No Boundary Season 1 Recap, Plot, Synopsis
No Boundary Season 1 Synopsis
During the Song Dynasty, Bao Longtu came to power on Kaifeng Prefecture, the new “Bao Qingtian”.
Duanmu Cui down to the world to set up a sect “fine flower flow”, intended to stop the demons crossed the border.
The fourth grade with a sword guard Zhan Yan, by the order of Bao Zheng, interchanged with Duanmu Cui.
From then on, they worked together to solve cases and had a secret love affair in the end.
No Boundary Season 1 Recap
Episode 1 Recap
On a desolate, gloomy night, numerous pairs of glowing red eyes emerged from a forest. A black cat then padded out of the woods and into the city. A night watchman patrolled the streets, ensuring no one was around before secretly taking out a strand of woman’s hair. As he inhaled its scent, a red cloth suddenly enveloped him, constricting him to death and incinerating his body.
Qifeng Prefecture received a report that books at the Baiwen Bookshop had been inexplicably destroyed. Chief Constable Zhan Yan, accompanied by his subordinates Zhang Long and Zhao Wu, went to investigate. Upon analyzing the crime scene, Zhan Yan concluded that a black cat was responsible. The bookshop owner recalled an incident days prior: "I was drying some fish at my backyard a while ago, and a cat bit on them.
The most frustrating thing was that it only took one bite of each fish. And I finally caught it in the act on the third day. It was a big black cat. I threw some rocks at it and crippled its leg. It ran away with a limp. Was. . . Was it trying to get back at me? Is the cat a demon?" Zhan Yan reassured him, stating that while animals understand gratitude, they also understand revenge.
He promised that if the cat had an owner, he would ensure full compensation for the damages. Zhan Yan successfully tracked the black cat to a place called Xihualiu. As he stood on the solitary Duanmu Bridge at the entrance, Zhao Wu arrived, urgently warning him not to cross. " We can't enter Xihualiu. Without an invitation from the master, no one can cross the Duanmu Bridge."
Zhao Wu reminded Zhan Yan that Lord Jiang had instructed them to avoid Xihualiu entirely, but Zhan Yan insisted that anyone who destroyed property must compensate for it, regardless of their background. At that moment, Zhang Long reported another murder in Liujia Village, stating that the victim’s death was identical to the previous two cases, which included a night watchman Ma Bo and a scholar Fan Xu. Additionally, two daughters from a village family had gone missing within three days.
Zhan Yan, leaving instructions for a notice to be posted at Xihualiu regarding compensation for the black cat's damage, immediately headed to the new crime scene with his team. Upon arrival, they discovered Liu San furtively stashing silver and attempting to slip away. Zhang Long and Zhao Wu apprehended him, and Zhan Yan confronted him, deducing he had a dagger and accusing him of murder.
Liu San confessed only to stealing money from the deceased, Liu Ermazi, explaining that Liu Ermazi had recently won money gambling and boasted about visiting Cui Yu, the most famous courtesan at Baihua Pavilion. Liu San maintained his innocence in the murder, claiming he only took advantage of the chaos to steal money. Zhan Yan allowed him to return home, promising a decision after further investigation.
Reflecting on the cases, Zhan Yan realized a common thread: all three victims had an interest in Cui Yu. He decided to revisit Baihua Pavilion. Unknown to him, Duanmu Cui had already arrived there, confronting Cui Yu. Duanmu accused Cui Yu of killing innocent people to preserve her beauty. Their intense battle was interrupted by Zhan Yan's arrival. Cui Yu escaped, taking her maid, Hong Luan, with her.
As Duanmu Cui attempted to pursue Cui Yu out a window, Zhan Yan, misunderstanding her intent, reached out to grab her, accidentally tearing her waist sash. They both tumbled from the building, landing in an unintended embrace. After their chaotic fall, Zhan Yan noticed Duanmu Cui’s unique earring and questioned her presence in Liujia Village that day. Duanmu Cui readily admitted it.
Zhan Yan then attempted to apprehend her, stating that she was connected to the missing person and murder cases in Liujia Village. Duanmu Cui used a magical force to push him back, realizing that he was none other than Zhan Yan from Qifeng Prefecture. She introduced herself as Duanmu Cui of Xihualiu. Zhan Yan, recalling the bookshop incident, asked if she owned a black cat and mentioned the need for compensation for the property it had destroyed.
Noticing peach petals, Duanmu Cui decided to track Cui Yu and led Zhan Yan along. Duanmu Cui quickly located Cui Yu, who was attempting to kill Hong Luan. Duanmu intervened, saving Hong Luan. She then learned that Hong Luan was a Peach Blossom Demon, and, like Cui Yu, belonged to the Youzu (demon) Clan. Hong Luan, disapproving of Cui Yu's murderous acts but too weak to stop her, had sought assistance from Xihualiu.
Duanmu then sent a message to High Immortal Wengu, informing him of her delay due to a "sheriff" and reassuring him she would return soon. Zhan Yan watched, marveling at her "paper crane messenger" magic, which Duanmu dismissed as mere "deceptive tricks." As they continued their pursuit, they stopped at a food stall. Duanmu, hungry, ordered Chenliu tofu sticks while Zhan Yan lectured her about not allowing her to investigate alone.
She playfully teased him, and he ultimately paid for her meal, demonstrating his commitment to accompanying her. Duanmu then activated a tracking charm, a "treasure of Penglai," on Cui Yu, which displayed her location on a map. Following the map, Duanmu Cui and Zhan Yan arrived at the Zhang Residence. There, they overheard Cui Yu confessing to her lover, Mr Zhang, that she could no longer "take people's life essence to make him immortal."
When Duanmu Cui confronted Cui Yu, Mr Zhang witnessed Cui Yu's true form and immediately distanced himself, proclaiming her a "monster." Realizing Mr Zhang’s affection was insincere, a heartbroken Cui Yu tragically blinded him and then killed them both, declaring that in the afterlife, at least she would not be alone. Zhan Yan blamed Duanmu Cui for preventing him from saving Mr Zhang, leading to a heated disagreement.
Duanmu Cui defended her actions, citing Cui Yu’s disregard for human life and Xihualiu’s mission to punish evil. Despite their differing views, Duanmu Cui decided to accompany Zhan Yan to Qifeng Prefecture to resolve the matter. Meanwhile, in Penglai, Duanmu Cui's godbrother, the God of Justice Yang Jian, confronted other Star Lords, chastising them for their laziness that led them to trick Duanmu Cui into descending to the mortal realm.
He noted that his previous beatings of them now seemed too light, given their injuries from the escaped demons. Yang Jian worriedly spoke of the Heavenly Maiden's prophecy: if Duanmu were to recall her past before becoming a god, it would bring chaos to Penglai, the mortal world, and the Ninth Hell. He had spent a thousand years meticulously guarding Duanmu's chest of love debts, fearing the heartbreak she would endure if it were broken.
Despite the other Star Lords' reassurances that High Immortal Wengu was with her, Yang Jian continued to fret about his naive and gullible sister. Yang Jian then visited High Immortal Wengu at Xihualiu, entrusting him with Duanmu Cui's care. He instructed Wengu to closely monitor her physical condition and immediately report any abnormalities, especially concerning her "love debt chest."
Yang Jian also stressed the importance of preventing any romantic entanglements for Duanmu, fearing further heartbreak, and provided Wengu with gifts for her. Back at Qifeng Prefecture, Duanmu Cui used her magic to strike the drum of injustice without touching it, playfully demonstrating her powers before Zhan Yan, who noted her actions meant a court trial. Zhan Yan then introduced Duanmu Cui to his godfather, Magistrate Jiang Wenqing, and the official registrar Shangguan Ce.
Duanmu Cui remarked that Jiang Wenqing looked familiar, prompting Zhan Yan to correct her address. Zhan Yan reported on the murder cases, explaining that Cui Yu was a centuries-old "chinv" (a type of demon), according to Duanmu Cui. Duanmu Cui declared her mission as divinely ordained to capture these Youzu (demon clan) who have escaped the Ninth Hell due to its ancient seal loosening.
Jiang Wenqing acknowledged that the Imperial Astronomer had indeed reported a divine notice from Penglai, and requested Duanmu Cui’s cooperation. Duanmu Cui, asserting their distinct roles, stated that Qifeng Prefecture enforced human law while Xihualiu handled demons, emphasizing that she wouldn't tolerate delays from Zhan Yan. Jiang Wenqing, realizing her celestial status, acknowledged her as a High Immortal. However, Zhan Yan declared that Duanmu Cui, being involved in multiple cases, could not leave until all investigations were complete. Duanmu Cui, realizing she had been "tricked into coming here," was displeased but reluctantly agreed to stay, stating she would "take this as far as he wanted to go."
Episode 2 Recap
Hong Luan, still bound by Duanmu Cui's deity binding rope, spotted Wengu walking by, which stirred memories within her. She tried to call out to him but found she couldn't free herself. Recalling that the rope only affected members of the Demon Clan, she noticed an elderly madam and asked for her help. The kind madam untied her.
At the Qifeng Prefecture hall, Zhan Yan presented a list of charges against Xihualiu, including missing livestock, flowers speaking, and a black cat stealing and destroying books from Baiwen Bookshop. Duanmu Cui, feigning thirst, demanded tea, which was promptly provided. She then brazenly denied all accusations, challenging Zhan Yan to produce evidence. When Zhan Yan presented one of her earrings, she dramatically accused him of theft, implying malicious intent and even claiming he had torn her clothes.
Zhan Yan calmly explained that the earring was found at the scene of a missing persons case in Liujia Village, where Liu Da Mei had disappeared, and her younger sister, Liu Xiao Mei, was later found missing after their house collapsed. He pointed out the unique lotus-patterned footprint and the expensive earring, suggesting the perpetrator was not a local. Duanmu Cui asserted that the girls were kidnapped by the Demon Clan.
Zhan Yan requested to detain Duanmu Cui for three days while the investigation proceeded, a proposal Duanmu Cui mocked, claiming it would take longer for Zhan Yan to solve the case and that he would have to politely escort her out later. The Marquis, Lord Jiang, intervened, instructing Zhan Yan to treat Duanmu Cui as an honored guest. As she left, Duanmu Cui instructed Zhan Yan to bring Hong Luan back for questioning regarding the mountain demon case.
Stepping outside, Duanmu Cui immediately got lost and stumbled upon the Records Room, which she decided to explore. She saw Zhan Yan outside, gently smiling while holding a kitten, a sight that captivated her and made her wonder why he usually looked so stern. When Zhan Yan entered the room, she quickly hid. Once he left, she perused the records, growing indignant upon reading multiple entries listing Xihualiu's various misdemeanors and herself as a suspect.
Just then, Wengu arrived, and Duanmu Cui, still lost, happily greeted him. Wengu, noting her untamed behavior, gently reminded her to uphold her image as the Sect Leader. When he suggested they return to Xihualiu, Duanmu Cui refused, reiterating her earlier pronouncement that "it's easier to raise the devil than to lay him." Meanwhile, Wengu met with Lord Jiang and Zhan Yan to propose a formal collaboration between Xihualiu and Qifeng Prefecture.
He reminded them of the mountain demon's attack, emphasizing that even that low-level demon had caused significant trouble, and questioned Qifeng Prefecture's ability to defend against stronger threats. Lord Jiang found Wengu familiar, and Wengu explained he had met Lord Jiang's ancestor a thousand years prior, assuring them of Xihualiu's support.
Wengu acknowledged Duanmu Cui's willful nature, attributing it to her unfamiliarity with the mortal world, and alluded to a misunderstanding between her and Zhan Yan, which Zhan Yan promised to address the following day. In the Ninth Hell, the Elder Yue Long Men contacted Hong Luan. Hong Luan informed him of the mountain demon's death for Mr. Zhang and the resulting vacancy for the envoy position.
The Elder, angered that the mountain demon almost ruined his plan for a mortal, declared Hong Luan the new envoy. Despite her reluctance, Hong Luan agreed after the Elder reminded her of their mission and the limited time they had outside the Ninth Hell. He also inquired about Cui Yu's search for Penglai Drawing fragments, chastising Hong Luan for the lack of progress.
The Elder then revealed that Jiang Yi, who had attained divine status through the Penglai Drawing, passed it to his god-daughter Duanmu Cui, and though Jiang Yi was gone, his descendants remained in the mortal world. He commanded Hong Luan to keep Duanmu Cui occupied, thereby allowing others more time to locate Jiang Yi's descendants and the Penglai Drawing.
The next morning, Zhan Yan came to Duanmu Cui's room, returning the deity binding rope and seeking her cooperation, citing the Marquis's agreement. Duanmu Cui, still dismissive, took the rope back and expressed no interest in collaborating. However, when an urgent message arrived about Liu Da Mei being found, Duanmu Cui, despite her protests, followed Zhan Yan to the main hall. Liu Da Mei was discovered unconscious but with a strange smile on her face.
Duanmu Cui arrived eating hot pepper soup, much to Zhan Yan's annoyance. She immediately detected a strong "Demon Clan scent" on Liu Da Mei, mocking the Qifeng Prefecture officials' weak senses. Duanmu Cui declared Liu Da Mei's condition suspicious and asserted that Xihualiu should handle it, as it involved demons.
Zhan Yan, however, insisted on Qifeng Prefecture rules, causing Duanmu Cui to challenge his ability to solve the case and warn him not to seek her help later before she departed with Wengu. Duanmu Cui's presence caused chaos in Qifeng Prefecture as her enchanted paper creations and even a talking bowl ran amok, terrifying the officials.
When a regular doctor was unable to diagnose Liu Da Mei, Zhan Yan sought Wengu's help, but Duanmu Cui blocked his path, insisting he "beg" her first. To entice her, Zhan Yan vividly described the exquisite taste of Liu family's tofu sticks and tofu pudding, a delicacy passed down through generations to the eldest daughter, now at risk of being lost forever due to Liu Da Mei's condition.
Intrigued by the description of the food, Duanmu Cui declared Xihualiu, despite Qifeng Prefecture's "terrible hospitality," would magnanimously help. She then instructed Wengu to examine Liu Da Mei. After examining Liu Da Mei, Wengu concluded that she was suffering from a "weak Life Palace" and "missing consciousness," having simply lost her soul. Duanmu Cui then pressed Zhan Yan to beg for her help.
Zhan Yan, however, remained resolute, refusing to seek Xihualiu's assistance and emphasizing his responsibility for his men and the people's safety. Annoyed by his refusal, Duanmu Cui presented a deal: Xihualiu would take charge, Qifeng Prefecture would follow their lead, and if the demon was caught, Liu Da Mei's soul would be restored, Qifeng Prefecture would get the credit, and Xihualiu would get the demon. Zhan Yan rejected the terms, insisting on his authority.
Exasperated, Duanmu Cui warned him against future appeals for help from Xihualiu should he encounter demonic trouble, and promptly returned to Xihualiu with Wengu. Shangguan Ce remarked to Zhan Yan that he had angered the wrong woman. Wengu tried to soothe Duanmu Cui, suggesting they abandon cooperation, to which she agreed, resolving that they would simply compete to catch demons independently, without Zhan Yan's interference.
Hong Luan arrived at the entrance of Xihualiu, but the guards, recognizing her as a Peach Blossom Demon, refused her entry without Duanmu Cui's order, even injuring her. She waited outside for Duanmu Cui and Wengu to return, pleading with Duanmu Cui, the "High Immortal," for sanctuary. Duanmu Cui questioned why Hong Luan, who had attempted to escape using a mortal, was now seeking refuge.
Hong Luan explained her desperate situation, claiming she had nowhere else to go and could not survive in the Ninth Hell, from which she had risked her life to flee. Duanmu Cui stated that Xihualiu only sheltered creatures, not escaped Demon Clan members from the Ninth Hell, and feared the wrath of Penglai elders if she took Hong Luan in.
She instructed Wengu to provide Hong Luan with healing ointment but refused to grant her refuge, asserting that her situation was beyond Xihualiu's purview. Hong Luan continued to plead, asking if Duanmu Cui remembered her, hinting at a past connection during an ancient war, where Wengu had insisted on fighting alongside Duanmu despite the danger. The guards again reiterated Duanmu Cui's order for Hong Luan to leave.
The missing persons cases were traced to Tianxiang Pavilion and its signature "Peach Blossom Drunk Blush." Zhan Yan investigated the pavilion, encountering his godmother, Madam Jiang, who was shopping for her birthday. While at Tianxiang Pavilion, Madam Jiang purchased some Peach Blossom Drunk Blush. Zhan Yan later reviewed the sales list and noted that all missing individuals had purchased this specific blush, leading him to suspect a connection.
Guided by Wengu's paper crane, Duanmu Cui independently found the blind musician Meng Die, and Zhan Yan also detected the distinct scent of Peach Blossom Drunk Blush on Meng Die, despite her never having visited the shop. Both Duanmu Cui and Zhan Yan suspected Meng Die was somehow involved or targeted. Duanmu Cui went to Tianxiang Pavilion to investigate but found nothing amiss.
Zhan Yan assigned Zhang Long and Zhao Wu to guard Meng Die, fearing she might be the next target. Zhan Yan and Shangguan Ce prepared to celebrate Madam Jiang's birthday, but an official reported her missing, confirming she hadn't returned since visiting Tianxiang Pavilion. At Tianxiang Pavilion, the owner confirmed Madam Jiang had left with the Peach Blossom Drunk Blush and the blind musician, Meng Die. Meanwhile, Duanmu Cui and Wengu were at their residence.
Duanmu Cui, still longing for mortal food, expressed frustration over her incomplete memories from her past life as a general in Xiqi, attributing it to a head injury from the Chong City battle. Despite Wengu's concerns about Hong Luan's unknown origins and potential hidden motives, Duanmu Cui, moved by seeing Hong Luan kindly comforting a crying child, decided to take her in, boasting about her "heart of steel."
Hong Luan then tentatively asked Duanmu Cui if she knew how to cook, suggesting she had been accepted into Xihualiu. Later that night, Zhan Yan visited Meng Die, who confirmed Madam Jiang had given her a box of blush and walked her home before leaving. Meng Die claimed not to know Madam Jiang's current whereabouts. Zhan Yan then asked Meng Die to accompany him to Qifeng Prefecture. Shortly after, Zhang Long reported that Madam Jiang had returned to her manor. Rushing back, Zhan Yan found his godmother frantically searching for something, a worrying development.
Episode 3 Recap
Upon learning of Madam Jiang's return, Zhan Yan went to visit her, immediately noticing a drastic change in her demeanor and tone. Madam Jiang, who had never called him "Sheriff Zhan" before, now did so, and even scolded a servant, leading Zhan Yan to believe something was amiss. Meanwhile, Duanmu Cui and Wengu had brought Hong Luan back to Xihualiu.
Duanmu Cui was quite pleased with Hong Luan's cooking, finding it more appetizing than Wengu's, though Wengu himself did not share her enthusiasm, promising to improve his own culinary skills. Zhang Long and Zhao Wu reported that all the missing persons had been located, but the earliest victim was already showing signs of decomposition. Zhan Yan shared his concerns about Madam Jiang's transformation with Shangguan Ce, Zhang Long, and Zhao Wu.
Shangguan Ce suggested seeking help from Duanmu Cui, and with no other recourse, Zhan Yan reluctantly decided to go to Xihualiu for assistance. Duanmu Cui had been restlessly awaiting Zhan Yan's arrival, convinced he would eventually come to her for help. Her internal monologue confirmed her belief in her unparalleled ability to capture demons. Soon enough, Zhan Yan's plea for her assistance echoed through Xihualiu.
Zhan Yan and Shangguan Ce arrived outside Duanmu Bridge, where they encountered Qing Hua, a loyal bowl spirit guarding the entrance. After a brief interaction, Duanmu Cui appeared and declared that she would only agree to help if Zhan Yan could successfully cross the Duanmu Bridge. As Zhan Yan stepped onto the bridge, it seemed to come alive, sprouting tentacles to impede him. Despite the treacherous challenge, he used his martial prowess to successfully pass.
Having successfully crossed Duanmu Bridge, Zhan Yan was granted an audience with Duanmu Cui in her residence. He apologized for his previous impetuousness. Duanmu Cui then laid out three conditions: first, all demons would be hers to handle, while the people would be his; second, any future requests for assistance must be made over tea at her residence; and third, she would inform him later.
Zhan Yan readily agreed to all conditions, including the unspecified third one, stating that his life was a small price to pay if it meant saving the common people. With their agreement, Duanmu Cui borrowed the Earth God's path and used earth travel to swiftly reach Madam Jiang's room in Qifeng Prefecture. There, she employed the Samadhi Fire to force out the Mirror Spirit that had possessed Madam Jiang.
Shangguan Ce, Zhang Long, and Zhao Wu remained to care for Madam Jiang, while Duanmu Cui and Zhan Yan pursued the fleeing demon. As they chased the Mirror Spirit, Duanmu Cui explained its nature to Zhan Yan: it was a Mirror Spirit, skilled at exploiting human obsessions to seize souls and possess bodies. She stressed that it only borrowed bodies temporarily, and once abandoned, the victims would become like living dead.
To help Zhan Yan "get a feel" for the demon, she handed him a mirror and told him to look into it. Distracted by a stall of adorable dolls, Duanmu Cui insisted on buying all of them, prompting Zhan Yan to pay the 500 wen deposit she demanded, which she humorously presented as a "fee" for her assistance.
Zhan Yan, having earlier noticed a peach blush scent in the demon's trail and recalling Madam Jiang's purchase of rouge at Tianxiang Pavilion, suspected it was the Mirror Spirit's lair, a suspicion confirmed by Duanmu Cui, who said the demon had just breached her barrier and hidden inside. Upon entering Tianxiang Pavilion, Duanmu Cui pulled Zhan Yan into a cabinet to hide.
Their close proximity led Zhan Yan to a critical realization: all of Duanmu Cui's belongings, including the patterns on her clothes and her Qiankun bag, were reversed, and she smelled of the peach blush she supposedly disliked. He realized she was not the real Duanmu Cui but the Mirror Spirit in disguise. Zhan Yan engaged the Mirror Spirit in a fierce battle.
The real Duanmu Cui, who had been observing from a distance, intervened when Zhan Yan seemed to be losing, accidentally shattering a mirror and allowing the Mirror Spirit to escape. Duanmu Cui asked how he distinguished her from the impostor. Zhan Yan revealed that the real Duanmu Cui disliked the scent of peach blush, while the Mirror Spirit clearly embraced it. He also commented on her blushing, calling it an "interesting habit."
The victims were all moved to Wengu's medical hall, where Wengu's protective formation temporarily preserved their bodies. However, their souls remained missing, and without their return, they would continue to weaken and eventually die. The Mirror Spirit had retreated into its illusion world, making it difficult to lure it out. The only option was to enter the illusion world, but this carried the severe risk of never waking up.
Despite the danger, Zhan Yan and Duanmu Cui resolved to enter the illusion world to retrieve the victims' souls. Zhan Yan confessed that like all humans, he carried regrets. Before they embarked, Red Luan, diligently reciting Xihualiu's rules, apologized to Zhan Yan for leaving him alone during the Cui Yu case, explaining her awkward status as a Peach Blossom Demon.
Meanwhile, in the celestial realm, Wengu informed the God of Justice that Duanmu Cui and Zhan Yan had entered the illusion world. The God of Justice, concerned about the ancient Mirror Spirit and a potential "love affair" between Duanmu Cui and Zhan Yan, instructed Wengu to keep a close watch on Duanmu Cui and report any health issues. Duanmu Cui and Zhan Yan then stepped into the Mirror Spirit's illusion world.
It immediately drew Zhan Yan to the deepest regret of his heart: seeing his deceased parents, who offered him a meal. Zhan Yan, almost succumbing to the beautiful illusion, was pulled back by Duanmu Cui. He recounted his regret over his parents' death, believing it was due to his childhood playfulness and late return home. Duanmu Cui explained that remorse, regret, and desire were the true traps, not the demon's sorcery.
They then observed other victims, including Madam Jiang, all immersed in their own dreams, completely changed from their real-world selves. The Mirror Spirit could create any desire, turning ordinary people into flamboyant figures. Duanmu Cui detected the Mirror Spirit's presence by its peach blush scent. To avoid detection, she embraced Zhan Yan, attempting to blend in as a couple within the dream. However, the Mirror Spirit still noticed them.
Strangely, instead of attacking, the Mirror Spirit merely snatched the hairpin Madam Jiang had given to Duanmu Cui, confirming it was its target. When Duanmu Cui confronted the Mirror Spirit about its actions, the demon revealed its face as a copper mirror and declared that just as mortals have desires, so do demons.
It then manipulated the people trapped in the illusion, turning them against Zhan Yan and Duanmu Cui by convincing them that the two would take away everything they desired. These dreamers, preferring to "die in dreams than to wake up and live," attacked, and in the ensuing struggle, Zhan Yan was stabbed while trying to protect a young boy. Duanmu Cui assured him, "Fear not, I'm here."
Episode 4 Recap
The young son of Baiwen Bookshop's owner, who was trapped in the dream world, declared his desire to stay in the illusion, longing for his legs to be well again. He apologized to Zhan Yan before inflicting a wound upon him. In the real world, Zhan Yan's primordial spirit was severely injured, causing blood to appear on his physical body.
A concerned Shangguan Ce rushed forward, but he was held back by others who informed him that Wengu was already casting a spell and any interference would only worsen the situation. Shangguan Ce expressed his fear that Wengu might not be able to fully protect Zhan Yan and desperately requested to be sent into the illusion himself. However, he was told that as a scholar, he would only be a burden in the dangerous dream world.
Inside the illusion, Zhan Yan collapsed from his severe injuries. Duanmu Cui quickly brought him to a room in Qifeng Prefecture to begin healing him. Zhan Yan initially protested against her ministrations due to gender propriety and concern for her reputation. Duanmu Cui, however, dismissed his worries, emphasizing that his life was far more important than any reputation. She warned him that if his primordial spirit perished, his physical body would follow.
After a futile attempt to heal himself, Zhan Yan allowed Duanmu Cui to proceed. As she tended to his wounds, Duanmu Cui found herself staring at his face, commenting on how handsome he was, which made Zhan Yan blush and look away. Duanmu Cui teased him about his newfound chattiness and recovery, attributing it to her "Hua Tuo-like" medical skills. The Mirror Spirit, currently possessing Madam Jiang's primordial spirit, confronted Zhan Yan and Duanmu Cui.
Speaking through Madam Jiang's form, the Mirror Spirit questioned why Duanmu Cui sought to rescue the mortals who willingly chose to remain in the dream world. Zhan Yan pleaded with "Godmother" to regain her senses, reminding her that "Godfather" was waiting outside. Duanmu Cui countered that no matter how beautiful, an illusion remained fake. Duanmu Cui then forced the Mirror Spirit out of Madam Jiang's body. The Mirror Spirit escaped, and Duanmu Cui and Zhan Yan pursued his tracks.
As heavy rain began to fall, Duanmu Cui was about to cast a spell for an umbrella, but Zhan Yan quickly used his cloak to shield her. Taking shelter under an eave, Duanmu Cui noticed Zhan Yan was drenched and used her Samadhi True Fire to dry his clothes.
It was then that they saw Meng Die walking hand-in-hand with a man possessed by the Mirror Spirit, with Meng Die's eyes appearing normal; this Meng Die was an illusion created by the Mirror Spirit. Zhan Yan led Duanmu Cui to Meng Die's illusory home, where they subdued the Meng Die illusion. The Mirror Spirit then revealed that he had made a deal with the envoy of the Demon Clan to obtain something he desired.
Zhan Yan deduced he was after Madam Jiang's hairpin. The Mirror Spirit admitted that the hairpin was, in fact, a fragment of the Penglai Drawing. He confessed that all his actions and the creation of the illusion were for Meng Die, whom he wanted to be with forever in human form. The envoy had promised to reveal the method of becoming human if he found the drawing's fragments.
Duanmu Cui pointed out that trapping people in a false reality was crueler than outright killing them and warned the Mirror Spirit that taking shortcuts in cultivation could lead to eternal damnation. The Mirror Spirit, distraught, argued that Meng Die, a mortal, could not wait for his centuries of cultivation. Unwilling to be stopped, the Mirror Spirit declared that he would kill anyone, even gods, who stood in his way and threatened to destroy the dream, taking everyone with him.
As the Mirror Spirit began to shatter the illusion, Duanmu Cui quickly sent a message to Wengu in the real world, informing him of the Mirror Spirit's plan to destroy the dream and asking him to bring Meng Die to resolve the crisis. Outside the dream, Wengu, upon receiving the message, used his own primordial soul power to reinforce the magical array protecting the dream, knowing this could cripple him.
He dispatched Zhang Long and Zhao Wu to search for Meng Die. Concerned about the rapidly weakening array, Wengu decided to search for Meng Die himself, first trapping Hong Luan in a barrier, stating he would not risk Duanmu Cui's safety with her again, recalling an incident a millennium ago. Despite Hong Luan's earnest pleas of loyalty to Xihualiu and her family, Wengu remained unconvinced.
Seeing the magical array on the verge of collapsing and sensing the danger to Zhan Yan's life, Hong Luan, professing her dedication, broke through Wengu's barrier to help Shangguan Ce reinforce the weakening array, accidentally touching Zhan Yan. Meanwhile, Zhang Long and Zhao Wu reported that Meng Die was not at the bookshop. Wengu eventually located Meng Die and brought her back to the cottage.
Meng Die affirmed that despite never seeing the Mirror Spirit in its true form and always encountering it in different bodies, she recognized him through his scent and the rhythm of his footsteps. She implored Wengu not to harm the Mirror Spirit, and he agreed, on the condition that all trapped individuals safely returned from the illusion. Wengu then sent Meng Die into the dream world through a mirror.
Inside the dream, Duanmu Cui continued to assure Zhan Yan that she believed in him, even as his primordial spirit grew increasingly fragile. Zhan Yan, sensing his imminent fading, urged Duanmu Cui to escape if an opportunity arose, emphasizing that his fate was his alone to confront. When the Mirror Spirit saw Meng Die enter the dream, he recoiled, covering his face in shame, fearing she would see his true, non-human form.
Duanmu Cui revealed to him that he had cultivated for 999 years and only needed one more year to achieve human form, exposing the envoy of the Demon Clan's deception. The Mirror Spirit, in denial, initially refused to believe her. As the two talked, Meng Die stepped forward, taking responsibility for the Mirror Spirit's actions, confessing that her constant longing for him had driven him to possess others' bodies and ruin his cultivation.
The Mirror Spirit refuted her, insisting he alone was to blame and that they should bear the consequences together. Meng Die proposed they free the innocent people and remain in the dream forever. He refused, explaining that staying would cause her physical body to perish, and his ultimate desire was for her to live. She begged to stay with him, even if only for a few days.
The Mirror Spirit, deeply apologetic, expressed remorse for believing he needed to be human to be worthy of her love, realizing his misunderstanding had led them to this painful juncture. Zhan Yan's primordial spirit continued to weaken, and Duanmu Cui recognized the urgency. However, seeing the genuine love between the Mirror Spirit and Meng Die, she decided to grant them a brief moment together, despite Zhan Yan's weakening state.
The couple reminisced about their first encounter, when Meng Die saved the Mirror Spirit's true form, sparking his love and a vow to always protect her and be her "eyes," even if it meant inhabiting others' bodies to be near her. Meng Die reaffirmed that she had always recognized him, regardless of his borrowed form. Finally, the Mirror Spirit made his decision.
He released Meng Die from the illusion, urging her to live well, and returned Madam Jiang's hairpin to Duanmu Cui. As his final wish, he offered his 900 years of cultivation to grant Meng Die eyesight in this life, transforming himself into her eyes so she could see the true colors of the world. Duanmu Cui agreed to his sacrifice. With the Mirror Spirit's entanglement resolved, Zhan Yan's primordial spirit grew even thinner.
As they prepared to leave the collapsing dream, Duanmu Cui reminded him that it is the heart, not the person, that can be trapped. Zhan Yan and Duanmu Cui agreed to meet in Xihualiu.
Episode 5 Recap
Duanmu Cui returned to her residence, her hairpin transforming back into a fragment of the Penglai Drawing, which she then stored in her Qiankun bag. Wengu, upon seeing her, immediately asked about Zhan Yan. Duanmu assured him that Zhan Yan would awaken soon. Wengu expressed his surprise at the Penglai Drawing manifesting as a hairpin, given that it had been lost after being granted divine status. He also noted that the recent demonic disturbances were likely connected to the drawing.
Duanmu admitted her ignorance of the Demon Clan's true intentions, especially since the drawing seemed useless to them, but she fearlessly declared she was not afraid. Wengu, however, urged her to be cautious due to the Demon Clan's vicious nature. Shortly after, Duanmu noticed Hong Luan looking unwell. Hong Luan tried to brush it off, but Wengu revealed that Hong Luan had bravely risked her life to protect Zhan Yan's life lamp.
Duanmu, grateful, told Hong Luan to rest and said she would handle everything else. Meanwhile, Meng Die awoke to find her eyesight restored. Wengu explained that it was due to Mirror Spirit's sacrifice of 900 years of cultivation. Overwhelmed with grief, Meng Die cried, wishing for Mirror Spirit's return rather than her sight or dream. Duanmu comforted her, advising her not to harm her newly restored eyes and suggesting that Mirror Spirit might return someday.
Clutching Mirror Spirit's mirror, Meng Die vowed to cherish her sight and await his return. Later, Wengu confronted Hong Luan, telling her to leave Xihualiu for violating its rules. Hong Luan pleaded to stay, describing the Ninth Hell as a brutal place devoid of seasons, flowers, or light, where demons constantly fought and killed each other. As a weak peach demon, she wouldn't have survived if the Ninth Hell's seal hadn't loosened.
She confessed that her greatest fear was losing what she had gained. Softened by her plea, Wengu agreed to let her stay and provided her with medicine for her recovery. Back at Wengu’s medical hall, Liu Da Mei's sisters and Madam Jiang regained consciousness, disoriented but relieved to be awake. Madam Jiang fondly recalled a dream of sweet words and Zhan Yan marrying. They all expressed gratitude to Duanmu for her help.
However, the Baiwen Bookshop owner’s young son remained unresponsive, his spirit still trapped within his heart knot. Suddenly, a distress call arrived: Zhan Yan's body was showing signs of decomposition. Duanmu and Shangguan Ce immediately rushed back to the residence. Meanwhile, in his illusory dream, Zhan Yan chose to visit his parents, where his mother had prepared a meal.
Despite hearing Shangguan Ce's urgent calls, he decided to finish eating, gently telling his mother he was now 25 and Qifeng City's chief constable, assuring her of his well-being. Shangguan Ce, blaming himself, worried that Zhan Yan was lost in his dream, wondering why his condition worsened when others had recovered. He tearfully pleaded with Zhan Yan to wake up, reminding him of his promise to protect Qifeng City.
Duanmu then leaned closer to Zhan Yan, demanding he fulfill his third condition by waking up immediately, threatening to take over Qifeng Prefecture if he refused. Zhan Yan’s finger twitched, signaling his awakening, but Duanmu mischievously pretended he was still asleep to tease Shangguan Ce. When Zhan Yan finally opened his eyes, he reached out and pulled Duanmu into an embrace as she turned to leave.
Shangguan Ce requested that Zhan Yan remain at Xihualiu for a few more days to fully recuperate under Wengu's care, assuring Zhan Yan that the Marquis and he would manage affairs in Qifeng Prefecture. Duanmu jokingly agreed but informed them of the daily charges. Shangguan Ce was left to ponder if she was serious or just jesting, questioning the extent of her familiarity with Zhan Yan.
Wengu offered Zhan Yan a bitter medicine for recovery, hinting that Duanmu might have added extra bitter herbs, but also provided a candy to ease the taste, explaining that assisting Duanmu with all her concerns had become a habit. Duanmu then personally prepared a meal for Zhan Yan, fulfilling a small wish, and insisted that Hong Luan join them at the table, emphasizing equality in her residence.
Zhan Yan found Duanmu’s cooking almost inedible, despite Hong Luan’s diplomatic assertion that it was "quite tasty." Exasperated by her culinary failure, Duanmu dramatically discarded a "magical spatula." Suddenly, a fire erupted in the kitchen, caused by Xiao Hei. Zhan Yan instinctively grabbed a bucket to fetch water, but Wengu swiftly conjured a downpour, extinguishing the flames and leaving Zhan Yan comically embarrassed with his empty bucket.
Meanwhile, in the Ninth Hell, Hong Luan reported to the Elder about Mirror Spirit's death and how the Penglai Drawing fragment had fallen into Duanmu Cui's hands. The Elder, angered by Duanmu Cui's repeated interference, reminded Hong Luan that Duanmu Cui was the one who had defeated Chong City. He stressed the urgency of collecting all fragments to open the Ninth Hell seal and free the Demon Clan.
Hong Luan expressed her difficulty in getting close to Duanmu due to her Samadhi Fire and the fragment being secured in her Qiankun Bag. The Elder devised a plan: to weaken Duanmu Cui’s powers, making her vulnerable, and then seize the fragment. He promised to aid Hong Luan in this endeavor. That night, Hong Luan approached Duanmu Cui, feigning a desire to wash her clothes to "cleanse bad luck" from the dream world.
Duanmu found Hong Luan's thoughtfulness endearing but declined, stating that immortals cleanse themselves naturally. Hong Luan persisted, and as she attempted to touch Duanmu's Qiankun Bag, the holy relic repelled and injured her. Duanmu explained that the Qiankun Bag, crafted by Lao Jun, was deadly to the Demon Clan, and recognized Hong Luan's attempted deception without malice. She then allowed Hong Luan to wash her clothes.
The next morning, Duanmu Cui found Zhan Yan practicing martial arts and challenged him to a sparring match. As they sparred, Duanmu observed his sword, Ju Que, feeling a sense of familiarity she couldn't quite place. Zhan Yan explained it was a gift from Lord Jiang, an ancient military treasure.
Their sparring was interrupted by Zhang Long and Zhao Wu, who reported a new case: another person had drowned in Yuexin Lake, their body covered in peculiar blisters, causing widespread panic in Qifeng City. Duanmu jokingly suggested Xihualiu should handle such "ghost-catching" business, but Zhan Yan dismissed the idea of ghosts and led them to investigate the body. Initially, the coroner attributed the blisters to mosquito bites, but Zhan Yan found a crucial piece of evidence on the deceased.
Duanmu used a spiritual item to reveal a lingering demonic presence on the body. Zhan Yan decided to move the patient to Wengu's medical hall for proper care. At the medical hall, some commoners expressed their prejudice against Xihualiu, but Zhan Yan quickly defended Duanmu Cui, declaring her an honored guest of Qifeng Prefecture. Wengu examined the patient and confirmed it was poisoning, though the exact toxin remained unknown.
Hong Luan then presented candied fruits, a gift from the victim’s family, which Zhan Yan immediately recognized as a significant clue. The family reported that a peddler from Yuexin Lake had given them the sweets. Following this lead, Zhan Yan and Duanmu Cui headed to Yuexin Lake. As they passed a theatre built by the philanthropist Yuan Bin, Duanmu became contemplative while watching a play.
She asked Zhan Yan if all mothers would sacrifice everything for their children and wondered why some mothers would abandon them. Zhan Yan responded that motherly love was innate, and those who abandoned their children must have had compelling reasons. Duanmu remained thoughtful, questioning if such difficult circumstances truly justified their actions. Shortly after, as a couple near them discussed the peddler’s candied fruits, Duanmu spotted a Demon Clan member and immediately, she and Zhan Yan pursued.
Episode 6 Recap
Zhan Yan and Duanmu Cui arrived at Wengu Medical Hall, where Madam Wang was suffering from an itchy rash. Her husband, Wang Yuanwai, explained that Madam Wang was pregnant and had been poisoned. Wengu confirmed that the antidote he provided could temporarily slow the toxin, saving her life. Zhan Yan then asked about their recent activities. Wang Yuanwai recounted that his wife had been confined to home but insisted on watching a play by the water the previous day.
There, they encountered a peddler who pressed them to take some candied fruits. Duanmu Cui noted that other victims also received candied fruits. Zhan Yan quickly concluded that the peddler seemed suspicious, especially since he was giving away goods rather than selling them. Duanmu Cui praised Zhan Yan's investigative skills, which surprised him, hinting at their deepening connection. The two headed to the dock to find the peddler.
However, Zhan Yan's official Qifeng Prefecture uniform startled the peddler, causing him to flee. Duanmu Cui examined the leftover candied fruits, discovering they contained no poison but were imbued with spells, apparently to lure someone out. She chided Zhan Yan for scaring off the suspect by being so conspicuous, and Zhan Yan conceded, promising to be more discreet next time.
Duanmu Cui then proposed a plan: she would disguise herself as a pregnant woman, with Zhan Yan as her husband, to draw out the Demon Clan responsible. Elsewhere, a female gnat tried to help a child gnat he had captured escape, but her male gnat partner returned and killed the child. She confronted him, realizing the blood she had consumed was human blood, not animal blood as he had claimed.
She pleaded with him to stop killing, for the sake of their unborn children and their cultivation. The male gnat, lamenting their fate of being sealed in the Ninth Hell while humans prospered, eventually relented. Back at Wengu Medical Hall, Hong Luan attempted to cover Madam Wang with a blanket but was rebuffed by Wengu, who told her to focus on preparing medicine.
Hong Luan asked Wengu if he remembered his past, but he dismissed the question, stating that as a High Immortal, he had no past. He also asserted his resolve to protect Duanmu Cui, stating she needed no other companions. Duanmu Cui and Zhan Yan, disguised as a married couple, returned to the dock. Duanmu Cui playfully insisted on buying a doll from a vendor, feigning stomach pain, despite Zhan Yan's focus on the investigation. He relented and bought it.
She then used their "marital" pretense to demand a leg massage from him, threatening to expose their cover if he refused. As Zhan Yan begrudgingly complied, purposefully massaging her leg roughly, Duanmu Cui retaliated by pinching his arm. Just then, they overheard the peddler who sold the candied fruits talking about a play across the river, hinting at the gnats' next location.
Meanwhile, Hong Luan reported to a Demon Clan elder that her plan to lure Duanmu Cui into a trap was progressing. She requested a powerful artifact to counter Duanmu Cui's formidable magic. The elder granted her a Deity Trapping Formation, an ancient spell capable of weakening even immortals, which he noted Hong Luan, who served the Demon King for years, should have already known.
He also reminded her of the painful Heart Devouring Curse she was under, urging her to succeed in retrieving the Penglai Drawing fragment from Duanmu Cui. Later, Hong Luan met the injured male gnat. She offered him the Deity Trapping Formation to weaken Duanmu Cui and handed Madam Wang over to him as bait, encouraging him to obtain the Penglai Drawing fragment from Duanmu Cui to ensure his children's safety.
Despite the female gnat's pleas not to harm Madam Wang, the male gnat, driven by desperation, agreed to the plan, vowing to confront even the heavens for his family. After the male gnat escaped, Duanmu Cui gave Zhan Yan a "Butterfly Messenger," a magical butterfly that would summon her if he was in danger. Zhan Yan, noticing Duanmu Cui's unease around insects, asked if she was afraid of mosquitoes. She denied it, stating she merely disliked them.
Soon after, the male gnat reappeared and attacked. As he fought, he questioned the immortals' right to kill Demon Clan members. During the attack, Duanmu Cui had a vivid flashback of herself trapped in a coffin with swarms of mosquitoes, and fainted from the trauma. Wengu and Hong Luan arrived just in time, fighting off the male gnat. Hong Luan was bitten and poisoned in the process.
Duanmu Cui woke up, and in her dream, her memories of the traumatic childhood burial with her mother in a coffin became clearer. She was told Zhan Yan had returned to Qifeng Prefecture unharmed. She felt unwell and questioned Wengu about her aversion to mosquitoes and the recurring imagery of coffins and insects. Wengu reassured her, giving her a sachet for protection and telling her not to dwell on the past.
Duanmu Cui then asked about Hong Luan, learning she was suffering from the gnat's venom, which caused hallucinations and sluggishness. Wengu also informed her that Madam Wang had disappeared from the medical hall, likely taken by the gnats. Duanmu Cui, recovering from her own injuries, asked Wengu about the Demon Clan's situation in the Ninth Hell. Wengu vaguely replied that their fates were divinely ordained, separate from the immortals.
Later, Duanmu Cui, invisible, entered Zhan Yan's room without knocking, causing him to ask her to use the door next time. She clarified she was there to help search for Madam Wang, who had disappeared. Just then, Shangguan Ce arrived to speak with Zhan Yan. Concerned about their reputation in the mortal realm, Zhan Yan urged Duanmu Cui to hide, realizing that if she was found in his room, custom would dictate marriage.
He then dismissed Shangguan Ce, claiming he was busy. Zhan Yan and Duanmu Cui then found a reed leaf beside Madam Wang's empty bed at Wengu Medical Hall. Recognizing the reed as unique to the city's east marsh, they deduced Madam Wang was taken there and immediately set off. Meanwhile, Yang Jian arrived at Wengu Medical Hall looking for Duanmu Cui and was told she went to capture gnats.
He was horrified, revealing Duanmu Cui's childhood trauma of being buried alive with her mother, covered in mosquitoes, making them her greatest fear. Hearing this, Wengu rushed to find Duanmu Cui. At the eastern reed marsh, Duanmu Cui entered the Deity Trapping Formation. She was disoriented by illusions of a female general identical to herself fighting in a battle. Wengu arrived but could not sense Duanmu Cui's presence within the formation.
The male gnat appeared and attacked Duanmu Cui, who found herself powerless. Zhan Yan bravely intervened, blocking an attack from the male gnat. They attempted to escape by boat, but the entire waterway had been transformed into a maze by the formation. Wengu returned to Xihualiu, realizing that the Deity Trapping Formation, which was thought to be lost after the Demon King's demise, was being used. He found Hong Luan, who had recovered from the gnat venom.
Though she didn't know the gnats' lair location, she insisted on joining Wengu to rescue Duanmu Cui, having already fought the gnats and being familiar with their methods. Back in the maze, Zhan Yan suggested abandoning the confusing waterways and crossing directly through the reed marsh. Since Duanmu Cui had lost her powers, Zhan Yan took her hand and led her through the dense reeds. They eventually reached the female gnat's habitat, a hidden nursery for her children.
Duanmu Cui was momentarily touched by the gnat's maternal instinct but quickly resolved that such love did not excuse harming innocents. Zhan Yan suggested they wait there for the gnats to return, catching them off guard. Wengu and Hong Luan returned to the reed marsh, still unable to find Duanmu Cui. They encountered the male gnat, and a fierce fight ensued. Overpowered, the male gnat quickly seized Hong Luan as a hostage.
Episode 7 Recap
As the male gnat held Hong Luan hostage, he questioned her about Duanmu Cui's whereabouts. Hong Luan, feigning ignorance, urged Wengu to prioritize saving Duanmu. The male gnat then threatened to kill Hong Luan, to which Wengu replied with a feigned indifference, asking why he should care about her life or death. With this, the male gnat successfully escaped.
Wengu attempted to pursue him but found his path blocked by the Deity Trapping Formation, its entry having vanished without the formation planner. He realized he needed to make new plans to find the entrance. Meanwhile, Hong Luan, despite her injuries, had managed to save Wengu's paper crane, which she cherished because it belonged to him. Wengu brought Hong Luan back to Xihualiu. Although he initially suspected her of feigning her injury, he soon discovered she was genuinely hurt.
He sternly warned her against harming Duanmu Cui, threatening to expel her from Xihualiu if she did. Hong Luan, in turn, remarked that Wengu reminded her of a long-lost friend who always thought she was lying, unaware that she never lied to those she cared about. Wengu consulted the Demon King's notes, discovering that the Deity Trapping Formation's entry was located at the formation planner's position and that a forceful entry would result in death or severe injury.
He promised to save Duanmu, swearing on his own life. Blaming himself for only providing Duanmu with simple insect repellent despite her fear of gnats, Wengu found a male gnat's proboscis. Inspired, he resolved to become the new formation planner by using his own bone and blood as a conduit, connecting it to the gnat's blood. This method was excruciatingly painful, yet Wengu endured it, carving off his own scales to complete the ritual.
Outside the room, Hong Luan watched, tears streaming down her face, heartbroken by his suffering. At Wengu Medical Hall, Duanmu Cui woke to find Zhan Yan had guarded her all night. Playfully, she bit his arm, and they began to banter. She affectionately nicknamed him "Big Cat." They then discovered gnat blood outside, realizing the gnat had been there and was injured. They decided to proactively hunt for the gnat.
In the medical hall, Hong Luan attempted to cover Wengu with a cloak, but he mistakenly believed she was trying to sabotage his formation and ordered her to leave. Having successfully completed his formation, Wengu rushed to the reed marsh to find Duanmu. At the reed marsh, Duanmu Cui and Zhan Yan discovered Madam Wang, who was unharmed and had not been bitten. Duanmu sensed something was amiss.
Just then, the male gnat appeared, revealing his true objective: Duanmu Cui's immortal blood. Although Duanmu's magical powers were only 60% recovered, she was confident she could handle him and urged Zhan Yan to take Madam Wang to safety. Zhan Yan, after ensuring Madam Wang was hidden, returned to protect Duanmu. However, Duanmu was caught off guard and pierced by the male gnat's phantom stinger, losing blood.
Zhan Yan intervened, slaying the male gnat with his Ju Que sword, but Duanmu Cui was severely wounded. The severely injured male gnat, clinging to life, made his way back and gave Duanmu's immortal blood to the female gnat, instructing her to drink it. He confessed that his proboscis was broken and his time was short, urging her to raise their children well and tell them he wasn't a good father. The female gnat was heartbroken.
Wengu, having successfully broken through the Deity Trapping Formation, arrived and, seeing the dire situation, killed the already dying male gnat for harming Duanmu. Distraught by her husband's death, the female gnat drank Duanmu's blood and fled. Wengu's servant then guided him towards Duanmu's location. Duanmu Cui, weakened by blood loss and poisoned, found her blood unable to coagulate. As she leaned in to suck out the remaining gnat poison from her shoulder, her lips accidentally met Zhan Yan's.
Duanmu then revealed to Zhan Yan that, having lost her mortal blood, she could no longer remain in the human world. Without hesitation, Zhan Yan cut his own wrist and let his blood flow into her mouth, helping her to re-form her mortal body. As Zhan Yan carried the injured Duanmu on his back, she asked him to keep her injury a secret to avoid embarrassment. Zhan Yan, seizing the opportunity, requested that she stay, and Duanmu agreed.
Zhan Yan then asked her to stop calling him "little sheriff," and she agreed to call him "Lord Zhan." Unbeknownst to them, Yang Jian noticed Duanmu Cui's Love Debt Box violently shaking. Concerned that she had been swayed, he decided to erase her memories. Duanmu suddenly felt an agonizing pain, as if a knife were cutting her heart, and she fainted.
Yang Jian gravely explained that while other immortals could fall in love, Duanmu's profound affections could "turn the world upside down," necessitating his drastic action. Wengu, arriving at the scene, admonished Zhan Yan for failing to protect Duanmu. He attempted to transfer his immortal blood to Duanmu, but to his surprise, she rejected it. Zhan Yan then stepped forward, explaining that he had previously given Duanmu his blood, which she could accept. He again gave his blood, reviving her.
Wengu then noticed a "heart lock wire" on Duanmu's body, an artifact used by Penglai to seal debt chests. During her unconsciousness, Duanmu dreamed of a female general, who looked just like her, fighting fiercely on a battlefield, calling out "Gu Chang." Upon waking, she immediately tended to Zhan Yan's injured hand, much to Wengu's silent displeasure. Duanmu tried to downplay her fainting spell, claiming she was merely sleepy and boasting about being the strongest immortal.
Wengu, however, did not indulge her, but gravely reminded her that her mortal powers would wane as her human blood diminished. Duanmu was more concerned about Zhan Yan's injury and asked Wengu not to inform Yang Jian about her blood loss, fearing she would be lectured and forced back to Penglai, which she detested. Wengu, sensing her desire to stay in the mortal world, promised to remain by her side for as long as she wished.
Meanwhile, the female gnat, having drunk Duanmu Cui's immortal blood, successfully gave birth to twin baby gnats. Due to the combined immortal, demon, and human bloodlines, the infants rapidly grew into monstrous, distorted forms. Wengu explained that these "weirdos," born of three incompatible bloodlines, were destined to become destructive monsters, and must be stopped.
Duanmu Cui utilized the silk of a Kunlun Divine Spider to locate the twin gnats, explaining that the silk, a natural enemy to mosquitoes, would track their scent. Duanmu and Zhan Yan tracked the rapidly growing gnats, who were eager for human blood. The mother gnat fiercely protected her children, telling them not to be afraid.
Duanmu tried to reason with the mother gnat, explaining that the children, born of mixed blood, would inevitably become killing monsters and even turn on each other. She offered a "good death" for them, but the mother gnat defiantly refused, vowing to die protecting her children. In the ensuing confrontation, the mother gnat was wounded while helping her children escape.
Duanmu realized her distraction had allowed them to flee and deduced they would head for the densely populated Qifeng City to feed on human blood. Worried about Wengu, Hong Luan set out to find him. In Qifeng City, the twin gnats attacked Hong Luan, calling her a "little Peach Blossom Demon" and trying to kill her. Wengu arrived and found several citizens severely poisoned, some beyond saving, while others still had a chance.
The gnats attacked him, but he drove them off. The sister gnat then attempted to feed on her brother, but their injured mother appeared and stopped them, imploring them not to become mere killing monsters. Wengu and Hong Luan remained to aid the poisoned citizens, working together to contain the toxic gas with their magic.
During this cooperative effort, their relationship slowly began to soften, with Hong Luan remaining steadfastly by Wengu's side despite his injuries and warnings about her vulnerability to gnat venom. Duanmu Cui and Zhan Yan continued their pursuit of the gnats.
Episode 8 Recap
The gnat siblings, driven by hunger, attempted to re-enter the human population to feed. Duanmu Cui swiftly intervened, trapping them with her Divine Spider. To protect the common people, she intended to eliminate the gnat siblings with her Samadhi True Fire, telling them they could not return to humans and that they were not monsters. The mother gnat pleaded for mercy, reminding Duanmu Cui that her children were innocent and ignorant.
Duanmu Cui, however, revealed that the mother and her husband’s act of feeding human blood to their fetuses had destined their children to become demons who, having tasted blood, would never cease their hunt. Duanmu Cui asserted her duty to eliminate this evil to prevent further harm to innocent lives. In a poignant act of maternal love, the mother gnat, realizing the grave sins she and her husband had committed, leaped into Duanmu Cui’s Samadhi Fire, embracing her children.
She proclaimed her willingness to die to atone for their crimes, lamenting that her simple wish for her children's safety had not been granted and questioning if they had been wrong from the very beginning. This selfless sacrifice purified the gnat siblings’ malevolent aura, restoring their clarity of mind. Moved by this display of profound maternal love, Duanmu Cui shed tears.
Zhan Yan approached her gently, offering a handkerchief, noting her tendency to "bring it up herself" even when he didn't mention her crying. He encouraged her to express her emotions freely, reassuring her that she was no longer alone, surrounded by her spirits at Xihualiu, companions at Qifeng Prefecture, and his presence. Duanmu Cui, wiping her tears, insisted she wasn't crying, claiming it was merely "using tears to rinse my face," and feared her eyes would be swollen and unattractive.
Zhan Yan countered that as the "prettiest High Immortal of the Three Realms," she would always be beautiful, revered as a hero by the citizens of Qifeng. Duanmu Cui, however, expressed a longing to avoid being a hero, wishing instead that none of the tragic events had ever occurred. Duanmu Cui then asked Zhan Yan to help her hang a prayer lantern, which was formed from the purified soul of the mother gnat, at Madam Wang’s mansion gate.
Moments after the lantern was placed, the joyful cries of newborns echoed from inside the mansion. Madam Wang had given birth to a healthy pair of boy and girl twins. This fortunate outcome was a result of the gnat siblings’ reincarnation, enabled by their mother’s earlier act of kindness in releasing Madam Wang. Duanmu Cui then suggested to Zhan Yan that they should depart.
As they strolled through Zhuque Street, observing the city illuminated by countless lights, Duanmu Cui mused that after a thousand years as an immortal, she had forgotten the true essence of "home," acknowledging that immortals typically had no one to light a lantern for their return. Responding to her wistful reflection, Zhan Yan presented her with a "human world lantern," suggesting she hang it at the entrance of her residence.
He promised it would serve as a personal beacon, illuminating her path and accompanying her home. Duanmu Cui was visibly touched and thanked him. Upon their return to Xihualiu, she gave him a gift, instructing him to open it later as a token of her gratitude for escorting her home and for the lantern. Zhan Yan agreed and encouraged her to rest. Later, alone in her room, Duanmu Cui found herself warmly reminiscing about her shared moments with Zhan Yan.
That night, while Duanmu Cui was in a deep slumber, Hong Luan, believing Duanmu Cui's powers were still weakened from her previous injury, quietly entered her room. She stealthily removed a fragment of the Penglai Drawing from Duanmu Cui's Qiankun bag. Unbeknownst to Hong Luan, Duanmu Cui was, in fact, secretly observing her actions. The following morning, at Qifeng Prefecture, Zhan Yan delivered a report on the gnat case, uncharacteristically praising Xihualiu’s contributions.
Shangguan Ce, finding Zhan Yan’s sudden change in attitude suspicious given their usual disagreements, tried to inspect a gift box bearing Xihualiu’s distinctive pattern. Zhan Yan deftly evaded his attempts, playfully chiding Shangguan Ce for his intrusive curiosity. Later, in his room, Zhan Yan opened the gift: a Lacquer Garden Butterfly, also known as a Fantasy Ant or Drowsy Bug, an artifact capable of inducing peaceful sleep.
Speaking to Duanmu Cui through the butterfly, he realized she had noticed his difficulty sleeping. Duanmu Cui playfully attributed her insight to being the "smartest immortal" and her keen observation skills. When Zhan Yan thanked her for her concern, she feigned indifference, claiming her only worry was his lack of sleep impeding their case-solving. Meanwhile, Shangguan Ce, accompanied by Zhang Long and Zhao Wu, eavesdropped on Zhan Yan's conversation. Noticing the room fall silent, they snuck in.
Shangguan Ce, unable to resist his curiosity, opened the butterfly box himself and immediately succumbed to the Drowsy Bug's power, falling into a deep sleep. Zhan Yan, having anticipated this, emerged and ordered Zhang Long and Zhao Wu to escort Shangguan Ce out, report his unauthorized entry to Lord Jiang, and ensure all three faced appropriate punishment for their actions. Duanmu Cui’s behavior that morning was markedly different from her usual self.
She meticulously applied makeup and consulted Hong Luan on her attire, a sight that greatly alarmed Xiao Qing Hua, who speculated that Duanmu Cui harbored romantic feelings for Zhan Yan. Duanmu Cui explained to Hong Luan that she was merely preparing for an official meeting at Qifeng Prefecture to discuss the gnat case, asserting that a formal appearance demonstrated Xihualiu’s respect.
She also instructed Hong Luan to tell Wengu to return to Xihualiu promptly from Wengu Medical Hall, as the conditions there were not suitable for an extended stay. Hong Luan, having delivered fresh clothes to Wengu, was informed by him that he could not return yet. His internal injuries sometimes caused him to lose control and reveal his true Dragon Clan form, a secret he wished to keep from Duanmu Cui and others.
Hong Luan then attempted to persuade Wengu to embrace his destiny as the rightful king of the Demon Clan and lead them out of Ninth Hell. Wengu, however, adamantly refused, reminding her of his father’s past mistakes, which led to war and subsequent atonement for the Demon Clan. He declared he wanted no part in the Demon Clan or Ninth Hell, stating his priority was not to burden Duanmu Cui, who had always accepted his half-demon heritage without judgment.
He sternly warned Hong Luan to be cautious with her words, reiterating his unwavering decision not to release the Demon Clan from Ninth Hell. In a grim corner of Ninth Hell, a cunning Demon Clan elder rallied a group of demons. He challenged them, asking if they were truly willing to escape, even if it meant being consumed by the Penglai Seal.
When they affirmed their desperate desire for freedom, he promised to lead them to a new life if they pledged allegiance to him. Although some questioned his claim to leadership, noting his lack of Dragon Clan blood, he asserted his deep connection to and knowledge of the former king, arguing that he was the most capable leader now that the Dragon Clan had fallen.
He dismissed rumors of a surviving Dragon Prince as a mere coward who had never returned to Ninth Hell, and the demons, convinced, renounced any faith in a feeble king. They pledged their loyalty to the elder, who, in turn, vowed to locate the Penglai Drawing, shatter the seal, and liberate them from Ninth Hell, inciting a fervent chant of "Break free of the Ninth Hell!"
As Duanmu Cui and Zhan Yan walked through the city, Duanmu Cui playfully asked Zhan Yan if he noticed her new dress. He meticulously pointed out minor details like its length and beadwork, which she found amusingly boring. Enthusiastic citizens greeted Zhan Yan, who then proudly introduced Duanmu Cui to the crowd. She received a flurry of compliments for her role in subduing the gnats, much to her delight.
Duanmu Cui remarked that she finally understood why Zhan Yan enjoyed his life as a sheriff in Qifeng City, finding it equally appealing. Outside a popular osmanthus egg stall, Duanmu Cui, eager to try the delicacy, attempted to use magic to acquire some. Zhan Yan gently stopped her, revealing his acquaintance with the owner, Qiao'er, which allowed them to bypass the queue and secure a table.
He shared his expertise on making osmanthus eggs and playfully offered to cook for her sometime. After Duanmu Cui burned her tongue on a hot egg, Zhan Yan carefully fed her, even removing the goji berries she disliked. Suddenly, Duanmu Cui spotted Yang Jian and quickly excused herself, feigning an urgent need to use the restroom, before rushing to meet her brother.
Yang Jian, who had descended to check on Zhan Yan, expressed dismay at Duanmu Cui consuming mortal food, cautioning her against becoming too entangled in the human world and reminding her of her mission to return to Penglai. Duanmu Cui defended mortal cuisine, but denied any deep attachment to humans. Yang Jian, secretly relieved that her feelings for Zhan Yan did not seem profound, nonetheless decided to leave Tian behind.
Tian's mission was to keep a close watch on Duanmu Cui, ensuring Zhan Yan maintained a three-step distance from her and that his name was not even spoken in her presence. Yang Jian promised Tian mortal buns as a reward for successfully completing his task.
Episode 9 Recap
As Duanmu Cui and Zhan Yan walked through the bustling streets, a crowd of women suddenly swarmed around Zhan Yan, showering him with attention and pushing Duanmu Cui aside. To escape, Zhan Yan feigned a fear of bugs, leading Duanmu Cui away from the throng. Duanmu Cui then spotted Tian, recognizing the clothes he wore as ones Mrs Li at the east had put out to dry.
Feigning seriousness, she threatened to send him to jail for theft, which sent Tian fleeing in a panic. Incensed by Zhan Yan's earlier attempt to have him jailed, Tian decided to play a trick. He used the God of Matchmaking's red threads of fate to entangle Zhan Yan, Zhang Long, and Zhao Wu. The prank went awry, leading to Zhang Long and Zhao Wu accidentally kissing each other.
Duanmu Cui quickly discovered Tian's mischief, confiscated the red threads, and sent him back to Penglai, sternly warning him not to meddle with Zhan Yan’s fate again. Tian, a Penglai Qilin, vaguely mentioned he was defying orders, to which Duanmu Cui, while asserting that immortals should not abuse their power, specifically instructed him not to inform Yang Jian about Zhan Yan.
Unbeknownst to Duanmu Cui, Yang Jian, concerned his sister was "falling in love again," had threatened the God of Matchmaking to arrange a marriage for Zhan Yan to keep him away from Duanmu Cui. Yang Jian blackmailed the God of Matchmaking, threatening to expose his past misdeeds to the Holy Mother, specifically mentioning his theft of the Queen Mother's immortal wine, if he failed to comply.
Pressured, the God of Matchmaking, upon seeing mortal woman Li Qiongxiang praying for marriage at his temple, reluctantly wrote Zhan Yan and Li Qiongxiang's names in the Book of Marriage. Around this time, Li Qiongxiang, known as "Qifeng's Number One Beauty," encountered danger and was rescued by Zhan Yan. During the confrontation, Zhan Yan's Ju Que sword tassel accidentally fell and was found by Li Qiongxiang, who then learned his name and developed a strong affection for him.
Meanwhile, Zhao Wu and Zhang Long were bickering over their accidental kiss, with Zhao Wu insisting they were now fated to be married since his mother said a kiss means marriage, while Zhang Long declared that only the God of Matchmaking could decide such things. Later, Zhang Long and Zhao Wu visited the God of Matchmaking Temple, where they both inexplicably drew "match made in heaven" fortune sticks and continued their bickering.
Later, Zhan Yan inquired if marriage threads truly existed in the mortal world. Duanmu Cui, playful, hugged him from behind and drew a visible red thread from his back. She noted he was lucky it wasn't tied by the God of Matchmaking, as she could easily untie this one. She then dismissed the God of Matchmaking as an incompetent, drunken old man who merely enacted the fates written in his book.
When Zhan Yan asked about his ideal woman, he slowly described characteristics that Duanmu Cui realized perfectly matched herself: "smiling eyes, valiant and gallant, righteous, hard on the outside but soft on the inside, and not afraid to love or to hate." Shortly after, Zhan Yan and Duanmu Cui arrived at the Qifeng Prefecture via earth tunneling, much to Shangguan Ce’s chagrin, who complained about having to fill the holes they left.
Shangguan Ce showed them a collection of marriage proposals and portraits of unmarried women in Qifeng City, all seeking to marry Zhan Yan. Duanmu Cui, surprised, questioned how this could happen after she had personally untied his red thread. Madam Jiang was determined to find a suitable bride for Zhan Yan and sought Duanmu Cui’s opinion on the portraits. However, a jealous Duanmu Cui found fault with every candidate, deeming them ill-tempered, bad luck, or unsuitable for childbearing.
Madam Jiang then noticed Zhan Yan’s missing sword tassel, which she had made for him, and assumed he had given it to a woman he loved. Duanmu Cui pinched Zhan Yan, accusing him of misleading her about his lack of interest in romance. Zhan Yan attempted to explain it was all a misunderstanding, insisting he had no feelings for these women. Duanmu Cui retorted that he should go pursue the "beautiful Li girl."
Zhan Yan clarified that merely finding someone pretty didn't mean he wanted to marry them and promised to speak with his godmother. Duanmu Cui, seemingly appeased, agreed that marriage shouldn't be rushed based on superficial criteria and vowed to personally oversee his fate, ensuring the God of Matchmaking didn't tie any random threads. They then went to eat tofu sticks together. Later, Duanmu Cui discussed Zhan Yan's prospective marriage with Hong Luan and Wengu.
Feeling increasingly uneasy, she wondered if a person without romantic feelings could truly avoid marriage, or if mortals were simply bound by fate. Hong Luan explained that mortal marriages were determined by the God of Matchmaking and parental consent, leaving little room for personal choice. Duanmu Cui worried the God of Matchmaking might tie Zhan Yan to the wrong person if he got drunk again.
Despite Wengu offering to accompany her, Duanmu Cui decided to visit the God of Matchmaking Temple alone. Meanwhile, the God of Matchmaking, disguised as a fortune teller, approached Zhan Yan and predicted he would soon meet his fated partner, hinting at a "special girl" already by his side. Without Zhan Yan's knowledge, he discreetly attached Li Qiong Xiang’s butterfly tassel to Zhan Yan's waist.
When Duanmu Cui arrived at the temple, she found it empty and, frustrated, threatened to smash the idol. The God of Matchmaking quickly appeared to stop her. Duanmu Cui demanded to see the Book of Marriage and, upon reviewing it, discovered Zhan Yan’s name linked to "Li Qiong Xiang." Before she could demand an explanation, the God of Matchmaking snatched the book and fled.
Back at the prefecture, Shangguan Ce excitedly informed Zhan Yan that Madam Jiang had successfully arranged his marriage to Li Qiong Xiang, even remarking that he had initially thought Zhan Yan liked Duanmu Cui. Zhan Yan vehemently denied any prior acquaintance with Li Qiong Xiang or desire for marriage. Madam Jiang insisted he had expressed approval of Li Qiong Xiang's portrait, which prompted her to arrange the match.
She further revealed that Li Qiong Xiang possessed Zhan Yan's missing sword tassel, and pointed to the butterfly tassel now mysteriously hanging from Zhan Yan’s waist as undeniable proof of their mutual affection. Despite Madam Jiang's announcement that the exchange of marriage proposals was imminent, Zhan Yan, reiterating his wish to marry only for love, refused the match and left, leaving his godmother to ponder if he truly had another love interest.
Driven by jealousy, Duanmu Cui went to Qifeng Prefecture's records room to investigate Li Qiong Xiang. She reviewed the records, learning about Li Qiong Xiang’s wealthy background, education under a renowned Jiangnan scholar, and mastery of arts. Duanmu Cui scoffed at the match, deeming their upbringings too different. While there, she spotted a red thread on Zhan Yan's arm. When Zhan Yan entered the records room, Duanmu Cui quickly made herself invisible.
In a sudden turn, they accidentally kissed as Zhan Yan moved. During their accidental contact, a silver piece from Duanmu Cui’s Qiankun bag fell and was picked up by Zhan Yan. Later, Zhan Yan used the Lacquer Garden Butterfly to contact Duanmu Cui. Still simmering with jealousy, Duanmu Cui's responses were terse and cold. She sarcastically suggested he was too busy with his "Xiang Xiang" (referring to Li Qiong Xiang).
Zhan Yan, sensing her jealousy, playfully suggested they go to a new sweet tea shop on Zhuque Street. Duanmu Cui was internally conflicted but maintained her aloof demeanor. Zhan Yan, aware of her true feelings, intentionally cut off the connection. Immediately after, Duanmu Cui's attitude shifted, and she declared she wanted to go for a walk, despite having earlier claimed the weather was bad. Unbeknownst to them, Shangguan Ce had overheard Zhan Yan’s conversation through the Lacquer Garden Butterfly.
He confronted Zhan Yan, advising him to be responsible and warning him against two-timing Duanmu Cui and Li Qiong Xiang, dramatically predicting that Duanmu Cui might "destroy Qifeng Prefecture" if angered. Zhan Yan, exasperated, told Shangguan Ce to read more case files instead of "silly novellas." Shangguan Ce, undeterred, insisted his intentions were good, asserting that one day Zhan Yan would realize he was the one who cared about him the most.
Episode 10 Recap
Hong Luan carefully mended Wengu's clothes, which had been torn when he was catching gnats. Wengu told her there was no need for her to do such delicate work. However, Hong Luan expressed her happiness in the task, reflecting on how difficult life in the Ninth Hell had been and how much she cherished her current well-being.
Wengu, contemplating the passage of time, remarked that a thousand years of waiting might not compare to a single moment in the mortal world. Hong Luan gently advised him to appreciate the surroundings, but Wengu declined, acknowledging that both of them were on a "road with no return" yet also a "road with no regrets." Invisible, Duanmu Cui visited the dessert shop Zhan Yan had mentioned.
She noticed a human-shaped doll sitting at Zhan Yan's table and playfully moved it, causing Zhan Yan to realize her presence. He ordered another waxberry punch, jokingly threatening to add vinegar or salt to it, but Duanmu Cui stopped him. Excusing himself to patrol the streets, Zhan Yan covertly left, secretly delighted when he later learned Duanmu Cui had finished the drink. As Duanmu Cui followed him, teasing him, Zhan Yan turned and encountered Li Qiong Xiang.
She presented him with a handkerchief she had personally woven, expressing her gratitude for him saving her life previously. Zhan Yan reluctantly accepted it, assuring her that he would send payment to her textile store. Li Qiong Xiang hinted at their future as a family, but Zhan Yan firmly rebuffed her, stating that they were merely acquaintances and should maintain their distance. Rui'er, Li Qiong Xiang's maid, quickly interjected to defend her lady.
Observing this interaction from her invisible state, Duanmu Cui concluded that Li Qiong Xiang genuinely harbored feelings for Zhan Yan. Duanmu Cui then followed Li Qiong Xiang to the Jinxiu Textile, where she witnessed Li Qiong Xiang's exquisite embroidery skills and observed how highly mortals regarded such well-mannered young women. Inspired by Li Qiong Xiang, Duanmu Cui attempted to adopt the demeanor of a respectable lady, which utterly terrified Xiao Qing Hua, Wengu, Zhang Long, and Zhao Wu.
Wengu, however, reassured her that she was already perfect just as she was. Meanwhile, Hong Luan reported to a Demon Clan elder that she had successfully retrieved a fragment of the Penglai Drawing from Duanmu Cui. The elder clarified that the fragments possessed a unique property: they vibrated when in close proximity to other pieces, enabling them to be located. Using this ability, Hong Luan sensed that the next fragment of the Penglai Drawing was located within the Jinxiu Textile.
The elder then inquired about Wengu, speculating if he was the son of the former Demon King and a mortal woman. Hong Luan denied this, explaining that Wengu had mysteriously vanished during the Battle of Chong City, possibly dying in the conflict. The elder then lamented the potential loss of the "son of the Dragon Clan," who should have been the greatest hope for the Demon Clan, wishing for Wengu's return to lead them to freedom in the mortal world.
Duanmu Cui then detected a distinct demon stench on the handkerchief Zhan Yan had been given by Li Qiong Xiang and had entrusted to Duanmu Cui for safekeeping. She followed Zhan Yan to the Jinxiu Textile, but upon arrival, the scent mysteriously disappeared. Her jealousy flared when she saw clothes Li Qiong Xiang had made for Zhan Yan. In a fit of pique, Duanmu Cui purchased a weaving machine from Jinxiu Textile.
When she attempted to investigate Li Qiong Xiang further, Zhan Yan cautioned her against making accusations without evidence. Misinterpreting his words as siding with his "future wife," Duanmu Cui became angry, and the two parted ways after a heated argument. Still fuming, Duanmu Cui defiantly tried to weave Lingxiao Blue without resorting to magic, accidentally cutting her hand. Wengu, heartbroken, gently applied medicine and lamented her self-inflicted distress.
Later that night, as Li Qiong Xiang was weaving Lingxiao Red at the textile store, a pink mist enveloped her, causing her to lose consciousness. The Jinxiu Textile suddenly caught fire. Zhan Yan, who was on patrol, bravely rescued Li Qiong Xiang, but sadly, her maid, Rui'er, perished in the blaze. Upon hearing of the mysterious fire, Duanmu Cui suspected demon involvement and proceeded to Qifeng Prefecture to investigate. Li Qiong Xiang was grief-stricken over Rui'er's death.
Madam Jiang urged Zhan Yan to comfort Li Qiong Xiang with a gift, but he evaded the suggestion, instead trying to divert the conversation to Madam Jiang's rheumatism and a more fragrant tea. He adamantly declared that he had no romantic feelings for Li Qiong Xiang and would not marry her, insisting that Madam Jiang inform the Li family, otherwise he would do so himself.
Just as Li Qiong Xiang attempted to hug Zhan Yan, Duanmu Cui arrived by earth travel, interrupting the moment. Li Qiong Xiang, now visibly possessed by a demon, tried to hand Zhan Yan a piece of the Lingxiao Red fabric. The moment Duanmu Cui stepped into the textile store, the possessing demon abandoned Li Qiong Xiang's body, causing her to collapse.
Zhan Yan, leaving Duanmu Cui to continue the investigation alone, promptly took Li Qiong Xiang to see a doctor, much to Duanmu Cui's displeasure. Meanwhile, Hong Luan confronted the Silkworm Phantom, demanding the Penglai Drawing fragment. The Silkworm Phantom, whose cocoon "was" the fragment, refused to surrender it until her wish for a destined marriage was fulfilled.
She revealed that she had lent her demon power to the weaver of the Lingxiao Red (Li Qiong Xiang) to help her regain strength for her revenge. The Silkworm Phantom warned Hong Luan not to alert Duanmu Cui, emphasizing that drawing her attention would lead to both their demise. Zhan Yan later informed Duanmu Cui that the coroner's examination of Rui'er's body revealed no smoke in her throat, indicating she had died "before" the fire.
This suggested murder, with the fire being set to destroy evidence. He confessed that he had suspected Li Qiong Xiang when she attempted to take his measurements, sensing a malicious intent, which Duanmu Cui's timely appearance had thwarted. Zhan Yan also revealed that he had visited Jinxiu Textile multiple times since then, but Li Qiong Xiang had consistently avoided him.
He explained that his true intention was to uncover Li Qiong Xiang's secrets, which was why he had requested Duanmu Cui and the Xihualiu Sect's assistance at the upcoming Lingxiao Red exhibition. At the exhibition, Zhan Yan, Duanmu Cui, and Wengu were present as Li Qiong Xiang prepared to unveil the Lingxiao Red wedding dress. However, when the curtain was drawn, it was her father, Mister Li, who was revealed, lifeless and dressed in the very wedding clothes. The scene descended into chaos, and Li Qiong Xiang fainted from the shock.
Episode 11 Recap
Wen Gu examined Li Song Bai's body, noting twelve fingerprints on his neck, which indicated he was strangled by a six-fingered person. He observed that Li Qiong Xiang did not have six fingers. Zhan Yan then recalled Zheng Qiao'er, who worked at the breakfast shop, had six fingers. Zhan Yan expressed doubt, questioning how Zheng Qiao'er, who was much shorter than Li Song Bai, could overpower and strangle him.
Duanmu Cui suggested that if Zheng Qiao'er was part of the Demon Clan, it would be possible, and they decided to investigate. Meanwhile, Wen Gu detected the scent of the Demon Clan on hair found on the victim. He confronted Hong Luan, who had been eavesdropping while wearing a cloak.
Hong Luan, confessing to being under a Heart Devouring Curse, stated that her actions were solely for the Demon Clan's freedom to "see the light of day," and urged Wen Gu to help the Demon Clan escape the Ninth Hell, then disappeared. Duanmu Cui and Zhan Yan arrived at Zheng Qiao'er's breakfast shop late at night. Duanmu Cui noticed a mark on Zheng Qiao'er's neck, realizing she was a semi-demon.
Zheng Qiao'er tried to escape but was bound by Duanmu Cui with an Immortal Binding Rope. Duanmu Cui confirmed Zheng Qiao'er as a "silkworm phantom" with semi-demon blood. Zheng Qiao'er initially denied any wrongdoing, attributing her many fingers and increased nighttime strength to being born different, and denied being out the previous night or visiting Jinxiu Textile. When Zhan Yan pressed her about Li Song Bai's murder by a six-fingered person, Zheng Qiao'er burst out, "Nice death.
It serves him right!" confirming a personal grudge. Zheng Qiao'er's nanny then arrived at the jail, pleading for her innocence and explaining the long-standing feud between Zheng Qiao'er and the Li family, while insisting Zheng Qiao'er was not the killer. Zhan Yan, suspecting something was amiss at Jinxiu Textile, proceeded there. His earlier investigations had led him to Zheng Wan Li's 15-year-old autopsy report, making him question if the case could be reopened.
He had also learned that a piece of Lingxiao Red, previously sold by Liu Xi Mei to Lord Liu, had mysteriously vanished, and Lord Liu's wife was still eager to acquire another. At Jinxiu Textile, Li Qiong Xiang also arrived, drawn by the sound of a weaving loom. They witnessed the loom moving by itself before a Lingxiao Red wedding gown sprang to life, wrapping tightly around Zhan Yan.
Separately, Hong Luan reported to the Demon Clan elder that she had located a Penglai Drawing fragment, which was the Silkworm Phantom's cocoon. She explained her plan to help Silkworm Phantom exact revenge to acquire the cocoon. The elder voiced his disapproval of demons forming attachments with humans, citing past examples of suffering, but accepted Hong Luan's assurance that Silkworm Phantom would surrender the cocoon upon her revenge.
Hong Luan went to Jinxiu Textile, and when Silkworm Phantom did not appear, she set fire to the fabric inside the shop. The Silkworm Phantom (Liu Xi Mei) then materialized, explaining that she had exhausted "all her cultivation to weave Lingxiaohong," rendering her "no different from a mortal," which allowed Li Song Bai to persecute her to death.
After her demise, the Lingxiao Red's magic dissipated into Red Silk, and her spirit could only "possess the silk," hoping that the reappearance of Lingxiao Red would allow her to "cohere" and "kill Li Song Bai to avenge her husband's death." She revealed that she had possessed Li Qiong Xiang to help weave the Lingxiao Red, as her own power as a "wisp of soul" was insufficient.
Hong Luan offered to lend her "power of the Demon Clan" to help Li Qiong Xiang finish the Lingxiao Red, promising Silkworm Phantom the ability to "regroup her power to take revenge" in exchange for the cocoon fragment. To ensure Silkworm Phantom's loyalty, Hong Luan planted the Heart Devouring Curse on her.
The elder had promised Hong Luan a partial antidote to alleviate her pain if she successfully retrieved the cocoon, simultaneously threatening her with a "life worse than death" should she betray them. Wen Gu, standing behind a rock, overheard this conversation between Hong Luan and the elder. Upon learning of Zhan Yan's disappearance, Duanmu Cui rushed to Jinxiu Textile, finding his Ju Que sword, which indicated he was in peril.
She questioned Li Qiong Xiang, who recalled Zhan Yan pushing her out of the textile shop and warning her of danger before she fainted. Connecting Zhan Yan's recent investigation into Zheng Wan Li's 15-year-old case, the missing Lingxiao Red, and Zheng Qiao'er's semi-demon lineage (with her human father and six-fingered demon mother), Duanmu Cui deduced that the true culprit was Liu Xi Mei, Zheng Qiao'er's mother, the Silkworm Phantom, who had been presumed dead for fifteen years.
Duanmu Cui theorized that Liu Xi Mei had used all her power and birthright Red Silk to weave the Lingxiao Red, was then killed by Li Song Bai, and her spirit had possessed the Red Silk after its magic dissipated, returning to Jinxiu Textile to manipulate it for revenge. This explained the disappearance of the Lingxiao Red from Lord Liu's household. Duanmu Cui eventually found Zhan Yan encased within the Lingxiao Red.
Realizing the fabric was fused with his flesh and could not be removed without severe injury, she ordered ice to be brought immediately. Later, Wen Gu used a token to contact the Demon Clan elder, warning him not to harm Duanmu Cui. Duanmu Cui successfully rescued Zhan Yan from the Lingxiao Red. However, the Silkworm Phantom managed to escape her confinement.
Silkworm Phantom (Liu Xi Mei) then recounted her tragic past: after escaping the Ninth Hell, severely injured, she was rescued and nursed back to health by Zheng Wan Li. They fell in love, but Li Song Bai, coveting the Zheng family's wealth, hired bandits to murder both Zheng Wan Li and her. Zheng Qiao'er arrived and was reunited with her mother. Shangguan Ce pledged to reopen Zheng Wan Li's case to clear his name.
Li Qiong Xiang, moved by the story, decided to donate all profits from Jinxiu Textile to Zheng Qiao'er. With her long-held grievances resolved, Silkworm Phantom's spirit transformed into a butterfly and ascended. Duanmu Cui comforted Zheng Qiao'er, assuring her that her mother, despite her past resentment, had always retained her kindness, and that Zheng Qiao'er's future prosperity would honor her mother's memory.
After regaining consciousness, Zhan Yan accidentally pushed Duanmu Cui to the ground, much to the embarrassment of Shangguan Ce, Zhang Long, and Zhao Wu who looked away. Learning that Duanmu Cui had saved him, Zhan Yan vowed to cook a meal for her. He admitted he knew nothing about cooking but expressed his willingness to learn for her sake. Meanwhile, Hong Luan successfully acquired the cocoon, the next fragment of the Penglai Drawing.
Wen Gu confronted Hong Luan about her late return, subtly implying he was aware of her activities. He cautioned her that she alone could not liberate the entire Demon Clan. Hong Luan, touched by Wen Gu's concern but simultaneously afflicted by the agonizing Heart Devouring Curse, secretly wished she wasn't trapped in the Ninth Hell's predicament. Following Li Song Bai's death, a throng of matchmakers besieged Qifeng Prefecture, speculating about Zhan Yan's potentially broken engagement with Li Qiong Xiang.
Duanmu Cui, seeking Zhan Yan, magically froze the matchmakers at the gate to gain entry. Inside, Li Qiong Xiang officially requested to break off her engagement, but Lord Jiang refused, insisting the marriage between their families was predestined and recorded in the "Book of Marriage." He stated that he and Madam Jiang considered Li Qiong Xiang "like our own children" and that Qifeng Prefecture was her home. Duanmu Cui, overhearing this, became annoyed.
She sarcastically dismissed Lord Jiang as a "little mortal official" for presuming knowledge of the "Book of Marriage" and quipped that he should "take over the God of Matchmaking's job" given his zeal for matchmaking. Duanmu Cui also misunderstood that Lord Jiang wanted to invite both her and Li Qiong Xiang to dinner, making her very angry.
At dinner, Lord Jiang and Madam Jiang continued their efforts to pair Li Qiong Xiang and Zhan Yan, much to Duanmu Cui's subtle competitive displeasure. Shangguan Ce, observing the spread, commented on Zhan Yan preparing only sweet dishes. Duanmu Cui then realized Zhan Yan had cooked entirely to her preference, which delighted her. She noted that the "vegetarian beef with honey sauce" was made of tofu, and the "sweet and sour vegetarian fish" was made of eggplant. Recognizing that all the dishes were vegetarian and sweet, catering specifically to her tastes, Duanmu Cui decided to overlook Zhan Yan's earlier antics.
Episode 12 Recap
Duanmu Cui observed the red thread connecting Zhan Yan and Li Qiong Xiang, which prompted her to seek out the God of Matchmaking. She was frustrated when he evaded her, leading her to draw a mole on his statue. Later, when people came to worship, they commented on the altered statue, believing an "old woman who failed to get married" must have defaced it.
Duanmu Cui, overhearing, declared herself a high immortal with no interest in marriage, and further complained about the God of Matchmaking and his followers. The God of Matchmaking later confronted Yang Jian, demanding he control his sister for vandalizing his temple and humiliating him with a "matchmaker's mole."
Yang Jian playfully retorted that the God of Matchmaking was indeed a matchmaker and defended Duanmu Cui, asserting she was always in the right and that the God of Matchmaking must have erred first. Exasperated, the God of Matchmaking threatened to assign Yang Jian the ugliest wife if immortals could marry, to which Yang Jian questioned if any ugly fairies existed in Penglai, effectively ending the argument.
Unable to find the God of Matchmaking, Duanmu Cui then attempted to borrow a path from the God of Land. Instead, the Earth Granny appeared, admonishing Duanmu Cui, an unmarried Penglai immortal, for frequently seeking her husband. Earth Granny revealed that Duanmu Cui’s constant travel through land and water had even caused the River God and his wife to divorce.
She warned Duanmu Cui that immortals cannot marry, citing her own marriage to the God of Land from before their ascension, and ordered her to leave, threatening force and even to break her own husband's legs if he aided Duanmu Cui. Duanmu Cui left, bewildered by the Earth Granny's intense reaction, musing that the minor immortals must be jealous of her excellence in capturing demons while they received worship for doing nothing.
Back at her residence, Duanmu Cui found Little Medicine Vase scolding Xiao Qing Hua for sneaking out to see the moon with Die'er, enforcing a punishment despite Duanmu Cui's pleas. Duanmu Cui expressed her confusion to Hong Luan about everyone's recent anger, from Little Medicine Vase to the Earth Granny and the River God's divorce, wondering if she was experiencing bad luck. Hong Luan explained that both Little Medicine Vase and the Earth Granny were displaying jealousy.
Duanmu Cui, initially confused about the concept of "eating jealousy," learned that jealousy could lead to broken legs, divorce, or, for ordinary women, anger, finding fault, unreasonable tantrums, and mood swings. Duanmu Cui vehemently denied being jealous of Zhan Yan, as she was a high immortal.
Hong Luan pressed, telling a story about the Seventh Fairy, a powerful and beautiful immortal friend of Duanmu Cui’s, who became elated by a Heavenly Soldier's praise but deeply saddened by his proximity to other fairies. Hong Luan concluded that the Seventh Fairy had fallen in love. Duanmu Cui dismissed this, stating immortals have no marriage threads, but Hong Luan countered that immortals can indeed fall in love, though their unions seldom end well.
To ascertain if Duanmu Cui harbored feelings, Hong Luan suggested a test: refrain from meeting or contacting Zhan Yan. If Duanmu Cui found herself missing him intensely and unable to resist reaching out, then she was in love. Duanmu Cui, confident in her millennia of emotional stability, agreed, believing a few days apart from Zhan Yan would prove nothing. That night, Zhan Yan discovered inexplicable silk in his room, suspecting further complications in the Liu Xi Mei case.
He attempted to send a message via messenger butterfly to Duanmu Cui, but she cut off the communication. Noting Duanmu Cui's increasing unpredictability, Zhan Yan resolved to visit her the next day. The following morning, Duanmu Cui paced outside Qifeng Prefecture, grappling with her desire to see Zhan Yan and the fear of confirming Hong Luan’s theory.
She rationalized that as a high immortal, she shouldn't fall for a mortal, and if anyone were to fall, it should be Zhan Yan first. Wengu observed her, and feeling deep sadness, asked if she was seeking Zhan Yan. Duanmu Cui denied it, claiming she was merely patrolling to prevent demon mischief. Wengu offered to patrol with her, stating Hong Luan could manage the medical hall.
As they patrolled, Duanmu Cui realized they were circling back to the Qifeng Prefecture entrance, blaming the winding roads for getting lost. Meanwhile, Hong Luan, under the Elder's command, used the 'Reel Silk from the Cocoon' technique to probe Zhan Yan’s memories, searching for signs of him being a reincarnated immortal. Her investigation only revealed that the Ju Que sword was a gift from Jiang Wenqing, with no other unusual findings.
Duanmu Cui soon spotted Li Qiong Xiang entering Qifeng Prefecture and followed her, only to hear Li Qiong Xiang’s cries for help. She discovered Zhan Yan encased in silk. Wengu, who was also present, warned her against using Samadhi Fire, as mortals could not withstand its burning of the primordial spirit. Duanmu Cui, however, insisted on saving Zhan Yan. Realizing there was no time to separate the cocoon, Duanmu Cui used her Samadhi Fire to burn the silk away.
Zhan Yan lay unconscious and not breathing. Duanmu Cui, stopping Li Qiong Xiang from attempting acupuncture, confessed her love to Zhan Yan and gave him air through a kiss. At that moment, Duanmu Cui's Love Debt Box rope snapped. Yang Jian and Tian descended from the heavens. Yang Jian angrily questioned the God of Matchmaking about Zhan Yan’s broken red thread and his sister’s broken "love lock," blaming him for causing chaos in mortal marriages.
The God of Matchmaking prioritized Yang Jian's sister’s well-being. Yang Jian declared his intent to descend, and Tian reminded him they needed a valid reason to avoid scrutiny from other immortals. Zhan Yan eventually awoke, finding both Li Qiong Xiang and Duanmu Cui by his bedside. Li Qiong Xiang offered him snacks, but Duanmu Cui, using her powers, conjured food instantly, which Zhan Yan devoured, requesting more. Li Qiong Xiang then excused herself.
Duanmu Cui embraced Zhan Yan, their emotions deepening. Duanmu Cui inquired about the previous night. Zhan Yan suspected missing clues in the Liu Xi Mei case and blamed his own carelessness. Duanmu Cui expressed regret over his suffering, and implored him not to die, listing all the ways she would miss him. Zhan Yan, in turn, promised not to die without her permission, jokingly adding that her temper would prevent him from resting in peace.
After thanking her for saving him, Duanmu Cui noted his strange propensity for attracting demons. Zhan Yan explained the cocoon had merely probed his memories, revealing only his foster father Jiang Wenqing giving him the Ju Que sword, and a faint smell of trees. Duanmu Cui deduced the tree smell was from the silkworm’s diet but regretted that the burned silk meant the mastermind could not be traced.
She ordered Zhan Yan to rest and recover, promising to protect Qifeng while she investigated. Wengu was deeply troubled by Duanmu Cui’s actions, questioning why she would risk herself for a mortal and pondering if she had truly fallen for Zhan Yan, despite her sealed love debt. Hong Luan attempted to console him, dismissing Zhan Yan's importance to her and assuring Wengu of her sole concern for him.
She subtly inquired about Jiang Wenqing's family, including his lack of biological children, and his origins. Wengu, sensing her ulterior motives, confronted her, and Hong Luan claimed she was merely making polite conversation before Wengu dismissed her. Duanmu Cui, plucking flower petals while musing on "loves me, loves me not," asked Hong Luan how her friend, Seventh Fairy, could determine the Heavenly Soldier's feelings, especially if he had another lover.
Hong Luan replied that if his heart belonged to someone else, Seventh Fairy's efforts would be in vain. Duanmu Cui, unwilling to concede, declared no man could resist a fairy, and no man could escape her. Following Hong Luan’s advice, they visited a bookstore, seeking books on love. Duanmu Cui criticized the unrealistic love stories, while Hong Luan highlighted the gentle, considerate, kind, helpful, and animal-loving traits of the female protagonists. They decided to emulate these traits by helping others.
Duanmu Cui's attempts at helpfulness were comically disastrous. She tried to lead a lost child home but got lost herself, with the child eventually returning home with someone else, mentioning he lost his "fairy sister." Unable to use her usual earth-tunnelling ability due to the Earth Granny's ongoing quarrel with the God of Land (a secret Duanmu Cui wished to keep), she and Xiao Qing Hua walked to Qifeng Prefecture.
Duanmu Cui then orchestrated a scene where Xiao Qing Hua faked a leg injury, hoping Zhan Yan would help. When she called Zhan Yan "darling," he questioned her, prompting her to quickly switch to "Brother Zhan." Zhan Yan, sensing something amiss, checked her for fever, suggesting she was stressed and offered to have Wengu prepare medicine, to which Duanmu Cui retorted that he needed medicine himself. Xiao Qing Hua later commiserated with Zhan Yan about Duanmu Cui’s worsening temper.
Hong Luan advised Duanmu Cui to directly influence Zhan Yan through his associates, by being kind to them and learning his preferences, thereby winning him over. Duanmu Cui, though skeptical, agreed to try. She followed Shangguan Ce, offering to carry his documents, which he declined, stating they weren't heavy. Duanmu Cui insisted, drawing a subtle rebuke from Shangguan Ce about her lack of strength and the confidential nature of the documents.
Undeterred, Duanmu Cui offered to grind ink for him, which he politely declined. She then sliced apples for the guards, who praised her unexpected culinary skills. She tried to assist Zhan Yan’s men with heavy boxes, but Zhan Yan insisted they continue their training. Duanmu Cui then brought bird’s nest porridge to Shangguan Ce, who was working late, but he refused it, begging her to stop caring for him.
Meanwhile, Wengu, concerned about Duanmu Cui's late returns, asked Hong Luan about her activities. Hong Luan, after some hesitation, revealed that Duanmu Cui had fallen for Zhan Yan and was actively pursuing him, admitting Duanmu Cui had asked her to keep it a secret. Wengu, furious, ordered Hong Luan to leave. Hong Luan subsequently reported to the Demon Clan Elder, admitting she failed to retrieve the cocoon.
She explained that the "Reel Silk from the Cocoon" spell made it irretrievable once used, and Duanmu Cui had taken it. She promised to recover it. The Elder then pressed her about Wengu. Hong Luan disclosed that Wengu was the Dragon King’s son but had become an immortal and disagreed with the Ninth Hell’s actions, making him impossible to persuade. She had lied earlier out of fear.
The Elder, dismissing her excuse, warned that if she could not persuade Wengu to return to Ninth Hell to unlock the seal in Chong City, he would become an enemy of Ninth Hell. Hong Luan vowed to persuade him. A black cat observed their entire conversation. Duanmu Cui then set off fireworks at Qifeng Prefecture, causing a near-fire. The guards and Zhan Yan investigated, noting the absence of gunpowder or remnants, concluding it was not human-made.
They speculated it was Duanmu Cui’s "demon fire." Zhan Yan, finding Duanmu Cui hiding, deduced she was embarrassed by her failed fireworks display. Duanmu Cui, indignant, felt Zhan Yan was slandering her. Hong Luan commented that Zhan Yan looked terrified, not surprised, by the fireworks. Duanmu Cui, surprised by Qifeng Prefecture's flammability, asked Hong Luan for a safer method.
Consulting a bestseller about rich gentlemen winning over women with expensive gifts, Hong Luan advised Duanmu Cui to shower Zhan Yan with lavish presents to show her affections. Duanmu Cui questioned if this applied to men, but Hong Luan insisted giving gifts to express love was universal. They decided to try it.
Hong Luan cautioned Duanmu Cui not to reveal to Wengu that she was teaching her how to please Zhan Yan, but Duanmu Cui retorted that she was merely "applying what she’d learned." The next day, Qifeng Prefecture was inundated with gifts for Zhan Yan, including an imperial jade seal, leaving the guards baffled and concerned that someone was trying to frame him.
Episode 13 Recap
Duanmu Cui had meticulously prepared precious antique gifts, including a jade seal and an imperial inkstone, believing these "mortal emperor-worthy" items would surely win Zhan Yan's affection. She confidently boasted to Hong Luan that she could obtain anything from the stars to the earth's treasures and that Zhan Yan would undoubtedly be moved.
However, Shangguan Ce arrived at Duanmu Residence, not with the grateful response Duanmu Cui anticipated from Zhan Yan, but with a recognition certificate for Xihualiu Sect from the imperial court. He explained that Zhan Yan had presented all of Duanmu Cui's valuable gifts to the emperor, crediting Xihualiu Sect for recovering lost imperial items and contributing valuable antiques.
Initially, when these items were found in Qifeng Prefecture, Shangguan Ce and Jiang Wenqing had been suspicious, believing someone was trying to frame Zhan Yan, but Zhan Yan clarified that Duanmu Cui, as an immortal, was simply unfamiliar with mortal laws and had no malicious intent. Jiang Wenqing then instructed Shangguan Ce to document the items for presentation to the capital. Duanmu Cui was furious and disheartened, realizing her "love pursuit plan" had utterly failed.
Witnessing Duanmu Cui's distress, Wen Gu offered to raid the imperial palace to retrieve her gifts, declaring he would even rob Penglai if it was her property. Duanmu Cui stopped him, explaining that while they, as immortals, had nothing to fear from a mortal emperor, she was concerned about Zhan Yan being implicated.
She dismissed the material value of the gifts, allowing the imperial court to keep them, but ironically noted that the "recognition certificate" should have been awarded to Zhan Yan, not her. Wen Gu pointed out her obvious care for Zhan Yan through her actions, to which Duanmu Cui, flustered, insisted it was merely a gesture of "courtesy" due to Qifeng Prefecture's assistance.
Wen Gu then met with Yang Jian, the God of Justice, who had previously been confident that Duanmu Cui would not fall for a mortal. Wen Gu informed him that Duanmu Cui's affections for Zhan Yan had "crossed the lines" and she had even debased her immortal status to pursue a mortal. Yang Jian was enraged, demanding if Zhan Yan was "blind" for not accepting his "cute" sister.
Wen Gu proposed that Li Qiong Xiang and Zhan Yan marry sooner to sever this "undestined relationship" and deter Duanmu Cui's affections. Yang Jian readily agreed, declaring that a "fated marriage conquers all," and he would pressure the God of Matchmaking to arrange their wedding within the month, believing Duanmu Cui could not defy such a fate. Wen Gu, to himself, vowed that no one but him was worthy of Duanmu Cui.
Jiang Wenqing and Madam Jiang summoned Zhan Yan to inquire about Duanmu Cui's recent actions. Zhan Yan defended her, explaining that as an immortal unfamiliar with mortal customs, she meant no harm with her gifts or the fireworks she set off; she merely possessed a "kid-like" and "playful" nature. Madam Jiang found it perplexing for a "thousand-year-old" immortal to act so "unruly," but Zhan Yan insisted that Duanmu Cui had an unchanging, "innocent heart."
When Jiang Wenqing probed about their relationship, Zhan Yan maintained they were simply "good friends." Jiang Wenqing then revealed he had offered Li Qiong Xiang to consider Qifeng Prefecture her maternal home for her upcoming wedding, urging Zhan Yan to take good care of her since she had no maid to assist her. After Zhan Yan left, Madam Jiang questioned why Jiang Wenqing was denying Zhan Yan's feelings for Duanmu Cui.
Jiang Wenqing voiced his concern about the arduous path of an immortal-mortal relationship and its potential to shorten lifespan, fearing for Zhan Yan's future when Duanmu Cui would inevitably depart after her mission. He believed arranging a new marriage for Zhan Yan "before" his feelings for Duanmu Cui solidified was the wisest course.
Madam Jiang, however, countered that destiny was unpredictable, and if an immortal and a mortal could genuinely be together, there would be no regrets, suggesting their union should be guided by fate. Duanmu Cui, frustrated by Zhan Yan's apparent insensitivity, confided in Hong Luan, lamenting that Zhan Yan misunderstood her romantic gestures and even thought she was possessed.
Hong Luan suggested that perhaps Zhan Yan didn't perceive Duanmu Cui as a woman, which angered Duanmu Cui, who questioned if her beauty wasn't obvious enough. Hong Luan then advised her to transform herself to embody the "graceful, delicate, and gentle" qualities mortal men preferred. Duanmu Cui eagerly accepted, calling Hong Luan her "best friend" and vowing not to return if she failed. (Hong Luan secretly hoped this would bring her closer to Wen Gu.
) Duanmu Cui and Hong Luan then visited a jewelry store. Duanmu Cui initially gravitated towards shiny, elaborate pieces, but Hong Luan gently redirected her to more demure items, explaining that "mortal men would only marry those with grace and poise." Duanmu Cui realized she had forgotten how to "doll herself up" since becoming an immortal.
Just then, Duanmu Cui spotted Zhan Yan and Li Qiong Xiang at the same shop, with Li Qiong Xiang showing Zhan Yan items and him approving them. The shopkeeper later confirmed to Duanmu Cui that Zhan Yan and Li Qiong Xiang were purchasing "hairpins for marital uses" and were "a match made in heaven," implying they were to be married. Duanmu Cui, heartbroken, furiously left the store. Still seething, Duanmu Cui watched as Li Qiong Xiang retrieved her wedding items.
When the shopkeeper praised the items and congratulated Li Qiong Xiang on her impending marriage, Duanmu Cui used her magic to animate a measuring rod, causing it to fly around and strike the shopkeeper, creating pandemonium. Zhan Yan appeared and confronted Duanmu Cui, chastising her for "bullying Li Qiong Xiang" and acting "moody" and "uninnocent," unlike the "generous Miss Duanmu" he once knew. Duanmu Cui was deeply hurt by his words, accusing him of finally revealing his true feelings.
She declared she would not "shamelessly stick on him" and that they should go their "separate ways." After Duanmu Cui stormed off, Li Qiong Xiang approached Zhan Yan, explaining that Duanmu Cui was clearly "jealous" because she "loves" him. She advised Zhan Yan, who initially doubted Duanmu Cui's capacity for such "foolish" behavior, to "cherish her" and not "abandon each other," especially since their own engagement was no longer valid.
Duanmu Cui stormed back to Duanmu Residence, where she vented her anger by playing the ruan so terribly that it caused physical discomfort to the monsters of Xihualiu Sect, who were almost forced to reveal their true forms. She declared that no one named Zhan was allowed in her residence, cursing Zhan Yan for his "blindness" in not understanding her feelings.
Zhan Yan arrived, attempting to speak with her, but Xiao Qing Hua, loyal to her master, blocked him at the door. Before Zhan Yan could persuade Xiao Qing Hua, Zhang Long and Zhao Wu rushed to report a new case: many people in the east of the city had been injured by an unknown beast. Zhan Yan, despite wanting to reconcile with Duanmu Cui, had to leave with his men to investigate.
Duanmu Cui was surprised he left so quickly, but then hardened her stance, forbidding Xiao Qing Hua from calling him back and declaring that Xihualiu Sect would no longer meddle in Qifeng Prefecture's affairs. Following the reports, Zhan Yan and his officers arrived in the east of the city, where many citizens had been scratched by a "dark shadow."
Jiang Wenqing was already present, explaining he had discovered the injured while running an errand and stayed as it was Qifeng Prefecture's duty. He assessed the wounds as minor cat scratches and advised victims to seek immediate treatment at Wen Gu's medical hall. Jiang Wenqing then ordered his officers to capture any stray cats and bring them to Qifeng Prefecture for adoption, fearing further harm.
Zhan Yan, observing the unusual aggression of cats for the season, found the situation "weird" and decided to consult Duanmu Cui. However, when he attempted to send her a butterfly message, she immediately cut off the connection. Meanwhile, Jiang Wenqing, determined to find the culprit, deliberately walked through back alleys on his way home, correctly deducing that the cat would hide there. He located the rogue black cat, and, with paternal care, took it back to Qifeng Prefecture.
The Fine Flower Stream monsters, hearing that Qifeng Prefecture was hosting a wedding, became excited, eager to celebrate. Duanmu Cui, roused by their chatter, learned of the impending nuptials. Enraged, she misinterpreted it as Zhan Yan marrying Li Qiong Xiang without her consent. She immediately rallied her monsters, shouting, "Qing Hua, grab some weapons! We're snatching the groom!" Wen Gu, informed of Duanmu Cui's furious charge towards Qifeng Prefecture, dismissed it as "ridiculous."
Duanmu Cui and her retinue burst into Qifeng Prefecture during the wedding ceremony, interrupting the "husband and wife bow." She loudly demanded Zhan Yan stop the wedding. Zhan Yan, however, calmly asked her what she was doing there. Xiao Qing Hua then proudly revealed that it was all a surprise orchestrated by Zhan Yan and her.
Li Qiong Xiang, the bride, clarified that she had been adopted as Jiang Wenqing's godsister, with Zhan Yan acting as her godbrother and officiator, and the wedding was for "her" (Li Qiong Xiang) and Cheng Ou, the groom, not Zhan Yan. Relieved and overjoyed by the truth, Duanmu Cui's sadness vanished. She presented Li Qiong Xiang with a luminous pearl from Penglai, a gift that would illuminate their nights, and wished the newlyweds a "happy marriage and healthy children."
Feeling a bit embarrassed, Duanmu Cui attempted to leave, but Zhan Yan pulled her back. He playfully reminded her that she had come to "snatch him" and couldn't "abandon him" now. As pink peach blossoms rained down, and red silk ribbons encircled them, Zhan Yan and Duanmu Cui shared a passionate kiss. The Fine Flower Stream monsters cheered, celebrating their master's long-awaited happiness.
Watching this unfold, Wen Gu was overcome with anger and ran off, with Hong Luan immediately pursuing him. Duanmu Cui playfully teased Zhan Yan for his previous lack of romantic understanding, reminding him of her past, dramatic attempts to win his affection, which she now found embarrassing. She challenged him to pursue her properly this time, stating she "wasn't an easy catch." Zhan Yan accepted, promising to "work hard for it." He then led her to a mountaintop.
At dusk, numerous paper kites bearing their painted portraits were released into the sky, filling Duanmu Cui with wonder. Zhan Yan confessed that he had always known her feelings but was slow to understand love, crediting Li Qiong Xiang for helping him realize his own emotions. He apologized for making her wait and then publicly declared his love, asking, "Duanmu, I like you. Do you wish to be with me for eternity?"
A blushing Duanmu Cui joyfully accepted, replying, "Zhan Yan, I do," while jokingly asking where he learned such "cheesy" romantic lines and encouraging him to say more. With this grand gesture, their romantic relationship was finally affirmed. Duanmu Cui then expressed a concern: immortals do not possess "marriage threads," suggesting their union might not be recognized by the Heavenly Court. Zhan Yan, however, gently took a twig, breaking it and wrapping it around their joined hands.
He told her that as long as they loved each other, "anything can be our thread of marriage," and "nothing can stop us now." Duanmu Cui, enchanted by his words, confessed she loved his "cheesy talking" and wanted to hear more. Zhan Yan and Duanmu Cui returned to Fine Flower Stream hand-in-hand, where the monsters celebrated their union, although Xiao Qing Hua playfully resisted the idea of Zhan Yan becoming her new master.
Meanwhile, in the quiet of the night at Qifeng Prefecture, Wen Gu confronted Zhan Yan, presenting him with portraits of eligible young women from Qifeng City, including merchant daughters and royal princesses. Wen Gu offered to arrange any marriage Zhan Yan desired, even to become the emperor's son-in-law, on the sole condition that he "leave Duanmu Cui."
Zhan Yan firmly refused, declaring, "I won't leave Duanmu Cui," despite Wen Gu's warnings about his mortal lifespan and the ill-fated history of immortal-mortal relationships. Zhan Yan asserted that their "two hearts" and "mutual love" were destiny, dismissing Wen Gu's offer as "absurd words" and warning him to leave.
Wen Gu, enraged, threatened Zhan Yan with "heavenly retributions" for defying fate, but Zhan Yan maintained that "meeting Duanmu is his destiny" before Wen Gu stormed off, vowing Zhan Yan would "regret it." Later, Zhan Yan and Duanmu Cui visited Jiang Wenqing and Madam Jiang. Zhan Yan declared he was no longer alone, with Duanmu Cui adding, "there are two of us." Madam Jiang expressed her immediate fondness for Duanmu Cui's "carefree" personality, entrusting Zhan Yan's happiness to her. Jiang Wenqing, accepting their "true love" and acknowledging he "can't stop them," offered his support, urging them to "treasure each other."
Episode 14 Recap
Now deeply in love, Zhan Yan was a changed man, no longer toiling away with endless work. Instead, he made sure to finish on time, eager to accompany Duanmu Cui on shopping trips. Shangguan Ce, displeased with Zhan Yan's transformation, found himself unable to argue with his superior and could only stew in silent frustration.
He confronted Zhan Yan, complaining that ever since Zhan Yan and Sect Leader Duanmu got together, he no longer shared meals, sleep, or cases with him, calling it cruel. Zhan Yan playfully suggested Shangguan Ce find someone himself, adding that it might be difficult as a "perfect maiden as described in the Book of Songs" was rare.
Duanmu Cui, overhearing, teased Zhan Yan for eavesdropping and threatened to tell her godfather, Yang Jian, to dock a month's wage, to which Zhan Yan claimed he merely "happened to be around the corner." Shangguan Ce lamented Zhan Yan changing for the worse, but Zhan Yan retorted that Shangguan Ce would also change once he found his soulmate, leaving Shangguan Ce to wonder if it would be for better or worse.
Zhan Yan doted on Duanmu Cui, buying her everything she desired. As they shopped, Duanmu Cui playfully asked if she would make him broke, worrying if he could still take care of her. Zhan Yan assured her he could support her and all her spirits, proudly stating his salary and imperial bonuses totaled 800 taels. Duanmu Cui, an immortal herself, feigned surprise that he was richer than her and declared she would "help" him spend his money.
They bought matching couple's outfits and later sat beneath a sky full of glittering stars. During a boat ride, Zhan Yan playfully rocked the boat, making Duanmu Cui ask what if she fell into the water. He promised he would never let her fall, but if she did, he would fall with her. They embraced, reaffirming their commitment.
However, their happiness was interrupted when Wengu confronted Zhan Yan, declaring himself Zhan Yan's enemy until Zhan Yan disappeared from Duanmu Cui's sight, as Zhan Yan had to "accept the dire consequences of his choice." Meanwhile, Wengu, heartbroken and furious, sought solace in alcohol by the river. Red Luan, worried, tried to comfort him, but his anger was too deep. Wengu questioned why he was inferior to Zhan Yan.
Red Luan assured him that in her heart, no one surpassed him, but Duanmu only had eyes for Zhan Yan. Wengu despaired, lamenting that his thousand years of waiting had made him a joke. Red Luan tried to stop him from drinking, reminding him that others worried about him, but Wengu dismissed it, believing Duanmu only cared for Zhan Yan. He declared that since his mother's death, Duanmu was all he had, and no one could ever take her away.
Drunk and enraged, Wengu cast a spell to conjure a storm. Red Luan, realizing his intent, scolded him, warning that Penglai would discover his Dragon Clan identity if he flooded Qifeng City. Wengu retorted that without Duanmu, he had no place in the world and did not care about Penglai; her presence was his true Penglai. His magical act caused a violent storm that flooded Qifeng City.
As the storm raged, Zhang Long and Zhao Wu speculated about Ghost Clan involvement, but Shangguan Ce dismissed their fears, sending them to patrol other streets while he headed to the shore. Zhan Yan also arrived at the waterfront and found Wengu. Wengu, still under the influence of alcohol, blamed Zhan Yan for the impending devastation of Qifeng City, calling him the "culprit" and "sinner."
Zhan Yan, confused, tried to guide the drunk Wengu away, but Wengu refused, claiming Zhan Yan, a mortal with a short lifespan, had no right to even mention Duanmu Cui, a high immortal. He insisted their relationship defied the Heavens and would bring "divine punishment," asserting that since Zhan Yan's appearance, Duanmu Cui had known no peace. He declared the storm not a natural disaster, but a "man-made calamity" caused by Zhan Yan.
Red Luan quickly intervened, leading Wengu away, who continued to rant about Zhan Yan being the cause of the disaster. At Duanmu Residence, a house spirit expressed concern about the storm, but Wengu reassured them that the barrier he and Duanmu had set would protect the residence. Duanmu Cui, however, worried about Qifeng City, noting the unusual ferocity of the storm. She suspected a Dragon Clan descendant was involved and asked Wengu if Penglai should be informed.
Wengu, covering his tracks, dismissed her concerns, claiming the Dragon Clan was extinct and it was merely a "rain-casting blunder" by the Thunder and Rain Gods. He further stated that interfering might lead to them being scolded. Duanmu Cui, firm in her resolve, declared that she would not let Qifeng City suffer as long as she was there, regardless of whether it was a natural or man-made disaster. Wengu, realizing the gravity of his actions, agreed to help.
Zhan Yan, meanwhile, sent a message butterfly to Duanmu Cui, warning her that the storm was worsening, a tsunami might hit, and urging her to leave Duanmu Residence and protect herself. Duanmu Cui asked where he was, and he replied "saving people" before the connection was lost, leaving her worried about him. Jiang Wenqing was informed of the extensive damage and casualties in Qifeng City.
As the magistrate, he bravely led all the prefecture guards to the streets to aid the distressed citizens, stating that his presence would reassure the people. His wife, Madam Jiang, insisted on accompanying him to help with registering losses and distributing relief supplies. Wengu, regretting his drunken actions, used his powers to secretly heal many of the injured, while Zhan Yan tirelessly saved people. Duanmu Cui employed her magic to stabilize crumbling roofs.
During the chaos, as a new wave of strong winds threatened the city, Duanmu Cui stood alone, battling the elements to protect the citizens. Zhan Yan, unable to leave her side, rushed to her, shielding her with his body from flying stone pillars. He declared that no matter what, in life or death, he would always be with her. Exhausted, Duanmu Cui eventually collapsed. Peach petals rained down around them, and they shared a tender kiss.
Zhan Yan carried the unconscious Duanmu Cui back to Xihualiu, where Wengu treated her. Anxious about her condition, Zhan Yan pressed Wengu for answers. Wengu delivered a devastating blow, stating that Duanmu Cui was "very bad" and blaming Zhan Yan, reiterating his earlier warning that their union would only bring her harm. He explained that as a high immortal, she was forbidden from romantic feelings, and her current state was a direct result of their relationship.
Wengu warned that if they did not separate, they would face "divine punishment," and Duanmu Cui would be "soul-scattered" and "perish forever." Zhan Yan was shocked, asserting that Duanmu Cui had never told him of such consequences. Wengu then revealed that Duanmu Cui herself was unaware, as her memories had been sealed. A thousand years ago, Duanmu Cui was a human general, betrothed to General Gu Chang, who had offered Chong City as a dowry.
Tragically, Gu Chang died in battle. In her grief, Duanmu Cui carried his coffin to war and ultimately died a tragic death. Wengu explained that her "single promise destroyed thousands of soldiers," leading her to bear the "emotional debts of thousands of people," which left her mentally unstable. Even after becoming an immortal, she could not forgive herself.
To allow her peace, the Goddess had sealed her memories of these past love debts, enabling her to live stably for a thousand years. Wengu accused Zhan Yan of making her fall in love again, which, if she were to regain her memories, would make her mentally unstable and her life a "living hell," potentially leading to her "eternal perishment" as the seal crumbled. Zhan Yan, desperate, asked if this was all true.
Wengu swore on "dying by thunderbolts" if he lied. He implored Zhan Yan, for Duanmu Cui's sake and her numerous sacrifices for him and Qifeng, to "spare her life" and leave her. Heartbroken, Zhan Yan walked out of Xihualiu. As Zhan Yan walked through Qifeng City, he recalled their happy memories: Duanmu Cui's joy over a sugar figurine, her wish for Qifeng Prefecture to be their home, and Duanmu Residence, with all their spirits, to be their family.
But Wengu's dire warnings echoed in his mind, and for Duanmu Cui's survival, he made the agonizing decision to let go. Duanmu Cui soon awoke, asking Wengu about her condition and the city. Wengu assured her Qifeng City was safe thanks to her and urged her to rest. She immediately asked for Zhan Yan, surprised he had left. Wengu subtly implied Zhan Yan was too busy and had "neglected" her, suggesting Qifeng City's safety was more important to him.
Duanmu Cui, however, was unfazed. As an immortal, she believed heavenly duties took precedence over love. She was not a woman who simply waited for her man; they both had their responsibilities and understood each other, describing their bond as "souls linked together" and "kindred spirits." While she believed this, Zhan Yan was in the Qifeng Prefecture archives, reviewing ancient records.
He found inscriptions detailing "General Cui defeated Ghost Clan, greatly meritorious," "Cui in love with Gu Chang," "Gu Chang died in Chong City," and "Cui carried coffin to battle, died at the end." This confirmed Wengu's entire story. Duanmu Cui soon arrived at Qifeng Prefecture, looking for Zhan Yan. Shangguan Ce, aware of Zhan Yan's intentions, told her Zhan Yan was busy inspecting post-disaster recovery and that her presence would distract him. Duanmu Cui, understanding, decided to wait.
Shangguan Ce then tried to entice her to the upcoming Double Seventh Festival celebration on Zhuque Street, but she refused, unwilling to enjoy herself while Zhan Yan worked tirelessly. Zhao Wu also tried to get her to fulfill her earlier promise of matchmaking for him, but Duanmu Cui, still preoccupied with Zhan Yan's absence, put him off, telling him to play with Shangguan Ce. Duanmu Cui then accused them of jealousy and trying to break her and Zhan Yan apart.
Zhang Long denied it, stating they were too inseparable, but Zhao Wu pointed out it had already been days since she had seen Zhan Yan. They then hastily claimed to be busy and left. Later, Shangguan Ce informed Duanmu Cui that Zhan Yan had been dispatched to inspect riverbanks in the "next district" and wouldn't return that night, claiming Qifeng Prefecture was severely understaffed. He urged her to return to Duanmu Residence, promising to inform her when Zhan Yan returned.
Duanmu Cui waited from morning until night, but Zhan Yan was nowhere to be seen. As she finally left, Shangguan Ce, Zhang Long, and Zhao Wu watched her depart, wondering about Zhan Yan's mysterious behavior. Alone in his room, Zhan Yan held the fabric doll Duanmu Cui had given him. He remembered a tender moment when she had given him the "ugly" doll, insisting he keep it safe and never lose it, to which he had promised.
She had then told him he was prettier than the doll. Another memory resurfaced: Duanmu Cui and Zhan Yan resting together after helping the city. She had asked if his foot was better, and he had confirmed he was just tired. He had told her to rest while he stood guard outside, stating that as they were not yet married, it wouldn't be "decent" for them to stay together.
Duanmu Cui, feigning exhaustion and loneliness, had lamented being tired to her last breath with no one to accompany her, saying she would "fall asleep all by [her] own then." Zhan Yan had relented, promising to stay by her side. She had thanked him, then playfully warned him not to "secretly leave." Now, as he held the doll, Zhan Yan was heartbroken, knowing he had to break that very promise.
Episode 15 Recap
Zhan Yan had reverted to his former work-focused, stern self, causing considerable worry for Madam Jiang. She expressed concern that he seemed to have forgotten the Double Seventh Festival, urging him to spend time with Sect Leader Duanmu Cui instead of neglecting her. Zhan Yan, however, was adamant that solving cases was his top priority. Madam Jiang also learned from Shangguan Ce that Zhan Yan had been avoiding Duanmu Cui, leading her to discuss the strained relationship with Lord Jiang.
Lord Jiang, who was suffering from a persistent cough due to a cold, believed Zhan Yan had hidden reasons for his behavior, while Madam Jiang worried about the inherent difficulties of a deity-mortal love and the potential for them to be hurt. A black cat observed Lord Jiang with a sorrowful gaze. During his patrol on the Double Seventh Festival, Zhan Yan found himself unconsciously purchasing many items, remembering Duanmu Cui's preferences, from combs representing yearning to fans.
However, Wengu intercepted him, cautioning against his continued devotion. Wengu highlighted the difficulties of a deity-mortal relationship and reminded Zhan Yan of Duanmu Cui's past and the 'love debt' she carries, stressing that she could not afford to be hurt again. Wengu offered to deliver Zhan Yan's purchases to Duanmu Cui, advising Zhan Yan not to go himself.
Meanwhile, Duanmu Cui, intending to cook a meal for Zhan Yan on the Double Seventh Festival as a gesture of her affection, struggled significantly with her culinary attempts, much to the exasperation of Xiao Qing Hua, who served as her taste-tester. She explained to Wengu that she aspired to be a good wife and mother who could cook, but found the task challenging despite her fire-controlling abilities, often confusing salt and sugar.
Wengu, who had brought her some gifts of his own choosing that she liked, then offered to teach her simpler cooking methods, leading to her first successful dish. Duanmu Cui soon learned from Zhao Wu and Zhang Long that Zhan Yan was purposefully avoiding her in Qifeng Prefecture, not out on patrol as she was initially led to believe. Undeterred, she brought the freshly cooked meal to the prefecture.
After persistently making her presence known outside his office, she finally confronted Zhan Yan. Seeing the injuries on her hands from cooking, Zhan Yan felt a pang of heartache as he ate the food. Unbeknownst to him, Wengu had discreetly placed pollen in the food, designed to induce hallucinations. As Zhan Yan ate, he was afflicted by a terrifying vision of Duanmu Cui being slain by Heavenly Soldiers.
Wengu later revealed to an aide that he had indeed placed pollen in Zhan Yan's food to induce such visions. He admitted his intention was for Duanmu Cui to witness the painful outcome of her deep affection, believing that the greater her hope, the greater her eventual disappointment. Despite claiming he would never hurt Duanmu Cui, his aide pointed out that his actions were, in fact, causing her pain.
Wengu, having earlier thrown Zhan Yan's actual purchases into the river, had effectively sabotaged their relationship. Influenced by the illusion and Wengu’s earlier warnings, Zhan Yan decided to break up with Duanmu Cui. He told her he was exhausted by the constant troubles she brought, claiming his feelings were merely a momentary infatuation. He stated his wish to return to their former lives, free and unconstrained, asserting that deities could not have fated romances.
Duanmu Cui refused to believe him, desperately kissing him to prove his love, but Zhan Yan remained unresponsive, confirming their separation. Heartbroken, Duanmu Cui confided in Hong Luan, who suggested Zhan Yan might have hidden reasons for his actions. Trusting in Zhan Yan, Duanmu Cui decided to secretly investigate. Using her invisibility, Duanmu Cui entered Zhan Yan's room and saw him holding a doll she had given him.
Zhan Yan, noticing a fallen strand of her hair, realized she was present. He then deliberately gave the doll to Shangguan Ce, explaining that he sought a gentle, mortal wife with whom he could build a peaceful family and avoid endless conflicts with the Demon Clan.
He stated that his feelings for Duanmu Cui were primarily gratitude for her help to Qifeng Prefecture, not romantic love, and that a marriage to a deity would only cause his foster parents constant worry. Enraged, Duanmu Cui revealed herself, declared she would no longer pester him, and left in sorrow. Once she was gone, Zhan Yan retrieved the doll from Shangguan Ce. Drowning her sorrows in alcohol, Duanmu Cui was approached by Wengu.
Mistaking him for Zhan Yan, she tearfully questioned why he no longer loved her, promising to change whatever displeased him and offering him anything he desired. She proudly declared herself the most beautiful and capable High Immortal of Penglai, only wanting his love. Wengu, maintaining his deception, reiterated that deities could not have fated romances and that their paths were destined to diverge. Duanmu Cui, in her grief, rejected his words and told Wengu to leave her alone.
She made her way to the God of Matchmaking Temple, removing a matchmaker's mole from the statue's face and complaining to the God of Matchmaking about deities being unable to form fated unions. She demanded a red thread, insistent on proving divine beings could have marriage threads, but the thread broke in her hands.
The God of Matchmaking revealed that even he could not tie his own thread of marriage, explaining that immortals and mortals could not grow old together due to their vastly different lifespans. Overwhelmed by this harsh truth, Duanmu Cui collapsed in tears on the street. Zhan Yan, hidden in the shadows, had been following her. He yearned to catch her as she fell, but Wengu was quicker, cradling her.
Zhan Yan later went to Duanmu Residence to watch over the unconscious Duanmu Cui, but left discreetly before she awoke. Resolved to end her relationship with Zhan Yan, Duanmu Cui threw all the dolls representing their shared memories into the river. Hong Luan comforted her, but Duanmu Cui soon regretted her impulsive action, wishing to retrieve the dolls, which were now lost to the current.
As Wengu stayed by her side, Zhan Yan, hidden from view, silently collected every doll she had discarded, following her at a distance. Meanwhile, the black cat met with the Demon Clan elder. The elder agreed to help the black cat retrieve the Penglai Drawing fragments from Duanmu Cui, but explained that Wengu, an "useless son of the Dragon Clan," was an obstacle.
The elder then directed the black cat to retrieve a specific cursed item, hidden beneath the first tree northeast of the forest. This curse, once used by the late king to control untamed demons, would strip Wengu of his powers and force him to reveal his true form. The elder planned that once Wengu's true identity as a demon was exposed, rumors of Xihualiu harboring demons would spread, making Duanmu Cui a target. The black cat understood the gravity of the incantation, realizing it would lead to Wengu's death, but assured the elder of his unwavering commitment to the plan.
Episode 16 Recap
Duanmu Cui and Wengu went shopping. At a doll-hooping stall, Wengu offered to hoop a doll for her, but Duanmu Cui wanted to show her skills. She successfully hooped a doll, asking "Am I good, Zhan Yan?" before quickly correcting herself with "Wengu. . ." Later, she found a doll and asked Wengu, "Is this doll cute?" Wengu affirmed it and bought it for her.
Suddenly, Duanmu Cui became sad, saying she was "not an abandoned kid who needs a doll's company," to which Wengu replied, "I never thought of abandoning you. But, I'm not the most suitable man to be by your side." As they walked, Duanmu Cui spotted a thief stealing a sugar figurine and chased him down. While apprehending him, a demon appeared, taunting her about Zhan Yan having broken her heart.
Duanmu Cui retorted, stating it wasn't the demon's place to harm him. The demon then threatened her with the Elder of the Ninth Hell, but Duanmu Cui fiercely declared that as long as she was in Qifeng City, none of them could act audaciously and she would throw them back to the Ninth Hell. Meanwhile, Zhan Yan had been working feverishly, clearing years of backlog cases in Qifeng City.
His subordinates worried about his health, noting he worked from morning till night, including reading scrolls, and barely ate. Duanmu Cui also often stayed out late, following Zhan Yan and catching demons that tried to harm him. Lady Jiang, too, observed that Zhan Yan was constantly cooped up in his study, worried that he was "obviously hurt physically and mentally" from his recent breakup.
Lord Jiang acknowledged Zhan Yan's diligence, but Lady Jiang felt it was more than just hard work, commenting that Zhan Yan, despite his silence, was "the most affectionate man." Lord Jiang advised against trying to arrange a new marriage for Zhan Yan, believing the young couple would "figure out their own minds," and Lady Jiang agreed, sensing "that they still missed each other." One evening, Duanmu Cui visited her usual dumpling stall.
Although she initially claimed not to be hungry, the owner offered her a complimentary bowl, thanking her for catching demons every night. Duanmu Cui was surprised when the owner knew she disliked spring onions and preferred vegetarian dumplings. The owner simply said, "If one has a heart, one naturally knows." After Duanmu Cui left, Zhan Yan appeared at the stall.
His subordinate asked why he didn't tell her that he cooked every bowl of dumplings for her, to which Zhan Yan replied that if he did, "I might not even have the chance to cook her a bowl of dumplings." He continued to secretly follow and protect Duanmu Cui. At Wengu Medical Hall, many people came to seek treatment for cat scratches.
A patient commented on the demonic nature of the cat, suggesting it might be from the Demon Clan, but Wengu advised against jumping to conclusions. Suddenly, a dark energy from a patient's wound surged into Wengu, causing his dragon scales to appear. Jiang Mo, disguised among the patients, secretly acted to expose Wengu's dragon scales. The frightened patients recognized him as a demon and panicked, shouting "Doctor Wengu is a demon!"
Jiang Mo seized the opportunity to incite the crowd, claiming Wengu had used demonic poison and urging them to corner him. Duanmu Cui arrived amidst the chaos, pushing through the angry crowd and telling Wengu, who felt hideous and ashamed, that they needed to leave. She whisked him away from the mob and back to Duanmu Residence.
There, Wengu explained that a "demonic poison" had entered his body while treating a patient, making him lose control of his mind and emotions. He lamented that he, a semi-demon who had cultivated for a thousand years to become a high immortal, was now "back to his original form" and would be rejected by Penglai. He felt he had implicated the Xihualiu Sect and offered to turn himself in for judgment.
Duanmu Cui firmly refused, asserting, "You belong to Xihualiu Sect. I won't hand you over to anyone for judgment. It's not your fault. Don't blame yourself." She further reassured him that she didn't care about his past or whether he was a mortal or a demon, only his present self. She declared her unwavering trust in him and vowed to protect a soldier like him.
Wengu was deeply moved, recalling that Duanmu Cui had spoken the same words a thousand years ago, and thanked her. Duanmu Cui, sensing something suspicious about the whole affair, told Wengu to rest, promising to handle everything, hinting that she suspected the Ninth Hell. Duanmu Cui pondered the odd circumstances, suspecting a connection to the Ninth Hell.
Separately, Hong Luan confronted the Demon Clan Elder, who admitted to using a spell to make Wengu go berserk, but assured her it wouldn't be fatal. The Elder revealed his true motive: he would only provide the antidote if Wengu submitted to him, otherwise, Wengu would die from the madness. Meanwhile, Jiang Mo, having orchestrated the incident, gloated that Qifeng City's people were now wary of Wengu, facilitating the downfall of Duanmu Residence.
He also reaffirmed his primary goal to retrieve the Penglai Drawing fragments from Duanmu Cui and instructed someone to keep a close eye on Hong Luan, sensing she harbored ulterior motives. Zhan Yan and Duanmu Cui jointly investigated the deceased victims, confirming they had all been afflicted by a demonic poison, just as Wengu had been. The public's anger mounted, and large crowds gathered outside Qifeng Prefecture and Xihualiu Sect, demanding justice.
Zhan Yan instructed his subordinates, Zhang Long and Zhao Wu, to bring Wengu in for questioning, but Duanmu Cui fiercely intervened, challenging Zhan Yan, "How dare you, Zhan Yan? Try me." Zhan Yan, realizing her resistance, decided to go himself. As the crowd chanted for Wengu's death, Wengu emerged, agreeing to go with Zhan Yan to the court, believing Zhan Yan would prove his innocence. Duanmu Cui, still protective, insisted on accompanying them to ensure Wengu's safety.
At the public trial, with Lord Jiang presiding, Duanmu Cui was quick to defend Wengu, claiming he was at Duanmu Residence all night recovering from an injury caused by Qifeng Prefecture's incompetence, and that she was his alibi. Zhan Yan questioned her statement, reminding her that she was with him the previous night, prompting Duanmu Cui to heatedly retort that she was "investigating" and had no intention of being "lovey-dovey" with him.
After Lord Jiang intervened to restore order, Wengu corroborated Duanmu Cui's alibi, stating all Xihualiu members could testify. Zhan Yan, however, pointed out that Xihualiu's testimony alone wouldn't be credible due to their affiliation. He then revealed Wengu's injuries, which displayed symptoms identical to the deceased victims, suggesting Wengu himself might be a victim. When Duanmu Cui attempted to leave with Wengu, Zhan Yan insisted they stay until the case was solved.
Duanmu Cui accused him of "looking for trouble," and after another intervention from Lord Jiang, declared she was an "unrelated" party and departed, despite Zhan Yan's attempts to stop her. Zhan Yan pulled Duanmu Cui aside, urging her not to interfere with the investigation. He worried that the entire incident was a trap specifically "targeting Xihualiu," or even her. Duanmu Cui, however, dismissed his concerns, believing she could handle it herself and did not wish to "owe" him.
Wengu then informed Duanmu Cui that he had promised Lord Jiang to remain at Qifeng Prefecture until the case was resolved. Duanmu Cui, though reluctant, eventually agreed, warning that if anything happened to Wengu, she would "tear the prefecture down." Zhan Yan continued his relentless investigation, working through the night, much to the worry of his subordinates and the continued disappointment of Lady Jiang, who had remarked that he was clearly hurt.
Zhan Yan, however, merely stated that he had disappointed Duanmu Cui first and that her reactions were justified. He instructed the guards to treat Wengu with respect. Meanwhile, Hong Luan spoke to her subordinate, expressing concern for Xihualiu Sect's precarious situation. She reassured her subordinate that she would protect both her and Wengu. Alone, Hong Luan worried about Wengu's worsening condition from the demonic poison, fearing he wouldn't survive the night in jail.
Disguised in black, Hong Luan infiltrated Qifeng Prefecture's jail, injuring a guard. Wengu initially refused to leave, convinced his escape would further tarnish Duanmu Cui's reputation. Hong Luan revealed the situation was a "trap," prompting Wengu to realize she held key information and to ask if the Ninth Hell was behind it. Before he could get more answers, Hong Luan forcibly took him away.
Zhan Yan, investigating the victims, discovered they had all been scratched by animals before falling ill and seeking treatment at Wengu Medical Hall. He deduced that finding the animal responsible would lead to the truth. When he went to question Wengu, he found the jail guard injured and Wengu missing. The black-clad assailant had left a Xihualiu Sect token at the scene, instantly making Duanmu Cui the prime suspect in the jailbreak and murder.
The public outcry was intense, leaving Zhan Yan at a loss for how to protect Duanmu Cui. Despite the mounting evidence against Duanmu Cui, Zhan Yan firmly declared her innocence to Lord Jiang, pleading for time to personally investigate and clear her name. Lord Jiang granted his request. Zhan Yan then went to Duanmu Residence to enlist Duanmu Cui's help, informing her of Wengu's abduction from jail and the injured guards.
Upon seeing Wengu's blood, Duanmu Cui grew frantic, convinced he was captured, and immediately set out to find him. Prefecture guards tried to stop her, citing her murder and jailbreak suspect status, but Duanmu Cui, furious that Qifeng Prefecture had failed to protect Wengu and now tried to impede her, declared she would be ruthless if they blocked her path.
Zhan Yan tried to reason with her, warning her not to fall into a trap by harming others, and urged her to go with him instead. Duanmu Cui pushed him aside, injuring him, and escaped. Duanmu Cui soon found Wengu with Hong Luan, who was attempting to give him medicine. Wengu, disoriented, recognized Hong Luan's involvement with the Ninth Hell and accused them of trying to force him back. Duanmu Cui quickly took Wengu back to Duanmu Residence.
However, Wengu's injuries and the demonic poison were severe, and Duanmu Cui, unable to identify the poison, found herself helpless to treat him. She decided against seeking help from Penglai, fearing it would put Wengu in further jeopardy due to his exposed demonic identity. Meanwhile, Zhan Yan's actions came under scrutiny. Lord Jiang, having observed Zhan Yan's deliberate leniency towards Duanmu Cui, questioned if he had intentionally allowed her to escape.
Zhan Yan admitted that Duanmu Cui, being fiercely loyal, would not have waited for interrogation with Wengu in trouble and accepted full responsibility. Lord Jiang then ordered Zhan Yan to recuperate and stay out of the case. Despite his injuries, Zhan Yan, through careful observation of the evidence left at the jailbreak scene, found a peculiar peach blossom branch.
When his subordinate noted its unusual resilience to fire, Zhan Yan realized its significance: Hong Luan's true form was a peach blossom, and any blossoms planted by her would not wilt even if broken. This led him to the shocking conclusion that Hong Luan was the black-clad assailant, an "internal mole" within Xihualiu Sect, and that Duanmu Cui was now in grave danger. He immediately set off despite his injuries.
Episode 17 Recap
Hong Luan, witnessing Wengu lying unconscious under a curse, expressed her immediate resolve to return to the Ninth Hell to retrieve an antidote for him. As Wengu stirred and awoke, he noticed a scalded mark on Hong Luan's hand. This confirmed his suspicion: Hong Luan was the envoy of the Demon Clan, a fact he deduced by recalling her faking an injury to return to Duanmu Residence.
Enraged, Wengu demanded an explanation for her involvement in framing him and setting up Duanmu Cui in past incidents like the Mirror Spirit, gnat demons, and Silkworm Phantom cases. Hong Luan, claiming she was a victim herself, confessed that she was forced by the Demon Clan Elder, Yue Long Men, who had placed a Heart Devouring Curse on her, leaving her no choice but to aid in finding the Penglai Drawing.
During their heated exchange, Wengu's poisoned state worsened, making him vulnerable. Seizing the opportunity, Hong Luan fled Duanmu Residence, promising to return from the Ninth Hell with the antidote, regardless of the danger. Soon after, Duanmu Cui returned to Duanmu Residence, where Wengu revealed the truth about Hong Luan. At the same time, Zhan Yan arrived at Xihualiu, and the two accidentally collided while attempting to apprehend Hong Luan, but she still managed to escape.
Duanmu Cui declared her intention to pursue Hong Luan into the Ninth Hell, believing her capture was essential to clear Xihualiu's name. Zhan Yan, insisting that matters within Qifeng City were his responsibility, asserted he would accompany her, despite Duanmu Cui's warnings about the perils mortals face in the Ninth Hell. Meanwhile, the Demon Clan Elder, Yue Long Men, finalized his plans with Jiang Mo.
Jiang Mo reported Wengu was deeply poisoned and on the verge of turning into a beast, inquiring if he could now eliminate Duanmu Cui. The Elder, however, stated that only he possessed Wengu's antidote and with Duanmu Cui isolated, Jiang Mo simply needed to incite the public further to ruin Xihualiu Sect's reputation. This, he believed, would force Penglai to intervene and eliminate Duanmu Cui.
The Elder harbored ambitions to become the Demon Clan King, secretly believing Wengu's "half Dragon blood" made him unworthy, and intended to let Wengu lose his mind to prove that only he could offer true freedom to the Demon Clan. Duanmu Cui and Zhan Yan reached the entrance of the Ninth Hell, located deep under the sea, a treacherous realm established long ago to trap rebel Demon Clan members.
Duanmu Cui again urged Zhan Yan to turn back due to the danger to mortals, but his resolve to accompany her was unwavering. Seeing she could not deter him, Duanmu Cui gave him a stealth cape, enchanted to be impervious to water, fire, and weapons, and capable of temporarily hiding his presence. She also provided him with a Soul Protecting Pearl to shield him from the Ninth Hell's arrays.
Concealed under the cape, they slipped past the Heavenly Soldiers guarding the entrance and entered the perilous realm. Fearing for Zhan Yan's safety, Duanmu Cui used a "drawing the ground as prison" spell to trap him, explaining that as Hong Luan was her responsibility, she must face the dangers alone. She further instructed him that if she did not return within a day, the barrier would dissolve, and he must leave immediately without venturing further inside.
Back in the human realm, Jiang Mo led an incited mob to Duanmu Residence, demanding Wengu's punishment. Having secretly obtained a Zhen Huo amulet while disguised as a cat, Jiang Mo easily opened the residence's defenses, allowing the angry citizens to storm in. As they threatened to destroy Xiao Qing Hua, Wengu awoke from his poisoned state and bravely shielded Xiao Qing Hua.
Lord Jiang soon arrived, calming the agitated crowd by promising a five-day grace period for Xihualiu to prove its innocence, threatening to arrest anyone who continued to cause trouble. Meanwhile, in the Ninth Hell, the boundary Duanmu Cui had placed around Zhan Yan began to crack much earlier than she had predicted.
Zhan Yan, realizing Duanmu Cui's powers might be limited within the Ninth Hell and sensing her danger, used his sword, Ju Que, to shatter the weakening barrier and rush to her aid. After Lord Jiang arrived at Duanmu Residence, Jiang Mo, in his cat form, followed him back to Qifeng Prefecture. On Zhuque Street, Jiang Mo overheard citizens criticizing Lord Jiang.
Transforming back into human form, Jiang Mo, in a fit of rage, attempted to attack the street vendor using oil and firecrackers. He was swiftly apprehended by Zhang Long and Zhao Wu, who brought him to Qifeng Prefecture. At the prefecture, Jiang Mo defiantly claimed Lord Jiang as his father, insisting he had been saved and cared for by him in the past and had searched tirelessly to find him.
Lord Jiang, having no memory of the boy, initially dismissed his claims but was moved by Jiang Mo's fervent desire to stay and reluctantly agreed to let him remain in the prefecture while efforts were made to locate his true family. Jiang Mo secretly vowed to stay with him forever. Meanwhile, in the Ninth Hell, Zhan Yan encountered Demon Clan soldiers who had captured Duanmu Cui. Mistaken for a Shadow Clan member, Zhan Yan cleverly leveraged this misunderstanding.
He used a private code, mentioning cold wontons and Zhuque Street dolls, to confirm his identity to Duanmu Cui, who then shrewdly played along, pretending that Zhan Yan had recaptured her after an escape attempt. Zhan Yan then convinced the Demon Clan soldiers that as a Shadow Clan member, he was a master tracker and could track the escaped immortal.
The soldiers, impressed and eager for rewards, entrusted Duanmu Cui to him, believing he would help them track and deliver her to the Elder, thus allowing Zhan Yan to infiltrate their ranks and rescue Duanmu Cui from immediate danger. Once safe, Duanmu Cui and Zhan Yan sought refuge. Duanmu Cui openly admitted her hunger, prompting Zhan Yan to offer her a sesame candy he carried.
He described its exquisite making and taste, but when Duanmu Cui playfully probed if he carried it for her, he denied it, claiming it was for coaxing crying children during his patrols. Duanmu Cui feigned sleep, but in her dreams, she murmured Zhan Yan's name, pleading "Don't leave." Zhan Yan, hearing this, gently took her hand and whispered an apology. Back at Qifeng Prefecture, Lord Jiang and Madam Jiang watched over a sleeping Jiang Mo, who was still muttering "Father."
Madam Jiang gently chided her husband for being too harsh on Zhan Yan, comparing his current strictness to his past tenderness with their own children, Yan'er and Ce'er. Lord Jiang explained that his severity stemmed from a deep desire to protect Zhan Yan from the dangers associated with Duanmu Residence and Xihualiu Sect. Madam Jiang, however, argued that his interference only pushed Zhan Yan to investigate privately, putting him in greater peril.
She defended both Zhan Yan's principles and Duanmu Cui's character, even suspecting that Zhan Yan and Duanmu Cui were likely together, pursuing crucial leads. Lord Jiang clarified that his public search for Zhan Yan was a strategic move to avoid alerting the true masterminds behind the incidents, thus protecting Zhan Yan. Still, Madam Jiang remained firm, threatening him if any harm came to Zhan Yan.
As Jiang Mo stirred in his sleep, he again muttered his desire to stay with his "Father" forever. Duanmu Cui, now awake and finding her hand still held by Zhan Yan, understood that despite his outward aloofness, he deeply cared for her. The Demon Clan Elder, receiving reports from his soldiers about the intruder's appearance and the "Qiankun bag" she carried, immediately recognized her as the powerful Penglai High Immortal, Duanmu Cui.
He declared that he had been waiting for her and now intended to kill her. Soon after, a Demon Clan inspector discovered Duanmu Cui and Zhan Yan. Zhan Yan, maintaining his guise as a Shadow Clan member, quickly claimed he had just recaptured Duanmu Cui after she attempted to escape. Impressed, the inspector praised Zhan Yan and ordered that Duanmu Cui be taken to the execution ground, as the Elder wished to personally carry out her execution.
Episode 18 Recap
Jiang Mo spoke to his father, stating that Xihualiu's trouble would soon escalate, leading to Penglai punishing someone. He was determined to retrieve his father's divinity from Duanmu Cui when the time came. Meanwhile, at Qifeng Prefecture, Lord Jiang attempted to calm a group of agitated citizens. They had come to complain about incidents related to Xihualiu. One man's brother had been wounded by Wengu after visiting Duanmu Residence, developing the same poisoning symptoms as others from Wengu Medical Hall.
Another citizen reported that their younger brother, who hadn't been to Duanmu Residence, was scratched by a young boy the previous night and was now poisoned, claiming the boy was a demon from Xihualiu. Lord Jiang and his subordinates, Zhang Long and Zhao Wu, suspected the young boy might be Jiang Mo. Lord Jiang then ordered Zhang Long and Zhao Wu to find Jiang Mo and bring him back for clarification.
In the Ninth Hell, Hong Luan, attempting to steal an antidote for Wengu from Elder Yue Long Men's room, fell into his trap and was captured. The Elder then announced to his demon followers that he had spent a thousand years working for the Demon Clan, yet some still conspired against him by seeking help from the Dragon Clan.
He publicly accused Hong Luan, a demon envoy, of betraying him and the Ninth Hell, declaring he would make an example of her. He mocked her, saying she would witness Wengu's horrible death from the poison. Duanmu Cui was then brought forward for public punishment. The Elder, mockingly welcoming "Immortal Duanmu" to the Ninth Hell, gloated. Duanmu Cui retorted, correcting his misuse of an idiom and telling him to stop pretending to be polite.
The Elder gloated that she would soon perish. As the crowd chanted for their execution, Zhan Yan, who had infiltrated the Ninth Hell disguised as a demon, seized the opportunity to secretly unlock Hong Luan and Duanmu Cui's chains. Duanmu Cui then declared she was there to break them out, not to flee.
Hong Luan revealed that Wengu was poisoned by the Elder through an evil curse, and the antidote was hidden in his room, marked with a peach blossom petal. Duanmu Cui decided to stay and rescue Hong Luan while Zhan Yan went to retrieve the antidote. Duanmu Cui questioned the Elder about how Wengu was poisoned, and the Elder alluded to a mole in Duanmu Residence, but denied it was Hong Luan, suggesting many wanted Duanmu Cui dead.
Detecting an intruder in his secret chamber, the Elder ordered Duanmu Cui and Hong Luan killed. Unbeknownst to them, Zhan Yan was meticulously navigating the secret chamber, observing changes in dust thickness and footprints to avoid traps. He successfully retrieved the antidote. As Duanmu Cui and Hong Luan fought the demons, the Elder revealed that Hong Luan was still bound by his Heart Devouring Curse, and he recaptured her.
The "Hong Luan" who then joined Duanmu Cui and Zhan Yan to escape the Ninth Hell was actually Elder Yue Long Men in disguise, gloating that he could finally leave the Ninth Hell thanks to Duanmu Cui's presence. Meanwhile, other demons reported to Penglai about the disturbance in the Ninth Hell. Duanmu Cui's actions, including using true fire to raid the Ninth Hell, caused a stir in the Heavenly Realm.
Yang Jian, however, downplayed her breaking into the Ninth Hell, calling her "mischievous since childhood" and claiming she merely "helped discover a hidden danger in advance" due to the barrier's lax security. Back at Xihualiu, Wengu gradually recovered after taking the antidote. Duanmu Cui tried to persuade Wengu to forgive Hong Luan, noting that Hong Luan had kept many secrets out of desperation due to a Heart Devouring Curse.
Yang Jian, who had joined them, observed that Duanmu Cui's personality had softened, as she now advocated for Hong Luan despite her previous strict stance against betrayal. The Elder, still disguised as Hong Luan, subtly hinted at Duanmu Cui's injury during their escape from Ninth Hell, prompting Wengu to check on her. Discovering her wound, Wengu expressed deep concern, insisting Duanmu Cui should always bring him along for future dangerous endeavors.
Suddenly, Heavenly Soldiers arrived, sent to apprehend Wengu and "Hong Luan" for harbouring demons. Duanmu Cui resolutely stepped forward to protect them, despite her power being restricted by her mortal form. Yang Jian arrived and advised her to yield, explaining her weakened state. Duanmu Cui refused, asserting her unwavering commitment to protect those she cared for. Yang Jian suggested she simply return with him and offer an explanation, but Duanmu Cui still refused to move.
The Heavenly Soldiers then urged Yang Jian to use the Pangu Banner given to him by Lord Lao. Yang Jian, apologizing, used the Pangu Banner, injuring Duanmu Cui, who fell from the sky. Zhan Yan caught her mid-air. He confronted Yang Jian, declaring Qifeng's jurisdiction over mortal affairs and questioning why Penglai interfered, especially since it was mortals who petitioned them. He pointed out that Yang Jian's hesitation to descend showed the limits of his power in the mortal realm.
Duanmu Cui then requested three days to find the true culprit, but Yang Jian was suspicious she might use the time to free the demons. Subsequently, Zhan Yan discussed a plan with Duanmu Cui and Yang Jian. As part of this ruse, Yang Jian publicly announced that the "black cat injuring people" case would be handed over to Qifeng Prefecture.
He also declared that all Xihualiu demons would be sealed in Duanmu Residence and, to reassure the public, Duanmu Cui's magic would be sealed, making her as vulnerable as a mortal. Later, in a conversation with Jiang Mo, the disguised Elder (as Hong Luan) incited him further, reminding him that his master's suffering was due to Duanmu Cui taking his divinity. That night, Lord Jiang dreamed of Blackie (Jiang Mo) turning human.
The next day, as Duanmu Cui walked through Zhuque Street, an angry mob, fueled by rumors, accosted her, throwing objects and yelling "You are a demon! Get out of Qifeng City!" Zhan Yan intervened, dispersing the crowd and promising justice for the Xihualiu case. After the crowd left, Jiang Mo appeared before Duanmu Cui, accusing her of not recognizing him due to her supposed power loss.
He fiercely claimed that a thousand years ago, she stole his master's divinity, which led to his master's suffering through the cycle of reincarnation. Jiang Mo then claimed his master was his "daddy." Duanmu Cui, realizing he was referring to Jiang Yi, her godfather, was met with Jiang Mo's fierce assertion that she was unworthy of calling him godfather, as he belonged only to Jiang Mo.
He recounted how Jiang Yi saved him as a stray cat, named him Blackie, and taught him magic to become human. He bitterly accused Duanmu Cui of turning his master into a mortal who had forgotten him and endured a thousand years of reincarnation, vowing to kill her to reclaim his master's divinity. Duanmu Cui then revealed her supposed power loss was a ruse to expose him. Zhan Yan emerged from hiding.
He had previously asked Yang Jian how mortals could directly petition Penglai, learning it required a cultivated priest or a magic-wielding demon. This led Zhan Yan to deduce that a demon was inciting the public, a theory further supported by the poisoned victims all having been scratched by a feral cat, leading him to suspect Blackie. Duanmu Cui confirmed her plan to lure Jiang Mo out.
Jiang Mo, still enraged, complained about Duanmu Cui turning him into a tiger toy and erasing the "king" mark from his forehead, stating that only his father truly understood him. Duanmu Cui then trapped Jiang Mo in a cage forged by Lord Lao, but Jiang Mo, in a burst of power, broke free and transformed into a giant cat. He stormed into Qifeng Prefecture, causing chaos. Lord Jiang immediately recognized him as Blackie, the black cat.
Jiang Mo transformed back into his human form, tearfully addressing Lord Jiang as "Daddy." He reminded Lord Jiang of their past, how he was Jiang Yi, his master who had taken him in as a stray, named him Blackie, and taught him magic to become human. Duanmu Cui then clarified that Jiang Yi was also her godfather.
Jiang Mo revealed that a thousand years ago, during the Chong City battle, Duanmu Cui was gravely injured, and Jiang Yi, to save her, willingly gave her his divinity, condemning himself to mortal life and a thousand years of reincarnation, losing his memories in the process. Lord Jiang, deeply disappointed by Jiang Mo's actions, accused him of committing heinous crimes. Jiang Mo, realizing his wrongs, knelt and begged for forgiveness.
Lord Jiang, burdened by the belief that he was responsible for Jiang Mo's actions, declared he would resign as magistrate to atone for his "son's" transgressions. Duanmu Cui intervened, stating that Jiang Mo must bear the consequences of his own actions. She proposed taking Jiang Mo back to Xihualiu to give an explanation to Penglai. Jiang Mo, still distraught but remorseful, agreed to go and face the responsibility himself.
Episode 19 Recap
Wen Gu inadvertently revealed to the imposter Hong Luan, who was actually Yue Long Men in disguise, that Duanmu Cui had feigned her loss of powers to ensnare the culprit. She explained that Duanmu Cui had successfully apprehended the mole, Jiang Mo, and was safe. Meanwhile, Jiang Mo confessed his misdeeds to Jiang Wenqing, addressing him as "Father," and admitted that the Elder of Ninth Hell, Yue Long Men, was his mastermind.
Jiang Mo revealed that Yue Long Men had told him that by killing Jiang Wenqing, his divinity would be restored. Duanmu Cui interjected, clarifying that even if Jiang Mo killed Jiang Wenqing, his divinity would not be restored unless he was re-deified. Jiang Mo then added that Yue Long Men's ultimate goal was the Penglai Drawing. Suddenly, Yue Long Men appeared in Qifeng Prefecture, attempting to eliminate Jiang Mo to prevent his secrets from being exposed.
Jiang Mo, desperate to protect Jiang Wenqing, shielded him from the attack and sacrificed his own life. Before his death, Jiang Mo transferred his memories from a thousand years ago to Jiang Wenqing. These ancient memories of Jiang Yi, Jiang Wenqing's previous life, then awakened within him. Jiang Mo's memories revealed that a millennium ago, Jiang Wenqing was Jiang Yi, the human prime minister who led humanity against the Ghost Clan.
Duanmu Cui and Yang Jian were his godchildren and trusted generals. During a fierce battle with the Ghost King, Duanmu Cui was gravely wounded and near death. To save her, Jiang Yi sacrificed his own divinity to Duanmu Cui during the apotheosis ceremony, condemning himself to mortal life and a thousand years of reincarnation. Jiang Mo expressed his belief that Jiang Yi, not Duanmu Cui, should have been the leader of Penglai.
He recalled how Jiang Yi had taken him in during a rainy night, given him the surname Jiang, and urged him to embody the spirit of a tiger, not just a cat, and to strive for greatness. Jiang Mo cherished the memory of Jiang Yi telling him, in his dying moments, that they might meet again in the next life. Overwhelmed by these resurfacing memories, Jiang Wenqing recognized Jiang Mo and was heartbroken.
Jiang Mo, with his last breath, reassured him that cats have nine lives and he would eventually revive through diligent cultivation. Duanmu Cui acknowledged Jiang Mo's innocent heart, despite his recent actions. Jiang Wenqing, now with Jiang Yi's memories, addressed Duanmu Cui as his goddaughter. He explained that Jiang Mo had sacrificed his last life, and through his memories, Jiang Wenqing understood that Jiang Mo, facing his own imminent end, had been manipulated by Yue Long Men.
He then revealed Yue Long Men's true objective: to obtain the Penglai Drawing, which serves as both the key to Penglai and the seal of the Ninth Hell. By destroying it, Yue Long Men intended to free the imprisoned Ghost Clan, allowing them to traverse freely between Penglai and the mortal realm. With Jiang Mo's case resolved, the strained atmosphere between Duanmu Cui and Zhan Yan softened.
Recalling their past sweetness, though their hearts were connected and they couldn't let go, neither took the next step. Shangguan Ce found the Qifeng Prefecture in a peculiar state after the Black Cat case, with Lord Jiang in isolation and Madam Jiang not cooking. Duanmu Cui arrived at the Qifeng Prefecture to discuss the case details, where Shangguan Ce subtly encouraged Zhan Yan to speak with her.
Duanmu Cui requested a list of victims from Jiang Mo's case, intending to provide compensation. Zhan Yan informed her that Jiang Wenqing had already sent condolence funds. He expressed sadness over Jiang Wenqing's despair and, with a hint of jealousy, remarked on Jiang Mo's obedience compared to himself and Shangguan Ce. Duanmu Cui playfully accused him of being jealous. As they talked, they shared a sweet osmanthus-flavored drink, a detail Zhan Yan remembered as her favorite.
They bought sugar figurines, teasing each other. Duanmu Cui mentioned missing Baihua Pavilion's vegetarian dumplings, but declined Zhan Yan's offer to get them for her. Later, Zhan Yan walked Duanmu Cui back to Duanmu Residence, bidding her farewell with a lingering gaze. Back at the Qifeng Prefecture, Madam Jiang noticed Jiang Wenqing's profound change and his revived ambition.
She encouraged him to pursue his lofty goals now that their sons, Zhan Yan and Shangguan Ce, were grown, referencing Jiang Mo's advice to be a tiger, not just a cat. Jiang Wenqing, despite his doubts about starting anew, decided to visit Duanmu Residence. There, Yang Jian was playfully grooming his Qilin, reminiscing about combing Duanmu Cui's hair when she was a child.
Wen Gu then announced the capture of the Ghost Clan and Jiang Wenqing's desire to meet Yang Jian. Upon their reunion, Yang Jian eagerly greeted Jiang Wenqing as "Godfather" and "Star Lord," but Jiang Wenqing humbly stated he was merely the mortal Jiang Wenqing. Yang Jian remarked on Jiang Wenqing's striking resemblance to Jiang Yi. Duanmu Cui, though recognizing the familiarity, said she had no memory of him before her ascension.
They shared a brief, familiar bickering exchange, a testament to their deep past connection. Jiang Wenqing further elaborated on Yue Long Men's nefarious plot, emphasizing that collecting the Penglai Drawing fragments was crucial to prevent the Ghost Clan from being unleashed. Duanmu Cui realized she possessed only one fragment of the drawing. As Yang Jian, Duanmu Cui, and Jiang Wenqing discussed this, Yue Long Men, disguised as Hong Luan, was eavesdropping.
Duanmu Cui realized the Penglai Drawing fragment disguised as Madam Jiang's hairpin, which she had obtained from the Mirror Spirit, was missing from her Qiankun bag. Yang Jian suspected the imposter Hong Luan might have taken it when Duanmu Cui's magic was weakened. Duanmu Cui, rummaging through her messy Qiankun bag, recalled a silkworm cocoon she had kept from the Silkworm Phantom case. Injecting it with her divine power, she discovered it was another fragment of the Penglai Drawing.
She also learned that the fragments possessed a mutual sensing ability, allowing them to lead to each other. Meanwhile, the real Hong Luan was imprisoned in a Ninth Hell dungeon. Overhearing the guards, she realized that Yue Long Men had indeed assumed her identity and was now roaming the mortal realm. Fearing for Wen Gu's safety, Hong Luan resolved to escape the Ninth Hell.
Yue Long Men had taunted her earlier, blaming her for failing to secure the Silkworm Phantom fragment, and declared his intention to gather the Penglai Drawing himself while impersonating her, leaving her to rot in the dungeon. Zhan Yan, having learned of Duanmu Cui's impending departure, spent the night outside Duanmu Residence, hoping to say goodbye. Wen Gu found him there, noting the morning dew on him. Zhan Yan claimed he was on patrol.
Zhan Yan offered to help her pack, but after he struggled to differentiate left from right, Duanmu Cui decided to pack her own belongings. She then showed him the newly discovered cocoon fragment, which she called the "greatest magic tool," asking him to identify the location it depicted. Zhan Yan recognized the houses, rivers, scenery, and clothing as Wenshui County, located in the northernmost part of Qifeng City. Duanmu Cui asked about the distance and coldness, contemplating packing more clothes.
Zhan Yan explained that while it would take a mortal two days and nights by horse, her magical abilities would get her there in a jiffy. Duanmu Cui then informed him that she was indeed heading to Wenshui County, leaving her Qilin to guard the residence. She revealed her plan: to gather all the Penglai Drawing fragments, reseal the Ninth Hell, and then return to Penglai, after which they would likely never meet again.
Zhan Yan, concerned, asked about the dangers, but Duanmu Cui confidently dismissed them, asserting her divine abilities. He then gave her heartfelt advice, urging her to eat moderately and dress warmly, prioritizing health over appearance. Duanmu Cui, however, reminded him that as a deity in Penglai, she would no longer be susceptible to mortal ailments. Zhan Yan conceded, admitting he would miss her playful mockery. He lamented his inability to send her messages in Penglai.
Duanmu Cui teased him for wanting to use the Qifeng Prefecture's official channels for personal communication, calling him a "bad influence." After Duanmu Cui had left her abode to see Zhan Yan off, Yue Long Men, still disguised as Hong Luan, seized the opportunity to enter Duanmu's room. He then left, having taken the cocoon fragment from Duanmu Cui's Qiankun bag, and was confronted by Wen Gu.
The imposter Hong Luan claimed he was leaving Duanmu Residence to atone for his past mistakes through solitary cultivation, rejecting Wen Gu's concern about the Heart Devouring Curse and her implied offer of a place to stay and resolution. He stated that Yue Long Men would not dare act recklessly after the turmoil in Ninth Hell.
Later, Shangguan Ce rushed to Zhan Yan, urging him to stop Duanmu Cui from leaving, reminding him of the vast difference in life spans between mortals and deities. Zhan Yan, however, steadfastly believed that if Duanmu Cui wanted to stay, she would, and he could not selfishly force a deity to remain in the mortal realm.
Shangguan Ce retorted that women do not always explicitly state their true desires and warned him that if he hesitated any longer, he would lose her forever, sealing their separation between Penglai and the human world.
Episode 20 Recap
After Shangguan Ce's persistent persuasion, Zhan Yan, unable to let go of Duanmu Cui, resolved to find her. Duanmu Cui had already bid farewell to Jiang Wenqing and departed Duanmu Caolu with earth escape magic. Zhan Yan rushed over, only to find he was too late to see her. Jiang Wenqing, understanding Zhan Yan's predicament, advised him to pursue his heart's desire rather than second-guessing Duanmu Cui's feelings.
He reminded Zhan Yan that Duanmu Cui, being a girl, would not openly declare her feelings, and urged him to act quickly. Zhan Yan expressed his hesitation, feeling their vast difference in lifespan made their union impossible. Jiang Wenqing countered by explaining that even deities are not eternal, and "Nothing stays forever. Everyone will disappear. Only memories and love remain unchanged."
He challenged Zhan Yan, asking if he, as Duanmu Cui, would choose to die with love and hate or live a lonely eternal life, urging him to "Cherish the person you love." Jiang Wenqing then presented Zhan Yan with a transfer order to Wenshui County, stating he was suitable for the constable's post there. Zhan Yan realized the depth of Jiang Wenqing's support and, understanding that he must seize even a fleeting moment, decided to pursue Duanmu Cui.
Meanwhile, Yue Long Men discovered a Penglai Drawing fragment within Wang Xiu. He attempted to take it but was repelled by her inherent power. After her recovery, Wang Xiu, now youthful and radiant, scorned her aged husband, Liang Wen Qi, and began a relationship with Liu Biao. Seizing this opportunity, Yue Long Men transformed into Liu Biao, intending to manipulate Wang Xiu into willingly offering her heart blood.
Duanmu Cui arrived in Wenshui County, finding her fake fragment useless for locating the real one. Through casual conversation with a local shopkeeper, she learned of the strange happenings in the Wang family: Liang Wen Qi had suddenly aged overnight and disappeared, while his wife, Wang Xiu, had miraculously regained her youth. Duanmu Cui realized the Penglai Drawing fragment was likely within Wang Xiu.
Witnessing the local constable's ineffectiveness in the Wang family case, Duanmu Cui found herself thinking of Zhan Yan's competence. Concerned for Duanmu Cui, Wengu, who had learned of her whereabouts, set out to find her. Fearing exposure regarding Liang Wen Qi, Wang Xiu sought "Liu Biao's" help. Yue Long Men, still disguised as Liu Biao, performed a ritual to "prove" Liang Wen Qi was a Youzu, intending to cover up Liang Wen Qi's true cause of death.
Duanmu Cui intervened, proclaiming Liang Wen Qi was not a Youzu and was already dead before the ritual. She suspected this was a cover-up and resolved to preserve Liang Wen Qi's body for further investigation. Wengu arrived at the Wang residence, introducing himself as an old acquaintance of Liang Wen Qi. He revealed that Liang Wen Qi had sacrificed an ancestral elixir to save Wang Xiu's life. This revelation stirred deep guilt in Wang Xiu, who then confronted "Liu Biao."
Yue Long Men, as Liu Biao, feigned a sudden illness, claiming he had secretly sacrificed his lifespan to save Wang Xiu and bind Liang Wen Qi's spirit. He asserted that only her pure heart blood could save him. Overcome with guilt and love for "Liu Biao," Wang Xiu prepared to extract her heart blood with scissors, but Duanmu Cui swiftly intervened, warning her that "Liu Biao" was deceiving her.
Yue Long Men, recognizing Duanmu Cui, then revealed his intention to kill her before escaping. Duanmu Cui gave chase, but the cunning Yue Long Men transformed into Zhan Yan, tricked her into shrinking, and attempted to kill her. Duanmu Cui narrowly escaped, evading his grasp. Zhan Yan arrived in Wenshui County and proceeded to the Wang family to investigate Liang Wen Qi's death.
The shrunken Duanmu Cui, mistaking him for Yue Long Men in disguise, bound him with her miniature deity binding rope. However, the rope, also diminished in size, was easily broken by Zhan Yan. Duanmu Cui then realized it was the real Zhan Yan. She followed him and observed him cradling a doll, speaking words of longing that were clearly meant for her. Zhan Yan, overjoyed to see Duanmu Cui, despite her tiny form, expressed his relief that she was real.
They quickly set aside their past grievances to work together on the case. Zhan Yan heard Wang Xiu's cries for help and rushed to her aid. However, Wang Xiu, still traumatized by Yue Long Men's deception, mistook Zhan Yan for the disguised Youzu and chased him away. Meanwhile, Duanmu Cui discovered that the Penglai Drawing fragment she possessed (from the cocoon) had been replaced with a fake, realizing Yue Long Men had swapped it.
As night fell, the tiny Duanmu Cui fell asleep comfortably in Zhan Yan's hand. Watching her sleep, Zhan Yan apologized quietly for the hardships she had endured. The next morning, Duanmu Cui confronted Wang Xiu, explaining that Liang Wen Qi had willingly sacrificed his longevity and ancestral elixir to save her, while Wang Xiu had been blinded by wealth and manipulated by the Youzu into causing his death.
Zhan Yan presented Liang Wen Qi's farewell letter, found on his body, which confirmed his selfless love and desire for Wang Xiu's happiness. Reading the letter, Wang Xiu was consumed by remorse and wished to die. She then asked Duanmu Cui to remove the Penglai Drawing fragment from her body, stating she preferred to age and die to reunite with Liang Wen Qi. Duanmu Cui agreed to her request.
With their misunderstandings resolved, Duanmu Cui and Zhan Yan continued their search for the missing Penglai Drawing fragments. Following the fragments' spiritual guidance, they ventured into a desolate area. There, Yue Long Men, the elder of the Nine Hells, attacked them to seize the fragments. During the intense confrontation, Duanmu Cui was captured by Yue Long Men.
Episode 21 Recap
When Wengu arrived, Zhan Yan informed him that Duanmu Cui had been captured by Yue Long Men. Meanwhile, Duanmu Cui was trapped inside Yue Long Men’s magic tool, the Pagoda Glass Lamp. Yue Long Men transformed into Zhan Yan, attempting to trick Duanmu Cui into revealing the Penglai Drawing fragment. However, Duanmu Cui quickly realized it was an impostor, noting, "Zhan Yan doesn't call me Cui'er."
She further remarked that the fake Zhan Yan had used the same trick twice and should improve. Yue Long Men revealed his true form, admitting Duanmu Cui's cleverness but threatening Hong Luan's life if Duanmu Cui refused to surrender the Penglai Drawing. He warned that in his magic tool, he was the law and could find anything on her. After finding no fragment, he threatened to kill Duanmu Cui by turning her into lamp oil within six hours.
Elsewhere, Hong Luan, imprisoned in Yue Long Men’s private jail, spoke with other captives. They had been there for so long they couldn't remember, having given up hope due to Yue Long Men's control over Ninth Hell. Hong Luan countered, revealing that the true Dragon Clan's royal bloodline, Princes Wen and Tai Ao, were still alive in the mortal world and would not treat them like Yue Long Men.
She rallied the disheartened prisoners, offering to lead them to welcome the prince and overthrow Yue Long Men. Zhan Yan led Wengu to the spot where Duanmu Cui disappeared. Wengu angrily accused Zhan Yan of losing Duanmu Cui, reminding him that bad things happen when he's with her. Just then, a figure resembling Duanmu Cui appeared, claiming to have escaped from the formidable Yue Long Men.
Zhan Yan immediately suspected it was Yue Long Men in disguise, noting that the real Duanmu Cui would never "belittle herself and laud others" or ask about an "elixir." The impostor revealed himself as Yue Long Men, gloating that Duanmu Cui was in an "inaccessible place" and would be a "pool of oil" within hours, her soul dissipated. He demanded the Penglai Drawing in exchange for her life.
Despite Wengu’s protests, Zhan Yan agreed to the exchange, arranging to meet Yue Long Men at an abandoned house on East Street. Unaware of her distress, Duanmu Cui, trapped inside the Pagoda Glass Lamp, heard the sounds of insects, triggering a distant memory of being confined with her mother in a coffin. Meanwhile, Jiang Wenqing learned of Duanmu Cui's disappearance and quickly set off for Wenshui County with his subordinates, entrusting Qifeng Prefecture to Shangguan Ce.
Zhan Yan arrived at the abandoned house as agreed. Yue Long Men snatched a Qiankun bag from him, but then declared his intention to let Duanmu Cui die before Zhan Yan's eyes, to avenge his repeated deceptions. However, he discovered the bag was empty—a trick by Zhan Yan. Wengu intercepted Yue Long Men, revealing that Yue Long Men sought the Penglai Drawing not to unseal Ninth Hell, but for his own ascension.
Yue Long Men boasted he was not inferior to the Dragon Clan and would prove he could ascend to High Immortal status. After a brief struggle, Yue Long Men managed to escape. Zhan Yan successfully located the Pagoda Glass Lamp where Duanmu Cui was trapped. Wengu used his magic to temporarily halt Duanmu Cui's accelerated melting.
Wengu explained that the lamp was a revered magic tool of the former Demon King, and Yue Long Men, having served the late king, now controlled it. He suspected Yue Long Men had formed a "death pact" with the lamp: if Yue Long Men died, the lamp would destroy itself, taking Duanmu Cui with it. Only Yue Long Men could willingly open it.
To pressure them, Yue Long Men, disguised as Zhan Yan, began a rampage in Wenshui County, threatening to devour everyone if the Penglai Drawing fragment was not surrendered. Zhan Yan proposed a plan: since Wengu could manipulate the lamp's mechanics, they would put the Penglai Drawing fragment into the lamp. This would force Yue Long Men to open it to retrieve the valuable fragment.
Zhan Yan also deduced Wengu's true identity, reasoning that if Yue Long Men could control the royal magic tool, and Wengu could manipulate it even more effectively, Wengu must be the Demon King's true bloodline. Wengu confirmed this, stating he had no intention of hiding it from Zhan Yan. Wengu met Yue Long Men and, as planned, deposited the last fragment of the Penglai Drawing into the lamp.
With his prized possession now inside and vulnerable, Yue Long Men reluctantly opened the Pagoda Glass Lamp, releasing Duanmu Cui. He quickly seized the complete Penglai Drawing and fled. Duanmu Cui, recovering from her ordeal, was dismayed that they had given up the drawing, but Zhan Yan assured her they had a plan to stop Yue Long Men.
To gain the temporary divine power needed to confront Yue Long Men, Zhan Yan took a potent pill, knowing it would cause damage to his mortal body’s heart meridian. Yue Long Men, now possessing the complete Penglai Drawing, began his ascension, summoning the heavenly stairway. On Penglai, immortals observed the phenomenon.
Some were excited, others cautious, while one Star Lord expressed frustration at the inaction of his peers and longed for Duanmu Cui, who "struck them down" before he even got angry. Suddenly, the Nine Heavens Tribulation descended – a powerful thunderous force specifically for Demon Clan royalty.
Wengu revealed his long-held secret: a thousand years ago, to follow Duanmu Cui, he had removed and buried his dragon horns, the symbol of his Dragon Clan bloodline, to gain the Penglai Drawing's approval for his own ascension. He then destroyed the drawing to hide his identity. Now, he re-extracted his dragon horns and placed them on Yue Long Men. He explained that the Penglai Drawing would "strangle" anyone bearing dragon horns who attempted ascension with it.
Yue Long Men, betrayed, was struck down and killed by the Nine Heavens Tribulation. However, Wengu's Dragon Clan identity was now fully exposed, and he too began to suffer the devastating lightning strikes. Duanmu Cui, without hesitation, stepped forward to shield Wengu, taking the brunt of the tribulation. Zhan Yan, despite his weakened state, used the Ju Que Sword to temporarily resist the immense power of the Nine Heavens Tribulation.
As Wengu's dragon horns were restored, he manifested his true Dragon Clan form. At this critical moment, Yang Jian arrived with Heavenly Soldiers and Generals, intent on capturing Wengu. Duanmu Cui pleaded with her "Big Brother" (Yang Jian) not to harm Wengu, arguing that he was innocent of his father's sins and had no malicious intent. She asserted that Wengu was her friend and that he had concealed his identity for good reason.
She fiercely declared that Wengu was now "her person" and anyone who dared to bully him would face her wrath. Ignoring her impassioned pleas, Yang Jian prepared to strike Wengu down with the God Slaying Sword. Duanmu Cui once again stepped between them, taking the sword's blow to protect Wengu, leaving Zhan Yan distraught.
Episode 22 Recap
Duanmu Cui, having been struck by the God Slaying Sword while protecting Wengu, desperately pleaded with Yang Jian to spare Wengu's life in exchange for her own. Yang Jian agreed to her request. Zhan Yan, overcome with anguish, tried to reassure her, but Duanmu Cui calmly stated that she was merely returning to Penglai. She then confronted Zhan Yan about carrying a doll she had given him, prompting him to confess his deep feelings for her.
Duanmu Cui gently interrupted him, saying his words would make her departure even harder. She instructed him to keep the doll close, promising that seeing it would be like seeing her. As the God Slaying Sword is known to disperse the spirits of those it strikes, Duanmu Cui's divine essence scattered. After her disappearance, Yang Jian instructed Wengu to leave, acknowledging that Duanmu Cui had paid for him with her life.
Wengu reflected on his past actions, driven by his singular desire to join Duanmu Cui in Penglai. To achieve this, Wengu even cut off his dragon horns. Due to his identity as an offspring of the Demon King, which would prevent his name from appearing on the Penglai Drawing, he had taken extreme measures, including killing another person to seize their ascension spot.
To conceal this, he destroyed the Penglai Drawing, ensuring that no one would discover his secret or the true identities of those granted divinity. Wengu rationalized his choices, asserting that all he ever wanted was to be by Duanmu Cui's side, and he accused the other deities of hypocrisy. Witnessing Duanmu Cui's apparent demise, Wengu swore he would return to retrieve her.
Yang Jian, realizing Zhan Yan's profound connection to Duanmu Cui, decided to save his life as an act of atonement for the harm caused to her. He sent Zhan Yan back to the mortal world. Three months later, Zhan Yan awoke in Qifeng Prefecture, plagued by vivid, painful memories of Duanmu Cui. Convinced she was dead from the God Slaying Sword, he frantically attempted to find her.
Shangguan Ce tried to calm him and stop him from leaving, but Zhan Yan was inconsolable. Jiang Wenqing then arrived and informed Zhan Yan that Duanmu Cui had long since departed, a revelation that finally brought a somber calm to Zhan Yan. Meanwhile, a deity at Penglai expressed concern about Duanmu Cui's fate after being struck by the God Slaying Sword.
Yang Jian explained that when Duanmu Cui, as a High Immortal, sought to open the abyss to rescue her fallen comrades, they had to prevent her. To this end, her memories were sealed into Guixu, leaving a wisp of her consciousness there. Yang Jian revealed his decision to confine Duanmu Cui in Guixu, hoping that this remnant consciousness would eventually re-coalesce her divine spirit. Despite their efforts, her full recovery remained uncertain, leaving one deity to pray for her awakening.
Zhan Yan visited Duanmu Residence, recalling cherished moments with Duanmu Cui, and unexpectedly discovered the Butterfly Messenger was still active. He followed the butterfly, which led him to a fleeting apparition of Duanmu Cui before vanishing into Guixu. Later, while walking through the streets, Zhan Yan rescued Little Qing Hua, who was being harassed by a mob.
Little Qing Hua, a sentient bowl, had been performing tricks to earn money for snacks for Duanmu Cui, refusing to believe she was truly gone. He explained that when deities fall, their souls return to Penglai and their bodies are laid to rest in Guixu. This insight, combined with the butterfly's guidance and his vision, fortified Zhan Yan's belief that Duanmu Cui was alive in Guixu, awaiting him in Penglai.
However, Jiang Wenqing cautioned him that only divine beings could enter Penglai, and the crucial Penglai Drawing was currently with Wengu. Undeterred, Zhan Yan declared his unwavering resolve to acquire the drawing from Wengu, even as Jiang Wenqing expressed skepticism about Wengu's current whereabouts. At Penglai, the High Immortals were dismayed that the Penglai Drawing had fallen into Wengu's hands, fearing he would use it to unleash demons from the Ninth Hell.
They blamed Duanmu Cui for knowing about Wengu and failing to report him. Yang Jian, however, fiercely defended his sister, rebuking the elderly deities for their comfortable lives and their hypocrisy, especially after they had "tricked" Duanmu Cui into descending to the mortal realm. When they continued to insist on Duanmu Cui's culpability, Yang Jian declared that with her spirit dispersed and her recovery uncertain in the Sea of Guixu, they should not try to shift their responsibilities onto her.
He asserted that any punishment for her supposed mistake should fall on him, as her brother. Suddenly, news arrived that Wengu had breached Penglai and was heading for the Sea of Guixu. Yang Jian confronted Wengu, who declared his intention to take Duanmu Cui from her confinement. Yang Jian reminded Wengu that he had spared his life, but Wengu accused Yang Jian and Penglai of being responsible for Duanmu Cui's death.
Believing Duanmu Cui was truly gone, Wengu, despite being a Divine Doctor, resolved to find a way to save her. Yang Jian attempted to dissuade him, explaining that Duanmu Cui's "chest of love debts" was indestructible and that she deserved to rest in peace after sacrificing herself for him. Wengu, however, blamed Penglai and Yang Jian for Duanmu Cui's fate and swore revenge.
Yang Jian offered Wengu another chance to surrender, but Wengu vehemently refused, instead abandoning his High Immortal divinity and vowing eternal enmity with Penglai until death, swearing he would return for Duanmu Cui. A dejected Wengu recalled his father's harsh teachings on power and ruthlessness, advising him against compassion if he wished to rule.
He also remembered being bullied as a child and called a monster for his dragon horns, which reinforced his father's belief that he had to become strong to avoid humiliation. Wengu then reflected on his millennia of good deeds, all performed with the hope of reaching Penglai to be with Duanmu Cui.
Angered by what he perceived as Penglai's hypocrisy and their failure to protect her, Wengu declared that since Penglai would not accept Duanmu Cui, he would not tolerate Penglai. He then swore to destroy the mortal world, which the deities sought to protect at Duanmu Cui's expense, reaffirming his vow to retrieve her.
At the God of Matchmaking Temple, Zhan Yan encountered Little Qing Hua causing a commotion, attempting to coerce the elusive God of Matchmaking into delivering messages to Duanmu Cui. After scolding Little Qing Hua for his deceptive methods of earning money, Zhan Yan devised a new plan: he began writing heartfelt letters to Duanmu Cui daily, threatening to use his authority in Qifeng Prefecture to disrupt the temple's operations if the God of Matchmaking refused to deliver them.
His letters, filled with expressions of deep love and unwavering commitment, declared his resolve to find her "no matter if it's in heaven or in hell." Hearing Zhan Yan's persistent calls and poignant words, Duanmu Cui stirred and began to awaken from her slumber in Guixu. Duanmu Cui awoke in Guixu and tried to break free from the "love lock" binding her.
The God of Matchmaking appeared, explaining that she was confined because her spirit, dispersed by the God Slaying Sword, had only reformed thanks to a trace of her memories within this very love lock, which was meant to contain her past romantic entanglements and had now merged with her.
He presented her with Zhan Yan's letters, assuring her that Zhan Yan was well, though Duanmu Cui noticed his pallor when the God of Matchmaking showed her his current situation using his divine vision. Sensing her lingering doubts and her deep desire to see Zhan Yan, the God of Matchmaking decided to facilitate their reunion.
Episode 23 Recap
Zhan Yan and Duanmu Cui successfully met through the God of Matchmaking. Zhan Yan was visibly distressed upon seeing Duanmu Cui in chains. Duanmu Cui attempted to reassure him, claiming the chains were for her healing, but Zhan Yan, noticing her suffering, immediately discerned her lie. He pressed her, asking why she appeared to be in pain if the chains were for healing, and questioned if she was being held captive.
Duanmu Cui, worried about Zhan Yan's reaction, struggled to break free from her bonds. The God of Matchmaking warned her against it, implying that recalling certain memories would be detrimental, but Duanmu Cui demanded to know what he was withholding. He deflected, advising her to remain in Guixu for another century until her divine soul stabilized. Duanmu Cui expressed her impatience, stating that while she could endure a century, Zhan Yan could not, and insisted on being released.
Yang Jian arrived and prevented Duanmu Cui from breaking free. He explained that her "love lock" needed mending, and only then would she be released. Duanmu Cui vehemently argued, insisting she had to find Zhan Yan, but Yang Jian asserted that their fates were not intertwined, and she would regret further entanglement. She countered that her only regret would be not seeing him.
Yang Jian, unwilling to debate, cast a spell that put her into a deep sleep, promising to wake her in a century, claiming she would then understand his true intentions. An attendant inadvertently revealed that Yang Jian had offended other deities for Duanmu Cui's sake and was due to receive punishment in the lightning jail. Duanmu Cui heard the name Wengu mentioned as the cause of recent troubles before Yang Jian silenced the attendant and put her to sleep.
Meanwhile, Wengu Weiyu returned to the Ninth Hell and released Hong Luan from her confinement. Hong Luan was taken aback by his changed demeanor, asking about his divinity. Wengu Weiyu revealed he had destroyed it, declaring, "The aloof and noble High Immortal Wengu is long gone. From now on, I shall be called Demon King Wengu." Hong Luan pledged her unwavering loyalty to him.
With Hong Luan's assistance and the power of the Penglai Drawing, Wengu Weiyu broke the seal of the Ninth Hell, releasing the long-imprisoned demons. He then addressed the demons, proclaiming himself their new Demon King and exposing Yue Long Men's deception regarding the Penglai Drawing. He promised to lead them out of the Ninth Hell and back to Chong City with the Penglai Drawing now in his possession, earning their enthusiastic support.
The released demons then poured into Qifeng City, causing widespread chaos. Wengu Weiyu and Hong Luan journeyed to the ancient site of Chong City. Wengu Weiyu mused on returning to a place he once despised, now his sanctuary. Hong Luan, however, found it significant as their meeting place. Wengu Weiyu, asserting his actions weren't for her, asked if she still wished to remain by his side. Hong Luan reaffirmed her loyalty, even unto a miserable death.
Later, as Wengu Weiyu sat upon a throne, Hong Luan observed his unhappiness, suggesting his joy was solely tied to Duanmu Cui. When Hong Luan cautiously implied Duanmu Cui was dead, Wengu Weiyu reacted with furious denial. Seeing his tears, Hong Luan confessed her own sorrow, recounting Duanmu Cui's kindness to her. Wengu Weiyu then revealed his plan to use the Life-sucking Spell, a dark art obtained from Yue Long Men, to resurrect Duanmu Cui by sacrificing innocent lives.
Hong Luan voiced her concern, warning that such an act defied heavenly laws and would invite damnation. Wengu Weiyu dismissed her fears, stating he was already in "hell" and unafraid of any consequences, even his soul dispersing, as long as he could save Duanmu Cui. He added that if his soul were to scatter, he would only desire to rest eternally beside Duanmu Cui.
Back in the mortal world, Zhan Yan learned from his godfather, Jiang Wenqing, that Wengu Weiyu's destruction of the Penglai Drawing and the breaking of the Ninth Hell's seal had caused the demonic unrest. Jiang Wenqing believed only the deities of Penglai could resolve the crisis, but they were too preoccupied. Zhan Yan, concerned for Duanmu Cui's safety, described her imprisonment.
Jiang Wenqing deduced that Duanmu Cui was held by a "love lock," which had sealed her memories after her ascension to prevent her from opening the Abyss out of guilt for fallen soldiers. He theorized that breaking the love lock would restore her memories, enabling her to reopen the Abyss, possibly resetting events and allowing him to regain his divinity.
Jiang Wenqing informed Zhan Yan that mortals could now reach Penglai, but attempting to do so in a mortal body would result in instant shattering of the body and dispersal of the soul. Undeterred, Zhan Yan declared his willingness to endure any pain to rescue Duanmu Cui. Jiang Wenqing then presented Ju Que, an ancient divine weapon containing a protective sword spirit, which would safeguard Zhan Yan's body during his ascent, though he would still suffer immense pain.
Zhan Yan remained resolute, stating he disregarded life and death. Jiang Wenqing cautioned him that restoring Duanmu Cui's memories might mean she no longer loved him, but Zhan Yan was firm in his decision to end her suffering and grant her freedom, regardless of their future. Jiang Wenqing then taught him the method to ascend to Penglai. In Penglai, Yang Jian was enduring his punishment in the lightning jail, playfully taunting the God of Thunder to use his full power.
Meanwhile, he received updates: Duanmu Cui was still in a deep slumber, and it was hoped that after a century, she would awaken free of her love debts. However, he was alarmed to learn that Zhan Yan had invaded Penglai and assaulted the guards. Zhan Yan successfully reached Guixu, defeated the guards, and used Ju Que to sever Duanmu Cui's love locks. Her sealed memories of the past flooded back.
She remembered dying in the Battle of Chong City and her foster father, Jiang Yi, sacrificing his divinity to ensure her ascension. As an immortal, she then learned of her identity as a descendant of the Heavenly Maiden and her power to open the Abyss, which she had once intended to use to bring back her fallen comrades from the Chong City battle.
She also recalled Yang Jian stopping her, citing the Heavenly Maiden's prophecy that opening the Abyss would bring ruin to the Three Realms. Duanmu Cui had insisted on bearing all consequences, leading Yang Jian to seal her memories within the love locks and cast them into Guixu, hoping she would never suffer from love debt again if she never fell in love. As her memories fully returned, Duanmu Cui cried out Gu Chang's name and then recognized Zhan Yan.
Simultaneously, Wengu Weiyu arrived at the God of Pestilence Temple. After Hong Luan was briefly incapacitated by the pestilential aura, Wengu Weiyu confronted the God of Pestilence. He scornfully noted the deity's forgotten status despite his millennia of diligent service in suppressing the Aura of death to prevent pestilence. Wengu Weiyu offered to grant him lasting fame in exchange for his life. Wengu Weiyu then killed the God of Pestilence, unleashing the suppressed Aura of death.
Hong Luan expressed concern about the poisonous nature of the Aura of death and the risks to Wengu Weiyu. He dismissed her worries, affirming his willingness to face any consequences as long as it meant saving Duanmu Cui. Back in Guixu, Yang Jian, now aware of Zhan Yan's intrusion, rushed to confront him, but it was too late; Duanmu Cui had regained all her memories.
Yang Jian chastised Zhan Yan for trespassing and severing the love locks, claiming he had harmed Duanmu Cui and the Three Realms. Zhan Yan countered that Duanmu Cui deserved freedom from her torment and declared his intention to take her away. The two then engaged in a fierce battle. Despite Zhan Yan's clever use of Ju Que's power, he was no match for Yang Jian, the God of Justice from Penglai, and was gravely injured.
Episode 24 Recap
Yang Jian confronted Zhan Yan, questioning how long a mortal could withstand Penglai's God of Justice, even with Ju Que's power. Duanmu Cui intervened, telling Yang Jian to step aside and that she would handle her own affairs. Yang Jian questioned if she would recklessly sacrifice her life again, as she did when Gu Chang died, or if she wanted him to seal her memory or kill her with the God Slaying Sword once more.
Duanmu Cui retorted that those actions were not his true intentions and insisted on resolving her own heart knot. She stated that Zhan Yan's actions were because of her, and she could not let him get hurt again. Yang Jian warned her not to make more mistakes, but Duanmu Cui declared she would not cower even if it meant eternal damnation.
Yang Jian then allowed Duanmu Cui and Zhan Yan to leave Penglai, acknowledging that Duanmu had already paid a price and had regained all her memories, including those of Gu Chang, making further confinement useless. He believed she would have to choose between Gu Chang and Zhan Yan. Other Penglai officials questioned Yang Jian's decision, reminding him of a prophecy that opening the Abyss would bring calamity to the Three Realms and urging him to bring Duanmu Cui back.
Yang Jian, however, blamed them for tricking Duanmu Cui into descending to the mortal world initially. He refused to force her back, stating that the responsibility for the Three Realms' survival was not hers alone. He agreed to manage the current crisis but imposed three conditions: no interference with Duanmu Cui's future decisions, no retribution against Zhan Yan or Duanmu Cui, and the third condition to be named later. Reluctantly, the other Penglai officials agreed.
Meanwhile, Wengu Weiyu located the Nuo God, killed him, and buried him three zhang and three chi deep. He then unleashed a plague rain across the land to harvest life force. Hong Luan, who had pledged to follow Wengu Weiyu, was concerned about the suffering of innocent people, but Wengu Weiyu stated he had no other option, willing to fall into purgatory for his cause.
He refused Hong Luan's offer to handle the "dirty work" of spreading the plague, asserting his unwavering resolve and ordering the Nuo God's body to be sent to Qifeng City and the area cleaned to avoid Penglai's discovery. Duanmu Cui and Zhan Yan returned to the mortal world. Since regaining her memories, Duanmu Cui seemed distant towards Zhan Yan.
She confessed she wasn't the Duanmu he knew, but Zhan Yan insisted she was, promising to follow her wherever she went, even if she didn't want to return to Qifeng City. Duanmu Cui wrestled with her conscience, feeling obligated to atone for the deaths caused by her past actions, yet struggling to let go of Zhan Yan. As they traveled, a poisonous rain fell, causing widespread illness and death among the common people.
They soon arrived at Xuanping Village, finding it eerily quiet. Duanmu Cui, sensing no Demon Clan presence, still found the village suspicious. Zhan Yan, noticing her fatigue from recent soul recovery, suggested they rest there for the night, and Duanmu Cui agreed, deciding they should investigate the peculiar situation and stay together. Zhan Yan graciously offered the bed to Duanmu Cui and slept on the floor. That night, Duanmu Cui dreamt of Gu Chang, crying out his name.
Zhan Yan, who had stayed by her side, comforted her, assuring her he was there and she had nothing to fear. The next morning, Zhan Yan revealed she had held his hand throughout the night while having a nightmare, and then went to prepare breakfast. Duanmu Cui, realizing Zhan Yan likely knew about Gu Chang, decided it was time to share her past.
She thanked him for the wonderful time they had in Qifeng City, acknowledging it as her happiest memory. She then revealed that she was once the leader of the Duanmu tribe and had been betrothed to Gu Chang since childhood. Together, they had fought against the You King's tyranny, leading the Duanmu tribe as the vanguard in many battles against the Demon Clan. All the men of her tribe eventually perished in battle, leaving only a female army.
Her godfather had wanted her and Gu Chang to marry quickly, merging their brigades. However, Duanmu Cui, unwilling to become an appendage or have her brigade lose its name, demanded Gu Chang show his affection. He promised to conquer Chong City as a dowry for her. Zhan Yan, seeing her distress, urged her to stop, but Duanmu Cui insisted on confessing her guilt.
She tearfully recounted how Gu Chang and all the soldiers died in the battle for Chong City, believing it was all her fault for making such a demand. Zhan Yan comforted her, explaining that victory and defeat in battle were not her sole responsibility and promising to stay with her and support her no matter what. Despite his reassurance, Duanmu Cui expressed her inability to forget the bloodshed and the faces of her fallen comrades.
Suddenly, a black Aura of death attacked Zhan Yan, causing him to collapse. Yang Jian appeared, revealing that they were near Chong City, ten li to the east. He explained that a thousand years ago, Duanmu Cui's army had camped there before conquering Chong City. The countless casualties of that battle had created immense resentment, forming the Aura of death, which was then suppressed by the Nuo God.
Now, these Aura of death were spreading, threatening disaster for the Three Realms. Yang Jian suspected Wengu Weiyu was behind their release. Duanmu Cui, confused by Wengu Weiyu's actions, learned from Yang Jian that Wengu Weiyu believed she had died by Yang Jian's hand, prompting him to abandon his divinity, inherited the You Clan throne, and wage war against Penglai and the mortal world.
Zhan Yan's current unconscious state was due to being afflicted by these Aura of death, which were intrinsically linked to Duanmu Cui. Yang Jian warned her that her love for a mortal, defiance of heavenly rules, and continued entanglement with Zhan Yan would lead to widespread suffering and ultimately Zhan Yan's demise. He elaborated that as deities, they were once generals who shed much blood, creating these resentful auras that ensnared both them and their loved ones.
He reiterated that Zhan Yan, a mortal, would not survive such entanglement, despite having been destined for a long life. Yang Jian further revealed that Zhan Yan had used the ancient divine weapon Ju Que's power to reach Penglai, a feat that required sacrificing his own lifespan. He warned that if Ju Que were to break, Zhan Yan would surely die. Duanmu Cui was devastated by this information.
With a heavy heart, she silently apologized to Zhan Yan, recognizing the blessing he had been in her life, but concluding they were not meant to be. She resolved to set him free. Using her own immortal blood, she repaired the damaged Ju Que before returning Zhan Yan to Qifeng Prefecture and then vanishing. Three days later, Zhan Yan awoke at Qifeng Prefecture, learning from Jiang Wenqing that he had been unconscious.
Realizing he was no longer in Xuanping and that Duanmu Cui was gone, he feared she had gone alone to open the Abyss. He frantically searched the city, asking everyone if they had seen her. Duanmu Cui, cloaked in invisibility, watched his desperate search, her heart aching. Driven by determination to make her stay, Zhan Yan urgently requested Jiang Wenqing and Madam Jiang to prepare a betrothal letter and gifts, declaring his intention to marry Duanmu Cui.
Jiang Wenqing, moved by his sincerity, promptly agreed. Zhan Yan then went to the God of Matchmaking Temple, where he hung a lantern on the marriage tree, recalling a previous conversation about deities having no home or someone to light a lamp for them. He then spoke aloud, professing his love and offering Duanmu Cui a home, promising to wait for her every night.
Defying the notion that deities have no marriage lines and cannot grow old together, he vowed at the temple that he, Zhan Yan, would marry no one but Duanmu Cui in this life, and for the rest of his life, she would be his only one. Tears streamed down Duanmu Cui's face as she listened, but Yang Jian's grim warning echoed in her mind.
She then revealed herself to Zhan Yan and, to his shock, tore up the betrothal letter he presented. Yang Jian received an update that the Aura of death had become severe and the Demon Clan had reached Qifeng City, with the city being their next target. Panic spread as people fell ill from the mysterious plague. Jiang Wenqing and Zhan Yan were overwhelmed by the widespread illness, trying to manage the sick and directing them to Wengu Medical Hall.
Jiang Wenqing expressed his frustration at being unable to control the disease or find its source, suspecting the Demon Clan was responsible. He wished Duanmu Cui were there to help, but Zhan Yan, looking frail, declared that Qifeng City should no longer rely on Penglai deities, as they were unreliable, and must depend on themselves. Wengu Weiyu arrived at Duanmu Thatched Cottage, reaffirming his vow to save Duanmu Cui.
His subordinate, Hong Luan, confirmed that they had successfully collected enough life force, and that Duanmu Cui could soon be saved. Wengu Weiyu, aware that Penglai would relentlessly pursue him, declared Qifeng City their final bargaining chip. He handed Hong Luan a city sealing formation.
Hong Luan then asked Wengu Weiyu if he would grieve if she were to die in Qifeng City, to which he tersely replied, "You asked too many questions," before Hong Luan reiterated her unwavering loyalty and commitment to help him in whatever he decided.
Episode 25 Recap
The city gates of Qifeng City were suddenly sealed shut by Hong Luan’s magic, trapping everyone inside and preventing anyone from entering. Qifeng Prefecture officials were helpless, unable to open them. Jiang Wenqing instructed Cheng Ou and Zhu Ran to guard the gates and report any developments. Meanwhile, Zhan Yan, concerned that Duanmu Residence would be unattended in Duanmu Cui's absence, headed there.
Duanmu Cui arrived at the city gates, broke through the Dragon Clan seal, and confirmed that all these actions were indeed orchestrated by Wengu. At Duanmu Residence, Zhan Yan found Xiao Qing Hua waiting outside for Duanmu Cui. He tried to console her and offered to take her inside, but Xiao Qing Hua, still upset, retorted that Zhan Yan had rescued her master from Penglai but failed to make her stay.
Zhan Yan conceded that perhaps Penglai might suit Duanmu Cui better. She vowed to continue waiting for Duanmu Cui, even in death, to be remembered as the most loyal bowl. Shortly after, Zhan Yan, having toiled day and night tending to the sick and suffering from old injuries, suddenly collapsed at the entrance of Duanmu Residence. Duanmu Cui returned to the residence, found the unconscious Zhan Yan, and was deeply distressed.
She heard him call her name in his sleep, begging her not to leave him. She silently cared for him all night, but her heart hardened as she remembered Yang Jian’s warning: her continued closeness would cause Zhan Yan to suffer mental breakdown and shorten his life, confirming that her love would ultimately harm him. She concluded that ending their bond was the only way to give him a chance to live and, with a heavy heart, she left him.
Zhan Yan later woke up, still believing she hadn't left him. However, Duanmu Cui appeared and told him she was only in the mortal realm for official duties and would not have entered Duanmu Residence if she knew he was there, asking him to respect her boundaries. Understanding her intent, Zhan Yan turned to leave, and Duanmu Cui returned his forgotten umbrella. Jiang Wenqing, weighed down by the escalating crisis in Qifeng City, suffered from intense headaches.
Madam Jiang, noticing his distress, made him a special scented sachet filled with medicinal herbs to alleviate his pain, advising him to rest and not worry excessively. Duanmu Cui visited Jiang Wenqing, offering him Penglai herbs to place in the sachet, which could temporarily ease his headaches. Jiang Wenqing, recalling Duanmu Cui’s past, probed her feelings for Zhan Yan, warning her that indecisiveness would only lead to further turmoil.
Duanmu Cui clarified that she had returned solely to resolve the demon poison crisis, acknowledging her responsibility for Wengu’s actions due to his past affection for her. She emphasized that Zhan Yan was merely a friend and that, despite his heroic efforts to save her in Penglai, she would not burden him further.
Recalling Yang Jian's words that he didn't want any of his "children" to be hurt, she reaffirmed her decision to return to Penglai once the demon poison was eradicated. Jiang Wenqing then instructed his officers, Cheng Ou and Zhu Ran, to fully cooperate with Duanmu Cui at Wengu Medical Hall. Meanwhile, Wengu, leading his demon clan, breached the Heavenly Gate, having killed the Heavenly Soldiers guarding it.
He declared his intention to take Duanmu Cui home and unleashed the demon poison on Penglai, expressing his desire for the arrogant Penglai deities to experience the same suffering as mortals. Yang Jian, failing to stop Wengu, revealed that Duanmu Cui was alive and in the mortal world, cleaning up Wengu's mess. Wengu, convinced she was dead, refused to believe him and continued his attack.
Just as Wengu was about to overpower Yang Jian, Tian intervened, saving Yang Jian and confirming that Duanmu Cui was indeed alive in Qifeng City, dealing with the demon poison, and was fully aware of Wengu's destructive actions. Wengu, finally realizing Duanmu Cui was alive, descended to the mortal world.
In Chong City, Duanmu Cui and Zhan Yan observed that the demon clan had returned to their ancestral home, still clinging to their old dreams of guarding the city after a thousand years of change. Zhan Yan comforted Duanmu Cui, reminding her that everyone must take responsibility for their own choices. Duanmu Cui went to Wengu Medical Hall, using Demonic Purge spells to temporarily suppress the poison in the afflicted citizens.
Although the patients showed immediate improvement, she realized that these charms were merely a temporary solution and would be like trying to put out a fire with a cup of water if the source of the demon poison wasn't found and eliminated. She asked about the city’s water source, which she was told was the well at the east of town. At the well, she prepared to test the water by tasting it herself.
Zhan Yan, concerned for her safety, quickly appeared and attempted to drink the water first, proclaiming he would drink it so she wouldn't have to. Duanmu Cui, despite her outward aloofness, warned him to be cautious during such a critical time. She then concluded that the water was clean and not the source of the poison, inferring the true source was underground. With no further leads, they headed to the God of Pestilence Temple.
There, she noticed the severely damaged statue of the God of Pestilence and discovered Wengu’s shed scales, confirming his presence. At the Qifeng Prefecture, Zhao Wu brought steamed buns to Zhang Long, who had been working tirelessly. He quickly noticed she was unwell and spitting blood, indicating she had contracted the demon poison. Zhang Long, desperate to protect him, confessed her illness and urged Zhao Wu to leave.
However, Zhao Wu adamantly refused, embracing her and confessing his deep love, promising never to abandon her. He believed Duanmu Cui would find a way to save them both and vowed to take her to the Sect Leader. At the God of Pestilence Temple, Duanmu Cui uncovered Wengu's gruesome act: he had killed the God of Pestilence and buried him there to spread the demon poison.
Zhan Yan tried to defend Wengu, reminding Duanmu Cui of his past as a divine doctor, but Duanmu Cui staunchly refused to accept any excuses. She declared that for a healer to harbor murderous intent made him the greatest butcher, and despite any hardship, wrongdoing remained wrongdoing, especially when it harmed countless innocent lives. She then used Samadhi Fire to cleanse the area, dispelling the demon poison. Suddenly, a poisonous rain began to fall.
Hong Luan appeared, her face noticeably aged. Duanmu Cui realized that the rain clouds were Wengu's creation, but Hong Luan confessed that she had used her own life force as a peach blossom demon to serve as a vessel, preventing the life force Wengu had collected from dissipating, all to help him revive Duanmu Cui. Duanmu Cui understood Wengu’s motive was to save her, but she firmly declared that she would not sacrifice innocent lives for personal feelings.
She vowed to personally end Wengu's life, as he was hers to deal with from a thousand years ago. Hong Luan desperately pleaded with Duanmu Cui not to harm Wengu, reminding her that he had forsaken his divinity and become the Demon King solely for her, with her being his only driving force. Duanmu Cui, however, bound Hong Luan, instructing her to calm down and wait for her return. In Qifeng City, heavy rain poured down, intensifying the crisis.
Jiang Wenqing ordered Shangguan Ce to escort Madam Jiang to safety, but Madam Jiang insisted on taking important archives with them. Meanwhile, Zhao Wu carried Zhang Long to the God of Pestilence Temple, hoping to find Duanmu Cui. They found Hong Luan still bound. Hong Luan grimly informed them that Duanmu Cui had already left Qifeng City and that Zhang Long would likely die before they could reach her. She offered her pollen to ease Zhang Long’s final moments.
Zhao Wu, however, defiantly declared that Zhang Long would not die. Zhang Long, weeping, begged Zhao Wu to leave and called him a fool, but Zhao Wu steadfastly refused to abandon her, offering himself as a chew toy if she needed to vent her pain. At that moment, Wengu, having descended to the mortal world after learning Duanmu Cui was alive, arrived at the God of Pestilence Temple and immediately demanded to know where Zhan Yan was.
Episode 26 Recap
Wengu arrived at the God of Pestilence Temple, demanding to know Duanmu Cui's whereabouts. Hong Luan, initially trying to prevent him from pursuing her, eventually revealed that Duanmu Cui had gone to Chong City. Despite Hong Luan's pleas for him not to follow, Wengu was determined and left immediately to find her. Upon reaching Chong City, Wengu was overjoyed to discover Duanmu Cui alive.
However, his happiness was short-lived as Duanmu Cui confronted him, accusing him of losing his humanity, becoming a scourge to the world, and harming the innocent. She revealed that she had remembered everything from a thousand years ago and urged him to return to Penglai to receive punishment, stating it wasn't too late.
Wengu, filled with bitterness, questioned why she chose Zhan Yan now, just as she had chosen Gu Chang before, feeling that his immense sacrifices for her had been in vain. He refused to turn back, declaring he had no other path. Seeing his unwavering delusion, Duanmu Cui decided she had no choice but to eliminate him herself. As heavenly lightning descended, Hong Luan suddenly appeared and shielded Wengu, taking the full force of the strike.
With her dying breath, Hong Luan confessed her admiration for Duanmu Cui, wishing they could have been sisters, and expressed how much she cherished their time together. She begged Duanmu Cui to forgive Wengu, asserting that all his actions, though misguided, stemmed from his deep love for her. Duanmu Cui was devastated, knowing she had always considered Hong Luan a sister.
As Hong Luan destroyed her own inner elixir and passed away, flashbacks revealed Wengu's past act of using his blood to save the then-unformed peach blossom spirit and naming her Hong Luan, solidifying Hong Luan's lifelong devotion to him. She had spent her life blooming for him, calling him her wind, and wishing to wait for him in the next life.
Meanwhile, the High Immortal of Penglai, having learned that the three heavenly thunderbolts on Duanmu Cui had automatically activated and Wengu still escaped, decided to deploy the five savage thunderbolts. Yang Jian was entrusted with this crucial mission to kill the "sinful dragon," with the fate of all three clans hanging in the balance. Back in Qifeng City, the plague worsened daily, claiming more lives.
Duanmu Cui, despite her efforts, felt a heavy burden of guilt, believing her initial leniency towards Wengu had led to the current devastation. She summoned Immortal Hua Tuo from Penglai, who explained that the disaster was caused by an "aura of death" and stressed that unless the source was completely eradicated, any medicine would only offer a temporary reprieve. Zhan Yan, witnessing Duanmu Cui's despair, comforted her, assuring her that he would face everything by her side.
Later, Duanmu Cui noticed Zhan Yan still cherished the doll she had given him. Fearing for his safety, she covertly administered a sleeping draught to him, apologizing silently as she resolved to confront Wengu alone and prevent further tragedy. Wengu, anticipating the arrival of Penglai's forces, taunted them to bring their "five savage thunderbolts." Yang Jian confronted Wengu, offering him a swift end if he surrendered.
However, Duanmu Cui arrived and intervened, declaring that she would personally handle Wengu as a matter of "cleaning her own house." Yang Jian, though hesitant, granted her half an hour, warning that if she failed, Wengu's soul would be utterly annihilated by the thunderbolts. Zhan Yan eventually awoke, realizing Duanmu Cui's absence and deducing her intention to confront Wengu alone. He immediately set out to find and assist her.
Jiang Wenqing, seeing Zhan Yan's determination, cautioned him to be extremely careful. Jiang Wenqing himself, having recovered his memories as Jiang Yi, was deeply remorseful as he observed the widespread suffering in Qifeng City. He lamented his past decision to abandon his divinity and allow Penglai to become disorganized, believing it had led to the current catastrophe. He vowed to reverse the chaos and atone for his sins, even if it meant altering the fabric of time and space.
His wife, Madam Jiang, despite her own illness, offered unwavering support, encouraging him to pursue his convictions. Entrusting the care of Qifeng City to Shangguan Ce, Jiang Wenqing departed for Chong City, determined to change everything. Duanmu Cui and Wengu clashed. Wengu questioned why he couldn't be her lover and accused her of not acknowledging his sacrifices. Duanmu Cui reminded him of their past commitment to protect humanity, condemning his present actions of harming innocents for his selfish desires.
Wengu, consumed by his obsession, declared his willingness to abandon the entire world just to possess her. He then revealed his new resolve: since compassion had failed to win her, he would resort to seizing and fighting to make her see him. Duanmu Cui, her powers not fully restored after soul reconstruction, was struggling against him. Just then, Zhan Yan arrived, fearlessly declaring his intention to live and die with Duanmu Cui, which only further enraged Wengu.
Zhan Yan passionately accused Wengu of being unworthy, reminding him of Duanmu Cui's past sacrifices—venturing into the Ninth Abyss for an antidote, blocking the God Slaying Sword, and defying Penglai—while Wengu continued his selfish destruction. Enraged, Wengu lashed out, severely injuring both Duanmu Cui and Zhan Yan. Wengu then presented Duanmu Cui with a horrific choice: the lives of the people of Qifeng City or Zhan Yan's life.
He offered her an antidote for the plague, implying that choosing it would seal Zhan Yan's fate. Despite his injuries, Zhan Yan bravely told Duanmu Cui that she never had to apologize to him, affirming his willingness to die for her and the people. With a heavy heart, Duanmu Cui chose the lives of the Qifeng City residents and took the antidote.
She then handed her "ugly doll" to Zhan Yan, asking him to keep it as a symbol of her, as she might no longer be able to protect it herself. She told him that she no longer loved him and asked him to forget her. Unfazed, Zhan Yan replied that her love wasn't necessary, as his love for her was sufficient. Duanmu Cui, filled with sorrow, urged him not to be so kind, calling it unworthy, and repeated her plea for him to forget her.
Episode 27 Recap
Duanmu Cui, having faked Zhan Yan's death with Ju Que for the sake of Qifeng City, cradled the doll he had given her, whispering, "Zhan Yan, don't hate me. You are so silly." Wengu then approached, comforting her and asking, "Duanmu, don't cry. You still have me. Can we go back to the way we used to be?" Duanmu Cui, with a hint of sorrow, questioned if it was truly possible to return to their past.
She then confronted Wengu, asking if the antidote he offered was fake. Wengu admitted that the Ghost Poison, enhanced by his dragon orb, had no cure unless he himself died. Knowing this, Duanmu Cui used the Heart-locking finger skill to subdue Wengu, revealing that her act of "killing" Zhan Yan was merely a ploy to make Wengu drop his guard so she could finally defeat him.
Wengu, surprised by her cunning, asserted that the Heart-locking finger skill couldn't hold him, as the Penglai Drawing had merged with him, making him fearless even against all of Penglai. Duanmu Cui reminded him of her past advice not to belittle himself, emphasizing that she had never underestimated him and that he was indeed "worth it." Wengu lamented their fate, acknowledging that one misstep had led to another and that they could no longer return to their past.
Just as Duanmu Cui had Wengu trapped, Yang Jian arrived with Heavenly Soldiers to execute Wengu using the Five Vicious Lightning. His subordinate urged him not to delay, stressing the importance of combining their power with the heavenly punishment to exterminate the evil dragon. Yang Jian, deciding not to wait for High Immortal Duanmu's return, commanded the lightning to strike Wengu.
Duanmu Cui, in a desperate attempt to protect Wengu, declared that his actions were rooted in his deep love for her, and she, as the cause, should be the one to end it. She stepped forward to shield him, prompting Wengu to exclaim, "Duanmu, you are crazy!" Yang Jian questioned if this was truly her choice, to die with him and have her soul scattered, to which Duanmu Cui firmly replied, "Yes."
Yang Jian acknowledged her as the protective Duanmu he knew. Wengu then asked Duanmu Cui if she would remember him if he died. Upon seeing her tearful expression, he understood, pushed her out of the way, and accepted the full force of the Five Vicious Lightning himself. As Wengu's soul dispersed, he spoke his final words to Duanmu Cui, "At least this one tear of yours is for me. That's more than enough. Don't remember me.
Don't feel sorry for me. Those days when I got to be by your side, I am contented with it." He repeated his earlier lament, "Duanmu, how did we end up like this? I wish we can go back to the way we used to be." With Wengu's demise, a healing rain descended, curing the Ghost Poison. The citizens of Qifeng rejoiced, proclaiming their recovery. Madam Jiang and Zhang Long also awakened.
Zhao Wu happily greeted Zhang Long, calling her his wife and playfully threatening to "beat the drum outside the prefecture" to accuse her of abandoning him if she didn't acknowledge their newfound affection, to which Zhang Long responded with feigned indignation. With Wengu gone, the Ghost Poison was lifted, yet Zhan Yan remained unconscious. Jiang Wenqing explained to Duanmu Cui that the root of the problem, the Aura of death, still lingered.
He warned that if not completely eradicated, the Aura of death could engulf Qifeng Prefecture and even the entire Three Realms. He revealed that the Aura originated from the tragic Battle of Chong City 1,000 years ago, a battle fought by Gu Chang for Duanmu Cui, which led to countless unavenged spirits and resentful soldiers.
Duanmu Cui, hearing the ghostly cries and feeling their pain, admitted her guilt, acknowledging that Gu Chang's death and the soldiers' suffering were all because of her. Jiang Wenqing then presented a solution: Duanmu Cui, as the only one capable, must open the Abyss—a parallel world with a different flow of time—to console these spirits.
She would need to delve into their deepest obsessions, help them release their resentment, and restore their initial kindness and love to dispel the Aura of death. Despite her concern for Zhan Yan, whom Jiang Wenqing dismissed as secondary to the world's survival, Duanmu Cui accepted her responsibility. She resolved to face the danger, believing it was her fault to fix. Before leaving, she entrusted Jiang Wenqing with a message for Zhan Yan, predicting he would awaken after her departure.
At the gates of Chong City, Duanmu Cui expressed her readiness to end her thousand-year existence, which Jiang Wenqing had extended by sacrificing his divinity. She reiterated her concern for Zhan Yan, but Jiang Wenqing reassured her that he would be fine and everything would work out. With a final farewell, Duanmu Cui prepared to open the Abyss. At the Chong City gate, Duanmu Cui used her blood to activate the portal to the Abyss.
Meanwhile, Zhan Yan awakened and discovered a message butterfly from Duanmu Cui, along with her Qiankun bag and Ju Que, which she had purposefully left for him. The butterfly conveyed Duanmu Cui's message: "Zhan Yan, I need to open the Abyss. I am doing it for Gu Chang. I am going back to the past. Stop holding on to the false hope. Go back to Qifeng. Forget me." Distraught, Zhan Yan commanded the butterfly to lead him to Duanmu.
He arrived just as she was about to enter the swirling vortex of the Abyss, pleading, "Duanmu, wherever you are going, I am going with you." Duanmu Cui insisted that their connection was a misunderstanding and that the Abyss was her destiny, pushing him away as she leaped in. Jiang Wenqing tried to stop Zhan Yan, explaining that this was Duanmu Cui's trial and that the Abyss would devour him if he failed to bring her back.
He reminded Zhan Yan of his duty as Qifeng City's head sheriff, and how many people depended on him. However, Zhan Yan passionately declared that after dedicating 20 years to Qifeng and its people, never daring to falter, he now only wished to spend the rest of his life worthy of Duanmu Cui's love. He begged Jiang Wenqing to let him go, and after a moment of hesitation, Jiang Wenqing relented.
Zhan Yan then plunged into the Abyss, calling out, "Duanmu, wait for me!" Inside the Abyss, he found Duanmu Cui, who questioned why he had followed, reminding him that Qifeng needed him. Zhan Yan, with unwavering resolve, announced, "From now on, I am no longer Lord Zhan. I am just your Zhan Yan. This time I want to be selfish for once, just for you."
Inside the Abyss, Duanmu Cui and Zhan Yan briefly reunited, their hands clasped, but an immense force pulled them apart, each calling out the other's name as they were separated by the swirling vortex. Time then rewound, transporting them a thousand years into the past. Duanmu Cui, once a High Immortal, awoke in a military tent, her memories completely gone.
Her aide, Mi, reported that she had just woken from a long dream but couldn't recall its contents, only a lingering pain. Mi attributed this to the stress of the intensifying war. Duanmu Cui found it odd, feeling as though she hadn't seen her aide in a long time. Soon after, Yang Jian sent a secret report, informing her that General Gu Chang planned a night raid on Anyi City. Duanmu Cui immediately called for her horse.
Meanwhile, Zhan Yan found himself disoriented in a dense forest, realizing he was indeed a thousand years in the past. He wondered where Duanmu Cui was. Suddenly, he saw Duanmu Cui and Yang Jian riding past. He called out to her, but Duanmu Cui, hearing a faint voice, shrugged it off as her mind playing tricks, acknowledging she'd been distracted and worried about Gu Chang.
Yang Jian reassured her that Gu Chang was meticulous and wouldn't fight a battle he couldn't win. Still, Duanmu Cui expressed concern over Gu Chang's small elite force facing the cunning Fei Zhong of Anyi. Yang Jian suggested they would assess the situation upon meeting Gu Chang. Zhan Yan, hidden in the forest, watched as Duanmu Cui rode past, utterly unaware of his presence, leaving him stunned by her lack of recognition.
Duanmu Cui and Yang Jian, worried about Gu Chang, rushed to provide support. However, they arrived to find that Gu Chang had already executed a complex "trap within a trap," successfully killing the cunning Demon general Fei Zhong. Gu Chang sharply reprimanded Duanmu Cui and Yang Jian, claiming their unexpected appearance could have jeopardized his meticulous plan, especially since he had used Fei Zhong's ego to lure him out.
Duanmu Cui defended her actions, explaining her cautious approach and the standby forces she had stationed. She suggested that in changing battlefields, they should discuss strategy if their opinions diverged. Gu Chang then brought up the tragic Mian City battle, where Duanmu Brigade suffered heavy losses, implying Duanmu Cui's lingering guilt was affecting her judgment. Offended, Duanmu Cui curtly congratulated Gu Chang on his victory and left.
Yang Jian angrily confronted Gu Chang for his insensitivity, but Gu Chang insisted that a commander, especially his fiancée, should not be soft. Meanwhile, after Fei Zhong's death, the Demon King's remaining generals were in disarray. The Demon King's son, proclaiming the Demon Clan as the chosen race destined to rule, presented a bold plan to his disheartened father. He volunteered to lead troops to Anyi, which, though safe for now, was vital for Chong City's defense.
The Demon King, seeing his son's ambition, granted him the opportunity to prove himself and restore the Demon Clan's military prowess. Back in Xiqi, Gu Chang's triumphant return was celebrated with a grand banquet hosted by Jiang Yi.
During the festivities, a drunk Gao Bo Jian congratulated Duanmu Cui, mockingly suggesting she was lucky to have such an "awesome fiancée" that even the women under her could claim credit, likening it to "riding on somebody else's success" or "a wife sharing her husband's success." Duanmu Cui, her patience worn thin, retorted sharply, "General Gao, if you want to be a woman, I don't mind helping you out."
Episode 28 Recap
The celebration of Gu Chang's recent victory, where he successfully eliminated Fei Zhong, the guard of Anyi City, was marred by a tense confrontation. During the feast, General Gao Bo Jian provoked General Duanmu Cui, implying her femininity was a weakness, which she quickly countered by criticizing his lack of education. Gu Chang intervened, attempting to de-escalate, but Gao Bo Jian continued his sarcastic remarks, attributing Gu Chang's victory to "luck."
Gu Chang's soldiers defended their general, asserting that Gu Chang's meticulous preparation, not mere chance, secured their triumph. Duanmu Cui then directly accused Gao Bo Jian of his past arrogance and poor defense, which led to the devastating loss of Mianchi and countless casualties in her Duanmu Brigade. Gao Bo Jian retaliated with a veiled insult about Duanmu Cui being "General Gu Chang's future wife."
Furious, Duanmu Cui stormed out of the feast and sought solace in Mr Yue's tent, mourning her fallen comrades. Speaking to the spirits of soldiers like Jin Yan, Yu Lang, and Duanmu Heng, she recounted their tragic deaths and blamed Gao Bo Jian's past greed for their demise, as he pursued a small Demon Clan squad instead of reinforcing her brigade.
With her father's Duanmu Tribe and mother's Yushan Tribe greatly diminished, she reaffirmed her vow to protect the few remaining survivors. Gu Chang followed, admonishing Duanmu Cui for behaving childishly despite being a leading general. Duanmu Cui, however, stood her ground, reminding him of the young lives lost due to Gao Bo Jian's incompetence and sorrowfully noting that Yu Du was the last male remaining in the Duanmu Brigade. She expressed regret for failing to bring all her soldiers home.
After she dismissed him, Gu Chang was consoled by Ruo Nan. He revealed that his deep-seated hatred for the Demon Clan, who had massacred his people and humiliated his mother and sister, would only subside when every demon was eradicated, ensuring peace for the human race. The next morning, as the Duanmu Brigade’s female soldiers trained, Gao Bo Jian’s subordinate, Cheng Qi, appeared and openly mocked them.
He disparaged their efforts, suggesting General Duanmu Cui should marry Gu Chang so their camps could merge and the women could be relegated to domestic tasks. He further insulted them, calling them "pathetic women and orphans" and implying the brigade would have "no descendants" if Yu Du died. A Mi immediately confronted him. Later, Cheng Qi approached A Mi alone, attempting to charm her by suggesting she follow him, as the Duanmu Brigade women were "weak and powerless."
A Mi feigned interest and lured him into a secluded area. There, the women of Duanmu Brigade ambushed and beat Cheng Qi. A Mi delivered a stern warning: if he ever disrespected women again, she would ensure he could "never be a man," threatening him with General Duanmu's intervention. Unbeknownst to Cheng Qi, a Demon Clan member, Chi Nü, witnessed his public humiliation and saw an opportunity.
She later approached the enraged Cheng Qi, who was venting his frustrations about Duanmu Cui and Gao Bo Jian. Chi Nü, posing as an admirer, subtly manipulated him, offering an allegiance to demonstrate his worth and implying his current superiors were blind to his talents. Soon after, Cheng Qi and his subordinates were seen bullying a new recruit, Wen Gu, for being a stable boy and disrespecting his work.
Wen Gu bravely defended the importance of all army roles, calling Cheng Qi's arrogance a "major taboo." Duanmu Cui arrived and quickly intervened, rebuking Cheng Qi for abusing new recruits and creating divisions between the camps. Asserting her authority, she punished him by docking a month's salary and ordering him to perform a horse stance for one hour at the training ground as a public spectacle. As Cheng Qi was dragged away, his hatred for Duanmu Cui intensified.
Gao Bo Jian further chastised Cheng Qi for his foolishness. Sensing Cheng Qi's deep resentment towards both Duanmu Cui and his own general, Chi Nü finalized her plan to use him to betray the human race. Meanwhile, Jiang Wenqing, realizing that history was repeating itself with Gu Chang's victory and the Demon Clan Crown Prince's takeover of Anyi, disguised himself and infiltrated the human army's recruitment station.
He observed Cheng Qi, aware of his impending betrayal during the Chong City War. During a staged Demon Clan raid on the recruitment area, Jiang Wenqing courageously protected an old man, impressing General Yang Jian and Mr Yue, who then took him in as a service recruit. This strategic move allowed Jiang Wenqing to embed himself within the human camp, ready to alter the timeline.
During a military council to discuss reconnaissance missions, Gao Bo Jian volunteered his camp, but the Prime Minister deemed them unsuitable. Duanmu Cui then offered her brigade, but Gao Bo Jian dismissively argued that their distinctive female presence would make them easily detected. Yu Du, the last surviving male of the Duanmu Brigade, then volunteered himself, emphasizing his exceptional archery and eyesight, arguing he was the best choice to go alone, as his sisters were needed for battle preparation.
Despite Duanmu Cui's initial resistance to sending him into danger, Yu Du insisted, fueled by his distrust of Gao Bo Jian’s camp given past betrayals and his desire to prove his brigade's strength. With Mr Yue's endorsement, Yu Du's request was approved. Before his departure, the female soldiers of Duanmu Brigade lovingly prepared him with clothes, an amulet, and a dagger. Duanmu Cui, with a heavy heart, could only tell him, "Come back alive."
Tragically, shortly after setting out, Yu Du was quickly captured by Demon Clan soldiers. Concurrently, Zhan Yan, disguised as a Demon Clan soldier, sought information. He interrogated a Demon Clan soldier, confirming the human race's position in the east and the Demon Clan's hold on Anyi, the last defense before Chong City. He learned that Duanmu Cui, known as "the only female general" and "a feisty one," was famous even among the demons.
Crucially, he discovered that the Chong City War had not yet occurred, sparking hope that he could find Duanmu Cui and prevent the catastrophe. Later, while traveling with other Demon Clan soldiers who were escorting captives, Zhan Yan overheard them discussing Duanmu Cui. They mockingly claimed she was a "reincarnated devil" who survived being buried alive for three days by "devouring her poor mother" in the tomb.
This horrifying revelation caused Zhan Yan immense pain, as he understood the profound trauma behind Duanmu Cui's fear of darkness. He decided to intervene. Zhan Yan bribed one of the Demon Clan soldiers to allow him to join the escort. As the group moved, he seized an opportunity to rescue Yu Du from the Demon Clan guards. Yu Du, surprised but grateful, revealed to Zhan Yan that there was a mole in the human camp who had betrayed his location.
This conversation further deepened Zhan Yan's understanding of the immense burden Duanmu Cui carried in the Western Qi army. In Qifeng City, the unexpected influx of numerous Demon Clan members terrified the populace. Lord Shangguan Ce, the magistrate, found himself at a loss on how to manage the situation, as the nomadic demons were untraceable. As he deliberated with his aide, news arrived of more demons sighted on Zhuque Street, causing panic. Shangguan Ce decided to investigate personally.
Meanwhile, a beautiful Demon Clan woman named He Xue, accompanied by her subordinates, walked through Zhuque Street. Noticing the fear she caused among the humans, she instructed her companions to finish their errands quickly to avoid further distress. Suddenly, Shangguan Ce's carriage lost control and careened towards a child. In a swift, heroic act, He Xue saved the child from being struck. Shangguan Ce was instantly captivated by her beauty and kindness.
Upon learning her name, He Xue, his aide quickly cautioned him, reminding him that despite her actions, she was still a demon. Back in her tent, Duanmu Cui confessed to A Mi that she had dreamt again of the man whose face she could never clearly see. A Mi inquired if it was Gu Chang, but Duanmu Cui denied it, confirming she only dreamed of fighting alongside him.
When A Mi pressed about her feelings for Gu Chang, Duanmu Cui responded that in "such chaos," love was not important. She explained that marrying Gu Chang was the best choice for both herself and the Duanmu Brigade, and that was "sufficient." A Mi expressed her sympathy for Duanmu Cui. Duanmu Cui reiterated that having A Mi and Yu Du, who were like family, was enough, and she "didn't wish for anything else."
However, she remained deeply worried about Yu Du's reconnaissance mission. Moments later, a soldier burst in with the grim news: Yu Du had been captured by the Demon Clan. Duanmu Cui, horrified, immediately rose to act. Duanmu Cui later dreamt again of being trapped in a coffin. Just as panic set in, a pair of hands reached in and saved her. She awoke, having once again dreamt of the faceless man. It was Zhan Yan, who, having learned of her childhood trauma of being buried alive with her mother, was determined to protect her from that fear.
Episode 29 Recap
Duanmu Cui was tormented by a childhood nightmare, her face contorted in pain. Wengu, a new soldier, happened upon her and used a special healing art from the Demon Clan to soothe her. A Mi, misunderstanding Wengu's intentions, thought he meant to harm Duanmu Cui and attacked him furiously.
Wengu tried to explain he was only trying to help the general, stating that he wouldn't save her if he bore ill will and that he was merely a lowly horse herder. He revealed he had once been rescued by Duanmu Cui, and considered them even. He then offered to accept any punishment. Duanmu Cui awoke and intervened, telling A Mi to stand down.
She defended Wengu, asserting that regardless of whether he was human or demon, she knew he harbored no malicious intent towards her. A Mi remained suspicious, pointing out Wengu's Demon Clan mark and warning that his intentions could change. Wengu clarified that his mother was human, making him a half-blood. Duanmu Cui acknowledged that mixed-bloods were not uncommon after a century of coexistence between humans and demons.
She explained that her caution stemmed from the trust earned by her soldiers through risking their lives, not from Wengu's heritage. Wengu expressed his gratitude, noting that he had faced ostracization from both humans and demons due to his mixed blood, and that Duanmu Cui's unbiased treatment was a rare sign of respect. Before leaving, Wengu wrote a calming prescription for Duanmu Cui. A Mi later realized from the prescription that Wengu had truly intended to help Duanmu Cui.
Duanmu Cui, reflecting on the prolonged war, lamented that they could not return to simpler times, but vowed to lead her people home, honoring her past promises. Meanwhile, Zhan Yan traveled with Yu Du, attempting to gather information about Duanmu Cui. He expressed his admiration for General Duanmu and his desire to join the Duanmu Brigade. However, Yu Du informed him that the brigade did not recruit new soldiers or men.
Instead, Yu Du offered to write a recommendation letter for Zhan Yan to General Yang Jian, Duanmu Cui's sworn brother, whose camp was currently recruiting. In the Demon Clan, Madam Wen, Wengu's mother, was in a tense exchange with the Demon King. She was distraught over the Demon King's callous killing of a small animal she had nurtured, and condemned his disdain for all lives outside the Dragon Clan. She stated her biggest regret as a doctor was saving him.
Madam Wen worried for Wengu, who was known as Tai Ao in the Demon Clan, especially with the Crown Prince's hostility towards him. To ensure his safety, she entrusted Hong Luan to find and protect him. Back at the human camp, Wengu discovered Cheng Qi, a chief officer, eavesdropping on a generals' meeting. Wengu also found a copper shell dropped by Cheng Qi, which carried the scent of the Demon Clan.
Cheng Qi, fearing exposure of his collaboration with the Demon Clan, subtly threatened Wengu. Duanmu Cui intervened when she saw Cheng Qi confronting Wengu, reminding Cheng Qi of his previous punishment. Cheng Qi claimed they were merely sparring. General Gao Bo Jian, Cheng Qi's superior, downplayed the incident. Duanmu Cui, however, asserted Wengu's skill as a healer and instructed him to deliver a calming herbal soup to her camp every two days, subtly providing him protection.
Later, General Gao Bo Jian reprimanded Cheng Qi for his insubordination. Cheng Qi, seething with anger, used the opportunity to sow discord, suggesting that Duanmu Cui, General Gu Chang, and Yang Jian were forming an alliance that would disadvantage General Gao. He then insinuated that Wengu was Duanmu Cui's spy and proposed eliminating him quickly. General Gao agreed, cautioning Cheng Qi to be discreet.
Cheng Qi then ordered Wengu to patrol outside Anyi City alone, intending for him to be killed, silently vowing that Wengu must die whether he had discovered anything or not. During his patrol, Wengu was ambushed by men in black. Hong Luan arrived just in time to help him, but they were outnumbered. As they struggled, Zhan Yan appeared and, seeing their predicament, quickly instructed Hong Luan to use the Peach Blossom Formation to trap their attackers.
They then made their escape. Meanwhile, at Duanmu Brigade, A Mi and other female soldiers were practicing martial arts when Cheng Qi arrived, taunting them. He spread rumors that Yu Du was dead and that the Duanmu Brigade would soon be dissolved and merged with other camps. To everyone's surprise, Yu Du returned at that very moment, stunning Cheng Qi.
Yu Du confronted Cheng Qi, challenging him to a duel with a humiliating wager, but Cheng Qi, intimidated, backed down and retreated, earning Yu Du's scorn. The female soldiers joyfully welcomed Yu Du, recounting how worried Duanmu Cui had been for him, having suffered sleepless nights and blaming herself. Duanmu Cui, seeing Yu Du safe, visibly relaxed.
Hong Luan led Zhan Yan and the injured Wengu to a secluded farmer's house belonging to Yi Luo, a kind young woman who lived alone. Wengu explained how he was ambushed and saved by Zhan Yan. Yi Luo, whose parents had died in the human-demon war, had been instructed never to leave her home, and she gratefully recalled how Hong Luan had once saved her from troublemakers and taught her to set up traps.
Yi Luo, observing Hong Luan's tender care for Wengu, innocently suggested that Wengu was Hong Luan's sweetheart. Hong Luan, embarrassed, denied it, but Yi Luo insisted, remarking on Hong Luan's deep care for Wengu. Hong Luan confided to Zhan Yan that she felt unworthy of Wengu and wished only for his lifelong happiness and safety from afar.
Zhan Yan, with a sense of personal experience, advised her to seize the moment, warning that missed opportunities could lead to a lifetime of regret. Hong Luan then asked how Zhan Yan knew of the Peach Blossom Formation, to which he replied that he had read about it in ancient texts. Hong Luan thanked him for saving them, and Zhan Yan expressed his joy at reuniting with them and wished them continued well-being.
Back at the camp, Yu Du reported to Duanmu Cui about the ambush and voiced his suspicion of a spy within the human camps. He noted that the horses for his mission, which had inexplicably gone wild during the ambush, were from General Gao Bo Jian's camp, and that Cheng Qi himself had delivered his horse that day. Yu Du vowed to uncover the truth and punish the spy.
Wengu, having recovered, woke up and was delighted to recognize Hong Luan, the little peach tree he had saved years ago, now in human form. Hong Luan recounted Madam Wen's concerns for him and her instruction to find him. Wengu revealed his chosen name, Wengu, explaining that "Gu" (meaning solitary) reflected his self-reliance as an orphan. He then informed Hong Luan of his mother's message: to take care of himself and avoid involvement in the two-race war.
To thank Zhan Yan for saving them, Wengu, as a human soldier returning to his duties, offered to take Zhan Yan to the human camp for recruitment. Hong Luan wished to accompany them, but Wengu urged her to return to Chong City to care for his mother, or at least to stay with Yi Luo.
He explained that her Demon Clan identity would put her in grave danger among humans, and his attention would be divided if he had to protect her, making the journey more perilous. Hong Luan reluctantly agreed, asking him to return to her if he encountered any trouble. Meanwhile, Cheng Qi and the mountain demon (Chinv) followed clues to the farm where Wengu and Hong Luan had recuperated.
The mountain demon, observing scattered peach blossoms, deduced that a Demon Clan member had aided in the rescue. She severely criticized Cheng Qi for his repeated failures, reminding him that if he failed to uncover the human's battle plans for Anyi, his identity would be exposed, jeopardizing her protection. Cheng Qi, shaken, theorized that "outsiders" must have helped Wengu and Yu Du, particularly after the mountain demon pointed out that the peach blossoms indicated Demon Clan involvement.
Yi Luo, realizing Hong Luan had forgotten her scented sachet, went to deliver it. However, she was intercepted by Cheng Qi and the mountain demon, who showed her a portrait and questioned her. Despite their threats, Yi Luo refused to disclose any information, leading the stubborn mountain demon to brutally kill her. Hong Luan returned to find Yi Luo's lifeless body.
Overwhelmed with grief, she mourned her friend, recalling their shared dreams and the nail polish Yi Luo had gifted her as a parting present. Hong Luan vowed to avenge Yi Luo by killing the "animal" responsible. As Yu Du continued his search for the spy's clues, Hong Luan, enraged, confronted Cheng Qi, seeking vengeance for Yi Luo's death, but she was wounded by the mountain demon in the ensuing struggle.
Episode 30 Recap
As Yu Du sought clues about the spy, he witnessed Hong Luan being injured by Chi Nü while Cheng Qi stood nearby. Realizing Cheng Qi's treachery, Yu Du intended to report him to Duanmu Cui, but Cheng Qi brutally murdered Yu Du to prevent the exposure of his collusion with the Demon Clan. Soon after, Wen Gu and Zhan Yan arrived at the scene, discovering Yu Du's lifeless body and the unconscious Hong Luan.
Cheng Qi quickly appeared with his men, deceitfully accusing Zhan Yan and Wen Gu of being the murderers and spies, and had them taken into custody. Meanwhile, Jiang Wenqing, having observed the unfolding events for days, confirmed that the historical trajectory remained unchanged, and he merely needed to await the moment of apotheosis. The sisters of the Duanmu Brigade were heartbroken by Yu Du's death, vowing to find his killer and avenge him.
Duanmu Cui, mistakenly believing Zhan Yan and Wen Gu were the murderers, stormed into the jail. Zhan Yan was stunned to encounter Duanmu Cui again under such circumstances. Overwhelmed by grief, Duanmu Cui charged into his cell, thrusting her sword towards him without a word. Zhan Yan realized that this version of Duanmu Cui had no recollection of him.
He recalled Yang Jian's warning that the Abyss was a realm beyond the present world; while Duanmu Cui might survive there, his own presence would be erased unless she remembered and accepted him, otherwise he faced certain death. Yet, Zhan Yan remained resolute, convinced he could awaken Duanmu Cui and lead her out of the Abyss.
Duanmu Cui, though still in pain, began to question Zhan Yan's guilt, observing his exceptional combat skills and courage, which seemed inconsistent with a killer. She decided to interrogate him properly. Suddenly, Gu Chang burst into the jail. Having heard of Zhan Yan's prowess, he demanded a duel to test Zhan Yan's strength. Injured, Zhan Yan was quickly overpowered by Gu Chang. Duanmu Cui, feeling a strange familiarity with Zhan Yan, intervened to stop Gu Chang.
She remembered Yu Du's previous account of Zhan Yan rescuing him from the Demon Clan, making her suspect a deeper conspiracy. Duanmu Cui noticed Zhan Yan's sword, Ju Que, seemed to resonate with her, deepening her suspicion.
When she later inquired about it with Gu Chang, he remarked on its ancient and powerful nature, noting that Jiang Yi's father believed it to be Ju Que, one of the four ancient divine weapons, and its wielder a "chosen by God" whose destiny was unpredictable. He suggested that if Zhan Yan could be used, he would strengthen their army; if not, he should be eliminated. Duanmu Cui vehemently rejected the idea of elimination.
Duanmu Cui then met with Jiang Yi to seek revenge for Yu Du. Gao Bo Jian, present at the meeting, accused Duanmu Cui of protecting a criminal. Duanmu Cui countered by suggesting Cheng Qi was involved in the spy conspiracy. Jiang Yi, stopping their argument, stressed the urgency of the war and the primary goal of seizing the city. He promised to personally investigate the spy matter, acknowledging its gravity.
Duanmu Cui requested to lead the attack on Anyi City, which Jiang Yi approved, setting the assault for ten days later. Meanwhile, in his tent, Gao Bo Jian confronted Cheng Qi, accusing him of treachery. Cheng Qi admitted to sabotaging Yu Du's horse with 'stiffening medicine' but vehemently denied killing Yu Du or being a spy, claiming his actions were for Gao Bo Jian's benefit.
Convinced by Cheng Qi's denials, Gao Bo Jian dismissed the suspicion that Cheng Qi was the spy. Later, A Mi attempted to tend to Zhan Yan's wounds, but Duanmu Cui stopped her, reminding her to guard him, not serve him. Zhan Yan then asked A Mi to leave, stating he needed to discuss confidential military matters with Duanmu Cui alone. Once they were alone, Zhan Yan reiterated that he came to Anyi specifically to take her away.
Duanmu Cui questioned his presence near Yu Du's body. Zhan Yan explained that he arrived as Yu Du was taking his last breath, and Yu Du tried to reveal the identity of the military spy before he died. Zhan Yan deduced that Yu Du was murdered precisely because he discovered the spy, whom Zhan Yan suspected to be Cheng Qi. He proposed examining Yu Du's body for clues.
Meanwhile, Cheng Qi transmitted information about Duanmu Cui's planned attack on Anyi City in ten days to the crown prince of the Demon Clan, who then selected his strongest warriors as vanguard troops. Zhan Yan's examination of Yu Du's body revealed the killer was left-handed and used a curved sword. He further reasoned that the murderer would try to silence the witnesses held in jail.
Acting on this, Zhan Yan and Duanmu Cui rushed to the jail, where they thwarted an attempt by Demon Clan assassins to kill Hong Luan and Wen Gu. Wen Gu confirmed to Duanmu Cui that Zhan Yan was innocent and that Hong Luan had indeed seen the true killer. Zhan Yan and Wen Gu revisited the crime scene, finding distinctive grass seeds that Zhan Yan had also noticed on Yu Du's body.
Duanmu Cui devised a plan, publicly announcing that Hong Luan was recovering and would soon wake up. As expected, Cheng Qi, hearing this, came to kill Hong Luan that night and was apprehended by Duanmu Cui. In Cheng Qi's tent, Zhan Yan found incriminating letters exchanged between Cheng Qi and the crown prince of the Demon Clan. Jiang Yi arrived and learned the full truth.
Before Duanmu Cui exacted revenge by killing Cheng Qi with Yu Du's sword, Cheng Qi managed to use a Demon Clan artifact to transmit information about the military camp to the Demon Clan prince. Duanmu Cui thanked Zhan Yan for his help in uncovering Yu Du's killer. To console her, Zhan Yan described the vibrant streets of his hometown, Qifeng, and then produced candies from his Qiankun bag, sharing them with her.
Watching Zhan Yan's interaction with Duanmu Cui, Jiang Wenqing grew concerned that Zhan Yan, the "only variable in the Abyss," might jeopardize his plans, and resolved to keep a close eye on him.
Episode 31 Recap
Duanmu Cui looked at the sugar man given to her by Zhan Yan, and memories of her childhood resurfaced. Her mother, Madam Yushan, had always told her to train diligently, emphasizing that as the heir of the Yushan and Duanmu Tribes, she could not indulge in play or pleasures. Recalling her mother's stern words, Duanmu Cui momentarily set aside the sugar man to focus on her duties, only to find herself picking it up again.
Just then, A Mi entered, advising Duanmu Cui not to be solely fixated on warfare but to appreciate the beauty and delicious foods the human world had to offer, as her fallen comrades could no longer. A Mi returned the Ju Que sword to Zhan Yan, who then inquired about joining Duanmu Brigade. A Mi informed him that the brigade strictly comprised descendants of the Yushan and Duanmu Tribes and never recruited outsiders.
Undeterred, Zhan Yan looked at a doll Duanmu Cui had given him and vowed to help Duanmu Cui recall their bond and bring her back from the Abyss. Meanwhile, in Qifeng City, the Aura of death worsened, engulfing people's emotions and amplifying their anger and fear. The human race and the Demon Clan clashed violently in the streets, resulting in bloodshed. Shangguan Ce, Zhang Long, and Zhao Wu also fell victim to the Aura of death's insidious influence.
Shangguan Ce, overwhelmed, attempted to take his own life but was saved by He Xue. He Xue then helped Zhang Long and Zhao Wu regain their senses and informed Shangguan Ce about the pervasive Aura of death. Shangguan Ce immediately warned the citizens of Qifeng City about the mind-affecting presence, urging them to stay indoors and cover their mouths and noses if they ventured outside.
The insidious force also began affecting people's memories, causing inhabitants of the mortal world to struggle with recalling names and events related to Duanmu Cui and Zhan Yan. Hong Luan awoke in Duanmu Brigade, touched by the kindness and warmth of the female soldiers. She decided to stay, accompanying Wengu, who took her to pay respects at Yi Luo's tomb.
Wengu comforted a grieving Hong Luan, who found solace in the brigade's egalitarian environment, where women were respected, a stark contrast to the oppressive rule of the Demon Clan. Wengu revealed that his own human mother meant he had mixed blood, making him weaker and often bullied within the Demon Clan, with the late king wishing him to become an abuser himself. He and Hong Luan lamented the conflict and wished for peace and stability.
Angered by the capture of Cheng Qi and the reinforced human defenses, the crown prince of the Demon Clan ordered the mountain demon to dispatch assassins to eliminate Jiang Yi, the human prime minister, hoping to derail the human race's plans to attack Anyi City. Jiang Wenqing, observing the unfolding events, realized that history, which had previously seen Duanmu Cui suffer heavy losses in the battle for Anyi, was now potentially changing due to Zhan Yan's intervention.
Gu Chang was appointed as the new commander for the Anyi City campaign, a decision that infuriated Duanmu Cui, especially when Gu Chang disparagingly remarked that Duanmu Brigade, being composed solely of female soldiers, lacked combat effectiveness. Zhan Yan quietly followed Duanmu Cui outside the camp, offering comfort and support. He gently reminded her that she didn't have to carry every burden alone and acknowledged her many victories, including avenging Yu Du's death.
Initially resistant, Duanmu Cui eventually engaged him in a horse race, where Zhan Yan introduced her to the concept of horse-shoeing. During their ride, Zhan Yan spotted clothing of the Demon Clan hanging on a tree and noticed unfamiliar military boot prints heading towards the main camp. He quickly deduced an impending attack on Prime Minister Jiang Yi, and they raced back to intercept the assassins. In the ensuing skirmish, Duanmu Cui sustained an injury.
Her blood dropped onto Ju Que, and she had a moment of realization, recalling mending the sword with her own blood. Witnessing the growing closeness between Duanmu Cui and Zhan Yan, Gu Chang confronted Duanmu Cui. He implied Zhan Yan might still be connected to the spy incident, fueled by rumors that Zhan Yan's presence in Duanmu Brigade was driven by his admiration for her.
He reminded Duanmu Cui of their engagement and the strategic importance of their impending marriage for strengthening their combined forces. Duanmu Cui, acknowledging the military necessity of their union, did not contest his point, causing Gu Chang to leave. Wengu discovered that Duanmu Cui's wound was caused by a demon's poison and attempted to treat her with demon healing arts. Yang Jian, misunderstanding Wengu's actions, accused him of trying to harm Duanmu Cui and had him imprisoned.
Simultaneously, in the divine realm, Yang Jian consulted a Seven Stars Lamp, which indicated that Duanmu Cui's life-fire was still burning, confirming her survival within the Abyss. However, the deities noted that people in the mortal world were increasingly forgetting Duanmu Cui and Zhan Yan, even struggling to recall their names, a troubling sign that their connection to reality was weakening. With Duanmu Cui's condition worsening, Zhan Yan, aided by Hong Luan, risked rescuing Wengu from the dungeon.
Wengu successfully treated Duanmu Cui, who, during her recovery, experienced a dream-like vision of Xihualiu and Zhan Yan. Witnessing Wengu's effective treatment, Yang Jian's perception of him began to soften. Zhan Yan remained by Duanmu Cui's side, concerned for her safety. He revealed a startling truth: they were both from a thousand years in the future, and she was currently trapped in the Abyss, a manifestation of her clinging to the past.
Zhan Yan explained he was there to guide her back to reality, warning that prolonged immersion in the Abyss could sever their ties to their true timeline forever, where even now, their existence was fading from memory. Duanmu Cui, though skeptical, was deeply unsettled by his claims. Seeking clarification, Duanmu Cui confronted Yang Jian about the Abyss. Yang Jian confirmed it was a legendary parallel world, a place where one might encounter past events or deceased individuals.
He explained that only descendants of the Heavenly Maiden possessed the power to open the Abyss. When Duanmu Cui pressed further, asking if they were currently in the Abyss, Yang Jian dismissed her questions as fantastical delusions, attributing her thoughts to her injury and speculative notions about her mother's lineage. Later, Wengu was unfairly targeted and assaulted by General Gao Bo Jian's soldiers due to his demon heritage.
Duanmu Cui intervened, reprimanding Gao Bo Jian for allowing his men to bully a defenseless individual and questioning his qualities as a leader. When Gao Bo Jian dismissed Wengu as "just a demon," Duanmu Cui firmly declared Wengu to be a member of Duanmu Brigade and warned that any further harassment would be considered a direct challenge to her. Wengu later expressed his gratitude, questioning why Duanmu Cui, a human general, would defend a demon like him. Duanmu Cui, in turn, asked why Wengu would risk his identity to save her. They both recognized their shared belief in justice and compassion, solidifying their mutual trust and respect.
Episode 32 (Ending) Recap
Duanmu Cui approached Jiang Yi, her godfather, about leading an attack on Anyi City. Jiang Yi, having received intelligence about a large reinforcement of elite soldiers from Chong City arriving at Anyi, expressed concern. He also reminded her that the Duanmu Brigade consisted mostly of women and lacked sufficient military engineers, stating that the matter required careful deliberation and refusing her request.
Meanwhile, Jiang Wenqing, disguised as a common soldier, appeared before Jiang Yi while delivering the new soldier roster from Mr Yue's Camp. After a brief conversation where Jiang Yi noted his familiarity and offered him a desk job, Jiang Wenqing, alone, mused on Jiang Yi's ambition, warning him to detect problems swiftly, lest he, Jiang Wenqing, would show no mercy, regardless of Jiang Yi's past identity.
Elsewhere, the crown prince of the Demon Clan raged at his subordinates for failing to assassinate Jiang Yi. Reminded by a subordinate of Wengu, the human soldier who saved Duanmu Cui, the crown prince recalled the "half-blood" and recognized him as his long-lost brother, Tai Ao, whom he considered useless. He then vowed to see how many people Tai Ao could save. In the Human camp, Hong Luan tended to Wengu’s wounds.
She expressed indignation at the continued bullying he faced even after leaving Gao Bo Jian's camp. Wengu explained that his mother, horrified by the Demon King's brutality, forbade him from learning killing spells, only teaching him healing arts, a decision he now deeply appreciated. Hong Luan understood his sentiments. They both resolved to become stronger, acknowledging that as military doctors, they needed to be self-sufficient to avoid burdening General Duanmu Cui and to prevent her from being questioned or criticized.
Zhan Yan intervened when he saw soldiers from Gao Bo Jian's camp mocking and provoking Wengu during archery practice. He challenged the three bullies, skillfully defeating them in a fight. Duanmu Cui observed this and offered Zhan Yan the position of vice-general of the Duanmu Brigade if he could enhance the army's combat effectiveness and secure victory in the war. Inspired, Zhan Yan dedicated himself to researching ways to improve military strength and weapon design.
He developed many advanced weapons for the Duanmu Brigade, including the Shocking Thunder, which could destroy metals from afar, and redesigned the female soldiers' armor for better protection. He also gifted Duanmu Cui a pistol. Their collaborative efforts fostered a growing understanding and rapport between them, slowly opening Duanmu Cui's heart. Duanmu Cui presented Zhan Yan's improved weaponry and battle formations to Jiang Yi, once again requesting to lead the charge against Anyi City.
Gao Bo Jian and Gu Chang voiced strong skepticism about these unconventional weapons, deeming the plan too risky. A heated debate ensued among the generals, but Jiang Yi ultimately decided to meet Zhan Yan in person before making a final decision. During their meeting, Zhan Yan commented on Jiang Yi’s strong resemblance to his adoptive father, Jiang Wenqing.
Jiang Yi confided his true concern: not the fear of battle failure itself, but the possibility that a defeat would erode Duanmu Cui's hard-earned prestige, undoing years of effort. Later, Yang Jian delivered the war token to Duanmu Cui, confirming Jiang Yi’s approval for her to lead the Anyi campaign. Duanmu Cui, however, felt a sense of trepidation. Zhan Yan reassured her, promising to stand by her side through any challenge they might face.
Upon hearing that Duanmu Cui had been granted command of the Anyi attack, Gao Bo Jian was furious. In a fit of rage, he secretly ordered his men to set fire to the Duanmu Brigade's armory, hoping to undermine her. Fortunately, Zhan Yan had anticipated such a move and instructed the new weapons to be hidden, replacing them with dry grass and stones covered with white cloth. The arson attempt failed to destroy the vital equipment.
Zhan Yan captured the culprit, and Duanmu Cui immediately ordered military punishment. Gao Bo Jian, playing the victim, then complained to Jiang Yi, accusing Duanmu Cui of torturing his man without proper authority. Jiang Yi went to the Duanmu Brigade with Gao Bo Jian, where Duanmu Cui admitted to punishing the arsonist who had endangered their war effort.
To de-escalate the situation, Jiang Yi penalized the Duanmu Brigade by confiscating a month's military pay, urging everyone to take a step back with the war imminent. Zhan Yan, however, openly challenged this decision, asserting that military justice should be fair and impartial, not based on arbitrary power. He argued that forcing Duanmu Cui to accept a fabricated charge and penalizing the entire brigade would demoralize the troops.
Enraged by Zhan Yan’s insubordination, Jiang Yi ordered him to be punished under military law. Jiang Yi instructed Duanmu Cui to personally administer Zhan Yan's flogging. As the whips fell, Wengu, unable to bear Zhan Yan's pain, stepped forward and took a strike for him. Then, all the female soldiers of the Duanmu Brigade, followed by Duanmu Cui herself, bravely offered to endure the remaining punishment in Zhan Yan's stead.
Witnessing this overwhelming display of loyalty, Gao Bo Jian had no choice but to relent, and Jiang Yi declared the matter closed. Afterward, Duanmu Cui gently tended to Zhan Yan’s wounds, apologizing for her actions. Zhan Yan, understanding that she had whipped him herself to protect him, comforted her. He explained that Jiang Yi, as commander, had to consider the morale of all camps, and despite Gao Bo Jian's maliciousness, he remained a general of the Human race.
Duanmu Cui acknowledged her impulsiveness in killing Gao Bo Jian’s man. Later, Gu Chang confronted Duanmu Cui, scolding her for her impulsive handling of Gao Bo Jian's subordinate and questioning her judgment with the war approaching. He reminded her of Gao Bo Jian's vengeful nature and the precarious alliance of tribes against the Demon Clan. Duanmu Cui, weary of his arguments, pleaded exhaustion and refused to discuss their impending marriage, declaring her decision to postpone it.
Duanmu Cui was consumed by grief, remembering her fallen comrades. A Mi tried to comfort her by showing her a light-colored dress, a collective gift from her departed friends. A Mi reminded Duanmu Cui how she used to love such dresses before war hardened her, and how her comrades longed for the day she could shed her armor, be her true self, and live for herself, not just as General Duanmu.
Zhan Yan arrived, seeing the white dress in her hand, and recalled seeing her in a white dress. Duanmu Cui, however, put the dress away, stating that battle armor was more fitting for a general. Zhan Yan gently challenged her, urging her to embrace her true self, reminding her that everyone, including him, wished for her happiness, not just for her to be a strong general.
He further encouraged her not to be bound by the arranged marriage to Gu Chang if it was not her wish. Duanmu Cui found solace in his words, realizing she could be both a general and her true self, and that her comrades would want her to be happy. Alone, Zhan Yan observed the spreading ethereal glow in the Abyss, realizing that those who didn't belong were being erased, just as Yang Jian had predicted.
He worried about Qifeng City's fate and sensed his time was running out. He resolved to help Duanmu Cui recall her memories quickly so they could find an antidote, escape the Abyss, and cleanse Qifeng City of its lingering aura of death, warning that otherwise, both the Abyss and Qifeng, and their own lives, faced grave danger. In a dream-like state, Duanmu Cui wandered through a desolate landscape, hearing faint calls of "General!"
A shadowy figure, identifying itself as Duanmu Cui's past regrets and unfulfilled desires, appeared before her. It claimed to have rectified all her past grievances – her tribe was loyal, her soldiers devoted, she held high status, and even Gu Chang had returned for their union. The figure questioned why she still felt dissatisfied and why the Pool of Abyss was surging if she was content.
It warned her against waking up, tempting her to remain in this perfected illusion, implying that all she cherished would vanish if she left for "one person" (Zhan Yan). Duanmu Cui rejected its enticing words. The entity reiterated that waking up would turn everything into a fleeting illusion, insisting that the figure was a part of her, ever-present in her heart, and urging her to never awaken.
