Episode Summary
Yan Shao sends Lin Shao Ci to enlist the help of Jin Bu Yao, a recluse who has sworn never to leave Wu Qing House. Jin Bu Yao is swayed by a past debt to Yan Shao. A sandstorm interrupts a battle with Shen Zui Tian, allowing the group to reach Wu Qing House. Tang Wu treats Yan Shao's injuries. Secrets and loyalties are tested. A power-boosting drug is introduced, but there's only one dose. Shen Zui Tian attacks Wu Qing House, demanding Rong Shu Kuang. Rong Shu Kuang prepares to sacrifice herself, revealing she's from another time. Yan Shao forces her to take the drug and confesses his protective vow. A battle erupts. Jin Bu Yao sacrifices himself to save others. Yan Shao fights Shen Zui Tian, who is defeated and retreats. Lin Wan Ci is injured protecting Yan Shao. Jin Bu Yao dies, his debt to Yan Shao repaid. Yan Shao confronts Lin Wan Ci, demanding answers.
Spoiler Alert
In this episode, the stakes are higher than ever. Yan Shao, in a desperate bid to free his companions, instructs Lin Shao Ci to seek help from the reclusive Jin Bu Yao at Wu Qing House. The catch? Jin Bu Yao has sworn never to leave Wu Qing House again. Lin Shao Ci worries that this makes the mission impossible, but Yan Shao provides a crucial piece of leverage: a message revealing that Yan Shao was the one who buried Jin Bu Yao's relatives near the lotus pond. Armed with this information, Lin Shao Ci races to Wu Qing House while Yan Shao and the others hide. Meanwhile, the relentless Shen Zui Tian and his forces arrive, searching everywhere for Yan Shao.
The significance of the lotus pond is revealed: Jin Bu Yao is a man of deep loyalty and affection, evidenced by his willingness to place priceless lotuses next to his late sister's portrait. Yan Shao was the one who helped bury Jin Bu Yao's master and sister by the lotus pond, even planting it full of his sister's favorite flowers. This act created a debt that Jin Bu Yao swore to repay, promising to aid Tian Gang whenever needed, even at the cost of his own life.
When Lin Shao Ci reaches Jin Bu Yao, the latter is initially unwilling to help. However, upon hearing Yan Shao's message, Jin Bu Yao immediately rushes to their aid. Just as a confrontation is about to erupt, a massive sandstorm hits, forcing Shen Zui Tian and his men to seek shelter. Yan Shao seizes the opportunity, leading his group to the supposed safety of Wu Qing House, guided by Jin Bu Yao.
At Wu Qing House, Tang Wu, who is also present, rushes to treat Yan Shao's injuries. Jin Bu Yao watches over the process, keeping everyone else out. Rong Shu Kuang is forced to wait in another room, growing increasingly anxious about Yan Shao's condition.
Rong Shu Kuang wants to see Yan Shao, but Lin Shao Ci stops her. Rong Shu Kuang realizes that Yan Shao and Lin Shao Ci are hiding something. Lin Shao Ci explains that because Jin Bu Yao broke his vow and left Wu Qing House, it is no longer a safe haven. He believes that they will need a plan when the Ghost Valley Alliance inevitably catches up. Rong Shu Kuang argues that this is precisely why they should consult with Yan Shao, but Lin Shao Ci insists that Yan Shao has his own arrangements.
After Tang Wu treats Yan Shao, Jin Bu Yao warns Yan Shao about the impending threat of the Ghost Valley Alliance and what to do with the people downstairs. Tang Wu suggests they might stand a chance together, but Jin Bu Yao is focused on Yan Shao's recovery, believing that only Yan Shao's survival can ensure everyone else's.
Tang Wu reveals that Tang Ying Luo and Tang Chan Yi are his elder brother's children. He explains that Tian Gang not only sheltered Tang Ying Luo but also escorted Tang Wu to the desert to escape their enemies. Grateful for this past kindness, Tang Wu sought out the antidote for the Red Lotus Heart, but unfortunately, there's only one dose. Tang Wu assumes that Yan Shao will save Rong Shu Kuang, to which Yan Shao affirms that Rong Shu Kuang's life is his own. Fei Wu, guarding the door, overhears this and grips his sword tightly.
Concerned about facing the Ghost Valley Alliance, Yan Shao asks Tang Wu for a temporary power boost. Tang Wu provides two "Huihun" needles, which, when inserted into the Tianchi acupoint, can restore half an hour of power, but can only be used twice.
Yan Shao emerges to face Rong Shu Kuang and the others. Rong Shu Kuang, worried, checks him for injuries. Yan Shao reassures everyone and prepares to confront the approaching Ghost Valley Alliance. Jin Bu Yao joins the group downstairs, offering drinks and urging everyone to leave. However, everyone refuses, believing that staying offers a chance of having their bodies recovered, while leaving means certain death. Just then, the Ghost Valley Alliance arrives.
Shen Zui Tian arrives at Wu Qing House, having captured Lin Wan Ci. He demands Rong Shu Kuang in exchange for everyone's lives, threatening to kill Lin Wan Ci otherwise. Rong Shu Kuang intends to surrender to save everyone. Yan Shao stops her, giving her a pill that he claims will restore her martial abilities. Rong Shu Kuang refuses, suspecting there's only one dose. Yan Shao lies, saying he's already taken one, but Rong Shu Kuang insists on going out, believing that even with restored powers, they might not defeat Shen Zui Tian. She believes surrendering will reset everything.
Yan Shao reveals he was adopted by Rong Shu Kuang's mother, and they grew up together. He promised his master he would protect Rong Shu Kuang and cannot break that vow. Rong Shu Kuang explains she's not the person Yan Shao is looking for, but a soul from another time, unsure if the real Rong Shu Kuang even exists. Unwilling to let Yan Shao sacrifice himself, she tells him the truth and returns the pill.
Rong Shu Kuang, wanting to avoid implicating anyone, prepares to go out. Chaos erupts below. Yan Shao forcibly feeds Rong Shu Kuang the pill. Unsure if they'll meet again, Rong Shu Kuang confesses her feelings for Yan Shao, admitting that even though she's not the real Rong Shu Kuang, from the moment she first saw him... Yan Shao interrupts, telling her that if she's not the person he's looking for, they have no further connection, and he hopes she'll live well in Mo Ye City.
Shen Zui Tian and his forces storm Wu Qing House, and a fierce battle ensues. Rong Shu Kuang and Yan Shao fight side-by-side, but Rong Shu Kuang's powers haven't fully returned, and Yan Shao frequently shields her. Jin Bu Yao, seeing them in danger, helps them escape. Yan Shao, his injuries worsening, coughs up blood. Just as Shen Zui Tian is about to deliver a fatal blow, Lin Wan Ci urges Lin Shao Ci to intervene. Tang Wu arrives in the nick of time, throwing needles to provide cover, and Yan Shao uses the Huihun needles to restore his strength. However, in a critical moment, someone attempts to assassinate Yan Shao, but Lin Wan Ci shields him, taking the blow.
Jin Bu Yao activates a mechanism to protect the others, allowing Rong Shu Kuang and Lin Shao Ci to escape, but he is killed by the Ghost Valley Alliance. Yan Shao, ignoring Lin Wan Ci's pleas, goes out to fight Shen Zui Tian, delivering a powerful kick that sends Shen Zui Tian flying and coughing up blood. Shen Zui Tian's subordinates, seeing the tide turn, flee with him. Yan Shao collapses, coughing up more blood, and Lin Wan Ci rushes to his side.
Before dying, Jin Bu Yao pulls out a portrait of his sister. He reflects on his life as a money-grubber, noting that this time, he not only didn't profit but also lost his life. He tells Yan Shao their debt is settled. Yan Shao, tearful, places the portrait in Jin Bu Yao's arms, acknowledging him as a truly righteous man.
Lin Wan Ci, dreaming of Yan Shao, wakes up to find him before her. Yan Shao confronts her about her various misdeeds, demanding she reveal some truths.
