Episode Summary
Li Shuang successfully attacks Ninglan but has to rush back to save Jin'an, who has been captured. She infiltrates the enemy camp as a dancer and uses her blood to heal him during a tense standoff. They escape, but Jin'an's powers fade, and they are only saved by the timely arrival of reinforcements. While Jin'an recovers, court politics shift, and the two share a moment that deepens their connection when his self-healing powers are revealed.
Spoiler Alert
The Ninglan Gambit
A Risky Plan
Li Shuang has a map of Ninglan. She's not messing around. She decides to split her forces and attack from three different directions. The goal is to take the city in one clean shot. Over in Ninglan, the Yao Army is getting restless. Their advisor, however, has a plan. He knows Jin'an's biggest weakness is Li Shuang. The strategy is simple. Separate them.
The Trap Springs
Jin'an walks right into the trap. He shows up alone to face the advisor. He knows it's a setup designed to kill him, but he seems way too confident. As he confronts the advisor, Li Shuang leads her forces into Ninglan. The battle is fierce. Li Shuang's army crushes the Yao forces. It's a huge victory. The second it's over, she jumps on her horse and races back to Lu City. She's just hoping Jin'an has held on.
The Rescue Mission
A Dancer's Deception
She was too late. The Yao Army captured Jin'an. So, Li Shuang does what any rational person would do. She disguises herself as a dancer and slips into the enemy camp. During a performance, Jin'an looks up. He seems to sense her there, and his eyes are filled with worry. The advisor notices Li Shuang, too. He shoves a dagger into her hand. He tells her to stab Jin'an, or she'll be the one getting stabbed.
Blood and Blades
Li Shuang has no choice. She walks over to Jin'an. Then she remembers something critical. Her blood can heal his wounds almost instantly. She gives him a look, then plunges the dagger in. It’s a calculated move to get her blood into his system. It works. She immediately grabs the advisor and holds him hostage. Just then, Jin'an's powers kick in. He transforms, fully healed, and jumps in front of Li Shuang to protect her. He fights off the Yao soldiers, grabs her hand, and they escape together.
The Aftermath
A Weakened Hero
They don't get far before Jin'an's strength gives out. He's exhausted and can't go on. Enemy soldiers are closing in. He tells Li Shuang to save herself and leave him behind. She refuses. Instead, she places her hand on his wound to heal him. Luckily, their own reinforcements show up just in time. They're safe. Elsewhere, Consort Qin is furious with Jin Wujian. She wanted Jin'an brought back alive, no matter the cost. We learn she has complete control over Jin Wujian. He depends on an antidote from her to live, so he has to obey her every command.
Court Politics and Consequences
Back at the palace, Jin'an is still unconscious with Li Shuang watching over him. The Emperor receives a report about the Li Zhangyi incident. Su Muli immediately gets on his knees and takes the blame. The Emperor decides to give Li Wei his job back. The report also mentions the mysterious "Xuan Yi Ke" (the Black-Clad Guest).Su Muyang suggests they should reward this person. It might be a way to recruit him for the court.
A Tender Moment
Jin'an finally wakes up. He finds Li Shuang asleep next to him. He can tell she's exhausted from taking care of him. She wakes up and gently helps him drink his medicine. He worries that she'll be afraid of his powers. She tells him that good or evil comes from his heart, not his abilities. He's more concerned that his healing has made her weak. He never wants her to get hurt because of him. He explains that the Xuan Yi Ke has a natural healing ability.To prove it, he tells her to take off his bandages. She unwraps the gauze from his chest. The wound is completely gone. The air between them gets thick with unspoken feelings.
