At Bixiao Palace, a wanted notice for He Xianwo is posted, sparking discussions about his audacity in abducting Gao Qiumin. Fu Lansheng sits in sorrow before his parents’ memorial tablets. A Bao brings him food, fearing he no longer likes her or wishes to see her. Fu Lansheng reassures her, explaining that while he no longer wishes to see Fu Cangli due to his actions, A Bao remains dear to him.
News arrives about Gao Qiumin, prompting Fu Lansheng to join Xie Xuechen and the others. Nan Xuyue informs them that Gao Qiumin was taken by He Xianwo to the Dark Domain. They speculate about He Xianwo’s intentions, with Mu Xuanling recalling that Fu Cangli once mentioned He Xianwo’s goal to open the Heavenly Ladder. She deduces that He Xianwo likely believes Gao Qiumin to be the Chaos Pearl and intends to use her to achieve his plan. Fu Lansheng questions how Gao Qiumin could be the Chaos Pearl.
Mu Xuanling asserts that Gao Qiumin is not the Chaos Pearl. Nan Xuyue explains that the Chaos Pearl was the artifact that once severed the Heavenly Ladder. This explains why He Xianwo needs it to repair the ladder. Nan Xuyue elaborates that the Chaos Pearl governs time and space (司尘), while the Book of Destiny governs cause and effect (司命). Both are divine artifacts beyond human control. Since the Book of Destiny remains missing, He Xianwo focuses on locating the Chaos Pearl.
Fu Lansheng declares his intent to rescue Gao Qiumin from the Dark Domain, but Mu Xuanling cautions him against acting without leverage. Nan Xuyue silently clenches his fan, sensing the weight of the plan.
Meanwhile, in the Dark Domain, He Xianwo releases Gao Qiumin from a painting crafted by Nan Xuyue. He reveals that this is where the Heavenly Ladder was severed and demands she help restore it. Gao Qiumin insists she is not the Chaos Pearl, but He Xianwo claims she can summon it. He believes Mu Xuanling is the real Chaos Pearl, and Gao Qiumin’s denial only reinforces his suspicion.
At that moment, Mu Xuanling and the others arrive. Gao Qiumin accuses Nan Xuyue and He Xianwo of collusion. He Xianwo, seeing the true Chaos Pearl, throws Fu Lansheng and Gao Qiumin into a nearby black hole.
Left with Nan Xuyue and the others, He Xianwo activates the Death Gate Formation. Earlier, Xie Xuechen had consulted Qian Guangjun about breaking the Universal Formation, learning it required three powerful individuals, one of whom must face the Death Gate. He Xianwo mocks Xie Xuechen’s trust in Nan Xuyue, revealing that Nan Xuyue had confessed his coercion and involvement beforehand. However, Nan Xuyue betrays them, placing all three within the Death Gate. The formation, once activated, is irreversible.
Mu Xuanling collapses, having shielded Xie Xuechen with a jade pendant given to her by Nan Xuyue. She had overheard Xie Xuechen and Xuanxin discussing the pendant’s protective power. Nan Xuyue’s calculations fail, and he is devastated to see Mu Xuanling die by his hand. Overcome with grief and disbelief, he attempts to approach her, but Xie Xuechen warns he will kill him if he moves closer. Feng Yao takes the injured Nan Xuyue away.
Mu Xuanling’s spilled blood activates the Heavenly Ladder. He Xianwo ascends, finding not gods but the long-lost Book of Destiny at its summit.
