Episode Summary
Feng Lixue seeks Xuyuan Yunchao's release. Chong Guang plots using Mo Xiao's feelings for Feng Lixue, poisoning him with a love potion. Mo Xiao and Feng Lixue grow closer. Shushan disciples arrive, and Chong Guang prepares a trap. Jixing Luo reveals her revenge plans.
Spoiler Alert
"Destiny and Saving" Episode 17: Trouble Brewing in the Valley of Desire
So, things are getting really interesting in "Destiny and Saving." Let's break down what happened in the latest episode.
We kick things off with Xuyuan Yunchao chilling in jail. Seems like getting locked up isn't cramping his style too much, as he's just casually reading. Feng Lixue, feeling guilty that he took the fall for her, pays him a visit. She's grateful he saved her twice and figures a savior is more important than just a friend. She doesn't want to see him stuck in the slammer for a week, so she goes to Chong Guang to plead for Xuyuan Yunchao's release.
Feng Lixue explains to Chong Guang that she was lured into the Secret Vault by Jixing Luo's scheme and was merely curious about the Wu Yan Stone. Chong Guang admits he wants to help Feng Lixue get revenge, but he also has his own agenda. When she presses him about his plans, he dodges the question, which makes Feng Lixue wonder if he's afraid she'll betray him. Chong Guang gets all intense, saying they're one and the same and that betrayal is impossible. He gets real close, gazing into her eyes and complimenting their beauty. Things are getting a little touchy-feely when Chang Ming interrupts to announce that Mo Xiao has barged in. Talk about awkward timing!
Instead of getting angry, Chong Guang welcomes Mo Xiao with open arms and a drink. But Mo Xiao isn't there for a social call; he wants the antidote to the Valley of Desire's poison. His bargaining chip? Himself. He knows Chong Guang is desperate to get him to Tongming Island and believes his spiritual power is worth more than anyone else's. Chong Guang agrees to send the antidote to the Shushan disciples and urges Mo Xiao to drink up. But just as Mo Xiao's about to down the poisoned drink, Feng Lixue knocks it out of his hand!
Mo Xiao is thrilled to see Feng Lixue, seemingly happy they can finally be together. This delights Chong Guang, because the real poison wasn't in the wine, but in the aroma. It's a love potion that will make Mo Xiao abandon all morals and follow his heart. Chong Guang admits he's not sure how long it will take for the poison to work on Mo Xiao, but because Mo Xiao is a rare talent and a disciple of Feng Yue, he's willing to wait.
After learning about Mo Xiao's poisoning from Chong Guang, Feng Lixue visits Mo Xiao. She's clearly conflicted, as she never imagined her revenge would take this form. Seeing Mo Xiao so lovestruck is tearing her up inside.
Meanwhile, Xie Lingyun and Murong Ce realize Mo Xiao has sacrificed himself for the group. When he doesn't return, they sneak into the Valley of Desire to find him. Chang Ming releases the Shushan trio, giving them the antidote and warning them to leave or become sacrifices to the demon stone.
Chang Ming reports back to Chong Guang, who learns that the Shushan leader has arrived. Chong Guang is thrilled and starts planning a "warm welcome."
Mo Xiao and Feng Lixue spend their days together, with Mo Xiao sharing stories of his travels and vowing to never leave her side. Feng Lixue is happy but also confused by how easily she believes his promises. Chang Ming arrives to tell Feng Lixue that the Shushan are outside the city and that Chong Guang wants her to speed up Mo Xiao's corruption. Feng Lixue snaps at Chang Ming, telling him to mind his own business. Mo Xiao, overhearing, grabs Chang Ming by the throat, but Feng Lixue tells him to leave. Mo Xiao then turns to Feng Lixue, promising that no one will hurt her as long as he's around, and she promises the same.
Later, while strolling through the Valley of Desire, Mo Xiao buys Feng Lixue some glutinous rice balls and carries her in his arms. Murong Ce witnesses this and rushes back to tell Xie Lingyun.
Mo Xiao takes Feng Lixue to the demon stone, where they share a drink in front of everyone. Murong Ce suspects Mo Xiao is already poisoned. Suddenly, Yu Yao appears and tries to assassinate Mo Xiao, but Feng Lixue stops her, declaring that Mo Xiao's life belongs to her. Mo Xiao embraces Feng Lixue, telling her to only see him. They share a smile and leave, ignoring everyone else.
Back in his chambers, Chong Guang is confronted by his reflection, which warns him that he's developing feelings for Feng Lixue. The reflection warns that if the master of the Valley of Desire falls in love, he'll suffer a backlash from his powers. But Chong Guang denies it, proclaiming himself the immortal fallen god.
Jixing Luo informs Wu Shuang that the Shushan are planning to attack Chong Guang. Wu Shuang dismisses the threat, saying that even Mo Xiao is poisoned, so the other disciples are insignificant. Jixing Luo reveals that she's been waiting decades for this day, eager to see Yuan Beichen fall into the Demon Lord's hands, seeking revenge for Yuan Beichen's past rejection. However, Wu Shuang seems uninterested, claiming to have no love or hate left in her heart.
Overall Thoughts:
Episode 17 is all about manipulation, hidden agendas, and the intoxicating power of love (or, in this case, a love potion). Chong Guang's plan is moving forward, but his growing feelings for Feng Lixue could throw a wrench into everything. And with Mo Xiao succumbing to the poison's effects, it's only a matter of time before things get really messy.
