Episode Summary
Tian Hu holds Lu Yao hostage but is outsmarted and defeated by Kunlun and Lu Yao, with Jinxiu's help. Kunlun confesses his feelings for Lu Yao. Meanwhile, Mu Xian learns the truth about his past and his parents' fate: Jinxiu had to "kill" them and others so they could reincarnate, a situation orchestrated by Grand Master Taiyi. Jinxiu also helps Mu Xian find a way to bring the villainous Han Gong to justice indirectly and encourages Mu Xian to understand his own heart.
Spoiler Alert
Things kicked off with Tian Hu having Lu Yao literally in his clutches. He’s all puffed up, telling her she better behave, or once he’s in power, she’ll be useless to him, and, you know, he could just dispose of her. Classic villain monologue, right? Just then, word comes that someone from the Zhongtian sect is at the door. And who strolls in? None other than Kunlun! He claims that Jinxiu feels super guilty about calling off their wedding and sent him with gifts as an apology. Smooth.
Kunlun presents the Golden Lotus Dew, but Tian Hu’s no fool. He’s like, "Hold up, didn't Jinxiu give that to her actual lover?" Kunlun, quick on his feet, explains the dew was split in two from the start – one for Jinxiu, one for him. Tian Hu grumbles that it sounds like something Zhongtian would do. But here’s the kicker: Kunlun says Jinxiu insisted he must see the "Heavenly Maiden" (we're guessing that's Lu Yao) or the gifts can't be delivered.
Tian Hu totally sees through this charade and knows Kunlun is there to stir up trouble. He calls in his goons, and a fight breaks out. Predictably, they’re no match for Kunlun. Tian Hu, ever the brave leader, makes a run for it. Just then, Jinxiu herself arrives on the scene! She admits she’s the one who spilled the beans to Kunlun about the invitation – how could she not come? She tells Kunlun to go find Lu Yao; she’ll handle things there. Off Kunlun goes.
He finds Lu Yao, but Tian Hu, slimy as ever, uses her as a shield to threaten Kunlun. Our hero takes a hit and goes down, much to Tian Hu's delight. But wait for it… Kunlun was just playing possum! He springs back up and stabs Tian Hu, coolly remarking, "This is what you call giving someone a taste of their own medicine." He then tells Lu Yao to do the honors. She doesn’t hesitate, plunging a weapon into Tian Hu and declaring that his vile ambitions and betrayal of her father end today. With Tian Hu dealt with, Jinxiu makes a swift exit, saying she has other business. And in a quiet moment, Kunlun finally confesses his feelings to Lu Yao. Aww!
Meanwhile, elsewhere, Bai Cha finds Mu Xian moping. Bai Cha points out, rather bluntly, that Jinxiu and the others (who are powerful deities, remember) just up and left him there. The implication? Mu Xian can't just jaunt off to other realms like they can. Mu Xian tries to brush it off, saying he didn't want to go anyway. Bai Cha isn't buying it and basically accuses Mu Xian of projecting his own insecurities, then impatiently asks when Mu Xian’s dormant demon king powers are finally going to awaken because he’s been waiting ages. Ouch, Bai Cha, tell him how you really feel.
Jinxiu returns and hears a report that requires a trip to the mortal realm. Mu Xian, perhaps wanting to prove Bai Cha wrong or just wanting to be with Jinxiu, asks to tag along, and she agrees. They arrive at a place run by a certain Han Gong and go in to "buy" something. Han Gong first brings out a tormented turtle demon, which others are cruelly mocking. Jinxiu, bless her heart, pays to rescue it. Then, Han Gong presents his main "item": Lu Jiu. Turns out, rescuing Lu Jiu was Jinxiu’s whole reason for coming down to the mortal realm.
Mu Xian isn't thrilled about this, still holding a grudge against Lu Jiu. Jinxiu explains that Lu Jiu was being controlled back then, and they need to find the real puppet master. Kunlun shows up (he’s everywhere this episode!) and adds a crucial piece of info: when Lu Jiu was set for reincarnation, a celestial official found a strange talisman on his back, looking like the handiwork of Grand Master Taiyi. Just then, Lu Jiu wakes up. He’s clearly been through a lot, plagued by nightmares for years. He immediately kneels and apologizes to Mu Xian, saying that because of him, so many people were annihilated.
Mu Xian is confused, asking what Lu Jiu means. Kunlun, ever the instigator, looks at Jinxiu and asks if she’s still not going to explain. And then the truth bomb drops: Kunlun reveals that Jinxiu was the one who "killed" those people, but she did it so they could reincarnate. Mu Xian is floored. His first thought? His parents. What happened to them?
Jinxiu gently takes Mu Xian to see them. She says it took her a long time to find them. His parents have reincarnated, living a simple life, and they don't remember him at all. They kindly offer Jinxiu and Mu Xian some porridge. It’s a bittersweet moment, for sure.
Mu Xian, still processing everything, remembers that Han Gong hasn't faced any punishment. Jinxiu explains that deities can't directly interfere in mortal affairs. However, she subtly implies that since Mu Xian found Han Gong's incriminating account books and passed them on, mortal justice will catch up to him. Smart.
Finally, Mu Xian asks Jinxiu why she never told him the truth before. Jinxiu’s answer is heavy. She feels that if it weren't for her, Grand Master Taiyi wouldn't have done those things in the first place, so she didn't feel she had the right to act like it had nothing to do with her. Mu Xian is hit with a wave of guilt, realizing all the times he unknowingly hurt Jinxiu. Jinxiu simply says she hopes that, in the future, he’ll be able to see and understand his own heart.
