Episode Summary
Lu Yao escapes a trap set by the Tianhu General. Jin Xiu defies Meng Po and endures the Karmic Fire to help Hong Ning cross over, though the fire mysteriously vanishes. The Dijun and Shenhou decree that both Jin Xiu and Kunlun must undergo mortal trials. The Shenhou tries to manipulate their reincarnations but fails, though Kunlun still ends up as an Ice Demon. Jin Xiu requests help from the Tian Shu to retain his memories of Hong Ning. Reincarnated, Jin Xiu saves Hong Ning's mother, names the baby Hong Ning, and watches over her secretly for years. He later encounters the reincarnated Kunlun (now an Ice Demon) and learns the Shenhou tried to alter their fates. Hong Ning dreams of a mysterious man, while Bai Cha is warned of her future betrayal.
Spoiler Alert
Warning: Spoilers ahead for "Love Never Fails" Episode 12!
Alright, let's get into it.
The episode kicks off with Lu Yao stewing in her room, heartbroken over whatever Jin Xiu pulled. Suddenly, the Tianhu General (Sky Fox General, basically) sends his men, claiming some assassination attempt went down, the "King" is injured, and Lu Yao needs to come immediately. Lu Yao isn't buying it for a second – she figures the Tianhu General is the assassin. Her loyal attendants thankfully help her escape before they can drag her away. Smart move, Lu Yao!
Meanwhile, Jin Xiu manages to get his hands on a Zhuan Sheng Ling (think of it as a Reincarnation Token or Pass) from the Ju Xian Guan (Chrysanthemum Official). His mission? Get Hong Ning to Meng Po, the legendary figure who handles souls heading for rebirth. But Meng Po hits the brakes. She tells Jin Xiu that even with the token, Hong Ning's entry in the Sheng Si Bu (the Book of Life and Death) isn't complete – her fate isn't sealed yet. Meng Po warns him not to force it, adding that if he tries to cross with Hong Ning, he'll face the Ye Huo – the agonizing Karmic Fire that burns away sins.
Does Jin Xiu listen? Nope. He's determined. He steps onto the path with Hong Ning, enduring excruciating pain but pushing forward, even crawling when he can barely stand. He tells Hong Ning that if he collapses, she must run and not look back. Right as he's about to give out, he falls... but then, plot twist! Hong Ning suddenly reappears, the terrifying Karmic Fire vanishes completely, leaving Meng Po utterly baffled. How did that happen?!
As Jin Xiu leads Hong Ning through the gate, Meng Po stops him for a quick word, letting Hong Ning go ahead first.
Back in the celestial realm (or wherever Lu Yao was), the Tianhu General is desperately searching for her, but she's vanished. He orders his men to keep looking – he needs to find her.
Then, the big bosses step in. The Dijun (Divine Emperor/Lord) and the Shenhou (Divine Empress) summon both Jin Xiu and Kunlun. They drop a bombshell: both of them, being powerful "Tian Di Stars," must descend to the mortal realm to undergo a Li Jie – a heavenly trial or tribulation, meant to test and temper them.
Kunlun is seriously unimpressed. "Trials? Can't Jin Xiu just handle that?" he complains. But the Dijun states that the Tian Dao (Heaven's Way, or cosmic fate) dictates they both must go. Kunlun grudgingly accepts. Later, the Shenhou confronts the Dijun, worried sick about what happens if they fail this trial. The Dijun gives a very detached, "It's all Heaven's will, even failure," response, which sends the Shenhou storming off in anger. Oof, parental conflict!
The Dijun then has a private chat with Jin Xiu, basically telling him he should be punished, and this trial is only happening because the Tian Dao allows it. He lays the guilt on thick, saying if Jin Xiu hadn't selfishly brought the Hong Cha (Red Tea) demoness to the heavens, she could have lived happily ever after in the mortal realm. According to the Dijun, Jin Xiu's desires ruined her life.
Not to be outdone, the Shenhou corners Kunlun, pushing him hard to use this trial as a chance to usurp the throne and become the next Tian Di (Heavenly Emperor). Kunlun, ever the chill dude, is like, "Nah, I'm good. Let my brother (presumably Jin Xiu?) have it." The Shenhou is, predictably, furious.
Jin Xiu, terrified of forgetting Hong Ning during his mortal life, seeks out the Tian Shu (Heaven's Book, a record of destiny). He declares he'll accept any punishment if he can just keep his memories of her. The Tian Shu grants his wish, giving him something to help him remember.
The meddling Shenhou shows up too, curious to see where Jin Xiu and Kunlun will be reincarnated. She sees Jin Xiu is destined for the Xian Dao (Immortal Path) and Kunlun for the Yao Dao (Demon/Monster Path). Seeing an opportunity, she sneakily switches their destined paths! However, Lu Jiu arrives just in time to witness the Tian Shu magically correcting the Empress's interference, switching them back. Destiny fights back!
As Jin Xiu and Kunlun prepare to depart for their mortal lives, Kunlun mentions he put a mark on his thumb, telling Jin Xiu to find him. Down below (or maybe just later?), the Shenhou is absolutely shocked to learn Kunlun ended up reincarnated as a Bing Yao (Ice Demon) anyway!
Time jumps. Jin Xiu, now in the mortal world, jumps into action to save people from demons. He rescues a woman who turns out to be the mother of the reincarnated Hong Ning! When the baby girl is born, her father asks Jin Xiu to name her. He chooses "Hong Ning," gives the father the Hong Cha hairpin (significant!), and adds a crucial piece of advice: ensure she has a peaceful life and never goes to Cangwu Mountain.
We see a glimpse of young Hong Ning nearly getting hurt, only to be secretly saved by Jin Xiu. Flash forward ten years: Jin Xiu has been watching over her from afar, never revealing himself. His vigil is interrupted when Ice Demons start causing chaos. He confronts one, and surprise! It's the reincarnated Kunlun. Jin Xiu tells his brother to stay put and focus on cultivating his powers. Soon after, Lu Jiu finds Jin Xiu and tells him what he saw – that the Shenhou tried to swap their fates.
Meanwhile, the now-teenage Hong Ning dreams of a man she doesn't recognize (hmm, wonder who?). And in a separate, ominous scene, Bai Cha (White Tea) falls into the Qilin Cave, where some demon tells him that Hong Ning is destined to betray him one day. Bai Cha refuses to believe it.
