A Love Story of Oiled Paper Umbrella Recap, Plot, Synopsis

A Love Story of Oiled Paper Umbrella Synopsis

In the drama, Nanfeng Yi from the Dali Court crosses paths with Meng Xizhou, a female broker of demon-related matters, through a case. The two form a master-disciple bond and join forces to capture demons. Just as their feelings for each other deepen, Meng Xizhou's true identity as the Demon King is revealed, and she falls under the control of an inner demon's curse. Meanwhile, Nanfeng Yi discovers that within his own body lies the demon core that Meng Xizhou had lost years ago. To save his beloved, Nanfeng Yi sacrifices himself by returning the demon core and, with his last breath, joins Meng Xizhou in a final battle to free the innocent from their plight and grant them freedom.

A Love Story of Oiled Paper Umbrella Recap

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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.

Situ Hanshan pleaded with Du Fenglei to stop tormenting him physically, but Du Fenglei challenged him to free himself if he had the ability. Desperately, Situ Hanshan threatened to kill Du Yuelian to force Du Fenglei’s compliance. Later, Situ Hanshan met with his accomplice, who advised him to visit Lingshanwei and seek out Fan Yong and his nine children, who might be able to help him. At Lingshanwei, a boatman noticed nine children sitting on an empty boat near the shore.

Fearing danger, he urged them to go home, but they ignored him and disappeared in an instant. Shortly after, the boatman was found dead in the water. Nan Fengyi and Du Yuelian received an imperial decree to head to Lingshanwei to capture the suspected water demon. Together with Guo Ji, Du Yuelian cast spells over the water, noting that something beneath the surface was absorbing her magic. Nan Fengyi offered to dive in to investigate.

Meanwhile, Beigong Shuo was also dispatched to Lingshanwei for reinforcement. When Meng Xizhou asked where he was headed, the Crown Prince explained the situation and suggested she stay behind because it was dangerous. Meng Xizhou insisted on going, stating that her demon-detecting eyes could help. Reluctantly, the Crown Prince agreed. Upon arriving at Lingshanwei, Meng Xizhou saw Du Yuelian and immediately started looking around, clearly searching for Nan Fengyi.

Huo Ting and Huo Xiao approached, and Meng Xizhou asked them about Nan Fengyi’s whereabouts. The two made cryptic remarks and left. Du Yuelian warned Meng Xizhou about the danger of water demons and suggested she stay close to the Crown Prince. With that, Du Yuelian left. By the shore, Meng Xizhou encountered an elderly man who mentioned that a man had recently fallen into the water while trying to save someone. Meng Xizhou suspected it was Nan Fengyi.

Taking an umbrella with her, she entered the water. Beneath the surface, she discovered a house and was certain Nan Fengyi was there. Sure enough, Meng Xizhou found Nan Fengyi trapped against a wall, with nine children in front of him. The children, upon seeing Meng Xizhou’s golden roc wings, recognized her as one of their kind and accused her of being a traitor for siding with humans.

Meng Xizhou tried to explain that not all humans were bad, but the children refused to believe her and started arguing among themselves, causing her head to ache. Nan Fengyi urged her not to waste time talking and prepared to act. Meng Xizhou asked if they could negotiate, but before she could, Fan Yong, the children’s father, arrived, leaving no room for discussion. Seeing the situation, Nan Fengyi acted quickly, restraining the nine children.

When Fan Yong attempted to attack Meng Xizhou from behind, Nan Fengyi shielded her and was injured in the process. Meng Xizhou immediately carried him away to safety. Situ Hanshan, watching them escape, ordered Fan Yong to sacrifice himself and his children’s demon cores to strengthen him. Fan Yong tried to argue but was killed, his demon core taken, significantly enhancing Situ Hanshan’s powers. Du Yuelian later found a feather on the ground and realized it belonged to Meng Xizhou.

She called out, telling Meng Xizhou to stop hiding. Meng Xizhou, injured, responded that if Du Yuelian wanted to kill her, she should do it now. As they spoke, a poisoned dart flew toward them, and Meng Xizhou used her wings to shield Du Yuelian. Du Yuelian declared she would remove Meng Xizhou’s name from the Celestial Master’s Hall. Meng Xizhou asked if she could at least remain on her list of friends.

Later, Meng Xizhou returned to the Eastern Palace and informed Beigong Shuo that she was leaving to avoid causing him trouble. She then went to the Nan family umbrella workshop to bid farewell and pack her belongings. There, she encountered Nan Fengyi. Meng Xizhou told him she was leaving and emphasized that humans and demons belonged to different worlds. Nan Fengyi revealed that he wasn’t as innocent as she thought.

He confessed that his real name was Bai Ze Yi and that he was a descendant of the Bai Ze family. He also disclosed that Nan Sixu was not his father but his uncle. Nan Fengyi urged Meng Xizhou to stay, assuring her that the workshop was also her home. The two embraced. Suddenly, Nan Fengyi emerged from the room and jumped into the water. Meng Xizhou vowed to protect his virgin spirit, but Nan Fengyi insisted they sleep separately.

Nan Fengyi made some dumplings shaped like animals using dough and invited Meng Xizhou to try them once they were cooked. As he looked at the bird-shaped dumplings on the table, he remarked how much he had been fond of birds lately. Meng Xizhou remembered Nan Fengyi saying that he was practicing the Beidou Yuan Formation to find the Scroll of Mountains and Seas and trap all demons within it. She asked if he would include her in the process.

Nan Fengyi assured her that he would never harm her and embraced her gently. Meng Xizhou thought to herself that it might be better if he never mastered the Beidou Yuan Formation. Meanwhile, Du Fenglei commented on Situ Hanshan’s terrifying ability to kill his own kind and use their demon cores to restore himself. However, Du Fenglei noted that despite absorbing their demon cores, Situ Hanshan couldn’t escape the backlash of his actions.

He added that if Situ Hanshan didn’t agree to fulfill his wish, he would continue haunting him. Situ Hanshan retorted, asking if Du Fenglei’s wish was simply for his daughter to call him "Father. " When Du Fenglei confirmed this, Situ Hanshan agreed to fulfill the wish. Situ Hanshan, carrying an umbrella, visited the Nan family umbrella workshop to have it repaired.

Nan Fengyi explained that his father, Nan Sixu, wasn’t home but offered to repair the umbrella if it was urgent. Nan Fengyi asked why Du Fuzun (Situ Hanshan in disguise) had suddenly come to repair an umbrella. Situ Hanshan replied that Du Yuelian’s eighteenth birthday was approaching. Nan Fengyi asked if he intended to gift a broken umbrella for her birthday.

Situ Hanshan explained that it was her mother’s keepsake, and he wanted to fix it as a way to ease their strained father-daughter relationship. Hearing this, Nan Fengyi agreed to repair the umbrella. While Nan Fengyi worked on the umbrella, Meng Xizhou sat nearby, watching him. As he painted plum blossoms on the umbrella, Meng Xizhou exclaimed in awe that the blossoms appeared to bloom.

Nan Fengyi said that when she got married in the future, he would personally make an umbrella to welcome her. Meng Xizhou asked how he was so certain she would marry him. Nan Fengyi replied that he clearly wasn’t good enough yet and needed to keep trying harder. Meng Xizhou waited at the door with the repaired umbrella. When Du Yuelian arrived to collect it, she told Meng Xizhou the story behind the umbrella.

She explained that in her childhood, the region was not peaceful. Her father, Du Fenglei, was constantly busy capturing demons. One day, her mother was overjoyed because Du Fenglei had promised to take her to the theater. However, while waiting at the theater for a long time, her mother was informed that Du Fenglei couldn’t make it. On the way back, just as her mother stepped out of the carriage, she was killed by a scorpion demon from above.

Her blood stained the umbrella, and the marks were later painted into plum blossoms. Du Yuelian recounted how she had witnessed her mother’s death with her own eyes. Meng Xizhou said that if she were in Du Yuelian’s place, she wouldn’t be able to let it go either and would surely want to capture demons as well. Meng Xizhou suggested that Du Fenglei’s pain was likely no less than hers, though he buried it deep in his heart.

When Du Yuelian returned home, she found the table filled with food. She realized it was her birthday. At the table sat Guo Ji and Du Fenglei. Perhaps influenced by the story of the umbrella, Du Yuelian placed some food on Du Fenglei’s plate. Du Fenglei picked out the cilantro, but Du Yuelian said nothing.

After the meal, Guo Ji poured tea for Du Fenglei and mentioned that his master had long lost the habit of drinking tea and had always loved eating cilantro. Guo Ji then asked, “Who are you really? Or perhaps, what are you? Are you human or a demon? ” Situ Hanshan, seeing no point in pretending anymore, revealed his magical powers.

Guo Ji immediately knelt, proclaiming that he didn’t care who Situ Hanshan was and only wished to advance his career. Situ Hanshan handed him his token, and Guo Ji vowed to kill Nan Fengyi and Meng Xizhou. To make Du Yuelian call him “Father” sooner, Situ Hanshan took her to the theater.

However, this was all part of a plan devised by Du Yuelian and her allies, as they had already discovered that the man posing as Du Fenglei was actually Situ Hanshan. The clue was that only Situ Hanshan in Changle City didn’t eat cilantro. Realizing he had been exposed, Situ Hanshan sneered, asking if the two of them thought they could kill him. Meng Xizhou restrained him, and Du Fenglei urged Du Yuelian to strike his foot.

Hesitant because Situ Hanshan still looked like her father, Du Yuelian froze. Meng Xizhou scolded her, saying she was faltering at a critical moment, and urged her to avenge her father. With those words, Du Yuelian mustered her courage and stabbed Situ Hanshan’s foot.

Du Yuelian, spurred by Meng Xizhou’s words, stabbed the dagger into Situ Hanshan's foot, who was disguised as Du Fenglei. As expected, Situ Hanshan was killed. Du Yuelian burst into tears, calling out for Du Fenglei. Suddenly, she heard his voice nearby. Rushing over, she found the real Du Fenglei and asked if he was still alive. Du Fenglei gently explained that he had already died long ago and that his lingering attachment had caused this strange phenomenon.

Now, having seen Du Yuelian kill Situ Hanshan with his own eyes, he could finally rest without regret. Du Fenglei then asked if Du Yuelian could call him “Father” just once. Du Yuelian refused, saying she didn’t want him to let go of his attachment and leave her. Du Fenglei called her a foolish child and said he wouldn’t be able to see her get married.

Du Yuelian responded tearfully, saying she wouldn’t know how to kneel before the elders without him at her wedding. As Du Fenglei slowly began to fade away, Du Yuelian asked if it hurt. He replied that it didn’t; he just felt lighter. With those words, he disappeared completely. Devastated, Du Yuelian cried out that he had left her alone once again, calling for her father, but Du Fenglei could no longer answer.

Guo Ji led Nan Fengyi to the palace hall and urgently requested an audience with the emperor. The emperor asked why they were in such a rush. Guo Ji reported that he had confirmed Nan Fengyi’s true identity as Bai Ze Yi, a descendant of the traitorous Bai Ze Clan, and accused him of colluding with the demon Meng Xizhou and Situ Hanshan to endanger the empire.

The emperor dismissed this as nonsense and asked if Guo Ji had any evidence to prove that Nan Fengyi was a descendant of the Bai Ze Clan. Guo Ji claimed he had been secretly investigating for months and discovered that Nan Fengyi was not the biological son of Nan Sixu. He pointed out that Nan Fengyi’s adoption coincided with the massacre of the Bai Ze family, whose bodies had never been recovered.

The emperor acknowledged the coincidence but said it wasn’t enough to prove Nan Fengyi was the boy from the Bai Ze family. Guo Ji then presented a white brush, stating it was an artifact from the Bai Ze Clan, now in Nan Fengyi’s possession. He argued that if Nan Fengyi truly had no connection to the Bai Ze Clan, why would he have such a tool? The emperor turned to Nan Fengyi and asked if he had anything to say.

Nan Fengyi recalled Nan Sixu’s words, urging him to master the Beidou Yuan Formation to one day clear his parents’ names. He also remembered the emperor once telling him that if his true identity were ever revealed, even the emperor wouldn’t be able to protect him. With these thoughts, Nan Fengyi admitted he was indeed Bai Ze Yi’s former attendant. His admission shocked the court officials and even made the emperor uneasy.

Guo Ji accused him of lying, but Nan Fengyi explained that he had simply picked up the white brush. Guo Ji continued to accuse Nan Fengyi, claiming there was a secret passage in his home. Nan Fengyi, knowing the passage connected directly to the imperial palace hall, couldn’t let them discover it. The emperor dismissed Guo Ji’s claim as absurd. At that moment, Meng Xizhou and Du Yuelian arrived.

Meng Xizhou reported that Situ Hanshan had been killed and even presented his corpse for the emperor to see. Guo Ji then accused Meng Xizhou of being a demon and used a demon-revealing spell on her, but there was no reaction. Du Yuelian vouched for Meng Xizhou, swearing she wasn’t a demon, and revealed that her father, Du Fenglei, was already dead. She added that during the crown prince’s ceremony, Situ Hanshan had been disguising himself as her father.

Du Yuelian also produced evidence that Guo Ji had abused his power and colluded with Situ Hanshan. Despite this, Guo Ji denied the accusations and brought forth a witness—a former coachman of the Bai Ze Clan—who confirmed that Nan Sixu had indeed taken Bai Ze Yi away. Nan Fengyi admitted his identity as Bai Ze Yi. The emperor remarked that Nan Fengyi had been just a child of seven or eight back then and wouldn’t have known much.

Guo Ji argued that Nan Fengyi had committed the crime of deceiving the emperor. In response, Nan Fengyi resigned from his position at the Dali Temple. Guo Ji then suggested that the emperor appoint a new head of the Celestial Master’s Office. The emperor named Du Yuelian as the new head. One of her first actions was to dismiss Guo Ji from the Celestial Master’s Office.

Outraged, Guo Ji protested, but Du Yuelian firmly told him that she would never have feelings for a scheming man like him. She declared that as long as she was in charge, the position of head of the Celestial Master’s Office would never belong to him.

Meng Xizhou accompanied Nan Fengyi to the Dali Temple to pack up his belongings. As Nan Fengyi looked around the temple, his eyes were filled with reluctance. Sensing his feelings, Meng Xizhou asked him if he could use the secret passage to plead with the emperor again, suggesting that if he found the Scroll of Mountains and Seas, the emperor might reinstate him.

Nan Fengyi explained that all the secret passage exits had been sealed by the emperor, and he didn’t want to cause more trouble. Meng Xizhou realized that the person who had protected Nan Fengyi back then was likely the emperor himself, but now the emperor’s attitude seemed cold and unfeeling. Nan Fengyi decided to let it go, and the two prepared to leave.

Just then, Huo Ting and Huo Xiao arrived, telling Nan Fengyi that he would always be their "Brother Nan. "As they were talking, Guo Ji arrived with an imperial decree, announcing that the emperor had officially appointed him as the new head of the Dali Temple. Guo Ji mockingly asked whether he should address him as Nan Fengyi or Bai Ze Yi, claiming that his promotion was due to his "meritorious" reporting.

Meng Xizhou called him a petty villain, but Guo Ji retorted that he had done the right thing. As Meng Xizhou and Nan Fengyi prepared to leave, Huo Ting and Huo Xiao also attempted to follow, but Guo Ji warned them that if they left, they shouldn’t expect to return. In his agitation, Guo Ji's hat fell to the ground and rolled under a table.

Unable to reach it, he ordered Huo Ting to retrieve it, but then disdainfully kicked it away after it was handed to him. On the way back, Meng Xizhou expressed disbelief that the emperor had promoted someone like Guo Ji. Meanwhile, she remained unaware of Empress Miao Yun's dark secrets. The empress, who had once been involved with Situ Hanshan, was also a demon.

She harbored ambitions to become the Demon King and grew increasingly resentful of humans after Situ Hanshan’s death. Declaring that no one else should enjoy love if she couldn’t, she vowed to turn all lovers in the world into resentful pairs. After Guo Ji was dismissed by Du Yuelian, Empress Miao Yun decided to use him for her plans and sent the demon Xuan Xu Jiao Niang to Changle City.

Nan Fengyi and Meng Xizhou stopped by a stall to buy some rice. The stall owner recognized Nan Fengyi as Bai Ze Yi and refused to sell rice to "the descendant of a traitor. " He also gathered a crowd and incited them against Nan Fengyi. Meng Xizhou tried to reason with them, arguing that Nan Fengyi was just a child back then and couldn’t have understood anything. However, the crowd ignored her and began pelting them with rotten vegetables.

Nan Fengyi led Meng Xizhou away and told her not to accompany him out anymore. Meng Xizhou hugged him tightly, promising to stay by his side. Just then, Nan Sixu returned, angry that Nan Fengyi had revealed the secret they had kept hidden for so long. Expecting a reprimand, Nan Fengyi was surprised when Nan Sixu burst into laughter, relieved that he no longer had to keep the secret or fear for Nan Fengyi’s safety.

He expressed joy at finally being able to face Lady Wang with his true identity. Nan Sixu asked if they had plans for the evening. Meng Xizhou quickly understood his intent and replied that they did. She then dragged Nan Fengyi out into the streets, where they roamed in masks, enjoying the lively atmosphere. Xuan Xu Jiao Niang was selling Meng Xizhou’s brand of lip balm on the streets, and Meng Xizhou wanted one. Nan Fengyi bought it for her.

Xuan Xu Jiao Niang informed them that purchasing the lip balm came with a free performance of Westzhou illusions. Intrigued, they stayed to watch the illusions. After the performance, a purple mist appeared in the sky. Meng Xizhou felt that something was amiss and noticed that her eyes started to ache again. Elsewhere, Wu Shu was struggling to sell his house, but no one was willing to buy it.

Dan Qian commented that Meng Xizhou’s beloved, Nan Fengyi, had been dismissed from his position, and the new head of the Dali Temple refused to do business with them. Dan Qian asked Wu Shu if he still supported Meng Xizhou and Nan Fengyi’s relationship. Wu Shu replied that he would respect the child’s wishes. While they were talking, a monster suddenly charged toward them. Fortunately, Du Yuelian arrived in time to save them.

Dan Qian remarked that the monster seemed frightened. Huo Ting later informed Nan Fengyi that Nan Sixu had been falsely accused of killing Lady Wang’s lover. Concerned, Nan Fengyi and Meng Xizhou went to visit Nan Sixu, but it seemed that he no longer recognized them.

Nan Fengyi and Meng Xizhou were determined to clear Nan Sixu’s name. Both of them thought of conducting an autopsy. Huo Ting explained that they would need to avoid the coroner, so he first distracted him. Then, he brought Meng Xizhou and Nan Fengyi to the autopsy room, saying the coroner was out for lunch and they had to hurry. Nan Fengyi examined Lady Wang’s body and noticed scratch marks on her neck.

Huo Ting speculated that Lady Wang must have struggled fiercely before her death. Meng Xizhou observed that Lady Wang’s face had a strange smile, to which Nan Fengyi reassured her not to be frightened, explaining that it was due to the tightening of facial muscles. However, Meng Xizhou remarked that despite the smile, Lady Wang’s eyes reflected fear. Nan Fengyi concluded that Lady Wang had likely been scared to death. Just as he said this, Peirong entered the room.

Nan Fengyi realized she was the new coroner. Peirong explained that after Hui Fang’s death, no one dared to employ her, and it was only thanks to the skills she learned from Hui Fang that she could still support herself and her daughter. Nan Fengyi remarked that the Dali Temple provided monthly subsidies, but Huo Xiao chimed in that since Nan Fengyi’s resignation and Guo Ji’s appointment, these funds had been stopped under the pretext of "non-compliance.

"At that moment, Guo Ji arrived and accused Nan Fengyi and the others of trespassing into the mortuary, threatening to arrest them. However, Peirong and Huo Xiao pleaded on their behalf. Huo Ting told Nan Fengyi that it might be best if they stopped meeting in the future. Before Meng Xizhou could respond, Nan Fengyi pulled her away. Before leaving, Nan Fengyi asked Huo Xiao to take good care of Nan Sixu.

Back at the Nan family umbrella workshop, Meng Xizhou expressed her disappointment, saying that despite Nan Fengyi’s kindness to everyone at the Dali Temple, they were now distancing themselves from him. Nan Fengyi explained that Huo Xiao and Huo Ting’s mother was bedridden with illness, and Peirong also had her difficulties. They had no choice but to act this way. Suddenly, Meng Xizhou experienced a sharp pain in her eyes and fainted.

Nan Fengyi carried her to a bed to rest. Ren Guang appeared again and told them he had a way to save Nan Sixu. Meng Xizhou asked if he could perform the "Thirteen Needles" technique. Ren Guang warned her that the Thirteen Needles was highly dangerous—any mistake could result in instant death for both the patient and the practitioner. Meng Xizhou admitted that she had no medical training and wouldn’t succeed with a shortcut.

Ren Guang proposed borrowing her body to perform the treatment. Meng Xizhou hesitated, asking if he was afraid she wouldn’t let him return her body. Ren Guang assured her that he had been like a mentor and friend to her since childhood. With that, Ren Guang entered her body, and she went to the prison to treat Nan Sixu with the needles. After the procedure, Meng Xizhou regained consciousness and hoped Nan Sixu had recovered.

She prepared to share the good news with Nan Fengyi. However, when Meng Xizhou stepped out, she saw Huo Xiao. Surprised, she asked why he was there after cutting ties with them earlier. Huo Xiao explained that Guo Ji had ordered Nan Fengyi’s arrest and instructed him to detain her as well. However, Huo Xiao promised Nan Fengyi he would let her go.

Elsewhere, Guo Ji forced Nan Fengyi to kneel, accusing him of being Nan Sixu’s accomplice in the murders of Lady Wang and Chen Sanlang. Guo Ji argued that Nan Sixu, a frail man, couldn’t have killed a martial arts instructor like Lady Wang or Chen Sanlang from the martial arts academy. Nan Fengyi denied the accusations, but Guo Ji prepared to torture him for a confession. Meng Xizhou arrived just in time and announced that Nan Sixu had recovered.

She insisted that Guo Ji listen to Nan Sixu’s account. When Nan Sixu appeared, he explained that on the day of the incident, he confessed his feelings to Lady Wang, but she rejected him. Later, he saw Lady Wang with Chen Sanlang. As he stormed in, he witnessed Chen Sanlang transform into a monster, scaring Lady Wang to death. Guo Ji refused to believe the story until Du Yuelian brought the monster before them as proof.

Despite this, Guo Ji still wanted to imprison Nan Fengyi. Meng Xizhou demanded an explanation, to which Guo Ji revealed that it was because Nan Fengyi was Bai Ze Yi, a descendant of Bai Ze, and linked to the Scroll of Mountains and Seas. Meng Xizhou tried to stop him, but Nan Fengyi told her not to argue over fabricated charges. Soon after, Changle City was overrun with monsters.

While Du Yuelian and the others fought the creatures, Meng Xizhou observed them closely and declared, “These aren’t monsters—they’re humans.

The Emperor inquired if it was true that dozens of cases of humans turning into monsters had occurred in Changle City. Du Yuelian responded that there might be not just dozens but hundreds of such cases. Hearing this, the Emperor slammed the table in alarm, exclaiming how such a surge could happen overnight. Beigong Shuo arrived after hearing the news, and Empress Miao Yun also appeared. The Emperor muttered, "The Demon King has returned.

He has returned with the Scroll of Mountains and Seas. "The Emperor worriedly asked if the day when the Demon King would massacre the city was drawing near. He turned to the Empress and asked where Miao Yun was. She held his hand, trying to calm him, but he said they had only just enjoyed a few years of peace, and he was truly terrified.

Miao Yun reassured him not to scare himself, suggesting that these creatures might be like Situ Hanshan—a group of survivors from the Scroll of Mountains and Seas who had hidden in Changle City. The Emperor, still anxious, refused to believe it wasn’t the Demon King’s return. Du Yuelian urged him not to worry excessively, explaining that most of the monsters had already been captured by the Heavenly Masters' Hall and detained beneath the Demon-Suppressing Tower, awaiting his judgment.

Upon hearing this, the Emperor immediately ordered that all the monsters be killed, leaving none alive. Du Yuelian noted that some monsters had escaped and that the Heavenly Masters' Hall was understaffed. She suggested that it would be ideal if Nan Fengyi could assist. The Emperor asked where Nan Fengyi was and why he wasn’t helping capture the monsters.

Du Yuelian revealed that Nan Fengyi had been imprisoned the previous day by Guo Ji, the Minister of Dali Temple, on charges of harboring the Scroll of Mountains and Seas. Hearing this, the Emperor slammed the table again, demanding to know who had recommended Guo Ji for his position. He questioned what good imprisoning Nan Fengyi would do, as the monsters were still appearing. Overcome with anger, the Emperor coughed up blood.

Beigong Shuo quickly stepped in to calm him, explaining that the monsters might not have originated from the Scroll of Mountains and Seas. He urged the Emperor to take care of his health and not let anger consume him. The Emperor ordered Beigong Shuo to release Nan Fengyi and tasked him with discussing strategies to eliminate the monsters in his place the following day.

Guo Ji entered the prison and accused Nan Fengyi of being the mastermind behind the creation of the monsters. Nan Fengyi retorted that, as he was confined in the prison, how could he possibly be responsible? He questioned Guo Ji's accusation of harboring the Scroll of Mountains and Seas, asking if that were true, why monsters were still appearing—did Guo Ji think the Scroll of Mountains and Seas was on him?

Frustrated and humiliated, Guo Ji prepared to call for torture to extract a confession. Unexpectedly, the Crown Prince arrived, announcing that he was there on the Emperor's orders to release Nan Fengyi so they could discuss countermeasures together. Beigong Shuo instructed Nan Fengyi to freshen up and meet him in the royal study. As the Crown Prince was leaving, he commented to his servant, Guan Guan, about an insect on Guo Ji’s shoulder.

Guan Guan, understanding his intention, shoved Guo Ji to the ground. Meanwhile, Ren Guang told Meng Xizhou that her Demon-Identifying Eyes had grown more powerful. Meng Xizhou replied that she had been experiencing eye problems recently. Ren Guang explained that even without Nan Fengyi by her side, she could still use the Demon-Identifying Eyes. He then questioned why she was helping the monsters.

Meng Xizhou replied that after seeing how Chen Sanlang had been turned into a monster and rejected by his own father, she felt pity for him. Ren Guang commented that humans, no matter the bond, would not accept their loved ones turning into monsters. Determined to prove that the monsters were humans transformed, Meng Xizhou joined forces with Nan Fengyi, Du Yuelian, and others to investigate. They arrived at the palace.

Empress Miao Yun commanded Du Yuelian to kill all the monsters immediately. Meng Xizhou interjected, saying that the monsters couldn’t be killed because they were humans transformed, something she had seen with her Demon-Identifying Eyes. Despite this, the Empress insisted on their execution. Nan Fengyi, Du Yuelian, and even the Crown Prince advocated for Meng Xizhou, requesting time to uncover the truth. The Empress finally relented, granting her three days.

However, she warned that failure to find the truth would result in a death sentence for Meng Xizhou. As they left, the Crown Prince called Meng Xizhou aside and gave her his fish token to aid in her investigation. Meng Xizhou then went to the Dali Temple, using the fish token to request assistance. Guo Ji claimed that everyone was too busy to help, but Huo Xiao volunteered to assist her.

Guo Ji reported to his master, Empress Miao Yun, that Meng Xizhou was investigating the human-to-monster transformations. Miao Yun remarked that if Meng Xizhou uncovered the truth, it would actually work to her advantage. Miao Yun then dispatched Xuan Xu Jiao Niang’s silk puppets to control the transformed humans and make them kill others. Meanwhile, Meng Xizhou and Huo Xiao traced their leads and discovered Xuan Xu Jiao Niang.

Meng Xizhou and Huo Xiao arrived at the place where Xuan Xu Jiao Niang was located. They discovered it was her workshop for making lip rouge. While they were investigating, Xuan Xu Jiao Niang appeared and asked what they were doing there. Meng Xizhou replied that she wanted to buy some lip rouge, as the one she purchased last time was a beautiful color and had already run out.

Xuan Xu Jiao Niang questioned how she had used it up so quickly, and Meng Xizhou explained that her lips were very dry. As Xuan Xu Jiao Niang turned around to fetch the lip rouge, she suddenly used her magic to attack them. Meng Xizhou realized that Xuan Xu Jiao Niang had seen through their intentions. During the fight, Xuan Xu Jiao Niang summoned a giant sea monster, the Haiman Yao.

Huo Xiao was killed by the Haiman Yao, but thankfully, Nan Fengyi arrived just in time to save Meng Xizhou. Grieving Huo Xiao’s death, Meng Xizhou blamed herself. When she attended Huo Xiao’s funeral, she was driven away by Huo Ting, who held her responsible. Filled with regret for pursuing the investigation into the Haiman Yao, Meng Xizhou was summoned by the Crown Prince, who informed them that Empress Miao Yun was missing.

Meng Xizhou, Nan Fengyi, and Du Yuelian went to the palace. In the Empress’s chambers, Meng Xizhou discovered the secret behind the purple smoke and realized that the ingredients for Xuan Xu Jiao Niang’s lip rouge were connected to it. Meng Xizhou suspected a connection between Empress Miao Yun and Xuan Xu Jiao Niang, but the Crown Prince dismissed the idea, questioning how the Empress, confined to the inner palace, could have any ties to her.

When Meng Xizhou attempted to explain further, Nan Fengyi stopped her. She asked him why he prevented her from speaking, and he warned her to be cautious with her words in the palace to avoid unnecessary trouble. Meng Xizhou and her group concluded that Xuan Xu Jiao Niang might be near the graveyard. Du Yuelian pointed out that going openly would draw attention. She suggested they disguise themselves as mourners and join a funeral procession.

During the journey, Meng Xizhou asked Du Yuelian if anything seemed strange. Du Yuelian remarked that the wedding procession ahead looked unusual. As they spoke, the wedding procession passed them. Meng Xizhou questioned why a wedding procession would pass near the graveyard. As she turned back, she saw that Du Yuelian and the others had all been immobilized. Nan Fengyi arrived, and Meng Xizhou explained that the red smoke from earlier must have frozen them.

She wondered why it didn’t affect her, and Nan Fengyi explained it was because she was a demon. The two proceeded to the graveyard, where they found the wedding sedan from earlier. Empress Miao Yun was seated inside. Nan Fengyi and Meng Xizhou instructed her to remain inside while they stayed outside to confront Xuan Xu Jiao Niang. Xuan Xu Jiao Niang accused them of ruining her master’s wedding.

Meng Xizhou and Nan Fengyi assumed her master was Situ Hanshan, but in reality, it was the Empress. Xuan Xu Jiao Niang summoned a massive Haiman Yao to kill Nan Fengyi and Meng Xizhou. Huo Ting arrived to help but was ultimately killed by the Haiman Yao. Before dying, Huo Ting blamed Meng Xizhou for investigating the Haiman Yao, which led to this tragedy. Meng Xizhou, sobbing, declared she would stop investigating before fainting.

In her dreams, Meng Xizhou encountered Ren Guang again. He told her that no matter how hard she tried, people would always harbor prejudice against demons. Meng Xizhou cried, insisting she would no longer investigate. Ren Guang encouraged her to stay true to herself, hinting that there might be someone important to her among the Haiman Yao. When Meng Xizhou woke up, Nan Sixin brought her medicine.

She asked where Nan Fengyi was, and Nan Sixin explained that he had gone to the Heavenly Masters’ Hall to execute the Haiman Yao. Meng Xizhou went to Wu Shu’s house and found he was absent. She learned that Wu Shu had also been kissed by a woman wearing Xuan Xu Jiao Niang’s lip rouge. At the Heavenly Masters’ Hall, Du Yuelian discovered the Scroll of Mountains and Seas while investigating the matter.

Empress Miao Yun ordered Nan Fengyi to execute the Haiman Yao. Nan Fengyi hesitated, and the Empress questioned whether he didn’t want to avenge his brother. Eventually, Nan Fengyi executed the Haiman Yao, including Wu Shu. Meng Xizhou rushed to stop him, but it was too late. Guo Ji revealed Meng Xizhou’s true demon form. The Empress ordered Nan Fengyi to seal Meng Xizhou inside the Scroll of Mountains and Seas. Nan Fengyi lamented that he should never have shown mercy to Meng Xizhou, and she was ultimately sealed inside the scroll.

Meng Xizhou found herself in different clothes, sitting in a carriage with the Crown Prince beside her. She asked him what was going on. The Crown Prince explained that Pingping had changed her clothes and that he had stolen the Scroll of Mountains and Seas from the inner palace so Du Yuelian could release her. Meng Xizhou then asked where they were headed. The Crown Prince replied that they were going to Xizhou.

Meng Xizhou felt worried about implicating him, but the Crown Prince reassured her, saying his aunt had written to him about his uncle falling ill. It was perfectly reasonable for him to visit his uncle, so no one would suspect him. Meng Xizhou asked Beigong Shuo if Nan Fengyi knew about this. Beigong Shuo assured her that Nan Fengyi was unaware. Meng Xizhou sighed, saying this way, she no longer owed him anything.

Meanwhile, Empress Miao Yun declared that since the Emperor was unwell, she would take over all state affairs. She announced that Nan Fengyi had subdued many demons and recovered the Scroll of Mountains and Seas, granting him the title of Commander of Unlawful Affairs. She also restored the Baize family name and bestowed upon him the title of the Nation’s Greatest Demon Hunter. Nan Sixin was so overjoyed by the news that tears nearly streamed down his face.

He told Nan Fengyi that Meng Xizhou was a demon and urged him not to associate with her anymore. While a servant was washing the Empress’s feet, Nan Fengyi arrived. As they spoke, the servant accidentally spilled the water. The Empress scolded the servant, who nervously remarked that her feet suddenly looked old. Just as the Empress was about to lose her temper, Nan Fengyi commanded the servant to leave immediately. The servant hurriedly complied.

Nan Fengyi knelt down and helped the Empress put on her shoes. Surprised, the Empress commented on his unexpected gentleness. Nan Fengyi replied that he reserved his gentleness for certain people. The Empress acknowledged his intentions to pledge loyalty to her but reminded him that the Emperor was not dead yet. The Empress then asked about the Crown Prince’s condition. Nan Fengyi reported that the Crown Prince was missing, prompting the Empress to order him to find the Prince quickly.

Meanwhile, Beigong Shuo and Meng Xizhou arrived in Xizhou, where they met Beigong Shuo’s aunt, Madam Sun. She informed them that his uncle had gone missing. Beigong Shuo asked when it had happened, and Madam Sun replied that it had been several days. When Beigong Shuo questioned why she hadn’t mentioned it in her letter, she explained that his uncle was responsible for guarding the border, and news of his disappearance could invite trouble from others.

Beigong Shuo and Meng Xizhou asked Madam Sun where his uncle had gone missing. She revealed that it was at Wanku Cliff. The two traveled to Wanku Cliff, where they noticed some familiar brushstrokes on the wall paintings. Beigong Shuo told Meng Xizhou that the artist was likely Tie Lao, the creator of the Scroll of Mountains and Seas. That night, Beigong Shuo brought Meng Xizhou back to the cliff, where they found Tie Lao by following the wall paintings.

Beigong Shuo asked about his uncle’s whereabouts, and Tie Lao revealed that his uncle was trapped inside the painting. Beigong Shuo pleaded with Tie Lao to save his uncle, but Tie Lao explained that he was also trapped inside and couldn’t help. He said the only way to break the curse was to use the blood of a close relative. Meng Xizhou revealed that she was the biological daughter of Li Shiyi.

Tie Lao was stunned and said that Meng Xizhou could enter the painting to save everyone. Beigong Shuo, worried for Meng Xizhou’s safety, asked if he could go in her place. Tie Lao insisted that only the blood of a direct relative could open the way. Nearby, a lamp-bearing child instructed them to drop the blood onto the lamp’s shadow. When Meng Xizhou’s blood touched the lamp’s shadow, a door opened.

Inside the painting, Meng Xizhou encountered her father, Li Shiyi. However, she could only observe silently and not call out to him. In the painting, Meng Xizhou assumed the identity of a servant girl named Axi. She saw Li Shiyi frantically searching for his wife, Ren Guang. Shocked, Meng Xizhou realized that her mother’s name was Ren Guang. She deduced that her mother was about to give birth and hurried to find her.

In a mountain cave, she discovered her mother in labor and stayed by her side to protect her. Her mother gave birth successfully but, due to her weakened state, revealed her true form—a demon king. When Li Shiyi arrived, he misunderstood the situation and killed Ren Guang without realizing the truth. It was only after her death that he discovered he had slain the woman he loved. Before dying, Ren Guang’s final wish was for her siblings inside the Scroll of Mountains and Seas to be freed.

Nan Fengyi was at home making an umbrella when he remembered how Meng Xizhou had once praised his craftsmanship. He had promised her that on the day she married, he would make an umbrella to marry her. As he thought about it, his mind wandered, and his hand was accidentally cut by a knife, with fresh blood dripping onto the snow. Nan Fengyi grabbed a handful of blood and, just then, he heard footsteps.

He thought it was Meng Xizhou and called out to her. However, it was Nan Sixin who appeared. Nan Sixin remarked that Nan Fengyi couldn’t stop thinking about that girl. He asked why, if he cared so much, Nan Fengyi had entrusted her to the Crown Prince. Nan Fengyi replied that only by being with the Crown Prince could Meng Xizhou be guaranteed safety.

Nan Fengyi then told Nan Sixin that the Empress was a demon and that everything happening now was her doing. Nan Sixin asked why they hadn’t taken action against her. Nan Fengyi explained that the Empress might be the mastermind behind Situ Hanshan, and her demon powers were likely far stronger than his. Thus, their abilities as demon hunters weren’t enough to deal with her.

Nan Sixin admitted that his previous wish had been for Nan Fengyi to master the Beidou Yuan Formation, but now, his wish had changed. Now, he just wanted Nan Fengyi to stay away from all of this and live a peaceful life. Nan Fengyi replied that it was too late; everything was beyond repair. Nan Sixin insisted that he promise to live, and though Nan Fengyi didn’t speak, Nan Sixin took his silence as an agreement.

Afterward, Nan Sixin left with the plaque proclaiming him the world’s greatest demon hunter. Meanwhile, in Xizhou, Beigong Shuo was being pestered by a lamp-bearing child who kept asking him to tell stories. While they were talking, Meng Xizhou returned. They both believed Meng Xizhou must have solved the riddle and was now ready to help Tie Lao save Beigong Shuo’s uncle. Tie Lao appeared and was surprised to see Li Shiyi’s daughter.

Meng Xizhou explained that her mother was a demon king and had been accidentally killed by her father. Tie Lao noticed the painting in their hands and told them that it was made from the tears of a mermaid and was not actually the Scroll of Mountains and Seas. Meng Xizhou was puzzled and asked why the painting could still pull her into it.

Tie Lao confirmed that it was definitely his work, though it had been stolen long ago by his beautiful disciple. When asked who this disciple was, Tie Lao revealed it was Empress Miao Yun, who was now the Empress of the Great Continent. Meanwhile, Empress Miao Yun tied up Beigong Shuo’s subordinates, Pingping and Guangan, and interrogated them about Beigong Shuo’s whereabouts.

Guangan informed her that Beigong Shuo had gone to Xizhou to find his uncle and had taken the Scroll of Mountains and Seas with him. The Empress ordered them to bring Beigong Shuo back immediately. Nan Fengyi objected, warning that the Crown Prince’s uncle had military power, and this might not be a wise course of action. Beigong Shuo asked Tie Lao how to rescue his uncle.

Tie Lao entered him into the painting, telling him he could only watch and not speak. Inside the painting, Beigong Shuo became Zhai Yue and witnessed Situ Hanshan and Miao Yun in a secret and intimate conversation. They were later interrupted when the Emperor and Empress passed by, and Miao Yun seized the opportunity to capture the Emperor’s attention, eventually being brought back to the palace. Beigong Shuo also saw his mother, the Empress, who was later framed by Miao Yun.

The Empress was sent to the cold palace, and on her birthday, Miao Yun poisoned her to death. Beigong Shuo’s uncle then appeared, and both he and Beigong Shuo returned to the present reality. Meanwhile, Miao Yun asked Guo Ji if he would continue following her. Guo Ji, who agreed, was told by Miao Yun to give her something of his before she would truly trust him.

She had him castrated, revealing her knowledge that Guo Ji had been in love with Du Yuelian but had been seeking to please Miao Yun instead. Miao Yun used the murderous aura she had cultivated to attempt to control Nan Fengyi and absorb his power, but this attempt failed. Beigong Shuo learned that it was Miao Yun who had killed his mother. He and Meng Xizhou knew that Miao Yun had been plotting for a long time.

They realized that Changle City was in danger and decided to return immediately. Beigong Shuo’s uncle, General Sun, also declared that he would accompany them to seek revenge for his sister.

Meng Xizhou wanted to uncover the truth about her father's death years ago, so she asked Tie Lao to help her enter the painting again. Inside, Meng Xizhou saw her father, Li Shiyi, talking to Bai Zegong, Nan Fengyi’s father. Bai Zegong proposed exchanging the Scroll of Mountains and Seas for the demon core inside Meng Xizhou, explaining that without a demon core to sustain him, his weak body wouldn’t last much longer.

Meng Xizhou tried to stop Li Shiyi from agreeing, but Li Shiyi said he didn’t want his daughter to become the Demon King. He wished for her to live an ordinary and happy life. Bai Zegong handed over the Scroll of Mountains and Seas, and Li Shiyi removed Meng Xizhou’s demon core to give it to Bai Zegong. Meng Xizhou watched as Bai Zegong placed her demon core into Nan Fengyi’s body.

Li Shiyi then hid the Scroll of Mountains and Seas inside a small umbrella, which Meng Xizhou recognized as the one she had been carrying all along. Li Shiyi also transferred all his accumulated magical power into Meng Xizhou, saying it would be enough to sustain her until the age of twenty. Meng Xizhou questioned why he would do such a thing, calling it irresponsible.

Li Shiyi admitted he regretted becoming a demon hunter and hoped Meng Xizhou could reclaim her demon core, become the Demon King, and fulfill her mother’s wish to save all demons. At that moment, as Meng Xizhou, in the form of Axin, Bai Zegong killed her. Li Shiyi accused Bai Zegong of being a deceitful scoundrel who would inevitably return to break his promises. However, he declared that Bai Zegong would never find the Scroll of Mountains and Seas.

Bai Zegong demanded the scroll in exchange for sparing Li Shiyi’s life, but Li Shiyi refused, telling him to take his life instead. Bai Zegong killed Li Shiyi and vowed to search for the scroll himself. Meng Xizhou emerged from the painting. Beigong Shuo asked if she had learned the truth about her father’s death. Meng Xizhou replied that she didn’t want to talk about it yet.

Beigong Shuo comforted her, saying that no matter what, she needed to move forward. Meng Xizhou despaired, saying that she had discovered she was the Demon King. Hearing this, Tie Lao quickly stood up, exclaiming that he never thought the Demon King’s power could be inherited. Tie Lao declared that all the demons were now in Meng Xizhou’s hands.

Beigong Shuo reassured her, saying that regardless of whether she was the Demon King, she was still the kind and righteous divine maiden he had always known. Beigong Shuo added that as the King of Humans and the Demon King, the two of them working together could achieve harmony between humans and demons. Meanwhile, Du Yuelian brought Nan Fengyi back and showed him the items her father had left behind regarding him.

Nan Fengyi realized that Meng Xizhou’s demon core resided in his body and also learned that his father, Bai Zegong, was the one who had killed Li Shiyi. Meng Xizhou, deeply pained and conflicted, recalled her mother’s last words. Meng Xizhou remembered her mother saying that her siblings trapped within the Scroll of Mountains and Seas were waiting for her to rescue them. She now knew she was the Demon King and that her grandmother was the ancient Demon King.

She also thought of Ren Guang’s warning: if she reclaimed her demon core, Nan Fengyi would die; if she didn’t, she would die, and all demons would perish with her. Meanwhile, Empress Miao Yun overheard Nan Fengyi and Du Yuelian’s conversation, learning that Nan Fengyi already knew the true whereabouts of the Scroll of Mountains and Seas. Nan Fengyi realized that the murderous aura Miao Yun had given him could also spy on his words.

Miao Yun ordered him to retrieve the scroll. Meng Xizhou, Beigong Shuo, General Sun, and the others returned to Changle City. Although Meng Xizhou had disguised herself, she was still captured by Nan Fengyi. He imprisoned her in a cage, binding her with heavy iron chains. They tortured Meng Xizhou, demanding she reveal the location of the Scroll of Mountains and Seas, but Meng Xizhou resolutely refused, declaring she would never speak.

She accused Nan Fengyi of finally showing his true colors, and he retorted that they were destined to walk different paths. Meng Xizhou called him and his father shameless scoundrels, to which Nan Fengyi replied that his father’s failure to reclaim the scroll would be a regret he would now rectify. Nan Fengyi prepared to take Meng Xizhou to see Empress Miao Yun. Meng Xizhou taunted him, asking if he truly believed he had found her. She revealed that she had come to find him first. As she spoke, she reverted to her original form and carried him away.

Guo Ji informed Empress Miao Yun that Meng Xizhou had escaped and even taken Nan Fengyi hostage. Miao Yun asked if it was true, and Guo Ji admitted it was hard to say—he wasn’t sure if Nan Fengyi had intentionally let it happen. Miao Yun reassured him not to worry, as she could hear everything Nan Fengyi said.

Nan Fengyi and Meng Xizhou stood atop the city wall, where Beigong Shuo and General Sun were leading their forces in a desperate defense. Nan Fengyi mocked Meng Xizhou, saying her mind was consumed by trivial thoughts of love and that she didn’t even know how to reclaim her demon core. He went on to say that he should have killed her Wu Shu back then, along with her.

Fueled by hatred at the mention of her Wu Shu, Meng Xizhou extracted the demon core from Nan Fengyi’s body. Nan Fengyi fell from the city wall, but Du Yuelian managed to catch him just in time. Meng Xizhou absorbed the demon core and transformed into the Demon King. She prepared to kill Nan Fengyi, but Du Yuelian pleaded with her, saying she had already taken his demon core and should spare his life.

Meng Xizhou retorted that the demon core was hers to begin with, and she owed Nan Fengyi nothing. Du Yuelian argued that the demon core had long accepted Nan Fengyi as its master and that Meng Xizhou could only reclaim it because Nan Fengyi had willingly let her. Hearing this, Meng Xizhou hesitated, withdrew her hand, and left. Du Yuelian brought Nan Fengyi to the Celestial Master’s Mansion, clutching Meng Xizhou’s umbrella.

She resolved to ensure the umbrella would never fall into the wrong hands, as the consequences would be dire. Miao Yun confronted Meng Xizhou, declaring that if she became the Demon King, she would lead the demons to reclaim the dignity they had lost over the years. Meng Xizhou, however, only wanted peace between humans and demons.

Miao Yun attempted to absorb Meng Xizhou’s demon core, but Meng Xizhou warned her it was futile—without her consent, the demon core couldn’t be taken. Meanwhile, Du Yuelian, fearing the Scroll of Mountains and Seas would fall into the wrong hands, decided to destroy it. Guo Ji told her it was impossible to destroy the scroll with her power. Just then, Miao Yun arrived, struck Du Yuelian to the ground, and seized the scroll.

Miao Yun ordered Guo Ji to take Du Yuelian to the dungeon. Guo Ji begged her not to harm Du Yuelian, but Miao Yun ignored his pleas. She then went to the seaside and summoned numerous sea demons, demanding they offer their demon cores to help her fulfill her vision of saving all demons. Meanwhile, Nan Fengyi, in his weakened state, connected with his consciousness and saw Bai Zegong.

Bai Zegong was overjoyed to see his son, but Nan Fengyi confronted him with hatred, accusing him of murdering his senior brother. Nan Fengyi said he had already returned the demon core to Meng Xizhou and that he would repay the debts Bai Zegong had incurred. Bai Zegong warned that without the demon core, Nan Fengyi would die, but Nan Fengyi replied that he no longer saw the point in living. Bai Zegong told him that living was his purpose.

With those words, Nan Fengyi regained his composure. Miao Yun then approached him and transferred all the demon cores she had absorbed into his body, appointing him to take charge of the Dali Temple and assist her. Outside, Guo Ji overheard everything and muttered that this was all Miao Yun’s doing. Later, Miao Yun went to the dungeon, intending to drain Du Yuelian’s essence to restore her own youthful appearance. Guo Ji intervened, standing between them.

He accused Miao Yun of breaking all her promises to him and offered his own essence instead. In the end, Guo Ji died before Du Yuelian, telling her with his last breath that no one would fly kites with her anymore. Beigong Shuo told Meng Xizhou that Guo Ji had sent word that Miao Yun planned to absorb the dragon essence into herself, and they needed to return quickly to save the emperor.

Meanwhile, Miao Yun dressed the emperor in a robe she had crafted. The emperor felt much better and thanked Miao Yun for staying by his side. Miao Yun asked if he wanted to know her true wish, and when he encouraged her to speak, she revealed her true form. The emperor finally realized she was a demon. She then absorbed the dragon essence from his body. Beigong Shuo arrived to save the emperor but was stopped by guards.

Meng Xizhou arrived and defeated all the guards, clearing the way. Beigong Shuo found the emperor on the verge of death. The emperor apologized to him for failing his mother and entrusted everything to Beigong Shuo before taking his final breath.

Just as Empress Miao Yun was about to attack Beigong Shuo, Meng Xizhou arrived and stopped her. Miao Yun and Meng Xizhou began to fight, but Meng Xizhou was quickly defeated. Miao Yun told her that with the dragon essence protecting her, not even the Demon King could be her match. She then revealed that she had a secret weapon and prepared to use it against Meng Xizhou. Fortunately, Nan Fengyi arrived just in time to shield Meng Xizhou.

Miao Yun questioned why her scales and bones couldn’t control Nan Fengyi anymore. Meng Xizhou replied, asking Miao Yun if she thought only she could manipulate people’s hearts. It turned out that Meng Xizhou had already discovered that Nan Fengyi was being controlled by Miao Yun, so she had helped him remove Miao Yun’s control over him. Realizing that Nan Fengyi had betrayed her, Miao Yun knew it was too late.

Meng Xizhou and Nan Fengyi joined forces, and Nan Fengyi opened the Scroll of Mountains and Seas. At that moment, Miao Yun’s maid, Zhai Yue, arrived, but before she could act, the Scroll of Mountains and Seas absorbed her. Seeing her close companion taken away, Miao Yun was deeply pained. Meng Xizhou remarked that even Miao Yun could feel sorrow when her loved ones were taken from her.

She asked Miao Yun why she had turned Wu Shu and so many others into demons, separating them from their families. Miao Yun responded that they deserved it, recalling how she had once saved Li Shiyi with her tears, only to be betrayed by both Bai Zegong and Li Shiyi. Miao Yun’s hatred for humanity stemmed from this betrayal. Meng Xizhou asked her when the cycle of revenge would end.

After those words, Miao Yun was absorbed into the Scroll of Mountains and Seas. Just as Meng Xizhou was about to retrieve the scroll, Du Yuelian took it instead. The other demon hunters from the Celestial Master’s Mansion attempted to capture Meng Xizhou, but Du Yuelian stopped them, declaring that she couldn’t hand the Scroll of Mountains and Seas over to Meng Xizhou. Meng Xizhou, carrying the injured Nan Fengyi, returned to the Nan family’s umbrella workshop.

She used her powers to heal him, but for some reason, Nan Fengyi refused to absorb her energy. Meng Xizhou heard Ren Guang’s voice in her mind, offering to help her. She entered a dream to meet Ren Guang. Meng Xizhou addressed him as Axi, explaining that Ren Guang was her mother’s name and that Axi called himself Ren Guang to constantly remind himself of her death.

Ren Guang told Meng Xizhou that Nan Fengyi had survived until now only because of her demon core. Now that the core was gone, his meridians were completely severed. Meng Xizhou protested, saying that Nan Fengyi had just helped her open the Scroll of Mountains and Seas. Axi explained that it was merely the last remnant of Nan Fengyi’s will. Having accomplished his final wish, Nan Fengyi now sought death.

Meng Xizhou asked Axi if there was any other way to save him. Axi suggested that Meng Xizhou give her vital soul to Nan Fengyi, as it might save him. Meng Xizhou agreed without hesitation. Axi warned her that doing so would harm her, but Meng Xizhou said it didn’t matter—Nan Fengyi had helped her open the Scroll of Mountains and Seas.

Meng Xizhou gave her vital soul to Nan Fengyi, and as Axi watched, he thought to himself that this was his opportunity to fully control Meng Xizhou’s body. After leaving Nan Fengyi’s home, Meng Xizhou walked through the streets. Suddenly, Bai Tianshi of the Celestial Master’s Mansion arrived with a group of demon hunters to surround her, saying that she was still a demon after all. Thankfully, Beigong Shuo arrived in time to stop them.

Beigong Shuo, now the emperor, declared that he had decreed peace between humans and demons and questioned whether they hadn’t understood his intentions. Beigong Shuo asked Meng Xizhou to leave with him, but she said that Nan Fengyi had not yet woken up. Just as she finished speaking, Nan Fengyi appeared. He urged Meng Xizhou to go with Beigong Shuo, saying that only Beigong Shuo could ensure her safety. Beigong Shuo then brought Dan Qian to meet Meng Xizhou.

Meng Xizhou was overjoyed to see her. Dan Qian explained that when her father was demonized, she hid herself. Meng Xizhou asked how she had managed to escape, and Pingping Guanguan revealed that Beigong Shuo had rescued Dan Qian. Beigong Shuo assigned Meng Xizhou the task of resolving the drought and floods. Meng Xizhou used her demon powers to summon rain, with Nan Fengyi assisting her.

Because Meng Xizhou resolved the drought and flood disasters, Beigong Shuo conferred upon her the title of National Advisor, hoping that the ministers would dispel their misunderstandings about her. However, the ministers still believed that Meng Xizhou was ultimately a demon. Beigong Shuo urged them to trust him. One minister suggested that unless Meng Xizhou married a human, they wouldn’t believe her.

Meng Xizhou turned to Beigong Shuo and stated her wish: on their wedding day, she hoped he would help her unlock the Scroll of Mountains and Seas. Beigong Shuo was shocked, glancing at both her and Nan Fengyi. Tears welled up in Nan Fengyi's eyes. Beigong Shuo stepped down from the dragon throne and approached Meng Xizhou, telling her that she already knew his feelings for her. Meng Xizhou asked if he was willing.

Beigong Shuo returned to the dragon throne and declared to the ministers, “Issue my decree. On an auspicious day, I will marry Meng Xizhou as the empress of Dazhou. ”Nan Fengyi knelt, congratulating the emperor and the National Advisor, but tears uncontrollably streamed down his face. Meng Xizhou returned to the Nan family’s umbrella workshop, where she saw Dan Qian and Nan Sixu.

Dan Qian said she had something to tell Meng Xizhou: on the day Wu Shu was demonized, Nan Fengyi had saved her and brought her to the Nan family workshop. Dan Qian expressed her hope that Meng Xizhou could pursue her own happiness. She began to say, “If only. . . ” but before she could finish, Meng Xizhou interrupted, telling her there was no “if.

”Nan Fengyi, holding the umbrella in his hands, remembered his promise to give Meng Xizhou an umbrella on her wedding day. He imagined Meng Xizhou by his side, calling him “Master,” but when he snapped back to reality, he realized it was all an illusion. Meng Xizhou asked Ren Guang why, despite feeling heartbroken, she couldn’t shed any tears. Ren Guang explained that because she had given her vital soul to Nan Fengyi, all her tears were now with him.

On the day of Meng Xizhou and Beigong Shuo’s wedding, Nan Fengyi led the wedding procession on horseback to escort the bride on behalf of the emperor. Meng Xizhou and Nan Fengyi exchanged glances, their emotions incredibly complicated. Nan Fengyi handed the imperial decree to Nan Sixu, who knelt at the door, before approaching Meng Xizhou and telling her he was here to escort her to the palace.

Once inside the palace, Nan Fengyi again approached Meng Xizhou and said he would accompany her to the Tai Ji Hall. Nan Fengyi opened a new umbrella he had made for Meng Xizhou. Beigong Shuo asked him to fulfill his promise and unlock the Scroll of Mountains and Seas. Nan Fengyi revealed that he had hidden the scroll inside the umbrella to prevent it from being lost.

He then opened the Scroll of Mountains and Seas, releasing a multitude of demons. Meng Xizhou revealed her true form and ascended to the sky to lead the demons before returning to Beigong Shuo’s side. However, when Beigong Shuo tried to pull her back, he realized she had changed—Meng Xizhou was now possessed by Ren Guang. Nan Fengyi urged Beigong Shuo to leave immediately but was soon struck down.

Meng Xizhou questioned how Ren Guang had escaped her dreams and what he was doing. Ren Guang replied that he was using his “Elysium Realm” to exchange obsessive desires with humans, helping their bodies gain stronger powers. Meng Xizhou asked why he needed more power. Ren Guang said such power was essential to wipe out all humans. He told Meng Xizhou that he was different from them.

Ren Guang declared that his ultimate goal was to create a world where only demons existed, with not a single human remaining. Meng Xizhou accused him of madness. Ren Guang retorted that Meng Xizhou’s mother was overly compassionate, consumed by trivial emotions and love, and ultimately died at the hands of the man she loved most. Du Yuelian also fell into an illusion, but fortunately, she was awakened by the Dog Demon.

Meanwhile, Nan Fengyi was trapped in an illusion where he and Meng Xizhou were married. Unwilling to wake up, he was lost in the fantasy. Meng Xizhou told him that her vital soul resided in him, and because Ren Guang had taken over her body, only the reunion of her three souls could defeat him. The Dog Demon claimed he could help and instructed Du Yuelian to protect him as he restored Meng Xizhou’s vital soul to her body. Meng Xizhou canceled the Elysium Realm, but the people continued to blame her.

Meng Xizhou told the people that she had already brought them out of the illusion, but they kept demanding that she return it to them. She explained that even when they knew it was fake, they would rather die in the Elysium Realm than wake up. At that moment, Ren Guang began to take control of her body again.

He asked Meng Xizhou if she could see it now: even if they knew it was an illusion, they refused to wake up. Instead of being grateful, their obsessions only deepened. Meng Xizhou was dismayed, asking how it had come to this, but Ren Guang told her to stop dreaming of mercy. As he spoke, Meng Xizhou was completely overtaken by him. Ren Guang mocked her, saying that mercy could never save humanity.

Ren Guang explained that as long as humans had attachments, they would have obsessions, and those obsessions would make them stronger. He declared that his black nightmare would put an end to it all, and all humans would die here. Meng Xizhou cried out in protest, but it was too late—Ren Guang had completely taken over her body. Du Yuelian and the Dog Demon arrived with the demon hunters and other small demons. Du Yuelian ordered Ren Guang to surrender.

Ren Guang sneered, doubting they could kill him. The Dog Demon retorted that his tribe was no pushover. Ren Guang mocked them as worthless disciples of the Celestial Master’s Manor and traitorous demons, declaring they were doomed to die. Du Yuelian and the others attacked Ren Guang, but he easily defeated them all. Ren Guang mocked them for their overconfidence. Just then, Nan Fengyi arrived. Ren Guang laughed, dismissing Nan Fengyi’s limited powers as no match for him.

Nan Fengyi admitted his powers were weak but reminded Ren Guang that he was the only one who could open the Scroll of Mountains and Seas. Saying this, Nan Fengyi opened the scroll, intending to trap Ren Guang inside. Ren Guang taunted him, reminding him that the body he was about to seal was that of the woman he loved most—Meng Xizhou.

At that moment, Meng Xizhou briefly regained control of her body and urged Nan Fengyi to seal her inside the scroll quickly. Reluctantly, Nan Fengyi sealed Meng Xizhou into the Scroll of Mountains and Seas, and he followed her inside. Inside the Scroll of Mountains and Seas, Meng Xizhou temporarily suppressed Ren Guang. She instructed Nan Fengyi to activate the Beidou Yuan Formation to kill her, explaining that only by doing so could both she and Ren Guang disappear.

Meng Xizhou told Nan Fengyi that she was using her willpower to hold Ren Guang in place, but he would soon wake up. She pleaded with him to act quickly, adding that her death was the only way to bring peace between humans and demons. Nan Fengyi hesitated, his tears flowing uncontrollably. Ren Guang urged Nan Fengyi to look at him and asked if he could truly bear to kill the one he loved most.

Meng Xizhou begged Nan Fengyi not to listen to Ren Guang and instructed him to channel his power into the center of her forehead to end it all. Still unable to make the decision, Nan Fengyi found his hand guided by Meng Xizhou as she placed it on her forehead. With that, Ren Guang was destroyed. Meng Xizhou, now gravely weakened, collapsed into Nan Fengyi’s arms.

She called him “Master” and said they had finally returned to how they were in the beginning. She asked if he remembered the first time they met. Nan Fengyi assured her he would never forget. Meng Xizhou then told him to say a proper goodbye and to forget about her. With those words, she dissolved into countless starlights. Nan Fengyi clutched a strand of her remaining soul ashes as he fell out of the Scroll of Mountains and Seas.

Du Yuelian quickly caught him. Beigong Shuo anxiously asked where Meng Xizhou was, but before Nan Fengyi could answer, he fainted. When Nan Fengyi woke up, he told Du Yuelian that he hadn’t killed the sea barbarians—they had been sealed inside the Flying White Brush. Using the last of his strength, he released them and transformed Meng Xizhou into a bird. In the end, Nan Fengyi also died.

Ten years later, Nan Sixu and Dan Qian visited the graves to pay their respects. At Nan Fengyi’s grave, Nan Sixu cried for a long time. Beigong Shuo, looking at a large bird in the sky, hoped it was Meng Xizhou. Du Yuelian offered to use illusions so he could see her again. Together, they entered an illusion where they saw Meng Xizhou and Nan Fengyi, bringing them together and helping them find happiness.

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