Mu Xuanling agrees to go with Sang Qi on the condition that he spares Nan Xuyue’s life. She explains that Nan Xuyue is not part of the Immortal Alliance and poses no threat to him. Sang Qi agrees and refrains from killing Nan Xuyue. However, as Nan Xuyue tries to warn others, Sang Qi notices and intervenes. Declaring his disdain for people who act in secret, he knocks Nan Xuyue unconscious.
As Sang Qi is about to leave with Mu Xuanling, Xie Xuechen arrives, joined by other members of the Immortal Alliance, gathered at the Chaos Pearl Tower. Sang Qi greets Xie Xuechen with a mocking tone, remarking that they meet again. Xie Xuechen questions his late-night visit, to which Sang Qi responds that he is here to take Mu Xuanling away.
Xie Xuechen attempts to stop Sang Qi, but Sang Qi begins unleashing his dark powers on the mortal realm. Caught in a dilemma, Xie Xuechen gazes at the impending destruction. Urging Mu Xuanling to wait for him, he turns his attention to protecting the mortal world. Though he successfully defends it, he sustains injuries. Determined, Xie Xuechen confronts Sang Qi again, insisting that Mu Xuanling has now dispersed her demonic powers and become a disciple of Yongxue City.
Sang Qi dismisses Xie Xuechen’s argument, claiming that Mu Xuanling has not received his approval to change sects. The two engage in another fierce battle, and Xie Xuechen is knocked to the ground. Despite his injuries, he rises once more to block Sang Qi from taking Mu Xuanling.
Tragedy Unfolds
Xie Xuechen’s blood sprays across Mu Xuanling’s face, prompting her to draw her sword and stab him. She reveals to Xie Xuechen that Sang Qi is telling the truth: her initial approach to Xie Xuechen was never innocent. Sang Qi shows Xie Xuechen the images stored in the Shadow Stone, revealing that Mu Xuanling’s rescue of Xie Xuechen in Rongyuan was sanctioned by him. He emphasizes that the fleeting beauty of that moment was unique in the world.
Stunned, Xie Xuechen ceases his resistance, watching helplessly as Sang Qi takes Mu Xuanling away. Meanwhile, the decaying Pavilion Master arrives at the Chaos Pearl Tower. Though Fa Jian tries to stop him, he fails, and the members of the Immortal Alliance are all defeated.
Inside the tower, the Pavilion Master finds the Chaos Pearl and is overjoyed. However, upon holding it, he realizes it is a fake and crushes it in anger. Exiting the tower, he encounters Xie Xuechen, remarking on his prompt arrival. As Xie Xuechen prepares to fight, the Pavilion Master taunts him about his injuries, suggesting his efforts to protect the Chaos Pearl may have been in vain. After delivering these cutting words, the Pavilion Master leaves. Xie Xuechen inspects the shattered pearl on the ground and recalls the Pavilion Master’s words, finally realizing the Chaos Pearl was indeed a counterfeit.
Mu Xuanling’s Dilemma
Mu Xuanling, now with Sang Qi, demands to know what more he wants, as she has already returned to him. Sang Qi retorts that her willingness would only be genuine if she truly meant it, accusing her of acting out a performance for Xie Xuechen. When Mu Xuanling urges him to kill her, Sang Qi points out that Xie Xuechen sacrificed greatly to extend her life—could she really bear to die?
Sang Qi reveals that Xie Xuechen transferred his Jade Palace Power to her, explaining why her demonic abilities dissipated but her strength increased. He mockingly notes Xie Xuechen’s care for her. Sang Qi then attempts to extract the Jade Palace Power from Mu Xuanling, only to find he cannot. Producing a potion called “Enlightened Heart,” he tells Mu Xuanling that drinking it will erase all feelings she has for Xie Xuechen.
Despite retaining memories of their shared experiences, she would lose all emotional attachment to him. Mu Xuanling questions whether Sang Qi has ever loved anyone. He admits that he might have but was deeply hurt. Even so, he refuses to drink the potion himself, unwilling to forget the warmth he once experienced. Sang Qi, angered by Mu Xuanling’s insight into his heart, forces her to drink the potion.
A Love Left Unfulfilled
Nan Xuyue regains consciousness, realizing that Mu Xuanling is the woman from his dreams. Yet, he fails to save her. Later, Nan Xuyue visits Xie Xuechen. Both men reflect on their inability to rescue Mu Xuanling, leaving Nan Xuyue pondering the true meaning of love.
