While carrying out a mission, Xu Qi’an encounters a sudden surge of chaotic energy that engulfs him. A massive amount of toxic miasma invades his body, paralyzing him. In a dazed state, he catches a glimpse of a face that resembles Zhu Yang from the Ministry of War. Strangely, Zhu Yang seems intent on taking his life. Completely overpowered, Xu Qi’an is defeated in an instant.
When two Constables arrive to find him, they see Xu Qi’an lying motionless on the ground, his face bloodied and his body covered in wounds. Testing for signs of life, they realize he has no pulse. Xu Qi’an’s sudden death sends shockwaves through Wei Yuan and the Xu family. Devastated, Wei Yuan petitions the emperor to posthumously confer the title of marquis on the Xu family. However, ministers with longstanding grudges against Xu Qi’an from the Tax Silver case oppose the idea, claiming his humble background makes him unworthy.
In a rare display of anger, Wei Yuan turns and slaps one of the dissenting ministers in court. The normally composed Wei Yuan’s actions shock everyone, including the emperor, who can’t help but laugh. Wei Yuan argues that Xu Qi’an sacrificed his life for the court and deserves recognition. Eventually, the emperor agrees to Wei Yuan’s request. Furious at losing his most trusted assistant, Wei Yuan orders an assault on the Witch God Sect.
The Xu family is overwhelmed with grief. Xu Pingzhi retrieves Xu Qi’an’s body and weeps uncontrollably, clutching his memorial tablet. The family, who recently moved into a larger home thanks to Xu Qi’an’s achievements, is devastated by his untimely death. Even his aunt, who had often criticized him, is moved to tears.
On the day of the funeral, many come to pay their respects, including Xiao Rou and Caiwei. Xu Pingzhi sorrowfully closes the coffin lid, preparing to lay his nephew to rest. Suddenly, an orange tabby cat rushes toward the coffin. The crowd gasps and tries to chase it away. Unbeknownst to them, the cat is actually Master Jinlian of the Heavenly Alliance in disguise. Having heard of Xu Qi’an’s death, Master Jinlian comes to investigate and discovers a faint trace of life within him. Using a spell, he revives Xu Qi’an.
The crowd is stunned as the coffin lid creaks open. Believing it to be a corpse revival, they cry out in alarm. Xu Pingzhi cautiously approaches as a hand struggles out of the coffin, followed by Xu Qi’an’s injured face. Caiwei quickly uses her energy-seeing technique to confirm it is indeed Xu Qi’an. The crowd is amazed and gathers to celebrate his miraculous recovery.
Wei Yuan, in the midst of planning military strategy, is brought to tears when Xiao Rou reports Xu Qi’an’s survival. Meanwhile, Xu Qi’an lies in a bathtub, recalling the strange visions he had while unconscious. Many details remain unclear, and he cannot remember anything from the day he was attacked.
After cleansing himself, Xu Qi’an visits Wei Yuan. Wei Yuan, visibly relieved, places a hand on his shoulder and asks what happened. Xu Qi’an expresses suspicion toward Zhu Yang, but Wei Yuan dismisses the notion, explaining that Zhu Yang, now aligned with the Ministry of War, has been busy exposing corruption among the Nightwatchers. Wei Yuan believes the attack was orchestrated by the Witch God Sect’s spiritualist, exploiting Xu Qi’an’s greatest fears. However, the spiritualist did not seem intent on killing him outright. Wei Yuan advises Xu Qi’an to attribute his survival to taking the Si Tianjian’s Rebirth Pill if anyone inquires.
Back at Spring Wind Hall, Xu Qi’an wonders why his three close friends did not visit him during the funeral. He learns they had immediately set out for Yunzhou on a small boat to avenge him. Touched, Xu Qi’an uses his jade mirror to contact Member Two in Yunzhou, asking her to intercept them and ensure their safe return. Member Three, already en route to the capital, plans to meet Xu Qi’an. To maintain his cover, Xu Qi’an claims he is preparing for examinations and directs her to his Nightwatcher brother instead.
Caiwei brings Xu Qi’an a Rebirth Pill. That night, the pill’s effects trigger vivid memories, allowing Xu Qi’an to recall the entire sequence of events leading to his attack with perfect clarity.
