Episode Summary
Mu Xuanling uses her demonic powers to save everyone from the Soul-Seizing Gu, but collapses from the strain. Xie Xuechen discovers her secret notebook and feeds her Yu Ying's spirit pill. After a moment of intimate confusion due to the pill, Xie Xuechen knocks her out. Gao Qiumin appears, and Xie Xuechen warns her to keep Mu Xuanling's secret. Mu Xuanling argues with Gao Qiumin. Back at Yunxiu Villa, Mu Xuanling asks to go to Yongxue City with Xie Xuechen, who agrees. Nan Xuyue decides to go with them.
Spoiler Alert
The episode kicks off with Mu Xuanling, Xie Xuechen, and their companions enjoying a meal when things suddenly take a dark turn. A terrifying "Soul-Seizing Gu" appears, a parasitic creature that infects its hosts, and even Su Ningzhen falls victim. Nan Xuyue, quick on his feet, uses his magic to temporarily seal the door, buying them some time. Xie Xuechen, ever the leader, asks how long the spell will hold, but Nan Xuyue admits it won't be for long.
Xie Xuechen proposes a classic heroic sacrifice – he'll stay behind to hold off the threat while the others escape. However, Feng Yao points out the grim reality: they're surrounded. The camera pans to reveal a horde of disciples from the Mirror Flower Palace, all infected by the Soul-Seizing Gu, swarming towards them.
Mu Xuanling, ready to fight, prepares to kill the infected disciples. Xie Xuechen, showing his compassionate side, stops her, reminding her that these are innocent people, not monsters. In a desperate move, Mu Xuanling cuts her own hand, using her blood – apparently imbued with demonic power – to dispel the Gu from the disciples. She explains that only demonic arts, a kind of "fight fire with fire" approach, can counter these creatures.
Xie Xuechen is visibly worried about Mu Xuanling, urging her to stop before she seriously injures herself. Mu Xuanling, perhaps touched by his concern, asks him if he's worried. He doesn't answer, but his silence speaks volumes. Finally, using her demonic powers, she successfully drives the Gu out of everyone, but the effort is too much, and she collapses into Xie Xuechen's arms. Nan Xuyue also reaches out to catch her, but he is too late.
Nan Xuyue checks Mu Xuanling's pulse and delivers the bad news: she was already injured, and this latest exertion has made things much worse. Her "spirit channels" are damaged, a concept Xie Xuechen is familiar with. He urges Nan Xuyue to find a way to help her, and Nan Xuyue heads off to his study to research possible cures.
Xie Xuechen remembers Mu Xuanling confiding in him about her damaged spirit channels, which forced her to cultivate demonic arts. He spots a notebook that Mu Xuanling dropped. He's tempted to read it, remembering her teasing him about wanting to peek at her private thoughts. He hesitates, torn between curiosity and respect, but ultimately gives in. He reads the notebook, imagining her writing the entries, gaining a deeper understanding of her struggles.
He recalls Mu Xuanling telling him to consume Yu Ying's spirit pill to boost his power. He takes out the pill and feeds it to the unconscious Mu Xuanling. Soon after, she awakens, and Xie Xuechen is glowing with a strange purple light.
Mu Xuanling, in a state of distress, throws her arms around Xie Xuechen, asking him how he feels. She seems to be in pain, complaining about discomfort and acting unusually affectionate. She murmurs that her clothes feel restrictive and starts to make suggestive movements. Xie Xuechen, clearly uncomfortable, tries to stop her. She persists, getting even closer, and he's forced to knock her out to prevent things from escalating. He gently lays her on the bed, hoping she'll rest peacefully.
Stepping outside for some air, Xie Xuechen encounters Gao Qiumin, who claims she came to check on him. He sternly warns her not to reveal anything about Mu Xuanling's condition. Gao Qiumin, surprised, asks when he started showing compassion to the Spirit Clan. He retorts by implying she's not so different.
Gao Qiumin tells him to keep his people in line, assuring him she's not a gossip. She then visits Su Ningzhen, who is recovering well. Su Ningzhen asks how they managed to defeat so many Gu-infected people. Gao Qiumin credits Xie Xuechen with finding their weakness.
As Xie Xuechen and his group prepare to return to Yunxiu Villa, Gao Qiumin sees them off. Mu Xuanling and Gao Qiumin get into another argument. Xie Xuechen, exasperated, asks Mu Xuanling about her feud with Gao Qiumin. She dismissively says he wouldn't remember even if she told him and storms off.
Back at Yunxiu Villa, A'bao greets them with a joyful hug for Mu Xuanling. Nan Xuyue's attendant informs them that preparations are underway to send Xie Xuechen back to Yongxue City. Mu Xuanling catches up to Xie Xuechen, asking if she can go with him. He questions her motives, wondering if she's truly abandoning her dark past. She admits that her words might seem insincere, but she was forced to act that way in the Dark Territory to survive. However, she genuinely desires to "stand in the sunlight." Xie Xuechen agrees to let her accompany him. Feng Yao, observing from a distance, asks Nan Xuyue if he intends to keep this "old acquaintance" around. Nan Xuyue replies that she can't be held back, so he'll join her.
