Episode Summary
In this episode, Su Muyu decides to establish a new sect for Dark River but faces opposition from other martial arts clans. He clears an old acquaintance's name and proposes a risky alliance with the poison-wielding Tang Clan to gain legitimacy. As teams are dispatched, Xin Baicao finally confronts his rogue student, Ye Ya, leading to a fight between master and apprentice.
Spoiler Alert
Dark River's Next Move
A New Home Base
Su Muyu has a bold idea. He wants to establish a new sect right where they are. No more hiding in the shadows. He wants to build something permanent. He runs this by Su Changhe, who is completely on board. Su Changhe basically says he'll kill anyone who tries to stop them. That's the kind of support you need.
The problem is, nobody wants them there. Lingxiao Palace sends a message. They tell Dark River they can't set up shop here. The area is full of established, "proper" sects. They all team up to block Su Muyu. He tries to buy land, but no one will sell to him. They're trying to freeze him out.
The Tang Clan Problem
We also learn where the Dark River traitors ran off to. Su Changhe gets the intel. Some went to Unrivaled City. The rest went to the Tang Clan. This is bad news. The Tang Clan are famous for their poison skills. Having Night Crow and his people there makes things much more dangerous.
This connection also points to a bigger political game. Everyone knows the Tang Clan is loyal to the Prince of Langya. If the clan is involved in this mess, it means someone is making a move against the Prince's key ally, Tang Lianyue.
An Unexpected Ally
Clearing a Name
While getting the cold shoulder from everyone, Su Muyu sees a guy getting beaten up. He steps in to stop it. The man, Ge Xiu, is being accused of murder. Su Muyu recognizes him and calls him by his real name. Ge Xiu is shocked but grateful. He hears about Dark River's plan to build a sect. He says he was just passing through, but he offers to handle it for them.
Su Muyu has to clear Ge Xiu's name first. He goes to the local magistrate. He promises he can find the real killer. Bai Hehuai examines the victim's body. He discovers the person wasn't dead at first. They were in a state of suspended animation. Corpse worms ate the body because nobody noticed the person was still alive. With this information, Su Muyu proves Ge Xiu is innocent.
A Strategic Alliance
This whole mess gives Su Muyu another idea. He tells Su Changhe they should form an alliance with the Tang Clan. It's a risky move. But it could give them the opening they need. It would also create a public link between Dark River and the Prince of Langya. Su Changhe agrees. He sends Mu Yumo, Mu Xuewei, and Mu Qingyang to the Tang Clan to investigate.
Quiet Moments and Farewells
A Walk and a Promise
We get a really nice scene with Su Muyu and Su Changhe. They take a walk at night. Su Changhe buys osmanthus cakes. He mentions they could never afford them back in the day. They eat together and just talk about the past. It’s a quiet, simple moment. Su Muyu vows that he will work hard. He wants to bring everyone in Dark River into the light, so they can live freely.
Worried Goodbyes
Bai Hehuai knows Su Muyu is leaving for the Tang Clan mission. You can tell he's really worried. He gives Su Muyu a bunch of antidotes. He gives him detailed instructions on how to handle different poisons. He tries to play it cool, but he clearly doesn't want him to go. He tells Su Muyu to be extremely careful.
Oh, and Bai Hehuai also saves everyone from Su Muyu's cooking. Su Muyu comes back with fresh vegetables, ready to cook. Bai Hehuai literally snatches the basket away from him. A true hero.
The Confrontation
Master vs. Apprentice
The episode ends with a huge confrontation. Xin Baicao finally tracks down Ye Ya, or Night Crow. Ye Ya has created a "poison town," a massive toxic trap. Xin Baicao is furious. He confronts his former student. He reminds Ye Ya that he promised to stop practicing this evil kind of poison craft.
But Ye Ya has gone too far. He has created "poison people," turning humans into weapons. They are a threat to everyone. Ye Ya doesn't want to hear it. He accuses Xin Baicao of never caring about him. He says Xin Baicao is just trying to lecture him now. Then, without another word, he attacks his old master.
