Episode Summary
In a desperate move, Dongfang Huai Zhu uses a magical talisman to send Qin Lan away from Shen Huo Shan Zhuang to safety, fearing for her life and the Dongfang bloodline. Meanwhile, a devastated Wangquan Hongye returns, having barely survived the disastrous mission "outside the Circle" which claimed the lives of nearly all his Masked Group members; only he and a crippled Li Qu Zhu made it back. Jin Renfeng, believing Hongye to be dead, prepares to forcibly marry Huai Zhu. Qin Lan, after being discovered by Jin Renfeng's men, tragically jumps off a cliff to escape capture. Just as Huai Zhu, weakened and outnumbered, is about to be defeated by Jin Renfeng's forces, Wangquan Hongye, spurred into action by news of her plight, makes a dramatic entrance at Shen Huo Shan Zhuang, ready to confront the enemy.
Spoiler Alert
So, we kick things off with Dongfang Huai Zhu making a gut-wrenching decision. Remember that talisman Qin Lan had? The one that could teleport someone ten li away? Well, Huai Zhu, bless her protective heart, decides Qin Lan's safety is paramount. With Wangquan Hongye out of the "Circle" and his fate unknown (talk about a cliffhanger for his storyline!), Huai Zhu knows she can't count on him for help right now. Her instruction to Qin Lan? Get to Ruyi Lou – they have branches everywhere – but more importantly, stay alive. Huai Zhu's words were so poignant: "Your happiness, Qin Lan, is more important than revenge." My heart!
Huai Zhu emphasizes that the Dongfang bloodline must continue. Qin Lan, sharp as a tack, starts to realize the implications of Huai Zhu's words, the finality in them, but it's too late. Huai Zhu slaps that teleportation talisman on her, and poof! Qin Lan is whisked away. It’s a sacrifice, pure and simple. Huai Zhu is clearly preparing for the worst at Shen Huo Shan Zhuang.
Speaking of Wangquan Hongye's disastrous trip "outside the Circle," the aftermath is brutal. Besides Hongye himself, who barely made it back alive and is now spiritually drained and devoid of any will to live, only Li Qu Zhu survived – and at a terrible cost. He had to self-inflict crippling injuries to his legs to escape with his life. The rest of the "Masked Group" ? All perished. Li Qu Zhu is, understandably, a broken man, consumed by grief over his brother's death and refusing to see anyone.
We then see a devastated Wangquan Hongye, alone in the rain, at the Potian Guan (Breaking Sky Temple, perhaps?). The place is a ghost town, filled with memories of his fallen comrades. He clutches their masks, and folks, the man is sobbing uncontrollably. It's a raw, powerful scene. He’s drowning in regret, self-blame, and guilt – a chaotic storm of emotions tearing him apart. He tries to channel it into his sword practice, but the pain is just too immense.
Meanwhile, back at Shen Huo Shan Zhuang, the villainous Jin Renfeng is already preparing wedding robes, dead set on forcing Huai Zhu to marry him. What a creep! He even twists the knife by telling Huai Zhu (through the door, coward!) that all eight members of Wangquan Hongye's Masked Group, including Hongye, died outside the Circle. This, of course, is a lie designed to break her spirit. But Dongfang Huai Zhu? She clutches her bamboo flute, her resolve hardening. She's going to fight this monster to the death. You go, girl!
Now, Huai Zhu’s plan to secretly send Qin Lan away almost worked perfectly. She managed to fool Jin Renfeng, but that snake had a backup plan. He had goons stationed outside Ruyi Lou, just in case. And wouldn't you know it, they spot Qin Lan! She makes a daring escape, even hiding by some horses, and in a tragic near-miss, she almost crosses paths with Li Qu Zhu, who is there in his wheelchair. Oh, the dramatic irony!
Qin Lan's luck eventually runs out. Jin Renfeng's men, who disgustingly refer to him as "Zhuangzhu" (Master of the Villa), chase her to a cliff. Cornered, and with no way out, Qin Lan makes a horrifying choice: she jumps. The goons, terrified of what Huai Zhu might do to them (and how Jin Renfeng might punish them to appease Huai Zhu), make a pact to lie through their teeth and deny ever seeing Qin Lan that day. Scum of the earth, I tell ya.
Back to Wangquan Hongye. He's still in a state of utter despair. Butler Fei (Fei Guanjia) tries to snap him out of it, suggesting a formal ceremony for him to become the head of the Wangquan family. He also mentions Dongfang Huai Zhu, noting that the messenger sent to Shen Huo Shan Zhuang didn't actually see her. The mere mention of Huai Zhu's name seems to stir something in Hongye, a flicker of his old self. There's hope yet!
And he’ll need to hurry! At Shen Huo Shan Zhuang, Huai Zhu is putting up a valiant fight. We learn that her previous use of the "Xiwu Hua" (Evening Mist Flower) to absorb power from the "Kuqing Shu" (Bitterness Tree – symbolic, much?) has taken a severe toll on her body. Her cultivation has stagnated, and her spiritual energy, though recently recovered a bit, is no match for Jin Renfeng’s numerous cronies. That slimeball Jin Renfeng is smart, too, using a "wheel battle" tactic – sending waves of fighters to wear her down.
Just as Huai Zhu's energy is depleted, her vision blurring, and her limbs failing her... BAM! The main gate of the villa is blasted open by a powerful sword qi. And who stands there, like a beacon of avenging hope? Wangquan Hongye!
Talk about a cliffhanger entrance! He’s back, he knows (or is about to find out) what’s happening to Huai Zhu, and you just know things are about to get intense. Will he be in time? Is Qin Lan truly gone? This show, I swear, knows how to keep us on the edge of our seats! Can't wait for the next episode!
