Episode Summary
Han Li secures a new cave residence and partners with a formation expert, Qi Yunxiao, to obtain a powerful defensive array in exchange for a life-saving herb. In a parallel storyline, Han Li discovers that his fellow sect member, Ye Fei, is a traitor. The episode ends with Han Li trapped in his cave, using his new formation to defend against a relentless attack from Ye Fei.
Spoiler Alert
Having reached the Foundation Establishment stage, Han Li now possesses the ability to create his own private immortal cave, known as a Dongfu. To find the perfect location, he purchases a spirit beast skilled in treasure hunting, which leads him to an ideal spot blessed with a natural spirit spring, a perfect place to enhance his cultivation. However, his peace is short-lived when a rabbit easily wanders in, making him realize the complimentary defensive formation he received is far too weak. This prompts him to seek a more powerful replacement.
Han Li travels to a bustling market known for selling magical items and spirit herbs. To afford a high-quality formation, he sells a rare thousand-year-old Yellow Essence Fungus. While there, he witnesses a man named Qi Yunxiao using an impressive formation to fend off a group of pursuers. Intrigued, Han Li helps Qi Yunxiao by misdirecting his enemies.
When they speak, Han Li makes it clear his help comes with conditions. He expresses interest in Qi Yunxiao's formation, but Qi is protective of the secrets of his master, the formation's creator. To sway him, Han Li offers the thousand-year-old spirit herb. Stunned, Qi Yunxiao explains that the formation he used was only operating at a fraction of its true power due to a lack of spirit stones. He reveals he urgently needs the herb to save the life of his beloved.
They strike a deal: Qi Yunxiao asks for five years to fully repair the formation for Han Li. As collateral, he gives Han Li a sealed, personal book containing his insights on artifact refinement—a family heirloom. Han Li agrees, promising to return the book untouched once the formation is complete. Seeing an opportunity, Han Li also proposes a business partnership, showing Qi the valuable materials he harvested from the Mo Jiao (Ink Flood Dragon), which leaves Qi thrilled.
Meanwhile, a separate plot unfolds involving Ye Fei, one of Han Li's fellow disciples. Ye Fei meets with a former subordinate from his time with the Qian Zhu Jiao (Thousand Bamboo Cult). The subordinate demands that Ye Fei return a stolen cultivation technique, but Ye Fei refuses, killing the man to silence him. Han Li happens to overhear the confrontation. As the subordinate's soul is about to dissipate, it begs Han Li to find it a new body to possess, a practice known as "Duoshe." Detesting this method, Han Li destroys the soul instead.
Later, Uncle-Master Wu accidentally stumbles upon Ye Fei colluding with the demonic cult and discovers his treachery. To protect his secret, Ye Fei attacks and fatally wounds him. Han Li arrives just in time to save his Uncle-Master from an immediate death. As he lay dying, Uncle-Master Wu urges Han Li to warn the Sect Master that Ye Fei is a traitor and that other sects likely have similar spies in their ranks.
The episode culminates in a tense cliffhanger. Ye Fei tracks Han Li back to his new cave and demands the powerful defensive formation in exchange for his life. Han Li refuses, activating the formation just as Ye Fei commands his puppets to launch an all-out assault, determined to break through the barrier.
