Episode Summary
Xu Qi'an gets caught up in a dangerous game involving a magical jade mirror. He discovers its ability to bond with a user and enter its inner world. After encountering conflicting advice from entities within the mirror, he hands it over to authorities. A battle ensues between Yang Yan and a member of the Di Zong. Xu Qi'an impresses Wei Yuan with thoughtful gestures and a unique tea table. Later, he's recruited into the Tian Di Society by Jin Lian, becoming member number three.
Spoiler Alert
In this episode, Xu Qi'an finds himself entangled in a web of mystery and danger surrounding a small jade mirror. While at the Si Tian Jian, Song Qing is studying the mirror, its full capabilities are unknown, but it's determined to be a product of the Di Zong (Earth Sect). Xu Qi'an learns that the mirror can bond with an owner and allows them to enter its inner world.
Intrigued, Xu Qi'an performs a blood ritual, pricking his finger and dripping blood onto the mirror. The cracks on its surface magically seal, and he's drawn inside. He finds himself surrounded by five floating crystal balls, and a voice addresses him, asking if he's a member of the Tian Di Society (Heaven and Earth Society) associated with someone called Jin Lian.
Xu Qi'an, confused, denies any affiliation. The voice then claims that Jin Lian was being hunted and passed off the mirror to deflect trouble. The voice offers to take the troublesome mirror off Xu Qi'an's hands. Xu Qi'an, sensing danger, agrees but not without haggling for 800 taels of silver, claiming he originally bought it for 500 taels of gold. The voice agrees, and they set a meeting at Guiyue Lou (Cassia Moon Pavilion).
However, another crystal ball, number nine, speaks to Xu Qi'an, warning him against trusting the first voice, calling them deceitful and opportunistic. This entity urges Xu Qi'an to hand the mirror over to the Tian Di Society for protection.
Caught between conflicting advice, Xu Qi'an realizes the mirror is indeed dangerous. He decides to hand it over to Yang Yan. Yang Yan, recognizing it as an item of the Di Zong, takes Xu Qi'an to see Wei Yuan.
Xu Qi'an explains the whole situation to Wei Yuan, concluding that such a treasure shouldn't be kept for himself and should be handed over to Chunfeng Tang (Spring Breeze Hall). Wei Yuan smiles knowingly. A nearby officer scolds Xu Qi'an for his presumptuous words, and Xu Qi'an quickly admits his fear and that he sought outside help. Wei Yuan, satisfied, orders Yang Yan to investigate.
Yang Yan arrives at the agreed-upon location and encounters a Di Zong member emanating a sinister aura. A fierce battle ensues, but their skills are evenly matched.
While Yang Yan is away, Xu Qi'an waits in Wei Yuan's office. Noticing the room is cold, he carefully adds charcoal to the furnace. Wei Yuan observes this thoughtful gesture with a subtle smile.
Xu Qi'an, noticing Wei Yuan's love for tea, goes a step further. He designs an elaborate tea table made of precious local marble, complete with intricate mechanisms that automatically refill tea, and dispense various snacks and delicacies for Wei Yuan's enjoyment.
Xu Qi'an enlists the help of his close friends, Song Tingfeng and Zhu Guangxiao, to deliver the tea table. These two, usually low-ranking officers, are overwhelmed with emotion at the chance to meet Wei Yuan, further elevating their respect for Xu Qi'an.
Wei Yuan is impressed by the innovative tea table, which allows them to sit and enjoy tea together. This display of favor towards Xu Qi'an irks Nangong Qianrou. Wei Yuan, showing his appreciation, gifts Xu Qi'an a small jar of tea, a significant honor that further impresses Song Tingfeng and Zhu Guangxiao.
Li Yuchun, seeing the group emerge from Wei Yuan's office, questions them for not reporting their visit beforehand. Nangong Qianrou, still resentful, had spoken negatively about Xu Qi'an to Li Yuchun, making him view Xu Qi'an unfavorably.
Yang Yan manages to repel the Di Zong's Zi Lian (Purple Lotus). Later that night, Dao Zhang Jin Lian (Jin Lian), the original owner of the mirror, appears and kills Zi Lian. He then visits Xu Qi'an in his quarters, inviting him to join the Tian Di Society. Xu Qi'an, enticed by the promise of powerful allies and a strong network, agrees and becomes member number three.
