Episode Summary
In this episode, the terrible truth about Xun Ming's past with Mu Xinliu is revealed, leading to his breakdown and eventual death at the hands of Mu Qibai. Ji Bozai and Ming Yi escape his illusion, but not before Ming Yi is secretly poisoned. Finally, a major misunderstanding between them is resolved, and their fake wedding night leads to very real feelings.
Spoiler Alert
The Truth Hurts, Doesn't It?
A Brutal Wake-Up Call
This episode picks up right in the middle of the chaos. Xun Ming is still riding shotgun in Ji Bozai's body. He isn't satisfied with just being there, though. He uses some nasty magic on Ming Yi. He forces her to grip a dagger and aim it right at Ji Bozai's chest.
But she fights it. She grabs the sharp blade with her bare hand to stop herself. Blood pours from her palm. This act of sheer will is enough to snap Ji Bozai back to his senses. He takes back control of his body. He then violently throws Xun Ming's spirit out.
The Worst Deal Ever
Ji Bozai is obviously worried about Ming Yi's hand. But there is no time for that right now. He has an idea. He tells Xun Ming that his memories have a magical seal on them. He suggests the story of Mu Xinliu's death might not be what Xun Ming thinks.
So, Ji Bozai makes a quick deal. He will help break the seal and show Xun Ming the real truth. In return, Xun Ming has to release Zhang Tai. Xun Ming agrees. He needs answers.
The unsealed memories are just brutal. We learn that Mu Xinliu never loved Xun Ming at all. His entire belief in their deep connection was a fantasy he built for himself. He even thought her self-harm scars were from her making him medicine. She actually hated him for taming a beast for her brother. She wanted to escape his control so badly that she secretly poisoned his medicine to make him weaker. The day she died, she realized the beast wouldn't kill Xun Ming. So she stabbed him herself. The beast only killed her in retaliation.
An Escape Gone Wrong
One Last Sacrifice
This truth completely breaks Xun Ming. His years of obsession curdle into pure rage. He decides to trap Ji Bozai and Ming Yi in his illusion world. He wants them all to die together.
Ji Bozai uses his power to tear open an escape route. They are just about to leave. But Ming Yi hesitates. She wants to save Zhang Tai's spirit. She turns back, and Xun Ming immediately grabs her.
Ji Bozai is already halfway through the portal to safety. But he turns around without a second thought. He rushes back, grabs Zhang Tai's spirit, and shoves it into Ming Yi's hands. This gives Xun Ming an opening. He attacks Ji Bozai from behind and knocks him unconscious. With the illusion world collapsing around her, Ming Yi does something drastic. She destroys one of her own flower petals, a part of her life force, to shatter the illusion.
A Secret Poison
Sometime later, Situ Ling arrives at Luosheng Forest. He finds the place in ruins. Ji Bozai and Ming Yi are both passed out on the ground. He leans down to check on Ming Yi. He is shocked to discover she has been poisoned with something called Li Hen Tian. He can't reveal who he is, so he leaves just before she wakes up.
Xun Ming, meanwhile, goes to confront Mu Qibai. He is full of hate and wants a final reckoning. But Mu Qibai sees that Xun Ming's illusion is broken. He is no longer a useful pawn. So Mu Qibai uses the beast's power and simply erases him. With Xun Ming gone, Mu Qibai starts a new plan. He decides the best way to ruin Ji Bozai is to destroy his status as a Fighter.
From Enemies to... Something More?
Clearing the Air
Later, Ming Yi is watching over Ji Bozai as he recovers. When he wakes up, she is there. He finally lets his guard down and speaks honestly with her. They finally talk. The big misunderstanding about her brother, Ming Xian, is cleared up. We learn Ji Bozai never poisoned him.
Ming Yi also shares something important. She tells him her brother didn't hate Ji Bozai for defeating him. He actually respected him. He saw Ji Bozai as a true equal, not an enemy.
A Performance for One
Suddenly, Situ Ling appears at Wugui Hai. He is heading straight for Ji Bozai's residence. Ming Yi realizes this is technically supposed to be their wedding night. She gets an idea. She decides they should put on a show for anyone who might be watching. They will pretend to consummate the marriage.
They start acting, teasing and testing each other. But the lines get blurry fast. The fake flirting turns into real feelings. Ming Yi gets flustered and her heart starts racing. Ji Bozai can't hold back his own emotions and pulls her into a tight hug. He starts to confess how he feels but then stops himself. They don't need the words, though. In the quiet of the night, they both know exactly what the other is feeling.
