Uneasy Reunion in Bodhi Village
Bai Shuo noticed the subtle tension between Fan Yue and Luan Zhu, suppressing her unease as she questioned Luan Zhu about the Old Turtle’s whereabouts. Suddenly, the Old Turtle emerged from the crowd and reunited with Bai Shuo and Fan Yue. The trio found temporary shelter in Bodhi Village, though Bai Shuo’s jealousy over Fan Yue’s apparent connection to Luan Zhu led to an emotional confrontation, leaving Fan Yue speechless and frustrated.
Bai Shuo, seeking answers, took the Old Turtle aside to inquire about his disappearance and the nature of Bodhi Village. The Old Turtle explained that he had been fleeing from Tian Yu’s pursuit and had stumbled upon Bodhi Village, where the villagers revered Luan Zhu as a goddess. According to local lore, Luan Zhu had been waiting for her lover from 60,000 years ago to return.
The Old Turtle speculated that Luan Zhu’s long-lost lover might be Jing Yuan, given Fan Yue’s divine essence. He warned Bai Shuo that, despite Fan Yue’s feelings for her, their time together would be limited by her human lifespan. The Old Turtle urged Bai Shuo not to sacrifice her happiness if Fan Yue’s feelings wavered.
Fan Yue and Luan Zhu’s Past
Fan Yue, determined to uncover the truth about his connection to Luan Zhu, confronted her directly. Luan Zhu revealed that they had known each other 60,000 years ago and spent a century together as lovers, vowing to stay together for eternity. Her words unsettled Fan Yue, who couldn’t deny the past shared by Jing Yuan and Luan Zhu, despite his feelings for Bai Shuo. After Fan Yue left, Luan Zhu resolved to keep him by her side, no matter what.
Zhong Zhao and Jin Yao’s Dispute
Meanwhile, Zhong Zhao approached Jin Yao to share a shocking revelation: his parents had not been killed by the demonic clan. Jin Yao, angered that this information came from Fu Ling, dismissed it as unreliable, especially since Fu Ling lacked evidence to identify the true culprit. Jin Yao insisted that Zhong Zhao avoid trusting Fu Ling’s words.
Fan Yue’s Assurances and Bai Shuo’s Doubts
Returning to Bai Shuo, Fan Yue recounted Luan Zhu’s revelations. Though Bai Shuo’s anger subsided, she remained jealous. Fan Yue reassured her, promising that as Fan Yue, his love was only for her, past, present, and future. Bai Shuo, recalling Jing Yuan’s comment about her eyes resembling someone else’s, wondered if he had been referring to Luan Zhu.
Bodhi Village’s Hidden Secrets
The next day, Bai Shuo and Fan Yue explored Bodhi Village, marveling at the harmony and abundance of the villagers, who lived without hardship. Fan Yue found the idyllic setting suspicious, believing it too perfect to be real. Their suspicions deepened when they encountered Zhong Zhao’s long-lost parents, Chong Tai and Meng Ning, who avoided discussing their mysterious disappearance. Bai Shuo, finding their behavior odd, wrote to Zhong Zhao about finding his parents.
Luan Zhu intercepted the letter but allowed it to reach Zhong Zhao. She then confronted Chong Tai and Meng Ning, instructing them to welcome their son warmly and extract information about Bai Shuo. When Zhong Zhao received the letter, he was overjoyed, and Fu Ling decided to accompany him to Bodhi Village.
Reunions and Suspicions
Zhong Zhao’s arrival with Fu Ling displeased Bai Shuo, but she prioritized uncovering the truth about Zhong Zhao’s parents. Reuniting with his parents, Zhong Zhao learned they had been attacked by the celestial clan, their celestial essence shattered, and were saved by Luan Zhu. They stayed in Bodhi Village out of fear of bringing trouble to their son.
Meng Ning, grateful for the reunion, warmly held Bai Shuo and Fu Ling’s hands, calling them by their childhood names. Alarmed, Bai Shuo began suspecting Fu Ling’s true identity. Meanwhile, Fan Yue questioned Tian Yu’s reasons for bringing Bai Xi back to Cold Spring Palace, believing there must be a deeper plot. If Qi Feng could live on as Shen Ye, Bai Xi might also have assumed a new identity.
Inspired by Fan Yue, Bai Shuo confronted Fu Ling, demanding the truth. Fu Ling lashed out, denying her identity to deter Bai Shuo from digging further. As Bai Shuo left, both Fu Ling and Zhong Zhao struggled with their emotions.
Dreams of the Past
Bai Shuo, convinced Fu Ling was Bai Xi, decided to leave with Fan Yue. However, Zhong Zhao felt unsettled by his parents’ indifference to his hardships over the years. Meanwhile, Luan Zhu cast a spell on Fan Yue, causing him to dream of his romantic past with her 60,000 years ago, leaving him increasingly conflicted.
