Episode Summary

Banxia continues her demon hunt, getting closer to Jiu Xuanye. They investigate a hit-and-run case involving a soul-swapping demon. Banxia's relative, Duan Yanqiu, struggles to accept his deceased wife was a demon, leading to emotional turmoil. Meanwhile, Gao Sheng escapes execution through supernatural means, and Banxia seeks help from a con artist exorcist, Kongdongzi, despite Jiu Xuanye's warnings.

Spoiler Alert

"The Demon Hunter's Romance" Episode 9: A Recap & Spoiler Alert

Episode 9 dives deeper into the mysteries surrounding Duan Banxia's quest to find the demon responsible for her father's disappearance, and the growing connection between her and Jiu Xuanye.

The episode kicks off with Banxia trying to be helpful around Jiu Xuanye's apothecary. She offers to help prepare medicine, leading to a funny moment where Jiu Xuanye absentmindedly says "Banxia," which, to her surprise, isn't actually her name but the name of an herb!

Banxia tries to get Jiu Xuanye to open up about her father's case, but he's reluctant, reminding her that demon hunting is a business. She retorts that she helped him catch the mirror demon, and in the process of arguing, she accidentally breaks a jar, releasing some creepy crawlies. Jiu Xuanye swoops in to rescue her, revealing that the bugs are "moon bugs," specifically used to combat demons. Banxia, now even more determined, asks to borrow a bestiary to better prepare herself.

Meanwhile, Jiu Xuanye is still taking care of the family of his former apprentice, reminding Banxia that he has more responsibilities than just himself, subtly hinting that she needs to pay up for his services.

While walking together, Banxia and Jiu Xuanye witness a hit-and-run. Gao Sheng, a repeat offender, mows down a man carrying a bird on his shoulder. Banxia is intrigued by the "soul-swapping demon" aspect of the case, but Jiu Xuanye is tight-lipped, promising to share information as it comes.

Enter Duan Yanqiu, Banxia's relative, who disapproves of her association with Jiu Xuanye. He accuses Jiu Xuanye of being an outsider and tries to drag Banxia home. Jiu Xuanye intervenes, presenting case files of similar murders linked to a demon named Qu Manniang. Duan Yanqiu refuses to believe it, accusing Jiu Xuanye of slandering his wife. To prove his point, Jiu Xuanye summons Chi Xue, who transforms into her rabbit form, shocking Duan Yanqiu.

After Duan Yanqiu calms down, Jiu Xuanye comforts Banxia, explaining that Duan Yanqiu's denial stems from the fact that accepting the truth would mean acknowledging his wife was a demon. Banxia is touched by his understanding.

Duan Yanqiu drowns his sorrows in alcohol, reminiscing about his happy times with Qu Manniang. He laments that no one else in his family would drink with him, and recalls how he defied his family's wishes to marry her because he believed she understood him. Banxia gently reminds him that Qu Manniang was a demon, but Duan Yanqiu insists she never harmed him. Banxia assures him that Qu Manniang said she genuinely loved him and never intended to hurt him. Duan Yanqiu is heartbroken, wishing he had met her sooner so he could have prevented her from killing others.

Later, Banxia expresses her gratitude to Jiu Xuanye, noticing a gray hair on his head. She offers to dye it for him, a habit she picked up from caring for her father. Jiu Xuanye overhears Tingzhou and Banxia talking, with Tingzhou teasing that Jiu Xuanye likes Banxia.

Jiu Xuanye returns home to find Chi Xue has adopted a pet rabbit, much to his annoyance.

Back to the hit-and-run case, Gao Sheng is defiant in court, threatening the judge with his sister's imminent return. The judge isn't fazed and orders his immediate execution.

That night, a cat sneaks into Gao Sheng's cell, transforms into his likeness, and frees him. The next day, at the execution, Gao Sheng is surprisingly compliant.

In the morgue, a cat-like shadow reattaches Gao Sheng's head to his body before transforming back into a black cat and fleeing, leaving the guard screaming.

Banxia and Tingzhou discuss finding a demon hunter and are recommended a powerful but eccentric exorcist named Kongdongzi. Banxia seeks him out, impressed by his "Que Bu Fei" skill (雀不飞 literally translates to "sparrow doesn't fly", meaning that his Kung Fu is so strong that even a sparrow cannot fly off his shoulder), not realizing the white bird on his shoulder is actually a white crow. Startled, Kongdongzi refuses to take her case.

As Banxia passes Jiu Xuanye's apothecary, she tries to avoid him, but he stops her. He notices she's hiding something – Kongdongzi's calling card – and warns her that Kongdongzi is a fraud who will swindle her.

Spoilers and Burning Questions:

  • Is Jiu Xuanye developing genuine feelings for Duan Banxia? His actions and the rabbit situation certainly suggest so.
  • What is the significance of the black cat and the reanimated head? Is Gao Sheng truly dead, or is something more sinister at play?
  • Will Duan Banxia heed Jiu Xuanye's warning about Kongdongzi, or will she fall victim to his scam?
  • How will Duan Yanqiu cope with the revelation about his wife? Will he eventually accept the truth and help Banxia in her quest?