Episode Summary
In this episode, Han Li reunites with his childhood friend Mo Caihuan, only to learn her family was tragically murdered. He and Dong Xuan'er attend what they believe is a wedding, but it is revealed to be a trap set by Wang Chan. He uses a formation to sacrifice all the guests, draining their spiritual power to revive Yan Ruyan. Han Li and Dong Xuan'er manage to escape the massacre but are now being hunted by Wang Chan.
Spoiler Alert
"The Immortal Ascension" Episode 16: The Wedding Trap
The episode begins with Wang Chan transferring his spiritual power to a weakened Yan Ruyan. Her father, concerned about potential complications, asks Wang Chan to postpone their planned operation against the lower city for the night. Wang Chan respectfully agrees, addressing him as "father-in-law."
Meanwhile, Mo Caihuan tries to purchase spirit grass, only to be told by the shop owner that the price has skyrocketed due to the influx of cultivators. The old price of twenty spirit stones is now a distant memory. The owner then makes an indecent proposal: he'll give her all the spirit grass she wants if she becomes his concubine. As she tries to flee, he pursues her, but Han Li appears just in time to save her.
Mo Caihuan and Han Li have a heartfelt reunion, realizing it has been ten years since they last met. When Han Li asks about her family, she reveals a devastating truth: they are all gone. Three years prior, the Five-Color Sect colluded with nobles from the capital and annihilated the Mo family, leaving her as the sole survivor. Han Li is stunned and deeply saddened by the news. Mo Caihuan explains that she eventually made her way here and opened a small clinic, managing to get by on her own.
Elsewhere, Dong Xuan'er is sulking, upset that she is always blamed for trouble caused by her natural charm techniques, which she doesn't even want to use. Two cultivators who had previously spoken with Han Li see her and decide to keep the "beauty" company by sharing a drink.
Later, as fireworks light up the sky, a tearful Mo Caihuan asks Han Li if it's truly impossible to practice cultivation without Spiritual Roots; he confirms that it is. Suddenly, Han Li hears a commotion from Dong Xuan'er's location and excuses himself. In his absence, a masked Wang Chan seizes Mo Caihuan. Han Li rushes back to intervene. A now-drunk Dong Xuan'er declares that the two men should fight, and she will leave with the winner. The duel between Han Li and Wang Chan is cut short by the arrival of city patrols, forcing Wang Chan to retreat.
Han Li takes a sobering Dong Xuan'er back to her room. She anxiously asks if he will report her behavior to her master, insisting again that she hates using her charm techniques. Han Li promises to keep it a secret and agrees to stand guard for the night. They plan to attend the wedding the next day and then head back.
The following day, Han Li and Dong Xuan'er arrive at the wedding venue with a gift. He senses something is amiss and tells her to stay close. On the street, Mo Caihuan spots the pair entering the ceremony. As soon as they are inside, the doors are sealed shut.
Wang Chan and Yan Ruyan make their grand entrance. Wang Chan thanks the guests for attending before a powerful formation array activates, trapping everyone inside. Han Li realizes it's a trap and tries to escape with Dong Xuan'er. He discovers his magical artifacts are useless, and Dong Xuan'er finds her cultivation has been suppressed by the array. Fighting their way through guards, they manage to break out.
With the guests trapped, Wang Chan reveals his sinister plan. He mocks the so-called righteousness of the Seven Sects and declares that they will now "help" the future master of the Yan Family Fort. The formation drains the spiritual power from all the guests, turning them into nourishment for Yan Ruyan. Her father arrives, lamenting that there is no turning back now. Wang Chan coldly explains that the guests are not dead but have simply "merged" with Yan Ruyan.
However, despite absorbing the immense power, Yan Ruyan does not awaken. As her father grows anxious, Wang Chan notes that a few "fish" escaped the net and vows to hunt them down. The episode ends with Han Li and Dong Xuan'er seeing pursuers closing in on them.
