Episode Summary
- Alliances Shift and Loyalties are Tested: The episode showcases a complex web of relationships, with characters constantly switching sides and questioning their allegiances. Rong Shu Kuang's rescue of Shen Zui Tian, despite him being her enemy, highlights this, as does Yan Shao's past connection to Shen Zui Tian.
- Hua Qi's True Identity is Confirmed: The mystery surrounding Hua Qi is resolved as she openly admits to being the leader of Wu Wang Pavilion and reveals her attachment to the name given to her by Shen Zui Tian.
- Rong Shu Kuang's Growing Strength: Rong Shu Kuang demonstrates increasing resilience and adaptability. She no longer faints at the sight of blood, takes charge of situations, and even manipulates Shen Zui Tian and Yan Shao.
- The Poison Red Lotus Heart's Significance: The introduction of the Red Lotus Heart poison adds a layer of intrigue and connects the current events to a past tragedy, deepening the backstory and raising the stakes.
Spoiler Alert
Episode 14 kicks off with Yan Shao stunned, finding the Eagle Bone Whistle in Lin Wan Ci's possession. Lin Wan Ci claims she received it from Rong Shu Kuang, prompting Yan Shao to immediately seek out Rong Shu Kuang.
Meanwhile, Rong Shu Kuang and her group have stopped by a stream. After confirming the water isn't poisoned, a weary Rong Shu Kuang rests. Hua Qi, now untied after gaining their trust, is also present. In a drowsy state, Rong Shu Kuang mistakes Lin Shao Ci for Yan Shao, showing a flicker of emotion before disappointment washes over her face upon realizing her mistake.
The scene shifts back to Yan Shao, who is confused by Lin Wan Ci's presence. Lin Wan Ci explains her desire to explore and asks to accompany Rong Shu Kuang's group to Tian Gang. Yan Shao, clearly annoyed, tries to send her back. However, Lin Wan Ci pleads, offering double whatever Rong Shu Kuang is paying for protection. Yan Shao remains unmoved until Lin Wan Ci seemingly trips, forcing him to help her continue.
Rong Shu Kuang awakens to a shocking sight: she's bound, and Hua Qi is feeding A Lie. Rong Shu Kuang realizes Hua Qi's true identity, deducing she used the shepherd boy's flute, smoke, and miasma to incapacitate everyone. Hua Qi confirms she is indeed the leader of Wu Wang Pavilion, revealing that Hua Qi is a name given to her by Shen Zui Tian, which she cherishes.
Rong Shu Kuang, attempting to provoke Hua Qi, boasts about being captured and released by Shen Zui Tian twice, implying he's a soft-hearted man. Enraged, Hua Qi moves to kill her, but Shen Zui Tian arrives. Hua Qi suggests cutting out Rong Shu Kuang's tongue to feed A Lie, but Rong Shu Kuang quickly offers to reveal everything to avoid further questioning from Shen Zui Tian.
Rong Shu Kuang claims she's unimportant at Yu Chi Manor, being merely an adopted daughter, and reminds them that Lin Shao Ci publicly rejected her marriage proposal. She suggests that going to Tian Gang in Mo Ye City is the better option, as the other key is there, and she can retrieve it for Shen Zui Tian. Unconvinced, Shen Zui Tian knows Chu Tian Yao, Tian Gang's leader, is cunning and unpredictable. He decides to attack Yu Chi Manor, anticipating Chu Tian Yao's arrival.
Lin Shao Ci and the others awaken to find Rong Shu Kuang missing. Their search is fruitless. They reach the ferry point agreed upon with Tian Gang, meeting Feng Ming and Fei Wu, along with Lin Wan Ci. Yan Shao, burdened by Lin Wan Ci, had left her with Feng Ming and Fei Wu at the ferry while he searched for Rong Shu Kuang alone.
Shen Zui Tian is aware that Rong Shu Kuang's willingness to marry Chu Tian Yao was a ploy to divert the Ghost Valley Alliance and protect Yu Chi Manor. He, therefore, doesn't trust her. Yan Shao suddenly appears, intending to take Rong Shu Kuang. During the ensuing fight, Yan Shao injures Hua Qi. As Rong Shu Kuang is about to fall off a cliff, Yan Shao grabs her hand. Shen Zui Tian seizes the opportunity to attack, but all three end up plunging into the water below.
Rong Shu Kuang and Yan Shao awaken first, discovering an unconscious Shen Zui Tian. Despite their initial inclination to leave him, they reluctantly pull him ashore and tie him up.
Rong Shu Kuang is saddened by the thought of never seeing Yan Shao again, realizing he only appears when she's in danger. Yan Shao jokes that he always suffers terribly whenever he encounters her. Rong Shu Kuang notices Yan Shao's injured leg, but this time, she doesn't faint at the sight of blood, speculating she's becoming accustomed to her current body. Yan Shao doesn't seem to understand.
Rong Shu Kuang goes to gather firewood, questioning why she saved Shen Zui Tian, thinking that without him, she and her master could be together. Yan Shao observes the food Rong Shu Kuang prepares. He points out that Shen Zui Tian is unconscious and suggests she tend to his wounds. Yan Shao recalls a past event: during the Ghost Valley Alliance's massacre of Longyue Village, he hid with Rong Shu Kuang, and Shen Zui Tian helped cover for them, saving their lives.
Rong Shu Kuang falls asleep leaning on Yan Shao's shoulder. He takes the opportunity to draw out poison from her, witnessed by Shen Zui Tian. Shen Zui Tian recognizes the poison as Red Lotus Heart, the same poison used by Su Shi Yu on Shen Zui Tian's father, causing his agonizing death. He notes that there's no antidote.
Hua Qi continues to order a search for Shen Zui Tian. Lin Shao Ci and the others secretly observe this, planning to find Rong Shu Kuang and Yan Shao first.
Rong Shu Kuang awakens to find Yan Shao unconscious. Shen Zui Tian informs her he can save Yan Shao, who is suffering from both poison and severe injuries. Rong Shu Kuang, distrustful, kicks his wound, but Shen Zui Tian reminds her he's the only one who can save Yan Shao. She unties him. Shen Zui Tian heats a sword and removes the infected flesh from Yan Shao's wound, promising not to harm anyone in the cave.
They hear A Lie's call outside. Shen Zui Tian wants to find A Lie, but Rong Shu Kuang knocks him out. When Yan Shao and Shen Zui Tian awaken, Rong Shu Kuang has brought A Lie in, feeding him meat. A Lie obediently approaches Shen Zui Tian.
The next day, Rong Shu Kuang orchestrates a fishing trip, forcing both Shen Zui Tian and Yan Shao to participate. Shen Zui Tian, the leader of the Ghost Valley Alliance, has never done such a thing, but Rong Shu Kuang, though unskilled in martial arts, is capable enough to handle him, leaving him with no choice.
Rong Shu Kuang enjoys their current carefree life and expresses a desire to stay. Just as she's about to confess her feelings again, she hears a whistle.
