Love in the Desert Recap, Plot, Synopsis

Love in the Desert Synopsis

Huang Beishuang, the most beautiful woman of the desert and the princess of a fallen tribe, unexpectedly becomes the envoy for the arranged marriage of the Enaci tribe, heading to Yunpei City. Along the way, she crosses paths with Huo Qingyun, the lord of Beijing, and is reluctantly drawn into the power struggle to unify the desert. Meanwhile, the desert bandit Ruo Wen, after mistakenly abducting the wrong bridal sedan, sparks a wild and playful romance with Princess Ge Xinwei of Enaci. This encounter sets off a chain of events that intertwines the fates of these four individuals.

Unwilling to be at the mercy of fate, Huang Beishuang, driven by her plan for revenge against Na Zhan, the ruler of Yunpei City, decides to join forces with Huo Qingyun. Together, they navigate through real and illusory crises, stirring up turmoil and competing for dominance in the desert.

Love in the Desert Recap

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According to legend, the vast desert is extremely lacking in water resources, and the various tribes fight for control over the oases. The three major city-states of Yunpei, Tiandu, and Masui dominate the desert, while other tribes must use marriage alliances to exchange for resources. With the emergence of the rare book the Desert Scroll, Yunpei City, led by Na Zhan, hosted a luxurious marriage alliance banquet to compete for the book.

Meanwhile, chaos in Masui City forced their families to flee, aiming to seek refuge in Tiandu City. Masui's ninth princess, Ge Xinwei, escaped with her mother to the outskirts of Tiandu City, hoping to request protection. As the rebels from Masui pursued them, Tiandu City remained indifferent and ordered its soldiers to shoot arrows.

Unfortunately, Masui's ninth lady was shot and died, using all her strength to send Ge Xinwei and her nurse away on horseback to Yunpei City before passing. Ge Xinwei was resolute in her desire for revenge and planned to sneak into Yunpei City with the marriage alliance envoy, E Na Qi. E Na Qi sought the protection of the Yunpei City lord through the marriage alliance, but Na Xiu, Huang Beishuang, did not wish to marry.

She secretly took valuable items, intending to escape, and happened to run into Ge Xinwei and her nurse. Na Xiu lied, claiming that sand bandits were chasing her, but Ge Xinwei saw through the deception. When Ge Xinwei learned that Na Xiu was the very envoy she was looking for, she confided her experiences to her.

Na Xiu felt sympathy for Ge Xinwei's plight and was unwilling to accept her identity as a bride; she believed that marriage alliances could not solve problems. Ge Xinwei thought that as a small tribe, there was no choice but to seek the protection of the city lord. Na Xiu was reluctant to go through with the marriage alliance and wanted to find another opportunity to escape.

Ge Xinwei felt that she was not responsible for E Na Qi, especially since E Na Qi had worked hard to secure this opportunity. She proactively offered to accompany Na Xiu, expressing her willingness to enter the marriage alliance, even though she had no qualifications for it. Na Xiu had a clever idea, suggesting that Ge Xinwei become the bride, allowing her to become the lady of Yunpei City.

Ge Xinwei reminded Na Xiu to think carefully; after their identity swap, Na Xiu would become the fugitive princess from Masui, which would make survival in the desert extremely difficult. Na Xiu had no regrets and confirmed with her blood that she was willing to face whatever hardships lay ahead. The two publicly swore to exchange identities, and from then on, Ge Xinwei became Na Xiu, Huang Beishuang, while Na Xiu became Masui's ninth princess, Ge Xinwei.

They agreed not to reveal their identities for the sake of E Na Qi. Ge Xinwei handed her princess seal to Huang Beishuang, and Na Xiu also gave her marriage alliance edict to Ge Xinwei. Holding the edict, Ge Xinwei had her servant acknowledge that she was Huang Beishuang, and everyone present had no objections and was willing to follow her.

The bandit chief, Ruo Wen, held a portrait of Ge Xinwei and ambushed her in a place she was bound to pass, capturing her and stealing their belongings. Ruo Wen brought Ge Xinwei back to his camp, only to realize he had captured the wrong person. He blamed Man Hu for providing incorrect information and demanded he inquire again about the desert's most beautiful woman.

Ge Xinwei falsely claimed to be Ruo Wen's woman and threatened him to let her go. Ruo Wen laughed maniacally, asserting that he was Huang Tian Kuang Ruo Wen, and before Ge Xinwei could react, he knocked her out. Huo Qingyun was wandering alone in the desert and was injured when he happened upon the marriage alliance envoy led by E Na Qi.

Huang Beishuang took out ten bags of water to save him and commented on his kindness towards horses, noticing that they seemed intelligent. Huo Qingyun suddenly fainted, and Huang Beishuang managed to get him onto a cart. When Huo Qingyun regained consciousness, he discovered that Huang Beishuang had the the Desert Scroll in her hands.

He falsely claimed to be a merchant and mentioned that he had discovered they were from the E Na Qi tribe, intentionally stating that he also needed to go to Yunpei and reminding them to be cautious on the road.

Huo Qingyun knew that E Na Qi had the *Desert Scroll* and didn’t want Na Zhan to take advantage, so he planned to strike first. Huang Beishuang asked Guo'er to mend the bedding, and Huo Qingyun deliberately showed his wound. When Huang Beishuang saw it, she told him to go to her tent to apply medicine. Taking this chance, Huo Qingyun rummaged through her belongings but was caught by Huang Beishuang.

Huang Beishuang pretended not to notice, but in reality, she knew he had ill intentions and had already hidden the *Desert Scroll*. Huang Beishuang instructed her maid Guo'er to repair the bedding, but Guo'er was playing and laughing with the other maids, leaving the task to Nanny Duo Zai. Upon learning this, Huang Beishuang was furious. She scolded the laughing maids, pulling out a whip and demanding to know who came up with the idea.

After discovering that Guo'er was deliberately being lazy, Huang Beishuang took out the whip, intending to punish her, and ordered the others to sit down. Huang Beishuang made Guo'er kneel. Guo'er was resentful of her servant status, thinking Huang Beishuang was a noble lady while she had no choice because of her lowly position. She also didn’t want to follow along for the marriage alliance.

Huang Beishuang reminded everyone of E Na Qi's mission, stressing that they were risking their lives for the survival of the E Na Qi tribe. She asked the group to voluntarily choose whether to stay or leave. Ruo Wen's group had tracked the whereabouts of the E Na Qi team. Man Hu, pleased with himself, boasted that they would catch up soon, and Ruo Wen confidently drank.

At dawn the next day, Huang Beishuang planned for the team to depart quietly, warning Lian Huan to be cautious of Huo Qingyun. Although she had tested him before, his quality of clothing made her suspect he wasn’t just a simple bodyguard. Lian Huan worried that Huo Qingyun would catch up once he woke, but Huang Beishuang reassured him that she had already drugged Huo Qingyun's drink, believing he wouldn't wake up soon.

However, what she didn’t know was that Huo Qingyun hadn’t drunk the wine; he was only pretending to sleep. When Ruo Wen and his bandits caught up with the E Na Qi team, he finally met the desert’s most beautiful woman. Huang Beishuang offered all their food and jewels, hoping to exchange them for their lives and reach Yunpei on time.

But Ruo Wen wanted not only their resources but also the women, and he took everyone back to his Deadwind Camp, showing no concern for E Na Qi’s fate. Huang Beishuang and her group were taken back to the camp. She noticed that the location had a strategic advantage, avoiding both quicksand and storms, realizing Ruo Wen was skilled at observing terrain.

She told everyone to focus on staying alive and not to resist, as she would find a way to save them. Huo Qingyun had tracked them to Deadwind Camp and took advantage of the bandits looting resources to steal the *Desert Scroll*. Ruo Wen put fruit tree leaves into wine and forced Huang Beishuang to drink it, trying to control her body and soul. Suddenly, Huo Qingyun attacked Ruo Wen from behind, forcing him to release Huang Beishuang.

As the drug took effect on her body, Huo Qingyun hurriedly carried her away. The two of them rolled off the horse into the sand. Huang Beishuang, feeling cold and uncomfortable, whispered to Huo Qingyun. Huo Qingyun, unable to control himself, held Huang Beishuang, but she suddenly regained her senses and pushed him away, trying to numb herself with the cold river water. Huang Beishuang took off her clothes and walked into the freezing river but suddenly fainted and fell in.

When Huo Qingyun turned around and saw she was gone, he immediately rushed into the river to save her. When Huang Beishuang woke up, she found herself saved by Huo Qingyun once again. Huo Qingyun offered her medicinal herbs, but Huang Beishuang refused to take them, knowing the herbs would make her sleep for seven days, delaying her journey to Yunpei.

Before Ruo Wen was knocked unconscious by Huo Qingyun, Huang Beishuang forced him to drink spring wine, and when he woke up, the drug took effect. Guo'er deliberately tried to seduce him, but Ruo Wen wasn’t interested. Ge Xinwei discussed an escape plan with the maids, but Ruo Wen burst in and carried her away. The two struggled in the room, and Ge Xinwei deliberately teased Ruo Wen, and he couldn’t resist, leading to a night of passion.

Huo Qingyun jumped into the water to rescue Huang Beishuang. When she woke up, she learned that she had a fever the night before, but fortunately, Huo Qingyun had taken care of her. There was an unspoken intimacy between the two. Huang Beishuang expressed her gratitude, and Huo Qingyun replied that it was simply repayment for the water she had given him.

He returned the Desert Scroll to Huang Beishuang and suggested they make a deal to help her save people. Huang Beishuang planned to return to the Dead Wind Zone. After a passionate night with Ruo Wen, Ge Xinwei woke up to find that Ruo Wen didn’t care for her at all. He thought that if Huang Beishuang hadn't escaped, Ge Xinwei would never have had the chance to receive such favor.

Ge Xinwei wasn’t angry; instead, she bit an imprint into his back to remind him that she belonged to him. Ruo Wen took out Huang Beishuang’s hairpin, and Ge Xinwei deliberately provoked him, saying he wasn’t used to being rejected by a beauty. Ge Xinwei knew that the one who had escaped was Huang Beishuang. She wanted to help delay Ruo Wen so that Huang Beishuang could return to save the other servants.

Ge Xinwei revealed her identity as the Princess of Masui and told Ruo Wen that if he escorted her back to the city, she would give him the treasures of the underground palace. Ruo Wen stared at her, thinking she was inviting a wolf into her house, but Ge Xinwei didn’t care at all. Huo Qingyun took Huang Beishuang to see Dong Lao, claiming to be his friend bringing gifts.

Dong Lao scrutinized Huang Beishuang and ordered his men to kill Huo Qingyun and keep Huang Beishuang, but they were no match for Huo Qingyun. Ruo Wen actually took Ge Xinwei to Masui and left his men to guard the camp, knowing that Huang Beishuang would surely return to rescue her people. Ge Xinwei asked why he didn’t bring his men, and Ruo Wen confidently said he was enough on his own. Huo Qingyun instructed Dong Lao’s men to bury explosives.

They knew Ruo Wen wasn’t around and reassured Huang Beishuang, giving her the trigger to set off the explosives. Huo Qingyun disguised himself as Dong Lao’s second-in-command, expressing a desire to join Huang Tiankuang. Man Hu had already tied up Duo Zai to show Huo Qingyun's sincerity. Huo Qingyun offered Huang Beishuang as a gift, but Man Hu said he couldn’t make that decision and had to wait for Ruo Wen.

He asked Huo Qingyun to kill Duo Zai as a show of loyalty. Without hesitation, Huo Qingyun drew his blade, but Huang Beishuang rushed over to shield Duo Zai, cursing him. Huo Qingyun pushed her aside and thrust his dagger toward Duo Zai. When Huang Beishuang continued to protest, Huo Qingyun pretended to strike her, but Man Hu intervened, inviting him to drink. Seizing the opportunity, Huo Qingyun stole the prison keys and handed them to Huang Beishuang.

Huang Beishuang was thrown into a cell, learning that most of her people had been killed. She told the remaining servants to follow her closely, and Duo Zai realized she wasn’t dead. Just as Huo Qingyun was drinking with Man Hu and the others, Guo Er, while serving wine, exposed their scheme. Man Hu and his men grew more alert, and Dong Lao’s people detonated the explosives.

Huo Qingyun led Huang Beishuang and the others to escape, but Duo Zai was struck by an arrow in the back. Ge Xinwei deliberately led Ruo Wen in circles, wondering if Huang Beishuang and the others had escaped. Ruo Wen grew suspicious, thinking that Ge Xinwei couldn’t possibly not know the way home. As Duo Zai lay dying, she urged Huang Beishuang to use her wisdom to reclaim everything and not be consumed by desire.

Huang Beishuang wept bitterly, singing a lament as she mourned Duo Zai. Huang Beishuang saw that only two people from E Na Qi had escaped and decided to go to Yunpei alone to complete her mission. Lian Huan and Duo Er were willing to follow Huang Beishuang and protect E Na Qi. Huang Beishuang gave the Desert Scroll to Huo Qingyun, hoping he would escort her safely to Yunpei, promising to meet his conditions.

However, since she had been injured by an arrow and was in poor health, Huo Qingyun suggested that Lian Huan and Duo Er go to Yunpei first with the pass while they caught up later. Huo Qingyun helped Huang Beishuang onto a horse and asked why she insisted on going to Yunpei. Huang Beishuang confessed that neither Masui nor Tiandu could tolerate her. Huo Qingyun deliberately tested her, having heard Duo Zai call her "Ninth Princess" earlier.

As Man Hu and his men closed in on them, Huo Qingyun took her to hide in a cellar, and Huang Beishuang praised him for his knowledge of the desert. As Man Hu's men approached the cellar, Huo Qingyun pulled her into his arms to protect her.

Huo Qingyun protected Huang Beishuang, narrowly avoiding detection by the desert bandits. After the bandits left, sand got into Huang Beishuang’s eyes, and Huo Qingyun leaned close to her face to blow the sand away. Meanwhile, Ruo Wen and Ge Xinwei stopped at a post station to rest.

Ruo Wen exchanged gold for the Masui map, but Ge Xinwei thought it was not worth the price and demanded a refund, only to be stopped by Ruo Wen, who wouldn’t allow her to cause trouble. Huo Qingyun took Huang Beishuang to an inn, where the people around were captivated by her beauty. Sha Qu came out to greet them, inviting Huo Qingyun to stay upstairs and subtly signaling the others to dismiss the drinkers.

Huo Qingyun asked Huang Beishuang how she obtained the *Desert Scroll*, and Huang Beishuang explained that it was a gift from one of her father’s old acquaintances, though she no longer remembered what he looked like. Sha Qu heard that Rong Lao had resurfaced in the desert and informed Huo Qingyun. The two set out to search for him but were ambushed by the secret guards of Tiandu along the way.

Huo Qingyun asked Sha Qu to continue gathering information, agreeing to meet at the inn in five days. Sha Qu had already discovered that Tiandu’s spies were staying at the inn, and Huo Qingyun decided to close in and wipe out all the spies. Ruo Wen and Ge Xinwei passed by the inn and noticed the red flag hanging outside.

Ge Xinwei assumed they would have to sleep on the streets again, but Ruo Wen saw a black flag on the inn, suspecting it was a place for exchanging military intelligence. He asked Ge Xinwei to cooperate with him in staging a scene to secure a room. Ge Xinwei agreed but only after making Ruo Wen promise her three favors, to which he reluctantly agreed.

Huo Qingyun learned that Na Zhan had taken Rong Lao before them and urged Sha Qu to draw a map of the Yunpei Palace as soon as possible. Sha Qu teased Huo Qingyun about bringing a woman back with him, but Huo Qingyun shifted the topic by pulling out the *Desert Scroll*. Ge Xinwei pretended to be blind, while Ruo Wen posed as a horse trader, both insisting on staying at the inn.

Luo Cheng, suspicious of the two, reported the matter to Huo Qingyun, thinking that the man looked like a desert bandit. Seeing that it was Ruo Wen, Huo Qingyun, worried about being recognized, hurriedly moved the sleeping Huang Beishuang. Ge Xinwei discovered some of Huang Beishuang’s personal belongings in the room and secretly took them while Ruo Wen wasn’t paying attention.

When Huang Beishuang woke up, she realized she was in Huo Qingyun’s room and learned that Ruo Wen was also staying at the inn. As Ruo Wen descended the stairs, he saw Huo Qingyun and found him somewhat familiar, but Huo Qingyun pretended not to know him. Ruo Wen seized the opportunity to search for the Masui city defense map. Ge Xinwei returned Huang Beishuang’s belongings and explained the situation to her, unintentionally revealing that she was the Ninth Princess.

Huo Qingyun was a bit puzzled, as he had heard Duo Zai also refer to Huang Beishuang as the Ninth Princess before. Realizing that Ruo Wen was after the Masui map, Huo Qingyun deliberately let him find it. Man Hu caught up with Huo Qingyun and shot him in the back with a poisoned arrow. Huang Beishuang saved Huo Qingyun and helped treat his wound, personally sucking out the poison, but she noticed that he wasn’t affected by the toxin.

When Huo Qingyun’s Mangliu waist tag fell, Huang Beishuang realized he had been lying to her all along and guessed that Huo Qingyun was the leader of Mangliu. Master Zhu received the border pass disc and reported the situation to Na Zhan, recording all the marriage alliance tribes. He mentioned receiving E Na Qi’s border pass disc at the last moment but hadn’t personally seen Na Xiu, suspecting they hadn’t reached Yunpei.

Na Zhan didn’t care, as he wasn’t concerned about the fate of Na Xiu and her people. His soldiers captured Rong Lao and placed him in a secret room in the library, where Na Zhan ordered strict surveillance, not allowing any slack. Na Zhan was wary of Mangliu’s people, believing they were involved in selling military and political secrets, and was concerned they could bring trouble to Yunpei. He instructed his men to be on high alert against them.

Huang Beishuang carefully tended to Huo Qingyun. While sleeping, Huo Qingyun had a nightmare and suddenly grabbed Huang Beishuang’s hand, begging her not to leave him. Huang Beishuang looked at the man in front of her and smiled warmly.

Ruo Wen studied the Masui city defense map, but Ge Xinwei snatched it and examined it herself, claiming she had never seen such things as she was still unmarried. Ruo Wen threatened her with a knife, not believing her nonsense. A group of men became interested in Ge Xinwei and tried to forcibly take her away, while Ruo Wen stood by, watching as if enjoying a show.

Ge Xinwei fought back and shouted Ruo Wen's name, scaring the men into quickly apologizing and fleeing. Ruo Wen remained firm, warning Ge Xinwei not to deceive him. Huang Beishuang, standing by the wishing tree, leaned against Huo Qingyun and thanked him for protecting her all this time, wanting to say a proper goodbye. Huo Qingyun suddenly kissed Huang Beishuang, but she pushed him away and slapped him.

Huo Qingyun said he could help her with E Na Qi, but Huang Beishuang told him she had a greater mission. She then approached Huo Qingyun again and willingly accepted his kiss, letting their dreams fully part. Huo Qingyun reminded her to remember her promise, saying they would meet again. As Huang Beishuang walked away, Huo Qingyun was overcome with grief, coughed up blood, and fainted. When Huo Qingyun woke up, he learned that Huang Beishuang had left.

Sha Qu, who was standing by, handed over a letter from Huang Beishuang. Huo Qingyun opened it to find a heartfelt farewell, with Huang Beishuang wishing that they would meet again in another life. Huang Beishuang arrived in Yunpei as promised and collected some soil in a money pouch. Ye Pei didn’t understand her intentions, but Huang Beishuang told her to wait and see. Huang Beishuang then changed her clothes and entered the Eastern Palace of Yunpei.

Huo Qingyun, unable to let go, rode after her and called out her name, returning the *Desert Scroll* to her. Huang Beishuang didn’t turn around; it was Lian Huan who retrieved it. As Huo Qingyun watched Huang Beishuang walk away resolutely, his heart ached unbearably, and he coughed up blood. At the peace marriage ceremony, the tribes and princesses who had the border pass disc awaited the call of the Lord of Yunpei.

Each princess came forward one after another to pay their respects. When the princess of the Zhenqu tribe, Zhenqu Youjia, appeared, her beauty captivated the audience. Zhenqu Youjia, dignified and graceful, presented her tribute and humbly offered to lower her status to that of a servant, expressing her sincerity to Yunpei and her desire to serve the Lord, Na Zhan.

Na Zhan was intrigued by the painting in the tribute, and Zhenqu Youjia explained that it was a scene from her dream, something she had intended to offer Na Zhan once he conquered the desert. Feeling tired, Na Zhan called for the last princess, Princess Mizhan, to step forward. Huang Beishuang arrived just in time and asked Master Zhu for a favor, explaining that she had come from the far northern desert to meet Na Zhan.

Master Zhu angrily ordered her to leave, warning her not to cause a disturbance at the entrance. Huang Beishuang threatened to take her own life, drawing a blade and placing it against her neck, begging Master Zhu to report her request. The audience with Na Zhan was about to conclude when he heard that someone from the northern desert had arrived, assuming it was the first time someone from E Na Qi had come. He allowed her to enter.

Huang Beishuang presented soil from her homeland and expressed her loyalty to Yunpei, stating that she had risked her life to come. Na Zhan asked what would happen if she wasn’t conferred a title, and Huang Beishuang said that whether she was granted one or not, her tribe would remain loyal to Yunpei. Na Zhan suggested arranging another marriage for her, but Huang Beishuang politely declined, saying that if the peace marriage failed, she would remain alone for life.

She then offered to perform a dance, indifferent to whether she would be mocked. Huang Beishuang performed the Phoenix Rebirth Dance, leaving the audience stunned. Na Zhan praised her dancing skills, noting that she had used chemical powders on herself to create such a spectacular effect.

Na Zhan bestowed a large amount of jewelry upon Huang Beishuang, who was staying in Yunfang Pavilion. Ye Pei hurriedly called her "madam," but Huang Beishuang, not used to the title, insisted they continue to call her Na Xiu. Huo Qingyun instructed Sha Qu to continue searching for the secret passage. Sha Qu reported that the passage had been damaged in a fire years ago, and finding it would take some time.

Huo Qingyun heard that Huang Beishuang had been conferred a title, which he had expected. He knew that Na Zhan didn’t care about beauty but was more interested in the *Desert Scroll*. In front of Na Zhan, Master Zhu praised Zhenqu Youjia, saying she was intelligent and understood the bigger picture. Earlier, Mizhan Yu Wei had forcefully tried to take Yufu Pavilion, completely disregarding Zhenqu Youjia and even attempting to humiliate her, but Huang Beishuang stopped her.

Master Zhu admitted that he couldn’t quite read Huang Beishuang’s character, only feeling that she was very passionate. Na Zhan was thoughtful, remarking that Huang Beishuang wasn’t an ordinary person; otherwise, she wouldn’t have been able to escape from Ruo Wen’s grasp. Master Zhu considered the living arrangements for Zhenqu Youjia and Yu Wei and suspected that Yu Wei might be an impostor. Na Zhan ordered him to investigate, and if confirmed, Yu Wei was to be killed immediately.

When Na Zhan learned that Huang Beishuang had chosen the remote Yunfang Pavilion to stay in, he was furious, knowing that it was where someone had once passed away, but Huang Beishuang didn’t mind. Sha Qu found the entrance to the secret passage, and Huo Qingyun decided to explore it himself. Before leaving, he tied a red silk ribbon to a tree.

That night, Huo Qingyun carefully entered the passage, recalling how, as a child, Elder Rong, following his father’s instructions, had led him out of the city through this very route. Ye Pei hurried over in a panic, informing him that Yu Wei had actually been replaced by Yu Qiang. Upon discovering this, Na Zhan had already beaten her to death and ordered that the tribe’s tributes and priestesses would no longer be accepted.

Huang Beishuang calmly told Ye Pei to stay composed and not cause trouble as long as they didn’t start anything. Huo Qingyun emerged from the secret passage and entered Yunfang Pavilion, where he discovered the room that Huang Beishuang had chosen. Ye Pei asked Huang Beishuang if she regretted her decision, saying she knew that Huang Beishuang liked Huo Qingyun.

Huang Beishuang told Ye Pei to stop mentioning him, saying that even though she liked him, she had to forget him, or disaster would follow. Huo Qingyun, hiding under the eaves, overheard this and felt conflicted. Ge Xinwei followed Ruo Wen into Masui City, worried about being recognized, so she covered her face. Ruo Wen captured her and took her to the Grand Sacrifice Ceremony, presenting the Ninth Princess’s seal to the soldiers.

The elder in charge of the ceremony, upon learning of this, immediately tied Ge Xinwei up, intending to use her for the ritual. Ge Xinwei shouted for them to release her, insisting that she wasn’t the Ninth Princess. Just as the elder was about to carry out the sacrifice, Ruo Wen appeared and rescued her. The two of them fiercely punished the people of Masui.

After being rescued, Ge Xinwei bluntly stated that she wanted to follow Ruo Wen and become a desert bandit. Ruo Wen looked at her and seemed to accept, but just as Ge Xinwei thought he was rushing things, Ruo Wen tied her hands together and rode off on his horse. On his way back, Ruo Wen encountered Man Hu and the others, who informed him that the Death Wind region had been destroyed by Tong Bahe and Huang Beishuang.

Na Zhan visited Elder Rong’s room, instructing his subordinates to serve him well. Elder Rong showed no interest in Na Zhan, stating that ever since the former lord passed away, he had no feelings left for Yunpei. Na Zhan took out the *Desert Scroll* and asked Elder Rong to decipher it, praising him for his vast knowledge. He mentioned that the scroll had been co-authored by him and Rong Ruo and wanted to learn its secrets.

Na Zhan also inquired about the whereabouts of the child from years ago, but Elder Rong pretended not to hear. Furious, Na Zhan left Elder Rong’s room, and Master Zhu asked whom he wanted to spend the night with. Na Zhan bluntly replied that he wanted both. Meanwhile, Huo Qingyun led a group through the secret passage, splitting them into teams to quickly find Elder Rong’s room.

Huo Qingyun searched alone, using his memory to find the hidden passage in Yunfang Pavilion. Upon opening it, he found Huang Beishuang’s clothes. He suddenly remembered the moment when Na Zhan stormed Yunpei, witnessing his father being killed by Na Zhan, who then took over his father’s position as Lord of the city. As Huo Qingyun realized this, he carefully examined the arrangement of Yunfang Pavilion and heard the sound of Huang Beishuang entering. He quickly hid behind a screen.

Sensing someone in the room, Huang Beishuang deliberately sent Ye Pei away. Just then, Master Zhu arrived, informing her that she was to share the night with Zhenqu Youjia.

Ye Pei reminded Huang Beishuang that it was time for her bath. Seeing her hesitation, she asked if she didn’t want to go. Huang Beishuang knew that not going would be considered a capital offense, so she reluctantly freshened up and headed to Na Zhan's bedchamber. Zhenqu Youjia eagerly tried to please Na Zhan, while Huang Beishuang feigned illness, managing to avoid the situation she didn’t want to be a part of.

Zhenqu Youjia served Na Zhan, and the two became intimate on the bed, but Na Zhan’s attention still lingered on Huang Beishuang, who was casually flipping through the *Desert Scroll*. Na Zhan noticed this. Na Zhan stopped what he was doing and got out of bed to quiz Huang Beishuang on the contents of the book. Huang Beishuang was able to answer all of his questions clearly, and Na Zhan realized that she had an extraordinary memory.

Huang Beishuang, keeping her head down, humbly praised Na Zhan’s superior knowledge, saying that otherwise, he wouldn’t know the book's contents so well. Na Zhan became intrigued by her and remarked that she had managed to escape from Ruo Wen's territory. Huang Beishuang replied that at worst, the war with Ruo Wen would mean death, but she couldn’t let Enna Qi lose hope, and she couldn’t risk offending Na Zhan.

Na Zhan believed that she would eventually open her heart to him and said he would wait for the surprise she would bring him. Taking the opportunity, Huang Beishuang asked to leave the bedchamber, and Na Zhan agreed. Huo Qingyun drank heavily and lashed out at Sha Qu, demanding that they complete the map by tonight. Ge Xinwei followed Ruo Wen to Tong Bahe’s territory.

Ruo Wen’s eyes were filled with murderous intent, and he completely ignored Ge Xinwei, even throwing the roasted duck she had kindly prepared for him onto the ground. After plundering, Tong Bahe returned to his territory only to find Ruo Wen there, and in fear, he tried to flee. Tong Bahe, wanting to live, begged Ruo Wen for mercy. Ruo Wen captured Tong Bahe’s subordinates and deliberately said he would spare only ten of them.

Tong Bahe, smiling, agreed, but when counting, there was one too many. Right in front of everyone, he killed his own brother, thinking it would save his own life. Ruo Wen spoke to Tong Bahe’s brothers, urging them to see Tong Bahe’s true nature. When Tong Bahe tried to resist, Ruo Wen swiftly killed him with one strike. Terrified, Tong Bahe’s men knelt and begged for mercy, pledging their loyalty to Ruo Wen as their new leader.

Ruo Wen accepted their submission and happily hosted a feast for everyone, offering them wine and meat. Ge Xinwei got drunk and confessed that she wasn’t afraid of Ruo Wen, but she didn’t like the way things were done. Ruo Wen asked her if she was willing to live as a desert bandit for the rest of her life, and for a moment, he hesitated.

Ge Xinwei, drunk, collapsed into Ruo Wen’s arms, saying it was her first time experiencing something like this. The next morning, Ruo Wen ordered his men to gather information about Masui City and prepared to head to Yunpei with his brothers. As he gazed at the sleeping Ge Xinwei, he left her the jewels that Man Hu had stolen. When Ge Xinwei woke up, she found that everyone had left.

Zhenqu Youjia was pleased after gaining Na Zhan’s favor, and Na Zhan rewarded her with gold, silver, and jewels. She intentionally sent gifts to Master Zhu as thanks. News quickly spread that Huang Beishuang had not been favored by Na Zhan, which worried Ye Pei. Huang Beishuang reminded Ye Pei and Lian Huan to be cautious with their words and actions in the mansion. Na Zhan personally visited Yunfang Pavilion, bringing a gift for Huang Beishuang.

To her surprise, it was two volumes of the *Desert Scroll*. Na Zhan deliberately tested Huang Beishuang, asking her to interpret the contents of the scrolls. Her answers satisfied Na Zhan, and he left the scrolls with her. Huang Beishuang realized that Na Zhan was ambitious and intended to use him to avenge her parents. Sha Qu brought Huo Qingyun good news, saying that Huang Beishuang had returned to the mansion late last night without receiving Na Zhan’s favor.

Huo Qingyun was pleased to hear this. Huang Beishuang leafed through the *Desert Scroll*, recalling her mother’s words that only by gathering all five volumes of the scroll could they resolve the crisis facing their people. The herbal section she had obtained was crucial, as it contained a hidden message. Huo Qingyun quietly entered the inner courtyard and saw Huang Beishuang asleep in a chair. He gently covered her with a thin blanket.

When Huang Beishuang awoke and asked about it, Ye Pei suggested that it might have been Na Zhan who left the blanket. Na Zhan, eager to use Huang Beishuang’s photographic memory to unify the desert, ordered Master Zhu to arrange a grand celebration for the upcoming Moon Festival, inviting the people to join in the festivities.

Master Zhu specifically gave Zhenqu Youjia a gift, complimenting her on her beautiful new clothes and deliberately sending her a lampwick in the name of the city lord. Zhenqu Youjia returned the favor with jewelry, and Master Zhu told her that the city lord enjoyed drinking tea at night and suggested she perform well during the festival. Ye Pei, without thinking, curiously asked about the Masui festival celebration. Huang Beishuang reminded her to be careful with her words.

Master Zhu had sent a lampwick, expecting that Huang Beishuang would return the gesture, but to his surprise, she sent pastries instead. He intentionally mentioned that Na Zhan liked medicinal tea, hoping to see her make a mistake. Huo Qingyun learned that Na Zhan was hosting a lantern festival for the Moon Festival and saw this as a golden opportunity to rescue Old Master Rong.

Sha Qu subtly suggested that they could kill two birds with one stone, but Huo Qingyun pretended not to understand. Na Zhan instructed the general to keep an eye on the lantern festival, as it was his first time participating in a common folk event in years. The general reminded the performers, who were carefully selected from hundreds, to give their best performance in front of Na Zhan.

Meanwhile, Huang Beishuang was deeply engrossed in her study of the *Desert Scroll*. Ye Pei urged her to get up, stretch her body, and relax. As Huang Beishuang turned around, she noticed the red silk tied to a tree and remembered that Huo Qingyun had a habit of hanging red silk. Na Zhan came to Yunfang Pavilion again to see Huang Beishuang, asking her about her insights after reading the *Desert Scroll*'s section on sand dunes.

Huang Beishuang humbly said she had only scratched the surface and requested a little more time. Na Zhan, unhurried, allowed her to take her time and promised a great reward once she finished. The general reported that the city lord of Masui had sent a congratulatory gift, but Na Zhan dismissed it, mocking the city lord Ge Er Ke Qin as a worthless figure.

Taking advantage of the situation, Huang Beishuang inquired about Masui and learned that they had been sending tributes for protection for years. She intentionally mentioned that although Masui’s land was barren, it could still produce rare goods for Yunpei. Na Zhan, showing disdain, remarked that Masui only survived by relying on trade with Yunpei.

Na Zhan initially wanted Huang Beishuang to accompany him to the lantern festival, but she made an excuse, saying she needed to focus on the *Desert Scroll* and couldn’t join him for the time being. Na Zhan didn’t press her. After he left, Huang Beishuang asked Ye Pei and Lian Huan if they noticed Na Zhan's attitude toward Masui.

Lian Huan sensed Na Zhan’s contempt, but Huang Beishuang couldn’t make a clear judgment and wanted to wait for another opportunity to probe further. Ye Pei muttered quietly, thinking that Huang Beishuang was still concerned about Masui, and Lian Huan reminded her to watch her words. Na Zhan visited Old Master Rong again, but Old Master Rong still showed no warmth toward him and spoke to him sharply.

Na Zhan, feigning concern, said that Old Master Rong was important to him and that he feared he might not have enough food or clothing. Na Zhan then deliberately told Old Master Rong that he planned to give him a small gift during the lantern festival. Old Master Rong pretended not to understand and continued eating the food Na Zhan had brought.

Ruo Wen and his brothers reached the border of Yunpei, and he ordered them to split up and sneak into Yunpei to find Huang Beishuang. Ruo Wen, however, stayed behind to rest, deliberately waiting for Ge Xinwei to come after him. Ge Xinwei, furious, chased after Ruo Wen and demanded to know why he had abandoned her. She declared that anyone she set her sights on could never escape her grasp.

Ruo Wen didn’t care for her reasons, but Ge Xinwei confessed that she liked him. Huo Qingyun and his men replaced the acrobats, preparing to approach Na Zhan during the lantern festival. At the festival, Huo Qingyun spotted Huang Beishuang in the marketplace and deliberately appeared in front of her. The two donned masks and went on a secret date. Ge Xinwei helped Ruo Wen pick out a mask, and the two joined the lively crowd at the night market.

At the bonfire party, Ruo Wen nearly recognized Huang Beishuang and sent Ge Xinwei away. Man Hu gathered information that Huang Beishuang had been appointed as a lady and revealed that he had already arranged his men around the venue. Ge Xinwei was captivated by the magic show, especially the "vanishing person" trick from the Central Plains. Ruo Wen, pretending to indulge her curiosity, encouraged her to try it. But when the box was opened again, Ge Xinwei had disappeared.

Huang Beishuang and Huo Qingyun were strolling through the lantern festival when they suddenly heard General Wu call out to her. As Huang Beishuang turned her head, Huo Qingyun was nowhere to be seen. Huang Beishuang lied, claiming that she had gotten separated from Ye Pei. Na Zhan invited Old Master Rong to the lantern festival, deliberately setting the venue in the marketplace to showcase Yunpei’s prosperity to him.

Master Zhu announced policies exempting taxes for the Yunpei oasis, and the crowd applauded enthusiastically. When the performers took the stage, Huang Beishuang recognized that one of them was Huo Qingyun in disguise. Worried that Na Zhan might discover him, she took the initiative to approach Na Zhan, offering him a five-flavor medicinal tea to divert his attention. Meanwhile, Ruo Wen and Man Hu had already devised a plan and were preparing to take action at the venue.

Na Zhan accepted the medicinal tea from Huang Beishuang and led everyone in praying for Yunpei’s well-being. Sensing the opportunity, Ruo Wen blew his whistle, signaling his brothers, who were also getting into position. Huo Qingyun heard the whistle and felt something was amiss. He then blew a different type of whistle, confusing the members of the Mangliu gang, who looked at each other, unsure of its meaning.

Huang Beishuang, seeing that Na Zhan had become suspicious, deliberately asked about Zhenqu Youjia's gift. Zhenqu Youjia presented a rare and precious teacup from her family, and Na Zhan, holding the hands of his two wives, praised the fine tea paired with the exquisite teacup. Na Zhan then proposed rewarding the performers, and Huo Qingyun requested Huang Beishuang’s five-flavor tea. After drinking it publicly, he passed around a leaf.

General Wu, after confiscating the newly acquired oasis, suggested a competition between the two wives to secure a place for their matriarchal tribes. Seeing this, Ruo Wen realized he could not proceed with his plan and ordered his brothers to retreat. It was only after returning that Huo Qingyun reflected on the unusual whistle. Sha Qu speculated that it was Na Zhan's doing, but Huo Qingyun explained that although Na Zhan heard the whistle, he couldn’t decipher its meaning.

Sha Qu observed Old Master Rong’s appearance from the venue and deduced that Old Master Rong had been treated well by Na Zhan and was likely living in a sunlit room. Huo Qingyun planned to double back and rescue Old Master Rong again. General Wu discovered a hidden weapon at the venue but didn’t understand the significance of the yellow cloth attached to it. When Na Zhan asked about the whistle code, General Wu said he didn’t know.

Na Zhan then instructed General Wu to continue plundering the weaker tribes, as he had already detected an attempt to rescue Old Master Rong and intended to set a trap to draw them out. Man Hu found out that the Mangliu gang’s gathering spot was in a teahouse. Ruo Wen knew that only the Mangliu could recognize the sound of the "Yellow Sky Frenzy" whistle. Luo Cheng suspected that the Mangliu had colluded with Na Zhan.

Ruo Wen caused a scene at the teahouse to confront Huo Qingyun, intending to settle the score. Huo Qingyun provided him with information, revealing the secret that Qin Duo, who managed Yunpei’s military supplies, was involved, hoping to strike a deal with Ruo Wen. Ruo Wen left a portrait of Ge Xinwei, demanding that Huo Qingyun find her in exchange for wiping the slate clean.

Sha Qu was worried that they were raising a tiger that might eventually turn on them, but Huo Qingyun believed that it was worth the gamble, given Ruo Wen and his companions’ exceptional martial skills. When Ge Xinwei woke up, she found herself sold into a brothel. The madam, impressed by Ge Xinwei’s beauty, planned to make her the top courtesan. Ge Xinwei, assuming it was Ruo Wen who had sold her, tried to escape but was caught.

Huang Beishuang and Huo Qingyun exchanged emotions through bamboo flute melodies, almost getting caught by Master Zhu. Master Zhu brought embroidery threads for Huang Beishuang, urging her to practice early. Na Zhan mentioned that he often suffered from insomnia, suspecting that the child he thought was dead might still be alive, and he deliberately spoke about finding his long-lost sibling. Old Master Rong mocked him for his tyranny, saying that the child had long been trampled under the iron cavalry.

Huo Qingyun frequently visited Yunfang Pavilion to secretly watch over Huang Beishuang, and Huang Beishuang could also sense his presence. Zhenqu Youjia wanted to prepare her embroidery carefully to win Na Zhan’s heart, not wanting Huang Beishuang to steal the opportunity. Na Zhan once again favored Zhenqu Youjia, and her maid, Lian’er, tactfully excused herself. Ye Pei rushed in, flustered, saying the embroidery thread was missing.

Huang Beishuang calmly told her to search again and ordered Lian Huan to quickly go outside the palace to buy more supplies.

Lian Huan couldn’t find embroidery threads, and Huang Beishuang suspected it was Zhenqu Youjia’s doing. Just as they were feeling anxious about the lack of threads, Huang Beishuang recalled from a book that the roots of the jiemashu tree could be used to make threads. She instructed Lian Huan and Ye Pei to work with her overnight, dividing the tasks to peel the bark and pull out the fibers from the tree roots by hand.

Ye Pei complained that the process was too difficult, and it would take forever to grind the fibers into fine threads. From a distance, Huo Qingyun quietly watched them. After Huang Beishuang fell asleep, he, relying on his memory, peeled and processed all the roots into threads, placing them in front of her window. When Huang Beishuang woke up and saw the threads, she knew that Huo Qingyun had been there.

She picked up a candle and walked outside, while Huo Qingyun intentionally ran into the room to hide from her. Huang Beishuang knew he was behind her and pretended to fall so Huo Qingyun would catch her. They playfully teased each other, with Huo Qingyun suggesting she missed him. Huang Beishuang denied it but asked him why he had come. Huo Qingyun only mentioned it was because of old memories.

When Ye Pei heard voices from the room, Huang Beishuang covered for Huo Qingyun, claiming she had already fallen asleep. The next day, under the cover of night, Huo Qingyun visited Yunfang Pavilion again. Huang Beishuang held him by the waist, making him feel touched. Seeing that her hands were injured, Huo Qingyun felt distressed and stayed with her to help finish the embroidery.

Master Zhu highly praised Zhenqu Youjia’s embroidery, and Na Zhan also thought it had value as a collectible. However, when he saw that Huang Beishuang’s embroidery was merely wrist guards, he complained that she had made it carelessly. Huang Beishuang, anticipating this reaction, requested to explain the embroidery in person. She asked General Wu to slash the wrist guard with his knife. Na Zhan was surprised to see that the wrist guard remained undamaged and asked about its construction.

Huang Beishuang explained that after reading the herbology section, she discovered that the roots of the jiemashu tree could resist blades, which inspired her to make the wrist guards. Satisfied with the wrist guards, Na Zhan nevertheless felt it was difficult to determine the winner. Master Zhu suggested that the two wives present a culinary dish in ten days for further evaluation, and Na Zhan agreed. Zhenqu Youjia was displeased and blamed Xiaolian for the bad idea.

Although they had taken Huang Beishuang’s embroidery threads, she still found a loophole by using the tree roots. Zhenqu Youjia was determined not to underestimate the next culinary competition. Ruo Wen waited at the entrance of the military supply depot for Qin Duo, while Man Hu remained doubtful of the news. A brother brought information from the Mangliu gang, revealing that Ge Xinwei was in a brothel. Upon learning this, Ruo Wen prepared to kill two birds with one stone.

The brothel madam had no way to deal with Ge Xinwei, who had a bad temper and refused to entertain guests or eat. Ruo Wen and his men barged into the brothel, pretending to seek pleasure. The madam decided to have Ge Xinwei serve them. When Ge Xinwei saw that it was Ruo Wen, she angrily accused him of arriving too late and tearfully complained about being forced to receive guests.

Ruo Wen gave her the opportunity to vent her anger, speaking suggestively about how she could repay him. Man Hu threatened the madam, demanding to use the brothel as their base, and ordered her and her staff to cooperate. Sha Qu, with a portrait of Ge Xinwei, visited the Enaci tribe and learned that she was actually Na Xiu.

Upon hearing this, Huo Qingyun realized that Huang Beishuang and Ge Xinwei had switched identities for a marriage alliance, and he recalled how Lady Masui had once pleaded for help outside the gates. Feeling guilty, he blamed himself for Lady Masui’s death. Sha Qu believed that the hatred over the death of one's mother was irreconcilable and that Huo Qingyun and Huang Beishuang’s marriage bond could not continue.

Huang Beishuang pondered over the principle of the twin fruit trees and speculated that the second part of the Desert Scroll might be about climate. She became so absorbed in her reading that it was already late into the night when she stepped outside to look across the courtyard, but Huo Qingyun was nowhere to be seen.

Qin Duo went to Zuixiang Pavilion for entertainment, where Ruo Wen, disguised as a servant, greeted him and deliberately arranged for Ge Xinwei to entertain him. Ge Xinwei planned to steal his key but was caught. Qin Duo then tried to assault Ge Xinwei, but Ruo Wen couldn’t hold back and burst into the room, beating Qin Duo severely. Afterward, Ruo Wen scolded Ge Xinwei for acting recklessly, and she was still shaken by the encounter.

Huo Qingyun visited Huang Beishuang again while she slept, but she had been pretending to be asleep, waiting for him. She asked if something was troubling him. Knowing he couldn’t face Huang Beishuang, Huo Qingyun made an excuse to leave. Huang Beishuang gave him a belt made from the jiemashu roots, and though Huo Qingyun hesitated before accepting it, Huang Beishuang found his behavior odd.

Na Zhan was waiting for the fish to take the bait, but there was no movement. He suspected that the bandits were being brazen, believing that the most dangerous place was the safest. General Wu suggested transferring the troops from the library to the temple, using the open terrain to easily capture the thieves in one sweep. Zhenqu Youjia was worried that Huang Beishuang’s culinary skills would surpass hers and threaten her position as Empress.

She had Xiaolian send a letter to her father, asking for help. Huang Beishuang noticed that Huo Qingyun hadn’t come to see her for several days and wondered if she had offended him. Ye Pei reminded her about the upcoming cooking competition, and Huang Beishuang, aware of the rich resources in Yunpei, sent Lian Huan to the kitchen to investigate.

Remembering Na Zhan’s promise, Huang Beishuang took the initiative to apologize to him, expressing her opinion that the jiemashu roots were not suitable for large-scale planting in Yunpei. She hinted that without the climate chapter, she couldn’t continue her research. Na Zhan promised to give her the climate chapter, but only after she thoroughly understood the herbology chapter. Ge Xinwei showed interest in the registry of Zuixiang Pavilion and wanted to take over its management.

Ruo Wen was unsure of what she was thinking and reminded her again not to act recklessly, sarcastically claiming that he feared she would drag him down. Ge Xinwei, wanting to help Ruo Wen, offered to tidy his hair, saying he didn’t know how to take care of himself. Man Hu discovered the layout of the Yunpei armory and knew that the guard shift was weak at the Hour of the Boar. He suggested taking action during this time.

Ruo Wen asked Ge Xinwei if she was interested in the armory, but Ge Xinwei didn’t want to go—she had important matters to handle at the brothel. Ruo Wen entrusted her with the brothel, telling her to turn it into a base for Huang Tian Kuang in Yunpei. Sha Qu learned that the temple had increased its military forces.

Huo Qingyun found this suspicious, knowing that Na Zhan’s actions were unpredictable, and instructed Sha Qu to pause the investigation of the temple. Meanwhile, Ruo Wen’s men looted the armory, leaving behind empty boxes, assuming that it wouldn’t be discovered for a while. Man Hu found out that the forces in the royal palace had increased and advised Ruo Wen not to risk going there, but Ruo Wen insisted on going to find Huang Beishuang.

Ruo Wen waited at the entrance of the royal palace for a long time, noticing that the security was tight and nearly impossible to breach. By chance, he overheard that a palace servant was going to pick up a chef from Zhenqu’s kitchen. He came up with a plan, knocking the servant unconscious and tying him up, then disguising himself as the chef.

When Zhenqu Youjia saw that Ruo Wen had come alone, she complained that her father had been too careless and decided to test his culinary skills. Ruo Wen, skilled with a knife, demonstrated his cooking prowess in front of Zhenqu Youjia, who was deeply impressed. Huang Beishuang planned to go to the library to find recipes to win the cooking competition and coincidentally ran into Huo Qingyun there.

Na Zhan and General Wu suddenly entered the room, and the two overheard General Wu talking about using torture on Elder Rong, but Na Zhan did not agree. He turned around and opened a secret mechanism in the library, entering a hidden room, which Huo Qingyun noticed. Zhenqu Youjia ordered Ruo Wen to make mutton soup, but Ruo Wen ignored her and went to find Huang Beishuang to confront her, demanding that she leave the palace with him.

Huo Qingyun, harboring a secret, remained silent, which upset Huang Beishuang. She instructed Lian Huan and Ye Pei to seal off the secret passage to the room. Huo Qingyun warned her to stay away from Ruo Wen, but Huang Beishuang didn’t take it seriously and deliberately said things to hurt Huo Qingyun’s feelings. Huo Qingyun clenched his fists as he watched her walk away. That night, Huo Qingyun, masked, returned to the library, with Ruo Wen following closely behind.

Huo Qingyun suspected that Elder Rong was imprisoned in the library and spoke to him in code. When Elder Rong saw Huo Qingyun, he was overcome with emotion and said he could die without regrets. As Ruo Wen was thinking of how to open the hidden room, he suddenly heard footsteps approaching from outside and quickly hid. Huo Qingyun tried to escape with Elder Rong but was surrounded by General Wu’s men in the library.

General Wu intentionally withdrew the troops from the library to lure Huo Qingyun into a trap. Na Zhan had already noticed signs of someone having been in the library during his previous visit. Huo Qingyun pushed Elder Rong back into the secret chamber and distracted General Wu himself, but unexpectedly, he was injured on his arm by General Wu.

General Wu ordered the library to be surrounded, but fortunately, Ruo Wen, hiding in the shadows, threw concealed weapons, stopping the soldiers and allowing Huo Qingyun to escape, though he was hit by an arrow in the back. General Wu, surprised that the bandits had fled, followed the trail of blood to Yunfang Pavilion. Huang Beishuang saw someone collapsed on the ground and realized it was the injured Huo Qingyun. She helped him back to her room.

Lian Huan pulled out the arrow from his back and discovered it was poisoned. Na Zhan suddenly barged in, but luckily, Huang Beishuang had already hidden Huo Qingyun. Taking advantage of Na Zhan's distraction, she cut her own palm. Na Zhan noticed blood near the wardrobe and vented his anger on Huang Beishuang, but seeing her injured hand, he grudgingly let it go. After Na Zhan left, Huang Beishuang had Lian Huan lock the door.

She hurried to bandage Huo Qingyun’s wound, and Huo Qingyun endured the pain in silence. Seeing her hand injury, Huo Qingyun, despite his own pain, helped her wrap it up, telling her not to risk herself for him again. Huang Beishuang insisted that she couldn’t just stand by and watch him die, and Huo Qingyun fainted from the pain. Na Zhan was furious that Huo Qingyun had escaped, but he had already suspected that Huang Beishuang was involved.

He instructed General Wu not to rush, but to first transfer Elder Rong elsewhere during the night. General Wu reported that he had found evidence in the library indicating that someone had helped Huo Qingyun escape. Huang Beishuang checked Huo Qingyun’s pulse and found no signs of poisoning, suspecting that he was immune to all poisons. When Huo Qingyun woke up, he wanted to leave immediately, but Huang Beishuang stopped him, insisting that he stay and heal.

She also demanded that he wear the soft armor she had given him. Na Zhan waited for two days without any sign of the bandits and ordered General Wu to remain vigilant. Ruo Wen intentionally made the food too bland. After tasting it, Zhenqu Youjia scolded him, demanding that the imperial chef be replaced. While they were arguing, Na Zhan suddenly appeared, and Zhenqu Youjia pretended to complain about excessive humidity.

Na Zhan became suspicious of Ruo Wen and asked to check his hands, noticing that they were covered in calluses. Ruo Wen explained that his hands had become calloused after years of cooking. Na Zhan tasted the dishes on the table and, though he found the flavor odd, refrained from blaming Zhenqu Youjia. Huo Qingyun was drinking Ba wine on the terrace, claiming that it could neutralize all poisons.

He said that he had been drinking it since childhood in order to survive. Huang Beishuang was puzzled, and Huo Qingyun remembered how his father had asked him to conceal his identity to stay alive. Huang Beishuang felt that she and Huo Qingyun were both wandering souls, learning that his parents were also dead. Huo Qingyun admitted that he had come here to rescue Elder Rong and that, fortunately, Ruo Wen had saved him.

He tried to sever ties with Huang Beishuang but found it hard to resist her charm. Huang Beishuang forcibly drank the Ba wine and drunkenly fell asleep on Huo Qingyun. Huo Qingyun was torn inside and secretly vowed to protect Huang Beishuang until the truth was revealed. Ge Xinwei was managing the brothel, intimidating the madam into signing over the deed to the property.

She planned to turn Zuixiang Pavilion into a restaurant to help the women there find a way to make a living. Ruo Wen, frustrated by Xiaolian’s insistence that he make lotus seed soup, angrily revealed his identity to Zhenqu Youjia, demanding that she cooperate with him in the residence and even serve him by dancing.

Zhenqu Youjia dared not resist, afraid that Ruo Wen would take her back to be his captive wife, so she complied, even offering to make the lotus seed soup herself. Ruo Wen warned her that if anyone found out, a scar on her face would be the least of her worries.

Sha Qu teased Huo Qingyun about his injuries, trying to remind him to keep his distance from Huang Beishuang, fearing that the grudge of his mother's death might affect their relationship. Huo Qingyun assured him that he wouldn’t let her know and asked Sha Qu to buy Huang Beishuang’s favorite rice cakes from Ma Sui. Huo Qingyun treated Yunfang Pavilion like his own home, and Ye Pei deliberately arranged opportunities for the two of them to be alone.

When Huang Beishuang woke up, she immediately asked about Huo Qingyun’s injuries. Huo Qingyun pretended that the wound was still painful to gain her concern, asking if she remembered what she had said last night. Huang Beishuang, knowing that she had revealed her true feelings while drunk, deliberately claimed not to remember. Huo Qingyun pulled her into his arms, intimately offering to help her recall the details.

Zhenqu Youjia complained about serving Ruo Wen, believing that he had some connection to Huang Beishuang. Xiaolian reminded her that Huang Beishuang was not a simple person. Zhenqu Youjia, wanting to exaggerate things, had Xiaolian arrange for someone to go to Enaci to investigate Huang Beishuang’s background. She learned that Ruo Wen might be the bandit from the library and wanted to help Na Zhan eliminate him to gain favor.

Ge Xinwei had the women of the brothel demonstrate their culinary skills, discovering that they were quite talented. She invited Man Hu and Langtou to taste the food. Langtou, dazzled by the delicious dishes, inadvertently revealed that Ruo Wen was hiding in Huayu Mansion, which enraged Ge Xinwei. Zhenqu Youjia tried to ambush Ruo Wen while he was asleep, but Ruo Wen caught her and cut her hair, terrifying her into continuing to serve him.

Ruo Wen enjoyed good food and drink at Yufu Pavilion, warning Zhenqu Youjia not to harbor any ill thoughts. Meanwhile, Huang Beishuang prepared a meal, and after tasting it, Huo Qingyun subtly implied that her cooking skills were lacking but jokingly said he would still let her become the fortunate Lady Huo. Na Zhan grew anxious over his failure to eliminate the bandits.

From General Wu, he learned that there had been no activity at Yunfang Pavilion, but General Wu mentioned that the bandit had been poisoned by an arrow and would likely die that night. Na Zhan deliberately went to see Huang Beishuang at night, catching her as she was preparing to leave the pavilion.

Huang Beishuang explained that she was preparing for a cooking competition, but Na Zhan forcefully demanded that she fulfill her duties as his wife, pressing her down onto the bed. Huang Beishuang intentionally squeezed blood from her hand injury, staining Na Zhan’s hand and dampening his enthusiasm.

Na Zhan, realizing that she was trying to avoid the bedroom, revoked her title as his wife, declaring that she was merely a business partner in Huayu Mansion until she could decipher the Desert Scroll. Huo Qingyun stole the climate chapter from the library and spent the night copying it before instructing Sha Qu to return it. Sha Qu reminded Huo Qingyun not to get emotionally involved, recalling their shared mission for revenge.

Years ago, Sha Qu’s father, Sha Zhen, a close ally of Na Qida, was executed along with his entire family when Na Zhan usurped the throne. With the cooking competition approaching, Ruo Wen suggested they should know their enemy. He used the excuse of visiting Yunfang Pavilion to see Huang Beishuang. On the way to buy rice cakes, Sha Qu intercepted someone disguised as a bandit, only to discover that they were Zhenqu Youjia’s people.

After hearing this, Huo Qingyun warned Huang Beishuang, assuring her that he would handle it. He also gifted her the copied climate chapter. Suddenly, Ruo Wen arrived, and Huang Beishuang urged Huo Qingyun to avoid making a scene, telling him to hide behind the screen. Ruo Wen insisted that Huang Beishuang leave with him, threatening to expose her involvement with Huo Qingyun. He revealed that he had saved Huo Qingyun only so he could kill him later.

Na Zhan suddenly arrived to see Huang Beishuang, but thanks to Ye Pei’s timely warning, Ruo Wen quickly hid behind the screen, where he unexpectedly ran into Huo Qingyun. Huang Beishuang asked Na Zhan to send troops to Ma Sui to help grow the medicinal plant Jie Magen. Na Zhan refused, stating it wasn’t a wise plan, knowing that Ge Er Ke Qin lacked the courage to do so.

Huang Beishuang realized she couldn’t use Na Zhan for her revenge and began considering other options. After Na Zhan left, Huo Qingyun and Ruo Wen almost fought, but Huang Beishuang quickly intervened to stop them. Ruo Wen returned to Yufu Pavilion, where Zhenqu Youjia had prepared a meal for him. However, she learned that Huang Beishuang had a 90% chance of winning the cooking competition and begged Ruo Wen for help. Ruo Wen gave her an idea, suggesting she go to Yunfang Pavilion to investigate Huang Beishuang’s bedroom herself.

Huo Qingyun was bathing in his room when Zhenqu Youjia barged in under the pretense of delivering pastries, insisting on entering Huang Beishuang's quarters. Huang Beishuang repeatedly asked her to leave, but Zhenqu Youjia, thinking Huang Beishuang was hiding some secret skill, deliberately pulled back the shower curtain. Huang Beishuang swung her head, splashing water on Zhenqu Youjia's face, who then took the hint and left. Huo Qingyun pretended to be unconscious, hoping Huang Beishuang would feel sorry for him.

When discovered, he moved closer to her, claiming he wanted to stay and help her win the oasis. Ruo Wen suspected that the coup in Ma Sui was related to Yun Pei. When Zhenqu Youjia returned, she informed him that Huang Beishuang was bathing and hadn’t prepared any dishes. Zhenqu Youjia believed Huang Beishuang was being secretive. With the cooking competition approaching, she hadn’t seen Huang Beishuang preparing anything, while the latter was leisurely enjoying her bath.

Ruo Wen smiled and told her that Huang Beishuang wouldn’t win, assuring Zhenqu Youjia to not worry. Huo Qingyun took Huang Beishuang to find Old Gu, who used to be Na Zhan’s royal chef but retired due to his bad temper. Huo Qingyun earnestly requested Old Gu to teach him how to cook, but Old Gu refused to open the door. Huo Qingyun intended to push harder, but Huang Beishuang advised against forcing him.

As they were leaving, Huang Beishuang noticed some poorly grown peppermint and pointed out that it was due to the poor soil drainage. Old Gu suddenly had an epiphany and made Qiansi Gui, Na Zhan's favorite dish, which Huang Beishuang recognized as noodles. Huo Qingyun set aside their identities and took Huang Beishuang to enjoy the market. Huang Beishuang expressed her gratitude for Huo Qingyun’s presence in her life.

Huo Qingyun left her a letter, instructing her not to open it unless it was a matter of life and death. Ge Xinwei interrupted their moment, asking Huo Qingyun to help her enter Huayu Mansion to find Ruo Wen. Huang Beishuang caught up with Ge Xinwei, learning that she had been doing well traveling with Ruo Wen. Huang Beishuang bought a live fish as an ingredient and kept it in a water tank.

Ruo Wen overheard their conversation from a distance but didn’t know what was inside the tank. Under the cover of night, he opened the tank, discovering the live fish. Ruo Wen deliberately poured wine into the water, intending to ruin Huang Beishuang's ingredient. The next day during the cooking competition, Huang Beishuang found the fish dead from being soaked in wine, and there was no time to buy another ingredient.

Ge Xinwei sneaked into the mansion and presented herself to Ruo Wen, insisting that she could help him showcase his culinary skills. Ruo Wen was surprised she could cook but pretended to support her. Zhenqu Youjia’s Pulu Duck was praised by Na Zhan, but Huang Beishuang’s Qiansi Gui astonished him even more. Since Old Gu retired, he hadn’t had Qiansi Gui for a long time.

Huang Beishuang explained that her version was an improved recipe, making Na Zhan regard her with newfound respect. General Wu, in front of Huang Beishuang, deliberately stated that they had failed to capture the oasis, which left Na Zhan unable to fulfill his promise. He believed that this competition’s outcome held no significance. Huang Beishuang understood but still held onto hope.

Ruo Wen returned to Yunfang Pavilion to find Huang Beishuang, saying that Na Zhan was intentionally playing along with General Wu, unable to actually fulfill his promise. Huang Beishuang used this to incite Ruo Wen, suggesting he attack Ma Sui to acquire territory that could rival Yun Pei. Ruo Wen took her words to heart and planned to leave Huayu Mansion, intending to loot Yufu Pavilion in front of Zhenqu Youjia.

Zhenqu Youjia tried to stop him but was unable, especially when Ge Xinwei came to assist Ruo Wen. Zhenqu Youjia was too afraid to tell Na Zhan, fearing she might be punished for being misunderstood. She suspected Ruo Wen was the bandit from the library that night. General Wu discovered that the Qin family’s armory had been robbed and, following the clues, found the brothel madam.

She revealed the name of Man Hu, leading Na Zhan to realize that this was the second-in-command of Huang Tiankuang, prompting General Wu to strengthen the defense of Yun Pei.

Ruo Wen showed no mercy as he looted all the treasures from Yufu Pavilion. Zhenqu Youjia dared not stop him, fearing Na Zhan's wrath, so she planned to report the incident to Na Zhan and ask him to intervene on her behalf. Na Zhan asked her to explain clearly, and Zhenqu Youjia claimed she had been deceived by a thief disguised as a royal chef, but she was too afraid to mention Ruo Wen by name.

Na Zhan found the story absurd and questioned whether Zhenqu Youjia had lost her honor, but she swore her innocence, even willing to die to prove it, until Lord Zhu intervened to stop her. Lord Zhu spoke on Zhenqu Youjia’s behalf, asking Na Zhan to calm his anger and suggesting they consult with General Wu about dealing with the thieves. However, Na Zhan knew it was too late, as the thieves had already fled the mansion.

Ruo Wen received word from the outlaw Mang Liu, learning about the geographical weaknesses of Ma Sui and the unrest among its common people. Huang Beishuang looked at the pouring rain with concern, predicting the weather was a bad omen. Huo Qingyun, however, thought she was overthinking, telling her he had seen a mirage in the oasis recently.

This only made Huang Beishuang more certain it was a sign of disaster, as she had read about this in the climate section of her studies, suspecting an outbreak of disease might follow. Lord Zhu rushed to report to Na Zhan that a deadly illness had appeared in the laundry house. Na Zhan ordered all pavilions to be sealed, forbidding anyone from leaving.

Upon hearing this, Huang Beishuang insisted on going to see the situation herself, fearing the spread of the disease would be catastrophic. After examining the patients, she confirmed that they had contracted a severe cold. Huo Qingyun thought the issue might be with the water supply and suggested clearing the drainage channels. He advised Huang Beishuang to stay safe in the mansion and not act rashly.

Taking advantage of Na Zhan's order to summon craftsmen for the drainage work, Sha Qu planned to rescue Old Rong. Na Zhan had Old Rong moved from the library, leaving Huo Qingyun empty-handed when he arrived. Upon his return, Huo Qingyun learned that Huang Beishuang had made a military pledge in front of Na Zhan, vowing to cure the sick maidservants within seven days, but she herself had unfortunately contracted the illness.

Huo Qingyun, seeing Huang Beishuang’s fever worsening, decided to take her outside the mansion to seek medical help. The physician, after examining her, claimed there was no cure unless they could acquire the Ice Toad from Tiandu. Huo Qingyun instructed Sha Qu to race and retrieve the Ice Toad, regardless of its status as the city’s treasured artifact. Lord Zhu was filled with anxiety, worried about Huang Beishuang’s condition.

Na Zhan reassured him, wanting to see if Huang Beishuang was truly destined for greatness. When Huang Beishuang awoke, she wanted to go outside for some fresh air, and Huo Qingyun accompanied her. The two spoke about the future, imagining a beautiful life together. Huang Beishuang revealed her identity as the Ninth Princess, deciding to no longer hide the truth as she felt her end was near. She also entrusted Huo Qingyun with the secret of the Desert Scroll.

Before Huo Qingyun could respond, Huang Beishuang fainted again. Huo Qingyun wept in sorrow, determined to take Huang Beishuang to the oasis. When the physician finally obtained the Ice Toad, he laughed, saying it was the key ingredient for curing the evil poison afflicting her. After taking the medicine, Huang Beishuang coughed up the poisoned blood, and Huo Qingyun embraced her in relief, planning to leave Yun Pei with her.

But Huang Beishuang insisted they could not leave, as neither of them had completed their missions. Na Zhan, seeing that the illness had been brought under control, expressed concern for Huang Beishuang, who nearly lost her life testing the medicine, praising her resilience. Huang Beishuang dared not take credit and only hoped to gain Na Zhan's trust. Huo Qingyun disguised himself as General Wu, preparing the necessary tokens and documents.

He tricked the guards into letting him enter the dungeon, claiming he needed to take Old Rong to meet Na Zhan. After verifying the documents, the guards handed Old Rong over. Huo Qingyun then smuggled Old Rong out of the mansion, with Sha Qu and the others escorting him to treat his illness.

Huo Qingyun tore off his disguise and rescued Old Rong right under Na Zhan’s guards' noses. Huang Beishuang, using what she learned from the Herbal Chapter to create a face mask, also forged General Wu’s command token. She informed Huo Qingyun about Na Zhan’s habit of playing chess at night, giving him a time window of half a stick of incense to rescue Old Rong. The two agreed to use fireworks as a signal once the task was complete.

Seeing that Huo Qingyun was alive, Old Rong was heartbroken by all the hardships he had endured over the years. He reminded Huo Qingyun that he wasn’t yet strong enough to face Na Zhan. Huo Qingyun then presented letters from the weak tribes near Yun Pei, which were addressed to Tiandu, exposing Na Zhan’s tyrannical rule.

He hoped that Old Rong would help him locate the true imperial decree written by Na Qida so they could give an explanation to the people of the desert. Old Rong replied that only his brother Ruo Bo knew the whereabouts of the decree, but Ruo Bo had been missing for fifteen years. General Wu captured a soldier for questioning. The soldier begged Na Zhan for mercy, claiming he didn’t know someone had impersonated General Wu.

Na Zhan, furious, beat the soldier to death and ordered General Wu to seal the city gates and search for the culprits. He also commanded that everyone who knew the secret be silenced. Just then, Lord Zhu rushed in, reporting that Ma Sui had sent a plea for help. Na Zhan burned the letter, saying that they had helped Ma Sui before and that this time, they should fend for themselves. He had no intention of sending aid.

Ruo Wen led the Huangtian Berserker Battalion in an attack outside Ma Sui city, seizing control of the area. He rallied his troops, declaring his intention to build his own city-state and urging his brothers to follow him south to conquer Ma Sui. Ge Er Ke Qin learned that Ruo Wen had reached the outskirts of the city and that there was no sign of reinforcements from Yun Pei. Unsure of what to do, he sought advice from his ministers.

Someone suggested immediately sending an envoy to Yun Pei to ally with Na Zhan’s Red Cavalry, but the danger outside the city made it uncertain who should go. Zhan Bie volunteered to go to Yun Pei alone and seek help. Another minister suggested feigning a marriage alliance with Ruo Wen by offering General Hua Yu’s two daughters, using this opportunity to eliminate Ruo Wen.

After ensuring Old Rong’s safety, Huo Qingyun returned to Yunfang Pavilion and teasingly asked Huang Beishuang if she cared about him and whether she was willing to leave with him. Huang Beishuang shook her head. She knew there were still tasks she hadn’t completed and decided to stay by Na Zhan’s side. Huo Qingyun, worried that Na Zhan would grow suspicious of her, urged her to leave with him, promising to find her an oasis.

Huang Beishuang, however, believed that saving Enaqi was her mission and did not want to put Huo Qingyun in opposition to Yun Pei. Na Zhan identified Ruo Wen as the fake chef from Zhenqu, and he believed the person who had taken Old Rong was still within the mansion. He ordered General Wu to continue the investigation.

Zhan Bie requested that Na Zhan send troops to assist Ma Sui and scare off the Huangtian rebels, but Na Zhan politely refused, saying that while he wouldn’t abandon them to die, a proper strategy was needed. Zhan Bie, feeling disheartened, walked through the pavilion and encountered Huang Beishuang. Recognizing her as the Ninth Princess of Ma Sui, he confronted her. Huang Beishuang remained calm and claimed she was Enaqi Naxiu.

However, Zhan Bie was sure he hadn’t mistaken her and informed her of the dire situation in Ma Sui. Their conversation was overheard by Xiao Lian, who reported it to Zhenqu Youjia. Zhenqu Youjia deliberately approached Zhan Bie, offering to have Zhenqu send troops to aid Ma Sui on the condition that he publicly reveal Huang Beishuang’s identity as the Ninth Princess during the Festival of You.

Zhan Bie was torn between fearing punishment for Huang Beishuang and the safety of the people of Ma Sui. Meanwhile, the envoy from Ma Sui presented Hua Jiao and Hua Ting to Ruo Wen. Ge Xinwei, displeased, ordered the envoy to take them back, but Ruo Wen decided to keep them. Later, when the two attempted to assassinate Ruo Wen in his sleep, they found that he had already anticipated their plan and captured them.

Ge Xinwei, in a casual conversation, revealed her own identity as the Ninth Princess and learned that General Hua Yu’s entire family was waiting for her return. Hua Ting explained that she and her sister had intentionally quarreled with their father, feigning allegiance to Ge Er Ke Qin. Ge Xinwei saw this as an opportunity and planned to use them to help Ruo Wen capture Ma Sui.

During the Festival of You, Xiao Lian bribed Guo'er to expose Huang Beishuang’s identity in the main hall. Huang Beishuang, calm and composed, instructed Ye Pei and Lian Huan to confront her accusers. Guo’er then called out Zhan Bie, claiming that he knew the Ninth Princess of Ma Sui.

Zhan Bie denied that Huang Beishuang was Naxiu, stating that he had met Naxiu before, and she wasn’t as cold and aloof as Huang Beishuang. Guo’er became anxious, shouting that they were all conspiring together. Na Zhan personally asked Huang Beishuang who she was, and she firmly asserted that she was Lady Shuang from Yun Pei. Na Zhan ordered for Guo’er to be taken outside and executed.

Guo’er called out to Zhenqu Youjia for help, but Zhenqu Youjia was too preoccupied with her own problems. After the banquet, as Huang Beishuang was preparing to return to Yunfang Pavilion, Na Zhan stopped her and told her that he didn’t care about her identity; to him, she was Huang Beishuang. Zhan Bie hurried back to his room, warning Huo Qingyun not to use his mother to threaten him. He insisted that he had not revealed Huang Beishuang’s identity.

Huo Qingyun reminded him that Ma Sui was about to be conquered by Ruo Wen and that a change in leadership might not be a bad thing. He advised Zhan Bie not to act recklessly and promised that he would rescue Zhan Bie’s mother. Their conversation was overheard by General Wu, who took note of Huo Qingyun’s facial features. After looking at a portrait, Na Zhan recognized Huo Qingyun as the lord of Tiandu.

General Wu suspected that there was a secret passage within the mansion and noticed that Huo Qingyun had disappeared near Yunfang Pavilion. Zhenqu Youjia concealed from Na Zhan that she had been punished by Ruo Wen, leading Na Zhan to confine her to Yufu Pavilion. Furious, Na Zhan berated General Wu’s guards for their incompetence, but then decided to sit back and watch Huo Qingyun and Huang Beishuang’s actions unfold.

Ruo Wen led the Huangtian Berserker brothers in storming Ma Sui City. He and Ge Xinwei swaggered into the city pavilion, noticing that the food on the table was still warm. Sensing an ambush, Ruo Wen called out for the hidden soldiers to reveal themselves. Ma Sui soldiers surrounded Ruo Wen, shouting that they would kill this desert bandit. Amused, Ruo Wen decided to toy with them, single-handedly dealing with the soldiers.

Ge Xinwei, while avoiding the soldiers, stumbled, and Ruo Wen quickly moved to protect her. As they fought, their banter grew flirtatious, and they dispatched the soldiers together. Ge Er Ke Qin was captured and brought into the city pavilion. He immediately offered Ma Sui’s allegiance to Ruo Wen, pleading for his life. Ge Xinwei couldn’t help but scold him, accusing him of cowardice.

Ruo Wen had no interest in Ma Sui’s city seal, jokingly telling Man Hu to turn it into a chamber pot. Seizing the opportunity, Ge Er Ke Qin grabbed a knife and took Ge Xinwei hostage, believing her to be important to Ruo Wen. Ruo Wen casually mentioned Ge Xinwei’s true identity, but Ge Er Ke Qin claimed not to know her.

Realizing her identity was about to be exposed, Ge Xinwei tried to kill him, but Ruo Wen stopped her. Huo Qingyun learned that Ruo Wen had conquered Ma Sui City, believing it was all under his control. His greatest concern now was Huang Beishuang. He thought the fall of Ma Sui was just the beginning and that Huang Beishuang’s next target would be Tiandu. He planned to take her away from Yun Pei City.

Huang Beishuang, who had feelings for Huo Qingyun, met with him at Yunfang Pavilion, where he promised to give her everything. General Wu discovered a secret passage in Yunfang Pavilion. Na Zhan followed it to Huang Beishuang’s quarters, realizing that things were more complicated than they seemed. Huang Beishuang urged Huo Qingyun to think carefully, warning him that from now on, he would be pitted against both Yun Pei and Tiandu.

Huo Qingyun planned to keep this hidden for now and wanted to take Huang Beishuang away. The two agreed to meet the next day at Juyun Pavilion. Na Zhan overheard their conversation but chose not to intervene immediately. Huang Beishuang packed her belongings, instructing Ye Pei and Lian Huan to settle down and live peaceful lives. After finishing her arrangements, she prepared to leave but unexpectedly encountered Na Zhan in the secret passage.

Na Zhan revealed Huo Qingyun’s true identity, telling her that Ge Er Ke Qin had colluded with Tiandu to murder Huang Beishuang’s mother. The next day, Huo Qingyun arrived early at Juyun Pavilion to wait for Huang Beishuang. When she arrived, however, she stabbed him in the chest with a dagger. Huang Beishuang exposed his true identity as the northern lord, and Huo Qingyun didn’t deny it. Instead, he felt relieved, as if a burden had been lifted.

Na Zhan had already stationed archers at Juyun Pavilion. Though injured, Huo Qingyun was determined to take Huang Beishuang away. Overcome with emotion, Huang Beishuang stabbed him again and kicked him into the water. Na Zhan praised Huang Beishuang for making the right decision, believing that she had helped him get rid of Huo Qingyun. He offered to pretend nothing had happened and proposed continuing their partnership.

Man Hu and Langtou cheered, wanting to proclaim Ruo Wen as the city lord, but Ruo Wen said the city had another purpose, which displeased Ge Xinwei. Huang Beishuang took out Huo Qingyun’s farewell letter, hesitating whether to open it. General Wu’s investigation revealed that Juyun Pavilion was a stronghold of the Mangliu. Because the lake’s water was flowing, no trace of Huo Qingyun was found.

Na Zhan discovered Huo Qingyun’s connection to the Mangliu and ordered that the news be sealed. He commanded that Huo Qingyun be found, dead or alive.

Ge Xinwei lingered in Ruo Wen's room, refusing to leave. She was displeased that he had angered her and demanded that he fulfill the promise he had once made to her—she wanted to settle down in Ma Sui City. Ruo Wen deliberately exposed her lie, pointing out that Ge Er Ke Qin didn’t even know who she was.

Ge Xinwei openly admitted her identity as Naxiu, adding that she believed Huang Beishuang had abandoned her status as the Ninth Princess and had no interest in Ma Sui City. Ruo Wen scoffed at her ambitions, but Ge Xinwei embraced him, expressing her desire to stay by his side forever and build a home together.

After Huo Qingyun was rescued by Sha Qu and taken away from Tiandu, Sha Qu criticized Huang Beishuang for being so ruthless, accusing her of injuring Huo Qingyun’s vital organs. Fortunately, his armor had protected him. However, Huo Qingyun brushed it off, saying he owed Huang Beishuang, and even asked Sha Qu to retrieve the discarded armor. He believed that it was only right for Huang Beishuang to hold a grudge against him.

Upon hearing that Huo Qingyun was injured, Old Rong hurried over, concerned for his health. Huo Qingyun expressed confusion, stating that his mother had been Princess Huaming of Tiandu, yet no one knew of his existence. Old Rong explained that he had once traveled the desert with Na Qida and was saved by Princess Huaming. They fell in love, and he had planned to confer a title upon her after finishing *The Desert Scroll* and returning to Yun Pei.

However, she tragically died in childbirth while giving birth to Huo Qingyun. Huo Qingyun expressed his reluctance to disrupt Yun Pei’s control over the desert, believing that without an official edict, it would be impossible to overthrow Na Zhan. But Old Rong couldn’t bear to see Na Zhan’s tyranny oppress the people of the desert any longer. He pleaded with Huo Qingyun not to fear bloodshed and to act when the time was right.

Huang Beishuang recalled Huo Qingyun’s promises and hesitated to open his farewell letter. She sat in silence for an entire day and night. Na Zhan believed that Yun Pei’s rule should belong to the strong, but Old Rong recognized only the legitimacy of bloodline. Na Zhan learned from his spies in Tiandu that Huo Qingyun had returned alive, while Ruo Wen had successfully taken Ma Sui.

He found the situation suspicious and instructed General Wu to send word to Tiandu, telling them to wait for the right moment to act. He planned to use the chaos to incite the Guhe tribe to add fuel to the fire. After conquering Ma Sui, Ruo Wen ascended to the position of city lord, establishing the title Feng Tian. The Guhe tribe besieged Enaci, demanding they surrender their oasis.

When Huo Qingyun heard about this, he begged his elder brother to send troops to rescue them. His brother, however, deliberately stalled, accusing him of illegally taking the Ice Toad and sentencing him to 200 lashes. Huo Qingyun insisted on sending troops, willing to accept the punishment. Huang Beishuang demanded that Na Zhan fulfill his promise, asking to become the legitimate wife of Yun Pei’s ruler and to send troops to save Enaci.

Huo Qingyun handed the military token to General Wei and ordered Sha Qu to expedite the rescue of Enaci. The day of Huang Beishuang’s conferment was also the day Huo Qingyun was to be whipped. His brother secretly rejoiced when Huo Qingyun collapsed after being lashed. Na Zhan sought to win over Huang Beishuang, but she used *The Desert Scroll* as leverage, warning him not to have any other ideas about her.

In response, Na Zhan punished her by making her kneel the entire night. After being whipped, Huo Qingyun was weak. His brother sent a eunuch under the pretense of checking on him, but Sha Qu blocked him. His brother had secretly poisoned the whip, confident that no one would suspect a thing, as they waited to watch Huo Qingyun die.

Na Zhan received a message from his spies, instructing General Wu to fan the flames further by framing Huo Qingyun for the murder of Zhan Bie’s mother. While strolling through the streets with Ge Xinwei, Ruo Wen was unexpectedly mocked and criticized by the people of Feng Tian. This left him feeling uncomfortable. Ge Xinwei tried to console him, telling him not to take it to heart.

She fantasized about their future together and asked Ruo Wen to give her a grand wedding, but Ruo Wen intentionally avoided giving her a direct answer. Ge Xinwei went out of her way to make new clothes for Ruo Wen, urging him not to look as ragged as a desert bandit. As they played around, a sudden flood of memories overwhelmed Ruo Wen, making him gasp for breath.

Man Hu informed Ruo Wen about the situation in Enaci, and Ruo Wen ordered him to keep a close eye on it. Zhan Bie was summoned by Na Zhan, who thanked him for burying his mother’s body. Na Zhan then revealed a Mangliu waist tag and mentioned that Huo Qingyun was staying at Ice Thorn Manor. He handed Zhan Bie the dagger that Huo Qingyun had once given to Huang Beishuang and encouraged him to seek revenge on Huo Qingyun.

The spies from Tiandu received information and were asked to help Zhan Bie get close to Huo Qingyun. They recommended Zhan Bie to Liu Qi. On behalf of his brother, Liu Qi invited a renowned physician to treat Huo Qingyun, while Zhan Bie disguised himself as the physician’s assistant. Huo Qingyun discussed with Sha Qu that they should stage an act for Liu Qi, pretending that Huo Qingyun was gravely injured and bedridden.

Zhan Bie seized the opportunity to take out a dagger, but fortunately, Huo Qingyun reacted in time and stopped him. Zhan Bie accused Huo Qingyun of killing his mother, showing the Mangliu token as proof. Huo Qingyun explained that he didn’t kill his mother and asked Zhan Bie who had sent him. Zhan Bie didn’t believe him. Before he could say anything more, Liu Qi suddenly drew his sword and stabbed Zhan Bie from behind, killing him instantly.

Liu Qi was furious, as he hadn’t expected Huo Qingyun to survive again. Huo Qingyun suspected that Zhan Bie had been sent by Na Zhan, and Old Rong worried that Na Zhan had more schemes in the works. Sha Qu discovered that the Guhe tribe's weapons were supplied by Yun Pei.

Yun Pei had promised to allow the Guhe tribe to seize surrounding tribes by force and to share a third of the treasures and oases they acquired, using the chaos in the Northern Desert as an opportunity to annex neighboring tribes. Upon learning that Yun Pei intended to relocate the people of Enaci to the southern desert, Huo Qingyun planned to stop them from leaving.

Na Zhan received a secret report confirming that Huo Qingyun was alive and angrily scolded Liu Qi, calling him useless. Huang Beishuang was worried about the Enaci people, but Na Zhan claimed that both the troops he had sent and the Enaci people had been detained by Tiandu, blaming Huo Qingyun and saying that Huo Qingyun was trying to negotiate with Yun Pei. Na Zhan refused to agree to any terms, preferring to abandon those people.

As the wife of Yun Pei’s ruler, Huang Beishuang requested to personally lead troops to Tiandu to rescue the Enaci people. Na Zhan warned her to think carefully and suggested that she bring back Huo Qingyun’s head while she was at it. Huang Beishuang personally led her soldiers to Tiandu. Na Zhan sent people to follow her, ordering that she be executed on the spot if necessary.

He planned to use this as a chance to find Huo Qingyun’s weakness and see if anyone would show true emotions. Ruo Wen wore the clothes made by Ge Xinwei, and she was delighted to see him in them. Wolfhead reported to Ruo Wen, saying the opportunity had come—Huang Beishuang was leading her troops toward Tiandu. Huo Qingyun asked Sha Qu to send a message to Huang Beishuang, expressing his desire to meet her.

He went alone to the Yun Pei camp, conveying how much he missed her. Huang Beishuang told him he shouldn’t have come and reminded him not to let emotions cloud his judgment during the negotiations the next day. Huo Qingyun barged into the camp, declaring that his feelings for her were genuine. Huang Beishuang denied any feelings in her heart. Huo Qingyun forcefully kissed her, but she remained indifferent.

Restraining his pain, Huo Qingyun stood up and ordered his horse to take Huang Beishuang back. On the day of the negotiations, Huang Beishuang and Huo Qingyun’s troops faced each other. Huo Qingyun insisted on keeping her, but Huang Beishuang threatened to kill her horse if he didn’t honor his promise, handing him back his farewell letter. In desperation, Huo Qingyun took out the token that symbolized their love and broke it in half.

Huang Beishuang declared that they would never see each other again in this life. After returning, Huo Qingyun drowned his sorrows in alcohol. He couldn’t believe how much Huang Beishuang now hated him. Huang Beishuang sat alone, reflecting on their promises, feeling deeply sorrowful. Old Rong comforted Huo Qingyun, advising him not to force things.

Huo Qingyun knew that his fate with Huang Beishuang had come to an end, and with his grand mission ahead of him, there was nothing he could do. Old Rong reminded him not to let Na Zhan discover his weakness, mentioning that once, when Bo Li pretended to switch a prince with a commoner, a boy named An'er had already died in his place. Huo Qingyun recalled An'er and learned that he had a plum blossom birthmark on his left shoulder.

He asked Old Rong what it looked like. After Old Rong drew it out, Huo Qingyun realized that An'er was still alive—he had seen the same mark on Ruo Wen’s left shoulder. Huang Beishuang returned to camp only to be surrounded and held hostage by the Huangtian Kuang army. Liu Qi, frustrated at not having control over Tiandu's troops, grew anxious. A eunuch suggested luring Huo Qingyun to Yun Thorn Spring to ambush him.

Huo Qingyun was aware of the eunuch's collusion with Liu Qi and Na Zhan to set him up, but he pretended to be oblivious, instructing Sha Qu not to alert them.

Huo Qingyun went to Yun Thorn Spring for the meeting, where his brother Huo Yanqi was already waiting. Huo Yanqi pretended to invite Huo Qingyun to bathe, knowing that Huo Qingyun’s back injury hadn’t healed yet. Huo Qingyun blamed himself, expressing guilt for not sharing his brother’s burdens.

Huo Yanqi took out the jade pendant he had snatched from Huo Qingyun when they were children, intending to return it, and said he hoped they could be brothers again in the next life. After speaking, he hinted for the soldiers to draw their swords against Huo Qingyun. Huo Qingyun urged Huo Yanqi not to be blinded by outsiders. Just then, Sha Qu and the others rushed in to protect Huo Qingyun.

Huo Qingyun revealed the letters proving Liu Qi's collusion with Yun Pei. Only then did Huo Yanqi realize he had been deceived by Liu Qi for years. In a panic, Huo Yanqi offered the position of city lord to Huo Qingyun, fearing that Liu Qi might reveal a secret that could cost him his life.

Huo Qingyun knelt with his men, declaring that he had never sought the position of city lord and that he would remain loyal to Huo Yanqi, refusing to trust outsiders’ words. Huo Qingyun subjected Liu Qi to severe torture. Unable to endure the pain, Liu Qi begged for his life, admitting his collaboration with Yun Pei. He explained that he had been promised help by Na Zhan and that his mother was in Na Zhan’s hands.

Sha Qu searched through the letters revealing Liu Qi’s collusion with Na Zhan and discovered that Na Zhan intended to kill Ma Sui and her daughter. Liu Qi confessed that he had falsely conveyed orders and deliberately hid the truth afterward. Upon learning the truth, Huo Qingyun was furious and wanted to kill Liu Qi, but Sha Qu stopped him, arguing that if Liu Qi died, there would be no one to confirm the truth.

Huo Qingyun ordered Liu Qi to write a confession. Huo Qingyun didn’t intend to go see Huang Beishuang, so he asked Sha Qu to deliver the confession to her. Sha Qu hoped that Huo Qingyun would try to win her back, but Huo Qingyun believed that with the heavy responsibilities he bore, he shouldn’t involve Huang Beishuang. Huang Beishuang was kidnapped by Ruo Wen and taken back to Fentian. What she wanted was the architecture chapter.

Before Ruo Wen’s attack on Ma Sui, Huang Beishuang had struck a deal with him, offering information about Ma Sui's defenses so that General Hua Yu could coordinate an attack, helping Ruo Wen defeat Ma Sui. Ruo Wen hadn’t yet found the architecture chapter, but as a grand gift, he presented Ge Er Ke Qin to Huang Beishuang.

Ge Er Ke Qin arrogantly claimed that Ma Sui belonged to him and denied any guilt in killing his brother, inadvertently revealing that Na Zhan had helped him. Upon learning the truth, Huang Beishuang unhesitatingly stabbed Ge Er Ke Qin with a dagger, his blood splattering across her face, while Ruo Wen watched in approval. Huang Beishuang paid her respects to her parents, staying beside their spirit tablets and vowing to avenge the blood debts owed by Na Zhan.

She prayed for her parents’ forgiveness and confessed that she had feelings for Huo Qingyun, which was why she couldn’t take his life. Ruo Wen barged in, indifferent to being used by her, instead becoming captivated by the secrets hidden in her eyes. He forced her onto the bed. Ge Xinwei rushed in and pulled Ruo Wen away, accusing him of harboring ill intentions.

Ruo Wen reluctantly left, and Huang Beishuang declared that she would leave Fentian once she found the Desert Scroll. Na Zhan was furious when he heard that Huang Beishuang had been kidnapped by Ruo Wen. He ordered General Wu to block the news, intending to use the lives of the Enaci people to threaten Huang Beishuang to return. Ruo Wen sketched Huang Beishuang’s eyes, which made Ge Xinwei jealous.

Huo Qingyun arrived in Fentian to congratulate Ruo Wen, trying to trick him into revealing his true identity. However, Ruo Wen didn’t remember Old Rong, claiming that he had been injured as a child and had forgotten many things. Huo Qingyun offered intelligence on Mangliu in exchange for seeing Huang Beishuang. Knowing that Huo Qingyun couldn’t take her away, Ruo Wen agreed to let them meet. When Huang Beishuang saw Huo Qingyun, she turned away.

Huo Qingyun told her that someone else was responsible for killing the Ninth Madam and swore before her parents’ spirit tablets. He handed Huang Beishuang Liu Qi’s confession. Huang Beishuang recognized Na Zhan’s handwriting on the letter and realized that Liu Qi had conveyed false orders. Unable to suppress her inner anguish any longer, she knelt before her parents’ spirit tablets and wept in sorrow.

Huang Beishuang told Huo Qingyun not to blame himself, as the truth had now come to light. Huo Qingyun expressed how much he missed Huang Beishuang and hoped she would leave with him. After careful consideration, Huang Beishuang decided not to leave, believing that although their feelings for each other were deep, their fate was not meant to continue.

Ge Xinwei couldn’t help herself and came to find Ruo Wen again, teasing him that he had no chance, believing that Huo Qingyun would take Huang Beishuang away. Ruo Wen lied, saying he was going to bathe, and told Ge Xinwei to wait for him on the bed. Ge Xinwei thought that Ruo Wen had finally come to his senses.

Facing her parents’ spirit tablets, Huang Beishuang privately expressed her feelings for Huo Qingyun, hoping that her parents’ spirits could help her resolve her inner turmoil. She planned to toss a coin to decide her next move. Ruo Wen suddenly barged in, interrupting Huang Beishuang, and pinned her against the corner of the table, staring deeply into her eyes. Huo Qingyun pulled Ruo Wen away from behind, and the two engaged in a fierce fight.

Ruo Wen, due to his blurry memory, fell and hit the back of his head. Ge Xinwei rushed in and took Ruo Wen away, but he suddenly became dazed and almost strangled Ge Xinwei. In his fragmented memory, Ruo Wen saw his mother’s face and recalled being hunted down in the desert as a child.

Huo Qingyun wasn’t sure if Ruo Wen was actually Rong An, so he decided to wait until Ruo Wen had established himself in Fentian before discussing the plan to join forces against Na Zhan. Sha Qu asked if Huo Qingyun was worried about Huang Beishuang, but Huo Qingyun refused to pressure her, believing that their greater cause should take priority. Huang Beishuang went to the council hall to search for the architecture chapter, and Huo Qingyun shamelessly followed her.

He suspected that she had made a deal with Ruo Wen and promised to help her find the architecture chapter. Huang Beishuang agreed. After Ruo Wen fainted and remained unconscious, Ge Xinwei sought out a renowned physician, but they couldn’t find any problems. Ge Xinwei stayed by Ruo Wen’s bedside for three days and nights without sleep, complaining all the while that he was a rotten man.

Huo Qingyun used the excuse of delivering breakfast to Huang Beishuang to stay with her. Though Huang Beishuang denied her feelings, Huo Qingyun sweet-talked her into eating, using flattering words and playful antics. When Man Hu saw that Ruo Wen hadn’t woken up, he asked Ge Xinwei to accept the offerings from the surrounding tribes on Ruo Wen’s behalf.

Meanwhile, Ruo Wen, in his dreams, recalled fleeing with his parents while being pursued and witnessed his mother being killed by Yun Pei’s soldiers. Huang Beishuang, under Huo Qingyun’s subtle guidance, found the architecture chapter left behind by her father. As they looked at the drawings, Huo Qingyun began to tell Huang Beishuang about his own past, revealing his deep-seated grudge against Na Zhan. Although Huang Beishuang pretended to be indifferent, Huo Qingyun already knew her true feelings.

He assured her that he would stand up and help everyone take revenge. Ge Xinwei, frustrated that Ruo Wen was still unconscious, lashed out at the doctor, blaming Huo Qingyun for injuring him. Huo Qingyun invited a miracle doctor to examine Ruo Wen. After his examination, the miracle doctor concluded that Ruo Wen’s soul had been carried away by his dreams and that he would have to wake up on his own.

Saddened, Ge Xinwei tearfully confessed her feelings to Ruo Wen, begging him to wake up. The miracle doctor suggested preparing Ruo Wen’s favorite dishes to tempt him to wake. Ruo Wen woke up to the smell of chicken drumsticks, but he didn’t say a word. Ge Xinwei urged him to speak, reminding him that she had stayed with him day and night without rest.

Huo Qingyun asked Sha Qu to escort the miracle doctor back to Yun Pei, and before leaving, the doctor advised Huo Qingyun to make amends with Ruo Wen, believing that Huo Qingyun owed him something. After everyone left, Ruo Wen, without a word, insisted on getting out of bed. He wanted to go to the place that had appeared in his dreams and retrieve his lost memories, but Ge Xinwei couldn’t stop him.

Ruo Wen galloped through the desert, returning to the place where he had faced danger as a child and recalling his memories. Back then, he had been found by the desert bandits led by Huang Tiankuang, and through his bravery, he earned his place among them. Ge Xinwei heard that Ruo Wen had returned to the city and complained that he hadn’t come to see her.

When the maids passed by carrying wedding robes, Ge Xinwei thought that Ruo Wen's bride was her and eagerly went to find him. Ruo Wen was cold toward her, stating that the person he intended to marry was Huang Beishuang, purposely saying things to provoke Ge Xinwei. Heartbroken, Ge Xinwei slapped Ruo Wen and left in sorrow. Ruo Wen shouted after her, telling her to go live her life, but in truth, he clenched his fists tightly.

Huo Qingyun prepared to take Huang Beishuang away from Fentian, dreaming of going to Tiandu City together. However, when Huo Qingyun let down his guard, Huang Beishuang deliberately kissed a pill of Yongdong Grass into his mouth. By the time Huo Qingyun realized something was wrong, he was already temporarily paralyzed. Huang Beishuang confessed her plan to seek revenge alone and said that if she survived, she would join him in Tiandu.

Huo Qingyun tried to hold onto her hand, but the drug's effect made him fall unconscious. After recovering his memory, Ruo Wen revealed his past to Huang Beishuang and expressed his desire to take revenge on Na Zhan. Huang Beishuang, knowing Na Zhan’s arrogance, believed that if they could humiliate Yun Pei, it would force Na Zhan out of hiding.

The two of them decided to pretend to marry in order to lure Na Zhan to Fentian and use the opportunity to eliminate General Wu. Huang Beishuang didn’t want Huo Qingyun involved, knowing that the outcome of the plan was uncertain and fearing that if it failed, the desert would fall into chaos. She wanted Huo Qingyun to survive and stand against Na Zhan in the future.

Wolfhead escorted Ge Xinwei out of Fentian, while Ruo Wen secretly sent a small team to protect her along the way. Yun Pei received an invitation from Fentian, and when Na Zhan heard that Ruo Wen was planning to forcibly marry Huang Beishuang, he was furious. However, not wanting to let this matter become public and damage Yun Pei's reputation in the desert, he hesitated.

General Wu suggested sending elite soldiers and hoped Na Zhan would personally lead them to show Yun Pei’s authority. General Wu arranged for assassins to infiltrate Fentian, ready to set off explosives at any moment, and Na Zhan ordered him to act based on color signals. Wolfhead handed over travel funds to Ge Xinwei and warned her never to return to Fentian, or she would be killed without mercy.

Angry, Ge Xinwei threw a bowl and discovered a token belonging to Huang Tiankuang. From a shopkeeper, she learned that war between Fentian and Yun Pei was imminent, and she realized something was wrong. As she prepared to return to the city, she ran into Sha Qu and others who were looking for Huo Qingyun. Sha Qu discovered assassins from Yun Pei in Fentian and ordered the members of Mangliu to stay on high alert.

Huo Qingyun forcefully used his inner strength to counteract the poison and asked Sha Qu to help evacuate the people of Fentian. On the day of the wedding, Ruo Wen and Huang Beishuang deliberately made the ceremony grand. Ge Xinwei, dissatisfied after seeing the two dance, tried to interfere, but Huo Qingyun stopped her, telling her not to disrupt Ruo Wen and Huang Beishuang’s plan.

As expected, Na Zhan led his troops into Fentian, falling into the trap set by Huang Beishuang and Ruo Wen. Ruo Wen provoked Na Zhan into making the first move, and the battle officially began. Ruo Wen and Huang Beishuang retreated to the council hall, waiting as Na Zhan and his men broke through the final defenses and stormed inside. Ruo Wen fought Na Zhan and General Wu alone.

General Wu slashed Ruo Wen’s left shoulder with a hook, and Na Zhan, seeing the plum blossom mark on Ruo Wen’s shoulder, believed he had found the child he had long been searching for. Enraged, Na Zhan ordered everyone to be killed. The fighting intensified once again. Huo Qingyun appeared to protect Huang Beishuang but became distracted while battling General Wu, allowing Na Zhan to thrust a sword at Huo Qingyun.

Huang Beishuang rushed out and took the blow for him. Ruo Wen and Ge Xinwei stepped in to hold off Na Zhan, telling Huo Qingyun to take Huang Beishuang and escape. Na Zhan shouted a threat before retreating. As Ruo Wen led his people in pursuit, a sudden explosion echoed from Fentian City.

Fortunately, wearing armor saved her from disaster. After an examination, the physician concluded that she had weak vital energy and blood, requiring careful recuperation. Huo Qingyun stayed by her side day and night, never leaving. After Na Zhan escaped, Ruo Wen drowned his sorrows in alcohol. Ge Xinwei comforted him, urging him to pull himself together, and she smashed his wine flask.

She joked that Ruo Wen should leave his entire fortune to her and give the Huang Tiankuang military token as her dowry. Ge Xinwei then asked Ruo Wen why he had kept things from her. Ruo Wen stubbornly replied that he was afraid that if he died, no one would tend to his grave. Huo Qingyun wrote a letter to Ruo Wen, explaining the whole situation.

Ruo Wen learned that his father, Rong Ruo, was a close advisor to Yun Pei's Na Qida. Na Zhan blamed General Wu for his failure to handle matters properly and for not cleaning up the situation from years ago. Following Na Zhan's orders, General Wu launched a major attack on Fentian, using Ruo Wen's forced marriage to Huang Beishuang as an excuse. Na Zhan aimed to eliminate Ruo Wen.

Tribes from all over submitted memorials expressing their condolences for Huang Beishuang’s death. Na Zhan realized these were rumors spread by Huo Qingyun. General Wu suggested that Na Zhan should retrieve Huang Beishuang's body to prevent other cities from mocking Yun Pei. Lord Zhu agreed with General Wu, fearing that the secrets of the Desert Scroll might be leaked by Huang Beishuang. Ruo Wen confided in Ge Xinwei about what he remembered.

He resented Rong Ruo, believing that his mother's death was caused by him, and he couldn't forgive him. Ge Xinwei assured Ruo Wen that she would stay by his side and told him not to dwell on it. Ruo Wen swore to seek revenge on Na Zhan, but he didn’t want Ge Xinwei to get involved and hoped she could live a good life.

Ge Xinwei stubbornly clung to him, and Ruo Wen, unable to resist, embraced her, and they became intimate. Na Zhan arranged for Ye Pei and Lian Huan to go to Tiandu to retrieve Huang Beishuang’s body and return it to Yun Pei for burial. He took out the "Erna's Lament for Her Homeland," showing a hint of sadness. Suddenly, a sinkhole appeared in Fentian, causing panic among the people.

Ruo Wen wanted to recruit soldiers, but due to the sinkhole, most of the citizens fled the city, leaving only the elderly and the weak behind. News came from Mangliu that Na Zhan’s forces would arrive in Fentian in five days. Huo Qingyun examined the map and found that Fentian was situated between Tiandu and Yun Pei, a strategic location contested by military powers throughout history.

Sha Qu believed that with Fentian’s current strength, it would be impossible to fend off Yun Pei’s army alone. Huo Qingyun knew Na Zhan was after Ruo Wen’s life, but he was unaware of who Na Yanxing truly was. Huo Qingyun reassured everyone that he had a plan and would help Fentian break the siege. When Huo Qingyun learned that Ye Pei and Lian Huan had arrived, he gave them an empty coffin.

Huang Beishuang teased them on purpose, and when Ye Pei realized that Huang Beishuang was still alive, he was happy for her. Huo Qingyun placed a letter and a jade pendant in the coffin, instructing them to deliver it to Na Zhan and have him open it personally. Huang Beishuang promised that once everything was settled, she would bring the two of them to her side. After reading the letter, Na Zhan discovered that Huo Qingyun was the real Na Yanxing.

Huo Qingyun used the genuine imperial edict to threaten Na Zhan, forcing him to issue a public notice of Huang Beishuang’s death and withdraw his troops from Fentian. General Wu believed this couldn’t be trusted, but Na Zhan didn’t dare take the risk and ordered General Wu to withdraw the elite soldiers and reinforce the border towns. Sinkholes continued to appear in Fentian from time to time.

Though Ruo Wen learned that Na Zhan had withdrawn his troops, the news of Huang Beishuang’s death still left him feeling unsettled. Huo Qingyun revealed his true identity to Huang Beishuang. She told him that no matter if he was Na Yanxing or Huo Qingyun, she would stay by his side forever. On a snowy night, the two of them made vows to the heavens and earth, promising to never part in this life or the next.

Unable to wait any longer, Huo Qingyun asked Huang Beishuang to marry him right then and there. Huang Beishuang agreed, and they shared an intimate and loving night together.

After Huo Qingyun married Huang Beishuang, he did not attend to state affairs for seven days. Sha Qu complained but dared not disturb him. Ruo Wen believed that Fentian was not a place they could stay for long and planned to attack Yun Pei to secure a place for survival. Ge Xinwei suggested they go to Tiandu and ally with Huo Qingyun. General Wu proposed attacking Tiandu, urging Na Zhan not to always avoid Huo Qingyun's threats.

Na Zhan thought Tiandu’s terrain was complex and asked General Wu how confident he was in victory. Knowing that Huang Beishuang was still alive, Na Zhan planned to use "Erna's Lament" to threaten her into appearing. He would send a letter to Tiandu to intimidate them, hoping to get a satisfactory response. Otherwise, he was prepared to fight to the death with Tiandu. Ge Xinwei believed Huang Beishuang was still alive and sent her a message using a carrier pigeon.

Yun Pei demanded that Huo Qingyun hand over Huang Beishuang’s body, threatening to reclaim the oasis of "Erna's Lament" if he didn’t negotiate in person within three days. Huang Beishuang believed that "Erna's Lament" belonged to the people of Yun Pei but knew Na Zhan wouldn’t leave her in peace. Huo Qingyun refused to let anyone take Huang Beishuang away, but she didn’t want to see the two cities go to war.

Huo Qingyun planned to make alterations to the Desert Scroll to stall Na Zhan. Huo Qingyun bid farewell to Huang Beishuang, telling her to wait for his return. Huang Beishuang received a distress message from Ge Xinwei, asking for her help to resolve the collapse crisis in Fentian. Huang Beishuang consulted Elder Rong, worried that Na Zhan might uncover the secrets of the Desert Scroll.

Elder Rong assured her that Na Zhan couldn’t, as he, Na Qida, and Rong Ruo had constructed the scroll long ago. The sixth chapter, regarding the oasis, had been given to Rong Ruo, who had since disappeared without a trace. Elder Rong mentioned Rong Ruo's disappearance in Sanjiang City, where they discovered caves beneath the city. He believed that if Rong Ruo were alive, he would have left clues for Huo Qingyun.

Huang Beishuang decided to investigate personally, and Elder Rong urged her not to inform Huo Qingyun, as Huo Qingyun was the key to restraining Na Zhan. Huang Beishuang replied to Ge Xinwei’s message, arranging a private meeting and explaining that she couldn’t appear publicly. Ge Xinwei lied, saying she was going to Tiandu to find a way to deal with the Desert Scroll, hoping Ruo Wen wouldn’t rashly deploy troops.

Ruo Wen personally helped Ge Xinwei put on her shoes, teasing her for being so careless, and reminded her to return quickly. When Huo Qingyun returned after handling matters, he believed Na Zhan would eventually learn the truth. Huang Beishuang thought they should make progress before that happened. Elder Rong sent a message to Ruo Wen, asking him to meet in Tiandu. However, Ruo Wen, concerned about Ge Xinwei’s safety, rushed to Tiandu, uninterested in meeting Elder Rong.

Elder Rong understood Ruo Wen’s anger but explained that their Rong family had been tasked with protecting the royal bloodline and hoped Ruo Wen would understand, encouraging him to work with Huo Qingyun to confront Na Zhan. Huang Beishuang asked Ge Xinwei to go to Sanjiang City to investigate but cautioned her not to involve anyone else. Ruo Wen encountered Yun Pei soldiers provoking him in the desert and killed them without hesitation.

He then came across Ge Xinwei passing by. Ge Xinwei didn’t want Ruo Wen involved, so she lied, claiming that Huang Beishuang was dead. Ruo Wen sensed something off in her tone and, realizing she was heading to Sanjiang City, quietly followed her. Na Zhan, realizing the Desert Scroll had been tampered with and hearing that Ruo Wen had appeared near Tiandu, decided to go in person.

Huo Qingyun noticed a drastic change in Huang Beishuang’s behavior and became suspicious that she was an imposter, refusing to let her get close. After Ge Xinwei was discovered, she relayed Huang Beishuang's exact words. Huang Beishuang had used Ge Xinwei’s appearance to enter Sanjiang City. Huo Qingyun immediately prepared his horse to chase after her. Ruo Wen followed Ge Xinwei to Sanjiang City. After surveying the geography, Ge Xinwei found the entrance to the caves.

Ruo Wen was puzzled and remarked that Ge Xinwei had gotten smarter after her trip to Tiandu. Na Zhan, learning that everyone was heading to Sanjiang City, ordered his soldiers to kill them all without mercy.

Ge Xinwei was walking ahead and stepped into quicksand. Ruo Wen caught up to her and shielded her as both were swept into a cave by the quicksand. Ruo Wen injured his leg and, seeing Ge Xinwei unconscious, was very worried. Without hesitation, he cut his palm and squeezed his blood into Ge Xinwei’s mouth, fearing she might die of dehydration. When Ge Xinwei woke up, she pushed Ruo Wen away.

Ruo Wen saw that the skin near her mouth was wet and tore off her fake mask, discovering that she was actually Huang Beishuang. Huang Beishuang thanked Ruo Wen for saving her and promised that once she obtained the Desert Scroll, she would help him. She suspected that Rong Ruo had also fallen into this cave before. Ge Xinwei and Huo Qingyun followed footprints into the cave and found bloodstains on the ground.

Ge Xinwei, worried that something had happened to Ruo Wen, called out his name loudly. Hearing that Ge Xinwei was in Tiandu, Ruo Wen assumed that Tiandu was temporarily safe. Huang Beishuang praised Ruo Wen for his sincere emotions and tested whether he could stay true to his heart. Na Zhan and General Wu chased them to Sanjiang City. Na Zhan ordered General Wu to guard the exit while he personally went down to capture them.

Sha Qu received the news and aimed to meet up with Huo Qingyun at Sanjiang City before nightfall. Huang Beishuang suggested they split up—Ruo Wen would search for an exit while she looked for the Desert Scroll. The cave's terrain was unstable, and rocks frequently collapsed. Ge Xinwei was almost hit by a falling rock. Eventually, the four found each other inside the cave.

Huo Qingyun took out some wound medicine for Ruo Wen and urged him to apply it quickly. Huang Beishuang accidentally discovered a desk and finally found the Oasis Chapter. She noticed a bloodstained letter on the desk and confirmed that Rong Ruo had indeed fallen into this cave. Upon hearing this, Ruo Wen was deeply unsettled. Huang Beishuang read the letter aloud, which recorded the origins of the Desert Scroll.

It also revealed that before Na Qida set off to explore the desert, he entrusted the responsibility of overseeing the city to his adopted son, Na Zhan. Unexpectedly, Na Zhan had conspired with a eunuch to poison and kill Na Qida. Following the trail of blood, Na Zhan found Huang Beishuang and the others. He mockingly declared that he would silence them all, leaving their bodies to rest alongside the skeleton of Rong Ruo.

Huo Qingyun warned the Yun Pei soldiers not to get trapped, but Na Zhan ruthlessly killed a hesitant soldier and promised great rewards for killing Huo Qingyun and the others. Suddenly, the cave trembled again, giving both sides an opportunity to flee from Na Zhan’s pursuit, though the two couples became separated in the chaos. Huo Qingyun and Huang Beishuang found an exit and escaped.

Ge Xinwei expressed her hope of going to the Central Plains after their escape, but Ruo Wen deliberately said he didn’t want to go. They struggled to find an exit and, upon finding one, discovered they couldn’t climb out. Ruo Wen carried Ge Xinwei on his back and nearly fell several times. In his effort to save Ge Xinwei, Ruo Wen was injured again. After they escaped, they realized they couldn’t walk out of the desert.

Fortunately, they encountered some Yun Pei soldiers. Ruo Wen killed them and took their horses. Na Zhan and his men, following the horse tracks, emerged from the cave and pursued Ruo Wen. Along the way, they encountered Man Hu, Lang Tou, and others, whom they brutally killed. After these events, Ruo Wen promised to give Ge Xinwei an explanation. Sensing someone catching up, he deliberately urged Ge Xinwei to go ahead and find help.

Na Zhan caught up to Ruo Wen. Upon learning that his brother had been killed, Ruo Wen was furious and tried to seek revenge, but he was gravely injured by Na Zhan’s men. Ge Xinwei turned back and begged Na Zhan to spare Ruo Wen, but Na Zhan demanded she kneel and plead for mercy. Ruo Wen firmly refused to allow her to do so.

To save Ruo Wen, Ge Xinwei knelt, but Na Zhan went back on his word and shot Ruo Wen. Before his death, Ruo Wen learned that Ge Xinwei was pregnant with his child. He died peacefully in her arms. Ge Xinwei cried uncontrollably, recalling their time together and unable to believe it was real. Na Zhan captured Ge Xinwei and brought her back to Yun Pei, where she was bound and hung at the city gate.

Huo Qingyun and Huang Beishuang were walking through the desert when they were caught up by General Wu and his men. General Wu ordered his soldiers to capture the two of them. Huo Qingyun fought desperately to protect Huang Beishuang, leading everyone to the top of a sand dune. General Wu attacked Huo Qingyun with an iron claw. Huo Qingyun was injured, but with Huang Beishuang's help, he gathered his strength and killed General Wu.

However, Huo Qingyun was swept away by the quicksand and disappeared. Huang Beishuang cried out and knelt on the ground, playing a bamboo flute in his memory. Huo Yanqi, upon learning that Huo Qingyun had died in the desert, was deeply saddened. Huang Beishuang opened Huo Qingyun’s final letter, which revealed his background and the story of how he met and fell in love with her.

In the letter, Huo Qingyun urged Huang Beishuang to fulfill her promise—to live well and forget about him. Lord Zhu congratulated Na Zhan on eliminating the rebels, believing that they could soon take Tiandu and Fentian. However, Na Zhan expressed his anxiety, viewing Huang Beishuang as a thorn in his side. Lord Zhu, thinking that Huang Beishuang was just a woman, advised Na Zhan not to worry about her, as unifying the desert was only a matter of time.

But Na Zhan insisted on being thorough and planned to use Ge Xinwei as bait to lure Huang Beishuang to Yun Pei. Huo Yanqi urged his soldiers to show their might, seeking to avenge Huo Qingyun and wage war on Yun Pei. Huang Beishuang appeared in court, advising Huo Yanqi to reconsider. She argued that Tiandu had been closed off for years, and going to war would bring disaster to the people. Furthermore, they were no match for Yun Pei.

Huo Yanqi, unsure of what else to do, was interrupted by the arrival of Lian Huan and Ye Pei, who conveyed Na Zhan’s message to Huang Beishuang. Learning that Ge Xinwei was still alive, Huang Beishuang decided to return and face the situation herself. Huang Beishuang, disguised in new attire, made her way to Yun Pei. Step by step, she entered the hall, appearing before Na Zhan in a resplendent outfit symbolizing rebirth, like a phoenix rising from the ashes.

Lord Zhu searched Huang Beishuang and found a bone flute on her. Huang Beishuang explained that the flute was meant to send Ge Xinwei off. Lord Zhu returned the item to her. Na Zhan, already waiting alone, believed that since Huang Beishuang had seen the imperial edict, he had to eliminate her completely. Huang Beishuang expressed her sincerity, saying she could help Na Zhan unify the desert. Na Zhan then had Ge Xinwei brought forward.

Huang Beishuang urged Na Zhan to keep his promise and exchange her life for Ge Xinwei’s. However, Na Zhan reneged, knowing that Ge Xinwei had also seen the imperial edict, and declared that one of them must die. As they hesitated, Na Zhan threw Ruo Wen’s curved blade between them, telling them to settle it between themselves. Seeing the blade, Ge Xinwei couldn’t help but think of Ruo Wen.

Huang Beishuang picked up the blade and handed it to her, saying that whoever died by Ruo Wen’s blade would have no regrets. As Na Zhan relaxed, applauding the tension between the two women, Ge Xinwei took the opportunity to strike at him. Huang Beishuang attacked Na Zhan with the bone flute from the side, but Na Zhan countered, driving his blade into Ge Xinwei's chest. Both Ge Xinwei and Na Zhan fell.

Huang Beishuang apologized to Ge Xinwei, but Ge Xinwei said she had no regrets because she had met Ruo Wen. Na Zhan, coughing up blood, called for help, but little did he know that Huang Beishuang had already taken control of the situation. Before setting out, Sha Qu had found a spy under General Wu’s command, Shi Tongli, and planned an inside-outside operation to assist Huang Beishuang.

Huang Beishuang had crafted a fake mask for Sha Qu, allowing him to impersonate Huo Qingyun and scare Na Zhan. When Na Zhan saw that Huo Qingyun was still alive, his combined internal and external injuries caused him to vomit blood. After Sha Qu read the real imperial edict from beneath the dragon throne, Na Zhan collapsed, dead from a heart attack.

Sha Qu then announced the return of the oasis lands to the tribes and restored peace to the people of the desert. After everyone left, Huang Beishuang praised Sha Qu’s performance, only to realize he was, in fact, the real Huo Qingyun. Later, Ge Xinwei gave birth to a child and named him Ruo An. Huang Beishuang and Huo Qingyun traveled the desert, using the Desert Scroll to bring prosperity to the people, leaving behind a beautiful legend.

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