Episode Summary
Nan Xuyue helps Mu Xuanling escape the Linglong Shackles, a trap they both realize was set by Xie Xuechen. The three reunite at Yunxiu Villa, where Xie Xuechen reveals his suspicion of a traitor within the Immortal Alliance and his deliberate capture in the Dark Territory to investigate. Nan Xuyue helps restore Xie Xuechen's powers. A flashback shows Mu Xuanling and Nan Xuyue's friendship. The episode ends with the arrival of Gao Qiumin, who is possessed by a Zhan Ying.
Spoiler Alert
The episode opens with Feng Yao questioning Nan Xuyue, who's traveling in a carriage, about his reasons for being in the area. Nan Xuyue reveals he foresaw meeting an old acquaintance here today, though he's unsure if she'll remember him. Meanwhile, Mu Xuanling is stuck in the blazing sun, trapped within a magical construct called the Linglong Shackles. She believes Xie Xuechen put her there as a prank, essentially to "roast" her. She hears A'bao's voice, who claims to have found the smartest person in the world to help her. Mu Xuanling is skeptical, thinking everyone seems smart to A'bao, but is surprised when the newcomer correctly identifies the Linglong Shackles and notes that its creator didn't intend to kill her.
Nan Xuyue further explains that the Linglong Shackles requires blood and significant magical power to set up, but the lack of lethal intent suggests the creator was running low on power, using it as a defensive measure. Impressed, Mu Xuanling explains she had a minor disagreement with a friend and asks for help escaping the trap to clear things up. Nan Xuyue, already aware that the "friend" is Xie Xuechen, tells her how to break free. After she succeeds, he introduces himself as Nan Xuyue, the master of Yunxiu Villa, and confirms her friend is indeed Xie Xuechen.
Mu Xuanling is puzzled by how he knew, and Nan Xuyue explains that he and Xie Xuechen created the Linglong Shackles together. When Mu Xuanling expresses surprise that Xie Xuechen even has friends, Nan Xuyue points out that she's also his friend, leaving her slightly embarrassed. Nan Xuyue invites Mu Xuanling to Yunxiu Villa, mentioning that Xie Xuechen will be there too. A'bao also wants to tag along, and Mu Xuanling, wanting some space, tells him not to follow her.
A'bao asks Nan Xuyue directly if he can visit the villa. Nan Xuyue, after a glance at Mu Xuanling, agrees. Shortly after their arrival, Xie Xuechen appears. He confronts Nan Xuyue about bringing Mu Xuanling, who promptly calls Xie Xuechen a jerk and storms off. Alone, Xie Xuechen tells Nan Xuyue that he suspects a traitor within the Immortal Alliance (Immortal Alliance). Nan Xuyue agrees, realizing that Xie Xuechen's capture in the Dark Territory was intentional.
He knows Xie Xuechen's personality; he'd choose death in battle over capture. Xie Xuechen confirms his deliberate capture, explaining he wanted to gather intel in the Dark Territory. He reveals that Sang Qi is suspicious, colluding with someone in the Immortal Alliance to target the Chaos Pearl. The key, Xie Xuechen says, is to identify the traitor, but his powers are still recovering. Nan Xuyue offers to help restore his strength, and proceeds to do so. Xie Xuechen thanks him, and Nan Xuyue replies that he should just try to get injured less. Xie Xuechen believes this is only the beginning, sensing a larger conspiracy at play.
The episode delves into a flashback, showing that Xie Xuechen saved Mu Xuanling ten years ago. Ten years ago, when Nan Xuyue was injured at home, it was Mu Xuanling who befriended him. Back in the present, Mu Xuanling asks A'bao if the dead can come back to life. A'bao says her mother told her only members of the Dark Clan can revive, while humans and gods stay dead, unless there are special circumstances. A'bao then shares her mother's advice: know when to back down, since you only have one life. The scene shifts as Feng Yao, Nan Xuyue's subordinate, informs them of a problem. Gao Qiumin has arrived, seeking shelter for the night. While Nan Xuyue prepares a room, Xie Xuechen chats with Gao Qiumin and quickly realizes she's been possessed by a Zhan Ying. Mu Xuanling senses the presence as well and rushes out.
