Episode Summary
Qingmu Yuan uncovers that Dongfang Huaizhu's mother, Jiang Quenxue of the Beishan Sect, is linked to the Black Fox and the assassinated former owner of Zui Meng Lou, Er Zhuyu. Meanwhile, Wangquan Hongye evades capture in the Yuyao Kingdom, whose King is furious. An attempt on Wangquan Hongye's life fails, and Qingmu Yuan finds the assassin's methods familiar. Huaizhu senses the Black Fox's lingering aura within her. To stay hidden, Wangquan Hongye and Li Quzhuo take demon pills (snake and dog, respectively), disguising themselves as demons under Huaizhu's protection, which temporarily nullifies their spiritual powers and makes Wangquan Hongye sleepy. Wangquan Hongye meets Prince Bumu, learning that the Beishan Sect sealed the powerful Tianyao Jiu Huo, accessible only via the King's Seal. Huaizhu discovers Zui Meng Lou now frequently hosts demon-fighting contests. The group deduces that Zui Meng Lou is the crucial next step in investigating the Black Fox's origins and the Beishan Sect's secrets.
Spoiler Alert
Intel Drops and Shady Lounges
Our intrepid investigator, Qingmu Yuan, is on the hunt for answers, and her first major lead concerns Dongfang Huaizhu's mother, Jiang Quenxue. It turns out Mama Dongfang was not only the Saintess of the Beishan Sect but is also deeply connected to the origins of the mysterious Black Fox. Talk about a family legacy! Jiang Quenxue apparently mentored a woman named Er Zhuyu, who used to be the big boss at the Zui Meng Lou (think of it as a very exclusive, very dangerous club). Key phrase: used to be. Er Zhuyu was assassinated about a year ago, and the current owner of Zui Meng Lou is a complete unknown.
Meanwhile, Dongfang Huaizhu and her fiery younger sister, Dongfang Qinlan, have found a supposedly "quiet" courtyard to hide out in. Their peace is short-lived, though, as Huaizhu receives an anonymous note confirming that Er Zhuyu, the Zui Meng Lou's former proprietor, met her end through assassination, and the new management is keeping a low profile. The plot, as they say, thickens!
Royal Fury and Familiar Foes
Over in the Yuyao Kingdom, the King is absolutely livid that Wangquan Hongye has managed to evade capture for three whole days, despite the city being on lockdown. The State Preceptor, Anayan, tries to calm the waters by assuring the King she's already dispatched an assassin to take care of Wangquan Hongye. However, the assassin isn't quite up to snuff, failing to eliminate Wangquan Hongye and only managing to escape after being injured themselves. Here’s where it gets interesting: Qingmu Yuan observes the assassin's fighting style and gets a distinct feeling of familiarity, a nagging suspicion that she might know who this failed killer is. The suspense is real!
Inner Demons and Ingenious Disguises
Huaizhu is having some troubling dreams about the Black Fox, leading her to realize that its aura is still present within her, albeit currently suppressed. This is definitely something to keep an eye on!
Now, for the practical matter of survival in the Yuyao Kingdom: identity tokens. These crucial items are crafted from Zhe ore, a material monopolized by the Yuyao King. Qingmu Yuan had a couple of spares, which Wangquan Hongye already used to ensure the Dongfang sisters' safety. This leaves Wangquan Hongye and his loyal companion, Li Quzhuo, in a bind. To continue their undercover mission, they need a new plan. Their solution? Disguise themselves as someone else's demons – and it’s pretty clear whose protection they'll be under.
A Demonic Makeover (with a Sleepy Side Effect)
Wangquan Hongye and Li Quzhuo officially throw their lot in with the Dongfang sisters. Qingmu Yuan provides them with demon blood, which, when processed into demon pills stripped of their demonic consciousness, allows for a transformation without harmful side effects – except for one major drawback: they can no longer use their spiritual powers. Li Quzhuo gamely downs a dog demon pill, while Wangquan Hongye opts for a snake demon pill. Wangquan Hongye’s transformation isn't quite complete, but the serpentine sleepiness hits him hard. One moment he’s trying to strike a cool pose, the next he’s adorably succumbing to a nap.
A Day Out: Clinics and Royal Connections
The following day, Huaizhu, ever the altruist, sets off to a local pharmacy to conduct a free medical clinic. Wangquan Hongye decides to accompany her, mentioning he also needs to meet someone. Qinlan, ever watchful, isn't too keen on them having unsupervised time together. However, Wangquan Hongye cleverly tasks her with looking after Li Quzhuo, who is still adjusting to his new canine form, and Huaizhu also asks her to stay put at the courtyard. A slightly miffed Qinlan has no choice but to agree.
Wangquan Hongye's clandestine meeting is with none other than Prince Bumu, the Yuyao King's younger brother. It seems Wangquan Hongye had helped the Prince in the past, and now Prince Bumu is ready to return the favor. From the Prince, Wangquan Hongye learns a critical piece of lore: the formidable Tianyao Jiu Huo was sealed away by the Beishan Sect using an incredibly powerful barrier. Access to this sealed area is restricted to the reigning monarch who possesses the King's Seal.
Clinic Clues and a "Heartbreaking" Gesture
Huaizhu’s day at the clinic doesn't unearth many new leads, aside from confirming that Zui Meng Lou is a notorious den of vice where fortunes are easily lost. She also learns that since Er Zhuyu's death, the Zui Meng Lou has been hosting its "Leiyao Sai" (demon-fighting competitions) with increasing frequency.
Later, in a rather sweet moment, Wangquan Hongye attempts to use his newfound demonic abilities to control water, shaping it into a heart-shaped piece of ice for Huaizhu. Unfortunately, his control isn't quite perfected yet, and the ice heart shatters – a literal "heartbreak". He charmingly tells her that every broken piece still belongs to her, a sentiment that Huaizhu finds quite amusing.
Homecoming, Comfort Food, and Shared Intel
Upon their return to the quiet courtyard, they find Li Quzhuo, who has apparently endured a day of Qinlan's rather "primitive" training methods and is overjoyed to see them. Wangquan Hongye, thoughtful as ever, has brought back their favorite roast chicken, much to Li Quzhuo's relief (no cooking duty tonight!).
Later, Huaizhu confides in Wangquan Hongye about the lingering Black Fox aura within her. They all share the information they've gathered throughout the day. The consensus is clear: the now-vanished Beishan Sect is undeniably linked to the origins of the Black Fox. And the most promising lead for unraveling this whole conspiracy? The Zui Meng Lou.
So, it looks like Zui Meng Lou is the next big destination on their agenda! With Wangquan Hongye and Li Quzhuo sporting their new demonic disguises and Huaizhu grappling with her own internal Black Fox connection, things are bound to get even more intense. What secrets will they uncover in this notorious establishment? We'll have to wait and see!
