Episode Summary
Xu Qi'an is seemingly killed during a mission, causing grief and political maneuvering. Wei Yuan seeks revenge and a title for Xu Qi'an's family. Miraculously revived by a magical cat (Jin Lian), Xu Qi'an recovers, but struggles with fragmented memories. He's told to attribute his survival to a special pill. His friends leave to seek revenge, and he contacts allies to stop them. He later fully remembers the attack.
Spoiler Alert
This episode throws our hero, Xu Qi'an, into a whirlwind of danger, apparent death, and miraculous resurrection, leaving viewers on the edge of their seats.
The episode opens with Xu Qi'an on a mission, when he's suddenly enveloped by a chaotic cloud. Overwhelmed by a surge of poisonous miasma, he's rendered helpless. In his blurred vision, he sees a face – seemingly that of Zhu Yang from the Ministry of War. The shocking implication is that Zhu Yang is trying to kill him. Xu Qi'an is quickly defeated.
Later, two of Xu Qi'an's fellow copper gongs (low-ranking constables) find him bloodied, battered, and seemingly lifeless. The news of Xu Qi'an's sudden demise sends shockwaves through the court and devastates both Wei Yuan, his mentor, and the Xu family. Wei Yuan, in an act of respect and grief, petitions the Emperor to posthumously grant Xu Qi'an's family the title of Marquis. However, ministers who still harbor resentment from the tax silver case vehemently oppose the honor, claiming Xu Qi'an was of too low a status.
Wei Yuan, in a rare display of fury, lashes out, slapping the dissenting officials. The Emperor, amused by this uncharacteristic outburst, ultimately approves Wei Yuan's request. Driven by the loss of his most trusted aide, Wei Yuan vows to personally lead an army against the Witch God Sect, who he believes is responsible.
The Xu household is plunged into mourning. Xu Pingzhi, Xu Qi'an's uncle, retrieves his body, weeping over his nephew's memorial tablet. The family had just moved into a larger house thanks to Xu Qi'an's achievements, and the tragedy of his untimely death is deeply felt, even by his usually critical aunt.
On the day of the funeral, many mourners gather, including Xiao Rou and Cai Wei. As Xu Pingzhi sorrowfully prepares to seal the coffin, a large orange cat suddenly appears, rushing towards the casket. The cat, actually the shapeshifting Jin Lian Mage of the Tian Di Society, had sensed a faint spark of life remaining in Xu Qi'an. Using his magic, Jin Lian revives him.
The mourners are terrified as the coffin lid bursts open, crying out that it's a zombie! Xu Pingzhi, gathering his courage, approaches and sees Xu Qi'an's injured face. Cai Wei uses her Qi-gazing technique to confirm it's truly him. The crowd is astonished and overjoyed by Xu Qi'an's miraculous return.
Wei Yuan, deep in planning his military campaign, is moved to tears upon hearing from Xiao Rou that Xu Qi'an is alive. Xu Qi'an, recovering in a bath, is baffled by the hazy memories and gaps in his recollection of the attack.
After cleansing himself, Xu Qi'an meets with Wei Yuan. Wei Yuan, placing a hand on his shoulder, expresses his relief. He questions Xu Qi'an about the attack. When Xu Qi'an suspects Zhu Yang, Wei Yuan dismisses the idea, explaining that Zhu Yang is currently occupied with exposing corruption within the Watchmen to the Emperor. Wei Yuan reveals that the attack was likely the work of the Witch God Sect's Spirit Medium, who preys on one's deepest fears. However, the fact that Xu Qi'an wasn't killed outright puzzles Wei Yuan. To avoid public suspicion, Wei Yuan instructs Xu Qi'an to claim his revival was due to a special "Rebirth Pill" from the Si Tian Jian.
Back at the Spring Breeze Hall, Xu Qi'an wonders why his three close friends didn't visit him after his "resurrection." He learns they immediately set sail for Yunzhou, seeking revenge. Realizing the danger they're in, Xu Qi'an uses a jade mirror to contact member Number Two in Yunzhou, urging her to intercept Li Yuchun and the others and send them back. Number Three is already en route to the capital, intending to meet Xu Qi'an. Since Xu Qi'an usually conceals his identity, he tells her he is taking the imperial exam, and instructs her to meet his "brother," who is a Watchman.
Cai Wei brings Xu Qi'an the Rebirth Pill. That night, the pill takes effect, and Xu Qi'an's memories of the attack become crystal clear.
