Episode Summary
Betrayed by allied sects, Huangfeng Valley suffers a crushing defeat at the hands of the Demonic Dao. With the sect's Ancestor refusing to intervene, the only option is a mass exodus. The remaining elite disciples, including Han Li, are organized to flee to the Nine Nations Alliance. Han Li joins the first group, led by Hongfu, as they begin their perilous journey under the cover of a magical artifact, all while sensing that danger is close by.
Spoiler Alert
The episode begins with a critical act of betrayal. A disciple from the Qingxu Sect is tasked with delivering an urgent message to Li Huayuan. However, he is intercepted by Elder Han of Spirit Beast Mountain. Claiming the disciple is deserting his post during a critical time and offering to deliver the message himself as he is on his way to see Li Huayuan, the elder takes the message. The moment the disciple is out of sight, Elder Han destroys it, sealing the fate of the front line.
Meanwhile, Han Li visits Martial Uncle Ma, finding him and his group packing their belongings. After Han Li gives some basic cultivation pills to a grateful Cui'er, Martial Uncle Ma reveals the grim truth: Huangfeng Valley can no longer hold its ground. He urges Han Li to pack up and flee as well, sharing a somber farewell and hoping Han Li outlives him.
Returning to his dwelling, Han Li prepares to leave. He laments that he cannot take the valuable spiritual spring but carefully gathers all the medicinal herbs he painstakingly cultivated for his breakthrough to the Core Formation stage. He can't afford to waste a single one.
On the battlefield, Li Huayuan leads his disciples into combat against the Demonic Dao. In the chaos, Song Meng and Zhong Weiniang are separated from the main force. Outnumbered and facing certain death, they refuse to retreat. Just as they are about to be overwhelmed, they are saved by Fuyunzi, who teleports them away, remarking that their master now owes him a favor.
Back at the sect, the Sect Master gathers the remaining members and delivers devastating news: Spirit Beast Mountain and Tianque Palace have defected to the Demonic Dao, leading to a catastrophic collapse of their front line. Han Li is stunned, wondering why his warning message never reached his master. The leadership, in desperation, kneels to summon the sect's Ancestor for aid. The Ancestor's powerful presence immobilizes everyone, including Han Li, who was about to leave. Due to his unique soul cultivation, Han Li is able to speak with the powerful being. However, the Ancestor flatly refuses to help, stating he is no match for the enemy and will not sacrifice himself for the sect.
Later, Han Li is overjoyed to be reunited with his master, Li Huayuan. Li Huayuan informs him of the heavy casualties and that Song Meng and the others are missing. Han Li expresses guilt over the deaths of Senior Brothers Liu and Wu, but his master reassures him that he did his best and is not to blame. Li Huayuan then tells Han Li that he has secured a precious spot for him in an important upcoming arrangement.
In the main hall, Han Li joins the sect's remaining elite disciples, all at the Foundation Establishment stage, before Ancestor Linghu. A woman named Hongfu announces the plan: they will retreat to the safety of the Nine Nations Alliance. The Ancestor reveals he has enhanced their Traction-Mechanism Art with a communication feature, allowing him to track their locations.
After packing, Han Li brings his puppet, Qu Hun, promising that he will not be a burden. The escape begins in waves to avoid detection. Hongfu leads the first group, which includes Han Li. When Han Li asks why his master isn't with them, Hongfu explains they are splitting up. Li Huayuan stays behind to confirm one last thing. As they travel, Hongfu uses a magic treasure to conceal their tracks, but she warns everyone to be on high alert, as she senses something is not right.
