Episode Summary
Huaizhu is disgusted by Jin Renfeng's cruelty. Jin Renfeng abuses a demon. Huaizhu and Wangquan Hongye reveal their feelings and identities, leading to heartbreak. Yang Yitan's past trauma is explored, fueling his resentment. Yang Huanzhou gains power from the Black Fox Galan and attempts to control a celestial demon, but is thwarted by Wangquan Hongye, who is then possessed. The celestial demon, Jiu Huo, is released and seeks Dongfang Huaizhu.
Spoiler Alert
"Love in Pavilion" Episode 9: Recap & Spoilers
Episode 9 dives deep into secrets, betrayals, and some seriously messed-up power plays. Let's break it down:
Dongfang Huaizhu's Disappointment: Huaizhu is feeling down in the dumps. She even paints a picture of Jian Xiansheng's mask, hinting at her feelings. Dongfang Qinlan tries to cheer her up with some playful teasing. However, things take a dark turn when Jin Renfeng presents Huaizhu with a gift – accessories made from the scales of a poor Lingli demon he ripped them off of! Huaizhu is understandably disgusted and gives him the cold shoulder.
Jin Renfeng's True Colors: Turns out, Jin Renfeng is a real piece of work. After getting rejected by Huaizhu, he takes his anger out on a weak Zhi demon named Cuiyu Xiaotan. Desperate to survive, Cuiyu Xiaotan offers Jin Renfeng a deal: she knows how to make him even more powerful. Dun dun dun!
A Visit and a Revelation: Huaizhu meets Jian Xiansheng at the Huaishui Bamboo Pavilion again. He's still rocking the smiley-face mask. Jian Xiansheng accompanies her to Yang Yan's hidden residence, leaving behind supplies and prenatal medicine, but avoids disturbing her peace. Back at the pavilion, they share drinks and a laugh. Huaizhu, considering Jian Xiansheng a true friend, gifts him a Jinlan mask. Feeling he should reciprocate the honesty, Jian Xiansheng removes his mask and reveals himself to be Wangquan Hongye. Huaizhu, heartbroken, runs away. Their agreement to meet on "July 7th at the Huaishui Bamboo Pavilion" is off. She had already told Wangquan Hongye that they would never meet again.
Yang Yitan's Grudge: The episode delves into Yang Yitan's past and his deep resentment towards his grandfather, Yang Huanzhou. We get a flashback to how Yang Yitan awakened his Sky Eye – drugged and thrown into a freezing mine by Yang Ying, all to force his powers to emerge. Young Yang Yitan stumbles through the mine, eventually finding Wangquan Zui. To save Wangquan Zui, Yang Yitan's Sky Eye opens, and he collapses for a month after escaping the mine. Now, Yang Yitan stays with the Yang family only to maintain a semblance of dignity, which is the greatest respect he can give to Yang Huanzhou.
The Black Fox's Influence: Yang Huanzhou's bitterness and resentment manifest as a Black Fox Galan clone. Like Nangong Ye before him, Yang Huanzhou craves power, especially for his upcoming battle with Wangquan Hongye.
Royal Decree and a Stolen Talisman: Over in the Yuyao Kingdom, Wangquan Hongye orders King Daluoan to keep the demon-controlling talismans within his borders, threatening him with death if they reach the Yiqi Alliance. Daluoan is forced to comply. However, Feng Jianshi discovers that a talisman capable of controlling demon kings was sold at Liuyun Pavilion, and the buyer headed to the Yuyao Kingdom's underground palace.
Desperate Measures: Yang Huanzhou receives power from the Black Fox Galan, who tasks him with rescuing a celestial demon sealed with dragon breath at the Yuyao Kingdom's altar. Fearing the Black Fox Galan will abandon him once the demon is freed, Yang Huanzhou plans to use a demon-controlling talisman to control the demon himself.
Control and Chaos: Just as Yang Huanzhou attempts to control the celestial demon, Wangquan Hongye appears and demands to know his identity. Yang Huanzhou, wearing a mask, uses a curse taught by the Black Fox to control Wangquan Hongye, ordering him to remove the dragon bones sealing the demon. After the bones are removed, Yang Huanzhou tries to force Wangquan Hongye to place the demon-controlling talisman on the celestial demon. Wangquan Hongye resists and knocks Yang Huanzhou unconscious.
A Dangerous Reunion: The celestial demon, Jiu Huo of the Huangquan clan, is released and absorbs the curse from Wangquan Hongye, causing him to collapse. The Black Fox Galan recognizes Jiu Huo and instructs her to find Dongfang Huaizhu at Shenhuo Mountain Villa, as she is the best vessel for Galan's body.
