Episode Summary
Lin Wan Ci denies her crimes but admits she'd do anything for Yan Shao's attention. Rong Shu Kuang trades Yan Shao's whistle for safe passage. A weakened Yan Shao learns Rong Shu Kuang is cured. Jiang Ru Hai betrays Shen Zui Tian, who vows revenge. Rong Shu Kuang confronts Jiang Ru Hai. Lin Wan Ci plans revenge and partners with Wu Chang Gui, using the Fuxian Treasure as leverage. The sects unite to find the treasure. Rong Shu Kuang arrives at Tian Gang, seeking Chu Tian Yao (who is secretly Yan Shao), but is kept from seeing him. She confronts him, sensing his true identity, but he disappears.
Spoiler Alert
The episode opens with Lin Wan Ci vehemently denying all accusations against her. She explains that after being kidnapped by Shen Zui Tian, her sole focus was on finding a way to defeat him, not on harming Rong Shu Kuang. Yan Shao, however, sees through her lies but is too weary to argue. Lin Wan Ci, unrepentant, claims she'd do it all again, hoping it would make Yan Shao notice her and consider her a good person. Yan Shao retorts that being "good" isn't something he can judge; it's an inherent quality.
Meanwhile, Rong Shu Kuang and her companions escape through a secret passage. They encounter a coffin maker, and Rong Shu Kuang, realizing Jin Bu Yao orchestrated their arrival, proposes a trade. The coffin maker asks for their most prized possessions. Lin Shao Ci offers his sword, and Rong Shu Kuang initially offers her saber, but the coffin maker senses her dishonesty. Reluctantly, Rong Shu Kuang produces Yan Shao's Eagle Bone Whistle, a memento of their broken bond, and throws it in, heartbroken. Surprisingly, the coffin maker refuses their offerings, volunteering to find them a carriage, stating that someone else has already paid.
Back at the manor, a severely injured Lin Wan Ci refuses medicine, demanding that Yan Shao administer it personally. Yan Shao scoffs at her "martyr act," but Lin Wan Ci reveals her deep-seated jealousy of Rong Shu Kuang. She yearns to be like her and confesses her love for Yan Shao. Driven by a desire to prove her worth to her dismissive father and brother, she sought to make a name for herself.
Yan Shao believes Lin Wan Ci manipulated Shen Zui Tian to help Yu Chi Manor dominate the martial arts world. He condemns her disregard for human life and urges her to repent. He then shows her his Red Lotus Heart, revealing that Rong Shu Kuang's has been cured. Yan Shao, burdened by the Red Lotus mark and knowing his time is limited, is filled with sorrow.
Rong Shu Kuang is visibly upset, and Tang Ying Luo encourages her to open up. Lin Shao Ci knows Rong Shu Kuang still cares for Yan Shao, evident in her reluctance to part with the Eagle Bone Whistle. However, Rong Shu Kuang believes it's over, as Yan Shao declared they were finished. Lin Shao Ci tries to tell her about Yan Shao's sacrifices, but Rong Shu Kuang feels Yan Shao's actions were for the real Rong Shu Kuang, not her.
A destitute Shen Zui Tian discovers Jiang Ru Hai has vanished, recalling Hua Qi's warning about Jiang Ru Hai's untrustworthiness. He vows to reclaim what he's lost.
Jiang Ru Hai ambushes Rong Shu Kuang's group, but Rong Shu Kuang effortlessly defeats his men and captures him. Just as she points her sword at him, Tang Chan Yi arrives, threatening everyone's lives if Rong Shu Kuang harms Jiang Ru Hai. Rong Shu Kuang warns Tang Chan Yi that Jiang Ru Hai will never be truly loyal unless his legs are broken.
Tang Wu examines Yan Shao's poisoned wound, sealing his acupoints to buy him time, but warns him against using force. Tang Wu bids farewell, choosing to stay at Wu Qing House to care for those in need. Lin Wan Ci tries to follow Yan Shao but is stopped by Tang Wu, who urges her to heal. Lin Wan Ci's gaze lingers on Yan Shao, and she secretly vows to make those who oppose her regret it.
Wu Chang Gui retrieves his weapon hanging outside Wu Qing House, lamenting its dissolution. Lin Wan Ci appears, proposing a partnership with the Fuxian Treasure as their bargaining chip.
The six major sects gather at Yu Chi Manor, seeking the Fuxian Treasure and needing to elect a leader. Tang Chan Yi is reluctant, but Jiang Ru Hai, with promises of making her the leader, convinces her to join.
Rong Shu Kuang's group arrives at Tian Gang, greeted by Ye Gui Zhou. Rong Shu Kuang recognizes him as the fortune teller, impressed by Tian Gang's omnipresence. She demands to see Chu Tian Yao but is told he's ill and unavailable. However, a room has been specially prepared for her, arranged by Chu Tian Yao himself, which pleases her.
Wen Zhu, a maid, is assigned to care for Rong Shu Kuang, assuring her of her trustworthiness. Rong Shu Kuang is delighted by this insight into her concerns. Curious about the sect leader, she tries to investigate at night but is followed, with the excuse that she might get lost.
Asserting herself as the future leader's wife, Rong Shu Kuang explores alone and overhears Fei Wu and Ye Gui Zhou talking. She follows them to Chu Tian Yao's room, demanding to know Yan Shao's whereabouts. Fei Wu reminds her that Yan Shao declared they were finished and that she should prepare for her wedding.
Rong Shu Kuang bursts in, but Chu Tian Yao hides behind a screen. She accuses him of marrying her for the key, promising to honor her agreement but refusing a blind marriage. She demands to see him. Chu Tian Yao insists she follow their customs and avoid trouble before the wedding. Rong Shu Kuang presses on, desperate to know where Yan Shao is.
Chu Tian Yao, who is actually Yan Shao in disguise, stands behind the screen, tearful. He tells Rong Shu Kuang that Yan Shao has been assigned elsewhere. Rong Shu Kuang finds the figure behind the screen familiar, despite the altered voice and height, sensing a connection.
Fei Wu urges Rong Shu Kuang to leave. She pretends to comply but suddenly charges back in, only to find Yan Shao gone.
