Under a bright, clear moon, Yan Zi Jing takes Duan Wu for a walk in the bustling market after dinner. Having noticed her admiration for the flowers earlier, he surprises her by buying out the entire market’s floral offerings. Surrounded by a sea of blooms with their fragrant aroma filling the air, Yan Zi Jing grows nervous, and the atmosphere between them turns intimate. Summoning his courage, he embraces Duan Wu and kisses her, bringing them closer to a moment of happiness.
The caravan finally arrives in Hexi, a barren desert landscape with endless winds and uninhabited stretches. Duan Wu, wearing a face cover, leans against Yan Zi Jing as the two remain inseparable, spending every moment together. At night, the caravan sets up camp, and Yan Zi Jing takes Duan Wu to marvel at the starry desert sky. The view, vastly different from the plains, embodies the phrase “reaching out to touch the stars.”
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Upon reaching their destination, Lang Huan Wu, Yan Zi Jing introduces Duan Wu to his brother, Wei Chi. Wei Chi immediately finds Duan Wu familiar, and Yan Zi Jing explains that she is Ba Niang’s daughter. Wei Chi then takes Duan Wu and Zhang Jinran to the room where Yu Shi, Ba Niang’s lover, once lived. The neatly arranged tools in the room evoke bittersweet memories for Duan Wu. Yan Zi Jing tells her about Yu Shi, a refined and gentle man who deeply loved Ba Niang.
Yan Zi Jing also consults the best doctor in the area, who shares good news. Although previous antidotes could only suppress the effects of his poisoning, recent research has uncovered a potential cure. Yan Zi Jing, now valuing his life more than ever with Duan Wu by his side, rewards the doctor generously for further research.
As the caravan prepares for a perilous journey into dangerous territory, Duan Wu learns about the risks ahead. Concerned for Xiao Xia Mi’s safety, Yan Zi Jing arranges for him to stay behind at Lang Huan Wu, trusting his brother to care for him. Reassured after seeing Wei Chi teaching Xiao Xia Mi to read, Duan Wu feels at ease.
When the time comes to head out, Zhang Jinran urges Duan Wu to stay behind where it’s safe. However, Duan Wu refuses to let Yan Zi Jing face the danger alone and insists on accompanying him. To avoid worrying Xiao Xia Mi, she keeps her plans a secret.
Zhang Jinran arrives in Hexi with Yue Yunxiu and seeks reinforcements from the local military garrison. He informs the commander of his plan to eliminate the Li Long Bandits, sending chills down the commander’s spine. The elusive and unpredictable bandits have long evaded capture. Confident in his strategy, Zhang Jinran assures the commander of their success and secures troops for the mission. He also arranges for the camp’s best royal physician to treat Yue Yunxiu’s hand injury.
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Later that night, Yan Zi Jing asks Duan Wu to entrust him with the Blood Pearl. He explains that multiple factions are after it, and keeping it with her would put her in danger. Puzzled about the pearl’s significance, Duan Wu listens as Yan Zi Jing reveals its secret: the Blood Pearl contains a map of Guli Sidang, an ancient treasure that disappeared long ago. Both commoners and the royal court are eager to claim it, making it a dangerous possession.
