Episode Summary
Xu Qi'an investigates a mysterious death at Huang Mountain while dealing with the aftermath of a chaotic event at Sangbo Lake, where the Zhenguo Sword emerges and arrows are fired. He also learns about Wei Yuan's past and protects Lin'an during the attack. Hengyuan finds the orphans he rescued are being cared for by the authorities, likely due to Wei Yuan's intervention. Lin'an contemplates making Xu Qi'an her lover.
Spoiler Alert
Late at night, Xu Qi'an receives a message on his jade mirror from Hengyuan (Number Six). Hengyuan reports that the Anji Shelter, where he's been housing many rescued orphans, was discovered by the authorities. Initially fearing for the children's safety, Hengyuan rushed over, only to find the officials cleaning the shelter. It seems they weren't targeting Hengyuan.
Hengyuan is puzzled. The authorities are now aware of the orphans and are treating them kindly. He has no idea who's behind this intervention. Xu Qi'an claims ignorance in the group chat, but after putting down the mirror, he remembers informing Wei Yuan about Hengyuan's situation. Wei Yuan had told him to drop the matter, suggesting Wei Yuan might have discreetly intervened.
Meanwhile, the Watchmen (the organization Xu Qi'an belongs to) receive a tip about demonic beast activity in the Huang Mountain. Li Yuchun leads Xu Qi'an and others to investigate. During a break, Xu Qi'an learns more about Wei Yuan from Li Yuchun. Wei Yuan is not only brilliant and meticulous but also a man of great integrity and immense martial prowess. He once single-handedly repelled a million-strong invading army, achieving victory against overwhelming odds. This feat became legendary. However, after establishing the Watchmen, Wei Yuan crippled his own martial arts and never spoke of his past achievements again.
At Huang Mountain, Xu Qi'an encounters Chu Caiwei, who is using a "Qi-gazing" technique to determine if people are lying. She's had no luck questioning witnesses. Xu Qi'an examines the case file: the victim, Liu Han, died in his study, found sitting upright in his chair in a respectful posture. Death was instantaneous.
After numerous fruitless interrogations, Chu Caiwei is exhausted from using her technique. Xu Qi'an assists her in questioning Zhou Chixiong. Zhou claims he saw no assassins on the night of the murder. He emphasizes that many soldiers were on duty, and there were no signs of struggle or footprints in Liu Han's study. It's a baffling mystery.
Xu Qi'an and his colleagues patrol the area, encountering Sangbo Lake. His colleagues share its history: the founding emperor of Dafeng discovered a powerful artifact, the Zhenguo Divine Sword, at Sangbo. After three years of enlightenment, his martial skills surged, making him invincible in battle and leading to the overthrow of the previous dynasty. Subsequent emperors have come here to worship, hoping to inherit this legacy.
Lin'an spots Xu Qi'an guarding the area and, fearing he might encounter the Grand Princess, orders her guards to keep the Watchmen away. Xu Qi'an, standing by Sangbo, feels uneasy and hears a faint cry for "help." He's increasingly curious as the voice grows clearer. He asks his two colleagues, but they hear nothing. Xu Qi'an experiences a splitting headache and feels weak, struggling to focus on his surroundings.
The sacrificial ceremony begins. As everyone respectfully burns incense, Sangbo Lake erupts. The Zhenguo Sword bursts from the roof of a nearby hall, followed by a volley of arrows. Chaos ensues. Someone shouts, "Protect the Emperor!" Wei Yuan immediately instructs his men to protect the Empress. The Empress, Xiaoxue, had been in love with Wei Yuan before entering the palace, but her family's objections forced her to suppress her feelings.
Xu Qi'an sees an arrow heading towards Lin'an and rushes to shield her, knocking away the surrounding projectiles. Sheltered in Xu Qi'an's arms, Lin'an feels a sense of security she's never known.
The chaos eventually subsides, and the Zhenguo Sword returns to its original place. Emperor Yuanjing enters the hall alone to reinforce the seal, muttering a sarcastic remark about how even a first-rank prime minister can only live a couple of years longer.
Xu Qi'an starts inquiring about the secrets beneath Sangbo Lake in the group chat, receiving various rumors, making it hard to discern the truth. Meanwhile, Lin'an is racking her brains in her palace. During the incident at Sangbo, Xu Qi'an called her "Grand Princess." Now the Grand Princess knows, but how can Lin'an ensure her continued obedience and prevent her from becoming resentful even if she learns the truth? A thoughtful maid suggests making Xu Qi'an her lover.
