No Boundary Season 1 Episode 13 Recap
> No Boundary Season 1 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."
