Episode Summary
Yu Qifeng tries to trap Tang Lici with a truth serum at a banquet, but Tang Lici turns the tables. He gets Yu Qifeng and his allies to drink a supposed poison that will only kill Xie Wan pill users. The ensuing panic exposes everyone involved. Tang Lici reveals to Pu Zhu it was just a laxative, as another ally arrives with the physical evidence of Yu Qifeng's crimes.
Spoiler Alert
The Set-Up
Yu Qifeng Gets Nervous
So, Yu Qifeng is officially panicking. He gets word that Tang Lici is digging for clues about the Xie Wan pills. This sends him into a scramble. He decides he needs to ship out his secret stash of goods immediately. His own disciple sees how anxious he is. The disciple connects the dots. He suspects the rumors about Sword King City and the pills are true. For a second, it looks like Yu Qifeng might just kill him to shut him up. But he stops himself. Too many people are watching Sword King City right now. Instead, he lies. He claims Tang Lici is just creating a diversion. He insists Sword King City is a clean, honest place.
The "Truth Serum" Plan
Later, Sword King City holds its big "closing ceremony." This is the moment Yu Qifeng has been waiting for. He thinks he can finally get rid of Tang Lici for good. His plan is to poison the wine with a special Gu toxin. He believes this will be his checkmate move.
Tang Lici Flips the Script
A Toast to Honesty
Tang Lici spots the clumsy trap almost instantly. He calls Yu Qifeng out in front of everyone. He asks him to explain what exactly is in the wine. Yu Qifeng claims it’s a truth serum. Tang Lici just smiles. He takes the cup, pours the "truth serum" back into the main pitcher, and then pours a fresh cup for Yu Qifeng.
In front of the whole crowd, Yu Qifeng starts to sweat. He tries to look calm. He has no choice but to drink the wine. He knows the drug's effect is only temporary. He needs to move fast. He drinks and immediately starts putting pressure on Tang Lici. Tang Lici plays along and drinks Yu Qifeng's wine. Then he has Shen Langhun bring out his own special brew. To build trust, Tang Lici drinks a cup of his own wine first. Yu Qifeng sees this and feels forced to drink it too. The rest of the guests follow their lead.
The Confession Everyone Wanted
The moment the cups are down, Yu Qifeng pounces. He asks Tang Lici if he murdered Jiang Qingyu in prison. Tang Lici knows exactly what game is being played. He gives a little laugh and admits it. He says he killed him. He also confesses to being behind what happened to Fang Zhou. Yu Qifeng is thrilled. He thinks he has won. He prepares to lead the crowd to take Tang Lici down.
The Real Trap
A Different Kind of Poison
But Tang Lici isn't finished. He lets Yu Qifeng have his moment. Then he drops the real bombshell. He tells the crowd that his own wine contained a substance called Mingyue Guixin Dan. He explains its effect. Anyone who has ever taken a Xie Wan pill and drank his wine will now die. He describes the death in detail. First comes terrible stomach pain. Then their intestines will perforate. It will be an agonizing end.
The Aftermath
The room just explodes into chaos. People shoot up from their seats in pure terror. Their reactions instantly expose them as Xie Wan users. Pu Zhu stands to the side, watching it all. He is completely horrified. He sees Yu Qifeng's hypocrisy. He sees Tang Lici's cold, calculating mind. And he sees a room full of officials and citizens who are all dirty. He thought Sword King City was a peaceful place. He was wrong.
Soon, the screaming starts. Guests all over the room begin to clutch their stomachs, wailing in pain. Tang Lici just watches the scene unfold with cold eyes.
The Final Pieces Fall
Just a Laxative
Pu Zhu can't take it anymore. He pulls Tang Lici aside and stops him. He demands to know what he really gave the guests. Tang Lici knows Pu Zhu is a genuinely good and fair person. So he tells him the truth. It was just a normal laxative.
Caught Red-Handed
Just then, Xue Xianzi arrives. He was successful. He intercepted the crates of goods that Yu Qifeng was trying to ship out. He presents the evidence right there in front of Pu Zhu. They have him, red-handed. Pu Zhu says he will take Yu Qifeng for questioning. But Tang Lici stops him. He reminds Pu Zhu of their prior agreement. Pu Zhu is not to interfere in matters concerning Yu Qifeng. Pu Zhu knows he is bound by his word. He has to back down and go find reinforcements.
