Episode Summary
Yang Qianhuan fails to defeat the Dharma form and is ejected by the Supervisor. The Xu family attends a prestigious event where Xu Pingzhi tries to network, while Wei Yuan bonds with Xu Lingyue. Wang Simu arranges seating to bring Xu Pingzhi and Wang Zhenwen together. Xu Qi'an, facing a daunting Dharma battle, recites poetry for strength and experiences a vision of a full life, affirming its meaning despite hardships.
Spoiler Alert
The episode opens with Yang Qianhuan, still reeling from his humiliating defeat against the Dharma form. He's convinced he should have won, but after several rounds, it's clear he's no match, ending up face-first in the dirt. He storms off to confront the Supervisor of the Si Tian Jian, but the Supervisor, annoyed by Yang's constant whining, throws him out.
Meanwhile, Xu Pingzhi receives a coveted invitation to a high-society event showcasing a Dharma battle. This is a big deal for Xu Pingzhi, who's used to being a simple martial artist, far removed from such elite circles. He brings his entire family to the banquet. Xu's wife has a run-in with Sister Xiuhe, whom she'd previously begged for help when Xu Qi'an was imprisoned. Xiuhe, clearly looking down on her, is visibly irritated to find that Mrs. Xu is seated at a better table.
Xu Pingzhi, overwhelmed by the presence of high-ranking officials he's only heard of, including the powerful Wei Yuan, tries to make connections. He awkwardly approaches Wei Yuan, offering tea, but Wei Yuan merely offers a polite smile. Realizing his faux pas, Xu Pingzhi retreats.
A cute moment ensues when Xu Qi'an's little sister, Lingyue, spots the delicious spread of fruits and sweets on Wei Yuan's table. She sneaks under the table, and Wei Yuan, charmed by the adorable child, scoops her onto his lap and feeds her fruit. Xu Pingzhi is terrified by his daughter's boldness, but Xu Qi'an's older sister reassures him. Given Wei Yuan's protective attitude towards Xu Qi'an, he's likely to extend the same kindness to the rest of the family.
The seating arrangements, orchestrated by the clever Wang Simu, place Wang Zhenwen and Xu Pingzhi close together. Xu Pingzhi even leans over to ask Wang Zhenwen which guest is the Grand Secretary, boasting that his son and the Grand Secretary's daughter would make a perfect match. Wang Zhenwen, a seasoned observer of people, is amused by Xu Pingzhi's endearing naivete.
Anticipation builds for the main event: the Dharma battle. The crowd is buzzing, eager to see who will emerge victorious. Xu Qi'an is incredibly nervous, aware that his chances of winning are slim. Failure would mean public humiliation. Fortunately, Princess Lin'an is there to support him, offering a collection of poems for inspiration. She suggests he recite them during the battle to boost his presence. Xu Qi'an takes her advice to heart, ascending the Dharma statue with a flourish, reciting poetry that captivates the audience and earns their cheers.
As Xu Qi'an reaches the top of the statue, he's plunged into a vivid illusion. He experiences a lifetime in a modern world, from infancy to old age. He witnesses his own life: a crying baby, a failed teenage romance, the stresses of middle age, and the frailty of being an elderly man on his deathbed. A voice questions the meaning of life. Even as an old man, Xu Qi'an maintains that life is inherently meaningful. Despite the inevitable failures and sorrows, the journey itself, the experience, is what gives life value.
