Episode Summary
Xiao Qiu Shui needs to build his reputation to challenge his brother for leadership. While hiding from the Power-wielding Gang, he accidentally meets Feng Lang, a character from his own novel. Feng Lang is poisoned, and the only cure is a rare wine from Bainiang Manor. Xiao Qiu Shui bluffs his way through a wine-making contest to get the antidote, only to be attacked by a masked woman who is revealed to be Tang Rou's sister.
Spoiler Alert
A Reputation Problem
So, Xiao Qiu Shui has a big problem. He wants to take over the top spot from his older brother, Xiao Yi Ren.But Tang Rou lays out the hard truth. Xiao Yi Ren's reputation is solid.Everyone in the city loves the guy. To have any chance, Xiao Qiu Shui needs to get famous, fast.
His first idea is to pick fights with well-known martial artists. He gets his buddy Deng Yu Han to list out the big names. Deng Yu Han writes down a dozen of them, but they're all just fancy titles. There are no real names, so finding them is impossible. That plan is a bust.
The second option is to find the "Hero's Order." It's a powerful item that would definitely boost his influence. The catch? It's held by General Wu Zhe's mother, and nobody has a clue where she lives. With both plans hitting a dead end, Zuo Qiu suggests they take a break and blow off some steam.
Wrong Place, Right Time
The guys head over to the Qunfang Courtyard for a drink. While grabbing some wine, Xiao Qiu Shui spots members of the Power-wielding Gang. He immediately panics. He thinks they've found out he killed Fu Tian Yi.
He ducks into the first random room he can find. Inside, a man is meditating. He's clearly trying to heal from a serious injury. The room is also rigged with silver threads. Xiao Qiu Shui stumbles right into the trap and gets tossed out of the room. This, of course, gets the attention of the Power-wielding Gang.
An Unlikely Ally
The gang members see the man in the room and move in to capture him. They also get tangled in the silver threads. The threads eventually snap, and the gang attacks. Xiao Qiu Shui finally realizes they aren't here for him. The man in the room is badly hurt and can't defend himself.
Thinking fast, Xiao Qiu Shui grabs the man's waist tag. He recognizes the name. It's Feng Lang, a character he created for his novel. Feng Lang hands him a sword, and Xiao Qiu Shui makes short work of the Power-wielding Gang. Just as he finishes, his three friends show up. They see him standing over the defeated gang members and immediately start talking him up to the crowd, building that reputation he so desperately needs.
The Antidote Quest
Xiao Qiu Shui takes the injured Feng Lang to an inn. He confirms the sword is the famous "Tingyu Sword," which proves the man is indeed Feng Lang. Xiao Qiu Shui is thrilled. In his story, Feng Lang is a loyal ally who protects him. But the real Feng Lang is just confused. He has no idea who Xiao Qiu Shui is or why he helped him. Xiao Qiu Shui figures Feng Lang's destiny hasn't been "activated" yet.
A doctor checks on Feng Lang and delivers bad news. He's been poisoned with something called "Tianjue Corpse." The only cure is a legendary antidote known as "poison without poison," which is held by the Power-wielding Gang. Tang Rou points out they only have three days to save him. Deng Yu Han remembers another option. Bainiang Manor has a special wine called "Drunken Yellow Spring," which is also considered a "poison without poison." Their new destination is set.
A Cocktail Competition
On the road, Feng Lang asks why Xiao Qiu Shui is going to all this trouble. Xiao Qiu Shui can't exactly explain the whole "I'm your author" situation. He just says he likes making friends. Feng Lang promises to repay the favor if he's cured.
They arrive at Bainiang Manor. The butler is at the gate, announcing the terms for getting the Drunken Yellow Spring. They will only trade it for a truly rare treasure. A masked woman steps forward and offers a gourd of "Sheye Blood Wine." Just as the butler is about to accept, Xiao Qiu Shui interrupts. He claims he has an even rarer wine, but he needs half a day to prepare it. The butler agrees to wait.
Xiao Qiu Shui sends his friends for supplies. They bring back bamboo, mint, sugar, and salt. He mixes these with some ordinary wine. Later, he presents his creation to the manor's master. The master tries the masked woman's wine first and is impressed. Then he tastes Xiao Qiu Shui's drink. He's completely blown away. Xiao Qiu Shui even whips up a non-alcoholic version for the master's grandkids.
Family Reunion, with Knives
Xiao Qiu Shui successfully trades his cocktail for the Drunken Yellow Spring. As he and his friends leave the manor, the masked woman ambushes them from behind. Xiao Qiu Shui warns everyone to watch out for her hidden weapons. The fight is cut short when Tang Rou runs in. She stops the attack and introduces the masked woman. It's her older sister, Tang Fang.
