Episode Summary
The investigation into the historical mystery of Haiya and the Night Devil intensifies with the sudden death of General Huo Zongyao. This prompts Xiao Beiming's team to infiltrate the Huo residence, leading to a new alliance with the general's daughter, Huo Dairong. The episode culminates in a daring heist of the general's body for autopsy and a tense standoff, with Zhong Xueman and Zhuge Kongyun attempting to provide cover for Xiao Beiming, who is hidden just behind a door.
Spoiler Alert
"The Wanted Detective" Episode 8: A Body Snatched in the Night
The episode dives deep into a cold case from years ago, when the leaders and soldiers of Haiya mysteriously vanished overnight after being driven to madness, craving raw flesh and turning into killers. In the present, Xiao Beiming continues his quest for the truth, heading to the Library Pavilion to dig into the pasts of four powerful officials. Meanwhile, Zhuge Kongyun discovers a clue in a folder—a place called the Council Office—but the records are suspiciously incomplete, hinting at a deliberate cover-up.
A new, uneasy alliance forms when Zhong Xueman approaches Zhuge Kongyun. Her father was also a victim of the infamous Night Devil, and she offers to share her clues in exchange for a partnership. Her one condition: when they eventually capture Xiao Beiming, he must be turned over to the Dark Detective Camp. Zhuge Kongyun agrees. Zhong Xueman's first clue is a memory of her father mentioning he was a soldier in the 36th year of the Ningtai era, though he never said where. Their investigation hits a wall at the Library Pavilion when they find the scrolls from that specific year have been mostly torn out—an act only the Emperor would have the authority to command.
Undeterred, they find another lead: the files of Miao Jie and Huo Zongyao are also damaged, suggesting a connection. They rush to General Huo Zongyao's residence, only to be met with shocking news: the general died suddenly the previous night. Realizing the significance of this death, Xiao Beiming and his team disguise themselves as mourners to infiltrate the Huo mansion.
Inside, the atmosphere is tense. General Huo's two disciples, Xue Qianshan and Li Xiao, are openly hostile toward each other. Xiao Beiming quietly gives his team their assignments, and they split up to search for clues. Zhong Xueman discovers bloodstains in the courtyard but is quickly confronted by the general's sharp-witted daughter, Huo Dairong. Though Huo Dairong sees through her disguise, she has her own suspicions about her father's death. An avid fan of solving mysteries herself, she decides to join forces with Zhong Xueman.
Chaos erupts when Lady Huo screams, claiming a man in black was spying on her. Zhong Xueman steps forward, questioning why the grieving widow is lying disheveled in her bed so soon after her husband's passing. The crowd turns on her when she identifies herself as being from the Divine Capture Camp but cannot produce her official token. Just as they are about to seize her, Huo Dairong vouches for her, allowing her to escape.
During the commotion, Xiao Beiming successfully steals General Huo's body. Xue Qianshan and Li Xiao give chase, but Tong Shuang's well-timed smoke bomb allows the team to get away. They take the body to an autopsy room, but the Huo family and their men are not far behind. Cornered, Xiao Beiming uses another smoke bomb, but Xue and Li threaten to burn the building down to force them out. At the last second, Fang Zheng arrives, creating a diversion that buys Tong Shuang precious time to begin the autopsy.
Zhong Xueman and Zhuge Kongyun arrive to control the situation. Zhong Xueman admits they took the body, claiming they suspect a link to the Night Devil. Zhuge Kongyun backs her up, stating he ordered the investigation. The Huo family is wary, seeing their former rivals now working together. In a tense cliffhanger, Zhuge Kongyun instructs Zhong Xueman to open the door to the autopsy room, and she does so carefully, desperately trying to keep Xiao Beiming's presence a secret.
