Episode Summary
Hong Ning finds Ningmeng Jing at Cangwu Mountain, leading to the revelation of her true identity as a woman to everyone, including a shocked Bai Ling. Her parents also arrive, with her father recognizing Jin Xiu. After a debate spurred by Hong Ning's historical knowledge about Cangwu Mountain and Xuyun Temple, Jin Xiu breaks the rule against female disciples. Hong Ning confesses to Jin Xiu she's not interested in cultivation but wants to find and thank her savior. The episode ends with Lu Jiu disappearing out of guilt, and Hong Ning and Bai Ling encountering signs of a dangerous new demonic threat after finding a dying rabbit demon.
Spoiler Alert
Alright folks, settle in because Episode 17 of "Love Never Fails" was quite the ride, and we've got all the juicy details and spoilers for you! This isn't your typical weekly drop, so let's dive into what went down in this packed episode.
Our story picks up with Hong Ning, who, after getting a pass from Bai Ling, tracks down her pal Ningmeng Jing (yes, our very own Lemon Spirit!). She finds him in a rather unexpected spot: a steamy room where disciples are cultivating. Apparently, the herbal mist in there works wonders for their practice. Hong Ning was about to make a quiet exit when she heard Ningmeng Jing's voice. He was pretty surprised to see her, and Hong Ning confessed she’d been frantic after he was taken and had come looking for him.
Ningmeng Jing was clearly touched by her loyalty. He explained that after Bai Ling brought him to Cangwu Mountain, the people there learned he was willing to cultivate and sent him to this special steam room to boost his skills – and, get this, to give massages to his fellow disciples! He was worried about Hong Ning, though, pointing out the risk of a girl being discovered in such a place. But Hong Ning had another pressing matter: she’s still determined to find out if Jin Xiu is the celestial being who saved her life.
Just then, drama unfolds outside. A disciple alerts Jin Xiu to a disturbance. It turns out to be Hong Ning's parents, who have arrived demanding their daughter's return! In a twist, Hong Ning's father recognizes Jin Xiu as the very person who once helped them. Jin Xiu confirms Hong Ning is there and brings her parents in. Hong Ning is surprised to see them and apologizes for leaving without a word. Her mother wants her home immediately, but her father, understanding her intentions to save someone, sees no fault in her actions.
However, Hong Ning isn't ready to leave. She tells her parents she has unfinished business and will return soon. This is the moment Bai Ling has a major realization – Hong Ning is a woman! He's utterly shocked. Jin Xiu calls Hong Ning over, and she admits her true gender, leaving the other disciples stunned. Ningmeng Jing steps in to explain that Hong Ning disguised herself because she thought he’d been captured by Cangwu Mountain, and knowing they didn’t accept female disciples, she took the risk to save him.
Bai Ling then admits he might share some of the blame, but he also points out that they took his "original form" (mysterious, right?) and that Ningmeng Jing had splashed super sour lemon water in his eyes. Ningmeng Jing retorts that this was only because Lu Jiu was guarding the village entrance, leading the villagers to believe that everyone from Cangwu Mountain was a villain. Lu Jiu, naturally, denies any involvement.
This whole reveal ignites a debate among the disciples. Some insist that the rules are rules and Hong Ning must leave, while others argue that she’s proven herself and shouldn’t be expelled over an outdated tradition. Jin Xiu wisely lets them debate it out. Hong Ning then delivers a historical bombshell: Cangwu Mountain and Xuyun Temple were originally a single entity. They only separated because of disagreements about male and female disciples living together. This revelation leaves the opposition speechless. With the consensus shifted, Jin Xiu declares that the old rule is officially broken.
Later, Jin Xiu thoughtfully provides Hong Ning with a set of women's clothes, telling her she no longer needs to hide her identity. Hong Ning confesses that she’s not actually interested in cultivation; her main reason for staying was to find the celestial being who saved her. Jin Xiu notes her continued lack of interest in the cultivator's path, and Hong Ning admits she prefers the warmth and liveliness of the mortal world.
She makes another attempt to get a straight answer, asking Jin Xiu if he was her savior. Jin Xiu, ever enigmatic, deflects, asking if she intends to marry him to repay the debt if he was. Hong Ning clarifies she simply wants to express her gratitude in person. Just as she’s preparing to leave, Bai Ling rushes in with urgent news: Lu Jiu has disappeared! It seems Lu Jiu was feeling immensely guilty for failing to keep a proper watch on Hong Ning, which inadvertently protected her secret.
Hong Ning and Bai Ling immediately start a search and discover fox bloodstains, but the trail soon vanishes. Suddenly, a terrified rabbit demon appears, muttering about a powerful monster before collapsing and dying. Hong Ning astutely observes that a monster capable of scaring other demons must be incredibly formidable. Dongxuan Zhenren then arrives and is quite surprised to learn that Hong Ning has the innate ability to identify demons. He suggests they postpone the search until the next day. Bai Ling agrees, admitting that rushing in now would be reckless, and decides to write to his master for guidance and potential backup. What a cliffhanger to leave us on!
