Episode Summary
Xie Xuechen and Mu Xuanling prepare to fight Zhan Ying, but Nan Xuyue captures him. Zhan Ying fails to retrieve his projection. Mu Xuanling expresses her love for Xie Xuechen. Fireworks signal danger, leading the group to Mirror Flower Palace. Su Ningzhen urges Gao Qiumin to take revenge. Mu Xuanling uses bracelets to prove her loyalty to Xie Xuechen. They confront a Snake Spirit, Yan Si, at a hot spring inn.
Spoiler Alert
The episode opens with tension as Xie Xuechen prepares to confront Zhan Ying. However, Mu Xuanling steps in, insisting she should handle the situation. Xie Xuechen argues that he's the better choice, but Mu Xuanling reminds him that his powers haven't fully recovered. Their back-and-forth is interrupted by Zhan Ying, who's impatient to get the fight started. Suddenly, Nan Xuyue appears and captures Zhan Ying within his magical fan. Before he's completely sealed away, Zhan Ying realizes he's been lured into a trap, but Xie Xuechen and the others ignore his questions as his projection disappears.
Back at his base, Zhan Ying is questioned by Yu Ying about his status. Zhan Ying confirms he's still alive, and clarifies that Xie Xuechen and Mu Xuanling are also unharmed. Chi Ying urges Zhan Ying to retrieve his projection, but Zhan Ying's attempts to use his powers are unsuccessful.
Meanwhile, Mu Xuanling asks Xie Xuechen how he knew Gao Qiumin was possessed. Xie Xuechen remains silent and leaves. Nan Xuyue tells her that Xie Xuechen will reveal the information when he's ready. He then shifts the conversation, asking Mu Xuanling why she's so devoted to Xie Xuechen. Mu Xuanling openly admits her feelings for him and inquires about the rumored engagement between Xie Xuechen and Gao Qiumin. Nan Xuyue explains that there's no official engagement, just speculation within the Immortal Alliance. Mu Xuanling declares that since Xie Xuechen is dedicated to protecting the world, she'll be content to protect him. Nan Xuyue, observing her, ponders whether this is truly selfless devotion.
Back in their quarters, Xie Xuechen carries the unconscious Gao Qiumin. Mu Xuanling, witnessing this, playfully asks Nan Xuyue if it's too late to release Zhan Ying, making Nan Xuyue laugh. Gao Qiumin awakens, and Xie Xuechen informs her about the possession. Furious, Gao Qiumin expresses regret that the Dark Clan wasn't eradicated.
Gao Qiumin asks about her fellow disciple, Cui Wanwan. Xie Xuechen reassures her that Cui Wanwan has been safely returned to the Mirror Flower Palace. Suddenly, fireworks light up the sky – a signal from Feng Yao. Nan Xuyue interprets the purple-red color as an indication of either an enemy attack or a traitor within the Immortal Alliance. The group decides to investigate Mirror Flower Palace. Gao Qiumin introduces Mu Xuanling, whom she hasn't met before. When Xie Xuechen doesn't explain, Nan Xuyue covers, saying Mu Xuanling is his cousin. Mu Xuanling insists on joining their mission, and despite Xie Xuechen's initial refusal, she asserts she'll go anyway. Nan Xuyue tells her to prepare.
Xie Xuechen warns Mu Xuanling that Su Ningzhen, the Mirror Flower Palace Master, despises the Spirit Clan, and he won't intervene if she gets into trouble. At Mirror Flower Palace, Gao Qiumin meets with Su Ningzhen, explaining that she returned with Xie Xuechen and others. Su Ningzhen asks where they are, and Gao Qiumin claims they're pursuing a separate lead related to the missing Jade Token. Su Ningzhen, hearing that Xie Xuechen was captured by Sang Qi, becomes agitated, grabbing Gao Qiumin's hand and urging her to seek revenge.
Gao Qiumin's hand is injured by Su Ningzhen's grip, and Su Ningzhen sends Elder Zai Xi to tend to the wound. Mu Xuanling, feeling distrusted by Xie Xuechen, asks Nan Xuyue for a way to prove her loyalty. Nan Xuyue provides a pair of bracelets that will allow Xie Xuechen to control her. Mu Xuanling immediately puts them on. She and Xie Xuechen deduce that the Jade Token thief might be at a hot spring inn. They find a Snake Spirit named Yan Si, and a fight ensues. Xie Xuechen saves Mu Xuanling when Yan Si is about to strike her.
