Episode Summary
Li Song'er convinces Baili to pose as her husband and swear an oath to never harm his master, Gu Yuan. Her plan is to build Baili's reputation as a hero, but a jealous Gu Yuan sabotages it by creating a rival hero persona and stealing all the glory. After a confrontation, Gu Yuan agrees to join them and takes Baili as his disciple. However, their new alliance is immediately tested when Baili's impulsive attempt to do a good deed backfires, causing injury and trouble at an inn.
Spoiler Alert
Rival Heroes and a Fragile Alliance
In a bid to rewrite destiny and prevent a tragic fallout between a master and his disciple, Li Song'er sets a grand plan in motion for the naive but loyal Baili. To ensure his safety and justify her constant presence by his side, she strikes a deal with him: they will pose as husband and wife, with her adopting the title "Lady of the Young Valley Master." In return, Baili must swear an oath to never betray his master, Gu Yuan. Though Baili agrees without hesitation, the news of their fake marriage leaves a bitter taste in Gu Yuan's mouth, despite knowing it's a ruse.
With their new identities established, the trio leaves Fengyu Valley to put Li Song'er's plan into action. Her strategy is to build Baili's public image as the "Butterfly Hero," a champion of justice whose fame will eventually establish him as a respected figure in the martial arts world. However, the plan is quickly thwarted by a jealous Gu Yuan. Overhearing the scheme, he creates his own heroic alter ego, the "Dream-Blowing Hero," and begins to solve problems and save people across the land, completely stealing the spotlight. While the "Dream-Blowing Hero" becomes the talk of every teahouse, the "Butterfly Hero" remains unknown.
Furious, Li Song'er confronts Gu Yuan, who admits his actions were fueled by his feelings for her. Unable to reveal her true knowledge of the future, she can only insist her plan is for his own good and that she has no romantic interest in Baili. After their initial plan fails, Gu Yuan proposes a new strategy: he will use his own fame to promote Baili. He then formally accepts Baili as his disciple, forming a new, delicate alliance.
Just as they set out, their new partnership hits a snag. At the Tianshui Inn, Baili misunderstands an act of kindness, believing the owner is mistreating a beggar. He impulsively rushes in and injures the owner, only to learn the man was providing a special vegetarian meal for the beggar. The incident leaves them facing demands for compensation, throwing their already fragile mission into further chaos.
