In the Dark Domain’s Molten Abyss Execution Ground, Xie Xuechen is trapped. The Dark Domain’s Lord, Sang Qi, has brought his forces here, and they have united to confront Xie Xuechen. The Dark Domain’s Saintess, Mu Xuanling, arrives on the scene. She explains that the Molten Abyss is the burial site of gods from ten thousand years ago. Every hour, the wrath of ancient gods erupts, whipping the primordial spirits into bone-deep pain. Along with the Slaying God Terrace in the Divine Realm, it is one of the two most terrifying places in the world. Mu Xuanling mentions that no one has ever survived three days here, yet Xie Xuechen has endured seven days. She praises Xie Xuechen as truly deserving of being the son of Heaven’s Path and the strongest sword cultivator. Mu Xuanling lifts Xie Xuechen’s face and remarks that his appearance is unforgettable.
She asks if they have met somewhere before, but Xie Xuechen pulls his hand away. However, Mu Xuanling immediately twists his head and kisses him. She says she heard that he endured seven days without any sign of yielding and comments that Xie Xuechen’s bones are indeed hard. Mu Xuanling touches Xie Xuechen’s lips and notes that while his bones are so hard, his lips are quite soft. She expresses regret, saying it’s a pity that he has exhausted all his cultivation. Now, he cannot break through Sang Qi’s formation. As she speaks, Mu Xuanling continues to touch him, stating that Xie Xuechen is willing to sacrifice his life for the human race. She asks why he has to do that. Xie Xuechen responds that it would be such a pity for such a handsome man to die. A man beside them adds that as long as Xie Xuechen is willing to pledge allegiance, they will certainly cleanse him and send him to her.
Scene from Episode 1 of “The Blossoming Love”
Sang Qi is in seclusion when Elder Sect Master Xiuxian requests a meeting. Sang Qi asks why he is so eager to meet during his seclusion. Elder Sect Master Xiuxian responds that he is truly impressive, being injured yet able to split his form to appear. Sang Qi inquires if he is also here to seek information. Elder Sect Master Xiuxian reminds him not to forget the tasks they have assisted them with. Sang Qi assures him he won’t forget. He knows they are searching for the Chaos Pearl, and he is also diligently seeking it. Sang Qi tells them not to interfere; if there are any results, he will naturally inform them. With that, he takes something from Elder Sect Master Xiuxian.
After Elder Sect Master Xiuxian leaves, Mu Xuanling arrives. She asks Sang Qi why he is cooperating with the human race, especially since they clearly harbor enmity against humans. Moreover, Sang Qi prefers to cooperate with humans without revealing his plans to her. She questions whether Sang Qi thinks she is inferior to humans. Mu Xuanling states that she knows Sang Qi is searching for the Chaos Pearl. Additionally, he has imprisoned Xie Xuechen in the Dark Domain’s Molten Abyss to force him to reveal the location of the Celestial Alliance Jade Order, as only the Celestial Alliance Jade Order can lead to the Chaos Pearl’s whereabouts. While they are conversing, someone informs them that Xie Xuechen has fought his way towards them. Mu Xuanling instructs Sang Qi to stay behind while she deals with Xie Xuechen alone.
She arrives outside and sees that Xie Xuechen has defeated all the guards at the entrance. Mu Xuanling steps forward to engage Xie Xuechen in combat. However, Xie Xuechen proves to be no match for Mu Xuanling. Soon, the Dark Domain’s Shadow of War also chases after them, and it is about to attack Xie Xuechen. Mu Xuanling quickly uses Xie Xuechen’s sword to press against her own neck and quietly tells Xie Xuechen that this aligns with her intentions. She then leads Xie Xuechen out of the Dark Domain. After saying a few words, Xie Xuechen faints. Mu Xuanling takes him to a residence, and when Xie Xuechen wakes up, he sees Mu Xuanling. While the two are playfully interacting on the bed, an elderly lady enters and prepares some food for Xie Xuechen.
Scene from Episode 1 of “The Blossoming Love”
The two pretend to be a runaway couple, hiding here because they are being pursued. Mu Xuanling declares that she wants to follow Xie Xuechen, but Xie Xuechen refuses to let her. Mu Xuanling reminds him not to forget that she is from the Dark Domain and not a good person; if he is willing, she can take the entire human race as hostages. The two stay for several days and prepare to leave, but the Dark Domain’s Shadow of Desire pursues them. She uses a mental illusion to trap both of them inside and tells Mu Xuanling to use her own mind to think about how Xie Xuechen escaped. Without anyone’s assistance, could he have escaped from the Molten Abyss? Mu Xuanling states that the person who helped him is herself. Upon hearing this, the Shadow of Desire hesitates.
