Episode Summary
Fa Jian is chosen as the new alliance leader, and the Chaos Pearl is set to be transferred to his sect. Gao Qiumin has a moment with Fu Lansheng, sparking jealousy. Mu Xuanling questions the value of the human realm and kisses Xie Xuechen. During the Chaos Pearl transfer ceremony, Xie Xuechen reveals a trap for a suspected traitor. Fa Jian is revealed to be possessed by a chiying, orchestrated by Yi Nian, and a battle breaks out. Xie Xuechen's full powers have been restored.
Spoiler Alert
The search for a new leader concludes with the selection of Fa Jian, from the Xuantian Gate, to be the new alliance master. Xie Xuechen announces that the Chaos Pearl will be transferred to the Xuantian Gate for safekeeping the following day. Meanwhile, Gao Qiumin worries about Su Ningzhen's reaction to losing the election, fearing she'll face repercussions. As Gao Qiumin sits alone, lost in thought, a gust of wind blows sand into her eyes. Fu Lansheng, happening upon her, mistakes her discomfort for tears and offers to help, blowing the sand from her eyes. This intimate moment is witnessed by Fu Yuanting and Duan Xiaorong, who comment on Fu Lansheng's flirtatious nature. Gao Qiumin, after recovering, is comforted by Fu Lansheng, who advises her not to worry about Mu Xuanling and Xie Xuechen. However, Gao Qiumin becomes upset, insisting that she and Xie Xuechen are not engaged, and tells Fu Lansheng not to spread rumors.
After everyone leaves, Xie Xuechen questions Xuan Xin about any observations, but Xuan Xin reports nothing unusual, though he mentions needing to verify something. Xuan Xin later visits his master, Yi Nian, inquiring about his inner demons. Yi Nian reveals his obsession was to see his senior, Fa Jian, become the alliance master. Now that it's happened, Yi Nian claims to have no further attachments.
Mu Xuanling sits on a tree outside Xie Xuechen's door. When he emerges, she remarks on the absence of the moon. She tells him she visited the human realm, witnessing both the unfairness (a vendor overcharging for a hairpin) and the apathy (a sick elderly man's money being stolen with no one helping). She questions if this is the world Xie Xuechen wants to protect. Xie Xuechen acknowledges the darkness but insists there's still hope. Mu Xuanling, feeling the human realm is not worth it, approaches Xie Xuechen and kisses him. Xie Xuechen promises to show her the true beauty of the human realm someday. After the kiss, Mu Xuanling leaves, leaving Xie Xuechen feeling that something is amiss, but he decides to wait until after the next day's events to question her.
The day of the Chaos Pearl transfer arrives. Xie Xuechen and Fa Jian retrieve the Pearl using five jade tokens. Just as Fa Jian is about to leave with the Pearl, Xie Xuechen stops him, revealing a new array set up by Nan Xuyue. Xie Xuechen explains that the Dark Clan's previous attack on Yongxue City must have involved an inside collaborator, and their goal was the Chaos Pearl. He believes the traitor will be present today and that Nan Xuyue's array will prevent any Dark Clan members or traitors from escaping. He instructs Fa Jian to recite an incantation to reveal anyone possessed by a Dark Clan chiying.
Suddenly, Fa Jian attacks Xie Xuechen and the others. Mu Xuanling realizes he's been possessed. A fierce battle ensues. It's revealed that Yi Nian orchestrated Fa Jian's possession, as Fa Jian himself was unwilling to become the leader. Yi Nian believed Xie Xuechen's powers were still diminished, but in reality, Xie Xuechen has fully recovered.
