Episode Summary
In episode 20, Cao Yanhua uncovers a grim secret in his home village where his cousin's bride-to-be, Yafeng, is being held captive. Meanwhile, a cryptic message forces Luo Ren to leave the group for a clandestine meeting, sending Mu Dai and Yi Wan San ahead to the village. There, Mu Dai's suspicions are aroused by the bride's injuries and the heavy security. Concurrently, Shen Gun learns crucial lore about the "Immortal Wood" and the "Phoenix Luan Clasp" and discovers a celestial stone map linking the seven relics to the Big Dipper, noting that five of the seven corresponding stars are unusually bright.
Spoiler Alert
The Seven Relics of Ill Omen, Episode 20 Recap: The Locked Bride and the Secret of the Seven Stars
Three distinct threads of mystery and mythology deepen in this episode, pulling the members of the Phoenix Squad further into the conspiracy of the ancient relics. While Cao Yanhua uncovers a disturbing secret in his ancestral village, Luo Ren is pulled away by a cryptic message from his past, and Shen Gun (the Mystic) learns more about the cosmic origins of their quest.
The episode begins with Cao Yanhua’s stealthy return to Caojia Village. After a quick call to Yi Wan San to report his safety, he finds his cousin, Cao Qingshan, busy with preparations for his wedding to a woman named Yafeng.
Cao Yanhua’s suspicion is rooted in the wedding invitation he’d received earlier. On it, he had discovered the faint indentation of a message that had been scratched out: "Big cousin, save me, I was trafficked."
Meanwhile, after being informed of Cao Yanhua's initial disappearance, Luo Ren’s attention is violently diverted. On the wall of his residence, he discovers a long string of numbers accompanied by a drawing of a descending tiger. The sight triggers a look of sheer dread. Recognizing it as a coded message, Luo Ren quickly deciphers the numbers into a phone number. The man on the other end is Qingmu, who urgently requests a meeting.
The new development forces a change of plans. Luo Ren drives Mu Dai and Yi Wan San to the airport, instructing them to proceed to Caojia Village to find Cao Yanhua while he deals with this urgent matter.At their emotional farewell, Mu Dai tells Luo Ren that she no longer wants to be sheltered from danger under his protection. She wants to stand by his side and face the storm with him. Words failing him, Luo Ren pulls her into a tight, meaningful embrace.
In another corner of the unfolding mystery, Shen Gun extracts crucial lore from a drunk Mr. Yin. He learns that the ancient relics were originally housed in "Immortal Wood," a material impervious to fire and rot, which Mr. Yin vaguely recalls comes from a place called "Phoenix... something Ridge." Furthermore, he clarifies that the "Three Divine Birds" of legend are actually the "Phoenix Luan Clasp," a powerful seal used to bind the relics and prevent their escape.Before Shen Gun can press for the exact location, Mr. Yin passes out.
Later, Mr. Yin leads Shen Gun to an old observatory. He points to a large stone at its center, identifying it as a meteorite.
Back in Caojia Village, Mu Dai and Yi Wan San arrive and are greeted by Cao Qingshan, who denies having seen Cao Yanhua. Their investigation hits a temporary wall, though they confirm from a villager that Cao Yanhua did indeed arrive. After a brief, comical interaction with the recently returned Cao Jinhua—who has changed her name and is now an aggressive insurance salesperson—they turn their focus back to the strange atmosphere in Cao Qingshan's home.
Mu Dai asks to see the bride, Yafeng. As Cao Yanhua's mother leads her through the house, Mu Dai notes with growing suspicion that every door is locked behind them.
Highlights & Spoilers
- A Bride in Peril: Cao Yanhua confirms his suspicions when he finds his cousin's bride, Yafeng, locked away. He recalls a hidden plea for help on the wedding invitation, suggesting she has been trafficked and is being held against her will.
- Luo Ren's Secret Past: A coded message—a string of numbers and a tiger symbol—appears on Luo Ren's wall, forcing him to meet with a mysterious figure named Qingmu and separate from the team.
- Mu Dai's Resolve: In an emotional airport scene, Mu Dai asserts her desire to be an equal partner to Luo Ren, demanding to face future dangers with him rather than be protected.
- The Phoenix Luan Clasp: Shen Gun learns crucial lore about the "Immortal Wood" used to contain the relics and the "Phoenix Luan Clasp," a powerful artifact capable of sealing them.
- The Seven Stars: A celestial connection is revealed at an observatory, where seven points of light on a meteorite correspond to the Big Dipper and the seven relics. The fact that five are bright and two are dim presents a new mystery.
