Episode Summary
In this episode, the mystery of Mu Dai's parentage is addressed. After a Relic is removed from Xiang Silan, she is left weakened and with no memory of abandoning Mu Dai. Xiang Silan then manipulates Mu Dai, first demanding financial support and then falsely claiming Mu Dai is not her biological daughter. This revelation paradoxically brings Mu Dai peace, strengthening her bond with Luo Ren. Meanwhile, new clues suggest a powerful man is controlling the "game," and the team learns there are seven Relics in total. Finally, Cao Yanhua decides to confront his past by returning home for a wedding he once fled.
Spoiler Alert
The Seven Relics of Ill Omen Episode 19: A Mother's Betrayal and a New Beginning
This episode unravels the painful history between Mu Dai and Xiang Silan, forcing Mu Dai to confront the truth about her origins. As one mystery is solved, another deepens with new clues about the Relics and the powerful figure controlling them. Meanwhile, Luo Ren and Mu Dai’s bond strengthens, and Cao Yanhua makes a pivotal decision about his own past.
Recap: The Truth That Sets You Free
The episode opens in the immediate aftermath of the team removing a Relic from Xiang Silan. Now bound to a bed, she is a shadow of her former self—physically drained, her hair turned white, and her memories gone. Mu Dai is heartbroken to find that Xiang Silan has no recollection of who she is, let alone of abandoning her at an orphanage years ago. Seeing her distress, Luo Ren steps in to comfort her, reminding her that family is defined by love and care, not just blood. He points out that her adoptive mother, Huo Zihong, has been a true parent to her for two decades, making her fortunate despite her painful past.
Later that night, Mu Dai calls Huo Zihong to let her know she's safe. The warm, loving conversation with her adoptive mother brings a genuine smile to Mu Dai's face, reinforcing where her true family lies.
The situation with Xiang Silan, however, remains tense. Though her memory is hazy, she correctly guesses that Mu Dai is her daughter. She reveals to Luo Ren that the Relic gave her the power to do things she never dared to before. She also confesses that her actions against the team were orchestrated by a mysterious man who warned her that this "game" involved more players waiting for their turn.
Seeking closure, Mu Dai confronts Xiang Silan alone. Devoid of any remorse, Xiang Silan shockingly demands financial support, arguing that by abandoning her, she inadvertently gave Mu Dai a better life with a wealthy adoptive mother and the chance to meet Luo Ren. When Mu Dai refuses, Xiang Silan changes her story, claiming Mu Dai isn't her biological child but a baby she found on a bridge, and that she deserves compensation. At this point, Luo Ren intervenes. He throws a stack of cash at Xiang Silan, warning her to stay away from Mu Dai forever.
Learning she may not be Xiang Silan's biological daughter brings Mu Dai an unexpected sense of relief, finally freeing her from a painful emotional burden. Luo Ren tells her to save her love for those who deserve it. In a tender moment, he returns a bracelet to Mu Dai, and she asks him to put it on for her. As she rests her head on his chest, enveloped in his arms, she feels a profound sense of happiness and security. This emotional breakthrough seems to be the final step in her healing; her darker alter-ego, "Dark Mu Dai," sees that her original self is now loved and protected, and peacefully fades away, allowing the real Mu Dai to fully return.
In a brief flashback, it's revealed that Xiang Silan was lying—Mu Dai is indeed her biological daughter. She gave her up to protect her from a life of hardship and an abusive boyfriend. The money from Luo Ren came with the strict condition that she never interfere in Mu Dai's life again.
Spoilers & Key Developments
- A New Threat: The team's mystic, Shen Gun, investigates the "Stargazing Platform" for clues. He reports back with a chilling theory: the mysterious man who directed Xiang Silan may be a being similar to the Relics themselves, or perhaps even more powerful. This raises the stakes significantly, suggesting a conscious antagonist is manipulating events.
- Seven Relics Confirmed: Shen Gun later consults with a Mr. Yin, who confirms that there are a total of seven Relics. This sets a clear goal for the team's ongoing quest.
- Cao Yanhua's Past: After a lighthearted moment where he tricks Mu Dai into thinking Luo Ren is drunk, Cao Yanhua receives a wedding invitation that he is hesitant to accept. He confesses to Yi Wan San that he ran away from his own wedding. With some encouragement, he resolves to return home and finally face his past.
