Jun Qiluo loses consciousness due to her injuries, diagnosed by a doctor as caused by external trauma. With no women present in the camp, Xuan Lie reluctantly tends to her wounds himself. Just as he is about to apply medicine, Qiluo regains consciousness and misunderstands his intentions, prompting Xuan Lie to let her treat herself. She requests to clean her wounds at the nearby river, promising not to escape. After some hesitation, Xuan Lie agrees.
At the river, Qiluo seizes the opportunity to flee while Xuan Lie turns away to give her privacy. Realizing her absence, he begins to pursue her. Meanwhile, his subordinates grow anxious about his prolonged absence, especially with rumors of the nearby perilous “Death Desert,” and set out to find him.
A Desert Chase
Qiluo and Xuan Lie end up in the treacherous desert. Xuan Lie falls into quicksand but manages to grab Qiluo with his whip, binding their fates together once again. Awakening under the scorching sun, they realize they are trapped in this deadly landscape. To prevent separation, Xuan Lie binds Qiluo’s hands, though she soon notices his injured leg, which could lead to permanent damage if untreated. Qiluo assures him she won’t run and persuades him to untie her.
Using her keen observational skills, Qiluo searches for medicinal herbs, returning with supplies to treat Xuan Lie’s wound. Her genuine care surprises and moves him, hinting at a growing connection between them.
Political Turmoil and Familial Worries
In Beixuan, He Ji Yao urgently reports Xuan Lie’s disappearance to King Xuan Xu. Amidst the critical selection of the Wolf Lord, Xuan Lie’s absence threatens stability. Princess Xuan Qingkou defies the king’s warnings, insisting on joining the search despite the dangers.
Back in Yannan, the Jun family is thrown into chaos upon learning of Qiluo’s disappearance. Her younger sister, Jun Jiangjuan, volunteers to search for her, but her sibling Jun Xiu restrains her, citing the dangers involved.
A Glimmer of Hope
In the desert, Qiluo and Xuan Lie finally glimpse a city on the horizon, igniting their hope. However, their journey is interrupted by a pack of wolves. Xuan Lie fights valiantly to protect Qiluo, sustaining more injuries. Meanwhile, Qiluo cleverly crafts a makeshift bow and arrow to fend off the wolves. In a critical moment, Xuan Lie shields her from a wolf attack, cementing his role as her protector.
City of Refuge
Xuan Lie carries an unconscious Qiluo to the city for safety. He Ji Yao arrives shortly after, bringing reinforcements and relaying the king’s concerns. Despite limited lodging, Xuan Lie refuses to share a room with Qiluo, opting to care for her personally.
Elsewhere, Qiluo’s father visits the prime minister with valuable pearls, pleading for help to find his daughter. Moved by Qiluo’s contributions to Yannan, the prime minister agrees to assist.
New Directions
When Qiluo awakens, she is furious to find her clothing changed, but Xuan Lie quickly explains that a cook helped her, insisting he had no improper intentions. Qiluo informs him that while Jun Feifan is not currently in Xixiang, he is certain to attend the upcoming merchant guild meeting. She suggests Xuan Lie head there to locate him, setting the stage for the next chapter.
