Episode Summary
Mu Xian and Jin Xiu suspect Bi Qin is still nearby and investigate. At the market, a past memory involving Lily of the Valley causes tension. They try to trick Bi Qin with a spiked drink; he escapes but they discover he's been protecting his unconscious brother, whose soul was damaged saving him. Mu Xian offers to heal the brother with Qilin Grass in exchange for Bi Qin's Nei Dan. The deal is made. Jin Xiu questions Mu Xian's detached immortal perspective versus her own human passion. After Mu Xian collapses, Jin Xiu saves her. Jin Xiu avoids an arranged marriage, and Kunlun appears, seeking the Heavenly Maiden and offering to help one of the girls.
Spoiler Alert
So, the episode kicks off with Lu Jiu trying to play it cool, offering Mu Xian some pheasant soup. He's all like, "Oh, this? I made it for Jin Xiu, but there was extra," but come on, Lu Jiu, we see you! Jin Xiu even chimes in, saying Lu Jiu specially caught that pheasant. Mu Xian, ever cautious, is suspicious, wondering if Lu Jiu slipped something into the soup. Jin Xiu, trying to smooth things over, insists she’s not the type to repay kindness with treachery.
Later, Mu Xian is convinced that Bi Qin will be back that night and tells Jin Xiu to be ready. Jin Xiu has a hunch that Bi Qin hasn't actually gone far and is sticking around because something super important to him is nearby. Mu Xian figures that since peach wood naturally repels evil, talismans won't be enough to deal with Tao Yao (who is Bi Qin, the peach blossom demon). Jin Xiu suggests they check out cypress wood, thinking its ancient power might do the trick, so they decide to hit the market.
At the bustling market, they stumble upon a stall selling flowers and plants. Mu Xian spots some Lily of the Valley (Jun Ying Cao), and it triggers a memory – Jin Xiu had given her this very plant before as a way to contact her. Jin Xiu, noticing Mu Xian looking at the flowers, offers to buy them for her. But Mu Xian sharply replies, "No thanks, I hate Lily of the Valley the most." Jin Xiu is left completely baffled by this sudden mood swing. Girl, same!
Mu Xian then hands Jin Xiu a talisman, instructing her to slip it into wine for Tao Yao when he shows up. Jin Xiu, getting suspicious herself, asks if Mu Xian practices demonic arts. Mu Xian clarifies she's a cultivator, aiming for immortality. Jin Xiu finds the idea of eternal life pretty dull, which leads Mu Xian to call her insincere. That night, Mu Xian waits outside, and sure enough, Bi Qin appears, still disguised as Mu Xian. Sneaky!
Bi Qin, in Mu Xian's form, taunts Jin Xiu, asking if her "little lover" (referring to the real Mu Xian) is waiting outside. Jin Xiu, playing along, says she's very fond of Mu Xian but just hadn't mentioned it, telling Bi Qin to cut the depressing talk. Bi Qin drinks the spiked wine, realizes something is off, and makes a hasty retreat. Mu Xian and Jin Xiu chase after him. Mu Xian questions why Jin Xiu followed, and Jin Xiu declares she couldn't let Mu Xian face the danger alone. Aww!
Jin Xiu finds it odd that Bi Qin seems confined to this mountain and hasn't troubled other villages. This sparks a realization for both of them, and they rush back to their lodgings. Mu Xian breaks through a barrier and, surprise! Bi Qin is there, but so is another Tao Yao, this one unconscious. Mu Xian is stunned. Double trouble!
Bi Qin explains that the sleeping Tao Yao is his younger brother. During their tribulation (a trial for cultivators/demons), his brother could have passed, but he injured his spiritual soul trying to save Bi Qin. Jin Xiu, not letting him off the hook, points out that Bi Qin has been sucking out human brains and deserves punishment. Bi Qin claims he didn't want to do it. Then, Mu Xian drops a bombshell: she has Qilin Grass, which can heal spiritual souls. She offers a deal – Bi Qin's Nei Dan (his inner core of power) in exchange for saving his brother. This way, Bi Qin can start his cultivation over, and the brothers might reunite someday.
Bi Qin asks what Mu Xian wants his Nei Dan for, and she cryptically says she has her reasons. He agrees. Mu Xian uses the Qilin Grass to heal Bi Qin's brother, and Bi Qin hands over his Nei Dan. Jin Xiu, ever observant, asks where Mu Xian got the Qilin Grass since there isn't any around. Mu Xian explains it's from Qilin Cave, obtained by a friend. As they talk more about cultivation, Jin Xiu reiterates she's not interested. She believes immortals, with their millennia of life, become cold and detached; even if they die, they can be revived. Humans, with their short lifespans, live more passionately. Deep thoughts, Jin Xiu!
Jin Xiu then asks Mu Xian if she wants to go back with her, but Mu Xian refuses. Later, it starts raining, and Mu Xian collapses in the forest. Jin Xiu comes to the rescue and takes her back. When Mu Xian wakes up, she asks Jin Xiu if there's anything she can do to repay her for saving her life, wanting to settle the debt and leave. Jin Xiu replies that a life-saving debt isn't repaid so easily. She's got a point! Meanwhile, Jin Xiu's auntie tries to arrange a marriage for her, but Jin Xiu makes an excuse and bolts. Classic escape!
The episode wraps up with Kunlun arriving where the young ladies are, searching for the Heavenly Maiden (Tian Nü). One of the girls laments that she's still there waiting for a good husband, implying the Heavenly Maiden isn't very effective. Kunlun, however, declares the Heavenly Maiden is indeed powerful and offers to pay for the girl's redemption (buy her freedom). Interesting move, Kunlun!
