Soon, the Wu Nian Stone takes effect miraculously. Under Bai Shuo’s blood nourishment, the Love Tree gradually regains its vitality, and the figure of Ah Qi reappears. Just as Chang Mei approaches to “reunite” with Ah Qi, Fan Yue suddenly appears to save Bai Shuo, causing Ah Qi to dissipate and plunging Chang Mei back into pain.
Mu Jiu hurriedly runs to find Tian Huo and discovers that Tian Huo has lifted the curse. It turns out that Fan Yue was never affected and points out that Xiao Ba held her back for a reason. Fan Yue did not kill Xiao Ba because she knew he was not truly evil. Xiao Ba, in his quest to uncover the truth from years ago, agreed to bring Fan Yue to the Love Tree.
Tian Huo, knowing that Mu Jiu saved her and agreed to inherit the position of mountain master, feels touched and embraces him tightly.
Bai Shuo suspects that Ah Qi’s death is suspicious. If Ah Qi had truly willingly sacrificed himself for the fox clan, he wouldn’t have remained bound for a thousand years unless he was killed by Chang Mei. Enraged by this, Chang Mei finally reveals the truth under everyone’s questioning. Although Mu Jiu was able to be reborn thanks to Fan Yue’s defiance of fate, he was inherently weak and remained like a baby for two hundred years. Therefore, Chang Mei took it upon herself to retrieve the Weak Water Stone and place it inside Mu Jiu, causing the Love Tree to wither.
As a result, when Ah Qi tried to persuade Chang Mei to return the Weak Water Stone, she mistrusted and accused him. Ultimately, to protect her beloved Chang Mei and the entire Jingyou Mountain fox clan, Ah Qi chose to sacrifice himself to the Love Tree. After hearing Chang Mei’s words, Bai Shuo suddenly understands and reveals that the true reason the Love Tree was devouring people was not Ah Qi’s resentment but Chang Mei’s guilt-induced grudge.
Meanwhile, Xi Xi removes the evil insect from Fu Ling, whose mind is flooded with numerous images—possibly memory fragments—depicting two little girls playing together. However, the images flash too quickly, making them impossible to fully see. After calming down, Fu Ling decides to personally seek out Zhong Zhao, even if Zhong Zhao feels nothing for her, at least to live once according to her heart’s desire.
Bai Shuo comforts Chang Mei, telling her she should no longer fall into self-blame and guilt. Ah Qi’s sacrifice was an act of love; if she turns that fulfillment into a prison for herself, she is truly letting him down. Chang Mei has borne too much responsibility and pain, believing that by protecting Mu Jiu, she could honor her sister Linglong’s spirit. Unfortunately, she still feels she has disappointed Ah Qi and has been unable to forgive herself. Xiao Ba hopes Chang Mei can pull herself together, and to protect Mu Jiu and the secret of the Weak Water Stone, he resolutely decides to follow his brother’s example by sacrificing himself to the Love Tree.
Seeing this, Fan Yue feels a mix of emotions. He and Bai Shuo walk back, with Bai Shuo worrying that more changes might occur tonight. Fan Yue remembers everything Bai Shuo said, affirming that every pair who truly loves each other and is willing to protect one another with their lives will not harbor resentment because of their sacrifices. Love should not be torment but mutual salvation.
In the next moment, Fan Yue initiates a kiss with Bai Shuo. Coincidentally, Bai Shuo sees Zhong Zhao suddenly draw his sword and attack. Zhong Zhao is injured while trying to protect Fan Yue, leading Bai Shuo to angrily accuse Zhong Zhao of deceit. Bai Shuo believes Zhong Zhao is already part of the Cold Spring Palace and, despite not wanting to believe it, the facts are clear. If he continues to believe Zhong Zhao’s words, it would be foolish. After speaking, he and Fan Yue leave swiftly.
Fu Ling, fully aware that dealing with both Fan Yue and Chang Mei—the two demon kings—would be difficult, releases her demonic aura to cause the Love Tree to wither again. She then assassinates Chang Sheng, framing Chang Mei and Hao Yue for the act. As expected, the fox clan becomes enraged, demanding explanations from Chang Mei. Disillusioned with the fox clan, Chang Mei agrees to repair the Love Tree herself but mocks the clan for their infighting. She claims that they never truly resented Linglong but merely wanted a scapegoat to blame for their woes.
Bai Shuo is shocked to learn that Chang Mei intends to counterbalance the Love Tree with her life and regrets having burdened her. After changing her clothes, Tian Huo hands her wedding attire to Mu Jiu. When Mu Jiu goes to find Chang Mei, he hears the clan members discussing the mountain master’s intention to perform a sacrificial burial. Facing Mu Jiu’s inquiries, Tian Huo honestly reveals his true heritage and confesses everything. Shaken by this revelation, Mu Jiu casts a curse on the tea water intended for Chang Mei and decides to take responsibility personally.
Since Mu Jiu’s spiritual power is completely merged with the Weak Water Stone, Fan Yue knows that removing the Weak Water Stone to nourish the Love Tree means Mu Jiu will lose his life. Bai Shuo deduces that they need to help the fox clan resolve the issue with the Love Tree to obtain the Wu Nian Stone. Fan Yue worries about Bai Shuo’s health but insists on collecting the five Wu Nian Stones for him.
Meanwhile, Chen Ye visits Ning’an City with the intent to attack Bai Yu using an evil insect but is thwarted by Jing Lei.
