Episode Summary
Mu Xuanling reveals her plan to use Xie Xuechen to find the Immortal Alliance Token, manipulating him through feigned rescue. She kills Yu Ying after seeing Xie Xuechen's inner demon, a reflection of his emotionally restrictive upbringing. Mu Xuanling and Xie Xuechen, posing as a couple, encounter members of the Mirror Flower Palace and a spirit creature, A'bao. After a confrontation and rescue, Xie Xuechen ends up trapping Mu Xuanling after she tries to kill Gao Qiumin.
Spoiler Alert
The episode kicks off with Mu Xuanling revealing to Yu Ying that their master, Sang Qi, actually ordered her to free Xie Xuechen. The plan? So she could tail him and find the coveted Immortal Alliance Token. Yu Ying's confused – why chase and attack Xie Xuechen then? Mu Xuanling explains it's all about gaining his trust. She wants Yu Ying to keep Xie Xuechen under control, so she can swoop in at the last minute and play the hero. This, she believes, will make him grateful and strengthen their bond. She then asks to see Xie Xuechen's inner demons.
Yu Ying unleashes Xie Xuechen's inner demon, and Mu Xuanling sees him in a snowy landscape, desperately searching for a rabbit. His father appears, coldly informing him that he's killed the rabbit. Xie Xuechen is distraught, questioning why his father would harm something he loves. His father lectures him about his heavy responsibilities, stating he can't afford to have any cherished objects or biases. He poses a hypothetical question: if Xie Xuechen had to choose between the world and his beloved, what would he choose? Xie Xuechen questions the need for such a choice, but his father insists that his duty leaves no room for personal attachments. Yu Ying notes that Xie Xuechen's illusion is unusual. Mu Xuanling explains it's because he's devoid of desire – rigorously trained by his father, with top-tier cultivation and fame, he wants for nothing.
Mu Xuanling then asks to see Xie Xuechen's memories from a decade ago, but Yu Ying clarifies that her power only reveals desires, not past events. Realizing Yu Ying is useless to her, Mu Xuanling swiftly kills her. However, Yu Ying's shadow lingers. Zhan Ying and the others are questioning whether Yu Ying was killed by Mu Xuanling or Xie Xuechen. Mu Xuanling sees Xie Xuechen is about to leave and asks him where he is going. Xie Xuechen tells her not to follow her, that she is a demon and he is human, that they are not the same.
Mu Xuanling says that all roads lead to the same destination. She mentions that Xie Xuechen has a scent that will make him easy to track. Mu Xuanling then pulls out a pair of illusionary hairpins, claiming they're a set. When worn, people won't remember them, instead perceiving them as an ordinary couple. She puts one on Xie Xuechen and asks him to place the other on her, but he ignores her and leaves. Mu Xuanling quickly follows. They end up at an inn, where the owner claims there's only one room left. Mu Xuanling readily agrees to take it. Nearby, members of the Mirror Flower Palace notice Xie Xuechen's reluctance. They speculate about Mu Xuanling, guessing she's a wealthy young lady, and wonder about Xie Xuechen's "special talents." Overhearing this, Mu Xuanling playfully teases Xie Xuechen about his supposed "talents."
Shortly after settling in, they sense a demonic aura. Looking out the window, they spot Gao Qiumin, the young mistress of Mirror Flower Palace, and her disciple, Cui Wanwan. They have a Treasure-Sniffing Mouse named A'bao, which Mu Xuanling recognizes as a fellow spirit creature. She also senses A'bao is terrified and near death. Mu Xuanling attacks Gao Qiumin, giving A'bao a chance to escape. Later that night, A'bao secretly approaches Mu Xuanling. She transforms into a young girl, revealing she's newly capable of human form. A'bao explains she's from Bixiao Palace, and her father is Fu Cangli. Xie Xuechen asks why she hasn't registered at the Spirit Temple. Mu Xuanling explains the grim reality: registration leads to capture and abuse.
Mu Xuanling sympathizes with A'bao, but Gao Qiumin notices something's amiss. She and Cui Wanwan pursue and attack Mu Xuanling and Xie Xuechen. Mu Xuanling recognizes Gao Qiumin as someone who previously bullied her and intends to kill her. However, Xie Xuechen intervenes, leading to a heated argument. Ultimately, Xie Xuechen traps Mu Xuanling in his Linglong Shackles.
