Episode Summary
Mu Xuanling refuses Nan Xuyue's offer to escape, prioritizing Xie Xuechen's safety. Xie Xuechen faces criticism for protecting her but is supported by Island Lord He. Mu Xuanling is sentenced to imprisonment after Xie Xuechen dispels her demonic powers, a decision that angers Su Ningzhen. Xie Xuechen asserts his authority and takes Mu Xuanling under his protection, promising to show her the human world.
Spoiler Alert
In Episode 13, Nan Xuyue offers Mu Xuanling a chance to escape her current life and live normally. However, Mu Xuanling refuses, stating that her departure would cause trouble for Xie Xuechen. She's made her choice and won't change it. Nan Xuyue comments on how love can make wise people foolish and strong people weak. Mu Xuanling then asks Nan Xuyue for a favor: to have Fu Lansheng take A'bao back to Bixiao Palace and help find the child's father, or at least ensure A'bao's safe return. Nan Xuyue agrees. A'bao, in tears, pleads with Nan Xuyue not to leave and says that she does not want to find her father anymore.
A'bao implores Nan Xuyue to save Mu Xuanling. Nan Xuyue explains that this is Mu Xuanling's wish, and A'bao should go with Fu Lansheng. Meanwhile, Xie Xuechen is recovering from his injuries. His junior disciple informs him that the Immortal Alliance members are waiting for him and gossiping. Xie Xuechen confronts the alliance members, who accuse him of harboring the Holy Maiden of the Dark Abyss. Island Lord He approaches Xie Xuechen, expressing that it's unfair how quickly people turned against him after he saved them. Xie Xuechen, understanding of human nature, accepts the situation.
Island Lord He suggests the urgent need for a new alliance leader and proposes Xie Xuechen, citing his restored powers and his willingness to risk his life for Yongxue City. Mu Xuanling, imprisoned in an ice cell, writes letters to Xie Xuechen, sending them as paper cranes. She has filled a box with them.
Xie Xuechen is torn between his duty to the human race and his feelings for Mu Xuanling. On the day of Mu Xuanling's trial, Fu Lansheng finds the situation cruel and wants to leave, but a weakened Mu Xuanling arrives. Xie Xuechen uses his power to dispel her demonic energy, sentencing her to a thousand years of imprisonment. Su Ningzhen, unhappy with the sentence, declares she will kill Mu Xuanling herself. Xie Xuechen stops her, asserting his authority and declaring Mu Xuanling is now under Yongxue City's protection. He then carries her away. Nan Xuyue, watching them, thinks that survival is all that matters and considers using a formation he developed to protect Mu Xuanling, even if it harms him. Xie Xuechen places Mu Xuanling in bed and gives her his protective jade. When she complains of being cold, he embraces her, promising to show her the human world in three days.
Two palace maids gossip about Xie Xuechen and Mu Xuanling, but Gao Qiumin reprimands them. Mu Xuanling awakens to find Xie Xuechen asleep at a table. He urges her to rest, but she starts flirting with him. Xie Xuechen, seeing her improved condition, says they will go down the mountain tomorrow. When she asks if he's sending her away, he clarifies that he wants to show her the real human world. Finally, Xie Xuechen visits Yi Nian in the ice cell, who begs for the release of the Xuantian Gate, attributing his actions to the former Pavilion Master.
