Episode Summary
Yi Nian sacrifices himself to protect Xuantian Gate, appointing Xuan Xin as the new leader. Nan Xuyue reveals a dark family secret to Mu Xuanling and confesses his confused feelings, planning to return to Yunxiu Villa for clarity. A fortune teller predicts a bleak romantic future for Mu Xuanling, causing a stir. Xie Xuechen arranges for Mu Xuanling to stay outside the ice prison, but their relationship remains complex. Sang Qi attempts to capture Mu Xuanling, but is stopped by Nan Xuyue.
Spoiler Alert
In a dramatic turn of events, Yi Nian takes full responsibility for the crimes, hoping to spare Xuantian Gate from Xie Xuechen's wrath. Xie Xuechen agrees, and Yi Nian requests a final meeting with Xuan Xin. In an emotional farewell, Yi Nian tells Xuan Xin that he can teach him no further, appoints him as the new leader of Xuantian Gate, and urges him to manage it well. He emphasizes that Xuan Xin should not blame Xie Xuechen, who is simply fulfilling his duty. Xuan Xin, heartbroken, performs a final, respectful bow to his master. After Xuan Xin leaves, Yi Nian takes his own life. Xie Xuechen and Xuan Xin have a brief conversation before parting ways.
Meanwhile, Nan Xuyue finds Mu Xuanling enjoying herself, remarking that she seems quite happy for a prisoner. He reiterates his offer for her to return to Yunxiu Villa with him, but Mu Xuanling points out that he's already done more than enough for her, exceeding the boundaries of a normal friendship. Nan Xuyue confesses that Mu Xuanling is special to him and reveals a dark secret: his brother was responsible for the damage to his Spiritual Core. When his father discovered this, he was ready to kill his brother, but their mother took the blame and died in front of him. Nan Xuyue expresses his envy at seeing someone die for love. He brings up Mu Xuanling's earlier offer to share some of her "like" with him. Mu Xuanling clarifies that it was a casual remark, then asks if Nan Xuyue is in love with her. He admits he's unsure and needs to return to Yunxiu Villa to gain some distance and clarity.
As they turn, they see Xie Xuechen. Mu Xuanling tries to explain, but struggles to find the words. Nan Xuyue invites Xie Xuechen for a walk. Nan Xuyue asks how much Xie Xuechen heard, and Xie Xuechen replies that he heard the part about "like." Nan Xuyue questions his expression, asking if he's angry or indifferent. Xie Xuechen asks why Nan Xuyue didn't tell him, and Nan Xuyue explains his own uncertainty and his impending departure for Yunxiu Villa to sort out his feelings.
After their conversation, Xie Xuechen returns to find Mu Xuanling waiting for him. She asks if he's angry, but he denies it, though his tone suggests otherwise. They decide to go down the mountain. The streets are bustling, and Mu Xuanling is drawn to a fortune teller. Wanting to know about her love prospects, she's told that she's in a complicated relationship with no positive outcome. Enraged by this prediction, she tries to overturn the fortune teller's stall, but Xie Xuechen stops her. They then go to a noodle shop, where the owner recognizes Mu Xuanling as the person who recently helped his father, and offers them free noodles as thanks.
Mu Xuanling, taking a bite of the noodles, tells Xie Xuechen that she feels like she's seeing the real world, a mix of good and bad. They buy some pastries and head back. Mu Xuanling says she's returning to the ice prison. Xie Xuechen tells her she doesn't have to, and that he'll arrange other accommodations. Mu Xuanling states that regardless of where she stays, her position in Xie Xuechen's heart is what truly matters. She leaves, knowing that Sang Qi won't let her go easily. Spring's Birth Sword, beside Su Ningzhen, senses Sang Qi's presence. Sang Qi arrives, intent on taking Mu Xuanling, but Nan Xuyue intercepts him.
