Episode Summary
- Yan Shao's Sacrifice: Yan Shao is deeply committed to protecting Rong Shu Kuang (Fang Yi), even at great personal cost. He willingly endures the worsening effects of the poison to give her a chance at survival, highlighting his selfless love and dedication.
- The Importance of Wu Qing House: The Wu Qing House serves as a crucial safe haven, offering protection in exchange for a fee and disarmament. It establishes a neutral ground in a world of conflict, showcasing the power of established rules and boundaries.
- Shen Zui Tian's Ambition: Shen Zui Tian emerges as a significant threat, driven by a desire for the treasure. His willingness to form alliances and his manipulative nature make him a formidable antagonist.
- Lin Shao Ci's entrance: Lin Shao Ci's entrance make a great impact in the story.
Spoiler Alert
The episode kicks off with Tang Wu taking Yan Shao to a frigid Cold Pond, hoping the extreme temperature will temporarily counteract the poison coursing through Yan Shao's body. Tang Wu reveals that Rong Shu Kuang has been suffering from this poison for a long time, meaning someone has been deliberately poisoning her. Their respite is short-lived, as the Ghost Valley Alliance, hot on their trail, forces them to flee. Yan Shao scoops Rong Shu Kuang into his arms, hiding her. In this vulnerable moment, Rong Shu Kuang muses that even dying here, in Yan Shao's embrace, wouldn't be so bad.
Tang Wu, a skilled physician, uses his medical expertise to deal with the pursuing Ghost Valley Alliance members. He accurately diagnoses the leader's ailment and offers him medicine, successfully persuading them to retreat. Tang Wu, with the caravan in tow, prepares to leave. He offers a farewell to Yan Shao and Rong Shu Kuang. Yan Shao gives a token of gratitude to Tang Wu, and asking for his help in the future if he needs it. Tang Wu, having already suspected Yan Shao's true identity, is further validated by this token.
Yan Shao and Rong Shu Kuang then head to the Wu Qing House, a neutral territory. Entry requires a hefty fee of one hundred gold pieces and surrendering weapons, which are hung on a nearby tree. This act essentially buys protection, preventing pursuers from attacking within its walls. Jin Bu Yao, the owner, initially intends to charge Rong Shu Kuang, but upon learning her identity, realizes Yan Shao is after the bounty. She generously grants them entry and even arranges a bath for Rong Shu Kuang.
In a separate room, Fei Wu and Feng Ming use ice to control Yan Shao's poison. Fei Wu questions how anyone could inflict such harm on Yan Shao and resents that he'd risk himself for a woman. He knows that drawing out Rong Shu Kuang's poison only worsens Yan Shao's condition, potentially extending his life by a mere three to five years. However, Yan Shao believes it's worth it, giving Rong Shu Kuang a fighting chance. He always draws out the poison while Rong Shu Kuang sleeps, having vowed from childhood to protect Fang Yi (who is, in fact, Rong Shu Kuang) for life.
The next morning, Rong Shu Kuang intends to bid Yan Shao farewell, but he doesn't emerge from his room. She assumes he's completed his task and no longer needs to protect her. She resolves to find her own means of protection. Jin Bu Yao leads Rong Shu Kuang outside, where many martial artists are drinking. Rong Shu Kuang seeks a bodyguard, but after several introductions, none seem suitable. She finally spots a man sitting alone in a corner. Approaching him, she asks for his protection on her journey to Yu Chi Manor. To her horror, the man is Shen Zui Tian, causing her to flee in terror.
Tang Ying Luo and Yu Ling Long then arrive, claiming they're there to protect Rong Shu Kuang. Frightened, Rong Shu Kuang rushes to find Yan Shao. He's already aware of the situation, knowing Tang Ying Luo and Yu Ling Long are actually there to see Lin Shao Ci, not Rong Shu Kuang. Rong Shu Kuang suddenly realizes Yan Shao is the best person to protect her. She asks him, but he feigns reluctance, telling her to wait safely for people from Yu Chi Manor. However, Rong Shu Kuang fears Shen Zui Tian will kill her at any moment. Yan Shao assures her that Shen Zui Tian won't act within these walls. As Rong Shu Kuang angrily leaves, Yan Shao clutches his chest in pain.
Yan Shao bathes again, attempting to expel the poison. Shen Zui Tian suddenly appears, testing Yan Shao's martial arts skills. Yan Shao is forced to engage, narrowly winning. Shen Zui Tian questions Yan Shao's motives for protecting Rong Shu Kuang, suspecting he's after the treasure and proposing they join forces to attack Yu Chi Manor. Yan Shao declines, stating he doesn't share women or treasure. Shen Zui Tian warns that friendship is better than enmity, urging Yan Shao to reconsider.
Yan Shao and Rong Shu Kuang enter the hall, observing Shen Zui Tian feeding his dog, A Lie. Rong Shu Kuang fears she might end up as dog food herself. Yan Shao playfully teases her, suggesting she beg him for protection. Rong Shu Kuang pouts. Suddenly, Lin Shao Ci's arrival causes a commotion. Though unfamiliar with him, Rong Shu Kuang deduces his identity from his grand entrance.
