Episode Summary
Fu Yuanting reassures A'bao about her missing father. Fu Lansheng shares his "Tree of Worries" with Gao Qiumin, encouraging her to wish for a better future. Xie Xuechen and Mu Xuanling face a deceptive fog and peach blossom poison in Qi Feng Forest, leading to a passionate moment. They then encounter Venerable Feng Xiang while seeking the Eternal Lotus seeds to cure a friend. Nan Xuyue and Feng Yao also arrive at the forest, concerned for Mu Xuanling.
Spoiler Alert
The episode opens with Fu Yuanting encountering A'bao. He inquires about her search for her father, using the Blood Sacrifice that Fu Lansheng lent her. A'bao reveals that her father saved her but is unwilling to meet. She poignantly asks Fu Yuanting if her father doesn't want her anymore, but he reassures her, suggesting her father is likely occupied with important matters and will reunite with her when the time is right. A'bao mentions her mother said the same, holding onto the hope of a family reunion, a sentiment Fu Yuanting echoes.
Meanwhile, Fu Lansheng takes Gao Qiumin to a large tree, his personal "Tree of Worries." Gao Qiumin observes numerous red cloth strips tied to its branches, questioning if Fu Lansheng has that many worries. He clarifies that the strips represent moments of happiness. He explains that when troubled, he visits the tree, reflects on happy memories, and finds solace. Fu Lansheng then offers Gao Qiumin some red strips, inviting her to hang up her troubles. He announces a change in the tree's tradition: it will now hold not only his joys but also her sorrows. Overjoyed, Gao Qiumin tosses a strip onto the tree and makes a wish to live for herself and pursue her desires. She expresses gratitude for Fu Lansheng's support, saying it's wonderful to have him.
Elsewhere, Xie Xuechen and Mu Xuanling arrive at Qi Feng Forest (栖凤林, which translates to "Perching Phoenix Forest"). They soon encounter a thick fog. Within the mist, Xie Xuechen sees two identical Mu Xuanlings, both speaking alike. Mu Xuanling brandishes a weapon given to her by Sang Qi, but the duplicate produces an identical one. Xie Xuechen examines both weapons, finding them indistinguishable. When the real Mu Xuanling angrily prepares to leave, Xie Xuechen immediately recognizes her.
After breaking the illusion, they continue, but Xie Xuechen notices peach blossom marks on Mu Xuanling. She has been poisoned. After she awakens, Xie Xuechen informs her that he administered an antidote, but it causes temporary blindness. Mu Xuanling finds she cannot see. Xie Xuechen explains that the poison will be fully cured when the marks fade, but the scent released by the fading blossoms can relax and intoxicate. Both smell the strong fragrance, and Xie Xuechen, losing himself, kisses Mu Xuanling. She doesn't resist, but when Xie Xuechen regains his composure, he stops, stating he won't take advantage of her. He'll wait until she can see. He then guards the cave entrance.
The next morning, Mu Xuanling recalls Xie Xuechen mentioning numerous peach blossom marks on her neck, including two he "planted" (hickies). She covers her neck, and Xie Xuechen, sensing her awakening, approaches. They spot a concentration of spiritual energy and discover the Chang Sheng Lian (Eternal Lotus). Xie Xuechen is about to take it when Venerable Feng Xiang (a title of respect) appears, claiming to have been waiting for them. Xie Xuechen clarifies he only wants the lotus seeds, not the flower or root, to cure a friend poisoned by "Wuxin" water. Feng Xiang is skeptical, believing everyone seeks immortality. They fight. Feng Xiang recognizes the sword, Jun Tian, in Xie Xuechen's hand and questions how he became its master. Mu Xuanling reveals Xie Xuechen is the leader of the Immortal Alliance. Feng Xiang is disbelieving, knowing the leader is Qian Guang Jun. Xie Xuechen states that was the leader 6,000 years ago. Confused, they decide to investigate further the next day. Nan Xuyue and Feng Yao also arrive at Qi Feng Forest, as Nan Xuyue is worried about Mu Xuanling.
