Episode Summary
- Rong Shu Kuang's Growing Feelings: Rong Shu Kuang realizes her deep attachment to Yan Shao and the world she's currently in, to the point where she experiences nightmares about returning to her modern life without him. Her feelings are solidified.
- Impending Conflict and Alliance: The Ghost Valley Alliance's declaration of war forces Yu Chi Manor to seek an alliance with Tian Gang, setting the stage for a major conflict. Yan Shao's role as a Tian Gang member becomes crucial.
- Jealousy and Rivalry: Lin Wan Ci's envy of Rong Shu Kuang and Yan Shao's bond is highlighted, suggesting future complications and potential conflict arising from her desire to possess what Rong Shu Kuang has.
- Yan Shao's mission: Yan Shao is leaving to seek alliance with Tian Gang, and gave Eagle Bone Whistle to Rong Shu Kuang for protection.
Spoiler Alert
After learning qinggong (lightness skill) from Yan Shao, Rong Shu Kuang realizes it's more about heightened reflexes than actual flight. She plans to make a video demystifying qinggong once she returns home. During their conversation, Rong Shu Kuang praises Yan Shao's master, and Yan Shao notes a similarity between Rong Shu Kuang and his master, but doesn't elaborate. Rong Shu Kuang finds it hard to believe she could be like such an accomplished woman.
Rong Shu Kuang expresses her worries about whether Yan Shao would still care for her if she weren't the "real" Rong Shu Kuang, but just a passerby. Yan Shao shares similar concerns, wondering if Rong Shu Kuang would treat him the same if their roles were reversed. Yan Shao announces his intention to leave, but Rong Shu Kuang forbids it, claiming they are family. Yan Shao reminds her that they aren't truly related, and unless she marries Lin Shao Ci, Yu Chi Manor isn't really her home.
Rong Shu Kuang, unable to bear the thought of separation, pleads with Yan Shao to stay as her bodyguard and repeatedly asks if he would truly abandon her. Yan Shao remains silent.
Meanwhile, Huang Pao reports his failure to Shen Zui Tian. Shen Zui Tian, however, isn't surprised, considering both Rong Shu Kuang and Yan Shao were at the Spirit Fox Sect. He doesn't blame Huang Pao but becomes determined to uncover Yan Shao's true background.
With Rong Shu Kuang's birthday approaching, Lin Wan Ci visits her to ask about gifts. Since Yan Shao favors red clothing, Rong Shu Kuang requests a red outfit. Lin Wan Ci readily agrees.
Rong Shu Kuang tries to subtly hint to Yan Shao about her birthday, hoping for a gift. However, Yan Shao drags her off to practice martial arts. Rong Shu Kuang attempts to remind him by mentioning the customs of gift-giving, candle-lighting, and singing during festivals and birthdays in her hometown. Yan Shao smiles and asks about her birthplace. Unable to reveal her modern origins, Rong Shu Kuang dismisses it as unimportant. Yan Shao, however, stresses the importance of knowing one's origins and destination, revealing that Rong Shu Kuang is from Longyue Village. Rong Shu Kuang has heard Lin Qian Yi mention it, but she has no memory of it. Yan Shao, ignoring her hints, pulls her back to training.
Lin Wan Ci visits Yan Shao, ostensibly to thank him for his help and offer a gift of clothing. She attempts to take his measurements, but Yan Shao avoids it, offering an old garment instead and suggesting future measurements can be sent by a messenger. Lin Wan Ci leaves, angered, but notices an Eagle Bone Whistle on Yan Shao's table, realizing it's a gift for Rong Shu Kuang. She becomes envious, vowing to have everything Rong Shu Kuang has.
Yu Chi Manor receives a red feather from the Ghost Valley Alliance, a declaration of war. To protect the manor, Lin Shao Ci suggests an alliance with Tian Gang. Lin Qian Yi says he will handle it. Lin Shao Ci wonders if his father also coveted the treasure's secret, as he only brought back a young girl (Rong Shu Kuang) years ago. Lin Qian Yi doesn't explain, promising to tell Lin Shao Ci in the future.
Lin Shao Ci encounters Lin Wan Ci searching for her rabbit in the courtyard. He helps her find it, and she inquires about the situation. Lin Shao Ci reveals the Ghost Valley Alliance's threat, and Lin Wan Ci reassures him.
Lin Qian Yi confronts Yan Shao, revealing he knows Yan Shao is from Tian Gang. He asks Yan Shao to communicate with their leader and propose an alliance against the Ghost Valley Alliance. Yan Shao readily agrees to relay the message.
Lin Wan Ci quickly finishes Rong Shu Kuang's outfit. Rong Shu Kuang notices Lin Wan Ci's red eyes and assumes it's from staying up late to sew. Lin Wan Ci explains it's from crying over her dead rabbit. She also mentions she made a red outfit for Yan Shao as a token of gratitude, implying a fondness between them.
Rong Shu Kuang, wanting clarity, creates a "snowfall" in her room using kites filled with snowflakes, inspired by Yan Shao's mention of his hometown's snow. Hearing footsteps, she hides and activates the kites, expressing a sentiment of shared experience. However, it's Lin Shao Ci who enters first, followed by Yan Shao, who leaves angrily. Rong Shu Kuang chases after him, wanting to clear up any misunderstandings. She confesses the snow was for him and declares that he is no longer without a place of origin – her home is his origin, and she is his destination. Yan Shao believes her. Rong Shu Kuang excitedly holds his hand, hoping for a response, but Yan Shao turns to leave, informing her that the Ghost Valley Alliance will soon attack Yu Chi Manor and he must depart. Rong Shu Kuang refuses to believe he'd abandon them, demanding an explanation. Yan Shao remains silent, giving her the Eagle Bone Whistle and instructing her to blow it in danger to summon help. He then leaves.
That night, Rong Shu Kuang dreams of returning to the modern world, her biggest fear being the loss of Yan Shao. She sees a doctor resembling Yan Shao and desperately chases after him, only to wake up. She realizes she doesn't want to leave this world because Yan Shao is here.
It starts snowing outside. Rong Shu Kuang opens the door to see Yan Shao, also in red, standing nearby. She runs barefoot to him, embracing him and tearfully recounting her dream, expressing her desire to stay with him, wherever he goes. However, Yan Shao fades away.
Rong Shu Kuang wakes up again, sobbing, realizing it was a dream within a dream. She clutches the Eagle Bone Whistle tightly and rushes off to find Yan Shao.
