Mu Xuanling informs Yu Ying that it was her master, Sang Qi, who instructed her to release Xie Xuechen. This way, she can follow him to locate the Celestial Alliance Jade Order. Yu Ying questions why their master would still have them pursue Xie Xuechen if that was the plan. Mu Xuanling responds that only through such actions can Xie Xuechen trust them more. She instructs Yu Ying to first control Xie Xuechen and then, at the critical moment, she will come out to save him. By then, he will be grateful to her, and their relationship will improve. Mu Xuanling asks Yu Ying if she can take a look at Xie Xuechen’s inner demon. Yu Ying releases Xie Xuechen’s inner demon, revealing a scene where Xie Xuechen is searching for a rabbit in a snowy field.
His father approaches him to inform him that he has killed the rabbit and instructs him to stop searching for it. Xie Xuechen asks why his father had to kill the rabbit he loved. His father explains that he bears significant responsibilities and cannot afford to have any attachments. He tells Xie Xuechen that if one day he has to choose between the world and something he loves, what he would choose. Xie Xuechen questions why he must choose between the two. His father reiterates that his responsibilities do not allow for any favoritism. Yu Ying remarks on how Xie Xuechen’s illusion differs from others’, and Mu Xuanling explains that it’s because he has no desires or demands. Yu Ying doubts that he could truly be without desires. Mu Xuanling adds that he has been trained by his father since childhood and that his current cultivation level, being the top in the world, leaves him with no worldly desires.
Scene from Episode 2 of The Blossoming Love
Mu Xuanling asks Yu Ying if she can view Xie Xuechen’s memories from ten years ago. Yu Ying tells her that she can only see one’s desires, not their memories. Mu Xuanling responds that if that’s the case, then Yu Ying is useless to her. After saying this, Mu Xuanling kills Yu Ying. However, Yu Ying’s shadow has not yet dissipated, and the Shadow of War and others are questioning whether Yu Ying was killed by Mu Xuanling or Xie Xuechen. Seeing Xie Xuechen preparing to leave, Mu Xuanling asks him where he is going. Xie Xuechen tells her not to follow him, stating that Mu Xuanling is a demon from the demon race while he is human, and they are not on the same path.
Mu Xuanling counters by saying that despite their different paths, they share the same destination. She mentions that Xie Xuechen emits a certain aura that allows them to track him. Mu Xuanling reveals that she possesses a pair of Illusion Hairpins; when worn on their heads, others will not remember them and will perceive them as an ordinary couple. She places one hairpin on Xie Xuechen’s head and asks him to place the other on her head. Xie Xuechen ignores her and leaves. Mu Xuanling quickly follows him, and the two arrive at an inn together. The innkeeper informs them that only one room is left. Mu Xuanling insists that they take the room. As they approach, individuals from the Jinghua Palace sitting nearby notice Xie Xuechen’s reluctance. They discuss how Mu Xuanling appears to be a wealthy young lady.
They speculate that Xie Xuechen must possess some extraordinary abilities. Both Mu Xuanling and Xie Xuechen overhear their conversation. Mu Xuanling playfully teases Xie Xuechen, confirming that he indeed has exceptional qualities. Shortly after settling into the room, they sense a demonic aura. They open the window and see Gao Qiumin, the junior master of Jinghua Palace, and Jinghua Palace disciple Cui Wanwan arriving. They produce a Sniffing Treasure Mouse named Abao from their pockets. Mu Xuanling recognizes that Abao is a member of the same spiritual race as herself and realizes that Abao is in grave danger due to fear. She swiftly strikes Gao Qiumin.
Scene from Episode 2 of The Blossoming Love
Abao seizes the opportunity to escape. That evening, she quietly approaches Mu Xuanling. Mu Xuanling asks her if she can transform into a human form. Abao replies that she has just learned how and has transformed into a young girl. Abao informs them that she comes from Bixiao Palace and that her father is Fu Cangli. Xie Xuechen asks her why she doesn’t go to the Spirit Temple to register. Mu Xuanling explains that she is unaware of the current situation; if they were to register, they would be captured and beaten. Mu Xuanling feels great sympathy for Abao, but Gao Qiumin notices something unusual. He and Cui Wanwan pursue Mu Xuanling, attacking her. Mu Xuanling recognizes Gao Qiumin as the person who had previously bullied her and prepares to kill her. However, Xie Xuechen intervenes. A dispute ensues, and Mu Xuanling is trapped in her own Linglong Shackles by Xie Xuechen.
