A laughingstock existed among all the deities of heaven, known throughout the three realms.

Eight hundred years ago, the Kingdom of Xianle was a prosperous kingdom in the central plains.

Xianle was famous for its treasures: beautiful people, vibrant music and literature, gold and gems, and its infamous crown prince.

The crown prince was adored by the king and queen, who believed he would become a great ruler and have a name remembered throughout history.

Despite this, the crown prince had no interest in power, wealth, or ruling the kingdom.

Instead, he was solely focused on saving the common people, which was his personal ambition.

As a youth, he devoted himself to cultivation, and two notable stories from his early cultivation days became widely known.

When the crown prince was seventeen, a grand Shangyuan Heavenly Ceremonial Procession took place in Xianle.

The event was grand, with massive crowds, royals, warriors, maidens, and music, creating a celebratory atmosphere.

The crown prince was chosen to play the role of the God-Pleasing Warrior, an immense honor, representing the martial god Jun Wu, the Heavenly Emperor.

During the procession’s third round, a child fell from a tall city wall amidst the crowds watching the event.

The crown prince, dressed as the God-Pleasing Warrior, leapt into the air and caught the child mid-fall, saving him from death.

His golden mask fell off, revealing his face, and the crowd erupted in cheers.

While the people were overjoyed, the royal state preceptors saw the incident as a bad omen, fearing disaster because the procession was interrupted.

The preceptors asked the crown prince to face the wall in reflection for a month to balance the misfortune.

The crown prince refused, stating that saving a life was the right thing to do and that the heavens should not punish him for doing so.

He boldly declared that if the heavens condemned him, then the heavens were wrong.

The preceptors were frustrated but could not argue with him, recognizing his overwhelming confidence and influence as the crown prince, who had never faced defeat or rejection.

In the same year the crown prince was seventeen, there was a haunted bridge called Yinian, where a terrifying ghost appeared every few years to ask travelers three questions: “What is this place?” “Who am I?” “What is to be done?”

Incorrect answers led to the ghost devouring people, and no one knew the correct responses.

Hearing of this ghost, the crown prince went to the bridge and stood guard until the ghost appeared.

The crown prince answered the first question with “This place is the human world,” but the ghost corrected him, saying it was “the abyss.”

Knowing he would be wrong regardless, the crown prince attacked the ghost without waiting for the other two questions.

After a chaotic battle, the crown prince defeated the ghost and planted a flowering tree at the bridge.

A cultivator passing by saw this and asked what he was doing, to which the crown prince replied, “Body in the abyss, heart in paradise.”

The cultivator smiled, revealing himself as the Heavenly Emperor, who had descended to subdue the ghost personally.

The deities took notice of the crown prince, and the Heavenly Emperor praised him, saying his future was boundless.

That night, a celestial phenomenon occurred, storms raged, and the crown prince ascended to the heavens at seventeen.

His ascension shook the Heavenly Realm three times more than usual, a sign of his immense power.

The king and queen ordered temples and statues built in his honor, and his spiritual power grew as believers worshipped him.

Three years later, Xianle fell into chaos due to rebellion and tyranny.

The crown prince, despite warnings to avoid mortal conflicts, insisted on saving the common people, descending to the mortal world.

His intervention worsened the war, and a plague swept through the capital, leading to the fall of the kingdom.

The people turned against him, calling him useless, and destroyed his temples and statues in anger.

Eight thousand temples burned for seven days and nights, marking his fall from grace.

The crown prince was banished, his spiritual powers sealed, and he was cast back into the mortal realm, experiencing hunger, poverty, and filth for the first time.

He lost all dignity and resorted to stealing, cursing, and abandoning himself, even losing the loyalty of his closest servants.

His famous line, “Body in the abyss, heart in paradise,” was proven false as he could not maintain hope in his degraded state.

Many years later, he ascended to the heavens again, but this time he rampaged in the Heavenly Realm and was quickly banished again after only one incense time, the shortest ascension in history.

This second ascension was seen as a farce, and the Heavenly Realm now viewed him with contempt and caution, fearing he would go berserk.

However, instead of seeking revenge, the crown prince accepted his banishment, adapting by busking, playing instruments, singing, and collecting scraps to survive.

The deities were shocked by his fall, and being called the crown prince of Xianle became a curse.

Once noble and admired, the crown prince was now the laughingstock of the three realms, having failed more disastrously than any other heavenly official.

His divine statues were destroyed, his kingdom gone, and his followers vanished, leaving him forgotten and adrift.

After being banished twice, no one expected him to rise again, and his once-glorious life was reduced to a tragic memory.

Many years later, a huge rumble shook the sky, causing the heavens to tremble and the earth to crack.

Heavenly officials rushed out of their palaces, wondering who had ascended with such a dramatic entrance.

To their shock, it was revealed that the infamous crown prince, the laughingstock of the three realms, had ascended again.

The deities were stunned and in disbelief that he, after all his past failures, had ascended once more.

Xie Lian ascends to the heavens for the third time and is congratulated by Ling Wen for winning first place on the "Heavenly Official Most Hoped to Be Banished Down to the Mortal Realm" chart, earning 100 merits.

Ling Wen points out the destruction Xie Lian caused when he ascended: a bell fell and injured a martial god, and golden palace pillars collapsed from the tremors.

Xie Lian apologizes for the damage but has no way to pay the required eight million eight hundred and eighty thousand merits to fix the destruction.

Xie Lian remembers he hasn’t entered the communication array and mistakenly enters a channel where heavenly officials are betting how long he’ll stay before being banished again.

He accidentally enters the main communication array, where a martial god with a malicious tone addresses him, and it’s revealed the god is Mu Qing, Xie Lian’s former deputy general.

Mu Qing is upset because he was the one injured by the bell during Xie Lian’s ascension. Xie Lian apologizes.

Feng Xin, another former ally and martial god, is also affected by Xie Lian’s ascent, as Xie Lian damaged his palace. Feng Xin doesn't respond after learning Xie Lian ascended again.

Ling Wen informs Xie Lian that the Heavenly Emperor has a mission for him in the north, and offers to help him collect merits by accepting the task.

The mission involves addressing a large number of prayers from grand believers, and any merits earned will count towards Xie Lian’s total.

Xie Lian, lacking spiritual power in the mortal realm, declines the offer of spiritual devices and martial officials to help him, expecting no one would assist him due to his reputation.

Mu Qing reveals the mission is meant for Xie Lian, leading to no martial gods volunteering.

Xie Lian, accustomed to working alone, declines further assistance and prepares to leave for the mission.

Three days later, Xie Lian arrives at a small tea shop after getting lost on his way to Mount Yujun due to an accident during his descent from the heavens.

He observes a strange marriage procession passing by, where the participants look solemn and terrified, rather than joyful.

As Xie Lian watches the procession, a silver butterfly flutters by and briefly lands on his finger before flying away.

Two young men, Nan Feng and Fu Yao, suddenly appear at Xie Lian’s table. They are junior martial officials sent to assist him.

Xie Lian is notified by Ling Wen that the two officials volunteered to help, though they appear upset and not entirely enthusiastic.

Nan Feng is from the Palace of Nan Yang (Feng Xin’s domain), and Fu Yao is from the Palace of Xuan Zhen (Mu Qing’s domain), and it’s revealed that their respective generals did not know they were coming.

Despite their attitude, both claim they are “willing” to assist, though their expressions suggest otherwise.

Xie Lian explains the situation: many years ago, brides have been mysteriously disappearing at the foot of Mount Yujun. The first incident left no trace, but in a later case, only a partially eaten foot was found, hinting at something sinister happening during these wedding processions.

In the past century, seventeen brides went missing around Mount Yujun, sparking rumors of a ghost groom who kidnapped brides and devoured the marriage procession.

The seventeenth bride was the daughter of a lord official who, despite assembling a heavily armed escort, still lost his daughter to the ghost groom.

The lord, in his desperation, conducted extensive religious services to get the attention of the heavens, which led to heavenly officials taking notice.

Nan Feng and Fu Yao, while still looking uncooperative, listen to Xie Lian’s explanation of the ghost groom and the events surrounding the missing brides.

As night falls, the trio decides to find a place to rest and come across a neglected Lord of Soil and Ground shrine.

Xie Lian asks the Lord of Soil and Ground for directions to a local Nan Yang temple, where they head to for shelter.

Upon arriving at the small but lively Nan Yang temple, they observe the temple's divine statue, which looks different from the actual god Feng Xin, but Xie Lian notes that distorted statues are common.

Fu Yao criticizes the craftsmanship of the statue, and this provokes Nan Feng. Tension rises between them.

A girl named Xiao-Ying comes to the temple to pray for the ghost groom’s capture, but Xie Lian notices that her skirt is torn, exposing her.

To spare her public humiliation, Xie Lian tosses his outer robe over her, but she mistakes him for a harasser and slaps him.

Xie Lian then explains to Nan Feng and Fu Yao that the injuries on his body were self-inflicted from his fall during his descent from the heavens.

They spot a cursed shackle around Xie Lian's neck, a mark of his twice-banished status.

To break the tension, they revisit the topic of why Nan Yang temples have so many female believers.

Fu Yao mocks Nan Feng by recounting the tale of how Feng Xin was once mistakenly titled “Ju Yang” (Tremendous Masculinity), leading to many women praying for sons and “masculinity” at his temples.

The bickering escalates into a fight, and they break the altar in the process. Xie Lian tries to mediate, telling them to respect their generals and work together.

Finally, Xie Lian prevents himself from eating a dirty steamed bun and urges them to focus on their mission instead of throwing food.

Xie Lian, Nan Feng, and Fu Yao return to the Little Shop of Chance Encounters the next day.

The tea master, observing the trio, muses that despite their good looks, they seem crazy for talking about gods, ghosts, and heavens.

Xie Lian asks for three cups of tea and sits by the window again, prompting Nan Feng to question why they returned to the shop for their discussions.

Xie Lian assures them that even if people overhear their conversation, they’ll just think they’re insane and won’t care.

Xie Lian asks for ideas on how to handle the ghost groom problem, and Fu Yao bluntly suggests killing it.

Xie Lian agrees that killing the creature is the solution but emphasizes that they need to figure out where the creature is, what it is, and how to kill it.

Their conversation is interrupted by the sound of gongs and drums from a wedding procession outside, and they notice another eerie bridal procession on the street.

This procession is filled with large, tense men who look terrified rather than celebratory, carrying a bridal sedan as if they are marching toward their deaths.

A sinister wind blows, lifting the curtain of the bridal sedan, revealing a dead bride inside with a broken neck, bright red lips, and bulging eyes.

The bride's head rolls off the sedan, followed by the headless body falling out onto the street.

The wedding procession becomes chaotic when one of the sedan carriers accidentally steps on a puppet arm. The men in the procession panic, thinking the ghost groom has appeared, and draw their swords.

Xie Lian notices the severed head and body in the sedan are not real but wooden puppets, and Fu Yao insults the appearance of the fake bride.

Xie Lian speaks to the tea master, who explains the men are trying to lure the ghost groom for a reward from the father of a missing bride.

A young man named Xiao-Pengtou emerges from the procession, encouraging the group to search Mount Yujun for the ghost groom and kill it.

Xiao-Ying, the girl from the temple the previous night, appears and warns the group not to go to Mount Yujun, saying it's dangerous.

Xiao-Pengtou rudely dismisses her, revealing that he previously tried to convince her to act as a fake bride. He mocks her appearance and accuses her of wanting attention after her dress was slashed.

Xie Lian intervenes, striking Xiao-Pengtou and inviting Xiao-Ying inside the tea shop, but she leaves in tears.

Nan Feng breaks a pillar with his strength, intimidating the men in the procession and forcing them to flee.

Xie Lian borrows spiritual powers from Nan Feng to enter the communication array and updates Ling Wen on the situation. He praises the martial officials despite their difficult attitudes.

Ling Wen informs Xie Lian that the ghost groom has been classified as a "wrath," a dangerous ghost capable of slaughtering an entire city.

Xie Lian and the others realize that using a puppet as bait for the ghost groom won't work, as it requires a living person to lure it out.

Fu Yao suggests using a woman as bait, but Xie Lian rejects this, as it would endanger her life against the wrath-level ghost.

When Fu Yao suggests using a man as bait, both Fu Yao and Nan Feng look at Xie Lian, implying he should play the role of the bride.

Xie Lian appears disheveled in a wedding dress, prompting extreme reactions from Nan Feng and Fu Yao. Fu Yao suggests Xie Lian learn transformation magic, but it’s too late to learn now.

Xiao-Ying arrives with a white robe, offering to help tailor Xie Lian’s ill-fitting wedding dress and assist with makeup. After two incense burns' time, Xie Lian reemerges in full bridal attire.

Xie Lian mounts a red bridal sedan, which is escorted by Nan Feng and Fu Yao. The eight sedan carriers, military officers, mock the situation by making the ride bumpy.

As they travel deeper into Mount Yujun, Xie Lian hears eerie child-like laughter and singing that only he can hear. He realizes it’s a nursery rhyme about a bride, possibly a clue from the ghost groom.

Nan Feng and Fu Yao are unaware of the sounds, and Xie Lian tells them something is approaching. The wedding procession continues through an increasingly eerie environment.

A pack of wolves suddenly attacks, but worse, “binu” creatures appear—deformed, pestering beings that distract and entangle prey.

Xie Lian uses his magical silk band, Ruoye, to strangle the wolves and binu. Nan Feng and Fu Yao handle the remaining creatures and escort the military officers away to prevent further attacks on the sedan.

Left alone, Xie Lian prepares to confront the ghost groom. A mysterious man, dressed in red with silver vambraces and black boots, appears and offers Xie Lian his hand. Despite Xie Lian’s attempts to test him, the man is gentle and leads him forward.

The man shows no hostility, even controlling the wolves with a mere gesture. He later lifts Xie Lian’s veil, but when Xie Lian’s silk band strikes, the man disappears into thousands of silver butterflies.

Xie Lian finds a hidden building, which turns out to be a Temple of Ming Guang, the Martial God of the North. Inside, he discovers the bodies of the seventeen missing brides, all dressed in wedding gowns and smiling eerily.

As Xie Lian investigates, he hears strange thumping noises and realizes the ghost groom has returned. With no place to hide, Xie Lian joins the line of corpses, trying to blend in.

The ghost groom begins pulling off the brides’ veils, one by one. Xie Lian strikes with Ruoye, forcing the ghost groom to flee in a ball of black mist. Xie Lian gives chase but is interrupted by Xiao-Pengtou’s group, who have arrived on the mountain.

Mistaken for a bride by Xiao-Pengtou’s group, Xie Lian informs Nan Feng and Fu Yao to secure the area, suspecting the ghost groom may still be among them.

Nan Feng scans the crowd, and everyone is accounted for. Xiao-Pengtou accuses Xiao-Ying of being the ghost groom, but the crowd confirms they recognize everyone.

Fu Yao returns, finding no sign of the ghost groom. Xie Lian concludes that the ghost groom must still be among the crowd, leaving everyone on edge.

Fu Yao notices Xiao-Ying in the crowd and questions her presence. Xiao-Pengtou accuses her of being in cahoots with the ghost groom, and the crowd clears space around her.

Xiao-Ying insists she’s innocent and reminds Xie Lian of helping him with his bridal makeover, leaving Xie Lian embarrassed as the crowd gossips.

Xie Lian wonders why there’s only a Temple of Nan Yang at the foot of Mount Yujun, despite it being General Ming Guang’s territory, and suspects a deeper reason.

Xiao-Pengtou and others storm into the Temple of Ming Guang, ignoring Xie Lian’s warnings about the danger.

The group begins pulling veils off the brides’ corpses, searching for fresh bodies to claim rewards from grieving families.

A man starts harassing one of the corpses, but Xiao-Ying intervenes. Xiao-Pengtou tries to assault her, but she accidentally hits him with a rock, which actually came from outside the window, hurled by someone else.

A shadow is spotted outside the window, and Xie Lian pursues it into the forest, but he senses danger and warns others not to enter. Those who ignore him return soaked in blood, though it’s not their own.

Xie Lian shines a torch into the forest, revealing over forty corpses of military officers hanging upside down from trees, creating a forest of hanging corpses dripping with blood.

Nan Feng and Fu Yao recognize this as the work of the "Green Ghost," a near-supreme malevolent entity.

Xie Lian recounts his encounter with the mysterious youth and silver butterflies, which causes Fu Yao and Nan Feng to react with fear, as they realize the youth might be someone far more dangerous than the Green Ghost.

Fu Yao urges Xie Lian to leave, but Xie Lian refuses, insisting that someone needs to stay behind.

The group captures a boy wrapped in bandages, who they believe is the ghost groom. Xiao-Ying defends the boy, insisting he’s innocent and only steals food to survive.

Xiao-Pengtou accuses Xiao-Ying of being involved with the boy, but Xie Lian and Nan Feng step in, subduing Xiao-Pengtou to prevent further violence.

The bandaged boy reveals he’s not the ghost groom, and Xiao-Ying confirms he’s a local who sometimes steals food. Xie Lian believes the boy is unrelated to the ghost groom.

Xie Lian questions Xiao-Ying about the lack of other Temples of Ming Guang and learns that every attempt to build one resulted in mysterious fires, leading locals to switch to General Nan Yang.

Xie Lian suddenly realizes the ghost groom is hiding among the corpses of the brides. He urges Nan Feng to lend him spiritual power to subdue the eighteen brides, suspecting that one of them is actually the ghost groom in disguise.

Xie Lian and Nan Feng return to the Temple of Ming Guang, only to find the back of the hall empty, with the veils of the brides left behind.

Outside, the corpses of the brides, dressed in wedding attire, are closing in on the villagers. The villagers, terrified, scatter and flee.

Xie Lian uses Ruoye to distract some of the brides, and Nan Feng chases the seven that head toward the forest.

Xie Lian throws veils onto attacking brides, covering their eyes and stalling them, forcing them to fumble blindly.

Xie Lian creates a white protective circle with Ruoye and urges the villagers to enter. Xiao-Ying drags Xiao-Pengtou into the circle for safety.

More brides attack Xie Lian, but he successfully veils them, earning praise from the villagers.

While fighting, Xie Lian contacts Ling Wen for information about General Ming Guang and learns about Xuan Ji, a former lover of General Pei, who became possessive and jealous after their affair.

Xie Lian realizes the ghost groom is actually one of the brides hiding among the corpses.

He confronts Xuan Ji, who has broken legs and moves by dragging herself. She asks if General Pei sent him to find her.

Xuan Ji laments her betrayal of her kingdom for General Pei and demands why he won't see her. She becomes violent, crushing Xiao-Pengtou's skull and attacking Xie Lian.

Xiao-Ying tries to help Xie Lian but is thrown back by Xuan Ji and fatally injured. Xie Lian subdues Xuan Ji with Ruoye and comforts Xiao-Ying in her final moments. Xiao-Ying dies feeling she lived an unlucky life.

The sound of a bell tolls, knocking out the brides and villagers. General Pei Junior and his soldiers from the Palace of Ming Guang arrive.

Xuan Ji mistakes Pei Junior for the General Pei she waited for but realizes he is not the one. She curses General Pei for abandoning her and is taken away by Pei Junior's soldiers.

Pei Junior explains that Xuan Ji broke her own legs to keep General Pei, but he never intended to marry her. She died out of resentment to make him sad, but it never affected him.

Xie Lian reflects on the tragic fate of the innocent brides and military officers involved in the ghost groom case.

After the villagers repent for their greed, Nan Feng leads them down the mountain.

Xie Lian sits with the bandaged boy, comforting him. When the boy removes his bandages, Xie Lian is horrified by what he sees.

The boy removes his bandages, revealing a face disfigured by burn scars with tiny faces writhing on his skin, remnants of the Human Face Disease.

Horrified by Xie Lian’s reaction, the boy flees into the woods. Despite Xie Lian's pursuit, the boy vanishes into the darkness of Mount Yujun.

Xie Lian returns to the Temple of Ming Guang, where Fu Yao has returned with reinforcements from the Palace of Xuan Zhen, helping remove the upside-down corpses.

Xie Lian explains to Nan Feng and Fu Yao that the boy has the Human Face Disease, a deadly plague that wiped out Xianle 800 years ago. Both are shocked.

Xie Lian assures them the boy isn’t contagious, but they fail to find him. The Palace of Ling Wen is informed, and they begin searching for the boy.

Xie Lian descends the mountain with Xiao-Ying’s body, entrusting her burial to someone else, and reflects on the physically exhausting and mentally draining case.

Fu Yao mocks Xie Lian for still wearing the wedding dress during the mission. Xie Lian realizes he had spoken with General Pei Junior while dressed that way.

Nan Feng and Fu Yao bicker, but Xie Lian thanks them for their help. They discuss the cold and ruthless nature of the gods in the Upper Court, particularly General Pei Junior’s ruthless actions, like slaughtering an entire city.

After reporting to Ling Wen, Xie Lian enters the communication array to discuss the Mount Yujun incident. Feng Xin, General Pei Junior, and other officials talk about Xuan Ji’s madness and her connection to Green Ghost Qi Rong.

Xie Lian learns Xuan Ji worked for Green Ghost Qi Rong, a lower-ranked but troublesome ghost. Qi Rong ordered the upside-down corpses as offerings.

Xie Lian shares his experience of hearing a child spirit's warning during the mission. Mu Qing says no child spirits were found at Mount Yujun.

Xie Lian asks about the mysterious young man in red with silver butterflies, causing a shocked silence in the communication array. Mu Qing identifies him as Hua Cheng, one of the Four Calamities, a notorious Ghost King.

Ling Wen explains the Four Calamities: Ship-Sinking Black Water, Night-Touring Green Lantern, White-Clothed Calamity (White No-Face), and Crimson Rain Sought Flower (Hua Cheng).

Hua Cheng, also known as Crimson Rain Sought Flower, is a feared and unpredictable Ghost King who once challenged thirty-five heavenly officials to battle and debate.

Hua Cheng defeated the martial gods and civil gods, then burned their temples in retaliation when they refused to honor their bet. This decimated the power of the heavenly officials involved and made Hua Cheng infamous.

Despite his ruthless reputation, Hua Cheng’s powers and influence are widely respected, feared, and even admired among heavenly officials.

Xie Lian reflects on how the silver butterfly that danced around him didn’t seem frightening, despite Hua Cheng's fearsome reputation.

Xie Lian enters the heavenly communication array, discussing his encounter with Hua Cheng at Mount Yujun. The officials are unsettled, knowing Hua Cheng’s reputation.

Xie Lian reports that Hua Cheng broke Xuan Ji’s enchantment and helped him enter the array. The officials express concern, as no one understands Hua Cheng’s motives.

Despite completing the northern case, Xie Lian receives discounted merits due to the mourning of the lord whose daughter died. However, he manages to repay most of his 8.88 million merit debt.

Xie Lian, now debt-free, tries to engage with other officials in the array, but his attempts to share wholesome advice often lead to awkward silence.

Frustrated by the lack of shrines in his honor, Xie Lian decides to worship himself, landing in Puqi Village, a small, scenic hamlet where he begins renovating a decrepit shack to build his shrine.

The villagers warmly welcome Xie Lian, donating materials and asking which god he plans to worship. He says it will be for the "Prince of Xianle," but none of them recognize the name.

Xie Lian leaves to gather supplies and, on the way back, hitches a ride on an old ox cart. He notices a youth lying on the hay who seems knowledgeable and engages in conversation with him.

The youth is dressed in a striking red tunic, with skin as white as snow, and exudes a carefree yet dangerous aura. He answers Xie Lian’s questions about gods and ghosts, showing particular disdain for the Water Master, whom he calls the "Water Tyrant."

Xie Lian asks about Crimson Rain Sought Flower (Hua Cheng). The youth explains that Hua Cheng once caused blood rain to fall by wiping out another ghost’s lair and shielded a flower from the rain with his umbrella.

The youth reveals that Hua Cheng is blind in one eye, which he gouged out himself in a moment of madness. He also says that a ghost’s weakness is typically their ashes, though no one has ever obtained Hua Cheng’s ashes.

The youth introduces himself as “San Lang” (third son) and claims he has no destination in mind after being kicked out by his quarrelling parents.

Xie Lian shares a steamed bun with San Lang as they continue talking, with Xie Lian growing more impressed by the youth’s knowledge and calm demeanor, despite his young appearance.

The ox cart suddenly stops in the forest, and the driver panics when he sees a group of green flames and headless figures approaching. Xie Lian realizes it’s the Zhongyuan Festival, the time when the gates to the underworld open.

Xie Lian summons Ruoye to protect the cart, and warns that they’ve encountered evil spirits, saying if they go down the wrong path, they’ll never return.

A group of headless ghosts in white prisoner garb approaches the ox cart, holding their own heads. Xie Lian instructs San Lang and the cart driver to stay silent as the ghosts pass.

San Lang feigns fear, but Xie Lian reassures him. Xie Lian then knocks out the panicked cart driver with a pressure point to keep him quiet.

As the ox cart moves forward, the headless ghosts argue humorously about their swapped heads and messy executions.

They encounter various ghosts celebrating the Zhongyuan Festival, the time when spirits and ghosts roam freely. Xie Lian regrets not checking the calendar before traveling.

The cart stumbles upon a scene of shattered ghost fires, and the surrounding ghosts become suspicious of Xie Lian, assuming he's a cultivator responsible for the broken fires.

Ghosts surround the ox cart, but Xie Lian urges the ox to flee. He throws stumbling talismans to slow the pursuing ghosts but eventually reaches a fork in the road where both paths seem dangerous.

Xie Lian attempts to use a fortune shaker to determine the correct path, but gets bad luck twice. San Lang takes the shaker, and his shake results in good luck, allowing them to choose the right path.

Despite choosing the "best of luck" path, the ghosts catch up and surround the cart again, accusing Xie Lian of destroying ghost fires. However, the ghosts suddenly freeze in terror and flee.

Xie Lian is confused about why the ghosts fled, unsure if it was his presence or something else. San Lang jokingly credits Xie Lian for scaring them away.

They safely reach Puqi Village, where Xie Lian invites San Lang to stay at his shrine for the night.

At Puqi Shrine, San Lang playfully shakes the fortune shaker and notes the absence of a statue for the god. Xie Lian decides to paint a portrait of himself for the shrine.

San Lang offers to help paint the portrait, claiming to know what the Prince of Xianle looks like, which surprises Xie Lian.

Xie Lian asks San Lang for his opinion on the Prince of Xianle. San Lang cryptically responds that Jun Wu must dislike the prince, referring to Xie Lian’s two banishments.

As they prepare to sleep, San Lang notices the cursed shackle on Xie Lian’s ankle but doesn’t comment. They lie down to rest, with San Lang keeping his distance.

Xie Lian wakes up to find San Lang missing, but notices a beautifully painted portrait of the Prince of Xianle on the altar.

Xie Lian is stunned by the accuracy of the painting, wondering how San Lang could know how to depict such a figure.

Outside, Xie Lian finds San Lang sweeping leaves, clearly disliking the sunlight, as he watches the sky with a bored expression.

Xie Lian offers to fix San Lang's crooked ponytail, and while doing so, he subtly checks San Lang's hair for signs that he might be a ghost, but finds nothing suspicious.

San Lang teases Xie Lian about touching his hair, hinting at a playful and flirtatious attitude.

After Xie Lian awkwardly reties San Lang's hair, making it even more crooked, they are interrupted by a loud commotion outside the shrine.

The village chief and a crowd of villagers rush to the shrine, addressing Xie Lian as "Great Immortal" and asking for blessings for various things, including wealth, marriage, and children.

Xie Lian is overwhelmed by the enthusiastic villagers, who offer food and incense in return for blessings, though he tries to explain that his shrine does not grant such requests.

San Lang watches the chaos unfold while casually eating water chestnuts and amusing himself.

Despite Xie Lian’s attempts to clarify that his shrine doesn’t offer blessings for wealth or marriage, the villagers leave abundant offerings of fruits, vegetables, rice, and noodles.

Xie Lian suspects that the unexpected turnout at the shrine is due to San Lang’s good luck.

Xie Lian decides to replace the shrine’s curtain, which has a protective seal he drew to ward off evil. However, he notices San Lang standing still, staring thoughtfully at the seal.

Xie Lian becomes concerned that the seal might be preventing San Lang from entering the shrine, and calls out to him, unsure of San Lang’s reaction to the protective ward.

San Lang mentions that he’s heading out but assures Xie Lian he’ll be back soon.

Xie Lian prepares food in the shrine, creating two plates from the offerings left by the villagers.

San Lang returns, wearing a white undershirt, working on building a door for the shrine, impressing Xie Lian with his craftsmanship.

After installing the door, San Lang comments that if Xie Lian is going to draw a seal, it should be on a proper door, hinting that the previous seal didn’t affect him.

Xie Lian observes a tattoo on San Lang's arm, but San Lang brushes it off, saying he got it when he was young.

Xie Lian compliments San Lang’s painting of the Prince of Xianle and questions how he knew what the prince looked like. San Lang responds vaguely, saying he knows everything.

A group of villagers arrives, panicked and asking for help with a dying man they found, who turns out to be a cultivator.

The cultivator is disheveled and seems to have escaped from Banyue Pass, speaking incoherently about his escape and the dangers he witnessed.

Xie Lian brings the man into the shrine, calming him down, but grows suspicious as the man never asks for food or water despite his condition.

Xie Lian offers the cultivator water, and the strange sloshing sound he makes when drinking confirms that the man is an empty shell—a fabricated skin bag.

The cultivator attacks Xie Lian, but San Lang quickly stops him by throwing a chopstick that pins the man to the door.

The shell deflates, revealing it was controlled by a powerful being, likely meant to lure Xie Lian to Banyue Pass.

Xie Lian attempts to ask for information about Banyue Pass in the communication array, but the topic causes an awkward silence among the heavenly officials.

Ling Wen privately advises Xie Lian to avoid the matter of Banyue Pass, revealing that it is a sensitive issue, though she doesn’t provide details.

Xie Lian decides to go to Banyue Pass anyway, and San Lang insists on joining him.

As they prepare to leave, Nan Feng and Fu Yao arrive, having heard about Xie Lian’s plan and offering to help.

Nan Feng and Fu Yao are suspicious of San Lang, even preparing to attack him with divine energy, but Xie Lian stops them.

Nan Feng questions Xie Lian’s trust in San Lang, but Xie Lian remains calm, believing San Lang is not a threat despite his odd behavior.

San Lang shares the story of the Kingdom of Banyue and its state preceptor, a feared evil cultivator who might still haunt Banyue Pass.

Just as San Lang is about to continue, they are interrupted by a knock at the door, leading to the arrival of Nan Feng and Fu Yao, who volunteer to assist Xie Lian on his journey to Banyue Pass.

Despite lingering tensions between Nan Feng, Fu Yao, and San Lang, the group prepares to leave for Banyue Pass, where dangerous mysteries await.

San Lang is intrigued by Xie Lian's knowledge and the existence of the Kingdom of Banyue, which he previously thought was just rogue records.

Nan Feng completes a teleportation array, and the group prepares to leave. Xie Lian recites a chant and opens the door, transporting them from Puqi Shrine to a quiet city avenue far away.

The group follows the North Star, traveling through the night toward the Gobi Desert. As they journey, they face extreme heat during the day, making travel difficult.

Xie Lian offers his bamboo hat to San Lang, who declines but smiles. They continue traveling together.

They come across an abandoned inn in the desert and decide to rest there during the hottest part of the day.

Xie Lian offers water to San Lang, and after drinking, San Lang playfully asks for more. Fu Yao interrupts, offering his own water bottle filled with Unmasking Water, meant to reveal San Lang's true identity if he’s not human.

San Lang, aware of their suspicions, plays along in a polite power struggle with Fu Yao, where both insist the other drink first. Eventually, San Lang drinks the Unmasking Water without hesitation and is unaffected, which surprises Fu Yao and Nan Feng.

San Lang mockingly comments that the water tastes bad and asks for Xie Lian's bottle again, subtly implying that he prefers Xie Lian's company.

Nan Feng escalates the situation by giving San Lang a sacred sword, "Hongjing," known for revealing the true form of non-human entities if unsheathed.

San Lang attempts to draw the sword, but when only a few centimeters of the blade are revealed, he laughs and remarks that the sword is broken.

Nan Feng, shocked, pulls the sword out and discovers that "Hongjing" has indeed been broken into pieces inside its sheath, a feat that should have been impossible.

The group is left stunned by San Lang's mysterious powers, as they continue to suspect him, but San Lang remains unfazed, casually deflecting their tests.

San Lang mocks Nan Feng and Fu Yao after they fail to expose him with the broken Hongjing sword.

Xie Lian observes an impending sandstorm and urges the group to move.

Xie Lian spots two mysterious figures—one in black, one in white—gliding across the sand near the inn.

The group sets out again but soon finds themselves struggling against a powerful, unnatural sandstorm.

Xie Lian notes the strange nature of the storm, but San Lang remains unbothered.

San Lang catches Xie Lian’s bamboo hat, which was nearly blown away, showcasing his agility.

The storm intensifies, and Xie Lian is carried away by a twister, prompting him to use Ruoye to secure himself.

Ruoye ties itself to San Lang, inadvertently dragging him into the storm, though San Lang remains calm.

Ruoye mistakenly grabs Nan Feng and Fu Yao as well, pulling all four of them into the twister.

Ruoye finally latches onto a giant boulder, pulling them out of the storm and bringing them to safety.

The group shelters inside a hollow boulder, discovering it might have been a manmade structure from Banyue.

Xie Lian finds a stone stele with an inscription in Banyue script, which San Lang helps him translate.

The inscription tells the story of a demoted captain from the Central Plains who was respected by both sides for saving lives but ultimately died in battle by stepping on his own bootlaces.

Xie Lian and San Lang translate more of the stele, revealing it is the tomb of the Central Plains general.

The group encounters a merchant caravan also seeking shelter from the sandstorm. The merchants explain they have a local guide named A-Zhao, who helped them avoid quicksand and find the cave.

San Lang playfully deceives the merchants into prostrating before the tomb, telling them it will grant good fortune.

The group discusses the possibility that the figures they saw earlier were the Banyue state preceptor and another powerful figure.

A sudden commotion erupts when a brightly colored, venomous scorpion-snake appears in the cave, startling everyone.

San Lang casually catches the dangerous creature with ease, showing no fear, and plays with it like a toy.

Xie Lian warns that scorpion-snakes are dangerous, and more could be nearby.

The scorpion-snake is revealed to be the totem of the Banyue state preceptor, capable of controlling them.

The group realizes they are surrounded by multiple scorpion-snakes, and chaos ensues.

Multiple scorpion-snakes slither into the cave without attacking, silently watching the group.

Nan Feng and Fu Yao launch fireballs, creating an explosion that prompts everyone to flee outside.

The group escapes the cave and notices the wind has calmed after the twister passed.

An elder merchant, Uncle Zheng, collapses from a scorpion-snake bite, with a small, unnoticed puncture wound rapidly spreading venom.

Xie Lian instructs everyone to check for wounds and uses Ruoye to help stop the venom’s spread.

A-Zhao assists by tying off the elder's arm, and Nan Feng gives him a pill to prolong his life for 24 hours.

San Lang explains that the shanyue plant is the antidote for scorpion-snake venom, but it only grows in Banyue territory.

The group realizes they must venture into the Kingdom of Banyue to retrieve the antidote.

Xie Lian attempts to use the heavenly communication array to call for help, but the signal is blocked by the evil aura near Banyue.

While the group is distracted, a scorpion-snake targets San Lang, but Xie Lian intercepts it, getting stung in the process.

San Lang reacts with intense concern and sucks the venom from Xie Lian’s wound, then crushes the attacking snake in a show of raw power.

Xie Lian assures everyone that they will retrieve the shanyue fern from Banyue and temporarily borrows A-Zhao as their guide.

The group sets off toward the ruins of Banyue, where they pass through an ancient city with high, decaying walls and a "Sinner’s Pit," a torturous jail filled with venomous creatures.

They hide when the mysterious women in white and black, seen earlier, walk through the city streets. Nan Feng creates a diversion to lead the women away.

Xie Lian, San Lang, and A-Zhao head toward the palace garden, believing the shanyue fern may grow there.

San Lang finds a small, clean shanyue fern and applies its powder to Xie Lian’s wound, which relieves the pain and swelling.

The merchants who followed them, led by Tian Sheng, begin picking larger ferns but scream when they hear a voice coming from the ground.

Xie Lian uncovers a human face buried in the mud, revealing that the shanyue ferns have been grown using live human "fertilizer."

The buried man claims he was captured by Banyue soldiers 50 or 60 years ago and buried alive.

San Lang had wisely avoided the larger ferns and used a smaller, cleaner one to treat Xie Lian, explaining that the human-fertilized ferns shouldn't be used.

The buried man reveals that someone in the group is someone he met 50 years ago, hinting that this person might be dangerous and capable of killing them all.

Xie Lian tells the crowd to back away from the mud face, warning them not to listen.

A merchant sneaks back to retrieve herbs but is attacked by the mud face's long, blood-red tongue, which enters his ear and kills him.

The mud face eats a piece of the merchant's brain and cackles, calling it delicious.

Xie Lian is about to attack the mud face when a massive shadow, a soldier from Banyue, lands in front of him.

A group of Banyue soldiers, all massive and beast-like, surround Xie Lian and the others, but they don’t immediately attack.

The soldiers refer to their leader as “General” and say they won’t kill them immediately but plan to take them elsewhere.

The mud face begs the General to let him go home but is instead smashed by the General’s mace, revealing a skeleton beneath.

The mud face continues to deny that the skeleton is his body, insisting his long tongue is normal.

The General and soldiers begin herding Xie Lian and the others toward the Sinner’s Pit, a massive, eerie pit designed to trap the fallen forever.

The soldiers roar into the pit, and a chorus of savage responses echoes from the depths, causing the walls to tremble.

Kemo, the Banyue General, decides to throw two people into the pit, choosing A-Zhao as the first victim.

A-Zhao unexpectedly charges Kemo, pushing him toward the pit, but Kemo throws A-Zhao in instead. Horrifying sounds of A-Zhao being torn apart are heard from the pit.

The General then selects Tian Sheng as the next person to be thrown in, but Xie Lian offers to go first to protect the others.

Kemo questions Xie Lian's knowledge of the Banyue language. Xie Lian explains that he’s from the Central Plains and tries to reason with Kemo.

Before Tian Sheng can be thrown in, San Lang casually jumps into the pit without fear, telling Xie Lian not to worry.

Xie Lian is shocked and tries to follow, but Kemo grabs him by the collar. Xie Lian manages to drag Kemo into the pit with him.

As they fall, the corpse hanging from the pole suddenly moves and attacks the soldiers, sending them into the pit.

Ruoye can’t stop their fall, but Xie Lian is caught by San Lang at the bottom, who assures him everything is fine.

Kemo, still alive, yells in rage. Xie Lian realizes San Lang killed all the creatures in the pit and questions him about it.

Kemo reveals that the Banyue state preceptor, whom he once supported, betrayed Banyue by opening the city gates for the enemy.

Kemo explains his soldiers have been trapped in the pit for 200 years and that they devour humans to release their hatred and move on.

Kemo accuses the state preceptor of controlling the snakes that lure people into the city to become food for the soldiers.

Xie Lian learns that the girl in black is the actual Banyue state preceptor, and she confirms this when she jumps into the pit.

The state preceptor releases the array, allowing them to leave the pit, but Kemo tries to attack her.

Kemo demands to know why she betrayed Banyue, and she apologizes, saying the snakes no longer obey her.

Xie Lian recognizes the state preceptor as a girl named Banyue, a child he knew when he served as a captain in the Banyue army 200 years ago.

Banyue explains that she grew up bullied due to being of mixed blood and learned black magic in Yong’an, returning to Banyue as a powerful sorceress.

Kemo is furious at her betrayal, while Banyue reveals she opened the gates not out of hatred but for reasons she can’t explain yet.

Scorpion-snakes begin to appear in the pit, but they hesitate to approach Xie Lian and San Lang, possibly because of San Lang's presence.

Fu Yao creates a barrier of fire to keep the snakes at bay, but more snakes keep coming, falling into the pit.

Xie Lian suspects something else is controlling the snakes, not Banyue or San Lang.

Fu Yao accuses San Lang of being the cause of the snakes’ behavior, hinting that Xie Lian should already know San Lang’s true identity.

Xie Lian stands in front of San Lang when Fu Yao questions why he’s beside him.

The fire created by Fu Yao is suddenly extinguished, plunging them into darkness.

San Lang mocks Fu Yao, and Xie Lian feels San Lang pull him close as snakes pour down, though San Lang reassures him not to move.

Fu Yao struggles against the snake attack, while San Lang confidently states that no snakes would approach them.

Kemo awakens and assumes Banyue sent the snakes to kill him.

Xie Lian realizes someone else is in the pit with them, as Fu Yao’s powers are restricted by an unknown force.

Banyue tries to speak but is suddenly silenced, confirming that there is a sixth person in the pit.

San Lang quickly dashes forward with Xie Lian while holding an umbrella, and they encounter the sixth person in the darkness, revealing it through the clash of weapons.

San Lang fights an unseen opponent, who Xie Lian recognizes as highly skilled.

Xie Lian deduces that the sixth person is General Pei Junior, disguised as A-Zhao, after Fu Yao mentions Xuan Ji, linking the events to Pei Xiu's past.

Xie Lian exposes Pei Xiu's involvement in the slaughter of the Kingdom of Banyue, realizing that Pei Xiu manipulated the scorpion-snakes and travelers for nearly 200 years.

Pei Xiu explains that he ordered Banyue to open the city gates to massacre the city’s inhabitants before they could launch a planned explosive retaliation against Yong’an.

A heated argument erupts between Pei Xiu and Kemo about the morality of their respective actions, with each side blaming the other for starting the conflict.

Pei Xiu admits he manipulated Banyue but justifies it by claiming the Banyue people were evil.

The Wind Master and a mysterious woman in black appear and blow everyone out of the pit with a gust of wind.

Xie Lian is surprised to find out the Wind Master is a heavenly official and not a monster, as he had suspected.

The Wind Master reveals that Pei Xiu was behind the deaths of countless travelers and tells Xie Lian not to get involved further.

Pei Xiu admits to the crimes but is ready to face the consequences in the heavens.

The Wind Master allows Xie Lian to take Banyue, acknowledging she had saved lives and did not harm anyone.

The Wind Master and Pei Xiu leave, and Xie Lian, San Lang, and Nan Feng return to Puqi Shrine.

Xie Lian reflects on the events and decides to cook as a reward for Nan Feng, but Nan Feng quickly leaves, using an excuse to avoid the meal.

San Lang, now confirmed to be Hua Cheng, stays with Xie Lian, humorously declaring he’s hungry.

Xie Lian calls him Hua Cheng, but Hua Cheng prefers being called San Lang.

Xie Lian addresses San Lang as "Crimson Rain Sought Flower," confirming that San Lang is the Ghost King, Hua Cheng.

Hua Cheng teases Xie Lian about how it feels to be addressed as "Your Highness," and Xie Lian reflects on how it feels different from others.

Xie Lian asks Hua Cheng if he was the groom who whisked him away on Mount Yujun, and Hua Cheng confirms it.

Hua Cheng reveals that he might have appeared specifically for Xie Lian, though Xie Lian teases him about having a lot of free time.

Xie Lian recognizes that Hua Cheng is unlike the rumors and identifies him as a supreme Ghost King due to his red clothes, fearlessness, and power.

Hua Cheng hints that Xie Lian could kick him out, but Xie Lian notes that Hua Cheng would likely just return if he wanted.

A clay pot containing Banyue tips over and rolls to the door, and Xie Lian follows it outside to find it standing on its own, as if gazing at the night sky.

Banyue, inside the pot, reveals she heard everything during the battle and asks about General Pei Junior’s fate, to which Xie Lian replies that wrongdoings will be punished.

Banyue recalls how Pei Junior had helped her before and how she opened the city gates by her own will, despite what others said.

Xie Lian tries to correct Banyue, stating that he hasn’t been a general for a long time, but she insists on calling him “General Hua.”

Banyue reminisces about Xie Lian’s past words about saving the common people, revealing that she had taken them to heart and wanted to do what was right, but feels she has failed.

Xie Lian admits that even now, he doesn’t know how to save the common people and feels like a failure himself.

Banyue stays in the pot to recover while Xie Lian and Hua Cheng return inside.

Xie Lian reflects that Banyue’s willingness to stay at Banyue Pass was due to her guilt over opening the gates, not because she became a wrath.

Hua Cheng explains that Pei Xiu used mortals to feed the Banyue soldiers because clones aren’t as powerful, and Xie Lian notes that Hua Cheng’s "clone" seemed strong, to which Hua Cheng admits he is in his true form.

Xie Lian, curious about Hua Cheng’s real face, inadvertently pokes his face, surprising both of them.

Hua Cheng laughs and tells Xie Lian that he will show his real face someday.

As they lie down to rest, Xie Lian and Hua Cheng talk about their respective realms. Hua Cheng confirms that he’s met other ghost kings, including Green Ghost Qi Rong, whom he despises.

Hua Cheng mentions that even Black Water Demon Xuan dislikes Qi Rong, and Xie Lian notes that Hua Cheng doesn’t seem close with many ghosts.

Xie Lian reflects on his past naïve statements about saving the world, which makes Hua Cheng laugh, but Hua Cheng also finds such ambitions brave, even if they’re foolish.

Hua Cheng questions whether Xie Lian would still want to see his real face if he were ugly. Xie Lian assures him that appearance wouldn’t change his feelings, but Hua Cheng teases him.

Hua Cheng promises that next time they meet, he will show Xie Lian his true appearance.

Xie Lian falls asleep, and when he wakes, Hua Cheng is gone.

Xie Lian finds a small silver chain with a crystal-clear ring left behind by Hua Cheng, just below his cursed collar.

Xie Lian finds a ring left by Hua Cheng, admires its beauty, and decides to wear it until he can ask about its significance.

After resting for a few days in Puqi Shrine, Xie Lian receives a message from Ling Wen to return to the heavens for an urgent matter.

Xie Lian suspects the meeting is about the Banyue Pass incident and heads to the Palace of Divine Might.

Walking along the Grand Avenue of Divine Might, Xie Lian notices that the other heavenly officials avoid him due to his involvement in General Pei Junior’s downfall.

Xie Lian witnesses another crown prince, Lang Qianqiu, who is from the Kingdom of Yong'an, which overthrew Xianle. Lang Qianqiu cheerfully greets Xie Lian without recognizing him.

Overhearing gossip from junior officials, Xie Lian learns that Lang Qianqiu is highly regarded compared to Xie Lian, especially because Yong’an is seen as stronger and more prosperous than Xianle.

Ling Wen meets Xie Lian and informs him that General Pei Junior’s punishment will likely be exile.

Xie Lian reaches the Palace of Divine Might, where he meets Jun Wu, the supreme martial god, who has returned from patrolling the realms.

The meeting begins, and General Pei Ming appears, bringing the body of Pei Junior’s clone (A-Zhao) as evidence.

Pei Ming reveals that during Pei Junior's interrogation, it was mentioned that a powerful, red-clad young man was with Xie Lian at Banyue Pass, hinting that this person was likely Hua Cheng.

Pei Ming demands to know who the red-clad youth was, putting Xie Lian in a difficult position.

Feng Xin and Mu Qing, Xie Lian's former subordinates, are called forward to confirm the wounds on A-Zhao’s body were inflicted by Hua Cheng’s cursed scimitar, Eming.

Xie Lian downplays his connection to Hua Cheng, trying to avoid implicating him while maintaining that Pei Junior’s actions were his own.

Despite Pei Xiu’s admission of guilt and the decision to exile him, Pei Ming continues to push for further investigation into Hua Cheng’s involvement.

Jun Wu eventually ends the meeting, exiling Pei Junior and leaving Xie Lian alone with him for further questioning.

In private, Jun Wu confronts Xie Lian about his association with Hua Cheng and warns him to be careful, particularly of Hua Cheng’s cursed weapon, Eming.

Jun Wu assigns Xie Lian a secret mission to investigate the recent appearance of a distress signal, a fire dragon, from the eastern mountains. This signal came from a heavenly official in danger.

The mission involves investigating Ghost City, a notorious place in the Ghost Realm, which is also Hua Cheng’s territory.

Xie Lian accepts the mission, despite the potential awkwardness of encountering Hua Cheng in Ghost City.

Jun Wu suggests Xie Lian take the Wind Master along for the mission, noting that they get along well.

After the meeting, Xie Lian is given a new Palace of Xianle but feels out of place in such grandeur and opts to wait outside.

The Wind Master Qingxuan arrives to accompany Xie Lian, and Xie Lian is surprised to learn that the Wind Master, who previously appeared as a woman, can also take a male form.

Xie Lian learns about the Wind Master’s backstory from his scroll. The Wind Master’s former name was Shi Qingxuan, and his brother is Shi Wudu, the Water Master, also known as the "Water Tyrant."

Shi Qingxuan has a sociable and generous personality, and he and his brother ascended as gods together, becoming a famous pair in the heavens.

Shi Qingxuan reveals that he doesn’t get along with Pei Ming and doesn’t care if their actions create a rift between Pei Ming and his brother.

Xie Lian is surprised to learn about the "Three Tumors" moniker, which refers to Pei Ming, Ling Wen, and the Water Master, all of whom have bad reputations in the heavenly court.

They arrive in a wilderness thick with yin energy and wait near a graveyard to follow ghosts to Ghost City.

A group of female ghosts dressed in funeral garb appears, and Xie Lian and Shi Qingxuan follow them.

As they enter Ghost City, the female ghosts question who Xie Lian and Shi Qingxuan are, but they pass themselves off as fellow ghosts.

Ghost City is a bustling, chaotic place filled with bizarre creatures, masked figures, and gruesome scenes, such as a butcher shop selling human meat and a strange street performer roasting a small ghost alive.

Xie Lian notices that Shi Qingxuan and the female ghosts have disappeared and begins searching for the Wind Master in the chaotic city.

While walking, Xie Lian is harassed by a female ghost who tries to seduce him, but he deflects her advances by claiming he has an "unspeakable affliction" and cannot get erect, which causes the crowd to laugh.

Xie Lian continues exploring and arrives at an extravagant gambling den with gaudy calligraphy on its entrance.

Inside, the gambling den is packed with strange creatures and ghosts betting on various games. One man screams after losing a bet, having both legs amputated.

A petite ghost attendant guides Xie Lian to the back of the hall, where he hears a familiar voice. It is Hua Cheng’s voice, slightly deeper than before, making Xie Lian realize that Hua Cheng is present in the gambling den.

Xie Lian spots a faint red figure lounging behind a screen curtain, recognizing Hua Cheng lying on a chair.

Xie Lian arrives at the Gambler’s Den and observes a man betting ten years of his daughter’s life.

The man wins his bet but wants to continue gambling, now betting for the death of his competitors and twenty years of his daughter’s life along with her marriage prospects.

Just as the man prepares to lift the gambling cup, Lang Qianqiu, the Crown Prince of Yong’an, breaks in, smashing the cup and accusing the man of having a cruel heart.

Lang Qianqiu’s rash actions lead to a confrontation, and he learns that the Gambler’s Den belongs to Hua Cheng, also known as Crimson Rain Sought Flower.

Hua Cheng, behind a red curtain, speaks to Lang Qianqiu, indicating he knows Lang Qianqiu’s identity as a heavenly official.

Hua Cheng engages in a power struggle with Lang Qianqiu, ultimately suspending him in the air and sealing his powers.

The crowd in the Gambler’s Den begins betting on Lang Qianqiu’s fate, with Hua Cheng offering Lang Qianqiu as a prize.

Xie Lian, realizing the danger, suggests trying to win Lang Qianqiu back through gambling. Shi Qingxuan supports this idea, but Xie Lian’s bad luck makes it seem impossible.

Hua Cheng changes the rules and offers to personally teach Xie Lian how to roll the dice. Under Hua Cheng’s guidance, Xie Lian progressively rolls higher numbers.

Despite the teasing, Hua Cheng allows Xie Lian to win the final round and releases Lang Qianqiu.

Hua Cheng then emerges from behind the curtain in his true form, a slightly older and taller version of San Lang, wearing a red eyepatch over one eye.

Xie Lian recognizes Hua Cheng’s true form and awkwardly presents the “prize” he owes— a half-eaten bun.

Hua Cheng accepts the bun with a grin and eats it, playfully watching Xie Lian as he leaves.

After escaping the Gambler’s Den, Xie Lian, Lang Qianqiu, and Shi Qingxuan discuss their next steps. Lang Qianqiu is determined that Xie Lian must not deceive Hua Cheng, believing that friendship should be honored.

Shi Qingxuan suggests that Xie Lian should visit Hua Cheng openly, pretending they came to visit him rather than investigate Ghost City.

A ruckus interrupts their conversation as a mob of creatures begins searching for someone with a "bandaged face." Xie Lian reassures his companions that they are not the targets, but a piercing cry suggests trouble is near.

Xie Lian hears a sharp cry and rushes to find a group of ghosts beating a bandaged boy, who turns out to be the same boy from Mount Yujun.

Lang Qianqiu, acting impulsively again, jumps into the fight, causing more chaos. Xie Lian tries to help the boy, but the terrified boy runs away.

Xie Lian instructs Shi Qingxuan and Lang Qianqiu to hide for three days while he gives chase to the boy through the busy streets of Ghost City.

As Xie Lian chases the boy, he is held back by a group of ghosts, but a masked figure, the Waning Moon Officer, appears and disperses the crowd.

The Waning Moon Officer informs Xie Lian that Hua Cheng (Chengzhu) has requested his presence at Paradise Manor.

Xie Lian follows the Waning Moon Officer to a remote area where Paradise Manor is located. He notices a cursed shackle on the Waning Moon Officer's wrist, hinting at something unusual.

Entering Paradise Manor, Xie Lian sees Hua Cheng lounging on a black jade divan, absentmindedly playing with a golden foil palace.

Hua Cheng invites Xie Lian to sit, and they discuss why Hua Cheng pretended not to recognize Xie Lian at the Gambler's Den—Hua Cheng did it to avoid causing Xie Lian trouble in front of Lang Qianqiu and Shi Qingxuan.

Hua Cheng reveals this is his real appearance, and Xie Lian compliments him.

Xie Lian asks Hua Cheng for help in finding the bandaged boy, and Hua Cheng agrees without hesitation.

Xie Lian also thanks Hua Cheng for the silver ring he left him, and Hua Cheng downplays its significance but is pleased when Xie Lian keeps it.

The Waning Moon Officer brings the bandaged boy to Xie Lian, and the boy, starving, devours the food provided.

Xie Lian unwraps the boy's bandages and finds his face covered in deep red scars, evidence that the boy had cut off the human faces that once infected him.

Xie Lian asks the boy if he is from Xianle, but the boy reveals he is from Yong'an, contradicting what Xie Lian expected about the origin of the Human Face Disease.

Xie Lian has a flashback of the White-Clothed Calamity (White No-Face), a figure associated with disasters and plagues.

As Xie Lian tends to the boy, Hua Cheng advises him to rest. The boy is taken away, and Xie Lian is left to reflect.

Xie Lian notices that the Waning Moon Officer has a cursed shackle and decides to investigate, following him to a mysterious room with a magical lock.

Xie Lian deduces that two dice rolling sixes unlock the door but is unable to replicate it, deciding to report back to Hua Cheng later.

Hua Cheng returns, and Xie Lian keeps quiet about the Waning Moon Officer's suspicious behavior, waiting for more evidence.

Hua Cheng offers to show Xie Lian an armory filled with weapons. Xie Lian is excited but declines Hua Cheng's offer to take any weapons, preferring to simply admire them.

Xie Lian mentions the rumors about Hua Cheng's scimitar, Eming, and Hua Cheng confirms that the scimitar was forged through mysterious means but reassures Xie Lian not to worry.

Xie Lian greets the eye on Hua Cheng's scimitar, Eming, which reacts positively, and Hua Cheng explains that Eming only likes a select few.

Xie Lian strokes Eming like a pet, finding it amusing that the cursed blade is so "cute" and harmless, contrary to its reputation.

Xie Lian and Hua Cheng discuss various legendary weapons and swords in detail, with Xie Lian in high spirits afterward.

The boy, now named Lang Ying, is cleaned up and rebandaged. Xie Lian offers to take him in as a disciple, promising safety and security. Lang Ying accepts.

A feast is prepared, but Lang Ying is hesitant to eat until Xie Lian encourages him.

Xie Lian is surprised when the woman serving wine turns out to be Shi Qingxuan in disguise.

Xie Lian accidentally drinks wine, breaking a vow, but brushes it off while feeling guilty.

Xie Lian and Hua Cheng discuss abstinence and gambling, with Hua Cheng teasingly offering to lend Xie Lian luck for future games.

Hua Cheng shows Xie Lian how to borrow his luck to win at dice, which amazes Xie Lian when he rolls two sixes.

Xie Lian feels guilty about borrowing luck from Hua Cheng, but Hua Cheng reassures him.

Shi Qingxuan sneaks into Xie Lian's guest chamber in his male form after struggling with his disguise. He expresses envy over Xie Lian's good fortune in being treated so well by Hua Cheng.

Xie Lian and Shi Qingxuan sneak out to investigate Paradise Manor and use the borrowed luck to roll two sixes and open a secret passage.

The passage leads to a dark tunnel and a long staircase descending into the abyss. The two enter, hoping to find more clues.

Xie Lian notices the cursed shackle on the Waning Moon Officer's wrist and questions Shi Qingxuan about any banished heavenly officials, learning about a Martial God of the West who was banished.

They find the path blocked by a stone wall. After rolling dice on a tile, they fall through a hidden trap door into a muddy tunnel filled with giant earthworms.

They fend off the worms with fire but realize the flames won't last. Just as the worms approach, they find another stone door and roll dice again, escaping the worm-infested tunnel.

They fall into a cramped hole in a tree, emerging in a forest where they are attacked by fierce spirits. After a brief battle, they escape.

They find another stone door, but Shi Qingxuan refuses to roll the dice again, believing his luck is terrible. Xie Lian rolls two sixes again, and they enter another dark stairway.

The new path leads them to the stench of blood and the heavy breathing of a man, who speaks coldly, saying, "I have nothing to say."

Xie Lian and Shi Qingxuan find a man imprisoned in a dark tunnel, severely wounded but composed.

The man is Ming Yi, the Earth Master, who sent the distress signal. He pretends not to know Shi Qingxuan but is eventually carried out by him.

Ming Yi refuses to answer why he was imprisoned by Hua Cheng.

Xie Lian accidentally falls through a stone door into Hua Cheng’s armory, landing directly on top of him. Hua Cheng remains calm but clearly expects an explanation.

Lang Ying hides behind Xie Lian, while Shi Qingxuan and Ming Yi also arrive. Shi Qingxuan suspects Hua Cheng is responsible for the missing heavenly official.

Xie Lian pleads for peace, but Hua Cheng reveals Ming Yi was a spy, working undercover as his subordinate for over ten years.

Hua Cheng explains that he suspected Ming Yi’s identity and confirmed it during the events at Banyue Pass.

Xie Lian tries to deescalate the situation, but Shi Qingxuan initiates an escape by summoning a powerful wind to blow open the armory’s roof.

Hua Cheng retaliates by using a fan made of golden foil, causing a deadly wind battle within the armory.

Lang Qianqiu arrives just in time, using his magnetizing sword to absorb the golden foil, and charges at Hua Cheng.

Xie Lian intervenes just before Lang Qianqiu and Hua Cheng’s blades clash, absorbing the impact of both attacks with a borrowed sword, which shatters.

The group escapes by creating a fire and using Shi Qingxuan’s wind to ascend through the roof. The fire spreads uncontrollably, burning down Paradise Manor.

Xie Lian feels guilty for destroying Hua Cheng’s armory and causing extensive damage to his residence.

Xie Lian’s right arm is severely injured from blocking Hua Cheng’s scimitar, but he downplays it as a minor wound.

The group returns to the Heavenly Capital, where they are met by Feng Xin and Mu Qing. Lang Qianqiu, however, remains in shock.

Lang Qianqiu, after regaining his senses, grabs Xie Lian’s wrist and accuses him of being the State Preceptor Fangxin, the evil cultivator who once brought ruin to Yong’an.

Lang Qianqiu is furious and reveals that he killed Xie Lian (as the State Preceptor) in the past, but now realizes Xie Lian is still alive.

The chapter ends with tension building, as the revelation of Xie Lian’s past identity threatens to cause major conflict among the heavenly officials.

Feng Xin reacts with shock, while Mu Qing appears intrigued by Lang Qianqiu’s accusation that Xie Lian is the State Preceptor Fangxin.

Shi Qingxuan argues that Xie Lian couldn’t be Fangxin, as Lang Qianqiu had never seen Fangxin's face due to the preceptor always wearing a silver mask.

Pei Ming confirms the story of the Gilded Banquet, where Fangxin killed the entire royal family of Yong’an, sparing only Lang Qianqiu, who arrived late.

Lang Qianqiu accuses Xie Lian of being Fangxin, saying the massacre was revenge for Xianle’s downfall at the hands of Yong’an.

The heavenly officials speculate on Xie Lian's motivations, assuming the massacre was revenge against the Yong’an monarchy for overthrowing Xianle.

Jun Wu arrives, stopping Xie Lian's bleeding and asking for an explanation. Lang Qianqiu requests a duel, claiming Xie Lian killed his family.

Ling Wen explains the history of the Gilded Banquet, where Fangxin slaughtered the royal family in retaliation for Xianle’s fall. Lang Qianqiu confirms that Fangxin taught him swordsmanship, and he recognizes Xie Lian’s style.

Lang Qianqiu demands a duel to prove that Xie Lian is Fangxin, but Xie Lian refuses to fight, claiming he swore never to kill with a sword again.

Lang Qianqiu breaks his own right arm to match Xie Lian’s injury, insisting they duel with their left hands.

Xie Lian admits to being Fangxin and accepts responsibility for the Gilded Banquet Massacre, stunning the other heavenly officials.

Lang Qianqiu is furious and demands to know why Xie Lian slaughtered his family, believing it was an act of vengeance for Xianle’s fall.

The heavenly officials are shocked that Xie Lian, who had always seemed mild-mannered, committed such a heinous act.

Xie Lian requests that Jun Wu strip him of his godhood and banish him to the mortal realm, preferring this outcome to continuing the conflict with Lang Qianqiu.

Lang Qianqiu objects to Xie Lian’s request for banishment, wanting to resolve the matter through a duel instead.

Xie Lian refuses to fight Lang Qianqiu, stating that if they do, Lang Qianqiu will surely die.

Xie Lian requests to be banished, stating that fighting Lang Qianqiu would be pointless, shocking the surrounding martial gods.

Lang Qianqiu insists that life and death don't matter to him, pushing for a duel.

Shi Qingxuan speaks up, pointing out the inconsistency that Xie Lian, if vengeful, would have killed Lang Qianqiu, the crown prince of Yong’an, during the attack, but instead, he defended him.

Shi Qingxuan defends Xie Lian, arguing that the accusations against him don’t make sense, though Pei Ming argues back that there are similarities to previous cases.

Xie Lian thanks Shi Qingxuan for his defense but asks him to stop and also to take care of the boy from the side palace and to help Banyue if Pei Ming causes trouble.

Jun Wu denies Xie Lian's request for banishment, instead deciding to detain him and personally interrogate him, surprising everyone as Jun Wu appears to shield Xie Lian.

Lang Qianqiu vows that no matter the result, he will duel Xie Lian after the interrogation.

Xie Lian is escorted to the Palace of Xianle for house arrest. He reminisces about the past, dreaming of being a cold, aloof state preceptor tutoring a young crown prince.

In his dream, he recalls a philosophical discussion with the crown prince about fighting and the nature of power, where he reveals a technique that absorbs an opponent's attack rather than dissolving it.

The dream shifts to a violent memory where Xie Lian, as the State Preceptor, kills the Yong’an king and queen, shocking the crown prince, who accuses him of betrayal. Xie Lian coldly responds that they deserved it.

Xie Lian wakes up disoriented and finds the dice from Paradise Manor in his clothes. He rolls them, but his luck has run out, getting snake eyes.

Mu Qing arrives, offering a high-grade healing potion for Xie Lian’s injury and showing passive-aggressiveness while asking about the truth behind the Yong’an massacre.

Feng Xin arrives, and he and Mu Qing quickly start a heated argument about loyalty, old grievances, and who left Xie Lian first, which escalates into a fistfight.

As the fight intensifies, Xie Lian tries to intervene, but before he can get help, the palace doors are kicked open, revealing a swarm of silver butterflies emerging from the darkness.

Xie Lian is surprised when Hua Cheng’s silver butterflies do not attack him but instead target Feng Xin and Mu Qing, who struggle to defend themselves with spiritual shields.

Xie Lian, distracted by one of the butterflies, is suddenly pulled into darkness by Hua Cheng.

Feng Xin and Mu Qing are shocked by Hua Cheng’s audacity to cause trouble in the Heavenly Court, but Hua Cheng mocks them and closes the door to the Heavenly Palace, transporting himself and Xie Lian to a remote mountain valley.

The communication array is in chaos, with Feng Xin, Mu Qing, and other heavenly officials panicking over Xie Lian’s "kidnapping" by Hua Cheng. They report to Jun Wu and scramble to figure out what happened.

Hua Cheng enters the communication array through Xie Lian and greets the gods with a taunting message, causing the entire array to fall into stunned silence. His presence intimidates all the gods.

Hua Cheng threatens the gods indirectly, warning that if they want to chase him, they will regret it. The gods, frightened, go silent, unwilling to challenge him.

Xie Lian, still unsure of Hua Cheng’s intentions, wonders if Hua Cheng came to rescue him or if he is seeking payback for the destruction of Paradise Manor.

Xie Lian apologizes to Hua Cheng for not telling him the full truth about his visit to Ghost City and for inadvertently burning down the manor. He feels guilty and offers to repay Hua Cheng.

Hua Cheng, irritated, cuts off Xie Lian’s apology, insisting that Xie Lian owes him nothing and that it was he who injured Xie Lian’s arm.

Xie Lian tries to downplay his injury, but Hua Cheng’s anger intensifies, and the scimitar Eming at Hua Cheng’s waist begins to shake uncontrollably, as if it were crying.

Xie Lian attempts to pet Hua Cheng’s scimitar Eming, but Hua Cheng avoids him and smacks the scimitar, which only makes it shake more.

Feng Xin and Mu Qing, after using dice to open the door, end up in increasingly dangerous and bizarre locations, including a women’s bath and a marsh full of Black Marsh Crocodiles.

Hua Cheng explains that the dice lead to whatever the roller fears most, confirming Feng Xin’s worst fears with the women’s bath.

Feng Xin and Mu Qing argue and fight as they face the challenges brought by the dice, much to the amusement of heavenly officials listening in the communication array.

Xie Lian jokes about rolling a two and seeing Hua Cheng, to which Hua Cheng replies that Xie Lian can see him anytime, regardless of the roll.

Lang Qianqiu interrupts Xie Lian and Hua Cheng’s path, throwing down Fangxin, a sword that was once Xie Lian’s, and demanding a duel.

Xie Lian reluctantly agrees to the duel and reclaims Fangxin, but he uses Ruoye to bind Lang Qianqiu, ending the duel before it begins.

Lang Qianqiu is furious at Xie Lian for using what he sees as a dishonorable tactic, accusing Xie Lian of having changed from his days as his honorable State Preceptor.

Xie Lian reminds Lang Qianqiu that he’s always been pragmatic and tells him to rethink his ideals about honor and battle.

Lang Qianqiu, still angry, demands an explanation for why Xie Lian killed his royal family, feeling betrayed after treating the remnants of Xianle fairly.

Lang Qianqiu recalls how he refused to allow the extermination of Xianle’s people after the massacre and struggles to understand Xie Lian’s actions.

Xie Lian listens to Lang Qianqiu’s impassioned speech, which declares that he will never become like Xie Lian, and finds it both admirable and humorous.

As Xie Lian and Hua Cheng prepare to leave, Lang Qianqiu is turned into a budaoweng doll by Hua Cheng’s spell.

Hua Cheng leads Xie Lian through a complex network of caves, disguised as green-flamed ghosts. They arrive at the lair of Green Ghost Qi Rong.

Qi Rong is introduced, cursing many gods and ghosts and revealing his vulgar nature. He uses a kneeling statue of Xie Lian as a footstool, enraging Hua Cheng.

Hua Cheng’s anger leads to a brutal confrontation where he violently smashes Qi Rong’s head into the ground, exposing his true face.

To Xie Lian’s shock, Qi Rong’s face is revealed to bear a striking resemblance to his own.

Qi Rong’s mask crumbles, revealing his face doesn't resemble Xie Lian’s much beyond some similar facial features.

Qi Rong sees Hua Cheng’s true form, immediately recognizing him due to the red robes.

Hua Cheng demands to know how Prince An Le died, but Qi Rong resists, leading Hua Cheng to repeatedly slam his head into the ground.

Hua Cheng questions Qi Rong on Prince An Le's death, prompting Qi Rong to reveal that Lang Qianqiu was the one who killed him.

Lang Qianqiu, emerging from a budaoweng doll, confronts Qi Rong, furious over the accusation.

Qi Rong accuses Lang Qianqiu of being ignorant, mocking his belief that Prince An Le died of illness.

Lang Qianqiu vehemently defends his parents and accuses Qi Rong of trying to divide Xianle and Yong’an.

Qi Rong mocks Lang Qianqiu and reveals a plot where Prince An Le planned to assassinate people at the Gilded Banquet.

Qi Rong boasts that Xie Lian killed Lang Qianqiu’s father and then goes on to insult Xianle and Yong’an.

Xie Lian, under Hua Cheng’s petrification spell, struggles to stop Qi Rong from spewing more damaging truths about the past.

Qi Rong taunts Lang Qianqiu with truths, including how Xie Lian killed Prince An Le.

Lang Qianqiu becomes increasingly distressed, believing both Xie Lian and Qi Rong betrayed him and his family.

Xie Lian tries to take full blame for everything, but Qi Rong continues to provoke and escalate the situation.

Lang Qianqiu is furious with Xie Lian, demanding the truth behind the events of the Gilded Banquet.

Hua Cheng releases Xie Lian from the petrification spell, but it’s too late, and the damage is done.

Qi Rong is eventually thrown into a boiling cauldron by Lang Qianqiu, an act of revenge for the massacre of his family.

Xie Lian expresses despair over the truth, questioning the value of knowing it and lamenting the situation.

Hua Cheng reassures Xie Lian that what he did was necessary and justified, but Xie Lian remains conflicted and anguished.

Xie Lian looks at the statue resembling him and acknowledges his sense of failure.

Hua Cheng reassures Xie Lian not to believe Qi Rong’s insults, calling him useless.

Xie Lian destroys the statue, breaking its crying face.

Xie Lian and Hua Cheng search Qi Rong’s lair to free the humans captured for consumption, finding about three hundred prisoners.

As they free the captives, Xie Lian asks Hua Cheng how he knew Qi Rong was behind the Gilded Banquet plot.

Hua Cheng explains he deduced it based on Qi Rong’s hatred for Yong’an and his tendency to provoke and manipulate situations.

Hua Cheng shares his thought process, concluding that Qi Rong manipulated Prince An Le and was likely behind his suspicious death after the Gilded Banquet.

Xie Lian is impressed by Hua Cheng’s deduction skills and asks why he was so sure Qi Rong was the mastermind.

Hua Cheng responds that he believed in Xie Lian’s innocence, dismissing the idea that Xie Lian would act on negative thoughts.

Xie Lian warns Hua Cheng not to place too much hope in others, as it can lead to disappointment when the truth is revealed.

Hua Cheng expresses that for some people, the very existence of someone can be a source of hope, implying Xie Lian is such a person to him.

Xie Lian becomes curious about Hua Cheng’s true identity, sensing that Hua Cheng may be someone from his past.

Hua Cheng doesn't reveal much, but Xie Lian apologizes for pressing the question, understanding that ghosts typically keep their real identities secret.

Shi Qingxuan and Feng Xin arrive at the lair, with Shi Qingxuan initially mistaking Hua Cheng’s presence as a threat and trying to calm him.

Feng Xin pulls his bow on Hua Cheng, but Xie Lian steps between them. Hua Cheng pulls Xie Lian back protectively.

Shi Qingxuan plays along, pretending that Hua Cheng came to settle a score with the Heavens for the destruction of Paradise Manor.

Xie Lian reveals that Lang Qianqiu left to pursue Qi Rong, who is the true culprit behind the Gilded Banquet Massacre.

Feng Xin is shocked by the revelation and puts away his bow.

Feng Xin realizes that the Green Ghost Qi Rong is the same Qi Rong they knew from Xianle, which shocks him and Xie Lian as well.

The group reflects on Qi Rong’s past as Xie Lian’s cousin, who was rebellious and violent even in his youth.

Shi Qingxuan humorously points out Xie Lian’s impressive connections to various gods, demons, and ghosts, highlighting his unusual relationships.

Feng Xin advises Xie Lian to return to the Heavens and report the events, but Hua Cheng mocks Feng Xin for not being direct about his dislike of Xie Lian associating with ghosts.

Xie Lian mentions that there are still little ghosts to deal with in the lair, which Hua Cheng and Feng Xin debate handling.

Suddenly, Hua Cheng opens a crimson umbrella, predicting a change in the weather, and a rain of blood falls, drenching Feng Xin.

Hua Cheng closes the umbrella, and Shi Qingxuan helps a shocked Feng Xin clean up.

Xie Lian asks if Hua Cheng is returning to Ghost City, and Hua Cheng half-jokes that Xie Lian is welcome to follow him.

Xie Lian thanks Hua Cheng for his help with Lang Qianqiu, but Hua Cheng tells him to focus on doing what he wants to do.

Hua Cheng leaves, disappearing into the mountains as Xie Lian watches.

Xie Lian feels renewed courage after Lang Qianqiu's departure and stands tall.

Shi Qingxuan compliments Xie Lian on his luck in befriending Hua Cheng.

Feng Xin continues wiping his face, now covered in white strands, and apologizes for his lack of skill compared to Hua Cheng.

The three conduct a final sweep of Qi Rong's lair before returning to the Heavenly Court.

Upon arriving, they find the streets filled with junior officials searching the area, and the main hall is buzzing with arguments about Hua Cheng.

An official questions why the Heavens would need to send a spy, while Shi Qingxuan points out that a connection spell was cast on Xie Lian’s palace without notice.

Pei Ming takes responsibility for the oversight as he was on duty that month.

Ling Wen relays a message from Lang Qianqiu, stating there’s another side to the Gilded Banquet Massacre story, and he will resolve the conflict himself. He also requests that Xie Lian's banishment request not proceed.

Heavenly officials are disappointed by the lack of confrontation and gossip as Lang Qianqiu drops the case against Xie Lian.

Jun Wu dismisses the officials after assigning security tasks to Feng Xin, Mu Qing, and Pei Ming.

Xie Lian remains behind and reports the full story of the Gilded Banquet Massacre to Jun Wu.

Jun Wu critiques Xie Lian's handling of the situation, pointing out his effort pleased no one and left him in a difficult position.

Xie Lian asks if Jun Wu sent the Earth Master to Ghost City as a spy, which Jun Wu confirms.

Jun Wu explains that he believed Hua Cheng had planted a spy in the Heavenly Realm, prompting him to send Ming Yi as a countermeasure.

Jun Wu expresses concerns about Hua Cheng's knowledge of Heavenly Realm affairs and warns Xie Lian to be cautious of Hua Cheng, despite their friendship.

Xie Lian defends Hua Cheng, arguing that he hasn't caused any major harm and wouldn't do so without reason.

Jun Wu advises Xie Lian to be wary and emphasizes the danger of the Supreme Ghost Kings, Hua Cheng and Black Water.

After leaving the Palace of Divine Might, Xie Lian decides to visit Mount Taicang instead of staying at the Palace of the Wind Master.

Xie Lian hikes to the summit of Mount Taicang, recalling the Royal Holy Temple, now in ruins after Xianle’s fall.

He encounters remnants of the Crown Prince Temple and enters a hidden underground mausoleum through an old well.

The underground palace is adorned with jewels and night pearls, reflecting like a starry sky.

Xie Lian reaches a crypt where two coffins stand, guarded by a figure dressed in extravagant clothing and a golden mask, though it is only a lifeless haystack.

He clears out rotten offerings from the coffins and speaks to his deceased parents, apologizing for not bringing any offerings.

Xie Lian reflects on his encounter with Qi Rong, expressing confusion about how to handle him.

Xie Lian hears soft weeping from his mother's coffin and initially hopes it’s her, but he quickly realizes it is someone else.

Inside the coffin, Xie Lian finds a trembling child wearing his mother's burial dress.

Horrified, Xie Lian demands to know what happened to his mother’s body but receives no answers from the terrified child.

Ashen powder falls from the dress, and Xie Lian realizes it’s the remains of his mother, reduced to dust after the dress was removed.

As Xie Lian processes the shock, a disguised figure attempts to stab him from behind, but he disarms and subdues the attacker.

The attacker is revealed to be the man Xie Lian saved from Qi Rong’s lair, now possessed by Qi Rong.

Qi Rong taunts Xie Lian, laughing and downplaying the desecration of his mother’s body, angering Xie Lian further.

Xie Lian beats Qi Rong, but Qi Rong only revels in the chaos, mocking Xie Lian for his anger and inability to act decisively.

Xie Lian, caught between rage and moral restraint, is further provoked by Qi Rong, who dares him to kill him.

Xie Lian draws Fangxin and swings it down toward Qi Rong.

The chapter opens with Xie Lian, dressed as the God-Pleasing Martial Warrior, defeating the demon on stage during a grand parade.

Cheers erupt from the massive crowd attending the Shangyuan Festival in Xianle, signaling excitement and celebration.

The ceremonial parade is ready to begin, but the State Preceptor realizes that Xie Lian, the Crown Prince, is missing from the procession.

Mu Qing, playing the demon, informs the State Preceptor that Xie Lian left, causing panic among the organizers.

Despite the delay, the State Preceptor orders the parade to start, hoping Xie Lian will return in time.

The parade begins with flower-scattering maidens and musicians, but the crowd becomes restless, wondering where the Crown Prince is.

Mu Qing performs impressively as the demon, though the crowd grows impatient, demanding to see Xie Lian.

Qi Rong, Xie Lian's cousin, yells from the platform, angrily questioning why Xie Lian hasn’t appeared.

Just when tension rises, Xie Lian dramatically descends from a high tower, making a grand entrance that wows the crowd.

Xie Lian and Mu Qing engage in an exciting, choreographed battle on stage, with Xie Lian embodying the heroic God-Pleasing Martial Warrior.

During the performance, Xie Lian notices that Mu Qing is attacking with full strength rather than just performing, making the fight more intense.

Xie Lian, impressed by the intensity, continues the battle until he disarms Mu Qing, declaring victory.

Just as Xie Lian prepares to end the performance, a commotion erupts as a child falls from a high place.

Without hesitation, Xie Lian leaps into the air and catches the child mid-fall, saving him.

The crowd is amazed by Xie Lian’s act of heroism, but his golden mask falls off, revealing his face to the public, a breach of tradition.

Despite the chaos caused by the interruption, Mu Qing helps Xie Lian recover the mask and continue the performance.

Xie Lian and Mu Qing conclude the performance with Xie Lian slaying the demon, much to the delight of the crowd.

After the parade ends, Xie Lian takes the child with him inside the palace, deciding to protect him from the chaos outside.

Back at the Royal Holy Temple, Xie Lian and Mu Qing are reprimanded by the State Preceptor for disrupting the ceremony and only completing three rounds of the procession.

The State Preceptor scolds Xie Lian for his improvised grand entrance and the dropped mask, but Xie Lian calmly defends his actions, explaining that saving the child was more important.

Xie Lian’s confident demeanor during the reprimand leaves the State Preceptor both frustrated and proud of his favorite disciple.

The chapter ends with Xie Lian reminding the State Preceptor that he had previously asked for permission for his entrance, turning to Mu Qing for confirmation.

The chapter begins with Feng Xin confirming that Xie Lian had indeed mentioned his plan for the ceremonial descent, explaining that Mu Qing was supposed to deliver the message to the State Preceptor.

The State Preceptor accuses Mu Qing of intentionally withholding the message, believing he tried to sabotage the event.

Xie Lian defends Mu Qing, stating that it doesn’t make sense for Mu Qing to deliberately withhold information as it would be easily exposed later.

Mu Qing explains that he did deliver the message outside the State Preceptor’s window, but the guards had mocked him and prevented him from entering the palace.

The State Preceptors realize that they were distracted by playing cards at the time and likely didn’t hear Mu Qing’s message properly.

Despite tension, the matter is dropped as a misunderstanding, and the State Preceptor dismisses Xie Lian, Feng Xin, and Mu Qing.

Xie Lian returns to his quarters, where Mu Qing helps him remove his ceremonial garb. Xie Lian notices his earring is missing and jokes about the incident with the child from the parade.

Feng Xin mentions the child kicked him when he tried to help him, while Mu Qing worries that the child might have been dirty, marking the God-Pleasing costume.

Feng Xin offhandedly comments about theft, which causes Mu Qing to snap and break a broom, accusing Feng Xin of insinuating that he stole the earring.

Mu Qing storms out after a tense argument, and Xie Lian tries to calm things down, but Feng Xin remains frustrated and suspicious of Mu Qing.

Xie Lian admits to Feng Xin that Mu Qing had once taken a gold foil leaf when they first met at the Royal Holy Temple, which he had helped cover up to avoid further trouble for Mu Qing.

They search for Mu Qing and find him in the cherry wood being bullied by other trainees, accusing him of stealing fruit to give to his mother.

Xie Lian intervenes, claiming that Mu Qing was picking fruit under his command, which diffuses the situation and sends the other trainees away.

Mu Qing remains upset but reluctantly accepts Xie Lian's help, thanking him for his support.

The next day, Xie Lian, Feng Xin, and Mu Qing descend the mountain and encounter Qi Rong, who invites Xie Lian to ride in his golden carriage.

Qi Rong drives recklessly, almost causing accidents, and Feng Xin and Mu Qing struggle to control the horse and prevent any injuries.

After arriving at the palace, Xie Lian meets with his mother, the queen, who asks about the Heavenly Procession. Qi Rong becomes jealous of Mu Qing’s role in the ceremony and throws a teacup at him, but Xie Lian stops him.

Qi Rong’s reckless behavior continues, and Xie Lian decides to confiscate his golden carriage, causing Qi Rong to throw a tantrum.

Later, Xie Lian visits Mu Qing’s old neighborhood, where they see children begging Mu Qing for cherries. Mu Qing shares his fruit with the children.

Suddenly, chaos erupts as Qi Rong drives through the streets again, dragging a sack behind his carriage with a person inside.

Xie Lian cuts the rope and discovers the beaten and bloodied child from the previous day’s parade inside the sack.

Xie Lian orders Feng Xin to arrest Qi Rong, furious that Qi Rong nearly killed the child in a fit of revenge.

Xie Lian takes the child to the imperial doctors for treatment, where they are amazed at the child’s resilience despite severe injuries.

The child is revealed to be named “Hong,” but he refuses to reveal the right side of his face, claiming he is “ugly.”

The king and queen arrive at the medical office, and Qi Rong complains about his broken arm, which Feng Xin accidentally caused while trying to stop him.

The king reprimands Feng Xin for injuring Qi Rong, but Xie Lian takes full responsibility, defending Feng Xin’s actions as justifiable given the situation.

Qi Rong demands that Feng Xin break his own arm as punishment, but Xie Lian refuses, stating that if Feng Xin is punished, then Xie Lian should be as well, as Feng Xin acted under his orders.

Xie Lian's father, the King of Xianle, grows enraged as Xie Lian insists on taking responsibility for Feng Xin’s actions.

Tension between father and son is highlighted; Xie Lian has long disagreed with his father’s ideals, especially regarding royal authority, and this has caused a rift between them.

The king challenges Xie Lian to take Feng Xin’s place in punishment, and Xie Lian confidently accepts.

The queen tries to mediate between them, but the situation escalates.

Before things worsen, Feng Xin suddenly breaks his own arm to resolve the situation and kowtows three times to Qi Rong, pleasing him.

Qi Rong, though with a broken arm himself, leaves satisfied, feeling as if he won the conflict.

Xie Lian is furious but is held back by both Feng Xin and his mother to prevent further conflict.

The king leaves, appeased, while the queen expresses sorrow for what Feng Xin had to endure.

Mu Qing silently watches the events unfold, his expression unreadable.

Xie Lian’s anger simmers, but Feng Xin reassures him that the sacrifice was worth it to avoid further strain between Xie Lian and his father.

Xie Lian reflects on Qi Rong's troubled background. Qi Rong's mother was the queen's sister, who had eloped with a palace guard, only to live a tragic life before dying to save the queen.

The queen had promised to care for Qi Rong, but the circumstances made it difficult to properly discipline him, leading to his current unruly behavior.

Remembering the injured child, Xie Lian checks on him and apologizes for scaring him during the argument.

The imperial doctors confirm the child's wounds have been tended, but the child reveals he has no home, implying he’s homeless.

Xie Lian, feeling responsible, decides to bring the child back to Mount Taicang since he has no place to go.

Mu Qing suddenly interrupts, claiming the child is lying.

Xie Lian questions Mu Qing after he claims the child is lying about being homeless.

Mu Qing explains he knows most street children and has never seen this one; he also points out the child’s clothes are patched by an adult.

The child denies having a family, claiming his parents kicked him out after a quarrel.

Xie Lian decides to bring the child to Mount Taicang, suspecting his family cannot care for him.

Feng Xin and Mu Qing argue about who will carry the child, but the child insists on walking despite his injuries.

The group sneaks through back alleyways to avoid the townspeople after Qi Rong’s earlier chaos.

Xie Lian carries the child and notices he is unusually quiet and compliant, making Feng Xin remark on the child's behavior.

The group tries to stay low-profile, but a crowd recognizes Xie Lian and cheers him for his heroic actions, throwing him into the air in celebration.

Xie Lian is reassured by the crowd's admiration, which contrasts with the State Preceptor's warnings.

At Mount Taicang, the group encounters cultivators and disciples who react with curiosity to the child.

Xie Lian questions the child, who reveals his name is "Honghong-er," a nickname given by his late mother.

The group reaches the Palace of Divine Might, where the State Preceptor has been waiting for Xie Lian.

The State Preceptor offers two solutions for the Heavenly Ceremonial Procession incident: punish the child or have Xie Lian publicly repent and face the wall in reflection.

Xie Lian refuses both options, arguing that the people supported his decision to save the child and that repentance would send the wrong message.

Xie Lian questions the worship of gods, suggesting humans should admire but not grovel before them.

The State Preceptor and Deputy Preceptors are taken aback by Xie Lian’s defiant stance against the heavens.

Suddenly, alarms ring, and the group rushes to a black pagoda where soul-sealing jars have been shattered, releasing resentful spirits.

The spirits all head toward the Palace of Xianle, where Xie Lian realizes they are targeting the child.

The Palace of Xianle is on fire, and Feng Xin and Mu Qing struggle to hold off the spirits.

Xie Lian orders them to release their shield, identifying and destroying the strongest spirit, which causes the others to lose direction and retreat.

The State Preceptors investigate the child, discovering that he bears the Star of Solitude, a cursed fate that brings misfortune to everyone around him.

The child reacts violently, denying his fate, and clings desperately to Xie Lian for comfort.

Despite warnings from the State Preceptor, Xie Lian refuses to abandon the child.

Xie Lian contemplates the implications of the child’s cursed fate, but he remains determined to protect him.

The State Preceptor warns Xie Lian about the limitations of changing fate, comparing it to the impossible task of giving more water when only one cup exists.

The State Preceptor also expresses concern that Xie Lian’s early ascension could lead to trials he is not prepared for.

Xie Lian is given permission to descend Mount Taicang for further experience, as the State Preceptor believes he still has much to learn.

The chapter ends with the revelation that Xie Lian ascended to the heavens at the age of seventeen after defeating a ghost at Yinian Bridge, making him the Crown Prince of Xianle who ascended to the heavens amidst great thunder and lightning.

A divine statue of the Crown Prince, Xie Lian, is unveiled in his honor as part of the eight-thousandth Temple of the Crown Prince.

Despite his popularity, Xie Lian secretly observes his worshippers, overhearing their confusion about the temple’s rule against prostrating.

Some visitors begin kneeling and praying despite Xie Lian’s preference for worship without groveling.

The overwhelming number of prayers frustrates Xie Lian, so he divides the workload between Feng Xin and Mu Qing.

Feng Xin is exasperated by the trivial prayers from devotees, particularly the abundance of female prayers about beauty and marriage.

Suddenly, the arrival of Qi Rong, Xie Lian’s cousin, causes the crowd to scatter in fear.

Qi Rong, now older and more arrogant, offers a prayer lamp, and Xie Lian recalls memories of their childhood.

Xie Lian reminisces about Qi Rong's early years when he idolized him, but over time, Qi Rong’s behavior worsened.

After offering his lamp, Qi Rong bumps into a ragged young man, Lang Ying, and insults him.

Lang Ying, undeterred, states that he needs to see the king to discuss an urgent matter.

Qi Rong mocks Lang Ying, but Lang Ying remains determined and unintentionally dives into a temple pond to retrieve coins.

Lang Ying is caught stealing the offering coins and explains that he needs them to save people in Yong’an, which is suffering from a drought and famine.

Lang Ying questions why the wealth and water in the temple can’t be used to help those in need.

Xie Lian is alarmed to hear about the drought in Yong’an and wonders why he hadn’t been informed.

Feng Xin also expresses confusion and suggests they consult Mu Qing about the situation.

Lang Ying questions Qi Rong and the gods for ignoring the suffering of the people of Yong'an, expressing frustration that prayers and begging have not saved lives.

Qi Rong orders Lang Ying beaten for his disrespect, while Feng Xin discreetly softens the blows.

Lang Ying persists, questioning why neither the gods nor the king have time for the starving people of Yong'an and why wealth is wasted while they suffer.

Xie Lian calls Mu Qing to investigate, but Mu Qing confirms that he has not heard any prayers related to a drought in Yong'an.

Tensions arise between Feng Xin and Mu Qing over the lack of information, but Xie Lian defuses the situation.

To create a distraction and free Lang Ying, Xie Lian topples his own golden statue, causing a scene that prevents Qi Rong and the guards from noticing Lang Ying escape.

Lang Ying flees with Xie Lian following him into a forest, where he begins digging a hole.

Xie Lian, concerned, watches as Lang Ying drinks from a dirty puddle. He offers him clean water, and they speak.

Lang Ying reveals that he has been carrying the dead body of his young son, who died of hunger and thirst during their escape from Yong'an.

Xie Lian is devastated by the sight of the child's corpse and urges Lang Ying to bury him.

Lang Ying calmly buries his son, expressing a longing for his deceased wife, and Xie Lian is heartbroken by the tragedy.

After burying his son, Lang Ying prepares to return to Yong'an. Xie Lian gives him a precious red coral pearl to help him on his way.

Xie Lian sends Feng Xin and Mu Qing to investigate the situation in Yong'an, while he decides to confront the state preceptor about the disaster in the city.

Mu Qing reveals that only the wealthy have been able to visit temples and pray, leaving the suffering poor unheard.

Xie Lian, deeply upset by the situation, rushes to Mount Taicang to learn more about the disaster unfolding in Yong'an.

Xie Lian arrives at Mount Taicang, at the Royal Holy Temple, during evening lessons conducted by the state preceptors.

After the temple is cleared, Xie Lian urgently asks the State Preceptor about the drought in Yong'an and why his father hasn't prayed for help.

The State Preceptor reveals that the king is fully aware of the situation in Yong'an but had been advised not to pray for help, as it would be "pointless."

Xie Lian is frustrated and confused by this, believing that as the Crown Prince and a god, he should be able to help his people.

The State Preceptor explains that even though Xie Lian has ascended, he is powerless to make meaningful changes, warning that the people may one day turn against him.

Xie Lian insists that even small efforts to save lives are worth it and resolves to take action despite the State Preceptor's warnings.

The State Preceptor reveals he has seen Xie Lian's future, predicting that it is "pitch black," but Xie Lian dismisses this, determined to save his people.

The State Preceptor advises Xie Lian to see for himself how ineffective the current efforts to help Yong'an have been and why larger solutions, like diverting water from the east, might fail.

Xie Lian travels to the western region of Yong'an, witnessing the devastation firsthand, including the dry riverbeds, cracked land, and suffering people.

Feng Xin and Mu Qing meet up with Xie Lian, reporting that Yong'an has been suffering from a drought for two years, with wealthier families moving east and the poor left behind.

Mu Qing reveals that government officials have been skimming off disaster relief funds, worsening the crisis.

Xie Lian becomes enraged and vows to hold those responsible accountable, despite Mu Qing reminding him that interfering in mortal affairs is forbidden for heavenly officials.

Xie Lian suggests using divine methods to help, including visiting the Rain Master to bring rain to Yong'an, but Mu Qing warns that the entire Kingdom of Xianle is facing a water shortage.

Diverting water to the west could relieve Yong'an temporarily but may doom the eastern region, where the majority of Xianle's population resides.

Xie Lian realizes that his father chose to prioritize the eastern territories, as a drought in the east would result in an even greater catastrophe.

Mu Qing advises Xie Lian to let the king make the decisions, as there is no clear solution without risking a larger disaster.

Xie Lian is devastated by the sight of the suffering people in Yong'an and feels powerless to help, despite his status as a god.

He instructs Feng Xin and Mu Qing to continue delivering water to the people of Yong'an while he contemplates his next steps.

Mu Qing cautions Xie Lian that they can only help for a short time and that their efforts are insufficient to solve the long-term problem.

Xie Lian briefly pauses after Mu Qing's warning but proceeds to the capital of Xianle.

Xie Lian sneaks into the imperial palace, avoiding contact with his parents due to their strained relationship and his lack of solutions for Yong'an.

He overhears his parents discussing the Yong'an refugees and the problems they bring, with the king expressing concern about allowing more refugees into the capital.

Xie Lian realizes his father's hair has been graying from the stress of ruling, adding to his guilt.

The queen expresses longing for Xie Lian, lamenting how distant he has become since his ascension, but the king insists that Xie Lian should remain focused on his duties as a god.

Xie Lian, filled with emotions, retreats from the palace without revealing himself and resolves to investigate the drought situation further.

He disguises himself as a young cultivator and inspects the rivers in the capital, confirming that the water levels have dropped significantly, supporting Mu Qing’s earlier report.

While standing by the riverside in deep contemplation, it begins to rain in the capital, further highlighting the drought's severity in Yong'an.

A group of passersby offers Xie Lian an umbrella as he seeks shelter, and he later discovers a small, humble Shrine of the Crown Prince.

The shrine contains a crude clay statue of Xie Lian, holding a real flower in place of the original clay one, which intrigues him.

A young boy, covered in bandages, enters the shrine and replaces the old flower with a freshly picked one. Xie Lian recognizes the boy as potentially the same child he saved three years ago.

A group of children mock the boy, calling him "ugly freak" and taunting him about his mother, leading to a scuffle.

Xie Lian intervenes with an invisible force, scaring off the bullies and watching as the boy, bruised and injured, returns to the statue.

Xie Lian, moved by the boy's devotion and suffering, feels responsible for his well-being and debates how to help him.

As the boy prays to the clay statue, he expresses his despair, saying he wishes to kill everyone and himself because of his suffering.

Despite warnings from Mu Qing and Feng Xin, Xie Lian breaks heavenly rules by answering the boy's prayers.

Xie Lian tells the boy to live for him if he cannot find meaning in his life and thanks him for the beautiful flower offering.

Feng Xin and Mu Qing are shocked by Xie Lian's actions, but Xie Lian feels compelled to offer the boy hope in his moment of despair.

Feng Xin and Mu Qing struggle to stop Xie Lian from breaking the rules, but Xie Lian defends his actions, insisting that the boy’s condition improved after his intervention.

The boy begins eating the offerings, showing that Xie Lian's words had an impact.

Xie Lian declares his decision: he will go to other kingdoms to borrow water, while Feng Xin and Mu Qing are to stay and help the worst-affected areas in Yong'an.

Mu Qing reluctantly agrees to manage the prayers from the Temple of the Crown Prince in Xie Lian's absence, focusing on the most urgent cases.

Xie Lian travels to the Heavenly Capital, seeking to borrow spiritual devices from water gods, but all are mysteriously absent except the Rain Master.

He asks Nangong Jie for directions to the Rain Master's residence and inquires about the Rain Master's preferences, but she admits no one knows much about the Rain Master.

Xie Lian travels to the Rain Master's temporary residence, a humble farming village, and encounters a farmer who was once an ox.

The farmer, who is part of the Rain Master's retinue, informs Xie Lian that the Rain Master doesn’t entertain guests and is currently injured, but he was expecting Xie Lian’s visit.

The farmer points out that the entire Heavenly Realm is aware of Xianle’s plight, and most officials are deliberately avoiding helping Xie Lian.

Xie Lian expresses his willingness to humble himself and persist in borrowing the Rain Master's spiritual device, even offering to kowtow at all eight thousand of his temples if necessary.

The farmer, amused by Xie Lian's resolve, hands him the Rain Master’s Hat, the spiritual device he sought, explaining that the Rain Master had already intended to lend it to him.

The farmer warns that while the hat can move rain, it cannot create water. Xie Lian must borrow water from other kingdoms, and using the hat will drain his spiritual power.

Grateful for the Rain Master's help, Xie Lian promises to repay the favor in the future and leaves with the spiritual device.

Xie Lian uses the Rain Master's Hat to transport water from a distant lake to the drought-stricken Yong'an village of Lang-Er, bringing much-needed rain to the villagers.

As the villagers rejoice, Mu Qing arrives with a grim expression, signaling that something serious has occurred.

Mu Qing informs Xie Lian that he has been gone for days, and a mountain of prayers has piled up at the Temple of the Crown Prince.

Xie Lian explains that he brought water from the Kingdom of Yushi but realizes the rainstorm was shorter than expected.

Mu Qing warns Xie Lian about how much power it took to move the water and that he can’t keep up with both watering Yong’an and attending to his followers' prayers.

Xie Lian rushes back to the capital and finds imperial soldiers parading detained Yong'an refugees, causing tensions between Yong'an and the capital residents.

A fight broke out earlier between Yong’an refugees and capital residents over a missing dog, which escalated due to underlying tensions and led to several Yong'an men being arrested.

Lang Ying, the man Xie Lian helped earlier, is among the prisoners, but he remains silent as he's hit with food and insults from the crowd.

Xie Lian tries to intervene subtly by softening the rocks thrown at the prisoners, but the conflict continues.

The King of Xianle issues a decree ordering all Yong’an refugees to leave the capital, giving them travel funds but closing the gates of the city to them.

Thousands of Yong'an refugees gather outside the city gates, refusing to leave, unable to continue their journey, and hoping the gates will reopen.

The situation escalates when a Yong’an family with a sick child begs for help but is ignored by the soldiers. The father tries to scale the city wall, but the rope is cut by an officer, causing the father, child, and later the mother to die.

The deaths spark outrage among the refugees, leading to a near riot as they pound on the gates, demanding entry and denouncing the king.

Xie Lian arrives just as Lang Ying appears on top of the city wall, snapping the officer's neck who cut the rope, before throwing the officer's body down and jumping off the wall.

Lang Ying looks through Xie Lian, staring at the imperial palace as he lands.

From that moment, chaos spreads throughout the Kingdom of Xianle.

Yong’an refugees, cornered and desperate, return to fight the imperial soldiers, now acting more like bandits. Though many die, Lang Ying succeeds in stealing grain and weapons, boosting the refugees' morale.

The tactics of the refugees rapidly improve, and their raids become harder for the imperial soldiers to handle. More refugees join the cause, and Xie Lian can no longer passively watch.

Xie Lian goes to the Heavenly Capital and barges into a meeting with Jun Wu, demanding to return to the Mortal Realm. Despite Jun Wu’s warning about violating heavenly law, Xie Lian insists on descending to reduce casualties and promises to accept any punishment afterward.

Xie Lian returns to the Mortal Realm and confronts his parents. The queen is overjoyed to see him, but the king angrily questions why Xie Lian has returned, blaming him for the situation with Yong’an.

Xie Lian, frustrated, blames the king for mismanaging disaster relief and corruption. The king, in turn, accuses Xie Lian of ignorance, stating that ruling a nation is far more complex than Xie Lian understands.

The queen tries to mediate, explaining that while the king may not be perfect, he has done his best. She advises Xie Lian not to be too harsh, as governing a nation requires more than just a good heart.

Xie Lian realizes that the royal treasury is not limitless and that many of the eight thousand temples built in his honor were funded by people trying to curry favor, not solely by the king.

After leaving the palace, Xie Lian walks the streets of the imperial capital, encountering a large protest by citizens of Xianle demanding action against the Yong’an refugees.

Mu Qing reveals that tensions escalated when a Yong’an refugee attempted to kidnap a wealthy family’s daughter to force a marriage, further straining relations between the capital residents and the refugees.

Xie Lian begins to realize how complicated the situation has become, with both the residents and refugees deeply entrenched in their animosity.

Despite the overwhelming challenges, Xie Lian refuses to abandon the situation, even as Mu Qing advises him to return to the heavens. Xie Lian decides to stay and confront the chaos.

Xie Lian descends to the Mortal Realm and is immediately surrounded by thousands of protesters on the Grand Avenue of Divine Might. The crowd recognizes him as the Crown Prince and a divine being, believing he has returned to drive out the Yong’an refugees.

Xie Lian proclaims he has returned to protect the Kingdom of Xianle and his people, but the crowd interprets his words as a promise to lead them against the Yong’an refugees. The citizens erupt in cheers, vowing to follow him.

With the king alerted, generals and soldiers break up the crowd, leaving behind a trampled flower, symbolizing Xie Lian’s purity and ideals being crushed by the weight of the situation.

Xie Lian and his father establish a tentative peace as they begin to work together to address the growing rebellion. However, Xie Lian learns how difficult ruling a nation truly is, as the officials are divided and slow to make decisions regarding the Yong’an refugees.

The Revolt of Yong’an continues to escalate, with the refugees growing more organized and stronger, led by Lang Ying. The Xianle court debates exterminating the refugees, but the lack of just cause complicates matters.

Xie Lian, as a martial god, must prove his worth on the battlefield, and many young men across the kingdom eagerly enlist in his army. Meanwhile, the refugees halt their small raids and begin preparing for a major offensive.

After two months of waiting, the Yong’an refugees launch a large-scale attack. Xie Lian, armed with only a short sword and no armor, easily defeats them within two hours, slaughtering thousands of men without staining his clothes.

The Xianle army celebrates their overwhelming victory, praising Xie Lian as a divine hero. However, Xie Lian feels unsettled by the ease with which he killed, realizing how fragile human life is, likening them to ants.

Feng Xin and Mu Qing express concern about the increasing strength of the Yong’an rebels, suspecting they have outside reinforcements. Xie Lian acknowledges the possibility but downplays the soldiers' celebration as necessary for morale.

Xie Lian continues creating rain for those still in Yong’an, despite Mu Qing's criticism that it no longer serves a practical purpose. Xie Lian insists his goal remains to help those suffering in Yong’an.

Xie Lian thanks Feng Xin and Mu Qing for their support, expressing hope that their efforts together will become a legendary story. However, the mood shifts when Xie Lian senses someone hiding nearby.

Xie Lian accidentally knocks a young soldier off the parapet during a confrontation. He manages to save the boy, and upon seeing his face in the moonlight, Xie Lian is shocked.

Xie Lian rescues a wounded young soldier who had been sneaking around the area after the battle. Feng Xin recognizes him as a boy who charged aggressively during the battle.

Xie Lian suspects the boy is harmless, likely an eager devotee trying to get close to him, but the situation escalates when a surprise arrow is fired at Xie Lian from behind. The young soldier had tried to warn him by lunging at him.

Xie Lian catches the arrow and sees a distant figure—Lang Ying—retreating after the attack. Lang Ying’s presence is strange, and Xie Lian finds a cloth tied to the arrow that has Qi Rong’s name on it, indicating a possible kidnapping.

Xie Lian decides to pursue Lang Ying alone, suspecting a trap. Despite Xie Lian’s warning, the young soldier follows him for a while but is eventually left behind.

Xie Lian reaches Beizi Hill, where Yong’an forces are hiding. He finds Qi Rong hung upside down from a tree, severely beaten. As Xie Lian rescues him, Lang Ying attacks.

Xie Lian easily defeats Lang Ying and pins him down, offering to avoid further conflict if Yong’an stops attacking. Lang Ying refuses, stating that the Kingdom of Xianle must disappear.

Lang Ying’s resolve mirrors Xie Lian’s own when he was determined to defend his people, leading to a moment of reflection for Xie Lian.

Just as Xie Lian is about to kill Lang Ying, a strange figure wearing a ghastly white mask with one half smiling and the other half crying appears, swaying on a vine. The ground opens up, and Lang Ying is swallowed by a fissure.

The white-clothed figure vanishes after being attacked by Xie Lian. Unnerved by the situation and the ominous atmosphere, Xie Lian decides to leave, dragging Qi Rong with him.

Qi Rong demands that Xie Lian burn down the mountain and kill all the Yong’an rebels hiding there, but Xie Lian refuses, angered by Qi Rong’s bloodthirsty nature.

As they try to leave, they are attacked by a horde of binu, monstrous creatures. Xie Lian fights them off but realizes the situation is growing dangerous.

Xie Lian gives his sacred sword to Qi Rong, telling him and the young soldier to flee without looking back, as more powerful enemies are approaching.

Qi Rong runs away with the sword, but the young soldier stays to fight. After a tough battle, they defeat the binu, and Xie Lian praises the boy’s sword skills.

Xie Lian notes that the young soldier would be better suited to wielding a saber instead of a sword.

Xie Lian advises the young soldier to switch to a saber, believing it would enhance his combat abilities based on his movements during battle.

They explore the area and discover a cave filled with binu devouring corpses of Yong’an civilians, including a young woman who is gravely injured but still alive.

The young woman accuses Xie Lian of killing her family before violently clinging to him and dying, leaving Xie Lian confused and unsettled.

Xie Lian inhales the scent of a Land of the Tender flower in the woman’s hair, a type of flower yao that drives men into a state of feverish desire and madness.

Realizing he's been poisoned by the Tender Fragrance, Xie Lian warns the young soldier to avoid inhaling the scent.

The Land of the Tenders, seductive flower yao, try to lure Xie Lian into losing control. He fights the poison’s effects while being tormented by their taunting.

Xie Lian asks the young soldier to help him leave but ultimately realizes it’s too dangerous to continue traveling. They retreat to a cave where Xie Lian sets up barriers.

Xie Lian struggles with the effects of the Tender Fragrance and realizes his cultivation method requires purity, meaning the flower yao are trying to make him fall from grace.

Desperate, Xie Lian orders the young soldier to leave and guard the cave entrance. As the flower yao taunt the boy, Xie Lian fights the poison inside the cave.

Xie Lian attempts to fight off the effects by injuring himself, realizing that both lust and murder are aggressive desires, but he accidentally worsens his state by using a contaminated sword.

The situation escalates, and Xie Lian drives a sword into his stomach to control his urges, effectively pinning himself to the ground.

Feng Xin and Mu Qing arrive just in time, having been alerted by Qi Rong, and they rescue Xie Lian, killing the flower yao.

After being comatose for three days, Xie Lian recovers and learns that other kingdoms are secretly supporting the Yong’an rebellion by providing supplies.

Xie Lian recalls the young soldier’s skill in battle and praises him, but Mu Qing and Feng Xin express doubts about appointing someone so young.

Later, Xie Lian encounters the young soldier in the city and learns that he was kicked out of the army, much to Xie Lian’s surprise, as he had instructed otherwise.

Their conversation is interrupted by a terrified scream from the Grand Avenue of Divine Might, signaling new danger approaching.

A tall, burly man runs crazily through the streets, causing chaos.

The man collides with a carriage, splattering blood and passing out.

Xie Lian approaches, the man wakes up, begging for someone to kill him.

The man is restrained, revealing a second face on his cheek, an ugly, old man’s face.

Xie Lian unsheathes his sword to check if the man is a demon, but the reflection shows he’s human.

Bystanders confirm the man wasn’t always like this; the second face appeared suddenly.

Another man from the crowd reveals bumps on his chest, which turn out to be a woman’s face.

Xie Lian summons Feng Xin and Mu Qing, and orders the city to be searched for similar cases.

The city investigation reveals several people with faces growing on their bodies, especially women and youths.

Xie Lian suspects the disease is contagious and orders isolation of the affected individuals.

A quarantine camp is set up in Buyou Forest, where Lang Ying had previously buried his son.

Xie Lian, Feng Xin, and Mu Qing search the forest and find a rotting corpse of Lang Ying’s son, now monstrous and bloated.

Xie Lian burns the corpse, but they hear a signal of an enemy attack on the capital.

Xie Lian and Feng Xin return to defend the city, winning the battle, but there’s no sense of victory.

The disease, called Human Face Disease, spreads rapidly in the capital, and Xie Lian can’t focus on both creating rain for Yong'an and stopping the disease.

Hundreds are soon affected by the disease, causing chaos and fear.

Xie Lian begins visiting the quarantine camp daily, trying to alleviate symptoms with his powers but unable to cure the disease.

A young man Xie Lian once helped begs him to save him, as the faces on his body start moving and eating grass.

The disease spreads to the young man’s waist, and despite his pleas, Xie Lian orders his leg to be amputated to stop the infection.

Xie Lian personally amputates the leg, and the leg continues squirming, but he burns it.

The crowd, desperate and afraid, starts demanding similar treatment.

Xie Lian, exhausted and emotionally overwhelmed, tries to control the situation.

Patients start secretly amputating their own limbs, leading to deaths from blood loss.

Xie Lian’s patience wears thin, and when a patient accuses him of failing them, Xie Lian snaps and punches a tree in frustration.

The crowd’s murmurs grow, questioning Xie Lian’s power and his ability to help them.

Xie Lian flees to Beizi Hill, where he calls out the white-clothed creature, determined to face it.

The creature appears and taunts Xie Lian, claiming Xianle is doomed.

Xie Lian demands a solution to the Human Face Disease, and the creature offers a sinister method, which Xie Lian rejects.

Xie Lian removes the creature’s mask, only to see his own face underneath, shocking him.

Xie Lian decapitates the white-clothed creature, realizing it was only an empty skin bag.

Despite Feng Xin's warnings, Xie Lian furiously slashes the shell of the creature, enraged that it used his face.

Feng Xin tries to calm Xie Lian, reminding him not to take the creature’s words to heart.

Xie Lian reveals the creature didn’t tell him how to cure Human Face Disease but instead explained how to inflict it.

The faces growing on infected people are the souls of dead Yong'an citizens, manipulated by enmity and confusion after their deaths.

The curse was empowered by the strong hatred of Yong'an soldiers towards the imperial capital, influenced by their losses during the drought and war.

Xie Lian explains Lang Ying’s son’s burial near the capital acted as the curse’s catalyst.

Mu Qing suggests that Xianle should cast the same curse on Yong'an, infecting them with Human Face Disease to break the curse's power.

Xie Lian vehemently rejects the idea, refusing to harm innocent civilians, despite Mu Qing pushing for it.

Mu Qing argues that Xianle's situation is desperate, while Xie Lian struggles with the moral dilemma.

Feng Xin, frustrated with Mu Qing’s attitude, accuses him of constantly criticizing Xie Lian and trying to prove himself superior.

The argument escalates, with Feng Xin calling Mu Qing opportunistic and accusing him of lacking loyalty to Xie Lian.

Xie Lian stops the argument but firmly rejects the idea of cursing Yong'an.

An earthquake strikes, shaking the palace and causing panic.

Xie Lian finds his cousin Qi Rong hiding in his chambers and takes him outside to safety.

The earthquake stops, but the Celestial Pagoda of the Xianle Palace begins to collapse.

Xie Lian summons the golden statue from the Royal Holy Temple on Mount Taicang.

The golden statue of the Crown Prince arrives, holding up the collapsing pagoda, saving countless lives.

Xie Lian, gazing at the statue, feels a moment of confusion as he watches the miraculous sight.

Xie Lian watches as the giant golden statue struggles to hold up the Celestial Pagoda and realizes his spiritual power is waning.

Despite his efforts, Xie Lian is unable to maintain the statue’s strength, and it starts sinking under the weight of the pagoda.

The people cheer for Xie Lian, unaware of the immense burden he’s facing, believing he will save them.

Xie Lian feels his self-confidence slipping, realizing he no longer believes in his own power to save the kingdom.

Qi Rong appears and offers to curse Yong’an for Xie Lian, revealing he had overheard their previous conversation about the curse.

Qi Rong demands to know how to avoid Human Face Disease, but Xie Lian refuses to tell him, leading to a small disturbance in the crowd.

Xie Lian remains seated, desperately trying to support the pagoda, as more people come to worship the golden statue, further increasing the pressure on him.

Xie Lian’s parents visit him, with his mother heartbroken over his suffering, but Xie Lian reassures her that he’s fine, even though he’s not.

Xie Lian spots a small flower left by someone nearby, which briefly lifts his spirits.

The young man whose leg Xie Lian amputated reappears, crawling toward him with bloodied hands, revealing he’s been infected again despite the amputation.

A group of Human Face Disease patients from Buyou Forest surrounds Xie Lian, demanding a cure and accusing him of being a liar.

Overwhelmed by the crowd’s accusations and physical attacks, Xie Lian feels completely helpless and unable to defend himself.

The golden statue collapses under the strain, causing the Celestial Pagoda to fall, resulting in chaos as the disease victims and civilians flee.

Xie Lian runs to the city gates, where he witnesses the aftermath of destruction and the silhouette of the white-clothed figure in the distance.

In a desperate attempt to catch him, Xie Lian jumps from the city wall but breaks his leg upon landing.

After his leg heals, Xie Lian becomes a shadow of his former self, with each defeat leading to more, and the Human Face Disease spirals out of control.

The Heavenly Realm sends a message for Xie Lian to return, signaling his impending removal from the Mortal Realm.

Before leaving, Xie Lian insists on visiting the Royal Holy Temple, which has been desecrated along with many of his other temples.

At the temple, they encounter a young boy fiercely defending Xie Lian’s shrine, who had even replaced the destroyed statue with a hand-drawn picture of Xie Lian.

The boy declares his faith in Xie Lian, promising to rebuild grand temples for him in the future.

Xie Lian briefly appears before the boy but tells him to forget him, believing that soon no one will remember him.

The boy refuses, tearfully vowing that he will never forget Xie Lian, even as the trio departs the temple, leaving behind a heartfelt cry in the night.

Xie Lian stabs the floor in frustration while Qi Rong mocks him for being unable to kill him.

Xie Lian threatens Qi Rong with Hua Cheng, causing Qi Rong to panic, fearing Hua Cheng's wrath.

Xie Lian refuses to deliver Qi Rong to the Upper Court because of Lang Qianqiu, who would likely kill Qi Rong if he knew where he was.

Guzi, the child accompanying Qi Rong, helps Xie Lian collect the ashes of his ancestors and tries to defend his "father," even though Qi Rong is possessed.

Xie Lian ties Qi Rong up and brings both Qi Rong and Guzi back to Puqi Shrine.

At Puqi Shrine, Xie Lian feeds Guzi and Qi Rong, while Qi Rong becomes fixated on the crystal ring around Xie Lian’s neck.

Qi Rong claims the ring is cursed, but Xie Lian ignores him, trusting the person who gave it to him.

Xie Lian realizes Qi Rong is trying to distract him and spots Pei Xiu hiding on the ceiling.

Pei Xiu attempts to steal Banyue, but after a brief fight with Xie Lian, he reluctantly throws the pot back.

Pei Ming appears, revealing his plan to drag Banyue back to the Upper Court for a new trial, and rebukes Pei Xiu for jeopardizing his future over a "little girl."

Pei Ming tries to open the pot, but it suddenly explodes, showering him with pickles.

Shi Qingxuan emerges from the pot, revealing she had hidden Banyue elsewhere to protect her.

Pei Ming leaves after threatening to track Banyue down, but backs off after learning she’s staying at the Rain Master's mountain retreat.

Shi Qingxuan explains the Rain Master once punished one of Pei Ming’s descendants, which left Pei Ming wary of the Rain Master.

Pei Xiu departs, and Xie Lian accepts Shi Qingxuan’s invitation to the Mid-Autumn Festival Banquet.

During the banquet, the gods play Drummed Flower Passing, where the person holding a cup of wine when the thunder stops must watch a play about themselves.

Pei Ming’s play depicts him flirting with a woman who turns out to be Ling Wen, causing embarrassment for both of them.

The next round targets Shi Wudu and presents a play where he is married to Shi Qingxuan, much to their horror.

The third round targets Quan Yizhen, who becomes furious when a play mocks his relationship with a treacherous follower.

Quan Yizhen storms off after smashing a wine cup, and the banquet continues.

Just as Xie Lian relaxes, someone unexpectedly hands him the white jade wine cup.

Xie Lian receives the wine cup during the game, passed to him by accident due to Ming Yi.

Everyone assumes the play will involve Feng Xin or Mu Qing, but instead, it depicts Xie Lian and Hua Cheng, surprising the crowd.

The play is based on the events at the Kingdom of Banyue, likely written by the merchants Xie Lian encountered.

The heavenly officials are entertained by the portrayal of Hua Cheng, despite some inaccuracies and romantic overtones.

Shi Wudu criticizes Shi Qingxuan for her behavior and her preference for appearing in her female form.

The final event, the Battle of the Lanterns, begins, where heavenly officials compete based on the number of Blessings Lanterns offered by their followers.

The Rain Master receives only one lantern, offered by her own bull, as she discourages monetary offerings from her followers.

As the competition progresses, heavenly officials receive varying numbers of lanterns, with the top ten announced:

Quan Yizhen receives 421 lanterns.

Ming Yi receives 444 lanterns.

Shi Qingxuan receives 523 lanterns.

Ling Wen receives 536 lanterns.

Mu Qing and Feng Xin receive 573 and 572 lanterns, respectively, in close competition.

Pei Ming receives 580 lanterns, slightly lower than before due to Pei Xiu's exile.

Shi Wudu receives 718 lanterns, taking second place.

The crowd realizes the top ten are incomplete, and suddenly, 3,000 Blessings Lanterns appear, all for Xie Lian from a mysterious "Thousand Lights Temple."

The officials are shocked by the unprecedented number of lanterns, and it is speculated that Hua Cheng is responsible for the massive offering.

Jun Wu congratulates Xie Lian, and the banquet ends with Xie Lian in disbelief.

Xie Lian picks up Lang Ying, the boy from Paradise Manor, and goes to retrieve Qi Rong, who has been tormenting him throughout the chapter.

Qi Rong is tied up and being bitten by mosquitos as punishment.

On their way back to Puqi Village, Xie Lian sees the glow of the Blessings Lanterns lighting the way and feels immense gratitude.

Xie Lian faces a food shortage at Puqi Shrine due to the additional mouths to feed (Guzi, Lang Ying, and Qi Rong).

He decides to collect scraps from the town but finds nothing, prompting him to perform street tricks to earn some food.

Xie Lian’s street performance doesn’t go well, and the crowd dismisses his handmade protection charms.

A commotion breaks out nearby as a wealthy merchant argues with a doctor about his wife’s sudden illness.

Xie Lian intervenes and discovers the woman is possessed by a black cloud of smoke inside her belly.

Using his sword, Fangxin, Xie Lian expels the black smoke, but the woman’s baby is gone—likely devoured by the evil spirit.

Xie Lian explains the difference between a miscarriage and the baby being devoured by an evil spirit.

The merchant recalls that his wife had a dream about a child calling her “Mom” before her belly swelled unnaturally.

Xie Lian investigates and learns about conflicts in the merchant’s household, including a history of abortion and concubine rivalries, which might have drawn the spirit.

The merchant fears for his pregnant concubine, and Xie Lian gives him protective instructions, including advising the concubine to avoid answering any child’s calls in dreams.

Xie Lian agrees to help and even offers the merchant a protection charm, urging him to call upon the Crown Prince of Xianle for protection.

That night, Xie Lian disguises himself as a pregnant woman, using the concubine’s hair in a spell to lure the spirit.

Xie Lian falls asleep and wakes up in an illusion, inside a blood-soaked, centuries-old pavilion.

He finds baby clothes and a protection charm from his past among the woman’s belongings, realizing the woman was once one of his believers.

A ghostly child spirit calls to him, asking to be held, but Xie Lian realizes the spirit is trying to sneak into his body.

The child spirit previously haunted Mount Yujun, making Xie Lian wonder if it is connected to those events.

The spirit tries to enter Xie Lian’s body, but he stays silent, refusing to acknowledge it, as acknowledging the spirit would give it permission to possess him.

The spirit tries to trick him by planting a needle trap, but Xie Lian remains stoic and continues to pursue it.

Xie Lian spots an illusion where Lang Ying and Guzi are at risk of being attacked by the black smoke, forcing him to break his silence and warn them.

The black smoke invades Xie Lian’s body as a result of speaking, and he tries to expel it by swallowing protection charms.

Xie Lian leaps into a nearby lake to avoid further possession, thinking of swallowing Fangxin if necessary to deal with the spirit.

As he sinks into the lake, he is suddenly caught by a pair of strong arms and feels something cold and soft covering his lips.

Xie Lian is shocked and overwhelmed when Hua Cheng suddenly kisses him underwater to transfer air and save him.

Hua Cheng swims them both to the surface, but the black smoke (child spirit) immediately attacks. Hua Cheng holds Xie Lian close and kisses him again, pressing their lips together to prevent the spirit from entering Xie Lian.

Hua Cheng’s silver butterflies arrive and fight off the black smoke, containing it.

After surfacing again, Hua Cheng takes Xie Lian to shore. Xie Lian, dazed and confused, babbles about looking for his bamboo hat and leaves, overwhelmed by the situation.

Xie Lian tries to run but twists his ankle and sees blood from a needle embedded in his foot.

Hua Cheng seizes Xie Lian’s ankle, intending to remove the needle, but Xie Lian panics. Despite Xie Lian's protests, Hua Cheng gently removes the boot and the needle, calming Xie Lian with soothing words.

The crowd of ghosts in Ghost City notices them, offering inappropriate help and making remarks, much to Xie Lian’s embarrassment. Hua Cheng angrily dismisses the crowd.

Hua Cheng carries Xie Lian into Ghost City to the newly rebuilt Paradise Manor and tends to Xie Lian’s wound.

After the needle is removed, Xie Lian comments on how strong the fetus spirit is, suspecting it must come from a sinister origin.

Hua Cheng agrees, noting that a normal fetus spirit wouldn't be this powerful, hinting that it may have been created through dark rituals.

Hua Cheng shows Xie Lian the captured fetus spirit, which resembles a malformed fetus with malformed organs.

Xie Lian suspects the fetus spirit was created by cutting open pregnant women and using their unborn children for magic. The fetus may have belonged to one of Xie Lian's worshippers, as it was found with his old protection charm.

Xie Lian asks to take the fetus spirit with him to investigate, as it may have connections to Mount Yujun, where he previously encountered it.

Hua Cheng insists on treating Xie Lian’s injuries first, but Xie Lian feels awkward and apologizes for his earlier reaction.

They change into dry clothes (with Xie Lian borrowing white robes from Hua Cheng) and head out into Ghost City, where they are greeted with overwhelming affection and offers from the local ghosts.

The ghost crowd offers strange and grotesque food items, amusing and embarrassing Xie Lian.

As Xie Lian tries to eat, the ghosts joke about his past claim that he "couldn’t get it up," referencing a previous encounter with Lan Chang.

Xie Lian becomes mortified, realizing Hua Cheng has overheard, and quickly tries to end the meal.

Hua Cheng teases Xie Lian about the rumor, but he promises not to bring it up again.

Xie Lian, recovering from the embarrassment, asks Hua Cheng about the location of Thousand Lights Temple, still unsure of its existence.

Xie Lian asks Hua Cheng about the Thousand Lights Temple, suspecting Hua Cheng’s involvement, but Hua Cheng unexpectedly apologizes.

Hua Cheng reveals that he built the Thousand Lights Temple in Ghost City to entertain Xie Lian during the Mid-Autumn Festival and relieve his boredom during the banquet.

Xie Lian is deeply moved but reassured when Hua Cheng explains the temple was built a long time ago and only recently given purpose.

Hua Cheng invites Xie Lian to enter the temple, which lacks a divine statue or kneeling cushions.

Xie Lian asks about the missing establishment plaque, and Hua Cheng suggests that Xie Lian should write the plaque himself.

When Xie Lian encourages Hua Cheng to write instead, Hua Cheng hesitates and admits he doesn’t write well.

Hua Cheng tries to write, but Xie Lian struggles to suppress his laughter because Hua Cheng’s calligraphy is wild and chaotic.

Despite the poor writing, Xie Lian praises Hua Cheng's unique style with humorous commentary, while Hua Cheng half-jokingly calls it madness.

Hua Cheng asks Xie Lian to teach him how to write properly, leading Xie Lian to offer detailed calligraphy advice.

Xie Lian notices Hua Cheng is holding the brush incorrectly and reaches out to guide his hand.

As they write together, Hua Cheng deliberately messes with the brush’s path, causing the characters to come out crooked and playful, making Xie Lian exasperated but amused.

Xie Lian instructs Hua Cheng to write properly, but Hua Cheng continues pretending to be serious, making it clear he is teasing Xie Lian.

As they continue, Xie Lian notices a small flower sitting alone on the edge of the jade altar, drawing his attention.

Xie Lian is momentarily stunned upon seeing a small flower on the altar, evoking an old, blurry memory.

Hua Cheng admits that he sought this flower, as it’s a type Xie Lian has always liked.

They finish their collaborative composition, and Hua Cheng playfully declares he’ll keep it for himself.

Suddenly, they hear screams of "fire" outside, signaling that Paradise Manor is on fire again.

Xie Lian and Hua Cheng rush to Paradise Manor and discover the fire was a small one, quickly extinguished.

Xie Lian realizes the fire was likely a diversion, suspecting that the fetus spirit in the clay pot has been stolen.

Upon checking, they confirm the fetus spirit is missing from the pot, but Hua Cheng assures Xie Lian that it hasn’t gotten far.

Hua Cheng reveals that the doors of Paradise Manor trap thieves, making it impossible to steal anything without being caught inside.

They inspect the side chamber where the fetus spirit was last seen but find no signs of forced entry or a break-in.

Hua Cheng gathers all the ghosts present in Ghost City, dividing them into male and female groups to identify the thief.

Xie Lian notices Lan Chang, a female ghost who had previously mocked him, wearing a long dress, which is unusual for her.

Xie Lian deduces that Lan Chang has hidden the fetus spirit inside her own belly, as it is part of her body and thus allowed her to leave Paradise Manor undetected.

Lan Chang refuses to release the fetus spirit, pleading with Hua Cheng not to take her son away, despite the spirit causing her intense pain.

As Lan Chang’s belly swells with the spirit’s resurgence, a flash of golden light binds the fetus spirit, restraining it.

Xie Lian recognizes the belt restraining the spirit as a Golden Belt, an item of heavenly essence that only Upper Court officials possess.

Xie Lian realizes Lan Chang’s child might be the offspring of a heavenly official, as the fetus spirit is unnaturally powerful.

Lan Chang confesses that she has been searching for her son for centuries, but Xie Lian insists that the matter must be reported to the Heavenly Court.

Lan Chang is taken to the Palace of Divine Might in the Heavenly Capital, where the heavenly officials gather to address the situation.

Pei Ming is initially suspected of being the father due to his reputation, but Lan Chang denies that he is the father.

To everyone’s shock, Lan Chang accuses Xie Lian of being the father of the fetus spirit.

Lan Chang accuses Xie Lian of being the father of her ghost child, shocking everyone in the Heavenly Court, including Xie Lian himself.

Xie Lian is bewildered by the accusation and denies it, stating he would never leave someone he loved to suffer.

Jun Wu asks about the Golden Belt found on Lan Chang, and Mu Qing reveals that Xie Lian had over 40 Golden Belts during his time as the Crown Prince.

Xie Lian can't remember where the belts went, suggesting they were sold off during hard times.

Jun Wu suggests testing Xie Lian with a sword, Yanzhen, which can confirm purity by showing how blood interacts with it.

Xie Lian’s blood doesn't stain the sword, proving his innocence and dismissing the accusations.

Lan Chang then randomly accuses Ling Wen of being the father, which leads to ridicule and confusion among the officials.

Feng Xin, frustrated, declares that Lan Chang is crazy and causing trouble intentionally.

Lan Chang continues pointing fingers at various heavenly officials, causing chaos in the great hall, with everyone trying to avoid her accusations.

The officials decide that investigating the matter further is a waste of time, but Xie Lian believes something deeper is at play, noting Lan Chang's erratic behavior only started after entering the Palace of Divine Might.

After the meeting, Feng Xin warns Xie Lian to be wary of Mu Qing, as Lan Chang seemed afraid of him when he entered the hall.

Xie Lian doesn't believe Mu Qing is the father, noting that Mu Qing is focused on cultivation and wouldn't ruin his progress for a woman.

Xie Lian descends to Puqi Village and reassures the wealthy merchant that the monster is caught. The merchant is so impressed by Xie Lian that he promises to become a devoted worshiper and donate to his shrine.

Upon returning to Puqi Shrine, Xie Lian finds it cleaned and Qi Rong missing.

While inspecting the shrine, Xie Lian is attacked by Hua Cheng’s sentient weapon, Eming, but quickly deflects the attack. Eming appears to be trembling and agitated, leading Xie Lian to question what’s wrong with it.

Eming, Hua Cheng's scimitar, starts trembling violently after Xie Lian accidentally strikes it, calming only after Xie Lian apologizes and strokes the blade.

Hua Cheng arrives at Puqi Shrine, casually dressed, and returns Xie Lian's bamboo hat, which Xie Lian had lost at the wealthy merchant’s mansion.

Hua Cheng notices the two children, Guzi and Lang Ying, and interacts with them, but his gaze towards Lang Ying is cold and unfriendly.

Behind Puqi Shrine, Qi Rong is being dunked in the creek by Ruoye, refusing to leave the body he’s possessing. Xie Lian asks Hua Cheng for help, but Qi Rong remains defiant.

Xie Lian pulls Qi Rong out of the creek and gives him the meat pies Guzi brought back, noting that Hua Cheng had cast a petrification spell on Qi Rong.

Ruoye and Eming enter a playful competition as they help Xie Lian with cooking chores, chopping wood and cabbage. Eming smugly outperforms Ruoye.

Xie Lian, full of confidence in his cooking skills, prepares a meal for Hua Cheng. However, the smell is so terrible that Qi Rong starts screaming insults at Xie Lian, calling him "blackhearted."

Xie Lian doubts his cooking abilities but sees Hua Cheng serving himself a bowl of the food and eating it without complaint. Qi Rong is shocked by Hua Cheng’s apparent strength in enduring the meal.

Xie Lian forces Qi Rong to eat a bowl of the meal, which leads to Qi Rong screaming in agony, but he still refuses to leave the body he’s possessing.

Xie Lian feels a mix of relief and pride, as Hua Cheng, having eaten almost a full bowl, gives polite feedback that the taste is "a bit strong" and suggests making it milder next time.

Xie Lian is embarrassed by his previous failed cooking attempt but resolves to handle the meal situation. However, village girls arrive with congee and roasted chicken, attracted by Hua Cheng's presence, much to Xie Lian’s amusement.

Qi Rong, still tied up outside, complains and taunts Hua Cheng but is silenced by the smell of Xie Lian’s reheated "Love for All Seasons" stew, which terrifies him.

After breakfast, Lang Ying helps with cleaning while Xie Lian prepares to tidy up the dishes himself.

Qi Rong starts flirting with women passing by, only for them to be revealed as Wind Master Shi Qingxuan and Earth Master Ming Yi, disguised as women. They arrive with urgent matters and knock on Puqi Shrine’s door.

Xie Lian hesitates to let them in, aware that Hua Cheng is inside, but ultimately has no choice. Inside, the two heavenly officials are shocked to see Hua Cheng.

Ming Yi, who had previously been a spy in Ghost City and had been tortured by Hua Cheng, grows tense, while Shi Qingxuan tries to defuse the situation.

Tensions rise, but Hua Cheng warns them to leave, especially targeting Ming Yi. A potential fight looms, but Shi Qingxuan suggests they resolve things with a meal.

To Xie Lian’s surprise, Hua Cheng agrees to sit down for the meal, calming the situation. Hua Cheng takes a bowl of the stew and praises it, encouraging Xie Lian.

Shi Qingxuan excitedly serves bowls of Xie Lian's stew to himself and Ming Yi, despite Ming Yi's reluctance. Hua Cheng reassures Xie Lian that the stew tastes better after following his advice.

Shi Qingxuan and Ming Yi hesitantly taste the stew as Xie Lian waits anxiously for their reactions.

Ming Yi collapses after eating Xie Lian’s stew, while Shi Qingxuan cries silently. When asked for feedback, Shi Qingxuan clutches Xie Lian's hands, sobbing.

Shi Qingxuan mistakenly strangles a broom, thinking it’s Ming Yi, while Xie Lian tries to calm him down.

Qi Rong, outside the shrine, laughs maniacally at the scene unfolding inside.

Hua Cheng casually remarks that the stew is fine and blames the heavenly officials' reactions on their taste buds. Xie Lian, feeling guilty, offers them water to help recover.

Once everyone recovers, Shi Qingxuan reveals he needs Xie Lian’s help with something important. He casts a soundproof spell and asks if Xie Lian has ever encountered a “Venerable of Empty Words,” a creature that curses people during their happiest moments.

Xie Lian explains his encounters with two Venerables of Empty Words, describing how to deal with them: stop them from speaking, ignore their curses, or remain strong and unaffected by their predictions.

Shi Qingxuan reveals his personal experience with a much stronger version called the "Reverend of Empty Words," which targeted him as a child. Despite tricking the creature, it recently resurfaced, threatening him again.

Shi Qingxuan explains that the Reverend of Empty Words cursed him and his family since childhood, making his life perilous. After his brother, Shi Wudu, ascended to the heavens, the Reverend went quiet, but now it has returned, threatening his brother’s life.

Xie Lian suggests Shi Qingxuan tell his brother, but Shi Qingxuan refuses, fearing it will distract Shi Wudu, who is about to face a Heavenly Tribulation.

Hua Cheng confirms that the Reverend of Empty Words is extremely strong and difficult to deal with.

Shi Qingxuan expresses his desire to deal with the Reverend of Empty Words himself but seeks Xie Lian’s help. Xie Lian agrees, but Hua Cheng insists on joining as well.

Shi Qingxuan plans to lure the Reverend out by creating celebratory events in the imperial capital, but Xie Lian suggests investigating its past victims for patterns.

Shi Qingxuan presents a scroll of the Reverend’s past victims, but Hua Cheng criticizes it, pointing out inaccuracies. Some of the deaths were attributed to Hua Cheng or Black Water Demon Xuan, not the Reverend.

Hua Cheng claims the scroll is a red herring, meant to mislead Shi Qingxuan. Xie Lian suggests the investigation was likely conducted by Ling Wen on behalf of Shi Wudu.

Hua Cheng explains that the Reverend also affects the families and friends of its victims, further deepening Shi Qingxuan's anxiety.

Despite his nervousness, Shi Qingxuan jokes about Ming Yi being in danger as his friend. Ming Yi, unamused, moves away from him.

Shi Qingxuan attempts to remain calm by proposing to drink and celebrate atop a tall tower to lure the Reverend, but Xie Lian advises him to wait as he prepares to leave.

Hua Cheng reassures Xie Lian that someone will take care of the shrine while he’s away. Ming Yi draws a Teleportation Array, and the group prepares to depart.

Before they leave, Shi Qingxuan asks about Qi Rong, surprised that the rude individual outside the shrine is the Green Ghost.

As they travel through the Teleportation Array, a voice—the Reverend of Empty Words—taunts them, saying they are heading toward a nightmare.

The group emerges in an unfamiliar, abandoned house, not the imperial capital as expected. Xie Lian suspects the Reverend has meddled with their destination.

Shi Qingxuan wonders if the Reverend tampered with the array, but Xie Lian dismisses this theory, explaining that interference after activation wouldn’t change their destination.

Shi Qingxuan briefly suspects Hua Cheng, but Hua Cheng deflects, suggesting that Ming Yi or Shi Qingxuan himself could have meddled. He points out that Ming Yi might have drawn the array wrong from the start.

Xie Lian suggests a possibility: someone tampered with the array from outside the shrine. Hua Cheng hints that there may have been another culprit outside, but he doesn’t elaborate.

The Reverend's cryptic words about this place becoming Shi Qingxuan’s "nightmare" puzzles the group. Ming Yi suddenly notices danger and saves Shi Qingxuan from being crushed by a falling temple plaque.

The plaque belongs to a ruined Temple of Wind and Water, desecrated and filled with destroyed statues of Shi Wudu and Shi Qingxuan.

Shi Qingxuan is shaken by the state of the temple, but Xie Lian encourages him to remain calm, explaining that the creature is trying to incite fear to gain power.

The group explores the small town and realizes it’s peaceful and modern, but they stick out too much, so they change their appearances to blend in with the locals.

Xie Lian asks Hua Cheng for his private communication password. Hua Cheng reveals it with a playful yet shocking phrase, explaining that he set it to deter people from contacting him, but he’s always open to Xie Lian.

The group ends up in Fu Gu, a town known for its Fire Social, a festive event. They learn that the festivities commemorate local traditions.

As they watch from the restaurant, a bizarre procession passes by. The participants are covered in blood, with weapons stuck in their skulls, appearing as if they’ve endured horrific deaths yet continue marching.

Xie Lian and Shi Qingxuan witness a gruesome parade and realize it's a Bloody Fire Social, a rare and disturbing performance tradition.

The parade features actors with makeup and special effects mimicking severe injuries and gruesome deaths, confusing Shi Qingxuan, who initially thinks it's real.

Xie Lian explains that the Bloody Fire Social is a celebratory but violent event where the performances are so realistic they terrify onlookers, despite being a form of entertainment.

The name "Stabbing Ecstasy" is discussed, indicating that the parade is meant to evoke a sense of excitement and terror.

Xie Lian asks Shi Qingxuan to pay attention to the story being told in the parade, suspecting it might have something to do with why the Reverend of Empty Words brought them to witness the event.

The parade continues, featuring a black-clad man viciously killing people, with Xie Lian speculating that he is the protagonist and his victims are the antagonists.

Xie Lian wonders if the story has local significance and asks the waiter about the Bloody Fire Social’s origins.

The waiter shares a local legend about a scholar named He, who was extremely talented but plagued by misfortune. His family and fiancée were mistreated, leading him to go mad and murder everyone who had wronged him.

Scholar He’s actions, although violent, are celebrated annually because he killed the corrupt and oppressive members of society.

Xie Lian and Shi Qingxuan contemplate whether Scholar He could be a previous incarnation of the Reverend of Empty Words, as such monsters are often born from extreme resentment.

Ming Yi suggests investigating the timeline of the legend to see if it aligns with the origins of the Reverend of Empty Words.

Suddenly, a voice taunts Shi Qingxuan from the crowd, causing him to leap into action, looking for the Reverend of Empty Words among the parade performers.

Shi Qingxuan, unable to identify the culprit, becomes enraged and is pulled out of the crowd by Ming Yi.

The group leaves the restaurant, and Shi Qingxuan expresses his frustration, jokingly telling Ming Yi not to be his best friend until he kills the Reverend.

Ming Yi denies ever being Shi Qingxuan’s best friend, which irritates him.

Xie Lian gives Shi Qingxuan earplugs, suggesting that the Reverend can't torment him if he can't hear its taunts, and they create a new communication array with a password.

Hua Cheng begins teasing Xie Lian through the communication array, causing Xie Lian to stumble while they continue their conversation.

Xie Lian then asks Hua Cheng to help test if someone is the Reverend of Empty Words.

Hua Cheng and Xie Lian arrive at the Temple of Wind and Water, where they observe Shi Qingxuan and Ming Yi playfully bickering.

Xie Lian reveals he has a plan to test if Ming Yi is the Reverend of Empty Words by using a specific quirk of the creature: it lies once every three sentences.

Xie Lian starts a campfire, and the group sits around it. Shi Qingxuan suggests they play a game for entertainment, which Xie Lian encourages to set his plan into motion.

Xie Lian proposes a dice game where the winning team gets to ask the losing team questions or make them do something.

Teams are split: Xie Lian and Hua Cheng vs. Shi Qingxuan and Ming Yi.

In the first round, Shi Qingxuan and Ming Yi win. Shi Qingxuan jokingly orders Xie Lian and Hua Cheng to strip off each other’s outer robes, which they reluctantly do.

In the second round, Shi Qingxuan wins again and asks Hua Cheng a question: "What’s the worst suffering in the world?"

Hua Cheng answers that the worst suffering is watching your beloved be humiliated and being powerless to help.

Ming Yi asks Xie Lian what his biggest regret is, and Xie Lian answers that it’s his second ascension.

In the third round, Xie Lian and Hua Cheng finally win, and Xie Lian asks Ming Yi three key questions to test him.

Ming Yi answers the first two questions truthfully, but Xie Lian is waiting for the third answer to expose him as the Reverend of Empty Words.

Ming Yi correctly answers all three questions, proving he is not the Reverend.

However, Ming Yi suddenly grabs Xie Lian by the throat, accusing him of setting up the dice game for ulterior motives.

A strong gust of wind blows through the temple, and the divine statues on the altar begin to weep bloody tears, forming an ominous symbol on the ground.

Ming Yi destroys the statues to prevent further evil from manifesting, much to Shi Qingxuan’s dismay.

Xie Lian notices that the establishment plaque of the temple has also been altered, with the word "death" starting to form in blood.

Xie Lian covers Shi Qingxuan’s eyes to protect him from the curse, but soon a crowd of performers from the Bloody Fire Social barges into the temple.

The chaotic night parade is overwhelming, and real ghosts are mixed in with the performers.

Xie Lian realizes there’s a dangerous ghost in the crowd and uses Ruoye to strike it down, but the ghost qi is still present, making the situation dangerous.

With his spiritual power depleted, Xie Lian asks Hua Cheng for help, who gives him an overwhelming amount of power.

Xie Lian accidentally obliterates part of the temple with the spiritual power Hua Cheng gave him, leaving the roof destroyed.

Shi Qingxuan and Ming Yi exit the temple, but Ming Yi reveals in the communication array that he wasn’t the one who pulled Shi Qingxuan to safety.

Xie Lian realizes something is wrong and urgently asks Shi Qingxuan who actually pulled him away from the chaos.

Xie Lian urgently calls out to Shi Qingxuan, who has gone silent after being taken by the Reverend of Empty Words, but Shi Qingxuan finally responds with nervous laughter, saying he's fine but clearly terrified.

Shi Qingxuan explains that he hasn’t fought back or revealed that he knows the creature's presence, following Xie Lian's advice to stay calm and use a spiritual circle for protection.

Ming Yi suggests figuring out Shi Qingxuan's location, but Shi Qingxuan can't provide useful information, unsure of where he's being taken, and expresses frustration.

Xie Lian realizes the Reverend used a teleportation array, making it harder to track Shi Qingxuan, who could be anywhere in the world.

Despite the situation, Shi Qingxuan insists they keep this secret from his brother, the Water Master, who is preparing for his third Heavenly Tribulation.

Xie Lian proposes using the Soul-Shifting Spell to swap places with Shi Qingxuan and confront the Reverend himself. Hua Cheng warns Xie Lian to reconsider, but Shi Qingxuan agrees to the plan.

Xie Lian swaps souls with Shi Qingxuan, allowing him to take control of Shi Qingxuan's body and confront the Reverend directly.

Xie Lian immediately grabs the Reverend and begins attacking it, using Shi Qingxuan’s Wind Master fan, though he struggles to control the spiritual device effectively.

The Reverend of Empty Words attempts to curse Xie Lian, but his words have no effect since Xie Lian is immune to psychological manipulation, having experienced too much defeat in the past.

Hua Cheng advises Xie Lian to use the fan to create a whirlwind for him to locate Xie Lian's position.

The Reverend taunts Xie Lian, telling him someone is coming to die, which deeply unsettles Xie Lian as he fears for Hua Cheng’s safety.

Despite his anxiety, Xie Lian reassures Hua Cheng and continues fighting the Reverend.

Shi Qingxuan and Xie Lian switch back to their original bodies after Xie Lian sets up a protective spiritual array using Shi Qingxuan’s treasures.

Shi Qingxuan realizes he is at the Terrace of Cascading Wine, the place where he ascended.

Ming Yi discovers that the teleportation array points near the Terrace have been destroyed by the Reverend, forcing them to travel to the Terrace on foot.

As they approach the pavilion where Xie Lian set up the spiritual array, they notice the doors are ominously open, indicating something has gone wrong.

Xie Lian, Hua Cheng, and Ming Yi arrive at the small pavilion but find no trace of Shi Qingxuan, despite the spiritual devices and treasures still being in place.

Xie Lian realizes that Shi Qingxuan must have opened the doors himself, even though they had warned him not to. He suspects Shi Qingxuan was tricked through the private communication array, possibly by someone he trusted who knew his verbal password.

They conclude Shi Qingxuan may have been deceived into opening the doors by someone pretending to be a close acquaintance, as he wouldn’t have removed his earplugs otherwise.

Ming Yi suggests searching for another hour before reporting to Shi Wudu, Shi Qingxuan’s brother.

Xie Lian and Hua Cheng continue their search, eventually reaching the Terrace of Cascading Wine, where Shi Qingxuan once ascended.

Hua Cheng leaves abruptly, stating he needs to take care of something, but doesn't explain further. He promises to return soon and tell Xie Lian something important.

Xie Lian finds Shi Qingxuan’s robe hanging from a balcony and rushes to the tallest pavilion, where he finds Shi Qingxuan unconscious.

Shi Qingxuan’s Wind Master fan is broken, and the walls of the pavilion are now bare, except for a chilling message: "WRETCHED BEGINNING, WRETCHED END," a curse that the Reverend of Empty Words bestowed on Shi Qingxuan at birth.

Ming Yi questions Hua Cheng’s whereabouts, but Xie Lian covers for him, saying Hua Cheng left to search for the Reverend of Empty Words and wasn’t involved.

Suddenly, Shi Wudu arrives in a grand golden carriage, accompanied by Pei Ming and Ling Wen, after Xie Lian reports the situation.

Shi Wudu is horrified to see his unconscious brother and even more disturbed by the cursed words written on the wall.

Despite their efforts, Shi Qingxuan remains unconscious until he finally wakes up, only to scream and shove Shi Wudu away in a panic.

Shi Wudu tries to calm down Shi Qingxuan after his outburst, but Shi Qingxuan violently rejects him, screaming in distress and telling everyone to leave.

Shi Qingxuan coughs up blood due to his mental and emotional state, alarming everyone. Shi Wudu checks his pulse and his expression turns grim, but he dismisses Xie Lian’s attempts to help, insisting that Shi Qingxuan is just ill.

Shi Qingxuan pleads with Xie Lian and Ming Yi to save him as Shi Wudu drags him away to the golden carriage, claiming it’s a family matter and denying the involvement of the Reverend of Empty Words.

Shi Wudu knocks Shi Qingxuan unconscious and leaves with him, Pei Ming, and Ling Wen, asking Xie Lian and Ming Yi to keep the matter quiet.

After they leave, Ming Yi agrees not to mention Hua Cheng’s involvement and heads off to check on Shi Qingxuan. Xie Lian decides to go look for Hua Cheng.

Xie Lian encounters thick evil qi on the road and sees an extravagant step-litter carried by four golden skeletons. They inform him that Hua Cheng sent them to escort him, and he boards the step-litter.

As they travel, the skeletons encounter wild ghosts blocking the road, but the ghosts quickly retreat upon realizing the litter belongs to Hua Cheng.

Hua Cheng joins Xie Lian in the litter, teasing him with a playful "want to get married?" which flusters Xie Lian, but Hua Cheng quickly dismisses it as a joke.

Xie Lian shares his concern that the situation with the Wind Master isn’t over, but Hua Cheng assures him that the matter is closed and warns Xie Lian to stay away from Shi Qingxuan, Shi Wudu, Ming Yi, Ling Wen, and Pei Ming.

Back at Puqi Shrine, Xie Lian receives a large stack of prayers and a massive donation of gold bars from Shi Wudu, which he suspects is a bribe to keep quiet about the situation.

Xie Lian tries to check on Shi Qingxuan through the communication array but gets no response. Ling Wen tells him that Shi Qingxuan isn’t seeing visitors.

Xie Lian sneaks into the Palace of the Wind and Water Masters and finds Shi Qingxuan tied to his bed, struggling, while Shi Wudu force-feeds him a mysterious black substance.

Shi Wudu forcefully feeds medicine to Shi Qingxuan, but Shi Qingxuan resists violently, even asking to be left alone to die.

Shi Wudu insists that, as his brother, it's his responsibility to take care of him.

Shi Qingxuan expresses that he doesn’t want his Wind Master fan fixed, nor does he want to stay in the Upper Court. He wishes to descend to the Mortal Realm and live as a carefree vagabond.

Shi Wudu refuses and leaves suddenly after receiving a private message, telling Shi Qingxuan his rebellious behavior will no longer be tolerated after Shi Wudu’s third Heavenly Tribulation.

Xie Lian tries to enter the room but cannot open the sealed window. He calls out to Shi Qingxuan, who is tied up in bed.

Shi Qingxuan attempts to break the ropes but struggles, which confuses Xie Lian.

Suddenly, a figure crawls out from under the bed—it’s Ming Yi in a ghost mask.

Ming Yi easily snaps the ropes binding Shi Qingxuan. Shi Qingxuan gratefully greets Xie Lian, and they let him into the room.

Ming Yi inspects the rope and questions why Shi Qingxuan couldn’t break free. Xie Lian also notices something odd.

They discover that Shi Qingxuan has no spiritual power left in his body.

Shi Qingxuan denies that the medicine was responsible for his condition.

Xie Lian wonders if Shi Qingxuan has been banished, though it seems unlikely given the lack of shackles or widespread knowledge of such an event.

Shi Qingxuan suggests they escape while Shi Wudu is away. He crawls into a tunnel hidden under the bed.

Xie Lian and Ming Yi follow him into the tunnel, despite Ming Yi's suggestion that Xie Lian should stay out of it.

The tunnel was dug by Ming Yi, whose skills as a former mortal tradesman allowed him to create such secret paths.

As they crawl through the tunnel, Ming Yi asks if the Reverend of Empty Words is responsible for Shi Qingxuan’s condition, but Shi Qingxuan deflects the question.

Ming Yi warns them to be quiet, as a heavenly official is walking above their heads in a nearby temple.

They wait in silence, but Shi Qingxuan grows impatient, mouthing complaints about the unknown official's slow pace.

Suddenly, a sharp blade stabs through the tunnel from above, barely missing Xie Lian, signaling the presence of a martial god above them.

Xie Lian warns Shi Qingxuan to dodge as a blade plunges into the ground, narrowly missing Shi Qingxuan thanks to Xie Lian's quick reaction.

Several more blades strike down, trapping them. Explosions follow, shaking the tunnel.

Ming Yi struggles to dig an escape tunnel with his rusty crescent shovel, while Shi Qingxuan frantically urges him to hurry.

Ming Yi eventually breaks through, and they burrow forward, with the hole behind them closing on its own.

As they near the surface, Xie Lian notices light leaking in, and they realize their pursuers are drilling through from above.

Ming Yi changes course, digging upward, hoping no one would spot them as they escape.

They emerge inside a palace, only to find a heavenly official, Quan Yizhen, sleeping soundly. He wakes up confused by their presence.

As they try to leave, Pei Ming grabs Shi Qingxuan’s ankle, scolding him for running away and reminding him of his brother’s anger.

Quan Yizhen unexpectedly helps Xie Lian’s group by hurling a bed at Pei Ming, allowing them to escape.

Shi Qingxuan grows weak, prompting Ming Yi to carry him on his back as they flee.

Xie Lian thanks Quan Yizhen as they leave, while Quan Yizhen continues attacking Pei Ming.

Xie Lian and his companions escape the Heavenly Court, and upon reaching Puqi Shrine, Xie Lian finds Hua Cheng half-naked, much to his embarrassment.

Xie Lian hurriedly tries to shield Hua Cheng from Shi Qingxuan and Ming Yi’s view, awkwardly telling Hua Cheng to put on some clothes.

Hua Cheng, amused by Xie Lian’s reaction, complies and dresses calmly, while Shi Qingxuan awkwardly laughs off the situation.

The group quickly moves to another location, a peaceful countryside scene with farmland and a black ox, seeking refuge in a small cottage.

Xie Lian expresses concern about General Pei pursuing them, but Hua Cheng reassures them that they are safe in this land, under the protection of its powerful master.

Xie Lian, suspecting something deeper, asks Shi Qingxuan whether the Reverend of Empty Words is blackmailing him and his brother.

Shi Qingxuan’s pale reaction confirms Xie Lian’s suspicions.

Xie Lian suggests that Shi Qingxuan’s ascension might not have been natural and that Shi Wudu might have used underhanded means to secure it.

Xie Lian deduces that Shi Wudu transferred Shi Qingxuan’s misfortune to a mortal, Scholar He, to deceive the Reverend of Empty Words and allow Shi Qingxuan to ascend.

Scholar He, who suffered immense misfortune, likely died a gruesome death, taking on the fate meant for Shi Qingxuan.

Xie Lian concludes that Shi Qingxuan’s ascension was tied to the tragic events of the Bloody Fire Social, where Scholar He was the real victim.

Shi Qingxuan confirms that the night he ascended was the eve of Hanlu, connecting it to the timing of Scholar He’s death.

Xie Lian’s theory suggests that Shi Qingxuan’s ascension was not through his own merit but through the sacrifice of another.

Xie Lian theorizes that Scholar He had the same name and birth details as Shi Qingxuan, which made him the perfect scapegoat for Shi Wudu’s plan to exchange Shi Qingxuan’s misfortune.

Shi Wudu, using his influence as the Water Master, found Scholar He, who was on the verge of ascension, and transferred Shi Qingxuan’s misfortune onto him, allowing Shi Qingxuan to ascend instead.

Shi Qingxuan grows uncomfortable as the group discusses his brother’s secret, especially in front of Hua Cheng. However, Hua Cheng assures him that he has nothing to do with the situation and implies that others in the Upper Court might know the secret.

Xie Lian questions Shi Qingxuan about the night at the Terrace of Cascading Wine and who called out to him. Shi Qingxuan admits it was the Reverend of Empty Words but doesn’t know how it obtained his verbal password.

Xie Lian suggests that someone may have leaked Shi Qingxuan’s password, possibly unintentionally, but it’s worth investigating.

Shi Qingxuan blames himself for the situation, feeling that none of it would have happened if he had ascended on his own.

Xie Lian shifts the conversation, proposing that the current "Reverend of Empty Words" is not the original monster that hunted Shi Qingxuan, but rather Scholar He, who devoured the original Reverend in a bid for revenge.

Xie Lian recalls that Scholar He, unlike the Reverend’s other victims, didn’t commit suicide but died from exhaustion. Scholar He likely fought back against the Reverend and, after his death, became a vengeful ghost who absorbed the Reverend’s powers.

Shi Qingxuan is shocked by Xie Lian’s theory that the current entity pursuing him is actually Scholar He, who has become He Xuan, an enhanced ghost with intelligence and power.

Shi Qingxuan struggles with how to confront his brother, unsure how to feel after learning the truth. He asks everyone to keep the secret for now, as he needs time to process and decide what to do.

Xie Lian and the group reflect on Shi Wudu’s actions, realizing that Shi Qingxuan’s fall from godhood isn’t an illness that can be cured unless another scapegoat is found, which Shi Wudu might attempt again.

Xie Lian suspects that the misinformation about the Reverend of Empty Words in Shi Qingxuan’s records might have been created by Shi Wudu with Ling Wen's help to hide the truth. It raises the question of whether others might have ascended using similar underhanded methods.

A sudden commotion outside the cottage alerts the group to Pei Ming’s arrival. Farmers and a black ox stand guard at the boundary, refusing to let Pei Ming enter.

The black ox transforms into a large man, revealing himself as a servant of the Rain Master, the ruler of Mount Yulong. He exchanges pleasantries with Pei Ming but makes it clear they have no involvement in Pei Jr.'s situation.

Pei Ming politely inquires whether Shi Qingxuan is hiding in their territory.

Pei Ming enters Yushi Country, tramping over crops and causing a stir among the farmers, who demand an apology. He refuses, calling the crops weeds, but the ox argues otherwise.

Pei Ming informs Shi Qingxuan that his brother, Shi Wudu, is undergoing his Heavenly Tribulation over the East Sea and is in danger, unable to focus because he is worried about Shi Qingxuan.

Shi Qingxuan panics and wants to help his brother. He tries to connect to the spiritual communication array but remembers that he’s lost his powers and asks Xie Lian to verify Pei Ming's claims.

Xie Lian confirms through the array that Shi Wudu is indeed undergoing his trial, but a powerful spiritual field prevents anyone from reaching him.

Ming Yi blocks Shi Qingxuan from going to help Shi Wudu, silently questioning whether helping him pass the tribulation is right, given Shi Wudu's crime of changing fate.

Despite Ming Yi’s hesitation, Shi Qingxuan chooses to assist his brother and leaves with Pei Ming, thanking everyone for their help.

Xie Lian and Hua Cheng decide not to follow, believing the matter is beyond them, but Xie Lian resolves to step in if their chosen actions are wrong.

Xie Lian hears through the spiritual communication array that over 200 fishermen have been pulled into the storm caused by Shi Wudu's tribulation and are in danger. Pei Ming is tasked with rescuing them.

Xie Lian volunteers to help despite his weakened spiritual power, convincing the others by mentioning his experience fishing in stormy seas.

Hua Cheng quickly gears up to join Xie Lian, and they head to the East Sea together.

Upon arriving at the stormy sea, they board a special ship and set out to rescue the fishermen. Pei Ming reluctantly allows Hua Cheng to join after Shi Qingxuan vouches for him.

The ship sails into the tempest, battling massive waves, lightning, and water dragons, while Xie Lian and Hua Cheng work to save fishermen from sinking boats using Ruoye.

As the ship approaches Shi Wudu, Xie Lian and Pei Ming see that Shi Wudu is barely holding off the storm’s water dragons and is losing control.

Pei Ming calls out to Shi Wudu, informing him that Shi Qingxuan has been found, and Shi Wudu, in his anger, barely regains enough control to suppress the storm for a moment.

Shi Wudu descends to the ship, furious with Shi Qingxuan for running away, but Shi Qingxuan remains conflicted about his brother's actions.

Pei Ming warns that Shi Wudu’s tribulation has only just begun and will last for seven days and nights, making this only the beginning of the trial.

Xie Lian and the group continue rescuing fishermen while Pei Ming charms some fisher-girls who are grateful for the rescue.

Xie Lian and Hua Cheng share a meal while the others rest, but Xie Lian notices something strange— the ship seems to be moving slower and sinking lower in the water.

Upon inspection, the group realizes the ship’s hull is sinking unnaturally, despite no obvious damage.

Pei Ming suddenly realizes they have entered the territory of the Black Water Demon Lair, where ships immediately sink.

Xie Lian mistakenly refers to Black Water Demon Xuan as one of the Four Supremes, but Hua Cheng corrects him: Black Water is one of the Four Calamities.

Black Water Demon Xuan is a powerful ghost who controls the outer seas, and his domain, the Black Water Demon Lair, is a perilous place where everything that enters sinks.

Pei Ming tries to steer the ship back, but the rudder won’t budge. Ming Yi investigates the problem below deck but finds nothing broken or caught.

Hua Cheng explains that the ship has drifted into Black Water Demon Xuan's territory, where ships are doomed to sink. Only coffins, which have carried a corpse, can stay afloat in these waters.

Shi Wudu attempts to use his Water Master fan to summon currents from outside the demon lair to lift the ship, but the demon lair’s waters clash with the summoned current, creating a violent tug-of-war between the forces.

The ship is dragged into a giant whirlpool, causing the group to lose balance and nearly fall off the ship. Xie Lian and Hua Cheng fly into the air on Fangxin, while the others struggle on the spinning ship.

Ming Yi and Shi Qingxuan are forced to ride a shovel, while Pei Ming tries to locate Shi Wudu, who has disappeared.

Hua Cheng warns Xie Lian that flying in Black Water's domain will attract dangerous creatures. Soon after, they are attacked by massive skeletal bone dragons that rise from the sea.

Xie Lian uses his power to freeze one of the bone dragons and, with a whip-like motion, knocks down the others, breaking them into pieces.

Just as they think the danger has passed, Fangxin, Xie Lian's sword, runs out of power, and they both fall into the sea.

Xie Lian struggles in the water but is saved by Hua Cheng, who floats effortlessly despite being a ghost.

Bone dragons return to attack, but they retreat in fear when Hua Cheng clicks his tongue in annoyance. Hua Cheng jokingly refers to the bone dragons as useless pets.

Shi Wudu appears on top of a water dragon, battling the demon lair’s forces. Xie Lian searches for the others, but before he can find them, a massive wave engulfs him and Hua Cheng.

Xie Lian wakes up on a remote island, with Hua Cheng lying unconscious beside him. Despite trying to wake him up, Hua Cheng remains unresponsive.

Xie Lian begins to panic and checks Hua Cheng for injuries, eventually pressing his head to Hua Cheng’s chest, only to hear a heartbeat, surprising him.

Realizing Hua Cheng is in a human form, Xie Lian fears he may have been harmed. After hesitating, he decides to try something desperate.

With no other options, Xie Lian apologizes and nervously leans in to kiss Hua Cheng in an attempt to wake him.

Just as Xie Lian presses his lips to Hua Cheng’s, Hua Cheng's eyes snap open.

Xie Lian, feeling nervous and guilty, kisses Hua Cheng to give him air, only to realize Hua Cheng is already awake.

After a tense moment, Xie Lian apologizes profusely and runs off into the forest, embarrassed. Hua Cheng chases after him, trying to calm him down.

Xie Lian is attacked by something in the forest, prompting him to grab Hua Cheng's hand and flee back to the beach.

Hua Cheng reassures Xie Lian that the creatures on the island won’t follow them to the beach.

Xie Lian realizes that they’re on Black Water Island, the heart of the Black Water Demon Lair. Hua Cheng confirms this, stating he has never been there but knows of it.

The two search for their companions but don’t find them on the island. They realize they need a coffin made from wood that carried the dead to float on the waters of the demon lair.

Hua Cheng suggests using a coffin made from trees on the island, with him inside, since he is technically a dead person.

They spend the day building a coffin and finish just before a storm approaches. They settle inside the coffin and float out into the sea.

Inside the coffin, Xie Lian is uncomfortable with how close they are, but Hua Cheng reassures him.

The coffin is violently tossed by a giant water dragon, and the two are flipped and shaken inside. Hua Cheng tells Xie Lian to hold on tight as they’re thrown around.

After enduring the chaos, they break out of the coffin, only to find themselves back on Black Water Island, where they see Shi Wudu and Pei Ming.

Pei Ming teases Xie Lian and Hua Cheng about their disheveled appearance after being trapped in the coffin together.

Shi Wudu senses that Shi Qingxuan is nearby and injured, and the group heads into the forest to find him.

As they proceed, they are attacked by arrows and ghost minions, but Pei Ming handles the threats easily.

Shi Wudu’s longevity lock pendant leads them to a lake at the center of the island. Xie Lian notices a reflection of a sinister black building in the lake, which does not appear in reality.

As Xie Lian calls attention to the reflection, a shadowy figure appears behind him and Hua Cheng.

Xie Lian attacks the black shadow behind him, but it disappears like water. More shadowy figures appear in the lake's reflection, revealing the ghosts they couldn’t see.

Xie Lian realizes the reflection shows the ghosts, and Pei Ming swiftly defeats them. Shi Wudu sees Shi Qingxuan trapped in an iron prison, being dragged down by ghostly hands.

Shi Wudu leaps into the lake to save Shi Qingxuan, despite Pei Ming's warning that they are in Black Water Demon Xuan’s territory, where their powers are weakened.

Pei Ming takes a ghost's corpse to build a coffin boat to evacuate later, while Xie Lian and Hua Cheng dive into the lake.

Xie Lian and Hua Cheng reach the iron prison on the other side of the lake. Shi Wudu is smashing the lock, unable to use his water powers in Black Water Demon Xuan’s domain.

Xie Lian kicks the lock open, and they enter the prison, finding it filled with insane, wailing humans. They don’t harass the group but flee in fear.

Shi Wudu finds Shi Qingxuan alive but surrounded by mad humans. Ming Yi is lying nearby, severely injured from the poisonous bonefish.

They realize the humans are not ghosts but real prisoners, and Shi Wudu plans to escape quickly.

They try to leave the lake, but the boundary keeps them trapped. They consider using a teleportation array in the rumored Nether Water Manor to escape.

Shi Qingxuan helps Ming Yi despite being told he’s too weak to help, showing the change in their dynamic as Shi Qingxuan asserts his independence.

The group reaches the Nether Water Manor, a grand black palace. Xie Lian tries to politely enter but is met with a skeleton in black robes upon opening the door.

The skeleton, possibly Black Water Demon Xuan, attacks Shi Wudu but is destroyed by Xie Lian. They explore the manor, finding a teleportation chamber, but it has a trap that only allows one person to teleport at a time.

They decide to send Shi Wudu first as his Heavenly Tribulation nears, and then Ming Yi prepares the array for the others.

Xie Lian and Hua Cheng leave the manor together using the teleportation array and arrive safely at Puqi Shrine.

Xie Lian contacts the heavens to check if Shi Wudu and Shi Qingxuan returned safely but finds out they haven’t been seen since leaving the South Sea.

Xie Lian realizes something is wrong and suspects that Black Water Demon Xuan is involved. He uses the Soul-Shifting Spell to control Shi Qingxuan’s body, finding him running for his life from the madmen.

Xie Lian takes control of Shi Qingxuan’s body, helping him escape. They encounter Ming Yi, but Xie Lian becomes suspicious that he’s not the real Ming Yi.

Xie Lian realizes the person with them is actually Black Water Demon Xuan, who had killed the real Ming Yi and taken his place in the heavens long ago.

Just as Xie Lian finishes explaining this to Shi Qingxuan, a hand taps his shoulder.

Shi Qingxuan is paralyzed with fear after Ming Yi questions him, and Ming Yi forcefully pushes him to the ground, saving him from a water ghost.

Shi Qingxuan follows Ming Yi, feeling conflicted and fearful, as he starts piecing together the truth about Ming Yi’s identity.

Xie Lian realizes that the real Ming Yi is dead and that He Xuan (Black Water Demon Xuan) has been impersonating him all along.

He Xuan had devoured the Reverend of Empty Words, using its powers to manipulate and threaten Shi Qingxuan.

Xie Lian recalls moments from the past that hinted at He Xuan’s deception, including how Hua Cheng likely knew about the impersonation.

They follow Shi Qingxuan’s longevity lock, which vibrates, indicating Shi Wudu is injured.

Shi Qingxuan is reluctant to follow, but Ming Yi insists, leading them to a madman wearing Shi Wudu’s robes.

Shi Wudu ambushes He Xuan, injuring him, and flees with Shi Qingxuan.

He Xuan quickly recovers, and Shi Wudu realizes they cannot escape.

Shi Wudu loses his Water Master fan to He Xuan, and He Xuan reveals his true form as Black Water Demon Xuan.

He Xuan confronts Shi Wudu about the past, revealing Shi Wudu’s role in his death and the theft of his fate.

Shi Wudu offers to sacrifice himself, but He Xuan offers two choices: exchange Shi Qingxuan’s fate with a madman’s or kill Shi Qingxuan.

Shi Wudu chooses the second option, intending to kill Shi Qingxuan himself, but hesitates.

He Xuan stops him and tears off Shi Wudu’s arms, forcing him to kneel.

Shi Wudu mocks He Xuan, saying that despite everything, he won because he lived a life of luxury as a heavenly official.

He Xuan, enraged, decapitates Shi Wudu in front of Shi Qingxuan.

Shi Qingxuan is left in shock and despair, wishing for death, but He Xuan tells him to dream on.

Xie Lian's soul is pulled back to his body by Hua Cheng, who kisses him to retrieve the spiritual powers he lent.

Hua Cheng warns Xie Lian that outsiders cannot interfere in the situation, and Xie Lian agrees.

Xie Lian joins the heavenly officials to search for Shi Qingxuan and Shi Wudu, finding Pei Ming on the island, who had been preparing coffins.

They discover Shi Wudu's headless corpse but no trace of Shi Qingxuan.

Xie Lian suspects He Xuan has taken Shi Qingxuan or killed him and thrown his body into the sea.

Pei Ming reflects on Shi Wudu’s downfall, and Xie Lian explains He Xuan’s true identity as Black Water Demon Xuan.

Xie Lian returns to Puqi Shrine, and Hua Cheng reassures him that no one can fully understand Black Water's motivations due to his long isolation.

Xie Lian questions how He Xuan learned the truth about the fate exchange, and Hua Cheng explains that Shi Wudu had confirmed He Xuan’s death, leading He Xuan to investigate and impersonate the Earth Master.

Hua Cheng also reveals that He Xuan might not have killed the real Ming Yi, and someone else could be responsible for the fishermen’s deaths on the East Sea.

Xie Lian and Hua Cheng discuss a mysterious figure who seems to be pushing Xie Lian toward the center of every case, similar to the Banyue Pass incident.

Hua Cheng notices Guzi and Lang Ying playing outside without a care, contrasting the heavy situation surrounding them.

The shocking revelations about the Water Master’s deceit, the Wind Master being a fake, and the Earth Master being an impostor have shaken the heavenly realm.

A warrant is issued for Black Water Demon Xuan, who is revealed to have impersonated the Earth Master.

The Upper Court is rattled, and even Jun Wu seems overwhelmed. Few heavenly officials attend Shi Wudu’s quiet burial, marking the fall of the once-glorious Water Master.

Xie Lian reflects on the desecration of Wind and Water temples and feels melancholy, knowing the memories of these once-powerful gods will soon fade.

Pei Ming suggests that Xie Lian ask Hua Cheng to find out where Black Water Demon Xuan took Shi Qingxuan, but Xie Lian dismisses this idea, explaining that one Supreme Ghost King doesn't necessarily report to another.

Upon returning to Puqi Shrine, Xie Lian finds the villagers concerned about his “mad cousin,” Qi Rong, whom they believe is throwing a fit.

Xie Lian reassures the villagers that Qi Rong is safely locked up, and the village chief praises “Xiao-Hua” (Hua Cheng in disguise) for his helpfulness.

Inside the shrine, Qi Rong complains about feeling unwell, agitated like a tomcat, but Xie Lian can’t determine the cause.

Xie Lian is surprised to find the donation box full of gold bars, unsure who sent them.

Qi Rong grumbles about being treated as a "guard dog," but quiets down immediately when Hua Cheng enters the shrine.

Hua Cheng invites Xie Lian to Ghost City and suggests bringing Qi Rong along to extract his soul from the possessed body.

Despite Qi Rong’s objections, Hua Cheng turns him into a green budaoweng, and Guzi carries him as they all head to Ghost City.

Xie Lian and Hua Cheng arrive in Ghost City, greeted warmly by the ghosts who recognize Xie Lian. They give away eggs from the Mortal Realm as souvenirs.

The ghosts mock Qi Rong, remembering his previous humiliating defeat in Ghost City, while Hua Cheng arranges for Qi Rong’s soul to be extracted without harming his host body.

Xie Lian and Hua Cheng retreat to Thousand Lights Temple, where Hua Cheng humorously deflects Xie Lian’s praise for his sword skills, claiming he can’t practice calligraphy without Xie Lian’s help.

Xie Lian tries to teach Hua Cheng calligraphy, but is amused and exasperated by his poor writing skills.

Hua Cheng insists on copying the poem "Ache of Separation" over and over, stating that when he likes something, he never tires of it, even after a thousand times.

As they discuss Qi Rong’s recent agitation, Xie Lian senses something is wrong. He turns around to find Hua Cheng swaying on his feet, covering his right eye in pain.

The brush in Hua Cheng's hand drops, leaving an erratic ink trail on the paper, indicating something is seriously amiss with Hua Cheng.

Hua Cheng’s right eye begins throbbing painfully, and the engraved silver eye on Eming's hilt spins wildly.

Xie Lian attempts to approach Hua Cheng, but Hua Cheng warns him to stay back, fearing he might lose control.

Ghosts outside the temple start wailing in agony due to the disturbance caused by the reopening of Mount Tonglu.

Qi Rong, possessing a human body, is less affected by the disturbance and tries to escape, abandoning Guzi in the process.

Guzi chases after Qi Rong, begging him not to leave, but Qi Rong cruelly rejects him.

Xie Lian chases after Qi Rong, but is forced to return when Hua Cheng begins to lose control and throws everything off the table in a fit of rage.

Hua Cheng pulls Xie Lian into a tight embrace, confessing that he lied and begging him not to leave.

Qi Rong taunts Hua Cheng, gloating over his current state, but the ghosts defend Hua Cheng.

Xie Lian calms Hua Cheng, promising not to leave, as Hua Cheng's rage grows.

Hua Cheng pins Xie Lian down on the jade table, scattering objects, and kisses him deeply, transferring overwhelming spiritual power into Xie Lian.

Xie Lian struggles to handle the excessive power Hua Cheng is pouring into him but eventually manages to calm Hua Cheng by reciprocating the kiss and guiding the turbulent energy.

They share a passionate and intense embrace, crossing a line they hadn't before, before Hua Cheng finally calms down and falls asleep.

Xie Lian helps Eming's eye relax after the turmoil.

Hua Cheng wakes up, confused and worried about what happened, but Xie Lian reassures him that nothing serious occurred.

Hua Cheng reveals that Mount Tonglu has reopened, signaling the birth of a new Ghost King.

Xie Lian returns to the Heavenly Capital, where he notices the absence of Shi Wudu, Shi Qingxuan, and Ming Yi (all dead or missing).

Xie Lian meets Lang Qianqiu, who is noticeably thinner and gloomier.

Feng Xin explains that the thunder in the capital is due to the agitation caused by Mount Tonglu’s reopening.

Jun Wu gathers the heavenly officials and explains that Mount Tonglu is a deadly place where nefarious creatures gather to become supreme Ghost Kings.

Mount Tonglu opens every few centuries, initiating a slaughter until one ghost remains and becomes a new Supreme Ghost King.

Hua Cheng and Black Water were both born as Supreme Ghost Kings through this process.

The reopening of Mount Tonglu has caused chaos, and many dangerous creatures, including Xuan Ji, the fetus spirit, and the Brocade Immortal, have escaped and are heading there.

Jun Wu orders all martial gods to investigate their domains to apprehend the escaped creatures.

Xie Lian, without a domain, is assigned to work with Qi Ying (Quan Yizhen) to help manage the situation.

Jun Wu asks about Qi Ying's (Quan Yizhen) absence from the meeting, and Ling Wen explains that he hasn't been reachable for some time.

Xie Lian buys new robes for Lang Ying after a chilly autumn day at Puqi Shrine. Hua Cheng is in Ghost City, and Qi Rong has run off with Guzi, leaving only Lang Ying behind.

Xie Lian contemplates his recent interactions with Hua Cheng, recalling their decision to focus on their respective duties after Mount Tonglu reopened, which could lead to the rise of a new, unpredictable Supreme Ghost King.

While lost in thought, Xie Lian accidentally sets a fire in the kitchen, causing the stove to collapse. The villagers suggest calling Hua Cheng back, but Xie Lian brushes it off.

Xie Lian makes a random dish, "Riot of Colors Stir-Fry," which Lang Ying silently eats despite its terrible appearance, surprising Xie Lian.

Unable to sleep, Xie Lian notices a mysterious intruder sneaking into Puqi Shrine to stuff gold bars into the donation box, only to collapse after eating the bad food.

Xie Lian identifies the intruder as Quan Yizhen, who had previously filled the donation box with gold. Quan Yizhen admits he has a lot of gold, but refuses to take it back.

Lang Ying, acting uncharacteristically cold and unfriendly, tells Quan Yizhen to take the gold away.

Xie Lian informs Quan Yizhen about their mission to stop the Brocade Immortal, a cursed robe soaked in the blood of a besotted young man, that has become a dangerous spiritual weapon. The robe was recently stolen during the chaos caused by Mount Tonglu reopening.

Quan Yizhen eats more of Xie Lian's food and promptly collapses again, unable to continue with the mission.

Xie Lian drags Quan Yizhen to a corner to rest and decides to head out in search of the Brocade Immortal.

Later, Xie Lian overhears a woman knocking on doors in the village, offering to exchange a brand-new robe for old clothes. Realizing this could be the Brocade Immortal, he calls out to her.

The woman, seemingly beautiful but with a headscarf covering her eyes, presents a shining brocade robe. Xie Lian sets a trap using Ruoye, his spiritual weapon.

Ruoye attacks the woman, revealing that her youthful appearance was a disguise. She is actually an eighty-year-old hag, confirming she is connected to the Brocade Immortal.

Xie Lian confronts the Half-Maquillage Woman, a low-level ghost, who stole a fake Brocade Immortal.

The Half-Maquillage Woman bought the robe from Ghost City but had no information about the real Brocade Immortal.

Quan Yizhen helps by knocking down the Half-Maquillage Woman but reveals that the robe she stole is fake, as he has seen the real one before.

Ling Wen contacts Xie Lian to inform him of other sightings of ghosts with Brocade Immortal copies.

Ling Wen shares the history of Qi Ying (Quan Yizhen) and his former shixiong (martial brother) Yin Yu, who once ruled the West together.

Yin Yu gifted Quan Yizhen the Brocade Immortal in the past, but it was a trap that almost made Quan Yizhen harm himself. Jun Wu intervened, and Yin Yu was banished.

Xie Lian learns there are many counterfeit Brocade Immortals being sold in Ghost City, making it difficult to track the real one.

The group heads to an abandoned dyehouse where one of the fake Brocade Immortals was spotted.

Along the way, they meet golden skeletons offering a ride in a step-litter, which Quan Yizhen is eager to try, but it can only carry two people.

At the dyehouse, they meet a ghost-masked man (suspected to be Yin Yu) who has captured a group of ghosts selling fake Brocade Immortals.

Inside the dyehouse, they find nearly a hundred ghostly robes, all imbued with evil qi, but none are the real Brocade Immortal.

Quan Yizhen and Lang Ying try on the robes while Xie Lian gives commands to test if any are the Brocade Immortal.

None of the robes are the real one, and they work through the night to no avail.

Xie Lian requests Ling Wen to send someone to collect the robes.

As they rest, Xie Lian notices the shadow of a tall, disheveled man standing behind the rows of fabric, signaling a new threat.

Xie Lian sees a silhouette behind the fabric, suspecting it to be the Brocade Immortal, but it disperses.

There is a knock on the door, and Ling Wen, in male form, arrives, saying she came personally to investigate.

Xie Lian explains that he saw the Brocade Immortal in the form of a tall young man but expresses confusion because the Brocade Immortal had not been seen for centuries.

Ling Wen suggests taking the ghost robes to the Palace of Ling Wen for inspection but is warned by Xie Lian that he wants to investigate further before handing them over.

Xie Lian suspects that Ling Wen might be the thief who stole the Brocade Immortal, recalling how the Half-Maquillage Woman arrived suspiciously and how Ling Wen seemed too quick to offer solutions that involved taking the robes.

Xie Lian connects the Half-Maquillage Woman’s arrival and the strange coincidence that led him to buy the Brocade Immortal disguised as a plain robe.

Xie Lian realizes that if he had sent the clothes to Ling Wen earlier, she could have easily taken the Brocade Immortal under the guise of examining them.

Ling Wen denies the accusation, but Xie Lian continues, revealing that her knowledge of the missing robe, specifically the one worn by Lang Ying, came without her actually seeing it.

Xie Lian catches Ling Wen off guard by presenting a random robe and pretending it was the replica of the one Lang Ying wore, showing that Ling Wen could not know what the real Brocade Immortal looked like unless she was its creator.

Xie Lian concludes that the Brocade Immortal would always appear as a headless, sleeveless cloth sack to its creator, and since Ling Wen knew the robe was missing, she must be the thief.

Xie Lian confronts Ling Wen, having uncovered her lies, and proposes taking the Brocade Immortal to the Palace of Divine Might to reveal the truth.

Ling Wen admits her bad luck in being caught by Xie Lian but does not outright confess. She asks to see the Brocade Immortal one last time before turning herself in.

Xie Lian, trusting Ling Wen under restraint by Ruoye, agrees to her request.

Pei Ming joins briefly, expressing unease around Xie Lian, feeling trouble follows him, but nothing further comes of the encounter.

Back at Puqi Shrine, Lang Ying is seen sweeping outside. Xie Lian enters the shrine and stops Quan Yizhen from overstuffing the donation box with gold bars.

Ling Wen asks to be left alone with the Brocade Immortal for a moment, and Xie Lian obliges.

While Xie Lian cooks, he playfully questions "Lang Ying" (secretly Hua Cheng in disguise) about which of the gods and ghosts he thinks are the handsomest and coolest, with Hua Cheng repeatedly answering in favor of "the one in red" (himself).

After some teasing, Hua Cheng reveals his true identity, admitting he had been hiding as Lang Ying to stay close to Xie Lian.

Hua Cheng explains that he sent the real Lang Ying to Ghost City for safekeeping.

Xie Lian warns Hua Cheng not to leave when a large group of cultivators and monks surround the shrine, hunting for Hua Cheng.

Xie Lian confronts the crowd outside. The cultivators, led by a man named Heaven’s Eye, mistakenly accuse Xie Lian of harboring strong ghost qi, confusing him with Hua Cheng.

Heaven’s Eye, using his powers, struggles to properly read Xie Lian, making strange observations like detecting ghost qi from Xie Lian’s lips, which baffles everyone present.

Heaven’s Eye accuses Xie Lian’s lips of emitting ghost qi due to residual traces from Xie Lian’s and Hua Cheng’s embrace at Thousand Lights Temple.

Xie Lian tries to deflect suspicion by claiming the ghost qi came from using the jar to pickle vegetables, but the monks and cultivators grow more aggressive and charge Puqi Shrine.

Xie Lian wakes Quan Yizhen by threatening to feed him more "Incorruptible Chastity Meatballs," and Quan Yizhen’s spiritual aura temporarily blinds Heaven’s Eye.

Hua Cheng, weakened due to Mount Tonglu's effects, is angry at the pursuing monks and cultivators but calms down when Xie Lian holds him, now appearing even younger.

Xie Lian fends off the monks and cultivators while asking Ruoye to bind them, but Ling Wen, having used the communication array to summon help, prepares to flee.

Ling Wen dons the Brocade Immortal, gaining immense power, and blows Quan Yizhen away in a fight. She’s able to deflect attacks effortlessly.

Xie Lian realizes Ling Wen's transformation is due to the Brocade Immortal, which enhances her power without draining her blood or harming her as it had previous wearers.

Quan Yizhen is impressed by the strength Ling Wen gains from the Brocade Immortal, and they engage in a destructive brawl, causing Puqi Shrine to collapse.

In a moment of desperation, Xie Lian delivers a grand, shameless speech, declaring himself "His Eminent Highness the Crown Prince" and scaring some monks and cultivators into kneeling.

Xie Lian tricks the mob by throwing his “Incorruptible Chastity Meatballs” at them, claiming they are poisonous, causing many to flee in panic.

As Ling Wen tries to escape, Xie Lian throws a meatball into her mouth, weakening the Brocade Immortal’s influence and forcing her to leave the scene, abandoning her fight with Quan Yizhen.

Quan Yizhen pursues Ling Wen, and Xie Lian cradles Hua Cheng, fleeing Puqi Shrine to report the situation to the Heavenly Court.

Xie Lian accidentally reports the situation to Ling Wen via the communication array before realizing she’s the one wearing the Brocade Immortal, leaving him speechless.

Xie Lian quickly informs the whole court about Ling Wen escaping with the Brocade Immortal.

Xie Lian tries to warn everyone in the spiritual communication array about Ling Wen being the creator of the Brocade Immortal, but the array is too chaotic, and his message gets lost.

Feng Xin finally responds to Xie Lian but is confused by the situation. Xie Lian tries to explain, but the communication array is abruptly destroyed by Ling Wen, leaving them disconnected.

Hua Cheng reassures Xie Lian that Jun Wu is in the heavens, and other officials will handle things now that the warning was given. The two continue fleeing from the religious masters who were chasing them.

Xie Lian realizes that Hua Cheng’s form has changed again, and Hua Cheng now looks like a small child, around eleven or twelve years old.

Hua Cheng reassures Xie Lian that his transformation is only temporary and related to the mountain opening. Once it's over, he’ll return to normal.

Xie Lian starts teasing Hua Cheng, pinching his cheeks and laughing about how cute he looks in his smaller form.

Hua Cheng confesses his discomfort with appearing in a weaker form and hates looking "useless," expressing that he wants to be the strongest.

Xie Lian comforts Hua Cheng, telling him it’s okay not to be strong all the time and that it’s fine to let Xie Lian protect him for once.

Hua Cheng, feeling a bit more at ease, promises Xie Lian that he’ll return to his usual self soon and asks him to wait.

The next day, they arrive at a small town, walking leisurely and chatting.

Xie Lian asks about Mount Tonglu’s impact on Ghost Kings, learning that Black Water, like Hua Cheng, reacts differently to the mountain’s opening, possibly by going into hibernation due to past trauma from hunger.

Xie Lian ponders why Black Water devours water ghosts, realizing he does so to destroy Shi Wudu's water magic.

They discuss Qi Rong, noting his attempts to imitate He Xuan’s habits of eating ghosts and Hua Cheng’s blood rain aesthetic, though Qi Rong’s actions are crude in comparison.

Xie Lian worries about the safety of Guzi and the Wind Master, unsure of their fates.

Hua Cheng mentions locking up Ghost City and leaking false information to protect it while they’re away, but both recognize that Ling Wen leaked real information about Hua Cheng's disguise.

Hua Cheng brings up the cultivator Heaven’s Eye, wondering why he claimed Xie Lian’s lips were covered in ghost qi. Xie Lian avoids answering.

Xie Lian takes Hua Cheng into a store and buys him new clothes, with Hua Cheng looking incredibly handsome despite being in a child’s form.

Hua Cheng, though not thrilled about the braid Xie Lian added to his hair, is patient, wanting to make Xie Lian happy.

At the store counter, Hua Cheng nonchalantly slaps down a piece of gold to pay for the clothes, impressing the shop owner and the surrounding ladies.

Just as they are about to leave, Hua Cheng spots a familiar figure in the crowd outside and quickly returns to Xie Lian, signaling something potentially concerning.

Xie Lian grabs a robe and rushes with Hua Cheng to hide in the fitting room of a clothing store.

Heaven’s Eye and his mob of monks and cultivators approach the store and ask the crowd if they saw Xie Lian and Hua Cheng.

The mob enters the store and Heaven’s Eye pulls open the curtains, revealing Xie Lian disguised as a woman, who pretends to be shocked.

Heaven’s Eye and the monks are embarrassed and quickly retreat, giving Xie Lian the chance to flee with Hua Cheng.

Xie Lian runs with Hua Cheng through the streets, causing a commotion, while the mob chases them for hours until the monks are too tired to continue.

Xie Lian and Hua Cheng spot an inn and decide to rest there, even though Xie Lian senses it is run by ghosts.

They enter the inn and order food, while the inn’s attendants behave suspiciously, with fake smiles plastered on their faces.

Hua Cheng reveals that the inn is a shady establishment run by ghosts, and Xie Lian smells the thick scent of fresh blood.

The mob arrives at the inn, demanding water and rushing to the toilet, still suffering from the effects of the Incorruptible Chastity Pellets.

Xie Lian and Hua Cheng go upstairs to avoid detection, and Heaven’s Eye suspects something is wrong with the inn’s food but only notices greasy plates.

The mob complains about long hairs in their food, but the attendants lie, saying they are pig hairs.

Heaven’s Eye asks the attendants if they have seen Xie Lian and Hua Cheng, and the attendant reveals they are upstairs.

The mob sneaks upstairs, but they mistakenly target a room where Lan Chang is staying.

Lan Chang angrily confronts the mob, and Xie Lian recognizes her. Lan Chang is revealed to be hiding the dangerous fetus spirit.

Xie Lian and Hua Cheng eavesdrop as the mob downstairs discusses their grievances against Hua Cheng, sharing various personal stories.

The situation in the inn grows chaotic as the mob realizes the attendants are ghosts and begin to fight them.

Qi Rong, who has possessed a man, is revealed to be running the inn, eating human flesh in the kitchen.

Xie Lian finds Guzi, who is safe but has a fever, locked in a firewood shed by Qi Rong.

As the chaos in the inn escalates, Fu Yao appears, chasing Lan Chang and the fetus spirit.

The fetus spirit attacks Fu Yao, and he and Xie Lian work together to fight it off.

Xie Lian confronts Qi Rong about Guzi’s fate and nearly kills him in anger, but Qi Rong reveals Guzi is unharmed.

Hua Cheng collapses the illusory inn with his powers, revealing it to be a simple cottage, and the mob is knocked out by the falling roof.

Feng Xin contacts Xie Lian through the spiritual array, informing him that the Upper Court is in chaos due to Ling Wen’s betrayal and Mu Qing’s escape.

Feng Xin explains that Mu Qing is being accused of creating the fetus spirit, and that the scar on his arm matches a bite from the fetus spirit.

Fu Yao overhears Xie Lian’s conversation and questions him, suspecting something is wrong.

Xie Lian asks Fu Yao for any verbal password to contact the heavens, but Fu Yao refuses, stating everyone is too busy to help.

Hua Cheng informs Xie Lian that Guzi hasn’t eaten in two days and has a high fever, prompting Xie Lian to angrily confront Qi Rong about his neglect.

Lan Chang, despite her injuries, offers to help Guzi by cooling his fever with her ghostly powers, while Fu Yao prepares to leave with the captured fetus spirit.

Xie Lian quickly restrains Fu Yao, stating he knows Mu Qing is in trouble and wants to help him investigate to clear his name.

Fu Yao is enraged, accusing Xie Lian of wanting to mock Mu Qing, but Xie Lian insists that despite Mu Qing’s flaws, he has principles and wouldn’t commit the crime he’s accused of.

Fu Yao is skeptical and accuses Xie Lian of holding a grudge, but Hua Cheng defends Xie Lian, stating Mu Qing is ungrateful and should solve his problems alone.

Qi Rong interrupts the conversation by recognizing Lan Chang as Jian Lan, a former noblewoman from Xianle who was once considered for Xie Lian’s consort.

Jian Lan, ashamed of her past, refuses to acknowledge her former identity and angrily rejects Qi Rong’s taunts about her fall from grace.

Qi Rong insults Jian Lan, insinuating her child is the product of her time in a brothel, leading Jian Lan to slap him multiple times in fury.

Jian Lan and Qi Rong begin to brawl, with Jian Lan mercilessly beating Qi Rong while Xie Lian and Fu Yao ignore his pleas for help.

A sudden crack of thunder signals the arrival of Feng Xin, who tracked Xie Lian’s location and is surprised to find him holding Fu Yao and Hua Cheng in the form of a child.

Feng Xin is confused by Hua Cheng’s presence, but Xie Lian deflects, jokingly calling Hua Cheng his future son.

As Lan Chang tries to escape, Feng Xin shoots an arrow at her, prompting the fetus spirit, named Cuocuo, to break free from its bindings and attack.

Feng Xin shoots the fetus spirit, but Jian Lan desperately tries to save her child, though she is thrown back by the arrow’s power.

Feng Xin recognizes Jian Lan as someone from his past, and when he confronts her, she angrily denies her identity, accusing him of humiliating her by acknowledging her current state.

Qi Rong laughs hysterically, mocking Feng Xin, but Jian Lan shuts him up by stomping on him in rage.

As the fetus spirit attacks Feng Xin and bites his arm, the group realizes a shocking truth: the fetus spirit is Feng Xin's biological child with Jian Lan.

Jian Lan denies that the fetus spirit is Feng Xin's child, but her evasiveness only deepens the suspicion.

Feng Xin is confused and conflicted about the situation, unsure how to respond to the fetus spirit's hostility.

Jian Lan tries to deflect the issue, claiming the child has nothing to do with Feng Xin, but her actions only fuel more doubts.

Qi Rong mocks Feng Xin's situation, claiming that the Nan Yang martial god's own son has become a ghost, but is silenced by Xie Lian and Jian Lan's physical retaliation.

Guzi wakes up and tries to protect Qi Rong, which stops Jian Lan from continuing her assault on Qi Rong.

Jian Lan flees with the fetus spirit, while Qi Rong escapes using Guzi as a shield to prevent Xie Lian from stopping him.

Feng Xin suffers from a severe emotional and physical toll, with the fetus spirit attacking him viciously before Jian Lan calls it off.

Xie Lian checks on Feng Xin's injuries, but Feng Xin is overwhelmed with emotions and lashes out, refusing to discuss Jian Lan and her child.

Fu Yao, initially restrained by Xie Lian, is eventually released. He asserts that his general tried to save the fetus spirit, but things spiraled out of control.

Feng Xin leaves, emotionally distraught, with Xie Lian noting that the Upper Court’s situation is worsening.

Fu Yao decides to pursue the fetus spirit, heading toward Mount Tonglu to capture it.

Xie Lian and Hua Cheng finally find an inn to rest, and Xie Lian reflects on his past with Feng Xin, revealing that during his first banishment, he had pawned off many of his belongings, including a golden belt, to support Feng Xin.

Xie Lian expresses guilt for potentially contributing to Feng Xin's hardships, especially his possible loss of Jian Lan.

Hua Cheng reassures Xie Lian that Feng Xin's romantic misfortunes are not his fault, and the two share a lighthearted moment.

Their conversation is interrupted when Jun Wu unexpectedly appears in their room without them noticing.

Jun Wu explains that he has descended because of the dire situation in the Upper Court and proposes a drastic solution to infiltrate the gathering of ghosts at Mount Tonglu.

He reveals his plan to personally infiltrate Mount Tonglu and eliminate the strongest candidates to prevent a new ghost king from emerging.

Jun Wu asks Xie Lian to temporarily take over his duties in the Upper Court, which Xie Lian strongly protests, feeling unqualified for such a task.

Hua Cheng interjects, hinting that there may be another solution to the crisis at Mount Tonglu that doesn’t require Jun Wu’s direct involvement.

Xie Lian and Hua Cheng begin their journey to Mount Tonglu, walking hand-in-hand through forests filled with bizarre creatures.

Hua Cheng warns Xie Lian to avoid Jun Wu, as his tasks always bring trouble, but Xie Lian assures him that this mission was not assigned by Jun Wu.

Xie Lian expresses concern over Hua Cheng accompanying him, but Hua Cheng reassures him that he is not forcing himself.

They continue their journey, encountering a growing crowd of ghosts and nefarious creatures heading to Mount Tonglu, some chanting in eager anticipation of becoming a ghost king.

Hua Cheng explains that groups may form alliances to survive Mount Tonglu’s trials, but betrayal is inevitable as strength increases with each kill.

As they approach Mount Tonglu, Hua Cheng disguises Xie Lian’s heavenly official scent by sharing his ghost scent through a touch.

The crowd of ghosts gets stuck at a steep bluff, unable to pass. Ghosts try to fly over or find a way around, but all attempts fail.

A ghost named Demon of the Swift Life-Extinguishing Blade accuses Xie Lian and Hua Cheng of having a human scent, causing a commotion.

Xie Lian claims to be a Puppet Master, using Hua Cheng as his puppet to fool the crowd. The ghosts are impressed by Hua Cheng’s “realistic” appearance.

Demon of the Swift Life-Extinguishing Blade brings out talismans to test if Xie Lian and Hua Cheng are human. Xie Lian successfully passes the test with Hua Cheng’s help.

The ghosts are about to settle down when Hua Cheng points out a cloaked figure who hasn’t removed their disguise. The figure removes the cloak, revealing an ordinary face, but Xie Lian suspects it’s a fake.

Demon of the Swift Life-Extinguishing Blade suddenly collapses with a sword wound, confirming the presence of a heavenly official. The crowd erupts in chaos, suspecting each other.

The talismans on the ghosts’ foreheads explode, killing hundreds of nefarious creatures in a bloody massacre, leaving only a few survivors.

Xie Lian and Hua Cheng realize they’ve unknowingly crossed the boundary into Mount Tonglu.

Demon of the Swift Life-Extinguishing Blade is killed by a mysterious cloaked figure, who turns out to be Pei Ming in disguise.

Pei Ming reveals he was sent by Jun Wu to assist Xie Lian, though Hua Cheng points out that Pei Ming likely negotiated rewards for his help.

Xie Lian questions who attacked Demon of the Swift Life-Extinguishing Blade earlier, as it wasn’t him or Pei Ming, raising suspicions of a third heavenly official’s presence.

They discover that Demon of the Swift Life-Extinguishing Blade’s body has disappeared, and Hua Cheng warns that within Mount Tonglu, those who kill gain power. Demon of the Swift Life-Extinguishing Blade had slaughtered nearly four hundred ghosts, making him extremely dangerous.

Xie Lian, Hua Cheng, and Pei Ming find themselves surrounded by corpses and black smoke as the path ahead reveals a black forest.

Hua Cheng is overheating, signaling that he is about to change back to his true form. Xie Lian sets up an array to shield Hua Cheng during his transformation, using Fangxin as the array’s lock.

Eming, Hua Cheng’s scimitar, appears shrunken in size, resembling a child, and eagerly offers itself to help but is rejected.

Pei Ming notices something odd and soon a bloodied cut appears on his cheek. He realizes that the attack is targeting him, not Xie Lian.

Pei Ming confronts the source of the attack: Demon of the Swift Life-Extinguishing Blade, who returns to fight, even after being previously killed. The demon snaps Pei Ming's sword with his bare hands.

The fight between Pei Ming and the Swift-Blade demon continues, but the demon knows Pei Ming’s sword techniques too well, putting Pei Ming at a disadvantage.

Xie Lian opens the array to let Pei Ming retreat. Pei Ming admits that the broken sword he was using is not his spiritual weapon but a regular one.

The Swift-Blade demon reveals his identity as Mingguang, Pei Ming’s former sword that Pei Ming broke centuries ago. This explains the demon's intimate knowledge of Pei Ming’s fighting style.

The battle continues as Mingguang targets the array's lock (Fangxin), with Xie Lian and Pei Ming struggling to protect it. Kemo, a massive ghostly brute, appears and inadvertently aids Mingguang in attacking Fangxin.

Xie Lian tricks Mingguang into using an offensive Banyue hand gesture toward Kemo, causing Kemo to angrily attack Mingguang instead.

Kemo and Mingguang briefly fight before Kemo recognizes Xie Lian and Pei Ming, leading to renewed attacks on Fangxin. Mingguang calls for Kemo’s help, and they break the array together.

Mingguang’s upper half and lower half reunite, and they begin coordinating attacks again. Xie Lian uses Eming to hold off Mingguang’s sword, which continues to grow in size with each word of praise from Xie Lian.

Mingguang’s spiritual power increases, and Eming struggles against him. Pei Ming helps out by using Eming in a unique way to make it grow even longer.

Pei Ming breaks Mingguang’s sword again, successfully disarming him.

Banyue and Pei Xiu arrive to help, each assisting in the fight against Mingguang and Kemo. Banyue uses scorpion-snakes to overwhelm Kemo.

Pei Ming confronts Mingguang, realizing that he’s not the real Mingguang but Rong Guang, Pei Ming’s former deputy general. Rong Guang had used Pei Ming’s name to attempt a revolt centuries ago.

Pei Ming tells the story of his past, explaining how Rong Guang had led a failed rebellion in his name, and Pei Ming snapped his sword, Mingguang, to stop the insurrection.

Xie Lian reflects on how Pei Ming’s loyalty to his kingdom led to his final battle and eventual ascension.

Pei Xiu explains that Pei Ming both won and lost in his rebellion; he slaughtered his insurgent comrades, many of whom were longtime subordinates, and was later charged with treason by the King of Xuli.

Rong Guang’s resentment possessed the blood-soaked, broken sword, enabling his survival as a ghost.

Pei Ming suspects the ghost is Rong Guang, his former deputy general, not just the sword itself.

Xie Lian, Pei Ming, Hua Cheng (still unconscious), Banyue, and Pei Xiu continue their journey deeper into Mount Tonglu, avoiding minor ghosts along the way.

After emerging from the forest and entering the second layer, they encounter remnants of a ghost town, with signs of habitation like blackened, broken houses.

The group decides to rest at a fork in the road; Pei Xiu needs rest as he’s now mortal. Xie Lian takes care of Hua Cheng, who begins to cool down from his transformation.

Pei Ming teases Banyue about not knowing how to cook, but Xie Lian helps her prepare a meal.

While waiting for the food to cook, Pei Ming asks Xie Lian why he hasn’t asked the Emperor to remove his cursed shackles, and Xie Lian deflects by asking why Pei Ming never forged a new spiritual sword after breaking Mingguang.

Hua Cheng wakes up, now appearing as a teenager. He warns the group of something approaching from the east, prompting them to flee westward despite a large group of creatures heading their way.

Pei Xiu, returning from scouting, reports hearing over 500 ghosts approaching, but the group doesn’t encounter them. Instead, they find a field of corpses, all killed by a single entity.

A skull reveals that over a thousand ghosts were killed by a man in black to the west, and over two thousand were killed by a man in white to the east, making both directions dangerous.

The group continues west, avoiding the killer. They discover more ruins, now recognizing that these structures belonged to the long-lost Kingdom of Wuyong.

They rest by a well in a deserted town, and Banyue serves the group her cooking. Hua Cheng gamely eats it, while Pei Ming and Pei Xiu express mixed reactions.

Hua Cheng explains that Mount Tonglu’s territory was once inhabited by the people of Wuyong, a kingdom that disappeared over two thousand years ago.

Xie Lian recalls hearing about the "Crown Prince of Wuyong" from his state preceptor in his youth, who told him a story of a beloved prince who never ascended.

The group discovers large ox hoof prints, revealing that Lord Rain Master’s Guardian Steed fought a powerful enemy.

They reach a holy temple of Wuyong, and Hua Cheng reads ancient inscriptions on the temple, mentioning the "Eminent Crown Prince" of Wuyong.

Xie Lian realizes that the temple’s walls were burned, likely by the people of Wuyong themselves, who also slashed at the temple’s inscriptions.

Pei Ming gets bitten by one of Banyue’s scorpion-snakes, leading to some comedic exchanges.

Xie Lian discovers a face on the blackened temple wall, indicating there may still be something left of the ancient murals.

Xie Lian begins to uncover a face hidden beneath the charred walls of the temple. He speculates that uncovering these murals might reveal the origins of ghost kings and the forces behind them.

With the help of Hua Cheng's silver butterflies, the black layer covering the walls is chipped away, revealing a vibrant, colorful mural beneath.

The mural shows four levels: the heavens, a single figure (presumably the Crown Prince of Wuyong), four smaller heavenly officials, and countless people below them.

Xie Lian and Hua Cheng deduce that the four figures on the third level must be heavenly officials appointed by the Crown Prince after his ascension.

Xie Lian believes this mural is relatively recent, painted within the last hundred years, despite the ancient setting.

The group wonders who could have left the mural and what message it was meant to convey.

Xie Lian decides to check more holy temples on their journey, convinced this mural is part of a larger story.

Pei Ming, who had gone outside earlier, is found missing. Hua Cheng uses a silver butterfly to monitor his movements.

They overhear Pei Ming and Ling Wen talking. Ling Wen (in his male form) and Pei Ming are trapped together by an unknown force.

Ling Wen warns Pei Ming that his actions have angered the Brocade Immortal (still attached to him) and blames himself for coming to Mount Tonglu willingly.

Xie Lian realizes that both Pei Ming and Ling Wen are trapped underground, possibly in a spacious area near water, based on the echoes and sounds they hear.

Ling Wen recounts being ambushed after a brief clash with Lord Rain Master and warns Pei Ming not to reveal his identity.

Their conversation is interrupted by a mysterious third voice, accusing Pei Ming and Ling Wen of hiding their true selves.

Xie Lian overhears Pei Ming and Ling Wen encountering a mysterious man, who reveals himself as Jing Wen-zhenjun, the former top-ranking civil god and Ling Wen’s former superior.

Jing Wen has a grudge against Ling Wen for surpassing him in rank and for supposedly sabotaging his temples and reputation, blaming her for his decline.

Pei Xiu explains that Jing Wen was the one who first appointed Ling Wen to the heavens when she was a mortal, and their relationship became strained over time.

Hua Cheng recounts that Ling Wen (as Nangong Jie) won a contest with her essay "Need Not Xuli," which upset Jing Wen, who had entered the contest under a false name.

Ling Wen reveals that Jing Wen mistreated her after appointing her, making her run errands and refusing to promote her despite her hard work.

Jing Wen accuses Ling Wen of being unworthy because she is a woman, and they argue over their respective successes, with Ling Wen claiming her Palace of Ling Wen far surpassed Jing Wen's at its peak.

Xie Lian and Hua Cheng attempt to find Pei Ming and Ling Wen by smashing the ground, eventually locating them in an underground cave where Jing Wen has possessed a statue of a eunuch slave.

Ling Wen breaks free from her restraints and destroys Jing Wen’s possessed statue, revealing that he has no power left.

Despite Jing Wen’s defeat, Ling Wen's Brocade Immortal (the cursed spirit in Ling Wen’s possession) continues to seek revenge, targeting Pei Ming.

Xie Lian and Pei Ming attempt to escape, but Ling Wen pursues them under the control of the Brocade Immortal.

They accidentally fall into a trap set by minor ghosts, but Ling Wen’s ghost fires threaten to destroy them.

Just as things seem dire, a whirlwind blows away the minor ghosts, and a mysterious blood rain begins to fall.

Xie Lian realizes the bloody rain has turned into flower petals, signaling Hua Cheng’s return.

Hua Cheng, now fully recovered and wielding his silver scimitar, rescues Xie Lian and announces his arrival.

Xie Lian is relieved to see Hua Cheng and approaches him while holding back the urge to brush off flower petals on his shoulders. Hua Cheng explains he transformed blood rain into flower petals to avoid drenching Xie Lian.

Pei Ming, still trapped in the net, asks to be released, and Hua Cheng sends silver butterflies to free him.

Xie Lian confirms Ling Wen and the Brocade Immortal are subdued but unharmed, and Hua Cheng mentions that the Brocade Immortal did not want to fight him.

Pei Ming attempts to remove Ling Wen's robe but is injured by the Brocade Immortal’s defenses. Hua Cheng explains that the robe won’t let go of Ling Wen.

Pei Ming carries Ling Wen as they return to the town where Pei Xiu and Banyue are waiting. They discover the mural in the holy temple of Wuyong has vanished, as if it never existed.

Xie Lian concludes the mural was created by magic and suspects the creator feared discovery.

The group leaves the town, continuing their journey toward the Kiln of Mount Tonglu. Ling Wen regains consciousness but remains immobilized by a silver butterfly.

The group reaches a narrow valley with steep mountain bluffs on either side, where they find another holy Wuyong temple, suspiciously positioned in the middle of the path.

Inside the temple, they discover a new mural depicting the Crown Prince of Wuyong in meditation, surrounded by his four guardian deputies. Below him, the Mortal Realm is shown engulfed in flames and lava, hinting at a volcanic disaster.

Xie Lian realizes this is likely a prophetic dream the Crown Prince had before the fall of Wuyong, showing a volcanic eruption destroying the kingdom.

The mountain bluffs outside start moving, closing in on the temple. The group flees, breaking through walls as falling rocks and boulders rain down from above.

Hua Cheng casually follows with a red umbrella, protecting Xie Lian from the falling debris. Xie Lian thanks him, while the others complain about their lack of umbrellas.

Hua Cheng explains the mountains closing in are spiritual entities known as Old Age, Sickness, and Death, landmarks of Mount Tonglu that can move at will.

As the space narrows dangerously, Pei Ming wedges himself between the mountains to hold them back, with Pei Xiu and Banyue assisting by using their spiritual power.

Xie Lian comes up with the idea to dig downward to escape the collapsing mountains. He begins digging with Fangxin, while Hua Cheng reassures him that help is on the way.

The Earth Master Shovel suddenly appears, digging a hole for the group to escape. Xie Lian throws everyone down the hole as the mountains finally crush the temple above.

In the underground tunnel, Xie Lian mistakenly assumes the black-clad man wielding the shovel is Black Water, but Hua Cheng corrects him, revealing the man is Yin Yu, a former heavenly official.

The group continues following Yin Yu, who digs a path upward. As they emerge, they find themselves in a massive underground cave with multiple tunnels leading in different directions.

Xie Lian realizes they are lost in a labyrinth of caves. They choose a tunnel to explore, but soon discover that the rest of their group has mysteriously vanished, leaving only Xie Lian and Hua Cheng.

Xie Lian and Hua Cheng retrace their steps to find Pei Ming and the others but are blocked by a new stone wall that wasn’t there before.

Hua Cheng confirms the wall is real, not an illusion. They consider breaking through it.

Hua Cheng ties a red string connecting his finger to Xie Lian’s as a precaution, ensuring they remain linked and can find each other if separated.

They hear distant sounds of someone punching the mountain, suggesting the presence of a martial god.

Following the sound, they discover a scorpion-snake stuck in a wall and later find a half-bodied man embedded in the stone, still breathing but without a lower body.

Xie Lian realizes Hua Cheng is missing, but the red string connecting them remains unbroken. He follows the string and is swallowed by the mountain spirit.

Inside the mountain, Xie Lian finds Hua Cheng. Both had entered the mountain spirit’s "stomach" while searching for each other.

Hua Cheng explains that the mountain spirit is attempting to digest them, but they will eventually escape.

They deduce that the half-bodied man outside is likely Qi Ying, who was also partially swallowed by the mountain spirit.

Hua Cheng sends a silver butterfly to check on Qi Ying, who is alive but asleep.

Through Hua Cheng’s silver butterfly, Xie Lian sees a black figure approaching Qi Ying, which turns out to be Yin Yu.

Yin Yu appears, wielding the Earth Master Shovel, and sees Quan Yizhen stuck in the wall.

Quan Yizhen tries to free himself but gets further swallowed by the mountain spirit, leaving only his head exposed.

Yin Yu is hesitant but approaches Quan Yizhen with the shovel, looking like he's about to harm him.

Xie Lian and Hua Cheng discuss whether Yin Yu intends to kill Quan Yizhen, with Hua Cheng noting that Yin Yu's intent to kill isn’t strong enough yet.

A flashback shows a younger Yin Yu and Quan Yizhen’s first encounter, where a young Quan Yizhen disrupts training by throwing mud and stones at disciples.

Yin Yu, showing patience, tries to deal with the wild child, eventually offering to train him.

Yin Yu reprimands the other disciples, explaining that Quan Yizhen is talented but misunderstood, urging them to work harder rather than envy him.

In the present, Yin Yu hesitates to hurt Quan Yizhen, and instead swings the shovel, stunning but not killing him.

Another flashback reveals the tensions between Yin Yu and Quan Yizhen as they grew older, with Yin Yu often defending Quan Yizhen from the frustrations of other disciples.

The narrative shifts to a scene in Heaven where Yin Yu is overshadowed by Quan Yizhen's growing fame and influence after his ascension.

Yin Yu is mistaken for Quan Yizhen at a formal banquet, causing public embarrassment and further fueling his resentment.

Jian Yu, Yin Yu’s subordinate, voices his anger over how Quan Yizhen receives favoritism and benefits, while Yin Yu feels trapped and unable to compete.

Yin Yu becomes more bitter, especially when Quan Yizhen innocently continues to show up, asking for help and birthday presents, completely oblivious to Yin Yu’s growing resentment.

In a moment of anger, Yin Yu unknowingly gives Quan Yizhen a cursed object (the Brocade Immortal), which causes Quan Yizhen to become even more powerful and dangerous.

Yin Yu struggles to retrieve the cursed armor but fails as the situation spirals out of control.

Quan Yizhen, under the influence of the Brocade Immortal, fights multiple martial gods, wreaking havoc in Heaven.

Yin Yu commands Quan Yizhen to stop, inadvertently telling him to "go die" in a fit of frustration, which Quan Yizhen attempts to do, almost killing himself.

Jun Wu intervenes, subduing Quan Yizhen and demanding an explanation from Yin Yu.

Yin Yu is overwhelmed by guilt and despair, while Jian Yu confesses his part in the Brocade Immortal incident, trying to take the blame.

Yin Yu is ultimately condemned for the events, and both he and Jian Yu are bound and taken away.

A flashback reveals that Yin Yu’s frustrations stem from feeling inadequate compared to Quan Yizhen despite his hard work and talent, leading to his tragic downfall.

In the present, Yin Yu digs Quan Yizhen out of the wall but knocks him unconscious with the shovel.

Xie Lian and Hua Cheng, still trapped, overhear a mysterious voice on the other side of the wall that Xie Lian recognizes as his old State Preceptor, discussing the Crown Prince’s fate and suggesting that Xie Lian is beyond saving.

Xie Lian and Hua Cheng eavesdrop on a mysterious voice that sounds like Xie Lian’s former state preceptor.

The voice refers to "the other two" and mentions bringing them to the Kiln within two days, intending to "take care" of them.

Xie Lian suspects the state preceptor is talking to the mountain spirit itself, rather than a person.

The state preceptor expresses concern about "the Crown Prince" awakening, leaving Xie Lian confused, as it could refer to him or the Crown Prince of Wuyong.

Explosions and tremors rock the mountain as Yin Yu digs Quan Yizhen out of the wall.

Quan Yizhen, pretending to be unconscious, tricks Yin Yu and reveals he knew Yin Yu’s identity all along.

Yin Yu panics and tries to flee while Quan Yizhen excitedly pursues him.

The mountain spirit, under the command of the state preceptor, starts running, heading toward the Kiln at incredible speed.

Xie Lian realizes that the mountain spirit is transporting them to the Kiln and that the state preceptor's conversation was one-sided because he was speaking to the mountain.

Xie Lian and Hua Cheng blow their way out of the mountain, but the state preceptor is gone.

Yin Yu catches up to them, grateful to be saved, and they see the mountain spirit running at high speed.

They deduce that the state preceptor is commanding the mountain to deliver them to the Kiln, and they have two days to figure things out.

Xie Lian is troubled by the mention of "awakening" and wonders if the state preceptor's talk about the Crown Prince refers to him or the Crown Prince of Wuyong.

Xie Lian speculates that the state preceptor might be connected to the four mountain spirits of Old Age, Sickness, Death, and possibly Birth.

Hua Cheng reassures Xie Lian that he is not someone else and that they will face whatever comes together.

They regroup with Pei Ming, Pei Xiu, and Banyue, who were also spat out by the mountain spirit.

Ling Wen and the Brocade Immortal are still missing, prompting a search.

The group sees that the mountain spirit is running toward the Kiln, saving them time but leading them straight into danger.

They stop near the ruins of a buried Wuyong city, where Hua Cheng reveals that the city was buried in volcanic ash during the fall of Wuyong.

The group descends into the city, and Hua Cheng reveals the red string connecting him and Xie Lian is hidden but still intact.

Xie Lian is comforted by the fact that the string remains and they can sense each other's safety.

As they explore the city, Xie Lian asks Hua Cheng not to take unnecessary risks, and Hua Cheng agrees.

Pei Ming and Banyue discover something strange, leading the group to investigate.

Pei Ming and the group enter a residence in search of water and discover a well surrounded by stone statues of people who had perished from volcanic ash.

Xie Lian notices that the statues resemble people rather than sculptures, frozen in their last moments of life.

He deduces that the volcanic ash suffocated and preserved these people, forming stone shells around their decayed bodies.

Inside the house, Xie Lian finds a family of three—parents clutching their child, all turned to ash statues. He is puzzled by their hand positions, as if they are holding something.

Hua Cheng breaks apart the statues, revealing that the remains have rotted away, but the jewelry and other belongings remain intact.

Xie Lian finds three identical pendants in the ash, each engraved with a celestial drawing of the "Ominous Star"—a bad omen. Hua Cheng explains that the Crown Prince of Wuyong was born under this celestial phase.

Xie Lian realizes the coincidence that he, too, was born under the same star, which unsettles him.

The group moves on to the Holy Temple of Wuyong, where they encounter three murals depicting key events in the Crown Prince’s life.

The first mural shows the Crown Prince of Wuyong warning his court about a volcanic eruption, rejecting the idea of expanding territory to save the kingdom.

The second mural depicts a bloody battle, with the Wuyong soldiers ravaging other nations. The Crown Prince is shown halting their violence, enraged by their actions.

Pei Ming remarks that this would have caused tension, as soldiers would likely resent a leader who stops them from winning battles.

The third mural reveals the Crown Prince’s solution: building a massive bridge connecting the heavens to bring his people to safety in the Heavenly Realm.

Hua Cheng explains that this was akin to appointing a large number of mortals to the heavens temporarily, but Pei Ming questions the feasibility due to the immense spiritual power required.

Xie Lian grows increasingly disturbed, recognizing similarities between himself and the Crown Prince of Wuyong, along with their shared connection to the Ominous Star.

They leave the temple to search for Yin Yu, who hasn’t returned from finding water. Xie Lian picks up an antique jar to collect water.

As they reach a subterranean stream, Xie Lian prepares to drink from the jar but is warned by Hua Cheng not to.

A creature hiding in the jar lunges at Xie Lian, who throws the jar, breaking the ancient artifact.

Strange voices emerge from the darkness, calling out in pain, repeating phrases like "so hot" and "save me." Xie Lian is alarmed, thinking they are calling for him.

Hua Cheng reveals that the area is infested with corpse-eating rats that have consumed the decayed bodies of the Wuyong people, gaining the ability to speak with human voices.

Xie Lian realizes that the rats are repeating the final words of the people they consumed, but is confused when he can understand them.

Xie Lian becomes alarmed when he realizes the rats should be speaking the Wuyong language, yet he can understand them perfectly.

Hua Cheng repeats the words of the corpse-eating rats, but Xie Lian cannot understand them when spoken by Hua Cheng, despite understanding them earlier.

Hua Cheng explains that Xie Lian had understood the emotions of the dead rather than the language itself, implying someone had transferred these memories and emotions into Xie Lian.

Hua Cheng suggests that someone from Xie Lian’s past who met specific criteria—absolute trust and power over him—could have passed these memories. He asks Xie Lian to think of candidates.

Xie Lian identifies three potential candidates: his master, Jun Wu, and White No-Face. Each of them could have fit the conditions for such a transfer.

Xie Lian admits that he fears White No-Face deeply but kept this fear hidden from others during the past.

Hua Cheng comforts Xie Lian, stating that fear is necessary for courage.

Xie Lian mentions a fourth person he trusts the most but insists this person has nothing to do with the memories of the dead.

Hua Cheng, curious, asks who this fourth person is, but Xie Lian hesitates to reveal it, feeling embarrassed.

Hua Cheng’s demeanor becomes a bit odd and distant, prompting Xie Lian to wonder if he should reveal the person.

The silver butterflies return after a fierce battle with the corpse-eating rats, and Xie Lian thanks them, causing them to swarm him excitedly.

Hua Cheng calms the butterflies, and the two continue searching for Yin Yu.

Hua Cheng, still curious, asks if the fourth person is Feng Xin or Mu Qing, which Xie Lian quickly denies.

Before Xie Lian can reveal the identity of the person he trusts the most, the scout butterflies' light disappears, and darkness envelops them.

Hua Cheng and Xie Lian hide as a strange dragging sound approaches.

They spot Xuan Ji, the ghost bride, in wedding robes, holding Guzi, a living child, as she drags herself through the streets of the underground city.

Xie Lian and Hua Cheng spot Xuan Ji carrying Guzi, who complains about feeling sick after drinking the water.

Xuan Ji brings Guzi back to a large house, where Qi Rong is lounging, surrounded by stone statues and hostages, including Yin Yu.

Qi Rong has placed green ghost fires over his captives’ heads, using a Ghost Fire Lock to prevent their escape.

Qi Rong is eating a human arm when Guzi accuses him of eating "bad things" again, annoying Qi Rong.

Xuan Ji complains about having to take care of Guzi, but Qi Rong insists on keeping him around to fatten him up for later consumption.

Qi Rong reveals that Yin Yu told him he’s a servant of Yushi Huang (the Rain Master), but Xuan Ji remains suspicious of Yin Yu’s ghostly aura.

Qi Rong rants about his plans to cultivate power at the Kiln and become stronger than the other ghost kings and heavenly officials.

Xie Lian and Hua Cheng decide to trick Qi Rong into revealing the unlocking incantation for the Ghost Fire Locks using Guzi.

Guzi, coached by Xie Lian and Hua Cheng, asks Qi Rong if the ghost fires can be removed. Qi Rong brags about his ability to lock and unlock them at will.

Qi Rong curses Xie Lian, unknowingly revealing that cursing him is the unlocking incantation.

Xuan Ji becomes suspicious after hearing Pei Ming’s voice (manipulated by Hua Cheng) and rushes out, distracted by jealousy.

Guzi successfully tricks Qi Rong into demonstrating the unlocking incantation by cursing Xie Lian.

Xie Lian tries to use the incantation himself but fails because Qi Rong must say it for the Ghost Fire Locks to be removed.

Qi Rong, in his arrogance, accidentally curses himself, releasing Yin Yu and the farmers.

Hua Cheng punches Qi Rong into the ground, subduing him completely, and Yin Yu captures him as a green budaoweng.

After dealing with Qi Rong, Hua Cheng and Xie Lian realize something might be happening at the holy temple and rush back.

Xie Lian and Hua Cheng overhear Pei Ming's voice through a silver butterfly as Xuan Ji approaches, laughing maniacally.

Xuan Ji, having figured out she was tricked, backtracks to find Pei Ming instead of returning to Qi Rong.

Pei Ming initially doesn't recognize Xuan Ji, enraging her further, believing he’s trying to insult her.

Xuan Ji accuses Pei Ming of having a new lover when she sees Banyue, making both Banyue and Pei Ming confused.

Xuan Ji attempts to attack the group but is repelled by Ruoye’s protection circle, leading her to topple the Wuyong holy temple, causing a collapse.

Pei Ming protects Pei Xiu and Banyue from the falling debris but is then stabbed by Rong Guang, who had escaped from a shattered ghost-sealing pot.

Xuan Ji, now inside the protection circle, tries to strangle Pei Ming while Banyue intervenes to protect him.

Pei Ming denies having any romantic relationship with Banyue, but Xuan Ji, consumed by jealousy, refuses to believe him.

Xuan Ji grows increasingly violent, threatening Pei Ming, who tries to reason with her, but she pushes Rong Guang's sword deeper into Pei Ming's chest.

Xuan Ji demands Pei Ming swear eternal loyalty to her, but Pei Ming refuses, cursing his fate to die at the hands of a “nutty ghost woman.”

Just as Xie Lian prepares to intervene, Hua Cheng stops him, saying help is on the way.

Xuan Ji freezes as a woman riding a black ox, the current Rain Master (Yushi Huang), arrives, stopping Xuan Ji’s attack.

Pei Ming, surprised, recognizes her as Queen Yushi, the last ruler of the Kingdom of Yushi and the current Rain Master.

Xuan Ji is paralyzed by the power of the Yulong sword, which the Rain Master wields, as it forces obedience from traitors of Yushi like Xuan Ji.

Rong Guang tries to stab Pei Ming again, but Hua Cheng uses his powers to shrink the Mingguang sword, rendering it useless.

The Rain Master advises Xuan Ji to let go of her hatred and obsession, but Xuan Ji refuses and berates her, accusing her of unrightfully becoming queen.

Banyue seizes the moment and traps Xuan Ji in a ghost-sealing pot, effectively ending her threat.

Xie Lian checks on Pei Ming, who is wounded but not fatally. Pei Ming jokes with Xie Lian about how long they had been watching.

Pei Ming expresses concern about the strength of the seal on the Mingguang sword, and Hua Cheng assures him it’s secure unless activated with intent.

The farmers who had been saved from Qi Rong rush to thank the Rain Master for her assistance.

Xie Lian exchanges formalities with the Rain Master, recalling how she helped him during Xianle’s drought.

Rong Guang, unsealed for a moment, mocks Pei Ming for needing to be saved by a woman, but Xie Lian quickly reseals his mouth to avoid further commentary.

The group prepares to ascend Mount Tonglu, and Pei Ming treats his wounds while the Rain Master plants crops to feed everyone, showcasing her control over agriculture.

Guzi wakes up and cries for Qi Rong, now trapped in a budaoweng, but calms down after receiving the figurine.

The Rain Master warns Xie Lian about a dangerous young man wrapped in bandages she encountered on her way, but the identity of this figure remains unclear.

Pei Ming refuses the Rain Master’s offer to lend him her sacred Yulong sword, likely out of pride and embarrassment.

Hua Cheng sets up hammocks for himself and Xie Lian to rest, and they discuss why Pei Ming might have declined the Rain Master’s offer.

Xie Lian notices a scar on the Rain Master’s neck, leading Hua Cheng to explain her backstory.

The Rain Master was an overlooked princess of Yushi, sent to cultivate at the Temple of Yulong. During Xuli’s invasion, her siblings squabbled over how to avoid taking responsibility for defending the kingdom.

The Rain Master requested to succeed the throne and sacrificed herself by slitting her own throat to save her people, leading to her ascension as the Rain Master.

Pei Ming had once helped her down from a roof during a visit to the temple, but he quickly forgot her among many other women.

Xie Lian realizes why Pei Ming reacted so awkwardly when offered the sacred Yulong sword, due to the guilt and history between him and the Rain Master.

Rong Guang mocks Pei Ming for being too afraid to accept the Yulong sword from the Rain Master, thinking it would remind him of her sacrifice, but Xie Lian silences him with another talisman.

Pei Ming signals for everyone to get ready to continue their journey.

The Rain Master offers Xie Lian, Hua Cheng, and Pei Ming a ride on her black ox to the foot of Mount Tonglu. The ox grows larger to accommodate them all.

Xie Lian learns that the black ox was originally a door knocker at the Temple of Yulong, absorbing human qi and ascending alongside the Rain Master.

During the ride, Pei Ming is humorously thrown off the ox several times, while Xie Lian and Hua Cheng remain comfortably seated.

They arrive at the foot of Mount Tonglu, which is now above ground, its city having resurfaced after numerous earthquakes.

Pei Ming notes that the tallest building is likely the palace or temple, but Hua Cheng corrects him, saying the temple is atop the mountain.

As they prepare to explore, a corpse-eating rat attacks the ox, and the Rain Master swiftly kills it with Yulong. The rat cries out for Xie Lian, but Hua Cheng silences it, preventing Xie Lian from hearing more distressing voices.

Thousands of corpse-eating rats swarm them, drawn to the Rain Master. She mounts the ox and leads the rats away, scattering rice to keep them occupied.

Pei Ming insists on helping the Rain Master, unwilling to let a woman handle the task alone, despite her clear competence. He leaves to chase after her.

Xie Lian and Hua Cheng continue onward, finally reaching the red slopes of Mount Tonglu, where the trees are stained with blood and the smell of death lingers.

Inside the fourth Wuyong Temple, they find one intact mural, but the other two have been slashed and destroyed by an unknown person.

The remaining mural depicts a horrifying figure with three faces, suffering from the Human Face Disease, which shocks Xie Lian and brings back traumatic memories.

Hua Cheng comforts Xie Lian, urging him to think logically. They conclude that someone destroyed the previous murals, leaving this one either because it didn’t matter or because it was added afterward.

Hua Cheng suggests that the mural might be a lie, and all the murals they’ve seen could be fabrications.

Hua Cheng reveals a third possibility: the mural-destroyer might still be hiding in the temple with them right now, having been interrupted just before destroying the last mural.

Hua Cheng suggests there might be someone hiding in the grand hall, making Xie Lian suspicious.

Xie Lian notices a stone statue with a half-crying, half-smiling face resembling White No-Face’s mask and attacks it, but after Hua Cheng reassembles the statue's fragments, the face appears normal, leaving Xie Lian confused.

They decide not to wait for Pei Ming and leave the temple, climbing Mount Tonglu on foot because flying is impossible.

As they ascend, the snow becomes deeper and the climb more difficult, with Xie Lian almost falling into a hidden hole, but Hua Cheng saves him.

While climbing, they hear loud arguing and see Nan Feng and Fu Yao fighting amidst the snow, shouting at each other.

Xie Lian tries to stop them, but before he can, they accidentally cause an avalanche.

Xie Lian rescues Nan Feng and Fu Yao using Ruoye, but he and the others are eventually caught in the avalanche, separating him from Hua Cheng.

Xie Lian digs himself out of the snow and, lost in the snowy landscape, calls out for Hua Cheng, Nan Feng, and Fu Yao but receives no response.

He encounters a man wearing a White No-Face mask in his dream and awakens in an unfamiliar cave.

Xie Lian finds a divine statue with a veiled face in the cave, which resembles a cultivation chamber. He’s about to uncover the statue's face when Hua Cheng arrives.

Hua Cheng warns Xie Lian not to touch the veils on the statues, suggesting it could lead to complications. They leave the chamber to explore.

As they explore, Xie Lian notices that all the statues have veiled faces, and he remarks that they don’t seem to depict the Crown Prince of Wuyong, as Hua Cheng suggested.

Xie Lian hears voices from another tunnel and insists on investigating despite Hua Cheng’s warnings.

Xie Lian finds Nan Feng and Fu Yao trapped at the bottom of a pit covered in spider silk. He attempts to help them but gets caught in the web as well.

The three of them are bound by the tough silk, and Fu Yao is frustrated, while Xie Lian finds the web ticklish, laughing uncontrollably.

Nan Feng and Fu Yao start arguing again, revealing personal grievances, including accusations about past behaviors involving loyalty and personal relationships.

Xie Lian, having already deduced Nan Feng and Fu Yao's true identities as Feng Xin and Mu Qing, politely turns away to avoid the awkwardness of their argument.

The two realize that Xie Lian has known their identities for a long time and confront him, with Mu Qing feeling embarrassed and betrayed that Xie Lian watched them act without saying anything.

Mu Qing confronts Xie Lian, accusing him of finding amusement in his situation, and lashes out in frustration.

Feng Xin and Mu Qing argue, while Xie Lian tries to calm the situation and offers to free them from the silk bindings using his teeth.

Mu Qing refuses Xie Lian's help, causing more tension between the group.

Xie Lian reassures Mu Qing and Feng Xin that Hua Cheng will come to their aid because they are connected by a spiritual red string.

Hua Cheng arrives, saves Xie Lian, but initially ignores Mu Qing and Feng Xin, showing favoritism toward Xie Lian.

Feng Xin’s sword is retrieved, and Xie Lian awkwardly addresses the exposure of their identities, causing a brief silence.

The group explores a cave filled with divine statues covered by veils, leading to suspicions about the god being worshipped there.

Mu Qing attempts to remove a veil but is stopped by Hua Cheng, who warns of potential dangers in tampering with the statues.

The group continues their journey, with tension building between Mu Qing and Hua Cheng, especially regarding trust and authority.

A heated argument escalates, and Mu Qing and Feng Xin devise a plan to separate Xie Lian from Hua Cheng, suspecting something is wrong with him.

Mu Qing and Feng Xin drag Xie Lian away, blocking the passage behind them and accusing Hua Cheng of being suspicious, particularly noting a red coral pearl in his hair, which once belonged to Xie Lian.

Xie Lian is doubtful about their suspicions, believing Hua Cheng wouldn't do anything harmful to him.

Mu Qing reveals that he believes Hua Cheng harbors feelings for Xie Lian, citing his obsessive behavior and connection to the past.

The group encounters divine statues resembling Xie Lian, causing great unease.

They also uncover murals depicting Hua Cheng following Xie Lian throughout history, fueling their suspicions about Hua Cheng's intentions.

Feng Xin and Mu Qing criticize Hua Cheng’s obsessive behavior, accusing him of being fixated on Xie Lian for centuries.

Hua Cheng catches up with the group and confronts them, but is enraged by their accusations, leading to a brief but intense battle.

Feng Xin and Mu Qing are bound by white silk again, this time created by Hua Cheng’s wraith butterflies, confirming the connection between the silk and Hua Cheng’s powers.

Mu Qing reveals he expelled Hua Cheng from Xianle's army, further intensifying Hua Cheng’s hatred for him.

The battle ends with Feng Xin and Mu Qing being overpowered, and Hua Cheng expresses frustration with their insults.

As tensions rise, Xie Lian is paralyzed by a Command Talisman placed on him by Mu Qing to prevent him from siding with Hua Cheng.

Hua Cheng carries Xie Lian away, but struggles internally with the confrontation and Xie Lian’s perceived reaction to the revelations.

Despite the chaos, Xie Lian begins to understand the depth of Hua Cheng’s devotion, noting the murals and statues that reveal Hua Cheng’s lifelong admiration and obsession.

Xie Lian is eventually freed from the talisman, and when he sees Feng Xin and Mu Qing mortally wounded, he realizes they are impostors.

The real threat, White No-Face, is revealed as the one impersonating Feng Xin and Mu Qing, having manipulated the situation all along.

Xie Lian and Hua Cheng escape and face the challenge of stopping White No-Face, who poses a significant danger due to his resurrection and newfound power.

Despite the looming danger, Hua Cheng reassures Xie Lian of his loyalty, and the two deepen their understanding of each other, solidifying their bond.

The chapter ends with the revelation of Lang Ying's gruesome fate, pierced through by one of the Xie Lian statues, signaling White No-Face’s continued presence and malice.

Lang Ying appears impaled on a sword in the Cave of Ten Thousand Gods.

Xie Lian hesitates to save him, realizing something is wrong.

"Lang Ying" is actually White No-Face in disguise, using the distraction to hide under the divine statue’s veil.

White No-Face reveals that he devoured Lang Ying’s spirit to recover his strength.

He fully transforms back into his own form, admitting he consumed Lang Ying.

White No-Face taunts Hua Cheng and Xie Lian, hinting at secrets behind Lang Ying’s motives.

Xie Lian, enraged by White No-Face's insinuations, destroys the sword of the God-Pleasing Crown Prince statue in anger.

White No-Face escapes, and Xie Lian apologizes to Hua Cheng for damaging the statue.

Xie Lian and Hua Cheng rush to stop White No-Face from entering the Kiln.

As they ascend the mountain, an enormous avalanche occurs, but they push through.

They reach the Kiln’s mouth and see the volcano closing, indicating White No-Face has entered.

Hua Cheng explains that the Kiln will close early if an entrant has a high chance of breaking through, as happened with him.

Xie Lian decides to enter the Kiln to stop White No-Face, and Hua Cheng agrees to accompany him.

Before jumping into the Kiln, Hua Cheng passionately kisses Xie Lian, lending him spiritual power in case of emergency.

They jump into the Kiln together, but halfway down, Hua Cheng disappears from Xie Lian's grasp.

Xie Lian lands alone in the darkness of the Kiln and lights a palm torch to search for Hua Cheng.

He encounters White No-Face, who tells him they are alone inside the Kiln.

White No-Face reveals that he sent Hua Cheng outside the Kiln, leaving Xie Lian trapped with him.

White No-Face taunts Xie Lian, implying Hua Cheng might not want to be with him after seeing what Xie Lian will become.

Xie Lian attacks White No-Face in anger, but White No-Face easily dodges his strikes and mocks him.

White No-Face wounds Xie Lian, slamming him into the ground and taunting him further.

White No-Face reveals that he doesn't intend to emerge from the Kiln as a supreme ghost—he wants Xie Lian to.

He explains the "Third Path": Xie Lian could kill himself, become a supreme ghost, and defeat White No-Face to break through the Kiln.

Xie Lian is horrified, understanding that White No-Face has been manipulating him all along.

White No-Face presents Xie Lian with a crying-smiling mask, like the one he wears.

Xie Lian is terrified and tries to reject the mask, but White No-Face forces it onto his face.

Xie Lian wakes up from a nightmare where his parents commit suicide, and he almost follows them but is haunted by White No-Face.

He realizes he’s lying on a straw mat, feeling the cursed shackle around his neck, a mark of his banishment, which seals his powers and prevents him from aging or dying.

Feng Xin brings breakfast, but Xie Lian refuses the bland, dry buns, still unaccustomed to mortal needs like eating.

Mu Qing reminds Xie Lian of a previous time he nearly fainted from not eating, pushing him to take food seriously, though Xie Lian deflects the tension between Feng Xin and Mu Qing.

The trio struggles to find work since Xie Lian’s identity must remain hidden. They observe buskers but dismiss busking as an option due to its degrading nature.

They hear rumors of soldiers searching for the remaining Xianle royals, leading them to rush back to their hidden cottage in a mountain forest where Xie Lian’s parents are hiding.

Xie Lian warns his mother about the smoke from her cooking attracting attention, prompting the decision to move again.

Xie Lian avoids seeing his father, not wanting to face the shame of their fallen statuses, but reassures his mother that they’ll move her and the king later that day.

The group tries to eat his mother’s poorly cooked congee, which Mu Qing describes as tasting like bran water.

They find temporary work filling in a muddy field, despite feeling the effects of the terrible food. After a grueling day, they feel demoralized by the pittance earned.

They witness a group of men hauling a stone statue of Xie Lian, now repurposed for stepping on as a “God of Misfortune” to guarantee good fortune. The trio is outraged, and Xie Lian attacks one of the men, sparking a fight.

After being chased off, Mu Qing complains about the lost earnings, leading to an argument with Feng Xin about enduring humiliations. Xie Lian quiets them, urging focus on the task of moving his parents.

Mu Qing announces his decision to leave, citing his responsibility to care for his own mother and differing opinions on their current situation. Xie Lian reluctantly lets him go.

As Mu Qing leaves, Feng Xin expresses his anger and vows never to abandon Xie Lian. Xie Lian tries to make peace with the departure, feeling shaken by the loss of a close companion.

While wandering by a river, Xie Lian sees lanterns floating for the Zhongyuan Festival, a reminder of the past festivals he used to enjoy.

Xie Lian encounters a shady old man selling ghost lanterns, which trap spirits. After scaring away two children, Xie Lian buys all the lanterns with his remaining money to release the trapped souls.

After releasing the ghosts, one spirit remains behind, recognizing Xie Lian. The spirit, a former Xianle soldier, reveals that he died in battle and wishes to protect his beloved, despite his death.

The nameless ghost refuses to move on, wanting to protect his beloved without revealing his presence. Touched by the ghost’s devotion, Xie Lian reflects on his own failures and loss of faith in himself.

The ghost declares his undying loyalty to Xie Lian, reminding him of the soldiers' old slogan that dying in battle for the crown prince is the greatest honor.

Overwhelmed, Xie Lian tries to push the ghost away, telling him that believing in him will only bring disaster. The ghost insists that he will never leave Xie Lian, but Xie Lian, broken by his experiences, no longer believes in anyone, especially himself.

Xie Lian, Feng Xin, and the king and queen flee to another city, where Xie Lian continues trying to earn money after Mu Qing’s departure.

Xie Lian struggles to keep track of their finances without Mu Qing, and the situation worsens with the queen's increasing involvement in household chores, including cooking and washing.

The queen's hands are injured from washing clothes, which Mu Qing used to do, and Xie Lian feels guilty for not taking better care of her.

The queen asks Xie Lian to get medicine, revealing the king is seriously ill and coughing up blood, which shocks Xie Lian.

Xie Lian decides to pawn his prized sword, Hongjing, to buy medicine for his father, despite Feng Xin’s protests.

They pawn the sword, purchase medicine, and Xie Lian begins cooking to spare his mother from the task, managing to make edible food.

The soldiers of Yong’an are tightening security in the city, and Xie Lian's family needs to flee again, but the king’s illness worsens, making it difficult for him to move.

Running out of money and resources, Xie Lian and Feng Xin consider busking despite previous reluctance.

Feng Xin starts busking with his archery skills, earning money, but a mishap occurs when he accidentally damages a brothel's property with an arrow, leading to a chase by angry brothel madams.

Xie Lian nearly gets dragged into the brothel as payment for the damages, but he and Feng Xin manage to escape after a chaotic chase through the city.

The duo moves to a different location to busk, earning enough money to cover food and medicine, but they attract the attention of local street performers, who challenge them for “stealing business.”

The street performers propose a competition involving shattering boulders on their chests to determine who stays. Xie Lian wins by stacking three slabs and having Feng Xin smash them with a hammer, impressing the crowd.

Despite Xie Lian’s victory, the street performer leader refuses to back down, stacking four slabs and injuring himself in the process. Xie Lian concedes, not wanting to cause further harm.

Xie Lian and Feng Xin abandon the area, realizing they can’t continue busking there. Back at the cottage, the queen informs them that the king’s condition has worsened, and they can’t move cities for the time being.

Xie Lian, out of resources and unsure how to proceed, leaves the cottage to "think of something," telling Feng Xin to stay behind and guard the cottage.

Xie Lian leaves Feng Xin behind, promising to think of a way to earn money, but instead heads to a remote mountain road, intending to steal from wealthy travelers to provide for his family.

After waiting in a tree for hours, Xie Lian struggles to attack the passersby because each traveler either seems too poor, too old, or too sympathetic.

Finally, a middle-aged, wealthy-looking man passes, and Xie Lian reluctantly decides to rob him. He leaps down, demands money, and scares the man, who flees into the woods screaming for help.

The man stumbles upon a group of heavenly officials in the woods—Xie Lian realizes in horror that he’s been caught trying to rob someone by other gods, some of whom recognize him.

The heavenly officials assume that Xie Lian is robbing due to desperate circumstances and assure him that they won’t tell anyone, leaving him humiliated and ashamed.

Devastated, Xie Lian returns home without having stolen anything. When Feng Xin asks what happened, Xie Lian refuses to explain and tells him he won’t go out busking anymore, fearing he might be recognized.

Overwhelmed by shame, Xie Lian’s mind spirals, fearing what the Upper Court and his parents would think if they knew about his failed robbery attempt.

In a panic, Xie Lian runs to a graveyard, where he finds two jugs of liquor left as offerings. He starts drinking heavily, hoping to warm himself and forget his shame.

A ghost fire, possibly the same one from before, appears and circles around Xie Lian anxiously, unable to touch him. Xie Lian, now tipsy and groggy, notices the ghost fire and finds it amusing in his drunken state, asking what it’s doing.

Xie Lian drunkenly stumbles into a graveyard, falls into an empty burial pit, and curses for the first time in his life out of frustration.

He struggles to climb out of the pit, finally does, but collapses outside from exhaustion, feeling cold and alone.

A small ghost fire tries to help Xie Lian by getting close, but it can't warm him.

Feng Xin finds Xie Lian after two days and reveals that Xie Lian was drunk, smashing stalls and confronting Yong’an soldiers, although luckily no serious consequences occurred.

Feng Xin, injured from street performers attacking him, brushes it off and continues busking alone, leaving Xie Lian guilt-ridden.

Xie Lian decides to search for a quiet land rich in spiritual energy to cultivate alone and tells Feng Xin to take care of his parents while he's gone.

Xie Lian discovers an ideal blessed land and is overjoyed, but is soon interrupted by a group of 30 heavenly officials who also want to cultivate there.

The heavenly officials pressure Xie Lian to leave, suggesting he will absorb too much of the spiritual energy. They also subtly mock him for his past, particularly for the robbery incident.

Xie Lian refuses to leave, causing tension. The officials threaten him, accusing him of trying to take the spiritual land for himself.

A fight breaks out between Xie Lian and the martial heavenly officials. Despite only wielding a branch, Xie Lian holds his own.

The officials accuse Xie Lian of controlling ghost fire that attacks one of them, though Xie Lian denies it.

Mu Qing arrives, now a heavenly official in the Lower Court, which shocks Xie Lian. Despite Xie Lian's plea for support, Mu Qing sides with the heavenly officials and asks him to leave.

Xie Lian, humiliated after being pushed to the ground, gathers his belongings and leaves the mountain, dashing away in anger and shame.

Mu Qing approaches Xie Lian after the fight, offering his hand, but Xie Lian throws mud at him in frustration, unable to accept his help. Mu Qing leaves, frustrated.

Xie Lian sits alone until nightfall, surrounded by ghost fires, when a white-clad man with a half-smiling mask suddenly appears, greeting him ominously.

Xie Lian is shocked to see White No-Face appear and immediately feels terrified.

He tries to attack but is quickly overpowered. White No-Face grabs Xie Lian by the head, but instead of crushing him, embraces him and speaks pitying words.

Xie Lian tries to fight back, removing White No-Face’s mask, but the entity remains unshaken and declares that Xie Lian will eventually come to his side.

White No-Face hints that no one will understand Xie Lian or stay by his side forever, except for him, further unsettling Xie Lian.

Xie Lian accuses White No-Face of harming his parents and Feng Xin, but White No-Face leaves without providing any answers.

Before losing consciousness, Xie Lian sees White No-Face speaking to a ghost fire.

Xie Lian wakes up, panicked, and rushes back home, afraid for his family’s safety.

He finds Feng Xin and Mu Qing at the house, but when Mu Qing tries to explain his actions, Xie Lian angrily rejects his help and throws the provisions Mu Qing brought.

A heated argument ensues between Xie Lian, Feng Xin, and Mu Qing. Mu Qing apologizes, but Xie Lian drives him away in a fit of rage.

Feng Xin learns that Xie Lian committed robbery, which shocks him, but Xie Lian refuses to explain further, locking himself in his room out of shame.

Two days later, Xie Lian, still shaken, finds himself imagining a mask on his face in the mirror, but Feng Xin can’t see it, which causes Xie Lian to panic.

White No-Face begins tormenting Xie Lian by appearing in various places, only visible to him.

Xie Lian, feeling isolated and paranoid, overhears his parents and Feng Xin discussing his mental state, which makes him lash out and run away.

Xie Lian tries to confront White No-Face, but is continuously evaded. White No-Face taunts Xie Lian, claiming he has no power and no one worthy of saving.

White No-Face continues to manipulate Xie Lian, pushing him toward despair, and warns that Xie Lian will regret not joining him.

White No-Face knocks Xie Lian unconscious.

Xie Lian wakes up bound on an altar, surrounded by a crowd of people staring at him, while a ghost fire hovers above him.

Xie Lian realizes he is bound to the altar by the white silk he usually uses to cover his face, exposing his identity to the crowd.

The disfigured victims of Human Face Disease surround the temple, causing panic inside.

White No-Face reveals to the crowd that Xie Lian knows the cure for Human Face Disease, which involves murder.

The crowd becomes suspicious of Xie Lian, especially when White No-Face confirms that soldiers were immune to the disease because they had killed.

White No-Face reveals the secret of gaining immunity to the crowd, causing chaos.

A couple, fearing for their child, is the first to stab Xie Lian with a black sword given by White No-Face, apologizing profusely.

Other people, seeing the child’s lesions fade, begin to take turns stabbing Xie Lian to avoid contracting the disease.

Despite some resistance from a street performer who argues against the murders, the crowd eventually gives in to fear and desperation.

Xie Lian is stabbed repeatedly, enduring excruciating pain while unable to die due to his immortal body.

White No-Face mocks Xie Lian, claiming that the people are simply revealing their true nature under pressure.

As the situation spirals out of control, with more people infected and stabbing Xie Lian, the street performer is revealed to have contracted the disease and flees.

The crowd turns fully against Xie Lian, accusing him of bringing the plague and robbing someone previously.

Xie Lian is stabbed over and over again by the crowd, which descends into a frenzy, ignoring his screams of agony.

Xie Lian’s consciousness begins to fracture under the torment, but he cannot die.

A ball of ghost fire, which had been with him, explodes into a massive fire that consumes the temple, killing everyone inside.

From the fire, a young man materializes, kneeling in devastation, unable to face the destruction.

White No-Face leaves the scene, cackling, as the entire forest and mountain tremble in grief, marking the birth of a wrath ghost.

Xie Lian is in a dazed state, unsure if he's awake or asleep.

White No-Face gives Xie Lian a black sword, calling it a gift.

Xie Lian, apathetic, takes the sword and walks out of the Temple of the Crown Prince, with White No-Face giving him back the white silk he once used to cover his face.

Xie Lian sees his reflection in a stream and notices his body has fully healed from the stabbings, but he is sickened and vomits upon finding the corpse of the street performer, who died trying to smash himself to death.

Feng Xin finds Xie Lian, angry at his long absence, punches him, and takes him back to the hideout.

Xie Lian is greeted by his parents, who look even more aged, and he tries to pretend that everything is normal.

Xie Lian gives Feng Xin the black sword, telling him to pawn it, but Feng Xin refuses, saying he no longer needs the money.

Xie Lian and Feng Xin return to street performing, but their audience is less interested, and a heckler insults Xie Lian.

Enraged, Xie Lian violently throws the heckler, threatening to kill him, shocking Feng Xin and scattering the crowd.

Feng Xin tries to stop Xie Lian from killing the heckler, but Xie Lian dismisses the man as a "filthy peasant" deserving of death, revealing a dark change in his character.

Xie Lian argues with Feng Xin, refusing to acknowledge that he has changed, and storms off to his room.

Xie Lian’s mother tries to comfort him with food, but Xie Lian lashes out, frustrated by her attempts to help.

Xie Lian leaves that night and returns with stolen goods from a wealthy household, shocking Feng Xin, who questions what Xie Lian has become.

Xie Lian admits to robbing people, telling Feng Xin that it’s pointless to keep suffering in poverty.

Hurt and disillusioned, Feng Xin leaves, despite Xie Lian’s one-in-a-million hope that he would stay.

Xie Lian is devastated by Feng Xin’s departure but pushes away his emotions.

The next morning, Xie Lian realizes that his parents have hanged themselves using his white silk band.

Xie Lian is broken by their deaths, smashing his head against the wall in anguish.

Xie Lian tries to hang himself with the white silk, but it becomes animated and loosens, turning into a spirit from the accumulated resentment.

In his madness, Xie Lian hears celebrations for Yong’an’s new royal capital, further fueling his hatred.

Xie Lian curses Yong’an and all its people, swearing vengeance as the mask of White No-Face begins to take form on his face.

Xie Lian descends into the ruins of Xianle’s former capital, speaking to the spirits of fallen soldiers and victims of Human Face Disease, rousing their hatred.

The spirits answer his call, and a great evil forms, a White-Clothed Calamity born from Xie Lian’s despair and hatred.

As Xie Lian’s transformation into a wrath ghost nears completion, a black-clad young man arrives and kneels before him, addressing him as "Your Highness."

A young black-clad warrior with a crescent-eyed smile mask kneels before Xie Lian, recognizing him as "Your Royal Highness," despite Xie Lian insisting he is not.

The black-clad warrior, who has no name, catches Xie Lian’s white silk band as it attacks, revealing his great strength and chilling qi.

Xie Lian names the black-clad warrior "Wuming" (meaning "No Name") and invites him to follow, promising to give him what he wants.

Wuming swears loyalty to Xie Lian, and they set off for the Palace of Yong’an.

Arriving at the Palace of Yong’an, Wuming breaks through several defense arrays designed to ward off evil spirits, allowing them to proceed unhindered.

Xie Lian and Wuming enter the palace and find the new king of Yong’an, Lang Ying, alone.

Xie Lian subdues Lang Ying by grabbing him by the hair, but hears the strange sound of a baby crying.

Upon investigating, Xie Lian discovers that Lang Ying has two faces growing on his chest: one of a woman, and one of a baby. Lang Ying claims they are his wife and son, planted on him by White No-Face.

Lang Ying explains that White No-Face promised his wife would return if he did this, but she still cannot speak. He has been harboring their spirits on his body, which has left him weak and sickly.

Lang Ying thanks Xie Lian for the red coral pearl given long ago but dies shortly after.

Furious that Lang Ying died without Xie Lian enacting his revenge, Xie Lian draws his sword to destroy the spirits on Lang Ying's body, but Wuming swiftly dismembers Lang Ying’s corpse.

A young boy, the Crown Prince of Yong’an, arrives at the scene and screams for help. Wuming knocks him unconscious before dealing with the palace guards, swiftly killing them.

Xie Lian orders Wuming to burn the palace, which is set ablaze, mirroring the destruction of Xianle’s palace.

Xie Lian and Wuming retreat to the ruined Temple of the Crown Prince at Lang-Er Bay, where Xie Lian meditates, still tormented by the vengeful spirits he harbors.

Wuming kneels before Xie Lian, ready to follow his next orders.

Xie Lian, distracted and tormented by the screams of vengeful spirits, orders Wuming not to address him as "Your Highness."

Wuming suggests they must curse someone soon as the souls of the dead cannot wait, but Xie Lian insists on waiting three days for the full moon to maximize the plague’s power.

White No-Face appears, mocking Xie Lian for burying his parents in foreign soil and reveals he gave them a proper burial in the Xianle Royal Mausoleum.

Xie Lian, conflicted and disgusted, is unable to understand White No-Face's motives. White No-Face expresses happiness at Xie Lian's current state, suggesting Xie Lian is becoming more like him.

White No-Face taunts Xie Lian, accusing him of hesitation and lack of resolve in unleashing the curse on Yong'an, pinning him to the ground and planting doubts in his mind.

White No-Face reminds Xie Lian of past failures, mocks his inability to protect or avenge his family and citizens, and threatens to repeat his suffering.

White No-Face advises Xie Lian that if he cannot save the common people, he should destroy them, suggesting this will earn their reverence.

After White No-Face leaves, Xie Lian discovers a small white flower placed on his broken divine statue, which enrages him. Wuming denies placing it, but Xie Lian grows furious at the perceived mockery.

Xie Lian tells Wuming that he will personally unleash the plague but has something to do first. He abruptly stabs himself with the black sword in the abdomen.

The next day, Xie Lian falls from the sky, landing in a busy street with the black sword still impaling him. A crowd gathers but hesitates to help due to fear of bad luck or contracting the plague.

Despite the crowd recognizing him as the former Crown Prince of Xianle, they abandon him in the street, and Xie Lian remains lying in a human-shaped crater all day and night, ignored.

At night, White No-Face appears again, mocking Xie Lian for expecting someone to help him pull out the sword and questioning what Xie Lian is trying to prove by lying there.

Xie Lian angrily tells White No-Face that no one will help him, but that’s none of White No-Face's business.

White No-Face mocks Xie Lian for lying in the pit seeking attention and reminds him that the plague of Human Face Disease will fall on him by sunset if he doesn't unleash it.

Xie Lian remains in the pit, ignored by the passing crowd. Children poke at him, but their parents scold them.

A water merchant almost gives Xie Lian water, but his wife stops him.

Rain begins to fall, further drenching Xie Lian, and White No-Face returns to mock him again.

White No-Face pulls the black sword from Xie Lian’s stomach and reminds him that no one will help him.

Xie Lian hears footsteps and a man with a bamboo hat accidentally falls into the pit. He curses Xie Lian for causing him to spill his rice but eventually puts his bamboo hat on Xie Lian’s head before leaving.

This act of kindness rejuvenates Xie Lian. When White No-Face mocks him again, Xie Lian kicks him away and declares his resolve, shouting that he is the crown prince.

Xie Lian battles White No-Face but realizes he cannot win due to White No-Face’s overwhelming strength.

White No-Face taunts Xie Lian, accusing him of causing his own downfall and offering him the black sword to unleash the plague.

Xie Lian refuses to give in, claiming he will save as many people as possible, even if it means enduring more suffering.

White No-Face loses patience and forces Xie Lian to summon the plague, unleashing a sea of vengeful spirits in the sky.

Xie Lian offers the crowd the black sword, telling them to stab him to prevent the plague, but no one steps forward.

The water merchant stops the crowd from stabbing Xie Lian, and an argument breaks out. The plague begins to descend, causing chaos.

Xie Lian calls the vengeful spirits to himself, preparing to take on the curse alone, but they are suddenly redirected.

Wuming appears, holding the black sword, and absorbs the vengeful spirits, sacrificing himself in the process.

White No-Face reveals that Wuming was Xie Lian’s last believer, who died protecting him. Wuming’s soul has now been dispersed.

Enraged, Xie Lian attacks White No-Face, but White No-Face easily overpowers him and tries to force a mask onto Xie Lian to start the cycle again.

Just as White No-Face is about to succeed, Jun Wu arrives, defeating White No-Face and saving Xie Lian.

Xie Lian asks Jun Wu to banish him to the Mortal Realm again as punishment for unleashing the second plague.

Xie Lian requests to be bound with cursed shackles, sealing his powers and dispersing his luck, effectively becoming a true God of Misfortune.

Jun Wu agrees and they spar, resulting in Xie Lian’s second banishment from the heavens.

Xie Lian starts a new life in the Mortal Realm, doing odd jobs like cooking and construction. He finds humor in the temples built for Mu Qing and Feng Xin, while continuing to live simply with his white silk band and bamboo hat.

Xie Lian is trapped in the Kiln with White No-Face, who tries to convince him to work together, offering guidance and friendship. Xie Lian rejects him, showing open disgust.

Xie Lian suspects White No-Face is the Crown Prince of Wuyong. White No-Face confirms Lang Ying, the infected, was Yong’an's first crown prince.

Xie Lian continues questioning White No-Face, who admits he manipulated Lang Ying by telling him the truth, but consumed him entirely.

Xie Lian confronts White No-Face, calling him the Crown Prince of Wuyong. White No-Face becomes hostile, confirming Xie Lian’s suspicion.

White No-Face attacks Xie Lian, but Xie Lian dodges. White No-Face reveals the black sword’s original name is "Zhuxin."

Xie Lian sees a huge human face in the stone of the Kiln, realizing it’s part of a giant stone divine statue that Hua Cheng had sculpted.

Xie Lian uses his spiritual power to activate the statue, which comes to life, and he uses it to break out of the Kiln.

As Xie Lian breaks through, he calls out for Hua Cheng. Hua Cheng appears, embracing Xie Lian and expressing his worry.

Hua Cheng helps Xie Lian remove the cry-smiling mask. They both realize that the giant stone statue of Xie Lian, carved by Hua Cheng, helped them escape.

As the divine statue begins moving, White No-Face reappears. Xie Lian and Hua Cheng prepare to face him, but lava starts flowing from the Kiln, threatening them.

Xie Lian directs the divine statue to run, but it starts to slow, exhausted from using too much spiritual power.

Hua Cheng kisses Xie Lian, transferring spiritual energy, which rejuvenates Xie Lian and the statue, allowing them to escape the lava.

As they flee, they encounter the mountain spirits, "Old Age, Sickness, and Death," which attack the divine statue.

Xie Lian fights back, but the giant statue is unarmed because Hua Cheng hadn’t carved a blade for it. They decide to flee instead of fighting.

The group reaches the Wuyong River, where Feng Xin, Mu Qing, and others are waiting. Xie Lian commands the divine statue to pick them up.

As the group flees, Yin Yu reports that the creatures inside the Kiln, including empty-shelled people and corpse-eating rats, are rampaging to escape.

Hua Cheng warns that Mount Tonglu's barrier has been broken, likely by White No-Face, allowing the vengeful spirits inside the Kiln to escape into the outside world.

Xie Lian, Hua Cheng, and the others realize they must stop the vengeful spirits from escaping Mount Tonglu, or a third epidemic of Human Face Disease will begin.

Xie Lian wonders how to fight back effectively without a sword for the giant statue. Hua Cheng suggests combining the powers of four martial gods to form a sword.

Pei Ming, Feng Xin, Mu Qing, and Quan Yizhen agree to fuse their powers and transform into a sword of spiritual light.

The giant stone statue grabs the newly formed sword and begins fighting back, destroying countless vengeful spirits with ease.

Xie Lian, controlling the statue, begins to tire as his spiritual power runs low. Desperate, he kisses Hua Cheng to borrow more spiritual power, shocking the martial gods.

With renewed energy, the giant statue continues its rampage, but the vengeful spirits begin fleeing.

The statue suddenly stumbles and collapses because White No-Face has secretly destroyed its leg.

Xie Lian tries to command the statue to stand again, but it’s severely damaged and unable to fight further. The vengeful spirits rejoice and scatter, seemingly escaping to the outside world.

Just as things seem dire, beams of blinding white spiritual light pierce through the black clouds, destroying many vengeful spirits.

The light is revealed to be the power of Jun Wu, who has arrived to confront the situation.

The vengeful spirits begin to dissipate under the light of a martial god clad in white armor—Jun Wu, who arrives to help.

The group, including the martial gods in the sword array, disbands and expresses relief at Jun Wu’s presence.

Jun Wu explains that the Rain Master informed him of the broken Mount Tonglu barrier, prompting him to arrive.

Xie Lian informs Jun Wu that White No-Face has returned, but they are unsure of his location.

The vengeful spirits vanish into the underground holy temple of Wuyong, and Jun Wu uncovers a massive Teleportation Array drawn by White No-Face.

The group realizes White No-Face sent the vengeful spirits to major population centers, with the royal capital confirmed as a target.

Hua Cheng locates the other areas affected by the spirits, and Jun Wu assigns different martial gods to investigate them. Feng Xin is sent south, Pei Ming north, and Quan Yizhen west (accompanied by Yin Yu for explanation).

Mu Qing, under detention for suspicion of creating the fetus spirit, is ordered to return to the Upper Court. He protests his innocence, but Jun Wu refuses to release him until the truth is revealed.

Xie Lian and Hua Cheng head to the royal capital through a Teleportation Array.

Xie Lian contacts Jun Wu through the communication array and asks about his former master, the State Preceptor of Xianle.

Jun Wu reveals that the State Preceptor was far more powerful and ancient than Xie Lian imagined, possibly older than Jun Wu himself.

After Xianle fell, Jun Wu personally neutralized the State Preceptor, but he escaped.

Jun Wu explains that the reason for neutralizing the State Preceptor was because he sought to awaken something within Xie Lian, hinting at the master’s hidden, sinister intentions.

Jun Wu hesitates before discussing Xie Lian’s master and suspects that Xie Lian’s experiences in Mount Tonglu relate to him.

Their conversation is interrupted as Jun Wu faces the three mountain spirits and warns Xie Lian to be cautious if he ever encounters his master, who is no ordinary person.

Xie Lian and Hua Cheng walk the streets of the royal capital, observing the vengeful spirits above. They realize that reinforcing the city’s spiritual barrier is necessary to prevent a calamity.

Xie Lian devises a plan to use the yang energy of five hundred living people to strengthen the barrier, but they must be willing volunteers with strong willpower.

Hua Cheng suggests trying to find people, but notes that gathering volunteers will be difficult.

Xie Lian encounters Heaven’s Eye and the group of monks and cultivators. He asks for their help, but they remain distrustful and unwilling to assist.

After the monks follow them at a distance, Xie Lian and Hua Cheng head to the slums, where they find beggars living in poverty.

Xie Lian asks the beggars for help in reinforcing the barrier, but they are initially indifferent and refuse to volunteer, questioning why they should help protect a city that neglects them.

A beggar with a bad leg, who eventually reveals himself as Shi Qingxuan (formerly the Wind Master), steps forward to volunteer.

Shi Qingxuan rallies some of the beggars to join Xie Lian's efforts, with more than two hundred agreeing to help. He offers them a meal after the job is done as an incentive.

Xie Lian is surprised to find that Shi Qingxuan, though down on his luck, retains his upbeat personality and offers assistance. Shi Qingxuan explains that his current condition was caused by his own bad luck, not by He Xuan.

The group forms a large human circle in the capital’s main avenue as part of Xie Lian’s trap to lure the vengeful spirits.

Xie Lian explains that the array won’t stop the spirits from entering the city but will concentrate them in one area, where they can be dealt with.

Xie Lian and Hua Cheng position themselves at the center of the human array, preparing to trap the vengeful spirits.

Xie Lian explains to the volunteers that the spirits will target them if they run or if the circle breaks. A few dozen people, fearing the danger, leave the circle.

Heaven’s Eye and his group appear, warning the volunteers that they can't trust Xie Lian and Hua Cheng, which causes tension.

Hua Cheng cleverly provokes the beggars' pride by implying that they are capable of saving the world, igniting their determination.

The beggars refuse to back down, arguing with the spiritual masters, and stand firm in the circle to prove themselves.

As the vengeful spirits descend, Xie Lian tells everyone to blow air forward to confuse the spirits, aided by Hua Cheng's camouflage spell.

The vengeful spirits are lured into the array and find themselves trapped. Hua Cheng’s silver butterflies protect him and Xie Lian from harm, and the spirits are slaughtered by the butterflies.

The spirits begin attacking the beggars, who hold their ground despite their fear, while Xie Lian runs around reinforcing weak spots in the array.

As the array weakens, spiritual masters like Heaven’s Eye decide to join the fight, strengthening the circle with talismans and adding more people to it.

More monks, cultivators, and disciples arrive to support the array, increasing the group’s numbers and boosting everyone’s morale.

Xie Lian realizes the tide is turning in their favor and encourages everyone to keep holding the line, as they now have enough people to destroy the spirits.

As they count the number of participants, Hua Cheng points out that the count is wrong—there are 317 people in the array, one more than expected.

Xie Lian realizes there is an extra person in the human array, confirmed by Hua Cheng’s accurate headcount.

Unsure who it is, Xie Lian plans to flush out the intruder by herding the vengeful spirits with Hua Cheng’s wraith butterflies, without alarming the crowd.

The plan works, and Xie Lian pulls the intruder from the circle, revealing him to be his former master, State Preceptor Mei Nianqing.

Mei Nianqing, upon being exposed, tries to strangle Xie Lian but is quickly thwarted by Hua Cheng.

Mei Nianqing attempts to flee but is blocked by Ruoye and a sword thrown by Jun Wu, who arrives from Mount Tonglu.

Jun Wu explains that he temporarily stabilized Mount Tonglu with a new barrier, though White No-Face has escaped.

Xie Lian confirms that Mei Nianqing was one of the Four Guardians of Wuyong and suspects White No-Face might be the Crown Prince of Wuyong.

Jun Wu decides to take Mei Nianqing to the heavens for interrogation, while Hua Cheng insists on staying behind to handle the remaining vengeful spirits.

Shi Qingxuan, unaware of the seriousness, interrupts, but eventually leaves when asked, giving Xie Lian and Hua Cheng a moment alone.

Hua Cheng, faking displeasure, hints at feeling lonely with Xie Lian going back to the heavens, leading Xie Lian to give him a kiss on the cheek.

Hua Cheng playfully teases Xie Lian, saying the farewell isn’t as passionate as when Xie Lian borrowed spiritual power from him.

Xie Lian, worried he might be misunderstood, jumps into Hua Cheng's arms and gives him a full kiss.

Shi Qingxuan interrupts again, causing Xie Lian to flee the scene awkwardly.

Xie Lian, after his interaction with Hua Cheng, feels embarrassed as he walks through the Heavenly Capital with swollen lips, causing strange looks from other heavenly officials.

The atmosphere in the Palace of Divine Might is tense due to the ongoing chaos from Mount Tonglu, with various heavenly officials already back from their tasks.

Lang Qianqiu demands Jun Wu hand over Qi Rong, the ghost responsible for his clan's destruction.

Mu Qing, in a rage, barges into the hall and demands to confront Jian Lan, accusing her of plotting against him.

A chaotic argument ensues between Mu Qing, Feng Xin, and others regarding Jian Lan’s role in the fetus spirit slandering Mu Qing.

Jun Wu summons Jian Lan, who arrives carrying the fetus spirit. The confrontation intensifies, with Mu Qing’s frustration boiling over.

Jun Wu allows Xie Lian to present the captured State Preceptor, Mei Nianqing, to the hall.

Xie Lian recounts the events of Mount Tonglu and Wuyong, revealing that White No-Face is the Crown Prince of Wuyong. The officials are shocked, having never heard of Wuyong.

Mei Nianqing confirms that White No-Face is indeed the Crown Prince of Wuyong, causing the hall to stir with disbelief and gossip about Xie Lian possibly being connected to White No-Face through a split soul.

Xie Lian starts doubting himself, questioning whether he could be White No-Face, but Hua Cheng reassures him telepathically, clearing his mind.

As the situation escalates, Mei Nianqing attempts to assassinate Jun Wu, but Xie Lian catches the sword just before it strikes. The assassination fails.

Mei Nianqing shouts for everyone to look at Jun Wu, who is revealed in a mirror-like sword reflection to have a twisted face with multiple smaller faces—evidence of White No-Face’s identity.

A massive battle breaks out as the martial gods attack Jun Wu, but all are swiftly defeated, leaving only Xie Lian standing while Jun Wu grips his wrist.

Jun Wu reveals his dominance over the Heavenly Capital, isolating it and preventing communication with the outside.

Ling Wen, now loyal to Jun Wu, arrives wearing the Brocade Immortal, and she begins organizing martial guards to imprison the other heavenly officials in their respective palaces.

Jun Wu escorts Xie Lian to the Palace of Xianle, where Xie Lian tries to think of an escape but realizes he’s helpless under Jun Wu’s watchful gaze.

Jun Wu allows Xie Lian to contact Hua Cheng but manipulates the conversation, forcing Xie Lian to act as though everything is fine.

Hua Cheng, however, realizes something is wrong despite Xie Lian’s reassurances and sends Shi Qingxuan to perform a Soul-Shifting Spell, allowing them to communicate.

Shi Qingxuan relays Hua Cheng’s words, indicating that Hua Cheng is suspicious of Jun Wu and has a plan to infiltrate the Heavenly Capital using someone’s help.

Just as Xie Lian finishes discussing their next steps, he senses someone else approaching.

Xie Lian, ready to defend himself, recognizes Yin Yu emerging from a hole in the room, holding a shovel. Yin Yu invites him to escape through the tunnel.

Yin Yu had used the Earth Master Shovel, a spiritual device, to dig a tunnel beneath the Heavenly Capital, helping officials escape the confinement imposed by Jun Wu.

Xie Lian is confused at first, but follows Yin Yu into the tunnel leading underground, though he feels a subconscious sense of unease, likely stemming from Shi Qingxuan, who is currently sharing his body through the Soul-Shifting Spell.

As they move deeper underground, Yin Yu explains his plan to hide the injured martial gods and allow them to recover in secret, away from Jun Wu’s control.

Shi Qingxuan, still in Xie Lian's body, relays Hua Cheng's advice that trying to break out of the Heavenly Capital under Jun Wu's watch is dangerous and could be a death sentence.

Yin Yu leaves Xie Lian alone in the tunnel to retrieve other heavenly officials, but after a long time, he doesn't return.

Growing concerned, Xie Lian decides to search for Yin Yu, despite Hua Cheng’s warning through Shi Qingxuan to stay put.

Xie Lian senses something dangerous lurking behind him but pretends not to notice, realizing that someone—or something—has been silently following him.

After moving through the dark tunnels, Xie Lian encounters a fork in the path. He chooses a direction after consulting with Shi Qingxuan, but it leads him in a circle, returning him to the starting point.

Realizing something strange is happening, Xie Lian ventures down the other tunnel, encountering more forks in the road. Despite the increasing danger, he keeps moving forward.

They hear something pursuing them from behind. Xie Lian uses Ruoye to block the creature while he and Shi Qingxuan continue through the narrow passage, but they reach a point where they can no longer move forward.

Just as Xie Lian prepares to retreat, he feels a chilling presence, and someone in the darkness places a hand on his head. He is knocked unconscious.

Xie Lian wakes up, bound tightly by Ruoye and sitting in a chair. The knots in Ruoye are so tangled that the spiritual weapon is unable to assist him.

Jun Wu emerges from behind, speaking to Xie Lian with a disturbingly gentle tone, calling him "naughty" for causing chaos in the Heavenly Capital and likening him to a mischievous mouse for sneaking underground.

The fetus spirit is at Xie Lian’s feet, glaring maliciously at him.

Jun Wu reveals that he has captured Yin Yu, and Xie Lian sees a mirror that shows Yin Yu’s reflection. By Yin Yu’s side, Quan Yizhen lies unconscious, badly beaten.

Xie Lian demands to know what Jun Wu is planning, but Jun Wu is calm, leaving Xie Lian to guess what his next move will be.

Yin Yu tries to wake Quan Yizhen, who is badly beaten and slurring his words. Xie Lian realizes he is in the Palace of Qi Ying and that Yin Yu was captured when searching for Quan Yizhen.

Xie Lian attempts to communicate with Shi Qingxuan but learns Jun Wu has barred the Soul-Shifting Spell, isolating him.

Jun Wu enters Quan Yizhen's palace, easily knocking out Quan Yizhen again. He begins manipulating Yin Yu, pointing out how Yin Yu is often seen as inferior to Quan Yizhen and questioning his loyalty to the Ghost Realm.

Jun Wu offers Yin Yu a deal: he can return to the Upper Court with a prestigious position and have all of Quan Yizhen’s spiritual power if he betrays him.

Yin Yu, conflicted, is unable to resist Jun Wu’s manipulation. He momentarily seems to accept the offer, asking Jun Wu if he can truly take all of Quan Yizhen's spiritual power without it being stolen back.

Quan Yizhen begins to suffer as Jun Wu transfers his spiritual power to Yin Yu, causing Quan immense pain.

Despite being granted immense power, Yin Yu hesitates. He looks at Quan Yizhen, who continues to suffer, and ultimately decides to go back on the deal.

Yin Yu admits that he resents Quan Yizhen but does not wish to harm him. He refuses to accept power he hasn’t earned and expresses his desire to return to the heavens only if it’s through his own effort.

Jun Wu, unbothered by Yin Yu’s defiance, reveals that he left the cursed shackle on Yin Yu, which begins draining his blood and killing him.

Xie Lian breaks free from his bindings and rushes to find Yin Yu, who is now severely weakened. Quan Yizhen apologizes and cries over Yin Yu’s suffering.

Yin Yu admits his frustrations, feeling inadequate compared to Quan Yizhen and reflecting on his resentment. Despite his regrets, he acknowledges that he was never able to be perfect or kind.

Xie Lian comforts Yin Yu, assuring him that he has done well and that his efforts were not in vain, even though Yin Yu feels it is unfair that he is dying.

Yin Yu dies with lingering regrets, wishing he could have been a god, leaving Xie Lian mourning the loss and reflecting that the world has no true gods.

Xie Lian realizes that the cursed shackle taken by Jun Wu likely trapped Yin Yu’s soul, and he rushes to retrieve it.

Xie Lian confronts Jun Wu in the Palace of Divine Might, attempting to seize the cursed shackle, but Jun Wu plays with him, enjoying Xie Lian’s frustration and anger.

Jun Wu taunts Xie Lian, and when Xie Lian becomes disrespectful, Jun Wu tightens the cursed shackle around Xie Lian’s neck, causing him to choke.

Xie Lian recalls the state preceptor's attempt to remove his cursed shackle during their earlier encounter.

While suffocating, Xie Lian clutches the crystal ring around his neck, realizing its significance.

Jun Wu, while communicating with someone through the spiritual array, lies to them about the state of the Heavenly Capital, claiming it’s locked down due to Black Water’s infiltration.

Jun Wu reveals that someone is coming to the Heavenly Capital and advises Xie Lian to stay obedient.

Xie Lian tidies himself as Jun Wu expects him to act normally in front of the guest.

The Rain Master arrives at the Palace of Divine Might, bringing gifts for Xie Lian. Despite the lockdown, Jun Wu allows her entry.

Xie Lian receives a tightly wrapped package from one of the Rain Master's farmers and realizes there’s something important about the person delivering it.

After the Rain Master leaves, Jun Wu takes the package from Xie Lian, revealing his paranoia.

Back at the Palace of Xianle, Hua Cheng appears, revealing that he had been disguised as the farmer delivering the package. He had ensured his presence wouldn't be noticed by Jun Wu.

Hua Cheng and Xie Lian discuss the Rain Master’s unique position, which makes it difficult for Jun Wu to act against her, as she is responsible for managing agriculture in the mortal world.

The two of them decide to find the state preceptor to answer Xie Lian’s questions.

As they sneak through the Heavenly Capital, they see Jian Lan chasing after her son, the fetus spirit, near the Palace of Nan Yang where Feng Xin is imprisoned.

Jian Lan scolds the fetus spirit, and it spits out a large white radish—the souvenir gifted by the Rain Master.

The fetus spirit throws the radish at Feng Xin’s face, leading to a confrontation between Feng Xin and Jian Lan.

Jian Lan angrily criticizes Feng Xin for failing her and their son, blaming him for the fetus spirit’s condition and recalling their difficult past together.

Feng Xin tries to defend himself, admitting his exhaustion during those years but insisting that he wanted to help her.

Jian Lan reveals that she sent him away to save him from the burden of trying to support her while also serving Xie Lian.

Feng Xin realizes the depth of their struggles, including his attempts to buy her freedom and the failure of his protection charms.

Despite the harsh words, Feng Xin insists he still wants to take care of both Jian Lan and their son.

Jian Lan accuses Feng Xin of scorning their son, questioning whether he can truly accept the fetus spirit as his child, which Feng Xin hesitates to answer.

The chapter ends with Jian Lan’s challenge to Feng Xin: whether, as a heavenly official, he dares to recognize the deformed fetus spirit as his son, knowing the immense social and spiritual consequences that would follow.

Jian Lan stops Feng Xin from claiming the fetus spirit as his son, stating that even if he accepts, she might not want him as the father.

Jian Lan scolds the fetus spirit for its behavior, then leaves the Palace of Nan Yang with it, ignoring Feng Xin's calls.

Feng Xin is left exhausted and alone in the palace, glaring at the bitten radish left behind by the fetus spirit.

Hua Cheng changes the subject, reminding Xie Lian of the fetus spirit's involvement at Mount Yujun, where it gave Xie Lian clues through a nursery rhyme, likely under Jun Wu's orders.

Hua Cheng reveals that his wraith butterflies have located the state preceptor, who is being held in the Palace of Ling Wen.

They note that Ling Wen, with the Brocade Immortal, is currently a martial god as well as a civil god, making infiltration difficult.

Hua Cheng explains that they must wait for Ling Wen to remove the Brocade Immortal, as it drains spiritual power when worn.

Ling Wen is seen switching from her male form to her true form, leaving the Brocade Immortal behind in a side chamber.

Xie Lian and Hua Cheng decide to target the side chamber to retrieve the Brocade Immortal before confronting Ling Wen.

Upon entering the chamber, they find a chest full of nearly identical black robes, making it difficult to identify the real Brocade Immortal.

Hua Cheng assures Xie Lian that Jun Wu is occupied with interrogating Mu Qing and they have time.

Xie Lian decides to try on each robe while Hua Cheng gives him orders to test which one is the real Brocade Immortal, as it forces obedience.

Hua Cheng humorously orders Xie Lian to "borrow spiritual power" from him, but Xie Lian refuses, quickly realizing it’s not the right robe.

After several jokes from Hua Cheng, they continue trying the robes, but none seem to work.

Xie Lian worries that the Brocade Immortal might not be present, though Hua Cheng points out the evil qi in the chest indicates it’s there.

They realize the Brocade Immortal might not work on either of them due to their unique natures, leaving them stumped.

Xie Lian, frustrated by his inability to identify the Brocade Immortal, suggests taking the entire chest of robes with them.

As they prepare to leave, Ling Wen walks into the side chamber, spotting Xie Lian and Hua Cheng. She immediately attempts to communicate with Jun Wu.

Hua Cheng swiftly creates a ward around the chamber, preventing her from contacting anyone.

Ling Wen reveals that Xie Lian is already wearing the Brocade Immortal, which had disguised itself as his white robe, replacing his original one.

Ling Wen had cleverly tricked Xie Lian into putting on the Brocade Immortal and now has control over him.

Ling Wen tests her control by ordering Xie Lian not to attack her, and despite Xie Lian's resistance, he involuntarily nods.

Ling Wen attempts to use Xie Lian to threaten Hua Cheng by ordering Xie Lian to attack Hua Cheng if he tries to harm her.

Hua Cheng, unfazed, releases a wraith butterfly that paralyzes Ling Wen before she can issue further commands.

Ling Wen’s previous order forces Xie Lian to attack Hua Cheng despite his own will.

Xie Lian, under the Brocade Immortal’s control, delivers a powerful blow to Hua Cheng’s chest.

After the strike, Hua Cheng grips Xie Lian’s wrist and calmly states that the command has been fulfilled and the control released.

Xie Lian, deeply concerned, asks if Hua Cheng is hurt, as he had used nearly three-quarters of his strength in the attack.

Hua Cheng reassures Xie Lian that he is fine, complimenting the strength of the blow and stating that Xie Lian could match even Jun Wu if not for the cursed shackles.

Xie Lian touches his neck, feeling the cursed shackles that bind him.

Hua Cheng asks Xie Lian why he didn’t remove the cursed shackles when he had the chance, and Xie Lian vaguely answers that it was to remind himself of certain things.

Xie Lian admonishes Hua Cheng for recklessly taking the blow, suggesting he could have restrained him instead. Hua Cheng teasingly points out that Xie Lian has a bad habit of taking beatings too.

Xie Lian, feeling guilty, tries to change the subject, realizing that while they found the Brocade Immortal, they now have to figure out how to take it off of him.

Xie Lian realizes he can't remove or destroy the Brocade Immortal while wearing it, so he decides to keep it on for the time being.

Ling Wen is incapacitated and transformed into a small doll by Hua Cheng, and they leave her behind.

Xie Lian and Hua Cheng sneak into the main hall of the Palace of Ling Wen, hearing the state preceptor lamenting loudly.

They discover the state preceptor not in distress but fully absorbed in a card game with animated paper dolls, showcasing his carefree attitude despite the situation.

After finishing his card game, the state preceptor begins answering Xie Lian’s pressing questions about Jun Wu and the Crown Prince of Wuyong.

The state preceptor confirms Jun Wu is White No-Face and the former Crown Prince of Wuyong, who destroyed the Kingdom of Xianle.

The state preceptor reveals that Jun Wu was once like Xie Lian, a beloved and revered crown prince who sought to save his people by building a Heaven-Crossing Bridge.

However, the eruption of Mount Tonglu and the people’s discontent led to the downfall of Wuyong. Jun Wu’s attempts to prevent war and save his people were met with betrayal and desertion by his closest allies.

After the bridge collapsed and millions of people died, the people of Wuyong turned against Jun Wu, leading to the desecration of his temples and his banishment from the heavens.

In his madness, Jun Wu turned to human sacrifices and threw his three closest companions into the Kiln, which led to their faces growing on his own body as they haunted him.

The state preceptor recounts how he discovered this horrifying transformation when he removed Jun Wu’s mask, revealing the three faces growing on him.

After confronting Jun Wu, the state preceptor fled Wuyong, which was later destroyed by the volcano's eruption, and lived in hiding for centuries.

The state preceptor confirms that Jun Wu created the current Heavenly Court, massacred the previous dynasty's officials, and used the Kiln to forge dark beings out of his hatred and resentment.

Xie Lian learns that the creature known as White No-Face was formed from Jun Wu’s suppressed emotions and that Jun Wu had been trying to create a perfect heir in Xie Lian.

The state preceptor also reveals that the family of three whose deaths sparked the Xianle war were empty-shelled fakes created by Jun Wu, another manipulation.

The state preceptor explains that the Kiln produced many dark creatures, including the Reverend of Empty Words and the ghost at Yinian Bridge, which Xie Lian unknowingly provoked by uttering the phrase "Body in the abyss, heart in paradise."

Xie Lian is shocked to learn that his phrase “Body in the abyss, heart in paradise” deeply impacted Jun Wu and led to a series of events.

The state preceptor reveals that the Kiln can produce not just monsters, but also curses, explaining the “Star of Solitude” misfortune Hua Cheng had been born under.

Xie Lian is unsettled to realize that Hua Cheng likely didn’t live past eighteen due to this curse, but Hua Cheng remains calm and reassures Xie Lian.

The state preceptor explains that Jun Wu has been testing Xie Lian throughout his life, hoping to shape him into a version of himself, someone who would make ruthless choices.

Despite these manipulations, Xie Lian consistently made different choices, refusing to be shaped into Jun Wu’s heir.

Hua Cheng adds that Jun Wu probably used Xie Lian as a tool to diminish the power of other heavenly officials, especially Pei Ming and Shi Wudu, all while watching Xie Lian closely.

It’s revealed that Jun Wu likely knew about Shi Wudu’s fate-switching but allowed him to continue until it became convenient to expose him.

The state preceptor also suspects that Jun Wu intentionally left the Kiln’s spirits unchecked, creating chaos to strengthen his own spiritual power by increasing the prayers from mortals in need.

The state preceptor recounts his efforts to stop Jun Wu’s plans, including using Feng Xin's sword Hongjing to expose Jun Wu’s lesions, but was ultimately captured.

Xie Lian reflects on how Jun Wu had led him to believe he might be the reincarnation of the Crown Prince of Wuyong, in an effort to make Xie Lian repeat his fate.

Hua Cheng continues to assert that Xie Lian and Jun Wu are not alike, despite the state preceptor’s previous belief that they were.

The state preceptor confronts Hua Cheng about his insincere smile, misinterpreting the relationship between him and Xie Lian.

The state preceptor mistakenly assumes Xie Lian’s closeness with Hua Cheng is because he had “changed his ways” after avoiding women for so long, leading to comedic confusion.

Despite the misunderstanding, the state preceptor expresses concern about Xie Lian getting involved with a Supreme Ghost King, suggesting that Hua Cheng’s evil qi and bad fortune are overwhelming.

Hua Cheng overhears the state preceptor’s comments, jokingly responding about his supposed "bad fortune," and reveals his identity as the Star of Solitude, leaving the state preceptor stunned.

The state preceptor realizes Hua Cheng is the same child born under the Star of Solitude, stunned by the revelation that he had grown into the Supreme Ghost King.

The state preceptor warns Xie Lian about Hua Cheng's obsession, claiming he's been "stalking" Xie Lian for 800 years, urging Xie Lian to be cautious.

Xie Lian quickly changes the subject to avoid further embarrassing discussion about Hua Cheng's affection and their bond.

Hua Cheng senses someone approaching, and the group hides as Qi Rong, freshly freed from prison, enters the palace with Guzi, bragging about his power in the Heavenly Realm.

Qi Rong vandalizes the Palace of Ling Wen with graffiti and spits on the floor, while Guzi tries to keep him in check.

After Qi Rong leaves, Hua Cheng and Xie Lian descend from their hiding spot, and they prepare to act before Jun Wu’s next move.

Hua Cheng detects Jun Wu heading towards the Palace of Xianle, forcing Xie Lian and him to quickly make their way back.

The Rain Master briefly distracts Jun Wu, allowing Xie Lian and Hua Cheng to return and prepare for Jun Wu’s arrival.

Xie Lian pretends to be asleep, while Hua Cheng hides under the bed covers just before Jun Wu enters the room.

Jun Wu questions Xie Lian about his disobedience and comments on the Brocade Immortal he is wearing, but he doesn't find Hua Cheng hiding under the covers.

Jun Wu summons Xie Lian to follow him, leaving Xie Lian tense as they exit the room.

Jun Wu leads Xie Lian to the Palace of Ming Guang, where Pei Ming is embroiled in a chaotic brawl with Xuan Ji, Banyue, Pei Xiu, and others.

Jun Wu proposes a deal to Pei Ming: if he helps break the human array in the royal capital, he will be reinstated as the Martial God of the North.

Pei Ming hesitates, noting that Hua Cheng guards the array, but Jun Wu hints at using non-violent methods to break it, suggesting that Pei Ming could manipulate the situation to his advantage.

Xie Lian realizes that Jun Wu is plotting to destroy the human array while Hua Cheng is distracted.

Xie Lian explains to Pei Ming that breaking the human array would cause a third outbreak of Human Face Disease, leading to catastrophic disaster.

Pei Ming hesitates but is cornered by Jun Wu, who gives him a choice: break the array or be at the mercy of Xuan Ji, Rong Guang, and Kemo.

The three ghosts, eager for revenge, attack Pei Ming, and sounds of a violent struggle are heard from the palace.

Xie Lian is dragged away by Jun Wu before he can intervene.

Jun Wu brings Xie Lian to Lang Qianqiu’s Palace of Tai Hua, where Qi Rong is summoned as part of Jun Wu's scheme.

Jun Wu offers Lang Qianqiu a choice: break the human array, and he’ll hand over Qi Rong for revenge, or Lang Qianqiu will become Qi Rong's next victim.

Qi Rong is terrified at the prospect of being handed over to Lang Qianqiu, who has been hunting him for years.

Xie Lian becomes enraged at Jun Wu’s manipulation, accusing him of forcing impossible choices onto people.

Jun Wu tempts Xie Lian, offering to remove the cursed shackles sealing his powers if he agrees to break the array.

Hua Cheng suddenly appears, holding Eming’s blade to Jun Wu's neck, warning him to back off from Xie Lian.

Xie Lian breaks Lang Qianqiu's barrier, telling him to flee, but Lang Qianqiu charges at Qi Rong in a fit of rage.

Qi Rong threatens to kill Guzi if Lang Qianqiu approaches, using the child as a shield.

Suddenly, a fire breaks out in the Heavenly Capital, and Xie Lian realizes Jun Wu has set the entire city ablaze, trapping all the heavenly officials.

Xie Lian and Hua Cheng flee the palace as Jun Wu is briefly trapped in a cocoon of silver butterflies.

Lang Qianqiu begins freeing heavenly officials, but they remain trapped within the fiery city as their spiritual powers are still sealed.

Amid the chaos, a massive tremor shakes the capital, and a giant divine statue, many times larger than the palaces, appears on the main avenue.

The giant statue, surrounded by millions of silver butterflies and Blessings Lanterns, has somehow flown to the Heavenly Capital despite Xie Lian not controlling it.

The giant divine statue, restored by Hua Cheng, rises into the sky with Xie Lian and the heavenly officials aboard.

The divine statue begins flying, allowing them to escape the Heavenly Capital, which is burning and transforming into a demonic fortress.

Jun Wu breaks free from the silver butterflies and starts a massive fire in the Heavenly Capital, causing panic.

The Heavenly Capital transforms into a fiery, demonic fortress that begins chasing the giant divine statue.

As they flee, Hua Cheng and Xie Lian guide the divine statue to move faster, but Jun Wu and the demonic fortress continue gaining on them.

The heavenly officials are initially passive, but the state preceptor urges them to lend their spiritual power to the divine statue to help it fly faster.

Hua Cheng brings them to the Black Water Demon Lair, where they encounter Black Water's bone dragons, who attack the demonic fortress with water.

The battle intensifies as the fiery demonic fortress splits into pieces and reassembles into a gigantic fiery figure, much larger than the giant divine statue.

The heavenly officials panic, but Xie Lian and Hua Cheng prepare for a confrontation with the fiery giant.

Xie Lian receives a Bone Dragon Whip from Hua Cheng, which he uses to attack the fiery giant.

A fierce battle ensues between the giant divine statue and the fiery giant. The heavenly officials assist by providing spiritual power, while Xie Lian uses the Bone Dragon Whip to subdue the giant.

Quan Yizhen joins the fight, taking control of one of the bone dragons, but he gets caught in the flames and is nearly destroyed.

The fiery giant is temporarily subdued and dragged into the sea, but it rises again, dragging the divine statue toward the boiling sea.

Xie Lian frees Quan Yizhen from danger, but the bone dragons are badly damaged.

The fiery giant vanishes after using a Teleportation Array, leaving Xie Lian and the others worried.

Hua Cheng reveals that Jun Wu has teleported to the royal capital, where Shi Qingxuan is guarding the human array.

Hua Cheng reassures Xie Lian that they don’t need to clean up the Black Water Demon Lair, as it will take care of itself.

Yin Yu’s body, along with Quan Yizhen and other survivors, are carried away by bonefish, while the other bonefish collect the fallen bone dragon pieces.

Xie Lian immediately commands the divine statue to pursue Jun Wu, despite the heavenly officials' reluctance.

Hua Cheng activates a teleportation array, and they are transported above the royal capital, where the fiery demonic giant descends upon the city.

Shi Qingxuan tries to calm the panicking people by claiming the gods will stop the giant before it causes harm.

Xie Lian fights to pull the fiery demonic giant away from the capital, while heavenly officials join the human array to prevent the vengeful spirits from breaking out.

One of the fiery giant’s legs falls but explodes into harmless sparks midair, revealing that Pei Ming is alive and in fighting form.

Pei Ming, wielding the sword Mingguang, joins the fight and confronts the fiery demonic giant, showing his resilience even after being boiled and burned.

Rong Guang and Pei Ming bicker as they fight, while Pei Ming presses the attack on Jun Wu inside the Palace of Divine Might.

Qi Rong, hiding near the palace, suffers injuries from the growing flames and finally decides to flee with Guzi, who is severely burned.

Guzi, unconscious and injured, pleads with Qi Rong to leave the capital and find a better life elsewhere.

Jun Wu ignores Qi Rong’s pleas, and a fireball nearly kills both Qi Rong and Guzi. Pei Ming tries to help but is overpowered by Jun Wu.

The Rain Master intervenes, extinguishing the flames on Pei Ming and catching him as he falls, while the battle between Pei Ming and Jun Wu continues.

Guzi's condition worsens, and Qi Rong panics, unsure how to care for him. Xie Lian urges Qi Rong to leave for the child’s sake, but Qi Rong resists.

Jun Wu shoots another fireball at Qi Rong, engulfing him and Guzi in flames. Pei Ming criticizes Jun Wu for harming a child, but Jun Wu shows no remorse.

A torrential rain from the Rain Master helps to extinguish some of the fires, though the flames around the demonic giant persist.

Hua Cheng uses a clone to maintain the human array and assist Shi Qingxuan, lending him spiritual power by force to help repel the fiery rocks raining from the sky.

Shi Qingxuan, with the Wind Master Fan returned, successfully blows away the falling meteors, impressing the onlookers who realize he is a true god.

An army of corpse-eating rats and empty-shelled people arrives from Mount Tonglu, sent by Jun Wu to destroy the human array.

The citizens of Ghost City, led by nefarious creatures, join the fight and overwhelm the invading rats.

Xie Lian faces the fiery demonic giant, which now draws a sword. Though Xie Lian’s divine statue struggles, a sword forged from the bodies of the three mountain spirits is teleported to aid them.

Xie Lian's divine statue wields the powerful sword and, in one strike, cuts through the fiery demonic giant’s weapon, causing it to shatter into pieces.

The fiery demonic giant is subdued, and Xie Lian carefully lands the pieces in a remote location, ensuring no harm comes to the capital or its people.

The battle appears to be over, but Jun Wu is missing, and Xie Lian, Hua Cheng, and others begin searching the wreckage.

Lang Qianqiu discovers the remnants of Qi Rong, now reduced to a small ball of green ghost fire, as Guzi begs for his father’s life.

Lang Qianqiu snuffs out Qi Rong’s ghost fire, and Guzi, heartbroken, searches the ashes for any trace of his father.

Xie Lian reflects on his feelings toward Qi Rong, realizing that while he once hated him, now he feels only weariness and contempt.

Despite their search, Jun Wu’s whereabouts remain unknown, and Shi Qingxuan asks about the absence of Nan Yang (Feng Xin) and Xuan Zhen (Mu Qing), who have been missing since leaving the Heavenly Capital.

Xie Lian wonders if Feng Xin and Mu Qing might have been left behind in the Heavenly Capital or possibly captured by Jun Wu.

The state preceptor suggests Jun Wu has gone to Mount Tonglu, the domain where he is most powerful, and that's likely where he wants Xie Lian to follow.

Shi Qingxuan expresses fear about going to Mount Tonglu, but Xie Lian reassures him, though the state preceptor warns they won’t face the same challenges as before.

Hua Cheng insists that he and Xie Lian are enough for the journey, but the state preceptor insists they’ll need more help, though many martial gods are either injured or unavailable.

Mu Qing suddenly appears and offers to help, revealing that he’s been around the whole time, though no one had noticed.

The state preceptor and Hua Cheng both show visible disdain toward Mu Qing, though they don’t refuse his help.

Hua Cheng rolls a one on his dice, a bad omen, implying extreme danger ahead, but he brushes it off, saying that it’s just a reference and that he determines the danger himself.

Xie Lian feels uneasy about the roll and tells Hua Cheng to stay by his side so he can protect him.

The group proceeds to Mount Tonglu, where they find the environment devastated by the recent volcanic eruption, with lava streams flowing through the landscape.

They are blocked by a river of molten lava and notice empty-shelled people floating in it, flushed out from the royal capital of Wuyong.

Mu Qing crosses the river first using the empty-shelled people as stepping stones. Hua Cheng helps the state preceptor cross next, despite the state preceptor’s reluctance.

Xie Lian follows but gets caught by an empty-shelled person, and Hua Cheng rushes to his aid. Together, they make it safely across.

They arrive at the partially buried Palace of Wuyong and begin exploring the underground areas, where the atmosphere feels like a massive mausoleum.

Hua Cheng’s sword, Eming, becomes unusually agitated, spinning its silver eyeball wildly, but Hua Cheng remains calm.

The group encounters the fetus spirit Cuocuo, who snickers and hurls a sticky substance at Mu Qing before fleeing.

Mu Qing claims to see the fetus spirit go down a dark, narrow corridor, but Hua Cheng doubts his claim.

As they progress down the corridor, Xie Lian notices the growing presence of a cold, murderous aura. He tries to confirm with the state preceptor, but when he turns around, both the state preceptor and Hua Cheng have vanished.

Xie Lian checks the red string on his finger, confirming Hua Cheng is still alive, but worries about Hua Cheng’s earlier ominous roll of the dice.

He and Mu Qing hear the sound of a man breathing, leading them to discover Feng Xin, who is injured but alive.

Feng Xin wakes and is shocked to see Xie Lian, but as they speak, he suddenly yells for Xie Lian to seize Mu Qing, indicating danger from him.

Feng Xin accuses Mu Qing of attacking him from behind in the Heavenly Capital, knocking him out, and leaving him for dead.

Xie Lian questions how Feng Xin can be sure it was Mu Qing if he was knocked out instantly.

Feng Xin insists that he recognized Mu Qing’s shadow as the attacker and stands by his accusation.

Mu Qing denies the accusation and argues that the chaos in the Heavenly Capital could have distorted shadows, making it impossible to be sure it was him.

Feng Xin insists that he can recognize Mu Qing from his fighting style and shadow alone, while Mu Qing continues to deny being the attacker.

Xie Lian attempts to mediate, asking both to reveal something only the three of them would know, like what they argued about on the snowy mountain, but neither responds.

Feng Xin clarifies that he doesn’t think Mu Qing is an impostor; he just believes Mu Qing attacked him out of malice.

As the argument intensifies, Mu Qing and Feng Xin begin to physically fight, but Xie Lian notices the atmosphere growing more ominous.

Xie Lian realizes they are in an armory, and the intense murderous aura comes from the vast array of weapons around them.

Xie Lian tries to bind both Feng Xin and Mu Qing with Ruoye to stop the fight, but suddenly feels a cold presence behind him.

He is pulled backward into someone's embrace, and it turns out to be Hua Cheng, who had returned and caught him.

Feng Xin and Mu Qing are alarmed, unsure if Hua Cheng is the real one, but Xie Lian verifies Hua Cheng’s identity by exchanging a verbal password.

Hua Cheng accuses Mu Qing of being suspicious and reveals that Mu Qing has a cursed shackle on his wrist, placed there by Jun Wu.

Mu Qing admits he attacked Feng Xin but insists it was to knock him out and save him from the flames in the Heavenly Capital.

Mu Qing explains that the fetus spirit ambushed him while he was trying to save Feng Xin, which is why Feng Xin ended up in the current location.

Hua Cheng presses Mu Qing further, asking what Jun Wu had said to him and whether he is working for him, but Mu Qing denies this, explaining that Jun Wu wanted him to harm Xie Lian, which he refused to do.

Tension escalates when Mu Qing admits to being summoned by Jun Wu but insists he is not working for him, despite the cursed shackle.

The armory's weapons begin to move on their own, filled with murderous intent after being dormant for too long.

As the situation becomes more dangerous, Mu Qing suddenly vanishes from the armory without a trace, leaving Xie Lian, Hua Cheng, and Feng Xin behind.

The group realizes they are trapped, and the weapons are about to attack, threatening to kill them unless they find a way to stop the riot of the weapons.

Hua Cheng, showing concern, stops Xie Lian from using his sword, asking darkly what he plans to do with it.

Xie Lian draws his sword, intending to defend himself against the weapons in the armory, but Hua Cheng panics, thinking Xie Lian might harm himself, and orders him to put it down.

Xie Lian reassures Hua Cheng that he wouldn't harm himself and jokes about the situation, which upsets Hua Cheng even more. Xie Lian apologizes, promising not to joke about it again.

Hua Cheng uses Eming to slash apart the weapons attacking them. Afterward, a door appears, allowing them to leave the armory.

Hua Cheng, Xie Lian, and Feng Xin exit and continue their search for the state preceptor and Mu Qing, with Hua Cheng still suspicious of Mu Qing.

Xie Lian asks Hua Cheng if he thought Xie Lian was going to stab himself earlier. Hua Cheng doesn’t respond directly, but Xie Lian reassures him that he wouldn’t do that.

As they move deeper into the palace, the temperature rises. They soon realize that lava is flooding into the palace.

The group spots Mu Qing running ahead and tries to stop him. Mu Qing refuses to stop and runs away as the lava approaches.

Xie Lian, Feng Xin, and Hua Cheng use empty-shelled people in the lava to cross the molten stream like stepping stones, following Mu Qing.

The group catches up to Mu Qing just as he reaches a cliff where the lava falls into a deep chasm. Mu Qing loses his balance and falls but manages to grab onto a saber embedded in the rocks.

Mu Qing struggles to hold on as the lava threatens to burn him. He hesitates to ask for help but eventually calls out to Xie Lian, pleading for him to believe that he didn't mean any harm.

Xie Lian remembers a time when he had begged Mu Qing to believe him long ago, and this moment triggers his memories of that time.

Hua Cheng warns Xie Lian not to risk his life to save Mu Qing, reminding him that Mu Qing may have already surrendered to Jun Wu, and if so, Jun Wu would rescue him.

Xie Lian, despite the danger and the warnings, decides to save Mu Qing. He uses Ruoye to catch Mu Qing just as he falls from the saber.

Xie Lian uses Fangxin as a stepping stone to reach Mu Qing and pulls him up from the cliff. They stand together on the hilt of the saber embedded in the rocks.

As Xie Lian prepares to return to safety with Mu Qing, the saber loosens, causing both of them to fall. Xie Lian manages to catch the saber again, but he tells Mu Qing that only one of them can stay on the saber.

Xie Lian throws Mu Qing toward Fangxin to save him, while he remains on the saber. Mu Qing lands on Fangxin, realizing that Xie Lian had planned this move to save him.

As Xie Lian prepares to make the jump back, White No-Face appears from the lava, grabbing Xie Lian and pulling him into the molten stream.

Hua Cheng jumps after them in an attempt to save Xie Lian, but the lava is dangerously close below.

Xie Lian wakes up on a bridge after being pulled into the lava by White No-Face. Mu Qing is nearby, and they realize they are on the Heaven-Crossing Bridge, built by the Crown Prince of Wuyong.

Xie Lian asks about Hua Cheng, but Mu Qing confirms Hua Cheng isn’t there. Mu Qing had also been teleported before falling into the lava.

Xie Lian helps Mu Qing, whose limbs are injured, and they continue crossing the unstable bridge.

Mu Qing asks why Xie Lian isn't suspicious of him, and Xie Lian replies that he believes Mu Qing didn't lie about his situation. Xie Lian insists he knows Mu Qing well enough to trust him, despite their complicated history.

The bridge begins to collapse behind them, forcing Xie Lian to carry Mu Qing and run forward. They encounter fire pillars created by molten vengeful spirits from Wuyong, who try to drag them down into the lava.

As they continue, Mu Qing urges Xie Lian to leave him behind so he can fight the vengeful spirits while Xie Lian escapes. Mu Qing jumps off, landing on a piece of the collapsing bridge and begins attacking the spirits.

Before Mu Qing is overwhelmed by the spirits, Xie Lian throws Ruoye to save him, but Mu Qing cannot jump high enough to catch it.

Feng Xin arrives just in time, grabbing Mu Qing and helping Xie Lian pull both of them up from the lava.

The three continue along the bridge, exchanging their experiences. Feng Xin reveals how he found them, expressing frustration at their reckless behavior. He hadn’t seen Hua Cheng either.

Feng Xin overhears Mu Qing’s earlier confession about wanting to be friends with Xie Lian and teases him, while Mu Qing becomes increasingly embarrassed and angry.

Xie Lian tries to calm them both down as they revert to their usual bickering. They continue crossing the bridge, searching for Hua Cheng, while their old grievances resurface in a mix of arguments and banter.

Xie Lian, Feng Xin, and Mu Qing encounter more molten vengeful spirits as they make their way across the Heaven-Crossing Bridge. Feng Xin successfully repels the spirits with his bow, and they leap across the damaged bridge to continue their journey.

Xie Lian becomes increasingly worried about Hua Cheng’s safety. Mu Qing hints that Hua Cheng may have fallen into the lava, but Xie Lian refuses to believe it.

They find fragments of Hua Cheng's wraith butterflies and the aftermath of a vicious battle, including blade marks left by Eming, Hua Cheng’s scimitar.

Xie Lian rushes ahead, stumbling in panic but eventually hears the sounds of battle. Feng Xin and Mu Qing follow, and they witness a fight between Hua Cheng and White No-Face.

White No-Face’s mask is cracked, and Hua Cheng is fully engaged in the fight, no longer smiling and focused on his opponent. The intense battle sends lava waves surging from below.

White No-Face taunts Hua Cheng, but Xie Lian shouts encouragement, causing Hua Cheng to briefly smile at Xie Lian before resuming the fight.

During the fight, Hua Cheng breaks White No-Face’s sword, revealing his power and control. White No-Face continues to taunt them, warning them of the seriousness of the situation.

White No-Face recovers the sword Fangxin, which originally belonged to the Crown Prince of Wuyong, and removes his mask, revealing himself as Jun Wu.

Jun Wu’s power increases after taking off his mask, and he targets Hua Cheng, attempting to gouge out his right eye repeatedly. Xie Lian joins the fight to protect Hua Cheng.

Xie Lian realizes Hua Cheng has been protecting him all along. In a tense moment, Xie Lian directs Hua Cheng in battle, and the two fight back-to-back against Jun Wu.

Jun Wu shifts his focus to Xie Lian, attacking with deadly precision. Xie Lian is saved when Hua Cheng intercepts an attack, getting impaled by Zhuxin, Jun Wu's sword.

Despite being a ghost and unaffected by pain, Hua Cheng’s protective actions leave Xie Lian distressed. Jun Wu taunts Xie Lian, bringing up painful memories of Xie Lian’s dark past and a ghost named Wuming.

Xie Lian becomes deeply unsettled by Jun Wu’s words, fearing Hua Cheng’s reaction to his past. However, Hua Cheng reassures Xie Lian, promising to stay by his side no matter what.

Jun Wu dismisses their bond, comparing it to broken promises from his own past. He continues to grow stronger, shifting his attacks solely onto Xie Lian, while Hua Cheng tries to protect him.

The chapter ends with Jun Wu doubling in speed and power, relentlessly targeting Xie Lian as Eming continues to block his strikes.

Xie Lian and Hua Cheng face Jun Wu, who wears impenetrable white armor and dominates the battle.

Despite the armor’s defenses, Xie Lian directs Hua Cheng to strike a specific spot on Jun Wu's side, beneath the ribs, where a weak point exists from a previous fight eight hundred years ago. Hua Cheng successfully slices through, drawing blood.

However, Jun Wu shows no pain and quickly heals. He grabs Xie Lian by the throat and threatens to drop him into the lava.

Jun Wu slams Xie Lian into a wall repeatedly, demanding he change his ways. Xie Lian defiantly refuses, despite the pain.

Jun Wu’s increasingly violent actions prompt the state preceptor to plead for mercy, but Jun Wu dismisses him, revealing his long-standing frustration with Xie Lian's defiance.

Just as Jun Wu is about to continue his attack, Hua Cheng strikes, cutting off Jun Wu’s hand and rescuing Xie Lian.

Jun Wu reattaches his hand and continues his assault, injuring both Mu Qing, whose cursed shackle tightens painfully, and Feng Xin, who is pierced by the arrows he had shot at Jun Wu.

The Heaven-Crossing Bridge starts collapsing as Xie Lian, severely injured, clings to Hua Cheng.

As Jun Wu advances, Hua Cheng reassures Xie Lian, telling him he can win and that he's stronger than Jun Wu.

Hua Cheng pours an immense amount of his spiritual power into Xie Lian, shattering the cursed shackles that had bound him for eight hundred years.

Mu Qing is shocked that so much spiritual power was used to shatter the cursed shackles, an unprecedented feat.

Hua Cheng encourages Xie Lian to fight again. Xie Lian, with newfound strength, easily counters Jun Wu’s blade, even punching him and drawing blood.

Jun Wu decides to fight with his bare fists. Despite Xie Lian's power, Jun Wu dislocates his arm and continues to overpower him.

Feng Xin and Mu Qing, despite their injuries, attempt to steal Xie Lian's sword, Fangxin, from the lava. The State Preceptor catches them from falling into the lava, and Mu Qing retrieves the sword after narrowly escaping the molten spirits.

Feng Xin's son, the fetus spirit, attacks the molten spirits to help. Feng Xin retrieves his arrows, continuing to fight.

Jun Wu seizes Xie Lian, but Hua Cheng reminds Xie Lian that he knows a move Jun Wu doesn’t. Xie Lian slams Jun Wu into a wall, shattering his white armor.

Xie Lian stabs Jun Wu through the heart with Fangxin, incapacitating him. Despite the mortal wound, Jun Wu tries to cast a final spell, but the State Preceptor intervenes, pleading with Jun Wu to stop the fight.

The State Preceptor tries to reason with Jun Wu, reminding him of his past and asking what more he wants. Jun Wu, confused and weakened, relents.

The State Preceptor comforts Jun Wu, reminiscing about their past in the Kingdom of Wuyong. Jun Wu is too weak to fight back and finally seems to accept defeat.

Xie Lian removes Fangxin, and Hua Cheng smiles from afar, waiting for Xie Lian to come to him.

The State Preceptor chooses to stay with Jun Wu, unwilling to leave him again, while Xie Lian places his bamboo hat on Jun Wu’s face to shield him from the rain.

Mu Qing kicks his broken cursed shackle into the lava, and Feng Xin's fetus spirit crawls to Jun Wu’s side in an eerie display of submission.

Xie Lian runs into Hua Cheng's arms, overwhelmed with emotion and relieved they’ve won. Hua Cheng reassures Xie Lian that he knew Xie Lian would win.

Xie Lian tries to confess to Hua Cheng about his past, but Hua Cheng reveals that he already knew, implying that he was Wuming, the ghost from Xie Lian's past.

Xie Lian realizes that Hua Cheng had been with him all along, and the two embrace emotionally.

However, Hua Cheng begins to fade, having overexerted his spiritual power. Despite Xie Lian’s efforts to return the power, Hua Cheng’s red robes become transparent.

Hua Cheng reassures Xie Lian that he will return, disappearing into a flurry of silver butterflies. A single butterfly lingers on Xie Lian, leaving behind a red string on his finger.

The scene shifts to the heavenly officials at Mount Taicang, discussing the rebuilding of the Heavenly Capital. Pei Ming comments on Mu Qing’s sarcastic behavior and the absence of Ling Wen.

Lord Rain Master arrives at the temporary Upper Court summit, and the scene ends as someone announces the arrival of another "Your Highness."

Xie Lian arrives at Mount Taicang, greeting the other heavenly officials. They are extremely polite and careful in their interactions with him.

Lord Rain Master also arrives, bringing produce and special silk that can help repair Ruoye, Xie Lian’s weapon.

Feng Xin offers to help with Ruoye’s repair, and Mu Qing reluctantly agrees to stitch it up despite his complaints.

Pei Ming, still recovering from his injury, struggles with his pride after being saved multiple times by the Rain Master, making their interactions awkward.

The Rain Master asks about Xuan Ji, and Xie Lian reveals she had dissipated, likely having come to terms with her past and let go of her resentment.

Xie Lian escorts the Rain Master to the temporary dungeon, where Pei Xiu and Banyue are guarding. They confirm Xuan Ji’s disappearance, leaving behind her red bridal robe.

After the Rain Master performs a service for Xuan Ji, Xie Lian leaves her and encounters Jian Lan, who is sneaking away with the fetus spirit (Cuocuo).

Xie Lian gives Jian Lan a protection charm to help control Cuocuo’s grudge and advises her to invoke his name while using it. She accepts but chooses to leave, saying she no longer wants to burden Feng Xin.

Jian Lan reflects on her relationship with Feng Xin, revealing that while she once loved him, too much time has passed, and she doesn't want to be a burden or charity case.

Xie Lian, moved by her words, silently disagrees, believing in "forever" and the existence of lasting love, a belief he holds dear.

After Jian Lan departs, Xie Lian returns to Mount Taicang and searches for Feng Xin but instead encounters Lang Qianqiu.

Lang Qianqiu reveals that he has a coral pearl, a treasure passed down in his family, which matches the one Xie Lian gave to Lang Ying. He returns it to Xie Lian after learning its origins.

Xie Lian realizes this pearl was once part of a pair, with the other belonging to Hua Cheng, leaving him feeling a mixture of emotions.

As Xie Lian reflects on the pearl’s significance, Feng Xin calls out with excitement, summoning everyone to the foot of the mountain.

Feng Xin captures Ling Wen as she tries to steal the Brocade Immortal. She is brought to the conference hall where the heavenly officials confront her.

Instead of punishing her, they dump an overwhelming amount of paperwork on her to organize. Ling Wen, exhausted, completes all the reports after a grueling day and night.

Xie Lian rescues Ling Wen from further paperwork and questions her about why the Brocade Immortal didn’t affect Hua Cheng. Ling Wen explains that Hua Cheng's deep, unwavering love and devotion for Xie Lian made the cursed robe ineffective.

Ling Wen also points out the significance of the ring around Xie Lian’s neck, which contains Hua Cheng’s ashes, a rare and powerful token of love in the ghost world.

Xie Lian realizes Ling Wen had taken the Brocade Immortal to Mount Tonglu in an attempt to help Bai Jing, the spirit trapped within the robe, become a supreme ghost and regain his senses.

Afterward, Mu Qing delivers the repaired Ruoye, and Xie Lian praises his craftsmanship. Mu Qing offers Xie Lian to move to the new Heavenly Capital, but Xie Lian declines, saying he’s waiting for Hua Cheng to return.

Xie Lian spends his days in solitude on Mount Taicang, tending to a simple cottage and planting flowers in anticipation of Hua Cheng’s return.

He waits for months, often visited by Feng Xin, Mu Qing, Shi Qingxuan, and ghosts from Ghost City, but the person he longs for never arrives.

On the Shangyuan Festival, Xie Lian recalls his first meeting with Hua Cheng, reflecting on their long history.

As he ascends the mountain path, Xie Lian notices Blessings Lanterns lighting the way. When he reaches his cottage, he sees a man in red—Hua Cheng—releasing the last lantern.

Overcome with emotion, Xie Lian and Hua Cheng run toward each other, finally reuniting in an embrace after their long separation.

Xie Lian swears again that he believes in Hua Cheng, confident that their bond transcends time, and that Hua Cheng would always return to him.

Puqi Shrine is rebuilt after its collapse, with villagers using Quan Yizhen’s gold bars to fund the construction. The new shrine is much more lavish and gaudy, and Xie Lian is busy serving food to guests.

Quan Yizhen eventually takes back the remaining gold bars after some convincing from Hua Cheng.

Heavenly officials, led by Mu Qing, visit the shrine but leave quickly, disturbed by its decor and cautious of Hua Cheng’s return. They’re on edge due to the incessant tolling of the Upper Court's bell, caused by Hua Cheng’s return during the Shangyuan Festival.

Mu Qing scolds Xie Lian for letting Hua Cheng’s antics disrupt the Upper Court, but Xie Lian brushes it off.

Feng Xin arrives and overhears junior officials gossiping about his personal life, causing him to angrily correct rumors about his wife and son.

Shi Qingxuan leads a crowd of beggars to the shrine for a promised meal. The beggars had helped with the human array and now claim their reward of chicken leg noodle soup.

Heaven’s Eye voices concern about sensing evil qi, but Shi Qingxuan reassures him that it’s normal since they’re in Hua Cheng’s territory.

Xie Lian checks the kitchen to find ghosts helping with the cooking, including a rooster spirit bathing in the soup. Despite this, the food is safe, and the kitchen ghosts claim it has longevity-boosting effects.

Heaven’s Eye, still suspicious, points out that Xie Lian is radiating evil qi from within his body, embarrassing him. This leads Feng Xin and Mu Qing to suspect the reason but say nothing. Shi Qingxuan doesn’t understand the implications.

Hua Cheng appears and lightens the mood, guiding Xie Lian outside to escape the chaos inside the shrine.

The two walk hand in hand, discussing the shrine's noise and the possibility of it collapsing again. Hua Cheng dismisses the concern, saying they can always build a new one.

Later that night in Thousand Lights Temple, Xie Lian works on a calligraphy copybook for Hua Cheng, helping him practice writing despite Hua Cheng’s poor handwriting. They write a poem together, filled with romantic undertones.

Xie Lian realizes that a tattoo on Hua Cheng’s arm, which he had once mistaken for foreign writing, is actually Xie Lian’s name, tattooed in Hua Cheng’s messy handwriting from childhood.

Hua Cheng affirms his devotion to Xie Lian, with the tattoo symbolizing his lifelong commitment and admiration.

The chapter ends with a folk tale about the Scrap Immortal (Xie Lian) and the Red-Robed Ghost King (Hua Cheng), describing their unique powers and the legend of their worshippers. Together, their strength and blessings are unbeatable, a reflection of their deep bond.

Xie Lian walks along the street during the Shangyuan Festival, carrying a large sack of items he’s collected for a living.

He stops at a street stall called "He Family Snacks" and orders a bowl of yuanxiao, reflecting on how he didn’t like it as a child but can’t recall the taste now.

When he realizes he doesn’t have enough money to pay, the owner offers the bowl for free, feeling sorry for him.

The family running the stall is happily waiting for a missing family member to return and share yuanxiao, highlighting Xie Lian’s loneliness.

Flashback ends, and Xie Lian is walking with Hua Cheng in Ghost City, who apologizes for "overdoing it" the previous night, flustering Xie Lian.

The streets are decorated with vibrant red lanterns, each bearing riddles. Ghosts encourage Xie Lian to solve them, and he answers several riddles quickly, impressing the crowd.

The crowd grows overly enthusiastic, hyping up Xie Lian’s riddle-solving abilities. Xie Lian eventually realizes the riddles are all part of a playful scheme, as their answers form the phrase "My husband, Hua Cheng."

The ghosts scatter in fear after Hua Cheng gives them a look, leaving Xie Lian and Hua Cheng to walk back to Thousand Lights Temple.

Hua Cheng denies any involvement in the prank, and Xie Lian jokes that Hua Cheng would have made the riddles say "My husband, San Lang."

They arrive at the temple, where Hua Cheng has set up a table with two bowls of yuanxiao. He invites Xie Lian to eat with him.

Xie Lian hugs Hua Cheng tightly, and they share the moment together. After many years, Xie Lian is finally able to recall the taste of yuanxiao.

Xie Lian wakes up in an unfamiliar inn, confused and in pain, wearing a simple robe. His body is sore, and he notices red marks all over his skin, leading him to realize that someone had taken advantage of him while he was unconscious.

He panics upon discovering that his spiritual powers are gone, which means he's broken his precepts as a cultivator. He also cannot find Feng Xin or Mu Qing, increasing his confusion and distress.

Xie Lian leaves the inn in a hurry and meets a local Lord of Soil and Ground who recognizes him and offers help. Xie Lian asks him to find Feng Xin and Mu Qing.

Feng Xin and Mu Qing eventually arrive, but they seem different—older and wearing unfamiliar clothes. They act strangely when Xie Lian mentions the events from the previous night, as if he is missing key memories.

Xie Lian realizes something is wrong and suspects both Feng Xin and Mu Qing are impostors, leading him to flee.

As Xie Lian runs, he recalls the name "Hua Cheng," which stirs a strange feeling in him, though he can’t remember who Hua Cheng is.

He enters a city and sits in a teahouse, where he becomes unsettled by a provocative song being sung by a songstress. The song causes him to experience fragmented memories of intimacy, which further confuse him.

A group of men harasses the songstress, prompting Xie Lian to intervene and chase them off. He then stands guard while the songstress continues to sing.

Across the street, Xie Lian notices a strikingly handsome man in red, who raises a flagon to him before disappearing. Xie Lian feels an inexplicable attraction to the man.

When Xie Lian looks back, he finds the man in red sitting across from him, grinning and asking to be treated to a cup of wine.

Xie Lian is approached by the man in red who had toasted him from afar. The man introduces himself as "San Lang."

Xie Lian politely refuses San Lang’s offer of wine, explaining that he abstains from alcohol. San Lang teases him about his distressed expression and stays seated at his table.

San Lang reveals that most people never even get to see his face and insists on sitting with Xie Lian. They exchange names, though Xie Lian gives the false surname "Hua."

Xie Lian notices a red coral pearl in San Lang's hair and feels strangely affected by it, as if he has a physical reaction to it. San Lang teases him, saying the pearl was a gift from his spouse.

Xie Lian feels uncomfortable around San Lang, sensing an undercurrent of lasciviousness in the man's behavior, and decides to leave.

After wandering the streets, Xie Lian grows hungry but realizes he has no money. Coincidentally, he finds some gold foil on the ground and, after waiting to see if anyone claims it, decides to use it to buy a steamed bun.

As Xie Lian is about to eat the bun, San Lang reappears and steals it. The two engage in a playful scuffle over the bun, and Xie Lian becomes more frustrated, eventually falling and feeling pain from a sensitive injury.

San Lang shows genuine concern for Xie Lian’s well-being, but Xie Lian, embarrassed, brushes him off. San Lang apologizes and offers to treat Xie Lian to a meal.

During the meal, San Lang watches Xie Lian intently, making him uncomfortable again. They discuss an evil creature that San Lang detects on Xie Lian, and San Lang pins the creature—a white silk band—to the table, neutralizing it.

Xie Lian asks San Lang if he knows someone named Hua Cheng. San Lang refers to Hua Cheng as a madman and a devotee of the Crown Prince of Xianle (Xie Lian).

San Lang explains that Hua Cheng believes the Crown Prince will become a god, though Xie Lian finds this amusing and asks where he can meet Hua Cheng.

As they continue talking, Xie Lian notices a red string tied around San Lang’s finger, which reminds him of a vision of intertwined hands from earlier.

Xie Lian realizes that San Lang is Hua Cheng and confronts him in anger for hiding the truth.

Xie Lian is furious over the red string and accuses San Lang of tricking him, remembering a similar string from a prior incident.

San Lang maintains his calm demeanor, denying wrongdoing, and attributes the red strings to a local custom related to Hua Cheng and his beloved.

The confrontation is interrupted by onlookers, who explain that the red string is a local tradition inspired by Hua Cheng.

Xie Lian feels embarrassed for misunderstanding and apologizes to San Lang, who reassures him and dismisses the incident as a coincidence.

San Lang discovers that the gold foil Xie Lian had used earlier was actually his, but he shows no anger and brushes it off as destiny.

They resume their meal after San Lang generously offers to pay for the damages Xie Lian caused during the earlier confrontation.

Xie Lian hesitantly confesses that something happened to him but struggles to articulate it. San Lang gently presses for details, but Xie Lian avoids discussing the mortifying incident.

San Lang explains that Hua Cheng is currently unavailable as he is caring for his ailing beloved, but promises Xie Lian will meet him in a few days.

San Lang invites Xie Lian to stay at his mansion, offering him shelter, and Xie Lian shyly calls him "gege," making San Lang visibly pleased.

Xie Lian spends the night at San Lang’s luxurious mansion but is troubled by vivid, hazy dreams. Upon waking, he finds a mysterious ring on a silver chain around his neck.

During a bath, Xie Lian encounters a sentient scimitar with an eye, which seems to be San Lang’s spiritual weapon. San Lang chastises the weapon for bothering Xie Lian.

That night, Xie Lian overhears San Lang giving orders to a subordinate to capture a troublesome monster and decides to handle the matter himself to help San Lang.

Xie Lian successfully tracks down the monster, a budaoweng, and captures it without difficulty. The monster had swallowed something important to San Lang.

After the battle, Xie Lian overhears people speaking about a "Scrap Immortal" named Xie Lian, and he is shocked to learn that 800 years have passed and that he has become a scrap collector.

Horrified by the revelation of the fall of Xianle and the passage of centuries, Xie Lian panics, running through the streets in despair.

San Lang finds Xie Lian and reassures him, but Xie Lian accuses him of lying and deceiving him about the truth.

Despite Xie Lian’s anger and fear, San Lang comforts him, reminding him that he has survived the past and that they will face the future together.

San Lang helps Xie Lian recover his lost memories, and Xie Lian finally remembers their long history together and the deep bond they share.

Xie Lian regains consciousness after the memory restoration and acknowledges Hua Cheng as his most devoted believer, while Hua Cheng reaffirms his unwavering devotion to Xie Lian.

They promise to never be separated again, and Hua Cheng jokes about how he had been playing with Xie Lian during his amnesia, though Xie Lian is slightly embarrassed by his behavior during that time.

Hua Cheng has fallen ill, which is surprising since ghost kings aren’t expected to get sick. Xie Lian finds him slightly feverish and worries about him.

Despite his illness, Hua Cheng teases Xie Lian, but Xie Lian insists on staying to take care of him until he gets better.

Hua Cheng tries to persuade Xie Lian to join him on the altar where they often “tumble,” but Xie Lian stays focused on his task, preparing Hua Cheng’s calligraphy copybook.

Hua Cheng admits that calligraphy practice makes him feel worse and instead suggests that Xie Lian read him something.

Xie Lian produces an old book he found and offers to read stories to Hua Cheng. Hua Cheng dismisses it at first, thinking it contains tales about other heavenly officials, but he perks up when Xie Lian reveals the book is actually about them.

Xie Lian begins reading a folktale about the “Great Ghost King” (Hua Cheng) and the “Scrap Immortal” (Xie Lian). The story details a humorous and fantastical version of their relationship.

The story tells of a lonely Great Ghost King waiting for his bride and a brave Scrap Immortal disguising himself as a bride to confront him. Instead of being terrifying, the Ghost King is revealed to be gentle and handsome.

The Scrap Immortal tries to uncover the secrets of two forbidden houses on the Ghost King’s mountain. He’s told he needs "something found on the Ghost King" to enter one house and "something burning but not found on him" to enter the other.

The Scrap Immortal schemes to gather what he needs to enter the houses, including kissing the Ghost King to "steal" his essence. Eventually, they consummate their marriage, fulfilling the conditions to unlock the house.

Inside the first house, the Scrap Immortal finds not trapped brides, but the remains of wicked grooms who had abandoned their brides. The Ghost King was testing them all along, capturing only the despicable men.

Misunderstandings resolved, the Scrap Immortal and the Ghost King consummate their marriage again. However, the heavenly officials attack the mountain, but the couple fights them off.

The story ends with the revelation that the "burning" key needed for the second house was the Ghost King’s ardent love for the Scrap Immortal.

Xie Lian is left speechless by the absurdity and inappropriate nature of the story, which humorously exaggerates their relationship.

Hua Cheng finds the story hilarious and points out that while some details are wrong, others, such as calling Xie Lian "gege" and receiving him in a wedding sedan, are accurate.

Despite his embarrassment, Xie Lian reads another story from the book at Hua Cheng’s pleading, as Hua Cheng pretends his head still hurts, enjoying every moment of the absurd stories.

Xie Lian and Hua Cheng share an intimate moment, but Xie Lian suddenly remembers the Cave of Ten Thousand Gods and asks about the divine statues inside after Mount Tonglu’s eruption.

Hua Cheng assures Xie Lian that the statues are fine due to a protective ward and reluctantly agrees to take Xie Lian there the next day.

Hua Cheng seems to work Xie Lian harder that night, and Xie Lian falls asleep exhausted.

Xie Lian wakes up alone, realizes Hua Cheng is missing, and discovers a teleportation array that leads him to the Cave of Ten Thousand Gods.

Xie Lian explores the cave and encounters several animated statues of himself, each reflecting different stages of his life, as his spiritual power unintentionally brings them to life.

The statues, including one of Xie Lian performing a sword dance and another drunk, offer directions to help him find Hua Cheng.

Xie Lian finally reaches a cavern where a divine statue lies writhing in pain under a white cloth. It represents a version of Xie Lian who was poisoned by the Land of the Tenders.

Hua Cheng appears and admits he came to the cave to hide this particular statue because it was experiencing the agony of desire from the poison.

The animated statue continues to suffer, and Hua Cheng proposes using a ghost king statue he recently sculpted to "neutralize" the poison.

Xie Lian, initially hesitant, gives his blessing to the plan, and the ghost king statue brings relief to the poisoned divine statue.

The two statues fuse together in the process, becoming inseparable.

Xie Lian and Hua Cheng rush to the New Heavenly Capital after discovering the divine statue escaped and headed toward Feng Xin’s palace.

Feng Xin mistakes the divine statue for Xie Lian and is shocked by its near-naked state. The statue steals a sword and runs off to Mu Qing’s palace.

Mu Qing is also confused and angry about the appearance of the divine statue in his palace.

Xie Lian and Hua Cheng finally catch up to the statue in Mu Qing’s garden, where it is trying to stab itself to "detoxify" the poison.

Hua Cheng's ghost king statue intervenes and fuses with the divine statue, neutralizing the effects of the poison.

Xie Lian, Feng Xin, and Mu Qing are mortified by the situation, but Xie Lian and Hua Cheng return the fused statues to the Cave of Ten Thousand Gods.

Xie Lian and Hua Cheng then decide to sculpt companions for the rest of the divine statues, ensuring every version of Xie Lian has a Hua Cheng by its side.

The chapter ends with a heartfelt promise between Xie Lian and Hua Cheng that they will always recognize and remain devoted to each other, no matter how many statues exist.

A major event is approaching, causing excitement in Ghost City: Hua Cheng's birthday.

Xie Lian is shocked to learn about Hua Cheng’s birthday, as it’s never been celebrated seriously before, and Hua Cheng doesn’t seem to care about it.

Xie Lian decides to make this birthday special for Hua Cheng and give him a memorable day.

He asks the ghosts of Ghost City for gift ideas, but they provide bizarre and unhelpful suggestions.

One ghost suggests a love potion, but Xie Lian rejects it, stating that love should come from the heart.

Another ghost offers a child-bearing pill, which also leaves Xie Lian speechless.

Realizing that none of the ghost suggestions are helpful, Xie Lian decides to plan a surprise celebration for Hua Cheng’s birthday and leaves to think about what gift to give on his own.

Xie Lian is preoccupied with finding the perfect birthday gift for Hua Cheng, and his worry is visible on his face.

Hua Cheng notices Xie Lian acting oddly while keeping him company during his writing practice.

Hua Cheng asks if Xie Lian is worried about something and offers to help solve the problem.

Xie Lian tries to mask his concern and urges Hua Cheng to continue writing.

Hua Cheng comments that Xie Lian has been acting more compliant than usual, which Xie Lian brushes off.

Xie Lian, still unsure of what to gift, asks Hua Cheng in a roundabout way if he ever feels like he's missing anything.

Hua Cheng is confused, genuinely believing he lacks nothing, which embarrasses Xie Lian.

Afraid that Hua Cheng is starting to catch on, Xie Lian suddenly shoves Hua Cheng onto the bed.

Though surprised, Hua Cheng is amused and doesn't mind, and the situation escalates, ending any further questioning.

Xie Lian, still struggling to come up with a gift for Hua Cheng, seeks help from his two former subordinates, Feng Xin and Mu Qing.

The three of them meet in a run-down temple to brainstorm gift ideas for Hua Cheng.

Feng Xin, having been married before, is pressured for ideas, but admits he only ever gave his wife one gift—a golden belt, which Xie Lian had originally given him.

Mu Qing sarcastically suggests Xie Lian give Hua Cheng a golden belt, but Xie Lian doesn't have any left since he pawned them centuries ago.

Mu Qing tells Xie Lian to make something himself, and Xie Lian agrees but admits he doesn't know how.

After four hours of struggling, Xie Lian's attempt to embroider a belt leaves his fingers pricked and wrapped in bandages, and the result is a belt with two large, poorly-embroidered heads that look like potatoes.

Mu Qing harshly criticizes the belt, pointing out that the design makes it unsuitable for public wear.

Xie Lian, discouraged but determined, tries to "fix" the belt by adding flower petals around the heads, making them resemble flower heads.

Feng Xin defends Xie Lian's effort, but Mu Qing bluntly says Xie Lian lacks the talent for this.

Feeling embarrassed by the belt's appearance, Xie Lian decides to keep it for himself instead of giving it to Hua Cheng.

Xie Lian, still struggling to find a suitable birthday gift for Hua Cheng, seeks advice from Shi Qingxuan.

Shi Qingxuan enthusiastically shares his expertise on rare treasures and suggests the Starry Sky Flagon, a precious object that reflects the sea of stars and absorbs spiritual energy.

Xie Lian realizes he had already broken the Starry Sky Flagon last month, and Hua Cheng had dismissed it as a petty trinket.

Xie Lian asks for other suggestions, and Shi Qingxuan suggests the Eight Corners Brush, a brush made from a magic beast’s tail and jade bamboo spirit. Xie Lian recognizes this as the brush Hua Cheng uses daily and often kicks away.

Shi Qingxuan continues suggesting more rare treasures, but Xie Lian realizes that all of these items are either already in Hua Cheng’s possession or treated casually by him.

Xie Lian concludes that rare treasures won’t work as a birthday gift, as Hua Cheng already has access to all of them, and thus, the search for the perfect present continues.

Xie Lian, desperate for a gift idea, had asked everyone he could think of, but none offered a helpful suggestion.

Quan Yizhen suggested gold bars, which Hua Cheng didn't need. Pei Ming could only think of gifts for women, and Ling Wen was too swamped with work to offer anything useful.

With no good ideas and only two days until Hua Cheng’s birthday, Xie Lian spent a sleepless night thinking about the perfect gift.

By morning, Xie Lian decided on what to give, though he didn’t reveal what it was.

As Xie Lian tried to quietly leave bed to carry out his plan, Hua Cheng woke up and pulled him back.

Hua Cheng, with a sleepy and affectionate demeanor, questioned Xie Lian about why he was up so early, clearly wanting to keep him in bed.

Xie Lian, flustered, made excuses, claiming there was a prayer to answer and insisting that Hua Cheng stay behind and practice his writing.

Hua Cheng innocently agreed, letting Xie Lian go while watching him leave with a knowing smile, clearly amused by his behavior.

Xie Lian traveled to the wilderness and gathered the materials he needed for Hua Cheng’s birthday gift.

He visited the state preceptor at Mount Tonglu, finding him mid-card game with empty-shelled people. The state preceptor, on the verge of losing, eagerly agreed to help Xie Lian.

Xie Lian asked for guidance on crafting a Xianle-style longevity lock like the one he wore in childhood, but the state preceptor scolded him for stressing over something as trivial as a birthday present.

The state preceptor hinted that Xie Lian himself was the best gift Hua Cheng could receive, which Xie Lian rejected, feeling it was vain.

The state preceptor reminisced about Xie Lian’s youthful accomplishments, but Xie Lian, embarrassed, stopped him.

Xie Lian expressed his insecurities, feeling that he wasn’t good enough for Hua Cheng despite his accomplishments.

The state preceptor, trying to help, suggested asking Jun Wu, who was imprisoned under Mount Tonglu, for guidance on crafting the longevity lock.

After a long silence, Xie Lian decided against consulting Jun Wu.

Xie Lian returned to Ghost City after spending half a day at Mount Tonglu, just hours before Hua Cheng's birthday.

The ghosts secretly decorated Ghost City for Hua Cheng's surprise birthday celebration while pretending nothing was amiss.

Xie Lian forged a special longevity lock as Hua Cheng’s birthday present.

Hua Cheng stayed inside Thousand Lights Temple all day, practicing calligraphy, in an unusually good mood.

Xie Lian began experiencing sharp, unexplained heart pains but kept it hidden from Hua Cheng, hoping the pain would pass after the birthday celebration.

As the celebration began, Hua Cheng was led outside by Xie Lian, who surprised him with the decorated streets and a gift of the longevity lock.

The ghosts cheered loudly and chaotically, celebrating Hua Cheng’s birthday.

Xie Lian presented the longevity lock to Hua Cheng, but just as Hua Cheng was about to respond, Xie Lian collapsed from the worsening heart pain.

Hua Cheng panicked and tried to find out what was wrong with Xie Lian, but even after checking his pulse, he couldn’t detect anything wrong.

Xie Lian, overwhelmed by excruciating heart pain, passed out in Hua Cheng’s arms, feeling guilty for collapsing during the birthday celebration.

Xie Lian woke up in Thousand Lights Temple, feeling disoriented and in pain. He tried to claw at his own chest from the pain but was stopped by Hua Cheng, Feng Xin, and Mu Qing.

Hua Cheng’s proximity seemed to intensify Xie Lian’s heart pain, so Hua Cheng reluctantly retreated, which lessened Xie Lian’s pain.

Mu Qing and Feng Xin held Xie Lian down to prevent him from hurting himself, but Xie Lian experienced waves of heart pain whenever he thought of Hua Cheng.

Xie Lian revealed that he had visited the State Preceptor’s Tomb recently to retrieve a silver mask he once wore, which he melted and forged into the longevity lock for Hua Cheng’s birthday present.

Lang Qianqiu appeared, revealing that he had nailed Xie Lian into a coffin at the State Preceptor’s Tomb as revenge after the Gilded Banquet incident. The mask had absorbed Xie Lian’s blood, and the blood was now causing the heart pain after being reabsorbed into his body through the forged longevity lock.

Despite the pain, Xie Lian refused to let go of Hua Cheng, insisting on being by his side.

Hua Cheng, desperate to relieve Xie Lian’s suffering, crushed the longevity lock in his hand, destroying the source of the pain.

With the lock destroyed, Xie Lian’s pain eased, but he still felt a lingering heartache as he looked at Hua Cheng.

Xie Lian, now free from the curse, bid farewell to Feng Xin, Mu Qing, and Lang Qianqiu, heading back to Ghost City with Hua Cheng.

On the way, Xie Lian felt embarrassed because of Feng Xin's question about why Xie Lian's heart reacted so strongly to Hua Cheng.

Mu Qing explained that Xie Lian’s blood, which had been separated from him for so long, caused the turmoil when reabsorbed because of his emotional unrest, which led to intense pain whenever he thought of or saw Hua Cheng.

Xie Lian, embarrassed, realized his intense feelings for Hua Cheng had caused him to lose composure. Despite the curse being lifted, thinking of Hua Cheng still made his heart race.

Hua Cheng asked Xie Lian how long he had been trapped in the coffin, but Xie Lian couldn’t remember the exact duration, recalling only the endless pain and despair.

Xie Lian apologized to Hua Cheng for ruining his birthday with the curse and for having to destroy the longevity lock gift.

Hua Cheng reassured Xie Lian that the true gift was his declaration that he wanted to see Hua Cheng even if it caused him pain, which made Hua Cheng incredibly happy.

They embraced, and Hua Cheng expressed his happiness but insisted he never wanted Xie Lian to bear that kind of pain again.

Xie Lian and Hua Cheng returned to Ghost City, where the ghosts were relieved and turned their concern into a celebratory atmosphere.

They entered Thousand Lights Temple and discovered that many new items had been added to the temple, which turned out to be birthday gifts for Hua Cheng.

Xie Lian excitedly pointed out the various gifts from different people, such as fresh vegetables from Lord Rain Master, gifts from Qingxuan, and one from General Pei.

Hua Cheng showed no interest in the gifts and suggested throwing them out, but Xie Lian stopped him, insisting they represented well-wishes.

Among the gifts, Xie Lian found a love potion and a child-bearing pill, which shocked him. He tossed them aside, while Hua Cheng showed interest, but Xie Lian quickly stopped him from investigating further.

Xie Lian, after much internal debate, gave Hua Cheng the belt he had personally made as a replacement for the destroyed longevity lock.

Hua Cheng found the belt hilarious, laughing uncontrollably, but showed his appreciation by kissing Xie Lian and complimenting him excessively, which embarrassed Xie Lian to the point where he pretended to be dead on the bed.

The next morning, Hua Cheng wore the belt proudly, intending to head out while wearing it. Xie Lian, horrified, tackled him and pleaded for him not to show it in public.

After much begging, Hua Cheng agreed to wear it reversed, hiding the embroidered side to spare Xie Lian the public embarrassment.

The incident on Hua Cheng's birthday—where Xie Lian fainted—caused a stir, and news spread across the realms that Xie Lian was truly in love with Crimson Rain Sought Flower.

The full implications of the story became widely known, but that was a tale for another day!