Episode Summary
Fang Pingzhai attempts to blackmail Pu Zhu for the Rebirth Manual, but Tang Lici intervenes. They use a time machine to revisit the battle of Tiandu Peak, where Tang Lici experiences the fight from inside Yique Yinyang's body. The trip reveals a devastating truth. Tang Lici realizes Ghost Peony has been manipulating him so she can use his body to resurrect Yique Yinyang.
Spoiler Alert
A Blast from the Past, Literally
The episode starts on a surprisingly sweet note. Zhong Chunjie is back with the Central Plains Sword Association. Everyone is happy to have her. Even though she has a fancy new status, she still treats the association like her real home. It’s a nice, warm moment.
Of course, Tang Lici is on the outside looking in. He hears them all laughing. It reminds him of his old life at the Zhaodi Tower. But that life is gone. He still has Fang Zhou’s heart crystal inside him. And Liu Yan is constantly on his case, desperate to bring Fang Zhou back.
The Blackmail Letter
We get a little more background on Pu Zhu. He’s the former crown prince. Now he just lives a quiet life as a monk at Tianjing Pavilion. He’s been focused on taking down Fengliu Hall to protect people. He’s a good guy.
Tang Lici gets a bad feeling that someone is going to mess with Pu Zhu. He visits him and learns that Pu Zhu has truly let go of his royal past. This gives Tang Lici some peace of mind.
But then Fang Pingzhai makes his move. He wants the Rebirth Manual. So he sends a letter to Pu Zhu, trying to force his hand. Tang Lici intercepts it. The letter is pure blackmail. It invites Pu Zhu to the Thirteenth Floor to talk about restoring his kingdom. If he refuses, they'll tell the world he's the former crown prince. Tang Lici is not having it. He decides he'll go to the Thirteenth Floor himself.
The "Inverted Dream" Machine
Tang Lici shows up at the Thirteenth Floor. Fang Pingzhai immediately asks for the Rebirth Manual again. Tang Lici says no.
So Fang Pingzhai shows off his new toy. It's a machine called "Inverted Dream." He gives Tang Lici an ultimatum. Hand over the Rebirth Manual so they can use the machine to go back in time. They can change the outcome of the great battle at Tiandu Peak. If Tang Lici refuses, Fang Pingzhai will expose Pu Zhu.
Just then, Pu Zhu arrives. He heard about the plan. And he agrees to it. He wants to go back. Years ago, his indecisiveness cost his people everything and led to his country's downfall. He feels he needs to face that past and settle the score. Seeing this, Tang Lici agrees to help. The three of them—Tang Lici, Pu Zhu, and Fang Pingzhai—step into the machine.
Into the Time Machine
The machine works. Time rewinds. Tang Lici finds himself right in the middle of the battle at Tiandu Peak. But there's a huge problem. He isn't himself.
Tang Lici's New (Old) Body
He's in the body of Yique Yinyang. The big bad himself. He looks across the battlefield. He sees the seven great martial arts masters teaming up to fight him. And one of them is Fang Zhou.
Even with all seven of them working together, they are no match for Yique Yinyang. They can't beat him. But at a critical moment, Yique Yinyang hesitates. He holds back. He doesn't deliver the final blow. This gives the masters an opening. They manage to knock him into a lake.
A Ghostly Smirk
As Tang Lici sinks in the water, his consciousness fades. But right before he blacks out, he sees Ghost Peony. She has a strange, creepy smile on her face. She says something that changes everything. "As long as you are alive, I haven't lost."
The Aftermath and a Horrifying Realization
Suddenly, they are all back in the present. The trip is over. Fang Pingzhai is a complete wreck. He's crying, totally broken. Even with a second chance, he couldn't change his fate. He couldn't stop his kingdom from falling.
The Grand Plan Revealed
Tang Lici, though, is horrified for a completely different reason. He saw Ghost Peony. He heard what she said. It all clicks into place. Everything that has happened to him was part of her design. He thinks about his own body and his unique physical condition.
He finally understands her plan. Ghost Peony wasn't just helping him. She was grooming him. She wants to use his body as a vessel. A host. She plans to resurrect Yique Yinyang inside of him. That's been the goal all along.
