Within the borders of Xi Lin, the people are suffering—food is scarce, and chaos looms. Following Zhao Ming’s orders, Ah Yan travels to Xi Lin to assess the situation. While inside the Xi Lin palace, he overhears a conversation between the ruler and the Desire God. The Desire God is scheming to incite war to distract Zhao Ming. At the same time, Princess Qingyang of Xi Lin requests medicine from her father, only to be scolded and dismissed.
Ah Yan reports everything he has seen to Zhao Ming, who confirms his suspicions that the gods are meddling in the mortal world. Zhao Ming dispatches people to quell disputes between nations. Seeing her plan fail, the Desire God devises another strategy.
Meanwhile, the Grandmaster’s attendant, Zichen, excitedly informs him that the celestial gods are coming to bestow divinity upon Zhao Ming. The Grandmaster dismisses this, calling it meaningless to Zhao Ming. Elsewhere, the Desire God offers Zhao Ming divinity in exchange for the sacrifice of 3,000 children. Zhao Ming rejects the offer, cutting the divine decree with his sword. For Zhao Ming, becoming a god holds no appeal. He issues a decree that any celestial being entering Dongze will be killed. Zhao Ming then attempts to strike the Desire God, who escapes as a wisp of smoke, warning him of divine retribution.
The Desire God conspires with War God and Obsession God, planning to incite neighboring nations to attack Dongze.
The Battle Preparations Begin
Upon learning of the impending threat, Zhao Ming instructs Ah Yan to alert the generals to prepare for battle. Ah Zhu brings Zhao Ming food, insisting he eat with her, claiming she cannot eat without him. Zhao Ming teases her, noting that her real intention is to ensure he eats. Ah Zhu admits her limited understanding of larger matters but emphasizes that one needs energy to tackle problems. Zhao Ming then reveals that he plans to lead the battle personally. Ah Zhu, aware of the difference between a general’s campaign and a king’s involvement, asks if it’s truly necessary. Zhao Ming explains that war is about both strategy and morale, emphasizing that this battle is not just against humans but gods, and he must win.
That night, Ah Zhu reflects on Zhao Ming’s words, her heart unsettled. She struggles to understand whether her feelings stem from worry or reluctance to let him go. Suddenly, a lightning bolt strikes near her. Fortunately, the Grandmaster arrives just in time to shield her. She faints, and the Grandmaster lays her on a bed, recalling her earlier words about devotion. She had said that as long as she thought of Zhao Ming, she would always be by his side. Moved by her loyalty, the Grandmaster visits Haotian at the divine altar, warning him not to harm Ah Zhu.
Haotian declares that the lightning was a divine warning against Ah Zhu’s growing affection. When asked if he loves Ah Zhu, Zhao Ming denies it. Before departing, Zhao Ming bids Ah Zhu farewell, giving her a pouch of sweets, promising to return by the time she finishes them. Ah Zhu, determined to protect Zhao Ming, begins practicing swordsmanship.
A Secret Revealed
Two months pass. Ah Zhu spends her days writing “Zhao Ming” all over her room, longing for him. The Grandmaster, noticing her obsession, gifts her a brush and encourages her to “write her own destiny.” Ah Zhu is puzzled by his words. The Grandmaster then takes her to Zhao Ming’s secret base, questioning if she truly knows him. He reveals that Zhao Ming plans to use the power of her Chaos Pearl to fight the gods. Confused, Ah Zhu denies knowing about the Chaos Pearl, insisting she is simply Ah Zhu. The Grandmaster proposes a wager, but Ah Zhu refuses until he presents a Qian Kun Pearl, claiming it can alter time and save Zhao Ming. Reluctantly, Ah Zhu agrees.
A few days later, Ah Yan informs Ah Zhu that Zhao Ming has been injured. Rushing to the battlefield, she finds him safe, though slightly wounded. Princess Qingyang, who had been captured as a war trophy, is also present. Ah Yan explains that she was sent as a peace offering from the defeated Xi Lin. Disgusted, Ah Zhu remarks, “How can a person be a gift?”
