Fangs of Fortune – Neo Hou, Chen Duling

In the thirteenth year of Zhenyuan, after several days of rain in Tiandu, Wen Xiao, a curator at the Demon Investigation Bureau, went out to a noodle shop. Inside, she noticed a woman wearing a straw hat sitting calmly. Pretending to be illiterate, Wen Xiao inquired about the condiments on the table, prompting the woman to tease her, sparking Wen Xiao’s curiosity.

Meanwhile, outside the Demon Investigation Bureau, a man claiming to be the demon "Zhu Yan" demanded an audience with the bureau's envoy, Zhuo Yichen. Upon hearing this, a clerk rushed to report the visitor's arrival. Just as Wen Xiao was about to start her meal, the woman snatched her chopsticks, leading to a quick exchange between them.

Wen Xiao swiftly lifted the woman’s hat, retrieved her chopsticks, and blew a powder from the Dissipating Spirit Herb, causing the woman to quickly pass out. The man claiming to be Zhu Yan strode straight into the inner hall of the Demon Investigation Bureau, where he noticed traps set throughout, though the moss-covered ceiling indicated the bureau's decline over the years. While he was inspecting the surroundings, Zhuo Yichen attacked with the sacred demon-catching sword, Yun Guangjian.

A brief exchange of blades ensued, and Zhuo Yichen had his sword taken away. Zhu Yan then cast a spell to return Yun Guangjian, but as soon as Zhuo Yichen regained it, he attempted to stab Zhu Yan again. At that moment, Fan Ying intervened, holding a letter, and questioned if Zhu Yan was truly a Yao Beast, advising Zhuo Yichen to refrain from acting rashly until the truth was known.

Wen Xiao tied up the woman and prepared to return to the bureau, identifying her as a deceitful Yao Beast known for using lies to deceive others. Six months ago, she swindled a considerable sum from Mr. Zhang, and a month ago, she deceived the talented scholar Wang. Though her actions weren’t unforgivable, she still deserved a penalty and should be sent back to the Wildlands.

Just as the Yao Beast was pleading, an official from the Chongwu Camp stopped them on the street. Wen Xiao argued that the Yao Beast had limited power and only deceived those who deserved it, so death was an unnecessary punishment. However, the Chongwu Camp official believed Wen Xiao was too lenient, often allowing demons to go free, which was why Zhu Yan had once caused havoc in the bureau eight years ago.

Wen Xiao suddenly felt dazed and, realizing she could no longer protect the Yao Beast, allowed her to escape. She then mustered her strength to block an attack from Chongwu Camp, but as the Yao Beast fled, she was struck down by an arrow and died, her body dissolving into specks of light and vanishing completely. Wen Xiao picked up the arrow and felt a deep sense of sorrow.

After Zhuo Yichen stabbed Zhu Yan with Yun Guangjian, Zhu Yan claimed that if he died, many guards would die with him. He added that he had come to assist in the Demon Investigation Bureau's reconstruction, volunteering to apprehend Zhu Yan so the bureau could take credit. Fan Ying then revealed that the letter introduced Zhu Yan as Zhao Yuanzhou, with a traceable household record, revealing that he was once a great demon who had cultivated into human form.

While they were discussing this, Zhao Yuanzhou interrupted, noting that Zhuo Yichen was a descendant of the Ice Yi Tribe and that Yun Guangjian could kill all demons if used correctly. Surprised by Zhao Yuanzhou’s acute senses, Zhuo Yichen demanded to know the sword's correct usage. Zhao Yuanzhou proposed a condition: he would reveal the method if Fan Ying’s daughter, Wen Xiao, would accompany him on the investigation.

Zhuo Yichen warned Zhao Yuanzhou not to overstep, but Zhao Yuanzhou suddenly escaped from the prison, declaring that he would not be intimidated. Upon returning to the bureau, Wen Xiao heard that Zhu Yan was being held in the dungeon. As she waited at the entrance, Zhao Yuanzhou appeared before her, causing her knees to buckle. Zhao Yuanzhou caught her with his arm, and they introduced themselves.

After she regained her composure, Wen Xiao struck at Zhao Yuanzhou with a dagger coated in the Dissipating Spirit Herb, causing him to feel dizzy. Though his life was safe, he experienced inevitable pain. Just as Wen Xiao prepared to wound him further, Zhao Yuanzhou, unwilling to be injured again, returned to the dungeon willingly.

Wen Xiao then ordered the retrieval of records on the Yao Beast, which described it as a creature with deceptive tendencies, likely to feint and speak insincerely, only revealing its true thoughts at the moment of death. Recalling the Yao Beast's grateful look before dying, Wen Xiao felt a trace of comfort. In Chongwu Camp, a masked man was writing in blood and vowed to capture Zhu Yan upon hearing of his pledge of allegiance to the bureau.

Later that night, a young woman was startled awake by a shadow passing her bed. Upon fully awakening, she noticed an engagement invitation on her bedside, with a wedding scheduled for the seventh day of May with a "Water Ghost Bride.

Zhuo Yichen went to the prison to see Zhao Yuanzhou, who expressed his deep desire to die by the Yun Guangjian sword. Zhao promised that if Zhuo Yichen agreed to kill him personally, he would teach him the proper way to wield Yun Guangjian. However, he warned that even if he were killed, a new vessel for harboring rage would inevitably be born, blurring the line between good and evil.

Fan Ying reported that the request to form a new demon-slaying team had been approved, though the chancellor had selected the team members. Wen Xiao went to the prison to deliver an official token to Zhao Yuanzhou, and upon seeing Zhao’s earring, she felt an uncanny sense of familiarity, though she couldn't recall why. Zhao Yuanzhou then exposed Wen Xiao’s true identity as the disciple of the goddess Baize.

Although both of them had gained a certain reputation in the demon realm, Wen Xiao’s lack of the Baize Decree made her appear as little more than a joke. This brought back memories of her conversations with her master, Zhao Waner, as if Zhao Yuanzhou knew everything about them. Wen Xiao asked if they had met before, to which Zhao revealed that Wen Xiao’s health was deteriorating because she hadn’t obtained the Baize Decree.

She sensed this too but didn’t realize that without it, she would eventually die. Zhao, also eager to find the Baize Decree to save the Wildlands, suggested they work together. Although Zhao Yuanzhou's words were persuasive, Wen Xiao remained skeptical. After all, eight years earlier, Zhu Yan had just emerged, wreaking havoc on the human world, and Zhuo Yichen’s father had perished during that time.

Zhao didn’t offer much explanation, stating that if Wen Xiao refused to cooperate, he would pledge his loyalty to the Chongwu Camp. Suspecting that Zhao wanted to use her to find the Baize Decree, Wen Xiao threatened to take her own life. Zhao gently removed the knife from her neck, asserting that he would never allow someone valuable to him to die first.

Zhuo Yichen received three tokens listing the names selected for the reformed Demon Investigation Bureau, including himself, Pei Sijing, and Bai Jiu. Wen Xiao arrived with refreshments, and seeing her wearing the token, Zhuo Yichen asked why she was so determined to join the demon-slaying team. Wen Xiao explained that finding the Baize Decree had been her lifelong wish.

Although Zhu Yan had committed countless misdeeds, her master once considered him an old friend, perhaps holding clues to locating the Baize Decree. Wen Xiao also respected Zhuo Yichen’s openness in allowing Zhao Yuanzhou to join, while Zhuo Yichen privately recalled Fan Ying mentioning that his inability to kill Zhao Yuanzhou might be a curse—a secret he kept from Wen Xiao.

As the two left the room and passed through the courtyard, they saw Zhao Yuanzhou sitting in a tree eating fruit. Zhuo Yichen was about to question who had released Zhao, then realized the dungeon couldn’t hold him anyway. Zhao explained he had heard that the demon-hunting team was nearly formed and was eager to join, offering to handle difficult members. Bai Jiu, a renowned physician, was young but highly skilled, able to diagnose illnesses and identify demons.

Zhao requested a pulse reading, and Bai Jiu quickly identified his great-demon nature. Wen Xiao began her recruitment, and to her surprise, Bai Jiu, upon seeing the token, agreed excitedly. Pei Sijing, previously of the Chongwu Camp, had left her position after a month-old village massacre, during which she killed a figure in black whose identity, human or demon, remained unclear. She decided to resign, uninterested in further demon-catching matters.

Zhao Yuanzhou offered to help investigate this, including issues related to Pei Sijing’s brother. Wen Xiao presented the token, and Pei hesitantly accepted it. When Bai Jiu reported to the Demon Investigation Bureau and heard that the great demon Zhu Yan had joined, he eagerly wanted to see him. Upon learning from Wen Xiao that Zhao Yuanzhou was Zhu Yan, he stepped back in fear, only to be pulled before Zhuo Yichen by Zhao.

Pei Sijing soon arrived, and as Wen Xiao warmly introduced everyone, Pei Sijing remarked that she only came to return the token, not trusting the demon’s words. As she was preparing to leave, Chongwu Camp’s Zhen Mei appeared at the gate, demanding the handover of the case concerning the Water Ghost Bride abduction.

Zhen Mei recounted how, years ago, Zhu Yan’s chaos was only subdued with the help of Chongwu Camp, accusing the bureau of disregarding past grievances by aligning with Zhu Yan. Wen Xiao rebuked Chongwu Camp’s cruelty in trading demon hides on the black market through any means. Zhen Mei turned hostile, ordering his men to set the bureau ablaze with fire arrows. Zhao Yuanzhou then marshaled his power, directing the soldiers to encircle Zhen Mei.

Just as tensions were at a peak, General Wu Yan arrived, announcing that the king had granted the Demon Investigation Bureau permission to investigate the Water Ghost case thoroughly. Fan Ying handed over a list of Chongwu Camp’s slain members, which Zhen Mei immediately burned. He simply instructed the bureau to expedite the case and had each member sign their names as a pledge.

After Chongwu Camp left, Zhao Yuanzhou lamented the loss of evidence, but Zhuo Yichen reassured him, noting that the real list had been given to the chancellor the previous day.

After Zhen Mei departed, General Fan, sitting in his carriage, thrust his sword outside, noticing the bloodstains on it. He deduced that a beast named Mengji was in the Wildlands, with a leopard-like form and an ability to hide; it only becomes visible after death.

Wen Xiao re-opened the signed document and saw that the latter half had become visible, stating that they must solve the case within five days or face charges of negligence, with those who sealed it expected to take responsibility through self-sacrifice. Zhuo Yichen realized Zhao Yuanzhou hadn’t sealed the document, so he wouldn’t be held accountable.

Zhao Yuanzhou then revealed that he had signed a separate contract with Wen Xiao, binding them together by life and death; thus, her seal represented his as well. The next day, the demon-slaying team went to the forest where the Water Ghost first attempted a bride abduction to gather clues. A strong fishy smell filled the area, making Bai Jiu vomit continuously, while Zhao Yuanzhou reconstructed the events.

A daughter of a wealthy merchant from the capital was on her way to marry someone far away when a demonic wind swept through the forest, halting the escort team. The Water Ghost abducted the bride, whose body was later found in a nearby reed pond. Zhao Yuanzhou speculated that a water-demon type might be responsible.

Zhen Mei reported to his master that Wu Yan had handled all the victim corpses and that if the Demon Investigation Bureau failed to solve the case within five days, heads would roll. A man in black stated he only cared about Zhao Yuanzhou's head and nothing else. The team reached the reed pond, where, according to the records, all seven bodies were found.

Zhao Yuanzhou noticed the pond’s malevolent energy was weak, indicating the Water Ghost had drained it, although he couldn’t pinpoint the specific demon. To investigate further, they needed to examine the bodies at the morgue, so Zhao Yuanzhou sent the others there first to handle another matter alone. Bai Jiu, terrified of conducting the autopsy, wanted to quit, but Wen Xiao found that all bodies had been transferred by the Chongwu Camp.

Zhao Yuanzhou waited at the next bride-to-be's home, where the servants were fearful of another Water Ghost abduction, but Steward Fang scolded them for speaking recklessly. As Wen Xiao’s group prepared to leave the morgue, they spotted Zhao Yuanzhou hiding in a coffin, creating a mysterious atmosphere. Pei Sijing noticed that Zhao Yuanzhou had been injured by a Chongwu Camp demon-slaying arrow, revealing he had snuck into their camp and retrieved a corpse that hadn’t yet been moved.

Bai Jiu, forced to perform the autopsy, found that the bride had been severely frightened before death, discovering a scale in her hand, which led Zhao Yuanzhou to identify the demon behind the chaos. During a meal, Zhao Yuanzhou explained that the demon, Ran Yi, possessed the power to control dreams, trapping people in nightmares until they died of fright.

Only those with the power to dispel illusions could defeat Ran Yi, or alternatively, a piece of flesh could be cut from his body. However, Zhao had no idea where to find Ran Yi. At the Qi Manor, Steward Fang asked if the young lady's departure would proceed as scheduled. Master Qi, disregarding his daughter's safety, insisted on the wedding going ahead as planned, prioritizing the substantial dowry from the Duke's family over all else.

Zhuo Yichen, who had been observing the Qi Manor, regrouped with his team and shared his plan to find Ran Yi. That night, Zhao Yuanzhou snuck into the manor, summoning the Water Ghost from the pond and handing him a vial of medicine to heal his arrow wound. Wu Yan privately discussed matters with Master Qi but left upon hearing of the demon-slaying team’s arrival, while Master Qi instructed Steward Fang to escort him out.

Master Qi presented Wen Xiao and Zhuo Yichen with the Water Ghost’s marriage document. Through the Yun Guangjian sword, Zhuo Yichen sensed a demonic aura, and Master Qi, without hesitation, admitted he had invited the Chongwu Camp to set up a demon-slaying formation at the manor a month earlier for his daughter's safety. Wen Xiao and Zhuo Yichen stepped outside and saw anxious servants, whom they questioned.

The servants mentioned that strange occurrences had plagued the manor since a month ago. Zhuo Yichen, recalling the date on the marriage document, suspected that Master Qi was hiding something.

Zhao Yuanzhou and Wen Xiao followed the Chongwu Camp soldiers, only to discover upon their turn that it was Li Lun, the murderer of Zhao Waner. Li Lun shook a rattle drum, revealing Zhao Yuanzhou's thousand-year true form. Wen Xiao was also gravely injured in the confrontation. Outside the Qi Manor, Bai Jiu ambushed the path to intercept the Chongwu soldiers.

When they arrived, he confronted them, but they calmly declared they had lured the Demon Investigation team there on purpose. Just as they spoke, Zhuo Yichen and Pei Sijing arrived, confirming that Master Qi had lied. A fierce battle broke out, but Zhuo Yichen and Pei Sijing quickly defeated the soldiers with their skills. Li Lun spoke to Zhao Yuanzhou about trivial past matters, and Wen Xiao suspected he was stalling.

Zhao Yuanzhou realized that since receiving the information from the Qi Manor, every move they’d made had been guided. Li Lun tempted Zhao Yuanzhou to save Zhuo Yichen and the others, leaving Wen Xiao behind, but Zhao Yuanzhou affirmed his commitment to live and die alongside Wen Xiao. After Zhuo Yichen subdued the Chongwu soldiers, they mysteriously rose again as if healed, completely uninjured.

Bai Jiu discovered a talisman on one soldier’s back, and Zhuo Yichen identified it as written in Xing Tian's blood, granting them an immortal body. Realizing this, they removed each talisman one by one, narrowly escaping the threat. Wen Xiao, seeking revenge for her master, intended to kill Li Lun, but as a mortal without divine power, it was a futile pursuit.

Zhao Yuanzhou knew Wen Xiao's body couldn’t withstand the prolonged activation of her True Eye, so he closed it for her. Wen Xiao then threw hallucinogenic powder at Li Lun and hurriedly pulled Zhao Yuanzhou away. They later regrouped with Zhuo Yichen, and Bai Jiu had already dressed Zhuo Yichen’s wounds. Despite his initial intentions to quit, Bai Jiu had grown increasingly respectful of Zhuo Yichen.

Zhao Yuanzhou, noticing a scar on Zhuo Yichen’s hand, used his powers to heal it instantly, hoping to shift Bai Jiu’s admiration toward himself. However, Bai Jiu, oblivious, still looked up to Zhuo Yichen. Zhao Yuanzhou then used his powers to enlarge Bai Jiu’s medicine chest, resembling a whole pharmacy. He could shrink it with a bell chime, yet Bai Jiu only remarked that they were equally matched.

Wen Xiao advised Zhuo Yichen not to be reckless in future fights, sparing himself from unnecessary injuries. Zhao Yuanzhou, noticing their mutual concern, teased them while teaching Zhuo Yichen the Bingyi Tribe’s blood-coagulation technique for healing. Wen Xiao, who had read extensively on demonology, hadn’t heard of the technique, prompting a few mocking comments from Zhao Yuanzhou.

As the healing ended, Wen Xiao inadvertently mentioned Li Lun, and Zhao Yuanzhou explained that Li Lun was a huai demon capable of possessing anyone. Due to past grievances with him, Li Lun joined the Demon Investigation Bureau to prevent Li Lun’s schemes. During their conversation, someone reported that General Wu Yan had been murdered and that Chongwu Camp framed the Demon Investigation Bureau.

Furious, Zhuo Yichen protested that Wu Yan was clearly killed by a demon, yet the Demon Investigation Bureau bore the blame. Fortunately, the Prime Minister had negotiated a one-day reprieve. If they failed to solve the Water Ghost case by the next day, the entire Bureau would be held accountable. They could no longer wait for the scheduled wedding of Master Qi’s daughter and had to start with the Qi lady who had received the Water Ghost’s marriage proposal.

However, Pei Sijing reported that she had suddenly disappeared. Zhao Yuanzhou suggested investigating Master Qi again and proposed using his powers to track the Qi lady’s whereabouts. Zhao Yuanzhou met with Ran Yi, while Pei Sijing used demon-tracking techniques to follow. When Zhao Yuanzhou noticed her, he was displeased but agreed to let Ran Yi use his dream-control technique.

In the dream, Pei Sijing saw her younger brother, Wen Xiao witnessed her master’s dying moments, while only Zhuo Yichen remained unaffected by the illusion.

Zhuo Yichen guarded the sleeping Wen Xiao and Pei Sijing within their dreams. Suddenly, Zhao Yuanzhou appeared. Zhuo Yichen drew his sword, but Zhao Yuanzhou explained that if they didn't wake from the dream soon, they would die. The only way to save them was for each of them to "die" within the dream.

Zhuo Yichen wielded the Yunguang Sword, radiating its power, and Pei Sijing followed her brother in her dream, jumping into a lake together in a suicide pact. However, Wen Xiao couldn't hear the sword's ringing, so Zhao Yuanzhou entered her dream to rescue her. He handed her a sword to help Wen Xiao end her life in the dream, allowing her to escape from it.

After awakening, Pei Sijing coughed up blood; Zhao Yuanzhou explained that the deeper the entrapment in the dream, the more damage it inflicted. Yet, despite her usual frailty, Wen Xiao was unscathed, something even Zhao Yuanzhou found hard to understand. Seeing them both safe, Zhuo Yichen questioned Zhao Yuanzhou's connection to Ran Yi again. Zhao Yuanzhou offered to take them to meet Ran Yi in person.

However, Pei Sijing was too weak to move, so Zhao Yuanzhou suggested she stay and rest. Worried for her, Wen Xiao used the brush hairpin on her head to inscribe a protective character in Pei Sijing's hand. Zhuo Yichen offered some of Bai Jiu's medicine he carried, while Zhao Yuanzhou set up a protective barrier around Pei Sijing, providing even greater security.

When Ran Yi saw the Yunguang Sword, he couldn't help but marvel, recounting how he had met a man carrying the Yunguang Sword over a decade ago—Zhuo Yichen's brother, Zhuo Yixuan. Yixuan had shared that his younger brother was plagued by nightmares, so Ran Yi had given him a scale to brew as a potion for Zhuo Yichen, which indeed put an end to the nightmares.

Suddenly, Zhuo Yichen turned his sword on Zhao Yuanzhou, accusing him of killing his father and brother, which had plunged him back into nightmares. Zhao Yuanzhou replied that, one day, he would let Zhuo Yichen kill him to avenge his family. When asked about Miss Qi's whereabouts, Ran Yi initially denied knowledge, but Wen Xiao and Zhuo Yichen mentioned that during their last visit to the Qi Manor, they had found Miss Qi attempting to hang herself.

They had cut the rope and saved her, learning that she was infatuated with Ran Yi but felt her father had no regard for her. Wen Xiao had even offered to help find Ran Yi. Assuming Zhuo Yichen had bound Miss Qi, Ran Yi tossed a sack, only to reveal Master Qi inside, trapped in an agonizing dream. Ran Yi revealed that Master Qi would die within the dream.

Wen Xiao condemned Ran Yi's ruthlessness, but Ran Yi retorted that Master Qi had cruelly used the Corpse-Suppressing Demon Technique on him. Ran Yi then reminisced about meeting Miss Qi. She had discovered his identity as a fish demon but had embraced it, and their love deepened. Ran Yi planned to take her to see the vast wilderness where he lived. However, they were caught by her father, who hired a demon-hunting priest.

It turned out Master Qi had arranged another marriage for her. Seeing Ran Yi in pain, Miss Qi reluctantly agreed to her father's marriage arrangement. Severely weakened, Ran Yi sought to restore his energy by absorbing vengeful energy from brides, hoping to change Master Qi's mind, yet Qi cared only about gaining a large dowry for his son. Enraged, Zhao Yuanzhou entered the dream and killed Master Qi, bringing him out of the nightmare. Once revived, Master Qi became mentally unhinged.

Zhuo Yichen had previously found five corpses in a dry well at the Qi Manor, all servants who had helped Miss Qi and Ran Yi. The well, however, was devoid of vengeful energy, clearly absorbed by a demon. Zhuo Yichen suspected Zhao Yuanzhou had visited the Qi Manor before joining the Demon Investigation Team and had delivered Ran Yi's marriage proposal to the Qi family.

Wen Xiao, curious, asked why Zhao Yuanzhou hadn't simply taken Miss Qi to Ran Yi with his power instead of creating a complex plan. Ran Yi admitted he was ashamed to face Miss Qi, having caused much harm, while she remained kind-hearted. He only wanted to prevent her from marrying someone she didn't love; as for their relationship, he viewed it as a beautiful dream. Ran Yi acknowledged Zhao Yuanzhou wouldn't help him without a purpose.

His goal was for Ran Yi to help Wen Xiao recall the whereabouts of the Baize Token through dreams. Wen Xiao mentioned she remembered receiving the token but didn’t understand why it lacked Baize's divine power in her body. As Ran Yi prepared to face the law, Miss Qi arrived by boat, declaring she wanted to live and die with him.

Ran Yi now longed to take her back to his homeland, but Zhuo Yichen insisted that Ran Yi had to answer for his crimes. Ran Yi pleaded with Zhuo Yichen to spare him in honor of protecting him from nightmares for years. Zhuo Yichen agreed to advocate for him but stipulated at least a thousand-year imprisonment. Ran Yi refused, leading to an intense fight between them.

During the battle, Ran Yi suddenly transformed into Li Lun’s form. It turned out that Li Lun had been controlling Ran Yi by attaching himself to Miss Qi. Zhao Yuanzhou took an arrow for Zhuo Yichen. Standing to the side, Li Lun revealed that Zhao Yuanzhou and Zhao Waner had once shared a bond like siblings; Zhao Waner even gave her brother’s name to Zhuyan, who wore a mask to conceal his feelings.

Wen Xiao finally realized that everything she had seen in her dream was true. Li Lun then tried to sow discord between Zhuo Yichen and Zhao Yuanzhou. Although Zhao Yuanzhou was forced to kill Zhuo Yixuan, it remained an unbridgeable enmity. Li Lun offered to help eliminate Zhao Yuanzhou, but Zhuo Yichen was not swayed; instead, he thrust his sword toward Li Lun, declaring that while he would eventually kill Zhao Yuanzhou, Li Lun would be the first to fall.

Ran Yi, under Li Lun’s control, charged forward to fight on Li Lun’s behalf. Li Lun’s power surpassed Ran Yi’s dream-manipulation abilities, and eventually, Zhuo Yichen could no longer hold him off. In his dream, Zhuo Yichen was transported back to when Zhuo Yixuan was alive, where they sat together chatting for a rare moment. But then, Zhao Yuanzhou appeared and stabbed Zhuo Yixuan. In another scene, Zhao Yuanzhou strangled Wen Xiao on the beach.

Enraged, Zhuo Yichen raised the Yunguang Sword and struck Zhao Yuanzhou. Meanwhile, Zhao Yuanzhou desperately tried to wake Zhuo Yichen, but to no avail. Li Lun remarked that Zhuo Yichen had ignored his own dreams for years and was therefore deeply immersed, impossible to awaken. Determined, Zhao Yuanzhou aligned his heart with the Yunguang Sword, intending to use his own blood to wake Zhuo Yichen.

Once again, Zhuo Yichen encountered Zhao Yuanzhou in the dream and realized that his true enemy was himself, ultimately turning the sword upon himself and ending his own life. With the resolve to die, Zhuo Yichen quickly broke free from the dream. Surprised, Li Lun, now controlling Ran Yi, resumed fighting Zhuo Yichen. Zhao Yuanzhou used magic to dispel Li Lun’s control, allowing Ran Yi to regain consciousness.

Realizing that Li Lun was using Miss Qi to control Ran Yi, Zhuo Yichen raised his sword toward Miss Qi, but Ran Yi shielded her with his own body. Miss Qi, having been possessed for so long, had her internal organs severely damaged by Li Lun and was now on the verge of death. They entered a dream together, reliving memories of their past.

When Ran Yi was once hunted, Miss Qi had saved him, and, grateful for her kindness, he stayed by her side. Learning that she longed to see the world beyond, he created dreams for her every night. But since staying in dreams for too long was harmful, he eventually disguised himself as a doctor to remain close. These unforgettable memories would stay with him forever.

In the end, Ran Yi sacrificed his internal energy, disappearing from the human world to accompany Miss Qi to the vast wilderness she longed for. Ran Yi’s passing left everyone with deep feelings, each recalling the pain of parting from their loved ones. Zhao Yuanzhou especially blamed himself for not protecting Ran Yi, as even demons could see a complete life as a blessing.

Upon hearing the news of the case’s resolution, Bai Jiu excitedly tumbled into the courtyard pond at the Demon Investigation Bureau. Wen Xiao, still hurt by Zhao Yuanzhou’s concealment of his identity, held a grudge. Zhao Yuanzhou proposed they start afresh, only to recall that Wen Xiao’s contract required them to remain as colleagues. Feeling saddened, he fainted. When he woke up the next day, Wen Xiao and Zhuo Yichen were by his side.

Zhao Yuanzhou, weakened from his injury by the Yunguang Sword, was still very frail. Wen Xiao worriedly held him close. Zhuo Yichen, however, felt Zhao Yuanzhou should have been able to withstand the Yunguang Sword and pulled his hand away from his chest, revealing that the wound was already healing quickly. Zhuo Yichen scolded Zhao Yuanzhou for his absurdity. Recalling Li Lun’s revelation that Zhao Yuanzhou had unwillingly killed Zhuo Yixuan and his father, Zhuo Yichen demanded an explanation.

Wen Xiao recounted seeing Zhao Yuanzhou in the dream, losing control due to vengeful energy. Still, Zhuo Yichen insisted on bearing the responsibility. Zhao Yuanzhou responded that once the Baize Token was found, he would settle everything.

After the group reunited, they returned to the Demon Investigation Bureau to report their mission. On the way, Zhuo Yichen noticed that Wen Xiao seemed physically stronger than before and asked her about it, but Zhao Yuanzhou remained silent on the subject. As they neared the Bureau, they heard Bai Jiu shouting in front of a mountain god temple, claiming he had seen a demon. The group decided to follow him into the temple to investigate.

Meanwhile, Zhen Mei from the Chongwu Battalion arrived at the Bureau, demanding to see the mission report. He was only willing to wait for half an incense stick's time before expecting them to return and was eager to see them fail. Inside the mountain god temple, Zhao Yuanzhou and the others found nothing unusual and were preparing to leave when they saw a yellow-haired youth standing in the courtyard, with a few soldiers lying on the ground, struggling in pain.

The youth introduced himself as Ying Lei, the spirit of the mountain god temple, claiming to have cultivated for over ten thousand years. His speech was dramatic and boastful. Zhao Yuanzhou assessed him as a half-god, half-demon entity. Realizing that they knew quite a bit about him, Ying Lei introduced himself more formally. He explained that his grandfather, Ying Zhao, was responsible for maintaining the barriers in the Great Wilderness.

After the Baize Token vanished, Ying Zhao used his power to seal the Heaven and Earth Gate to sustain the Great Wilderness. However, some demons had secretly reopened it, allowing lesser demons to slip into the human world. Ying Zhao, sensing the Great Wilderness's imminent collapse, tacitly allowed Ying Lei to descend into the human world. The two sides argued for a long time until Wen Xiao reminded them they needed to return and report.

Zhao Yuanzhou then insisted Ying Lei hand over any treasures. Reluctantly, Ying Lei produced a bunch of vegetables, boasting that his dream was to become a chef. When Zhao Yuanzhou pressed him further, Ying Lei finally handed over the temple’s prized possession, the Shan Hai Inch Realm. With the Shan Hai Inch Realm, the group could immediately return to the Demon Investigation Bureau, but only if its owner cast the spell.

Wen Xiao offered Ying Lei a job as a chef at the Bureau if he helped them, and Ying Lei agreed, using the Shan Hai Inch Realm to bring them back. Just as Zhen Mei was about to reprimand Fan Ying, the group appeared right on time, leaving Zhen Mei fuming as he stormed off with his soldiers. With the Water Demon case concluded, Zhao Yuanzhou invited everyone to his house outside the capital for a celebratory drink.

Knowing that Pei Sijing had been planning to leave, Wen Xiao suggested they all gather one last time. Pei Sijing, however, announced that she had decided to stay, realizing that embracing life fully was the highest form of living and was finally ready to let go of past obsessions. At Zhao Yuanzhou’s residence, Wen Xiao offered Ying Lei a drink, while Bai Jiu, being too young, had tea.

Wen Xiao teased Ying Lei, saying his beard made him look too old, and told him to go to Zhao Yuanzhou’s room to tidy it up. After shaving, Ying Lei looked even more handsome. Wen Xiao was also curious about what Zhao Yuanzhou kept in his water flask and why he never ate food. Ying Lei explained it was jade cream, which could boost strength and prolong life.

Previously, Zhao Yuanzhou had made a bet with Zhuo Yichen that the one to solve the case first could make the other do something. Although Zhao Yuanzhou won, Zhuo Yichen felt it was an unfair victory, and Wen Xiao also criticized Zhao Yuanzhou for not trusting the Demon Investigation Team. As Zhuo Yichen returned to the table, he saw Bai Jiu and Ying Lei excitedly discussing the upcoming Hua Kui competition at the Tianxiang Pavilion, entirely absorbed in it.

Just then, Pei Sijing, looking grim, entered and reported that there had been another murder case in the capital. Meanwhile, Li Lun, disguised as a woman, met with a man in black, revealing that he had leaked information to Pei Sijing and intended to make Zhao Yuanzhou suffer. The Demon Investigation Team quickly divided into groups and began their investigation on the scene.

Wen Xiao and Pei Sijing found Pei Siheng in a room, while Zhao Yuanzhou and Zhuo Yichen discovered a corpse hanging from the beam. Bai Jiu and Ying Lei made a similar discovery. Ying Lei removed the corpse from the roof, and Bai Jiu gathered the courage to examine it, finding that the heart had been removed. Additionally, they noticed antlers drawn on the rooftop above each corpse.

Zhao Yuanzhou explained to Zhuo Yichen that the antlers belonged to a legendary ancient demon called Chenghuang, known to be nearly immortal. Although ancient texts recorded Chenghuang as an auspicious being, few knew that it survived by consuming human blood and was extremely vicious. This made Zhao Yuanzhou worry that their adversary might be far stronger than they had anticipated. Pei Sijing confronted Pei Siheng, accusing him of senseless killing.

Pei Siheng countered that his sister had never acknowledged his virtues. Now, with lives lost, Pei Sijing demanded an explanation, prompting Pei Siheng to abandon decorum and begin fighting her. Zhao Yuanzhou and Zhuo Yichen arrived in the courtyard just as Pei Siheng tried to escape. Zhuo Yichen, wielding the Yun Guang Sword, intercepted him, and the two were evenly matched. Using a technique called "Water Drips Into Ice" taught by Zhao Yuanzhou, Zhuo Yichen gained a slight edge.

Outnumbered, Pei Siheng fled by scaling the courtyard wall. That night, Pei Sijing was troubled, and Wen Xiao comforted her, advising her not to dwell on Pei Siheng’s identity. She reminded her that people, like demons, have both good and evil within them. While Pei Sijing appreciated Wen Xiao’s understanding attitude toward demons, she still couldn’t let go of her worries. In gratitude, Zhuo Yichen gifted Zhao Yuanzhou a jade pendant.

Zhao Yuanzhou carefully recounted all the assistance he had given Zhuo Yichen, noting it was endless, to which Zhuo Yichen retorted, cautioning him not to overstep, as he would someday kill Zhao Yuanzhou with his own hands. Bai Jiu brought food to Pei Sijing. Wen Xiao, curious, asked why Pei Sijing would kill her own brother. Pei Sijing explained that Pei Siheng had turned into a demon.

Three months earlier, a similar murder had occurred, and she had seen Pei Siheng at the scene, prompting her to shoot him herself. After Pei Sijing had shot Pei Siheng and turned to leave, she didn’t hear his faint words, saying that no one would be left to protect her after his death. According to records, the corpse was burned afterward. However, seeing Pei Siheng again recently left Pei Sijing puzzled.

What’s more, only she knew that Pei Siheng was the one who had provided her with clues. With so many unanswered questions, Zhuo Yichen suddenly thought that finding Chenghuang might uncover the truth about Pei Siheng. Everyone turned their attention to Zhao Yuanzhou. Zhao Yuanzhou explained that Chenghuang resided at the Observatory.

Years ago, he was banished from Kunlun for violating heavenly laws, but somehow escaped punishment from the Baize Order, eventually opening the gate to Kunlun and releasing many lesser demons. The group arrived at the Observatory and found a sundial in the center. There was no water clock nearby, indicating it wasn’t for timekeeping. Zhao Yuanzhou analyzed that the sundial was the key to entering a formation. For safety, they tied their wrists together with rope.

Zhao Yuanzhou instructed Ying Lei to stay by the sundial, while the others quickly passed through to another location. Pei Sijing saw Pei Siheng practicing martial arts, while Zhao Yuanzhou and Zhuo Yichen arrived at the Tianxiang Pavilion amidst a lively scene of music and dance. Zhao Yuanzhou explained that this wasn’t the real Tianxiang Pavilion but an illusion created by Chenghuang, which was, in fact, someone’s dream. Pei Sijing questioned Pei Siheng about secretly joining the Chongwu Battalion.

Pei Siheng admitted he had always resented how overlooked he felt, as their grandfather and father saw Pei Sijing as the successor to the family legacy. He had always been deemed weak and unfit for responsibility, but he truly aspired to succeed. As a result, he resorted to unsavory means, committing numerous acts he couldn’t reveal. With that, he snatched the Shadow-Hunting Arrow and left. Pei Sijing stood there, dazed, until Bai Jiu called her back to reality.

While the two were still in shock, they saw a cloth doll on the ground. Pei Sijing picked it up, conversed with it, and then passed through the sundial again, leaving Bai Jiu trembling on his own. Zhao Yuanzhou and Zhuo Yichen circled around Tianxiang Pavilion and returned to their starting point, noticing that the dancing girls had changed. Nearby, a dancer mentioned that Zhi Mei had missed her peak blooming season.

Wen Xiao finally understood that Zhi Mei’s greatest desire was to be the top courtesan forever, and that Chenghuang was turning those with such obsessions into puppets. Pei Sijing confronted Chenghuang, demanding to know why he had transformed Pei Siheng into a demon. Chenghuang replied that he had done nothing; Pei Siheng’s own obsessions had led to his transformation.

Chenghuang explained to Pei Sijing that he was able to control Pei Siheng due to Pei Siheng's deep desire to become stronger. Pei Siheng had been frail since childhood, and Pei Sijing had to train in martial arts to protect him, even though she didn’t enjoy it. Pei Siheng saw this and wanted to change himself completely. Chenghuang exploited Pei Siheng’s desire, offering to help fulfill his wish.

When Pei Siheng heard that he could relieve his sister's burden, he agreed without even considering the cost. Pei Sijing was filled with regret, realizing she had been the one to doom her brother. Her final words to Pei Siheng before killing him had been full of blame. Chenghuang tempted her, offering to let her see her brother again.

Bai Jiu, overhearing the conversation near the sundial, realized Chenghuang was trying to control Pei Sijing and shouted to warn her, but Pei Sijing couldn't hear him. Just as Chenghuang was about to absorb Pei Sijing’s soul using an hourglass, Bai Jiu crossed over through the sundial to her side, stopping Chenghuang. Angry, Chenghuang suspended Bai Jiu in the air. Pei Sijing regained consciousness, picked up her bow, and aimed at Chenghuang, who then released Bai Jiu.

He summoned a puppet version of Pei Siheng, who confronted Pei Sijing, asking why she had been so heartless toward him. Chenghuang incited Pei Siheng to kill his sister for revenge. Zhao Yuanzhou and Zhuo Yichen analyzed why they entered Zhi Mei’s dream. Zhi Mei had once been the top courtesan, desiring eternal youth and beauty. Chenghuang exploited this vulnerability, turning her into a puppet that needed to consume human blood to survive.

Peony petals were scattered across the stage in Tianxiang Pavilion, and Wen Xiao had seen the same petals at the victim’s home, confirming that Zhi Mei was the murderer. Pei Siheng’s appearance at the victim's home was just a distraction. Pei Siheng couldn’t bear to kill Pei Sijing, so Chenghuang attacked her himself. Pei Siheng, desperate, entered Zhi Mei’s dream to seek Zhao Yuanzhou’s help.

Just as Pei Sijing was about to be strangled, Zhao Yuanzhou arrived in time to stop it. Zhao Yuanzhou had discovered that Chenghuang was colluding with Li Lun, so he questioned Chenghuang about what terms he had offered to make Li Lun willingly hand over his beloved sundial. Chenghuang didn’t hide it, explaining that he had used his power to open the gate to Kunlun.

As Chenghuang began casting a spell, Zhuo Yichen countered with the Yun Guang Sword, while Zhao Yuanzhou attacked with an umbrella. Soon after, Wen Xiao regained her identity as the Baize Goddess and questioned Chenghuang. She demanded to know why he, despite his profound power, committed such evil deeds by manipulating people’s desires, turning them into puppets, and feeding on their blood to sustain himself.

Chenghuang admitted he controlled Pei Siheng to commit murders but scoffed, saying that not even the original goddess could stop him, let alone Wen Xiao, who only held half the divine power. Seeing that Pei Siheng was no longer obeying him, Chenghuang killed him and left the sundial area alone. Pei Sijing held her brother’s fading body, overwhelmed with grief and helplessness. Pei Siheng finally realized that his sister did care about him.

He urged her to live well before his body vanished. With Chenghuang gone, the others couldn’t leave the sundial. Zhao Yuanzhou examined the puppets of those who had made wishes and discovered one in the shape of a woman that had no memory. Wen Xiao explained that this woman was the original goddess; she’d heard about her from her master. Zhao Yuanzhou noticed that the goddess puppet had been repainted, suggesting she held special importance to Chenghuang.

Using the threat of shattering the goddess puppet, he forced Chenghuang to reappear. As expected, Chenghuang showed himself. Zhao Yuanzhou questioned his relationship with the original goddess, and Chenghuang led the group to another illusion, this time to the Kunlun Gate, the passage between the Great Wilderness and the mortal world. Chenghuang revealed that there were two who governed the Baize Order: the goddess and a powerful demon. The two were kindred spirits, jointly protecting the Great Wilderness.

Chenghuang recalled the days when he and the original goddess jointly governed the Baize Order. They had mutual respect and deep affection for each other, becoming a legendary pair in both the divine and demonic realms. He thought this peaceful life could last forever, but a disaster beast broke out, and the original goddess fell seriously ill. In a desperate attempt to find a cure, Chenghuang began a ruthless killing spree.

Wen Xiao blamed him for misusing the Baize Order, but Chenghuang retorted that he would do anything for the one he loved. The goddess rebuked Chenghuang for his reckless slaughter, declaring him unfit to oversee the Baize Order, and tried to seal him with her powers. However, weakened by the plague, she collapsed before she could complete the seal.

Chenghuang seized the opportunity to escape and continued his massacre, hoping to prolong the goddess’s life, though in the end, his efforts were in vain. Zhuo Yichen scolded Chenghuang for his selfishness. Chenghuang then asked Zhao Yuanzhou about his wish. Zhao Yuanzhou replied that he had experienced countless separations and deaths yet seemed destined to live forever—a torment in itself.

Chenghuang offered to help end his life, but Zhao Yuanzhou reminded him that he had already agreed to die at Zhuo Yichen's hand. Chenghuang explained that he had fulfilled many people's wishes to reverse fate, planning to use the sundial artifact to return to the past, reliving the days with the original goddess when his hands were still unstained by blood.

Zhao Yuanzhou probed about Chenghuang's exchange with Li Lun, and Chenghuang responded it was a secret related to the Baize Order. Zhao Yuanzhou revealed that Chenghuang had been deceived by Li Lun; he and Li Lun had found the sundial together, and it could only store memories, not reverse fate. Zhao Yuanzhou advised Chenghuang to stop dwelling on the past. Realizing he’d been tricked, Chenghuang furiously unleashed his power.

Zhao Yuanzhou and Zhuo Yichen struggled to defend themselves, until they noticed the Baize Order mark appear on Wen Xiao’s forehead, and another mark surfaced behind Zhao Yuanzhou's ear, revealing him to be the powerful demon who governed the other half of the Baize Order. The two combined their powers, activating the Baize Order to completely defeat Chenghuang. Wen Xiao held the Baize Goddess’s flute and sealed Chenghuang away forever.

Outside the sundial, Li Lun anxiously attempted to enter, but Ying Lei blocked him. As the sundial gradually darkened, blood trickled from Li Lun’s mouth, yet he muttered repeatedly that his wish was close to being fulfilled. With Chenghuang sealed, his hands withered. Pei Sijing suspected that Chenghuang was also a puppet. The group recalled Chenghuang’s obsession with reviving the original goddess and finally understood the mystery. Once Chenghuang turned into a puppet, they found they still hadn’t left the sundial.

Zhao Yuanzhou informed them that the key to the exit was in Wen Xiao’s hands. As the Baize Goddess, she possessed the Baize Golden Eyes; by activating the power in her blood, she could reveal the exit and see through all illusions. Wen Xiao closed her eyes and focused, successfully bringing them back to reality. Reflecting on everything from Ran Yi to Chenghuang, she felt the fickle nature of the world.

Seeing Zhao Yuanzhou drinking from his gourd, she took a sip but found it bitter beyond measure. Zhao Yuanzhou mentioned wanting to return to Kunlun Mountain to consult some older demon elders about the key to harmony between the two Baize Orders. Wen Xiao finally realized her health had gradually improved due to Zhao Yuanzhou’s protection.

When she asked when they would set out for Kunlun, Zhuo Yichen abruptly interrupted, stating he didn’t trust Wen Xiao and Zhao Yuanzhou being together and that he would accompany them on the journey.