Nan Xu Yue activates the formation, declaring that it is now complete and that they should enter together. He mentions that it will only take ten breaths to reach Yongxue City. Mu Xuanling reminds Abao not to forget the promise she made to herself. Abao assures her that she will definitely not cause any trouble for Mu Xuanling once they arrive at Yongxue City. Abao adds that if she detects any aura from the Dark Race, she will immediately inform Mu Xuanling. After saying this, Abao transforms into a sniffing treasure mouse and burrows into the bag on Mu Xuanling’s back.
As they observe Nan Xu Yue’s formation, they notice that someone has placed a death curse within it. Nan Xu Yue instructs Feng Yao to come and help him immediately. Ultimately, the formation is forcibly shut down. Nan Xu Yue speculates that someone might have tampered with some of the materials used to activate the formation.
Abao blames herself for not detecting the aura of the killing formation. Nan Xu Yue responds that the aura of the killing formation is inherently difficult to detect, and his efforts to conceal it made it even harder for Abao to sense. Xie Xuechen also says it’s not Abao’s fault. Mu Xuanling adds that her cultivation level isn’t high, and with so many people around, there’s no way to blame her.
Xie Xuechen speculates that everything was orchestrated by the Xiuxian Sect. He suggests that perhaps starting from Jinghua Palace, it was a dual-purpose scheme. Nan Xu Yue explains that according to his reasoning, the incident at Jinghua Palace serves two purposes: firstly, to steal the Jade Order, and secondly, as a diversion to manipulate the materials of the teleportation array. Xie Xuechen mentions that Nan Xu Yue is most familiar with the materials for the teleportation array, so he would certainly notice any abnormalities.
Xie Xuechen states that they deliberately caused such a commotion to distract Nan Xu Yue as well. Mu Xuanling agrees, adding that Nan Xu Yue’s research into the teleportation array isn’t a secret. She points out that when Xie Xuechen emerged from the Dark Domain, he didn’t return directly to Yongxue City but instead came to Yinxiu Mountain Villa. They must know that Xie Xuechen’s magical power hasn’t fully recovered, so he plans to rely on the teleportation array to return. They are now unsure of what to do next.
After contemplating, Nan Xu Yue suggests another method. He produces a boat, stating that it can take them to Yongxue City. Mu Xuanling questions how such a small boat can carry all of them, to which Nan Xu Yue pours water onto the boat.
Immediately, the small boat transforms into a flying vessel and ascends into the sky. They board the boat, preparing to depart. Nan Xu Yue mentions that the teleportation array will take ten breaths to reach their destination, but the boat might take a bit longer. Mu Xuanling sits by the side of the boat, enjoying the scenery, and Nan Xu Yue joins her to keep her company. While they are conversing, Xie Xuechen also emerges from the boat. Mu Xuanling asks him if he came out to enjoy the view as well. Xie Xuechen replies that he just needed some fresh air. Mu Xuanling remarks that he lacks any sense of humor and suggests that he should learn from Nan Xu Yue. Xie Xuechen warns her that speaking that way in Yongxue City could get her expelled from the sect. Mu Xuanling responds that she knows she can control herself.
Two days later, they arrive above Yongxue City. Nan Xu Yue tells Mu Xuanling that unlike Jinghua Palace, which is always in spring, Yongxue City is covered in ice and snow every day, creating a vast white expanse with no room for any flaws. After explaining, they descend to the gates of Yongxue City, where disciples greet Xie Xuechen, the young city leader, upon his return. Xie Xuechen meets Elder Cang, and after exchanging greetings with Nan Xu Yue, he introduces Mu Xuanling. He informs Elder Cang that Mu Xuanling will also be a disciple of Yongxue City from now on and asks her to study under Elder Cang. Xie Xuechen inquires about the whereabouts of the Alliance Leader, expressing his desire to meet him. Elder Yu informs him that the Alliance Leader is still in seclusion. Xie Xuechen mentions that since he left, the Alliance Leader has been in seclusion and hasn’t emerged yet.
Determined to find the Alliance Leader, Xie Xuechen goes in search but discovers that the Alliance Leader is dead. He is deeply saddened and feels guilty because the Alliance Leader was also his father. Nan Xu Yue comments that the incident at Jinghua Palace was not just a dual-purpose scheme but perhaps even a triple-staged plot. Xie Xuechen has kept himself extremely busy every day to distract himself from his sorrow and prevent himself from feeling too upset. Mu Xuanling warns Nan Xu Yue that if things continue like this, something bad will happen. Nan Xu Yue explains that Xie Xuechen wasn’t always like this; since he began his cultivation, he has become more calm, restrained, and indifferent.
Mu Xuanling finds Xie Xuechen and attempts to comfort him, but Xie Xuechen asks her to leave. Unwilling to depart, Mu Xuanling tells him that he doesn’t need to be like this and that he can still have emotions. After some comforting words, Xie Xuechen embraces her and begins to cry, which causes Nan Xu Yue to turn and leave upon witnessing the scene.
