Episode Summary
Following the tragic death of Tong Shuang, who sacrifices himself to save Xiao Beiming, the investigation takes a sharp turn. Xiao Beiming identifies Minister Miao Jie as the original "Night Devil" and the mastermind behind the plot to frame him, revealing Miao Jie is secretly a survivor of the Haiya people seeking revenge. The urgency escalates as Fang Zheng is arrested and sentenced to death, forcing Xiao Beiming and his allies to race against time to find the real killer. Their search leads them to a mysterious courtyard and an orphanage, uncovering clues about a missing orphan named Miao Yun, who may be the key to the entire conspiracy.
Spoiler Alert
Tragedy strikes as Zhong Xueman's party ventures forward, only to be caught in a sudden and violent cave collapse. In a moment of pure instinct, Tong Shuang shoves Xiao Beiming out of harm's way, sacrificing himself as a massive boulder crushes him, killing him instantly. A devastated Xiao Beiming is flooded with memories of his loyal friend, consumed by a gut-wrenching grief. The entire group weeps at the loss. Xiao Beiming is overcome with remorse, recalling his promise to arrange Tong Shuang's marriage. He blames his own slow progress in the case for denying Tong Shuang the chance at a new life.
That night, a grief-stricken Xiao Beiming resolves to find the mysterious "Little Lone City" by himself. However, Zhong Xuemei snaps him back to reality with a sharp slap, forcing him to recognize that acting rashly would be a betrayal of Tong Shuang's selfless sacrifice. A search led by Luo Shu and his clansmen yields no trace of Tong Shuang's body, only his safety amulet.
The following day, with heavy hearts, the group erects a tombstone for Tong Shuang, laying him to rest in a place of scenic beauty. Luo Shu provides a crucial clue: his brother was poisoned by the toxic waters of a lake within Little Lone City, and an antidote has not yet been found. Xiao Beiming gravely warns everyone to avoid the lake water and solemnly vows to develop a cure, promising justice for the Haiya people. After Luo Shu and his people help them pack for their journey, the group sets off once more.
Later that night, Xiao Beiming's sharp intellect leads him to a stunning conclusion: one of the four ministers has harbored a deep-seated hatred since the time of a past massacre. He boldly accuses Miao Jie of being the first "Night Devil." When the others question why Miao Jie would target his own people, Xiao Beiming reveals his deduction, sparked by a subtle gesture from Luo Shu, that Miao Jie is actually one of the Haiya people.
The conspiracy deepens as it's revealed that Zhong Yunchi was aware of Miao Jie's true identity and colluded with him. Their plan was to eliminate the group and frame Xiao Beiming. Zhong Yunchi had attempted to prevent Xiao Beiming from boarding the boat where the initial incident occurred, but Xiao Beiming's insistence played right into their hands. This entire scheme was orchestrated by Miao Jie, who manipulated Xiao Beiming into investigating the history of the Haiya. This investigation even uncovered that Miao Jie had once adopted a Haiya orphan named Miao Yun, whose current whereabouts are unknown.
The situation becomes more desperate the next day when Zhuge Kongyun arrives with alarming news: his father, Zhuge Tong, has arrested Fang Zheng for releasing a wanted court criminal. Fang Zheng is now facing imminent public execution. Xiao Beiming knows that simply returning is not enough; they must find the Night Devil before the execution to save Fang Zheng. Zhuge Kongyun pledges his help, and their investigation uncovers that Miao Jie owns a small, secluded courtyard in the suburbs. Xiao Beiming suspects this is the very place where Miao Jie trained Miao Yun to become the Night Devil.
After some difficulty, the group locates the courtyard. A local recalls being called to the house years ago to treat a pitiful, severely injured child, but the family was never seen again. The dusty, abandoned state of the courtyard confirms the story. Their search then leads them to the nearby Benevolent Heart Garden orphanage. The director remembers a limping, mentally challenged child who only stayed for a few days before being taken away, never to be heard from again.
That evening, Zhuge Kongyun passionately pleads with his father to reconsider Fang Zheng's case, certain of his friend's integrity. He argues that Fang Zheng would never shift blame onto Xiao Beiming. However, Zhuge Tong's reasoning is weak and unconvincing, leading to a heated and emotional confrontation between father and son.
