Episode Summary
Jin Xiu accepts punishment for meddling in the Northern Immortal Realm's affairs, receiving lightning punishment which worries Mu Xian. While Di Jun tends to Jin Xiu, Mu Xian's presence comforts him, and they share a tender moment reflecting on past communications. Bai Cha attempts to manipulate a vulnerable Mu Xian, questioning her love for Jin Xiu due to the Lock Heart Thread. Surprisingly, the Empress appoints Mu Xian as the new Flower Deity, a role Jin Xiu supports her in, though the Empress has ulterior motives. As Mu Xian learns her new duties, she suspects Zi Teng's involvement in past events. During the Huachao Festival, Man Tuo Luo Hua attacks Mu Xian, revealing Mu Xian's past identity as the Hong Cha Yao. In the aftermath, Mei Xianshi takes the blame to lessen her own punishment, resulting in Mu Xian being sent to the Hundred Flower Diagram and Mei Xianshi to the Withered Garden.
Spoiler Alert
Jin Xiu Faces the Music (and Lightning!)
So, our boy Jin Xiu strolls in to see Di Jun (the Emperor, basically) and Shen Hou (the Empress) to apologize. He's all, "My bad, I shouldn't have stuck my nose into the Northern Immortal Realm's business." Di Jun isn't having it, reminding Jin Xiu that his term as Flower Deity is almost up and, hello, he’s the future Tian Di (Celestial Emperor) because his star is all lit up! "How can you be so reckless?" he scolds. Jin Xiu, ever the stand-up guy, is ready to take whatever punishment is coming his way, insisting it was all him, no one else involved.
Next thing you know, Jin Xiu is at the punishment platform taking the Lei Xing – that’s lightning punishment, ouch! Mu Xian hears about it and rushes over, naturally. The guards try to stop her, saying Di Jun is inside. Turns out, Di Jun is actually tending to Jin Xiu's wounds. He’s super concerned, asking why Jin Xiu's spiritual essence is so withered. Jin Xiu, trying to be brave, tells his "father" (remember, Di Jun is like a father figure) not to waste his powers, admitting he's been like this ever since he got back from Wu Zhang Guo. When Di Jun steps out, he spots Mu Xian waiting.
A Tender Moment Amidst Pain
Mu Xian finally gets to see Jin Xiu and wants to use her powers to heal him. But Jin Xiu stops her, saying, "Honey, you used up most of your spiritual energy looking for me, don't waste what little you have left." Aww! He then tells her that just seeing her every day will help him heal faster. So sweet! Then, Jin Xiu gets a bit nostalgic, remembering how Mu Xian used to send him letters that just said, "Are you there?" He admits he never replied back then, but now he realizes those two simple words were packed with longing. If it were now, he says, he'd definitely reply properly. Cue the collective "d'aww"!
Bai Cha Twists the Knife
But happiness is fleeting in dramaland, isn't it? When Mu Xian steps out, who does she run into? Bai Cha. And because of that cursed "Suo Xin Xian" (Lock Heart Thread), Mu Xian is in a world of pain. Bai Cha, being the manipulative snake she is, whispers poison in Mu Xian's ear: "If Jin Xiu knew about this, would he think your love for him isn't pure? That you're just using him?" Then she has the audacity to say that with Jin Xiu injured, she could totally kill him now. She even brags that her current power is enough to take on the entire Hua Chao Gong (Flower Dynasty Palace) and tells Mu Xian it's not too late to switch sides. Ugh, the nerve!
Surprise! You're the New Flower Deity!
Just when you think things can't get crazier, the Shen Hou (Empress) sends over a decree: Mu Xian is to be the new Flower Deity! Mu Xian is floored. She's like, "Wait, what? I just got here! Shouldn't this go to Mei Xianshi (Plum Immortal Envoy)?" Even Jin Xiu thought Mei Xianshi was a shoo-in. Mu Xian is torn, but Jin Xiu, supportive as ever, tells her not to worry, he'll help her. After mulling it over, Mu Xian decides to accept. Little do they know, the Empress has a scheme cooking. She’s got people watching Mu Xian and Jin Xiu, thinking Mu Xian's obvious "flaw" (likely her past or connection to demons) will be something Jin Xiu will struggle to hide. Oh, this Empress is sneaky!
New Job, Old Enemies
Jin Xiu starts briefing Mu Xian on her new duties. Mu Xian can't help but reflect on how, when she first arrived, Jin Xiu was always telling her to follow the rules, and now the shoe's on the other foot. The Huachao Festival (Flower Dynasty Festival) is coming up, and Mei Xianshi is briefing Mu Xian on the candidates for various roles. Turns out, some of these candidates were put there by Zi Teng. Mu Xian realizes Zi Teng's influence runs deep and subtly hints to Mei Xianshi about who she should be supporting. Mu Xian still suspects Zi Teng and her crew had something to do with what happened to Bai Cha back in the day and is determined not to let it slide.
Attack at the Festival!
The Huachao Festival arrives, and during the flower offering, Man Tuo Luo Hua (Datura Flower) suddenly tries to attack Mu Xian! Kunlun and the others manage to subdue her. Mu Xian confronts Man Tuo Luo Hua, asking why she attacked and what beef they have. Man Tuo Luo Hua spits out that Mu Xian is none other than the Hong Cha Yao (Red Tea Demon) from years ago! She claims she worked so hard but was never chosen because of Mu Xian. "You think changing your identity means I wouldn't recognize you?!" she seethes. The secret is out!
Taking the Fall
The Shen Hou (Empress) hauls everyone in for questioning. Mu Xian immediately says it's all her fault. Jin Xiu and the others try to speak up for her, but then Mei Xianshi steps forward and takes all the blame on herself! What a twist! As a result, Mu Xian is punished by being sent to the Bai Hua Tu (Hundred Flower Diagram), and Mei Xianshi is demoted to the Can Hua Yuan (Withered Garden). Later, Jin Xiu finds Mei Xianshi and says he should thank her. But Mei Xianshi is brutally honest: she only confessed because she knew if she didn't, her punishment would have been even worse. Pragmatic, much?
