Episode Summary
Jin Xiu reacts possessively to finding Hong Ning bathing and insists she be blindfolded while tending his wounds, revealing his scarred back and the pain he endures. They discover Bai Cha hiding in the Withered Garden, leading to the demotion of the corrupt Apricot Immortal Envoy who denied Bai Cha his status. Jin Xiu tries to secretly save Bai Cha by having him sent to the lower realm, but the plan is exposed by the vengeful Apricot Immortal. Kun Lun takes the blame, but Grand Master Taiyi brings Hong Ning's demonic nature to the Emperor's attention. Questioned about his lingering attachments, Jin Xiu denies feelings for Hong Ning, accepts lightning punishment, and arranges for Hong Ning to be sent back to the mortal realm, giving her protective items and urging her to cultivate well so she might return.
Spoiler Alert
Love Never Fails: Episode 7 Recap & Spoilers
Alright, so we start with Jin Xiu barging in, clearly expecting some kind of emergency, only to find Hong Ning just... chilling in a bath. He's immediately annoyed and tells her, basically, "No more baths for you!" Hong Ning, bless her innocent heart, is totally confused. She explains that back in the mortal realm, when she was just a little flower spirit, everyone used to hang out and bathe together. Jin Xiu looks absolutely floored at the thought of her bathing with others. He quickly amends his rule: okay, you can bathe, but only at this specific time, and definitely not with anyone else. Yeah, the possessiveness is showing, my friends.
Moving on, Hong Ning proudly presents the wound medicine she made for Jin Xiu and wants to apply it. But hold up – Jin Xiu insists she wear a blindfold first! His reasoning? Whether you're an immortal, a human, or a demon, desire is a thing, and cultivation is all about keeping that stuff in check. Deep, dude. Hong Ning tries, but curiositygets the better of her, and she peeks. What she sees hits her hard: Jin Xiu's back is covered in scars. She starts crying, genuinely heartbroken for him.
Jin Xiu sees her tears and seems genuinely moved, admitting it's the first time anyone has ever cried for him. Hong Ning asks if he's ever cried for someone else, and he gives a flat "no." We learn these scars are the result of some kind of "backlash" . Her homemade remedy won't actually heal these kinds of wounds, but Jin Xiu keeps it anyway, touched by her gesture. It’s the thought that counts, right?
Later, Hong Ning discovers someone hiding in the Withered Garden . Surprise! It's Bai Cha. She remembers hearing about him – the guy the "Lemon Spirit" mentioned who cultivated into an immortal on the next mountain over. Bai Cha explains his sad story: he came to the Flower Dynasty Palaceto officially register as an immortal, but the Apricot Immortal Envoyplayed dirty, denied him his rightful status, and gave it to his own cousin instead! Talk about nepotism. According to the rules, Bai Cha shouldn't be there, but he was too heartbroken and unwilling to give up, so he hid in the Withered Garden. Unfortunately, without proper sunlight and dew, he started to wither away until Hong Ning found and saved him.
Hong Ning, being the sweetheart she is, tells Bai Cha she doesn't believe demons are inherently inferior. Bai Cha, still clinging to his dream of becoming a proper immortal, asks if she looks down on him for it. "Of course not!" she says, encouraging him to follow his heart now that he's made his decision.
Perfect timing for more drama: Jin Xiu shows up, using the excuse of bringing Hong Ning flowers . Shao Yao is with him and goes to put the flowers inside, only to spot Bai Cha. Busted!
Jin Xiu calls everyone together. Hong Ning explains what the Apricot Immortal did. Predictably, Xing Xian Shi denies everything, calling it nonsense. Jin Xiu acknowledges that Bai Cha staying was against the rules, even if understandable, and tells them to drop the matter. However, he then turns his attention to Xing Xian Shi, stating that his repeated mistakes make him unfit for his position. He demotes the Apricot Immortal back to a lower-ranking immortal. Ouch, that’s gotta sting.
The Plum Immortal Envoytries to console the now-demoted Xing Xian Shi, suggesting Jin Xiu is just angry and will calm down later. But Xing Xian Shi isn't having it; he thinks she's just there to mock him and bitterly declares, "This isn't over." Uh oh.
Meanwhile, Bai Cha is being escorted away, supposedly to the Transformation Pool . Hong Ning and Kun Lun come to see him off. The head guard quietly tells them this is actually Jin Xiu's secret order – he couldn't openly pardon Bai Cha, so this is his way of saving him from a worse fateby sending him to the lower realm instead. Before leaving, Bai Cha urges Hong Ning to cultivate well.
But Xing Xian Shi, true to his word, isn't letting it go. He runs straight to the Grand Master Taiyiand snitches about the secret plan. Taiyi Zhenren is furious and immediately orders the head guard dragged off to the Transformation Pool . The Emperor/Lordsummons Kun Lun, demanding to know what's going on. Kun Lun bravely steps up and takes full responsibility. Jin Xiu rushes in, saying he will handle Kun Lun's punishment .
However, Taiyi Zhenren isn't done causing trouble. He points out that Bai Cha wasn't the only demon hanging around the Flower Dynasty Palace and orders Hong Ning brought forward.
This pushes the Emperor too far. He confronts Jin Xiu directly, asking about Hong Ning's connection to a "Hong Cha"from the past. He demands to know if Jin Xiu is still unable to sever his emotions and attachments. Jin Xiu, under pressure, insists he only brought Hong Ning up for punishment and has no personal feelings involved. He suggests simply sending her back to the mortal realm is punishment enough. To prove his point , Jin Xiu is sentenced to endure the lightning punishment . The Emperor tells him to think very carefully while he's at it.
So, Hong Ning has to leave. Shao Yao brings her gifts collected from everyone, telling her she must come back someday. Hong Ning desperately wants to see Jin Xiu one last time, but the Chrysanthemum Officialtells her to forget it. He also tells her not to blame Jin Xiu, revealing that Jin Xiu really did his best to protect her.
Just as Hong Ning sadly plucks a flower petal, Jin Xiu himself appears . Chrysanthemum Official makes a swift exit. Jin Xiu gives Hong Ning some items , warning her not to be wasteful like this again. His final words are an encouragement: cultivate diligently, and maybe, just maybe, she can return one day.
Whew! What an emotional rollercoaster. Secrets, betrayals, punishments, and a bittersweet farewell. Jin Xiu is clearly walking a tightrope trying to protect Hong Ning while maintaining his stoic immortal facade. Can't wait to see how Hong Ning fares back in the mortal realm and what happens next!
