Episode Summary
Mu Xian finds a disoriented Jin Xiu, who eventually returns to the celestial realm, much to the Di Jun's joy and the Empress's anger. Kunlun impresses the Di Jun by successfully organizing the Yan Chi Hui and is deemed ready to be the Shen Fa Zhe. Meanwhile, Mu Xian confronts Bai Cha, who, angered by Mu Xian's love for Jin Xiu, curses him with a "Heart-Locking Thread" that causes pain with love. The episode ends with Mu Xian receiving a wedding invitation for Lu Yao and Tian Hu, prompting Kunlun to ask the Empress for troops to rescue Lu Yao, a request she grants on the condition that Kunlun competes with Jin Xiu for the Tian Di position, which he refuses. Jin Xiu prepares to leave, worried about Kunlun's impending trip to the Northern Immortal Realm.
Spoiler Alert
So, first off, Mu Xian finally finds Jin Xiu, and it's a super emotional reunion! Mu Xian is all set to bring Jin Xiu back, but Jin Xiu’s like, "Hold up, I can't go back right now." Apparently, after that whole ordeal (you know, the "tribulation"), Jin Xiu was just kind of drifting, all dazed and confused, and somehow ended up outside the Three Realms. How she’s supposed to pop into the future from there is anyone’s guess.
Jin Xiu also takes a moment to apologize to Mu Xian for how she acted back in Wu Zhang Guo, blaming it on her memory loss. She admits she was really hoping Mu Xian would find her, and now that he has, she's genuinely happy. Meanwhile, Mu Xian reports back to Zhong Xian, confirming Jin Xiu has been found but that they still need to wait things out.
Back at the celestial headquarters, the Di Jun (Emperor) and the Empress are discussing who should take over the critical role of Shen Fa Zhe (Divine Punisher) since Jin Xiu has been MIA. The Empress throws Kunlun's name into the ring, mentioning he’s been doing pretty well since his own tribulation. The Di Jun, however, points out that the Shen Fa Zhe needs not only immense power but also a commanding presence to keep the Three Realms in check. Kunlun himself admits he’s not quite there yet in terms of prestige. With the Yan Chi Hui (Pool Banquet) coming up, he asks the Di Jun to entrust him with organizing it, hoping to prove himself.
The Di Jun is a bit skeptical, remembering Kunlun’s last attempt at event planning was a bit… over the top. But Kunlun assures him he’s changed since his tribulation, and the Di Jun agrees. Later, Mu Xian brings Kunlun some flower nectar, and they get to talking about Jin Xiu. Kunlun reminisces about how he used to be a troublemaker, and Jin Xiu, always the quiet one engrossed in books and cultivation, would still cover for him.
Kunlun also drops a pretty heavy truth bomb: Jin Xiu is destined to be the future Di Jun, a position that doesn't allow for personal emotions – not even with her own parents. Mu Xian wonders if this is why Jin Xiu rarely smiles. Kunlun reflects on his past approach to the Yan Chi Hui, realizing that all the hustle and bustle he once aimed for is fleeting. Mu Xian offers a hopeful note, saying that what's lost can be found again, and Kunlun expresses his wish for "them" (presumably Jin Xiu and others) to return soon.
The Yan Chi Hui turns out to be a success, much to the Di Jun's satisfaction. As the Yue Deng Jie (Moon Lantern Festival) approaches, Mu Xian finds Jin Xiu again, telling her, "I'll take you home." The Di Jun, impressed by Kunlun's transformation, agrees he’s ready to be the Shen Fa Zhe. Kunlun humbly states that with his brother (presumably Jin Xiu, in a leadership sense) absent, it's time for him to step up and take responsibility.
And then, the moment arrives – Jin Xiu is back! The Di Jun is overjoyed, Kunlun is thrilled, but the Empress? Oh, she is furious. When the Di Jun asks where Jin Xiu has been, she explains she was in a dazed state, unaware of her whereabouts, until Mu Xian found her through a dream he had. The Empress scoffs, saying dreams are illusions and questioning how Jin Xiu could have entered one. The Di Jun, just happy to have Jin Xiu back, brushes off the details.
Jin Xiu's return brings joy to many, including the Ju Xian Guan (Chrysanthemum Official). Kunlun, in a lighter moment, mentions he still prefers the previous Hong Cha (Black Tea) demon.
Now, for a shift in drama: Mu Xian confronts Bai Cha, confirming he’s the demon king they’ve been talking about. Bai Cha claims he’s only taking what’s rightfully his. Mu Xian isn't having it, telling Bai Cha he’s responsible for the mess in Wu Zhang Guo and needs to stop his scheming.
Bai Cha then pulls the "I did it all for you" card with Mu Xian. Mu Xian’s response? "I don't need it, and I can give this life back to you." Bai Cha, clearly not taking rejection well, asks if Mu Xian has forgotten everything Jin Xiu did. Mu Xian admits he hasn't forgotten, but declares, "I love Jin Xiu." This pushes Bai Cha over the edge. He stops Mu Xian and uses a "Suo Xin Xian" (Heart-Locking Thread/Line) on him, venomously saying that if Mu Xian claims to love Jin Xiu, he should "enjoy" it, because the more he loves Jin Xiu, the more pain he’ll feel. Ouch!
Just when you think things can't get more complicated, Mu Xian receives a wedding invitation from Tian Hu (Sky Fox) for his marriage to Lu Yao. He tells Kunlun, who then goes to the Empress to borrow troops to rescue Lu Yao. The Empress agrees, but with a huge condition: Kunlun must compete with Jin Xiu for the Tian Di (Celestial Emperor) position. Kunlun refuses, stating he’s never wanted to be Tian Di.
The episode wraps with Jin Xiu finding Mu Xian and telling him she needs to leave for a few days. She’s worried because she knows Kunlun will definitely go to the Bei Xian Jie (Northern Immortal Realm), and she can't just sit by.
