Episode Summary
In this episode, Han Li reunites with his sect but is suspiciously ordered to a mine by two seniors, Xuan Le and Lu Tianmeng. The seniors secretly plan to steal the mine's spirit stones while the junior disciples are left to defend the entrance. Han Li uncovers their treachery just as Wang Chan's forces attack, forcing Chen Qiaoqian and the others to retreat into the mine. The episode concludes with Han Li confronting the two betrayers as they attempt to escape.
Spoiler Alert
The episode begins with an injured Dong Xuan'er finding Chen Qiaoqian's team. She frantically tells them that Han Li is in grave danger and needs immediate rescue. Concerned for her injuries, Chen Qiaoqian and Xuan Le arrange for a junior disciple to escort her back to safety. At the main camp, Hong Fu and Li Huayuan receive Dong Xuan'er. Li Huayuan provides her with healing medicine and reassures a worried Hong Fu, expressing his faith in Han Li's ability to escape on his own, just as he managed to ensure Dong Xuan'er's safety.
Soon after, Han Li, having successfully escaped, meets up with Chen Qiaoqian's group. However, their reunion is cut short when Xuan Le and Lu Tianmeng present new orders: the team is to proceed to a nearby mine.Despite Han Li's obvious injuries, Lu Tianmeng produces an official transfer order, leaving no room for argument. Han Li is forced to comply but feels a growing sense of suspicion. He finds it illogical that such a small and relatively weak team would be tasked with seizing a mine, a location they could never hope to defend against the Devil Dao or the Yan family.
Upon arriving at the mine, Xuan Le instructs Han Li, Chen Qiaoqian, and the other disciples to establish a defensive formation array at the entrance. He and Lu Tianmeng then venture inside alone under the pretext of scouting. In reality, their true motive is to plunder the mine's valuable spirit stones for themselves.
Han Li's unease prompts him to take his own precautions, deploying a puppet to scout the surroundings. Meanwhile, Wang Chan of the Devil Dao grows increasingly frustrated in his search for "Li Feiyu," Han Li's alias. When a subordinate reports that a nearby mine has been occupied by the Seven Sects, Wang Chan, suspecting his target is there, immediately leads his forces toward it.
Han Li's puppet spots Wang Chan's approaching army. He quickly finds Chen Qiaoqian, sharing his concern that their defensive array is insufficient and that their two senior brothers are acting suspiciously. They agree to split their efforts: Chen Qiaoqian will remain to oversee the defense, while Han Li will enter the mine to find out what Xuan Le and Lu Tianmeng are truly doing. Before leaving, he warns her to retreat into the mine if the situation turns dire.
Inside the mine, Han Li's worst fears are confirmed as he overhears Xuan Le and Lu Tianmeng discussing their treacherous plan to steal the spirit stones and abandon their fellow disciples as a diversion. He recognizes that they are both late-stage Foundation Establishment cultivators, far too powerful for him to confront directly, and knows he must remain hidden.
At that moment, Wang Chan's forces launch their assault on the mine's entrance. Chen Qiaoqian orders the activation of the defensive array. To overwhelm their defenses, Wang Chan commands his subordinate to use the rare and powerful Qingyang Devil Fire. The array begins to crumble under the relentless attack. Remembering Han Li's warning, Chen Qiaoqian orders the disciples to pour all their personal spirit stones into the array, buying just enough time to retreat into the mine shaft. She ensures everyone gets inside before following them.
Just as Xuan Le and Lu Tianmeng are about to make their getaway with the stolen spirit stones, they are intercepted by Han Li, who now stands as the sole witness to their betrayal.
