Episode Summary
Meng Xizhou and Bei Gongshuo escape to Xizhou, aided by the Shan Hai Tu. The Empress consolidates power and rewards Nan Fengyi. Bei Gongshuo's uncle is missing, trapped in a painting by Tie Lao. Meng Xizhou, as Li Shiyi's daughter, enters the painting to save him and witnesses her parents' tragic past, discovering her mother was the Demon King.
Spoiler Alert
Meng Xizhou awakens to find herself in a moving carriage, dressed in different clothes, with the Crown Prince, Bei Gongshuo, beside her. He explains that Pingping helped change her clothes, and he snuck the Shan Hai Tu scroll out of the palace to enable Du Yuelian to free her. They are headed to Xizhou, and while Meng Xizhou worries about implicating the Prince, he reassures her. He's received a letter from his aunt (his mother's sister) saying his uncle is ill, providing a plausible excuse for their journey. He also assures her that Nan Fengyi is unaware of their plan, relieving her of any debt she felt towards him.
Meanwhile, the Empress announces that the Emperor is unwell, and she will be taking over all court affairs. She rewards Nan Fengyi for capturing many demons and finding the Shan Hai Tu, bestowing upon him the title of "Supreme Commander of the Buliang" and restoring his family name, Bai Ze, along with the title of "The Number One Demon Hunters in the World." Nan Sixu is overjoyed at the news. He also tells Nan Fengyi to cut ties with Meng Xizhou. During a conversation between the Empress and Nan Fengyi, a servant spills water while attending to the Empress's feet.
The servant remarks that the Empress's feet suddenly look old, earning a reprimand. Nan Fengyi quickly dismisses the servant and then personally helps the Empress put her shoe back on, surprising her with his gentleness. Nan Fengyi admits he chooses who he is gentle with. The Empress acknowledges Nan Fengyi's desire to align with her, but reminds him that the Emperor is not yet dead. She inquires about the Crown Prince's "illness," and Nan Fengyi reveals that the Prince is missing. The Empress orders him to find the Prince.
Bei Gongshuo and Meng Xizhou arrive in Xizhou and meet with Bei Gongshuo's aunt, Lady Sun. She reveals that his uncle has disappeared, not merely fallen ill. The disappearance happened many days ago, but Lady Sun didn't mention it in her letter because her husband guards the border, and news of his absence could cause trouble. Bei Gongshuo and Meng Xizhou learn that his uncle disappeared at Wanku Cliff.
At Wanku Cliff, they discover murals with a familiar painting style. Bei Gongshuo identifies the artist as Tie Lao, the creator of the Shan Hai Tu. Returning at night, they find Tie Lao and ask about his uncle's whereabouts.
Tie Lao reveals that his uncle is trapped within a painting. When asked for help, Tie Lao explains that he is trapped himself, a consequence of Li Shiyi's actions, and only the blood of Li Shiyi's closest relative can unlock the painting. Meng Xizhou reveals she is Li Shiyi's daughter. Excited, Tie Lao instructs her to enter the painting to save everyone. Bei Gongshuo, concerned for her safety, offers to go in her place, but Tie Lao insists it must be a blood relative. A nearby lantern-bearing child instructs them to drip blood onto his lantern's shadow. Meng Xizhou's blood opens a gateway, and she enters the painting.
Inside, she becomes a servant named A'Xi and witnesses her father, Li Shiyi, frantically searching for his wife, Renguang. Meng Xizhou is shocked to learn her mother's name. Realizing her mother is about to give birth, she rushes to find her. She finds her mother in a cave, giving birth. Weakened, her mother reverts to her true form – the Demon King. Li Shiyi, arriving late and misunderstanding the situation, kills Renguang. He only then realizes he has killed his beloved. Renguang's dying wish is for her siblings in the Shan Hai Tu to be freed.
