Episode Summary
In this episode, Han Li is forced to kill Lu Mingyuan to protect Chen Qiaoqian, subsequently erasing her memory of the incident to protect himself. As the disciples, joined by a disguised Nangong Wan, enter the dangerous Blood-Colored Prohibited Area, Han Li is separated from his allies. He navigates the treacherous new territory alone, avoiding both friend and foe while discovering the land's hidden dangers.
Spoiler Alert
The episode kicks off with Lu Mingyuan trying to get close to Dong Xuan'er to gain access to her resources. Chen Qiaoqian confronts him, demanding he return the Foundation Establishment Pill if he intends to pursue another woman. She declares she will handle ending their engagement with her father. In response, Lu Mingyuan restrains her and forces her to swallow a pill derived from a level-two demonic beast, sadistically curious to see its effects.
Han Li witnesses the assault but hesitates, knowing he is no match for Lu Mingyuan's strength. However, Lu Mingyuan spots him and, seeing a chance to eliminate an old rival, attacks. During their fight, Han Li struggles to effectively wield his numerous magical artifacts in unison. Mocked by Lu Mingyuan for simply flailing them around, Han Li has a revelation and begins using the artifacts as straightforward weapons. He successfully stabs and kills Lu Mingyuan, retrieving the Foundation Establishment Pill from his body.
The drug takes hold of Chen Qiaoqian, and she lunges at Han Li, trying to kiss him. Unable to snap her out of it, Han Li is forced to knock her unconscious. He reflects that while his actions were righteous, killing a fellow sect member is a capital offense. Unwilling to silence her permanently, he gives her a "Wangchen Dan" (Forgetting Dust Pill) to erase her memory of the entire traumatic event.
Meanwhile, a different crisis unfolds. Yan Ruyan's chronic illness relapses, leaving her in a coma. Her father is desperate to retrieve a specific spirit herb from the treacherous Blood-Colored Prohibited Area to save her. Nangong Wan discusses the situation with the Sect Master. Since the original team leader, Yan Ruyan, is incapacitated, Nangong Wan volunteers to go in her stead. She plans to suppress her spiritual power to meet the entry requirement, which only permits cultivators at the Qi Refining stage. She is determined to get the herb for Yan Ruyan and other valuable items for their sect.
Elsewhere, Yan Ruyan's father prepares a valuable mineral vein as a gift for the Seven Sects in exchange for their help. His meeting is interrupted by Wang Chan, who questions why the Yan family is working with the Seven Sects instead of his own faction. After being dismissed, Wang Chan learns of Yan Ruyan's condition and sees it as a perfect opportunity to seize control of the entire Yan Family Fortress.
The day of departure arrives. As the disciples gather, Chen Qiaoqian gives Han Li a look that makes him wonder if she remembers what happened. Li Huayuan explains that their entry points into the Blood-Colored Prohibited Area will be random and provides them with a "Traction-Mechanism Art" to help locate fellow sect members. With that, the sect leaders open the portal, and the disciples step through.
Inside, Han Li finds himself separated from the main group. He hears Chen Qiaoqian calling for allies but chooses to remain hidden, and she eventually moves on. He finds some common spirit herbs, but none of the rare ingredients needed for the Foundation Establishment Pill are present, nor are they marked on the map provided by the sect.
Soon after, Han Li runs into Xiang Zhili, who is surprisingly traveling with disciples from other sects. Xiang Zhili explains that each sect's map highlights different areas, so cooperating is the most effective way to gather complete information. He invites Han Li to join them, but Han Li, wary of his new demeanor, politely declines and quickly leaves.
As night falls, the Blood-Colored Prohibited Area becomes even more perilous. Han Li finds a cave for shelter, only to discover that the rain outside is bone-chillingly cold, forcing him to immediately use his spiritual energy to protect himself from its effects.
