Episode Summary
The hunt for a secret list intensifies after Asai Hisashi's prison escape. An ambush set by Xie Jun'an to capture Asai backfires, leading to a three-way shootout and the capture of Xie Nianci by Asai. Simultaneously, Director Cui suffers a devastating personal loss when his pregnant wife is murdered by Japanese soldiers. In response to these crises, the resistance decides to launch a city-wide protest to create a diversion for a rescue mission.
Spoiler Alert
"Abyss Dweller" Episode 31 Recap: A Deadly Ambush and a Tragic Loss
The hunt for the mysterious "List" escalates into a full-blown war on the streets, pulling every faction into a deadly vortex. An ill-conceived ambush at a photo studio goes horribly wrong, leading to a pivotal character's capture and a devastating personal tragedy for another that will undoubtedly shift allegiances and motivations. The board is reset as the resistance movement is forced into a desperate new strategy.
Full Recap & Spoilers for Episode 31: "The List"
The Fugitive and the Ticking Clock
Fresh from his prison break, Asai Hisashi makes a clandestine call to his contact, Mizuho Genxin, vowing to track down the coveted "List." Meanwhile, Liang Shuo and Director Cui are in hot pursuit of the fugitive. During their search, they run into Xie Nianci on the street. Liang Shuo warns her of the danger, revealing Asai's escape and urging her to inform their superior, Old Tan. As she leaves, Xie Nianci has a chance encounter with a disguised Asai. She helps him pick up a dropped wallet, noting his odd demeanor but failing to recognize the man who is now the city's most wanted.
Liang Shuo's investigation leads him to a chilling conclusion: "The List" isn't just a piece of paper but a thick ledger detailing damning evidence, and Asai's escape was a calculated part of a much larger conspiracy. This theory is echoed by Xie Jun'an, who also suspects that Mizuho Genxin is not the true mastermind. The pressure mounts as Director Li gives Liang Shuo a tight 24-hour deadline to make a breakthrough.
A Disastrous Plan is Set in Motion
Despite the clear danger, Xie Jun'an formulates a plan to ambush Asai at a photo studio. Ignoring the protests of his subordinate Lao Qi, he insists that Xie Nianci participate in the operation. Liang Shuo is vehemently against putting her in such a precarious position, but Xie Nianci, determined to contribute meaningfully to the resistance, agrees to the mission. A tense moment follows as Lu Xijian expresses his displeasure over Liang Shuo's private conversation with Xie Nianci, prompting Liang Shuo to entrust him with her safety.
Bloodbath at the Photo Studio
Xie Jun'an, Xie Nianci, and Lao Qi lie in wait at the photo studio. As Asai appears nearby, Liang Shuo and Lu Xijian move to provide support, only to be intercepted by Japanese soldiers who have also tracked Asai to the location. The situation immediately spirals into a three-way firefight.
Xie Jun'an initiates the ambush but is quickly pinned down by Asai's superior firepower. Realizing the plan has failed and their position is compromised, Xie Nianci and Lao Qi are forced to drag a reluctant Xie Jun'an away. In the chaos, Xie Nianci breaks away alone to warn Liang Shuo, but her attempt is thwarted. Asai captures her, just as a warning call from Lu Xijian is intercepted by Asai's associate, Takagi Yugi. Asai recognizes Lao Qi from a decade prior and uses Xie Nianci's life as leverage to force his compliance.
A Personal Tragedy and a Vow for Revenge
As Liang Shuo learns of Xie Nianci's capture and loses his composure, planning a reckless rescue, a separate tragedy unfolds. Japanese soldiers ransack a jewelry store owned by Director Cui's wife. During the robbery, the pregnant Mrs. Cui is shot in the abdomen. Her pleas, revealing her husband's powerful position, are ignored, and she is shot again.
At the hospital, Mrs. Cui suffers a miscarriage—Director Cui was unaware she was even pregnant—and succumbs to her injuries. As a devastated Cui sits paralyzed with grief outside the operating room, the Japanese military offers a hollow promise to "severely punish" the perpetrators.
With the situation at a stalemate, Asai calls Mizuho Genxin, cryptically announcing that the location of "The List" will soon be revealed. To create an opening for Liang Shuo to rescue Xie Nianci, the anti-Japanese resistance decides to move up their planned protest against the upcoming "Peace Conference," hoping the ensuing chaos will disrupt the Japanese forces' control over the city.
What Happens Next?
The episode ends on a series of cliffhangers, setting the stage for a dramatic confrontation.
- The Rescue: Will the city-wide protest create enough of a diversion for Liang Shuo to save Xie Nianci? Or will it simply add more fuel to the fire?
- The Choice: Asai now holds two critical assets: Xie Nianci and the knowledge of "The List." A difficult choice looms between a human life and the invaluable intelligence.
- A New Allegiance?: Shattered by the brutal murder of his wife and unborn child at the hands of the Japanese Army, will Director Cui's quest for vengeance lead him to switch sides and align with the resistance?
