Episode Summary
Zhang Qi sacrifices himself with Wangquan Fugui's help to permanently protect Peach Blossom Dock. When Fugui returns to the Yiqi Alliance, he defies his father and is brutally punished. Meanwhile, Quan Jingting uses the situation to make a power play within the Alliance. Qingtong, trying to find a new home for the demon refugees, is captured by Quan Jingting's forces.
Spoiler Alert
A Sacrifice at Peach Blossom Dock
Zhang Qi's Final Choice
The episode picks up right after the chaos at Peach Blossom Dock. Qingtong and Wangquan Fugui say their goodbyes. Fugui tells Zhang Qi to take him back to the Alliance. But Zhang Qi is completely broken. He blames himself for the deaths of Ah Jiu and the others. He feels like he led them to their doom.
He knows the Yiqi Alliance is aware of what happened. Still, he doesn't think his dream for the dock was wrong. He believes everyone, human or demon, deserves a place to call home. So, he makes a decision. He burns all the talismans that were holding back the toxic miasma. He wants the miasma to surround the dock again. This will keep the Ximen family out for good.
A Dream Paid for in Blood
There's a catch, of course. To make the protection permanent, the formation needs a blood sacrifice. Zhang Qi offers himself. He says his dream started here, so it should end here. He doesn't mind dying if it means his dream comes true. He's weak, though. He can't complete the ritual alone.
He begs Wangquan Fugui for help. He knows Fugui will be severely punished by the Alliance for helping a demon. But Fugui agrees. He tells Zhang Qi that the path of cultivation was never meant to lead to this kind of tragedy. Fugui activates the formation. Zhang Qi becomes the sacrifice. As he dies, the peach trees finally, truly blossom. His dream is realized.
The Price of a Conscience
A Son's Defiance
The next day, Fugui leaves the dock. He carries the news of Zhang Qi's death. Qingtong takes the residents who no longer feel safe and sets off to find a new home. She leaves a letter for Fugui. In it, she says she hopes to become as strong as him one day. Reading it seems to give him some clarity.
That clarity doesn't help him back at the Yiqi Alliance. His father, Wangquan Hongye, is waiting for him. He demands an explanation. Fugui doesn't back down. He announces that from now on, he will question the reason before killing any demon. He refuses to kill those who don't deserve it. He argues that Zhang Qi's dream wasn't wrong, even if he was manipulated. Fugui believes endless killing is not the answer.
A Father's Cruelty
Hongye does not agree. At all. He gets so angry he slaps Fugui across the face. Then he orders the family punishment. Butler Fei is panicking, but there's nothing he can do. Hongye seals Fugui's spiritual power and has him whipped. Even after the beating, Fugui insists he did nothing wrong. So, his father has him hung up, ordering him to stay there until he admits his mistake.
The Alliance Cracks
Power Plays and Ultimatums
While Fugui is being punished, others are making moves. Quan Jingting is thrilled to hear that Fugui protected Peach Blossom Dock. This somehow plays right into his schemes. The Alliance elders arrive to confront Hongye about his son's actions.
Quan Jingting shows up, too. He dramatically claims the Alliance is facing a huge disaster. He's also got a new sword, the "Dragon Spine Sword," which he says gives him the authority to dole out justice. The elders are worried that the "Weapon Human," Fugui, is now a rogue agent. They give Hongye an artifact designed to strip Fugui of all his emotions and worldly thoughts. They demand a decision by sunset the next day. The pressure is on.
Qingtong's New Problem
Qingtong is trying to make a new life for the refugees. She rents a couple of rooms. The landlord warns her to stay away from the east, or the lord of Qianji City will capture her. She leads her people to a place called Deer Village, hoping it can be their new home.
Her sharp senses pick up danger almost immediately. Quan Jingting and his men are there. They're hunting for demons. Qingtong tries to protect her people, but she gets captured in the fight.
