Episode Summary
In "Abyss Dweller" Episode 18, Lu Xijian violently confronts his mentor, Xie Jun'an, over past betrayals, particularly the death of Qi Xiao-si. During their fallout, Lu reveals the existence of a deep-cover mole, "Bone Maggot," hidden within their ranks. Meanwhile, Lu Xijian and Liang Shuo identify another agent, Xu Wen, as suspicious. They pursue him to the docks and kill him in a shootout, only to realize he was not the "Bone Maggot," leaving the true traitor still at large with a critical deadline looming.
Spoiler Alert
Abyss Dweller Episode 18 Recap: A Mentor's Betrayal and the Hunt for the "Bone Maggot"
In a dramatic turn of events, the fragile relationship between Lu Xijian and his mentor, Xie Jun'an, shatters completely, exposing a web of manipulation and long-buried secrets. While they clash, a dangerous mole codenamed "Bone Maggot" operates from within the Secret Service Headquarters. A tense chase through the city culminates in a deadly shootout at the docks, but the true enemy remains hidden in the shadows, pushing everyone closer to the edge as a critical deadline approaches.
Full Recap & Spoilers Ahead
A Mentor Betrayed
The episode ignites as Lu Xijian arranges a meeting with his mentor, Xie Jun'an, at the infamous No. 76, with Liang Shuo secretly tailing him. The reunion is anything but cordial. The moment they meet, Lu Xijian explodes with rage, physically assaulting Xie Jun'an. He holds his former teacher at gunpoint, demanding to know why he callously used their comrades as pawns, specifically accusing him of orchestrating the death of Qi Xiao-si for the sake of his mission.
Xie Jun'an, unrepentant, admits that sacrifices are necessary. He turns the tables, accusing Lu Xijian of treason for secretly interfering with his plans for Liang Shuo. He then demands Lu Xijian's full cooperation in "Operation Snow Blind," ordering him to become his "eyes" and monitor Liang Shuo's every move. Unbeknownst to them, Liang Shuo is just outside the door, hearing every word of the damning conversation.
The "Bone Maggot" and a Decade-Old Secret
Lu Xijian reveals a crucial piece of intelligence recovered from Ma Yu'an's apartment: letters detailing a network of Japanese agents who were embedded in key positions a decade ago. More urgently, he discloses that a deep-cover mole planted by the late Hirata Kiko, known only by the codename "Bone Maggot," is still active within their own headquarters. This operative knows all their plans and must be eliminated. After hearing this, Liang Shuo quickly retreats to report the existence of the list and the "Bone Maggot" to his superior, Old Cui, speculating that the mole has likely risen to a position of significant power.
A Calculated Deception Unravels
The situation at the headquarters grows more complicated with the high-profile arrival of Japanese Special Envoy Takagi Yugi, who is there to investigate Hirata Kiko's old case. During this time, another agent, Xu Wen, uses the distraction of Liang Shuo having a wound redressed to slip away and search for clues inside the headquarters.
Liang Shuo, however, senses something is wrong and insists on personally escorting Xu Wen out. During the drive, Xu Wen feigns illness to get them to stop. In a stunning move, Lu Xijian suddenly appears, blocking their car. He reveals Xu Wen's true mission: he was assigned by Hirata Kiko to investigate both Liang Shuo and Xie Nianci. Realizing his cover is blown, Xu Wen opens fire and makes a desperate escape towards the docks.
Showdown at the Docks
What follows is a frantic chase across the city. Liang Shuo and Lu Xijian, now a reluctant team, pursue Xu Wen to the docks. In the ensuing firefight, they manage to corner and kill him. The two slip away just as the Kempeitai (Japanese Military Police) arrive on the scene. Later, they analyze the events and conclude that while Xu Wen was an enemy agent, he was not the "Bone Maggot." The real traitor is still out there, hidden among them. With the arrival of high-ranking Japanese official Mizuho Genxin in Shanghai just three days away, the race to unmask the "Bone Maggot" has become more desperate than ever.
Unresolved Questions
The hunt for the "Bone Maggot" will now force Liang Shuo and Lu Xijian into a deeper, more complex alliance. Meanwhile, Xie Jun'an continues to pull strings from the shadows, and Takagi Yugi's investigation threatens to ignite the powder keg of suspicion within the headquarters. The secrets of the ten-year-old sleeper agent list are poised to come to light, promising to expose enemies hiding in plain sight.
