Episode Summary
Nie Jiuluo distances herself from Yan Tuo but encourages him to infiltrate the Nanshan group. Jiang Baichuan is captured by the Di Xiao, prompting Xing Shen and the hunters to plan a rescue. Yan Tuo gains Lu Xian's trust by revealing his infection. Nie Jiuluo gives Yan Tuo a hidden weapon for protection, while Lin Xirou grows suspicious of Yan Tuo's movements.
Spoiler Alert
Setting Boundaries
Yan Tuo is just happy to be alive. He owes it all to Nie Jiuluo. He wants to see her again. He wants to thank her properly. Nie Jiuluo shuts that down immediately. She is not looking for a new best friend. She gives him two strict conditions. First, he must never mention her name to anyone. She wants zero connection to the Nanshan hunters. Second, he needs to get closer to those very same hunters. It is the only way to find his sister and avenge his mother. Yan Tuo agrees to the terms without hesitation.
A Short-Lived Peace
Nie Jiuluo heads home. Lu Jie tries to help with her luggage. Nie Jiuluo waves her off. She needs space. She sets down her blade and thinks about her mentor, Jiang Baichuan. She changes her clothes and goes to the kitchen to help out. For a split second, she hallucinates. She sees her parents standing there. It is a rare moment of joy for her.
The moment dies quickly. Xing Shen bursts in. He brings terrible news. The Di Xiao have captured Jiang Baichuan.
Infiltrating the Clinic
Yan Tuo makes his move. He visits Lu Xian at his clinic. The doctor is on high alert. He does not trust Yan Tuo. Yan Tuo knows he needs to prove himself. He shows Lu Xian his wound. He claims he is "family" now. He uses the injury to bridge the gap between them.
The Rescue Mission Begins
Xing Shen takes Nie Jiuluo to the abduction site. The struggle left marks everywhere. Jiang Baichuan was hurt before they took him. Nie Jiuluo loses her cool. She blames Xing Shen. She asks why he did not protect the old man. Her concern is obvious. Xing Shen watches her outburst. He wonders if she would cry like that if he were the one taken.
Back at the hideout, the hunters regroup. The man known as "Cripple" steps up. He calls for unity. They know the terrain better than anyone. That is their advantage. The group agrees to let Xing Shen take command. They start plotting the rescue.
The Interrogation
Lin Xirou is enjoying herself. She has Jiang Baichuan right where she wants him. She mocks him to his face. She says he underestimated them. She claims he relies too much on his "mad dog," Xing Shen. She insults the other hunter families too.
Jiang Baichuan stays calm. He actually finds a silver lining in her taunts. Her words confirm that Xiong Hei is still alive. He knows Xiong Hei fought the "Mad Blade" and survived. Lin Xirou gets annoyed by his reaction. Jiang Baichuan admits he messed up. He offers a trade. He will give his life if she lets his companions go.
Loose Ends
Nie Jiuluo has an idea. She tells Xing Shen that Yan Tuo might be useful. He could help save Jiang Baichuan. It is a high-risk plan.
Trouble strikes elsewhere. The driver, Sun Zhou, escapes. He stole a phone and ran into the mountains. He hides at his uncle's house. The "Owl Poison" in his blood flares up. He loses control and almost bites someone. Xing Shen and Nie Jiuluo track his phone signal. They arrive just in time to stop him from hurting anyone.
The Gift
The next day, Nie Jiuluo calls Yan Tuo. She wants to meet. Yan Tuo leaves his house. Lin Xirou watches him go. She senses he is hiding something. She pretends not to notice. She lets him leave, but she is already plotting her next move.
Nie Jiuluo and Yan Tuo meet up. She proposes a business arrangement. She will pay him per job. She hands him a gift. It is a bracelet. Yan Tuo looks at it with doubt. Then he sees the hidden mechanism. It shoots a needle. He realizes she gave him a weapon to protect himself. He finally understands she is looking out for him.
