A Love Story of Oiled Paper Umbrella – Yu Menglong, Li Zixuan

During the Yongchang era, the demon clan invaded human lives, leaving the people in misery across the continent. Li Shiyi, the world's foremost demon catcher, teamed up with Baize Palace to seal countless demons into the artifact passed down through the Baize family: the Scroll of Mountains and Seas. However, it was said that once the scroll was opened, it would backfire on the person who opened it.

Shortly after, the Baize family was executed, and Li Shiyi tragically died at home. The Scroll of Mountains and Seas disappeared without a trace. Fifteen years later, strange events occurred: a cat demon haunted the Sikong residence, and the entire Situ family was slaughtered. Meng Xizhou, known as the top property broker, claimed she could sell any haunted house. She released the floor plan of one such house, determined to close the deal that day.

Meng Xizhou described the house as having an excellent layout, ideal for young couples trying to establish themselves. However, one man pointed out that it was a haunted house and asked Meng Xizhou to explain. Meng Xizhou admitted it was haunted but argued it would save them money. Another man mentioned that the couple who previously owned the house had died right under her feet. As he finished speaking, a broom fell to the ground.

Meng Xizhou quickly went to check and found it was just a broom. But for some reason, the umbrella behind her reacted. Meng Xizhou remarked that this umbrella had been with her for over ten years, so why was it only responding now? Frightened, the prospective buyers fled. Meng Xizhou went to the courtyard and saw a black cat. As she was observing the cat, a woman suddenly appeared behind her.

Meng Xizhou turned her head and saw someone, then fainted out of fear. Meanwhile, Nan Fengyi was practicing martial arts in the courtyard. Nan Sixin, the steward of the Nan family umbrella shop, brought him food and urged him to eat. As they sat down, Nan Sixin asked if any young women had caught his eye. Nan Fengyi replied, “No. ” Nan Sixin ladled chicken soup for him, saying it would replenish his energy and blood.

He also handed over four medicinal pills. Nan Fengyi complained that the Beidou Yuan Formation, the highest-level secret art for demon catchers, was not something that could be mastered overnight. He added that with Nan Sixin’s method of over-supplementation, he’d likely be poisoned to death sooner or later. Nan Sixin asked if he felt confident about mastering the formation. He advised Nan Fengyi to avoid women entirely and to remain pure, assuring him that this was the key to success.

Nan Sixin mentioned that Nan Fengyi’s father had also practiced this art and, though it had caused internal injuries, he had turned out fine. Hearing this, Nan Fengyi started to nosebleed. Nan Sixin told him not to worry. At that moment, Hui Fang, the coroner from the Ministry of Justice, arrived to announce that he had bought a house. Nan Fengyi asked why he would purchase a haunted house.

Hui Fang explained that he and his pregnant wife, Peirong, had negotiated a 500-tael discount on it. It turned out that the woman who had scared Meng Xizhou unconscious earlier was none other than Peirong. The couple had bargained with Meng Xizhou to lower the price. Nan Fengyi was concerned, saying it was inappropriate for a pregnant woman like Peirong to live in a haunted house. He advised Hui Fang to back out of the deal, but Hui Fang refused.

Nan Fengyi decided he would help them purify the house. Meng Xizhou’s adoptive father, Wu Shu, asked if she had managed to sell the house. Meng Xizhou handed over the money. Wu Shu then instructed her to distribute flyers. Meng Xizhou went to the gates of the Tianshi Mansion, sat down, and reminisced about her late father, Li Shiyi, who had been a demon catcher.

She wanted to follow in his footsteps, but her mediocre talent barred her entry to the Tianshi Mansion. They told her that if she could catch just one demon, they would let her join. Determined, Meng Xizhou headed to the Sikong residence, as she had spotted a cat demon there. The Emperor summoned Nan Fengyi and Pei Xun, Minister of Justice, and ordered them to eliminate Situ Hanshan, declaring that the empire would never know peace until he was dealt with.

Both men accepted the imperial edict. Pei Xun arrived at the Sikong residence just as Meng Xizhou was there. Meng Xizhou witnessed a Gu insect burrow into Pei Xun’s body, causing him to lose control and attack her. To protect herself, Meng Xizhou’s umbrella killed Pei Xun. Nan Fengyi arrived at the scene just in time to see this and had Meng Xizhou arrested.

Meanwhile, Situ Hanshan ordered his subordinate Han Qi to dispose of Pei Xun’s body and ensure the Gu insect wouldn’t be discovered. Nan Fengyi’s men, Huo Xiao and Huo Ting, were furious over Pei Xun’s death, blaming Meng Xizhou entirely.

The morgue at the Ministry of Justice caught fire. Meng Xizhou, who was in her cell, learned about the fire and realized that if Pei Xun’s body burned, there would be no evidence to prove her innocence. She immediately rushed out of the cell and headed to the morgue. Upon arrival, she saw the fire raging intensely but didn’t hesitate.

She dashed into the morgue to retrieve Pei Xun’s body, only to discover Hui Fang tied up in the corner with his arms and legs bound by magic. Meng Xizhou, whose magical power was too weak to free him, managed to drag Hui Fang out of the morgue instead. After saving Hui Fang, she prepared to go back inside to retrieve Pei Xun’s body.

Before going in, she told Hui Fang that if she didn’t make it out, he must help prove her innocence. Elsewhere, Nan Fengyi spotted the arsonist dressed in black and pursued him. The two got into a fight. Nan Fengyi noticed the weapon used by the black-clad figure resembled what Meng Xizhou had described. He recalled her saying that Pei Xun had attacked her with a hidden ice arrow.

He now realized that the arrow, made of ice, would have melted upon hitting the ground, which explained why no evidence was found at the scene. Nan Fengyi began to believe that Meng Xizhou had been telling the truth. He noticed the black-clad figure heading toward the morgue, but before he could act, he was suddenly pulled by an inexplicable force toward Meng Xizhou. Nan Fengyi told Meng Xizhou to leave because the situation was too dangerous.

However, Meng Xizhou insisted that Pei Xun’s body needed to be saved first; otherwise, she wouldn’t be able to clear her name. Nan Fengyi assured her that he wouldn’t wrongly accuse an innocent person, but Meng Xizhou was adamant. Left with no choice, Nan Fengyi carried Pei Xun’s body out of the morgue. When Nan Fengyi returned to rescue Meng Xizhou, a beam fell. Unexpectedly, a mysterious power within him allowed him to block the beam.

He instructed Meng Xizhou not to tell anyone about his abilities. Meng Xizhou agreed to keep his secret. Meanwhile, Du Yuelian and Beigong Shuo, demon catchers from the Tianshi Mansion, detected an overwhelming demonic aura in the area. Du Yuelian encountered the black-clad figure and his leader. The two fled upon seeing her. Hui Fang told Nan Fengyi that Pei Xun’s body was indeed strange—it was unnaturally hard and impossible to cut open.

Hui Fang explained that he had tried all night to no avail before a black-clad figure entered and used magic to restrain him. If Meng Xizhou hadn’t saved him, he would likely have ended up dead alongside Pei Xun. Meng Xizhou explained that corpses infected by Gu insects are like this—indestructible unless their weak spot is found. Nan Fengyi, knowing that Meng Xizhou had the ability to discern demons with her Demon-Seeing Eyes, asked her to examine Pei Xun’s body.

However, Meng Xizhou refused, saying she didn’t dare perform the dissection herself but could assist Hui Fang. Sure enough, they found a Gu insect inside Pei Xun’s body, which Meng Xizhou managed to capture. Back at the Tianshi Mansion, Du Yuelian was reprimanded by her elder, Du Fenglei, who told her to stop investigating the matter. However, Du Yuelian ignored his advice. Meanwhile, Zhao Qingbai collected a large number of Gu insects for an unknown purpose.

Nan Fengyi conducted an experiment and discovered that whenever he used his magic near Meng Xizhou, it would be drawn toward her. Likewise, when Nan Fengyi was close, Meng Xizhou felt a surge of power in her body and could even fully utilize her Demon-Seeing Eyes. Nan Fengyi asked Meng Xizhou to keep this discovery a secret. Meng Xizhou agreed but asked Nan Fengyi to become her master and teach her magic.

Meng Xizhou visited Sikong She in prison and mentioned the black cat. Upon hearing this, Sikong She realized she was referring to his pet, Ah Hua. He promised to give Meng Xizhou a house if she took care of Ah Hua. Meng Xizhou and Nan Fengyi went to the Sikong residence and found Ah Hua. Using her Demon-Seeing Eyes, Meng Xizhou communicated with the cat. Nan Fengyi learned that Ah Hua had been at the scene when Pei Xun was killed.

Ah Hua told them that Zhao Qingbai had released over a hundred Gu insects into the Situ residence. Nan Fengyi concluded that Situ Hanshan must be behind all of this. After learning the truth, Nan Fengyi killed Ah Hua. Meng Xizhou buried the cat and retrieved the deed to the house Sikong She had promised, but Nan Fengyi snatched it away.

Meng Xizhou was walking home from the Ministry of Justice when she saw Wu Shu and her younger sister, Dan Qian, putting up notices to sell their house. Wu Shu lamented how hard it had been to buy a house this year. As he spoke, Meng Xizhou called out to them, and both Wu Shu and Dan Qian happily came over to chat with her.

Meng Xizhou thought to herself that as long as people stayed together for a long time, feelings could develop naturally. She apologized to Wu Shu for the trouble she had caused him with selling the house during her absence. Wu Shu brushed it off, saying he didn’t mind at all and wouldn’t pressure her into arranged meetings anymore. He joked that if she stayed single, he would take care of her meals for the rest of her life.

The day of Sikong She’s execution arrived. Meng Xizhou went to the execution ground to see him off on his final journey. On her way back, she felt guilty for not taking better care of Sikong She’s only family member, Ah Hua. She also recalled Nan Fengyi’s question: if she had so much compassion for demons, why was she a demon catcher? Meng Xizhou started to reflect on why she had chosen this path.

Perhaps it was because she wanted to prove that she was Li Shiyi’s daughter and not some orphan picked up by Wu Shu. As she walked, she ran into Xiao Lin, a man who had confessed his feelings to her in the past. Xiao Lin asked for another chance, but Meng Xizhou turned him down. Feeling awkward, she was relieved when Nan Fengyi arrived on horseback and took her away.

At the gate of the Nan family’s residence, Nan Sixu and their neighbor, Madam Wang, were chatting when they saw Nan Fengyi return with Meng Xizhou. Nan Sixu was furious and insulted Meng Xizhou, claiming she was unworthy of Nan Fengyi. Meng Xizhou, angered by his words, stormed off. She walked through the streets wearing her tattered shoes. Nan Fengyi told Nan Sixu that Meng Xizhou was the key to solving their cases and then chased after her.

Noticing the hole in Meng Xizhou’s shoe, he took out a new pair of shoes and offered them to her. Meng Xizhou refused, but Nan Fengyi insisted, saying they were meant for his sister and asked her to try them. Without waiting, he slipped the shoes onto her feet. Meng Xizhou looked at the shoes, thinking they fit perfectly and looked beautiful. She felt very happy. Seeing her delighted expression, Nan Fengyi remarked that they weren’t specifically bought for her.

Meng Xizhou suddenly asked if he could smell something delicious. Nan Fengyi turned to see a food stall selling húbǐng (Chinese flatbread) nearby. He went to the stall and bought thirty húbǐng, claiming they were for the people at the Ministry of Justice, though he was actually buying them for Meng Xizhou. Embarrassed, he didn’t admit it outright. Just then, Huo Xiao arrived to inform them that the Emperor wanted to summon them regarding the puppet spirit case.

Meng Xizhou panicked, fearing she would be detained again as a suspect, and said she didn’t want to go. Nan Fengyi reminded her that refusing was equivalent to defying an imperial edict, so the two eventually went to the imperial palace. Upon arrival, Meng Xizhou used her Demon-Seeing Eyes and spotted three demons, one of whom was Situ Hanshan. The Emperor questioned them about the Situ family case.

Meng Xizhou explained that Pei Xun had been controlled by a Gu insect. Situ Hanshan expressed disbelief and convinced others to share his skepticism. Meng Xizhou proposed a demonstration. She asked to borrow one of the cranes outside the hall. She placed the extracted Gu insect into the crane, showing how it could no longer be controlled. However, the crane soon returned to normal. Situ Hanshan ridiculed Meng Xizhou, doubting her abilities. Meng Xizhou revealed that she had Demon-Seeing Eyes.

This revelation angered Situ Hanshan, who escalated his attack on them, leading to both Meng Xizhou and Nan Fengyi being imprisoned in the heavenly prison. In the prison, Nan Fengyi warned Meng Xizhou that exposing her Demon-Seeing Eyes made her a prime target for Situ Hanshan, who would want her dead. As he spoke, a demon appeared. However, the demon was no match for Nan Fengyi, who almost extracted the demon’s plan. Suddenly, a nine-tailed fox appeared.

The fox used an illusion spell on Meng Xizhou but failed to keep her under control. Before leaving, the fox revealed that Situ Hanshan planned to act that very night. Meng Xizhou suggested that Nan Fengyi teach her magic, and Nan Fengyi, recognizing her potential value, agreed.

Meng Xizhou and Nan Fengyi left the heavenly prison and went to the palace hall to see the Emperor. Du Fenglei was also there. Nan Fengyi reported that the demons Yanlong and the Nine-Tailed Fox had indeed come to kill him and Meng Xizhou. The Emperor praised Nan Fengyi’s strength and acknowledged Meng Xizhou’s abilities as well. Meng Xizhou confidently responded that, of course, she was capable—she was Li Shiyi’s daughter.

Du Fenglei, observing from the side, thought about how Meng Xizhou had previously denied being Li Shiyi’s daughter. Why was she now so open about it? Nan Fengyi informed the Emperor that Situ Hanshan had colluded with the demon clan and had cultivated many Gu insects, which would reach their life span’s end that very night. Coincidentally, Situ Hanshan was hosting a banquet for all the officials that night, likely intending to replace their appearances.

The Emperor ordered Nan Fengyi and Du Fenglei to set up an array to catch the demons and also asked Meng Xizhou to assist. Surprised but thrilled, Meng Xizhou asked if the Emperor was really allowing her to join. The Emperor affirmed, saying she was undoubtedly capable. Du Fenglei led the demon catchers from the Heavenly Master’s Residence to Situ Mansion. Meng Xizhou and Nan Fengyi also arrived. Just as they were about to enter, Hui Fang appeared.

He expressed that he didn’t want to be a coroner anymore because Peirong’s family looked down on him for it. Hui Fang said he wanted to become a constable instead so Peirong could hold her head high in front of her family. Nan Fengyi disagreed, feeling that it was too dangerous and that Hui Fang, an ordinary person with no combat skills, shouldn’t go. However, Hui Fang insisted, so Nan Fengyi reluctantly agreed.

He tasked Hui Fang with helping him accomplish something important. Nan Fengyi and Meng Xizhou were the first to break through the array and confront Situ Hanshan. By then, Situ Hanshan had already placed the Gu insects inside the officials’ bodies, leaving them collapsed on the ground. Seeing the two arrive, Situ Hanshan declared that they, too, would become his puppets. Nan Fengyi engaged in a fierce fight with Situ Hanshan to buy time.

He instructed Meng Xizhou to take a stone and activate the array. Meng Xizhou ran to the large tree and was about to place the stone when Situ Hanshan stopped her, knocking her to the ground. At the critical moment, Hui Fang appeared. He tried to place the stone but was also knocked to the ground by Situ Hanshan. Using the last of his strength, Hui Fang managed to place the stone, activating the array and trapping Situ Hanshan inside.

Situ Hanshan warned them that this was just the beginning and that they would all die. When Nan Fengyi emerged, it was too late—Hui Fang had already been killed by Situ Hanshan. The demon catchers from the Heavenly Master’s Residence removed the Gu insects from the officials’ bodies, revived them, and sent them home. Meng Xizhou and Nan Fengyi carried Hui Fang’s body back, leaving Peirong devastated at the sight. Nan Fengyi blamed himself for failing to protect Hui Fang.

Peirong, overwhelmed with grief, lashed out, accusing Nan Fengyi of escaping harm while others, like Pei Xun and now Hui Fang, paid the price. She questioned why he had allowed Hui Fang to go. Meng Xizhou tried to explain that Hui Fang wanted to make Peirong and their unborn child proud. Peirong refused to listen and, in her anger, claimed that it was the house Meng Xizhou sold that cursed Hui Fang to death.

Growing more furious, Peirong picked up a stick and struck Meng Xizhou, knocking her unconscious. In her dream, Meng Xizhou saw Renguang again. Renguang comforted her, pointing out that her umbrella had changed. Meng Xizhou mentioned that she had used the umbrella to collect Gu insects earlier. Renguang told her that she had already found her destined master. Meng Xizhou asked if it was Nan Fengyi. Renguang confirmed with approval. Meng Xizhou then asked when she could truly meet Renguang.

Renguang assured her that when the time was right, they would meet. Meng Xizhou woke up to find herself being carried on Nan Fengyi’s back as snow fell around them. She suggested that she walk, but Nan Fengyi insisted, saying his shoes were already wet, and he didn’t want hers to get wet too. He carried her back, but when they arrived, both Wu Shu and Dan Qian were already asleep, so she couldn’t get inside.

Outside the door, Nan Fengyi noticed the steps and recalled his father, Baigong Ze, once telling him their significance. Turning to Meng Xizhou, he suggested she stay at his house for the night. Then, Nan Fengyi asked Meng Xizhou to formally become his disciple.

Nan Fengyi asked Meng Xizhou if she would let him be her master. Meng Xizhou was pleasantly surprised and asked if Nan Fengyi truly meant it. Nan Fengyi explained that he could teach her magic, but she would need to cover for him. Slightly disappointed, Meng Xizhou said she thought Nan Fengyi genuinely wanted to teach her, but it turned out he just wanted a long-term shield.

Nan Fengyi assured her that he would pay her a salary and teach her all his spells. Hearing about the salary, Meng Xizhou immediately agreed. Nan Fengyi then suggested she move in with him tomorrow. Meng Xizhou was taken aback, and Nan Fengyi quickly clarified that it would be more convenient for their practice. Meng Xizhou hesitated, saying she was worried that her Wu Shu wouldn’t approve, and Nan Sixu didn’t seem to have a good first impression of her.

Nan Fengyi reassured her to leave the matter for tomorrow and began teaching her a spell to control paper dolls. Meng Xizhou learned it instantly, and Nan Fengyi thought she had some talent after all. That night, as Meng Xizhou lay in bed, she felt elated. She noticed a handkerchief beside the bed wrapped around something. Opening it, she found rock sugar. Taking a bite, she felt sweetness in her heart and on her lips.

The next morning, Nan Fengyi overheard Nan Sixu in the courtyard discussing umbrellas with others. Suddenly, they heard the voices of officials from the Ministry of Justice outside, announcing a curfew. It turned out that Situ Hanshan had escaped, and his whereabouts were unknown. When Nan Sixu saw Nan Fengyi, he quickly asked if Meng Xizhou could truly release the trapped energy of people. Nan Fengyi replied that it seemed so.

Nan Sixu exclaimed that they shouldn’t wait any longer and urged Meng Xizhou to move in. Nan Fengyi teased him, asking if he was no longer afraid of being around women. Nan Sixu declared that he would guard his virginity. Just then, Meng Xizhou arrived and asked what they were talking about. Nan Sixu hurried over, grabbed her hand, and apologized profusely for his behavior the other day, blaming himself for the misunderstanding.

Meng Xizhou, seeing his sincerity, reassured him it was fine. As they were talking, someone came to inform them that the Emperor wanted to see them. Meng Xizhou optimistically guessed it might be for something good. To their surprise, the Emperor ordered them to hand over all their case files on Situ Hanshan to the Heavenly Master’s Residence for demon-catching. Nan Fengyi, understanding the Emperor’s decision was final, agreed without objection.

However, Meng Xizhou was unwilling to see their hard work handed over so easily. She argued that Nan Fengyi had invested so much effort in the matter and even thought about it while in the heavenly prison. The Emperor relented slightly, allowing the Ministry of Justice to assist. Meng Xizhou then requested to join the Heavenly Master’s Residence since she had the ability to identify demons with her "Demon-Recognizing Eyes.

"Du Yuelian of the Heavenly Master’s Residence spoke up, stating that while Meng Xizhou had the ability, she couldn’t bypass the required examination to join. The Emperor agreed, instructing Meng Xizhou to take the examination, which was set for the next day. Nan Fengyi and Meng Xizhou went to Wu Shu’s brokerage shop. Upon arriving, they saw a large crowd gathered outside. Meng Xizhou asked Dan Qian what was happening.

Dan Qian explained that news of Meng Xizhou’s demon-catching abilities had spread throughout Changle City, and all these people had come to seek her help in eliminating demons. Wu Shu, noticing Meng Xizhou and Nan Fengyi, instructed Dan Qian to inform the crowd that the shop was closed for the day due to other commitments. When Meng Xizhou entered the room, she found that Dan Qian and the others had already packed her belongings.

Surprised, she asked Wu Shu if he was really okay with her leaving. Wu Shu enthusiastically encouraged her, saying it was a great opportunity. He pointed out that their family didn’t have anyone in a formal job, and just working as brokers wouldn’t suffice. He urged her to seize the chance. Meng Xizhou and Nan Fengyi arrived at Nan’s residence. Standing at the entrance, Meng Xizhou hesitated, afraid Nan Sixu might kick her out again.

To her surprise, she found a large table of food waiting for her. Nan Sixu explained that it was made by Madam Wang from next door. Madam Wang, after serving the food, politely excused herself, saying she’d leave them to enjoy the meal as a family. After eating, Meng Xizhou sat on her bed with a book Nan Fengyi had given her, diligently practicing spells in preparation for the Heavenly Master’s Residence examination the next day.

Meng Xizhou woke up, still reciting the incantations of a spell in her sleep. She saw Nan Sixu sitting nearby and walked over to ask where Nan Fengyi had gone. Nan Sixu replied that he had left early in the morning to go to the Ministry of Justice. Meng Xizhou felt disappointed, thinking that Nan Fengyi really didn’t care about her anymore.

Nan Sixu, noticing her mood, pointed to the table and said the flatbreads there were left for her by Nan Fengyi, urging her to take them and eat. Later, Meng Xizhou arrived at the Heavenly Master’s Residence. She felt anxious, realizing her energy was almost depleted. She wondered if Nan Fengyi would really not show up. Unbeknownst to her, Nan Fengyi was outside, sticking talismans to the walls, hoping they would bring Meng Xizhou some energy.

When her turn came, Meng Xizhou faced off against a woman surnamed Bai. The challenge involved the Earth-Burrowing Technique, and Meng Xizhou easily defeated her opponent using the spells Nan Fengyi had taught her. Du Yuelian was unconvinced, claiming it was impossible for Meng Xizhou, who previously couldn’t pass even the lowest-level demon-catching exam, to suddenly possess such skills. She challenged Meng Xizhou to a duel, but Meng Xizhou calmly reminded her that she had already passed the test.

Du Fenglei interjected, stating that the Heavenly Master’s Residence was currently in need of talent, and told Du Yuelian to stop making things difficult. Just as this was being discussed, Nan Fengyi arrived. Distracted, Meng Xizhou was almost attacked by Du Yuelian, but she skillfully dodged the strike. Meng Xizhou then joked to Nan Fengyi, asking why her “disciple” had shown up. Du Yuelian and Du Fenglei were shocked to hear Nan Fengyi referred to as Meng Xizhou’s disciple.

Nan Fengyi confirmed that Meng Xizhou was indeed his master. Without further explanation, Nan Fengyi tried to take Meng Xizhou and leave, but Du Yuelian stopped them. She acknowledged that Meng Xizhou’s ability to dodge the attack of a third-tier demon-catcher so easily was impressive and far better than the usual recruits. This marked Meng Xizhou’s official acceptance into the Heavenly Master’s Residence as a certified demon-catcher.

Du Fenglei, observing Meng Xizhou’s demeanor, remarked that she reminded him of their senior, Li Shiyi, back in the day, which brought him a sense of relief. Du Yuelian called the newly qualified demon-catchers into the main hall for a meeting, including Nan Fengyi. In the hall, Du Yuelian asked everyone to share their ideas on capturing the puppet spirit. The group began discussing, but disagreements quickly escalated into arguments.

Du Yuelian pointed out that the main issue was their inability to locate the spirit’s hideout. Meng Xizhou offered her ability to use her Demon-Recognizing Eyes to see the spirit’s true form. Du Yuelian replied that one person alone couldn’t search everywhere, suggesting that they split up. Meng Xizhou agreed, saying they could act individually. She and Nan Fengyi then left the hall together. Once outside, Meng Xizhou asked Nan Fengyi where they should go next.

Nan Fengyi replied that they should visit Wu Shu’s brokerage shop. Meng Xizhou was confused and asked what they were going there for. Nan Fengyi explained that during the chaos at Sikong Manor the other night, both Situ Hanshan and his disciple Han Qi managed to escape. Nan Fengyi suspected that there might have been something they had overlooked and suggested they examine the layout of the Sikong Manor, believing there could be an underground passage.

At the brokerage shop, they looked for a map of the manor. While Meng Xizhou searched, Wu Shu told Nan Fengyi about Meng Xizhou’s difficult past. He explained how she had been a pitiful child who lived as a beggar with him from the age of five or six, later becoming a broker who sold haunted houses, earning a reputation as a “jinx. ” Wu Shu remarked that things had improved now that she had joined the Heavenly Master’s Residence.

Nan Fengyi watched Meng Xizhou’s focused back as she searched for the map, lost in thought. Finally, Meng Xizhou found the map, and the two of them began studying it but couldn’t find any clear hiding spots. Nan Fengyi suggested they take a break and grab something to eat. While eating, Meng Xizhou speculated that if their current plan didn’t work, they might have to search house by house.

Nan Fengyi reassured her, saying that no matter how hard it was, they had to continue searching. Just then, Nan Fengyi noticed a nearby water canal and realized that Situ Hanshan, whose true form was a merman, might have escaped through the underground waterways. They followed the canal to its endpoint, where they found Crown Prince Beigong Shuo and his attendants, Pingping and Guanguan, making rubbings and sketches. Suddenly, Han Qi appeared, attempting to attack Beigong Shuo.

However, the Crown Prince’s dragon body protected him, and Han Qi was thrown to the ground. Nan Fengyi and Meng Xizhou rushed in. Beigong Shuo, upon seeing Meng Xizhou, mistook her for a goddess. The group then descended into the underwater area beneath the residence. Sure enough, they found Situ Hanshan hiding there.

Meng Xizhou was extremely anxious to save Nan Fengyi and tried to transfer all her power to him. She recited a spell she remembered, and sure enough, she was drawn to Nan Fengyi’s side. Nan Fengyi was on the verge of being turned into a puppet spirit by Situ Hanshan, but Meng Xizhou’s actions immediately activated the power within him. Situ Hanshan was blasted far away, looking at Nan Fengyi in shock.

He remarked that Nan Fengyi’s body contained such immense demon power. Nan Fengyi responded that while he possessed demon power, he was nothing like Situ Hanshan. Meng Xizhou and Beigong Shuo stood watching Situ Hanshan when Du Yuelian arrived, ready to capture him. However, Situ Hanshan managed to escape again. Nan Fengyi realized that someone must be backing him. Nan Fengyi picked up Meng Xizhou to take her back, and Beigong Shuo asked about their relationship.

Nan Fengyi replied that they were master and disciple. Beigong Shuo questioned if such closeness was appropriate for a master-disciple relationship, but Nan Fengyi ignored him and left. Back at home, Nan Fengyi asked Meng Xizhou why she went there, knowing it would be dangerous. Meng Xizhou explained that she was so anxious to save him that she didn’t think about the risks. She then asked him why he cared about her but wouldn’t admit it.

She brought up the shoes he had specifically bought for her but lied, claiming they were for his sister. She also mentioned the flatbreads he got for her but pretended they were for the people at the Ministry of Justice. Meng Xizhou asked him directly, “Are you…? ” Before she could finish, Nan Fengyi interrupted, denying her question and quickly leaving. At the door, Nan Fengyi heard Meng Xizhou crying.

Using magic, he froze everything around him and walked back to Meng Xizhou, wiping away her tears. He thanked her for saving him and explained that he wanted their feelings to last longer. He didn’t want Meng Xizhou to lose interest in him so quickly. After saying this, he left. Time returned to normal, and Meng Xizhou touched her face, wondering why her tears were gone.

She decided not to bother with matters of the heart anymore and resolved to focus on her career. Meanwhile, Situ Hanshan went to Lord Li’s residence. Terrified at his arrival, Lord Li immediately stood up, exclaiming that Situ Hanshan was still alive. Situ Hanshan asked him if he had been wishing for his death. Lord Li nervously denied it, but Situ Hanshan, recalling his master’s words, vowed not to disappoint him again and promised to redeem himself.

Lord Li quickly declared that Situ Hanshan had always been his “big brother” and that he would do whatever he said. Situ Hanshan replied that in that case, he should always remain his “big brother. ” As he spoke, he implanted a parasite into Lord Li’s body. After ensuring everything was in order, Huo Xiao and Huo Ting arrived with their men to demand the account book from Lord Li.

Lord Li, unusually compliant, told them it was on the table and let them take it. Lord Li’s subordinates found his behavior strange, as did the officials from the Ministry of Justice, but without any evidence, they left. Back at the palace, Beigong Shuo returned and was scolded by the Emperor for leaving the palace without permission and putting himself in danger. Furious, the Emperor threatened to cancel Beigong Shuo’s coming-of-age ceremony.

The Empress intervened, pleading on his behalf and promising to arrange for a selection of candidates for the Crown Princess in a few days. Beigong Shuo argued that he was still young and mentioned his feelings for Meng Xizhou. He then instructed his attendants, Pingping and Guanguan, to investigate Meng Xizhou’s background. Pingping read out the information they had gathered about Meng Xizhou. Beigong Shuo admired how independent she was, relying on no one but herself.

He also learned that Meng Xizhou lived in the house where Nan Fengyi made umbrellas. Determined to find her, Beigong Shuo planned to leave the palace and went to see the Empress. At that moment, he overheard Lord Li proposing a location to produce tribute umbrellas. Beigong Shuo entered the room and expressed his approval of the idea, suggesting that he could find a local workshop to make the umbrellas.

He mentioned that he had a friend whose family specialized in umbrella-making. The Empress asked if this friend was male or female. Beigong Shuo admitted she was female, and the Empress immediately guessed it was Meng Xizhou. Beigong Shuo then asked if he could leave the palace.

Inside the Celestial Master’s Mansion, Meng Xizhou and Du Yuelian were discussing why purple mist always appeared whenever Situ Hanshan escaped. Meng Xizhou suspected it might be the work of his accomplice, but Du Yuelian disagreed. As they were speaking, Guo Ji came in and informed them that the Crown Prince had arrived. Beigong Shuo came to see Meng Xizhou and asked Du Yuelian and the others to leave first.

Once they were alone, Beigong Shuo explained that he had gone to the Nan Family Umbrella Workshop to look for her but couldn’t find her, so he came here. Just as he finished speaking, Nan Fengyi arrived. Beigong Shuo stated that he was there to discuss business and mentioned that he wanted 33 umbrellas to be made at the Nan Family Umbrella Workshop for use as tribute umbrellas at his coming-of-age ceremony.

Meng Xizhou immediately agreed, thinking it was a great opportunity. Nan Fengyi reminded her that failing to deliver such an order could lead to execution. Startled, Meng Xizhou quickly stepped back, leaving Nan Fengyi to handle the conversation. Nan Fengyi explained that they were just an ordinary workshop, but Beigong Shuo assured them not to worry, as he would provide the designs for them to follow.

When Nan Fengyi pointed out that making 33 umbrellas would take three months and couldn’t possibly be done in three days, Beigong Shuo asked if they didn’t have any umbrella frames ready. Meng Xizhou replied that they did, but they were already reserved for other customers. Beigong Shuo told them to go ahead and use those frames, saying he would cover any breach-of-contract penalties. Before Nan Fengyi could respond, Meng Xizhou agreed on their behalf.

Beigong Shuo added that Meng Xizhou would be the one to deliver the umbrellas to the palace for inspection. Nan Fengyi questioned why Meng Xizhou had to deliver the umbrellas, but Beigong Shuo didn’t answer and left. Nan Fengyi, irritated, scolded Meng Xizhou before storming off. Du Yuelian emerged and told Meng Xizhou that Nan Fengyi liked her. Meng Xizhou didn’t believe it, but Du Yuelian insisted she wasn’t mistaken.

As Meng Xizhou took a bite of a pastry, Du Yuelian advised her to go after what she wanted, just like she was enjoying the pastry. She then invited Meng Xizhou for a drink. Drunk and tipsy, Meng Xizhou returned and saw Nan Fengyi repairing her umbrella. She ran over to him, asking why he hadn’t taken her on patrol today and why he was hiding in the house. Nan Fengyi explained that her hand was still injured.

Meng Xizhou insisted that her hand was fine now, crediting the medicine Beigong Shuo had given her. Hearing this, Nan Fengyi simply replied, “Oh. ” Meng Xizhou ran over, teasingly asking if he was jealous. Nan Fengyi dismissed her remark and told her not to say such things. Noticing that he was repairing her umbrella, Meng Xizhou joked, “First, Li Bai wrote poetry for his wife, and now Nan Fengyi repairs umbrellas for me.

” Nan Fengyi scolded her, saying that was a matter of romantic feelings and shouldn’t be compared. Meng Xizhou asked Nan Fengyi to look into her eyes and admit if he liked her. Before he could respond, it started raining, and Nan Sixu called for him to bring in the umbrellas. Meng Xizhou followed him, holding an umbrella to shield him from the rain. Nan Fengyi asked why she had come.

Meng Xizhou replied that she didn’t want him getting wet and joked that her short legs made her a little late. Meng Xizhou said that even if she saw the Milky Way, the star she liked would still be the brightest. She assured Nan Fengyi that she could wait, even until he mastered the Beidou Formation. Nan Fengyi told her this wasn’t about that—he didn’t like her.

Meng Xizhou asked why he didn’t like her yet wouldn’t let others like her. Nan Fengyi retorted that it was her own rule: hadn’t she said that if anyone confessed to her, she’d lose interest? Then, Nan Fengyi tried it himself. He told her that he liked her—he liked her courage and sincerity. Upon hearing this, Meng Xizhou threw up, leaving Nan Fengyi to conclude that he wasn’t the exception after all.

The next day, Meng Xizhou prepared to deliver the umbrellas to the palace. Nan Fengyi told her to use the puppet talisman to notify him if she encountered any puppet spirits. As soon as Meng Xizhou arrived at the palace, she spotted a puppet spirit and quickly used the talisman to alert Nan Fengyi. Meng Xizhou and the others realized that the puppet spirit was targeting Beigong Shuo.

Nan Fengyi disguised himself as a guard and entered the palace, but Lord Li, possessed by the puppet spirit, saw through his disguise. Using dark magic, Lord Li made Nan Fengyi mistake Beigong Shuo for Situ Hanshan. Nan Fengyi grabbed Beigong Shuo by the neck, and scales appeared on his own. The Emperor and others witnessed this, but fortunately, Meng Xizhou embraced Nan Fengyi, snapping him out of his trance.

However, Guo Ji declared that Nan Fengyi was a demon and ordered him to be taken away. Before being taken, Meng Xizhou told Nan Fengyi that she had thrown up the previous day because she was drunk, and she had heard everything he said. Nan Fengyi was imprisoned in the Celestial Master’s Mansion, where Guo Ji continued to torture him.

Du Fenglei ordered Guo Ji to investigate Nan Fengyi, Nan Sixu, and whether their mother might be a demon. Guo Ji expressed that he might not be able to handle it alone. Du Fenglei teased him, asking if he wanted Du Yuelian to accompany him. Embarrassed, Guo Ji smiled awkwardly. Du Fenglei warned him that Du Yuelian would never let a man interfere with her career and advised him to give up.

Guo Ji earnestly told Du Fenglei that he truly liked Du Yuelian. Du Fenglei replied that it was useless to tell him; even as her father, his words carried no weight with her. Du Yuelian was stubborn and wouldn’t be swayed by either persuasion or coercion. Hearing this, Guo Ji seemed to get an idea. He went to Du Yuelian's room and slipped something into the pulse-nourishing pills she often took.

Du Yuelian caught him and demanded to know what he was sneaking around for. Guo Ji denied doing anything suspicious, but Du Yuelian warned him that if he acted like this again, she would mistake him for a thief and kill him. After Guo Ji left, Du Yuelian took the pills and went to the prison. She told Nan Fengyi that his spiritual power was equivalent to that of a fifth-rank demon hunter, even stronger than hers.

Moreover, she pointed out that since the Crown Prince Beigong Shuo was protected by dragon energy, it was impossible for Nan Fengyi to have killed him in front of so many people. Hearing this, Nan Fengyi thought it was a relief that someone intelligent was analyzing the situation. He explained to Du Yuelian that the mirage-like scene they had witnessed that day was the key to everything.

Nan Fengyi drew what he remembered from that day and handed it to her. As Du Yuelian was about to leave, she hesitated, then gave the pulse-nourishing pills to Nan Fengyi. Meanwhile, Huo Ting and Huo Xiao came to Meng Xizhou to ask about Nan Fengyi’s situation. As they were talking, Du Yuelian arrived and stated that everything was deliberately orchestrated. Meng Xizhou quickly asked her how Nan Fengyi was doing.

Huo Xiao and Huo Ting chimed in, asserting that Nan Fengyi could not possibly be a demon. If they, as demons themselves, were certain about this, Nan Fengyi couldn’t be one either. Du Yuelian explained that it was the Emperor who ordered Nan Fengyi to be imprisoned in the Demon-Sealing Tower, and there was nothing they could do about it. Meng Xizhou pressed further, asking if Nan Fengyi had been tortured.

Du Yuelian dismissed the question as unimportant, stating that if they wanted to save Nan Fengyi, they should help her solve the case. She explained that the puppet spirit deliberately appeared on Meng Xizhou’s route so she would identify its demon form. This made Nan Fengyi trust her completely and led him into a trap where he was hypnotized and turned into the state the Emperor saw.

Huo Ting and the others wondered who could have known Meng Xizhou would return to the palace. Du Yuelian pointed out that everyone knew about Meng Xizhou delivering the umbrellas. Meng Xizhou concluded that she had indirectly caused Nan Fengyi’s predicament. Du Yuelian added that Nan Fengyi mentioned the mirage as the key to the mystery.

They recalled that the palace maids and guards around Beigong Shuo had witnessed themselves in the mirage, yet they had no memory of doing those things. Meng Xizhou speculated that the events might be from the future. Du Yuelian showed them Nan Fengyi’s drawing, and they all agreed that they should investigate the weaving chamber in the palace, where they might find clues. Huo Ting asked how they could possibly gain access.

Meng Xizhou suggested seeking help from Crown Prince Beigong Shuo. Beigong Shuo, meanwhile, was skipping his meal and pondering why Nan Fengyi had called him Situ Hanshan that day and threatened to kill him. While he was deep in thought, Meng Xizhou arrived and asked to visit the weaving chamber. When Beigong Shuo asked why, she explained that it was to help Nan Fengyi. Beigong Shuo took her to the weaving chamber, where they encountered Lord Li at the entrance.

Beigong Shuo pretended to need his waist measured to see if he had gained weight, creating an opportunity for Meng Xizhou to slip inside and investigate. However, Lord Li soon entered the chamber, forcing Meng Xizhou and Beigong Shuo to leave hurriedly. Meng Xizhou then visited Nan Fengyi, who told her that the patterns on the umbrellas Nan Sixu had made might hold a clue. Meng Xizhou asked Nan Sixu to redraw the patterns, but he couldn’t remember them.

Meng Xizhou dozed off briefly and dreamed of Renguang, who revealed that the patterns were part of a formation designed to suppress dragon energy and could only be broken by Meng Xizhou’s blood. On the day of Beigong Shuo’s coming-of-age ceremony, problems arose as expected. Meng Xizhou brought Nan Fengyi to save him. However, Meng Xizhou exhausted her inner strength, revealing her true form—a bird.

Meng Xizhou woke up to find feathers on her arm and was utterly confused. Beigong Shuo told her she was a demon. Meng Xizhou couldn’t accept that she had turned into a demon and insisted that, as a demon hunter, it was impossible for her to be one. Just then, someone came to inform them that Nan Fengyi had arrived.

Beigong Shuo was about to go out, but Meng Xizhou said she would go instead; otherwise, Nan Fengyi might not feel at ease. Meng Xizhou met Nan Fengyi outside. He asked if she was alright, and she replied that she was fine. Nan Fengyi wanted to take her home, but Beigong Shuo suggested that Meng Xizhou stay here, where the imperial physicians could treat her. Nan Fengyi still hoped Meng Xizhou would return with him, but she refused.

She said she preferred to stay and recover. Beigong Shuo added that he would take care of her, so Nan Fengyi could rest assured. Meng Xizhou promised to return once she recovered. Hearing this, Nan Fengyi didn’t press further and said he would come to pick her up when she got better. After he left, Meng Xizhou started crying, and Nan Fengyi walked away feeling dejected. Meng Xizhou expressed her gratitude to Beigong Shuo for helping her.

Beigong Shuo replied that it was his duty. Meanwhile, Situ Hanshan, in a dream, saw Du Fenglei and exclaimed that he wasn’t dead—only to realize it was just a dream. Du Fenglei appeared in his dream, accusing him of his wrongdoings and stating that, in the end, Situ Hanshan had taken over his body. Du Fenglei explained that his constitution was naturally tied to demons and that most of his demon core had been consumed.

He was barely alive in his current shell. He cursed Situ Hanshan, saying he would suffer endlessly in the flames, dying in excruciating torment. Situ Hanshan argued that Du Fenglei was dead and couldn’t deceive him anymore, but Du Fenglei retorted that, though he was dead, Situ Hanshan’s retribution was far from over. Meng Xizhou once again called out to Renguang in her dreams, asking if he had always known she was a demon.

Renguang replied that he had told her before—humans and demons both have intelligence and emotions. Meng Xizhou insisted it wasn’t the same, as demons committed countless evil deeds. Renguang pointed out that her judgment came from a human perspective. He encouraged her to shift her perspective, suggesting she might see things differently. Meng Xizhou blamed him for encouraging her to become a demon hunter, saying it was a trap.

Renguang reminded her that her father, Li Shiyi, was indeed the world’s greatest demon hunter. Meng Xizhou then asked if her mother was a demon. Renguang replied that it didn’t matter whether her mother was human or demon—she was still Meng Xizhou’s mother. Meng Xizhou questioned why her father would have a child with a demon, calling herself a misfit. Renguang reassured her that she was not a misfit; she was simply herself.

When she asked when he would reveal more about her mother, Renguang replied that all causes and effects would eventually be revealed in time. Suddenly, Meng Xizhou coughed up blood. Beigong Shuo, deeply concerned, summoned the best imperial physician, but the doctor admitted that her pulse was unlike anything he had ever encountered and that he was powerless to help.

Meng Xizhou told him not to trouble himself and joked that, since she now belonged to the avian category, perhaps a veterinarian would be more appropriate. Beigong Shuo brought in a veterinarian, who quickly diagnosed her condition. Meng Xizhou declared that she no longer wanted treatment. Beigong Shuo asked if she didn’t want to return to her original form. Meng Xizhou confessed her fear that she might never be able to go back.

Situ Hanshan, now inhabiting Du Fenglei’s body, was leisurely drinking tea and reading when Guo Ji arrived. Situ Hanshan asked why he had come. Guo Ji reported that he had discovered a connection between Nan Sixu and Bai Gongze. Situ Hanshan instructed him to investigate whether Nan Fengyi was Nan Sixu’s biological son. Before leaving, Situ Hanshan told Guo Ji to throw away an umbrella nearby.

Guo Ji refused, saying it was something meaningful between him and Du Yuelian and that throwing it away would anger her. Situ Hanshan admitted he had been confused and mentioned that seeing Guo Ji drink tea reminded him that his master, Du Fenglei, disliked tea. Meng Xizhou began to feel unworthy of being with Nan Fengyi. Coincidentally, Nan Fengyi bought sesame cakes and came to see her.

Meng Xizhou told him she would not return to the Nan family’s umbrella workshop and had decided to stay in the Eastern Palace. She held Beigong Shuo’s hand and walked away. Meng Xizhou then went to the Celestial Master’s Hall to submit her resignation. Du Yuelian noticed that she must have her reasons for doing so. Du Yuelian later found a record in a book stating that breaking the formation on Beigong Shuo required the blood of the Golden Roc. Nan Fengyi seemed to have realized something, as tears fell from his eyes.