Jin Yao Confronts Zhong Zhao
That evening, Jin Yao sought out Zhong Zhao, questioning him about Fan Yue’s assault on Cold Spring Palace and expressing shock upon learning that Fu Ling was Bai Xi. Zhong Zhao pleaded with his master to spare Fu Ling, but Jin Yao, emphasizing her crimes and the lives she had taken, stated that sparing her was already an act of mercy.
When Jin Yao prepared to take Zhong Zhao back to Lanling Sect, Zhong Zhao refused, explaining that his fusion of celestial and demonic powers would bring trouble to the sect. He wished to stay by Fu Ling’s side instead. Jin Yao warned him that Fu Ling was no longer the Bai Xi of the past and urged him not to get too entangled, lest he endanger himself.
Tian Yu’s Plans and Fan Yue’s Memories
Meanwhile, Tian Yu hid to recover from his injuries, cursing the Wu Nian Stone for its immense power, which had severely wounded him. Acknowledging his mistake in underestimating Fan Yue and Bai Shuo, he resolved to capture them at all costs. Using his hidden powers, he planned to track Zhong Zhao and ensure no one escaped his grasp.
Fan Yue and Bai Shuo returned to Ning’an City, revisiting the Buji Tower. The sight brought back memories of happier times, though the contrast with the present left Fan Yue emotionally conflicted. At the same time, Zhong Zhao tended to Fu Ling, preparing steamed buns for her. Despite overhearing Jin Yao’s warning the previous night, Fu Ling tried to distance herself, but Zhong Zhao continued to treat her with warmth.
Bai Shuo’s Realization and Fan Yue’s Past
That night, Fan Yue’s violet eyes glowed, triggering visions of the divine clan and transforming the moon into a violet hue. Bai Shuo noticed the phenomenon, gazing at the moon and recalling that her savior from a decade ago bore a striking resemblance to Fan Yue. She asked him to repeat the words her savior had once said, confirming that he was indeed the person from her past.
Overwhelmed, Bai Shuo embraced Fan Yue, but he dismissed her gratitude, explaining that he was merely a Bai Ze youth at the time, not the Demon God Jing Yuan. Bai Shuo assured him that her admiration for Jing Yuan was secondary to her love for him, reaffirming her feelings.
Fu Ling’s Struggles and Zhong Zhao’s Revelation
As Fu Ling suffered from worsening Heart-Poison, she bit her wrist in pain. Zhong Zhao, alarmed, offered his own wrist for her to bite, alleviating her agony. In her delirium, Fu Ling muttered her guilt and claimed she could not face Bai Shuo. Elsewhere, Bai Shuo and Fan Yue discussed the identity of the mysterious figure from the Moon Hidden Sea, resolving to gather the Five Sentiments to uncover the truth. Fan Yue recalled gifting a star-moon bracelet to a woman, a memory that left him shaken.
Zhong Zhao carried the weakened Fu Ling to Bai Shuo, asking for her help. However, Bai Shuo, unable to forgive Fu Ling for her father’s murder and past atrocities, was cold and dismissive. Zhong Zhao revealed that Fu Ling might know Bai Xi’s whereabouts, prompting Bai Shuo to reconsider. Fu Ling, however, lied, claiming that Bai Xi was already dead.
After giving Fu Ling a pill to ease the Heart-Poison, Bai Shuo listened as Zhong Zhao reminisced about his childhood. He revealed that the greatest comfort during his youth was receiving secret notes, which he had always believed came from Bai Shuo. Shocked, Bai Shuo admitted that the notes were actually from Bai Xi. Realizing he had misattributed his feelings, Zhong Zhao confessed his love to Fu Ling, finally understanding that she was the one he truly cherished.
Fu Ling’s Recovered Memories
As Fu Ling’s memories resurfaced, she recalled a childhood incident where she found Zhong Zhao’s injured mother, Meng Ning, who handed her a wooden plaque with a warning for Zhong Zhao to avoid Lanling Sect. Before Fu Ling could act, a mysterious man attacked Meng Ning and knocked Fu Ling unconscious. Sharing this with Zhong Zhao, Fu Ling suggested the attacker might have been from Lanling Sect.
Tian Yu’s Desperation
Tian Yu, failing to repair the ancient mirror, grew furious at the Old Turtle for deceiving him. He decided to use the turtle’s life force to fix the mirror. Bai Shuo and Fan Yue, receiving a distress signal from the Old Turtle, rushed east to Bodhi Village. There, they found a simple and harmonious community that revered a woman named Luan Zhu as a goddess. Luan Zhu looked at Fan Yue with a nostalgic expression, and Fan Yue, noticing her star-moon bracelet, speculated that she might have a connection to Jing Yuan.
