flashlights, close their eyes, and not look back. However, Wu Xie's curiosity got the better of him; he secretly glanced back, and the white figure swiftly lunged, dragging him into the water.
Wu Xie awoke to Pan Zi patting him, startled to find himself on the small boat under a sky of green mountains and clear water—they had successfully escaped the cave. Confused, Wu Xie asked what had transpired. Pan Zi chided him for looking back against Xiaoge’s orders, revealing that Xiaoge had to knock him unconscious to save him.
Wu Xie mentioned "that woman," and Pan Zi jokingly claimed she was the old man's wife who planned to turn Wu Xie into noodles. Pan Zi reminded him of the "jianghu rule": once out of the cave, some matters are best left buried. Wu Xie realized he must have been hallucinating, and Pan Zi emphasized that a lack of conviction makes one vulnerable to deception, and Wu Xie's vivid imagination could be his undoing.
Wu Xie wondered why only he hallucinated, to which Pan Zi attributed it to his less resolute will. Third Uncle added that some experiences should be accepted without question and that Wu Xie must seek his own answers. He clarified that Xiaoge, whose surname is Zhang, is a "mysterious expert" recommended by a trusted friend. The group sought refuge at a local inn, run by a charming, middle-aged landlady.
Wu Xie briefly spoke with his mother on the phone, assuring her about money, before joining the others. Third Uncle teased Wu Xie about being frightened. Xiaoge, still recovering from blood loss, had stir-fried pork liver sent to his room. As they ate, Pan Zi inquired about how the inn, despite its remote location, had concrete roads and floors.
The landlady explained that a landslide two years prior had blocked the road, but it also unearthed an ancient cauldron that was shipped away. She warned that the water route was abandoned and dangerous, and anyone suggesting it now would be "trying to kill you and take your money," attributing past disappearances in the cursed waters to the "Mountain God." Feigning interest in "extreme rock climbing," Third Uncle asked about Mount Shending, the mountain where the cauldron was found.
The landlady strongly advised against going there, recounting her grandfather's tales of it being an immortal's dwelling and revealing that the landslide had uncovered over a hundred turtle shells without bodies, believed to be the remains of greedy individuals punished by immortals. Third Uncle then showed her a photo of a missing team member, "Ma."
The landlady remembered Ma from years ago, saying he drank heavily for courage before heading to "the mountain where the deities resided" and was never seen again. Later that night, Third Uncle confronted the landlady privately, revealing his knowledge of her involvement with the cave dwellers. He informed her that at least one of her accomplices was not returning and advised her to abandon her criminal activities, offering her protection if she provided information about Ma.
If she refused, he threatened to expose her. After initial denial, the landlady relented, directing him to the "Jia-Shan-Gen configuration" and advising him to "follow the compass forward," as that was where Ma had gone. She claimed they had not harmed Ma. She then ominously warned Third Uncle that he carried too many burdens, and "Mount Shending doesn't fancy those burdened with thoughts," predicting he "will die there."
The next morning, as the group began their trek into the mountain, they encountered the old man who had served as their boatman. He tried to flee but was quickly apprehended by Pan Zi and Da Kui. The old man, desperate for mercy, confessed he had intended to rob them but swore he had never killed anyone.
He revealed his disappearance trick: hiding in a hidden ceiling cavity in the cave and then whistling for his dog, Lv Dandan, to bring a wooden barrel after their boat left. He clarified that the bloody body they saw hanging in the cave was a dummy made by his accomplice, Lu Lao'er, and that the white-clad figure that had terrified Wu Xie was also a dummy, filled with rotten flesh to attract corpse beetles, making it appear to move.
Seeing his deep knowledge of the area, Third Uncle forced him to guide them to the "Jia-Shan-Gen configuration," as their compass would be useless there. The old man initially denied knowing Mount Shending but then admitted he had, describing its perils vividly—the landslide, the hundreds of turtle shells, and the legends of monsters guarding the mountain, insisting that no one who entered, including a more skilled friend of his, had ever returned.
Despite his fervent protests and fear, the group compelled him to lead the way. As they proceeded, the old man, still attempting to escape and find Lv Dandan, cried out about monsters, but Pan Zi quickly silenced him. They soon entered a dense, misty forest where they discovered an abandoned campsite filled with numerous tents and military-grade equipment, including signal transmitters. Pan Zi immediately speculated that this must be Ma's missing team, as the abandonment timeline aligned with Ma's disappearance.
Third Uncle confirmed this likelihood. The group found it perplexing that valuable equipment and personal belongings were left behind, with cups set as if tea had just been prepared and all electronic devices still switched on. It appeared as if the entire team had abruptly "vanished."
Episode 4 Recap
Wu Xie explored the tents of a previously discovered campsite, noting that many personal items and equipment were still on tables, as if the occupants had vanished mid-activity. As he poked around with a stick, he caught a glimpse of a giant python behind him, its tongue flicking. Petrified, Wu Xie froze, anticipating the worst. Just then, a black-clad man appeared, swiftly grabbing the python's tail and flinging it aside, killing it.
The local guide was terrified by the dead python, exclaiming, "This snake is the incarnation of the Mountain God. You shouldn't have killed it. You've caused trouble." He immediately prostrated himself, urging them to "Bury it quickly. Hurry up. Or it will take revenge on us." Initially skeptical, Third Uncle conceded, saying, "wherever we go, we must respect local customs. It's not superstition, but respect." He then instructed Pan Zi and Da Kui to bury the snake.
As they dug, Pan Zi and Da Kui discovered the soil underneath was red. Third Uncle, realizing the gravity of the situation, ordered them to stop digging and rebury it immediately. Wu Xie connected this red soil, which Third Uncle identified as cinnabar, to a passage in his great-grandfather's diary detailing a disastrous expedition where many family members were lost after encountering similar red soil. Third Uncle, confirming the danger, declared, "This operation of ours ends here. It's over."
He stressed that "jobs require being alive to do them. We can't handle what's here." However, he wanted to first search for a man named Ma. Before they could fully retreat, the guide let out a shriek and was dragged into a sinkhole. Wu Xie tried to grab his leg but was pulled in along with him. One by one, the others followed, dragged into the deep cavern. Even Zhang Qiling, the black-clad man, couldn't prevent himself from falling in.
After the chaotic fall, the group assessed their new surroundings. Wu Xie asked Third Uncle about the mysterious black-clad man, to which Third Uncle replied, "You have too many questions. The world is full of extraordinary people. Don't probe. That's the rule." He explained that the man, whose surname was Zhang, was an expert recommended by an insider to assist them. Efforts to climb back up proved futile as falling rocks completely sealed off their original exit.
With no way back, they were forced to press forward. Third Uncle speculated they were now in a kiln, given the pottery they saw deeper inside. Zhang Qiling, with remarkable dexterity, pulled a brick from a wall, revealing a trap. He warned them that the wall concealed "sulfuric acid" used for alchemy, and breaking it would lead to instant death.
He carefully made three small openings and used thin tubes to drain the acid into another pit, allowing them to proceed safely. In another section of the cave, they found a central furnace with what appeared to be clothing inside. Pan Zi investigated, discovering they were not human remains but clay figures. Third Uncle surmised it might be a kiln specifically for firing human-shaped figures, a practice that replaced live human sacrifices in ancient times, like the Terracotta Army.
He theorized that the figures were meticulously crafted to resemble real people, then fired to become statues. He added that the strange legends surrounding Mount Shending, like the "hundred turtle shells," were likely a smokescreen to hide the kiln's existence. He believed the sealed furnace probably contained a completed human-shaped figure. Wu Xie's constant questioning earned him a rebuke from Third Uncle, who told him, "Can you learn to shut up?"
Zhang Qiling then knelt by the furnace, seemingly listening intently. Third Uncle explained to the others that Zhang Qiling was "negotiating with something inside" or "testing whether dangerous parasites are present," describing it as "an insect catcher's tradition." Zhang Qiling then warned everyone, "Don't touch anything here. What's inside is powerful. If we release it, not even gods could save us," urging them to move carefully and avoid the kiln.
The guide, still jumpy, refused to enter what he perceived as the "core area," saying he would wait outside and calling out for his dog, "Lv Dandan." Further along a narrow passage, which Third Uncle thought was a material transport tunnel, Wu Xie discovered some ancient inscriptions. He humorously misinterpreted a warning about kiln safety, suggesting it read, "A slip of the hand and your wife remarries."
Pan Zi pondered Zhang Qiling's ability to communicate with creatures using a "ghost whistle," worrying about the implications if he turned hostile, and linking the bloody soil they found earlier to whatever was in the furnace. The group then found roots from Dragon-Subduing Trees entwined around an alchemy furnace. Third Uncle explained that trees, representing wood in the Five Elements, symbolized life and purification, and were believed to transform negative energies.
Wu Xie questioned why an alchemy furnace would be in a kiln, prompting an annoyed Third Uncle to tell him off. Pan Zi then reminded Wu Xie of his uncle's earlier advice to observe more before speaking. Meanwhile, the guide, still calling for his dog Lv Dandan, wandered off on his own outside the core area.
Episode 5 Recap
As the expedition continued, the guide, separated from the main group, heard his dog, Dandan, calling out in the dark, low-visibility environment. Despite the treacherous terrain and his fear of the Mountain God, he lit matches to find his dog, uttering, "Mountain God, sorry for disturbing you. I'm just here to find my dog. I'll leave once I find him." He continued to call for Dandan, promising, "Wait for me.
I'm coming to save you," before his cries suddenly turned into a chilling scream. Meanwhile, Wu Xie pointed out ancient carvings on a cliff face, asking about their connection to the kiln and Mount Shending, and if they mentioned the snake-like monster they encountered. He deciphered that the carvings spoke of a man from Lu who possessed Shao Weng's arts to command ghost soldiers, referring to the legend of King Shang of Lu.
The initial part of the story matched a silk manuscript, but here it was more detailed and bizarre. Wu Xie read aloud how King Shang of Lu, a vassal of the Lu State, was born with a Gui Seal that empowered his soldiers, making them fight without pain or hunger. Captured enemy soldiers, upon seeing the seal, would immediately pledge allegiance.
His conquests earned him the title of King of Lu, though his self-proclamation as King Shang of Lu was an overreach. One day, he sought an audience with the ruler of Lu State, claiming prolonged use of the Gui Seal had weakened him, necessitating feigned death to recuperate. The ruler granted his request, and King Shang entered suspended animation after a kowtow. Pan Zi interrupted, clarifying that King Shang had died, unable to endure.
Wu Xie continued that the ruler, believing King Shang would return, preserved his body at Mount Shending. Pan Zi realized they were at that very location and speculated that the ruler had constructed the site and appointed a guardian called "Seven" to guard it, questioning if the entity in the kiln was this "Seven."
Wu Xie found it illogical for a ruler to build a kiln to preserve a corpse, but Third Uncle explained that the ruler likely wanted King Shang to return quickly to serve him. The kiln, he posited, was used for firing bricks, tiles, and offerings for a large-scale construction, suggesting a ritual site was also built.
Da Kui and Pan Zi playfully accused Wu Xie of being too imaginative, to which Wu Xie countered that Third Uncle dismissed his ideas only because he hadn't found the truth himself. As they continued to explore, Pan Zi noticed a formation of seven points resembling the Big Dipper, which Wu Xie confirmed. Third Uncle then pointed out the North Star. Wu Xie noted the Big Dipper's handle was pointing the opposite way, suggesting a hidden meaning.
Pan Zi then discovered a dry corpse inside a hollow tree. They observed its modern equipment and considered if it belonged to the missing team from the tents, with Wu Xie noting that the four to five-year timeframe matched. He questioned why it was a foreigner and if it was from Ma's team. When Wu Xie attempted to get a closer look, Third Uncle stopped him, citing the unsafe environment and ordering them to find an exit.
Third Uncle took Da Kui to scout one of two chambers, while instructing Pan Zi to stay behind and monitor Zhang Qiling. While waiting, Wu Xie asked Pan Zi for water and shared a "wild theory": perhaps the "Seven" on the carvings referred not to a single entity but to seven different monsters guarding King Shang, corresponding to seven alchemy furnaces. Suddenly, Wu Xie exclaimed that the dry corpse moved, but Pan Zi, upon inspection, insisted it hadn't.
Pan Zi then spotted a bag hanging above, wondering if it belonged to Ma's team. Elsewhere, Da Kui triggered a trap and fell, but confirmed he was unharmed. Just as Pan Zi dismissed Wu Xie's observation, Zhang Qiling appeared and grabbed Pan Zi's arm, warning him not to touch the mummy. He stated that the "real deal" was behind it and cautioned them against rash actions.
Peering behind the corpse, Pan Zi saw another creature and questioned if it was the second monster, noting its unrecognizable dried state. Deciding to heed the warnings, he suggested a slow retreat, reiterating Wu Xie's theory about seven monsters. Suddenly, a root-like entity wrapped around Pan Zi's ankle, dragging him backward. He fought back, protecting his neck while using a dagger to cut the vine, which eventually released him.
Pan Zi realized this powerful vine was likely what had dragged them into the hollow earlier. Amidst the chaos, Wu Xie called out for his companions, frantically asking if all the monsters had been released before becoming separated. Elsewhere, the Fatty was being pursued by Zhang Qiling. He complained about objects being thrown at him and challenged Zhang Qiling to a fight, boasting he would turn him into "stone pot fish."
He taunted Zhang Qiling for "freezing up" before noticing more "backup" arriving for his pursuer. Meanwhile, Third Uncle and Da Kui became lost in a maze-like section where echoes distorted the direction of sound. Third Uncle, who had been pushed into the area by an unseen attacker, used his flashlight to guide Da Kui back to him. Separately, Wu Xie also navigated the maze, lamenting, "What is this place? A maze? We're going around in circles."
He found another corpse and, discovering a storage ticket (022, 00059), vowed to deliver it to the deceased's family. After regrouping, Wu Xie and Third Uncle found signs of Ma's team: a half-eaten biscuit and an uncapped bottle, indicating a hasty departure. They discovered gunpowder, a common item for amateurs like Ma, confirming they were on the right track. As they pressed on, Zhang Qiling appeared and warned Wu Xie, "Don't move! Put your hands down!"
A moment later, something grabbed Wu Xie's leg. Startled, he broke free from the grasp and ran in a panic, inadvertently stumbling into a tunnel. Thinking he was safe, he heard rustling noises and ran again, only to step on an empty space and plummet into a deep pit. Grotesque Corpse Beetles crawled out, biting at his neck. Wu Xie screamed for help, and Pan Zi, hearing his cries, tossed him a rope, allowing Wu Xie to climb out.
Just as they thought they were safe, the Fatty fell into the same pit. As the Corpse Beetles attacked him, he cried for help. Moved by compassion, Wu Xie reached out to pull him up but was dragged back into the pit with him.
Episode 6 Recap
Wu Xie and Pangzi found themselves trapped in a cave infested with corpse beetles. As swarms of the creatures converged on them, Pan Zi leaped into the hole, igniting a fire starter to drive the beetles back. The beetles, seemingly afraid of fire, began to scatter. Wu Xie quickly climbed out of the hole and tried to pull Pangzi up, but Pangzi's weight was too much, and he couldn't get up in time.
The fire oil quickly ran out, and the overwhelming number of beetles began to swarm back towards Pan Zi, covering his body. Someone yelled, "Fall back to the entrance!" and "No way! There's too many!" urging them to retreat as the beetles kept coming. Pangzi finally managed to climb out. He struggled with the biting insects, exclaiming, "My butt! My butt! Don't bite my butt!"
Seeing Pan Zi in mortal danger, covered in beetles, Wu Xie attempted to jump back down to rescue him, but Pangzi held him back, insisting, "Don't come down!" Pan Zi, resigned to his fate, pleaded, "Just finish me off." Just as Pangzi aimed an arrow, unable to bear witnessing a live person being devoured, a dark figure suddenly appeared in the cave.
Zhang Qiling struck the ground with his palm, causing a burst of blood that repelled the terrified corpse beetles, sending them scurrying back to their nests. Zhang Qiling then effortlessly tossed Pan Zi out of the hole, saving him. Without delay, Wu Xie and Pangzi helped the injured Pan Zi, who was suffering from numerous bites. Zhang Qiling took the lead, guiding them to escape the perilous area.
After a short while, Zhang Qiling stopped, instructing Pangzi to lay Pan Zi down. Using his index and middle fingers, Zhang Qiling traced a line from Pan Zi's mouth down to his throat, chest, and then his abdomen, telling him to endure the discomfort. He explained that something had entered Pan Zi's stomach and needed to be removed to save his life. Pan Zi nodded in understanding.
With two precise touches to Pan Zi's abdomen, Zhang Qiling quickly extracted a small creature, which Pangzi immediately stomped to death. With Pan Zi still bleeding from his wounds, Zhang Qiling produced two pills. He dabbed some of his own blood onto them before feeding them to Pan Zi. This action suppressed the toxins released by the creature, and Pan Zi soon felt better.
As Wu Xie and Pangzi continued to support Pan Zi, they heard ominous sounds, realizing they were still being pursued. " What's chasing us?" Pangzi asked. Zhang Qiling confirmed, "The thing from the kiln." Pangzi urged them to run, emphasizing, "If that thing catches us, we're done for." As they fled, Zhang Qiling swiftly cut down poisonous vines that appeared in their path. Despite these obstacles, Wu Xie, Pan Zi, and Pangzi accidentally tumbled into another cave.
In the new cave, which looked similar to the corpse beetle cave, Pangzi cautiously observed their surroundings, noting it was different from the previous one and had no openings. Pan Zi took the chance to rest against a wall. Wu Xie and Pangzi, shaken but relieved to have escaped the immediate danger, momentarily forgot their exhaustion. Wu Xie noticed Zhang Qiling was no longer with them, having been separated during the fall.
Pangzi then introduced himself to Wu Xie as Wang Pangzi, an experienced explorer, and began to elaborate on the history of their location. He asserted that the legend of King Shang of Lu summoning ghost soldiers was a lie, claiming King Shang was merely a depraved thief who used supernatural theatrics. His troops often rested during the day, marched at night, and eradicated alchemists wherever they went, claiming "alchemists mislead the nation" while in reality, he sought their secret manuals.
Pangzi presented the seven large trees embracing the seven alchemy furnaces as evidence. He explained that King Shang was connected to the Seven-Star Alchemy Sect, an ancient group that believed robbing alchemists was faster than making their own elixirs. They tested stimulating elixirs on captured alchemists to boost their soldiers' combat abilities, moving at night to create an aura of mystery. He even suggested that the last leader of this sect was so mysterious he was known as "the Unseen."
He concluded that King Shang of Lu was undoubtedly part of this sect and had likely built this kiln to refine elixirs, suggesting King Shang's corpse might still be inside. As they rested, the new cave proved not entirely safe. Poisonous vines, drawn by their presence, began to appear one by one.
Although Wu Xie, Pan Zi, and Pangzi tried to hold their breath, Pangzi, at the back of the group, was suddenly ensnared by a thick vine and dragged away. Then Pan Zi was also snatched by a vine. Wu Xie watched in horror, realizing that the snake-like things were actually incredibly long, powerful, extending hands that could lock onto prey. As Pan Zi was pulled away, Wu Xie, even as he himself was being dragged away, cried out to save Pan Zi.
