Episode Summary
Jin Xiu is in a tough spot, dealing with Hong Ning's very obvious feelings for him while trying to prevent past tragedies from repeating, all while his own health is taking a hit from a karmic backlash. Hong Ning, for her part, is determined to get close to Jin Xiu, driven by her affection and a secret mission to find Ning Meng Jing. Elsewhere, Bai Ling is sneakily trying to protect Lu Yao, leading to Lu Yao discovering Bai Ling's demonic nature. Jin Xiu's special attention to Hong Ning doesn't go unnoticed by other disciples. The episode wraps up with Bai Ling leading Hong Ning and Bai Bu Qu on a search for the elusive Nine-Leaf Lingzhi.
Spoiler Alert
The episode kicks off with Jin Xiu having a little chat—more like a stressed-out vent session—with Ju Xian Guan (Chrysanthemum Official). Ju Xian Guan is clearly over it, basically saying, "Dude, you keeping your memories is already breaking the rules, and now you're dragging me into your drama daily?". Jin Xiu's big concern? Hong Ning is back in his orbit, and yep, she’s still totally crushing on him. How does he know? She confessed that seeing him makes her heart do the cha-cha. Jin Xiu is torn. He desperately wants to prevent Hong Ning from repeating past heartbreaks, but he also knows that flat-out rejecting her will crush her spirit. Talk about a dilemma!
Ju Xian Guan is practically throwing his hands up in the air at Jin Xiu's indecisiveness, like, "Make up your mind, buddy!". Meanwhile, Hong Ning isn't exactly playing it cool. She’s posted up outside, sweeping, but her eyes are glued to Jin Xiu's every move. Jin Xiu can't help but wonder, "Does she really like me this much to just stand there and stare?". Hong Ning then brings him some tea, but here’s the kicker: she’s not just being sweet. She figures cozying up to Jin Xiu is her ticket to the dungeon, where she needs to find Ning Meng Jing (Lemon Spirit). Girl's got a plan!
So, Jin Xiu, probably trying to manage the situation (or maybe just a little flustered), tells Hong Ning to go clean… well, everywhere. And Hong Ning? She’s thrilled! Jin Xiu muses that she’s willing to do pretty much anything just for a glimpse of him.
Elsewhere, Bai Ling is playing caretaker to Lu Yao, even sneaking his own spiritual power into her food. Lu Yao, understandably, wants to know when he’s going to let her go. Bai Ling’s excuse is that he needs to "fatten her up" to impress his seniors by showing them what a "big demon" he’s caught. Lu Yao is fuming, but Bai Ling's real motive is much sweeter: he’s trying to keep her safe from the heavenly soldiers. Aww!
Back to the angst! Lu Jiu is heartbroken and feeling utterly useless because Hong Ning has vanished from his watch. And speaking of not doing so great, Jin Xiu is watching Hong Ning cultivate when he suddenly coughs up blood. Hong Ning rushes to his side, concerned, but he brushes it off, claiming he’s fine. The truth, though, is that the backlash from his karmic fire is getting seriously worse. This can't be good.
On a slightly lighter note, Bai Bu Qu draws a map of Cangwu Mountain, which makes Hong Ning super happy because, as she admits, she gets lost all the time. She asks if she can have it, and Bai Bu Qu, being a good sport, hands it over. This seemingly small event irks Jin Xiu, who’s not thrilled seeing Hong Ning sharing a room with other disciples. When another disciple complains that Jin Xiu is showing favoritism by only teaching Hong Ning, Jin Xiu decides to act. He has Bai Ling tell Hong Ning she can have her own room, and she’s ecstatic, moving in immediately. Someone’s a little jealous, perhaps?
The Bai Ling and Lu Yao saga continues when Bai Ling brings Lu Yao a rabbit. Their little hideout is almost discovered by a senior disciple, but they manage to stay hidden. Bai Ling urges Lu Yao to eat, and she hits him with a zinger: "Should I eat the rabbit or your spiritual power? I'm a deity, you're a demon now – your power is useless to me". Ouch. Bai Ling is stunned she knows. Lu Yao then returns his spiritual power, telling him to hold onto it until she actually needs it.
Later, with Bai Ling asleep, Lu Yao observes that he’s not so bad when he’s quiet, but the moment he opens his mouth… yikes. Then, Lu Jiu makes his dramatic return. His fellow disciples, who were just goofing off, instantly freeze up. Bai Ling approaches Lu Jiu to ask about what foxes like (hmm, curious!) and to clear the air about an ermine fur robe – apparently, Jin Xiu took it for Hong Ning, not him. Lu Jiu, in typical grumpy fashion, just tells Bai Ling to get lost.
But the mention of Hong Ning jogs Lu Jiu’s memory, and he immediately seeks her out. He’s all worked up, asking how she managed to slip away from him, then quickly spirals into self-blame, calling himself a waste. He then confronts Jin Xiu, asking why he’s letting Hong Ning stay. Jin Xiu explains that with demons running rampant, Hong Ning would be in serious danger if she weren't there. Lu Jiu, however, worries that her presence will mess with Jin Xiu's cultivation and blames himself for the whole situation.
To wrap things up, Bai Ling tries to hit up Jin Xiu for some cash, but no dice. So, he turns to his fellow disciples, who are busy gossiping about how well their Shi Zun (Master Jin Xiu) is treating Hong Ning. Finally, Bai Ling takes Hong Ning and Bai Bu Qu to the back mountain on a mission: to find the Nine-Leaf Lingzhi. Ju Xian Guan, however, bows out, saying his cultivation isn't up to snuff for this adventure, and Bai Ling lets him go.
