Xie Xuechen was preparing to bring Mu Xuanling back to Yongxue City. Mu Xuanling asked how he planned to introduce her. She joked, suggesting he just tell everyone she was the Chaos Pearl. Xie Xuechen warned her not to reveal that, as people would turn their swords against her. While the two were engaged in a close conversation, Nan Xuyue appeared. Watching them from a distance, he felt uneasy. Feng Yao asked why he came if it upset him. Nan Xuyue denied feeling troubled, saying the outcome was already decided and unchangeable. He compared Xie Xuechen and Mu Xuanling’s fate to Qian Guangjun and Fengxiang’s—both couples seemed destined for a similar path.
When Xie Xuechen and Mu Xuanling reached the gates of Yongxue City, Elder Cang approached them, delighted to see Xie Xuechen. However, when he noticed Mu Xuanling hiding behind him, his expression changed. Elder Cang questioned why Xie Xuechen had brought her back. Instead of answering, Xie Xuechen turned to smile at Mu Xuanling, who explained that Xie Xuechen had brought her back to atone for his sins. But Xie Xuechen surprised everyone by taking Mu Xuanling’s hand, leaving Elder Cang shocked. Xie Xuechen declared that Mu Xuanling wasn’t captured but had willingly returned home with him. Amid the astonished gazes, Xie Xuechen and Mu Xuanling walked away. Once in her room, Mu Xuanling remarked that, compared to the cramped ship cabins she’d been sleeping in, her bed was much more comfortable.
While unpacking, Mu Xuanling noticed her belongings on the bed and picked up her diary, wondering if Xie Xuechen had peeked into it. Just then, Nan Xuyue entered the room, asking if she wasn’t curious about Xie Xuechen’s report to Elder Cang regarding the Chaos Pearl. Mu Xuanling replied that she wasn’t interested. Nan Xuyue agreed, sarcastically suggesting that the two of them could continue seeking comfort in each other. Mu Xuanling recalled an earlier conversation where Nan Xuyue had urged her to stand by his side. She clarified that she only said those things because she was poisoned. Nan Xuyue admitted he already knew. Mu Xuanling then returned a jade token Nan Xuyue had given her.
Mu Xuanling questioned Nan Xuyue about his true feelings for Xie Xuechen, asking if he genuinely cared for him. Nan Xuyue didn’t answer. Mu Xuanling warned him that Xie Xuechen was her bottom line—if he ever hurt Xie Xuechen, she would not forgive him. Nan Xuyue solemnly said that if such a day ever came, he’d let her kill him herself.
Later, Mu Xuanling decided to eavesdrop on Xie Xuechen and Elder Cang’s discussion. She overheard Xie Xuechen defending her and confidently reaffirming his decision to stand by her. Feeling pleased, she commented that it had been worth listening in. When Xie Xuechen returned to his room, he found it filled with flowers and plants. Knowing Mu Xuanling was behind it, he asked about the decorations. She explained that she had intended to set them up earlier but had been interrupted by Sang Qi’s control over her. Xie Xuechen hugged her, apologizing for not realizing how much she had endured. He promised it wouldn’t happen again. Mu Xuanling teased him, saying he should prepare himself for more surprises in his room. Xie Xuechen laughed, telling her that his room was hers to manage. Mu Xuanling then playfully tugged on his collar, asking if that included him as well. Xie Xuechen tried to excuse himself, saying he had official duties to attend to.
Meanwhile, Nan Xuyue dreamt about Mu Xuanling again. Frustrated, he sought out the former Master of the Withered Pavilion to propose a collaboration to unlock the Heavenly Ladder. He believed the visions in his dreams were scenes from the Celestial Realm.
While Xie Xuechen was working, he suddenly heard a voice repeatedly calling his name. He collapsed to the ground. Mu Xuanling hurriedly called Nan Xuyue to examine him. Nan Xuyue checked his pulse and assured her everything seemed normal. Just then, Xie Xuechen regained consciousness, mentioning that he kept hearing someone calling out to him. Nan Xuyue speculated that Xie Xuechen might be under the influence of a divine demon invasion.
At the same time, the former Master of the Withered Pavilion was preparing to open the gate to the Myriad Immortal Realm, intending to destroy humanity and claim the Chaos Pearl. Xie Xuechen tried to stop him but was again disturbed by the mysterious voice. The former Master of the Withered Pavilion then sought out Sang Qi, attempting to convince him to collaborate.
