Xie Xuechen confronts Sang Qi with his sword, asking if Sang Qi knows why it is named “Juntian” (Equal to Heaven). Demonstrating its power, Xie Xuechen draws energy from the surrounding plants and focuses it into his blade, explaining that its true name is “Wanwusheng” (All Things Thrive). He then strikes Sang Qi, knocking him down. However, Sang Qi quickly rises and turns his attention to Gao Qiumin and Su Ningzhen, advancing toward them.
Terrified, Gao Qiumin raises her sword. Sang Qi questions Su Ningzhen about Su Ningxi’s whereabouts. Su Ningzhen admits that both she and Sang Qi loved Su Ningxi deeply but concedes that Sang Qi has more right to see her. Pointing to an unmarked grave nearby, she reveals that Su Ningxi lies there.
Su Ningzhen’s Farewell
Su Ningzhen passes her sword to Gao Qiumin, who tearfully begs her not to leave. Su Ningzhen explains that her spiritual energy has been entirely depleted and urges Gao Qiumin to take care of herself. As if seeing Su Ningxi’s figure, Su Ningzhen declares she is going to reunite with her sister.
Sang Qi approaches the grave and finds Su Ningxi’s corpse, with his severed arm lying beside her. Overcome with emotion, he vows to take Su Ningxi home.
Mu Xuanling’s Secret
Meanwhile, Xie Xuechen watches over the unconscious Mu Xuanling and questions Nan Xuyue about her condition. Nan Xuyue reveals that Mu Xuanling’s body contains not only the Lingxi energy but also the effects of the “Enlightened Heart” potion. Xie Xuechen deduces that someone tampered with her memory, causing her to forget drinking the potion while retaining memories of their shared moments.
Nan Xuyue also reveals the antidote’s location—on Luo Wu Mountain, where the Longevity Lotus and Enlightened Heart Grass grow together as opposing forces. Xie Xuechen accuses Nan Xuyue of harboring feelings for Mu Xuanling and vows not to give him a chance, promising to protect her himself. Nan Xuyue cryptically remarks that everyone changes over ten years.
When Mu Xuanling awakens, Nan Xuyue gifts her a jade token to protect her from danger. Before she can react, Xie Xuechen arrives, pulling her away to set off for Luo Wu Mountain.
Gao Qiumin Faces Resistance
Back at Jinghua Palace, Gao Qiumin sits in Su Ningzhen’s former seat, but her authority is immediately challenged by dissenters who claim she is unfit for the role. Fu Lansheng overhears the criticism and defends her, but Gao Qiumin dismisses his help, choosing to leave with him. Fu Lansheng comforts her and invites her to visit Bixiao Palace.
Later, Xie Xuechen also invites Gao Qiumin to Yongxue City. She declines but surprises him by keeping the secret of Mu Xuanling’s identity as the Chaos Pearl. Gao Qiumin remarks that this secret is leverage against Mu Xuanling. Xie Xuechen laughs, noting that her harsh words hide a soft heart.
The Journey to Luo Wu Mountain
Xie Xuechen and Mu Xuanling arrive in a Spirit Clan settlement. As they eat, Mu Xuanling becomes distracted by a muscular man at a nearby table, much to Xie Xuechen’s annoyance. To silence her, he uses his magic to prevent her from speaking, sparking a heated but wordless argument.
The duo then checks into an inn, where the proprietress—a snake spirit—takes a liking to Xie Xuechen and attempts to stop them. Xie Xuechen lifts his spell on Mu Xuanling, tasking her with dealing with the snake spirit. If she fails, he threatens to silence her again. They manage to proceed to their room, where Xie Xuechen insists Mu Xuanling take the bed while he meditates.
Fu Lansheng and Gao Qiumin at Bixiao Palace
Fu Lansheng takes Gao Qiumin to Bixiao Palace, where Duan Xiaorong welcomes them. She assigns a guest room for Gao Qiumin and urges Fu Lansheng to review the account books. When Fu Lansheng leaves, Fu Yuanting questions Duan Xiaorong about her intentions. She admits she is testing Gao Qiumin as a potential daughter-in-law, explaining that a stern first impression is necessary.
While reviewing the accounts, Fu Lansheng finds himself distracted by thoughts of Gao Qiumin and rushes to find her, carrying a tray of pastries to cheer her up.
