Episode Summary
Xie Xuechen, Mu Xuanling, and Gao Qiumin discover a secret chamber and a possible connection to Su Ningxi's death and the Chaos Pearl. Mu Xuanling attempts to betray Xie Xuechen. A blood sacrifice ritual reveals that Mu Xuanling and Gao Qiumin are sisters. The group returns to the Mirror Flower Palace to confront Su Ningzhen for answers.
Spoiler Alert
In this episode, the mystery surrounding the Chaos Pearl deepens, and shocking family connections are revealed. Xie Xuechen, Mu Xuanling, and Gao Qiumin venture into a secret chamber beneath Su Ningxi's room. Gao Qiumin is shocked to find this hidden space, as she was unaware of its existence. Mu Xuanling points out that Gao Fengxu, Gao Qiumin's father, clearly kept secrets even from his own daughter. Inside, they discover a strange bed with a hidden mechanism. The trio speculates that Su Ningxi used this bed to nurture the Chaos Pearl. However, Xie Xuechen suggests a darker possibility: Su Ningxi might be dead, and Gao Qiumin has been unknowingly using her mother's corpse to cultivate the Pearl.
Meanwhile, trouble brews outside. Members of the Mirror Flower Palace arrive, intending to capture A'Bao and destroy Mingyue Manor. A'Bao is taken to a nearby forest, but her mysterious father appears and slays the attackers. A'Bao pleads with him to reveal himself, but he remains hidden.
Back in the secret chamber, the group feels the structure starting to collapse. Mu Xuanling, in a sudden move, shoves Xie Xuechen, attempting to trap him. She reveals that she has found clues about the Chaos Pearl and plans to report back to Sang Qi. Xie Xuechen confronts her, refusing to let her leave. Mu Xuanling proposes that Xie Xuechen join her in the Dark Clan and even overthrow Sang Qi, but he knows she doesn't truly want that life. A fight ensues, and Xie Xuechen wounds Mu Xuanling with his sword.
A'Bao arrives, and in a twist of fate, touches Mu Xuanling's wound. The blood then comes into contact with a "blood sacrifice" artifact, revealing a vision previously seen by Gao Qiumin. Fu Lansheng explains that only the blood of close relatives can activate the artifact, revealing a bombshell: Mu Xuanling and Gao Qiumin are sisters. Both women are in disbelief, denying the connection. Further tests with the blood sacrifice confirm their relationship.
To uncover the truth, Xie Xuechen suggests questioning Su Ningzhen at the Mirror Flower Palace. Su Ningzhen is furious when Xie Xuechen inquires about Su Ningxi's children, feeling it's an insult to her sister's honor. Xie Xuechen explains the newfound blood connection between Mu Xuanling and Gao Qiumin. Gao Qiumin remembers a flash of light during her sister's childbirth, but she didn't see clearly. Su Ningzhen promises to reveal the truth the next day.
Xie Xuechen reassures Mu Xuanling, who, despite her protests, is clearly affected by the possibility of having a family. Meanwhile, Gao Qiumin watches Su Ningzhen searching for something and offers to help. Su Ningzhen asks about Mu Xuanling's presence at Mingyue Manor and a distinctive pattern on her forehead. Gao Qiumin sketches the pattern, triggering a realization from Su Ningzhen. The episode ends with Gao Qiumin reflecting on events, comforted by Fu Lansheng with some pastries.
