Episode Summary
The Bamboo Forest Four Heroes arrive in Shengjing, where Ling Miaomiao’s quirky team-bonding efforts clash with political intrigue. Mysterious omens, a monster-trafficking shop, and Imperial Consort Zhao’s hidden agenda test the group, while Mu Sheng’s denial of his demonic ties sparks tension. A lecherous royal’s interest in Ling Miaomiao adds chaos as secrets about the cursed Shangxianyue monument loom.
Spoiler Alert
The quartet continues their journey to Shengjing, traversing treacherous terrain while growing closer. Ling Miaomiao privately vows to protect her companions—especially the brooding Mu Sheng, whose potential descent into darkness haunts her. Upon reaching the imperial city gates, Ling Miaomiao dramatically unveils her "critical announcement": The group must adopt the team name Bamboo Forest Four Heroes (complete with handmade badges and a flag). While Mu Yao, Mu Sheng, and Liu Fuyi exchange exasperated smiles, the spirit Cui Cui enthusiastically approves. Mu Sheng initially resists wearing the dorky emblem but begrudgingly complies after Ling Miaomiao forces it onto his head.
Unbeknownst to them, political machinations unfold as the Prince schemes to intercept the demon-hunting squad before they reach Imperial Consort Zhao. The city's ancient Shangxianyue monument—a mystical stone left behind when legendary exorcist Mu Qingshi sacrificed himself to save the realm—suddenly glows with ominous red light. According to lore, this cursed omen signals impending disaster... and the stone's awakening for its destined "heaven-tier" master.
Chaos erupts during their first day in the capital. While Liu Fuyi scouts lodgings and Mu Yao investigates the extravagant Xingshan Temple (built by the "benevolent" Imperial Consort Zhao), Mu Sheng begrudgingly plays tourist with Ling Miaomiao. Their market outing turns disastrous when Ling Miaomiao discovers Wanzhen Hall—a luxury shop secretly trafficking in grisly monster products. After Cui Cui panics over blood-infused skincare and fur coats made from demon pelts, Ling Miaomiao's curiosity backfires: The shopkeeper recognizes her magical hairpin as a rare bamboo spirit artifact and attacks. Mu Sheng arrives just in time for a rescue, but the scheming merchant demands 800 gold taels in damages. A mysterious benefactor settles the debt, hinting that powerful forces already monitor the group.
Tensions flare that night as Mu Sheng angrily denies Ling Miaomiao's theory about his hidden demonic heritage: "I'm human, not some monster—this curse was forced on me!" Meanwhile, Mu Yao grows suspicious of Imperial Consort Zhao's grand temple ("This 'philanthropy' reeks of conspiracy") and the upcoming royal wedding of Princess Duanyang. Their palace visit confirms the royals' duplicity—Imperial Consort Zhao forces the team to enter through servants' quarters and isolates Mu siblings to inspect the "possessed" princess. While Ling Miaomiao aggressively plays chaperone to keep flirtatious attendant Pei Yun away from Liu Fuyi, a shocking twist emerges: Princess Duanyang's fiancé, the lecherous Marquis, becomes instantly smitten after glimpsing Ling Miaomiao in the gardens.
As political traps tighten, the episode closes with lingering mysteries—Why does Shangxianyue glow for this group? What monstrous truth hides beneath Imperial Consort Zhao's charity? And will Mu Sheng's fragile humanity survive the capital's viper pit?
