The celestial Buddhist manifestation appears, prompting Li Miaozhen and Chu Yuanzhen to engage it in battle. Despite their combined efforts, they fail. At the Si Tianjian, the Supervisor senses the crisis and contemplates his next move, chess piece in hand.
The ground trembles across the Dafeng Kingdom, and the immense pressure from the manifestation causes men to kneel involuntarily. Xu Pingzhi, trembling from the golden waves of energy, insists to Xu Qi’an that a man’s knees are made of gold, urging him to lie flat rather than kneel. Xu Qi’an, focusing his energy, manages to dispel the pressure surrounding him, standing firm amidst the chaos.
A Mission for Xu Qi’an
In the midst of golden chaos, a celestial envoy descends directly toward Xu Qi’an’s home. The envoy, an embodiment of the manifestation, intends to retrieve Shen Shu and return him to the heavens. The Supervisor intervenes, inviting the envoy to a game of chess and persuading him that leaving Shen Shu in Dafeng is currently the best course of action. He explains that Shen Shu was cast to earth due to the theft of a celestial treasure. With the treasure’s whereabouts close to being revealed, taking Shen Shu now would be premature. Reluctantly, the envoy agrees to wait.
The emperor, deeply concerned by the manifestation’s reappearance, eagerly awaits the Supervisor to recommend someone capable of dispelling it. Caiwei arrives to borrow someone from the emperor, who struggles to guess her chosen candidate. When she hints at the person’s identity, the emperor is skeptical of their abilities but agrees to the Supervisor’s choice.
Xu Qi’an Receives His Task
At home, Xu Qi’an is preparing for a family portrait, humorously using the manifestation as the background. His plans are interrupted when Shangguan Xiaorou summons him to the palace. There, the emperor informs him of his assignment to split the manifestation. Overwhelmed and terrified, Xu Qi’an’s legs buckle at the thought of confronting such an overwhelming power. He begins to suspect the Supervisor knows Shen Shu resides within him.
Distraught, Xu Qi’an seeks advice from Wei Yuan, who acknowledges the difficulty of the task but expresses confidence in the Supervisor’s judgment. Desperate for a solution, Xu Qi’an searches through martial arts manuals for techniques to combat the manifestation, but historical records offer no guidance. Feeling unprepared, he shares the emperor’s task with his family, leaving them anxious and worried despite their outward encouragement.
The Supervisor’s Confidence
The Grand Princess visits the Si Tianjian, playing chess with the Supervisor. She expresses doubt over Xu Qi’an’s selection, calling it a risky move. The Supervisor disagrees, confident in his decision. As their conversation unfolds, Lin’an arrives with Xu Qi’an, who initially intends to ask the Supervisor to reconsider. However, seeing the Grand Princess present, he changes his mind, realizing that the decision is final and unlikely to be overturned.
Public Announcement
In the capital, notices are posted announcing a public duel in three days, with Xu Qi’an set to confront the manifestation. Citizens are invited to witness the event. Yang Qianhuan, envious of Xu Qi’an’s selection, declares his intent to prove his superiority by attempting to split the manifestation before the duel. Armed with his blade, he charges toward the colossal manifestation, eager to test his strength.
