Episode Summary
Ji Bozai moves in closer to Ming Yi, confident in their connection. His rivalry with Situ Ling comes to a head during an awkward confrontation, pushing Ming Yi away from both of them. While Fu Yue steals a valuable text from Ming Yi's room, Situ Ling's heartbreak and resentment curdle into a dark ambition, fueled by Fu Yue and the Blood Moon Ring. Ji Bozai and Ming Yi uncover a crucial memory using a broken mirror, revealing a past betrayal and Situ Ling's true identity. Just as they learn the truth, Situ Ling fully embraces his dark side, gaining a powerful artifact from Chao Heng.
Spoiler Alert
Ji Bozai Makes His Move
Bu Xiu is losing his mind. He cannot believe Ming Yi thinks Situ Ling is her savior. He keeps telling Ji Bozai to just marry her already. He's worried all of Ji Bozai's efforts will be for nothing. But Ji Bozai is playing the long game. He trusts Ming Yi. He knows she would not marry someone just to repay a debt. He wants her to choose him freely.
So, Ji Bozai finds an excuse to move into Shouhua Pan Palace. He picks an apartment right underneath Ming Yi's place. It is not subtle at all. He even brings her some scallion pancakes, which are her favorite. Everyone is now living and training together. Ming Yi manages to fix the magical artifact, Ember. This makes her the natural choice to teach the younger disciples, like Chen Xi. Ji Bozai hangs around, offering his own advice here and there.
The World's Most Awkward Dinner Date
Situ Ling is getting nervous. Ming Yi's spiritual powers are coming back. He is afraid someone will figure out who she really is. He shows up and tries to convince her to run away with him. Of course, Ji Bozai appears right on cue. He acts like he owns the place. He invites Situ Ling to stay for dinner.
Ming Yi is caught in the middle. She cannot handle the tension. She just walks out and heads to a local restaurant. Ji Bozai follows her. Then Situ Ling follows him. The three of them end up at the same table. It is a disaster. The two guys trade insults and veiled threats. Ming Yi has had enough. She gets up and leaves again. Ji Bozai stays behind to deliver a clear warning to Situ Ling. He tells him to stay away from Ming Yi. If his presence brings her any more trouble, Ji Bozai will not be so polite next time. Situ Ling was about to walk Ming Yi home. But then he sees a quiet, sweet moment between her and Ji Bozai. It is a tough pill to swallow.
Schemes and Side Plots
Fu Yue's Heist
While all this drama is happening, Fu Yue is busy. She sneaks into Ming Yi's room. She is looking for the Bo family's secret medical book. Ming Yi is not stupid, though. She set up a fire-based magic trap. Fu Yue uses a special fox clan technique to get past the wards. She successfully copies the book and escapes. She gets a little injured in the process. She goes to find Situ Ling and discovers him sulking alone.
Situ Ling's Dark Turn
Situ Ling finally gets it. He could wait forever. He could do everything for Ming Yi. But her eyes will never be on him. That realization starts to curdle into bitterness. Fu Yue sees her chance. She tells him that love will not get him anywhere. Only power will. If he wants to protect the things he cares about, he needs to be at the very top. Later, he sees Ming Yi one last time. She is clearly all in on Ji Bozai. That is the final straw. The Blood Moon Ring starts whispering in his ear. All his past humiliations come flooding back. He gives in completely to his resentment.
The Truth Comes Out
Ji Bozai is looking through Ming Yi's old things. He finds a piece of a broken Recording Mirror. It is a lucky break. He has the other half. He puts the two pieces together. The mirror is still cracked, but it works. It shows them a fuzzy image from the past. They see Ming Xin making a shady deal with Mu Qibai. Ming Yi immediately suspects what this means. She thinks Ming Xin put the "Heaven of Parting Sorrow" curse on her.
Then Ji Bozai drops the other bombshell. He tells Ming Yi who Situ Ling really is. Everything clicks into place for her. She finally understands how deep the deception goes. She now knows Situ Ling is incredibly dangerous.
A New Villain Rises
Just as Ming Yi figures this out, Situ Ling makes his big play. He goes to the big boss, Chao Heng. He does not hide anything. He tells Chao Heng he wants power. He is full of ambition. Chao Heng loves it. As a reward for his honesty and ambition, Chao Heng gives him the Diwu Wood Heart. This is a major power-up. The guy we felt sorry for is officially gone.
