Episode Summary
Yan Shao and Rong Shu Kuang continue their journey, facing conflict with the Junshan Sect and personal tensions regarding Rong Shu Kuang's arranged marriage. Shen Zui Tian pursues them, while Lin Shao Ci's group also searches for Rong Shu Kuang. A series of misunderstandings and near encounters culminate in both Lin Shao Ci and Yan Shao saving Rong Shu Kuang from a fall. Lin Wan Ci confirms Yan Shao has absorbed Rong Shu Kuang's poison. The episode ends with Yan Shao leaving Rong Shu Kuang's room after she makes him uncomfortable, and Lin Wan Ci observing this from afar.
Spoiler Alert
The episode opens with Rong Shu Kuang awakened by a commotion outside. She finds Yan Shao fighting three members of the Junshan Sect. They claim to be fellow disciples of Shang Guan Tong, here to bring him back to face justice for the death of their master. Shang Guan Tong, ready to accept his fate, is stopped by Yan Shao. Yan Shao assures the Junshan Sect members that he'll ensure justice is served after they defeat the Ghost Valley Alliance, and he hints that there's more to Shang Guan Tong's story. Shang Guan Tong admits his master died by his sword but denies any malicious intent. The Junshan Sect members, recognizing Yan Shao's strength and trusting in Tian Gang's judgment, depart.
Rong Shu Kuang, realizing Shang Guan Tong was the one who previously tried to ignite the fire oil, confronts Yan Shao about his deception. Yan Shao admits to lying but promises to be truthful with her from now on. He explains that Shang Guan Tong isn't evil, just manipulated. Rong Shu Kuang believes him, but a sudden chest pain troubles her. Yan Shao, concerned, checks her pulse and learns she's been experiencing this for two days, dismissing it as fatigue.
The next day, as they continue their journey, Yan Shao suffers a sudden discomfort, which he hides from Rong Shu Kuang. She brings up her impending arranged marriage, expressing her displeasure at marrying someone she doesn't know, especially someone she imagines as old and ugly, the leader of Tian Gang. Yan Shao praises the Tian Gang leader, further irritating Rong Shu Kuang, who suspects Yan Shao is eager for her to marry Chu Tian Yao. Yan Shao, tired of arguing, joins Shang Guan Tong outside, who advises him not to reason with women.
Meanwhile, Shen Zui Tian is tracking Yan Shao and his group. Upon reaching the Junshan Sect, Shen Zui Tian decides to visit, with Hua Qi accompanying him.
Back with Yan Shao and Rong Shu Kuang, their argument over the marriage leads to a childish communication breakdown, with Shang Guan Tong acting as a reluctant messenger. Liu An, secretly following them, leaves markers for Lin Wan Ci and her group.
Yan Shao and company find lodging at an inn. Shang Guan Tong gets paper money, so Yan Shao and Rong Shu Kuang can write to each other, and also provides them with masks, suggesting they wear them to avoid seeing each other. Shang Guan Tong also reminds Rong Shu Kuang that he is not a child.
Lin Shao Ci's group arrives in town, and Lin Wan Ci spots Liu An's marks. While Lin Shao Ci and Tang Ying Luo are shopping, Tang Ying Luo finds a hairpin Rong Shu Kuang would like, which Lin Shao Ci buys. At the same time, Rong Shu Kuang and Yan Shao are also browsing, and Rong Shu Kuang's hunger finally prompts her to speak to Yan Shao. As they buy buns, Lin Shao Ci drops the hairpin, missing a chance encounter with Rong Shu Kuang.
Returning to the inn, Rong Shu Kuang feels unwell. Yan Shao checks on her, offering a massage and letting her sleep on the bed. Rong Shu Kuang pointedly asks if he truly wants her to marry Chu Tian Yao, but Yan Shao doesn't answer, leaving her frustrated.
Lin Shao Ci, gazing at the hairpin, drinks heavily, blaming himself for past mistakes. Tang Ying Luo encourages him to let go, suggesting that love can also mean acceptance. Lin Shao Ci holds her hand, expressing his wish for her not to suffer as he has, before passing out drunk.
The next day, Lin Wan Ci suggests leaving, but Lin Shao Ci insists on continuing the search for Rong Shu Kuang.
Yan Shao secretly meets with Feng Ming and Fei Wu, learning that Shen Zui Tian is nearby. Yan Shao prepares defenses. Meanwhile, Rong Shu Kuang nearly falls while helping a child retrieve a kite but is caught by both Lin Shao Ci and Yan Shao.
Lin Wan Ci's group ends up staying at the same inn as Rong Shu Kuang. Rong Shu Kuang starts suspecting Yan Shao's intentions, wondering if he deliberately chose the inn because it was supposedly full, forcing them to share a room.
Lin Wan Ci, pretending concern, checks Rong Shu Kuang's health and confirms that her illness has improved, believing Shen Zui Tian's claim that Yan Shao has absorbed the poison. Rong Shu Kuang tries to get another room but is told none are available. Worried about her reputation, she demands Yan Shao leave and stay with Shang Guan Tong. Yan Shao refuses, and Rong Shu Kuang playfully approaches him, making him uncomfortable enough to leave. Lin Wan Ci watches from the shadows as Yan Shao exits the room.
