Episode Summary
Mo Xiao is called out for his deception but is then chosen to be the next Sect Leader. Feng Lixue returns, seeking to clear her family's name and reopen Tianxing teaching, but faces distrust. Mo Xiao accepts his fate, knowing he must distance himself from Feng Lixue. Meanwhile, there are suspicious activities surrounding Lu Jianchuan and forbidden texts.
Spoiler Alert
So, Mo Xiao gets called on the carpet by his master. He kneels and confesses he wasn't actually deathly ill, but instead snuck off to Mount Suyu. Yuan Beichen already knew the deal, but he doesn't blow up Mo Xiao's spot in front of everyone. He does, however, give him a stern "this is your LAST chance" kind of warning. Basically, Yuan Beichen tells him to man up and swallow the bitter pill of unrequited love. Ouch.
Meanwhile, Feng Lixue wakes up back at Tianxing Manor. Remember Gu Bai, who used to run the Tianxing teaching business? Well, Poyun brought him back. Gu Bai reveals that after Shushan shut down Tianxing teaching, a mysterious benefactor secretly kept things afloat, waiting for this very day. Feng Lixue is super grateful and wants to find this person to thank them.
Gu Bai suggests that to really get Tianxing teaching back in business, they need to snag the Tianxing Seal from Shushan. He also introduces Feng Lixue to a cute little servant girl named Cang Cang. Feng Lixue is smitten and decides she wants Cang Cang to take her to Fengdu City.
Speaking of Shushan, Xie Lingyun is missing Murong Jing. He finally gets to see her and gives her a fan as a memento of their near-death experiences together. It's also a family heirloom from his mom, meant for his future wife! Murong Jing is thrilled.
Over in Fengdu City, Feng Lixue is feeling all nostalgic, remembering her time with Mo Xiao. She notices a TON of Immortal Sect disciples around. Poyun explains it's because the Immortal Sects Conference is happening, and everyone's gathering.
Turns out, the Immortal Sect folks are worried about Chong Guang causing trouble. They want Yuan Beichen to come up with a plan to stop the evil-doings of the Demonic Sect. Yuan Beichen pulls a fast one and says his health isn't up to it. Instead, he suggests Mo Xiao take over as Sect Leader to fight Chong Guang and protect everyone. Everyone cheers for Mo Xiao, but then BAM! Feng Lixue shows up, throwing a wrench in the works. Mo Xiao, Xie Lingyun, and Murong Ce all rush out to see what's going on.
Mo Xiao is stoked to see Feng Lixue again and that she's left the Demonic Sect. He brings her to meet Yuan Beichen and the others. Feng Lixue says she wants to take responsibility for her father's crimes and reopen Tianxing teaching to help people. But… nobody trusts her. They think she's been corrupted by the Demonic Sect and want to kill her! Murong Jing steps up to defend Feng Lixue, pointing out that Mo Xiao only got the antidote to save everyone BECAUSE of Feng Lixue's help. Yuan Beichen says they'll discuss reopening Tianxing teaching later, but Feng Lixue is insistent. She says she'll wait outside the hall until they reach a decision. Talk about stubborn!
Yuan Beichen is suspicious. He thinks Feng Lixue wanting to reopen Tianxing teaching is a trick by Chong Guang. He doesn't care if she's waiting outside and is more focused on getting the Sect Leader succession sorted.
Mo Xiao, meanwhile, has seen Feng Lixue's sacrifices to leave the Demonic Sect through the Heart-Link Stone. He's heartbroken. Yuan Beichen summons him and tells him to make a choice. Mo Xiao is willing to protect Mount Buzhou, but he doesn't want to be Sect Leader. Yuan Beichen argues that Shushan is the head of the Immortal Sects, and every leader has the "Guardian Heart Sand" which basically forces them to cut off all emotions. Yuan Beichen shows Mo Xiao his own Guardian Heart Sand and asks if Mo Xiao can do the same. Mo Xiao nods.
That night, Mo Xiao sneaks out to see Feng Lixue. He vows in his heart that they're not meant to be in this life, but he'll make it up to her in the next. cue the tears
In another part of the compound, Lu Jianchuan is in the library. Murong Changfeng is there too and takes him to see some inner power cultivation methods. Lu Jianchuan opens a book on soul-crossing spells, and Murong Changfeng quickly helps him find it, but warns him not to practice it, only read it. Then, Murong Changfeng makes an excuse and leaves Lu Jianchuan alone in the room. Sketchy!
The next day, Mo Xiao officially becomes the Sect Leader. He promises to protect the people. Yuan Beichen reminds him that the Guardian Heart Sand will help him protect his heart, but if he gives in to emotions, it will destroy him. Yuan Beichen then passes the Guardian Heart Sand to Mo Xiao.
