Episode Summary
The episode sees Jinxiu, Kunlun, and Lu Jiu unite to defeat Baicha, ending the immortal-demon war. Jinxiu sacrifices his Qilin bloodline to dispel resentment. Kunlun ascends as the new Heavenly Emperor, decreeing equality for demons and immortals. He confronts his mother, the Empress, about her war plans and sends her back to the West Sea. Lu Jiu becomes the King of the Northern Immortal Realm. Jinxiu learns Hong Ning has reached the underworld by sheer will and decides to find her in her mortal reincarnation, embracing the cycle of rediscovering their love in each lifetime. The episode ends with Jinxiu reuniting with Hong Ning.
Spoiler Alert
"Love Never Fails" Episode 40 Recap & Spoilers
The confrontation intensifies as Jinxiu arrives, immediately clashing with Baicha. He urges Kunlun and Lu Jiu to cast aside their personal vendettas, warning that hatred will not lead to Baicha's defeat. Taking his words to heart, Kunlun and Lu Jiu abandon their resentment. United, the three of them manage to overpower Baicha. Jinxiu declares that his only desire has always been Hong Ning. Baicha scoffs, questioning how Jinxiu even dares to utter Hong Ning's name.
Jinxiu reminds Baicha that Hong Ning once saved him and pleaded on his behalf, solely because they shared a common origin. She had always seen Baicha as a potential companion for their journey, a sentiment Baicha clearly did not share. Baicha, however, shifts the blame, accusing them of selfishness. He claims that if they hadn't, due to his demon nature, cast him into the Qilin Cave, he wouldn't have been denied immortality and forced to endure the torment of heavenly fire.
Jinxiu dismisses these as mere excuses for Baicha's heinous actions. He points out that Baicha, driven by selfish ambition, instigated the devastating war between the immortal and demon realms, and for that, he cannot be spared. Jinxiu calls upon Kunlun to deliver the final blow. Kunlun complies, ending Baicha's life, clarifying that his actions stem not from resentment, but from Baicha's own unforgivable crimes. With the threat neutralized, Jinxiu scatters his Qilin bloodline across the Three Mountains and Five Peaks, a sacred act that dispels the pervasive animosity and brings an end to the great war.
Later, Jinxiu offers an apology to Kunlun. Kunlun reassures him, stating that if the apology concerns his Royal Father, it's unnecessary, as his father’s fate was a result of his own choices. Lu Jiu then announces his departure, reminding Jinxiu of his desire to pursue his own path. Jinxiu consents. When Kunlun inquires about Lu Jiu's destination, Jinxiu simply suggests he will go wherever his heart leads him. Kunlun believes Jinxiu is the rightful heir to the Heavenly Emperor's throne, but Jinxiu demurs, asserting that Kunlun is far more suited for the role. He adds that with immortals and demons now recognized as sharing a common origin, he would be content to become a Demon Emperor .
Elsewhere, the Chrysanthemum Officialdiligently organizes his chronicles. He reveres Jinxiu as his ultimate hero and is determined to document his story for posterity. Jinxiu himself appears, much to the official's excitement. When asked about his plans, Jinxiu reveals his intention to visit the Withered Garden . Overcome with emotion, the Chrysanthemum Official impulsively calls Jinxiu by his name.
A celestial sign, Kunlun's Heavenly Emperorstar, illuminates the sky, heralding his ascension to the throne. As the new Heavenly Emperor, Kunlun proclaims a new era: newly formed demons will be treated with equality, free to choose whether they wish to become immortals or remain demons. The Lemon Spiritand his companions are present for this declaration. The Lemon Spirit curiously asks if this means he too could become an immortal. Kunlun readily offers him immortal status, but the Lemon Spirit politely declines, admitting he was merely testing the authenticity of the new decree.
Kunlun returns with the Empress , who is overjoyed, offering heartfelt congratulations to her son on becoming the Heavenly Emperor. Kunlun confesses that while he previously had no desire for the imperial throne, he now understands that his own aspirations and his Royal Mother's ambitions for him were merely different paths leading to the same destination. Sensing something more, the Empress asks Kunlun if he has something specific he wishes to tell her.
Indeed, Kunlun expresses his disapproval of the Empress's plan to lead the forces of the West Seato attack the Northern Immortal Realm . He instructs her to return to the West Sea and maintain her vigil there, promising to visit her. The Empress, her voice laced with sorrow, asks if Kunlun has always harbored hatred towards her. Kunlun quietly affirms that he has. Devastated, the Empress is lost in painful memories, questioning if her past actions were truly mistaken.
Kunlun then journeys to the Northern Immortal Realm, where Lu Jiu has now become its Great King. Lu Jiu presents several requests, all of which Kunlun readily approves. Lu Jiu reveals that he has finally mastered control over his nine tails and proudly displays them for Kunlun, mentioning that she would have wanted to see them. Afterward, Kunlun creates two communication talismans and is seen in constant conversation with Lu Yao.
At the edge of the underworld, Meng Po is taken aback to see Hong Ning, whom she believed could never reach her domain. Meng Po is further astonished to find Hong Ning has no soul, realizing she reached the underworld through sheer force of will. Meanwhile, Jinxiu is peacefully tending to the flowers and plants in the Withered Garden when Kunlun arrives. Kunlun playfully inquires if Jinxiu summoned him merely to boast about his gardening skills.
Jinxiu’s reason is far more profound: he has found Hong Ning and intends to leave. Kunlun questions if Hong Ning has reincarnated as a mortal, suggesting Jinxiu could guide her towards immortality, allowing them to remain together indefinitely. Jinxiu, however, feels an immense debt to Hong Ning and is determined to find her in her current life. Kunlun gently reminds him that mortals live but a single lifetime, their memories erased with each rebirth. Jinxiu embraces the idea, musing isn't there a unique charm in finding Hong Ning anew in each life, to meet, fall in love, and cherish each other all over again?
The episode culminates with Jinxiu finding Hong Ning. As they share a tranquil boat ride on a serene lake, memories of their shared past flood back, and they embrace with deep affection.
