Episode Summary
Nan Fengyi discovers the Empress is a powerful demon and the true mastermind behind recent events. Bei Gongshuo learns Empress Miaoyun murdered his mother and framed the former Empress. Xizhou, Gongshuo, and his uncle, General Sun, realize Chang'le City is in danger and decide to return to fight back, with the General seeking revenge. Miaoyun attempts to control Nan Fengyi but fails.
Spoiler Alert
The episode opens with Nan Fengyi crafting oiled paper umbrellas at home, lost in thought. He reminisces about the time when Meng Xizhou complimented his craftsmanship, and he recalls his promise to make a special umbrella for her wedding day. Distracted by his memories and love for Xizhou, he accidentally cuts himself, his blood staining the snow. Hearing footsteps, he hopes it's Xizhou, but it's Nan Sixu. Sixu confesses that he's consumed by thoughts of "that girl" (Xizhou). He questions why Fengyi entrusted her to the Crown Prince, Bei Gongshuo, if he cares for her so deeply. Fengyi explains that only by being with the Prince can Xizhou be truly safe.
Fengyi then drops a bombshell: the Empress is a demon, and she's behind all the recent troubles. Sixu wonders why they don't simply capture her, but Fengyi reveals that the Empress is likely the mastermind behind Situ Hanshan, possessing even greater demonic power. Their combined abilities as Demon Hunters are insufficient. Sixu expresses that his former wish was for Fengyi to master the Beidou Yuan Formation, but now his only wish is for Fengyi to distance himself from all of this and live a good life. Fengyi replies that it's too late. Sixu makes him promise to stay alive; Fengyi remains silent, which Sixu takes as agreement. Sixu then departs, carrying the plaque of "The World's Number One Demon Hunters."
Meanwhile, in Xizhou, Bei Gongshuo is being pestered by a lantern-carrying child to tell stories, when Meng Xizhou returns. They believe Xizhou has solved the riddle, and she confirms that she has, urging Tie Lao to save Gongshuo's uncle. Tie Lao emerges, surprised to meet the daughter of Li Shiyi. Xizhou reveals that her mother was the Demon King, mistakenly killed by her father. Tie Lao examines the painting they possess, revealing it's made from mermaid tears and is not the "Shan Hai Tu" (Map of Mountains and Seas).
Xizhou is confused as to how she was drawn into the painting, but Tie Lao insists he would know his own work. He explains that the real painting was stolen years ago by his beautiful apprentice, Miaoyun, who is now the Empress of Dazhou. Back in Chang'le City, Empress Miaoyun has Bei Gongshuo's subordinates tied up, interrogating them about his whereabouts. They reveal he's in Xizhou with his uncle and that he took the "Shan Hai Tu." The Empress orders them to retrieve him. Nan Fengyi objects, pointing out that the Prince's uncle commands military power.
Bei Gongshuo asks Tie Lao how to save his uncle. Tie Lao pulls him into the painting, explaining that he can only show, not tell. Inside, Gongshuo becomes Zhai Yue and witnesses a scene between Situ Hanshan and Miaoyun, deeply in love. However, they soon encounter the Emperor and Empress. Miaoyun seizes the opportunity to attract the Emperor's attention and is taken to the palace. Gongshuo also sees his mother, but Miaoyun begins to plot against the Empress. Ultimately, Gongshuo's mother is imprisoned in the Cold Palace and poisoned by Miaoyun on her birthday. Gongshuo's uncle appears, and they return to reality.
Miaoyun asks Guo Ji if he is willing to follow her always. He says yes. She then demands he give her something of his to prove his loyalty, and has him castrated, revealing she knows he loves Du Yuelian but has been flattering her. She tries to transfer her "killing aura" to Nan Fengyi to control him and absorb his power, but the attempt fails. Bei Gongshuo realizes Miaoyun murdered his mother, and they understand that Chang'le City is in danger. Xizhou, Gongshuo, and his uncle, General Sun, decide to return immediately, with General Sun vowing revenge for his sister's death.
