Fangs of Fortune Recap, Plot, Synopsis

Fangs of Fortune Synopsis

During the Zhenyuan era when the Baize Goddess, who governed both the human and demon realms, unexpectedly dies, causing the sacred Baize Talisman to disappear. With no one to maintain order, demons and mythical creatures run rampant, wreaking havoc and committing violent crimes. Amid this chaos, Zhu Yan, leader of the demons who has assumed human form as Zhao Yuanzhou, surrenders to the authorities and proposes establishing a Demon Suppression Bureau to help restore order. Wen Xiao, wary and suspicious of Zhao Yuanzhou, joins this bureau alongside her childhood friend Zhuo Yichen, a skilled investigator and swordsman; Pei Sijing, a cold yet adept archer from the elite Chongwu Camp; and Bai Jiu, a kind and timid doctor with exceptional medical talents.

Together, this team embarks on missions to capture demons, encountering legendary beasts from The Classic of Mountains and Seas one by one. As they unravel each case, they begin to uncover a brutal truth behind the demons' crimes. Faced with the heavy responsibility of saving the realm while confronting the pain of lost love, the bonds of friendship within the team, and the deep love between a goddess and a powerful beast, will they be able to overcome this heart-wrenching dilemma?

Fangs of Fortune Recap

• 1
• 2
• 3
• 4
• 5
• 6
• 7
• 8
• 9
• 10
• 11
• 12
• 13
• 14
• 15
• 16
• 17
• 18
• 19
• 20
• 21
• 22
• 23
• 24
• 25
• 26
• 27
• 28
• 29
• 30
• 31
• 32
• 33
• 34

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.

Zhao Yuanzhou instructed Bai Jiu to deliver Pei Siheng’s puppet to Pei Sijing. As soon as she set it down, the puppet transformed into her brother himself. Pei Sijing was overjoyed and asked what had happened. Pei Siheng explained that Zhao Yuanzhou had used chaotic magic to preserve his consciousness. Though his thoughts were fragmented, he could now accompany his sister briefly each night.

Pei Siheng blamed himself for being a burden to her since childhood, but Pei Sijing interrupted him, clarifying that she had never thought of him as a burden. She practiced martial arts only to find an elixir in the demon realm that could heal her frail brother. Pei Siheng was relieved that he would no longer cause his sister any worry over his health.

Upon learning that the Demon Hunting Team would head to Kunlun the next day, Ying Lei asked a few questions. Wen Xiao invited Ying Lei to join them, but Ying Lei said he preferred to stay as a cook at the Demon Hunting Division. He didn't understand why his grandfather ignored worldly pleasures to guard the desolate wilderness.

Wen Xiao explained that everyone has a different destiny, and once they find people and things worth dedicating their lives to within that destiny, they would willingly protect it forever. She invited Ying Lei once more. Li Lun met with the man in black, and they discussed how everything was going according to plan. The man in black was excited to have located the Baize Order, but Li Lun thought destroying it would be even more thrilling.

He noted that the night of the blood moon, five days away, was the best time to destroy the Baize Order, so they couldn’t let the Demon Hunting Team reach Kunlun too quickly. The man in black mentioned that he had arranged for Qing Geng to be waiting at the base of Kunlun Mountain. As for Zhao Yuanzhou’s inner core in exchange, Li Lun assured him it would be delivered.

Zhen Mei met with Pei Sijing and instructed her to delay Zhao Yuanzhou and his team in Sinan Water Town. It turned out that Pei Sijing was a spy placed in the Demon Hunting Team by the man in black. The next day, the Demon Hunting Team assembled. As Ying Lei prepared to teleport, he overheard Pei Sijing mentioning Sinan Water Town and absentmindedly altered the route.

The group arrived to find the once prosperous and lively town in decline, with desolate streets speaking of devastation and suffering. Elsewhere, Qing Geng handed the man in black a red string to help them avoid the plague. The Demon Hunting Team found the town empty and couldn't believe how a plague had struck so swiftly. Wen Xiao asked Zhao Yuanzhou to join forces with her to use the Baize Order to quarantine the area and prevent the plague's spread.

Zhao Yuanzhou, hearing that Wen Xiao wanted to hold hands, made a few playful remarks. Pei Sijing asked Zhuo Yichen if he had changed his opinion of Zhao Yuanzhou. Zhuo Yichen denied it, adding that the Chenghuang case had left him feeling that many things seemed too coincidental. Pei Siheng’s sudden appearance and Chenghuang’s conveniently timed explanations made it seem as though everything had been planned in advance, waiting for the Demon Hunting Team to act accordingly.

Bai Jiu and Ying Lei searched the town for medicinal herbs and unexpectedly encountered Wen Zongyu, who was also in Sinan Water Town, treating the sick. A villager mentioned that, under Kunlun Mountain’s protection, the town had been free of disaster for years until the plague broke out five days ago. Zhuo Yichen arrived, saying that Wen Xiao had detected demonic energy through the Baize Order. Since Wen Zongyu couldn’t help with catching demons, he decided to return to Tiandu.

Zhuo Yichen asked him to stop by the government office and borrow some soldiers with his command token. Wen Xiao identified the source of the demonic energy as the nearby Lingxi Villa, and the group headed there. Along the way, Bai Jiu was swept away by a demonic wind, prompting Zhao Yuanzhou and Zhuo Yichen to pursue him while Pei Sijing urged Wen Xiao and Ying Lei to stay back.

Zhuo Yichen secretly entered a room, where he had a brief confrontation with the man in black before being knocked out and placed in a coffin. Zhao Yuanzhou found the unconscious Bai Jiu in the courtyard and revived him before Wen Xiao and the others arrived. The man in black took Zhuo Yichen to Qing Geng but couldn’t wield the Yunguang Sword. Zhao Yuanzhou and Bai Jiu lay in the coffin to experience it themselves and quickly disappeared.

Pretending to be unconscious, Zhuo Yichen overheard the man in black and Qing Geng’s conversation, realizing they planned to use him to obtain Zhao Yuanzhou’s inner core. When Zhuo Yichen refused to cooperate, Qing Geng pierced him with a demon bone needle, causing him unbearable pain.

Qing Geng attempted to use magic to control Zhuo Yichen to kill Zhao Yuanzhou for him, but Zhuo Yichen's will was strong, and he was not deceived at all. The Demon Hunting Team traveled from the coffin to Lingxi Villa, where they found many corpses lying on the ground. Bai Jiu stumbled and shouted in fright. Zhao Yuanzhou noticed a bell hanging from the roof of a nearby hut, which was the source of the illusion.

Pei Sijing drew her bow and shot it down, breaking the illusion and indirectly informing Qing Geng that the Demon Hunting Team had arrived. The group's biggest concern was Zhuo Yichen's safety, but Zhao Yuanzhou suggested that Zhuo Yichen might have intentionally allowed himself to be captured to gather more clues. Ying Lei, with his keen senses, entered a thatched house along the way. Inside, he found several prescription notes, which Bai Jiu identified as for clearing pestilence and detoxifying.

Just as he was analyzing the notes, a bloodied face suddenly appeared before them. Wen Xiao and Bai Jiu were so startled they embraced each other. Moments later, everything vanished, and when Bai Jiu managed to calm down, he saw the previously appeared face standing behind Wen Xiao. Qing Geng informed Zhuo Yichen that the Demon Hunting Team had arrived and lit a rhinoceros horn incense to disturb Zhuo Yichen's emotions.

Zhuo Yichen asked why Qing Geng was so eager to obtain Zhao Yuanzhou's inner core. Qing Geng replied that he yearned for freedom. As the incense burned continuously, it absorbed the surrounding negative energy, causing Zhuo Yichen to gradually sink into memories of his family's murder, stirring feelings of hatred. Wen Xiao recognized the demon before her, named Fei, who always brought pestilence when it appeared. However, Fei was surprisingly calm and did not seem like a harbinger of disaster.

Fei also informed them of Zhuo Yichen's whereabouts. Following Fei into a secret chamber, they found a portrait of a goddess. Ying Lei recognized the woman in the portrait as a minor demon from the desolate wilderness who liked to present herself as a goddess. She held a red string, likely to ward off the plague. Wen Xiao figured that since Qing Geng liked to act like a goddess, they should indulge him, so she bowed down to pay her respects.

Behind the portrait, a stone door opened. As Zhao Yuanzhou and Wen Xiao entered, the door immediately shut behind them. Pei Sijing hurried to kneel before the portrait and noticed red spots appearing on her hands, indicating she had likely contracted the plague. After taking a few steps, Zhao Yuanzhou and Wen Xiao found Zhuo Yichen wielding the Yunguang Sword, who immediately lunged at Zhao Yuanzhou without a word.

They fought briefly, and Zhao Yuanzhou realized Zhuo Yichen was completely consumed by negative energy. He tried to awaken him with his magic, but was interrupted by Zhuo Yichen, causing Zhao Yuanzhou to lose energy and spit blood. Wen Xiao also felt weakened. Qing Geng appeared slowly, further inciting Zhuo Yichen to seek revenge immediately. Taking advantage of Qing Geng's moment of power, Zhao Yuanzhou asked why he was urging Zhuo Yichen to kill him.

Qing Geng explained that he wanted Zhao Yuanzhou's inner core to break the seal and free himself from Lingxi Villa. Zhuo Yichen stepped closer to Zhao Yuanzhou and surprisingly reached out to help him up. Qing Geng realized that the two were acting together and that Zhao Yuanzhou had already dispelled Zhuo Yichen's negative energy. Realizing Qing Geng's true intentions, Zhao Yuanzhou further lured him to reveal his backer. Just then, Wen Xiao suddenly collapsed.

As they turned to look at her, Qing Geng prepared to flee, but Zhuo Yichen drew his Yunguang Sword and stabbed at Qing Geng. Fei reappeared just in time to rescue Qing Geng from under Zhuo Yichen's sword. Zhao Yuanzhou noticed red spots forming on Wen Xiao's neck and that she was burning up with fever. Soon after, he noticed red spots appearing on his own hands, and before he could think, Zhuo Yichen collapsed next to him.

Pei Sijing was still suffering from a high fever before the portrait, while Bai Jiu and Ying Lei were at a loss when they saw Fei bringing out the injured Qing Geng. Fei wanted to apply medicine to Qing Geng, but he refused to let Fei approach him. Bai Jiu identified himself as a doctor, snatched the medicine tray, and treated Qing Geng. Qing Geng, touched by this, explained the reasons behind his entrapment in Lingxi Villa.

For a long time, Qing Geng had lived in Lingxi Villa, protecting the people and receiving offerings. Then Fei unexpectedly arrived, bringing pestilence to the town, causing the villagers to slander Qing Geng. When the Baize goddess passed by and learned that Qing Geng could restrain Fei from spreading the plague, she sealed both of them in Lingxi Villa. They would only be released when someone informed them that obtaining Zhao Yuanzhou's inner core would break the seal.

This prompted Qing Geng to target the Demon Hunting Team. Zhao Yuanzhou guessed that the instigator was Li Lun and used his demonic power to heal Qing Geng. As he watched Qing Geng gradually recover, Fei also felt reassured and began to recount their past.

Because of the fear of spreading the plague, Fei hid in a cave to live. This inherent curse made Fei feel lonely, so he began to wander around the town. The first person he encountered was Qing Geng. As they gradually became familiar, Fei couldn’t resist going out often, and ultimately brought the plague to the town. After being discovered by the Baize goddess and sealed away, Fei felt guilty toward Qing Geng.

Now that Zhao Yuanzhou had saved Qing Geng, Fei was willing to exchange his own lifespan. He used his inner core to completely disappear from the universe. When Qing Geng slowly awoke, he found only a bell on the ground, realizing the price Fei had paid for him. Although he said he was happy to regain his freedom, when Qing Geng held the bell close, tears streamed down silently, expressing his feelings for Fei.

Zhao Yuanzhou realized that Qing Geng was not cold-hearted. The mark behind his ear clearly indicated that Li Lun had possessed him. Zhao Yuanzhou proposed to burn away the negative energy that Li Lun had placed inside Qing Geng. Each time the possession was destroyed, it would shorten Li Lun's lifespan and consume his power. Zhuo Yichen recalled that Qing Geng had mentioned the rhinoceros horn incense, understanding that it was meant to confuse Qing Geng.

After the possession was removed, Qing Geng finally regained his original kindness. The annual blessing festival was about to take place in Sinan Water Town. Qing Geng remembered his first meeting with Fei, which also occurred during the same event. Back then, while he was busy hanging lanterns on a high platform, he accidentally fell. Fei helped him hang the bell, and they soon became friends. Fei revealed his background, and Qing Geng felt pity for him.

As the plague broke out in the water town, Qing Geng volunteered to have the Baize goddess seal him and Fei in Lingxi Villa. From then on, they worked together, cared for each other, and enjoyed the richness of time—until one day when Li Lun came knocking. Li Lun granted Qing Geng a pair of true-seeing eyes to break illusions, continuously increasing the gap between Qing Geng's goddess status and Fei's situation.

He falsely accused the Baize goddess of painting a rosy picture, step by step instilling negative energy into Qing Geng. To avoid implicating Fei, Qing Geng deliberately distanced himself, but he never got the chance to explain before Fei vanished forever. Wen Xiao comforted Qing Geng, saying he shouldn’t blame himself; the true culprit was Li Lun. Just as she was speaking, Pei Sijing suddenly collapsed to the ground, and the red spots on everyone’s bodies had not faded.

Qing Geng explained that the plague spread by Fei couldn’t be completely cured. Bai Jiu was unwilling to accept this and vowed to create an antidote. Zhao Yuanzhou, Zhuo Yichen, and Wen Xiao sat together chatting. Wen Xiao asked Zhao Yuanzhou if he would die from the plague. Zhao Yuanzhou replied that he wouldn't lose his life but felt miserable from being half-alive.

Zhuo Yichen recalled that Qing Geng had used the Qinyuan Poison Needle, developed years ago by the Chongwu Camp, indicating that Li Lun had already colluded with them. Bai Jiu brought out the prepared herbs. Zhao Yuanzhou tried to drink it, but it had no healing effect. Wen Xiao remembered that Qing Geng had mentioned he was constantly trying to formulate an antidote but felt something essential was missing to merge the medicinal powers.

Bai Jiu recalled an ancient text that described the trees where Qing Geng's bird resided, so he used the bark to create the herbal catalyst, which immediately took effect. After everyone was healed, Wen Xiao and Zhao Yuanzhou used the Baize Order to lift the seal on Qing Geng, acknowledging that Qing Geng was inherently good and had acted foolishly under Li Lun’s influence, so they wouldn’t hold him accountable. However, Qing Geng seemed no longer eager to leave.

Zhao Yuanzhou offered him a piece of Ran's scale, saying that if he wished, he could immerse himself in dreams. Seeing the century-old dead tree that dispelled the plague reminded Bai Jiu of her mother, who had been harmed by a tree demon. Zhuo Yichen offered some comforting words, noticing that Bai Jiu was still afraid. Once they reached the desolate wilderness, she feared it would be filled with demons and evils. Bai Jiu stated that as long as she was by Zhuo Yichen's side, she felt courageous.

After the antidote trial was successful, Bai Jiu prepared prescriptions for the townspeople based on their conditions. Wen Xiao and Pei Sijing helped gather the herbs, and the plague was finally dispelled, leading the villagers to express their gratitude to Bai Jiu. Seeing the bustling water town, Qing Geng recalled that this was the human world Fei longed for most.

He decided to stay permanently in Lingxi Villa; as long as the villa had someone to protect it, Fei would always be remembered. Wen Xiao and Zhao Yuanzhou enjoyed the night fireworks together. Wen Xiao thought that Zhao Yuanzhou, having seen various wonders in the desolate wilderness, would not be impressed by the sights of the human world. However, Zhao Yuanzhou remarked that whether in the human realm or the demon realm, all are part of the vast universe.

After celebrating and passing another hurdle, the demon-hunting team gathered to drink and appreciate the moon. Bai Jiu and Ying Lei suggested that Zhuo Yichen perform a sword dance for entertainment. Zhuo Yichen, usually serious, agreed when in a good mood and invited Zhao Yuanzhou to join in. The two danced with swords while channeling energy amidst flames and water, as Bai Jiu and Ying Lei created a rhythm with clappers.

Wen Xiao encouraged Pei Sijing to drink, and the atmosphere was lively and cheerful. After the sword dance, Pei Sijing took out Pei Siheng's figurine and fell into thought. Pei Siheng suddenly appeared to keep her company. Pei Sijing felt there was no danger at the moment and didn’t need protection. Pei Siheng replied that he was perfectly content just sitting in silence with her.

Back at the table, Wen Xiao proposed a game called the Lie Detector, presenting a spirit herb. She explained that if anyone lied, the herb's leaves would wilt. The first to be tested was Pei Sijing. Wen Xiao directly asked if she was a spy for the Chongwu Camp. The news of the demon-hunting team's journey to Kunlun Mountain was not widely known, yet Chongwu Camp received the information quickly.

They had originally planned to head straight to Kunlun Mountain, but Pei Sijing’s interference with Ying Lei changed their route, leading them to Sinan Water Town, where Qing Geng was waiting in ambush. Pei Sijing was the only one in the team who had previously worked for Chongwu Camp. She immediately denied it, but the spirit herb wilted, causing everyone to tense up. Pei Sijing explained that she had also contracted the plague while in the water town.

If she were a spy, there would be no need to risk her life. She snatched the herb and discovered that Zhuo Yichen had tampered with it using the principle of freezing water. With her innocence established, Pei Sijing began to question Wen Xiao. Wen Xiao stated that she had no connections with Chongwu Camp, and her joining the demon-hunting team was recommended by her father, so she had no motive to collude with them.

Next, she turned to Zhao Yuanzhou. He struggled to explain that as a large demon, he would never associate with his arch-enemy who aimed to capture him. When it was Ying Lei's turn, he clarified that he was neither human nor demon and didn’t even understand what Chongwu Camp was. Zhao Yuanzhou helped clarify that for Ying Lei, remembering recipes was more important than remembering intelligence. Only Bai Jiu remained.

Pei Sijing explained that the soldiers of Chongwu Camp all had a tattoo on their wrists, prompting everyone to check Bai Jiu’s wrist. Feeling hurt by the suspicion, Bai Jiu quickly explained that although he had studied medicine and knew some unconventional practices, it was solely to treat his frail mother. Wen Xiao still doubted him and added that Lord Situ's letter also indicated Bai Jiu was the prime suspect. Bai Jiu then approached Zhuo Yichen for protection.

Zhuo Yichen was eager to know the truth and encouraged Bai Jiu to show his arm, revealing that there was no Chongwu Camp tattoo. After a long night with no results, Bai Jiu's young heart was deeply wounded. The others took turns comforting him at his door, but Bai Jiu refused to forgive them. At the demon-hunting office, Fan Ying questioned Lord Situ about why he sent a letter accusing Bai Jiu without consultation.

Lord Situ stated that his relationship with Bai Jiu did not require explanation and wanted him to back down. The next day, Zhuo Yichen managed to cheer up Bai Jiu, and the group set off again, quickly arriving at the entrance to the Kunlun Mountain temple. At the temple entrance, the mountain gods Ying Zhao and Zhu Yin were on guard. Wen Xiao recognized both of them.

Ying Zhao noted that the desolate wilderness had fallen into decline, but fortunately, the goddess had returned, allowing the twenty-eight constellations to open and restore the wilderness. Zhao Yuanzhou recalled something strange: he had never sensed the existence of the Baize Order before. Ying Zhao explained that historically, the one who managed the Baize Order, whether human or demon, could only activate it when mutual feelings developed.

Ying Zhao informed them that the star formation required the assistance of two mountain gods. At that time, he and Zhu Yin would cast spells, while Zhao Yuanzhou and Wen Xiao only needed to activate the Baize Order within the formation. Pei Sijing left the group, and Wen Xiao quietly followed her, asking what her plans were. After all, the demon-hunting team’s whereabouts had been grasped by Chongwu Camp.

Pei Sijing explained that Chongwu Camp had unique methods for tracking demons and might have been following Zhao Yuanzhou without them knowing. To ensure safety, she would first patrol the area to see if anything seemed off. Ying Lei expressed his admiration for his grandfather’s centuries-long guardianship of the wilderness. Ying Zhao explained that to become a mountain god, one must have a strong determination to protect the wilderness.

Zhuo Yichen cheered up Bai Jiu, offering him some fruit as a token of goodwill. Zhao Yuanzhou appeared anxious, and Wen Xiao noticed. She asked him what was troubling him. Zhao Yuanzhou explained that the next day would be Blood Moon Night, a time when he was most susceptible to losing control. Many of his previous unavoidable actions had occurred during such nights, when negative emotions were most likely to backfire.

Worried about losing control again during Blood Moon Night, Zhao Yuanzhou told Wen Xiao that if anything went wrong, she should use the Baize Order to kill him, which had been his wish for many years. Wen Xiao suggested first activating the star formation and then returning the Baize Order to Zhao Yuanzhou’s body to prevent him from losing control. Zhao Yuanzhou realized that Wen Xiao always empathized with demons, and a sudden pain struck him.

Having previously signed a contract to maintain their professional relationship, the thought of becoming lovers now meant sometimes facing the consequences of breaking that contract. Despite Zhao Yuanzhou often claiming he wanted to end his life, he actually cherished the wilderness more than anyone, especially since meeting Wen Xiao made him value life even more. That night, Zhuo Yichen practiced swordsmanship alone.

Zhao Yuanzhou approached him and shared sword techniques used in ancient times to slay the Dragon of Ice, capable of killing all demons, including himself. Zhuo Yichen noticed a change in Zhao Yuanzhou’s mindset. When he had asked Zhuo Yichen to kill him in the dungeon, his eyes had been dull and lifeless, clearly seeking death. Now, saying the same thing, there was a hint of attachment to the world.

Having spent so much time together, Zhuo Yichen had already noticed the bond between Zhao Yuanzhou and Wen Xiao. Yet, since he had sworn an oath to kill Zhao Yuanzhou for revenge, he asked if Zhao Yuanzhou would regret it then. Zhao Yuanzhou said he wouldn’t and urged Zhuo Yichen to protect Wen Xiao in case anything went wrong the next day, insisting that he wanted to live well.

Pei Sijing met with a figure in black, and Bai Jiu unexpectedly discovered them. Bai Jiu accidentally stepped on a twig, alerting Pei Sijing. The next day, as they prepared their spells, Zhuo Yichen and Ying Lei guarded the entrance to the Qian Kun Gate but did not see Bai Jiu and assumed he was with Pei Sijing. Ying Zhao and Zhu Yin began their spell, helping Zhao Yuanzhou and Wen Xiao activate the star formation.

Just as they started to channel their energy, Zhu Yin withdrew, and Ying Zhao realized that his companion was actually a spy aiming to destroy the wilderness. The figure in black led several subordinates to forcibly break into the Qian Kun Gate. Zhuo Yichen and Ying Lei defended the entrance while casting their spells, inevitably leading to a fierce battle.

The two discovered that their opponents were not soldiers from Chongwu Camp, but demons from the wilderness: Heng Gongyu and Zheng, both invulnerable and vicious. Wen Xiao questioned Zhu Yin about why he had betrayed the wilderness. At that moment, Li Lun appeared beside Zhu Yin through possession, stating that they shared a common goal: to eliminate the barriers and allow free passage between the human and demon realms.

Li Lun was determined to destroy the wilderness and reminded Zhao Yuanzhou of their first journey to the human realm together. At that time, he hadn’t found anything remarkable about the human world, but as he lived longer, he felt increasingly that life was unfair. He believed that the survival of the fittest was the true path. Ying Zhao pointed out that if the wilderness were destroyed, the weaker little demons would have no chance to become human.

Li Lun ignored him, and Zhu Yin warned that if the star formation collapsed, it would be impossible to recover. The merging of the Baize Order could not be stopped. Zhao Yuanzhou threw a signal flare to Zhuo Yichen. He had predicted a day earlier that Zhu Yin would cause trouble and had already made contingency plans with Zhuo Yichen and Ying Lei.

However, they had to wait for the signal to take action, and before that, Zhao Yuanzhou wanted to know Li Lun’s true intentions. A fireball struck the Yun Guang Sword, prompting Zhuo Yichen to send Ying Lei into the Qian Kun Gate for support while he defended outside. Ying Lei and Ying Zhao protected the formation, and as the Baize Order successfully merged, the wilderness burst into vibrant colors. Suddenly, Zhu Yin’s presence darkened the sky.

Li Lun explained that Zhu Yin could control the transition between day and night, bringing the night early. Wen Xiao, having read extensively, regrettably overlooked a crucial detail. Once the sky turned completely dark, the Blood Moon appeared. Three large demons in front of the Qian Kun Gate transformed into negative energy that attached itself to Zhao Yuanzhou. Zhuo Yichen hurried to Wen Xiao's side as Zhao Yuanzhou began to rise, his features becoming increasingly menacing.

Seizing the opportunity, Li Lun incited Zhu Yin to destroy the Baize Order. Zhu Yin stared at the sky, and the Baize Order fell heavily to the ground, quickly releasing Li Lun’s seal. The negative energy within Zhao Yuanzhou intensified. With a slight flick of his wrist, Zhu Yin was drawn close. Zhao Yuanzhou grabbed Zhu Yin by the neck, blinding him in the process.

Watching Zhao Yuanzhou revert to his original form, Li Lun grew more excited, anticipating great calamity for the human realm. Ying Zhao and Ying Lei combined their magic to trap the furious Zhao Yuanzhou within the Demon Suppression Tower. Zhuo Yichen recalled Zhao Yuanzhou’s earlier request to kill him one day; it seemed that time had come.

Wen Xiao pleaded for Zhao Yuanzhou, but Li Lun revealed that Zhao Waner had also been killed by Zhao Yuanzhou, handing Wen Xiao a fragment of memory. Zhao Waner chastised Li Lun for violating the Baize Order and killing innocents. Li Lun refused to be reprimanded, prompting Zhao Waner to join forces with Zhao Yuanzhou to use the Baize Order, transforming Li Lun into a leaf and sealing him in his birthplace to repent day and night.

Seeing Li Lun's fate saddened Zhao Yuanzhou, but as the Blood Moon appeared, Zhao Yuanzhou was suddenly overwhelmed by negative energy and stabbed a longsword toward Zhao Waner’s heart. She managed to hold on and threw the Baize Order to Wen Xiao, but Zhao Yuanzhou found her again, gripping her throat and preparing to take her life. Zhuo Yichen and his father came to suppress him but fell victim to Zhao Yuanzhou.

After the Blood Moon vanished, Zhao Yuanzhou was consumed by anguish over his actions. Wen Xiao understood that it was the same moment again. Zhuo Yichen scolded Li Lun for being unreasonable, but Li Lun insisted that if Zhuo Yichen no longer empathized with Zhao Yuanzhou, he could completely destroy the Baize Order. Just as they spoke, Pei Sijing entered the Qian Kun Gate with Bai Jiu, immediately shooting an arrow at Li Lun.

Furious, Li Lun drew the arrow and began to attack Pei Sijing. Pei Siheng appeared to protect her, but the two were still no match for Li Lun. Zhuo Yichen used the Yun Guang Sword to block briefly, but Li Lun was no longer interested in fighting the three of them, waiting for Zhao Yuanzhou to completely lose control and destroy everything. Ying Zhao and Ying Lei could no longer contain Zhao Yuanzhou, who quickly destroyed the Demon Suppression Tower.

Zhuo Yichen recalled that Zhao Yuanzhou had mentioned the previous day that the blood from the three realms of humans, gods, and demons could suppress negative energy. He cut his hand, rushing toward Zhao Yuanzhou. The two forces began to clash, with Zhao Yuanzhou exerting greater power. Zhuo Yichen resisted with all his strength, his hands bleeding onto the Yun Guang Sword. Suddenly, Zhao Yuanzhou unleashed a dream curse, causing Zhuo Yichen to collapse to the ground.

Zhao Yuanzhou slowly moved forward, and Pei Sijing shot an arrow at him. He casually tossed Pei Sijing aside, and suddenly, Zhuo Yichen stabbed Zhao Yuanzhou from behind with the Yun Guang Sword. It turned out that Zhao Yuanzhou had anticipated this would happen the day before and had taught Zhuo Yichen how to become immune to the one-word curse.

After being pierced by the Yun Guang Sword, Zhao Yuanzhou's powers significantly weakened, and he gradually regained consciousness, but he still couldn't control himself. Zhao Yuanzhou urged Ying Zhao to kill him. Ying Zhao understood that Zhao Yuanzhou wasn’t inherently bad; he had merely become a vessel carrying negative energy. If he killed Zhao Yuanzhou, another ambiguous vessel would just take his place.

So, Ying Zhao separated his own soul and infused it into Zhao Yuanzhou's body, completely suppressing the negative energy. Zhao Yuanzhou finally returned to normal. Looking around in surprise, Zhao Yuanzhou realized that Ying Zhao was left with only a physical form. Knowing that Zhao Yuanzhou had personally killed Zhao Waner, Wen Xiao couldn't help but feel a trace of hatred, but she also understood that Zhao Yuanzhou was beyond control.

Moreover, Pei Siheng explained that Zhao Yuanzhou had almost exhausted a thousand years of power just to leave his soul behind for her. Zhao Yuanzhou sat alone outside the Kunlun Gate, reminiscing about Ying Zhao and the lessons he had taught him in his youth, which made him even sadder. Zhuo Yichen recalled what Ying Zhao had told him about Zhao Yuanzhou the day before the Blood Moon and walked over to him, tearing his shirt.

He saw eight scars on Zhao Yuanzhou's back, just as Ying Zhao had described. Zhao Yuanzhou was in great inner turmoil; the passing years only increased his suffering. After every Blood Moon, he would confine himself in his small abode, repenting for his sins, even for mistakes he had made unintentionally. Zhuo Yichen finally truly understood Zhao Yuanzhou's difficulties.

Zhao Yuanzhou begged Zhuo Yichen to kill him quickly, but Zhuo Yichen hesitated, saying that while seeking death was easy, if Zhao Yuanzhou died easily, it would dishonor Ying Zhao, who had just died, Wen Xiao's expectations, and the many wronged souls who had perished under negative energy. If he still had any conscience, he should find a way to remedy the situation.

Ying Zhao had already anticipated that he would protect the law with his life and had informed Ying Lei in advance about how to repair the Baize Order, which involved finding the Yao Water and Divine Tree in the wilderness. Ying Lei reminisced about his grandfather and recalled the teachings he had received when he was determined to leave the wilderness.

At that time, he had only wanted to experience life in the human world, completely unaware of his grandfather's belief in protecting the wilderness. Now that Ying Zhao had died honorably and peacefully, Ying Lei felt as if he was experiencing his elder's heartfelt struggles. Bai Jiu offered some fruit as comfort. Zhuo Yichen, who could empathize with Ying Lei’s loss, also encouraged him to be strong.

Wen Xiao sat alone on the cliff edge outside the Kunlun Gate for an entire night. Pei Sijing thanked Wen Xiao for helping to uncover Pei Siheng's secret murders, feeling as if she had been given a lifeline just before falling off a cliff. Now, Wen Xiao was also Zhao Yuanzhou's lifeline, so she had to be strong. Zhen Mei congratulated the black-clad figure for destroying the Baize Order, drawing closer to the success of their plan.

Zhuo Yichen wrapped Bai Jiu's stomach with the Zhi Yu found in the wilderness. They both tasted its bitter flavor, and Ying Lei ran over to offer two taros, saying that just holding Zhi Yu in hand would be enough to fill one’s belly. As everyone prepared to leave, they found Ying Lei standing at the Kunlun Gate in a changed outfit. He declared that he had decided to stay on Kunlun Mountain to carry on his grandfather's unfinished ambitions. Wen Xiao gathered everyone together to embrace Ying Lei and held a farewell ceremony.

The Demon-Hunting Squad was about to pass through Kunlun Mountain and enter the Wilderness, the birthplace of all demons. Zhuo Yichen had heard from Ying Zhao that Huaijiang Valley held the Yao Water. Zhao Yuanzhou reminded them that Huaijiang Valley was also where Li Lun was sealed, making it an extremely dangerous place. Passing through the guardian deity’s boundary, they crossed over into Huaijiang Valley.

However, familiar scenery appeared before them, and upon looking up, they realized they were back at the Demon-Hunting Division. Zhao Yuanzhou realized this was not the actual Demon-Hunting Division but an illusion created by Li Lun. Wen Xiao was also nowhere to be seen. Li Lun transmitted his voice over great distances, informing them that Huaijiang Valley had long dried up.

He had preserved a small pool of Yao Water, and if they wanted it, they would have to find his hiding place. He added that Wen Xiao was with him. They entered a door and heard strange noises. Bai Jiu handed each of them a pair of earplugs. Suddenly, a young girl appeared before them. Zhao Yuanzhou saw that the little Huai Spirit was blocking their way and demanded she move.

The Huai Spirit replied that she had been entrusted to play a game with the Demon-Hunting Squad. The game was simple: it tested whether anyone was lying. The Huai Spirit asked each person in turn if they were human or demon. Zhuo Yichen and Pei Sijing replied they were human. Zhao Yuanzhou directly admitted that he was a demon. When it was Bai Jiu’s turn, he said he was human but was immediately entangled by the Huai tree’s branches.

The Huai Spirit pointed out that Bai Jiu had lied. Zhao Yuanzhou and the others became instantly alert. Bai Jiu quickly explained that he had faced similar suspicion in Sinan Water Town. Zhuo Yichen stabbed the Huai tree branches with the Yun Guang Sword, and Bai Jiu cut his hand to check his blood. The Yun Guang Sword did not glow, proving that Bai Jiu was not a demon.

Zhuo Yichen immediately cut through the Huai tree branches, freeing Bai Jiu. Zhao Yuanzhou realized the Huai Spirit was controlling the Huai tree and used a spell to capture her. Meanwhile, Li Lun was speaking face-to-face with Wen Xiao. Wen Xiao realized that Li Lun did not intend to harm her and began to ask him questions.

When she asked about the origin of the rattle he often held, Li Lun replied that it had been a gift from Zhao Yuanzhou. When they first arrived in the human world, they had seen a child begging for a rattle, so they bought one for the child. They discovered the rattle could wipe away tears and bring happiness, but later found that the one who would betray a friend most easily was often the one trusted most.

Zhao Yuanzhou and Zhuo Yichen continued forward and saw a familiar umbrella and a rattle at the entrance to a large hall. Li Lun then turned the tables on Wen Xiao, asking whether humans or demons were more evil. Wen Xiao answered that demons tended to be more overtly evil, but if asked which species was more deceitful and unpredictable, the answer might differ. Li Lun was pleased with her answer.

He then asked who was stronger, himself or Zhao Yuanzhou. Wen Xiao replied that Zhao Yuanzhou was superior because of his magnanimous spirit. Li Lun tried to incite Wen Xiao to join him in seeking revenge for her master, but Wen Xiao was not swayed. Zhao Yuanzhou used his umbrella to lift the rattle, instantly filling the air with smoke. Wen Xiao suddenly appeared and tried to control Bai Jiu.

Zhao Yuanzhou realized that a demon was using Wen Xiao’s form and stepped forward to drive it away. A female demon immediately revealed herself. Zhao Yuanzhou pushed Bai Jiu aside, and an iron cage dropped from above, trapping Zhao Yuanzhou inside. Zhao Yuanzhou tried to use his powers to move the cage, but his abilities failed.

He realized the cage was marked with a spell written in the blood of Zhu Jian, which drained all powers from a demon once trapped. Li Lun then appeared and grabbed Bai Jiu by the throat, forcing Zhao Yuanzhou to choose between saving Bai Jiu or Zhuo Yichen. Zhao Yuanzhou understood that Li Lun was recreating a memory from when they first arrived in the human world; eight years had passed, yet Li Lun had never let go.

It had been just a short time after they arrived in the mortal realm when they had taken shelter from the rain in a courtyard. There, they discovered an underground bunker where many demons were imprisoned in iron cages drenched in Zhu Jian’s blood. Li Lun believed demons were being treated unfairly, so he had secretly killed two guards and rescued a female demon, taking her back to the Wilderness.

After Li Lun left, Zhao Yuanzhou noticed that the wooden box held by two guards was glowing. As he approached, the flames instantly entered his body. Later, when he found Li Lun, he saw that Li Lun had killed many innocent villagers, so he pushed Li Lun away. Unexpectedly, the power of the true fire he had just absorbed was so strong that it nearly injured Li Lun.

This marked the beginning of the divide between them, with Zhao Yuanzhou abandoning his oath to protect the Wilderness. What Li Lun couldn’t understand even more was that Zhao Yuanzhou treated several mortals as friends. Zhao Yuanzhou then described each member of the Demon-Hunting Squad’s virtues, which made Li Lun deeply jealous. Li Lun declared that he would kill them, leaving Zhao Yuanzhou as desolate as himself.

With that, he grasped Bai Jiu’s head, causing Bai Jiu’s eyes to fill with blood and his entire demeanor to become agitated. When Bai Jiu reached toward the iron cage, it cracked open. Li Lun noticed a divine power within Bai Jiu, allowing Zhao Yuanzhou to escape the cage. Zhuo Yichen and Pei Sijing arrived just then. Zhao Yuanzhou handed the weakened Bai Jiu to them, telling Zhuo Yichen to take Bai Jiu away first.

Pei Sijing took out the Mountain God’s Boundary to prepare a spell, but Zhuo Yichen suddenly moved toward Zhao Yuanzhou, leaving only Pei Sijing to bring Bai Jiu to Kunlun’s gate. Li Lun cleared away the mist, revealing Wen Xiao suspended in midair, one arm covered in blood. Li Lun had previously tried to drain Wen Xiao’s blood to reduce the divine power of Bai Ze. Now, he again forced Zhao Yuanzhou to choose between Wen Xiao and Zhuo Yichen.

Zhao Yuanzhou immediately attacked Li Lun with his umbrella, with Zhuo Yichen providing support. Li Lun’s powers were formidable, so Zhao Yuanzhou cut his own palm with a dagger, using the blood, tainted with wrath, to strike Li Lun. Li Lun felt despair over Zhao Yuanzhou’s devotion to humans. Nearby, Wen Xiao found Li Lun’s rattle and smashed it, instantly dissipating his powers and reigniting the Undying Wood fire within him.

Zhao Yuanzhou told Li Lun that when he was sealed in the Wilderness, although Zhao Waner intended to punish him, she also hoped to use the Bai Ze Amulet to reduce the power of the Undying Wood and lessen Li Lun’s pain. But Li Lun only wanted to break the seal, and now, as he burned with the Undying Wood’s flames, Zhao Yuanzhou felt guilt.

Although he never intended to harm Li Lun with the Undying Wood, he couldn’t shirk responsibility. Watching Li Lun burn away, tears streamed down Zhao Yuanzhou’s face. Wen Xiao collected Yao Water tainted with her own blood to restore the Bai Ze Amulet, but Li Lun had deliberately damaged the purity of the Yao Water. They still needed to find the Divine Wood, and Zhao Yuanzhou promised to find it within a month.

If he failed, he asked Zhuo Yichen to kill him. Wen Xiao reminded him that he now bore a great responsibility and shouldn’t be so quick to mention death. When they returned to Kunlun’s gate, they found that Zhen Mei of the Chongwu Camp and Fan Ying of the Demon-Hunting Division had already gathered people, intending to capture Zhao Yuanzhou. Wen Xiao asked Pei Sijing, representing the Prime Minister’s authority, to make the decision.

Pei Sijing immediately declared that Zhao Yuanzhou be handed over to the Chongwu Camp. Wen Xiao was shocked, and Zhuo Yichen grew worried, but Zhao Yuanzhou merely smiled and told them not to worry. Bai Jiu received a letter from his father, Lord Situ, instructing him to return to Tiandu immediately, as he would reveal the mystery of Bai Jiu’s origins. While guarding Kunlun’s gate, Ying Lei was joined by Lord Lu Wu, who came to assist.

Ying Lei realized that his grandfather had foreseen everything and requested Lu Wu’s help to find a way to purify the Yao Water. After Zhao Yuanzhou was imprisoned in the Chongwu Camp, the Prime Minister issued an order to execute him swiftly, specifically requesting that Zhuo Yichen carry out the sentence with the Yun Guang Sword. Zhuo Yichen argued that with the Bai Ze Amulet damaged, peace between humans and demons was at stake, making Zhao Yuanzhou indispensable.

But Fan Ying remained resolute, insisting that they follow the Prime Minister’s orders. Wen Xiao rebuked Fan Ying for distorting the truth and declared her intent to explain everything directly to the Prime Minister. She then rushed into the street, lying seductively in a white gauze dress in the middle of the road to block the Prime Minister’s carriage. Meanwhile, Pei Sijing was guarding the Chongwu Camp’s prison.

Zhao Yuanzhou told her that the time had come to close the net. Pei Sijing then used a dagger to unlock the iron chains and freed Zhao Yuanzhou. It turned out that Zhao Yuanzhou had suspected her during her first secret meeting with Zhen Mei. After discovering that Zhen Mei was controlling her with the promise of reuniting her with Pei Siheng, Zhao Yuanzhou had used a spell to allow Pei Siheng’s spirit to remain.

In gratitude, Pei Sijing continued pretending to act as a spy within the Chongwu Camp, helping Zhao Yuanzhou uncover the real mastermind. As Zhao Yuanzhou exited the prison, Pei Sijing explained that eight years ago, the Chongwu Camp had been capturing demons to deliver them to a mysterious military group for research. Zhao Yuanzhou recalled what he and Li Lun had seen in the Ji Xin Hall. While they were talking, a figure dressed in black suddenly appeared.

Zhao Yuanzhou immediately identified him as Wen Zongyu. Eight years ago, Ji Xin Hall was operated by Wen Zongyu, and just days ago, Zhuo Yichen was captured after Wen Zongyu left Sinan Water Town. Wen Zongyu no longer concealed his identity, removing his mask and admitting to everything. He revealed that his true goal was to obtain Zhao Yuanzhou’s inner core, stating that if the five senses were sealed, the inner core would naturally leave the body.

Bai Jiu appeared beside Wen Zongyu, and Pei Sijing remembered how Bai Jiu had unexpectedly shown up when they met at the Kunlun Gate. Thinking back, she realized it was merely by accident that she had noticed him. Wen Zongyu then explained how each of Zhao Yuanzhou’s five senses had been sealed: in Sinan Water Town, Bai Jiu had crafted a pill to ward off the plague and given it to everyone, which first shut down taste.

He also provided Zhao Yuanzhou with Huansan Powder for self-protection, which blocked his sense of smell. When they entered the underground chamber in the town’s courtyard, Bai Jiu covered Zhao Yuanzhou’s eyes, sealing his vision. Later, upon entering Huijiang Valley, Bai Jiu handed out earplugs to everyone, blocking their hearing. Bai Jiu then openly admitted that he was an informant for Chongwu Camp. Wen Zongyu further explained the meticulousness of his plan.

He had been watching Zhao Yuanzhou from the moment he first arrived in the mortal world, and even the selection of the scouting team was his decision. To ensure that Bai Jiu could successfully complete his mission, he deliberately had Pei Sijing removed from Chongwu Camp. This way, when the Demon-Hunting Squad needed new members, she could naturally join.

The timing coincided with the death of Pei Sijing’s younger brother, and with Bai Jiu’s similar age, he became a figure for her emotional projection. Pei Sijing finally realized that every step she took had been calculated. As for Zhuo Yichen, he was Wen Zongyu’s carefully chosen backup for revenge. If Bai Jiu’s actions failed, Zhuo Yichen’s Yun Guang Sword would be the only weapon capable of killing Zhao Yuanzhou.

Now, with only the sense of touch left to seal, the plan was nearly complete. Zhao Yuanzhou asked what purpose his inner core served. Wen Zongyu replied that it wasn’t the core he wanted, but the Undying Wood. Eight years ago, he had gone to great lengths to locate the last piece of Undying Wood in existence, only for Zhao Yuanzhou to accidentally absorb it. Wen Zongyu instructed Bai Jiu to pierce Zhao Yuanzhou with silver needles.

Zhao Yuanzhou attempted to cast a spell to control Bai Jiu but realized that the dungeon was filled with charms. Pei Sijing then used the Mountain God’s Boundary to help them both escape quickly. On the streets of Tiandu, blood flowed from the Prime Minister’s carriage. Guards approached to investigate and found Wen Xiao, naked and covered in blood, sitting inside, with the Prime Minister’s corpse lying beside her.

Meanwhile, the real Wen Xiao was in the Demon-Hunting Division with Zhuo Yichen, discussing ways to find the Divine Wood. Situ Ming hurriedly entered to report what was happening in the streets. As they spoke, Zhen Mei arrived with troops to arrest Wen Xiao. Remembering that Zhao Yuanzhou had once mentioned a clue about the Divine Wood being in Situ Ming’s home, Wen Xiao asked Situ Ming if he could temporarily shelter her.

When Zhen Mei failed to capture her, he issued a citywide bounty. The next day, Wen Xiao secretly followed Situ Ming to his countryside home, where she noticed a room with closed doors and windows. Situ Ming explained that his wife had been bedridden for a long time, so the room was sealed to protect her from light and wind.

After being placed in Bai Jiu’s room, Zhao Yuanzhou and Pei Sijing also used the Boundary of Mountains and Seas to transport themselves there. Zhao Yuanzhou was confused about Wen Xiao being wanted across the city. Zhuo Yichen investigated the carriage in which the Prime Minister had been killed and found an old ceremonial book inside.

He then asked Fan Ying to check the Prime Minister’s remains, but Fan Ying informed him that Chongwu Camp had already taken the body amidst the chaos. Rumors of a female demon who consumed humans had spread throughout Tiandu, and only one body with similar injuries remained in the Demon-Hunting Division’s possession. The carriage and corpse bore traces of sulfur.

As Zhuo Yichen pondered which demon specialized in using sulfur, Ying Lei entered the Demon-Hunting Division and revealed that it was Ao Yin. Ao Yin had long occupied the volcanic region of the Western Wilderness, with a taste for human brains and hearts. Ying Lei had specially brought purified Yao Water and, upon entering the city, saw the bounty for Wen Xiao, leading him to suspect Ao Yin.

Zhen Mei had already gathered soldiers for a large-scale search, so Zhuo Yichen immediately informed Wen Xiao and asked Ying Lei to look into ways to locate Ao Yin. When they arrived at Situ Ming’s courtyard, they encountered Bai Jiu, and Zhao Yuanzhou, wanting answers, seized Bai Jiu as he tried to escape. Zhuo Yichen still couldn’t believe that Bai Jiu was a spy for Chongwu Camp.

Bai Jiu explained that he had done everything Wen Zongyu asked to cure his mother. Eight years ago, under a blood moon, he had seen his mother entangled by a demon tree in her room. His father had carried him away, believing she had turned into a demon, and then permanently sealed the doors and windows.

After growing up, Bai Jiu studied medicine under Wen Zongyu, who promised to fully cure his mother in exchange for Bai Jiu infiltrating the Demon-Hunting Division’s scouting team to seal Zhao Yuanzhou’s senses. Situ Ming, hearing how Bai Jiu had been deceived by Wen Zongyu, revealed the truth. Bai Jiu’s mother was of half-god, half-demon blood, known as Bai Yan, the Divine Wood.

Eight years ago, when the Bai Ze Amulet disappeared, she was severely injured, revealing her true form, and she lost her consciousness, becoming a locust tree to maintain her presence in the world. Bai Jiu regretted learning the truth too late and harming those who had treated him sincerely. Zhuo Yichen comforted him, saying that acknowledging his mistakes was enough and that everyone would understand.

Zhen Mei led a group to surround Situ Ming’s countryside courtyard. Initially, they were there to capture Wen Xiao but unexpectedly found Zhao Yuanzhou as well. Wen Zongyu mocked the Demon-Hunting Squad, saying they underestimated Chongwu Camp’s skills in tracking demons. Seeing Bai Jiu among them, Wen Zongyu instructed Bai Jiu to immediately retrieve Zhao Yuanzhou’s inner core for him. However, aware of Wen Zongyu's deceit, Bai Jiu declared he would no longer obey him.

Saying this, he took out a dagger, cut his wrist, and removed the Chongwu Camp mark from himself. Wen Zongyu, now disregarding Bai Jiu’s life, ordered his men to unleash a rain of arrows. Zhuo Yichen used his Yun Guang Sword to create a defensive barrier, while Pei Sijing fired arrows back, only to realize that Chongwu Camp soldiers were undead, demonized humans who couldn’t be killed. Zhao Yuanzhou attempted to dispel their power, but it was futile.

Wen Zongyu then took an arrow and shot it toward Wen Xiao. Zhao Yuanzhou blocked the arrow, but its tip was covered in tiny barbs. The moment he grabbed it, his hand began bleeding, successfully sealing Zhao Yuanzhou’s sense of touch. With all five senses sealed, Zhao Yuanzhou’s inner fire, fueled by the Undying Wood within him, began to burn, unleashing intense rage. Overwhelmed, he attacked Wen Zongyu, but Zhen Mei intervened to block him. Zhao Yuanzhou fled afterward.

Wen Xiao was imprisoned in the dungeon for allegedly killing the Prime Minister, while Pei Sijing was also locked up for helping Zhao Yuanzhou escape. Pei Sijing asked Wen Xiao if she was worried about Zhao Yuanzhou, fearing that if his rage took control, the world would suffer greatly. Wen Xiao replied that Zhao Yuanzhou was temporarily stable due to the power of Ying Zhao and the jade elixir he had consumed.

His conscious escape likely indicated he was still clear-minded. When Pei Sijing asked where Zhao Yuanzhou might go, Wen Xiao guessed it would be Taoyuan Residence, where Zhao Yuanzhou had set up a barrier to prevent outsiders from entering. Inside Taoyuan Residence, Zhao Yuanzhou was healing his wounds, struggling to suppress his rage.

The dark energy tempted him to plunge the world into chaos, but he firmly reminded himself of the beauty of the mortal realm and his love for Wen Xiao. Recalling their moments together, like when they brewed wine, Zhao Yuanzhou fought hard to resist his darker urges. Ying Lei tracked the scent of sulfur and soon found Ao Yin hiding in a forest.

Ao Yin took on Zhuo Yichen’s appearance and tried to strike up a conversation, but Ying Lei saw through the disguise. Zhuo Yichen and Bai Jiu arrived shortly after. Ao Yin then transformed into Ying Lei, but Zhuo Yichen also saw through it. After a chase, Ao Yin vanished, leaving Zhuo Yichen to regroup with the real Ying Lei.

Wen Xiao suspected someone was manipulating the restoration of the Bai Ze Amulet from behind the scenes, and her only lead was Wen Zongyu. However, Wen Zongyu, being only human, shouldn’t have been able to command Ao Yin. Pei Sijing suddenly remembered a female demon she had seen in Li Lun’s illusion who looked identical to Wen Xiao and seemed to be Li Lun’s subordinate.

When Li Lun had burned away, he left no inner core, leading Wen Xiao to speculate that Li Lun might not be dead. As they discussed, a jailer informed them that someone had come to see Pei Sijing. Zhuo Yichen and Ying Lei discussed how to track Ao Yin. Ying Lei mentioned he had sprinkled a special scent on Ao Yin, which could help them trace him, though they would need another plan once they found him.

Bai Jiu suggested using caowu herb to muddle Ao Yin’s mind and slow his escape. Wen Zongyu met with Pei Sijing, saying Zhen Mei’s fate was uncertain and that Chongwu Camp now needed a new general. He offered to recommend Pei Sijing for the role.

Pei Sijing accused Wen Zongyu of arrogance, but he countered that if she cooperated, she could rise to a prominent position in Chongwu Camp; if not, she would die in the dungeon and become food for a great demon. Following the scent, Ying Lei arrived at Tianxiang Pavilion, where Bai Jiu had disguised himself in adult attire. Zhuo Yichen instructed Bai Jiu not to enter, but Bai Jiu secretly followed.

The madam, noticing Zhuo Yichen’s appearance, called many of the girls to surround him. Luckily, Bai Jiu managed to handle the situation and reunited with Ying Lei. They then detected a familiar scent, confirming that the dancer was actually Ao Yin. Bai Jiu released Huansan Powder, which slowed Ao Yin’s movements. However, Ao Yin transformed into Pei Sijing and Zhao Yuanzhou to try and confuse Ying Lei. Zhuo Yichen was waiting to block the escape, and Ao Yin shifted once more into Wen Xiao, trying to distract him with her revealing attire.

As Zhuo Yichen was left dizzy and disoriented, Ao Yin’s true form was revealed under the influence of Huansan Powder. Many people in Tianxiang Pavilion witnessed Ao Yin’s transformation, realizing Wen Xiao had been falsely accused. Ying Lei woke up Zhuo Yichen, and they continued to pursue Ao Yin. However, when they reached the courtyard, Ao Yin managed to escape, though they did gain a small victory in clearing Wen Xiao’s name.

Wen Xiao was released due to lack of evidence, allowing Zhuo Yichen to quickly go and save Pei Sijing. Fortunately, Pei Sijing hadn’t been threatened by Wen Zongyu and revealed that she knew his secret of experimenting with demonized humans. She and Zhao Yuanzhou had stored the information they discovered in the dungeon within a sundial. With this evidence, Pei Sijing was also released, and upon leaving the dungeon, Zhuo Yichen destroyed the sundial in front of Wen Zongyu.

The immediate priority was to restore the Bai Ze Amulet. While the purification of Yaoshui was complete, the Sacred Tree remained withered. Ying Lei suddenly remembered that when Bai Jiu accidentally cut his palm at Lingxi Manor, it had revived the Jibaimu tree. Since Bai Jiu possessed blood from human, divine, and demon lineages, perhaps he could also revive the Sacred Tree.

Ying Lei went to a courtyard outside the city and dripped his blood onto the tree roots, causing a green branch to sprout. Wen Xiao noted that restoring the Bai Ze Amulet required at least three hundred years’ worth of growth, so this was still insufficient, and Zhao Yuanzhou likely couldn’t survive beyond three days. In her efforts to find a way to restore the Bai Ze Amulet as soon as possible, Wen Xiao stayed up late reading by lamplight.

Hearing that she wasn’t even stopping to eat, Zhuo Yichen made a bowl of tremella soup for her. Seeing how worn out and worried she looked, he felt both compassion and helplessness. Wen Zongyu, noticing that the Demon-Hunting Bureau wasn’t urgently searching for Zhao Yuanzhou, guessed they already knew his hiding place and ordered his subordinates to put pressure on the Bureau to speed up their search for Zhao Yuanzhou.

Fan Ying conveyed the orders from Chongwu Camp, forcing Zhuo Yichen to proceed with capturing Zhao Yuanzhou. Wen Xiao, upon hearing this, begged him to reconsider. Zhao Yuanzhou, meanwhile, endured constant torment from his inner rage. Each time he was about to lose control, he forced himself to recall his moments with Wen Xiao, using the warmth of those memories to keep his darkness at bay. Ying Lei brewed two jars of wine for Zhuo Yichen to bring to Zhao Yuanzhou.

Wen Xiao spent every day consumed with worry over Zhao Yuanzhou. Bai Jiu mentioned the sundial and suggested that if they could capture their memories with Zhao Yuanzhou within it, Wen Xiao could recall them at any time. Excited, Wen Xiao asked Lu Wu if they could use the sundial to pause time, bring a branch of the Sacred Tree into a time passage, and wait for it to mature to restore the Bai Ze Amulet.

Lu Wu confirmed this was feasible, but warned that time inside the sundial would pass excruciatingly slowly, feeling like years. Wen Xiao took out the sundial and paused time at the Kunlun Gate. She successfully obtained the Sacred Tree branch and prepared to set off to restore the Bai Ze Amulet. Ying Lei then mentioned that Zhuo Yichen had set out half a day earlier to capture Zhao Yuanzhou.

Wen Xiao reassured him, saying that they had already made a plan: Zhuo Yichen would use a special pin crafted by Bai Jiu, which could put Zhao Yuanzhou into a death-like state, thus giving the King an explanation, and later revive him once the danger had passed. Bai Jiu, however, clarified that he had never crafted such a pin, leading Ying Lei to suspect that Zhuo Yichen might be hiding something.

Back when they attempted to capture Ao Yin at Tianxiang Pavilion, Bai Jiu’s Huansan Powder should have slowed Ao Yin’s escape. Yet, with Zhuo Yichen leading the charge, Ao Yin still managed to flee. It was clear that something suspicious was going on, and reflecting on Zhuo Yichen’s recent behavior, everyone started to feel it all made sense.

Wen Xiao speculated that Li Lun hadn’t actually died but had instead possessed Zhuo Yichen, which would explain why Ao Yin was allowed to escape. The group remembered how Li Lun, when burned by the Unfading Wood, had claimed he was immortal. Likely, it was then that Li Lun had taken control of Zhuo Yichen’s body. With this in mind, Wen Xiao and the others hurried to Peach Blossom Residence.

Zhuo Yichen had already broken through the barrier and entered Zhao Yuanzhou’s courtyard, placing the two jars of wine from Ying Lei on the table. Zhao Yuanzhou immediately sensed Li Lun’s presence and began to fight him. When Wen Xiao’s group arrived, they saw the two forces evenly matched and prepared to intervene. Pei Sijing stopped them, saying their priority should be to restore the Bai Ze Amulet to help Zhao Yuanzhou.

Wen Xiao took out the Yaoshui Sacred Wood, which rose into the air and slowly transformed into the Bai Ze Amulet. Just then, Ao Yin appeared and snatched the amulet mid-air. Pei Sijing and Ying Lei fought to retrieve it, but Ao Yin targeted Bai Jiu, pushing him far away. Suddenly, Ao Yin switched the appearances of Pei Sijing and Ying Lei, confusing the Demon-Hunting Team.

Luckily, Ying Lei managed to strike Ao Yin with his machete, revealing Ao Yin’s true form. In the chaos, the Bai Ze Amulet fell near Bai Jiu. He quickly picked it up and stood beside Ao Yin, making everyone realize that Bai Jiu had also been possessed by Li Lun. Li Lun explained that back in the Demon-Hunting Bureau illusion, he had implanted his inner core into Bai Jiu’s body, preparing to possess him at any time.

Just as he was boasting about his plan, Wen Xiao played a tune, causing the Bai Ze Amulet to break free from Bai Jiu’s hand. Wen Xiao explained that during the three hundred years she’d been trapped in the sundial, she played that same tune daily, creating a strong bond with the Bai Ze Amulet. Ying Lei urged Wen Xiao to go save Zhao Yuanzhou while he stayed behind to fend off Li Lun.

After Wen Xiao left, Ying Lei was severely injured, and Pei Sijing narrowly avoided a strike. Pei Siheng suddenly appeared to protect her. Wen Xiao saw that Zhuo Yichen had already been injured by Zhao Yuanzhou and informed him that Bai Jiu had been possessed. She asked Zhuo Yichen to help Bai Jiu while she stayed to revive Zhao Yuanzhou. Seeing that Wen Xiao had restored the Bai Ze Amulet, Zhuo Yichen left with relief.

Pei Siheng noticed the Hunter’s Shadow Bow was missing and recalled that Ao Yin had snatched it during his fight with Pei Sijing. Anxious to recover it, he gave chase. Meanwhile, Zhuo Yichen finally realized Li Lun’s scheme and confronted him with the Yunguang Sword. Wen Xiao sounded the Bai Ze Amulet, gradually dispelling Zhao Yuanzhou’s hostility. However, Zhao Yuanzhou, upon seeing Wen Xiao, felt as if he were still dreaming and not entirely grounded in reality.

Wen Xiao gave him a playful knock on the head, bringing him back to his senses. Zhao Yuanzhou noticed a significant change in Wen Xiao, though he couldn’t pinpoint exactly what was different. Wen Xiao chose not to tell him about the loneliness she endured while spending three hundred years at the Kunlun Gate, accompanying the Sacred Tree’s growth. For her, as long as Zhao Yuanzhou could recover, it was all worth it.

Pei Siheng retrieved the Hunter’s Shadow Bow and returned it to Pei Sijing, remarking that he found it ironic to be fighting so desperately over something he’d despised since childhood. Zhuo Yichen, focused on defeating Li Lun, was instead overpowered by him, with Li Lun shattering the Yunguang Sword and weakening Zhuo Yichen, leaving him at Li Lun’s mercy. Bai Jiu’s consciousness, trapped inside a wooden box, could do nothing despite his desperate shouts.

Li Lun taunted that it wouldn’t be long before Bai Jiu’s consciousness faded away entirely. Remembering Bai Jiu’s reliance on him, Zhuo Yichen slashed his own palm to release Bingyi Clan blood to strengthen the Yunguang Sword, but it only slightly wounded Li Lun, who then struck Zhuo Yichen heavily, nearly killing him. Zhao Yuanzhou and Wen Xiao arrived at Li Lun’s side. Li Lun expressed admiration for Zhao Yuanzhou’s resilience in continually escaping control.

Zhao Yuanzhou warned him about Wen Zongyu’s ruthlessness, even using his own disciple. But Li Lun retorted that it was mutually beneficial—he needed a body, and Wen Zongyu wanted to restore Chongwu Camp’s former glory and power, which Li Lun was fully aware of. Zhao Yuanzhou further revealed that Li Lun, too, was just a pawn in Wen Zongyu’s experiment with demonized humans. Li Lun, unwilling to believe it, was urged by Zhao Yuanzhou to visit the dungeon and see for himself.

Possessing Bai Jiu's body, Li Lun entered the dungeon and found it filled with demon corpses marked with talismans, causing a burning pain in his chest. Wen Zongyu, anticipating that Li Lun had discovered everything, appeared in the dungeon to boast about his achievements. He then trapped Li Lun in an iron cage, but Li Lun declared he would never be controlled and escaped by transforming into a gust of wind.

Zhuo Yichen was diagnosed with severe internal injuries, and the imperial physician could only sustain him temporarily with a golden potion. Zhao Yuanzhou explained that Zhuo Yichen was connected to the Yunguang Sword; without repairing the sword, no one could save him. Zhao Yuanzhou noted that on the day of the great chaos, the Yunguang Sword was cracked due to his own hostility, otherwise Li Lun alone would not have been able to break it.

Ying Lei began to miss Bai Jiu, thinking that if Bai Jiu were with them, he would certainly find a way to save Zhuo Yichen. Suddenly, he remembered Lu Wu, as the Kunlun Mountains held many rare treasures, one of which could surely help. With that, he called Pei Sijing to join him in traveling to Kunlun through the Shan Hai Dimension.

Lu Wu suggested that by using the Yunguang Sword to separate the parasitic essence, Zhuo Yichen could be cured, but it would require the help of an Ice Yi descendant. However, with the Yunguang Sword currently broken, it was of no use. Lu Wu then mentioned that there was a Kui Wood in the Wilderness that could restore Zhuo Yichen’s life force.

Ying Lei urged Pei Sijing to return to Tian Du to stay with Wen Xiao, while he ventured to the Wilderness alone in search of the Kui Wood. Li Lun, after being poisoned by Wen Zongyu’s needle, felt increasingly unwell, but his primary concern was still the Yunguang Sword’s repair, fearing he would be forcibly separated from Bai Jiu’s body. Meanwhile, under Wen Zongyu’s careful care, Zhen Mei had fully recovered, even more robust than before his injury.

Wen Zongyu planned to heal Zhuo Yichen, as only the Yunguang Sword could kill Zhao Yuanzhou. While unconscious, Zhuo Yichen dreamt of his older brother, who had once promised to teach him the Yunguang Sword techniques but was killed while capturing Zhao Yuanzhou and couldn’t fulfill that promise. Remembering how he later discovered the Yunguang Sword’s techniques on his own, Zhuo Yichen suddenly opened his eyes and called out for the Yunguang Sword, but soon after fell unconscious again.

A stone suddenly rose from the pool, and Zhao Yuanzhou suggested it might be the Five-Colored Stone. Since the Demon-Hunting Bureau was originally the Zhuo family’s residence, the Zhuo family must have hidden the Five-Colored Stone in a secret location. This stone had the power to repair anything, so the Yunguang Sword could finally be restored. Just as everyone was examining the Five-Colored Stone, Li Lun suddenly appeared and wrapped the stone with vines but didn’t take it.

When Wen Xiao brought the Five-Colored Stone to Zhuo Yichen’s side, it suddenly shattered. Zhao Yuanzhou realized that Li Lun’s appearance was not to steal the stone but to turn Zhuo Yichen into a demon. The Five-Colored Stone had been contaminated by the demonic energy from the vines, causing it to break on its own. Ying Lei returned from the Wilderness with the Kui Wood. After giving it to Zhuo Yichen, it could temporarily extend his life.

However, Zhao Yuanzhou stated that the Kui Wood only provided temporary relief and didn’t address the root cause. The Five-Colored Stone’s shattering was an even greater catastrophe than the Yunguang Sword’s damage, as it was the vessel that suppressed demonic blood. In ancient times, the Ice Yi clan were also demons, but after defeating Ying Long, Nuwa granted the Ice Yi clan the choice to become human.

They used the Five-Colored Stone to seal a drop of Ice Yi blood, allowing their descendants to continue to choose their paths freely. Zhao Yuanzhou analyzed that Li Lun’s demonic energy had entered Zhuo Yichen’s body, and without an inner core, he couldn’t withstand the powerful demonic energy circulating within him. The worst outcome would be his internal organs bursting, leading to death. No one wanted to see such a result.

Zhao Yuanzhou thought they could possibly visit the Ice Yi clan’s forbidden grounds to seek a cure, but the forbidden grounds were located in the harsh conditions of the Wilderness. Wen Xiao expressed her determination to go personally, regardless of the difficulty. Zhen Mei overheard their conversation at the Demon-Hunting Bureau.

After being discovered, he urged Ying Lei and Pei Sijing to take good care of Zhuo Yichen, surprising Ying Lei, as it didn’t seem like something Zhen Mei would say. Zhao Yuanzhou noticed Wen Xiao’s deep care for Zhuo Yichen and praised her. Wen Xiao explained that although she was Zhuo Yichen’s aunt, they grew up together, and Zhuo Yichen had often looked after her, especially after the Zhuo family’s troubles.

Zhuo Yichen had quickly recovered, which she had witnessed with a heavy heart. Pei Siheng joined Pei Sijing for a chat and noticed her worry for Bai Jiu, guessing that her habit of taking care of others stemmed from looking after him since they were young. He was relieved that he would no longer be hurt and could transform into armor to fight alongside his sister.

Zhuo Yichen suddenly sat up from his coma and grabbed Wen Xiao by the throat. Seeing this, Zhao Yuanzhou rushed forward to help, but since Zhuo Yichen was immune to his technique, he could only rescue Wen Xiao without being able to control Zhuo Yichen. Zhuo Yichen then walked out to the pool in the courtyard of the Demon-Hunting Bureau.

Ying Lei, seeing that Zhuo Yichen had recovered, excitedly went up to greet him, but with his demonic power awakened, Zhuo Yichen used a spell to throw the unprepared Ying Lei aside forcefully. Pei Sijing was also surprised to see Zhuo Yichen suddenly leaving the room. Zhuo Yichen walked onto the street, fully overtaken by his demonic nature. When a night watchman greeted him, Zhuo Yichen attacked him, injuring him severely.

A drunken man nearby witnessed this and was too scared to make a sound. Zhao Yuanzhou and Ying Lei arrived on the street and found the watchman lying motionless. A little farther down the road, they found Zhuo Yichen lying on the ground, weak. Zhao Yuanzhou helped him up and taught him a mantra to subdue his demonic energy. Zhuo Yichen struggled but gradually calmed down, not knowing what he had done.

Pei Sijing informed Zhuo Yichen about the attack on the watchman, which left Zhuo Yichen in disbelief. Ying Lei wanted to believe that it was actually Ao Yin borrowing his form to kill, but the three of them had witnessed the events firsthand, and Zhao Yuanzhou had even seen Zhuo Yichen attacking Wen Xiao. Filled with guilt, Zhuo Yichen, feeling Zhao Yuanzhou’s empathy, realized that Zhao had faced similar experiences under the influence of hostility.

Zhuo Yichen then asked Pei Sijing to lock him in the dungeon to prevent him from harming more people. The next day, the drunken man who had witnessed Zhuo Yichen’s violence gathered a crowd at the gates of the Demon-Hunting Bureau, demanding justice. Pei Sijing and Ying Lei tried to explain and block their entry but were pelted with vegetable scraps.

Wen Xiao, who had been unconscious all night, awoke to the noise of the crowd and asked Pei Sijing and Ying Lei where Zhao Yuanzhou and Zhuo Yichen were. Pei Sijing informed her that Zhuo Yichen had already been locked in the dungeon. Although the watchman wasn’t fatally injured, Zhuo Yichen couldn’t escape blame if he had been. Zhao Yuanzhou had carefully questioned the watchman and confirmed that it wasn’t Zhuo Yichen who had harmed him.

Zhuo Yichen, upon demonic transformation, had developed blue ice patterns on his neck, which the attacker did not have. Clearly, it was Ao Yin framing Zhuo Yichen. Wen Xiao thanked Pei Sijing for promptly imprisoning Zhuo Yichen, as it both protected the people of Tian Du and safeguarded Zhuo Yichen’s life. They both went to the dungeon to release Zhuo Yichen, finding him in agony from the torment of demonic energy.

Wen Xiao wanted to quickly set out for the Ice Yi Forbidden Grounds, but Pei Sijing argued that Ao Yin was still at large, and releasing Zhuo Yichen too hastily would ruin the Bureau’s credibility. Determined to capture Ao Yin quickly, the Demon-Hunting Squad returned to Tianxiang Pavilion. Though Zhuo Yichen covered his face with a black cloth, the townsfolk recognized him, denouncing him as cruel and even throwing eggs at him, humiliating him.

Zhao Yuanzhou could barely restrain himself, with his hostility starting to show. Meanwhile, Zhen Mei subtly led Ao Yin into the open. Pei Sijing rushed forward to apprehend Ao Yin, while Wen Xiao and Zhao Yuanzhou, fearing a trap, followed her. Ying Lei escorted Zhuo Yichen away as the crowd attacked them. Reflecting on how he was once welcomed warmly into the Bureau, Zhuo Yichen was now disillusioned by humanity’s lack of discernment between good and evil.

On the way back to the Demon-Hunting Bureau, Li Lun reappeared. Zhuo Yichen realized that all his recent suffering had been orchestrated by Li Lun, so he would empathize with Li Lun’s experiences. However, the people’s disdain truly revealed the ugliness in their hearts. Li Lun tried to lure Zhuo Yichen into fully embracing his demonic side, pointing out that, since he had killed too many demons, he couldn’t return to the Wilderness and would become a lonely outcast.

Suppressing his anger, Zhuo Yichen pushed Li Lun into the river, stating that he would not follow dark desires or change his nature. He understood that Li Lun had endured hardship to become what he was but now better appreciated Zhao Yuanzhou’s persistence.

Zhao Yuanzhou asked Ying Lei about Zhuo Yichen’s whereabouts, when suddenly Zhen Mei appeared from a high vantage point and announced that he had captured the culprit Ao Yin, who had framed Zhuo Yichen by shapeshifting. Zhao Yuanzhou speculated that the one they had caught wasn’t Ao Yin, but rather a demonic version of Ao Yin studied by Wen Zongyu.

Wen Zongyu had deliberately protected Zhuo Yichen in order to repair the Yun Guang Sword, with the ultimate goal of killing Zhao Yuanzhou and obtaining his inner elixir. That evening, Zhao Yuanzhou visited Zhuo Yichen, who had returned to the Demon-Hunting Bureau. Zhuo Yichen admitted that he now understood the feeling of being controlled by hostile energy, just as Zhao Yuanzhou had experienced.

He was relieved that the Yun Guang Sword had shattered, or else, in a fit of rage, he might have killed Zhao Yuanzhou, which he would have regretted. Zhao Yuanzhou explained that both humans and demons were destined by fate, with humans naturally being human and demons struggling to evolve into humans. Though demons are pure in nature, they are bloodthirsty, while humans, over millions of years, have evolved to develop civilization.

Being a demon isn’t inherently shameful as long as one’s heart remains kind—there is always a chance to become human. Zhuo Yichen recalled what his brother had once told him: it didn’t matter if he became an outcast in the eyes of others. At that moment, Zhao Yuanzhou seemed to be saying the same thing, like a brother to him. As Ying Lei had said, the Demon-Hunting Team had already become a family.

Zhao Yuanzhou asked Zhuo Yichen to help fulfill his wish, but Zhuo Yichen revealed that the demonic power inside him was growing stronger, and he feared he wouldn’t last much longer. His only hope before dying was to reconstruct the Yun Guang Sword, so he could at least save Bai Jiu. After speaking with Zhuo Yichen, Zhao Yuanzhou found Wen Xiao still waiting in the courtyard.

He lied, telling her that Zhuo Yichen wanted him to marry Wen Xiao to protect her for the rest of his life. Though Zhuo Yichen hadn’t explicitly said it, it was clear that Wen Xiao was his greatest concern. Zhao Yuanzhou treated Wen Xiao’s injuries, and she felt sympathy for him, as no one had ever tended to his wounds before. She also remarked that the wounds Zhao Yuanzhou bore were all in his heart.

Wen Xiao planned to go to the Ice Yi Forbidden Grounds as soon as possible. But before that, she needed to travel to Kunlun Mountain to activate the Star Formation to restore the Great Wilderness. With Ying Lei and Lu Wu’s help, they successfully cast the spell, and Bai Yan was revived in the capital. Situ Ming finally reunited with his wife. Just as the Demon-Hunting Team was celebrating, Li Lun and Ao Yin suddenly invaded Kunlun Mountain.

Ying Lei used a barrier to block them, telling the others to leave first. Li Lun easily broke the barrier, and Ying Lei scattered some white powder to slow them down. Zhao Yuanzhou and his group arrived at the entrance of the Ice Yi Clan’s Forbidden Grounds, where they saw the remains of demon beasts scattered around the cave entrance.

Zhao Yuanzhou recalled a legend from the Great Wilderness, which said that the Forbidden Grounds held ancient treasures, including a mysterious celestial herb that could enhance one’s immortal powers. There was even a more extreme version of the legend that claimed there was a treasure inside capable of granting any wish, which had led many demon beasts to attempt entering, risking their lives for it.

Hearing about the dangers within, Zhuo Yichen decided to go in alone, not wanting to endanger his friends. Zhao Yuanzhou was the first to disagree, and Wen Xiao and Pei Sijing were equally firm in their resolve. As Ao Yin prepared to pursue them, Li Lun intervened, saying there was no need, as a demon from the ancient era lived within the cave, and no one could survive leaving. The Demon-Hunting Team entered the cave, and eerie sounds echoed from within.

Wen Xiao asked how to repair the Yun Guang Sword, and the response was that only the Five-Colored Stone could do so. However, seeing the ice markings on Zhuo Yichen’s neck, they realized the Five-Colored Stone had been damaged, having absorbed the demonic blood within it. There was still a way forward, though—to let the descendants of the Ice Yi clan stay in the cave to accompany the demon forever.

Zhuo Yichen refused, but suddenly the other three were trapped by ice, freezing their feet. When it came time to make a choice, Zhuo Yichen knew he could only choose to be eternally frozen. He entrusted his will to Wen Xiao and Zhao Yuanzhou, thanking Pei Sijing for protecting Wen Xiao.

Just before the freezing began, Zhuo Yichen made one final request: after the Yun Guang Sword was restored, find a new owner in the mortal world and save Bai Jiu. Zhuo Yichen slowly ascended the steps, the cold air gathering around him. Zhao Yuanzhou, unwilling to let him remain alone, used his magic to dispel the chill. But as he neared Zhuo Yichen and charged into the freezing barrier, both were instantly frozen, becoming two crystalline ice statues.

Seeing Zhao Yuanzhou and Zhuo Yichen turned into ice statues, Wen Xiao was overwhelmed with grief, feeling that her life had lost all meaning. She blamed herself for not being strong enough—first watching her master being killed by hostile energy, and now witnessing her dear friend facing calamity. She felt helpless and reached for a dagger to end her life. Pei Sijing quickly snatched the dagger from her hand and slapped Wen Xiao.

The two women, in despair, embraced each other and cried. The great demon in the cave, witnessing their sorrow, reflected on the fact that after living for millions of years, it still witnessed something as pure as true friendship, a feeling so rare that it longed to experience it again in the human world. Pei Sijing then took out the item that Zhuo Yichen had entrusted to Wen Xiao, only to find it was a dried bouquet of wildflowers.

She initially thought it might have some role in repairing the Yun Guang Sword, but Wen Xiao explained it was just a birthday gift she had given Zhuo Yichen when she first joined the Demon-Hunting Bureau. At that time, Zhuo Yichen had been in mourning and couldn’t celebrate, so Wen Xiao had picked the delicate wildflowers. She had told Zhuo Yichen that the world wouldn't remain dark forever, and there would always be hope.

However, years had passed, and Zhuo Yichen still hadn’t found the sunlight he was promised. As Wen Xiao and Pei Sijing hesitated to leave, the great demon in the stone wall was moved. It decided to give Zhao Yuanzhou and Zhuo Yichen one last chance. In its divine consciousness, there was an illusionary realm where the past could be glimpsed. If the two could overcome this trial, they would be revived.

Zhao Yuanzhou and Zhuo Yichen soon entered the great demon’s divine consciousness and found themselves witnessing a conversation between the Ice Yi and Ying Long. The Ice Yi asked Ying Long why he was willing to bear the pain of severed limbs and the removal of his heart, just to give the Yun Guang Sword to him.

Ying Long replied that after the great battle, the world was in chaos and darkness, and the Great Wilderness was on the brink of destruction. He, who possessed the power of creation, decided to transform into a star to illuminate the world. Therefore, he used his beast bone to forge the Yun Guang Sword, intending to kill himself and save the Great Wilderness.

The Ice Yi was torn between his loyalty to the Great Wilderness and his deep friendship with Ying Long. No matter what choice he made, it would bring great pain. Ying Long saw his inner turmoil and stepped forward to impale his heart with the Yun Guang Sword, assuring the Ice Yi that he should not feel guilty or responsible for his death. The conversation was with Ying Long, who, after transforming into a star, left his consciousness in the cave.

This helped Zhao Yuanzhou understand that the legend about Ying Long’s punishment was a misunderstanding—Ying Long had not been punished for causing chaos, but had willingly sacrificed himself for the sake of the common people. Despite being a demon, he understood the higher principles of humanity, willing to shoulder the burden for the greater good.

The Ice Yi, like Ying Long, had also chosen to guard the people for eternity with his sword, and their bond resembled the friendship between Zhao Yuanzhou and Zhuo Yichen—where both were willing to give everything for each other. Ying Long was relieved that Zhao Yuanzhou had made the right choice, otherwise, they would have been trapped forever in an illusion.

Just before Ying Long’s consciousness faded away, he gave a final message to Zhuo Yichen: the Yun Guang Sword should not be used for killing, but for protection. He told Zhuo Yichen to seek a piece of dragon scale from the eastern part of the Great Wilderness, which could repair all things. Shortly after, the two were separated from the illusion, and the ice around them slowly melted.

When they regained their lives, Wen Xiao and Pei Sijing rushed forward, overjoyed, and embraced them. Using the last remnants of his consciousness, Ying Long informed Zhuo Yichen that a mortal could not bear demonic blood and would have to fully absorb the Ice Yi’s inner elixir to become a demon. Zhuo Yichen, no longer concerned with whether he was human or demon, accepted the dragon bone Ying Long offered him.

As Zhuo Yichen was fully transformed into a demon, Ying Long’s consciousness dissipated. Zhuo Yichen felt the power of the inner elixir within him. Wen Xiao asked about his true form, and everyone speculated that with the Ice Yi’s blood and Ying Long’s bones, his true form might be that of a dragon. Zhao Yuanzhou, however, teased him, saying he was probably just a stubborn mule.

Bai Yan thanked Wen Xiao for repairing the Bai Ze order and allowing him to see the light again. He also expressed deep gratitude to the Demon-Hunting Team for their care of Bai Jiu. When Bai Jiu was mentioned, Zhuo Yichen felt a pang of guilt. Wen Xiao then brought up the need to obtain the dragon scales of the Princess Longyu to separate Li Lun from Bai Jiu.

The Princess Longyu had been sealed deep within the Great Wilderness by the Goddess after leaving the Great Wilderness without permission. Ao Yin overheard their conversation and reported it to Zhen Mei. Zhen Mei, in turn, sent a message to Wen Zongyu, informing him that the Demon-Hunting Team was searching for the Princess Longyu.

Wen Xiao lifted the seal on Princess Longyu and brought Zhao Yuanzhou along to meet her. They learned that Princess Longyu had a difficult personality, especially disliking human contact, particularly with men. As a precaution, Zhuo Yichen and the others were told to hide in the White Emperor Tower. To stay safe, Zhao Yuanzhou and Zhuo Yichen communicated through a long-distance telepathic link.

Before entering the cave, Zhao Yuanzhou and Wen Xiao exchanged flirtatious remarks, which Ying Lei overheard and teased them about. Upon meeting Princess Longyu, Wen Xiao explained their purpose. Princess Longyu mentioned that this was the third group to request her dragon scales. It turned out that Li Lun had arrived earlier. She explained that the dragon scales could not be taken by force; if stolen, they would lose their power.

Only by voluntary giving them could they be used to revive all things. Following this, Wen Zongyu sent a message to Princess Longyu through Zhen Mei, with the letter signed by Meng Xuan. When Princess Longyu inquired about the letter's source, Zhen Mei replied that it required Zhao Yuanzhou's inner dan in exchange. Wen Xiao and Zhao Yuanzhou were the third group to seek the dragon scales.

When Princess Longyu asked what the scales would be used for, Wen Xiao explained that they were needed to detoxify her, so she could remain with Zhao Yuanzhou. Witnessing Zhao Yuanzhou and Wen Xiao's unshakable love, Princess Longyu remembered Meng Xuan. Back then, they had fallen in love at first sight and planned to be together forever.

However, when Meng Xuan's wife was diagnosed with an incurable disease, Meng Xuan had deliberately gotten close to Princess Longyu to obtain the reverse scale on her neck. Princess Longyu had been furious and jealous of Meng Xuan's wife, and had secretly invited Meng Xuan to meet her outside the city, where she placed a deadly poison, "dissolving bone incense," in his home.

However, Meng Xuan did not show up and went straight home, where Wen Xiao's father tragically died from inhaling the incense that same day. Although Princess Longyu owed Wen Xiao a life, she remained unyielding and insisted that the dragon scales could only be exchanged for Zhao Yuanzhou's inner dan. Zhao Yuanzhou didn't want to force Zhuo Yichen into a difficult decision, so he decided to offer his inner dan.

However, Zhuo Yichen disagreed, while Ying Lei felt saving Bai Jiu was more important. Wen Xiao, on the other hand, disagreed, saying Zhao Yuanzhou also deserved to be loved. Zhuo Yichen recalled how Bai Jiu always sought his help when frightened, feeling conflicted inside. Pei Sijing also leaned towards saving Bai Jiu. Zhao Yuanzhou understood that Zhuo Yichen could not bear to harm him, so he resolutely took his inner dan. Princess Longyu, as agreed, gave them the dragon scales.

In exchange, she then met with Wen Zongyu, who turned out to be Meng Xuan from that time. Wen Zongyu showed no regard for their past bond and aimed to kill Princess Longyu to avenge his wife. Pei Sijing shot an arrow to save Princess Longyu, and only then did Wen Zongyu realize that the Demon Hunting Team had secretly conspired with Princess Longyu to deceive him.

Zhao Yuanzhou had never taken his inner dan but had instead substituted it with a fake one. Princess Longyu had poisoned the fake inner dan with a lethal toxin. After Wen Zongyu obtained it, she scolded him for his past indifference. Wen Zongyu felt no remorse at all. Instead, thanks to his improved powers over the years, he crushed the fake inner dan with ease.

Wen Xiao did not know that once Princess Longyu handed over the dragon scales, she would face death. Seeing her on the brink of death, Wen Zongyu remained cold-hearted, blaming her for the death of his wife and child, and vowed to bury her with all the demon beasts of the Great Wasteland. Zhao Yuanzhou and the others overheard the conversation between Princess Longyu and Wen Zongyu and decided not to act hastily.

They planned to wait and see what Wen Zongyu's next move would be. After Wen Zongyu left, Princess Longyu's soul dissipated, and she returned to the Great Wasteland forever. Wen Xiao lamented the unfairness and impermanence of fate. Since meeting Zhao Yuanzhou, she had experienced so much. Zhao Yuanzhou's protection of both humans and demons deeply moved Wen Xiao, and she urged him not to contemplate ending his life. Together, they should live courageously to protect the Great Wasteland.

As emotions deepened, Zhao Yuanzhou couldn't resist kissing Wen Xiao. Li Lun had been poisoned too deeply and was growing weaker, which pained Ao Yin. He vowed to get the dragon scales to cure Li Lun's poison. Zhuo Yichen was angry at being deceived by Wen Xiao and Zhao Yuanzhou’s pretense of taking the inner dan. Wen Xiao handed over the dragon scales to apologize.

Zhao Yuanzhou said that no one in the Demon Hunting Team knew how to repair the Cloudlight Sword. It would be better to wait until Bai Yan arrived to open the dragon scales. Ying Lei volunteered to guard the dragon scales, but Zhao Yuanzhou was still worried that Li Lun might try to steal them, so he placed a magical seal on the scales that only he could break.

As expected, Ao Yin transformed into Zhuo Yichen's form and attempted to steal the dragon scales. Although Ying Lei saw through the ruse, he couldn't stop Ao Yin and could only watch as the dragon scales were taken. Zhao Yuanzhou was preparing to consult Bai Yan about the dragon scales when he realized that Ying Lei was missing. Suspecting that Ao Yin had stolen the dragon scales, Zhao Yuanzhou prepared to rescue Ying Lei. However, Zhuo Yichen suddenly pointed his sword at Zhao Yuanzhou, accusing him of deceiving the Demon Hunting Team.

Li Lun opened the box and found it empty of dragon scales. Ao Yin quickly restrained Ying Lei. Zhuo Yichen had already noticed Zhao Yuanzhou tampering with the box when he handed it to Ying Lei. At first, Zhuo Yichen thought it was merely a precaution against Li Lun, but Zhao Yuanzhou's recent behavior revealed that he had deliberately hidden the truth.

Zhao Yuanzhou admitted to secretly keeping the dragon scales for a more important purpose, which he couldn't disclose for now. As for Ying Lei, Zhao Yuanzhou was confident that Li Lun's long-standing friendship with Ying Zhao meant Ying Lei would not be in danger. Ying Lei prepared to fight Ao Yin, but Li Lun, knowing Ying Lei was no match, used his powers to seal him.

Zhao Yuanzhou sought out Bai Yan and asked whether the Bai Ze Order’s wooden flute that Wen Xiao carried was poisoned. Bai Yan confirmed it. Zhao Yuanzhou explained that during close contact with Wen Xiao the previous day, he sensed with his divine consciousness that she was already poisoned. Secretly following Zhao Yuanzhou, Zhuo Yichen and Wen Xiao overheard the conversation. Zhuo Yichen finally understood why Zhao Yuanzhou had hidden the dragon scales.

Wen Xiao speculated that Li Lun might have tampered with the Bai Ze Order when he snatched it in the forest but was unsure why Bai Yan had kept this from her. Bai Yan explained that she hoped to use the dragon scales to separate Li Lun from Bai Jiu—a selfish wish as a mother. However, more importantly, as a descendant of the divine race, her duty was to prioritize the lives of all beings.

If Wen Xiao succumbed to the poison, the Bai Ze Order would naturally choose a new master and purify the toxin. But if Bai Jiu and Li Lun could never be separated, it would lead to chaos between the two realms, causing widespread suffering. The Shenmu Clan governed vegetation, fruits, and grains essential to life, and the consequences of such turmoil would be unimaginable.

As for the Bai Ze Goddess, Bai Yan stated that her fate had always been to sacrifice herself for the greater good. Thus, if Wen Xiao perished from the poison, it would not be unreasonable. Li Lun felt his life slipping away and reflected deeply. He had possessed countless mortal bodies, and though each possession shortened his lifespan, he had found joy in experiencing the diversity of the world—its rivers, lakes, and seas.

While travelers longed to return home and birds sought nests, his only sanctuary was a cold, dark cave. Now, even that modest refuge seemed out of reach. Wen Xiao thought about Bai Yan's words regarding the Bai Ze Goddess's destiny and was filled with deep fear. However, she was more willing to give her chance of survival to Bai Jiu than to cling to her own life.

Zhao Yuanzhou remarked that the Bai Ze Order had chosen Wen Xiao because of her pure and kind-hearted nature. He vowed not to let her succumb to the poison and promised to find a way. Zhuo Yichen confronted Wen Zongyu, accusing him of instructing Bai Jiu to poison the Bai Ze Order. Wen Zongyu admitted to it and revealed that not only was the Bai Ze Order poisoned, but Bai Jiu had been tainted for a long time.

He confessed that his ultimate goal was to obtain Zhao Yuanzhou's inner dan, even if it meant using the Bai Ze Goddess as a bargaining tool. Bai Yan told Zhao Yuanzhou and Zhuo Yichen that to repair the Cloudlight Sword, they would need not only the dragon scales but also the Undying Wood from Zhao Yuanzhou’s inner dan. Without hesitation, Zhao Yuanzhou extracted his inner dan, allowing the Cloudlight Sword to be repaired and regain its vitality.

This left Zhao Yuanzhou significantly weakened in terms of his demonic powers. After some rest, Zhao Yuanzhou found Zhuo Yichen drinking alone and joined him. Reflecting on their journey together, Zhao Yuanzhou noted that Zhuo Yichen had once seen him as a mortal enemy. Yet Zhao Yuanzhou had helped him find dragon bones to transform into a demon and endured suspicion and slander. He even sacrificed his inner dan to repair the Cloudlight Sword.

Despite this, Zhuo Yichen, for Wen Xiao’s sake, still tried to strike Zhao Yuanzhou again. Before Wen Xiao could intervene, the Cloudlight Sword had already pierced Zhao Yuanzhou’s heart. Wen Xiao glared angrily at Zhuo Yichen, but Zhao Yuanzhou, sitting weakly on the ground, explained that it was an experiment he and Zhuo Yichen had planned together. The Cloudlight Sword had extracted the Undying Wood.

Wen Xiao reproached them for being too reckless, but Zhao Yuanzhou insisted that even the smallest hope for Wen Xiao’s safety was worth trying. He revealed that Wen Zongyu only wanted the Undying Wood and that by giving it up, they could exchange it for Wen Xiao’s antidote. Zhuo Yichen brought the Undying Wood to Wen Zongyu for the exchange. However, just as Wen Zongyu threw out the antidote, Ao Yin—lying in wait—snatched it.

Zhuo Yichen fought Ao Yin, while Wen Zongyu tried to seize the Undying Wood. Zhuo Yichen accidentally struck Wen Zongyu’s heart during the chaos. As Wen Zongyu touched the Undying Wood, his body ignited in flames. Zhuo Yichen coldly remarked that mortals could not handle the Undying Wood, and Wen Zongyu was reduced to ashes. Ao Yin opened the antidote vial only to find it empty.

Zhen Mei explained that the poison in Li Lun had no cure unless someone willingly absorbed it using their own demonic powers. Li Lun arrived at the gates of Kunlun Mountain. When Pei Sijing saw him, he explained that he only wished to return to his roots. Suddenly, Ao Yin appeared and used all his demonic power to extract the poison from Li Lun.

Pei Sijing noticed the tender, longing gaze Ao Yin directed at Li Lun—a gaze only lovers shared. Soon after, Ao Yin collapsed to the ground. Li Lun held Ao Yin in his arms, realizing that Ao Yin had sacrificed his life to save him.

After regaining his powers, Li Lun played a game of chess face-to-face with Zhao Yuanzhou. Zhao Yuanzhou remarked that life is like chess—one wrong move leads to a series of precarious steps. Li Lun replied that he had never aspired to become human, unlike Zhao Yuanzhou, who had always longed for the mortal world. Their decision to escape to the human realm had already revealed their respective stances, or perhaps it was always a matter of competition.

With that, Li Lun overturned the chessboard and unleashed his full powers to attack Zhao Yuanzhou. Having sacrificed his inner dan, Zhao Yuanzhou was no match and was quickly defeated. Zhuo Yichen and the others arrived to rescue him, shielding Zhao Yuanzhou from Li Lun’s attacks. Zhuo Yichen believed that Zhao Yuanzhou had exhausted his strength repairing the Cloudlight Sword. However, Zhao Yuanzhou revealed that he had done it more to save Bai Jiu.

Seeing Zhao Yuanzhou risk his life for mere mortals, Li Lun became even more enraged and violent. Pei Sijing shot her sword at him but was struck by Li Lun’s malevolent energy and thrown aside. Pei Siheng suddenly appeared to block Li Lun’s attack and engaged him in combat, but his inferior skills led to him being heavily struck down. Zhuo Yichen wielded the Cloudlight Sword, demonstrating its power.

However, his kind heart made him avoid hitting any vital spots, as he couldn’t bear to kill. Wen Xiao blew the Bai Ze Order to seal Li Lun, but Zhuo Yichen warned her not to take such risks, as each use deepened the poison in her body. Ignoring the warning, Wen Xiao continued playing the flute. Li Lun gathered his strength and broke free, flinging Wen Xiao aside. Zhuo Yichen checked Wen Xiao’s injuries.

She urged him to do everything possible to stop Li Lun; otherwise, Li Lun and Bai Jiu’s divine consciousness would perish together. As Zhuo Yichen hesitated, Li Lun launched another attack. Ying Lei pushed Zhuo Yichen out of the way, using his body to block the attack. Seizing the moment, he moved behind Li Lun and restrained him. Zhuo Yichen quickly struck Li Lun with the Cloudlight Sword.

Wen Xiao brought out a piece of locust tree root, explaining that Zhao Yuanzhou could not bear to see Li Lun’s soul scattered. He intended to transfer Li Lun’s consciousness into the root, allowing him to cultivate for a century and eventually reincarnate as a human. This was Zhao Yuanzhou’s final act of mercy as a friend. Li Lun’s soul was soon absorbed into the root. Meanwhile, Ying Lei, cradling Bai Jiu’s body, was already on the brink of death.

As Zhuo Yichen moved to catch Bai Jiu, he realized that Ying Lei had exhausted all his energy. While shielding everyone else from Li Lun’s attacks, Ying Lei had completely depleted his divine power. Before his spirit dissipated, he entrusted Zhuo Yichen with caring for Bai Jiu, saying that Zhuo Yichen had always been Bai Jiu’s greatest role model. He also wished for Bai Jiu to become the best doctor in Tiandu.

After Ying Lei’s consciousness vanished, Bai Jiu finally awoke from his coma. Seeing his mother, Bai Yan, by his bedside filled him with joy, though he remained unaware of the sacrifices made by the demon-catching team to save him. Zhuo Yichen asked Zhao Yuanzhou why he hadn’t disclosed earlier that repairing the Cloudlight Sword would drain all his powers. Zhao Yuanzhou replied that Wen Xiao was willing to risk her life to save Bai Jiu.

If all he had to do was expend his powers without endangering his life, it was hardly worth mentioning. Once fully recovered, Bai Jiu felt as though he were in a dream, seeing Ying Lei drifting farther and farther away. The person who had treated him like an older brother was now forever out of reach. Zhuo Yichen comforted Bai Jiu and handed him a gift Ying Lei had asked him to deliver—a jar of almond milk custard.

Bai Jiu had once mentioned that he loved his mother’s homemade almond custard. Ying Lei, remembering this, had gone to the trouble of making an entire jar for him. Thinking of Ying Lei’s thoughtfulness made Bai Jiu miss him even more. Pei Sijing blamed herself for failing to protect her friends, but Wen Xiao reassured her that she had at least protected Wen Xiao during Li Lun’s attack.

Zhuo Yichen entrusted Bai Jiu with caring for the rest of the demon-catching team, giving Bai Jiu a sense of finality. Reflecting on Zhen Mei’s words and influenced by Ying Lei’s sacrifice, Zhuo Yichen resolved to personally absorb the poison from Wen Xiao.

Bai Jiu examined Wen Xiao's pulse and discovered that her condition was critical. Feeling deeply saddened, he lamented that Wen Xiao had willingly sacrificed her dragon scales to save him. Wen Xiao reassured him, saying that while there could always be a successor to the Bai Ze Goddess, there was only one Bai Jiu. While Wen Xiao and the now-powerless Zhao Yuanzhou chatted, Bai Yan brought urgent news: a large-scale plague had suddenly erupted in Tiandu.

The illness spread rapidly, leaving the city's doctors helpless. The royal court pressured the Demon-Catching Bureau to act, but Fan Ying had disappeared, and Wen Xiao suspected the plague was the work of a demon beast. Zhuo Yichen tracked the source of the epidemic to a sachet, which Zhao Yuanzhou identified as belonging to Fei. Wen Xiao attempted to locate Fei using the Bai Ze's divine power but could not sense its presence.

Bai Jiu locked himself in his workshop day and night, researching a cure for the plague. Zhuo Yichen urged him to take it easier, but Bai Jiu confessed that he was driven by fear. As a child, he had resented and distanced himself from his father, believing him responsible for his mother's fate, wasting much of his father's affection. Zhuo Yichen comforted him, pointing out that Bai Jiu still had a chance to make amends, unlike him.

Growing up, the only constant in Zhuo Yichen's life had been Wen Xiao. When Bai Jiu asked if Zhuo Yichen liked Wen Xiao, he explained that affection has many layers, and his feelings for her transcended romantic love. Wen Xiao became increasingly melancholic over Fan Ying's disappearance. Zhao Yuanzhou tried to console her, vowing to find him. After days of dedicated research, Bai Jiu finally discovered an effective medicinal ingredient.

Since the plague spread through scent, he proposed sealing people's sense of smell and using Juniper wood to suppress the transmission. Once the medicine was distributed, Wen Xiao, Zhao Yuanzhou, and Zhuo Yichen stealthily infiltrated the Chongwu military prison. With Pei Sijing’s knowledge of the guard rotation, they skillfully avoided detection. Zhao Yuanzhou suspected Fei was imprisoned in the dungeon. His hunch proved correct after a few steps, and they also found Fan Ying confined in the same room.

As Wen Xiao and Zhao Yuanzhou tried to pull Fan Ying away, they noticed he had developed an inner dan. Wen Zongyu suddenly appeared before them. Zhao Yuanzhou recalled Wen Zongyu’s earlier resurrection after being burned by the Never-Ending Wood and deduced that he had Princess Longyu's phoenix pearl, allowing him to transform into a phoenix demon. Wen Zongyu confirmed this and revealed his plan to create an invincible army of demonized humans.

Moreover, he revealed that the herbal remedy Bai Jiu had distributed to the townsfolk would accelerate their transformation into demonized humans by the next day. Wen Xiao accused Wen Zongyu of cruelty, but he argued that becoming demonized humans wasn’t necessarily bad—they would at least be free from pain. Zhao Yuanzhou instructed Wen Xiao to take Fan Ying and leave, while he and Zhuo Yichen led Wen Zongyu to Kunlun Mountain.

With his phoenix demon bones, Wen Zongyu was impervious to fire. However, the cold energy of Kunlun Mountain, combined with Zhuo Yichen’s mastery of Bingyi's divine power, offered an effective counter. As Zhao Yuanzhou taught Zhuo Yichen the Bingyi Sword Technique, Wen Zongyu gained the upper hand, attacking with fiery restraints that transmitted demon energy. The two were soon enveloped in the Poison of Enchantment.

Zhuo Yichen prepared to cut their wrists to use their blood as an antidote, but Zhao Yuanzhou suggested they might not be dreaming but merely poisoned. Suddenly, Bai Jiu appeared and neutralized the poison. They launched a pincer attack, with Zhuo Yichen stabbing Wen Zongyu in the abdomen from behind. However, they found the inner dan wasn’t located there. Zhao Yuanzhou realized that only the True Eye of Illusion or the Bai Ze Golden Eyes could reveal its exact location.

Wen Xiao brought Fan Ying back to the Demon-Catching Bureau but noticed that Fan Ying’s gaze suddenly became erratic, and his face contorted with hostility. As Wen Xiao moved closer to check on him, she was struck down by Fan Ying, who had been demonized. Meanwhile, Pei Sijing and Zhen Mei were locked in battle in the dungeon. The disparity in their strength was evident—Zhen Mei, now immortal, quickly gained the upper hand.

Just as Pei Sijing began to falter, Zhen Mei forcibly infused an inner dan into her body. Pei Sijing, despite her mortal limitations, pushed herself to continue fighting Zhen Mei. Her body grew increasingly frail. At the same time, Wen Zongyu launched a powerful attack. Zhuo Yichen struggled to hold him off alone but to no avail. Zhao Yuanzhou stepped in to support Zhuo Yichen, but both were gravely injured, leaving only Bai Jiu standing.

Wen Zongyu showed no mercy, even toward his former apprentice. He pulled Bai Jiu toward him and nearly strangled him to death before tossing his barely-breathing body next to Zhuo Yichen. Zhuo Yichen was overwhelmed by the devastating scene before him. Wen Zongyu coldly informed him that reality was far worse than he imagined—Wen Xiao and Pei Sijing were already dead. Turning around, Zhuo Yichen saw their lifeless bodies.

Glancing at Bai Jiu, he noticed that the bell he had personally gifted him was missing. He suddenly realized he was trapped in a dream. Remembering his experience with Ran Yi’s dreamscape, he concluded that killing himself was the only way to escape. Zhuo Yichen raised his sword to his neck, ready to end it. Zhao Yuanzhou desperately shouted to wake him up.

Wen Zongyu interjected, explaining that the Poison of Enchantment was different from Ran Yi’s dreamscape—dying in this dream would also mean dying in reality. Zhao Yuanzhou called out to Zhuo Yichen even more urgently. As Wen Zongyu prepared to deliver a final blow, Li Lun appeared and intervened. Zhao Yuanzhou reprimanded Li Lun for leaving his retreat prematurely. He warned that without completing a hundred years of cultivation, any injury would result in eternal damnation.

However, Li Lun insisted that he was willing to take the risk, even if his efforts were fleeting. Li Lun granted Zhuo Yichen the True Eye of Illusion, which Wen Zongyu dismissed as only providing a temporary advantage. Zhao Yuanzhou explained that the Poison of Enchantment was a toxin, not magic. He then summoned Qing Geng for assistance. Wen Zongyu tried to confuse Qing Geng by transforming into Fei, but Qing Geng saw through the deception.

With determination, Qing Geng used his powers to restrain Fei’s demonized human form. Meanwhile, Wen Xiao was nearly strangled to death by Fan Ying, and Pei Sijing grew weaker as she fought Zhen Mei. Li Lun exhausted all his power to fend off Wen Zongyu’s attacks. Wen Zongyu continued to recount humanity’s cruelty toward demon beasts, trying to harden their resolve.

Qing Geng sealed Fei’s demonized human form and sacrificed his own inner dan to cure Zhuo Yichen of the Poison of Enchantment. Meanwhile, Bai Jiu retrieved two Bi Fang feathers from the Chongwu Camp. These feathers could enable travel, similar to the Shan Hai Dimensional Realm. Zhao Yuanzhou took one feather and instructed Bai Jiu to immediately return to the Demon-Catching Bureau. Bai Jiu hesitated, unwilling to leave him behind.

As they argued, Zhuo Yichen, having absorbed Qing Geng’s inner dan, slowly awoke from the dream. Li Lun, now powerless to stop Wen Zongyu’s attacks, used the True Eye of Illusion to see Wen Zongyu’s true form. He discovered that Wen Zongyu had hidden his inner dan in his left elbow. Zhuo Yichen, wielding the Yun Guang Sword, continued to fend off Wen Zongyu’s attacks with the power of the Never-Ending Wood.

Bai Jiu used the Bi Fang feather to return to the Demon-Catching Bureau, just as the Never-Ending Wood unleashed its full energy. Pei Sijing continued to struggle. Zhen Mei destroyed the puppet representing Pei Siheng. Pei Sijing realized that Zhen Mei was merely a manifestation of her own inner fears. Overcoming her mental barriers, she drove a dagger into Zhen Mei’s heart. In reality, Zhen Mei quickly succumbed to the injury.

When Bai Jiu arrived, Zhen Mei was already coughing up blood. Yet, he pulled out a candy from his robe. Whenever Bai Jiu had helped heal Zhen Mei’s wounds in the past, Zhen Mei would give him a candy in return. Now, with his injuries beyond repair, Zhen Mei declared that he would never feel pain again.

Pei Sijing was brought back from the illusion by Bai Jiu, only to find Pei Siheng on the verge of death. One of the puppet’s arms lay discarded in the distance, and Pei Siheng’s puppet body was irreparably damaged, rendering resurrection impossible. She recalled Pei Siheng once saying that he had become armor to protect his sister, but armor is destined to break, melting away like snow and ice.

Zhao Yuanzhou, along with two others, fought Wen Zongyu but found themselves overwhelmed, especially Zhao Yuanzhou, who had lost his demon power and was utterly exhausted. Li Lun, mustering all his strength, approached Zhuo Yichen and revealed that his true form was a locust tree. Though incapable of defeating Wen Zongyu outright, he could attract the energy of the Never-Ending Wood to himself, thereby weakening Wen Zongyu’s demon power and giving Zhuo Yichen a chance to strike.

Zhuo Yichen understood that Li Lun was sacrificing himself as bait and refused to let him take the risk. Before he could object further, Wen Zongyu grabbed him by the throat. Li Lun resolved to transfer half of his demon power to Zhuo Yichen, reasoning that the combined strength of the locust tree demon and Bing Yi would suffice against Wen Zongyu. As for Zhao Yuanzhou, Li Lun had always regarded him as a close friend and an equal rival.

Unable to bear seeing Zhao Yuanzhou in such a weakened state, Li Lun gave him the other half of his demon power. After the power transfer, Li Lun used his remaining magic to levitate and transformed into countless locust tree branches. As expected, Wen Zongyu launched a ferocious attack with the Never-Ending Wood, consuming significant energy. Zhuo Yichen restrained Wen Zongyu with a chain, and as Wen Zongyu broke free, he expended even more demon power.

The locust tree burned smaller and smaller, and in the end, Li Lun fulfilled his vow to protect the Great Wilderness. After Li Lun’s disappearance, Zhao Yuanzhou spread his wings for Zhuo Yichen, allowing him to take to the skies and confront Wen Zongyu. When the moment was right, Zhuo Yichen descended to Wen Zongyu’s side. Wen Zongyu, barely holding on with the support of the Never-Ending Wood, faced a combined assault.

Zhao Yuanzhou used his avatar technique to assist Zhuo Yichen, enabling him to pierce Wen Zongyu’s inner dan hidden in his elbow. Wen Zongyu was reduced to ashes, and Zhuo Yichen prepared to leave Mount Kunlun. However, he found himself trapped, unable to move past an impenetrable barrier. Wen Zongyu’s voice suddenly echoed again, claiming that he could undergo a phoenix-like rebirth and regenerate endlessly from the ashes of the Never-Ending Wood.

As he spoke, a hand reached out from the ashes and gripped Zhuo Yichen’s throat. Meanwhile, Bai Jiu discovered a barrier in the dungeon—a place Wen Zongyu had always forbidden anyone from approaching. Before his death, Zhen Mei had revealed that Wen Zongyu’s immortality relied on the ashes. Determined to protect Zhuo Yichen, Bai Jiu decided to break through the barrier. Wen Zongyu began absorbing the ashes to restore his power.

Zhuo Yichen told Zhao Yuanzhou that while the barrier could block physical bodies, it couldn’t isolate demon power. He transferred both his own demon power and Li Lun’s to Zhao Yuanzhou, urging him to break the barrier. Wen Zongyu warned that destroying the barrier would mean death for both him and Zhuo Yichen, causing Zhao Yuanzhou to hesitate. In the dungeon, Bai Jiu endured the corrosive effects of the barrier as he inched closer to the altar of ashes.

Just as Zhuo Yichen was on the brink of collapse, Bai Jiu overturned the altar, scattering the ashes. At the same moment, Zhao Yuanzhou unleashed his power, believing he had sacrificed both Zhuo Yichen and Wen Zongyu. Yet moments later, Zhuo Yichen suddenly appeared before him. Zhao Yuanzhou was puzzled by Zhuo Yichen’s newfound immunity to his unique technique. Recalling Wen Zongyu’s claim about phoenix-like rebirth, Zhao Yuanzhou deduced that someone had destroyed the environment necessary for his regeneration.

That person must have been familiar with Wen Zongyu. Both men simultaneously thought of Bai Jiu. Zhao Yuanzhou handed Zhuo Yichen the Bi Fang feather gifted by Bai Jiu, instructing him to check on Bai Jiu. Zhao Yuanzhou would return to the Demon-Catching Bureau to await further news.

Zhuo Yichen traveled to the dungeon of Chongwu Camp and saw Bai Jiu’s charred body. His heart was filled with anguish. The timid boy, who had always feared the dark and clung to him for protection, had used his own life to dispel all darkness and shield him in a moment of crisis. Bai Jiu’s face bore a faint smile, and he tightly gripped the bell Zhuo Yichen had given him.

Zhuo Yichen guessed that Bai Jiu must have drawn strength from seeing him before his death. Stifling his grief, Zhuo Yichen removed his cloak, covered Bai Jiu with it, and carried him away from Chongwu Camp. Meanwhile, Fan Ying, still under the control of the demon power within him, gripped Wen Xiao’s throat tightly. Wen Xiao repeatedly called out to him, and for a brief moment, Fan Ying lost focus, allowing Wen Xiao to overpower him.

Seeing Fan Ying tormented to the brink of despair by the demon power, Wen Xiao wept. A single tear fell into Fan Ying’s eyes, instantly restoring his vision. Wen Xiao speculated that the divine power of Bai Ze had saved her father, but Fan Ying explained that the inner dan could not reverse its course—it could only temporarily ease the effects. He urged Wen Xiao to leave him and go to Tiandu City to save the countless citizens there.

With the demon dan not yet fully rooted, Fan Ying decided to self-destruct his inner dan to free Wen Xiao from worry and prevent himself from harming others during future uncontrollable episodes. After Fan Ying’s soul dissipated, Wen Xiao sat alone in the courtyard, reflecting on the past. Zhao Yuanzhou arrived to check on her, feeling helpless in the face of the crisis.

The citizens of Tiandu City had all fallen into a coma, and when they awakened, they would transform into demonized beings. Wen Xiao revealed her plan: to force the divine power of Bai Ze out of her body and transform it into rain to save the citizens. Zhao Waner had once mentioned that Bai Ze's ultimate sacrificial technique was called *Gui Li*.

Zhao Yuanzhou gave Wen Xiao a bracelet and urged her to keep it safe, saying it would accompany her like he always would. Wen Xiao, sensing a hidden meaning, asked him if he was planning something irreversible. Zhao Yuanzhou revealed that the source of Bai Ze’s divine power was resentful energy.

In the illusion of the Bing Yi Tribe, Yinglong had prophesied that Zhao Yuanzhou would die beneath the Cloudlight Sword to activate the Bai Ze Order and complete a redemption for the world. Wen Xiao refused to accept this, but with no alternatives left, Zhao Yuanzhou used his magic to bind her hands and feet, rendering her immobile. Hardening his heart, he turned and left. Zhuo Yichen, still mourning beside Bai Jiu’s body, was consumed by grief.

Zhao Yuanzhou approached and reminded him that all things in the world follow a destined path. Ying Lei had sacrificed himself to save Bai Jiu, and Bai Jiu and Li Lun had in turn saved Zhuo Yichen. Now, Zhao Yuanzhou had to sacrifice himself to save the world, and Zhuo Yichen must bear the same guilt and pain as Bing Yi did.

Zhuo Yichen wished there were another way to save the world, but just like Yinglong and Bing Yi, he had no choice. Yinglong had willingly become a constellation to protect the Great Wilderness, only to be remembered as a monster. Bing Yi, despite his triumph in slaying dragons, chose a life of anonymity. The absurd cause-and-effect of the world demanded someone to shoulder its burden. Zhuo Yichen felt as though life had lost all meaning.

With Zhao Yuanzhou’s determined gaze upon him, Zhuo Yichen reluctantly took action. Wen Xiao, having broken free from her bindings, rushed to Zhuo Yichen’s room, only to find Zhao Yuanzhou collapsed on the ground. Holding Zhao Yuanzhou in her arms, Wen Xiao discovered that he had absorbed all the poison from her body. Smiling faintly, Zhao Yuanzhou told her not to grieve for too long or shed tears for him.

Instead, he urged her to use her tears to save the people. As he spoke his final words, his body dissipated into wisps of green smoke. With Zhao Yuanzhou’s sacrifice, the citizens of Tiandu City were freed from the threat of becoming demonized. To them, it felt as though they had awakened from a long dream, unaware that someone had silently safeguarded that dream. Wen Xiao once asked Zhao Yuanzhou what he would become in the future. He had said he would turn into rain, and whenever it rained, it would mean he was by her side.

• How Is Xu Kai And Cheng Xiao's Relationship
• What is Neo Hou's Ideal Type Girlfriend?
• Who Is Chen Duling's Boyfriend? Wang Xichao Or Yin Zheng?
• Does Cheng Xiao Have A Boyfriend? What's Her Ideal Type?
• Does Wan Peng Have A Boyfriend? Did She Get Married?
• How is Wang Yibo, Cheng Xiao's Relationship, Will They Be In Love?
• Does Zheng Shuang Have An Affair With Neo Hou? The Hou Minghao Studio Denied The Rumor
• Cheng Xiao Photos
• Neo Hou Photos
• Andrew Yin Zheng Is Dating Chen Duling? Who Is His Girlfriend Current?
• Arthur Chen Feiyu's Girlfriend - Cheng Xiao Or Ouyang Nana?
• Neo Hou, Yang Chaoyue Make Romance Novels Come True!
• Tian Jiarui Dramas, Movies, and TV Shows List
• Chen Duling Dramas, Movies, and TV Shows List
• Cheng Xiao Dramas, Movies, and TV Shows List
• Neo Hou Dramas, Movies, and TV Shows List
• Guan Xiaotong Make CP With Neo Hou In New Drama "A Girl Like Me"
• Luo Yunxi, Cheng Xiao Have Suprise Chemistry. What's Their Relationship?
• "Lie To Love" is about to shoot? Luo Yunxi will play the leading actor, Cheng Xiao will be the leading actress？