Episode Summary
Xu Qi'an uncovers a conspiracy while grappling with the powerful entity Shen Shu within him. He learns about Dafeng's lost national fortune and its dire consequences. Appointed to investigate a massacre in Chuzhou, a dangerous mission, he receives a mysterious book that unlocks hidden power. He prepares to depart, aware of the risks and the empire's injustices.
Spoiler Alert
The episode opens with Xu Qi'an burning the midnight oil, poring over case files. He's reflecting on his bizarre journey since transmigrating into this world. He recalls being thrown in jail and nearly exiled to Yunzhou, a fate he narrowly escaped after solving a case. Later, his trip to Yunzhou to escort a suspect took a strange turn when a mysterious, hat-wearing figure forcibly merged the powerful entity Shen Shu into his body, yet spared his life. Xu Qi'an connects the dots and realizes there's a larger game afoot. The sorcerers of the Witch God Sect seem to want him dead, but they're also manipulating him, particularly by trying to get him to Yunzhou. He suspects they are wary of acting within Dafeng, possibly out of fear of the powerful Supervisor, Jian Zheng.
Meanwhile, Xiao Rou observes Xu Qi'an's relentless work ethic, noting that Wei Yuan has been similarly engrossed in the case files, even requesting more information. It's clear that Wei Yuan, the powerful commander of the capital, is also deeply involved in uncovering the truth. Xu Qi'an, unable to contain his curiosity, seeks out Wei Yuan.
The two engage in a game of truth or dare, leading to some significant revelations. Xu Qi'an presses Wei Yuan about a crucial event from Dafeng's past: the loss of something vital. He also questions the true nature of Dafeng's "national fortune." Wei Yuan reveals that the loss of this fortune would lead to devastating consequences – poor harvests, the end of favorable weather, and widespread hardship for the people, ultimately leading to political turmoil.
Wei Yuan then turns the tables, asking a single question that cuts to the heart of Xu Qi'an's biggest secret: the presence of Shen Shu within him. Wei Yuan demonstrates that he's not only aware of Shen Shu but also knows precisely when the entity entered Xu Qi'an's body. This revelation leaves Xu Qi'an deeply unnerved.
Xu Qi'an expresses his fear of becoming a target, especially with the Emperor now wary of him. Wei Yuan advises him to focus on cultivating his abilities and advancing his rank. Achieving a higher level of power, Wei Yuan explains, will make him less of a pawn in the political games being played.
Soon after, an imperial decree arrives. Emperor Jing bestows upon Xu Qi'an the title of Viscount and appoints him as the chief judge, ordering him to investigate the "Blood Massacre of Three Thousand Miles" case in Chuzhou within seven days. Xu Qi'an is terrified; investigating Duke Zhenbei in Chuzhou is practically a suicide mission.
Following Wei Yuan's guidance, Xu Qi'an visits the Cloud Deer Academy, hoping for a powerful magical artifact from the Supervisor. Instead, he receives a book titled "Records of the Great Wilderness." Initially, he's baffled by the book, which is filled with unfamiliar characters. He consults his scholarly brother, Xu Xinnian, who reveals that the book is connected to the Si Tian Jian (the imperial observatory/astrology department) but knows little else.
That night, Xu Qi'an continues to study the book. A sudden insight leads him to burn one of his talismans, unlocking the book's hidden power. A surge of vital energy floods him, dramatically increasing his martial prowess. He experiences a moment of enlightenment, sensing the power of Shen Shu within him and feeling a newfound ability to integrate it.
Meanwhile, Princess Lin'an, confined to the palace, receives updates on Xu Qi'an's activities. Hearing that he's been frequenting Brothel, she becomes furious and demands an explanation from her maid.
The episode concludes with Xu Qi'an preparing to depart for Chuzhou. He bids farewell to his family, including his uncle, aunt, and brother Xu Xinnian. Li Miaozhen, accompanied by her spirit companion Su Su, also prepares to travel to Chuzhou, intrigued by Xu Qi'an's mission and offering her covert assistance. As Xu Qi'an boards the ship, he sees his family's departing figures and reflects on the injustice of the Dafeng empire.
